Moonshine(31)

“So call him or write him or something.”

“It isn’t that easy.”

“Of course it isn’t,” he rolled his eyes. “But you aren’t going to tell me why and I can’t help you until you do.”

“Good point.” I half smiled back at him.

“Now, let’s go have breakfast because you are gonna need your strength for group session.”

I sighed heavily. How bad was it going to be? I am so not ready for this. We stood up and I gathered myself. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to be around Bradley. He had already warmed up my heart a little and I barely knew him, and did I mention that he was gorgeous to look at. We were about to step out into the hallway when he put his arm around me. I stopped dead in my tracks and closed my eyes. Was I ready for this? I wasn’t so sure that I could handle it. The smallest gesture made me fight to breathe, and made me feel slightly weak at the knees. I questioned his intentions. Was he making a pass at me?

“Just breathe. Don’t you over think this? We are going to eat. I’m going to help you get over this fear of touching one way or the other. Now, deep breathe in and one foot in front of the other.” I took a deep breath and looked him in his eyes before I began to walk. “See, you got this.”





17

AND A HALF



Moon

After I finished writing Shine’s letter, I knew that I wanted her to have it immediately. The facility was only about a forty five minute drive, so I would take it there myself. If I relied on the mail it would probably take days.

As soon as the last bell rang, I went straight to my car to leave. I didn’t stop to talk to anybody. I heard Melody yelling my name in the hallway, but I didn’t stop. She was beginning to get under my skin. After the incident in the hallway she thought that I wanted her. I didn’t fucking want her. It only took two days of her nagging me to death before I finally told her. But guess what, as usual the bitch can’t take no for answer. I even told her that I was in love with Shine, and I swear it made it worse. She is like a tick on a dog’s ass. She won’t let go. Luckily I was able to get to my car unscathed.

I had to work for Papaw today, so the sooner I got to the farm the sooner I would be done and on my way to deliver the letter. I didn’t want to work at all, but I had to. Papaw doesn’t take lightly to missing work. He expects me there on time and ready. I would have to work twice as fast if I was going to have time to drive all the way to Cedar County, and be home on time.

The forty five minute drive only took me thirty three. I was in a hurry. I’m not sure why because I knew I wasn’t going to get to see her. I guess maybe I was hoping for just a glimpse of her face to keep my sanity at bay. I smelled like manure and was covered in sweat. They will probably think I have lost my mind, walking in there smelling like this.

I hesitated for a second before I worked up the nerve to enter the doors. I would say that I was greeted at the door, but the frumpy gray haired woman was too mean for a greeting.

“Excuse me, ma’am.” Her back was to me so I tapped her shoulder lightly.

“Visiting hours are Sundays only, so unless you plan on signing yourself in, you can just walk your little behind right back out them doors.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to visit; I just wanted to leave a letter here for my best friend.”

“Boy, ain’t you ever heard of a mailbox and a stamp?”

“Yes I have, but I couldn’t wait. That takes days. I want her to have the letter now.”

She studied my face for a moment. She also looked me over real good. I could tell that she was questioning my every move and it didn’t help matters that I looked and smelled really bad. “Who is it for?”

“Shine Craven.”

“She hasn’t even been here forty eight hours. This couldn’t wait?”

“Like I said ma’am, it’s real important to me that she get it.”

“How far did you travel to get here?”

“I live in Davis County. It’s only about forty five minutes south of here.”

“I suppose I could give her this letter, but I need to ask you something.” I shook my head for her to continue. “This letter will not set her back, right? She can only move forward in here. She must get herself better and she can’t do that if she lets the wrong people back into her life, or if someone says something to throw her off track. You get what I’m saying?”

“I understand and with all due respect ma’am, I love her. I would never do anything to hurt her. Not on purpose. I swear to it. She has always been the best thing in my life and I just miss her so bad. I can’t picture my life without her.”