The Reading Tree

Chapter ONE

It's one thirty in the afternoon and I can't wait any longer! I'm supposed to be leaving to go to the farm in thirty minutes and it seems like time is getting slower by the second. Why must i look at that stupid clock! This is the one day out of the whole year I look forward to, the day I go to my grandparents in Kentucky!
Im Eighteen this year which means I'm legally an adult. My mother seems to think otherwise as I'm reminded each day by her snarky comments. I've never hated my home life, I just enjoy the peacefulness that comes being at my grandma and grandpa's.
My senior year was full of stress, college applications and sleepless nights worrying about my future. Prom was overrated. I spent entirely too much money on a dress to go with one of my good friends out of sympathy. Graduation wasn't all that great either, I tripped and face planted walking on stage to get my diploma. Imagine the embarrassment! It definitely wasn't one of my better moments.
Most kids my age are looking forward to leaving this town and starting their own lives. Finding love, partying and being young...As for me, I just look forward to driving out to Kentucky each summer, reading novels under the oak tree, helping my grandma bake and listening to my grandpa talk about his time in the war.
Life out there comes with no obstacles. Time slows down, and you can almost hear what peace sounds like.
"Jamie!" I hear my mother call up the stairs "Are you ready?"
"Oh YES!" i quickly answer back as if she couldn't say the words fast enough.
Grabbing my bags I race down the steps and jump into the car.
My parents still like to drive me out there even though I'm more than capable of driving myself. It's only a four hour drive to Greensburg, but i know they wouldn't see it any other way.
They really were the best parents growing up, although I often wondered if they secretly hated each other. You rarely ever saw them hug, kiss or show any type of affection. My grandparents are very different, you can feel their love as soon as you step foot on the property. Even at their age they don't mind a little public display of affection.
I'm not bothered by long drives, although I would much rather be driving alone, windows down listening to Johnny Cash. Instead my ears are blasted by my father trying to impersonate the next Freddie Mercury. It makes me smile as i remember singing with him in the car as a little girl...i honestly thought one day i would grow up to be a singer. I chuckle thinking about it.
"Honey why don't you rest until we get there" my mother says leaning over the seat.
I hate taking naps in the middle of the day, it seems like such a waste. But since we are driving I may not mind it, and it makes the time go by faster.
My eyes get heavy as if I'm being hypnotized by the trees zooming past our car. Resting my head against the cold window glass I finally doze off dreaming of what could be another perfect summer.