The Unwanted Runaway

The Bunkhouse

Anna’s POV

I make my way back into the kitchen, my mind reeling with thoughts and emotions. Everyone quiets down for a moment. I felt like all eyes were on me. But then Mia got back helping Mrs. Rose put up all the clean dishes has Brooke greeted Jason, who also just walked in the kitchen from the living room. By lifting up on our tippy toes and giving him a tender kiss on the cheek . He happily looks down and smells at her.

Nikki takes notice of my watery eyes and asks me what's wrong, her tone full of concern. I take a deep breath, not wanting to burden these strangers with my family drama. But father’s words linger in the back of my mind,

Before I can fully process my thoughts, Mia calls out to me, stopping me in my tracks. "Anna," she says, her voice gentle yet firm. "I know you have a lot on your plate starting here at the ranch, but I was wondering if you would be willing to watch my two kiddos next Friday night. Evan wants to take me out of town for the weekend, and since EJ and Lily have taken a liking to you, I thought it would be perfect."

I hesitate, unsure if I am ready to take on such a responsibility. But Mia assures me that she will pay me for my time, and Mama Rose will be available if I need any help. I nod, my voice barely above a whisper as I agree to watch her children.

Mia's face lights up with gratitude, and she thanks me profusely. "I promise my kids are not that much of a handful," she says with a chuckle. "You'll have fun, I promise."

As I bid everyone goodnight and make my way to the bunkhouse, Jason reminds me that we will start early in the morning. I reply with a tired but determined, "I'll see you first thing in the morning."

I thought to myself wow these people wake up early. I’m not sure if I would even be able to get up at four and they expect me to be out here at 4:30 while it’s still dark out in the morning. at least this will keep my mind off things that’s for sure.

In the bunkhouse, I head straight to my room, taking off my shoes and changing into my pajamas ignoring the fact that there is four other individuals in the bunkhouse, laughing and chatting away, sitting at a small round table.

As I step out of my room, I am greeted by four guys playing cards at the table. They look up and introduce themselves as Adam, Ben, Carl, and Donnie. I shake their hands, feeling slightly overwhelmed by their friendly gestures.

They invite me to join in the card game, but I decline, saying that I just want to go straight to bed. Ben says well” It’s still early “

Donnie, however, mentions that he and Carl have a couple of female friends coming over later. My heart sinks at the thought of sharing a room with strangers, and men at that being my roommates.

I try to play it cool and say, "Oh, that's okay. I'll just take the couch if you guys need privacy."

Carl says well, that’s the thing Miss Anna we have four young ladies coming over in a bit and things might get rowdy if you know what I mean, so our apologies in advance.

I think I might understand what he just said, but truly hope not because I’m not in the mood to hear people go at it all night. but I brushed it off and figured well. I’ll just try to get a little nap in the oddly comfortable bunkbed until their guest arrive and I will take soloist on the small Couch in the living room.

I swear I heard the one name, Donnie yells from a small kitchen” Unless you wanna join us but us fellas here are not into crossing swords. Sorry, but we do I love watching the ladies in action though.

I hear a bunch of loud laughter immediately after coming from behind me as I walk towards the bedroom.

I roll my eyes and think great, but the uncomfortability begins”

I make my way back to the bedroom, my mind still racing with thoughts and emotions. But as I lay in bed, staring at the bed above me, I know that tomorrow will bring another day of hard work and new experiences on this ranch.

As I jolted out of my thoughts, I know I’m gonna have to call my father back and have a conversation with him about the intense, voicemail he left .I just hope I can get through it without feeling crap. So far most of the Millers have been very graciously kind to me. I’m just not sure if I see Carter as someone I want to be in an intimate relationship with. Just so soon after everything with Joey. I’m scared to trust people that’s for sure but right now I’ll just go with the flow because I have nothing else to lose. I’ve already lost everything in my life. That I cared so much about. Traumatizing hurt by my best friend many years, deceived by my lover.

Mentally and physically, abused by everyone around me is definitely taken its toll. This would make no difference. because I’m in an uncharted area in my life surrounded by new people and a new way of life.

I kind of see Carter more like a friend or a big brother. Besides, I don’t think I’m the kind of girl he eould be into. Plus, he’s a sheriff I don’t know whether I should be feeling safe because of that or scared because he can easily figure out my past. then there’s Denton.

I can’t help feel very feel attracted to Denton, however he’s with somebody and about to get married soon. his relationship may be in a difficult situation right now. But I am definitely not a homewrecker. shaking those unwanted pleasurable thoughts of Denton out of my head.

I was suddenly hit with a vivid memory of a small letter bearing my name, handed to me by Mr. Luke. With a sense of urgency, I rose from my seat and retrieved the said letter from my backpack. I distinctly remembered Mr. Luke mentioning that this letter holds of information about the inner workings of the ranch - from the responsibilities of each department to the names of those in charge, and even the expectations set for the workers. So it was very kind of both Evan and Luke to give me a quick vast rundown and show me parts of the ranch. I knew that it would be more important to read this letter to get a better understanding.

As I turned on the light and settled back onto my bed, I eagerly dived into the contents of the letter, hungry for a deeper understanding of my role on the ranch.