Dust Storm

Chapter Four-Lily

We pulled up the dirt driveway as the sun went down. Reagan pulled the Rover into park in front of the house and took the key out of the ignition. As I was gathering my books that she so kindly let me have, Reagan had appeared at my side of the car and pulled the door open and took my books.

"Um. Thanks?"

"Sure thang," Reagan said as she took the books up to the house.

I looked at the land in front of the house and saw acres and acres of farmland illuminated in a soft yellow and orange glow as the sun dipped behind the mountains in the distance. The cicadas were singing as some of the cows brayed.

"Ya coming in? Rose made chicken," Reagan pushed the screen door open to let me in.

Carson was busy around the dining room table that sat pretty much in the living room. He was trying to figure out which side of the plate to put the knives and settled with the left. This was the wrong way to do it, but no one corrected him as he was proud of the work he had done in setting the table. Carson took my hands and led me to a chair and like a gentleman, he pulled the chair out for me to sit in.

"Aren't you a gentleman," I said.

"Yes, ma'am. Gotta be as true a cowboy like my pa," Carson tipped his hat and then put it onto the coat rack by the door.

Reagan did the same to hers, giving me a wink and a smile. I smiled in return, feeling more welcome as the family bustled around the table, putting down green bean casserole, a large rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes and corn.

Rose and Paul sat at the heads of the table and the kid sat towards the wall alone while me and Reagan sat next to one another with our backs to the couch in the living room. At Rose's, Paul's, and Reagan's places was a glass of beer.

"You're 21?" I ask Reagan.

"As of three months ago, yes."

"I thought you were like 16."

"Rude!" Reagan laughed and nudged my shoulder. I couldn't help but laugh too.

"So how was your day at the bookstore?" Rose turned to me as she took a bite of the casserole.

"Fun! I liked it. I was lost in books for hours and even brought some back." I took a sip of my water.

"Glad you had fun. Reagan had planned on taking you for a ride, but she got called in. You should go tomorrow, Reagan. I heard they finally cleaned up the trail you like so much."

"Really?! Can I go now?" Reagan chimed in excitement. I could feel her energy emit into the room.

"Reagan..." Rose laughed.

"Yeah no riding after dark. Wolves in the woods."

Paul laughed way too hard at this as if it was a family joke that I was not a part of.

The dinner continued in this manner as the family laughed and I listened. Soon we were done eating and Reagan cleared the table and did the dishes. When she was done, she excused herself to do a night check of the barn. She asked me to go with her, but I kindly refused as I wanted to go to bed and unpack.