Who We Were & Who We Are Now

Part 17

With Howard's help, you managed to get some sleep after the life-changing night you'd had. With everything your anxious mind could think of checked off your mental to-do list, you lie down and try to gather yourself for the homecoming of Forrest. You don't get any deep restful sleep, but come morning you were running strong off of a pleasant mixture of anxiety and happiness at the arrival of Forrest.

You'd gotten up and fixed yourself up, nothing too noticeable, curling your hair and putting a little color back into your face after the intense night you'd had. You put on a dress you knew Forrest liked, seeing as he'd gotten it for you for no reason you were aware of, you thought he might like to see you in it after going through the trouble of buying it for you. You stand inside the station biting your lip in anticipation, your hands clasped in front of you and wringing in excitement as you got to see Forrest's form darken the doorway once again. There aren't any customers yet as it's still early, the smell of coffee wafts around the station, your usual signal to your senses that the day was beginning. The air is crisp from the screen door that creaks open, seeing your boys walking in together. It was a sight just a month ago you weren't sure if you'd ever get to see again and now in the golden light of morning, you had the distinct pleasure of seeing all the Bondurant boys come into the station, waddling behind Forrest like little ducks in a row.

Howard and Jack walk in behind him, acting like they were expecting him to stumble at any moment. He didn't look particularly frail, but he was moving very slowly. His face was hard, you assume from hiding pain. His strong squared face was thinner, the color paler than you recall it being the last time you saw him in the hospital. His jaw is clenched, tiny beads of sweat from exertion roll down his stubbled cheeks as he takes no help from anyone. You don't reach for him or touch him, not wanting to give away your worry for his condition. He was a proud man and you didn't want to insult him. You step forward with a big but closed mouth smile on your face, making sure he knew you'd be happy to receive him no matter what condition he came home to you in He takes his eyes off the floor once he stops and takes a long look at you before your eyes meet. He sees your hands wringing together, itching to touch him, your weight shifted forward on your toes in anticipation. He gives you a subtle half smile, his eyes going soft for you and you try to hide the heavy sigh you want to release at the sentiment behind the stare.

"I'd like a word with Miss Tawny." he says, taking his hat off and setting in on a table, letting his hand rest on it for a moment to hold himself up.

You look to Howard with an inquiring expression. Did he know about Rakes? What was going on? Howard's appearance says he knows as little as you do and shrugs slightly. Both of his brothers nod and bow out of the room to the porch.

His footsteps are heavy and slow and you stand and wait for him patiently. As he approaches, he reaches out and takes your hand. It's a bit weak and clammy, but you don't believe it to be from any indecision, only a by-product of his condition.

"Come with me sweetheart." he says softly, a kind smile that reached his eyes presented to you as you nod happily walk as slow as he needs behind him.

He leads you into his office, letting your hand go and shutting and locking the door behind him. You watch him with intense interest and curiosity. He shuts the curtains on the windows and turns on a lamp on his desk. You stay quiet, you don't offer to help because if he thought he needed it he'd ask. He was as fast as molasses in the wintertime but he was managing just fine.

He noticed you being patient with him, that same sweet and caring expression sent his way anytime he looked in your direction. He knew by you behaving this way, letting him do these things himself, that he was making the right decision. He kneels down, opening up a secret panel in the wall by removing one of the pieces of wood. You're interested but ask no questions as he removes a metal box, his broad form hiding what he was doing and it would seem it might be on purpose. You look down to the floor at your feet, waiting for him. He puts the box back in the wall after a few unidentified shuffling noises, the piece clicks back into place.