Sister On The Ranch

Chapter 7 It's MY Life

Later that night, after we got home from Rooster's party, my parents went their separate ways. My dad to his bedroom, my mom to her airstream. As for me I went into the kitchen and got a can of beer. I leaned against the sink, and took a drink. Colt and Rooster came over from the couch where they were watching TV and leaned against the bar. Colt stared at me, "So, I saw you talking to Austin during the party tonight."

I shrugged my shoulders, "Yeah so."

Rooster said, "You talked to Austin, about what?"

I said, "It's none of your business, but I was apologizing because of you two idiots and how you acted towards him in the barn.

Colt said, "Well, you wasted your breath."

I said, "Oh how so?"

Colt said, "Cause we're not sorry for protecting you."

I sighed, "I'm an adult I can handle myself. Besides, I don't know if what's between us will go anywhere."

Colt said, "Well, I also saw you holding his hand hotshot."

I rolled my eyes, "Ok, number 1, he was holding MY hand, and number 2, who cares."

Rooster said, "You were holding his hand!?"

I said, "Oh my gosh. Were you not listening?! Who cares?!!"

Colt said, "Liv look, ok, Rooster and I know stuff about this guy that you don't and we don't want you getting hurt because of it."

I said, "I appreciate it guys, really, but If things start going South I think I can handle it. I mean, I grew up with you two after all."

They laughed, and Rooster said, "You've got a point."

Colt took his hat off and started messing with his hair. I sighed and finished my beer. I threw the can in a garbage bag full of once full crushed beer cans, then walked upstairs to my room to get some clothes, take a shower, then go to bed.

The Next Morning

I woke up at 5:30 the next morning, got dressed, pulled my hair back in a bun, then went downstairs and poured myself a cup of coffee. When I got down there, my dad was already awake, of course, and eating a little bite of breakfast (toast). My dad said, "So, what was all that commotion with you and your brothers last night?"
I said, "Morning to you too."
He stared at me, "Answer the damn question."
I sighed, "Colt was talking to me about Austin. Last night we talked then he held my hand, that's all."
My dad said, "I believe you. Although I can't say that I don't agree with your brothers. You're my little girl. Your OUR little girl. We just don't want you gettin' hurt, and as long we are around that ain't gonna happen."
I said, "Who are you and what have you done with my dad?"
My dad smiled, "I'm trying out a new personality.. caring about my kids. Does It fit me?"
I laughed and said, "Yes definitely. Love you Daddy, and thanks. But you guys have got to let me make my own decisions and live my own life. I'm 28 for crying out loud! I think I've earned the right to live my own life! I appreciate you and the boys but please, just let me be my own person."
I walked over, kissed my dad on the cheek, then went outside and started feeding cows, cleaning the barn, and helping Rooster fix the tractor.