Only Up From Here

Kali’s P.O.V.

As I rode down the trail I couldn’t get Shane out of my head. The way he looked at me had chills running up my spine and to be honest I didn’t mind. I haven’t had a boyfriend since I was 16 and that whole situation was just a mess. Maybe it really was time for me to start getting myself out there and talking to guys. As Carmen and I came closer to the ranch I could see my dads truck in the drive. I smiled to myself because I hadn’t seen them in a few weeks. With an hour and a half drive from school to home it was difficult to get down here.

I rode up to the barn where John was standing waiting for me, “Go on in dear I will take care of Carmen.”

“It’s OK I can do it. I mean it's-“

I was cut off, “No Kali get inside and say hi to your parents. I think they have missed you more then a little these past few weeks.” His eyebrows raised in a knowing way.

“Alright but I promise I will do it next time.” I jumped down and gave him a hug and a light peck on the cheek. As I walked towards the house I couldn’t help but find the beauty in it.

It was a three-story home built to look like it was made from logs. There was a beautiful deck that wrapped all the way around the main floor and in the back there where stairs leading down to the lawn. Huge windows wrapped around the entire house leaving beautiful views from the inside. The horses could be seen from just about any room on the right day; as we had thirty-seven of them roaming around our pastures. There are stones that outline the garden my mom worked so hard on year round and, pine tress surrounding our land giving it a nice secluded look. From the main window in the back you had a perfect view of the mountains and on the right morning you felt almost as though you where in heaven. The mountain view was clear today and you could see almost to the top of the snow peaked hills. This has been my home far as long as I can remember and it was the only place I ever wanted to live.

As I walked into the spacious kitchen I could smell something cooking on the grill out back. I smiled, “I’m back!”

My moms head popped out of the kitchen, “Oh sweetheart! I've missed you.” She came and enveloped me in a motherly embrace.

I couldn’t help but smile, “I have not been gone that long. I have just been so caught up with school and getting ready for graduation.”

“I know dear. Well come on in! Dad's out back making hamburgers on the grill. They should be ready shortly.”

I followed her into the kitchen and looked at the table with five table settings. There were always five table settings, even though there were only four of us that would be eating. That empty place put a lump in my throat as I thought of who used to sit there.

“Ah! Kali I didn’t hear you come in! How has school been these past few days?” My dads unexpected entrance tore my eyes away from the table.

I walked over and hugged him, “Same old same old, just counting the days ‘till I am out of there!”

“Well don’t make it go to fast! Enjoy it while you can.” He was always the optimistic one.

We sat down around the table John joining us a few minutes later. We said grace and began to eat. Supper was always so natural to us, we talked about jobs, school, friends, other family, and the horses. There was never a lack of conversation among us and I liked it that way. Our cell phones all became non-existent as well, we didn't need to make other conversation because we had an amazing one going already.

As we finished up eating dessert, an amazing key lime pie, I helped mom clear the table and volunteered to do the dishes before heading back to my apartment. I stood looking out the kitchen window as Carmen came close to the fence, it was like she knew I was there. I smiled out at her knowing she couldn’t see me but it made me feel a little better. She had always been there for me after my brother, David, passed away a year ago. He had been it by a drunk driver and put on life support. My parents had to finally let him go, they were just in to much pain and there was no honest hope that he would ever wake or come out of his vegetative state. I missed him but Carmen seemed to understand and always came near when my head was down.

I finished dishes and kissed my parents goodbye. Before I left I walked out to the fence to say goodbye to Carmen. As I got close I could hear her nay, I whistled once and she came running. “Alright baby girl mama’s gonna go but I will see you soon.” I kissed her snout and headed for my truck.

I had at least an hour and a half drive to my apartment so I rolled down the windows and turned up the radio preparing for my next day of class mentally. After what seemed like a long drive I called home to let my family know I had made it safely and headed straight for my bed.

I collapsed onto it glad to have something soft and comfy under me. As I stared at the ceiling Shane’s face appeared in my mind. I smiled a little thinking of those green eyes and how the seemed so mysterious. I wasn’t sure what it was about him but he made me a little scared and not in a good way. On the other hand it was an intriguing feeling, what I would expect a teenage girl to feel.

I closed my eyes and felt sleep start to take me. The last thought crossing my mind was that I wanted to get Shane’s number; he may be a great riding partner.

*****

As I walked into class the next day I was prepared with my laptop and book ready. I only wanted to get this day over with. I found myself looking around the classroom, I had been in this class for over a week but part of me thought maybe I had missed Shane sitting somewhere. Unfortunately that was not the case and the desk next to me remained empty like always.

Ten minutes into Mr. Arnolds speech the classroom door opened and everyone’s heads turned. In walked a man about 6’ 6" if not taller, brown hair, around my age and dressed like he just came off the ranch. He gave a crooked little grin as he handed a note to Mr. Arnolds.

“Alright Mr. Hartley take a seat. Next time you sign up for classes don’t drop it. Especially when it’s a requirement.” That got a few laughs from around the room.

The man looked around and I tilted my head down hoping he would move to the back of the room where there were a few seats. I stared at the ground to see his boots walk next to my chair and stop. I glanced up to see him looking over at me. I offered a small smile as he turned to sit down.

“Alright now that we have Mr. Hartley settled back in lets get started.” People moaned in a disapproving response.

Throughout the lecture I would glance at “Mr. Hartley” and find him looking at me. He was obviously not trying to hide it in any way because when Mr. Arnolds finally let us go and all the girls were glaring at me.

I got up and put my laptop away and walked out of the room. As I started down the hall I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned to see the guy from class looking at me.

“Hi, sorry um, I’m Brock.”

I stared at him for a few seconds to long because he looked down the hallway, “I’m Kali Jo. What can I do for you?” I gave a small smile.

“Nice to meet you. Look I’m sorry to come to you for this but I am wondering if I can maybe borrow your class notes? I’m a little behind.”

I sighed, “Sure, can I print them off and get them to you later?”

“Yeah, thank you so much! I really do appreciate it. Look would you like to grab-“

“Kali?” Brock was interrupted as we both turned to look at who said my name.

“Shane hi. What’s up?” I smiled at him looking back at Brock watching his smile fade.

“Well it is you. Look I was thinking of driving home tonight and going for a ride was wondering if you would maybe want to ride with me?”

I smiled and felt my heart speed up but something told me that this was not a great idea. I looked at Brock again feeling a little bad for the interruption. “Um, well I have to print some things off for Brock here so if you give me lets say twenty minutes I would love to.”

“Yeah I’ll meet you by the arch?”

“Sounds great!” He smiled at gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder.

As he walked away I turned back to Brock, “I’m sorry what were you saying before the interruption?”

“Oh it’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrow to get those notes from you.” He started to walk away and he looked a little down.

“Well, Brock?” He turned back to me. “Would you just want to get them now? I mean we could run to the library and print them.”

“Yeah you know that would give me a little time to look them over before class. Something tells me Mr. Arnolds has a little something against me.” He laughed and we started towards the library.