A Country Girl.

Chapter 23

Ty

I sat in the chair next to Hailey's bed. Watching as she ate. I knew she didn't like people staring at her especially when she was eating but I couldn't help it. I felt the need to watcher her and keep her safe no matter what. She turned toward me and I dropped my gaze. Like a kid would do when the person they liked caught them staring. "Ty?" she asked, I looked up at her "yeah?" "how long have I been out?" "ummmm I don't think you want to know" "Ty," she said gently "please tell me, I want to know." I sighed sighed " 2 months" I said dropping my gaze again. She didn't say anything for a minute. "ok, well where's papa and Amy?" she asked. I looked back up at her "oh uh they went home quick to get some clean clothes." "oh ok." she said then went back to eating.

We were quiet the rest of the time, both lost in our thoughts. Sooner then I would of liked Doctor Miller came in and I had to leave. On my way out I saw Amy and Jacob. "Hey" I said walking over to them "Hey, hows Hailey?" Amy asked "oh shes fine, she actually woke up about an hour ago" "what shes awake, why didn't you call us" Jacob asked "I thought the Dr. Miller would of" "well he didn't but thats fine, where are you going?" Amy asked "home, doc didn't want me in there when he was checking Hailey" "oh ok " "hey are you staying here tomorrow?" "yeah most likely why?" "I just wanted to know cuz if you are then I'll go feed the horses tomorrow" "oh well then sure thanks Ty" "no problem."

When I got home mom was cooking dinner. "hey honey" she said when I walked through the kitchen. "hey mom" "hows Hailey?" "shes fine she woke up today" "well that's good" "yeah I guess." Mom turned around and looked at me "Ty, whats wrong?" she asked "nothing, I just tired" I said. She looked skeptical but didn't push to get an answer she just said "alright sweetie, well diner will be done and a couple minutes so go wash up" "ok" I answered and walked out and went to my room.

A week had gone by since Hailey woke up. I didn't visit her cuz I was to busy taking care of the ranch and I was scared to see her again, I didn't know if she forgot what happened between us so if she didn't remember and does now I don't want to make her mad by going to see her. Even if it hurts me not too. 

After I finished with the feeding, Amy called to tell me they would be home soon. So I quickly finished the rest of my chores and left. I did regret not waiting for them to see how Hailey was doing, but I didn't want to see her and have her tell me to leave. 

The next morning I went down stairs for breakfast. Mom wasn't home so I made myself some eggs. After I finished breakfast I started the dishes. Just as I was finishing up my phone rang. I quickly finished the last dish and dried my hands. I grabbed my phone, I had a missed call from Amy.  I redialed the number and Amy picked up. "hey" she said "hey whats up?" I asked "oh I was just wondering if you could possibly come and help granddad with the horses, Hailey can't do anything with her stitches and everything so I was hoping you could help" "umm" I hesitated, My heart really wanted to go just to see Hailey but my brain doesn't want to go for fear she will reject me. "sure I'll be there soon" "great, see ya." Amy hung up and I went to change.

When I got to the ranch Jacob was turning loose the horses. I noticed a horse I've never seen before in a separate pen, 'I'll ask later.' I got out and went over to Jacob. "hey" I said "oh hello Ty." I stopped next to him, we were silent for a minute before I broke it. "so hows Hailey?" I asked, I had planed to avoid talking about Hailey but I couldn't help it. "shes great other then the fact that she has to stay inside and isn't aloud to do any work, you know how she is" he said with a chuckle. I smiled sadly "that's good" "why don't you go see her, you haven't seen much of each other for quite a while" "maybe later" "alright well why don't you go muck the stalls I have to head into town in a bit but I'll be back to help with the rest" "ok." Jacob was about to walk away but a thought came to my mind "wait, um I was wondering who the new horse is" I said gesturing toward the horse "oh him, that's Patches he came to us just before Hailey ran off " "oh ok well why is he separated from the others?" "he isn't the best with other  horses or with people, he came from an abusive and neglectful owner and never had contact with any other animal, Hailey was training him but now she isn't able to so he's out there so he won't hurt anyone" "oh ok." I watched Patches as he paced around his pen for a minute then went on with chores.