Hero
AFTER RANGER LEFT the house, I sat in Garrison’s room for a long time. There were a lot of good memories in this room, mixed with the sad. Our late night talks ranged from numerous topics, but somehow always made their way back to Ranger. Garrison loved his brother, and Ranger held my heart.
I had been able to sleep last night and when I woke up I half expected for Ranger to show up to help with chores. But he did not. I moved through my morning activities and then headed to the diner to work for a few hours.
When I arrived home, I parked my truck right next to...Rangers. My heart fluttered thinking about him. I missed him. Calling a truce was important to me and I will abide by it. If not for Ranger, but for Garrison. He was my friend and someone I called family. It was a word I don’t use for just anyone. Talking to Ranger yesterday reminded me of our times together. The days of riding the horses around the property, laying on blankets by the pond kissing under the stars, and talking about our future. I planned my life around our talks. When he left I stayed true to my word and promise to him.
I would wait for him.
I figured by now we would be married, have a house, maybe a kid or two. Or maybe we would be traveling together, seeing the world but still married. I wanted to carry his last name and wear his wedding ring with deep pride and love for Ranger.
My daydream was broken by the slamming of the front porch screen door. I watched him holding a plate of meat in one hand and helping Grammy down the stairs in the other. I remembered how he helped her down the stairs all the time before he left. He constantly did it. It should his sweet, chivalrous side.
“Hero, why are you sitting in your truck?” Grammy hollered over. “The grill is hot and we’re about to cook up these steaks. Come on.”
“I’m going to change.” I jumped out and headed into the house. I took a quick shower and changed into a pair of shorts and an off-the-shoulder blouse. I fixed my hair and makeup, dolling myself up a bit.
For Ranger.
When I came back outside, Wallace and Bryson were all sitting at the table with Ranger, while Grammy and Gramps fill the grill up. I grabbed the bowl with the corn on the cob and head over to my grandparents.
“How was work?” Gramps asked.
“Good,” I answer as I foil the buttered corn and place it on the top shelf of the grill.
“You look beautiful today.” Grammy commented.
“Are you saying I look like dog crap all the other days?” I teased.
“Well, not every day.” She winked and strolled over to the table with the boys.
I softly laughed at her and went back to my task, but I felt Gramps staring at me. “What?” I sighed.
“I’m wondering if you’re sleeping well.”
“I am.” I half lied.
“Oh little girl, you know I can see through the mud you’re trying to lay on me.”
I looked up at him. As I child I always said Gramps was a giant because of his height. “I’m okay.” I tried to sound as if it were true.
“It’s nice to have Ranger around again. He really helped you with the fence and you both did a great job.”
I shrugged. “I guess.”
“You missed him a lot, and now he’s back and all you can say is I guess?”
I remained quiet.
“I think you both grew up in your time apart, but your love is still there. I see it in both your eyes. Give him a chance.”
“I told him we could have a truce until this is all over.” I lowered my voice to ensure no one could hear.
“Then when it’s over, you two can go back to being a normal couple full of love.”
“Has Grammy been making you watch those Lifetime movies again?”
He laughed boisterously. “Some of them aren’t too bad.”
I shook my head and went over to the table. Wallace had brought out a pack of cards and they all were playing rummy. I took the seat next to Ranger and watched and listened as everyone played cards. Wallace discussed his work at the plastic factory. Bryson talked about the car repairs he’s been doing at the garage, and Ranger even chipped in with some information. He was going to be helping out his military friends in Arizona.
“People pay for this?” Bryson asked
“Yep and pay a lot. My friend is going to run it. I’m just going to teach a group.”
“I think people are watching too many zombie movies and that’s why it’s such a big deal.” Grammy added her opinion. “Those of us raised on ranches and farmlands don’t need to waste money on silly classes.” We all laughed at her, but she did have a point.
“When do you leave?” I wondered if it would be sooner rather than later.
“Not a hundred percent sure yet.”
Our attention went back to the game in front of them. Of course Grammy cleaned all of their clocks like she normally did when we played together. I always said she was a card shark. As Wallace cleaned up the cards, Gramps plated up the meat, and Grammy and I gathered up the vegetables and salads. Wallace poured sweet tea for all of us and after we prayed, food began to get passed around. There wasn’t much talking since the food was delicious. While shoveling the food in my mouth, I could feel Ranger’s leg touching mine. It seemed childish, but when we were younger we’d rub our legs against each other.
And we’re doing it now.
I wasn’t sure if we were doing it consciously or out of habit. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up from the simple touch. I flashbacked to one of our last family dinners before he left. Garrison had been there and the laughter between all of us still rang in my ears.
“You’re smiling,” Grammy said as we finished up cleaning the dishes in the kitchen. “It’s been a long time seeing you happy.”
“I just had a good meal.” I told her.
“No that’s not a food smile, that’s a love smile.” She bumped her hip against mine.
“Whatever, old lady.” I rolled my eyes.
“Grammy.” Ranger walked over to her. “Thanks for a great dinner.” He hugged her. He always hugged her when he would leave the ranch. Some might have thought it weird for a teenager to hug an older lady he wasn’t related to, but he loved her like family. Garrison did the same thing.
“You’re more than welcome to come back any time,” she said releasing him.
He turned to me and nodded with a small smile and headed toward the front door.
“I’ll walk you out.” I almost shouted. I didn’t mean to say it as loud as I did.
He looked back and furrowed his brow a bit. He probably thought I lost my mind. “Sure.”
Together we strolled out to his truck. “I think I ate too much. Would you like to go on a walk?”
“Sure.” He turned toward the direction of the trail and headed up to the pond.
“How about this way?” I pointed to the barn. “I can check on the horses too.”
He nodded and we walked side by side. He opened the barn door and Donut is the first to pop his head out of the open top stall door. I went over and stroked his nose.
“I used to be jealous.” He comes up next to me leaning against the stall frame.
“Of what?” I keep my focus on my horse.
“The animals. You loved them more than...well...me.”
I dropped my hand from Donut’s nose and tried to keep my breathing even. I wanted to scream how much I still loved him and there was nothing to be jealous of because my heart belonged to him.
“You know I didn’t eat this well when I was in the Army. Grammy knows how to fatten a guy up.” He changed the subject.
I wished I could say I was glad he did, but deep down, the words were bubbling up for me to tell him. We needed to get all our cards on the table, so to speak. However, we called a truce. Our past was the past and we had moved on. Well, he did.
“Yes she does know.” I cleared my throat. “We need to go on another date soon. Somewhere closer to home.” I suggested. Our time would be running out soon and the sadness filled me. He already made plans to leave Langston to go to Arizona. Why couldn’t I see the big picture? His future didn’t include me. He just wasn’t saying it out loud to me.
“What about tomorrow night? You pick it. Whatever you want to do.” He pushed himself off the frame. “I’m going to head out.” He brushed past me and the air was filled with his soft sandalwood scent.
“Ranger.” I spun on my heels and faced him.
“Yes?” He looked at me, but no words came out.
“Nothing.” I shook my head. “I’ll see you later.”
He stepped closer. “Hero, I’m glad we called a truce.”
“Me too,” I whispered as my throat closed a bit.
“I have the best memories here with you and I’m,” he paused, “I’m glad you and Garrison made good memories before he passed.” His smile is sad. “I’ll see you.”
The tears slowly fell as I watched him walk away from me. Soon, he’d be gone forever.