EnglandxReader: Country Girl

        “Hey Ma! Pa! I’m home, and I’ve got a friend with me!” Alfred called as he walked into his large house. He heard shuffling from the kitchen as he set his bags down in the living room. He looked as his mother walked into the living room, wiping her flour covered hands on her long, black apron.
        “Alfred!” she cried, grinning from ear to ear. She was relatively thin with thick, slightly graying __(h/c)__ hair and pretty blue eyes. She ran to her son and wrapped her arms around his neck. He laughed and spun the woman around like it was nothing at all.
        “Hey Ma! How’ve you been?” Alfred asked as he set his mother down. She smiled and ruffled his wheat colored hair.
        “Not bad. It sure had been a lot quieter since you left though. Your sister doesn’t make anywhere near as much noise as you do,” she replied, laughing and pinching his cheek.
        “Alfred! Would you please help me you git!” Alfred’s head turned towards the screen door he’d just come through.
        “Comin’! Hang on Ma,” he said and rushed outside. His mother chuckled and shook her head. Same old Al. She watched as Alfred walked in with two huge suitcases. A young man around the same age walked in behind him carrying his own heavy luggage.
        “You must be Arthur! Alfred’s said so much about you,” Alfred’s mother said, walking up to the boy and pulling him into a hug. It surprised the blonde and he nearly dropped his bags.
        “Ah, it’s a pleasure to meet you. You must be Mrs. Jones,” Arthur said as she released him from her grasp. “I’m Arthur Kirkland.”
        “Oh please call me Sally. No one’s called me Mrs. Jones since Alfred and _______ grew up,” she said and turned to Alfred. “Now you, take what you can upstairs and show Arthur the guest bedroom across from your sister’s room.” She gestured towards the bags he’d set down and shooed him upstairs. He rolled his eyes and made his way towards the stairs.
        “C’mon Artie, I’ll show you around,” Alfred said, grabbing the suitcases with ease. Arthur raised an eyebrow and bid farewell to Sally for the moment and followed Alfred upstairs.
        “Sister? You never told me you had a sister,” Arthur said as he followed the American up to the second floor. Alfred nodded and led the Brit to his room.
        “Yea. She’s a little more than a year and a half younger than me. She didn’t go to college like me even though she had the brains for. She decided to stay here and help out on the farm,” Alfred said as he set Arthur’s things in his room.
        “But… why? Why wouldn’t she want to get an education and get out?” Arthur asked as he followed Alfred out of the guest room. The man shrugged as he entered his own room and tossed his bags onto his bed.
        “Heck if I know. You’d have to ask her that,” he replied. He then proceeded to lead Arthur around the top floor of the house. As they were about to head downstairs, they passed the bathroom and heard someone singing very much off-key.

Band shuts down at two, but we’re hanging out till three. We hate to see her go but love to watch her leave.

        “That would be _______. She can’t sing worth a dime but does it anyway. What’s she singin’ anyway?” Alfred said, pressing his ear to the door.
        “Alfred!” Arthur reprimanded at the invasion of privacy. Alfred simply made a shushing motion with his hand.
        “She’s my sister,” he said simply.

There oughta be law, get the sheriff on the phone. Lord have mercy how’d she even get them britches on with that Honkytonk badonkadonk.

        Arthur cocked a large eyebrow and looked at Alfred. A badonkadonk? What the heck was a badonkadonk ?
        “Al? What’s a badonkadonk?” he asked, listening a little more to the singing. Alfred snorted and looked at the oblivious Englishman with an amused expression. He pointed to his rear and smirked then went back to listening.
        “That’s a badonkadonk,” he replied.

You thought you fell in love. Boys you better keep your distance you can look but you can’t touch. That honkytonk badonkadonk.

        Arthur thought a moment before blushing bright red as he understood the meaning off Alfred’s gesture.
        “You’d better get used to it now. You’re in hicktown Artie,” Alfred said and knocked loudly on the bathroom door. “Come on _______(n/n). You’ve been in there forever!” Alfred whined.
        “Al?” _______ asked, abruptly stopping her singing. The man snickered.
        “Who else would it be? Hurry up and get out here, we got a guest,” he called. He grabbed Arthur by the arm and began pulling him down the steps. “C’mon, she’ll be out soon. I’m warnin’ you though, she’s even worse than I am.”
        “I highly doubt that,” the Brit commented as they walked into the kitchen. They saw Mrs. Jones kneading dough on the counter.
        “Hey Ma! What’s for supper?” Alfred asked, following his nose to the boiled chicken thighs next to a large pot.
        “Chicken and dumplings dear. I hope that’s alright with you Ar-”
        “Alfie!!!” They all turned and a girl with __(h/l)__, wet __(h/c)__ hair ran into the kitchen. She immediately leapt into Alfred’s arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. “I can’t believe you’re finally back!!” Arthur heard the thick southern accent in her voice as Alfred spun her around, laughing as he held his sister close.
        “Of course I’m back! I wasn’t gonna leave forever,” he said dropping his arms to his sides. Even after to support of his arms was gone, _______ still clung to him. “_______, this is Artie. Arthur, this is my sister, _______.” The girl looked up from Alfred’s neck and grinned.
        “Hi there!” she said, removing one hand and waving. Arthur waved back with a soft smile.
        “Alright monkey girl. Get off your brother and you three get on. I have to finish cooking supper,” Mrs. Jones said. She nudged Alfred’s hip as _______ climbed down and pushed Arthur’s back. “Go find your Pa. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you’re home.” She shoved them into the living room and went back to cooking.
        “Nice to finally meet you,” _______ said, looking the newcomer over. She was slightly surprised at how bushy his eyebrows were, but she’d definitely seen worse. He had messy blonde hair that hung right above mesmerizing green eyes. He looked a touch uptight. Might need to fix that, she thought. She stuck out her hand, waiting for him to shake it. Arthur turned to look at the girl fully.
        She had pretty __(h/c)__ hair and gorgeous __(e/c)__ eyes. They sparkled mischievously as she grinned at him. He took in the rest of her and blushed lightly. She sported mid-thigh, cutoff jeans shorts that revealed most of her long, tanned legs. She wore a baggy T-shirt but had it tied in the back to it showed of her figure rather nicely.
        “It’s nice to meet you,” Arthur said, taking her hand. He was prepared to kiss the back of it but was surprised when she shook it.
        “It’s good to finally get to see ya in person. Al’s been teasin’ us about your visit since March. We couldn’t wait till summer got here,” she said, releasing his hand. “Hey you! Amelia’s dyin’ to see you. I wouldn’t leave your girlfriend waitin’ much longer!” Alfred’s sky blue eyes widened and he rushed towards the door.
        “I’ve gotta go! I’ll be back before supper! Show Arthur around for me!” he shouted as he ran out the door. _______ rolled her eyes and looked back to Arthur.
        “So he really does have a girlfriend?” the Brit asked, slightly surprised. _______ laughed and nodded her head.
        “Yea. He acts like a bit of a goof sometimes, but he’s a real sweetheart and Amelia is head over heels for him,” she told him. “He’ll be back later after spending time with her. Do you want me to show you around?” she asked, smiling warmly at him.
        “Sure, that would be nice,” Arthur replied. She grinned and stuck her thumbs in her belt loops.
        “We’ll you’ve been upstairs. You’ve seen the kitchen and the livin’ room. Down the hall is another guest bedroom, my parent’s room and another bathroom. Come on, I’ll show you around outside. We can go out the back,” she said and jerked head towards the kitchen.
        “But... didn’t you mother say to stay out?” Arthur replied hesitantly. _______ chuckled and grabbed his arm, making him turn a light pink.
        “We’re just goin’ out the back door. She won’t mind,” she said and led him through the kitchen. “Al went to see Amelia Ma. I’m gonna show Arthur around out back,” _______ told her mother as they walked to the back door
        “Alright dear. I think you Pa’s down in the barn if you go introduce Arthur,” Mrs. Jones said, chopping up the chicken on the counter.
        “Alright, love ya!” _______ and Arthur walked outside to the backyard, which was really the entirety of the property. The Jones family owned a lot of land for harvest, their cows, and their horses. So the entire field and forest and the place consisted of was pretty much the backyard. Arthur looked down as they walked to keep the sun out of his eyes and noticed _______ wasn’t wearing any shoes.
        “Don’t you want to wear shoes?” he asked, looking up at her. She laughed and shook her head.
        “Naw, I like walkin’ barefoot. Grass feels good beneath my feet,” she said and smiled at him. “You oughta try it sometime.” Arthur scrunched his nose making her laugh. “C’mon,” she said and dragged him towards an old, worn red barn at the end of a dirt path. They walked along, talking about this and that until they were close enough to the barn that they could hear barking.
        “You ain’t allergic to dogs are ya?” _______ asked, looking at Arthur curiously. He shook his head and watched as the girl grinned and brought her thumb and middle finger to her lips. She whistled loudly and then dogs were running out of the old barn. Arthur saw four dogs rushing towards them. Before he could get a good look at the animals, they tackled him. He could hear _______ laughing as the animals licked him mercilessly.
        “Help! Please!” he asked, trying to shove the large dogs off. She whistled again and the dogs backed off. Arthur sat up, shaking his head and wiping slobber off his face. He looked up and saw _______ lying on her back, laughing as the four dogs crawled on her and licked her.
        “The puppies’ll be followin’ close behind,” she said, leaning up on her forearms. Arthur looked around and saw a small army of puppies making their way towards them. Arthur looked back to _______ and was able to get good look at her dogs.
        There were three labs, a yellow, a black and a chocolate, and a Golden Retriever. _______ noticed him looked and grinned.
        “The golden’s name is buddy. The chocolate is Annie. The yella is Dolly and the black is Sam. They’re all rescues. There’s sixteen puppies all together. Nine from buddy and Annie and then seven from Dolly and Sam. And here they are. Come here babies!” she squealed. As the mixture of colored puppies came upon them, half split off to go to _______ and their parents while the other half stumbled and fell over one another to get to Arthur.
        They climbed all over Arthur, dirtying his dress shirt and slacks. The yapped and nipped and licked the man as he at least tried to sit up. _______ whistled again and the mass of little animals retreated. They all looked at the girl and saw she was holding a good size stick in her hands.
        “Come on puppies! You want the stick? You want it?! Fetch!” she yelled and tossed the stick as far as she could. Arthur watched the puppies run after it until he was yanked to his feet. “C’mon! They’ll come back if we don’t run,” _______ said and began running towards the barn with Arthur in tow. She noticed the man’s clothes and laughed lightly. “Don’t worry, Ma’ll be able to clean your clothes right up.” Arthur looked down, just realizing what the puppies had done, and sighed. They made it to the barn with only Dolly trailing behind them. They walked into the large structure and the smell of hay engulfed them.
        “Daddy!” _______ shouted, stirring the little dust motes in the air. A load moaning of sorts was coming from somewhere on the ground.
        “I’m over hear hun!” a man’s deep voice called. She grabbed Arthur’s wrist and pulled him to a seemingly empty stall. _______ peeked in and gasped. One of their cows was lying on her side, heaving for breath. “Come in here and help me,” he father said. She jumped over the small gate and knelt down next to her father. Arthur looked over the edge to watch. His eyes almost popped out of their sockets.
        “I thought the calf wasn’t due for another few weeks or so,” _______ said as she watched the cow gasp and groan in effort.
        “The kid must eager,” Mr. Jones said, pressing a hand to the cow’s overly big stomach. “Alright __(n/n)__, she’s almost ready.” A few minutes later, after Arthur was unable to draw his eyes away from the slightly unnerving scene, a calf was born.
        “It’s a girl. And look at that Pa, she’s already up and ready to walk,” _______ said in amazement. The three of them watched the young cow stand up shakily and then stumble around before falling to its knees. Arthur winced in sympathy.
        “She’ll be a good ‘un for sure,” the man replied. They both stood up and turned to face a slightly green Arthur.
        “Oh Arthur I’m so sorry. I forgot you were there!” _______ said, jumping back over the gate. Arthur shook his head as he turned away from the cow cleaning her calf.
        “It’s alright. I just... I’ve never experienced anything like that,” he mumbled, his normal pallor coming back. _______ giggled and turned as he father was walking out of the stall, wiping his hands clean on a rag.
        “Well who do we have here?” the man asked, stuffing the rag in the back pocket of his jeans. _______’s father was a good head and an a half taller than the blonde Englishman and looked just like Alfred. Short, sandy colored hair that hung around his face and bright, clear blue eyes. They were just as kind and comforting and welcoming as his son’s.
        “Daddy, this is Arthur. He’s the friend Al brought home from college. Arthur, this is my dad,” _______ introduced the two. Mr. Jones stuck out his hand. Arthur took it, glancing nervously up at him.
        “Pleasure to meet you son,” he said, shaking Arthur’s hand, “name’s Travis.” Arthur nodded and swallowed a bit.
        “Arthur Kirkland sir,” he replied, still looking Travis in the eye. _______ was impressed.
        “So where’s Al?” Mr. Jones asked, turning back towards his daughter. She chuckled and leaned against the barn wall.
        “He had to go see Amelia. He’ll probably  home soon though, you know he don’t ever miss a meal,” she said, grinning. Travis laughed and shook his head.
        “That’s Alfred for you. Well, he’ll be back soon enough,” he said. “When did he leave?” he inquired. _______ walked over and stood in front of her father.
        “About ten minutes ago,” she replied. “I was just showin’ Arthur around. I was gonna take him to the stables until supper,” she said. Travis nodded and started walking out.
        “Alright dear, just be careful. You know how they get around strangers,” he warned. __________ nodded and grabbed Arthur’s arm.
        “Yes sir! C’mon Artie!” she said and began to pull him out of the barn. Arthur turned and waved at my father.
        “It was nice meeting you sir!” he called and allowed the girl to pull him along. Travis grinned and rubbed the back of his head as he watched his daughter skip along with the dogs pulling the boy with him. It was going to be a long three months.
        “You gotta be careful around the horses until they get to know you alright?” _______ said, opening up the stable door. Arthur nodded and followed her inside quietly. The large building smelled of horse hay and feed. “The first thing I’m gonna make Al do tomorrow is clean the stalls,” _______ snickered. Arthur grinned at the thought of Alfred shoveling horse manure. _______ led him to the first horse she saw, a pretty brown mare.
        “Hey there girl. How’re you huh?” she said, walking up to the horse. The animal nickered softly and allowed _______ to pet her. She motioned for Arthur to come closer. He did so, making sure to be slow and not make a lot of noise. “Gimme your hand,” she said softly. Arthur did so, blushing red.
        She grabbed his hand in his own and led it up to the horse’s nose. She gently laid his hand on her sift muzzle. As Arthur moved his fingers along her nose, _______ said, “Her name’s Delilah, after my aunt.”
        “Hey Delilah,” Arthur repeated the name, talking softly to the horse. The large animal recognized the name and pushed against his hand. The Englishman chuckled and rubbed her neck and head. “She’s beautiful,” he commented, looking back at _______. She nodded and kissed the mare’s nose.
        “She’s one of the best to ride. I prefer my own horse, naturally, but Delilah’s good too. Maybe I can take you ridin’ sometime?” she asked, walking farther along the stalls. Arthur smiled and walked beside her.
        “I’d like that,” he said, “I’ve never ridden a horse before, so it’d be interesting.” _______ turned, grinning and said, “Oh most definitely!”
        She led him around and introduced him to the rest of the horses before they started back to the house. As they walked in the back door. They heard Alfred’s truck pulling into the drive way. Mrs. Jones was horrified at the state of Arthur’s clothes and promised to get them washed as soon as she could. He assured her though that he would be okay and had more.
        Alfred walked in after my mother’s spaz out and was greeted by his father. They all exchanged greetings once again before Sally called them to eat. They all sat around the table, Sally and Travis at the ends, Alfred on one side and _______ and Arthur on the other. They said the blessing, which was new for Arthur, and then filled their bowls. Arthur watched as the family spooned chicken and dumplings out of the large pot, not really sure if he should eat it. _______ noticed and smiled. She gently elbowed his side and leaned in.
        “It’s not as bad as it looks, I promise,” she whispered under her breath. He looked at her doubtfully, but spooned some of the ‘concoction’ into his bowl. He took a tentative bite and was surprised to find it actually tasted good. “Like it?” she asked, grinning as she ate her own. He nodded and continued eating with renewed vigor.
        They all finished up and Sally told Arthur to go upstairs to change and bring his dirty clothes back downstairs. He blushed and did as he was told. As he came back down, he saw _______ washing the last of the dishes. Alfred and his father were watching football and catching up while Mrs. Jones was crocheting.
        “May I help you?” Arthur asked, walking up next to her. She looked up and nodded.
        “Sure! You can rinse and stick em’ in the dish drainer.” It only took another five minutes or so and they were finished. They walked into the living and Arthur told them he was going to bed. They said goodnight and waited until he was out of ear shot.
        “Well?” Alfred asked, looking at his parents. They looked at him and then each other and smirked lightly.
        “He seems like a nice kid. Needs to be worn down a little, but a good kid. Someone seems to already be attached though,” Mr. Jones said, glancing at his daughter. _______ managed to hide her blush and roll her eyes.
        “I’m just bein’ friendly geez,” she replied, unable to hide her grin. Alfred snorted and she stuck her tongue out. “Well I think I’ll be headed to bed too. I’m exhausted,” she said and started upstairs.
        “No funny business!” Alfred called, laughing as his sister blew a raspberry and ran to the second floor.
        “He seems like a very sweet boy,” Sally commented as she set her crocheting aside. Alfred nodded and took off his glasses to rub his eyes.
        “He is. Took a while to warm up to him, but it was worth it. He was real cold and distant from everyone. I think he had a hard home life. When I told him I was comin’ home for the summer, he looked like he was dying to come. I couldn’t say no,” he told them, shrugging.
        “Just like your sister, bringin’ home strays,” Travis said. Alfred laughed and stood up.
        “Don’t we always?” he asked and walked to the stairs. “I’m hittin’ the hay too. Love ya’ll!” he said and walked upstairs. Instead of his room, he made a beeline straight for _______’s room. He walked in and saw her sitting on her bed in a tank top and shorts.
        “Hey you,” she said and patted her bed. Alfred took a running start and leapt onto his little sister’s bed.
        “Hey! So watcha think?” he asked, sitting crisscross and looking expectantly at _______. Her eyes widened and she blushed lightly.
        “About what?” she asked, playing with her fingers. Alfred rolled his eyes and poked her forehead.
        “Don’t play stupid with me. I know you haven’t even looked at a single guy since ninth grade. I know that that guy broke your heart and I kicked his sorry ass too. I made sure to take care of him. Now, onto the British news. What’d ya think of Artie?” he asked, trying to contain his excitement.
        “W-well. He’s nice and cute. The horses liked him and so did the dogs. He’s real sweet,” she mumbled, looking up at her brother. Alfred grinned and pulled her into a hug.
        “I knew you’d like him!” _______ rolled her eyes and shooed her brother off her bed.
        “Get on you, I have work tomorrow,” she said. Alfred’s eyebrows scrunched together. “It’s just until noon. I had to take time off to help get ready for your visitor,” she sneered, teasing Alfred. He chuckled and waved. “Night Al.
        “Night sis, sweet dreams,” he said and shut the door. _______ groaned as soon as it was closed and flopped into her pillows. Of course he’s tryin’ to hook me up! I thought it was supposed to be the other way around.

 ___________

        The incessant beeping  of my alarm clock woke me up the next morning. I groaned and pressed the dismiss button. I rolled off my bed and onto the floor with a loud ‘thump’. I leaned myself up off the floor and made it out of my bedroom. I looked out a window as I walked downstairs and saw the sky turning a light gray. I stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing my eyes tiredly. It was just light enough to see without have to flip the switch in the kitchen.
        “Morning love.” I looked up in surprise and saw Arthur leaning again the counter. He was wearing a pair of pajama pants and a T-shirt. He was blushing as he looked away from me and out the window.
        “Mornin’,” I said, rubbing my head, “what are you doin’ up this early?” I asked. He yawned and ran a hand through his hair.
        “We had to get up early at the college and my internal clock woke me up this morning. It’ll take a while for me to be able to sleep in again. Why are you up at such an hour?” I chuckled and opened a cabinet and pulled out the stuff for coffee.
        “I’ve gotta go to work. I help at the Piggly Wiggly in town,” I explained as I filled the coffee machine with water. “You’ll probably see it if Al takes you into town today.” I grabbed a cup and looked him. “Coffee?”
        “Yes, please,” he answered, rubbing at his green eyes. I nodded and set the two cups next to the coffee machine. I grabbed the creamer and sugar and then pulled the milk out of the fridge. “So how often do you work?” Arthur asked as I hopped up and sat on the counter.
        “Normally three or four days a week, but they’re lettin’ me off for the summer. Today’s my last day until September,” I said and opened the backdoor to let a cool breeze blow in. I felt goose bumps rise on my arms and legs. “Wanna watch me feed the chickens while we wait for the coffee?” I asked, sliding off the counter and opening the screen door. He nodded and followed me outside to the morning. The world was slowly lighting up and I could hear the chickens already clucking inside the hen house.
        I grabbed the leather pouch we kept hung up on the side of the house and looped it over my shoulder. I walked over to the coup and knocked lightly, hopefully waking the rest of the slumbering poultry. I watched as they all walked out. I quickly scooped out some seed from the bag and spread it around. I tossed out a few more cups, watching the chickens cluck and pecks at one another, before handing the bad up and walking back inside the house. The coffee was done so I pulled it away from the machine and started pouring.
        “How are you not freezing?” Arthur asked me as I poured the hot liquid into our cups. I looked down and shrugged. It was hot and humid during the day and most of the night, but around midnight the temperature dropped and became practically frigid.
        “I guess I’m just used to it. The cool feels good now,” I replied as I fixed my coffee. I took a few sips of the warm liquid and made a face. I dumped a fair amount of sugar into the bitter coffee and stirred it around.
        “Are you trying to give yourself a heart attack?” Arthur asked as I took another sip. I grinned and took a few deep gulps of the now sweet coffee.
        “Nah, I just don’t like it bitter. I don’t normally drink coffee, but on work days I need it,” I told him. I looked down at the clock and set my half empty cup down. “Lemme go change real quick and I’ll be right back,” I said. He nodded and I ran back upstairs. I changed quickly, pulling on my black work pants and white shirt. I brushed my hair and pulled it into a ponytail and walked back downstairs. I pulled on my cowboy boots that were sitting by the front door before walking back into the kitchen.
        “What d’ya think?” I asked Arthur as he turned to look at me. He looked me over and grinned when he got to my feet.
        “Lovely, and the boots are a nice touch,” he replied, setting his cup in the sink.
        “My boss said they add class.” I shrugged and grabbed my unfinished coffee. I chugged the rest of it and set the cup next to Arthur’s. “Well, I guess I better be goin’. I’ll see ya this afternoon., alright?” I said, waving as I walked towards the door.
        “See you this afternoon,” he said and waved back as I walked out the door. I smiled and began my long trek to work.

~

        “Alright Joanne! Thanks a million! See ya!” I called as I walked out of Piggly Wiggly into the heat of the afternoon. I had changed into my shorts before I left instead of keeping my black jeans on. I looked up at the sun high above me and closed my eyes. Please let Alfred decide to drive into town... The crunch of dirt and gravel under tires made me open my eyes and grin. Alfred’s red pick-up was pulling into the parking lot.
        “Hey little sis! You ready to head home?” he asked as he jumped out of the car. I nodded and stole his cowboy hat and jumped onto the hood of the car. “Alright. Keep Artie company and I’ll be right back.” I rolled my eyes and leaned back against the hot hood. I knew my shirt was going to be filthy because Alfred’s car was covered in a layer of dirt but I didn’t care. I heard the other car door slam and felt a shadow pass over my face. I opened one eye, squinting up at the silhouette.
        “Hello there,” Arthur said. I grinned and reached up to poke his nose.
        “Hi!” I maneuvered so I was sitting crisscross and looking at the Brit. “Well that looks a lot better,” I commented, looking the man over. He was now wearing a pair of jeans and a green T-shirt. It looked really good on him. He blushed a little and nodded.
        “Thank you. This is one of the few casual things I own,” he said. I giggled and looked back up at Alfred as he walked back out.
        “You bought beer?” I asked as with an eyebrow raise. He nodded vigorously and set the 6-pack in his truck.
        “Heck yea! I’m twenty one now!” he said, “and besides, I’ll even share with you.” He smirked and grabbed his hat back and sat in the driver’s side.
        “Sold!” I yelled and jumped off the hood. He laughed as I ran around and jumped into the bed of the truck. I saw Arthur look at me as he opened his door.
        “You’re riding home like that?” Arthur asked his grass eyes wide with surprise and worry. “Aren’t you going to fall off?” I laughed and sat on the edge of the truck.
        “Nah. I’ve ridden like this plenty of times. Now come on! I’m ready to get home!” I cried. He shook his head at me and climbed inside the cab. Alfred started the engine and pulled out of the lot. As he drove down the dirt road, I opened the back window and crawled half way in, leaving my rear outside.
        “_______! What are you doin’?” Al asked as I began fiddling with the radio. I grinned as I found the station I was looking for and music played.
        “Findin’ my jam of course,” I said, sticking my tongue out. I turned the volume all the way up and back out of the window.

An’ all the girls are gettin’ pretty. They’re sprayin’ on the white rain. Yeah, they’re gonna get rowdy tonight down at the football game.

        I stood up and rested my arms on the cab of the truck. I sang along loudly as the music played. This was one of my favorite songs. I drummed my fingers to the beat as Alfred drove.

Yeah, my buddies and me are goin’ muddin’ down on Blue Hole Road.

You know, you know! We let it rip when we got the money, let it roll if we got the gas. It gets wild, yeah, but that’s the way we get down. In a hicktown!

        The wind whipped my hair around as Alfred pressed on the gas. I could hear laughing and singing along with the music from inside. I looked around and was thankful that there was no one on the road. Piggly Wiggly was on the edge of town so we only had to pass a few houses to get home.

In hicktown! Got your country boys and your redneck girl. It’s the party heard ‘round the world, right here in hicktown!

        We were pulling into the drive and I jumped out of the bed of the truck and opened the car door for Alfred.
        “M’lady,” I said, dropping my voice and holding my arm out for my brother.
        “Oh thank you! You are such a gentleman!” Alfred replied, forcing his voice into a high falsetto. I burst out laughing and fell backwards clutching my sides. Alfred fell out of the truck next to me, giggling like an idiot. Arthur climbed out of the vehicle and walked around to the two of us. He snorted and leaned against the truck.
        “I think you’re right Alfred,” he said and crossed his arm, “she is sillier than you.” I looked up with tears in my eyes.
        “You got that right!” I giggled. I held out my hand which Arthur took and pulled me to my feet. I overcompensated, however, and was pulled flush against him. My eyes widened and I could feel myself blushing like crazy.
        “S-sorry,” he stuttered nervously. I backed away and looked down, trying to focus on breathing but that only helped me inhale his scent more. Tea and old, worn books.
        “It’s alright,” I replied, scratching my neck and grinning. I turned as I heard a loud wolf whistle. “Shut it Al!” I shouted, running after him. I leapt on his back, trying to ignore the fluttering in my heart.

~

        “Come on Al! Let’s go swimmin’! We can take Artie and Amelia down to the creek!” I said, jumping around his room. He laughed and nodded his head enthusiastically.
        “Let’s do it! I’ll call Amelia and you can go get Artie. Oh, and give him these just in case. I told him to bring swim trunks but I don’t know if he did,” he said and tossed me a pair of green swimming trucks. I saluted and ran out of Al’s room and over to the Brit’s.
        “Artie!!” I yelled, banging on his door. I heard him shuffling around and the door opened. “Hi! Here, you’ll need these,” I said and tossed the swimming trunks at him. He caught them and looked at them as if I’d just thrown him a pile of horse crap.
        “Whatever for?” he asked, looking between me and the trunks.
        “‘Cause we’re goin’ swimmin’ of course. Go ahead and change into those and then just put a T-shirt on. Alfred’s callin’ Amelia and the four of us are goin’ to the creek!” I said excitedly. He blinked at me before shaking his head.
        “No thank you. I uh... I don’t swim,” he replied, his voice shaking slightly as he did so. I scrunched my eyebrows together.
        “Aw, come on! Please! It’ll be so much fun. We don’t take people that often and it’s really, really fun!!” I pleaded. “Please Artie!” I saw him look at me nervously for a moment before nodding.
        “Alright, I’ll go,” he said, sighing in defeat. I grinned bright and threw my arms around his neck.
        “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” I squealed. Without even thinking I kissed him on the cheek. I went wide-eyed and back away. “I-I’m sorry,” I said and ran to my room. I shut the door and took a deep breath. Calm down _______. It’s okay. It didn’t mean anything. You just got overexcited is all. I nodded to myself and changed into my swimsuit. I pulled on a tank top and jean shorts and grabbed my cowboy hat as I walked out of my room. “Ya’ll ready?” I called. Alfred walked, no ‘scuse me, strutted out of his room, wearing only his swim suit. “Get a shirt on!” I said, pretending to go blind. He laughed and pulled on his T-shirt. I heard Arthur’s door open but couldn’t look as Alfred scooped me into his arms.
        “Alright dude! Let’s go,” he said and proceeded to carry me downstairs. He finally put me down and I hurried into the kitchen. As I was packing up some leftovers to snack on, Amelia ran in the back door and tackled me to the floor.
        “_______!” she squealed. I managed to breathe through the hair in my face and sat up.
        “Hey ‘Melia,” I said as she pulled away. She stood up and held out her hand.
        “I can’t believe I haven’t seen you since Alfie got back!” she gushed. I laughed as she helped me up. I looked and saw she was wearing cowgirl boots, shorts similar to my own, and a red button up blouse that she had tied above her ribs. Her short, wavy blonde hair was pulled up into two pigtails. Most people our age can’t really pull off the pigtails, but Amelia somehow makes it work.
        “Well you’ve been busy, naturally,” I smirked and bumped hips with her as I continued packing. She giggled and hopped up onto the counter.
        “Obviously,” she laughed, “but Alfie tells me you’ve had your own hands full.” She giggled again as I flushed.
        “You shouldn’t believe everything my brother tells you,” I muttered, grabbing the basket I’d packed everything in and walked towards the living room. Amelia was right behind me whispering in my ear constantly about Arthur. “Alright guys! Ready to go!” I yelled, shaking the girl off. Alfred cheered and raced Amelia to the door. I looked over at Arthur and saw he was wearing the green swimming trunks, a dark T-shirt and flip flops.
        “A match made in heaven they are,” he said following me to the front door. I snorted and led him out.
        “You got that right,” I said. We got to the truck and saw Amelia had stolen the front seat, so we had to sit in the back. Alfred started the truck and we were off.

A song comes slippin’ through the radio static, changing my mood. A little George Straight 1982.

        Arthur and I bumped along in the back as we leaned against the side. I looked up at Arthur and saw him trying to distract himself. I reached my foot out and nudged him. He looked at me and blushed.
        “You alright?” I asked, tilting my head to the side. He nodded and rubbed his head.
        “Y-yeah, it’s just that… um…” he muttered, trailing off and looking down. I reached my hand out and took his thin fingers in mine. I smiled at him, encouraging him to continue. “I… I can’t swim,” he whispered. My eyes widened as I realized why he’d been acting to strange before.

Unwind, unravel all night long. Makes me wanna grab my honey. Tear down some two lane country. Who knows! Get lost and get right with my soul.

        “Oh. Well. Where we’re goin’s not too deep and it’s not very swift. I can try and teach you if you want,” I said, squeezing his fingers. He blushed slightly and looked at me.
        “You can try,” he replied, smiling shakily at me. I leaned over and hugged him.
        “Don’t worry. I’ll stay by you the whole time,” I told him. I was tempted to kiss his cheek again, but I pushed the feeling down and pulled away,
        “Thank you love,” he said and leaned in. It was quick and chaste, but he kissed me. He pulled back just as fast and leaned against the side of the truck again and refused to look up. My eyes widened and I thought my skin was on fire. I sat in a daze for the rest of the short trip.

I’ve been cooped up, tied down, ‘bout forgotten what a field looks like full of corn and cotton. If I’m gonna hit a traffic jam, well it better be a tractor man.

        “Cannonball!” I laughed as Amelia jumped off the large rock into the water. I pulled my shirt and shorts off, leaving me in my bikini. I didn’t normally wear stuff like this, but Amelia kind of forced me to buy this one and I decided to put it to good use. I pulled my cowboy hat off and hung it on a branch next to my clothes.
        “C’mon you two!” Alfred yelled. I rolled my eyes and blew him a raspberry. I looked over at Arthur and almost started drooling. He’d taken his T-shirt and flip flops off and was standing in just his swimming trunks. His pale, almost alabaster skin was smooth without a single blemish. He was thin in stature, but I could see the muscles in his arms and torso. He was lean and muscular.

Yeah, makes me wanna take a back road, makes me wanna take the long way home. Put a little gravel in my travel, unwind, unravel all night long.

        “U-um… you ready?” I asked. He looked up at me and I could see the worry in his eyes. I gave a small smile and held out my hand. “The whole time, remember?” He nodded and grabbed my hand. I laced my fingers through his and pulled him to the water. I could feel him shaking as I stepped into the creek.
        “__-____,” he stammered, his green eyes widening. I gently tugged him forward.
        “It’s okay. We’re gonna take baby steps, but you’ve gotta get in the water first,” I said. “Just hold on tight to my hand.” He swallowed and looked at me. He was truly and utterly terrified of getting in the water. “C’mon, maybe closing your eyes’ll make it better,” I suggested. He took a shaky breath and closed his green eyes. He took a step into the cold water. He shivered slightly and continued to follow me in until we were in up to our belly buttons. I poked the Englishman in the nose with my index finger.

Maybe it’s the feelin’, or maybe it’s the freedom. Maybe it’s the shady spot where we park the truck when things get hot. Where we park the truck when things get hot.

        “A-alright. I’ve been in, now it’s time to get out,” he said, trying to turn and tear out of the water. I held him firmly by the wrist and looked at him.
        “Na uh, not yet. Just bend your knees,” I instructed, sinking down so the water was around my neck. He groaned and looked at me desperately. “Now.” He huffed and dropped down, hissing slightly at the cold. Still holding his hand, I dunked under the water real quick to wet my head and popped back up. “Just your head and then we’ll swim,” I said.
        “Come on _______. Please don’t make me do anymore,” he begged. I rolled my eyes and smirked at him. I kissed him softly, surprising him slightly and making my heart skip a beat. I pulled him under the water, using his shock to my advantage and keeping our lips together and quickly came back up. Arthur was spluttering as I pulled away.
        “_______!!” he shouted. I simply shrugged my shoulders and grinned.
        “If you want me you’ll have to catch me,” I teased and took off splashing through the creek. Arthur stood flabbergasted behind me before taking a deep breath and following after me, completing forgetting his fear of not being able to swim.

Makes me wanna take a back road, some old back road. Get right with my soul. Now all I gotta do is take some old back road.

        We spent the rest of the afternoon swimming, laughing, playing and eating. We finally packed up after hours under the sun and headed home. It was just after dark when we got to the house. I walked in and headed up the stars with Arthur close behind me; Alfred was still saying his ‘goodbyes’ to dear, sweet Amelia. I opened my door and then turned to face Arthur.
        “So?” I said, drawing it out as I leaned against the doorjamb.
        “So,” Arthur said, leaning forward, “I know it’s rather hastened and that we’ve only just met each other, but it feels like I’ve known you for my whole life. It might seem improper, but I think I love you,” he murmured, wrapping an arm around my waist and brushing hair away from my sunburnt cheek. My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled to breathe properly.
        “I think I love you too,” I whispered, encircling his neck with my arms. He glanced between my eyes and my lips before kissing me. I could feel the blood rushing to my face and the way the entirety of my skin burned and tingled. I was in love. Truly and undeniably in love. Arthur pulled back and rested his forehead on mine.
        “I’ll see you tomorrow?” he questioned, cupping my face. I smiled and nodded.
        “Of course you’ll see me. You technically live here now.” I giggled, watching him roll his green eyes. “Yes, you’ll see me tomorrow.” He grinned and kissed me quickly. I pulled back and rubbed my nose against his. “It’s a date,” I breathed. I laughed and kissed his nose. “Night hun!” I said and walked into my room. I jumped and landed on my bed. I squealed into my pillow, unable to contain it. I flipped onto my back, letting the elation slow leave and let exhaustion take over. It had been one heck of a day. Even as I changed into my pajamas and crawled into bed, I couldn’t get the feel of his lips against mine to go away. As I fell asleep, only one thought passed through my head. I’m really in love.