Tangled Dreams (8 page)

 The rest of the ride home was quiet, almost to quiet. It was painfully obvious neither one of us knew what to say. When we finally did pull in the driveway uncle William immediately pulled Gavin away to do chores. He looked angry as usual and ordered me to go help Julia with supper. I gladly walked into the house and away from him as fast as I could.

Talking to aunt Julia while we prepared supper made me decide that maybe a date wasn’t a bad idea. I wasn’t going to be behind on my school work and it might take my mind off of Gavin once and for all.

“So, Julia do you mind if I go out on a date with this guy then?”

“Hm, making friends already I see.” Saying with a huge grin on her face. “Who is this guy who has take such a strong liking to our Madison already?”

“Well, his name is Clay.”

“Clay! Oh, he’s such a nice boy. Well, we’ll have to ask William what he thinks. When are you planning this?”

“In the next couple of weeks.” The way she was looking at me was making me blush. I’ve had boyfriends before. However, mostly just the childish holding hand between classes and little crushes of that sort. I’ve never had an actual real life date before, and I was terrified and excited at the same time.

Sitting at the dinner table was as pleasant as always. Uncle William sitting at the head of the table with his regal stature. The way he was holding his head up high, reading his newspaper with his glasses hanging off the end of his nose was as annoying as ever. As if looking down upon everyone, especially me. Kayla and Kylie sitting next to each other talking about their first day of school. Make sure their giggles were not to loud as to disturb their father. Gavin sitting reading the sports page and eating fast like he always does, pretty much ignoring everything around him. I swear a bomb could go off underneath the ass of his chair right now and he wouldn’t even blink. Then there was my aunt sitting at the other end of the table looking around at everyone with a soft smile on her face so content and peaceful.

“So, William.” She said, interrupting the silence. Madison needs to ask you a question.”

William looked up from his newspaper very annoyed. Naturally, I started to panic. I didn’t want to ask him now and especially not here right in front of Gavin. The butterflies in my stomach felt like they were going to bust out and fly around the room.

“Yes Madison?”

“Well, I was wondering if I could go out on a date?”

“Already? With who?” Asking me in a steely voice.

“His name is Clay, and he is very nice.” Glancing over at Gavin he had stopped eating and was just staring down at his paper with an intensity that I have never seen before. For some reason he looked so sexy in that moment. Oh yes, I really need to go on this date.

“Clay? Who the hell is Clay?” Which was more of a statement than a real question. “Gavin, do you know him?” Now even more annoyed.

Before Gavin could think about answering Julia quipped in.

“William, you know Clay. He’s that nice boy who plays on the football team who also plays baseball with Gavin. His dad is the president of our bank.”

“Oh, that Clay. He’s a decent enough boy. But, you have responsibilities here. You just started school. There are more important thing to worry about than boys.”

Glancing over now Gavin had a blank look on his face still staring down at his newspaper.

“William, we have seen Madison’s grades. They are phenomenal.”

“Yeah, and I’d like to keep it that way. Her parents are not around anymore and she is our responsibility. She is going to keep those phenomenal grades and not be distracted by boys. I may not hold too much stock in school, but your father obviously did. I will not go against what he wanted.”

“Oh William. What happened to you saying,” “everything the kids need to know about life they can learn on the farm.”

“That is our kids, she is a guest in our home and her father obviously wanted her to have good grades. Who am I to mess with that?”

The shock on my face at that moment was obvious. I had never before heard him speak of my father, without a look of sadness or disgust. If I didn’t know any better I would think he sounded like he respected him. I have to be dreaming. Wake up! Wake up Madison! Saying to myself over and over.

“Oh, William. One date is not going to hurt the girl. Madison you can go on your date.” Saying defiantly.

Everyone looked up in shock, including William. Never once in the time I have been here had she pulled rank or gone above his head for anything. He looked utterly and completely shocked and I got the feeling she didn’t make a habit of doing so. Even Gavin whipped his head up from the newspaper that he had his head buried in, in total disbelief.

Stuttering, “Well, that’s fine then.” William now looking more angry than anything. 

“Good. Then, it’s settled. You tell Clay that you have our permission to go.” Julia quipped.

Coming back to life, “There are rules girl. On a week day you will be inside this house by nine and have all your homework completed before going out. Weekends are midnight and not a minute after. If you test me I will come find both of you and believe me you don’t want that.” 

For the first time since being here, I actually believed the fact that I didn’t want to find out first hand.

Now fuming I could hardly believe what was going on in front of me. They obviously don’t know the same Clay I know. How could they let her go with him? It’s official my parents have gone stark raving mad. I can’t let this happen, he thought panicking to himself. Clay will take advantage of her and break her heart. Sitting there he realized his real fear, which was that she would really like Clay and completely forget about him. Pissed off he quickly excused himself and stalked off from the table and up to his room slamming the door shut. Kicking the trunk at the end of the bed as he walked in, trying to make myself feel better. Which didn’t really work and now his foot was just hurting on top of everything else. Damn it to hell! Screw it. There are plenty of girls out there. Who needs her anyways?! The night they watched television together flashed into his head and he soon realized something very important. “I need her.” Saying aloud to himself. The feeling obviously isn’t mutual.

Remaining at the table I felt uncomfortable and I wanted to leave. Deep down I knew I wanted to go after Gavin. Deciding, that probably wouldn’t be the brightest idea. My heart aching for him and missing my best friend in that short of a time. Getting up I excused myself from the table hoping William wouldn’t bark anymore at me. I didn’t want to go up to my bedroom being confined to those four walls knowing he was only a door away. Instead, I opted to go outside and get some fresh air.

Watching Madison leave the table Julia felt a twinge of guilt over her. Knowing how much Madison meant to her son and seeing the pain in his eyes broke her heart. If it was meant to be, no matter who they dated they would be destined to be together. She truly believed that with all of her heart. Meanwhile, they need to be young and have fun. She had to admit she missed seeing them so close. Hearing their laughter and teasing of each other. The way they looked at each other. The way he was helping her deal with her father’s death and her mother abandoning her. Seeing him so closed up and mad at her and William was breaking her heart. Then Madison came along like a breath of fresh air on a summer morning. Now, unfortunately he is back to his anger without her there to talk to him. If she wants to go out on a date with someone else, she knew she couldn’t stand in the way. Wondering what happened to cause such a rift between them.

Stepping outside, the cool evening air hit my face. I loved the smell of this farm. Everything smelled so fresh after it rained. There is no place like this. If there ever was a place to be dumped off by my mother in the world, this was the place. The smog of the city, the trash laying on the streets and sidewalks did nothing to compare to the beauty of this place. Growing up in the city you would think my loyalty lies to being a city girl. It didn’t, however. My heart belonged to this place, and this farm. The only thing I missed about the city was my dad. Remembering when I was a little girl how my father ever grew up on a farm. That little bit of information I was able to pull out of him. Now no longer having to imagine it.

Slowly working my way over to the barn I walked in to find the twin’s favorite horse in her usual stall. Lately, I have been coming out here frequently having heart to heart talks with this beautiful creature. Feeling quite often that this horse was the only one I could talk to. She was no Gavin of course, but believe it or not it helped a little. Spending time brushing her out and combing out her mane was relaxing. Someone always to listen, never to judge, and most of all doesn’t talk back.

“What am I going to do Emily? Clay is a nice guy but, I don’t know if I want to date him.” Of course, there was no response. “I wonder what mother is doing right now?” Sadly, looking down into the horses eyes staring back at me. If I didn’t know any better I would think she was actually listening to me. “I know mother probably doesn’t miss me at all. Truth be told I miss her.” A tear escaping down my cheek. Looking outside the barn doors it was growing darker and I was getting chilled without a jacket. 

Walking inside the house all was quiet. Peeking into the living room I was surprised to see Gavin sprawled out on the couch watching television. Usually, he preferred to watch movies up in his room. Trying to decide to go talk to him or not I quickly decided to go into the kitchen instead. Dropping my school books down on the counter to scan over them for lack of not having anything better to do. I could never figure out why they started school on a Friday. Looking at the time it was only eight o’ clock on a Friday night. The house being completely still I figured Julia and William went into town with the girls to go on an ice cream run. Every Friday night at the same time was their ritual. William was such a hard ass but you could tell he tried his best to make Julia happy. Just as I was getting lost in my books the phone was blaring in my ear.

“Hello? Is Madison there?”

“Um, this is Madison.”

“Hey, this is Clay. I was just wondering if you wanted to go have lunch with me tomorrow? Then maybe we can drive into the city and catch a movie.”

“Well, I’m sure it would be okay. They already said it was okay to go out with you. I don’t think anything is going on tomorrow.”

“Great then. It’s settled. I’ll pick ya up around eleven tomorrow then.”

“Okay, see you then. Bye Clay.”

“Bye Madison.”

Cradling the phone I turned around to hang it up and was suddenly face to face with Gavin.

“Gavin, you scared me!” Hanging up the phone nervously. Wondering just how much he heard.

“So, that was Clay?”

Now knowing if he heard everything. “Yes it was.” Like it’s any of your business sneering to myself. 

“You going out with him?” Asking pointedly. Standing so close to me that I could feel his breath on my face. Staring straight into his eyes I was yet again taken at just how handsome he was. His eyes so dark and gorgeous, like they could pierce straight through to my very soul. Being fairly tall myself I still had to look up to him. His muscular body towering over me from years of back breaking work on the farm. Standing here with his shirt off it was hard to keep my thoughts in order. Truthfully, I just wanted to wrap my arms tightly around him and never let go. Clay not even being a thought in my mind with Gavin around. However, as of right now he looked annoyed and hurt Knowing I was about to hurt him even more.

“He’s picking me up tomorrow and we are having lunch and going to see a movie.”

“Oh. Well have fun then.” He said sarcastically, quickly turning around and walking away.

Watching him go I wondered if I was really doing the right thing. If dating Clay was worth even more dissension between us.

The next morning I quickly got up to help with the house chores and breakfast. Just as I figured I didn’t see Gavin anywhere and he didn’t come in for breakfast. Soon after Julia insisted that I go get prepared for my big date. After taking a quick shower I chose a short jean skirt with a longer sleeved shirt just in case it got chilly in the theater. Matching the outfit with some sandal’s I carefully brushed out my hair leaving it down and dabbed on a little make-up. As I was getting done I heard the front door bell ring and knew it was Clay. Running down the stairs quickly, he looked fantastic. Dressed in brown khaki pants, and a nice shirt he really was handsome. His hair was styled to the latest trend and he looked like he stepped right of a cover of a magazine. Knowing at that moment why all the girls constantly hung all over him. He was not hard on the eyes at all.

“Hey Madison, you look beautiful.”

Blushing a bit. “Thank you. You look great to.”

Julia standing between us, “You both look wonderful.” She said proudly. “Now you two have a good time and make sure to be home at a decent hour.”

“Yes, ma am. I’ll have her home early.” Clay said respectfully.

Grabbing my hand we headed out the door and to his expensive car. “Wow Clay. I didn’t know you had such a nice car.”

“Yeah, it’s my baby.”

Looking down it was a beautiful red BMW, that was so shiny it could blind you in the day light. Walking around the car he opened the door for me and held my hand while I slid down into the leather seats that hugged your body perfectly. Glancing up I could see Gavin gazing out from the barn with a stoic look on his face. That twinge of guilt and fear came washing over me again. Looking over at him he was so handsome, any girl would be a fool not to be flattered by his advances. Taking a deep breath I looked forward and promised myself to have a fun day.

The ride into the city wasn’t as far as I initially thought. The time went quickly with us chattering back and forth. He really was charming and knew all the right things to say. You could tell he was careful not to poke around too much on my current situation. I appreciated that fact, and did divulge some about dad and I living in the city.

He listened grateful for the small insights into her life.

Pulling up to the restaurant he again helped me out of the car and went inside to eat our lunch at a cute corner booth. 

Madison, I mean what I say. You really are beautiful. Easily the most beautiful girl at our school. Hands down!”  Saying with a cute smirk on his face that reached all the way up to his baby blue eyes.

“You Clay, are very charming. But, I’ll take the compliment.” Laughing I set my hand down on the table and he took that opportunity to instantly grab it, holding it in his. The familiar warm feeling came over me and it was nice being wanted. Almost forgetting what it felt like.

Deciding not to pull away from him I could tell by the look on his face that he was pleased.

Triumphantly he knew he had won a small battle. After all, you would have to be a fool not to see the chemistry between her and Gavin. She is the hottest girl in school, and she will be mine. Clay declared to himself.

After having a wonderful lunch we made our way back to the car and to the theater. When we got there he insisted on popcorn and candy pulling out a different credit card than what he used at lunch. Realizing that he didn’t have a shortage of them. The way he was looking at all the different flavors of candy really did remind me of a little kid in a candy store. I couldn’t help but to laugh.