Our Relationship

Chapter 5

After school we all went home on the bus. It felt a little better that me and Jack a normal conversation that wasn't directed toward my dad. We talked and laughed about some ridiculous plans about my eighteenth birthday party.  By the time we had gotten home, my mind was set on not letting Jack be the one planning anything except a few things.

Once we all got home we went and sat on the kitchen table catching our breath from a short race to the house. My mom came out of her room with a tense face. My burst  of excitement slowly drifted. It looked like she was arguing with dad. She walked over to the kitchen and started preparing some food. 

About thirty minutes in, Jack stood from his chair and grabbed his coat and boots. As he was about to head out the door, my mom stopped him with the spoon she was just using for the food.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm scheduled to clean the barn right now."

"You go finish your homework and you and Anna can work on it later tonight. But hurry so you can finish before it gets dark."

~ An hour later ~

"You ready?" Jack asked me as I slid on my boots.

"Yes." 

We both walked out the door. The cold air hit my breath making it noticeable when I breathed.

"Let's go as fast as we can. It's only going to get colder."

"Good idea."

We rush into the barn and grab forks and take the first horse out of the stall. While I'll dress the horse for the night, Jack cleans the straw and replaces it with new straw. I lead the horse back in and we do the same for the next four stalls.

"Done."

We both sit down on some buckets and catch our breathe.

"I know we talked about this the whole way home, but I feel like it's finally hitting me. Can you believe, I'm turning eighteen in a month?" I ask.

"Well, it's not surprising, but you'll be legally an adult. And we'll both be "responsible"." he says while using his fingers as quotation marks.

"I know that." I chuckle

"Are you going to move out?" He asks

"No. I don't have a place that I can get yet. I might stay for a bit at my moms house. And I still need to finish school."

"Well, I've been talking to some people and I actually got offered a job at another more professional ranch. They even said by working a night shift it would pay for my room and board."

"Really? That sounds awesome. Why don't you go now?"

"I love this place to much."

I shove him.

"Stop lying."

"No I really do. It's like real home for me."

"Even with the situation you're in with my dad?"

"I mean it's not that bad. I still have your mom and you. You guys pay me decent."

"That is true. But doesn't the professional ranch seam like a better place to be for you at the moment?"

"I've thought about it. I think I'll stay here until you're eighteen. Plus I still have school and I would have to find a ride to school."

"Yeah."

I sigh and we stay there for a few moments before I speak up.

"We better get inside before my dad gets any suspicions."

We both stand up and walk to the house. 

"Jack Hiram wants you. Anna get to bed." my mom commands as we walk through the door.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight." I smile at Jack and go into my bedroom.

Jacks POV

 After saying goodnight to Anna, I go over to Hiram's office and walk inside.

"You wanted to see me?"

He looks up from the papers he has on the desk.

"Oh yes. Would you mind closing the door please."

"Sure..." I turn around and close the door behind me.

"So, lately I've been a little bit harsh on you boy. You do lots of work for this farm and my wife really likes you.I'm sorry about how I've treated you before. I should've taken the time to realize the whole situation.So I want to give you an offer. I'm willing to keep my cool if you are willing to do something yourself."

I feel a wave of relief wash over me. I have to control myself not sigh and so I nod.

"Don't you get within a foot of Anna. I don't want you making contact with her that isn't reasonable."

His request shocks me, but also it was kind of expected. I didn't see it clearly that I was probably seen as a threat to his daughter, which has been my best friend since forever ago. I feel a little bit upset, but this is her father and I will respect what he is asking.

"Am I still allowed to have a friendship with her?"

"Yes, not a deep friendship, it shouldn't ever turn into a relationship. Understand."

"Yes..." 

What he had wanted was ok for me. I wasn't thinking about actually getting involved in a relationship with Anna, but she has something with her that is different. Something that makes me like her to a point where I don't just like her, its more than like. But I haven't been able to put it into words

I walk out of his office and Anna's mom is standing there.

"I am so glad he did not yell at you."

I smile.

"Well there's school tomorrow, so get to bed." She give me a hug and sends me off.

I walk down to my bedroom and go to sleep.

Hiram's demand only made me question my feelings for Anna even more. 

I just like her right? Or is it more? Does she see it as more?

After all I didn't think anything of it turning out the way he was thinking of.

I shoved the remaining thoughts to the back of my mind and drifted off to sleep