Page 22 of Save A Horse
“All good.”
“Great. I think we’re finished for the day. I know yesterday was a long one, so let’s call it.” He headed toward the barn door.” I’m going in to make some dinner. Why don’t you help me?” I nodded, shutting the barn doors behind us and following him inside. We each took a shower first, making sure to clean up before touching any food or doing any type of cooking.
“What are you making?”
“You remember that fancy chicken soup your mom used to make?” I nodded, licking my lips a little at the thought. It was our favorite meal my mom used to make, and any leftovers were sure to be eaten the following day. It was one of those meals that you just remember from your childhood. It’s a part of who you are. “Here. You cut up this and add it to the pot while I get the chicken going.” I did as I was told, taking the vegetables from mydad and then moving around to find a knife and a cutting board.
The smell of the food made my mouth water. I leaned against the counter, taking in the smell. Mystomach growled, and all I wanted was a big bowl to devour. I tried to focus on the food rather than what else was on my mind. I knew it was only a matter of time before Daisy showed up.
“Looks like it’s ready. You hungry?”
“Starved.” I heard the door creak open, and I knew it could only mean one thing. I didn’t turn around, keeping my eyes on the food. I was completely clueless about how this interaction would go. This would be the first time we were confined to one space since our argument. I just hoped it didn’t go south right in front of my dad. That probably wouldn’t end well. It would be a whole lot better if my dad learned about what happened between Daisy and me from me instead of her. At least owning up to it might make it a little better…I could only hope.
“Hope you’re hungry.”
“It smells good.” I couldn’t sense any emotion in Daisy’s tone, but I knew she still had to be upset. If she weren’t, she would have come to me to talk at some point today. I grabbed a bowl and sat at the table.
“Here’s you a bowl, Daisy.” My dad handed her a bowl. I still didn’t look at her. Instead, I started eating.
“Thanks.” Daisy took a seat at the table, bowl in hand. My dad finally sat down, and I was a little relieved.
“So, what’d you do with your afternoon?” He was looking at Daisy. I knew he had given her the rest of the afternoon off, and I couldn’t help but be a little curious about what she did with her free time. You didn’t get much free time around here, so when you did, you usually made sure not to take it for granted.
“Nothing much. Brushed the horses and went for a walk.” I knew she was cutting it short for a reason, but I wasn’t going to say anything. I kept quiet.
“There’s plenty of walking you can do here.”
"Sure is."
"Well, I hope you enjoyed some time to yourself."
"Yes, I did. It was nice."
I noticed her picking at her food and saw her take a quick look at me. I still hadn’t looked her way. After my dad’s words, no one spoke again. It was awkward.
“Everything okay?”
“With me?” Daisy spoke first.
“With either of you. You ain’t speaking much. Cat got y'alls tongue?”
“No, sir. Everything’s fine.”
“It’s all good, dad. Just enjoying the food.” I titled my bowl so he could see the last bite or two left inside.
“Well, I’m off to bed. Y’all be sure to get some sleep and be ready to go in the morning. Don't stay up too late now.” Daisy and I were now alone. I wondered if I should say something. I wasn’t sure what, but could it make this worse?
“Daisy, I know you need some space.” Of course, no answer. “I am sorry. The last thing I wanted was to argue with you, especially after a night like we had.”
“No worries.” She rose from the table. “You want me to do the dishes, or do you have it?”
“No, I can do it.”
“Alright. Well, I’m going to bed.”
I cleaned up the dishes alone.
What did I do wrong now? It didn’t make any sense. Something was off. Daisy was off. I went into my room, taking off my jeans and t-shirt and adding pajama pants to get comfortable. I sat on the edge of the bed, hearing nothing butsilence. Daisy glanced at me once at dinner, but that was it. She barely spoke to me. It felt like there was a wall between us, and I wasn’t sure how to break it down.
