by Casey Peeler
Chapter 8
After showering, I go downstairs and give Lauren a call on Gran’s landline. I just need a moment to vent. She can’t believe anything that I’m telling her. I should have taken a picture of myself for proof. Hell no, that could be used as blackmail.
“So he’s making your life hard?” Lauren asks.
“Not just him, Gran too. She told me that I had to be respectful before she even thinks about taking me to a studio. Not to mention Mom’s already gotten a job, and there’s no way I can leave this hell hole.”
“Since your Gran decided to go easy on you for the rest of the day, why don’t you enjoy it.”
“How do you expect me to do that, Lauren?”
“Watch a little TV, maybe even dance outside, or maybe you should plot your revenge.”
“I like it! Go on.”
“Well, why not do shit to him? He thinks he’s got the upper hand, but watch him a day or so. Find out his habits and then strike.”
“Yeah like that damn Rascal! I think maybe I could come up with a few things.” With Lauren’s comments the wheels begin to spin in my mind. “Thanks. I swear. I’m almost ready for school to start because at least I won’t have to work around here, but revenge could give me a reason to wake up each morning.”
“That’s my girl! Well, I gotta run. Call me soon!” We say our goodbyes and hang up.
After walking around the house contemplating what I should do, I decide to take a seat on the couch and watch TV for a little while. It doesn’t take long before I decide that local channels aren’t going to cut it so I start to think of ways to prank Barrick. Eventually, I decide to push that to the side because until I learn his daily routine, I’m wasting time. Tomorrow I’m going to be a good little girl on the farm and do as I’m told. Let’s see how good I can fake it.
Deciding that a good story might clear my mind, I look at the shelves of books Gran has in her living room. Most are worn, and look like they have been read multiple times. I can’t help wishing there was a great dystopian novel amongst them. As my finger drags over the spines, I pause on a John Grisham novel, and pull it from the others. Looks interesting, so I take it, plop down on the couch and open it up.
I have no idea when Gran entered the house, but as the sound of a mixer echoes throughout the house, I know it must be close to lunchtime. Putting the book on the end table, I stand and go see what’s to eat. I’m completely shocked when I see her with a glass of green mixture.
“Gran what’s that?” I ask.
“A green shake. I was going to fix you a sandwich and chips, but I thought this might be more up your alley.”
Taking the glass from her, I’m surprised she would know the ingredients in a green shake. I take a sip and am unsure. It’s nothing like the shake at the smoothie shop. It’s actually better. There’s a crispness to it and it has a bit of a tart taste.
“Gran, this is good! What did you put in here?” I ask as I take another sip.
“Oh anything and everything from the garden, plus two fresh squeezed lemons. That’s the secret.” She winks.
“How do you know about these?”
“I saw an infomercial on some fancy smoothie machine. I thought to myself, I bet I can make that and make it taste better. Now, it took a little bit of trial and error, but I like them when it’s hot like this. Plus, I know I’m getting all the vegetables this old lady needs.”
“I’m glad I wasn’t here for the trial and error part!” I laugh and she does too.
“I’m going to take mine to the porch. Would you like to come sit with me?”
“Sure.”
Gran and I walk outside to the porch, and it’s ridiculously hot. Sweat begins to bead on my forehead and as we are about to sit down, I see him coming. Great.
“Gran, I think I’m going to go inside and finish this.”
“But Cadence, we just got out here,” she says patting the seat.
“Nah, I’d rather not,” I say and cut my eyes toward Barrick as his foot lands on the top step.
Barrick
“Ms. Mae, I’ve finished down at the barn for now. Is there anything in the garden that needs pickin’?” I ask as Cadence hurries inside like someone lit her ass on fire. I shake my head.
“No, I don’t believe so. I know tomorrow we’ll need to get ready for the farmers’ market, and if you’re wanting to dove hunt in a few weeks, feel free to get the field ready on your down time.”
“Thanks. Smoothie for lunch again today?” I ask. God I hate those things.
“Actually, since I know those aren’t your favorite, there’s stuff for tomato sandwiches and even a fresh loaf of homemade sourdough.”
“Awesome. Thanks,” I say as I begin to open the screen door.
“Oh and Barrick, you two try not to start a fire while you’re in there please.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Walking into the house, I glance to the left and see Cadence lying on the couch with a book and her smoothie. I ignore her and make my way to the kitchen. I quickly make myself a sandwich, chips, and glass of sweet tea and sit at the table. It feels good to sit down inside. The air is definitely not cold by any means, but it’s significantly cooler than outside.
I take out my cellphone and check social media and my text messages while I eat. Standing to get a napkin with my phone in my hand, I run into Cadence.
“Where did you get that?” she asks, staring at my phone like it’s a million dollars.
“The store?” I reply, confused.
“Does it work here?”
“Um, yeah.” Why else would I be using it?
“You’ve got to help me get one.”
I grab a napkin, and turn to look at her again. “Can you repeat that?” I ask with a smile.
“Don’t get any ideas, cowboy. I had one till Gran threw it across the yard, but it didn’t work half the time here anyway. So, are you going to help me or what?” she asks while standing with her hands on her hips.
“Depends. Does Ms. Mae want you to have one?”
“Ohmygosh! What are you, like perfect or something? I’ve got money. Not to mention a mother as well. I just have no way out of this hell hole so are you going to help me or what?”
“No, I’m not a goodie-goodie, but I do what’s asked of me. So if you aren’t allowed then no, I’m not helping you. If you can, I’ll be glad to. I can get one when I go in town for the farmers’ market. You just have to get the okay from Ms. Mae or your mama.”
She gets quiet on that comment. I’m not sure if it’s because a phone is off limits or what, but I already know this girl is accustomed to getting exactly what she wants.