Kalico 2: Hypnotized & Naked in Hope Springs

Kalico: Johnson Road

Kalico: Wednesday evening, with Wallflower on Johnson Road

As we walked home after volleyball practice, Wallflower and I discovered evidence of David Moore's "arrangements" with Granny Johnson concerning the shortage of hay at the Moore's store, although we didn't know it at first.

"Someone cut the grass," Wallflower observed with a hint of irritation in her voice.

The change in the height of the vegetation was more than a little obvious. This morning the Johnson grass growing up close beside the dirt-and-gravel road had been taller than our shoulders. This evening, the grass lay neatly across the ground, beginning to turn dry.

A ten-feet-wide margin had been cut along each side of Johnson Road as if a large sickle had swept across two inches above the ground, changing the ambiance of the lane.

I have teased about calling the pathway "Johnson Trail" because a car would soon disappear when driving among the Johnson grass. Until this afternoon, the tall grass grew so close beside the road it presented a sense of isolated quietness and rustic charm for those of us who live down that way.

When Mom drove us to our new home at Johnson Farm Sunday afternoon, the grass blocked the view from the car window, magnifying the sense of isolation and anticipation. Wednesday afternoon, the mown grass lying along its shoulders made the road seem more open, more exposed. This irritated Wallflower, as if it affected some of her plans.

"It had to happen," I shrugged. "County road departments are supposed to keep the grass cut beside the roads because of fire hazard."

"Yes, but something's strange about this," Wallflower protested. "Look at how the grass is just laying over on its side. Those highway maintenance machines are like giant lawnmowers. They chop up everything and scatter it. This wasn't cut by one of those."

The tall grass was sheered off about two inches above the ground, and was lying over neatly, drying in the sun. One thing is certain about Johnson Road, it's not a main highway.

"I like tall grass growing up close to the road," Flower said. "That way, if a car is coming we can have a better place to hide. Especially in the dark."

"Why would we want to hide? Are you expecting trouble?" I asked. I don't know all that much of Wallflower's history; she may have some strange personal issues. "You and I have walked this road together three times already; this is our fourth trip. We haven't seen a car out this way yet. Mom's car or yours don't count. They've probably gone ahead of us by now."

Wallflower blushed.

"I was thinking of when I walk it alone," she started, but she didn't finish her thought.

"Oh-h-h! I get it . You're talking about what you told me this morning, aren't you? Do you really like to get out here on the road naked and hide in the weeds if someone drives along?"

She blushed more, "Yes, when I'm alone and nobody's looking. It's kind of fun, makes me feel free from some old stuff. I was thinking of asking you to try it with me tomorrow morning. But since someone cut these weeds, we won't have any place to hide if we need to."

"Let me make sure I understand you properly, Wallflower. Are you talking about us, meaning you and me, walking down this road naked, meaning bare bottom with nothing on except maybe our shoes, in the morning before the sun comes up, like maybe on our way to volleyball practice? With the tall grass, such as it is, being our safety cover, in case someone drives along in a car, which we will hope they don't?"

"Uh Huh."

"Are you gay or kinky? Uh, like, lesbian? Sweet on girls? You got naked real fast when the coach said to throw me in the shower," I teased her. Our conversation was light-hearted, but still a bit serious.