Boy On A Farm

Part 24

The day was overcast and a strong wind blew. Dust and debris was kicked up and thrown high into the air as the wind shrieked over the land with unobstructed glee. It was the type of wind that wore you out if you were unfortunate to spend more than a few minutes outside. More than one farmer had lost a hat due to the wind and anyone with long hair knew that you would have a hair full of rats if you went outside with your hair loose and unbound.

Pine needles coated the ground at the cemetery as the wind gusted through the trees. A piercing whistle filled the air as the wind blew through the chain link fence that surrounded the cemetery. The cemetery was empty except for a lone figure stood in front of a row of tombstones. Tears stained the face of the young woman as she stared down at the graves. Pain lined the woman's face and shone brightly in her eyes. A sorrow filled moan escaped the woman as she sank to her knees. The wind buffeted her, but she didn't seem to notice. Sobs escaped the woman as she huddled on the ground.

The woman did not see or hear the truck that parked behind her vehicle. A man climbed out. He paused and stared at the woman for a long time before he made his way slowly over to where she huddled on the ground. Another man started towards the woman, but he stopped when the first man motioned for him to stay. Without any hesitation, the man sank down beside the woman. He wrapped his arms around her and held her as she cried. Her sobs shook both of them. All the man did was lean his head against the woman's and let the wind dry his tears. Neither one spoke even after the woman's sobs faded away.

"Why are you crying? You are getting married tomorrow."

"I can't help it Ian. They should be here. Father should be giving me away and Mother should be helping me get ready. Our siblings should be in the wedding."

Ian pressed a kiss against Ruth's head. "They are going to be with us tomorrow, maybe not physically but spiritually and we will have their pictures all over the reception area."

Ruth sniffed as she burrowed into her brother's strong arms. "I know Ian. It just hurts that they won't be here."

Ian hugged Ruth before he stood and tugged her to her feet. He brushed the tears from her face. "No more tears Ruth unless they are happy tears."

A watery smile was all Ruth could manage. Ian chucked her under the chin before he led her away from the tombs of their family. Philip stood leaning against the truck. His eyes lingered on Ruth. He pulled Ruth into a hug when she got close enough.

"Your family would be proud of you Ruth."

Ruth hugged Philip back. "I know."

Philip kissed Ruth's hair. "Rachel sent us out here so that we can take you to your bachelorette party."

Ruth rolled her eyes and snorted. "I am almost afraid what Rachel has planned."

Ian shrugged. "Something fun is my guess because she has invited us men along. She said that we should all be together."

Ruth frowned. "Then what kind of party is it?"

Philip was the one who answered. "Rachel said it's a pre wedding day party. She knew that you would be said about your family not being here so she wanted to do something to keep you preoccupied."

A small smile played at the edges of Ruth's moth. "Rachel is one in a million."

Ian gave a long suffering sigh. "She's something for sure."

Ruth smacked Ian who gave her a lopsided grin. He playfully punched Ruth on the shoulder. "Let's go before Rachel sends Ben and Curtis after us."