A Love Misunderstood

Hill City, I Have Arrived

Charlotte “Brent”

“Oh my goodness!! I’m so glad you’re here! We have missed you all summer and couldn’t wait to have you back visiting, Charlotte!”

“Mom! Why do I have to always tell you! It’s Brent - not Charlotte,” my best friend fumed as she darted to the door to save me from the smothering hug I was receiving from Mrs. Adams.

“Thank you,Mrs. Adams. I’m glad to get to visit one last time before Audrey and I make our way to college,” I said as I hauled my bags down the hall to Audrey’s room.

Right as I was entering the room, a stampede of teenage boys darted through the hall crushing me against the door frame and knocking my bag out of my hand. Suddenly, I was on my feet again and being checked over by Audrey’s twin brother, Cole.

Audrey and I met four years ago as freshmen at Richardson Rye Boarding School, in Seattle, Washington. Even with our vastly different upbringings we immediately hit it off as friends. She’s a small town, South Dakota native who begged her parents to get out of Hill City. I’m pretty sure sending her to that school is the reason her mom started working again.

I on the other hand grew up in Mannhatten. Born to two successful lawyers and raised by six loving Nannies. When it came time for high school, I couldn’t stand the thought of the stuffy East Coasts Prep Schools and presented my parents with Richardson Rye. They immediately agreed that was best and shipped me away. Money didn’t matter.

After finding each other at freshman orientation, I knew Audrey was someone that I could possibly get along with - and was going to need some help navigating the ways of the stuffy snobs.

Every summer since then I visit Hill City for two weeks each summer and have spent an occasional Christmas break with the Adam’s. Mr. and Mrs. Adam and their four children have always been the most welcoming and loving people in my life and for that I am forever grateful. Audrey has three brothers David, Cole and Max.

David lives in Hill City now with his soon to be wife, Mary and works on the farm helping Mr. Adams. Audrey think David will take over the farm in the next five years.

Cole is Audrey’s twin brother. He is trouble and the reason for most of Mrs. Adam’s grey hair!! While his antics are nothing compared to what I’ve seen in the Big Apple, Cole has given the Adam’s quite the reputation in their quaint, laid back town.

Max is their younger brother and six years younger than Audrey and Cole. He has Down syndrome but is the happiest, most loving kid you will meet. He is also the only one Cole will slow down for and take the time to play with. It’s a pretty sweet relationship and the goofy smile on both their faces when together will make any girl’s heart melt!!

Hold up - Cole is checking on me?!? Almost like he would Max?? Coming back to my senses I gathered myself and greeted Cole with a quick sisterly hug and then bossed him into putting my bag on Audreys bed to unpack. He quickly left the room, guessing he didn’t want Audrey to catch him “snooping”.

SIBLINGS! Being an only child, I’ve never understood the happenings of this family. Only that they can fight, bicker and give each other the silent treatment only to come around the table at dinner time and enjoy each other’s company. THAT is what I want of my own some day…maybe with a couple less kids!

Audrey came back with a plate of snacks - apples, pears and my favorite dip Mrs. Adam’s makes.

“ Mmmm, it never fails to surprise me how the minute I walk through those doors your family makes this my home too.” I said to Audrey.

She just shrugged. “They love you.”

Having grown up with this love, Audrey doesn’t understand how lucky she is…I hope someday she understands.