To Catch a Sunset

Chapter 26 The Ranch

ALLY

We've been on the road for almost two hours. My stomach is beginning to hurt, I don't know why I'm so nervous. Maybe it's the fact that the last time I was here, all hell broke loose. Between my mother and Brad it wasn't pretty. I can't help but worry that she will make an appearance. Even if I'm able to keep my visit secret, people in our small town aren't known for keeping their mouths shut. No, I know she will find out, and it scares me to death. Why have I always been so scared of her? Deep down I know that answer. She has hated me as long as I know. I know most people say, now Ally she's your mother, she doesn't hate you. You just have a poor relationship. Yeah I heard that most of my life. But they don't know how she treated me when we were alone. That's why I hate to be left alone with her. Even now as a grown woman, she terrifies me. When I was a kid, I had protection. Dad, Grandpop, Grandma Bev, they made sure she was good to me. However, when they weren't around she was awful. I shake my head trying desperately to shake her out of my head. It must be the sight of the county line sign. Waynesville is a small town about 40 minutes Northeast of Richmond. It's not a poor area, most folks here are hard working families. Most people commute to Richmond everyday and those who don't' either own their own business or help operate the town. I loved growing up here, but it's just not home anymore. I glance over to see Mark deep in thought. Is he nervous too? Why? He catches me staring. He gives me a warm smile, after the way this day began, its welcomed.

"Hey sweet girl." He says as he gently grabs my knee. My skin tingles every time he touches me. "Are you doing ok over there you look nervous?" I sigh where do I begin.

"Yeah just a little nervous. Excited mostly, for you to see it." I smile brightly at him. He smirks and raises an eyebrow. He's on to me. He knows I'm putting on a brave face. And this is one reason I love him so. He chuckles.

"Come on you can't fool me. You're scared as hell. Babe no matter what, I promise you we got this." He says with a wink. I melt at the word "we", I love us. Boy has this trip really been testing us. It's funny really, you would think coming back to our homes would be easier than this. Then again my life here is the reason I'm not here anymore, same for Mark too. Yes our home is in California now. Never have I wanted a vacation to end quickly before.

"You're a sweet man Marcus Douglas. Yes I guess having you here will make it easier. Sweeter too, I'll take you to meet my grandparents." He makes a strange face.

"Oh well if you think that's weird you don't have to go." I say quickly. He shifts in his seat.

"Yeah I really haven't been to a cemetery since the accident. But if you really want to , I can try..umm for you." He chokes. Wow he really is a sweet guy, I melt a little more. He would do that for me, but he doesn't have to.

"No! Of course I won't ask you to do that. Just a thou.." I'm distracted by the sight of my hometown coming into view. My stomach flips as we pass my high school.

"Hey, you still with me." Mark jokes.

"Yeah just taking in the sights. When I came the other day it was dark, I didn't really see much of the town. Hey listen we have to stop by Craig's office, to pick up the keys. It's not far from here, but after that we need to go to the grocery for dinner supplies." He nods in agreement. He listens tentatively as I guide him to Craig's. He pulls the car carefully next to the sidewalk. Turning to look at me he smiles.

"Ok babe let's get these keys. He hops out of the car, hurrying to open my door. He's so chivalrous. Nancy is right I do have it bad. I just hope he has it just as bad for me. He peers down at me as he waves his arms, gesturing to get out. I smile as I peel out of the seat. My legs are stiff from the ride. I stretch as I grab my purse. I see my reflection in the car window. Wow I don't travel well apparently. I smooth my hair down and frown at my reflection.