Trip to Town, Glimpse of the Past
*Adelaide*
May 12, 2017
I shuck the corn in my hands, discarding the husk into the garbage can by my feet. I glance at Missy as she sits across from me, slicing fruit. We’re making a delectable lunch for Maddox, Adam, and ourselves. The two men have been slaving away under the heat of the sun and we thought it would be nice to treat them to a lunch…one other than PB&J’s or ham sandwiches.
“Doesn’t Jeremy go to school?” I ask suddenly. Missy lifts her blue eyes to meet my identical ones. She really could be my mother…our looks are astonishingly similar.
“Yes, dear. Why do you ask?”
“Well, it’s just that he’s always home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Kristy is away every day for school.” I shrug my shoulders, trying to understand why their schedules were different.
Missy lets out a soft chuckle as I place the cleanly shucked corn atop my growing pile. Apparently Maddox and Adam eat three in one sitting.
“He goes to college…Kristy is in high school, so she has class every day. Jeremy only has classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.”
I nod my head. College was a topic Maddox and Kristy spoke of with me. It’s an education above high school. People go to receive degrees which help them further their dreams with careers of their choosing.
I can’t help but be disappointed with the fact that I may never go to college. What is it like?
“I would like to go to school,” I whisper, worried that my words will anger Missy. However, she sits silent for a moment and I lift my eyes to see her looking at me with a small smile and watery eyes.
“Of course, dear. We can discuss this at a later date, but I will set up a placement test for you.” Her answer has my stomach churning with excitement and gratitude. It’s almost been a month since I’ve been with the Crane’s, and I already owe so much to them.
Missy stands and walks over to the kitchen counter, where she grabs a large tray of chicken salad sandwiches. They are possibly my favorite food. I could live off Missy’s chicken salad. The soft bread that nearly melts in my mouth is an added bonus.
I take my pile of corn and place the ears in the boiling pot. Missy proceeds to put the sandwiches together as we wait for the corn to fully cook. I look out the window over the kitchen sink. It gives me a view of the barn and the pastures. I can see the men, mere specks, working the fields.
“Missy, do you mind if I go to the barn?” I ask. I miss Phoenix and wish to spend more time with him. He’s finally allowed me to run my hands up and down his legs, which is a great sign of trust.
My aunt nods her head. “Of course. Be sure to gather the men in about fifteen minutes, will you?”
“Yes,” I say and quickly exit the house, running to the barn to see Serendipity and Phoenix in her stall. They both look at me when I unlatch the door. I offer Serendipity a carrot from Maddox’s stash, and then gently run a hand down Phoenix’s neck. There are a few gray hairs around his muzzle and eyes, indicating that he will one day be gray like his mother.
Maddox told me gray foals are born either chestnut, bay, or black. Then, as time goes by, the foal will eventually change to a gray coat. The time span differs with every horse. Phoenix could be fully gray at two, five, or eleven years old.
I honestly do not mind the color. Phoenix is mine and I’m so grateful to Maddox for gifting him to me.
I halter Serendipity and gently do the same with Phoenix. I smile at how adorable he looks with a baby blue halter adorning his tiny face. I have been working with leading Phoenix around the farm the last few days and he does well with his mother in sight. Whenever the two are separated, it causes anxiety for both parties, so I walk both of them together.
I follow the path along the fences, the two horses following my leisurely pace. I admire the beautiful spring nature around me. The wind is soft today, blowing through the leaves and tall grass.
Phoenix lets out a high whinny and I look over to see him admiring everything as well. If a horse could have a pleased expression, Phoenix is wearing it. I smile at my horse, proud.
When we get to the two men who are bent over, mending the fence, we come to a halt and I watch them.
The amount of happiness that overcomes me every time I am in the presence of Maddox or a Crane is bountiful. Especially after the hay fight with Maddox…I seem to be lighter and I genuinely find myself wanting to be with him.
He makes me feel safe and alive. He allows me to ask endless questions and always provides answers. He’s kind and generous and I owe him, just as much as I owe the Crane’s. They have saved my life.
Serendipity snorts, causing the men to lift their heads and look at me. Maddox instantly puts on a crooked smile and stands straight to wipe a layer of sweat off his brow. “Good afternoon, Adelaide,” Maddox says, his voice soft. He glances at the two horses. “Phoenix looks well. You’re doing a great job.”
I shrug my shoulders, a blush warming my cheeks as I look at the foal. He is beside his mother, yet his eyes meet mine.
“I have a great teacher,” I mumble, turning back to the men. Maddox’s eyes meet mine, his honey brown holding my gaze. I am frozen under his scrutiny, however I can’t help but be glad to be so. Lately, whenever Maddox looks at me it is with such emotion that it warms my insides. He’s not just looking at me, but he truly sees into me. He understands my turmoils and is able to read my expressions as if they were an open book.
I am not ashamed to admit that I have become closer to Maddox than anyone else over the span of time I’ve been with the Cranes. While Kristy is a great friend who doesn’t fail to make me laugh, and she provides great advice and answers, Maddox makes me feel comfortable and safe. He seems to understand me more than the rest and he doesn’t judge.
I clear my throat, breaking eye contact. “Missy says lunch is ready…I believe you have five minutes,” I say, the corner of my lips quirking into a smile.
Maddox and Adam both nod in confirmation and I lead the horses back to the barn before I clean up and help Missy finish lunch.
The following day I accompany Maddox into town to buy feed for the horses. I never turn down an opportunity to go into town. I feel it’s an easy way to study and learn everyday life. I am beginning to understand the meaning of relationships…why people couple together and find happiness with each other.
I see their smiles while holding hands and walking through the shops. I see their eyes light up as they chastely kiss in public. I hear their soul-churning laughs as they genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
I can’t help but be envious. There is a strange sense of loneliness within me and I’m beginning to believe that it has to do with lack of a relationship. I want to have someone who will hold my hand just for the comfort and act of holding it. I want someone who makes my stomach bubble with laughter by sharing a humorous story. I even want to have my first kiss.
Music plays softly within Maddox’s truck. I sit in the passenger seat and subtly peek over to see Maddox focusing wholly on the road. He’s wearing his brown leather cowboy hat, which shows off his prominent jawline. His left hand grips the steering wheel tightly as he lifts the right and switches the station on the radio. In doing the brief movement, he must have noticed my gaze, because he cocks his head to the side to flash his beautiful eyes.
I blush but don’t hide. Instead, I prop my elbow on the window of the truck and place my chin in my palm. I give him a small smile, which coaxes him to smirk back at me. Maddox shakes his head, a soft chuckle leaving his lips before he sits straight and pulls the truck to a stop.
I recognize the Tractor Supply Company store. Downtown Grove, Oklahoma is quaint and small. It’s common that everyone knows each other. As we climb out of the truck, an elderly couple passes by and bids good morning to Maddox. He tips his hat at them then turns to wait for me to sidle up to him.
Maddox smiles down at me and reaches over to ruffle a hand over my head. I grimace and swat his hand away, giggling at his childish act. He holds the door open for me and we walk into the store.
He grabs a cart and we walk down the aisles. I hear him say hello to every person he sees and I know there are some he doesn’t know. Maddox is just friendly.
He leads me to the feed section and I watch as he goes directly to a brand of food. I shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans and stare with wide eyes as he places bag after bag after bag into the cart. They weigh at least fifty pounds…how much do these horses eat?
“One bag would last roughly four days,” Maddox answers, winking at me. Holy cow!
Holy cow, that’s a lot food…and holy cow, Maddox is extremely attractive. I find myself watching every movement he makes, every smile he flashes, and every time he wrinkles his nose when he sees something that makes him uncomfortable.
For instance, a young couple walked by us with the man’s hands running up and down the girl’s stomach, waist, and chest. I was sure he was going to remove her shirt at one point and I glanced at Maddox to see his nose wrinkled. It made me laugh.
After we have a cart full of feed, Maddox then leads us to another aisle, and I smile as he stops in front of halters. “It doesn’t hurt to get a head start,” Maddox says, scratching the back of his neck as a shy smile touches his lips.
I look at the line of halters, instantly drawn to a brown leather one. But when I look at the price, I divert my gaze and move to the nylon halters. I reach for a red one, but Maddox grabs my wrist quickly. I look at him with a frown.
“You don’t want that one,” he mumbles, grabbing the first leather one I was admiring and placing it in the cart.
“N-no. Maddox, that is too expensive,” I say. I can’t let him buy that for me. I’m more than happy with the twenty-dollar halter, considering I wasn’t expecting such a gift from him.
Maddox raises an eyebrow at me, his lips twitching. “Adelaide, Phoenix deserves the best. And you deserve to get what you want. Don’t settle for less.” He flicks my nose and continues to grab a brown leather lead rope and places it in the cart. He walks to another aisle and I shake my head as Maddox grins like an idiot.
He turns to me, lifting his hand to place a black felt cowgirl hat atop my head. I bite my bottom lip and tilt my head back to look up at Maddox. His eyes glimmer with happiness and admiration before he nods. “Perfect,” he mutters and again leads the way.
This time, he takes me to the check-out and I reach over to grab his plaid-clad arm…how he wears a long-sleeve shirt in this heat is beyond me.
Maddox turns to look over at me, absentmindedly fixing the hat on my head. “You really don’t have to do this for me. But thank you.” I smile softly and he nods his head.
“You’re welcome, Adelaide.”
I stand beside Maddox as the lady behind the register rings everything up. My eyes are wide at the total on the screen and I watch as Maddox casually hands over his debit card. Is he not concerned about how much money he’s spending?
“Cameron!” I hear someone call throughout the store but I initially ignore it, ready to head back to the farm. However, Maddox is frozen in his spot and I look to see him giving me an apologetic expression before arms wrap around his neck. My eyes take in the redheaded woman hugging Maddox…
Why did she call him Cameron?
“Fancy seeing you here! How have you been, Cam? How’s Kristy and Jeremy? Oh! And how’s sweet Missy? Tell her I miss her lasagna!” I raise an eyebrow, wondering who this woman is. She knows the Cranes and she’s had the pleasure of enjoying Missy’s homemade lasagna. Is she a family friend?
Again…who is Cam?
“Adelaide, why don’t you go over to the Muddy Pearl? I know you wanted to get something for Kristy…I’ll meet you there,” Maddox says, his expression desperate. I furrow my brows and glance back at the girl.
“Oh! You’re Adelaide? I’ve heard all about you! I’m so sorry to hear about your mother…poor thing! How are you settling in? Must be hard, not knowing a darned thing about the outside world and then being thrust into it! I can only imagine—”
“Emily! Enough!” Maddox growls and I look at him with wide eyes as a pain twists my heart.
How does she know about all of that? Did Maddox really tell her? I feel betrayed. I trusted him with my feelings and he shared them with this woman? Who is she?
Tears prickle in my eyes. “Adelaide, please.” I spin on the balls of my feet, heeding Maddox’s plea as I storm down the sidewalk, passing the boutique I was planning on shopping in for Kristy.
Tears roll down my cheeks as I feel an absurd amount of pain in my chest. How could he do this to me?
It is so unlike Maddox to do this. One moment he’s gifting me with a horse, buying me a hat and gifts for Phoenix, and then it is revealed that he shared my past with a complete stranger. And why does she call him Cameron? Is that his real name? In all the books and movies, I’ve never heard of someone named Maddox. It seems odd. Did he make it up? Do the Cranes know?
Questions swarm my head as I try to understand. I walk for a couple of minutes until I’m a decent distance away from the store and sit on a bench. I wrap my arms around my stomach and lean forward as a sob shakes through me.
Is this what my mother warned me about? Because, in this moment, it truly feels as if my heart is breaking in two. It feels as if someone has ripped open my chest and sliced my heart. I always thought she meant it literally, however I’m understanding it was a figurative meaning.
I never thought I would want to see my old home again, however in this moment I want nothing more. I want to feel the comfort that sitting at my window brought me. I want to be secluded from the world and the hurt it has bestowed upon me.
I openly trusted Maddox and the Cranes…is this my punishment? Was I so naïve to believe that my mother could have been wrong?
“Are you okay?” I lift my head at the masculine voice in front of me. I look at the young stranger, his dark eyes scrutinizing me. I nod my head, not wanting any company at the moment. “Are you sure, little lady? You look like you could use a hug.”
With that, he sits beside me and drapes an arm around my shoulder. I tense, instinctively trying to stand and put distance between us. He carries a strong odor, like a stale burn. I notice a cigarette in his shirt pocket and instantly put two-and-two together. “Let me go,” I whisper, trying to squirm out of his hold. His fingers dig into my arm and he pulls me close.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Adelaide Crane.” How does he know my name? How does he know who I am? Did Maddox share my story with him too?
Did Maddox send me out to be picked up by this man? Is he sick of all my questions and company?
Tears continue to fall as I struggle against his hold. “Shh, little lady. Don’t make a scene.” With a hard tug, he places me against his chest and ducks his head down so our noses brush. I squeal, thrashing against him as his lips merely brush against mine. I hardly feel them before warm arms wrap around my waist and hoist me away from the vile man.
The strong chest pressed against me is familiar, and I momentarily push the notion of betrayal aside as I cling to Maddox. “You dare touch her like that?” Maddox snarls at the man sitting on the bench. I refuse to look at him, my fingers wrapping around Maddox’s plaid shirt.
“It’s all just a little fun, Cameron.”
“Stay away from her, Nile! I will not have you and Emily terrorizing her!” Nile knows Emily? Who are these people? And why do they call him Cameron?
Nile chuckles low behind me and I hear shuffling. Suddenly, I am twisted and shoved behind Maddox’s back, his hand closing tight around my wrist to hold onto me. He stands as a barrier between me and Nile.
“You let me rot for two years, Cameron! I do not easily forget…hold her close to you. Be a shame if a pretty thing like that was snatched away…” Nile sends me a wink and then turns to walk away.
Maddox spins, grabbing my shoulders and giving me a thorough shake. “Why didn’t you go to the boutique? Do you have any idea how worried I was? And then I see that monster on top of you…” Maddox trails off, grabbing his hat and running his hand through his hair before putting it back on. “I died a thousand deaths, Adelaide.” His voice is a mere whisper as he looks at me with such sadness.
“You told Emily about my life…” I mumble.
“What? Oh, heavens, Adelaide. You honestly believe I’d tell a soul about the conversations we share? I’d never tell anyone about your past. I can imagine one person who would, however.” Maddox runs a hand down his face and lets out a deep sigh.
Who would have told someone? Is he suggesting one of the Cranes?
I shake my head, running a hand over my cheeks to wipe my tears away. “Why did they call you Cameron?” I ask.
Maddox grabs my arm gently and pulls me closer to him. “Adelaide, my past is a dark one, and I don’t wish to pull you into it. However, if you truly want to know, I’ll tell you everything.”
I stare at him, seeing a sense of vulnerability within his gaze. I do want to know everything about Maddox. However, if what happened today is just the tip off the iceberg, I can’t imagine what the rest would be like. It has already managed to change my opinion of Maddox, and even though I have been able to restore it, I don’t want to chance looking at him in a different light…not yet.
Maddox has become a safe haven, and when I believed he betrayed me, it was almost as if I lost my own footing. I don’t want to risk losing the safety his presence brings me.
“I want you to tell me everything, Maddox. Just not yet.” Relief touches his eyes for a moment before he nods his head.
Using the hand holding my arm, he pulls me close and dips his head into my shoulder. “When I couldn’t find you, Adelaide, it was as if my whole world was shaken.” His words are heavy on my heart. Hearing him express his feelings make my palms sweaty. What exactly are his feelings toward me?
Is it as siblings, like with Kristy? Or perhaps like Maria and Captain von Trapp?
“Come, let’s get you home.”
As Maddox leads me to the truck, I can’t help but silently wish for the latter.