everything. My last semester may as well have never happened. I’ll never be welcome on this campus again. I’ve made a mockery of my life. It’s time I accepted what I can’t change and move on with the little bit of dignity I have left.”
“You don’t mean this. Just give it a few days.”
“No. I’m packing up my things and leaving tonight. I have a long ride ahead of me and I don’t need doubts holding me back. I’ve ruined my life. It’s time to go. Please don’t try to change my mind. I need my family. They’ll know how to help me.”
Chapter 11
I hadn’t been back to the ranch in almost a year, having declined to visit for the holidays on account of having to study. The truth was that I wanted to spend time with James, even if I had to sit around waiting for him to break free from his obligations.
Those few days we spent together had meant so much to me. Little did I know it was all part of his game to seduce me. I’d fallen victim to his conning schemes, which only left me pregnant with a broken heart.
The cross-country drive was strenuous. I left on a Monday night and didn’t arrive until Thursday afternoon. I thought my determination would allow for me to drive the three thousand some odd miles straight through, but it was impossible for just one person. I was exhausted, hungry, and more worked up than when I packed my things and decided to come home.
Now I stood in front of my parent’s farmhouse, knowing darn well they’d expect an explanation for this visit, and more importantly a good excuse as to why I’d left in the middle of a semester, on a weekday at that. At least I could do some of my assignments online and turn them in from there. I wouldn’t be forfeiting all my credits, but more than half.
The home was quiet when I entered. Judging from the time, I knew my father was out working the ranch with the men, while my mother and sister, Callie, were probably at the salon. Ever since they’d built a larger facility, their business had been slammed with appointments, so much that they’d hired another cosmetologist to help with the volume.
As I entered into the living room I was taken back by the familiar smell of home. Pictures were hung going up the staircase, memories of us kids growing up into the adults we were now. My parent’s photograph from a recent cruise was the first I came to. They’d aged gracefully. My father, a tall man with the body of a steed, stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders. I knew they were positioned to stand posed in this manner, but it seemed unnatural. His arms were almost always around her waist, his head nestled against her neck as he whispered sweet nothings in her ear. I’d been told that they’d never been able to keep their hands off one another. When I was a teenager it seemed gross and inappropriate, albeit now it seemed natural and more beautiful than I could have ever understood before getting involved with James. In all honesty I think everyone strives to find that perfect match to spend the rest of their lives with. For a brief time I thought what I was experiencing was the real deal. Now I’ve come to understand love and lust are commonly misunderstood. I let my own desires blind me from the big picture. Truth be told, I didn’t know James Willis at all.
A sound resonating from the stairs caught my attention. There could only be one person in the house at this time of day, and as I approached my little brother, Josh’s bedroom, it was clear he had company. “Do it again and you’ll see who fucks with your sister next.”
“If you keep messing with me I’ll shove this paddle straight up your tight ass.”
I almost giggled as I pushed he door to open enough to allow me entrance. Neither of the guys turned to acknowledge I’d come into the room.
“Dude, you had em’. Go to the left. Perpetrate the enemy lines. Do it. Now!” Josh ordered.
The clicking was getting out of control. My hands ached watching it transpire. I crossed my arms in front of me and clear my throat. “You’d think you were fighting for you lives.”
Josh turned around, smiled, then shook his head and went back to playing the