Green Pastures (Edited)

Chapter 9

My eyes were swollen and red when I woke up. I really didn't want to get out of bed but I knew that Jessi, Grandpa, and Sameal needed me. I rolled onto my side and pushed myself away from my pillow. It was still dark out, so I went into the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water. Sameal walked into the kitchen so I made him a glass too. We sat at the table in silence.

"Thank you," I said. My voice was raw from crying.

"For what?"

"For holding me while I cried. It was nice."

"I'd do anything for you," he said. Then he looked shocked that he had said that out loud. "I mean, now that I've gotten to know you, I know you're worth it." I smiled when he smacked his head against the table. "That still didn't come out right."

"I understand what you're saying," I reassured him, touching his had from across the table.

Silence followed as we finished our water. When I stood, his eyes momentarily went to my bare thighs. He looked away and cleared his throat. His ears turned red with embarrassment.

I sat our cups in the sink for later and walked past him. I couldn't help the little shake my butt did as I walked by. I giggled when I heard him groan. I knew he'd be looking. I went to my room and changed into my farm clothes. They were a pair of worn jeans and a tank top. I had designated them to be working clothes. I changed Jessi's diaper and clothes and when I walked out, Sameal was leaned against the wall, fully dressed and waiting.

Grabbing Jessi's car seat, he walked out of the front door to his Chevy. When I asked him what we were doing he didn't say anything. He just smiled, took Jessamine from me, Buckled her in, and climbed into the driver's seat. He fastened his seatbelt. After I did the same, he turned the truck around and headed toward the main road. We drove for a while. I was so busy looking at the world flying by that I lost track of time. We pulled up to an Atwoods and he got out.

Again, I asked, "What are we doing?"

"Shaw said your birthday is in a few days, so we're shopping. Plus you and Jessi need some farm attire." He laughed and helped me out of the truck. He took Jessi out of her seat and carried her in.

The smell of feed permeated the air in the store. He let me shop while he went to pick up feed for the animals. I refused to let him pay for mine and Jessi's things and begrudgingly he backed off. When we got back into his truck, he drove to a restaurant and we ate. We ate fast because I wanted to get back to Grandpa as soon as possible. It was still nice to sit and eat with just him and a sleeping Jessi, though. On our way back through whatever town we were in, he stopped at a shop but told me to stay in. He said he would be right back and he was.

He drove home as I scrolled through the radio stations. None of them were the same as the ones we had back in Cali. My phone dinged with a message. I checked it.

Em: How are things?

Me: Can I call you later? I have so much to tell you.

Em: Of course. I'll be waiting.

Her text reminded me that I needed to call Sebastion. I dialed his number but it went to his voicemail after several rings. I texted him.

Me: Seb, I need you to call me! It's important.

Seb: Ugh... What? Why can't you just text it to me like any normal human?

Me: Maybe because after everything, I'm no longer normal...

Seb: Fine.

A second later, my phone rang and Sebastion's face came across the screen. I answered and he said, "What is so important that I had to stop everything I was doing?"