I Don't Want to Fall

Chapter 7: Walker Brothers Garage

***** Ellowyn’s POV

I didn’t mean to make it awkward, but he knew a lot more about the things in my life I tried not to talk about with others. Yet he was still being closed off with me. I don’t know exactly why this bothered me so much, but it did. Plus his comment about his family. What I would give for a family that worried about me so much because of their love for me that I felt suffocated. He didn’t know how lucky he was to have that.

I also had questions about Cassidy’s mother, but something told me to leave that subject alone. He didn’t wear a ring, but he also didn’t seem in a position to talk about it. I don’t know why I was so curious either. It wasn’t my business.

I rubbed my wrist where Gavin hurt me. It was still sore, and I knew it would be bruised by tomorrow. Why was I always so weak? Suddenly my phone dinged with a text.

I looked at it to see it was Gavin. Of course who else would text me. If it wasn’t for work and the kid’s school I wouldn’t even want a phone.

“Getting a bit bold aren’t you with your stupid boy toy behind you. Don’t think he’ll stick around once he figures out you’re only dead weight. He’ll just use you then toss you aside like the trash we both know you are.”

I read from the glowing screen. He is always trying to tear me down. God, I already know I’m nothing why does he have to keep reminding me where I came from. Carson is out of my league anyways, and definitely not interested in me. I took a breath, and text back.

“Again, I’m not with Carson or anyone. He is just helping me get the Jeep to the shop to get the tire fixed, and only because his grandfather made him. He isn’t interested in me either. He has a family. Please leave me alone Gavin.”

I hit send, and sighed. Looking back out the window at the scenery passing by. Not too long after my phone dinged again.

“You know I love you. I’m the only one that does. You need me Ellowyn. When are you going to stop this nonsense, and come home? Have you been taking your medicine?”

Loves me? This isn’t love. This can’t be. This is manipulation and a misconstrued view of ownership. He doesn’t own me, and I deserve to be happy and feel safe.

“Gavin, I don’t think you truly know what love is.”

Almost immediately my phone goes off again.

“I LOVE YOU! I’m the only that does. Have you been taking care of yourself? Have you been taking your medicine?”

I took a deep breath, but thinking about it no I hadn’t taken my medicine today. I grabbed my purse and rummaged around for it. It was there, but I’d have to wait until I could get a drink to take it.

“No, you’re right I forgot to take it this morning.”

“See someone has to look out for you. Take it now.”

“Bye Gavin.”

I put the phone back in my purse. Then for the first time since the end of our conversation looked towards Carson. I could have sworn I caught him looking this way. Had he been reading my texts?

I don’t know. I couldn’t be sure that I had caught him, and began to second guess myself. As we got closer to town he turned the radio on to break the silence. Out here it was mainly country or blue grass stations as Gavin called it redneck deliverance music. I liked it though.

“Next Girl” by Carly Pearce came on flowing off the speakers. First, I started humming, but before I realized I was singing along. When we got to the next stop sign Carson sat a little too long at it. I turned to see him looking at me smiling. I could feel my cheeks heating up, and I knew I must be completely red with embarrassment.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was singing out loud.” I looked down at my shoes. I was mortified.

“Don’t apologize for that. You sound amazing.” He laid his hand upon mine making me look back up at him.

“I mean it. Your voice is beautiful Elle.” He said with a sincere smile.

“Thank you. The only ones that normally hear me sing are my children.” I replied, cheeks still on fire.

Once in town it didn’t take long to pull up to the small garage. It was the only one this small town had. We walked in as the bell on the door rang announcing our entrance. The two Walker brothers ran it together. Corey the younger one walked up to meet us at the counter.

“What can I do for y’all this evening?”

“Well, Corey, I seemed to have hit some bad luck with a flat tire. Can you and Jesse fit me in?” I asked.

“Umm.. We are a bit behind, but we should be able to get it done by tomorrow afternoon.” He replied wiping his greasy hands on a rag as he spoke.

“Okay, I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome Miss Ellowyn just settle up with us tomorrow at pickup.” He continued, “Oh will you fill this out real quick so we can contact you when it’s done. Jesse will kill me if I forget the paperwork again. He’s under Jim Hayes Camaro right now.”

“Okay,” I laughed filling out the sheet with my basic information and the Jeep’s. “Here you go.”

When I handed Corey the clipboard back I noticed Carson and him were staring at each other. It was a bit uncomfortable.

“Carson, would you mind taking the Jeep off the tow truck?” I asked breaking their weird moment.

He grunted in response like Ambrose had done before and walked out. I handed Corey my keys.

“Is that one of Ambrose’s grandsons.” Corey asked.

“Yes, that is Carson. Does he have more than one?”

“Yeah, Carson is the younger brother. Rhett is older. Carson should be about twenty eight now. Be careful hanging around him Ellowyn.” He warned.

I raised a eyebrow, “Why?”

“Well, they’re a bit rough. Especially Carson, he has a bit of a temper, and he’s really strong. Last time this town saw him it wasn’t in the best of moments if you get my drift.”

I looked out the window at Carson unhitching the Jeep for me. I didn’t see him as dangerous, but I also don’t have the best history judging men.

“I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” Corey continued.

“Thank you, Corey. Ambrose just had him help me bring the Jeep in. That’s all.” I reassured him.

“Alright, see you tomorrow.”

“Goodbye!” I smiled and waved as I walked out.

I went over to the coke machine at the side of the garage, and got a drink to take my medicine with. Suddenly a strong smell of sandalwood, amber, verbena, and soft notes of wild flowers and evergreen surrounded me. It reminded me of a mountain meadow. I took another deep breath.

“Are you ready?” Carson asked from behind me, and I jumped slightly. “Woah, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s alright. I was just getting a drink to take my medicine with.”

He replied with a humph. Then seemed to changed his mind, and asked. “What do you take medicine for?”

I chuckled a little bit. “This is going to sound crazy, but I’m not quite sure.”

“What do you mean?” He asked seriously.

“Well, I met Gavin when I was seventeen, and I started to have some weird health issues. He was so worried about me he took me to see his doctor who prescribed me medicine for vertigo, and I’ve been on it ever since. The thing is I was never sick or have any health issues prior.”

“Huh, what were your symptoms?” Carson asked concerned.

“Well, headaches, sensitive hearing and smell, some pains like growing pains I think, and aggressive behavior.” I said thinking back.

“That doesn’t sound like vertigo at all.”

“That’s what I thought when I did research, but Gavin said I’m not a doctor. He told me when I went to medical school I could argue with doctors. He has always been adamant about me taking care of my health, and making regular appointments with his doctor.” I shrugged.

“Can I take a look at your medicine?” He asked.

I nodded pulling it out of my bag. He read the label then opened the top looking at the capsules. He even smelled one. I thought it was a little strange, but he also seemed genuinely concerned.

“What would happen if you stopped taking it?”

“I don’t know. I have never stopped since the doctor put me on it. Gavin was very strict about making sure I took it. I guess those symptoms would return.”

“I know it’s none of my business, but maybe you should stop taking it. You could get a second opinion from the local doctor here. I mean you aren’t going to drive so far away to continue to go to Gavin’s doctor are you?”

I thought about it, and he was right. It didn’t make sense to keep going to that doctor. Plus why was I still taking orders from Gavin at this point. That’s what I was trying to get away from.

“You’re right. I never really wanted this medicine anyways.” I shoved it back into the bottom of my purse.

That smell again wafted around me as a slight breeze blew past Carson. I inhaled deeply as it smelled so good. He tilted his head at my behavior.

“What is it?” Carson asked confused.

“I don’t know. A smell, It smells so good, but I’m not sure where it’s coming from.” I confessed

He smiled a knowing smile though he couldn’t possibly know what I was smelling.

“Are you hungry? I’m sure Papaw is feeding the kids already. It’s about that time. We can grab something while we’re in town.”

“I don’t know. We shouldn’t leave him with all the kids.” I said nervously. I didn’t want Ambrose to think I was taking advantage of his kindness.

Carson laughed, “Trust me he is happy to have a full house. He hasn’t gotten to enjoy that since Rhett and I were young.”

“Alright, if you’re sure. I am starving.” I said with my stomach growling.

“I’m sure.”