#I will never stop thinking about russel's pretty eyelashes

[cardentist]

TH THANKS LOL !!! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

I Love Trans People I Love Trans People I Love Trans People I Lo-

but ! your 2russ art is So So Good, it's such a rare pairing in the fandom and that's a Shame. your style is So Gorgeous <333

@dirtgemini

[bexcore]

everyone loves an outlaw [arvin russell x reader smut]

➽ pairing: mob!arvin russell x fem!reader(y/n) ➽ word count: 2.2k ➽ summary: arvin works for your dad and you have to keep your relationship a secret. ➽ warnings: NSFW/MDNI. smut, explicit language, age gap (reader is legal tho!), fingering (f!receiving), praise kink, breeding kink ➽ a/n: mob!arvin goes brrrr hehe​

In small towns, there weren’t many ways out. A job was the usual way-- graduate high school and get a job out of town and leave Coal Creek in your dust. Sometimes, though, the job search was fruitless and many people, young and old, were left to rot in West Virginia. That seemed to be the case for Arvin Russell. We went to high school together, him being a senior when I was a freshman, and I remember my father going on about him. “Gonna get him when he graduates,” Daddy said. “Not lettin’ somethin’ like him get outta here.” 

Legally speaking, my dad’s business was in bail bonds. We had family in Chicago that we worked for, and the line of work that my father did was less on the end of selling the bonds and more towards extracting the payments. Coal Creek had a few names for what my family did-- “mob”, “mafia” (which were technically two different things, but the people in Coal Creek had no hope of ever distinguishing the two)-- but we preferred to call it family. 

And, God almighty, Arvin Russell was in need of family. When he graduated, he had a bright future ahead of him, but that flame was put out when his little sister died. Lenora was a year ahead of me, quiet and reserved and very bookish, and it took the entire town by surprise when we heard that she had died. Rumors flew around as to why; she was sick and didn’t want to burden her family with her illness was a popular one. When Lenora died, Arvin lost his way. Wayward young men looking for protection and acceptance was my dad’s type when it came to employment. 

He had me do it. I usually was the one to go out and hire young men. Papa realized fairly quickly that men would do basically anything I asked of them, including signing themselves into our little family, so, one day in my senior year of high school, I went to the garage where Arvin Russell worked. He split his time between road construction and the garage and, when I met him properly, he had grease all over his hands. “Hi, Arv,” I said sweetly. 

His pink mouth had quirked into a smile. “Hey, doll,” he said. “You’re Y/N? From high school, ain’t ya? Ya daddy’s got that bail bond thing goin’?” 

“That’s me,” I said. “I, uh…” I had a script that I had to stick to. “I… I was just wonderin’ if ya wanted to get dinner sometime. Maybe go to a drive-in? That car you’ve got is pretty neat.” 

“You like my car?” Arvin asked, and I giggled out a yes. “Ya sure it’s the car ya like, doll?” 

“Not as much as the driver,” I said, biting my lip. ‘C’mon, Arv, this is takin’ a lot of courage to ask ya.” 

Arvin sat up from the rolling creeper he was at and wiped his hands on the thighs of his pants. “You really wanna go out with me?” he asked. His voice was dripping with absolute sarcasm, but his honey-colored eyes held something more hopeful. I knew, right then, that we got him. 

“Well, yeah,” I mumbled sheepishly, picking at a loose thread on my blouse. “I’ve kinda had my eye on you since… Forever, I guess. I-I just think you’re outta sight, Arvin.” 

Arvin’s eyes glanced over me, still wearing my clothes from school, and he gave me a smile, much more sincere than ever before. “Sure thing, doll,” he said softly. “What d’ya say to Friday night?” 

Friday night came, and it was quickly obvious that the movie would be forgotten. Instead of that, Arvin and I ended up in the backseat of his car, his hand up my shirt, making marks on my neck that my dad would be mad at. I never planned on fucking Arvin and, while I had no qualms about doing so, I stopped when his long fingers began to dance at my panties. “Arvie,” I panted, grabbing his wrist. “I ain’t ever done nothin’ like this before. I-I just--”

Arvin kissed me softly, his hand holding my cheek tenderly. “No sweat, doll,” he told me. “We’ll go as fast or slow as you want. I’m here for you.” 

I was supposed to break it off with him after that, but I just couldn’t. There was a bit of truth to what I said when I asked him out initially, that I had my eye on him for a while. I had always thought that Arvin was pretty cute, and I enjoyed the time I had with him. We had to sneak around, though, because my dad would have cast both of us out if he knew. While I was supposed to fluff up their egos and convince them to join the business, I wasn’t supposed to fool around with the guys my dad hired. Arvin was different, though, in a way that I couldn’t put my finger on. He was kinder, a gentler soul than most, hidden behind a gruff exterior. 

School was grueling, but the sight of the old Chevy waiting in the parking lot for me brought me comfort. Arvin stood near the door of the school, smoking a cigarette as he waited for me, and a smile passed his face when he saw me. 

“Arvin, you know damn well that you aren’t supposed to be here right now,” I hissed quickly. “My daddy’ll kill you.” 

“I reckon he’d have to catch me first,” Arvin chuckled. His smile promised illicit moments in the coming minutes, and he added, “It looks like it’s gonna rain and I was thinkin’ of offering you a ride. Wouldn’t want ya to walk and get all wet and melt.” 

“Why would I melt?” I asked. “I ain’t no witch.” 

“Nah, but you’re all made of sugar,” Arvin told me. “C’mon, babydoll. I know you want to. I might even buy you a milkshake if you’re good to me.” 

“Good to you?” I laughed. “Right, ‘cause that’s my goal in life, Arv, is to please you. Fuck off.” 

“Dolly’s got an attitude today,” Arvin drawled around his cigarette. His dark eyes were full of energy and promised nothing but fun, and the fact that he hadn’t given up his advances yet let me know that he saw right through my fake resistant measures. After all, he knew that I would give in no matter what, just as I always did. “Jesus, woman, you’re makin’ me work for it today, huh? This is fun for you, yeah?” 

“Oh, so much fun,” I assured him. “I love makin’ ya dance, Arvie.” 

“Shit, do I gotta get down on one knee?” Arvin laughed. “I was hoping that you’d be all graduated first but--” 

I tugged Arvin close by his worn leather belt and I silenced him with a kiss to his cheek. My pink lipstick left a mark on his skin, and I said, “We can talk ‘bout that later. Thanks for the ride, loverboy.” 

“Never a problem with you, doll,” Arvin told me. 

As usual, we ended up parked at the river, with Arvin’s hand up my skirt. My hips bucked up into his hand as his skilled fingers found home inside me, and a soft whimper fell from my lips. “Vinny,” I whispered quickly; that name was reserved for moments like this. “O-Oh, fuck!” 

“Such a good girl,” Arvin whispered in my ear, gently nipping at my earlobe. “S’fucking tight, doll. You really ain’t been lettin’ other guys fuck ya, huh?” 

“I only want you, Vinny,” I said. “Nobody makes me feel the way you do.” 

“Good girl,” Arvin told me, and my body went warm with the praise. Arvin had always been so good to me and I truly didn’t want anybody else. But I had always imagined getting out of Coal Creek, leaving my family behind and having a good and honest life. I wanted to get married; maybe to Arvin, but maybe to someone with no ties to my family. I was lovestruck, I’ll admit that much. I was so pathetically in love with Arvin that I had doodled his name during class, even going as far to put his last name with mine. Mrs. Y/N Russell was enticing. If Arvin were ever to propose, I would be compelled to say yes. 

“Vinny,” I said, and I grabbed his strong arms. “I-I’m gettin’ close, baby.” 

“You hold that shit in,” Arvin growled into my neck. “Want ya to come on my cock, babydoll.” His fingers fell from me quickly, and he made light work of undoing his belt and jeans. My thighs were quivering around his hips, and I sunk down onto his hard cock with a satisfied keenness in the back of my throat. Arvin’s moan in my ear was heavenly, and he mumbled, “Pussy’s so good, doll. Fuck.” 

“Fuck!” I squealed as he snapped his hips up into me. “Vinny, I-I--” 

Arvin’s mouth met mine in a greedy kiss, and I whimpered my way through a blissful orgasm. Arvin swallowed every single noise I made, his hands raking my blouse up to feel the skin of my back, and I felt myself shaking so hard in his grasp. “Good girl,” Arvin shushed me, kissing all over my face. “So good for me, babydoll. Gonna help me now?” 

Even though my legs felt like liquid and my hips ached, I rolled my hips down onto him. Arvin quickly got rid of my shirt fully and tugged my bra up my chest to expose my tits, my nipples hard at the feeling of him. His mouth latched into my tit quickly, and I pushed his curls off of his forehead as I watched him suck on my tit. Arvin looked up at me through his dark eyelashes and gave my nipple a quick bite with his front teeth, and I yipped. “Vinny!” I cried. 

“Aw, dolly,” Arvin cooed. “I only do it ‘cause I like the pretty little noises you make.” 

I chuckled breathlessly, and, with his lips back on my nipple, Arvin winked at me. “Arv,” I sighed. “Your cock is literally inside me right now. You can knock it off with the flirting.” 

“Can’t help it,” Arvin said, biting his bottom lip as he cupped his hands around my breasts. “Just an instinct.” 

“It’s a good thing I like it,” I whispered, and I leaned down to kiss him. His breath was hot against my mouth, and I clutched his hair as he continued to fuck into me, and I finally pleaded, “Vinny, please come. Want you to come inside me, Arvin, please.” 

Arvin took a fistful of my hair and tugged my head back to expose my neck, and he kissed all over the soft column of my throat as his thrusts became quick and sloppy. “Fuck,” he whispered and sucked a mark onto my neck, but I was too far gone to chastise him for it. Arvin huffed out a heavy breath then, and I felt him spilling himself inside of me, painting my walls with his hot cum. I gasped aloud at the feeling of it, and Arvin set a kiss to my lips to silence me. “Ya like that?” he whispered. “Like being fucked like this? My good girl, my best girl.” 

“Christ, Vin,” I whispered with a giggle. “I love you, you fuckin’ square.” 

“Hey, I’m not a square,” Arvin laughed. His arms were circled around me, holding me tightly, and his cock was still inside me as he laid his head on my chest and tried to catch his breath. “But I love you too, babydoll.” There was a quiet that blanketed the car then, the only sounds being our rasping breaths and the faint radio that we had left on before climbing into the backseat. Arvin was right; it had begun to rain. 

“Think it’ll take?” I asked softly. 

“What?” Arvin asked. His brown eyes were still blown out as he looked at me, and a smile split his face. “Oh, dolly. Is that why you wanted me to come inside ya?” 

I shrugged sheepishly, and I hid myself in his neck. Arvin laughed and readjusted us so that he was laying on his back, making sure to stay inside of me all the while. 

“You wanna have my babies?” Arvin chuckled. “Your daddy’ll kill us.” 

“I jus’ wanna be yours, Arvie,” I told him. “Want everyone to know I’m yours.” 

Arvin pulled my face from his neck and captured my chin between his thumb and forefinger. “No more hidin’?” he asked hopefully. 

I shook my head, and Arvin smiled. “No more hiding,” I agreed. 

Arvin gave a content sigh, and he kissed my mouth once more. “My pretty girl,” he whispered. “My pretty wife, maybe?” I nodded, and he laughed. “Shit, that sounds pretty nice. Having a pretty little wife to come home to, gettin’ all big with my baby… Jesus, I love the thought of that. But you ain’t even graduated yet, doll. Are ya sure…?”

“There’re girls who dropped out ‘cause they got married,” I told him. “I think the fact that I’m engaged and pregnant, and still manage to graduate won’t be a problem.” 

Arvin kissed my forehead, and he whispered, “Just a few more minutes, baby. Wanna make sure, ya know. Then, I’ll get you that milkshake I promised.” 

[jaceyneedsabetterusername]

Broken Down (p.2)

Pairings: Arvin Russell x F!Reader (I just realized that though there’s a few little flirty parts or thoughts, it’s actually pretty platonic and open ended) 

Summary: (Part 2 of Broken Down) After escaping from Carl and Sandy, you and Arvin find yourselves in Knockemstiff. Little did either of you know, there was somebody else following you there. 

Warnings: Murder, Mention of Suicide, Canonical gore and violence, Reference to sexual assault but no depictions

Word Count: 6.6k

Find Part 1 here!

_________

Meade was the last big town until you hit Knockemstiff and you had decided to pull off at a gas station to fuel up to avoid accidentally running out of gas in the middle of nowhere. When the car’s tires rolled to a crunching halt, Arvin jumped out to pump the gas for you. You stepped out of the car and stood beside him while the tank filled with fuel. “What do you wanna do when we get to Knockemstiff? It seems like why ever you’re here is pretty personal so I understand if you wanna do this alone.” 

“Where ‘re you gonna go?” He dodged the question, the pump clicking to a stop in the background. He moved to shake the last few drops from the nozzle before replacing it at the pump. 

You and Arvin had talked a bit on your long overnight trip about your lives and your plans. He had told you that he was from Coal Creek and admitted to murdering a preacher named Preston Teagarden that impregnated his adopted sister, Lenora, which led her to committing suicide. He had told you all about this monster of a human and why he felt he had to do what he did and, though it felt twisted to genuinely support the murder of somebody, you couldn’t help but support Arvin’s actions. When you asked what was so special about Knockemstiff, he confessed that it was where he used to live, where his parents had died. 

Arvin had never found himself the overly talkative or trusting type. Coal Creek residents only seemed to judge him and his family, from bullies to the richer folk who looked down on his family simply for not having much money. There was something special about you though, and perhaps it was some unspoken bond that came about from nearly being murdered and then murdering said murderers, but it made him feel like he could open up to you more than he’d ever felt with anyone. 

You told him about your life and family thus far. You told him about your hometown of Barren Springs, not that there was really much to tell. It was just some small town full of cows and churchgoers. When he asked you what you were gonna do after today, you really weren’t sure. Hell, you were barely sure what you were doing now. 

You looked around at the surprisingly clean gas station before picking at your nails, “I don’t really know. Figured I’ll drive around for a few days. Maybe head back to Meade after I drop you off and stay here for a few until the story comes out in the newspaper. Just gotta make sure they don’t have any leads, y’know?” 

Arvin adjusted his baseball cap, “You ain’t gotta just disappear. I mean, you been mighty kind givin’ me a ride all the way out here but I don’t wanna just use you for a ride ‘n send you on your way. Not after everythin’.” He paused to think for a moment. His story wasn’t a pleasant one and his entire point in coming all the way out here was to try and find some peace with all ghosts in his closet. It was a personal journey, one that he didn’t really want anyone else to join in on, but he really did feel terrible just using you for a ride so far away and leaving you alone.  “‘M gonna go visit my old home from back when I was a boy. There’s some things I gotta do there. It’s, uh, it’s somethin’ I gotta do alone. You’re more than welcome to leave me here if you wanna go somewhere else but I don’t want to make you feel like I just used you for a ride.” 

You chewed your lip to hide the small way the corner of your mouth turned upwards at his ever-courteous manner. “Well what’re you gonna do after all this? You gonna be able to make it wherever you need to go?” 

“I ain’t got anywhere to go but I’ll figure it out. Don’t you worry ‘bout me,” he admitted, leaning against the car beside you. 

You looked up at him with your arms crossed, “How ‘bout I wait in town till you’re done doin’ what you need to do and then you can come stay with me in Barren Springs until you get a plan. It’s better for you to know where you wanna go and what you wanna do before running off.” 

Arvin’s eyes narrowed skeptically, “You sure you’re alright with that? I don’t wanna put you out anymore than you’ve already done for me.” He was never one for charity and didn’t want to take anything he felt like he couldn’t reciprocate. 

You nodded, pressing yourself off the side of the car and swinging towards the driver's side of the car, “It’s no problem, really. Now how much further to Knockemstiff?” 

** 

The drive to Knockemstiff wasn’t long at all and within the hour you and Arvin found yourselves driving along the road that he found hauntingly familiar. Even so, everything looked so different. Arvin couldn’t imagine the town changing much over the last eight or so years so he figured that the place just must have felt darker and grimmer with the ghosts of the tragedies that took place there. 

“Where’s your house?” You leaned forward over the steering wheel to peer further ahead up the road, trying to see through the thin layer of condensation that had built up on the inside of your window from the contrast of the heated interior with the dreary drizzly outside. 

Arvin gestured up the road you were headed down, “Should be just up there but it’s been a while.” You could see the way the road split off into a fork just up ahead and you could tell by Arvin’s face that he wasn’t quite sure which road was the right one. 

“Should we ask someone?” You pointed towards a small building up ahead, pulling over when Arvin nodded. 

The pair of you got out of the car to see an older man sitting in a rocking chair on the porch. “Howdy,” he greeted with a thick accent, “You pair look like you been travellin’. Where you headed?” 

Arvin shoved his hands in his pockets as he answered, hiding beneath the brim of his hat from the rain. You shielded your face with your hand from the mist, tiny droplets accumulating on your eyelashes. “There used to be a house and a barn up on that hill over there. Some lawyer owned it. You know it?” 

“Sure I do. Up in the Mitchell Flats.” The man answered sure as could be. 

“Still there?” 

The man leaned back, eyeing Arvin, “Well, I’ll be damned. You’re that Russell boy ain’t you?”

You felt the way Arvin tensed up a little beside you, clearly not comfortable with the legacy he seemed to have in this town, but stepped forward nonetheless. You followed him under the shelter of the porch awning, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “I just thought, seeing as I was this way, I’d stop by and see the old place again.” 

The man sighed heavily and stood, “Son, I hate to tell you this but that place burned some years ago. They think some kids did it. Wasn’t nobody livin’ there since you and your folks.” 

“Well, heck, we came all this way. May as well walk up there anyways.” Arvin insisted. 

The man’s eyes flicked over to you and back to Arvin, “Sure, just cut across Clarence’s pasture. Don’t know if you remember but there’s some pretty flowers growin’ up there this time of year for your girl there, too. He won’t mind if you take a few.” He glanced at you with implying eyes and you tensed up. 

“Oh, uh, we’re not- it ain’t like that.” You stammered over your words, hands waving slightly with a flustered chuckle. 

The man put his hands up, “My bad, ma’am. Just figured since you two were…” he paused and cleared his throat, “well, anyways. It’s nice to know you’re doing alright, son.” 

Arvin nodded in a brief farewell before turning to head back to the car and you followed, only stopping when he turned back to the man on the porch, “I never did thank you for the night my dad died. You were awful kind to me and I just want you to know that I ain’t never forgot it.” 

Even though you didn’t know the extent to which Arvin had suffered that night, the fact that he was thanking this old man that barely recognized him for the good deeds of nearly a decade ago spoke miles in your opinion. You stood back silently, knowing that this was his path to healing and resolution and that, at least for now, you were merely a spectator. 

“You had that pie smeared all across your face,” the man reminisced almost as if it were a happy memory, “Damn Bodecker thought it was blood. Remember that?” 

You looked at the ground with a silent chuckle at the thought of Arvin as a young boy with pie smeared across his face but that faded when you heard the way he said, “Yeah, I remember everything about that night,” with such heaviness. 

“He ain’t the lawman that I expected,” he continued, “Shame about his sister though.” 

“Why? What happened?” 

“His sister and her husband were found dead. Not far from Meade.” 

Your heart stopped beating and you glanced over at Arvin to find him already casting a nearly imperceptible but highly aware glance at you. “That’s awful. They know what happened?” You questioned, trying to force as much sincerity into your tone as possible. There was no telling with certainty that Bodecker’s sister and her husband were Sandy and Carl but that would be a huge coincidence for two different couples to wind up dead not far from Meade on the same day. 

The man nodded, “Last I heard, they don’t know for sure. I got a friend who’s son works in the sheriff’s department, though. Said they thought it was a murder-suicide at first but found bullets from a gun that they couldn’t find at the crime scene so they ain’t so sure no more. Looks like they’re investigating it as a murder.” 

Your mouth fell open, trying to find the words that would secure your innocence, as if this man had any reason to believe you were guilty anyways, but it took a moment for you to find your voice, “That’s terrible. I hope they figure out what happened,” you lied, less convincingly than you hoped but this man had no reason to not believe you.  

He nodded in agreement, “Yeah, real unfortunate to hear. But, uh, I won’t keep you any longer. You two stay safe out there.” He waved the pair of you off and you and Arvin returned to the car. 

The second both doors were securely shut, you let out a breath of air you weren’t aware you’d been holding, “We’re fucked, ain’t we?” 

“They ain’t got no reason to suspect us.” Arvin tried to reassure but the way he gripped onto his thighs tightly made you nervous. 

“He said they found bullets that didn’t match the guns at the scene. Did you pick up the bullets at the church? Can they trace the gun back to you?” Your questions flew frantically, pulling out onto the road and following the fork that the man had pointed down earlier. 

Arvin nodded, fingers rolling over the lumps in his pocket where the empty cases had been residing since yesterday. “Yeah, I picked ‘em up. ‘M pretty sure I got ‘em all.” 

You let out a shaky breath, feeling sick to your stomach, “Good,” You lied, feeling anything but, “good.” 

***

You sat at the tiny diner in town at a booth all to yourself, sipping at a soda and picking at a basket of fries. At first, you had thought that you could possibly read the book you’d packed into your bag for the trip but it sat on the table beside the napkin dispenser, untouched since you set it down after giving up at trying to read after your third time rereading the same paragraph and retaining no information. 

How could you read at a time like this? No matter how much you thought you had processed what had happened over the last twenty-four hours, it felt like the reality never truly weighed in. They knew that there was an additional gun so they knew someone else was involved. Carl and Sandy were murdered and the police knew it.

And of course Sandy would turn out to be the fucking sheriff’s sister! Just your luck, right? Carl probably could have disappeared and nobody would have noticed but the sheriff’s sister was going to be a hard one to hide from, especially now knowing that they suspected foul play. There’s no reason for anyone to suspect us, you breathed deeply, trying to calm yourself. 

The picked at basket of fries hadn’t been nearly as much comfort as you had hoped and your soda was none too great a therapist either. You didn’t realize you’d actually miss Arvin, the man you’d only known less than twenty-four hours, when you’d only dropped him off at the site of his old home thirty minutes ago but there was a loneliness now that made you uneasy. When Arvin was around, the last day’s events felt bearable but now that you were alone, the paranoia gnawed at you. 

Reaching for the ice cold Coca-Cola brand glass full of soda, you dragged it towards you, the sparkling liquid fizzing against your tongue as you took a long sip. Focus on the bubbles. Focus on the bubbles. Arvin will be done soon and you can get the hell out of Knockemstiff and as far from the crime scene as possible. 

There was a light chime from the small bell that hung over the door that drew your attention and you watched a tall dark haired man walk in, looking around like he owned the place. One of the waitresses walked right up to him with a warm smile, “Heya Sheriff! What can I get you?” 

Your blood ran cold at the realization of who this was and your fears were only confirmed when he turned and you could see the heavy expression in his eyes, “‘M not here for food, Sally. You seen a boy and girl come through here? They’re both young and pretty good looking. He’s kinda average height, brown hair?,” he went on to describe you briefly as well before continuing, “Might have been hitchhiking.” 

As casually as you could, you picked up the book and buried your face in it, letting your hair drape over the sides of your face to conceal yourself as much as possible. Sally thought for a moment, “Hm, we get the usual hitchhikers through here. The boy got a name?” 

“Arvin Russell.” Bodecker’s voice was flat and serious and the waitress could tell that he was in no mood for stretching this out. 

She shook her head apologetically, “‘M sorry, Bodecker. I ain’t seen nobody come through here with that name or a new couple at all. I saw Henry talkin’ to a pair who might’ve matched that description though. Saw ‘em on my way into work. Couldn’t see ‘em too well but sounds like they might have had the same hair color. I don’t know… they didn’t look familiar though. Maybe check with him?” 

It was amazing how your breath could reverberate so loudly off the thick walls of paper that shrouded your face from view. Your heart pounded in your chest as you continued to eavesdrop in silence. “Yeah, I’ll go do that. Thanks, Sal.” 

You peeked over your book to see her nod and perch up on her toes while she gestured to the kitchen, “Can I get you somethin’ for the road? Coffee maybe? You know it’s on the house.” 

Bodecker just shook his head, a solemn look on his face, the look of a man on a mission, “Nah, I better just head out.” With that he walked out the door and you watched him carefully as he climbed into his police car and drove off down towards the old man’s house that you and Arvin had been at not more than an hour ago. 

This was bad. 

As quickly as you could, you paid for your meal and hustled out to your car, practically throwing yourself into the driver’s seat and speeding down the road after the officer. If he was stopping at the old man’s - Henry, as you just learned - house, that could possibly give you enough time to find Arvin at his house and drive off before Bodecker could even find the pair of you. 

Your knuckles turned white on the steering wheel as you sped down the road, grateful that the roads were mostly empty at this time of day. The only sound was the wheels spinning against the asphalt and you talking aloud to yourself, trying to devise a plan. “Just get there before Bodecker, pick up Arvin, get the hell outta dodge.” You repeated it over and over again as if it were that simple. 

Soon, you passed Henry’s humble abode and, sure enough, the sheriff’s car was parked just outside and you saw his large figure questioning the old man. Neither of them paid your passing car any mind, which you were grateful for as you peeled off down the left fork of the road, the one that led up to the Mitchell Flats. 

You pulled up to the flat area that only had remnants of a house’s foundation now. Slabs of cement were the only signs that a house ever was here, mostly broken from years of abuse from the elements and teenagers. When you pulled up, you noticed that Arvin was nowhere to be seen. “Shit!” You hissed, jumping out of the car and jogging down towards his backyard, the direction he had headed when you dropped him off earlier. He couldn’t have made it far. 

“Arvin!” You called out, arms reaching out in a desperate attempt to keep your balance as your feet skidded every few steps along the leaves and moss that slicked the hill you hustled down. “Arvin!” 

“I really need you to fucking respond…” You groaned the words meant for Arvin aloud to yourself as you nearly tripped over logs on your trek through the woods. The trees all looked the same and you kept glancing behind you to ensure that you weren’t going in circles, often choosing little landmarks, like that one log that had mushrooms growing on it, to make sure you could find your way back. 

Finally, you saw Arvin’s form kneeling before an eerie wooden cross, his white t-shirt dirty from several days of less than ideal situations. You ran towards Arvin, tripping slightly over a few rocks here and there along the way. He turned, ears perked up at the sound of your footsteps. “Arvin! Thank God I found you. We gotta go. Bodecker’s onto us. He came into the diner looking for us and is at Henry’s now.” 

Arvin stood up hastily, “Where’s the car?” 

“Up by where your house used to be.” You pointed over your shoulder in the direction you came from, “C’mon! If we leave now we might be able to get outta here before-” There was the distinct rustle of footsteps coming from uphill that made you freeze. Your voice lowered to nearly a whisper, “Did you hear that?” 

Arvin froze as well, the only sound being your breathing, as you both waited for the sound again. Sure enough, there was a rustle of footsteps again. “Arvin Russell! I know you’re down there somewhere!” Bodecker’s voice rang through the forest clear as day, “You ‘n that girl you’re with. I know y’all are out there.” 

Arvin literally tackled you to the ground and hugged your body close to his as he rolled the both of you into a small crevice between a fallen tree and a hole beneath it. He pressed you close into the tree, hiding you as far into the small space as he could while he fumbled around in his pocket for his gun. 

“It’s Sheriff Bodecker, kids! I just got some questions to ask you!” 

Arvin perched up on his elbows to try and peer over the log. You reached up and fisted his shirt, trying to drag him back down. “What the hell are you-” 

A gunshot blasted through the empty forest and both you and Arvin flinched aggressively. His body dropped against yours and you held his chest tightly, burying yourself in his body and pulling him as close to you as possible, concealed in the shelter of the log. You let out a tiny shriek of surprise that you muffled by biting your thumb. His arms wrapped around your body in both an attempt to shield you but also as a knee jerk reaction looking for safety himself in you. 

“Sorry ‘bout that! Goddamn bird scared me!” Bodecker breathed heavily somewhere to the west of where you were, his footsteps getting closer and closer. “I ain’t here to hurt you! And I know that y’all don’t wanna hurt me. Come on out so we can have us a talk!” 

While Bodecker spoke his lies, Arvin laid back on his back and fumbled around with his gun yet again, this time gripping it and loading the clip with shaky clumsy hands. Finally, he got the clip loaded and he cocked the gun, holding it with both hands like an inexperienced marksman. 

You looked around frantically for something to use as a weapon, anything to not feel helpless. Rocks and sticks seemed to be your best choices but you knew damn well that wouldn’t do jack shit against a gun. Arvin glanced over at you with fear in his eyes, the fact that you both found yourselves facing death yet again for the second time in two days. Tragedy seemed to loom over Arvin like a storm cloud but, looking in your wide beautiful eyes, he’d be damned if he let you become another ghost in his past. 

“I had a feeling you’d be here. Remember that night you brought me up here? That was an awful thing your daddy did.” His footsteps were terrifyingly close now and you did the only thing you could think of to help. You tossed a stone as far away as you could. According to plan, Bodecker jumped and shot at the sudden movement. “God damnit, don’t fuck with me!” 

Arvin may have had the gun but if you could make Bodecker waste his ammo, that was less chances he had of shooting you and Arvin. It was the best solution you could come up with in the heat of the moment. Bodecker sounded furious now and when you peeked over the log, you saw him hiding behind a tree. 

You threw another rock in his direction and he wasted yet another shot. “Fuck! I swear to God-” He cursed angrily, knowing he was wasting his shots on nothing. 

“Put the gun down, Sheriff. I got one pointed right at you!” Arvin yelled back and your eyes blew wide in panic. You smacked him on the arm and the question in your eyes was clear: What the hell are you thinking?

“Can’t do that son!” 

“Just set it on the ground and step away.” Arvin’s voice shook despite his attempt at sounding firm. 

“What?” Bodecker asked with a notable change in his tone. Footsteps started approaching again. 

Poor Arvin fell right into the trap. “Just set it on the ground and step away!” He repeated even louder. You smacked his arm again and held a finger to your lips. 

“So you can kill me like you did my sister and that preacher in West Virginia?” Bodecker hollered back. “You and that girl murdered my sister, didn’t you?” 

For the first time since the incident, you felt actual guilt for what you’d done. Hearing the way Bodecker’s voice cracked with grief made you realize that Sandy’s death did actually have an effect on other people, even if she wasn’t a good person. Arvin swallowed hard too, “We ain’t bad people, Sheriff. That preacher weren’t no good. He hurt my sister so bad she killed herself, Sheriff. I had no choice!”

You shook your head and waved your hands at him, desperately pleading him to stop talking. Bodecker’s footsteps were only getting closer and you knew he was getting Arvin to talk so he could locate the two of you. Arvin just had to explain himself, though, and before you could move, Bodecker was right on top of you. From your new position, awkwardly creeping up a nearby tree, using its trunk for cover, you could see Bodecker’s shotgun peek out from around a tree. 

“I hate to be the one to tell you this, Sheriff, but your sister and her husband… they weren’t no good neither.” Arvin continued to explain yourselves to the sheriff. By then, your upper back was pressed up awkwardly against a standing tree but you were still lying down, hiding mostly against the fallen log still. Arvin stayed laying on his back, gun up against his chest. “I got a snapshot in my pocket of her huggin’ on some dead guy. And Y/N… you shoulda seen what they was doin’ to her,” Arvin’s eyes met yours and you could see a well of unshed tears as this poor boy was on the verge of breaking at the thought of watching you relive that horror. It was a brief moment that he wanted only you to see before he continued,  “What they wanted to do to us. We had no choice! Let loose that gun and I’ll show it to you!” 

Suddenly, Bodecker jumped out from behind the tree and Arvin pulled the trigger as soon as he saw him coming but not before the sheriff got a shot off right at the two of you as well. You shrieked out in pain as a few pellets from the shotgun grazed your arm, tearing holes in your jacket. They weren’t deep wounds but they tore long thin gashes across your flesh that began bleeding immediately. 

“Agh!” You yelled out, clutching your bicep that was already wet with crimson liquid. Arvin rolled over next to you, having flinched away from the bullets in the opposite direction. You wanted to ask if he was alright but he rolled back over to look up at Bodecker, confirming that he was thankfully at least alive. 

Your attention went to the sheriff as well who stood there looking dumbfounded at the red spot blossoming on his shirt. His jaw went slack and his knees buckled before he finally dropped to the ground. You and Arvin shot each other glances of disbelief. You both pressed yourselves off the ground and hopped over the log towards the sheriff. 

Bodecker was on the ground, gasping and trying to hang onto what was left of his life. The first thing you did before even looking at him long was kneel down and take his gun from his hand. Now that you were sure he couldn’t hurt you, you looked down at him sadly. Killing Sandy and Carl had been disturbingly easy because they were genuinely terrible people who were trying to murder you. They also died quickly. Bodecker lied helpless on the ground at the mercy of two young adults, gasping and gripping desperately to this world. This time, the murder made your heart feel heavy. Yes, he had been trying to murder you and Arvin but it was for his sister’s sake. There was a twisted nobility in the action that you could empathize for. 

Bodecker looked up at Arvin and then up at you. “So it was you in that picture,” he attempted to say, his voice a hoarse whisper. 

Your brows furrowed in confusion, “What do you mean?” 

He laid his head back, too tired to continue straining himself, “In… in my pocket… Found some pictures in Carl’s camera of… of a girl crying with her shirt.. With her shirt…” Bodecker attempted to explain but his voice failed him as much as his the rest of his body was beginning to shut down. 

You gasped at the mention of the photographs. In the heat of everything, you had completely forgotten that Carl had taken a few pictures of you. You patted down the sheriff’s pocket until you found a developed picture of you with your shirt torn wide open, bra out for the world to see, and tears streaming down your face despite the defiantly angry look on your face. Sandy was topless behind you, her lips pressing against your neck and her hands gripping your breasts, pressing them up and inwards to amplify their suppleness. Her direct eye contact with the camera was chilling. 

You shuttered at the picture, shoving it in your own pocket instead of giving it back to Bodecker. You weren’t sure what you’d do with it but you couldn’t risk anyone else seeing it. 

Arvin had caught a glimpse of the picture and noticed the way it shook in your hands. He noticed the way your eyes glazed over looking at it like you couldn’t believe it was actually you. When you shoved it in your pocket, he sighed and pulled out his own photograph to show the sheriff, the one of Sandy posing nude behind a man’s corpse. 

“We had no choice.” He told Bodecker. There was such sincerity in his voice and almost an apology in his eyes for the harm that he had caused to Bodecker and his family. It was never meant to be like this for either you or him. Neither of you were supposed to have become killers. Your hands were never meant to be stained red but life or death situations called for extreme measures and it had been you or them every time. “They was gonna kill us. I swear.” 

“We didn’t wanna do it but they had a gun to our heads and tried to force us to... We didn’t have a choice. They were gonna kill us.” You reiterated, voice just as shaky as Arvin’s as you had to sit and come to terms with the events of the last twenty-four hours. 

“I’m so sorry.” You and Arvin apologized in uncoordinated unison, hanging your heads low to genuinely show how sorry you were for causing him pain and that it had all had to boil down to this. 

Bodecker’s eyes left the pair of you and stared upwards at the trees. You glanced up to see what he was looking at and saw a beautiful clearing in the branches that framed the perfectly clear late afternoon sky. It was a beautiful view to have to be your last, you thought morbidly but truthfully. 

You and Arvin sat by Bodecker’s side, listening to his ragged strained breaths until they finally stopped and you knew he was gone. It felt like the least you could do after everything, staying with him so he didn’t die alone. You hoped that maybe it counted as some shred of redemption for the sins committed over the last two days. 

When Bodecker’s body finally went limp and his eyes glazed over, you reached up and brushed your hand over his face, closing his eyes. You couldn’t stand to see the empty blue orbs stare off into nothingness and know there was nobody behind those eyes anymore. Arvin stood up and walked over to where you had been hiding, not giving Bodecker’s body much attention at all after he finally slipped away. 

With a heavy sigh, you pressed yourself to your feet and walked over to where Arvin stood, looking down at a hole full of animal bones that you hadn’t noticed earlier. You visibly cringed, wondering what in the hell you walked into, “What’s that?” 

Sadness overtook Arvin’s features as he stared at the pile of bones, “My best friend from when I was a boy. I had to come back and give him a proper burial.” His vague answer clearly had a story attached to it but you didn’t have the heart to press him further on it right now. Arvin turned his attention to the pistol in his hand, the one he had used to shoot Teagarden, Carl, and Bodecker, and saw nothing but the bloodshed it had caused. 

You wished you could know what was going on in Arvin’s brain as he twisted that Luger in his hand. His eyes were deep with remorse, grief, and heartache and you could tell that this boy had seen too many tragedies for one lifetime and somehow, they were all related to the gun he held in his hand. 

After almost a minute of silence, he placed the gun gingerly on top of the bones in the makeshift grave and piled it full of dirt until it was indistinguishable from the rest of the forest floor. The only landmarks to signify its location were the three crosses that humbly stood above it. “Why’d you do that?” You asked with gentle curiosity. 

He stood up but kept his eyes trained on where the hole once was, “My daddy always told me to wait for the right time to do anything.,” He nodded his head, as if agreeing with his own decision, “I think it’s the right time.” His answer was cryptic and, yet again, you could tell there was a story behind it that you would have to wait to discover. 

There was a cool breeze that sent goose bumps rising across your arms and you glanced around the forest to see the leaves rustle and fall to the ground. That was when the black and white clothing of Sheriff Bodecker stood out against the gold and brown foliage and reality settled back in. 

“We should probably get outta here soon, Arv.” You urged with a gentle tone, a hand coming to rest softly on Arvin’s bicep. 

Arvin’s jumped slightly, eyes darting down to where your skin gently grazed his own. The softness of your touch and the sincerity in your eyes was one that he wasn’t sure he’d experienced since his mother. Even Lenora hadn’t filled that gap that he was secretly desperate for to be filled. She was kind and gentle but had a childlike naivety that you lacked. Arvin’s mother had never looked at him the way you did either. His mother had been tender and compassionate but there was a different kind of understanding in the way that you looked at him. One look into your eyes validated all of his sins over the last few days, for better or worse. 

His opposite hand reached across his body and rested over yours, revelling silently in the way your hand fit against his. “Yeah… you’re right.” Arvin took one last look at the three crosses that had haunted his dreams for years and it was almost as if he could feel himself kneeling before them with his father. These weren’t memories he ever thought he’d want to hold onto but now that he was faced with the possibility of never coming back, a part of him felt reluctant to leave. “Rest easy now, Jack.” He let his hand fall from yours with his last good bye and while you weren’t entirely sure who Jack was, you were fairly certain it was the name of whoever those bones in that grave belonged to. 

**

“‘M sorry,” Arvin said out of the blue from the driver’s seat of your car, shaking you from the silent daze that both of you had been sitting in for the last thirty minutes. 

You tore your eyes from the dashboard where they had long since zoned out on, emotionally overwhelmed, to look over at him. “For what?” You asked, brows furrowed.

“If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have gotten caught up in all this.” 

You shook your head, “That ain’t true, Arvin. We both ended up in Carl and Sandy’s car yesterday and we both pulled those triggers. Bodecker was shooting at us because he couldn’t settle with the fact that his sister was a monster. It’s like you said, us or them. I probably would’ve died with Sandy and Carl if it weren’t for you being there so if anything, I should be thanking you. You saved my life.” 

Arvin looked over at you, his eyes red from holding back tears for so long but he still shed none. He wasn’t sure what to say to that. The way you had been sitting so quietly had him convinced that you hated him for dragging you into a life ruining situation. “Well I wouldn’t have made it this far without you either so thank you.” 

You nodded with a small appreciative smile but there was an exhausted sadness behind your features that Arvin shared. Silence settled back over the car aside from the faint ever present sound of the wind outside the car as you and Arvin drove on down the highway headed for Pennsylvania. Neither of you knew what your next steps were but since killing Bodecker, you’d both decided that heading back to Barren Springs was not a wise decision. The two of you needed to get as far away from this area as you could, at least until everything blew over - that was, if it ever would. If Bodecker could track Arvin, that must have meant the other police officers knew that he had killed Teagarden as well. You weren’t sure if the police knew that you and Arvin were responsible for Carl and Sandy but you could assume as much since Bodecker came after the two of you. Even if they didn’t, there were pictures of you on Carl’s camera but your body wasn’t at the crime scene. Finally, when Bodecker didn’t return, wouldn’t that just put you and Arvin at the top of the suspect list? 

So with all the uncertainty in the world, you sat in the passenger seat of your own car with a stranger who you felt like you understood more than you’d ever understood anyone, driving across state lines with no clue as to what you future held. You didn’t know where you were going, when you’d get to come back home, when you could safely see anyone you cared about again, or what was going to happen to all your life goals now. Everything that had been planned and comfortable had been stolen away by a twisted couple picking up a poor girl with a broken down car. 

You didn’t know what was waiting for you in Pennsylvania, or anywhere for that matter, but even with all the uncertainty, one thing felt beyond doubt. Maybe it was the exhaustion from going two days with no sleep but you just knew Arvin Russell was going to be in your life from this day forward. There was something you couldn’t explain between the two of you. A spark felt like an inappropriate way to put it under the circumstances of your relationship thus far but it was an understanding, an empathy, a trust, a sense of protection of one another. When you tore your eyes off the road ahead long enough to look over at the man sitting beside you, his hair parted messily down the middle and his face and shirt smudged with dirt, you could have sworn you saw your future. Whether it was a future in prison together, as partners in crime, friends, or lovers, you weren’t quite sure, but a content smile crept up on your face at the inexplicably comforting knowledge that Arvin Russell would be there with you for whatever ups and downs were to come.

[abitscripturient]

Sequence 1-1 : Raina

Sequence 1-1: Talks Of Freedom Between Meals

Spring 1786

Footsteps rushed through the forest, the sounds of breath coming in and out of huffs as trees flew past. A look behind revealed that the men chasing on horseback were coming nearer and nearer. Fear clutched the heart but still, the need for freedom took prevalence. There was only one chance, only one to make this escape and make it to the railroad. Closer…just a bit closer…there! A lantern lit in a window. Head for it! The running footsteps make it into the yard, and finally to the door that was opening, revealing a warm cozy glow and outstretched hands of assistance.

This…this was what the first steps of freedom felt like.

Eyelids framed by dainty eyelashes move upward, revealing dark brown orbs that focus on the ceiling of a cabin. They then move to the right, where a dimly lit fireplace was. There is no cozy glow here, no outstretched hands. 

“No,” Raina whispers, her arm coming up and over her eyes. “It was just a dream.” 

Her body raises up on the straw pallet she usually slept on and tears welled hot in her eyes. For the past couple of days, she had been having this same dream: to have freedom so close she could practically taste it only to wake up still in bondage. She moves some of her thick wavy dark hair behind her shoulder and sighs, trying to get over the remnants of her dream. A look to her left shows her older roommate and caretaker Edie still snoring softly. She gets up hearing the rooster starting to crow outside, which meant she only had about fifteen minutes or so to get appropriately dressed and ready to head to the big house in order to cook breakfast for the master and the mistress. She smiles warmly at the woman behind her, wanting more than anything to let her sleep but the consequences for being late spur her to wake her up.

“Edie, rise and shine. Time to get up, sugar.” Her voice is quiet with well-meaning and it seems to do the trick as the woman starts stirring and rising to a sitting position as well. 

“I was only resting my eyes, Rainy.” 

“I understand. I like to rest my eyes for eight hours too.” Raina replies, getting a soft belly laugh in response. 

 <<< >>>

 The young woman manages to get herself ready quickly enough to hurry to the house. She rushed under huge willow trees, noticing lights turning on in other quarters signaling that other slaves were getting ready to start their workdays along with hers. The weather was warm but the humidity was heavy like a rough blanket, making Raina incredibly happy that she was blessed to work inside of the home. Raina had been born a slave on Ridgedale; the plantation that belonged to Thomas Carmichael alongside his young wife, Ella.

The master was pretty civil to her all of her life, giving the okay for her to work in the kitchen next to Edie ever since she was orphaned and despite knowing that she was his property, she made sure to give him her respect around him. However, Mistress Ella was another thing entirely. She never missed a chance to cut evil glares towards Raina's direction or to harp on her for no reason at all and she never understood why but not to be a problem towards the two she kept her distance as often as possible. 

Out of breath, Raina enters through the back door and grabs her apron seeing yet another house cook, Annabelle next to the huge stove stirring suppawn, a thick porridge of cornmeal and milk cooked together. The milk was taken from the cow early in the morning. While tying her apron straps, he gives her an amicable smile before starting to look around for what was next to make. She settles for getting the fruit together to accompany the main meal as well as some extra milk to wash it down. After waiting patiently for Annabelle to finish and to set the two steaming bowls of suppawn down, Raina took no time to pick up the tray to walk into the large dining room where she knew her owner and his wife sit expectantly. 

“Hurry up, girl! Do we have to wait all morning for us to eat?” Ella harps as her golden curls bounce with each shake of her head. Thomas watches Raina’s every move silently seemingly unaware of his wife’s sullied mood

“No, Miss Ella. I’m sorry.” Raina answers, setting down the tray and giving each recipient their porcelain bowls. After making sure that food was served, Raina went back around to grab the pitcher of milk. She pours some into Miss Ella’s cup first, trying her best to ignore the way the woman sneers at her. When that is finished she starts to walk toward her master only to feel a foot trip her. She tries to catch herself but watches in dismay as a good amount of the white liquid flies out and lands on the polished wooden floor. 

“Land sakes! You are so clumsy, Raina! Now, can’t you do anything right?” Ella spits out with disdain and Raina fights the urge to turn and give this rotten woman a piece of her mind. She instead turns and meets her owner’s eyes before coming over and pouring what’s left of the milk into his glass. 

“I apologize, Master Thomas. I’m not sure what I tripped over.” She tries to explain with her head down. 

Thomas stares at her with emotionless eyes before glancing over at his wife who is staring at Raina smugly. He knew what she was up to as did Raina herself. He finally gives a soft chuckle and Raina dares to look at him. He gestures with his head toward the spilled milk puddle. 

“It’s fine, Raina. Clean that mess up and finish in the kitchen.” 

“Yes, Master.” 

Raina bows her head slightly before rushing toward the kitchen only to stop short to grab a rag from Russell, the butler who had seen the whole thing. As she passes behind the chair of the owner and kneels the clean the spill she knows it’s not long before she hears the screeching of the bested wife. She doesn’t have to wait. 

“That’s it? You’re not going to punish her?”  Ella asks, her eyes glaring down at Raina who keeps cleaning. Her eyes watch her husband who starts to eat a few bites before looking.

“For what exactly? For you tripping her and spilling fresh milk that was milked by my hard-working slaves this morning? You must think I have eyes in the back of my head for not noticing.”

A small gasp came from the mistress before a shadow of annoyance flashed over her features.

“I swear, Thomas I don’t know what you see in this mulatto wench. You are always defending her!” Ella points at Raina who glances back at her before starting to clean faster. She hears Ralph sigh obviously not wanting to get into a discussion while eating breakfast.

“Now, Ella…”

“No! I see the way you watch her while she works. You want to bed her so bad.”

Raina stiffens, momentarily abashed hearing those words. She glances up at her master who looked back at her for a slight second with red cheeks and it’s all she needs to know the truth. She had wondered why she would see him standing in the doorway of the kitchen from time to time watching her. She naively contributed it to him making sure things were going smoothly. But he would linger his sight on her for the longest and she remembers the few chills she would feel from it. 

“Ella Carmichael, you watch your tongue this instant. I will not have you talking this way to me.”

“Get rid of her! Get rid of Raina, Thomas!” 

Raina notices Russell kneeling down to help her clean the mess only for both of them to jump hearing the master yell into the dining hall. “Everybody get the hell out of here, now!” Feeling Russell pull her arm to help her up, she quickly follows the butler to the back, hearing muffled yells and shouts from the owner and his wife as Edie closes the door behind them. 

“What is going on?!” She whispers harshly, looking from Russell to Raina who has color flooding her light cheeks.  Russell, always so sympathetic, takes the milk dampened rag from her before putting his hands on her shoulders to look down at her. She looks up at him in return biting her lip. 

“I blew it, didn’t I?”

“No, child. That was all the mistress and we both know it. Now you best go make yourself scarce for a while until things cool off. I’ll fill Edith in and I’m sure Beau needs help in the garden.”

Raina nods, reaching back to remove her apron and to hang it on the hook by the door. “Thank you, Russell. I’ll go now and be back for supper time.” She gave a look to a confused Edie to reassure her before departing, the yells still prominent even as she left. 

<<<<   >>>>

It was no secret the relationship between the master and the mistress was ever-changing as stormy waves. Being a much younger age than her husband, Ella was spoiled and had been that way since her birth. She was the second wife Ralph chose, the first dying from an illness. She had always had a grudge against Raina from the beginning and now Raina knew why. The word mulatto went all over her mind as she wrinkled her nose. 

It wasn’t her fault that she was who she was. Her mother was honey-skinned but she had told Raina that her father was not so. That he came from a place called Greece. Soon after she told her that information, she was suddenly sold and Raina never saw her again.  That was when she was fourteen and never had she felt so alone after that. Graciously, Edie was there to take care of her, saying it was her mother’s wish that she did so and the two were attached at the hip after that. Despite that, Raina still bore the ire of Mistress Ella despite trying her hardest to make her happy. 

The trail that led to the garden was made from slaves constantly walking up and down along them and as the dust collects on Raina’s shoes from it she opens the gate seeing her childhood friend, Beau leaning over some lettuce. Despite his cozy appearance wearing a long shirt and pants, Beau is tough lean and sinewy. Hearing Raina behind him, Beau glances over his shoulder before snickering. “It’s only 7 am and you’re already outside, Rainy. Must mean you made Miss Ella mad something awful.” 

“Oh, hush up. It wasn’t my fault this time or any other time before!” Raina snapped grabbing a basket by the fence to help him harvest, hearing him laugh as he starts putting a head or two inside of it. 

A crackling sound of a whip makes the two turn their heads to see a man being whipped for not gathering cotton fast enough. Raina trembles watching but Beau shakes his head growling, “I’m done with all this, Raina. I’m so tired of seeing our people being treated like we’re nothing but dirt for no reason at all than to make white people happy.” 

Raina rushed to cover Beau’s mouth looking around to see if any overseers were watching. “You watch what you say, Beau before you’re next!” She whispers to him, only for him to wrench his head from her hand. 

“I’m not scared of them. They are cowards, hiding behind whips and guns.” 

Raina shakes her head, not wanting to think of her friend getting hurt. “Please…” She watches as Beau’s eyes start to soften again and he sighs. “Look…I know you want freedom as much as I do. If you are as serious as I am, meet me tonight at Albert’s quarters after you are done with your work.” She hesitates, torn by conflicting emotions but then nods.

Raina returns to the house a little later grateful to the Lord that Ella didn’t find her to harp on her. The rest of the day seemed to be quieter as Raina cooks her way past the hours until supper time around 2 pm. This time around the dining room table had three more people joining and so even more work was needed to be done. Smells of roasted meat fill the kitchen as sounds of utensils are heard chopping and stirring.

“Careful, little Rainy…Master Brody is here tonight.” Edie warns Raina as she starts giving platters to the servants. Raina nearly drops the plate she’s holding, her heart thundering at just the mention of that name. Cole Brody is a young man who trades with Ralph Carmichael after taking over his father’s successful sugar plantation. Whenever he came down to Ridgedale, Cole made sure that he had Raina’s undivided attention, no matter what the cost to her. She had been cuffed so many times by overseers after being cornered by Cole for not attending to her duties and she despises him for it. 

After handing off another platter, Raina takes a moment to peek out as the servant leaves the cooking area. Cole was indeed there laughing with Master Ralph and Mistress Ella. He had slicked-back blond hair and brilliant green eyes. Just the way he sat there told you he had made it in life. Raina always thought any woman would be lucky to have him…if he wasn’t such a dirty bastard. She gasps as he suddenly turns his head, his lecherous eyes making contact with hers and she ducks her head down saying to Edie, “Keep me busy! I don’t want to have to go out there if I don’t need to.” 

Edith doesn’t let her down, making her prepare dessert, wash every dish, and clean down everything in the kitchen. It was an hour later when the servants start bringing back the last plates, to which Raina immediately cleans. Edith then tells her to gather the container for scraps so she can feed the pigs. Raina steps outside and pauses for a moment to take in some fresh air, glad that everything was going according to plan and that she didn’t have to worry about the visitor in the house for the time being. Her eyes take in some of the slaves of Ridgedale starting to do their weigh-ins for their cotton while others make their ways to the quarters for the night. She doesn’t forget Beau’s words of the meeting and while sleep pulls at her, the thought of freedom is more prevalent. Resolved to make the meeting, Raina makes it to the pigsty, grabbing the steel container and heading back.

Raina,” A voice that sends chills down the spine calls out. Cole. Raina grimaces hearing Cole but pretends not to at first, heading back towards the kitchen. 

“I know you hear me calling you, girl! Get over here now.” Cole ordered, pointing down to the ground in front of him with a no-nonsense look on his face. Not wanting him to discipline her or have the overseers come over, Raina obeys him, turning around. She gathers the sides of her dress and walks up to him her face neutral of any kind of expression to greet him. “Good evening, Master Brody. How can I-” 

Raina’s right arm is gripped and she’s brought over against the stone wall of the big house. Cole’s hands rush up to Raina’s hair releasing it from her ties groaning as he watches the wavy tresses drop to her shoulders and back, ignoring her soft gasp of surprise.

“Damn…I’ve been dreaming about this body since the last time I saw you, Raina. Since the last time I touched it.” Cole says to her in a low voice, his breath hot against her cheek and neck as he starts pressing his body up against the slave girl he managed to corner yet again. His left-hand starts trailing down Raina’s cheek as Raina turns her head away. Then it grips on to her right breast squeezing hard. 

Vomit threatens to rise up the woman’s throat; this wasn’t the first time that Cole had touched her in such a manner. Uncomfortable at his closeness, Raina tries to distract him with words to make her escape.

“Please, Master Brody. I need to go. The master is waiting for me to finish my work.” She tries to move out of his presence only for him to push her back against the hard brick of the big house. 

“You ain’t going nowhere, girl. You’re always trying to escape me…but soon that won’t be an issue.” Cole holds her tight in his grip. A strange faintly eager look flashes in his eyes before he gives a chuckle seeing Raina’s eyes meet his finally in confusion. Her lips part a tiny bit as she calculates what he’s talking about.

“I don’t understand. What do you mean?” Raina knows the answer but wants to hear them face to face. She manages to keep eye contact with Cole just enough to see the truth.

“What I’m telling you is that in the near future, I plan to make you mine, Raina. When I get enough funds from the sugar cane sales, I’ll be back to buy you and once I do, girl,” He pauses, getting closer to her lips. “Your only job will be for breeding…you won’t ever leave my bed.”  

Before Raina could even try to protest her selling, she felt his lips cover hers, her scream muffled under his kiss that still had the after tones of the dinner made for him. She tosses her head from side to side, raising her hands to push his face back, hearing his growl as he releases her enough backhand her face. White light and agonizing pain sear through her head as it falls back against the brick.  Her hand covers her cheek and she whimpers shying away as Cole comes close to her face again.

“You better know your place, wench. You’re nothing but property to be used, Raina so get that through that thick head of yours.” His fingers gripped onto her cheeks hard pressing her lips out as he growled with irritation at her squeals of terror.

“Master Brody…” 

Both Raina and Cole suddenly become very still hearing a voice, their eyes meeting with Beau’s who was standing there, concern for Raina all in his dark eyes. 

“What do you want, boy? You see me busy, don’t you? Get!” Cole ordered, pointing. Beau removed his straw hat, staying put as he tries to explain to the young master. “I’d like to do that, Master but you are being summoned by Master Thomas. He’s looking for you.” 

Cole scoffs before looking down at the trembling Raina who avoids his gaze. “No doubt wondering if staking my claim on you, girl.” He then releases her, fixing his overcoat and clearing his throat. “No matter. I’ll get what I want soon enough.” Raina risks a glance and Cole smirks at her. Seeing the slaves staying silent, he starts walking away chuckling. Raina waits for the vile master to be completely out of her sight before she starts letting out gasping sobs. Beau reaches her, bringing her into a hug. 

“Are you all right? Did he rape you, Raina?” He asks, checking her all over and looking at her reddened cheek. 

“N..no. Thank the Lord Almighty he didn’t. Thank you for coming when you did, Beau.” Raina says graciously, kneeling down and sniffling, grabbing her hairpins. Beau joins her on the ground watching her intently, his finger going under her chin to bring her face up to meet his.

“Freedom sounds pretty damn good right about now, don’t it?”

Raina doesn’t deny it. 

<<<<   >>>>

 Later after coming back to the house with the container for scraps Raina pauses in the hallway seeing Mistress Ella standing there, her body and face highlighted by candles in the hallway. 

“You enjoy your visit with Mister Brody, Raina? He seems quite smitten with you. Maybe I should put in a word to the master to go ahead and get your papers ready to sell. Give a chance for Cole to stare at you instead of my husband.” Raina stared wordlessly at the woman, her heart pounding. So all that Cole had told her is true. There are talks of her sale. Ella’s smile looks so wicked that Raina takes a step back as she hears her deep chuckle of satisfaction from the slave’s reaction. Hurt from deep inside prompts her to speak up.

“Miss Ella…I don’t understand. What reason is there really for you to hate me so? I try everything I can to please you.” 

The mistress of the manor stared at Raina in disbelief as if she really had the gall to talk to her so, crossing her arms and smirking. Her eyes are full of such contempt and she gestured to Raina with one hand palm up. The next words shake Raina to the core and she knows she will never forget them as long as she lives. 

You exist, you negra bitch. That’s reason enough.” 

Later that evening while in Beau’s quarters surrounded by four others, the words still ring in her ears even though she knows she shouldn’t be surprised they were spoken. She’s not sure if Ella meant by her personally or by her people but either way, it was the final straw in her decision on escaping. She had no real family here to hang onto and so what was really keeping her here? Fear of lashings? Fear of being lynched? That was no different than the fear she felt every second of every day! 

Her decision was made.

The plan was to wait until everybody was asleep in the quarters and slip out to the backwoods; an area that had not been watched for years. That was one of Ralph Carmichael’s major flaws: Thinking that his slaves were loyal to him to the end. He was a pretty lenient master, but he still thought of them all as his property and just like her, this group was fed up with it. There is nothing that can change her mind. Nothing. Not even Edie who pleaded with her ward at lights out to reconsider but when she realized it was a lost cause all she could do was pray over her and wish safe travels. 

Raina once again sits on her bed pallet. She reaches under her pillow to pull out a necklace. It was metal and chain-linked with a pyramid-shaped crystalline gem hanging at the end. Raina had this under her possession ever since she found out her mother had been sold and since then she had been keeping it close, making sure that nobody found or worse stole it. Raina found at times that it would seem to glow almost as luminous as the flame she was in front of; that in itself was reason enough to protect it. She puts the necklace back then sighs, staring at the fire for a few minutes before laying back for sleep. 

Before her eyes can close she smiles, thinking about freedom. That lantern and that open arms ready for embrace…

They may be closer to obtain than she thought. 

[shorthaircutsmodels]

Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts - 15+ - https://shorthaircutsmodels.com/alexa-chungs-short-hairstyles-and-haircuts/ - Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, They match the rest of your hair. You probably know Alexa Chung as a fashion designer TV presenter model writer style icon or all of the above. And now he's adding another feather to his hat as international spokesperson for L'oréal Professionnel. Chung gives us the top of her favorite color trends in her hair care routine and a haircut she's never tried. Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, How was your relationship with L'oréal Professionnel? L'oréal Professionnel represents fashion hair art craftsmanship and personalized beauty with a Parisian touch. We've been working together since 2020 - 2021, L'oréal Professionnel was backstage at my first fashion shows in London and Paris. I love the products I embody. I tried Pro Fiber and then it repairs the hair for a good. Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, Length and the result is great really amazing. The hair-coloured new Paris Chocolat collection is great for getting the French chic vibe in the salon. What does your hair care routine look like? I know that when I push through the door of a l'oréal Professionnel salon, my hair will get the best results and I will have a personalised service with the most advanced products. I visited the salon. Alexa Chung's Short Haircuts Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, I can tell you every six weeks. But I'm pretty lucky and have shoots on a regular basis, so I'll often get a trim here and there. But I expect the salon to be more relaxing for colouring and treatments. I have to change shampoos regularly because otherwise my hair will get used to it and I will build it up or it will start to get really greasy, she explained. 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Some blonde highlights are placed around the face to create a better frame. Girl Alexa Chung is also respected worldwide for her boho I don't care about hair her fashion sense is known mostly to the British. The Model TV presenter and Vogue contributor cut her long hair in 2020 - 2021 and her new look helped catapult her to fame. Cool girl bang. Alexa Chung Best Hairstyles & Hair Make-up Looks I love head massages at hairdressers. And I wash my hair every day without fail. I know it depends on your hair type, but it's important to wash and condition it often so that I have shiny and voluminous hair that isn't greasy. I use products like Pro Fiber to help with home treatments for longer at home. Locking one of them on the a-list is not immune to beauty-related restrictions imposed by hairdressing services. How do I make my long hair look androgynous? And Alexa Chung is the best example, as this video of her cutting her own hair shows. Alexa Chung may well be known for her chiselled fashion look but her perfectly tousled hair is equally worthy of attention. Often styled by her friend and long-term collaborator George Northwood, she is often prompted to recreate Alexa in her London salon Chung flits between sharp bobs in her signature relaxed waves and fairly up dos. Alexa Chung hair tutorial See his hair style file here. Soft shoulder grazing waves for the Emilia Wickstead show at London Fashion Week. As I recall, I took Alexa Chung's tousled bob to the hairdressers. That's right I also desire a wavy super short bob complete with brown with a centre parting of caramel blonde and a hint of adult fringe. Obviously we have completely different hair types and we don't look like anything, so I don't have the chance to look like Alexa Chung. Alexa Chung Hairstyles We Can't Stop Thinking About However I believe her hair epitomises the effortless cool girl look we crave so much. He says this technique is the best way to achieve the most natural-looking texture. Final touches. When you go all the way with the Irons shake with your fingers and then spray the wave and shine on Oribe après Beach. oribe.com Russell tells InStyle of hair throughout. Comb back loosely over the ears and with the crown for a tousled voluminous texture and then set with Oribe Superfine hairspray for permanent hold. Flattering Alexa Chung Hairstyles Long layers along the sides and back shoulder length to keep the hair light and fresh. The wonderful and crafted texture, with playful ends, exquisitely kisses the shoulders. Side-swept long blasts are perfect for framing the main facial features. Her gorgeous hairstyle suited formal dress and informal jeans. Round heavy long blasts soften the oval face and make the beautifully sophisticated look extra sweet and stylish. Photos of Alexa Chung's Best Hairstyles The blunt ends are thick to medium length hair and add some unit. This neck length hairstyle has thin medium to long layers to add depth and size to the cool hairstyle. The long sweet bursts in front add delicious interest. Alexa Chung new haircut This modern hairstyle can be worn from day to night. A simple but cool-looking ponytail. The upper maximum height is and is teased too high to create causal effect. The neat bang proudly match her low ponytail. Alexa Chung Hair And Hairstyles Inspiration This classic cute ponytail could match the massively informal dress. The classic shoulder length hairstyle is amazing for all the hair colors. The eyelash-grazing blunt fringe. Alexa Chung hairstyle Alexa Chung's Short Hairstyles and Haircuts, Instantly gives the hairstyle a high fashion feel. The textured ends twist and fall sweetly to the shoulders. George Northwood, who also counts Meghan Duchess of and. What eyeliner does Alexa Chung use? Rosie Huntington Whiteley as her clients, has been working with Chung throughout her television and fashion career. So naturally he was one of the first in line to create hair tutorials locking with him for his new YouTube channel. How do you get Alexa Chung haircut? Pretty it girl gave us a rundown of how to style US locks by showing us various new hairstyles around London that inspired us to do something with George Northwood in. Alexa Chung hair up Their hair to track down the mastermind behind Alexa's hair.like a star. Just click do like Alexa to learn how to do it. Now if we can get hold of his wardrobe. What is the hair trend for 2020? It's always a classic choice for girls. Here she will introduce some of her sumptuous and fun hair. you can choose one to enhance your look and make it more stylish and attractive. Alexa Chung hairstyles. this classic and rather feminine curly hairstyle with long curly hair. How do you style shaggy hair? Shoulder length hairstyle with beautiful soft attractive curls and layers is a must for medium-length hair. Properly develop wonderfully large eyes in full blast. Softly tousled hair create a trendy look and make it stand out in the crowd. What nationality is Alexa Chung? You can use some hairspray to keep your curls fluffy and shiny. Her mid-wavy hairstyle with blunt bang looks perfect on her oval-shaped face. He is also a big fan of messy updo. Alexa Chung hair bob You'd be surprised what Chung looks like with long hair later in the slideshow. She always looks so gorgeous and intelligent during all sorts of TV shows and programmes. Alexa Chung hair 2020 - 2021 We were very impressed by the impeccable taste of fashion. Most of the time, she was wearing a fairly moderate hairstyle with soft waves or curls as her public appearance. Alexa Chung new hair Follow us today with the 15 compliment Alexa Chung hairstyles in this post and find your favorite one. The medium haircut will look perfect for perfectly natural straight. How do I get Alexa Chung bangs? Hair for all hair types. Bill Cunningham's jacket Miu Miu runway show Anna Dello Russo's street style attire. these are just a few of our favourite things from Fashion Month so far. But none of this compares to sightings of our main Muse, Alexa Chung. How do I put hair in my hair? Alexa Chung we willen haar perfecte eyeliner Haar on point outfits en waanzinnige kleur ogen maar het liefst willen we nog haar hairstyle. Also nearby is al tijd goed. Alexa Chung red hair We kozen 5 van onze favoriete hairstyles Van Stijlicoon Alexa Chung uit die jij één op één kunt kopieëren. There are so many beautiful things about you. Alexa Chung hair stylist But since the dresses are a touch sadly out of reach, let's focus on her incredible hair. It's Tousled and textured. And is my new favourite length. clavicle. How to get Alexa Chung hair Amen, brother, it is. He asked her his effortless secrets that don't care about her hair and she delivered it to spades. Alexa Chung heeft nooit Lange lokken gehad. op met tot verschillende lengtes de voorste plukken on haar schouders. Alexa Chung hair how to Maar met deze lengte Weet ze altijd de leukste kapsels te creëren. The hair on the shoulder has a lot of movement. The shorter look suits your oval face and makes your eyes pop in gorgeous light. Alexa Chung's beauty knows no bounds. Alexa Chung hairstyles From the days of a cute newcomer in our tellybox to a front row style star, let's review the pictorial evidence of her evolution today. Alexa Chung is jealous for so many things that her effortlessly cool hairstyle is one of them. We yearn for the star's beautifully tousled waves now more than ever, especially as we brace ourselves for another round of. Who cuts Alexa Chung's hair? Scorching temps. At an Alexa Chung X AG private dinner last week fashionista I woke up like this embodied the perfect polish mix and texture. View hairdresser Gregory Russell. Alexa Chung hair type Followed oribe Volumista Mist $39 to get the star's towel-dried hair cut in half. oribe.com from roots to ends. Relating. the products that gave the best volume for thicker. Alexa Chung's new bob haircut Plump hair then dried Chung's hair up to 95, taking care to tighten the ends to create ample volume and body. After softening up the unruly areas without getting away. Alexa Chung hair brush From experienced vibe Russell, he alternated randomly between a flat iron and a 1.25 inch curling iron and twirled sections. Soft blasts are swept to the side, effortlessly framing. Who is Alexa Chung dating? The face. Add volume and interest along the gorgeous mid layers and also make your hair look heavy. The fight for the perfect haircut is endless. But if you're Alexa Chung sometimes any haircut is just what the doctor ordered. Continue reading. Alexa Chung haircut Mid-length hairstyles are everywhere at the moment and going nowhere in 2020. I'd like to cut your locks a little. I'm trying to grow one of these short hairstyles. There's a medium-length cut for that. 'Medium-length hairstyles look great when they're well maintained. Alexa Chung hair products Consider plump blunt styles with no layers suggests Sam Burnett founder and creative director of hare and bone if an individual's hair is prone to frizz then it is best to keep the hair on the long side of the medium. Long and heavy hair is more controlled. And if you're trying to grow the number one hairpiece. Alexa Chung haircut what to ask for Her hair is always a bit messy as her natural wavy hair makes the air dry. He had cuts as short as his jawbone but not as long as his. Shoulders and was known for his ombré hair colour. her mid-length. Hairstyle looks interesting and feminine. Soft loose waves are added to her fine hair to create volume and achieve a fuller surface. Alexa Chung hairstyle tutorial Cute hairstyle with neat blasts from the inside can be suitable for ladies of all ages. You can also put your hair over the shoulders for maximum intensity. the bottom and dark blonde look at the top of a fashion surfer girl as if her hair grew naturally that way. Alexa Chung hair bangs Gorgeous mid-length chic bob is always on trend. Hair naturally drops drastically from framing the face forward. A soft hairstyle with a total height of face frame fringe Dec. The long tapered layers front frame the face and keep the hair heavy looking cool. Alexa Chung long hair With full glamour, this formal hairstyle is certain to get the crowds noticed. It is fantastically shaped in a beautifully. Chic modern bob with highlighted hair-scale. Alexa Chung hair colour Layers and sweeping bangs. Two-tone hair and thick waves are interesting elements that keep the stately look unique. Alexa has an adult fringe says Northwood. Alexa Chung blonde hair His eyes slip and then he mixes with the rest of the hair. To achieve this, ask your stylist to cut out bursts that are slightly shorter in the middle, which you want them to hit the bridge of your nose. They need to cut thin pieces of hair a little longer each time Northwood says. The look will be cool and piecey and surprisingly practical. Alexa Chung haircut tutorial Explosions grow rapidly and thick ones can be ugly says Northwood. These are easy. After all, I keep track of where Chung's hair goes. Alexa Chung's British daughter enjoys ultra-high status among British teenagers. Alexa Chung's neutral agil and mixed style make up the fashion model of the world. Many people agree that Alexa Chung's. Alexa Chung bob haircut British girl looks deeper and tastier than the American Girl. The cool British ironic humour of prgrams alos has conquered many people's hearts. So an increasing number of people are following his face and disposition. Alexa Chung hair dye It's been growing for a while but we've noticed its length more recently. She said We would pull out an elaborately stashed bob for those long flowing behind our ears and fall back on our shoulders in this little ponytail for our renewal. Alexa Chung hair styling the time has come. This classic half-up half-down look looked completely different when he was able to hide the length of the back of his head with just his adult fringes but with a bob of long hair. Classic, but high. Full of shape and silhouette, the gorgeous updo delivers beautiful clean lines and makes the neck look lean and swan-like. Alexa Chung hair color This charming up do haircut offers people a sweet look and feel at work and is the great savers of a bad hair day. The front is left to contour the edge of the face with smooth long-piece bursts to soften the smashing hairstyle. It is more than a decade since Alexa Chung first appeared on screens as a presenter on the T4 cult morning music show. Alexa Chung hairdresser Popworld in place of Simon Amstell and Miquita Oliver. And while Chung and his co-host Alex Zane may not be able to rival the previous power duo in the teasing episode, there was one area where Chung immediately began making waves. Alexa Chung hair fringe Her fashion and beauty choices. Yes 2020 - 2021 was the year Alexa put fringe and eyeliner on her beauty map. Basically with every young girl I knew I'd run to the hairdresser to ask for Alexa-style bursts. And not much has changed in the following 13 years. Alexa has since been serving up some of the best and most copied. Alexa Chung short haircut Hair in the business. As a regular hair washer I wash it every day because I have to. Chung who's getting too greasy said. Alexa Sheen who relies on French pharmacy brand Chlorane for Gentle Cleansing formulations. However, there's the Zoom Speed Dial stylist who almost holds her hand throughout her first DIY haircut.

[roslinadama-sinequanon]

Sharon/Andy photo inspiration by Knuscheldiese-In my mind this picture was taken right after Tyler and Scott caught them kissing on the bench(this will make sense when you’ve read the chapter)

Well, it’s been a little tough to keep the Christmas spirit as we’ve moved into March--I originally intended this to be about 3 chapters. But, having the day off and sitting here writing during this howling blizzard today has put me back in the spirit.

Christmas in Connecticut-Part 7

“You want to tell me again how we ended up climbing a mountain to look for a Christmas tree?’ Andy huffed. He was trudging through snow over a foot deep at a tree farm set on the side of a mountain with a saw in one hand.

Sharon took his free hand and squeezed it. “Because, Clark Griswold, you wanted us to have a fun family vacation.”

“I’m not sure what part of this is fun. My toes are numb.”

“I told you to use the toe warmers we bought to put in the kids boots but what did you say? Andy? What was it?”

Andy narrowed his eyes and inhaled deeply. “I said I‘d be fine.”

“Yes you did.”

“Where are the kids anyway?” Andy scanned the side of the mountain but all he saw were pine trees as far as the eye could see.

“Emily, Nicole, Dean and the boys went that way to look at the Balsams and Ricky and Rusty went down there to check out the Fraser’s and we’re looking at the Blue Spruce.”

“Isn’t a Christmas tree just a Christmas tree?”

“Oh no, no, no. Each type of pine has very distinct characteristics. Balsam firs smell the best, Fraser firs are the strongest and Blue Spruce are the prettiest, at least in my opinion. In southern California the most popular is the Douglas fir, that‘s usually what we get.  Didn’t you ever go to any tree farms?”

“I grew up in Brooklyn, sweetheart, not too many Christmas tree farms around there. We got our tree from a seller on a corner lot. It was the same guy every year. He used to come down from Nova Scotia to sell his trees. Once I was in California, well, the closest cut your own Christmas tree farm is like two hours from LA.”

“An hour and half.”

“And you know that because?”

“Because that’s where I brought my kids to get our tree when they were growing up. I mean it’s Christmas, you have to have a sense of occasion.”

Andy grinned. “I have one now. When Nicole was little we used to go this place in Valencia that had pre-cut trees. After the divorce I kept getting a tree and putting it up in my house for Nic. I never got visitation with her on Christmas Day, but I usually had her the day after and sometimes even during the day on Christmas Eve so I did my best to celebrate the holiday when I had her. Then one Christmas she called and said her mother wanted her to spend the whole holiday with her family. That‘s how she put it, her family. As if I wasn‘t her family anymore.” Anger and pain radiated from Andy.

“You didn’t fight it?” Sharon stopped walking and looked up at him, her eyes filled with sympathy. It had begun to snow again and little flakes caught on her eyelashes.  

“Course I did. I called Carmen and told her she couldn’t keep me from my daughter. But she said it was what Nicole wanted. They were going to visit her husband Stanley’s family in Mexico and Nicole really wanted to go. She said I’d be ruining her Christmas if I “forced” her to stay behind just so I could have my visitation days. So, I let her go. And then they started going every year and there wasn’t much reason to put up a tree anymore. Christmas is a time for family and I didn’t have one anymore.”

“Oh, Andy.” Sharon swallowed hard past the lump in her throat.

“Aw, don’t cry Sharon. I didn’t mean to make you sad.” He wiped away the tear that trailed down her cheek with his gloved thumb. “I was sad for a lot of years. Sad and angry. And I made some pretty bad choices because of it. But I’m not that person anymore and I’m not sad or angry anymore. Now I have you and your kids and Nicole is back in my life. I have a family again and I’m happier now than I’ve ever been, so don’t cry, okay?

She nodded but her heart still hurt for him. For all the years he’d been shut out of Nicole’s life and for how lonely he’d been. There were two sides to every story and she knew he’d brought some of his pain on himself, but there were times she would love to give Andy’s ex-wife a big piece of her mind. Carmen had no idea how lucky she was her child’s father wanted so desperately to be a part of her life. She could only wish her own ex-husband had even a smidgen of the desire to spend time with Emily and Ricky that Andy had with Nicole.

“Mom,” Ricky called out from somewhere to the right. “Rusty and I found one.”

“Okay, we’ll be right over. How tall is it? You know your grandmother said 10 feet is the max for the living room.”

“This one will be fine.”

Ricky and Rusty continued to call out so Sharon and Andy could find them and when they did Sharon shook her head and rolled her eyes.

“That tree has to be close to 15 feet tall.” Then she chuckled.

“What?” Ricky asked.

“I just told Andy he was like Clark Griswold and then you show me this tree. You want to put out Gran and Grandpa O’ Dwyer’s windows out like they did in Christmas Vacation?”

“Oh Mom, it isn’t THAT big.”

“Russell Thomas Beck, look at this.” She showed him the long grooved wooden stick they’d given her at the barn where they’d gotten the saw. “This stick is 10 feet tall.”

“You got a RULER. On my God Mom. Could you be anymore anal?”

Andy chuckled watching Sharon handle her boys.

“Yes, I got a ruler. We cannot have a tree higher than 10 feet or the angel won’t fit on top.” Sharon set the stick in the snow. The tree rose several feet higher than the stick. She smirked at the boys.

“Let’s keep looking.”

After another hour trudging through the snow they finally all agreed on a 9 foot Balsam fir.

“Okay, now we’ve got a tree we have to figure out how cut this sucker down,” Andy said. He wasn‘t relishing the idea of lying in the snow to saw down the tree. Using a shovel Ricky had gotten at the barn--the kid was an old pro at this kind of stuff--they shoveled out enough snow that two people could lie on either side of the tree and use the two- handed saw.

They took turns, Andy and Dean and Ricky and Rusty so they didn’t have to lie for too long in the snow and get their jeans soaked.  At least that’s the excuse Sharon gave when the men went all cavemen and said THEY would cut the tree down. The women were smart enough not to argue and thus they stayed dry and warm. But the truth was Sharon didn’t want Andy exerting himself too much and aggravating the pinched nerve in his neck again. However, she needed to convey that in a way that she wouldn‘t be accused of babying him. Her tendency to be overprotective once he’d left the hospital had been a sore spot between them for a couple months and she really was trying to let go of her fears. But it wasn’t easy. There were nights when she closed her eyes and she could see Andy crumpling to the floor, his hand over his chest. Even worse, the look of sheer terror in his eyes when she’d touched his cheek and called his name. He thought he was going to die, and so had she, and he might be over it, but she wasn’t. Not by a long shot.

Laying on the ground working at the saw, Andy‘s wool vest and sweater rose baring the skin of his lower back and snow began working its way into the back of his pants. Why the hell had he offered to help cut this damn tree down? Oh yeah, to show Sharon he was still the same guy he’d been before he’d been stupid enough to jump on a moving vehicle and ended up with a blood clot that was still creating health issues for him.

Finally Dean agreed they had enough cut and he shoved at the tree calling “Timberrrr….” as it fell.  When he sat up, his face and hair were covered in wet pine needles. Sharon couldn’t contain the giggle that rose in her chest. And once she started laughing, everyone joined in.

“Well, I’m glad you all find this amusing,” Andy grumbled. “Next year we go to a tree lot.” But then his eyes caught Sharon’s and she saw the twinkle of amusement as he turned to Tyler and Scott.

“So you boys think this is funny?”

They nodded.

“Really funny?”

“Really funny,” they agreed.

Andy looked at Dean and then the two men each grabbed a boy and pulled them down to wrestle in the snow much to their shrieking delight.

Proving that they were no shrinking violets, and against the objecting males in the family, Emily and Nicole took control of pulling the heavy tree along through the snow to the main trail where they were met by a man and two Bernese Mountain Dogs. The dogs were hooked to the tree and easily pulled it back to the side of one of the barns where men were netting the trees and piling them up.

“If you’re staying a while we can just put a tag on your tree with your name and you can pick it up when you leave.”

“That would be great,” Sharon said. “We wanted to look around the barn.”

“And we want some s’mores and kettle corn,” the boys told him.

“All right, tag it it is.”

Once the tree had been tagged they went inside the first barn. Sipping hot chocolate they meandered around the different stalls filled with a variety of crafts, most of them Christmas oriented. A young woman sat in the corner of the barn next to a big pot bellied woodstove playing Christmas carols on a violin. At the moment it was “What Child is This“, one of Sharon‘s favorites. Though as her kids were fond of saying, they were all her favorites, she just loved Christmas music.

“What are you buying?” Andy asked upon finding her at the cash register.

“Just a new ornament for the tree.”

He looked down and grinned. “Another angel? Don‘t you think you have enough of those?”

Ricky, Emily and Rusty looked up from their own purchases with raised brows. “You can never have too many angels,” they responded in unison, then burst into laughter at their combined response.

“Ahh…my children, I’ve trained you well,” Sharon beamed at the three of them.

Andy shook his head in amusement. “Did you want to check out the other barn?” he asked.

“Might as well, we’re here.”

The second barn was filled with the scent of Balsam fir from the many hanging Christmas wreaths, kissing balls, sachets and door draft stoppers.

“Do you think we should get my parents a wreath?” Sharon asked Andy while critically assessing a large wreath with a big red and green plaid bow. Though they were still in New Hampshire they were on their way to Connecticut. Sharon had told her parents they would bring the Christmas tree with them. Her parents were still healthy and active but now that they were reaching their mid eighties they were quite pleased with not to have to go out and get their own tree.

“Why don’t you call them and see if they have one yet?”

“If I know my mother, I’m sure they do. But I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask.” Sharon pulled out her phone. “Besides, they’ll be happy to know we’re on our way.” She hit the number for her parents and gave Andy a funny look. “What are you up to?” Her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

“Me?” He shrugged with exaggerated innocence. “What could I be up to?”

“I don’t know, but you have that look on your face.”

“What look? I don’t have a look.”

“Andy, trust me. You have a look.” She reached out to pick a few more pine needles from his hair when her mother answered her call and she became absorbed in the conversation. After a few minutes on the phone she slipped it back into her coat pocket.

“They have a wreath,” she said and had just turned to place the one she’d picked back on its hook when Andy twisted her back around in his arms.

“What are you doing?” She asked on a little gasp. He gave her a mischievous look and she followed his raised eyes to the sprig of greenery he held over her head.

“Mistletoe,” he said. “You have to kiss me.”

Her lips gave a sexy little quirk. “You don’t need mistletoe to make me kiss you,” she said just as Andy’s lips covered hers.

“Are you guys kissing AGAIN?” Tyler complained as he and Scott came around the corner. The boys had already caught their step-grandfather and his girlfriend smooching on a bench outside while waiting for their hot chocolate.

“Kissing is yucky,” Scott wrinkled his nose. Andy chuckled and tweaked that nose.

“One day you won’t think kissing is so yucky. Especially if you find a girl as pretty as Sharon.”

“Girls are yucky.”

Sharon gave them a little pout of mock sadness. “You think I’m yucky?”

“Not you,” Tyler assured her. “We LIKE you.”

“Oh thank God, you boys had me worried for a minute.”

The boys grinned at her and then Tyler took her hand and began tugging at her.  “Mom and Dad said we had to wait for you and Papa Andy to make s’mores. Can you come now?”

Sharon gave Andy a little shrug as Scott grabbed his hand and began tugging him along too. “Looks like it’s time to go Papa Andy,” she said.

To the left of the barns small firepits dotted the landscape. Around them people stood warming their hands and toasting marshmallows to make their s’mores. Not far from the edge of the parking lot a woman was stirring a giant black kettle popping the kettle corn they were selling in a small shack next to where she made it.  

While making their s’mores they watched big draft horses pulling wagonloads of people over the trails that wound their way through the tree farm. Tyler and Scott wanted to go for a ride but because they’d already had a horse drawn sleigh ride and Andy and Sharon really wanted to reach Connecticut before suppertime they didn’t stand in line for a ride. They did however purchase big bags of maple flavored kettle corn before picking up their tree and hitting road south to Connecticut.

The stop at the tree farm had not only broken up the 5 hour drive, it had tired the boys out enough that they had both fell asleep by the time they reached the Massachusetts border.

TBC (Next chapter we’ll finally be in Connecticut and meet Sharon’s parents)