Violence: There may be violence in this story, but not for a while, and not real graphic…I'm the squeamish type. So if you are into that sort of thing, go get your jollies elsewhere (sorry!).
Subtext: Yep. Nothing really graphic, probably PG-13 at the most, 'cause I ain't that talented. Two women meet and fall in love…if you can't handle it, get over it. If it's illegal where you live, I sympathize. If you're too young, grow up!
Quality Disclaimer: This is my first attempt at fanfic. If you don't like it, tell me why. If you do happen to like it, I'm glad I could amuse you for a while. Feedback is greatly appreciated. You can reach me at cb.zeer@worldnet.att.net
Chapter 11
Opening her eyes, Lex was somewhat disoriented at first. Glancing up, she realized that she was at home and in her own bed. Yeah, now I remember. The stairs… her mind was still a little fuzzy after that. She heard soft breathing next to her, so she slowly turned her head towards the sound - Amanda was sound asleep on the pillow next to hers, with her right hand tucked under her cheek, and her left hand… holding my arm? Sure enough, the small blonde had a gentle grip on Lex's forearm, as if she were afraid Lex would leave. Before the older woman could disengage her arm, Martha walked in carrying a large silver tray laden with food.
"Well, hello there!" she said brightly, "How are you feeling, honey?" She sat the tray on a nearby table, and then walked over to the bed. Sitting gently next to her 'patient', Martha casually used her hand to brush the hair off of Lex's forehead, also using the motion to check for fever.
"I'm fine, Martha. Don't worry so much." The younger woman said, slowly pulling herself into a sitting position.
"Oh, sure. You were so 'fine' that we had to undress you, and you probably don't even remember it!" The housekeeper exclaimed with a frown.
Lex sighed. "I think I was more tired than actually hurt." She smiled. "Honestly, I feel much better now." She tried to peek around the heavier woman. "Is that food I smell?"
Martha laughed. "Oh, Lexie… you're gonna be the death of me yet."
Amanda was awakened by the sound of voices. She opened her eyes, and what she saw made her smile. "Hey…" she sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Didn't mean to drop off like that." A timid smile to the housekeeper. "How long was I asleep?" She looked outside, but it was still dark and raining.
The short heavyset woman got up and then sat the tray on the middle of the bed. "Only a couple of hours."
"A COUPLE OF HOURS?? Oh, no!" Amanda moved to get off the bed, but Lex grabbed her arm.
"What's the matter?" she asked, as the younger woman looked horrified.
"My grandparents - I really need to let them know I'm okay." She was almost in tears. "They'll be worried sick…" Especially with this weather…We're all a little paranoid about car accidents, now…
Martha halted her babbling with a wave of her hand. "Now hold on there, honey." She picked up the cordless phone that was stationed on Lex's bedside table. "Here… last time I checked, the lines were just fine."
Amanda took the phone with a grateful smile. "Thanks - I'm sorry, I don't usually fall apart this easily." She dialed her grandparents number, and after three rings it picked up.
"Hello?" An older woman's voice, though strong, answered.
Amanda smiled into the phone. Just hearing her grandmother's voice was soothing. "Gramma? It's me, Amanda."
"Mandy, sweetheart, are you okay? We were getting a little worried. You're usually home before now." The older woman asked, concern coloring her voice. In the background, she could hear her grandfather's deep voice. Anna Leigh covered the mouthpiece with her hand and spoke to him. "Yes, Jacob, it's Mandy. I will, sweetheart." Then to Amanda, "Where are you, dear?"
The little blonde grimaced. What to tell her without lying, or causing her needless worry. "Well, it's like this. I went out for an appointment today."
Anna Leigh interrupted her. "You went out in this awful weather?"
"Yes, Gramma. Rick gave me the appointment sheet…"
The older woman was livid. "That pompous ass! I'd fire him if I could find a replacement for his worthless hide." She hinted. "So where are you now? You're not still out somewhere in the rain, are you dear?"
Amanda laughed. "Gramma! I've told you I'm not qualified to be an office manager just yet. And no, I'm not out in the rain. I'm…uh… kinda stuck at a friend's house." She looked over at Lex and Martha with an apologetic grin.
"Where? Are you okay? You didn't get the car stuck, did you?" her grandmother questioned.
Amanda blanched. She had been so worried about Lex, and so disoriented after bumping her head, she had forgotten completely about the car. "Oh… um… Well, yes, Gramma, the car is stuck," in a creek, she mused to herself.
Anna Leigh sighed in relief. "Well, dear, don't you worry. Jacob will be the first to say that you're much more important than some old car. Besides, we'll just wait until it dries up some and have Randy down at the garage take care of it." She said calmly, hearing the upset in her granddaughter's voice.
Tears began to fill Amanda's eyes. It'll probably take a lot of drying out, "I know, Gramma. I guess I'm just a little tired."
"That's perfectly okay, sweetheart. When will you be home? Do we need to send a cab for you?" Since his leg cast had just been recently removed, Jacob still had not been cleared to drive, which frustrated him to no end, and his wife refused to leave him at home alone, afraid that he would need something and try to drive anyway. And she certainly didn't want to get him out in this weather. Anna Leigh could tell that the young woman wasn't telling the entire truth, she sounded far too upset for the car just to be stuck in the mud.
"Well, Gramma, that's kinda hard to say…I guess you could say I'm stranded." Her voice began to tremble.
"Stranded? What exactly do you mean by that? Are you sure you're okay?" Anna Leigh was beginning to get upset as well.
"Uh, well…" Amanda looked frantic. She covered the mouthpiece with her hand and whispered to the women looking on. "'Help! I don't know what to say, and I don't want them to worry!" her hands began to shake.
Lex pulled the phone out of her nerveless fingers. "Hello? This is Lexington Walters." She paused, listening to the woman on the other end of the line. "Yes ma'am, that's right, Mrs. Cauble. I've been on the Historical Committee with you."
Here Amanda's jaw dropped. Lexington? Historical Committee? MY Grandmother? She knows MY Grandmother?
Lex smiled as she let Anna Leigh speak. "Yes ma'am. Amanda is here at the ranch with me, but I'm afraid she'll be stuck here for a while…. Excuse me?" She chuckled, "No, nothing like that. Seems our old bridge was washed out, and your lovely granddaughter got stuck on this side of the creek." She mischievously raised an eyebrow at Amanda.
She thinks I'm lovely? Oh, this is getting more bizarre by the moment. Amanda closed her eyes shyly when Lex smirked at her.
"No, ma'am, it'll be just fine. It's just Martha and me out here right now, so she'll be good company. The boys are staying at our house in town, so if ya'll need anything, just give them a call. You still have both numbers, right?" Lex saw the incredulous look cross Amanda's face. "Yes ma'am, I will. Oh, I think Amanda has calmed down now… yes ma'am. Nice to talk to you again, too. Goodbye." She handed the phone over to a very curious Amanda, who gave her a look that said, You'd better tell me later about all of this!
"Hi, again, Gramma. I'm sorry I fell apart like that. Guess being stuck out in the rain today wore me out."
Anna Leigh laughed. "Don't apologize - I'd probably be the same way." Now she became serious. "At least we won't worry about you any… Lexington is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She helped me get the old Taylor house declared a historical landmark last year. She's a good person, no matter what others might say." Fearing that she'd said too much, Anna Leigh stopped. Rumors abounded about the Walters girl - some said she was unnatural, running the ranch when she had an older brother perfectly capable of it. And the fact that she never dated in high school, and wasn't married now, spoke volumes as far as the town's gossips were concerned. Not to mention that unfortunate wild streak she had a few years ago.
Amanda paused. What others might say? Well, if her grandmother said she was a good person, that's all that mattered to her. "I know, Gramma… she practically took me in today." This with a smile towards the dark haired woman, who smiled back. "I'll give you a call in the morning to see how you're both doing, okay?"
"Why don't you make it tomorrow evening? Your grandfather and I have a few errands to run tomorrow - he has his physical therapy, then we thought we'd take in an early movie." Anna Leigh didn't want her granddaughter to think she had to be with them every minute of every day. The girl was so sweet, but she really needed to get out more and meet people her own age. Maybe this was the perfect opportunity. "And you try and get some rest… you sound tired, sweetie."
Amanda grinned. "I will. Don't go out if it's still raining too hard, please?" She paused. "I love you, Gramma. Please give Grandpa Jake a big hug and kiss from me."
Anna Leigh chuckled. She treats me more like a child, than a capable woman. She's too sweet. "I promise we'll stay home if it's too bad…we love you too, dearest." She hung up the phone and sighed. I hope you and Lexington get along well…she is so much like her mother - so lonely, but refusing to admit it. Then she stood up and walked over to Jacob, embracing him tightly. "Let's go to bed, love." Arm in arm, they retired upstairs.
Amanda turned off the phone and handed it back to Lex. "Thanks. I feel much better now." She gently slapped the older woman's arm.
"Ow! What was that for?" Lex questioned, as Martha looked on and laughed.
"You didn't tell me you knew my grandmother!" Amanda accused indignantly.
Lex smiled. "I didn't know either, until I recognized her voice on the telephone." She looked at the small blonde. "You didn't tell me you were Jacob and Anna Leigh Cauble's granddaughter."
Amanda laughed. "Okay, you got me there. It's soo weird that you know my grandparents, and yet we've never met." she reached for the tray and grabbed a bowl of chili. "Mmm…" she mumbled with a mouthful," Dis is fantastic!"
Lex grabbed her own bowl and nodded. "Oh, yeah. Martha makes the best chili I've ever eaten." She looked over at the housekeeper who was bringing over a large, button down cotton nightshirt.
"Put that down and put this on - I don't want you to catch cold." She grumbled, somewhat embarrassed by the high praise.
"Why? Isn't quilt wearing fashionable this year?" Lex teased, putting down her bowl and allowing the older woman to help her dress. "Well, I must say this will be easier to eat in, that's for sure." She picked up her bowl and began to eat again, ignoring the snort of laughter from the small woman on the bed beside her.
Martha shook her head. "Sometimes…" she sighed. "I'll remember that when you say you have nothing to wear… I'll just drag out your quilt." She turned to leave. "After you girls finish that tray, give me a buzz, and I'll come back to clean it up. I've got some laundry to finish in the meantime." She walked out, still shaking her head and smiling.
Amanda looked over at Lex. "Do you think she would be too awfully mad if I took the tray downstairs? I don't want her to be waiting on me hand and foot. I'm not an invalid." This said between mouthfuls of chili and still-warm bread. "Although if I stay here too long, I'll weigh too much to get down the stairs."
Lex laughed, then stopped and wrapped one arm around her chest. "Ouch! Don't make me laugh too much…" she smiled at the young girl. "Nah. She'll fuss about it, but she never gets mad." She finished her bowl and sat it down. "I've been trying for years to stop her from fussing about me, and nothing has worked yet. I even offered her the chance to retire, and travel." A mock horrified look. "I thought she was gonna break every spoon she had on my backside." A shake of her head. "I've never heard so much yelling in my life. So now, I let her fuss. It seems to make her happy…"
Amanda finished up her bowl and placed it on the tray as well. "Let me take this downstairs before she makes another trip." She got up off the bed and reached for the tray. A loud snort of laughter stopped her. "What?" she asked, perplexed by the older woman's mirth.
"Heh… sorry… " Lex was trying, without much success, to control her laughter. "It's just you…you…" she wrapped both arms gingerly around her aching chest.
"Me, me…What?" Amanda was beginning to get a little angry.
"You look so cute in my old sweats!" she laid back on the bed, tears beginning to run from her eyes. "Ow!"
Amanda rolled her eyes. "Serves you right, making fun of me…I don't look that bad, do I?" she sat the tray down and walked into the bathroom where a full-length mirror stood.
"Oh, jeez!" Amanda exclaimed, looking into the mirror. The clothes had to be at least three sizes too big. She grinned. Then she giggled. As she walked back out into the bedroom, Lex had finally calmed down, but when Amanda walked in giggling, she couldn't help it.
"Bwahahahaha!! Ouch!" she laughed out loud, holding her chest in pain. "Ow!" she continued to laugh.
Amanda was laughing as well, and she staggered over to the bed and sat down next to Lex. "Hahahahaha… shhhhhh… you're just gonna hurt yourself worse." She placed her hand on the older woman's shoulder, trying to calm her down. "Shhhh…" she finally stopped laughing, and Lex wore down as well.
Gasping for breath, Lex closed her eyes. "Damn…that hurt, but felt really good." She took a semi-deep breath and opened her eyes. "Thanks."
"For what?" The blonde asked in confusion.
"For being such a good sport and not smacking me when I started laughing… I wasn't really making fun of you, you know."
Amanda smiled. "I know. And besides, I do look like a little kid in these things. But they're really comfortable." She walked around to the other side of the bed and grabbed the tray. "Now I'm going to try and take this tray downstairs, again." She started to walk away, then turned back towards Lex. "You didn't hurt yourself laughing, did you? Should I ask Martha to come up and check your bandage?"
Lex waved her hand. "Nah, just a little sore, really. I'm fine."
Amanda was skeptical, but kept quiet. "Okay, then I'll run this downstairs. Why don't you try and get some more rest? I'll be back in a little bit." She picked up the tray and started out the door before Lex could say another word.
Chapter 12
Amanda had made it to the bottom of the stairs when Martha's voice boomed, "All right, young lady, just what do you think you're doing?" The housekeeper had stepped out of a doorway at the end of the hall. She walked over to meet the young blonde, who had kept walking until she was at the kitchen door. Martha had a neat stack of clothes in one hand. "Well?"
Amanda motioned with the tray. "Umm…I thought I'd save you a trip upstairs?" she said, an innocent look on her face.
The big woman laughed and motioned her towards the sink. "Okay dear, I'll let it slide this time." She placed the stack of clothes on a nearby stool, and took over removing the dishes from the tray. "How are you feeling, hon?" She asked as she put the dirty dishes in the sink, and wiped down the tray with a dishcloth.
The younger woman sat down on the other stool, grabbing her now clean socks and putting them on her feet. "I'm feeling much better. My head is barely hurting. How did you find my socks?" She looked up and smiled. "Thank you for washing my things…you didn't have to, but I do appreciate it."
Martha turned to face her, wiping her soapy hands on a dry dishtowel. "You're welcome. I found your socks when I was cleaning up the mud room, and I was washing Lexie's things anyway and thought you might need something clean to wear." She smiled at the small woman. "Although, you look like you're mighty comfortable right now."
Amanda blushed. "Well actually, I am. These," she plucked at the shirt, "may be big, but I think I'm addicted to them already."
The housekeeper patted her on the leg. "Well, I don't think Lexie will mind…she hasn't worn them herself in years."
The blonde looked at her curiously. "She doesn't seem like the type to keep things that aren't useful. Why would she keep these?" She looked down at the Texas A&M logo on the shirt. "Did she go to school there or something?"
Martha looked as if she were weighing a heavy decision. Well, better she ask me than Lexie. She picked up the clothes on the spare stool and sat down opposite of Amanda. "No dear, she didn't go to college. Oh sure, she certainly planned to, even got a full scholarship. But the spring before her high school graduation changed all of that." She sighed, pain from long ago still showing in her eyes.
"About two months before graduation, Lexie's dad decided he wanted to go back on the rodeo circuit, so he had papers drawn up that gave her complete control of the ranch, and he took the next bus out of town." She shook her graying head. "And Lexie, being the responsible type that she is, did just that." The housekeeper released a heavy sigh. "So, she gave up her dream for college and ran this ranch full time. And never spoke one word of complaint."
Amanda was stunned. "She said she has a brother…why didn't she let him run the ranch while she went to school?"
Martha lowered her voice, anger in her tone. "Now this is my opinion, mind you, but that man would have run this ranch right into the ground within a year… he's a smart enough pencil pusher, but Hubert doesn't know enough about ranching to fill a thimble." She cleared her throat. "Besides, Lexie is a natural. I don't think there's anything that girl can't do." A deep cleansing breath, "Anyway, I wanted to tell you, 'cause I think it still hurts Lexie that she wasn't able to go to college."
Amanda had tears in her eyes. "Don't worry, Martha. I would never intentionally hurt her." She means too much to me, and I don't even know her that well…strange. "Do you know what she was planning on studying?"
The housekeeper smiled a sad little smile. "Oh yes…she told me right at the beginning of her senior year…she was so excited when she got the letter that told her of the scholarship." She paused, lost in her memories. "Oh, sorry dear. She wanted to be a veterinarian. That girl has always had a way with animals. I think that if she didn't feel so responsible for all the hired hands, and me, she would have sold this ranch years ago and gone onto school anyway." She shook her head again. "But no, Lexie will stick with this place until the end of time." She looked over at Amanda, who had a strange look on her face. "What's the matter, dear?"
"That sorry…" Amanda trailed off, anger beginning to flair in her bright green eyes. "He probably knew she'd never sell, and just wanted me to make a fool out of myself."
Martha grasped the angry woman's hand. "Honey, what's the matter?" concern etched her weathered features.
Amanda shook her head and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, Martha. I just realized that someone was trying to make me look like an idiot, and probably trying to hurt Lex as well." Rick probably knew all of this, and realized how it would make Lex feel to talk about selling the ranch. "You see, I work for my grandmother's real estate agency."
Martha placed a hand over her mouth in dismay. "Oh, no…"
Amanda nodded. "Oh, yes. The manager, Rick, gave me an appointment sheet and a map to find my way out here earlier today -"
The shocked housekeeper interrupted her. "Rick? That wouldn't be Ricky Thompson, would it?" Small towns had their bad points too…everybody knew everyone else, and there were few secrets.
Amanda exhaled. "Yeah…he's had it out for me ever since I turned him down for a date." She shivered. "I can't help it, the man makes my skin crawl!" she stopped, thinking. "Why? Do you know him too?" Probably…
Martha laughed. "I guess you could say that you and Lexie have something in common with him. When they were in high school together, Rick was a senior when Lexie was a sophomore…she turned him down for a date. Well, he wouldn't take no for an answer, so she basically flattened him in the main hall." She smiled. "I probably would have never known anything about it, but she got suspended from school for three days - her father just laughed." She paused, trying to gather her thoughts. "I was pretty upset at first, until the school counselor called me and explained. They had to suspend her for fighting, since that was the rule, but they made sure that she didn't miss anything important in class. I think they appreciated that someone had finally stood up to Ricky...he was such a bully in those days." She closed her eyes for a moment. "Poor Lexie…he's always looked for an excuse to get back at her. Without being caught, anyway."
Amanda nodded. "That would explain why he sent me out here today. I was supposed to meet with 'L. Walters' to discuss putting the ranch up for sale - he said that they were tired of ranching." She clenched her fists. "That rat…I ought to…"
Martha stood up next to the angry young woman. "Now, now dear." She rubbed her hand lightly on the girl's back. "Everything turned out okay, didn't it?" Other than the poor child nearly dying in a flooded creek.
Amanda took a deep steadying breath. "You're right. I would have probably never met you or Lex otherwise, so maybe I should call him up and thank him." She smiled an almost evil grin. "Wouldn't that just twist his shorts?"
The housekeeper hugged her. "Oh, it certainly would! I'd love to see his face!" She sobered. "Unfortunately, we're all three stuck here until the weather clears up enough to start rebuilding that bridge, or the creek goes down enough to walk across."
The young woman returned Martha's embrace. "Well, at least we're dry and safe." She stood up and took the folded clothes. "I'll just go put these away for now." She smirked. "I'm pretty comfortable in my present outfit." She started towards the doorway. "But please, let me know if there is anything I can do to help around here. I feel bad that you're doing all the work."
Martha walked back over to the sink. "If you can keep Lexie occupied without her driving me crazy, I'll consider it a fair trade." She put her hands back in the water, then turned and looked over her shoulder. "Try to keep her still for as long as possible - I'd really like those ribs to get at least a little time to mend properly."
Amanda sighed, and rolled her mist-green eyes. "I'll try. But she seems like the type that doesn't like to stay still."
The housekeeper laughed. "Mercy! Have you got her number! Now shoo! Go get some rest yourself, okay?"
The blonde nodded. "I will. See you later." And started for the staircase.
Chapter 13
Amanda tiptoed towards the bedroom, in case Lex was still sleeping. She decided to check on the injured woman and then ask Martha if there was a guestroom or couch she could use. She peeked around the door and looked towards the empty bed. Empty bed?!? She stepped the rest of the way inside. Now where could she be?
The bathroom door opened, and a slightly damp Lex walked slowly into the bedroom.
"What do you think you are doing?" Amanda asked, striding over to the tall woman. Lex had a towel around her neck, and was wearing boxer shorts with a faded blue nightshirt; similar to the one she had been wearing earlier.
"Huh?" She eased her way over to one of the chairs in front of the fire and sat down gingerly. "Oh…well, I felt kinda grimy after that swim in the creek and the mud bath, so I thought I'd take a real bath." Seeing the spark in Amanda's vibrant green eyes, she hurried to explain. "Don't worry - I was real careful…didn't even get my bandage wet." Whoa, those eyes sure sparkle when she's angry. Lex blinked, Wait a minute! Don't you be going there, Lex ol' girl.
Amanda sat in the chair opposite of Lex. "I'm sorry…but Martha asked me to keep an eye on you, and I didn't want anything to happen on 'my watch'." She smiled. "You do look a lot better than you did." Oh, yeah…does she! Whoa, where did that thought come from?
Lex leaned back in the chair with a quiet sigh. "Yeah, amazing what warm water and soap can do for a person." She looked at the clock on the mantle. "It's getting kinda late. And you're looking a little tired yourself." She stood up slowly and took a deep breath. "C'mon. Let's go get you tucked in." She smiled and offered her hand to the young blonde, who blushed at her choice of words.
Stop that Amanda - she doesn't mean anything by it! She didn't take Lex's hand, but she stood up next to her and smiled. "Okay, point me to the couch." Amanda followed the tall woman out of the bedroom and to the room across the hallway.
Lex smiled and flipped the light switch. "Here's the guestroom. We just finished remodeling it, so you're our first…" she smirked, "guest."
Amanda absently walked behind her into the room with awe. Almost matching Lex's room in size, about the only thing missing was the fireplace. A large brass bed sat against one wall. The side walls had two large picture windows with colorful windowseats, the pillows matching the brightly flowered bedspread. One corner had a sitting area; complete with a small bookshelf covered with books.
Lex laughed at Amanda's expression. "What? It's not that bad, is it?"
The younger woman slapped her on the arm. "Not that bad? Are you kidding? It's incredible!" she shook her head. "Did you do the decorating?"
This got another laugh from the tall woman. "Oh yeah, right. Not." She led Amanda to a door on the other side of the bed. "You've seen my room. This was all Martha's doing." She opened the door to a more modest bathroom, but one with the same type of shower as hers had. "There should be everything you might need here…Martha's always real thorough."
Amanda turned around and looked up into Lex's clear blue eyes. "Thank you… I don't think I'll ever be able to say it enough. You saved my life, took me into your home, and have taken care of me. I don't know how I'll ever repay you." She grasped Lex's hands and squeezed them gently.
Lex looked down and got lost in that verdant gaze. "You don't owe me anything. I'm just glad I was there." She bent down and placed a gentle kiss on the young woman's forehead. "Now try to get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning." She turned and walked out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
Amanda opened her eyes. Wow! She drew a shaky hand through her hair. And I'm supposed to be able to sleep after that? She sighed, and then walked into the bathroom. She brushed her teeth with the new toothbrush found in the cabinet, then came back into the bedroom. Walking over to the door, Amanda opened it and looked across the hall. Light's already out. Guess one of us will get some sleep tonight. She walked back over to the bed and crawled under the clean sheets. Moments later, Amanda fell deeply asleep.
Chapter 14
It was dark and very cold. She could hear a roaring sound coming nearer, but for some reason her legs would not move. Closer and closer, now she could feel something holding her down...Noooo!!! Water was beginning to lap at her feet, the roaring getting louder and louder. Help!! Can't break free!! The strap holding her in place seemed to get tighter…the water now up over her thighs and still rising. Please help me!! The cold, dirty water up to her chin now… the band tightening around her chest…Can't breathe….NOOOOO!!!
Amanda jerked upright, screaming, and found herself wrapped in strong arms. "Shhh…you're okay." A low voice murmured in her ear. Warm hands rubbed her back soothingly.
"Wha…?" She blinked her eyes open, startled to see Lex sitting on her bed.
"S'okay… you were crying out." The older woman pulled back. "Must have been one doozy of a nightmare." Her dark hair was in disarray, and she had a gentle smile on her lips.
Amanda took a shaky breath. "S..s…sorry." Quiet tears began to fall from her misty-green eyes. "It was dark…I couldn't get loose…the water…" she began to sob.
"Hey, it's alright." Lex gathered her back in her arms, and began to rock her slowly. "Shhh… you're safe now."
The young woman clung to Lex as if she were a lifeline, strangled sobs now racking her body. The tall woman was beginning to feel the pain in her ribs, but refused to let the distraught woman go. This feels so right… She began to softly hum, still gently rocking Amanda.
Shortly, Amanda's sobs quieted. She was halfway asleep, enjoying the gentle touch of the older woman. Suddenly she realized how tightly she was attached, and slowly loosened her stranglehold. "Thanks." She sniffed, taking a deep breath. "I…I don't know what came over me. I haven't had a nightmare since I was a little kid." She pulled away from Lex, feeling an extreme sense of loss from the act. To compensate, she grasped both of the dark woman's hands, and held them loosely.
Blue eyes locked with hers, almost startling in their intensity. "You had a pretty rough experience today - any normal person would have nightmares. Add to that the knot on your head, you're sleeping in a strange bed - that can't be easy for you." She gently squeezed the small hands held in her own.
Amanda managed a smile at that. "Hearing it put that way, I don't feel so bad now." Taking comfort in the strength of the callused hands that she held. "I'm sorry that I woke you." She could see a flicker of pain in those incredible eyes. "Are you okay?"
Lex smiled. "Fine…are you doing better now?" She couldn't seem to look away from those trusting eyes. I could look at her forever. She blinked. Huh?
Amanda noticed the glazed look to the older woman's face. "Hey." Blue focused back on her. "Let me help you back to bed." She stood up and pulled Lex up with her. "Besides," she touched the Band-Aid on her temple, "I could use a couple more aspirin." On impulse, she pulled the tall woman into a soft hug. "Thank you, again. You seem to always be pulling me out of scary places."
Lex returned the hug. Oh, I could get addicted to this real easy. She pulled out of the embrace slowly. "Glad I could be of service, ma'am." She tipped an imaginary hat and winked.
The small blonde laughed. "You nut." She wrapped an arm around Lex's waist and started towards the door. "Let's get you tucked in…"
They maneuvered their way through the doorway and across the hall easily. Amanda led her companion to the bed, and placed her hands on the broad shoulders. "Down you go." She gently pushed, and the tall woman sat back on the bed.
"This isn't really necessary, you know." But even as she said this, Lex allowed Amanda to lift her legs and then cover her body with the sheet and comforter. "You gonna tell me a story, too?" a grin crept across her face.
Amanda slapped her arm. "Only if you want me to." She sat down on the edge of the bed, next to Lex. "Any requests?"
Several requests ran through the dark-haired woman's mind, none of which could be voiced without embarrassing her 'nurse'. She cleared her throat. "Yeah…go get your aspirin."
Amanda laughed then stood up. "Good idea." She patted a nearby leg. "Be right back." She stepped into the bathroom and Lex could hear the sound of water filling a glass. A short pause, then more water running. Amanda stepped out of the bathroom with a glass of water in one hand. "I've had mine," she opened the other hand and gave Lex two white tablets, "and here's yours."
Lex raised an eyebrow, but took the offering without complaint. She patted the bed on the other side of her. "If you're gonna tell me a story, might as well get comfortable." She had a feeling the younger woman was still shaky from her nightmare, and she was determined to help her.
Amanda blushed, but walked around and crawled up on to the other side of the bed. She rolled over onto her side, and propped her head up on an upraised hand. "Okay, what story do you want me to tell?"
Lex turned her head and looked at the amused face across from her. "Oh, I dunno…" she appeared to be thinking hard. "How about a happy childhood memory? You know, something to take your mind off of what happened today?"
The blonde smiled, touched that her new friend was trying to help her get over her bad dreams. She turned back over onto her back. "I can do that. Close your eyes, now… what good's a bedtime story if your eyes aren't closed?"
The other woman chuckled, then reached up and turned off the bedside light. "Okay, I'm ready." She closed her eyes and smiled.
Amanda took a deep breath, then slowly released it.
The summer before Amanda turned sixteen was one of the best she could ever remember. It started like every other summer, with her parents traveling to Europe, her older sister Jeannie going on a church camp retreat, and she went to Somerville to stay with her father's parents. She was always given the choice of traveling with her parents or even going to camp, but she really enjoyed the summers spent with Jacob and Anna Leigh.
The day after she arrived, the three of them packed up a picnic lunch and loaded into Jacob's suburban. Although Amanda and Anna Leigh begged, he good-naturedly refused to give out their destination. Curiosity was about to kill both of them, especially since they were pulling a large flatbed trailer behind the suburban. Two hours later, they pulled off of the main road, and ten minutes after that they pulled up to a rusty looking gate.
"Peanut, would you mind getting out and opening the gate, please?" Jacob smiled at his granddaughter.
Amanda quickly jumped from the vehicle to do his bidding. "Sure thing, Grandpa!"
She swung the gate open, and he motioned for her to climb back into the vehicle.
"C'mon! We'll close it up when we leave."
She ran back to the truck and hopped in. Buckling up, "Ready to go, captain!" she saluted.
Jacob laughed and drove on through the gate. The road wove through a small thicket of trees, which soon opened up to an old abandoned farmhouse.
Weeds and wild bushes had grown up around the old house, which looked as if it had been deserted for ages. Two and a half story, most of the shutters were lying on the ground, and all the windows had been boarded up some time ago. Amanda loved it.
"Oooh, Grandpa Jake…whose house is this?" she cried, face pressed against her window for a better view.
Anna Leigh spoke up. "Yes, darling. Please. Why are we here?" She reached over and clasped his hand.
Jacob pulled his wife's delicate hand to his lips, and kissed it softly. "Soon, my love." He waggled his eyebrows at her teasingly.
She smiled and returned his look with one of her own, filled with love. "Okay, you rascal. You know I could never resist that look." She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. "But you'd better spill the beans soon!"
He grinned and turned to Amanda in the back seat. "Well, whatta ya say, Peanut? Want to go exploring?"
The young girl giggled with excitement. "Can we really, Grandpa?" she reached for the door handle. "Do you think the owners would mind?" she was out of the truck before he could answer.
Jacob got out of the truck and walked over to the passenger's side, opening the door for his wife. He extended a hand to the gentle woman, and lovingly pulled her from the truck. "I don't know. Do you want to ask them?" He held his wife's hand on the left, and extended his right hand to his granddaughter, who immediately grasped it tight.
Amanda looked up at him seriously. "I think we should, don't you, Gramma?" She looked over at Anna Leigh who smiled.
Her gray-streaked auburn hair shined in the summer sunshine. Jacob looked at his wife, and felt a lump in his throat. Medium height and shining pale green eyes, she looked the same as when he married her forty years ago. And I've never loved her more. Then he turned his mind back to the conversation.
"That would be the responsible thing to do, Mandy." Anna Leigh looked at Jacob, who was looking at her with undisguised love written all over his strong face. The years had been good to her husband. His tall frame was still lean, and his wavy hair was only lightly sprinkled with gray. His hands, those of a carpenter, were rough with calluses and strong, but oh so gentle with her. And his smile can still melt my heart.
Jacob looked over at Amanda, and noticed how much she resembled her grandmother. She's gonna break some hearts soon. He sighed to himself. "Okay, then. Why don't you ask permission?"
Amanda studied him with a confused frown. "Sure, Grandpa. Where's the owner?"
Jacob stopped walking and turned to Amanda, releasing Anna Leigh's hand. He bowed deeply to the young girl. "At your service, Milady."
Amanda giggled, and his wife gasped. "You own this, Jacob?" She shook her head. "Since when?"
Jacob captured her hand again and pulled them both towards the dilapidated house. "Oh, 'bout a month ago. Do you remember Alistair Tucker?" he asked as they walked on.
Anna Leigh thought for a moment. "Wasn't he the gentleman you made those cabinets and matching desk for years ago? I remember that he never could stop raving about your work - didn't he pass away recently?"
Her husband nodded. "Yes, he did. Anyway, when I made those cabinets, he didn't have enough money for them at the time, but he needed them for his business. I told him not to worry about it, he could pay when he was able."
Anna Leigh stopped him. "But he paid that off some time ago, didn't he?"
Jacob squeezed her hand. "Yes, beloved, he did. But since he had no surviving family, his lawyer said he wanted to leave everything to someone he knew, rather than having it go to the state. So," he led them up the steps to the old porch, " You're looking at the proud owner of 'Tucker Estates'."
Amanda, who had been silently absorbing these facts, finally spoke up. "That is so cool, Grandpa!" She looked around the porch as Jacob released his grip on both their hands and pulled a key out of his pocket. "I bet this place was really beautiful at one time," she said, her imagination restoring the old house to its former glory.
"I'm sure it was, Peanut." He agreed, unlocking the door and opening it wide. Jacob leaned inside the door and pulled out three battery-operated lanterns. "Well, well… now how do you suppose these got here?" He turned all three lanterns on, and gave both Anna Leigh and Amanda one. "Can't explore very well in the dark now, can we?" he laughed at the twin looks of surprise on his companion's faces.
"You are such a sneak, Jacob Winston Cauble!" Anna Leigh playfully slapped his arm.
Amanda poked his other arm. "I gotta agree with Gramma on this one," she laughed. "Do you think it's safe to look around upstairs?" she asked him.
"Sure, Peanut. I've already walked through this whole house, and there's nothing here that could hurt you. Have fun!" he ruffled her hair. She took off up the stairs, laughing.
After the three of them had explored the old house top to bottom, Anna Leigh grabbed the picnic basket and a large blanket out of the suburban, and they all sat under a huge oak tree in the back yard.
Amanda finished with her lunch was lying on her stomach, her hands holding up her head and her legs kicking gently back and forth. She was absently gazing off into the distance when something caught her eye. "Hey, Grandpa Jake, what's that building over there?"
Jacob looked in the direction her finger was pointing. "I'm not sure, Peanut…looks like some sort of barn."
The young girl jumped up excitedly. "You mean you haven't 'explored' it yet?"
Her grandfather laughed, and stood up. "Nope…it's undiscovered territory." He offered a hand to his still seated wife. "Care to join us on our search of the uncharted waters, Milady?"
Anna Leigh graciously accepted his offer with a curtsy. "But of course, Milord. Lead on, Lady Amanda!" They all three laughed and walked towards the structure, hands linked.
The key that unlocked the house also worked for the barn, so Jacob had no problem opening the huge double doors. Amanda stood behind him, her hands resting softly on his back. "What's the matter, Peanut? Are you scared?" he chuckled.
She patted his back. "Hey, I may be adventurous, but I'm not stupid!" she proclaimed, looking over at her grandmother for support.
The gentle beauty's smile widened. "That's telling him, Mandy!"
"Great! Now I'm outnumbered." Her husband grumbled good-naturedly. He pulled open the heavy doors slowly. The inside consisted of one massive room with a dirt floor - shelves covered in junk lined the three walls, and more paraphernalia hung from the ceiling. In the center of the room was a large object covered with a dusty tarp. The three 'adventurers' crept in slowly, each staring at the huge lump.
Amanda tiptoed up to the tarp as if it were a large creature merely sleeping,
that she was afraid to disturb. As she was reaching over to lift the edge of the tarp and peek under it, Jacob snuck up behind her and poked her in the ribs.
"Watch out!!" he yelled, as she jumped backwards and screamed.
"Aaaaaaahhh!!!!" She nearly leapt into his arms, as he and Anna Leigh nearly collapsed with laughter. "Ooooh, I'm gonna get you for that!" Amanda growled, then began laughing herself.
"I'm sorry, Peanut…you just looked so intense while you were sneaking up on that thing." Jacob had to wipe the tears from his eyes.
"That really wasn't nice, Jacob," Anna Leigh chastised, "But it was quite funny!" she was holding her stomach from laughing so hard.
He wrapped Amanda up in a big hug. "C'mon, sweetheart, let's unwrap this 'monster'."
His granddaughter returned his hug, and then moved to the other side, grabbing the front corner of the tarp. They slowly pulled the covering back, and once the dust settled, the 'beast' was unveiled.
Jacob whistled. It was a 1967 Mustang hard top, in a partial state of restoration. The body looked to be free of rust and dents, and he could see where someone had begun sanding and smoothing the surface to paint. It was sitting up on blocks, and the tires were placed on top of the car to keep them from rotting.
Amanda looked through the driver's window. "Hey, Grandpa Jake…there's no seats in here!" she carefully opened the door, halfway afraid it would fall off in her hands. "Look! The key is still in the ignition!"
Jacob opened the passenger door so he and Anna Leigh could look inside. "Well…" he smiled at the excited face of his granddaughter, "I was going to use the trailer to haul some of the old furniture to my shop and refurbish it." He gently patted the top of the car. "But why don't we put the tires on this baby and cart her home? Maybe we could work on her together this summer. What do you say, Peanut?"
Amanda rushed around the car and nearly tackled him with her hug. "Do you mean it, Grandpa? Could we work on it together?"
He ruffled her hair and laughed. "Of course, sweetheart. I think it would be a fun project for the next couple of summers." He turned to his wife. "Well? You get a vote in this too… we'd be using your garage!" he winked at her.
Amanda looked at her with soulful eyes. "Can we, Gramma? Use your garage, I mean? I promise to keep it clean, honest!" she chewed on her bottom lip, waiting for the verdict.
Anna Leigh appeared to give the matter great thought. "Hmmm…does this mean you don't want to help me at my office this summer, Mandy?" She couldn't help it. She had to tease the child a little bit.
Amanda cocked her head thoughtfully. "No, not at all. I could still help you during the week, and then maybe Grandpa and I could work on the car on the weekend?" she peered hopefully at her grandfather.
Both adults burst out laughing. "Oh, honey…" Anna Leigh gasped, "You are so precious! Of course we'll take the car home!" She barely got the words out when Jacob picked her up and spun her around the room. "Jacob! Stop that this instant! You're going to hurt yourself!" But she was laughing all the while.
Amanda looked on with a huge smile. Her grandparents were the greatest. They were always acting like this… And it made her heart ache with sadness, that her own parents didn't have this kind of love. Oh, they cared for each other, in a way; they just weren't as demonstrative as the wonderful couple in front of her. This was the definition of love. Maybe someday I'll find someone who'll make me feel like that….I hope….
Amanda looked over at Lex, who had just drifted off to sleep at the end of her story. Yeah, maybe I will find that person…. Then she closed her own eyes and dreamed of her grandparents, dusty old cars, and cool summer days.
Chapter 14
Lex woke up at her usual time. Just once, I wish my internal alarm would go on snooze. It was still dark outside, the thunderstorm of last night had settled down to a more peaceful rain this morning. She cautiously took a deep breath, pleased when she only felt an ache, and not the sharp stabbing pains of last night. Turning her head, Lex saw Amanda still peacefully asleep beside her. Glad she got over the nightmares and was able to get a good night's sleep. She took the opportunity to study this sweet young woman. Amanda's face was even more youthful in sleep - She barely looks old enough to drive. She smiled. Once again the small blonde had reached over during the night and grasped Lex's arm. She gently pried the hand loose, and then got out of bed. Lex padded quietly into the bathroom and shut the door. Might as well let her sleep as long as possible. She washed her face and brushed her teeth, then snuck downstairs.
Martha was already up as well, puttering around the large kitchen.
Lex waited until she was directly behind the older woman. "Morning, Martha."
"Blast it Lexie!" she whirled around, one hand covering her heart. "You're gonna be the death of me one of these days!" But she was smiling, and she raised her hand and cupped the cheek of the tall woman. "How are you feeling this morning, sweetheart?" Truth be known, she had been a little worried last night. The way Lex had looked, she was half-afraid of internal bleeding. But the young rancher looked fine this morning. In fact, she looks better than she has in a long time, she mused.
Lex covered the hand on her face with one of her own. The older woman was so dear to her. I wonder if she realizes that? Maybe I should tell her…
Martha Rollins had been the only maternal figure that Lex could really remember. She did have a brief memory of a beautiful dark haired woman sitting at the piano in the drawing room, singing to her as she sat next to her on the piano bench. But this woman… this woman raised her. Cleaned her scraped knees, spanked her with a wooden spoon when she misbehaved, and listened to her hopes and dreams as a kid growing up.
She remembered when she was about eight or nine, and the housekeeper had just held her as she cried over the cruel teasing that she had gotten in school. Martha had gently wiped the tears away when Lex innocently asked, "Why don't I have a momma like the other kids? Am I too bad?"
The plump woman nearly cried herself. "Oh no, sweet child, you had nothing to do with your dear momma passing on. God just needed her, that's all."
Those big blue eyes looked into hers and asked, "Why can't you be my momma?"
Martha hugged the child tight. "Baby, I wish I was." She kissed the child on her dark head. "I love you as if you were my own, and I always will…that's a promise!"
This seemed to make the girl happy, and she leaned up and kissed an ample cheek. "I love you too, Martha." Then she climbed off the teary housekeeper's lap and scampered back outside to play.
Lex snaked her long arms around the shocked housekeeper. "You know, Martha, I don't think I've told you lately that I love you…" she felt the older woman take a deep breath, and then return the hug. "Thanks for being here for me. I do love you, you know." She leaned down and kissed the graying head. Lex pulled back, seeing tears springing up in Martha's deep brown eyes. "So… is that fresh coffee I smell?"
The older woman patted her gently on the stomach. "Of course, help yourself sweetie." And then bustled over to the stove to begin breakfast.
Amanda woke a short time later, feeling completely rested. Oh wow…I can't believe I fell asleep in here last night. I hope Lex didn't mind. She looked around the room, and the older woman was conspicuously absent. Now where has she wandered off to? Then the aroma of coffee and sausage assailed her senses. Ah-ha! I think I know where she might be! She climbed out of bed and wandered across the hall, going straight to the bathroom to wash her face, brush her teeth, and comb her hair.
Feeling more human now, Amanda jogged down the staircase, following the enticing smells of breakfast. In the kitchen, Lex was sitting at a small round table, talking with Martha who was busy at the stove. "Good morning!" Amanda warbled, walking over to the counter where the coffeepot sat.
Martha turned around and smiled. "Good morning to you, dear. Cups are in the cabinet above the coffeepot." Correctly guessing the young blonde's quest. "Are you ready for breakfast? Hope you like scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy." She smiled at the girl's surprised look. "I was just about to send Lexie up to fetch you." She turned around and resumed her cooking.
Amanda filled her cup and leaned over it with a sigh. "Mmmm… that smells great. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Lex raised an eyebrow, waiting for the older woman to attack. Uh-oh…should have warned her about how territorial Martha is in her kitchen.
But to her complete amazement, the housekeeper smiled. "Well, you can get the plates and silverware that are on the counter and take them to the table for me, if you want." She turned back towards the stove, purposely ignoring the sputtering noises coming from the table.
"Whaaat??? You never let me help you!" Lex cried, her tone indignant.
Amanda carried the requested items to the table, casually setting three places. "Maybe you just never asked the right way, " she teased, an innocent look on her face.
Martha laughed, and started placing containers of food on the table. "Now calm down, Lexie…you've got enough to do around here without helping me out in the kitchen." A mischievous grin split her face. "Besides, don't you remember what happened the last time you tried to cook?" Lex blushed, and looked down silently at the plate in front of her.
Amanda looked on, charmed by this new facet to a woman she was quickly becoming attached to. "Oh?"
Lex mumbled something, but didn't look up.
Martha patted her shoulder, then sat down in the chair next to her. "Oh my… that had to be what? Twelve or thirteen years ago?" she looked at the rancher for confirmation.
Lex nodded, wanting to be anywhere except in this kitchen, at this time.
Amanda looked at Martha with a curious gaze. "Oh please…share." She smiled at Lex, who rolled her eyes in disbelief.
They all began filling their plates as Martha began her story. "I guess little Lexie was fifteen or sixteen, then." Lex nodded in resigned agreement. "She wanted to do something special for me…I believe it was Mother's Day, wasn't it honey?"
Lex took a deep breath and sighed. "Yeah…"
Martha smiled, and continued. "Why she decided on cooking, when she hated working in the kitchen, was beyond me…"
The object of the story quietly interrupted. "I just thought since you had to cook for everyone else all the time, someone should cook for you for a change."
The housekeeper nodded. "Ah, so that's it… anyway, she must have spent half the night in here, trying to make pancakes." Here, she chuckled. "The little imp couldn't find a recipe, so she used a cake recipe instead."
Amanda covered her mouth to keep from laughing, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, no…"
Martha nodded, smiling. "Oh yes… she must have used ten different pans, and flour was everywhere."
Here Lex tried to help. "They never said how hard it was to mix all those different things together…" she shrugged. "I thought you had to use an egg per pancake."
Martha laughed out loud. "By the time I got up to fix breakfast, Hurricane Lexie had completely demolished the kitchen. I opened the door and sitting on the countertop trying to wipe dough off of the cabinets, was this powdered apparition… she looked so sad…"
"I was trying to get the mess cleaned up before you got up…" Lex smiled, remembering. "But it took me most of the morning - I just knew Dad was gonna whip me for sure over that mess." She looked to Martha for confirmation. "You talked him out of it, didn't you?"
Martha smiled fondly, her eyes misty. "Yes, I did. Rawson never did understand why you did it…It was just about the nicest thing anyone ever did for me."
A pained look crossed the rancher's face. Oh yeah, he did. She remembered the conversation with her father the week before Mother's Day.
"I want to do something special for Martha for Mother's Day, Dad." An eager Lex told her father as they were cleaning out stalls.
"What?" he dropped the shovel he was using and walked over to her. "Why?"
"Because I want to." She answered, confused. "What's wrong with that?"
He grabbed her shoulders. "She's not your mother!" he yelled, getting right up in her face.
"She is as far as I'm concerned." The defiant teenager growled back.
Rawson looked at his daughter closely. He himself was not a tall man, about five foot nine, and his girl was already taller than he was. 'Must have gotten that from Victoria's side of the family.' The tall, dark good looks and magnetic blue eyes all came from Victoria. 'Pity she got my temperament.' "She's the damn housekeeper!" he shook her.
Lex angrily brushed off his hands. "Don't talk about her that way!"
He pulled his arm back and slapped her face, hard. "Don't take that tone with me, girl."
They both froze. Rawson had never raised a hand to his daughter. Sure, when she was younger, a spanking once in a blue moon, but he never struck any of his children in anger.
She held her hand on her cheek, a bruise already forming. "Don't you ever do that again." She whispered, her cobalt eyes flashing. "And," she stood in his face, "Never speak about Martha that way again, or so help me…" she paused, her entire body trembling, "I will make you regret it!" she spun around and walked out of the barn.
After that, Rawson avoided his daughter, although she never knew if it was out of shame for his actions, or out of fear of what he headstrong daughter may do. All she knew was a little over a year later; Rawson Walters left the Rocking W, and never looked back.
Lex felt a warm hand on her wrist. "Hey…what's wrong?" Amanda could see a flash of pain in those azure eyes, which blinked, and it was gone.
"Huh?" Snap out of it…that's old history… "Sorry…guess I'm just not completely awake yet." She gave the young woman a small smile.
Amanda didn't believe her, but let it go. "Hmmm…maybe you should go back to bed, then."
Lex shook her head and stood up. "Can't. Gotta go down to the barn and feed the horses, take some hay to the cattle in the far field, then do a quick fence check." She carried her plate over to the sink, daring Martha to say something.
Martha let her carry her plate to the sink, knowing the woman was trying to get a rise out of her. Brat! I should take my spoon to her… Then she noticed Amanda's face. Hmmm… or maybe I'll just let this little one take care of her. Heh.
"Whaat?" The small blonde leapt out of her chair. "You should be resting, not out gallivanting around in the rain!" She picked up her plate and deposited it in the sink.
Lex looked at her with a fond smile. "I'm fine this morning. Besides, I'm the only person here that can do all that. You don't want the stock to go hungry, do you?"
Amanda chewed on her lower lip. "Well…" then she shook her head. "Of course not. But I'll go with you to help…no arguments, okay?"
The tall woman laughed. "Okay…but I think we'd both better get dressed first. It's kinda cool out this morning." She looked Amanda over critically. "I think I can find some clothes to fit you, if you don't mind wearing boys clothes."
"Hey, if they're warm, I don't care." The younger woman put her hands on her hips. "Just as long as you don't laugh at me anymore…I don't think your ribs could handle it!"
Lex shook her head. "Nah, I won't laugh…think I was just overtired last night." She headed towards the doorway and stopped. "You coming?"
Amanda looked over at Martha, who was still seated at the table. "Thanks for breakfast. Are you sure I can't help with the dishes, or something?"
The older woman made a shooing motion with her hands. "No, get out of here. Try to make Lexie behave herself this morning. I've got this all under control."
Once upstairs, Lex steered Amanda to a door down at the end of the hall. She paused, took a deep breath, and then opened the door. Flipping on the lightswitch, she moved into the room, Amanda right behind her.
It looked like a young boy's room. There was a twin bed against one wall, a bookcase with model cars and airplanes decorating it and a small desk with a reading lamp sitting on top. The walls were adorned with posters of airplanes and horses, and a ragged baseball cap sat silently on a hook by the bed. Amanda looked at Lex. She was staring at the cap, a far away look in her eyes. Then she shook her head slightly, and walked over to the closet door. Pulling out some faded jeans and a flannel shirt, she turned to Amanda and smiled slightly.
"These should fit you just fine. You're about the same size." She took a deep breath. "Don't think I can find you any shoes, though…You'll probably have to make due with yours."
Amanda ached at the pain lurking in those blue eyes. "These will be fine. Are you sure it's okay? My wearing these?" she had to stop herself from reaching out and giving the tall woman a hug. She looks so sad…I wonder why? "Whose clothes are these?"
Lex grabbed a couple more pairs of jeans out of the closet, along with several shirts. She walked over to a small dresser and opened the top drawer. Pulling out several pairs of socks, she closed the drawer and walked over to the bed and sat down heavily. "This was my younger brother Louis' room." She took in a shaky breath. "He…he died nine years ago."
Amanda rushed over to the bed and sat down next to Lex, gently grasping her hand. "I'm sorry…"
The older woman shook her head. "Martha still cleans his room…I know I should pack this stuff up, but…" she closed her eyes. "I've completely remodeled the entire second floor of this house, but I can't bring myself to destroy…" her voice faded to a whisper, "the only thing I have left of Lou…" silent tears tracked down her face.
They both sat quietly for a few minutes, Amanda just lending her silent support to Lex, who wiped at her face with her hand. "Sorry…must still be tired from yesterday. I don't normally…"
Amanda squeezed her hand, placing her other arm around Lex and giving her a small hug. "Don't apologize…are you sure you want me to wear these clothes? Martha has cleaned my shirt and jeans…"
Lex shook her head. "No. You'd be more comfortable in these…Besides, I think he would have loved to have shared with you." She stood up, pulling Amanda up with their still-linked hands. "C'mon… I'm gonna show you how to run a ranch."