Dart and Dash - Mary Smith Page 0,9
got settled behind me, I started the bike. I decided to take the scenic route instead of going down the four-lane Route 60. I turned left onto Hal Greer Boulevard, toward Route 10. Daisy tightened her arms around me as I went into each curve. I drove up through the backside of Barboursville Park.
Of all the parks in the area, this was my favorite, because it was large, nicely laid out, and clean. It was out of the way, but I didn’t care. It was well worth it. I headed toward the pond, which had a great running track around it. I parked and Daisy hopped off the bike.
I watched her shake out her blond hair, and my heart jumped. Even after three years, she was still as gorgeous as the first day I saw her. I took her hand and we began walking the track. I waited for her to speak first.
Almost halfway through the first lap, she began telling me what Garnet had said. I held her hand and let her continue. The tears came even harder when she told me what Garnet said about her mom. I guided her over to an empty bench and held her.
I was there with Daisy went Mrs. Bowlings died and I know how hard it was on her and Garnet. Daisy continued to sob on my shoulder, and I rubbed her back.
“What am I going to do? How can I get through to her?”
“Daisy, you need to let her work through whatever she’s feeling. You see what I am going through with Dash.”
She nodded, wiping her face of her tears.
“Support her, that’s what you need to do.”
“I want her to tell me what’s happening, but she’s taken on this tough girl image, and I want my sister back.” Daisy huffed in frustration, pushing her hands through her long blonde hair.
“I know it’s hard, but you need to see things from her view, too. She’s young and needs to work through it.” I squeezed her hand. “Just support her.”
Daisy nodded. “I guess you’re right, but I promised Dad to watch out for her.”
“And you will. She needs to find herself, and work out her own emotions.”
“She doesn’t need me.” Daisy sniffed.
“You’re wrong, Daisy.” I told her firmly. “Right now, she’ll need you more than anything, and you need to be there. Just like you were there for me when I needed you the most.” I smiled at her.
She gave me a small grin back. “I know you’re right, but it’s hard to be patient.”
I cupped her face. “You’re more patient than you think. You put up with Dash almost every day.” I winked at her causing her to giggle.
“Thank you, Dart. I love you.”
“I love you, Daisy.”
Chapter 6 – Dash
The first day of classes has officially arrived. I would admit that I’m excited for this year to start. More importantly, I will be excited to see it end. I always know the fall semester is the hardest; with football, classes, partying, and girls, my schedule is full.
Since I lived so close to campus, I walked to class. I strolled down Sixth Avenue, admiring the lush green trees. It was only a matter of time before they turned to beautiful autumn colors. I don’t know if it was because football would be going full force, or if it was just all that pretty color, but I loved fall.
As I crossed Fifth Avenue, trying to dodge the oncoming traffic, I thought about my first time on campus. Dad had helped us unpack and mom put away our things. She cried the entire time. It was hard to think they had died not too long after that, and my world changed again. I don’t think I’ve ever relied on anyone since except Dart. In fact, I know I hadn’t. He was my rock.
The courtyard in the center of campus was bustling with students going to class. The bright green leaves of the trees shaded me as I made my way through the crowd. Even with all the talking and laughter, I could hear the water rushing of the memorial fountain next to the student center.
Once I reached the third floor of Harris Hall, my eyes caught the back of Garnet’s fire red hair and petite body. From her profile, I could see the panic in her eyes.
“Are you lost?” I leaned in close to her ear, catching the hint of rose petals.
Garnet jumped. “No,” she barked.
“I think you’re lying.” I called her out on her