Constant

Chapter 11

(PETER)

He followed the directions that the doctor had given him and soon the described farm house came into view as he walked down the road. Peter was grateful that the doctor had found something for him to do. The constant sitting all day was getting to his head and he felt like he was going crazy. The beautiful girl visiting was what brightened Peter's day. When James had suggested that he go out to work on her farm he had jumped at the opportunity. 

Peter whistled as he walked with his hands in his pockets. The deep breaths were painful but it reminded him that he was alive. He sucked in a deeper breath and let out a tune as he walked. The door of the front house opened and a grouchy looking man walked out. He glared at Peter when Peter lifted his arm to wave at the man. His expression didn't change as he took a few steps forward an plopped down in an old rocking chair. 

He didn't say anything as he pointed towards the barn. Peter didn't need to be told twice. He spun on his heel and went in the direction of the weathered looking structure. When he opened the door he was delighted to see his horse in a stall and looking taken care of. 

"How are you doing pretty girl?" He asked.

"Excuse me?" 

Peter jumped to see the girl descending the ladder to his left. He remembered her name was Lydia. 

"I was talking to my horse," He said and his cheeks colored instantly. "Not that you're not a pretty girl too I just didn't want you to think I was being too forward..." he trailed off and felt his cheeks get even warmer. He was sure he was bright red. Lydia looked at him and laughed at his expression. She had a few pieces of straw stuck in her hair and it was evident from her wrinkled clothes from the previous day that she had slept in the barn. Peter wondered why she had spent the night in the loft. From her father's disgruntled expression it was clear that he was excited about having a visitor for a while. Peter wondered if he was the reason that she had slept outside and he immediately felt guilty. "Is it alright that I am here?"

Lydia paused and looked at him with wide eyes as though she were trying to come up with something to say. Peter wondered if she was going to make something up about him staying to make him feel better about it. 

"Your father didn't look very happy to see me when I walked into the yard a few minutes ago."

"My father is rarely happy to see anyone other than the bartender in town. It isn't your fault that he behaves like a child. This is my house too and you are welcome to stay with us." 

After her little speech she walked away from him and grabbed a bucket that was hanging from a hook on the wall of the barn. Even though it was empty Peter stepped forward to take it from her. She looked back in shock and tightened her grip on the handle of the bucket. 

"Allow me," Peter said as he tugged the bucket free from her hand. Her perfect composure disappeared as her mouth dropped open. Slowly her fingers released one by one and Peter took the empty bucket from her. He retrieved the other one off of the hook and together they made their way to the back of the barn. He rushed ahead of her and held the barn door open for her with the two buckets swinging at his side in one hand. Again she stared at him in shock as she walked out the door that he held. 

"Thank you," She whispered and he nodded to accept the thanks. "Are you going to allow me to do anything?" She asked. 

"I will allow you to show me the way to the stream."

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(LYDIA)

"You really shouldn't overwork yourself on your first day back."