It Was Her

Day Three - Another Day

His mind more relaxed than before, James was thrilled with the few words shared previously with Sarah. Though her words were indeed few, and only truly consisted of complaints about her father. Pondering again what it would be like having a girl like her, his mind was clouded from reality. All thoughts of reason had escaped him, no consideration of her character entered his mind only the imagination of what it would be like to have her as a shotgun rider.

Laying in bed, James refused to get up, entrapped within his mind, nothing could drag him away. Imagining the words he could share with Sarah seemed even more enveloping than a real conversation. All he accomplished anymore was his work at the ranch followed by the virtual encounters James had with Sarah within his mind.

Realizing his mistake far too late as the alarm clock showed sings of the inevitable, he was late! Jumping out of bed, he rushed to get ready.

At the ranch there was a less deserving yet equal sense of panic, Sarah wasn't there. She had left just a short time ago, and since James was late he wouldn't be able to see her at all. All feeling of excitement left his body, there no longer any reason to be there, his entire existence seemed to be without reason.

"Is something wrong?"

Mr. Billings could see the expressions of grief written boldly upon James's face, yet his voice was convincing enough to remove all doubt.

"Of Course not! Everything's going well!" his lie seemed believable, "It's just that I forgot... to give my lambs their molasses treats."

Nodding, Mr. Billings walked away.

Molasses treats! What was I thinking? James mentally kicked himself, I don't even have molasses treats!

The rest of the miserable day was a blur, nothing concerning work seemed to pass his mind. It was a wondered that anything was accomplished at all. Even the cattle were distracted, having to call them four times before they came down for their feed, never had the cattle been so ignorant when it came to being fed. As soon as they finally came down to gain their much needed nourishment, a truck pulled into the driveway carrying the center of James's every focus.

Jumping down from the lifted monster, Sarah was as sight of pure déjà vu. Flashing back to the first moment he saw her, she even had the same mud caked look that came from a great fishing trip.

After all feelings of excitement had finally subsided, James realized the true reality, he was finished with his work and he would have to return home. His returning walk was slow and regretful, having every feeling of regret. Sarah's return should have made him feel better about the day, but instead it made him feel worse, as if he were being teased with her appearance, unable to talk to her, to have a real conversation.

The only thing to console him now was his journal he had been recording his frustrations in since he was a young lad of 12 years, all his discouragements bundled in one place. Finding his help finally from the agony, James was at peace.