Chapter 2
2052 Words
“Estella, you need to wake up. The cows aren’t going to milk themselves.”
I roll over, throwing the blanket back over my head. I was task with milking the cows today, one of my least favorite chores.
Honestly, I would rather clean up after all the animals in the village than milk the cows.
“Oma Joy, can’t Connor milk the cows today? I’ll help Opa Benny with the garden.”
“Estella, get up. It’s your turn with the cows. Connor milked them yesterday.” “I swear child, you would have been right at home before the Collapse.”
Rolling my eyes a fling the blanket off my face. Really, I’m not a lazy person. Except when it comes to milking.
I roll out of bed and throw some clothes on, I’m not sure if these have been washed yet. But who cares, it’s not like I have a hot date to impress around here.
I bounce around my room and look for a pair of shoes, because I have such a big variety of shoes to choose from.
I find my shoes and bounce out the door. Right into the back of…. Connor. God this kid can really work my nerves. Oma Joy says it’s because he’s taken a liking to me.
I’ll have to remind him I’m not looking for someone to take care of me. Too many mouths to feed.
“Well, look who finally decided to join the living.”
Connor turns around with a big cheesy smile plastered on his face. The kids nice, he’s even got the looks. However, I have one purpose and one purpose only. To heal the sick.
Oma says I take after my mother. She was a nurse before the Collapse. Oma worked along side her, but in the pharmacy. Oma says that’s where the nurses and doctors would get medications from.
“Jesus Connor, could you not be a bright ray of sunshine already? The sun isn’t even up all the way.”
“Good morning to you too Ell.”
My nickname, I hate that name more than I hate milking cows. More than I hate Connors bright cheery smile. I should make a list of things I hate.
“If you don’t mind, I have cows that need tending to. They don’t milk themselves you know.”
Stepping aside with a smirk on his face, Connor gestures for me to go on about my business. Because the cows won’t milk themselves.
“Listen Bell, if you move one more time I swear we’ll be eating you for dinner tonight.”
These cows also don’t like me. Anyone else could come in here and sit on this stool and have no problem with these girls. It’s almost like they know I hate them.
“Bessie, you’re next girl. Last but not least. Than it’s off to better things.” “Of course you wouldn’t know that, you’re a freakin cow.”
As if almost on que, the barn door creaks open. I stop what I’m doing and in unison, myself and the two cows turn towards the door.
It’s Connor, freakin Connor. I contain my excitement that’s just bursting at the seams. I turn back to Bell and continue with my chore.
“You know Ell, if you start from the top and squeeze just a little gentler it would come out easier.”
Standing up from my stool I turn to face Connor who is closer than I would like him to be.
“How about you get down there and show me how it’s done. After all, you are the master milker.”
“Nice try Ell. I didn’t come to do your chores, I came to ask you a question.”
Oh no, God no. I hope this isn’t what I think this is. Oma has been trying to get me to accept Connors request to court me. That’s like dating in the old world.
I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be myself until I feel ready, and this is not ready. I may have only been 7 years old when my parents went their separate ways, but I remember mother crying for him when he was gone and the fighting when he was there.
Not my cup of tea, I think that’s what they used to say.
Anyways, I don’t respond to Connor. Instead I take my set back on the stool and begin to finish what I started.
“So I start here and squeeze gently?”
“Ell, this is serious. I….”
“Because I can’t seem to understand what you are wanting me to do. You say squeeze, and you also say to be gentle. But how can I be gentle and squeeze at the same time? That doesn’t make sense.”
“Ell, I…”
“Connor of you’re not going to help me please leave. I’m trying to concentrate. I have Bell and then Bessie. I need to finish.”
My arm is suddenly pulled away from the cows utter. I’ll admit, I love the strong feeling if Connors hands on me.
What? I never said I didn’t like him. I just said I didn’t have time for anyone else but myself. I can still enjoy his touch.
Being pulled to my feet, Connor turns me so that I’m facing him. I don’t look up, instead I pretend to be interested in the cow crap on my shoes.
Really though, when did I step in cow crap? That’s so gross.
“Estella.”
Oh crap, he said my full name. This can’t be good.
“I know you feel like you don’t have time for another person, and that you have always been independent.”
“Yes, and I pride myself on my independence. You were saying?”
Connor purses his lips together, God those lips are so kissable. Damn it, focus Ell. Focus.
“Yes, I was saying that….”
“And you’re right, I don’t have time for anyone else. I’m too busy taking care of everyone else. Making sure everyone stays as healthy as possible.”
“Ell, please. Five minutes. Just give me five minutes of your time.”
“Connor, you’ve already taken up five minutes of my time. I could have already been finished with Bell and started on Bessie.”
I can see in Connors eyes he is starting to become impatient with me. This is good, I should try harder.
“Ell, listen to me. Please.”
“Your time is ticking Connor. Speak.”
“Okay, okay….. umm okay.”
“What, cat got your tongue now? Lost your words?”
Dropping his hands from my arms in frustration, I try to hide my amusement. He looks sexy when he’s frustrated, this is why we would never work. He’s too serious and I’m not.
“I’m sorry Connor, please continue.”
“Can I?” Turning to face me with his fingers running through his hair. I try not to laugh but it slips out anyways.
If looks could kill, I would have been dead. I’ve struck a nerve. Wonderful.
“Yes Connor, please. By all means, continue.”
Nodding once, Connor takes a couple steps up to me. I know what this is about, I’ve planned for this day for a while now. I have to let him down gently.
“Estella.”
“That’s what they call me.”
Nodding his head, he takes hold of my hand. Looks me in the eyes, and takes a deep breath.
Here it comes, this is it. The heartache is about to be in full swing.
Just as Connor opens his mouth to let the words fill the space between us, the bull horn blows. The horn never blows.
I jump and Connor steps closer to me. Wide eyed, staring at each other. We both know the horn only blows for a hand full of problems. The horn has only been blown once that I can think of.
Forgetting the cows and my chores, I rush passed Connor and out the barn door. I’m weaving in between frantic people.
Oma, I need to find Oma and Opa.
“Estella! Estella wait!”
Connor yells for me to stop, but I can’t. My heart is beating out of my chest. I have to find Oma and Opa.
“Estella!” It’s Omas voice, I come to a stop and search the sea of people for my Oma.
“Estella, here!” I turn to my right and see Oma wading towards me. I rush to her side as quickly as I can.
“Oma, what is it? Why is the horn blowing?”
“I don’t know dear, we should find Opa and the others. They’ll know what the problem is.”
We made our way to the Center House, this is what would have been referred to as a city hall.
The house is buzzing with anxious people, questions and assumptions floating off of tongues.
I learned long ago to believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.
Unless of course it’s coming straight from the source, but even then it’s wise to stay skeptic.
I finally spot Opa with the elders. The look on his face tells me this isn’t life or death. I relax a little. Loosening my grip on Omas hand.
Poor lady, I could have squeezed her hand off. Yet, she left no complaints.
“Opa, what is it? Why was the horn blown?”
“Estella, darling. There is nothing to worry about my dear. All is well.”
“Opa, I’m not 12 anymore. I’m a woman, I can handle it.”
“Really dear. You shouldn’t worry yourself. It’s nothing, we blew the horn to have the village here all together.”
“So whats the issue then?”
“Come Estella.” Opa motions for me to exit the house so that we have more space to talk.
“Opa, please tell me. The horn doesn’t get blown for no reason.”
“There is a man.”
“There’s tons of men here Opa.”
“Estella, there is man. A lone man traveling from Village to Village. He’s been causing problems along the way. Word has been sent that he is on his way to our village.”
“Is he a dangerous man? Do we even know he’s real? I don’t see the use of blowing the horn. This could have been addressed another way.”
“Estella. This man, is looking to take a bride with him. He hasn’t found one yet. Which is why he’s still wrecking havoc.”
“Opa, one look at me and the sound of my voice. He’ll be running for the hills. You guys have nothing to worry about.”
“Estella, this is somewhat a serious ordeal. You’re of age now. Any man can take you as his own.”
“Is this why the rush with Connor? So that I can’t be claimed from an outside village or a lost one?”
“Estella, it’s for your own good. Just hear the boy out.”
“No!” I step back from Opa as if he had just grown three heads. I retract my hand and try to become one with the wall.
“I won’t do it, I’m not ready. I have so much to experience.”
“Estella, this is the only way I can assure your protection. Plus Connor has proven to be fit for a husband time and time again.”
“I won’t, I won’t marry him. We are friends, strictly friends. I’m not meant to be a wife.”
I turn to exit the house, but come face to face with a sad looking Connor.
“I’m sorry Connor. I…. I just can’t do this.”
Rushing passed Connor, through the crowd of villagers I make my way to my home. If you can even call it that.
I can’t marry Connor, we have been friends for as long as I can remember. I love him, just not the way he loves me.
God I can’t do this…. I can’t, I can’t do this
- Writer
