Shadow Moon Ranch

Nearly Home

I was woken up by the clatter of cups. I shot up and looked over at the twins. They were both fast asleep. I couldn't even remember falling asleep last night. I don't even think the twins had any dinner. Oh my god, why didn't they wake me?

The flight attendant came and asked if I wanted a drink. I told her a cup of coffee. A minute later she brought me my coffee. She then went on to tell me that the twins did eat last night. They didn't want to wake you up, she told me, but she made sure that they ate their meal and helped them to the toilet.

"How long till we land?" I asked her.

"We have another 1hr and 20 minutes till we land," she told me. She smiled, then left to serve another person.

I sat there and relished my cup of coffee. First coffee of the day total heaven. I sat back and thought about what I needed to do when we landed. I took my phone out and looked up car hire places. It came up that there was a car rental service operating from the airport.

Hopefully, there will be a car available. I knew that when I turned my phone off from flight mode my phone would be lit up like Christmas tree lights with missed calls and messages. I felt like I needed the toilet, so I checked the twins, then put my cup in the holder then went to the bathroom. When I got back Jay was awake, but Gemma was still sleeping.

"Mummy, I need to go wee," he said.

"Ok baby, let me take you!"

I looked down the aisle and saw the flight attendant. I walked to her and asked if she could keep an eye on Gemma whilst I took Jay to the bathroom. She smiled at me and nodded. By the time we got back to our seats, the flight attendant was sitting in the seat next to Gemma talking to her.

"Mummy." Gemma squealed.

"Good morning my darling! Did you sleep well? I asked her.

"Yes Mummy I did. Mummy, I need the toilet."

"Come on then sweetheart, let's go."

The flight attendant got up and Gemma got out. Jay went and sat down by the window looking out.

By the time we all had breakfast, the intercom came on, and the pilot told us we had 10 minutes till we landed. The seat belt light came on, so I strapped the twins in and told them we were going to land.

The plane started to descend until it hit the runway. Once it stopped, I unbuckled the twins and we got up and walked off the plane. We went to collect our case, then I headed to find the car rental. I found the place and lucky enough they had a car. I paid for it and took the key. I strapped the twins into the back seats, then headed to the motorway for the 3-and-half hour drive to the ranch.

It was now 8.30am, and I couldn't wait to get back to the ranch. The twins sat quietly in the back looking out the window. I saw a rest stop not too far ahead, so we stopped for a bathroom break and to get a drink and some snacks. Not far left to go till we reach home. The journey felt forever. After we got what we needed, we all got back into the car and headed back onto the road. My breath hitched when I saw the Ranch sign on the right. I came off the main road and took the right onto a dirt road that lead to the ranch.

As we got further up the lane, I saw the ranch house. It was so good to be home. How I have missed this place.

I drove up to the front of the house and parked. I got out just as the front door opened. There stood uncle Levi.

"Sydnee is that you?"

I smiled and nodded as tears formed in my eyes.

"It is you! Oh my girl, come here." as he practically jumped down the 3 steps and ran to me and took me into a firm hug, his arms wrapped around me in a bear hug.

I put my arms around him and hugged him tight as my tears started to fall.

"I'm home." I sobbed.

We stayed like that for a few minutes. I then remembered the twins in the back seat. I pulled away and wiped my eyes. I walked to the back car door and opened the door. I lent over and unbuckled their seat belts. They both got out and stood beside me looking at uncle Levi.

"Well, and who are these two lovelies?"

"Uncle Levi, this is Jay and Gemma!" I told him.

Jay stood there staring at Uncle Levi trying to figure him out. Gemma was hiding behind my legs. Uncle Levi knelt down to their level and spoke to them softly.

"Hi young ones, I'm Uncle Levi. I'm your mummy's Uncle. It's very nice to meet you both!" he said as he smiled at both of them.

I have to say that Uncle Levi was quite intimidating to some people. I mean he was 6ft 5 and built like a house. He intimidated even me when I was growing up I mean he looked like the hulk. So I understand how the twins are feeling right now. Gemma came out from behind my legs and smiled at Levi. She slowly walked towards him, hesitating every so often. When she came to a stop in front of him she spoke.

"Hello Uncle Levi! I'm Gemma!" as she held out her hand for a handshake.

"Oh my young one, can I give you a hug instead? He asked.

She looked back at me as if waiting for me to approve. So I nodded and turned back and held her arms out to Levi. He scooped her up and twirled her around, making her laugh. I chuckled at them both. Then Jay walked towards them.

"It's nice to meet you sir! My name is Jay!" as he to held his hand out for a handshake.

Levi stopped and knelt back down. He shook Jay's hand then asked him if he could get a hug. Jay c****d his eyebrow as if to say, uh I don't think so were both boys. I knew what he was thinking. I laughed lightly and looked at Levi. He knew Jay didn't want a hug like Gemma. He was a boy and wanted a manly shake or hold. Gemma got down from Levi's arms, then Levi wrapped an arm around Jay and pulled him in close. He patted him on the back and told him it was nice to meet him too.

After they were introduced, Uncle Levi grabbed my case from the car and carried it into the house. The twins and I followed behind him. As soon as I stepped in, the old smells came rushing back into my nose. There was even a very faint scent of my dad. I missed that smell so much. Uncle Levi told me he had help getting our rooms ready. He took us upstairs to show us our rooms. He told me my room was still there, and it hadn't been touched.

He told me a friend of his came over and cleaned up the other 2 rooms for the twins. She also made the beds and cleaned right threw both rooms. As we got to my room, he opened the door and put my case in, then we took the twins and showed them each of their rooms.

The twins ran inside and jumped on their beds. I told the twins that I was going to go and take a shower and I would be out soon. After I showered, I found some clean clothes and headed downstairs. There I found the twins and Uncle Levi in the lounge watching television.