The Country Mile

10. A Story I Didn't Understand

Since the moon was shrouded by the dark November clouds, the three story farmhouse of the Thorn's was cloaked in blackness except for the glowing porch light by the front door; Ashton parked his black pickup right next to a white car and another ruby red truck. We sat together in the darkness of the truck's cab for a few silent moments until Ashton sighed, turned to face me, and ran a hand through his dark locks.

"Mismatched... You can't tell anyone about what I told you, I-I don't wa-"

"Ashton," I silenced him softly. "Never in a million years would I do that,"

Ashton nodded, adding in a small apology before we exited the truck and walked inside of the house only to be met with the scent of steak; the front living room decor of dark greens and blue matched with soft greys.

Together we walked into the living room just as I heard footsteps.

"Oh thank god, mom wa-" Clara stopped in her tracks as she saw me, her brown hair now put into two braids while she wore pajama pants and a sweatshirt. "What are you doing here?"

"To apologize for something I had no right to ask about," Utter shame nipped at me. Cautiously, she looked at her brother.

"Dad is lookin' for you. He needs help tagging a few lambs," Ashton nodded. He looked to me, eyes wide with worry but I smiled and nodded towards him; he bid me goodbye before walking out of the room. "Let's go upstairs," 

Following Clara up the wooden stairs and passing a few dark wooden doors, I admired the photos of Ashton and Clara's childhood, pictures of their mother Amy and a guy I assumed was their father - from tractor rides to school plays, it was displayed proudly. Finally, we reached Clara's bedroom.

"Sorry for the mess," Opening the door that had a 'Do NOT Disturb' sign on it, I smiled as I saw the lilac painted walls lit with a few lamps, two candles burned on her bedside table, and the only mess I saw was a chair near the corner of her room covered in clothes. Clara grabbed a teddy bear, hugging it close, and sat down on her bed.

"Clara," My voice trembled as I twisted my sweaty palms together. Her copper eyes refused to meet mine. "I'm sorry..."

"Don't be," She shrugged.

"But I am," I held up the tan colored grocery store bag. "I brought a peace offer..."

Eyeing the bag, she nodded and scooted over so I could sit down next to her. The purple colored bed was beyond soft as Clara kept looking at the bag, forcing herself not to give a damn; but I needed to say a few things first.

"I want you to know, I'd never expose Ashton," Wide-eyed, she looked up and opened her mouth to speak but I kept talking. "He told me about Grace, or at least some parts - I put the rest together, but trust me when I tell you we did nothing that night he took me home. Our moms were out late and my grandparents go to bed at, like, noon any-"

"Adella,"

"Way, so I am really sorry and really miss you even though it's only been like a few hours and I can't stand the thought of you mad at me-"

"Adella!" Clara held a hand over my mouth to stop my stuttering words, her copper eyes lighter and now twinkled with humor. "I missed you too bitch,"

Together we hugged with a giggle and as we pulled away, Clara dug into the bag with a bright smile.

"And I'm sorry too... I shouldn't have expected you to understand a story you didn't know," She munched on a few hot cheetos. "It was very wrong of me to be such a 'Grace' about things,"

"So, we're good?" I asked hesationly.

She met my eyes.

"We're good."