by Sara Mullins
“Hey now, I can grill a fine steak!” Ben hollered in defense from the living room recliner.
Nicole chuckled, then she led the way upstairs, Mark closely behind. They walked to his room without a word spoken and she grabbed her bag to find a change of clothes. He flopped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. She didn’t know how to approach his silence. All that she could manage to mutter was an awkward, “So . . .”
“It was our homecoming game, senior year. They were our biggest rival and we were both undefeated, of course. I was having a hell of a season. Five colleges were offering me a scholarship. We were driving down the field, down twenty-eight to twenty-four in the fourth quarter with only four minutes left in the game. I dropped back to pass. Levi was wide open. Then I saw him coming. Carter Stanton, their best linebacker, blew right through the line and raced toward me. I looked back at Levi and threw it. And that was it; I just remember all the coaches and team standing around me afterward. I couldn’t really feel anything, but somehow, I knew it was all going to be different. It was over. My knee was toast. Damn thing still hurts sometimes.”
“So that was it?” she asked. “They didn’t want you anymore?”
“Nah, my knee was so jacked up, and I was just done after that. I knew it would take too long to get it healthy again, if ever. And they had their pick of uninjured quarterbacks to choose from. The only chance I had was to try to heal up and go back later, but it wasn’t going to happen. It just wasn’t meant to be,” he said.
“I’m so sorry, Mark. That’s awful,” she said, sitting next to him on the bed.
“Oh, it’s alright. I just hadn’t thought about it in a while.” He shook his head and continued. “Anyway, I finished out the school year on crutches, graduated, and as soon as I was able, I started working. All I wanted was to take my mind off it and save up money. Eventually, I moved here, and the rest is history.”
Nicole paused, trying to figure out what to say next. “I guess you guys won the game?”
“Yeah, we won. Levi caught the ball and ran it in for a touchdown. He had no idea I was down.”
“Wow, that’s crazy,” she said.
“Yup, but you know what? It’s just a game. And I’m happy with my life,” he said.
“You better be happy with such a fine woman as me.”
“Good point,” he said, smiling.
“I’m kidding.” She gave him a kiss to help cheer him up. “Alright, I actually do need a shower.”
“Oh, I’ll get you a towel.”
“Thanks. Yeah, I think I should wash up before I help her cook dinner,” she said.
“Alright, hang on.” He walked out of the room and returned with a towel and washrag. “There’s a bathroom up here right across the hall.”
“Thanks, I’ll be right back.” Nicole grabbed her clothes, toiletries and the towel and headed to the shower. As soon as she finished, Mark jumped in right behind her. She brushed her hair and pulled it back into a high ponytail and headed downstairs.
Mama had a pile of chicken on the counter and was seasoning it with salt and pepper. The room smelled of the hot grease that was waiting in a cast-iron skillet on the stove. A bowl of flour and a bowl of whisked eggs sat near the stove.
“How can I help?” Nicole asked.
Mama looked over her shoulder to see Nicole standing behind her. “Well, have you ever fried chicken before?”
“Not really, but I’m a fast learner.”
“Don’t worry, it’s not hard at all. I season the pieces a little bit, dip it in the egg, coat it in flour and stick it in the pan. And I like to dip it in the egg again and coat it in flour again just to add a little extra breading,” Mama said.
“Sounds good,” Nicole told her. She washed her hands then stood next to Mama.
“How about I do the first one and then you can do them?”
“Sure,” Nicole said. She watched Mama finish the first one, then she began breading the chicken and piling it on a plate. Once she had enough to make a layer in the pan, she began placing them in the hot grease. “So how will I know when they are done?”
“Oh, it’s usually about fifteen minutes, maybe twenty. But remember, one rule of thumb is when the juice runs clear, it should be done. If I ever have any doubt, I may check the thickest one to be sure, but you shouldn’t need to,” Mama said.
“Alright, that sounds pretty easy.”
“It is, dear. I peeled and sliced some potatoes and stuck them in the oven before you came down. I like to throw them in a dish with some butter, cheese, and a little sour cream. Put some salt and pepper on ‘em and bake till they’re tender,” Mama told her.
“Mmm that sounds so good,” Nicole muttered through her saliva-coated mouth.
Nicole and Mama chatted and fried chicken until the pile of raw chicken was gone. Meanwhile, Mark had finished getting dressed and came down to join them. He jumped in and helped keep the dishes clean and put away.
“Aww, sweet Mark. He always was my big helper,” Mama said, wrapping her arm around his ribs.
Mark hugged his mama back and looked up at Nicole. Her insides fluttered.
“Mama and I made some pretty delicious-looking chicken if you are brave enough to try some,” Nicole said.
“It smells really good,” Mark told her.
“Mark, honey, will you go out and get your father? I think he’s in the barn,” Mama said.
“Yeah, I’ll get him.”
“Thanks, honey,” Mama said.
Mark and Ben returned shortly. “Oh boy, it smells great. Can’t wait to eat,” Ben exclaimed.
“Nicole, you’re the guest so you grab a plate and dig in first,” Mama insisted.
“You sure?” Nicole asked.
“Yes, get in there,” Ben said.
“Alright, thank you.” Nicole made herself a plate and the family followed behind her.
“It’s a pretty nice day. Would you all like to sit outside?” Mama asked.
“Sounds great to me,” Nicole said. She followed the family out to the patio, and they gathered around the table.
“This looks great, ladies. Thank you for making all this,” Ben said.
“Nicole did the cookin’, I just talked her ears off,” Mama said.
“Hey now, it was a team effort,” Nicole pleaded.
“Well, either way, thank you both for a delicious meal,” Ben said.
“Yes, thanks. It looks great,” Mark added.
“I hope it tastes good, too,” Nicole said.
“It’s very good,” Ben mumbled with a full mouth.
“Benjamin . . .” Mama scolded. She sneered at his mouth which was nearly full of partially masticated chicken.
Mark and Nicole laughed, then she proceeded to take her first bite of the drumstick on her plate. She couldn’t believe how correct Ben was. The chicken was excellent. Nicole felt a sense of pride at how well she had done frying chicken for the first time . . . with Mama’s help, of course.
The four of them sat and talked just as if Nicole had been a part of the family forever. Naturally, Mark’s parents enjoyed the opportunity to brag about their son. They included a few crazy stories to add a little zest. Nicole filled them in on all the pertinent information about herself, remembering how good it felt to sit around the table and talk with family. The sun raced across the sky and was now approaching the horizon.
“How about I build us a little fire?” Ben said. “We can sit outside for a little while longer and enjoy the beautiful July weather.”
“Sounds great,” Nicole replied. “You want Mark and me to go get wood?”
Mark grinned and shook his head in disbelief.
“That’s very sweet of you, honey, but I’ve got a good-sized pile stacked up behind the barn,” Ben said.
“Alright, I’ll help clean up then,” Nicole insisted.
“How many times do I have to tell ya, you don’t have to come here and work?” Mama asked. “I’ll clean up. You kids enjoy yourselves.”<
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“We can go for a walk real quick before it gets dark,” Mark said, grabbing Nicole’s hand. “Come on.” He led her through the back yard.
“I really love your parents,” Nicole told him. “They’re so sweet.”
“Thanks,” he replied. “They like you, too.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I can tell. I mean, Mom made chicken with you. That’s all I need to say.”
Nicole laughed. “I guess you’re right. I felt like she wanted to teach me something; like I was her own daughter. It felt really good.”
“In her eyes, you are her daughter now,” Mark said.
Nicole’s face lit up. They continued walking until they approached a tree-line. A narrow pathway disappeared into the trees. “Come on, I want to show you something,” he told her.
“There are more surprises? Is that even possible?”
“You’ll see,” he insisted. They continued side-by-side through the patch of brush and tree trunks until the sky appeared on the other side. He stopped in the trail and turned to face her. “Alright, you have to close your eyes,” he said.
“Okay,” she agreed. She raised her eyebrows at him a bit then closed her eyes tightly.
He led her through the rest of the trees and into the grass that lay beneath them on the other side. “Don’t look yet,” he said.
“I won’t,” she insisted.
They continued up the green slope until it plateaued, then he stopped. He let go of her hand and ran his fingertips up her arm until they rested upon her shoulder. Then he wrapped his arm around her back and stood next to her so that he could see her expression. “Alright, you can look.”
She opened her eyes and gasped at the sight before her. They were standing upon the summit of a ridgeline. Rolling hills and trees stretched as far as her eyes could see. The green was split with a winding strip of orange from the river that reflected the golden sky. To their right was a gazebo, perfectly positioned for enjoying the view.
“Oh, my God! Mark, this is amazing,” Nicole exclaimed.
“You like it?” he asked.
“I love it.”
“The gazebo was a gift from Dad to Mom. He built it for her when I was a kid. She comes out here a lot to read and relax.”
“I totally see why. This is breathtaking. You were so lucky to have such an amazing, beautiful place to grow up. It’s like a fairytale,” Nicole told him.
“Yeah, I didn’t understand it then, but I see it now.” He looked at her and nodded toward the gazebo. “Come check it out.”
They stepped inside and turned to face the river. Nicole smiled from deep inside; a smile that only happens with true serenity. Mark turned toward her and gazed at every freckle and curve on her face. He raised his hand and lightly brushed her cheek. She closed her eyes and soaked in his touch. Then he wrapped his arms around her and started swaying from side to side. Nicole rested her cheek on his chest and listened to the sound of his heart, the only sound that could be heard. She breathed in his scent, a form of calming medicine. They danced together on top of the world.
“Are you kids ready?” Ben asked from the tree-line behind them.
Mark opened his eyes and looked down the hill. “Great timing, Dad.”
Nicole lifted her head and laughed. She pulled him toward the steps. “Let’s go. We can come back later,” she insisted.
“Good point,” he said.
They followed Ben back toward the house. Smoke was rising from the fire pit that sat in the center of four white chairs.
“You want something to drink?” Ben asked Nicole.
“Sure, but you don’t need to get it. I can go get it.”
“Come on, I’ll go with you,” Mark said.
They went to the kitchen to grab some drinks and turned to head back out. The house was filled with the scent of popcorn.
“Smells like Mama’s been at it again,” Mark said.
“Does she ever stop?” Nicole asked.
“No, never.”
“Man, it had to be exhausting for her, living with all of you,” Nicole said.
“Ha, you would think so, but I think it’s her fuel. She just wants to take care of people all the time.”
Nicole and Mark headed back out and sat down in the two open chairs, which had conveniently been moved closer together. A giant bowl of popcorn sat on the small table that was squeezed between them.
“It’s been a pleasure having you here,” Mama told Nicole.
“Thank you for having me. I’ve had a lot of fun.”
“Mark’s never really brought any girls home . . .” Ben started to say.
Mark anticipated this comment and interjected. “Dad, come on.”
“Is that right?” Nicole questioned playfully.
“Nah, that boy was always out workin’ on a car, or out runnin’ around with his friends,” Ben added, laughing. “He was a good kid, though. Of course, he got in trouble a few times like most boys do, but never anything real serious,” Ben said.
“He was such a good boy,” Mama said.
Mark turned pink and looked up at Nicole. Her stomach was filled with butterflies. His look was captivating, making it difficult for her to take her next breath. His parents continued talking her ears off until the fire had dwindled to coals.
“Well, I’m gonna turn in for the night. Ben, honey, will you make sure that fire’s out before you come in?”
“Yes, dear,” Ben replied.
“I’m getting tired, too. What about you?” Mark subtly asked Nicole.
“Yeah, I’m pretty tired. It’s been a long day with the drive . . . and the spelunking,” Nicole answered, with every attempt to not sound awkward.
“Alright, I’ll see you kids in the morning, then,” Ben said.
“G’night, Dad.” Mark and Nicole stood up and headed back toward the house.
“Good night, you guys,” Ben said.
Nicole and Mark headed upstairs to change for bed. She nudged his ribs. “The only girl, huh?”
He ran his hand through his hair and looked down at her. “Yeah . . . well . . .”
“It’s alright. I’m flattered,” she added.
“I’ve just, I’ve never felt this way before. All the girls I knew were all the same. They were so fake, with no . . . no character. And then I met you. You are real. You have kindness and a sense of humor. And you’re so beautiful. I knew the moment we met that you were special. I couldn’t believe you weren’t taken already.”
“Wow, that’s so sweet. I don’t even know what to say. Thank you. Actually, I’m just gonna stick with ‘thank you’ because I can’t top what you said.”
“Damn straight you can’t,” Mark said, as seriously as he could.
She smiled and reached up slapped his arm.
He laughed and grabbed his arm. “Ow!”
“Oh, I barely touched you, big baby,” Nicole told him.
He spat out words in between moans. “I’m gonna . . . be . . . bruised.”
Nicole didn’t say a word, but her expression spoke for itself as if she had said to him, “give me a break.”
The two of them grabbed their pajamas and Nicole headed to the bathroom to change and brush her teeth. Once they were both ready for bed, they met back in his room for a moment of awkward silence.
“So . . .” Nicole started.
“Hey, we don’t have to go to bed yet if you don’t want. We can watch a movie or something,” Mark suggested.
“That sounds great,” Nicole replied.
They walked back downstairs and into the living room. Mark turned on one of the lamps to keep the light dim. “What kind of movie ya wanna watch?”
“It doesn’t matter to me. A comedy, maybe? Any comedy, doesn’t matter which.”
“Alright, let’s see here . . . western, western, more westerns,” Mark started, while he scanned the shelf.
Nicole chuckled. “A western is great.”
“Hey, this one is kind of a funny . . . wes
tern,” Mark joked.
“I’m game.”
Mark started the movie and sat next to Nicole on the couch. She spread the blanket out to cover his lap and cuddled up against his arm. He raised his arm, wrapped it around her, and kissed the top of her head. “You havin’ fun yet?” he asked her.
“I’ve had a lot of fun. Your family’s great. I’ll be kind of sad to leave and go home tomorrow.”
“We’ll come back whenever you want,” Mark said.
“I hope so.” She laid her head down on his chest and watched the movie start. He slowly ran his fingers up and down the back of her arm. The gentle motion started to hypnotize her. She closed her eyes. The sound of the movie disappeared, and all grew quiet.
“Mark. Mark. Nicole. Wake up, it’s time for breakfast,” Mama spoke, jostling Mark’s arm. Nicole closed her gaping mouth and opened her eyes to see Mama standing next to them at the end of the couch. “Good morning,” Mama told Nicole.
Nicole smiled back. “Good morning. Um, we sat down to watch a movie and . . . well, I don’t remember anything after that,” Nicole told Mama defensively.
Mama chuckled. “Honey, it’s okay. You don’t have to explain anything to me. You’re adults, and besides, his father and I were your age once.”
“No really, we didn’t even get to watch the movie.”
“You must have needed the rest then, it’s okay. Are you hungry?” Mama asked.
“Yeah, it smells awesome,” Nicole said.
“How about y’all get dressed and eat a hot breakfast.”
“Alright, we’ll be right back,” Nicole told her. Mama walked back into the kitchen and Nicole started to jiggle Mark’s arm. “Mark,” she whispered.
“I’m awake, I was just waiting for Mama to leave,” he said, without opening his eyes or moving a muscle.
“Were you awake the whole time?” Nicole asked smiling.
“Yeah, figured I would let you do all the talking.”
“Gee, thanks,” Nicole said.
“No problem. Alright, we better go, or she’ll be back to get us up again.”
He stood up, helped Nicole up and they headed upstairs to change. When they were ready, they grabbed their things and brought them downstairs with them.
