Page 7 of Life After Levi

“How long are you staying in Possum Creek?” I ask, wondering if we can talk privately.

I want to explore this feeling a bit more to see if it’s gratitude that he brought Miriam and Dale things that Levi had gotten for them, or something else. Part of me is hoping it’s something else because I’d hate to think I was destined to be a spinster at the ripe old age of twenty, almost twenty-one. Because of what happened to Levi and having Levinia, sometimes I feel much older. Probably look it too since there’s not a lot of time for fun. Most of the friends I went to high school with are now in college. A few have gotten married; some have moved away.

“Well, that depends,” he replies. “I uh, I have a box of things for you as well. From Levi,” he clarifies at my wide-eyed expression. Hell, I’m surprised my jaw didn’t hit the floor.

“Really? Like what?”

He shrugs. “No idea, to be honest. Whenever we got leave from the sandbox, we’d go to the nearest friendly town, and he would hunt for things he knew you or his parents would like. But I never saw them since he’d get them wrapped then put them in a box. When I got discharged, I packed everything up and decided that rather than shipping them, I’d personally bring them to you guys instead.”

“If you’re at loose ends, you should stick around for a while,” Dale says, giving me a sly look. I roll my eyes at him, and he chuckles while shrugging. “Sorry, girl, but you’re too young to work all the time and raise that little girl. You need some fun.”

“I have fun!” I exclaim.

“Yeah, what’s the last fun thing you did?” he asks. “Get all the mismatched socks sorted out?”

I start laughing because he’s not too far off from the truth. “Did that last week. This week’s challenge… er, fun activity, involves sorting through Levinia’s clothes to pull out everything she’s outgrown. Fun times, huh?”

Damien’s laughter joins in with Dale’s while Levinia looks at us in confusion. “Mama, I get new clothes?”

“Once I’m done, baby girl,” I reply. “Speaking of, we need to head home so you can get your bath and I can relax a little bit. Let me help Memaw with the dishes while you make sure you’ve picked up all your toys you’ve been playing with, okay?”

ChapterFive

Damien

It doesn’t take longwith all of us helping to get dinner cleaned up, and soon, I’m walking out with Emerie by my side.

She’s breathtaking, man,I think.Her pictures didn’t do her justice.

“You said you had some things from Levi?” she asks once Levinia is securely in her carseat.

“I do. Would you like them now or can I follow you home? The box is rather heavy,” I reply.

“Then you’d better follow me because that little chunk in the backseat is guaranteed to fall asleep on the way to my house,” she says, giggling. “And after today’s shift on the rig, my muscles could use a break.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” I state. “Don’t forget I’m following you, though,” I warn. “Remember, not from the area.”

She laughs hard then, and once she’s gotten herself calmed down, she says, “Trust me, Possum Creek is barely a blip on the map. If you get to Maggie Valley, you’ve gone too far. But just for you, I’ll go slow.”

Grinning, I get into my rental car and start it up, then once she turns around and heads down the driveway, I do the same. As I follow her, I’m filled with admiration for all she’s managed to accomplish since Levi died. Not only did she graduate from high school while being pregnant, but she’s also got an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, works full-time as a 911 dispatcher, and she’s about to take her test to become a paramedic.

“She’s done good with the hand she was dealt, man,” I murmur as I make a left turn that heads up. That’s something I’ve noticed is a lot of the houses go up into the mountains. The scenery is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, and I feel envious that both of them grew up in this area. Even though it’s far more humid than I’m used to, I can tell that the temperatures aren’t completely stifling. Unlike where I grew up in Arizona. At least living there, I was somewhat prepared for the dryness of the desert when I was shipped overseas.

It’s not long before we pull into a driveway with a small cottage sitting there. It’s a bit disconcerting considering all I’ve seen were log homes or farmhouses, yet it suits her. I park my car then get out so I can help her.

“It’s okay, I’m used to carrying her,” she says. “Just come on inside when you’re ready.”

Nodding, I head back to my car and grab the second box out of the trunk. I wasn’t lying when I said it was heavy; it feels like it’s full of bricks or something. Still, the alpha inside of me won’t let me admit that it might be a bit too much for my leg. I carefully follow the pathway and then open the door, grateful when I see a living room right past the foyer. Setting the box down in front of a well-used recliner, I make myself comfortable on the couch, chuckling when I hear Emerie talking to Levinia, who I know is still sound asleep, as if she’s alert and listening.

* * *

“Would you like something to drink?”she asks, coming into the living room. “I have juice, soda, and water, but no beer since I’m not old enough to buy it yet.”

“Soda’s fine, thanks, Emerie,” I reply.

“You’re welcome,” she calls out.

She’s back before I can take a deep breath, handing me a Coke before she sits down in the recliner. I watch a myriad of emotions cross her face as she stares at the box but doesn’t touch it.

---