Back in the Saddle

Chapter two

Chapter Two

　

　

It seemed like forever before the school bus stopped outside my grandfather’s farm, quickly I gathered my book bag and scurried off the bus. I heard some one yell out the window “Can this bus move faster? It smells gross!” I blushed with embarrassment, hoping no one would take any notice to the girl going up the gravel driveway. Once the bus drove away I sighed with relief. How embarrassing it was to have to live on a farm! Where the odor of cows and chickens cling to you and give you away as the country bumpkin? I hurried to the house and pulled open the screen door. Instantly I was enveloped in warm strong arms. “How was your first day of school, Pumpkin? Did you get an A on that final?” I smelt the strong smell of horse lingering on my grandpa’s clothes. “Gramps it’s only the first day of school, there’s no test’s yet. But I did have a reasonably good day.” His arms loosened but he still held me in a hug. “Well I’m glad to here it. Grandma made some stew for dinner. Everyone’s waiting in the kitchen and we all want to know about your first day.”

I followed my Grandfather into the kitchen and found my mother, in her usual t-shirt and jeans, and my father sitting beside each other on the small wooden table. My dad wasn’t in his regular slacks and dress shirt. Instead he was in a cotton tee and blue jeans, a new but good look on him. Grandma was cooking feverishly on the counter. When I walked in, however all their eyes glued on me, watching my expression. Trying to find which Cami they would get a taste of today; the one who was furious at them for dragging me from my friends just for me to ride again, or the one who was too depressed with my upcoming future to even speak with them. I decided that they had received too much cold behavior from me in the last couple months so I gave them something they have rarely seen in a while, I smiled at them.

My mother got up immediately and came to hug me and my grandma was right behind her. It felt like I was in a line to give hugs this afternoon. When my father hugged me last he whispered “So I guess this means you had a good day at school?” I laughed and guiltily replied “Wow, I have been a bad daughter lately huh?”

“No one’s blaming you, Hun” My mother remarked “We all know you didn’t want to come here.”

“You were pretty much forced.” My father added

“Enough excuses for me, let’s sit down.” I said

“Dinner’s finished.” Grandma said, once we’ve all settled at the table.

I sat across from Mother and Father, and Grandma and Grandpa both had a chair on the ends but the seat next to mine was empty. “Where’s Meagan?” I asked

“She outside at the barn for the 1ooth time today, making sure that horse of hers’ is comfortable.” Grandma said with irritation in her voice.

“You know how your sister feels about that horse of hers,” Grandpa said to me “She’ll be in here any moment.”

“I’m thinking about going to the market this afternoon,” my mother said making small talk while we waited for Meagan “Didn’t you tell me you needed bread?” she asked Grandma

“Why thank you Kylie I do need bread.” Grandma asked

“How’s the Cedes doing on gas?” Mom asked my Dad

“Half a tank is left.” he replied

“I’m going to let Cami start driving the Cedes until her truck is fixed. I can get gas this afternoon, Cami, but can you start getting gas when you need it?” My mother asked

That would mean I’d have to obtain a job to pay for gas. The responsibilities just kept packing up and up. Just then the screen door clicked open and then closed and Meagan strolled into the room. “Why is everyone so quiet?” she asked as she went to wash her hands. After washing her hands she came and sat beside me and kissed my forehead.