Chapter 4: Life on the Farm

I woke up the next morning in pain. There was a reason that I needed to go the night before, but now my poor bladder was reminding me of that reason.

After taking care of my bladder and getting dressed, I headed downstairs. I found Liz already in the kitchen working on breakfast.

"Morning Liz."

"Good morning Rich. Sleep well?"

"Too damn tired not to, as always."

"Yeah, your father told me that you work too hard. Has it been any easier with the girls help?"

"Definitely. I have been able to goof off a bit as well."

"That's good. You're still young, you need to have a bit of freedom. Once you reach adulthood, freedom rarely exists. You need to enjoy it now."

I sat down and waited for breakfast. Liz asked me to wake the girls, so I headed upstairs. I found Emily already awake and dressed. When I knocked on Heather's door, I heard something hit the door. I guess I was glad that I decided not to enter.

We had just finished our morning chores in the barn when Heather headed back up to the house leaving Emily and me alone. After the view I received last night, I was nervous being around her.

"Richie, is everything ok?"

"Uh yeah, why?"

"You seem to be avoiding me."

"Well um..."

"Relax Richie. I didn't mind you seeing me last night. I'm not going to treat you any different. Those are the things that happen when we share a bathroom with 2 doors. Don't worry about it. Hell, next time I might be the one walking in on you. You never know."

"Are you sure?"

"You aren't used to being around girls are you?"

"No. Aunt Cindy is only here for a short time. My mother was taken away when I was young."

"Ok. Just don't worry about it. I don't want something like a little accident to come between us. I have enjoyed spending time with you and I personally don't want it to stop."

"Ok. Are you up for some swimming after lunch?"

"That's what I was hoping you would ask."

For the next two weeks, we settled into a routine for the day. Chores and relax before lunch. We would then go swimming and lounge around by the creek before dinner and our evening chores. I was enjoying having someone to hang around with.

Heather was still treating me like I wasn't good enough to associate with her, but Emily and I did everything together. This only served to make Heather a bit more disgusted with me. I guess she felt that I was taking her little sister away from her.

It was only a week and a half before the wedding and Dad decided that now was a good time for us to talk.

"How are you getting along with Heather and Emily?"

"Heather treats me like I don't belong in the same species. Emily and I get along quite well. It's been great having someone here that I can actually talk to."

"I've noticed that you two spend quite a bit of time together. You're not leaving Heather out of things I hope?"

"I was trying to involve her. She never wanted to do anything so after a while, I stopped offering. She has been told that she is welcome to join us."

"I'm glad to hear that. You haven't been doing anything that you shouldn't I hope?"

"What do you mean?" I knew damn well what he meant. I just wanted him to spell it out for me.

"Rich, I know that you have seen some of the animals when they are breeding. I don't want to hear of you getting in that kind of trouble."

"Awe Dad, I'm not in a hurry for that stuff. Hell, just having someone here my age to talk to is enough for me."

"Son, things happen when you're not expecting them. I need you to keep your head about you. That is all I ask."

"Ok."

"Do you have any questions for me?"

"Where are we going to stay while you and Liz are on your honeymoon?"

"I will need you guys here. The animals will still need to be cared for."

"Who is going to be staying with us?"

"Well, we are hoping that the three of you can be trusted. Dave and Cindy are not able to get away for the week. They will stop in from time to time to make sure that you have everything you need."

"Oh. I didn't expect that. I guess that means that we will have to divvy the household chores up for the week."

"Work that out amongst yourselves."

"Ok. I'll miss you. We haven't spent that much time apart. It's gonna seem strange without you here."

"You should be fine Rich. All three of you should be able to take care of yourselves quite well by now."

The rest of the time before the wedding went by quickly. It only started to slow down once we had to break from the daily routine to prepare things for the wedding.

The wedding was held at one of the small churches in town. It was a small wedding with mostly the families and a few friends. I got to act as the best man since Uncle Dave got stuck giving the bride away. All in all, it was a happy day all around.

I did notice that Heather was sneaking drinks every so often. I think she thought that she was pulling something over on her mother. As the party was breaking up, her mother noticed. It wasn't too difficult by then. Heather was trashed. She was having trouble talking. Walking was out of the question.

Dad and Liz headed off to the motel they were spending the night at. Uncle Dave and Aunt Cindy drove the three of us home. Uncle Dave and Emily helped me get Heather up to her room. Uncle Dave and I left as Emily worked to get her dressed for bed.

"Thanks Uncle Dave. I guess we will be good for now."

"Ok. If you guys need anything, give us a call. We will be stopping in often but things can happen."

"I know. Dad already gave me this speech 3 times. Thanks again."