Lunch

Aaron eyed the sauce for a moment, before nodding and taking a packet to put on his taco. Taking another bite, he honestly did enjoy it. Really, he craved very few things, but tacos was one of them.

He remained quiet until he was almost done with his second taco. Looking over at Sam, he cocked his head just a little. “So…what’s the deal?” He caught a tomato in his hand that had escaped the hard shell, and popped it in his mouth. “Everything comes with a price. You bring me tacos, make me happy, then you want…what in return?”

Eli sat bolt upright on the couch, his eyes wide. It took him just a split second to realize it had been a scream that had woken him from a dead sleep. Springing off the couch, he sprinted down the hall where he could already hear Ryan’s cries. Not even bothering to knock, he threw open the door and turned on the light to find her sitting up in bed sobbing.

His heart still racing, he slowed his pace and came to ease down beside her. “Hey, hey…what happened?” He put his arms around her and held her close, feeling her shaking. He assumed it was a bad dream, but it had been a long time since he’d seen her like this. “You’re okay,” he assured and kissed the top of her head. “You’re safe. Everything is okay. Shhh.” He rocked her just a little and rubbed her back. “You wanna tell me about it?”

“Hey, Dad, just so you know, I’m gonna hang out with Ashlee for lunch today.”

Lane was just hanging up some ropes in the barn, and quirked a wry grin at Travis. “Slow down there, lover boy. You got time.”

Travis’ face flushed and he rolled his eyes. “We’re just having fun.”

“Uh-huh.” Lane winked at him. “Every day now for the last…how many days?”

“Well what else am I supposed to do in my free time?”

Lane just chuckled and patted his shoulder before turning to go do more work. “Just keep your head on straight. That’s all I ask.”

“Sure.” Travis watched him go, and couldn’t help the little feeling of guilt in the pit of his stomach. But it would be fine, right? When he and Ashlee got back, maybe their parents would be a little mad at first, but then they got back and could prove they were just fine without anything happening, then everyone would see they worried for nothing. Right?

…Noon. The ranch yard was quiet. Almost everyone was inside to eat lunch, just as predicted. Travis waited out by the garage where Lane’s pickup was, fiddling with the keys he’d found in his dad’s sock drawer. Ashlee had said she’d get away somehow, and meet him here, then they’d go into town. He glanced left and right, hoping no one would catch on before they left.