by Casey Peeler
“That’s an honorable thing, letting you go. You both are so young. But what do you think is wrong? Why do you think she changed her mind?” Then my moms face flashes fear across it. “GC there’s no chance she could be pregnant is there?”
That thought has never crossed my mind, but surely if she was we’d go through that together. “No! I don’t know what’s going on, Mom. It kills me I can’t just go see her and make her talk to me and tell me what is really going on.”
“I know, sweetie, relationships are hard when you are so far away. I hope she changes her mind and you can meet up at Coastal. Maybe you just need to enjoy your senior year. Life has a way of working things out if you don’t try to fight it.”
“I think that’s easy to say Mom, but harder to do. But what choice do I have? I guess I’m going to try and move on,” I say as I move from her, pushing the tears away and trying to forget Marleigh Anderson. Who am I kidding? I’m never going to forget her.
Chapter 4
Thanksgiving 2011
MARLEIGH
Walking into the house from Black Friday shopping, I’m exhausted. Usually I’m worn out from getting up and shopping until I drop, but this year, I have what looks like a basketball in my belly. Basketball. Kind of ironic. I have to say I’ve felt pretty good being pregnant and if you only see me from behind, you’d never know I was pregnant until I turned around. My sisters and I place the packages in the spare room and we make our way to the living room.
“Daddy, that tree is huge!” I say.
“Just like you,” Tinleigh snickers. When no one is looking I flip her off.
“No one would even know I was pregnant if they were waiting in line behind me at the store and you know it!”
“You do have a point. I can’t wait for him to get here. We’re going to spoil him like crazy! All those cute little sailor outfits and fancy boy clothes.”
“You will not! This boy will not be dressed up like a doll! He’s going to like to play in the dirt and play sports.” That thought makes me smile yet hurts because I know he’s going to be just like his daddy.
“Girls, stop your bickering and decorate this tree now. I’ve got to get the lights on the porch.”
With that, we turn on Christmas music and begin to decorate. We take our time decorating and then drink hot chocolate on the front porch and talk to Daddy while he finishes up.
We each take a rocking chair and talk about our favorite Christmas memories. When Carleigh starts to talk about how different next Christmas will be with a little one running around, I can’t help but smile thinking about Santa Claus and what it will be like for my son’s first Christmas. Daddy listens quietly.
“Marleigh, I really think you need to tell that boy. He deserves to know. If it was me, I’d want to know,” he says as he plugs in the last set of lights.
“No. I’ve made my decision. He needs to live his life.”
“And, so do you, baby girl,” Dad says when I stand and start to go inside. As the screen door shuts, I hear Dad say something to my sisters about me being so stubborn. Funny thing is, I’m just like him.
GUNNISON
It’s been four months since Marleigh shattered our future plans with a phone call. Each day I wake up thinking of her and at night, I fall asleep picturing her in my arms. Mikey and Diesel have tried their best to help me forget her by taking me out and trying to set me up with their girlfriends’ friends but no matter what they do, I still can’t get her out of my mind. I’ve got to get over her, and now is the time. There’s a party Thanksgiving Eve at the Taproom and I plan on pushing her memories away one girl at a time.
Mikey and Diesel pick me up at eight and we grab a bite to eat at the closest fast food window before we make our way to the Taproom. As we enter the bar, I notice they’ve made a make-shift dance floor, and several girls are sizing us up on the other side of it. Mikey and Diesel look my way, and we all know tonight is the perfect night for me to move on.
As “5 O’clock” by T-Pain begins to pump through the speakers, a tall blonde makes her way toward me. Blonde, just like Marleigh. She takes me by the hand, introduces herself as Laura, and pulls me to the dance floor. As the song continues to play, she grinds harder and harder on me and I put the memory of Marleigh and me in the back of my mind. Here’s a chance for a fresh start and I’m going to take it.
By the end of the night, I have Laura’s number and a date next Saturday.
Chapter 5
January 21, 2012
MARLEIGH
Oh my gosh! I’m miserable and feel like I’m the size of Texas! Thank goodness little man is supposed to make his way here no later than Monday. I plan on relaxing today, before I meet the only boy who matters in my life.
Taking my kindle, I lie on the couch and read the newest young adult release by Tiffany King. Tinleigh and Carleigh have gone out for a run, Mama’s gone to the grocery store and Daddy’s working outside. Just as I’m getting into the story, I feel my stomach cramp. What in the world? I don’t pay much attention to it; I’d rather focus on what is going on in the story. Then, it happens again. Could this be it? Am I in labor? How do you really know? I take a few deep breaths and decide to find Daddy. I can see him on the tractor half way across the field. Then it happens again and I can’t move. It’s almost like someone is squeezing my insides. Panic begins to set in, but then I remind myself, I can do this!
Walking outside, I’m trying to get Daddy’s attention but he’s too far away. I grab my phone and text my sisters. I’m not sure if they will answer it, but it’s worth a shot. I then call Mama, who is notorious for leaving her phone at home, and of course, I hear it ringing in the kitchen. I decide I need to call the hospital and then I’ll go get Daddy. It’s not like this is going to be a quick process.
After calling the hospital, I start to walk toward Daddy when another contraction hits me. Take a deep breath. He still hasn’t seen me, but I can see my sisters running toward the house. Thank goodness! I yell toward Daddy and after the fourth time, he looks at me. He must read the fear on my face because he turns off the tractor and runs to me.
“I’m fine, Daddy. I’m just about to have a baby, I think,” I say as he gets to me.
“Okay. Have you called the hospital? Where is everyone else?” he says, noticing Mama is still gone, but then he sees my sisters approaching.
“Ohmygosh, Mar. Are you sure? What do we need to do? Where’s your bag? What about Mama?” Tinleigh rambles.
“Calm down, Tin! She’s the one in labor!” Carleigh says. “Now, let’s get your bag and get to the hospital. Daddy, do you want to take her or do you want to wait on Mama?”
You can see how uncomfortable this is for him. “I’ll take her. There’s all that paperwork that has to be done. Tinleigh, grab her bag and Carleigh, call the grocery store to have them page your Mama. Tell her to meet us there.”
As my sisters hurry inside, Daddy and I walk to the truck and climb in. Oh gosh, I gotta pee! Then I realize I already have. “Daddy, I think my water just broke cause if not, I totally just peed in your truck.” He chuckles, but then stops abruptly, realizing that this is real and time is ticking. Part of me takes a moment to think about what is happening and if I’m doing the right thing by keeping this from GC. I know I’m doing what’s best for his future. I just hope that if he finds out, he understands I did this because I love him.
Arriving at the hospital, I’m rushed in like there’s something majorly wrong with me. Daddy takes care of checking me in and I’m moved to labor and delivery. About the time I’m hooked up to all the monitors, Mama comes rushing in. She looks like she’s been on a race to get here.
“Hunny, how are you?” she asks as she takes my hand.
“Scared, but I’m okay.” She kisses my forehead.
“Everyone is scared, but it will be okay. I hate to ask this but I have to. Are you sure you don’t want to call him?”
“I’m positive. Now please don’t ask me again.”
She doesn
’t say anything but she squeezes my hand.
With the passing of the time, the contractions become harder and harder. I’ve decided I don’t want an epidural. I got myself into this mess and I plan on feeling every bit of pain for it. Considering I’ve made it this far already, I think I can handle it. As time passes, the pain increases and I want to cry, but I refuse. The nurse comes in to check on me and tells me it’s time to start pushing. Everyone but Daddy stays in the room. “Mama, you’re gonna have to hold this leg, I just don’t think I can do it,” Tinleigh says as she makes her way to the head of my bed and pulls my hair back into a messy bun. Mama takes Tinleigh’s place as Carleigh takes the other. “Do I need to go check on Daddy?” Tinleigh asks.
“He’s okay, but if you aren’t comfortable, you can go with him,” Mama says to her.
“No, I’m gonna stay for Mar, but y’all, I might pass out,” she laughs.
Grunting through my teeth, I say, “Tin, this isn’t funny. It freakin’ hurts.” The nurse then breaks up our conversation by saying it’s time. Everyone focuses on me and the little boy who is about to make his way into this world.
After twenty minutes of pushing, sweating, and a few tears, I hear the most precious sound in my life. When I see him in the doctor’s hands, I can’t help but cry at this perfect human being. They place him in my arms and I am unable to hold back the emotions of holding my son for the first time. My heart hurts when the nurse takes him to get cleaned up. As the nurse hands him back to me, I smile at him. He’s absolutely perfect, just like his daddy. I know exactly what I’m going to name him.
“Hey there, Gunner. I’m your mommy. I love you so much,” I say as I look the precious little boy in the eyes and he gives me a small smile.
“Marleigh, did you say Gunner?” I nod my head yes. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, Mama. He’s perfect and he’s the spitting image of his father.” There’s no denying that GC is his daddy. He has his perfect lips and eyes. He even has his dark brown hair, olive skin, and I guess in a little way, I’ll always have GC with me.
Chapter 6
GUNNISON
Since Thanksgiving weekend, I’ve started to live my normal life again. by focusing one hundred percent on basketball, the horse farm, and graduation. I’ve had offers from Tennessee, Virginia Tech, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Coastal Carolina, and a few others. It’s hard to believe, in less than three months, I’ll be living my dream on a full scholarship to Coastal Carolina University to study accounting so I can help run the farm. As a kid, I dreamt about the NBA, but let’s face it, it’s just a dream.
As graduation approaches, I can’t help but wonder if Marleigh has made her final decision. I take my phone out and debate about texting her, but quickly decide against it when I look at the picture of Laura and me on my screen saver.
We’ve been together since Christmas. She’s smart, funny, and not to mention, hot as hell. We’re not as serious as she wants to be. She wants me to commit while I’m almost ten hours away, and I just can’t. I know what happened with Marleigh and me. I was head over heels for her and it didn’t work, so I know there’s no way I’m doing that again. I’ve decided to call it quits with Laura once we’re back from Senior Week. This way I can enjoy my summer with the guys, workout, play ball, and spend time with the animals I love.
Chapter 7
August 2012
MARLEIGH
This week has been so hard on me. I’ve worked thirty hours at the local grocery store, signed up for classes at the community college, spent every free minute with Gunner and my sisters, but today, my world changes. Today, the other two pieces that make me whole are leaving. We always dreamed of doing this together, but that’s not possible because I have to do what’s best for my son.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go with us and stay at the house at least?” Tinleigh asks.
“Nah. Y’all need to get settled in and Gunner has his routine.” She looks at me and doesn’t believe a word I say. She knows why I don’t want to go. There’s a chance I’d see him, and I’m not willing to risk it.
“Sis, I can’t promise we won’t run into him, but I promise we will do our best. It’s a big school and since we aren’t on campus that should be easier.”
I give her a quick hug and pick Gunner up in my arms. At seven months, he’s a chunky monkey. He reaches his arms toward Tinleigh. She takes him from my arms and squeezes him tight. “You be a good boy for your mommy.” She gives him a kiss on the forehead and then Carleigh takes him from her. I smile as I look at him. It’s hard to believe that this little boy has taken over our lives. He’s brought our family even closer together than it was already.
“Girls, you ready?” Daddy asks. They nod.
“Y’all be careful and call me when you get there.”
“I’m gonna miss you, Mar,” Carleigh says as she and Tinleigh give me one more group hug as we all start to cry.
“No more tears, girls! Y’all live my dream.”
“We love you, sis.”
“I love you both! Now go before Daddy yells for you again.” Gunner and I walk to the porch and wave as they leave Gaffney behind to start their new adventure without me. Never in my life have I been separated from my sisters. This is going to different for each of us.
“Come on, Gunner, let’s go play with your blocks.” As he coos, I know I’ve made the right decision.
GUNNISON
Arriving onto campus I can’t help but scan the crowds for her. I know that even if she did decide to attend CCU there’s no way I’ll see her at a dorm. She’d be at their house in Garden City. Maybe I need to take a ride by there for old times sake. Then I shake it from my brain because I know I need to let her go.
After getting the key to my dorm, I grab a few things and begin to make my way up. It sucks that I had to come alone, but there’s no way my parents could leave the farm this week. There are several prospects coming to check out two of our best horses. My parents can’t afford to lose that money.
Entering my door room, I’m met by my roommate, Wade, who I’ve only spoken briefly with online. He’s on the team as well, and we’re both eager for our first team meeting. After unpacking, we decide to go shoot some hoops. We talk and continue to shoot around as several upper classman come in and introduce themselves. I recognize several of them from my recruiting trip. We decide to scrimmage and when it’s over they tell us all about the girls and the parties. I can already see that living the life of a college athlete is going to have its perks.
MARLEIGH
Checking my watch, I know they have to be getting close to CCU. It’s driving me crazy. Gunner and I have played trucks, attempted to fish in the creek, ridden the Gator, and are now watching Nick Jr. I look down at him sleeping in my arms. I love to watch that precious little boy sleep. He looks just like a little angel. As I begin to hear my phone ring, I hurry to grab it in hopes of keeping him from waking.
“Hello,” I say quietly.
“Hey, Mar, we made it. We’re just about to unload the cars at the house. I think Mama and Daddy are going to stay the night and head back tomorrow early. I think they are worried about y’all.”
“Why? I’m a responsible adult,” I snap and notice Gunner starting to stir. “I mean I’m responsible with Gunner at least.”
“That’s not what I mean. Never mind. I’ll call you later. I just wanted you to know we’re here.”
Carefully, I move from the couch and put him to bed. Laying him in the crib, he moves toward his night-night. As he holds his night-night close and snuggles in his crib, I look at him. I swear every time that little boy makes a move, he steals a piece of my heart. He’s the one thing I’ve done right in my life, even if it wasn’t at the right time.
Chapter 8
December 2012
GUNNISON
As the music begins to echo through the gym, we are welcomed to the court for warmups. Before each game I try not to scan the crowd for the Ander
son sisters, but each week I continue to fail. I’ve seen them several times and each time, she’s not with them. If they are here tonight, I’m making it my goal to find out where Marleigh is once and for all. Just as that thought enters my mind I see Summer, the hot and sexy cheerleader that continues to show up at exactly the right time. Whenever Marleigh comes to mind Summer shows up and whisks my thoughts away. She certainly has made college a hell of a lot more fun and helped me forget Marleigh, if only for short periods of time. I have to talk to Tinleigh or Carleigh to figure out where the hell Marleigh is, why she’s not here, and if there’s a chance for us before I can move forward with Summer. I hear someone yell, “GC,” and I’m brought back to the present. Focus, GC. You’ve got a game to play. I shake all of the girls from my thoughts and listen for the announcer to welcome us to the court. As my name and number are announced, I forget about everything but this game right now, and it’s time to bring it.
As soon as the game is over, I’m met by Summer who’s super excited about our win. I talk briefly with her and look as I see the girls leaving.
“GC! Where are you going?” she asks before looking in the direction I’m going. “Should have figured,” she says with more attitude than I like.
Turning to face her, I walk up to her and look her in the eyes. “I know you don’t understand, but I’ve got to have an answer. I need to know what’s going on before I can be ready for us to move forward. Just let me do this,” I say as I place my hand on her cheek. A smile escapes as she nods, and I hustle across the gym to them.
Carleigh is leading the way down the bleachers and when our eyes meet, it’s obvious she’s trying to figure out the fastest route of escape.
“Carleigh! Tinleigh!” I shout. They look but keep walking. “Where is she?” I shout from behind them. I just put it out there without caring who is looking. They stop and look at each other. It’s obvious they’re arguing about what to do. Why? Then Tinleigh turns and walks directly toward me with Carleigh quick on her heels. They look more grown up and their hair is darker. It makes me wonder if Marleigh’s looks the same. My thoughts come to a halt when Tinleigh speaks.
