Cowgirl Strong

by Jenny Hammerle

  “Worse how?” Maysie asked.

  “Worse as in- if you had a baby and kept it, well, you’d be planning that life. The life of being a mother. Now what? Try to return to normal teen life?” Rachael frowned.

  “She’s right and the whole dating thing. How do you even begin to address that?” Shannah shook her head.

  “I don’t think she needs to address anything. People have babies all the time. All the time.” Maysie commented.

  “Not at seventeen!” Shannah yelled.

  “Sure they do!” Maysie countered. “I may get married first. And maybe I’ll be nineteen when I have my first child. College isn’t for everyone and waiting until you’re thirty to have a child isn’t for everyone, either.”

  “Wow! I wasn’t talking about you, Maysie, and whatever you’ve got planned. It wasn’t a personal judgment statement or nothing. Chill.” Shannah defended herself. “That’s entirely different and you know it. You can’t compare graduating high school, getting married, and then getting pregnant to what poor Amber has just gone through. You’ve got an example here of what I call: planned and unplanned. There is a huge, ginormous difference!” Shannah spat.

  Rachael had a feeling this argument was going nowhere good and fast. She decided to intervene. “You’re both right. It’s okay to get married young and start a family. College isn’t for everyone. And it’s also okay that things happen, unplanned things, and we grow to overcome them.”

  “So says Dr. Rachael from the backseat. Everyone’s expert on teen love and relationships.” Maysie muttered.

  “What’s your problem?” Shannah turned facing her. “Tell Rachael you’re sorry for being a wench! I don’t know what crazy pill you took today, but we’re not having it.”

  Maysie pulled over on the side of the road and threw the car in park. “Get out!”

  Shannah and Rachael looked at each other confused. Rachael decided there was no point in arguing. She grabbed her bags, both the dance bag and the book bag, and climbed out. Shannah grabbed her stuff as well.

  “If I didn’t think you were going mental I’d kick your butt right now, but instead I pity you.” Shannah slammed the door.

  Maysie spun her tires and drove away.

  “What was that?” Rachael watched her race off.

  “I’d say she threw us out.”

  Both girls laughed their butts off.

  “Really, it’s not funny- but it kinda is.” Shannah held her belly. “Maysie’s got a little booty kicker in her yet.”

  “I guess, but what is she so fired up about?”

  “I don’t know, but something sure as heck is bothering her. Trouble in paradise with Tristan would be my guess.”

  “Mine, too.”

  “So what now?” Rachael asked.

  “My dad’s working and your mom and aunt are too.” Shannah offered.

  “Travis.” He’s our only hope.

  Rachael called Travis and told him she was stranded at the corner of University Parkway near I-75.

  “Stranded?”

  “Stranded. As in Shannah and I need a lift.”

  “What happened?”

  “Just come get us. Twenty-five miles from home would be a long walk.”

  Rachael and Shannah spent the next fifteen minutes sitting at the nearest service station debating on whether to tell Travis the truth or lie through their teeth. At first Shannah concocted an elaborate tale.

  They’d gone for pizza with Amber. She’d offered to run them home and blown a tire on the way. She’d called a tow truck and after it came- her mother came to pick her up.

  “And what? Her mother came and left us here? Without a ride?” Rachael shook her head. “Travis will never buy that.”

  “Okay take two.” Shannah offered. “We caught a ride with Romero and he ended up being a total butthead, so we were stranded and needed a ride.”

  “Yep. That will go over well with my boyfriend. He’ll get arrested for beating Romero to a pulp.”

  Travis pulled into the parking lot wearing a scowl. He threw his truck in park and climbed out.

  “You okay?”

  “Perfectly fine.” Rachael kissed his cheek.

  “What happened?”

  “Your sister’s gone postal.” Shannah hopped in the backseat and closed the door.

  Way to go easy there.

  “She left you guys?” Travis looked like he might rupture a vein in his neck or something.

  “Not left exactly. We all had a disagreement over, I’m not sure what exactly, and she kicked us out.”

  “Of the car?”

  “It’s okay. I called you. We survived.”

  “Come on.” Travis tossed their bags in the back.

  Rachael climbed in and he closed the door behind her.

  He drove home, a little faster than usual, dropping Shannah off at her house on his way. After Shannah was out of the vehicle he started. “She’s been in rare form lately.”

  “So I’m sensing.”

  “She’s ticked that there is some double standard in our house, and I can’t say she’s wrong. But in the end she’s a girl, and girls can end up in bad situations that guys can’t.”

  “Whoa. You may want to rephrase that last statement.”

  “Why should I? It’s true. We can date. At the end of the day nothing bad could happen to me, but a girl, well she could end up…like Amber.”

  “Maysie’s not allowed to date Tristan seriously because of that? That’s stupid.”

  “I don’t know for sure, but that’s part of it. He’s older and naturally he’d have more experience and be used to a more physical relationship. So in a nutshell, yes.”

  “And you’re okay with that?”

  “Okay with what? A girl having more dating restrictions?”

  “Yes. Well are you?”

  “I guess I am.”

  “I thought your parents were worried about the age gap and all that bullarky.”

  “They are- and what’s that age gap exactly?”

  “If she is eighteen and he’s twenty-four, the gap is six years.” Rachael fumed.

  “You’re looking at it as a number. I’ll tell you what the difference is between her and Tristan. He’s had relationships. Lots and lots of relationships. He can drink. She hasn’t had her first drink yet.”

  “So what? Your parents said they could date down the road and they will.”

  “I’m sure, but in the meantime she’s pushing for more and more. Now she doesn’t want to even go to college. She’s going to ruin her life getting married too young.” Travis spouted.

  “Is that what you’d say about us?”

  “No. We’re different. We’re not abandoning college, for one. And two, you’re not so clouded in your thought processes that you just kicked two friends out on the side of the road.”

  “Well I’m not happy about that, or about your parents’ double standard, or the fact that you support it.”

  “Now you’re defending her? I’m not the one who kicked you out, remember? I came to your rescue.”

  “And for that I’m appreciative, but when we have a daughter…your double standard is going to change, Sir.”

  “You go right on living that dream.” He spat through clenched teeth.

  “Okay. Pull over.” Rachael put her hand on the door.

  “You’re not walking home.” He made no move to stop the truck.

  “Am too.”

  “Fine.” Travis pulled over and let her climb out.

  She grabbed her stuff and slung it over her shoulder. She started walking down the side of the road. She was less than a mile from home now.

  Travis pulled in behind her, following at an idle. He put his flashers on. Rachael rolled her eyes at him and stuck out her tongue. Just to annoy her further, he rode up alongside her with the window down.

  “Nice day for a walk, beautiful lady. Would you like a ride?”

  “Nope.”

  “Suit yourself.” He continued driving
beside her until her gate was less than fifty yards away. He drove ahead.

  “Good riddance.” She kicked some rocks and gravel from beside the roadway. She saw him turn in and get out to open the gate.

  He stood behind the gate, gorgeous smile, green eyes, and spiked hair, holding it open for her. “Look at her go. Grace and beauty rolled into one. That’s one good looking woman.”

  She passed through the gate. “Go home, Travis.” She tried to sound angry.

  “Bye, baby.” He called shutting the gate, chaining it, and locking it.

  “I got my stitches out.” He’d left his truck parked outside the gate, and jogged to catch up with her.

  Her anger turned to concern.

  “I’m still not done talking about the double standard, but let me see your side.”

  He pulled up his shirt. The purple scar was already beginning to fade. Rachael stopped, running her hand down it.

  “Looks so much better.”

  “And I’m cleared to play football in a week. Can’t wait.”

  “Good.”

  He reached over and held her hand, walking her up to her house. She didn’t protest.

  “Should we go look for your sister?”

  “She’s a big girl. In the past I might have, but she’s got to find her own way. It may surprise you, but I won’t even rat her out over today’s little incident.”

  “That’s cool. You won’t have to by the time Shannah’s done with her. The weird thing is she respected your sister more for actually getting ticked off for once.”

  “Shannah’s a funny one. No one’s victim, that one.”

  “That’s for sure.”

  “How was the audition?”

  “Okay, but a lot of girls…and only four slots.”

  “What’s meant to be, will be. If you don’t make it, I’ll let you dance for me around the living room once a week.”

  She smacked his hand away. “That’s not the same and you know it.”

  “It’s even better, for me anyway.” He looked at her dance outfit. “About this outfit, it’s nice, for around the house.”

  “It’s a dance outfit. Everyone wears one, to practice, and especially to an audition.”

  “I was just hoping for a little more ... material.” He paused pointing to her thighs and backside. “Like here and here.”

  “Not going to happen. This is the look, like it or leave it.”

  “Oh I like it- I just don’t want anyone else liking it.”

  “Too bad.”

  “Can I come in?” He smiled.

  “Are you going to behave? As in no talking about your sister and Tristan. No talking about my small dance costume. Nada.”

  He made the sign of the cross.

  “Okay. Entre si vous plait.”

  “Oui.” He stopped just inside the foyer. “Where’s Michael?”

  “He went home with Levi because he knew I’d be late. I have to go get him.”

  “So we just walked home, why?” Travis smirked.

  “To get my car. I like to be independent.” She grabbed her keys and set down her bags. She ran down the hall to get her wallet off of her dresser. When she came back toward the kitchen, Travis had helped himself to a piece of pound cake. He stood eating it in the kitchen, sipping on a glass of milk.

  He’d cut her a monster wedge, as well, and poured her a small glass of milk.

  “I can’t eat this whole piece.” She eyed it. She picked up her fork and took the first bite.

  “I was banking on that. I didn’t want to be a pig and go for two pieces. I’ll finish it if you can’t.” He picked up his fork and dug in on the opposite side of her plate. He scarfed down in four bites what would’ve taken her six or more.

  He went to the fridge for more milk. He lifted the carton up to his mouth, poised waiting to swig.

  “Hey! Not in my kitchen.”

  “I was just testing. Seeing how much you’d let me get away with, now that you know all my bad habits from Mama.”

  “Not much.”

  “We’ll see.” He grabbed his glass and carefully refilled it. Then he looked over his shoulder flashing a wicked grin. “You know the way I see it. Once we’re married, your spit’s my spit, baby.”

  “Gross! You’re sooo gross!”

  Travis laughed, “I’m a guy. Now who’s training who?”

  Rachael should’ve known that conversation would come back to bite her in the proverbial buttocks.

  “One little step at a time. I’m molding you and you don’t even know it.”

  “Why are you so aggravating today?” She questioned.

  “I don’t know, but I’m enjoying it. I’ve told you before I like it when you get feisty with me.”

  “Bye. I’m going to get Michael.” Rachael strode out of the house.

  Travis followed her to the door and locked it behind himself. He walked out and climbed in the passenger seat.

  “Football better start soon. I don’t think I can handle any more of your pent up energy- or whatever this is.”

  “Maybe that’s it.”

  “I’ve figured you out. No hunting and no football makes you, well,” She thought for a moment, “you get bored.”

  “We could never be boring. Nope, this is just me enjoying your company and annoying the heck out of you in the process.”

  “Truth? You aren’t really annoying me. I could do this with you every day of the week.”

  “Soon you will.” He patted her thigh.

  At the end of the driveway, they saw a small blue car speed past. He turned to look at her.

  “Was that the car?”

  “I’m pretty sure it was.”

  “Okay.”

  “Do you know who that was?”

  “I do. And if it was him he just saw my truck here. I don’t think you’ll hear from him again.” Travis looked straight ahead, his gaze intense.

  “Who is it?”

  “An old friend.” Travis didn’t elaborate.

  “You were friends with those types of people?”

  “You knew I ran with a rough crowd at one point.”

  “I didn’t realize they were that rough.”

  “We were a few years younger and that’s where I split. They got heavier into drugs and I didn’t want to go there. Sure, I avoid them now, but I know them and they know me.”

  “So what if they pull his prints?”

  “He doesn’t have a criminal past, but he won’t be back around now, that’s for sure.”

  “I’ve gotta admit to being shocked here.” She clenched the steering wheel and cast him a sideways glance. “I never thought you knew those types of thugs.”

  “He wasn’t a thug when I knew him. Just a kid who got off on the wrong path and stayed on it. No matter what, I knew him before that. Now he knows you’re my girlfriend, he won’t mess with you.” Travis explained.

  “I don’t get it.”

  “What’s not to get?” Travis blew out an angry breath. “He’s got no beef with me. If he showed up again he’d have one then. We used to be friends. If I saw him on the street I’d nod and say hi, not stop to chat- or exchange numbers- or anything. But let’s be clear, if he showed up at your place again I’d kick his you know what.”

  “It’s like you’ve lived…two lives.”

  “It didn’t go that far, but I’ve always said you can ask me anything. And I meant it.”

  Rachael thought about this new conversation and the various questions it brought to mind. Of course she had questions! Who is this guy, really?

  “Did you ever use drugs?”

  “Nope, a lot of drinking though.”

  “But they used drugs, your friends I mean.”

  “Certainly. I’ve been around some drug users. That’s why I knew Misty was on meth when she showed up at my birthday party. She was always a pot smoker, but meth is new for her.”

  “This stuff is completely foreign to me.” Rachael blinked.

  “And you thought m
y parents were thinking you might lead me astray? I ran with a wild crowd. Not going to sugar coat it.” Travis sat quietly. “I don’t want to go around it ever again. It’s a bad scene.”

  “Did you get into fights in the past?”

  “A few too many, but not now. You’ve got me trained.” He teased.

  “Stop saying that! I never said I had you trained…or in training…or any such thing.”

  “I don’t know, if I’m going to be anyone’s trick pony it might as well be yours.”

  Rachael turned on the radio to drown him out.

  One more week. Football starts in just one more week. Let the countdown begin.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Rachael sat cross legged on her bedroom floor finishing translating her first Siglo de Oro poem. She scribbled her own translated notes above words and phrases just in case she needed to reread it for an exam, she wouldn’t have to do all the work over again. Guess that was the benefit to having paid for the book yourself, you could take notes, highlight, and do whatever you wanted with it. She heard the front door, followed by Michael who jumped off the sofa to answer it.

  Her bedroom door swing open.

  “Hey, Rachael, it’s Maysie and Shannah.” Michael panted. “They said to bring your sleeping bag.”

  Rachael had completely forgotten! Every year on the night of the fall audition, the girls who made it on to the squad were blindfolded and driven to an all girls’ slumber party. It’d only been four hours since Maysie had thrown her out on the side of a busy highway more than twenty miles from home.

  This should be comfortable.

  Rachael opened the hall closet and grabbed her sleeping bag. She put her books in her book bag. She shoved clothes for dance practice, along with pajamas and a change of clothes for school in the morning, in a separate bag. In the bathroom she grabbed her make-up bag and toothbrush.

  In the foyer she heard Michael chatting nonstop with Shannah. Rachael smiled at his attempts to strike up a conversation with her. Maybe there was more to this pheromone business than she thought.

  “Hey.” She greeted them both.

  “What up.” Shannah nodded.

  “We’ve got my mom’s SUV. There are four of you that made it. You, Elena, Sidney, and Olivia. And two alternates.”