The Boy From Oklahoma

Alana

Briefly edited. 

   When we get back to the ranch, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to say goodnight. The way that the night had been going so far made me think that we'd been on a date. Travis drives the truck up as close as possible to the house and comes around to help me out. Once I get down, he steps back away from me and shoves his hands into his pockets. 

   "Well, thank you for tonight. I had a really nice time and I'm happy to get to make some friends for the summer," I say. 

   "You're welcome. I figured you'd want to," he responds, shuffling his feet. 

   "I should probably go inside. It's getting late," I say quietly. 

   "Okay," he says. 

   Neither of us move or say anything more. I can hear a barn owl cry off to my right. I glance that way and then turn back to Travis. 

   "Well, goodnight," I say.

   "Goodnight, Alana," he responds. I turn and start walking toward the house. I hear his truck door open and shut, then his engine starting up. He then begins driving down the driveway. I turn around to watch his taillights disappear down the driveway and onto the road. 

   I slowly make my way out to the barn, letting my mind wander. I walk through the first part of the barn and make my way to the infirmary. Up ahead I can see Ace resting his head on the stall door. As I walk closer, he picks his head up to look at me and greets me with a soft neigh. 

   I walk closer to him and rub my hand over his nose. He blows on my hand and flicks his ears back and forth. "You're a pretty boy," I tell him. He blows some more on my hand and then lips my palm. I laugh slightly and tickle his top lip with my fingers. 

   "Do you want a treat?" I ask him. Of course, he doesn't respond, but snorts on my hand. I walk over to the shelf where the buckets of treats are kept. I pick out two apple flavored treats and take them back to Ace. I hold them out to him, and he gladly takes them. 

   "Horses are great company," Aunt Sarah says from behind me. I jump slightly and my face instantly flushes. 

   "Sorry, I didn't see you there," I say. 

   "You're warmin' up to life here?" she asks. 

   "Yeah, it's not that bad. Kind of interesting, actually. And everyone here's so nice." 

   "I'm glad that you had fun. Did you make any friends?"

   "I met this girl named Kendra Patterson who seemed really nice."

   "I knew that girl when she was still in diapers!" she says with a laugh. I laugh with her and let Ace lick the palm of my hand.