She Wears the Pants

Down to the Barn

I watched with envy as the pale golden hills flurried with awakening life. The land itself was an open patch of agriculture.

The sun-soaked crop opened across the pastures, the soil rich with variety. The tranquil embodiment of peaceful life, like the stride of the cattle, the hay that stood against the wind, and the clouds that bellowed with leisure, resting against the lazy afternoon sky.

We had arrived, and it was worth the ride as everyone marveled at Josie Aunt's farm. I fell into a hypnotic smell of aromas as the fresh silage danced in the dew, and the sweet perfume of fresh grass, rich wood, and blooming flowers capsuled my senses.

I wasn't the only one in a frenzy as the bumble bee's drunkenly buzzed around the lavender and sunflowers.

"Welcome to my farm!" a friendly face greeted us, as soon as we stepped out the car.

Jodie's Aunt could have been her twin. They both had streaks of wild colors in their hair, and that eccentric but cool sense of fashion. Jodie's aunt was short, and thin in stature, but her biceps made up for her petiteness.

Unlike Jodie, she had taken to the farm life very well, it was apparent, based on the smudges of dirt on her face, faded cowgirl jeans, and cotton blue shirt.

"Don't step over there Zeze just took a leak!." She grinned.

Jodie rolled her eyes, "Zeze is my Aunt's deranged goat," she explained to everyone.

"Call me Chloe," Jodie's Aunt said, introducing herself to everyone else.

She pulled me in for a big hug, "It's been a while since I saw you Grace, but I'm happy to have you." she hummed.

We followed her down an off beaten road, carrying our belongings and empty stomachs. I personally couldn't wait to get inside and take a hot shower. I wasn't really an outdoors girl, but as Eric trailed close behind me, the idea became more appealing.

"So umm Chloe where exactly are we going?" Faya asked.

I had tried to forget that she was here, but her nasal, raspy voice pierced any idyllic painting I had dreamed up in my head.

"So due to some renovations, and flooding. Y'all will have to stay in our barn, but don't panic! It's spacious, filled with cots, and hay of course. You only have to deal with our two horses Buck and Marley, but they are sweethearts" Chloe explained.

Jodie's face dropped in horror and Faya looked like a bus had just hit her, "where's the nearest motel?" Faya whispered under her breath.

Eric gave me a disappointed glance. I knew the romantic weekend he had planned for us had just gone down the drain.

Chloe patted Eric on the back, and motioned to Kevin, "Boys you want to eat around here? You will have to work for it. Now come help me set up." she winked.

Jodie, Faya, and I made our way to the barn while the boys went to help.

Jodie squeezed my hand miserably, "I'm so sorry! I didn't know the house was under construction, and this would be our sleeping arrangements."

Faya wrinkled her nose, "I'm sorry too, that our parents forced this miserable Life on the prairie punishment on us," she complained.

I smiled, "Hey, don't be so negative! This is a beautiful place and maybe it wasn't what we planned, but I'm not mad" I assured Jodie.

Jodie bit her nails, "well you will be, when I tell you there's an outdoor shower and bathroom" she added quickly.

I forced a grin, now that was a hard pill to swallow, and suddenly this weekend was starting to feel like a task.