Sliver

Chapter 9

3 hours later I was sitting on the dock as I did so many many years ago. It was the place of nearly all my firsts with Hudson. The first time we kissed, our first date ended here, our first time, and where he'd proposed. It was his favorite spot that eventually became mine. Hudson's parents had a farm. And on the land far away from civilation was a hunting lodge with the most beautiful Lake running beside it. His family kept it stocked with food for the winter months and hunting season. It was just so damn peaceful. Someone could do some real soul searching here. Sending Mac a text
"OK, so this is whole soul searching thing is going to take longer than I thought." Hitting send I then go to stand and with all the alcohol in my system I stumble and "PLOP". Phone in the lake. "Well shit" I grumble as I watch it float down with the current.

Waking up on the dock to the sun beating down on me almost made me think I was back on a Hawaiian beach. Holy shit. Macs going to freak the fuck out. It's probably at least 11 am. I must've fell asleep. Going to the Navigator I slide in and turn the key. Nothing. Again. Nothing. Banging my head on the steering wheel I remember turning the Radio on last night. I was singing to some good old country love songs. I must've left the Radio on all night. I'm stuck. Damn it. I can't even tell anyone I'm stranded. And there is no one for miles and miles around. I can't even get into the hunting cabin. "Fuck my life" I say as I continue to bang on the wheel. I could try to walk for help but it literally 3 hours from civilation . It would take at least a couple of days of walking to get home. My best bet was to break a window to the cabin climb in and wait for someone to find me.

So 24 hours later and no one has made it out this way. I was getting kind of worried. The night before with all the alcohol in my system and the unnaturally warm night I was fine, but most nights in Montana are quite cold. And tonight is one of those nights. I had broken into the cabin and started a fire to warm the place. I didn't have much wood left though and I didn't really know how to use the axe. Hudson usually did that. I just watched. I'm so stupid for not telling anyone where I was going. The girls don't know anything about this place. I've never mentioned it. I doubt my mom even remebered. I may be here a lot longer than I thought. The only good thing was that Hudson's parents kept a good stock of food. Mainly can food and water. But it was the good stuff. Ravioli and soup that were a favorite of Hudson and mine.

The best thing about being here is I had a lot of time on my hands. I got a lot of soul searching done. I was also reminded of all the good memories of our relationship. I got to thinking and I cant change the past but I don't have to live there. I loved Hudson and I'll always love Hudson. He was a big part of my life. Alot more good then bad. He's moved on and I should too. Did I like the person I have become? For the most part yes. Did I like posing nude for playboy? Yes. Do I want to do it forever? No. Did I like not being able to commit to anything, mostly a date? No. And I hated that I cut everyone out of my life. Did I know how to change and let people in? No.
After scrounging through the closets I found some of Hudson's old hunting Hoodies and sweats. Putting on the Hoodie I go out to see if I can scrounge enough wood for the night in sticks.
After an hour of gathering wood a storm brews in. I'm soaked and freezing. The hunting cabin had a wood burning stove that heated the water heater as well so I could relax in a hot bath by candle light since there was no electricity. And a bath sounded so good right now.

After eating a can of chicken noodle soup I settle in a nice hot bath with the last of the bottle of Jack. Listening to the storm brew was soothing until the lightening and thunder grew stronger.