End Of Innocence

This horizon was made just for her.

She leaned back against a fence post and took a heavy, deep breath, tucking her fists into her pants pocket. They were of a relaxed fit; comfortable. Reminiscent of Barbara Stanwyck; she was a woman with an attitude, standing under the bluish gray of the sky and trying to figure out what the next stopping point was.

Tugging at the fitted, tailored blouse, she strode through miles of waving wheat and prairie grass. Spinning around on her heel, she spread out her arms; a new beginning beckoned her to swallow the cinnamon-like scent of the grass. This would be her new home.

Something rather solid jounced her out of her reverie. She recognized, too well, the feeling of hard arms, the scent of his cologne; but when she opened her eyes a different face greeted her.

There were deeper wrinkles around his eyes; the set of his jaw less firm, and across his chest, a Bible verse could be read.

She couldn't quite believe that he was here, and, resisting the urge to slap him, she simply asked, "Shawn?"

He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans, once again the aww-shit southern gentleman he'd often pretended to be, "Wow, it's been awhile....Sunny?"

"Tammy now." Her voice was pointed, "Just Tammy."

He continued to rummage around in his pocket, refusing to look her in the eye, "One of these plots yours?"

She nodded, "This one," She announced, "The one you're standing on."

He shook his head, "That's impossible...That one over there's mine...Which makes us...Where are you going?!"

She was running from him, back to her car, not even sparing a glance over her shoulder. But he caught up with her, all the while shouting that name...

"Sunny!"

"Damnit!! My name isn't Sunny, and I'm selling this land!"

"What?! Why?"

"Do you really think I want to live next door to you? After what you did to me?!"

He shook his head, "I've changed, Sunny; honestly, I have.."

"My name is NOT Sunny!" She almost screamed the words.

"Papa, too loud!" Came a plaintive voice from the grass, "Stop!"

Her eyes widened as they settled on a tiny, blond-hared figure. He ran up to Shawn, clinging to his leg; Shawn bent, gingerly, down and picked up the toddler.

"Hey, buddy," He said, softly, "I'm sorry. Did all of that noise wake you up?"

The boy nodded, cuddling against the shoulder of the man who was, unmistakably, his father. Tammy nervously nibbled at her lower lip, watching the tender scene before her with uncharacteristic timidity.

"Are you OK, Buddy?" Shawn asked, watching the little boy nodded his head. The older man smiled tenderly, then caught Tammy's eye, "I'm willing to let bygones be bygones, Sun," She winced as he enunciated her old nickname, "Can you meet me halfway?"

She contemplated her options. Was it worth holding an old grudge if she had to give away all of this beautiful land? Her new chance at life?

Tammy smiled, the thin creases around her own mouth showing up, "I'll try it."

Shawn's own expression showed relief. At this stage in their lives, it was the most he could hope for. At least at that moment...


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