Farmboy

Chapter 4

I woke and rubbed my eyes. I’d dreamed about walking through the forest, and I’d heard a stick crack behind me. I turned and saw Andrew, but then I woke up. I thought I should be glad that I woke up. I didn’t want to get close to Andrew, in dreams or out of them. I slowly got out of bed, trying to get the dream out of my head. I couldn’t for some reason. I knew for sure I didn’t like him, so then, why couldn’t he just disappear into the recesses of my memory? I felt like I knew the answer, it just refused to show up. Before I could shuffle out of my room and downstairs, my phone buzzed with a message from Saige.

You will go into the woods today. You will get his number. And a picture. And quite possibly some social security paperwork too or whatever its called. Just be safe and get a guy! I rolled my eyes. Saige was absolutely obsessed with getting me a boyfriend. She knew I wasn’t interested. She knew my reasons, and thought they were good reasons. But none of that stopped her. I headed downstairs.

⚘⚘⚘

I pulled on my gloves, boots, and a knitted hat, because it was chilly today. I stepped outside onto the crisp grass and headed towards the woods. The leaves were extra-crunchy today. I headed up towards the gate, shivering in the cold, despite my many layers. When I looked up, I saw that Andrew was already there, leaning on the gate.

“How did you know I was coming?” I asked in surprise.

“Maybe I’ve just been waiting for you.” He said. I smiled, blushed, and looked down at my feet. I walked the rest of the way up to the gate.

“You didn’t have to wait for me. What if I didn’t come?” I asked.

“I wanted to. And I wouldn’t mind waiting. Sunday is my day off.”

“Is it?” I asked.

“Yep. My favorite day.”

“Oh. Well…I have to go now. Church is at eleven, so…”

“See you later?” He asked.

“I suppose.”

⚘⚘⚘

Back inside my cozy house, I quickly changed out of my winter wear into a nice shirt, a cute skirt, and some leggings. My mom always wanted me to look nice for church.

“Gail!” My mom yelled. “Time for church!”

“Coming!” I yelled back, trying to pull on my fluffy black boots. I staggered, fell onto the bed, and finally pulled them on. I hurried downstairs, and ran to the car. Closing the door behind me, I quickly buckled up.

“Took you awhile.” My mom grumbled.

“Let’s just go to church.” I said.

“Alright, alright.” My mom said. She buckled up too, turned the keys, and pulled the car out of the driveway.

“Amazing grace, how sweet thy name,” I sang. The church songs were always beautiful. Although our church was small, it had beautiful stained-glass windows. As I sang, I admired them. Looking around, my eyes snagged on the back of a head three rows ahead of me. It looked oddly familiar, but I really couldn’t place it…

“I once was lost, but now I’m found…” I stared at the head, completely unable to place it. I glanced up at my mom. Tears began to flow down her face.

“Mom?” I asked.

“I miss him.” She said, wiping her face with her sleeve. I gave her a hug round the waist, like I did when I was three.

“I miss him, too.” I said. “But I feel pretty close to him here, don’t you?” My mom nodded, trying harding to stifle the tears, but to no avail. The hymn ended, and everyone bowed their head to pray.

“Gracious God, we thank you for all our blessings.” The pastor began. “We thank you for all our blessings, and beg forgiveness for all our sins.” The prayer continued. I only tuned in at the end.

“And we ask you to watch over Alain Gables, as he travels to heaven.” Now I began to cry, hugging my mother tighter. All of the congregation was watching us, yet pretending to be looking away. I couldn’t stop the tears, even once we were at home, and I was sitting on my bed, pretending to watch TV.

This happened every Sunday. I could put on a mask for six days, pretend nothing was wrong, but during church, on Sunday, I broke down. My mom did it too. On Monday I was back to being calm and emotionless. Saige was the only one who knew. As I thought about her, my phone buzzed.

“Hey, girl.” I read. “How are you? I know Sundays kinda suck for you…I can come over if you want.”

I wanted company, badly, but I knew my mother liked to be alone on Sundays. I texted Saige back saying no thanks. An idea struck me.

“Hey, Mom?” I called down the stairs. “Can I go for a walk?”