Where It Lies

Chapter 1;

"No, you can have what Grandpa and Grandma give you. Not what you want." I tell my five year old son Lucas who is jumping up and down on his little feet, his excitement clearly visible on the little boys face. The soft tugging at the corner of his lips as he smiles up at me and his grandparents. He stands at my waist as it was, his height not belonging to me. Only being five feet five inches, I myself can only imagine his future years. 

"Please, do not let him have ice cream again before dinner. He stayed up til midnight with you guys last time." I tell my parents as my attention is halfway on them, and the tugging on my work apron. "Remember his birthday is next week. So, no cake til then." His patience visually showing as I bend down to his level, taking out a small sucker from my apron. 

"Here. Enjoy it. I love you Lucas." I say, kissing the top of his head before standing and reaching down and zipping up his jacket. It was already sun down, and I knew it was going to get nippy outside. "Be safe, and please call me as soon as you guys make it there." 

The disadvantage of having my parents live over four hours away always made my hairs stand on end when he was away. Not because of who he was with, but because of the distance. They decided for their retirement it was best to buy my grandfathers farm and begin their retirement secluded from society, living alone. Yes, he was just a phone call away, and I know I will see him after my work shift is over for the weekend. The only thing making it easier for me. I still don't like the thought of him away. I offer a small wave and an air kiss as he walks away hand in hand with his grandparents. Lucas is a shy centered child, keeping to himself for the most part, but allowing himself the social interaction when it's needed. 

With Lexington Grove being on the outer skirts of the nearest city, my grandfather's plantation was almost close to the state line. The ride was always lengthy, but the destination always made up for it. The plantation lays on thirty acres, fenced in with horses and all kinda of animals and hiding spots for children. 

With a collective sigh I turn around and head down the isle, toward the staff room at the back of the store. Lucas is almost a spitting image of myself. His blonde hair and green eyes almost identical to my blonde long wavy hair and blue eyes. I was on the clock for the next eight hours, already knowing how my night was going to go as they usually did. 

Taking on an extra shift just to put Lucas into school was exhausting to say the least, but worth it in the end. Our store closing at ten, but with inventory and stocking the hours stretch on. With his vocabulary growing and his social awareness broadening, it was inevitable that he is top of his small fifteen person class. 

Before I knew it, my phone was vibrating inside my apron pocket and the name Dad displays on the screen. Answering it quickly, I can already hear the soft familiar voice on the other end of the line. 

"Hi mommy. We made it to grandpa's." The little voice tells me as I place another item on the shelf, restocking it as I take this call. "We're about to go eat pizza, then feed the horses. I'll call you before bedtime. Love you!"

Before I could even get out an 'I love you' back there was a click on the other end of the line. All I could do was laugh at what had just taken place. I shake my head before my phone is back inside my pocket, and the rest of the items are stocked and straightened on the shelf. 

I take it upon myself to take the brown box that carried the items into the back docking area of the retail store; where the trash cans are kept. The walk from the there includes going out the back door, and cross a small parking area. The door slams close behind me, locking me out as I make my escape. Oh, great. With the light breeze nipping at my skin, I hit the door once, a soft voice coming from the other side.