Chapter 20

That next morning, I woke up extremely early to make breakfast for both ladies and made sure to have juice, coffee, sweet tea, and water ready at the table along with toast, creamer, sugar, and grape jelly. I couldn’t contain my excitement on making Natalie and Sheila feel happy for once without being judgemental on my case. As soon as I saw Sheila though that certain look where she is disappointed made me feel the same. Sheila also had her luggage ready by the door.

“Dana, will be here in a couple of hours and we are going to the new house. I don’t expect you to show up and put on a fake smile.” Sheila said flatly.

“I am actually in a good mood. I want to apologize for my outburst yesterday over Dana. You are my best friend and deserve anyone you choose to be with whether it meets my approval or not.” I replied biting the inside of my cheek.

“You have outburst all the time, anymore, that is no excuse for being judgemental when your own woman was the same way. You are a bitch and you know it too.” Sheila responded.

I decided at this point that their is no more between me and her. I grabbed my breakfast then went outside to avoid anymore confrontation with Sheila when Natalie is still sleeping though it seemed Sheila wasn’t done when she came outside with her own plate of food.

“I will miss being here though for almost a year, it has been interesting to know Natalie and see her as a good friend.” Sheila said in her saddest voice.

“You are going around the corner, nothing to worry about and you all will be here a good chunk of the time, I am sure.” I replied smiling knowing my best friend isn’t going anywhere far.

“Actually, we didn’t get that house, we are going to San Antonio to be closer to one of her other friends that aren’t close minded about us.” Sheila responded wiping tears away.

They both ate in silence after that. The bickering came to an end when knowing her best friend is living across the state and they would rarely see each other. Once they were finished, they went inside to enjoy the air conditioning and Natalie ate her breakfast in silence not looking at either of them. By mid-afternoon Dana and the kids arrived as both kids complained that it was too hot. I got up and gave them both drinks as Sheila and Dana ran off upstairs which led Natalie and I to take the kids outside to see the horses.

Watching Natalie naturally handle Tyler and Lily looked adorable making her consider adoption to kids of her own, help her with farm, and have fun as a family. I saw Natalie run towards me with the kids beaming with a smile.

“I know that look, darlin’. You are considering kids.” Natalie said.

“It is a thought, my parents would have wanted someone to carry on the farm if anything happened to me or you.” I replied smiling.

“If that is the case Tyler and Lily could get used to having chores and living this life.” Dana said smiling from ear to ear with Sheila holding her hand.

“MOM!” Both Tyler and Lily said turning red in the cheeks.

“Let’s go you two, time to get back on the road with Sheila this time, we got a long ride.” Dana said in her motherly voice.

“I will call when we reach San Antonio. Love you both and thank you!” Sheila shouted.

We stood there watching them get into the rental car that they borrowed and off down the road they went. I looked at Natalie who looked like she was going to break herself. We watched the road with hopes this time Sheila would come back but it didn’t happen as the sun started to go down, the day went by so fast and now it felt so quiet.

Natalie grabbed my hand as she had her car keys in her hand then ran to her car together. It seemed Natalie had a back up plan but something told me that we weren’t leaving home for ourselves.

“Where are we going?” As we both got inside the car and closed the doors.

“We are headed somewhere special. We will be together a year come July.” Natalie replied starting her car.

I had no idea what was in store since it is dark outside and who knows what Natalie has planned. Almost a year together seems hard to believe, it feels like just yesterday that Natalie had her car broken down and they met with lust. Love at first sight happened to me a lot especially after Sarah though that she is gone, Natalie has given her so much to be grateful for. Natalie and I held hands on the way to wherever we were going. I am not one to be away from my horses either so this really had me worrying where as to what Natalie is thinking of doing.

“Will we be back to take care of the horses?” I asked nervously.

“Of course, I wouldn’t want to leave your horses and the house alone for too long but we need fresh air for sure. Take a small break from day to day chores.” Natalie replied as she gripped the steering wheel.

I sat there and wondered where the roads would take us since I have never ventured out of my home growing up it was going to school and coming straight home to do chores. The only reason I could be with Sarah is the fact we went to school together and our parents were best friends. Now that I am with Natalie, I feel safe and secure though our worlds are miles apart at times. A woman like Natalie is something special that no one rarely sees and it hits my heart that her husband betrayed her and hurt her mentally and possibly physically too though Sarah did the same long before she died. I am learning to love again and mentally accept Natalie as my own.