Losing Charley

Chapter 9 Part 2

I wake up the next morning and decide to make the walk of shame from Irvin to Kluft. Not that I've done anything to be embarrassed about, but I'm sure people will assume. I mean, I am walking across campus in the same outfit from last night.

I make it to Kluft, get a shower and relax the reminder of the day. This week is going to be a rough one — practice, class, and going home. I can't wait until Friday. I also can't wait to get my lips on Joe's again, and that is exactly what we do when we have to meet for Freshman Seminar on Wednesday.

Coach has been kicking our ass this week at practice, but I'm getting back into shape. We have our first meet in a little over a month. I've spent so much time out of the water, I've got to get where I used to be. I don't talk to Cash much this week because of everything I've got going on.

On Thursday, I decide to text him and Piper. I know Piper said she isn't coming home, but I just want to double check. I miss her.

Me: Piper u decide to come home?

Piper: I'm going to pass. Huge party here this weekend

Me: K have fun :)

Well dang! I have to admit now that Joe and I had such a great week, I'm beyond nervous about seeing Cash. I don't have a choice. He knows all my secrets, and it's time to let one out of the envelope.

Me: I'll b home by 3 2morrow

Cash: Sweet! Can't wait!

I grab my duffle bag and pack for the weekend. I grab a variety of clothes. I'm not sure what we will do, but I know it will involve mud and trucks. The thought of that gets me excited to go home.

Friday morning I go to Bio and meet Joe. He looks sad when I tell him I'll see him Monday.

"Don't forget about me this weekend. I'm sure Cash is going to be waiting for you. Just remember I want to get to know you, too. He's had eighteen years and has an advantage. Just don't mark me off the list yet, okay?"

"Okay." I give him a quick kiss on the cheek and go to my room. I get my bag and tell Georgia that I'm heading home. I'm about to walk down the stairs when I realize I left the envelope in the closet. I turn around, grab it, and head to the Honda. Just the thought of carrying that envelope with me makes me sick. I don't know what the hell is in there, and I'm not sure if I want to know.

I throw my bags into the trunk, put on my shades, open the sunroof, and head home. Traffic isn't near as bad as I thought. The worst part is when I get close to Grassy Pond. I don't know why the Department of Transportation wants to put a stoplight every one hundred feet. I begin to get excited as I drive through what little bit of town we have. I can't wait to see Tessa, Mama, Dad, Blue, and Cash.

When the Honda hits the gravel road heading to our farm, I grin from ear to ear. As I pull onto the dirt road, I can see my dad on the tractor in the field. Mama must be at work, and Tessa must not be home from school yet. I start to grab my bags when Blue rubs up against me. I give him some good loving. Oh, how I've missed this dog. I rub his ears and give him a kiss on his head.

"Come on, boy. Let's go unpack."

Blue and I go into the house, and I take it all in. I have only been gone for a couple of weeks, but I feel like it has been forever. As I walk inside, I can smell the familiarity of home, the smell of cows outside, the sound of my dad's tractor, Blue's touch as he nudges me, and the smell of my mama's cooking. I make my way to my room and as I unpack I decide the safest place for that god-awful envelope is inside my purse. I don't know when I'm going to open it, but I do know I will be with Cash when I do.