Ever

Chapter 8

TYLER

TEMPORARY HOME- Carrie Underwood

The wake was quiet and black. The pastor spoke softly over the muffled tears of friends and family. I stood with my hands tucked in my pockets expressionless next to my sister Amy. Father Rick told the large number of people that he was a great man, a good friend, and did an excellent job serving our country. He asked is anyone wanted to say a few words looking at me but I kindly declined.

He service finished up and we proceeded behind the hearse to the cemetery. I walked the casket to the hole that had been dug the night before with five other men in their battle dress. The headstone protruding from the ground caught my eye.

“Michael L. Henson

So much more than a father, a husband, a mentor, a teacher, a grandfather.

Nov. 19, 1964- May 29, 2013

Thank You for serving our country”

The crowd for the wake had now gathered for the service and the pastor rambled over things I tuned out. The sky was beginning to darken with the incoming storm.

Hey dad. My mind blank for a moment. I guess you left me with too much to say. I’m sorry I want there for you. It should have been me. I’m sorry you won’t meet your son and daughter-in-laws or the grandkids someday. I hope you can hear me. I love you dad. I really do, see you soon.

I walked stiffly to the grave with to roses. Dropping them in I turned on my heel and strided to my truck. The air was too thick to breath and I needed space.

KELLY

LET THERE BE COWGIRLS -Chris Cagle

JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL- Carrie Underwood

Tuesday was finally here. Rodeo Day.

Dressed to the nine, the hats, the boots, and the shirt that matched my saddle, I sat proud on my grey. She snorted and pawed at the ground anxious and ready to take the turns of the barrels.

The sky was bright and spotted with clouds. My gaze followed it to the point it meant the earth. The clapping of the crowd in the stands brought my attention back to the arena. The horse turned the first barrel with skill. Her horse extended around the painted can ready to take off to the next. Lena’s horse took the second barrel too tight, and knocked it over. Sneaking a peak at the clock I saw the judge add 10 seconds. She and Rascal took the next with caution and when she was sure she had cleared it raced for home, fast and strong. 25.6 seconds. Not her best time.

“In the ring 267, Kelly Ritters, everybody.” I took a breath looked down to see Blake walk me into the arena with an assuring smile. The grey pranced beneath me, excited to start her job. I looked up at the judge in the announcers’ booth and waited to the tip of his felt hat. My heart pounded, my blood rushing but my hands always steady. The judge tapped his hat and we flew. Every inch of my body tingling and I galloped towards the first. No thought in my head, just do. To the next one, with one sharp turn we were headed for three. Our hearts one and we turned the third with precision. I kicked her one although she didn’t need it. One hand reached up to my hat and the other extended closer to her neck setting her free.

She made a sharp left at the end of the ring towards the gate, both of us breathing heavy in pride. “16.2 a new record, Folks!” blared the speaker. I took off my hat and waved to the stand of cheer people and patted my horses. I replaced my hat and took her to the open field to get the rest of her energy out.

“Congrats, Baby!” cheered Blake as he walked up with Jamie, Grant, and Rene. I dismounted, gave my girl another scratch behind her ear and untacked her so I could put her away in the trailer. I gave everyone a hug. It was good run. Not our best but it was pretty damn good.

“Thanks guys.”

“I haven’t seen anyone touch your time. I’m sure you got this one,” chimed in Jamie.

And sure enough 10 minutes later the speakers boomed on again, “Congratulations Kelly number 267 you are our Open Barrels Champion!”

I smiled at my family and took Blake to go get my belt buckle. I thanked the crowd, flashed a smile at the judge and gave my man a kiss. I stayed lost in my happy little fantasy world while the announcer informed the crowd about the next events. I had an hour before I had to sit up on a bull who wants my off and dead. I replaced last year’s buckle with my new one and head toward the midway for some games with Blake.

*****************************

He was an old school kind of gentleman who played the can games or shooting games to win me a big stuffed animal. I couldn’t help but watch the jealous stares of classmates while he played a game.

We enjoyed the hour together just the two of us, before I had to go back and get ready.

Rene zipped up my chaps as I placed my hat square. A couple of deep breaths I was ready. All my nerves were taken away when I saw Blake all dressed in western wear. Jeans that fit all too perfect, an unbuttoned plain shirt over a white tank and his black cowboy hat making him more desirable than usual. He looked me in the eye and guided me away from the mass of townsfolk.

“Sit square, loose hips, tight grip, keep calm. Like riding Blos for the first time.”

But I knew all this. I wasn’t my first rodeo literally and I was ready. “Thanks Honey but,” I gave a suggestive smile and turned throwing over my shoulder, “I got this.” I could feel his smirk as I walked through the milling crowds to my number form the judge’s box.

“Hey Kelly! You ready?” waved Mike form the back of the box.

I smiled back, “Sure am. Ready as I’ll ever be, anyway.” The blonde at the desk handed me my number, and after I thanked her I turned to the arena. A bull ran away towards the chute as the cowboy walked away from the ring with a defeated stride. I had a couple men in front of me so I sat up on the edge of the pick-up waiting for my number to be called. My phone buzzed in my jean pocket.

Tyler: Good Luck

Me: You too. Love ya

Tyler: You too hon.

One after another men walked away saddened by the fact that they weren’t good enough. As my turn approached I was ready. My bull was the biggest there was in the event. Blake helped me onto his back and snugged my hand up under the rope. My mind was ready yet every ounce of me screamed no. Ignoring my instincts I gave the gate keeper my nod and my bull took off.

As short as eight seconds sounds, time slows when you’re out there fighting for your life against an animal who wishes for your death. I was two seconds in when I adjusted my grip on the rope rocking back and forth on the beast. 4 seconds I realized my rope was becoming looser and looser. By the 6th second I had no rope and I was hopelessly sliding towards the bull. The bell rang for 8 seconds but it was the last thing on my mind. The bull threw his head down and his rear up and I was in air. I took a breath willing myself not to scream as the bull raced towards me. I felt his hoof hit my head and remember hearing the crowd take a breath as they watched me die.