“Maybe you can let her make her own choices, mom.” Conner was amazed that he was getting annoyed at Shana so easily.
“Pull over the car, and get out.” Shana was not going to take this any longer.
Conner pulled over and got out. As Shana got out of the passenger side to get in the driver’s seat, Katie climbed over the center console, hopped in the driver’s seat, closed and locked the doors. Katie rolled down the window a smidge, “Maybe you both need to understand that I’m a big girl and can make my own choices. I really enjoyed the in-car-entertainment but it’s over. Enjoy your walk.” She peeled away causing the dirt to kick up into a cloud of dust. Take that!
Katie drove straight to Shana and Jake’s house and rang the doorbell.
Jake had wide eyes when he opened the door and asked, “Where are they?”
“They were fighting about me when they thought I was asleep in the backseat; I felt it would do them good to walk the rest of the way. It’ll give them a chance to fight it out.” At Jake’s wide white smile she went on. “I hope you understand that I make my own decisions. I will not be bullied into anything.”
Jake sobered “I understand, and please feel free to come to me with any questions you may have about our lifestyle.”
“Thank you but all I’d really like to do, is get a carton of ice cream, and go to my room and shower.”
Jake inhaled, “You smell like bar BQ. I’ll show you to the ice cream, and then your room. Where would you like to stay?”
“As far away from everyone as you can get me.” She grinned up at him and said, “Thank you. Out of all of the stuff that has happened to me, you have shown me kindness. I won’t forget it.”
“You’re welcome, but can you do me a favor? I agree with you, forcing the fighting out of the car but, Shana will be unhappy and I don’t want that. Will you allow them to apologize?”
She beamed up at him, “Sure, tomorrow. Let’s let them think about it a while.”
* * * * *
Jake was waiting outside when Shana and Conner walked up. Damn, they knew they were both in trouble. He was scowling at them both. Katie was nowhere to be found.
Connor innocently asked, “Where’s Katie?”
“Do you honestly think she wants to be around either of you right now? She’s been through a major trauma, and you two were bickering in the car, about her, like two old biddies. You should both be extremely humiliated. She was right to let you both out of the car. I agree that your punishment was apt. She doesn’t want to see you right now, but she said she’ll be down for breakfast in the morning.”#p#分页标题#e#
They both bowed their heads submissively. They knew they were wrong, and had discussed it on their lengthy walk. However, they both wanted to make it right-now. They didn’t want to wait until morning. Katie must be really pissed.
Jake asked, “Are you staying the night Conner?” At Conner’s slight nod Jake continued, “I had your room prepared. Sleep well.” He grabbed Shana’s hand, pulled her into the house, and toward their room.
* * * * *
The heated water of the shower was just what Katie needed. She felt refreshed. One’s outlook was always better with a pint of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, and a hot shower. Someone had brought her belongings up to her room. She searched through them; ultimately, she chose to wear the robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door. Her clothes all smelled like a fireplace. She put the robe on, and collected her clothes to take to the laundry.
She went down the hall and followed her nose to the fresh scent of fabric softener. Her sense of smell was much better than it had been. She tossed her stuff in the oversized washer, and set it for the longest heaviest wash cycle available.
As she was walking down the hall she felt a sudden pull towards one of the rooms down the hall, and went to check it out. She lightly knocked on the door, and assumed it was empty because she got no response. She entered the room and took a big whiff of the room. It smelled like…well, hell. It smelled like Conner. She immediately turned to leave, when she noticed a dejected Conner leaning against the doorframe.
He straightened, “Sorry, did you want to sleep here? I can take another room.” He started to walk away.
“Good Lord. I wouldn’t take your room Conner. Geez, I’m sorry I made you walk home. I was angry, and I didn’t stop to think that you guys were only fighting for my best interests.” She paused at his wide eyed expression, “What?”
“Did you seriously just apologize, to me? I was wrong, not you. I’m willing to wait until tomorrow to talk with you, about everything. Get some rest, love. And I’m glad you’re safe.” He walked up to her and kissed the top of her head, taking in a lungful of her precious scent.