Her height had always been something she treasured, at least until she realized what some of her hidden feelings since birth had meant. To her, she had felt female. It had taken her nearly twenty years to come to terms with that fact.
As the horse beneath her nearly stumbled, Geraldine knew she had stumbled a time or two. In fact, she hadn’t begun to fully transition. She dressed the part. But was still researching all the steps to fully transitioning.
It wasn’t necessarily because the now twenty-eight-year old wasn’t ready. On the contrary, she had been born ready. It was the fact in her home state of Oklahoma, there was no protection for the LGBTQI community. And there certainly weren’t any clinics who would aid in her transition.
There was also the monetary side. Geraldine felt the sun upon her brow. Soon, it would be setting in the west and she would be readying for a trip she never thought she would take. It wasn’t a trip to a medical facility, but somewhere where she felt she would be accepted for who she was.
Her mother, who had shocked Geraldine by fully supporting her daughter…It stilled caused the young woman to shed a tear or two with how her mother had easily transitioned to referring to her as daughter, unlike her father and two younger brothers.
Geraldine had to clear her throat as her mother had gifted her with the money for the week she was to be away from the ranch. It was the greatest gift she had received, besides her mother’s acceptance.
It meant Geraldine could continue to save what little her father paid her. The despicable man had learned he’d lost a son and gained a freak. His words cut her still. Of course, her two younger brothers were now partners in the ranch.
If there was another place Geraldine could find acceptance and work with horses, she would hopefully have the courage to leave. It would leave her mother alone with coldhearted men, but her mother always told her she could handle the likes of her husband and sons.
The sharp breeze nearly dislodged Geraldine’s hat. It was a welcomed distraction as the dark thoughts were nearly always overwhelming her. In some ways, this so-called vacation might not be for the best.
Yet, Geraldine knew, deep down, that it was the coward in her talking with thoughts such as those. Not that many could blame her for, at times, being a coward. There was so much hate and bigotry in the world at times that anyone different would be less than wise not to feel like shielding themselves.
Once again, sobering thoughts were causing Geraldine to rethink her trip. The young woman kneed her young mare until they were galloping at full speed. If it hadn’t been for the string, she would have lost her cowboy hat.
By the time Geraldine made it to the stables, she and Izzy were out of breath. The poor mare was sweating profusely. Hastily, Geraldine walked her horse, not allowing her to drink. She only hoped her father or brothers wouldn’t find her horse in the state she was in.
Luck was on her side as half an hour passed. Geraldine took great care in washing, then brushing Izzy. The horse was the first she had broke, after none of her siblings or the farmhands could manage it. So reluctantly, her father had gifted the mare to her.
“You’re worried.” Geraldine hadn’t heard her mother sneak into the stables. The fact they were as large as half a city block could have been an excuse. But both knew the real reason. Geraldine was terrified of leaving the ranch.
“Of course I’m worried.” Geraldine finally placed the brush in its spot. She took a seat upon the old rain barrel she used when just relaxing outside of Izzy’s stall. “Dad nearly told me to never come back. I’m going out of state for the first time in my life. And just because a place advertises safe for all…”
Elisa knew why her daughter was so worried. A place that could be open and accepting could also be subject to protests, if not worse. The news was full of it. On both sides, the acts of violence were greater than the acts of humanity it seemed.
“You listen to your old mom.” Geraldine couldn’t help but look her mother in similar azure eyes. “I wish I had the courage you have. I’m not saying I’ve ever went through anything like you have, but I wish I’d been raised to realize the inner strength in us all.”
Geraldine could no longer look her mother in the eyes. “While I’ve learned to show my strength with your father over the years, I wish I’d been more of a force. Especially when it came to you. I still regret…”
It was instantaneous Geraldine’s reaction. She had her mother in her arms. “Mom, you’ve taught me well.” In that moment, Geraldine realized what her mother had been attempting to say to her. “And since you’ve taught me so well, I’ll be fine. No matter what they have in store for me.”
Though Elisa knew it to be true, she was worried. The real world could be so cruel. There was a part of her that wanted to follow her daughter. To be there in person and not just on the other end of the phone.
As Elisa held her daughter, she knew. There were times in a parent’s life when they had to push their child from the nest. To make them attempt to fly. Even if they wound up with a broken wing, they would, in the end, be stronger. But a parent didn’t have to like pushing their child.
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The eighteen wheeler was eased with the skill of time into the cargo bay. The driver had twenty years on the road. This was the last haul, at least for a week. Perhaps even two or three. It was the luxury of owning one’s own rig and hiring out when needed.
Of course, money could become an issue from time to time if Dallas McGovern wasn’t cautious. It was why she rarely, if ever, stayed in a motel room. It was one way she was able to make certain she had money set aside, in case her big rig needed repairs or something other unexpected.
This latest haul was one of her more profitable ventures. It was why Dallas was planning on a vacation of sorts. Seeing she was already in Atlanta, Georgia, driving the remaining distance to the quaint bed and breakfast her friend had bragged about helping was the logical thing to do.
After all, the last real vacation Dallas had enjoyed had been over three years ago. At most, the six-foot brown haired woman had the pleasure of was four days lounging around the latest town that had been her destination.
“Glad you made it safe.” Dallas heard the familiar voice. She managed to hide the shiver that went up her spine. The young woman was no stranger. In fact, Dina Martin had attempted, on more than one occasion, to make their relationship something other than business.
“I always do, Lil Lady.” Dallas inwardly cursed. Even the slip of calling Dina such a generic nickname could cause the unwanted advances. “But I won’t be making anymore deliveries for a few weeks.”
Dina instantly was pouting as a child would that had been informed they couldn’t have their favorite treat. Someone needed to teach the young woman what life was about. Fortunately, Dallas wasn’t the one.
“I’m on vacation for a few weeks.” Dallas managed to walk past the younger woman without Dina smacking her bottom or some other just as inappropriate area. It was time to see that the workers of the warehouse unloaded the goods.
“But what will I do with myself?” Dina managed to somehow fall in step with the much taller woman. She was more determined, after their last encounter, to make the older woman her own. Even if Dallas said it would never happen.
“You live your life. It’s yours, not mine.” Dallas was grateful when the docking manager opened the door. The young man and herself had known one another for years, long before Dina had wormed her way into the family business.
Dallas was grateful Dina remained silent as the men and women unloaded the truck. It didn’t take long. It meant, if Dallas wanted, she could drive to Albany. Or she could stay at her usual place, just outside of the city limits.
As Dallas attempted to haul herself into the cab, her cowboy hat met with an unforgiving breeze. It was as if the fates wanted Dallas to be tortured as the hat wound up in Dina’s lecherous hands.
The truck driver found herself pressed against the door of her cab. Dina’s body was pre
ssed against her as the shorter woman placed the cowboy hat upon Dallas’ head. Their lips were only millimeters away.
“Dina!” The shouting of the young woman’s name was the greatest relief Dallas had experienced in the longest of times. The ‘accidental’ touching of her breast as Dina pulled away from her nauseated the older woman.
Dallas didn’t hesitate in positioning herself behind the wheel of her big rig. With practiced ease, she had the monster up and running. While there was a part of her that wanted to put some distance between herself and Dina, her need for familiar took her to the place just outside of Atlanta.
It was just a rest area, but it was one Dallas normally stayed at. It wasn’t the busiest, which made for safety and comfort. But it was one of the more beautiful ones she had come across.
As was Dallas’ normal routine, she placed a lawn chair in front of her cab. She used a lantern as a campfire. The meal was a normal affair. The cooler in her cab had maintained the freshness of the salad she had purchased in the last town.
As she stared up at the stars, Dallas did something she never did. She wished upon a star. In her life, she had discovered wishing didn’t do you a bit of good. You either worked hard, caught some breaks or you were left behind.
Wishing was not what either of her moms had taught her. They each had instilled their own strengths, sometimes weaknesses. But the one thing they had both instilled was working hard and to be true to yourself. And of course, not to judge anyone and help if you could.
So why be silly and start wishing? At forty, Dallas knew wishes were for dreamers. They were for children. They were for artist. For some reason, after her encounter with Dina, she couldn’t help but wish.
What she wished for wouldn’t come true. Dallas soberly gathered her things. She would dispose of them in the morning, before she hit the open road. Perhaps she wouldn’t take the direct route to Albany.
Perhaps, she would experience more of the open road. This time not on a deadline. Not having to be anywhere. And not worrying about money, at least not for a week or so. Vacation officially had begun. She might as well enjoy it.
Chapter 2
At the familiar sound, the horse Jessie was grooming jumped a little. It was something she was learning. Luckily, they had a full-time person to care for the few horses they maintained. Once the bed and breakfast was established, they would add more horses.
Jessie hastily placed her grooming tools in their place. “Well, Ajax, it looks like we have our first visitors. Probably not our first boarders, but friends.” It had been quite some time since she’d seen either of her friends.
The sweat was dripping from the young woman. Spring had sprung and with it the warmer, humid temperatures. Jessie wiped her face and arms off before making her way towards the bed and breakfast.
The two motorcycles resting in the parking area caused Jessie to grin. Anyone would know those motorcycles anywhere. The fact one had a side cart only meant one thing. As she made it to the porch, Jessie heard the warning. She still failed to brace herself fully.
Jessie was soon being slobbered on. She was pinned, by the shoulders, to the ground. “I missed you too, Rocket.” It wasn’t surprising when she glanced up to see a smirking face. “Missed you too, Kathy.”
It was with ease that Kathy helped the younger woman to her feet. In some ways, the two were like mirror twins. Their eyes were like a bright summer day. Their hair was as dark as a hurricane’s sky. Their height was both over six feet.
Yet, the two women were so unalike. Kathy had not realized what true emotions were until she had met her soulmate. Jessie had always known but chose to follow in her father’s footsteps. She had become an abuser and user, at least emotionally.
Kathy had lived the dream Jessie had thought she had wanted. Jessie knew that her best friend still wanted to be a firefighter. It was the injury to her back that would never allow that, at least not full-time.
It was how they had met. Kathy had taught Jessie how to be a firefighter. What the younger woman had never thought possible was how much she could learn about life from her best friend. In some ways, was still learning.
“That’s why my phone has been so silent, as of late.” Kathy had not known humor. She had, at one time, been referred to as Android by her fellow firefighters. While her sense of humor didn’t show often, when it did…
“I know.” Jessie continued to have a hand on the Dalmatian’s head as they made their way to the porch. There were three tables with chairs upon the impressive porch, with a swing at the far end. “I could use being busy as an excuse, but one should never lose touch with their friends.”
Kathy slapped her friend on the back. “Relax. I’m just as much to blame. I’ve been busy with a new project myself. I’ll tell you about it this weekend. Candy has insisted we both take a break and leave things to others.”
“I bet my Thelma had something to do with it.” Kathy began whistling. Jessie just shook her head. While Candy and Thelma could also be considered sisters, they were different. One of the things they had in common was how they always wanted everyone around them happy.
When the furthest table set came into view, it revealed two petite blondes. One had slightly shorter hair and was an inch or two taller. But those eyes were as close to emerald as one could find.
“Bout time you joined us.” Thelma didn’t hesitate in kissing her wife. As always, it meant standing on her toes. “I figured it was time we spent some time with our friends. Besides, they can be here for the grand opening.”
“Always love spending time with my favorite teacher and former boss.” Jessie couldn’t believe she was so loved. That these three women accepted her for who she was. Faults, warts and all.
It was becoming too sappy for the youngest member of the group. “I think I’ll go wash up.” Jessie turned to her best friend, also known as sister. “I know the ladies are in good hands.” She winked before hastily entering the house.
Thelma couldn’t help but laugh. “Jessie never was one for sentimentality.” When the eldest member of the group glanced at Kathy, she noticed the slight tinge to her cheeks. “I see that’s where the two sisters are alike.”
Kathy couldn’t help running her hand through her hair. “I see you forgot the napkins. I know where they are. I’ll be right back.” It was as if the former firefighter had been stung by a wasp she escaped into the bed and breakfast with such speed.
It was Candy’s turn to laugh. “No matter how good she’s become with emotions, when things become too sentimental or she’s praised too much, she can’t handle it.” The woofing of her puppy caused emerald eyes to glance at the drive. “Are you expecting any of your boarders?”
Thelma shook her head as she halted in placing the plates upon the table. There was a dust storm. Though spring had sprung, the rains had yet to hit. It caused a dustbowl anytime one drove up the driveway with a great deal of speed.
When the dust settled, the car revealed was nothing like Thelma or Candy had ever seen. It was a classic car. The fact it was a pink Cadillac was most surprising of all. Both women made their way to the railing, more than curious of who was behind the wheel of such an automobile.
A woman, probably around seventy, with brown hair dusted with grey exited the driver’s seat. Out of the passenger side was a man, slightly older, with grey hair and a mustache. The man made certain to retrieve the bags before following the woman towards the plantation.
By the time the older couple made their way to the porch, Kathy and Jessie had returned. The female stranger stopped in her tracks. The towering pair of brunettes startled her, nearly as much as the nearly twin petite blondes.
“I’m sorry for staring. It’s just that you four remind me of my daughter and daughter-in-law.” The hand was held out, hoping one of the group would take it. “The name is Melissa Walker. I’m a friend of Jackeline Beverly.”
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“No, No, No.” It was the last thing Allison could
afford. Her vacation was budgeted to the last penny. If her car needed a repair, she might as well just turnaround and hope that the owners of the bed and breakfast would give her a refund.
The blinking red light would not stop, no matter the pleas. Allison growled under her breath as she was forced to take the next exit. Luckily, there was one of those all-night truck stops, complete with a mechanic.
Before she could make it to the mechanics, Allison’s car chose to quit. Tears were forming. This was supposed to be a time of no stress. This was supposed to be a time of having fun. Instead, her nearly fifteen-year-old compact was about to leave her isolated.
The knocking on her window caused Allison to jump. She was reluctant to roll down her window. “Is everything all right?” The woman had to be nearly six-feet. Her hair was as dark as a stormy night. Her eyes were the color of the sea.
“My car died after a check engine light came on.” Allison felt she was safe, at least a little, with it being someone of the female persuasion attempting to aid her. Still, she wished her pepper spray was closer at hand.
“My name is Nina. I work at the garage over there.” When the young woman appeared apprehensive, Nina held out her hands. “No matter what, I can’t get the grease off.” When still the young woman didn’t speak, the mechanic attempted a different tactic. “If it’s money that troubles you, we can work something out.”
Allison took a deep breath. She wasn’t one to trust. She hadn’t had the easiest of lives. In fact, she’d been on her own since she was eighteen. She knew how to take care of herself, but this was in a state, how many miles from home. “If you could take a look…”
“Pop the hood, Sweetie.” Nina didn’t wait for a response. She’d been working on cars since she was one. Ok. She had helped her father by handing him different tools, but she liked to think of it as experience.
As the stranger hopefully discovered what was wrong with her car, Allison became more and more agitated. Perhaps it hadn’t been such a good idea for this trip. Maybe she should have saved the money for a new car or a house of her own or…
Kindling Page 2
