Cowboys and Mustangs

Separated by Miles- Chayni

I stared out the window of my dad's pickup as we continued the drive to Ten Sleep, Wyoming for my mounted shooting competition. Miles and miles of land and fencing past as we zoom past the empty fields filled with snow and livestock. The landscape is simple and quiet, which is something I myself have always strived to be.

I've never been the girl who is known for making up drama or the center of attention. Honestly, I'd rather hear about the gossip than be involved with it. People always tell me that one of the reasons they like me is because I'm laid back and don't cause a riot just because I want to, unlike some girls my age.

But that doesn't mean I don't like those girls, sometimes they can hilarious and fun to be around. But personally, I feel there is a time and place to hang loose and go crazy. It's a pet peeve of mine when people are being purposely loud when they're suppose to be listening and paying attention. I guess kind of like Codi.

Codi is wild in her own way, but she knows when she needs to shut up and listen. Codi definitely puts business first then the fun part comes after.

Like ranching. Codi has the softest hands and warmest heart towards the livestock, but if you get in her way, she'll make you wish you hadn't. That quality about her is what I think I most love about her, and that is what probably drove Weston in too.

Codi and I have this saying between us, "Do no harm, but take no bull." I think it fits us perfectly.

"What are you thinking about, kiddo?" My dad's voice catches my attention.

I look at him through the rear view window, "Just thinking." I say quietly as Mikey is sleeping with his head in my lap.

My dad gives me a suspicious look, "Better not be thinking about boys." This, I roll my eyes at him.

"She does have a boyfriend, Luke." Mom voices in like she always does. Mom is also not afraid to share her straight-to-it opinion.

"Believe me I remember," Dad says as he looks over to her giving her an assertive look. "I just want her to know that boys aren't everything."

"She knows that." My mom speaks again, "She's 17 and this is her first boyfriend." I didn't know if I should be happy or sad about that statement, but I guess I didn't care since I have Jesse in my life now.

However, I see dad give a certain look to mom, "That's most girls, Jame."

"Not for me." My mom says undoubtedly. Mom's words causes Dad to look away from the road and to her. "I had nine boyfriends before I met you."

"Nine?!" Dad almost exclaims making me chuckle. "I thought you only dated Easton?"

My mom shakes her head, "Yes, but that was the most recent one."

"Name them."

Mom gives dad a strange look and waits for a couple seconds, "What?"

"Name the other eight."

"Luke, you can't be serious-"

Of course Dad interrupts her, "I am Jamie.. I want to know who all has kissed my wife."

"Luke this is before we even knew each other, this shouldn't even matter." My mom makes her case over this stupid argument. "I don't care you who dated before me."

Dad takes one hand off the steering wheel, "Jacie Englehardt. April Rochester. Baylee Jones.." Dad spits out, shocking me and probably mom. "Those are the girls I dated before you."

Mom scoffs and sighs, "Easton Rochester, Wyatt Renner, Carter Henry, Walker Madler, Mason Steckler, Cody Tiegland, Jake Johnson, Brookes McNeily, and Alex Baile." She lists off, impressing me that she remembered all of their names.