The Road Home

Silver

I stare out the window of the Greyhound bus, watching the sun rise over the eastern mountains and painting the sky with brilliant shades of orange and pink. This is the third sunrise I’ve seen from a bus window in just as many days and the fact that I know this will be the last, well, that’s something worthy of celebration. The closer we get to Layton, the more familiar things become and the more my heart aches from the knowledge that after seven long years, I’m going home. I won’t say I ran away, nor will I say that I moved on to bigger, better things, but I will say that my leaving was necessary. The people in my small hometown were blind to the suffering that took place inside my home, but I had front row seats to the entire tragedy as each scene unfolded on a daily basis.

It’s nearly noon when the bus pulls into the small bus station that looks more like a doublewide trailer. I grab both of my duffel bags and prepare for the three mile walk to my aunt’s house. The scenery seems different, yet so familiar. The buildings look the same, though most have had a new coat of paint since I last saw them. That’s the beauty of a small town. No matter how much things change, so much will always stay the same. I reach the dirt road that leads to my aunt’s house which lies just past the Jensen Ranch, the very ranch where my high school crush resided all those years ago. Liam Jensen was every girl’s dream boyfriend back then and what made him more appealing is the fact that he couldn’t see it. He was kind, funny, humble and unfortunately for me, he was a senior while I was only a freshman. As I reach the first field where cows are grazing, I spot someone riding toward the fence line on a large buckskin horse.

“Are you lost miss?” I use my hand to block the sun from my eyes so I can get a better look at the stranger, but I don’t recognize him at all.

“Not lost, I think I’m found actually. I’m heading up to my Aunt Linny’s.” I continue to walk and the man keeps pace on his horse with only a fence to separate us.

“I didn’t know her brother Marcus had any kids.” Of course, he would think my father was Uncle Marcus which only makes the truth that much more bitter as it slips from my lips.

“He doesn’t, but Cole does.” He stops dead in his tracks as if this information stunned him. Hell, maybe it did.

“You’re Cole’s kid?!” He quickly catches up and I give him a simple nod while biting the inside of my cheek.

“I wish it wasn’t so, but yeah, I am.” I glance up at him and his eyes are trained straight ahead while he looks deep in thought.

“Did you grow up here?” I nod my head again, thankful for the subject change.

“Yeah. I moved away seven years ago. How about you?” He gives me a charming smile and shakes his head.

“No, I moved here a few years back to help with the farm. You probably know my cousins, Liam and Brent Jensen?” I swallow the lump in my throat and force a smile.

“Yeah, I know them. I doubt they remember me though. Brent is a few years younger than me and Liam is a few years older.” He nods while he looks to be processing the information.

“Shit, where are my manners?! My name’s Jason!” I chuckle at his self-scolding.

“Name’s Silver.” He gives me a strange look and I can already tell he isn’t sure if I’m giving him a real name or not.

“That’s…well, that’s a different name.” I throw my head back and laugh at his confused reaction.

“That’s not even the half of it. My mom was kind of a hippy at heart. My full name is Silver Moon Dawson.” I watch as he fights back his smile only to fail and he laughs along with me.

“Well, Silver Moon Dawson, my name’s Jason Matthew Clarke and it’s a unique pleasure to meet you. You do know that Miss Linny’s is still over a mile away, right?” I let out a heavy sigh and nod.

“Yeah, but after a three day bus ride, the walk is a piece of cake.” He cringes and nods in agreement.

“I bet it is. Can you ride?” He gestures to the horse and I chuckle softly.

“I used to.” He motions for me to wait and a moment later he s riding off at breakneck speed. I stand on the side of the fence beside the dirt road confused as hell for about ten minutes before he comes riding back with another saddled horse trotting alongside him. He guides me a little further down to where a locked gate sits then hops off his horse, unlocks the gate and pushes it open to lead the horses out.

“Alright, set your bags down and I’ll help you on. I’ll hand them back to you once you’re situated.” I grab the horn, slip my foot into the stirrup and lift myself while swinging my leg over, mounting the horse with practiced ease.

“Guess it’s like riding a bike.” He smirks as he hands up both of my bags.

“Alright, showoff. Let me lock the gate and we’ll ride.” The ride to Linny’s only takes us a little over ten minutes and the small talk with Jason is comforting. As we reach the house, Linny is sitting on her porch with a large glass of sweet tea, just like she used to when I was a kid and just like when I was a kid, her face lights up when she sees me.

“Silver!” She slowly gets up out of her rocker and walks to the top of the stairs where I meet her after carefully dismounting.

“Hey, Aunt Linny. How are you doing?” She pulls me in for a tight hug then gently pats my back.

“Better now that you’re home. Are you just here for a visit, or are you really coming home?” I knew she would ask since I didn’t give her much information when I called her, but I’m not wanting to explain the reason for my return just yet.

“I’m here for as long as you’ll have me.” Her face lights up and I swear I see the very moment she realizes there’s another person here and that shit is comical.

“Oh, Jason! Thank you for helping my Silver get home!” He chuckles and pulls off his Stetson, placing over his chest as he gives her a respectful bow of his head.

“It was my pleasure, Linny. I best get back before Liam realizes I’m missing. You two take care and let us know if you need anything!” We both stand on the porch and watch him ride off down the dirt driveway.

“Come, let’s get you settled inside. I hope you have your license, Silver. We’re going to dinner at the Jensen’s tonight and I’m too old to walk.” I follow her into the house, thinking about how strange it will be to see faces from my past, but feeling excited to see how much people have changed.