Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Making my way back to the cottage is a half hour walk, but the breeze feels good in the heat of the day. I left my windows and door open to try and rid the house of the old wolf’s scent
that still lingers in some corners.
She died over a month ago. It feels weird to occupy something that belonged to another for
so long.
She planted a garden in the spring that’s been overrun with weeds. My goal is to return it to the way she intended it to be, a harvest of nature.
The soil is rich and black; it clings underneath my nails. Pulling weeds is no joke. It’s tedious, and my back hurts from being bent over for so long.
Slowly, this garden is taking shape. Already there is an abundant yield. I can give away so much, canning the rest. I’m excited about this prospect.
All the work this represents will keep my mind busy so it doesn’t float to things that can’t be
changed.
A nervous feeling bubbles in my stomach at the thought of actually seeing him again. Sitting once again in my car, I give myself a stern talking to. My parents will be there; my sisters will be there. I will not embarrass the people I love again. It was so much easier out of sight, out of mind.
Opening the car door, I end up closing it again. Every time I open it, all I can smell is him. It’s a drowning feeling, and I am unable to catch my breath. My eyes fill with water. It’s such a struggle not to break down.
Why me? Why can’t I just feel numb to him? Why does he affect me so much? How do I not. affect him? How can he fight this so easily? I pound on the steering wheel. I feel as if someone is pushing on my chest. The pressure gets heavier and heavier until I really start to feel lightheaded.
With my head down, I just sit there, unable to really find the motivation to move. Knuckles tapping on the window draw my eyes up. Dallas is looking at me, our eyes meet, and he
The Alis
Chapter 9
doesn’t look away. Opening the door for me to get out, he still holds my gaze.
“I just need a minute, Dallas.” I try to close the door again, and he stops me from doing that.
“I’ve been watching you for the last hour in your car, talking to yourself. I think you were even answering back.” He opens the door wider for me to get out.
“I’m sorry, this is so silly.” I still can’t get out of the car.
A
“I don’t think it is. I think it’s really sad for you. I think that you are the strongest person I know.” His hand reaches for mine, the one that is still clenching the steering wheel.
“I don’t feel strong,” I whisper, barely audible, even to my ears.
“You are.” He lets me sit a moment more before he pulls me out.
“All right, I’m ready. I have some stuff for the pack in the trunk. Can you help me carry it in?” I step away from him.
“Sure.” Opening the trunk of the car, I have boxes of veggies from the garden. All fresh without the smell of pesticides, sun–ripened…so healthy
Carrying the boxes of produce in front of me, I try to have the cardboard act as a shield from his stare. It doesn’t work; I feel it instantly as soon as Dallas and 1 round the corner of the house into the backyard. I don’t even have to look to see where he’s at. My body just knows. My soul is trying to touch his. It’s as if it’s leaning out a window with its arms out, fingertips stretched completely straight, trying to get closer to him.
I turn my body away from his, and my bare arm brushes against the doctor’s skin. We both look down at the spot where our flesh touched, aware of the contact we just made.
“Sorry about that,” I say, taking a step away from him.
“No, that’s okay. Let’s put these down and maybe get us both a drink?” His voice is gentle, yet at the same time he gives me direction on what to do next.
“Good idea.” My back burns with his eyes against my skin.
Chapter 9
I put them on a table with a sign that says please take. The wolves should love this, especially the ones who don’t have a garden. Nothing like fresh veggies..
The wind lifts the hem of my skirt slightly, exposing my hare thighs. I can see Dallas out of the corner of my eyes, looking at me. He doesn’t linger for too long.
“I brought some beer. Would you like one?” He’s going to a cooler, opening it up.
Are you sure? If you have enough, I would like one.”
first “I have more than enough for you.” He hands the open bottle to me, and I take t drink. The liquid is cold against my
throat.
“Thanks.” With my back to my mate, I take in the gathering. The whole pack is out enjoying themselves, laughing and carrying on, the adults playing bean bag toss, lawn darts. There is a game of volleyball to the side in a pit of sand that replaced grass; it looks very official.
C
