All Your Life

Morning came bright and early and Evelyn had already made her way to town to buy the groceries for her mother. Leaving the store after getting everything written on the list Evelyn ran into someone, dropping all the groceries.

“Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t paying attention to where…” Evelyn stopped midsentence when she looked up at whom she ran into, none other than Ryder Martin. “Ryder, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it; I wasn’t paying much attention either.” Ryder helped Evelyn pick up the groceries as they continued to talk.

“Thanks for helping me, how have you been?” Evelyn asked.

“You’re welcome. I’ve been pretty good, practicing for the talent show. Are you going to be in the show?” Ryder said as the two friends started to walk through town.

“I didn’t even know about it.” Evelyn said struggling to keep from dropping the bags in her hands.

“Here let me take one.” Ryder said taking a bag from Evelyn.

“Thanks Ryder you’re a big help.”

“No problem. The show is in a few weeks and anyone is still able to sign up. You should, if I remember right you’re an amazing singer.” Ryder said smiling at Evelyn, seeming like the old Ryder again.

“I don’t know Ryder.”

“Come on Eve, you’d be great!” Now he really seemed like the old Ryder, he used her old nickname. How could she say no?

“Alright where do I sign up?” Evelyn said giving in.

“Alright!”

The two finally made it to Evelyn’s house and walked through the door only to run into Alyssa.

“Ryder! Long time, no see; what brings you here?” Alyssa said eyeing her sister.

“I just decided to help Evelyn here carrying the groceries home.” Ryder said kindly.

“Well, is that the voice of Ryder Martin I here?” Evelyn’s father said rounding the corner.

“Yes sir, it is. How are you Mr. Harris?” Ryder said respectfully while following Evelyn to the kitchen to put the bags down.

“I’m good; it’s been awhile since you came here, Ryder.” Mr. Harris said trailing after the two.

“I know sir, been pretty busy with work and practicing for the talent show.”

“Ryder, how are you sweetie?” Mrs. Harris exclaimed when she spotted Ryder.

“I’m good, Mrs. Harris. How about you?”

“I’ve been good. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you.” Mrs. Harris said while putting up groceries.

“I know, ma’am. I’ve been busy here lately, but I saw Evelyn here needed help with the bags so I decided to give her a hand.” Ryder stated

“Well, aren’t you a gentleman, helping a lady with the groceries.” Mrs. Harris stated with a smile. “Would you like anything to eat or drink, dear?”

“No thank you, actually I’m afraid I must be leaving now.” Ryder said slowly making his way to the door.

“Are you sure you have to leave so quickly?” Evelyn asked

“I’m afraid so, got a lot of practicing to do for the talent show. You should start preparing too, Evelyn. It was nice seeing everyone again"
“It was nice seeing you too, dear. Be careful on your way home.” Mrs. Harris said kindly.

“I will be, bye y’all.” Ryder said before disappearing from the house.

“Evelyn, what did Ryder mean by ‘you should be preparing too’?” Evelyn’s father asked after hearing the front door shut.

“Ryder got me to sign up for the talent show.” Evelyn said, writing in her little journal.

“You? Perform in front of an audience?” Alyssa asked shocked.

“Yes, I’m going to perform in front of the audience, or at least try.” Evelyn said starting to get butterflies at just the thought of performing.

“You’ll do great sweetheart. All you have to do is believe that you can.” Her mother said to encourage her.

“Thanks Mama.” Evelyn said feeling a little better.

“Do you know what you’re going to do?” Her father asked leaning against the counter.

“I know I’m going to sing, but I don’t know what song.”

“Well, whatever you choose to perform will be great.”

“Thanks Daddy. Well, I am going to my room now and work on finding a song. I love y’all.”