Losing Charley

Chapter 3 Part 1

August 2013

It's the day I have been waiting on. Moving Day. What do you wear on a day like today? Since the majority of my clothing is already packed in a gazillion plastic containers, I look to see what I can find. Today is a hot one. In North Carolina, there is a thing called humidity and it sucks! I know that I'll be sweating like a hooker in church as soon as I walk outside. After looking to see what's left of my clothes, I remember that my mama did laundry last night. Maybe, just maybe, something somewhat new will be in there. I go to the laundry room and see that my Rock Revival Buckle jeans are washed and sitting on the counter, along with a new aqua blue zebra halter that I haven't seen before. I think to myself, I love my mama! I run back upstairs to get ready. I grab a blue and silver cuff bracelet and my pair of Dannijo Paz earrings. They are my favorite and are handmade from New York City. Yeah, that's the only thing "Big City" I own. I look into the mirror and think it's time to start a new chapter in my life, one that I know I'm ready for.

Everything is packed in the Chevy and Honda. It's time to head toward Southern to start over on my own. I take a few minutes to love on my favorite dog, Blue. I look into those big brown eyes, and he lets me know that my secrets are safe with him. Blue is the one that I can always talk to. He doesn't reply with smart comments; he just listens to me. I take a look at the farm and think to myself, Are you really ready to leave this place? There's only one thought that crosses my mind. Cash. I look to the farm on my right and wonder what he's doing. Should I have told him bye? Is he feeling like I'm feeling?

Then I notice his F250 coming down the drive. I was not planning on this today! I really don't know if I can handle seeing him. My stomach is fluttering with an army of butterflies. How can just seeing his damn truck do this to me? Deep breaths, I tell myself. Blue looks at me like he is reading my mind. "I know, Blue. I know," I say quietly.

Cash turns off the engine and steps out of the truck with pure confidence. He wipes his forehead with the bottom of his t-shirt showing off a perfect six-pack. My world completely freezes as he begins to move toward me. Cash is wearing a pair of Carhartts that fit his ass just right and a sleeveless Dixon Tigers t-shirt that shows off his arms of steel that I know can hold a girl tight all night long. His short light-brown hair is full of sweat from working on the farm. Dang. The country does a boy good! Why does he have to be so stinking hot? I stand up from Blue and slowly walk toward him. I try to hide my butterflies, but know I am unsuccessful when he smiles and his one little dimple shines. He runs his hand through his sweaty hair just before he meets me.

"Hey, Cash. Whatcha doing here?"

"Charley, do you really think I'd let you leave without saying goodbye?"

"I ... I... guess not." My voice is about to fall apart.

"You know I want you to be happy. That is all I have ever wanted for you. I know things haven't been great between us, but I want you to know that you will always have a special place right here," he says as he pats his hand over his heart.

Cash walks toward me and closes the distance between us. He gives me a hug, and all the butterflies disappear. I fall apart in Cash's strong, hardworking arms. This is not exactly how I thought today was going to start, but I'm glad for the change of plans.

I look into Cash's eyes, the ones that are crystal blue, and know he's telling the truth. He may have given me the space I've needed, but I know he still cares.

We pull apart from each other, and he wipes the single tear that falls down my face. I look into those piercing blue eyes and whisper to him, "Thank you." He turns around and walks back to his truck. He gives me one last wave and a crooked little grin. Ohmygawh! That grin! I love that grin! He puts the truck in reverse and heads to their farm next door. I smile and wave, but my heart is breaking into a thousand pieces, again.