Rich Girls on the Range

[coopsgirl]

*Angie leaves Kim and goes back downstairs to find Cole on the phone with his photographer friend.*

Cole: You can do it in a couple days? Yeah, that'll be great. Thanks! Alright we'll see ya then.

Angie: So is it all set up?

Cole: Yep! He's too busy to do it today but he said he can work us in in a couple days. I wasn't thinking that it's summer and that's his busiest season, with a lot of weddings and stuff. So is Kim okay?

Angie: Yeah she's just upset about... Where's Tom?

Cole: I think he's still taking a shower.

Angie: Oh, okay. She's fallen in love with him and it's breaking her heart that he hates her.

Cole: Oh, well I don't think he hates her, he's just kinda leary of her that's all. I've tried to talk to him about not being so closed up but I don't think it got through.

Angie: *reaching her hands across the table to hold his hands* He's lucky to have such a good friend.

*They both raise up and move towards each other to kiss when Tom comes in and sees them. Cole's back is to him and Angie spots him first.*

Angie: Tom! Hey! *she says trying to sound casual as her heart beats faster.*

Tom: Hey. *he says with a low, monotone voice.*

Cole: *turning towards him* Well I guess the cat's out of the bag.

Tom: *trying to force a smile* Well you weren't exactly keepin' it real hidden.

Cole: What do you mean?

Tom: You two have been trying way too hard lately to act like you still didn't like each other. Not to mention how much more time you were spending together 'doing chores'. I suspected something was up the last time Carole was here. Y'all split up that night didn't ya?

Cole: Yeah.

Angie: *speaking up* I didn't break them up though Tom, we weren't together yet *she said defensively*

Tom: *with a genuine smile on his face now* You don't have to explain. I can tell how much happier Cole is with you and he's my friend and I want him to be happy.

Cole: *standing up shaking Tom's hand* Thanks.

Tom: Well I think I'm gonna go for a ride in the truck, I'll leave you alone for a while.

Angie: Oh you don't have to do that. I need to run into town anyway and get some groceries. You wanna come with me Cole?

*At the grocery store Angie and Cole are going about their shopping when they turn a corner and see Carole at the end of the aisle. All three lock eyes uncomfortably.*

Cole: Hey Carole, how are you? *he said nervously*

Carole: I'm fine. How are you two? *she said trying not to sound upset*

Cole: Oh, we're fine.

Angie: Cole, would you go pick out some meat for supper?

Cole: Sure. *He went over to the meat section leaving Angie and Carole alone.*

Angie: Can we talk for a minute?

Carole: I guess *she said as she turned back towards the shelves and looked through the boxes of cereal.*

Angie: I just wanted you to know that I didn't try and take him away from you. I wanted him but I wouldn't have said anything while you were still together. I've done some pretty low things but I'd never take another girl's man.

Carole: *turning back towards her* I loved him but he wasn't in love with me. I'm not sure how much longer we would've been together anyway with that between us. Just please treat him good.

Angie: I definitely will. Thank you Carole *she hugged her.*

Carole: For what?

Angie: You were the only who treated me and Kim nice when we first got her. I'll never forget it.

Cole: *coming back to them with the meat in the basket* Are you ready?

Angie: Yeah.

*On the drive back home she snuggled close to him and as if it was an involuntary reaction she told him she loved him. Cole pulled over and turned off the engine.*

Cole: Did you just say what I think you said?

Angie: *still surprised that she actually said it out loud* Yeah, I guess I did.

*He grabbed her and pulled her close and laid a wallup of a kiss on her.*

Cole: I love you too.

[*~Mrs. Cooper ~*]

Kim wraps a flimsey blanket around herself, over her pajamas, and cuddles it close for comfort. She walks down the stairs, wiping the tears and sniffling. She enters the kitchen without knowing Tom's sitting at the table and goes for a glass of water. She turns on the sink and gazes out the window among the stars. I sure am going to miss this sky, though. She chuckles faintly and looks down at her glass, going to walk back upstairs when she sees Tom. Her eyes lock onto him, hardly able to look away with the stare he's giving her. "T-Tom" she stutters a bit, trying to pull her senses together while noticing he's actually looking at her. The look in his eyes aren't as mean as they used to be -- the look that made her almost terrified of even being around him -- but this look is gentle and soft: as if he's looking directly into her heart...and he knows she loves him. Kim averts her eyes and looks down. "Goodnight." She says weakly, walking back up the stairs.
Tom sits in the chair, confused at the emotion she had been showing. Was she crying? He wonders to himself then hesitates. So the girl does have emotions. He laughs and walks to his room, but suddenly the laughter gets caught in his throat, and it doesn't seem to be all that humorous anymore.

A couple days later at the photographers 'studio', which isn't beautifully decorated or even very professional -- just a small hideaway in the back of the man's barn, set up with different backgrounds and lighting fixtures -- the 4, or really just the two: Cole and Angie, decide which background to use and what individual poses they're all going to position themselves in. Kim sits off to the side as Tom leans himself up against a beam,

not actually interested in the photo, just wanting to get back home -- not to the farm, but back to the places they feel most comfortable in. "Oh, Kim! Isn't this wonderful?" Angie giggles, excited and thrilled at the thought of being able to carry Cole's picture in her pocket and gaze at him whenever she'd like back at home. "Yeah." Kim smiles weakly. "Just wonderful..."
"All right, let's get you and Angie situated here, Cole." The photographer says, arranging the two to sit just perfectly. He walks up to the camera and steadies it just right. He snaps a few different kinds of poses; once they're finished, it's Tom and Kim's turn. "All right you two, come over here and sit down." The photographer pats the seat. "Oh, I don't think that's a good idea." Kim says. "Tom doesn't like pictures and I think he'd much rather like to have just a group photo."
Tom stands motionless, almost amazed at how she's handling the situation: speaking up for him as if she were his wife; knowing everything about him -- down to his dislikes; his uncomforts and his passions. But he shakes the feeling off and figures it's just because she doesn't want to be next to him and now uses him as an excuse. "Nonsense," the man replies, shaking his head and chuckling. "You two get into this picture and sit down right over here. It won't be more than 5 seconds. "he assures them both.
Tom reluctantly walks over to the bench and sits down; Kim does the same.
"Now put your arm around her, Tom." The photographer says chipperly; everyone else is dead silent, wanting to see if maybe he might bite her or something. "No." Tom replies. The photographer hesitates then chuckles nervously, never having been told 'no' before. "All right, then just sit there." he says in a frustrated and embarrassed tone. He snaps the picture then goes for another when Tom stands up. "Just one more, Tom. Hold your horses." The man gets the camera in focus for a closer shot. Tom looks to Kim and sighs; seeing in her eyes the softness and concern for his feelings -- he's never seen such a look in a woman's eyes before. They look foreword when the man calls for their attention then blink a couple times after the camera goes off. "Just perfect!" The photographer smiles, "Just lovely."
Cole and Angie say their goodbyes as Kim and Tom walk to the truck; Tom jumps into the back. "Well, I'd say that went very nicely." Cole laughs. Angie nods and smiles, "Sure did! I can't wait to see how they turned out!" Angie giggles, snuggling up to Cole, who's in the drivers seat. They drive back home to continue yet another long day of chores.

[coopsgirl]

*The next morning Kim woke up first and stood next to Angie's bed. She bent down close to her ear and yelled 'Happy Birthday!!' Angie awoke with such a start that she bumped Kim in the head. They laughed as they sat there rubbing their aching noggins.*

Angie: Oh my gosh, how did I manage to forget my own birthday!?

Kim: Well if I had a boyfriend like Cole I think I'd forget my own name much less my birthday *they both giggled.*

*The girls got dressed and went downstairs to find Cole and Tom sitting at the table drinking coffee.*

Kim: Since it's Ang's birthday I'll cook breakfast this morning.

Cole: *turning surprised* Today's your birthday?!

Angie: Yeah, but it's no big deal.

Tom: Hey how old are ya?

Angie: *pretending to be insulted* Don't you know you're not supposed to ask a woman her age.

Cole: Oh come on you can tell me.

*Angie leaned down and whispered in his ear, then he smiled and kissed her cheek.*

Cole: She's 24.

Angie: Cole! *she swatted him in the arm while they all laughed.*

Cole: If I had known I would have gotten you something. *he said holding her hand as she sat next to him.*

Angie: Aw, that's sweet but you dont have to get me anything. *laughing a little* I think that's the first time I've ever turned down a present!

*Tom sat there thinking to himself how much Angie seems to have genuinely changed and realized that she really wasn't that bad a girl. Then he looked over to Kim who was whistling while she was cooking. She had volunteered to do it too when only a few days ago she and Angie were still fussing with each other a little over whose turn it was to cook each day. He remembered how she had acted at the photo session the day before and he wondered if it was possible that maybe Kim could also change.*

Kim: Order up! *she said happily as she laid the plates down on the table.*

*This meal had a decidedly different feel to it. Everyone was in a good mood and they ate and made some pleasant small talk before heading out to get to work.*

Cole: Kim, do you think you could spare your sister in the house today?

Kim: Sure.

*Cole and Angie went outside to do their chores and when lunch was ready they took their food outside and sat down under the big oak tree to eat leaving Kim and Tom alone in the kitchen.*

*When they were finished Cole held Angie close as they leaned up against the tree.*

Cole: I love you birthday girl. *he whispered in her ear.*

Angie: *She turned to look at him with an upset expression on her face.* Do you really? You know you didn't have to say it back just because I said it.

Cole: *smiling* I don't go around telling girls that if I don't mean it.

Angie: How many girls have you said it to? *she asked hesitantly almost afraid of the answer.*

Cole: *He furrowed his brow and closed one eye pretending like he was thinking real hard.* Let's see. None.

Angie: No one, really!?!

Cole: Well I hadn't found a girl worth saying it to yet.

*Looking into his big, bright eyes she knew he was sincere.*

Angie: I've never said it to anyone either. I didn't actually mean to say it to you, at least not yet.

Cole: I'm glad you did.

*He kissed her very sweetly and then they went about the rest of their chores.*

[*~Mrs. Cooper ~*]

Angie, yer' killin' me! You and Cole are so freaking cute I'm giggling like a hyena throughout the whole story!

[*~Mrs. Cooper ~*]

Tom sits at the table and watches her work, surprised by the look on her face that she seems as though she's genuinely not mindful of the chores she's having to do for the day -- alone. Daisy comes bounding down the stairs with a ball in her mouth; she nudges it toward Kim and barks. Kim turns around and laughs, "Well hiya sweetie! Do you want me to throw the ball?" she says in a chipper tone. Daisy barks once more and Kim giggles, bending down to her level. "All right, ready? ...Sit."
Daisy sits.
"Roll over."
Daisy rolls over.
"Who do you love?" Daisy's supposed to place her paw on Kim's hand but instead she walks over to Tom and nudges his arm, as if to pet her. Kim laughs faintly and pats her knee. Tom chuckles faintly as well, watching Daisy listen to Kim's every command.
"Come on, Daisy. Come here..." Kim throws the ball and laughs as Daisy runs to go fetch it but gets distracted by a squirrel and dashes out her doggy door. Kim continues her work, humming and sweeping.
"Kim..." Tom says in his deep voice, drawing her attention immediately. She's never before heard him speak her name; and to hear him say something -- anything to her at all without a hateful tone in his voice -- is enough to make her heart stop; but she hides her excitement and answer back softly, "Yes?"
He looks down, embarrassed that he's even talking to her -- and worse yet...about to give her a compliment; he just stands up. "You forgot a spot." And points to an area of the floor that she forgot to sweep. Her body relaxes and her heart sinks a little deeper, but she nods faintly and smiles sweetly, "Thanks." He walks out of the room and closes the bedroom door behind him. Kim tightens her grip around the broom stick and silently screams, Why do I keep expecting him to change?! Why do I expect anything good to come from him?! She sighs and starts to sweep vigorously, almost pulling up the floor boards. Just 3 more weeks and I'll be set free from this prison...
The feeling of excitement wells up within her as she realizes in less than a month she'll finally be able to leave such an agonizing place of both physical and emotional exhaustion and finally be home. But the excitement soon wears off when she also comes to the realization that she'll have to leave the natural beauty and freedom of the wide open country in trade for a place of pollution -- in both the air and in the lives of people she used to call her friends. The feelings are mixed and turn her stomach sour. She sits down and must decide soon what path she'll choose to take as the claws of reality begins to sink deep and wrap itself around the corners of her mind. She tries her best to grow out of her self-pity and childish ways and understand that everyone has to grow up someday. "Life can either break you or strengthen you." She chooses to be strengthened.
Inspired by sides of Tom she's grown to both love and hate is what presses her foreword: his strength and courage to keep fighting in such a merciless world and never give up to his own weaknesses. But she also wants to steer clear of his consuming anger and hatefulness toward such pain.
He has chosen his paths in which he walks now, and Kim only promises that to herself she won't break down and let anger and hatred consume her. If she's learned anything from Tom Henry -- it's that hatred, pain and self-pity mixed together are deadly -- and without hope or happiness it will in turn be the end if you aren't careful enough.

Angie and Cole walk through the door giggling and laughing in each others' embrace. They find Kim sitting at the table alone. "Hey sis, Cole's taking me to the Carnival in town later; wanna go?" Angie says breathily, panting from being chased by Cole throughout the barn.
The self-pity begins to well up in Kim but she nips it quickly and looks up to Angie, smiling sincerely. "I'd love to."

[coopsgirl]

Well, you and Tom are just heartbreaking and I'm crying through your parts.

[*~Mrs. Cooper ~*]

I know; I'm laughing one minute then sobbing the next.

My mother thinks I'm on drugs and I'm starting to long for imaginary cowboys! ...This story is dangerous!

[*~Mrs. Cooper ~*]

It's so weird going from this story of depression and confusion then to Love in the Trenches which is just reeking of sappiness and romance all around. I love them both but I'm so glad you and Cole are together because I'd seriously go into a deep depression if there wasn't SOME kind of romance going on here!

[coopsgirl]

It is funny going back and forth b/c the stories are so different. I'm updating now so it'll be up in a little while

[coopsgirl]

*Kim and Angie go through their clothes trying to find something that would work for a night out at the carnival. They don’t want it to be too fancy and finally Angie finds a little dress that she had forgot she packed.*

Angie: *holding the dress up in front of her* What do you think about this one?

[img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t163/coopsgirl_30/carnivaldress.jpg" src="

Kim: Oh that’s adorable!

*Downstairs Cole finally convinced Tom to go with them even though it took some serious arm twisting.*

Cole: *yelling upstairs* Are you gals nearly ready?

Angie: Yeah we’ll be down in a minute.

Cole: We’ll be waiting outside.

Angie: ‘We’? Tom must be coming too.

*Kim pretended like she didn’t hear her as she finished getting ready.*

*Once outside Angie saw Cole and she couldn’t believe that such a handsome, wonderful man like him was in love with her; and not because of her money or social standing but because of who she was inside.*

[img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t163/coopsgirl_30/port22hs0.jpg" src="

*After a short drive they arrived at the carnival just as the sun was setting. The lights from the rides were beautiful and they looked like jewels sparkling on the horizon.*

[img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t163/coopsgirl_30/ist2_2464636_small_town_carnival.jpg" src="

*Cole and Angie went off on their own leaving Kim and Tom together.*

Tom: I think I’m just gonna wander around for a while.

Kim: Okay *she said wanting to go with him but not daring to ask if she could.*

*Angie saw a merry go round and she grabbed Cole’s hand and ran over to it.*

[img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t163/coopsgirl_30/merrygoround.jpg" src="

Angie: I haven’t been on one of these since I was a kid!

*After riding the merry go round, they made their way to a dance floor that had been set up where a local country music band was playing. Cole tried to show her how to dance to that kind of music and they couldn’t stop laughing as Angie had a hard time with the steps and kept stepping on his feet.*

Angie: Could we stop for a minute, I need to go the rest room.

Cole: Okay, I don’t want any accidents here *he said laughing*

*When Angie came back she could see a man talking with Cole and figured he must be a friend. She stopped at a concession stand nearby and got some cotton candy. The stand blocked their view of her but she could hear what they were saying.*

Man: Cole, what are you doing getting mixed up with a dame like that?

Cole: She’s not a dame. Besides I’m in love with her.

Man: In love with her! *he said incredulously.* Aren’t they only staying with y’all for another three weeks? *Cole nodded yes.* What do you think will happen then? She’ll go back home and forget all about you. A girl like that is way out of your league and when she realizes it you’ll be left high and dry.

*Angie walked up to them trying not to show how much she was hurt.*

Cole: *taking her by the arm* Come on honey, let’s go.

Angie: I heard what he said.

Cole: You did? Gosh, I’m sorry.

Angie: It’s okay. He’s wrong, you know. You’re not out of my league. If anything you’re too good for me.

*Cole put his arm around her and kissed her cheek as they walked along the midway eating their cotton candy.*

*Kim had been making her way around the carnival riding some of the attractions and she finally made it to the ferris wheel. She had never been on one and decided to give it a whirl. People were lined up on both sides getting into the compartments. She got in and put the seat belt on when a man got in on the other side and sat down next to her. She recognized the scent of pine trees and cologne and her heart jumped up into her throat when she realized it was Tom.*

[*~Mrs. Cooper ~*]

Tom putting on his "pine trees and cologne"

[*~Mrs. Cooper ~*]

Awww, that dress is so cute!

Kim goes to climb out when the ride begins and slowly creeps along. Before they know it they're high in the sky -- the cart rocking in the breeze. "Ooooh, I don't like this." Kim groans, trying to keep her eyes off the ground, which is about 150 feet from where they're hanging. The small space squishes the two together, so their arms and shoulders rub together. Round two and three isn't as nerve wracking once Kim gets used to the feel and bump of the carts but as they get up top for another go-around, the whole thing freezes up and stops. "What happened?" Kim worries, looking around. Tom looks down, keeping his body still, as if he isn't worried in the least. "Must have gotten jammed." he says nonchalantly. A minute or so passes by slowly, feeling as though hours have crept along like molasses. The cart jolts harshly, sending Kim into another fit of terror. She grips onto him tightly, burying her head into his shirt sleeve and closing her eyes to shut out the fear. The feelings of strength and protection rise up in Tom again as an intense urge and natural instinct to place his arms around her and comfort her becomes harder and harder to resist. But no sooner than the cart comes to a halt -- so does his feelings. Tom gets out of the cart quickly and wades through the crowds with a flushed look on his face. People mistake the look for the thrill of the ride and some step out of line -- thinking it may be more dangerous than they thought.
Kim gets out of the cart but gasps when she hears a rip. She turns around quickly to find a tear at the botton of her dress



She pauses and sees Tom disappearing in the crowd. She decides to just forget about the little rip and follow behind him -- not to become a bother, but because she gets lost so easily she'd like to find her way back to Cole and Angie. He stops at a concession stand and begins talking aloud with no one in the window to hear. Kim chuckles to herself, thinking he's talking to himself, when he turns around and repeats it. "I said would you like something to eat?" he asks as if talking to a wandering mutt. Kim steps up to him, slightly embarrassed and nods. "Yes, please." They order their food and eat it along the way, coming to the Farris wheel. They watch it spin a time or two when Kim gasps and starts laughing hysterically at the sight of Cole hanging upside down:



Tom chuckles a bit, then starts laughing hysterically at the sight of it as well. Kim and Tom continue laughing well into a few more laps when Kim begins to calm herself just a bit to watch Tom laugh -- something she's never seen before. He has such a handsome smile... she thinks to herself, studying his face and the lines around his mouth that make him look even more handsome and quite possibly...charming. He begins to calm himself as well, catching her stare. Kim gazes into his eyes just briefly then averts them to the ground. Cole and Angie come around the corner giggling, not noticing Kim or Tom. Kim gives Tom a weak smile, as if to say, 'Don't worry, I'll leave you alone now.' and goes to catch up with Angie and Cole. Tom watches her run toward Angie and can't help but suspect that she may still be trying as hard as she possibly can to trick him into liking her. He wouldn't dare say it to Cole, but his suspicions of Angie linger as well...

[coopsgirl]

I almost used that pic of Fay and Gary in my part!! Too funny - I loved it!! My allergies flared up today so I'm at home and I just got up. I've got an idea for the next part though so I'll update in a little while.

[coopsgirl]

Angie: I think this is the best birthday I ever had. *She wrapped her arm around Cole's as all four walked back to the truck.*

Cole: Oh come on, I'm sure you've had much better, fancier parties.

Angie: Yes, I've had lots of fancy parties with tables piled high with expensive gifts. But they all seemed to be missing one thing.

Cole: What? Not enough cake or ice cream? *he said with a sly smile*

Angie: No, you.

*Cole leaned over and kissed her as Kim and Tom followed along behind them trying not to let their awkwardness with each other show.*

*Back in the girls room at home they talk as they get ready for bed.*

Angie: Did you have fun at the carnival?

Kim: Yeah I guess. I rode the ferris wheel with Tom.

Angie: You did!? That's great!!!

Kim: Well not really, we just happened to get on it at the same time.

Angie: Oh. *she said upset for Kim.*

Kim: Hey, have you thought about what will happen with you and Cole when we go back home?

Angie: *sitting on her bed looking down at the floor* No, I've been trying not to. I do love him and I want to be with him but I don't know what to do.

Kim: Well we've still got over a couple weeks left so I guess you've got a little while to figure it out. Besides, if you're meant to be together you will be.

*Dowstairs Tom and Cole are having a similar conversation.*

Tom: So you think Angie's it huh?

Cole: Yeah, I do. *he says as he slowly exhales the smoke from his cigarette.*

Tom: Are you gonna ask her?

Cole: You mean to marry me? *Tom nods.* I want to but I don't think she'd say yes. Aw, I know she loves me but I guess it's too soon.

Tom: Well you have only known her a couple months and you've really only been together for a couple weeks.

Cole: I know, but I can picture us together working the ranch, raising a big family and playing with our grandkids together.

*The next morning it's Angie's turn to do the laundry and it's such a beautiful day that she rolls the little machine outside next to the clothesline. She begins to daydream about Cole and doesn't realize that her shirt tail has gotten caught in the wringer. Finally she comes to her senses and tries to pull it loose but it's in there good. The wringer is jammed and she's stuck.*

Angie: Kim! Kim!

*She yells for her sister but she's in the house doing chores with the radio on and can't hear her. The boys who were working in the barn hear her shouts and peek their heads out to see what's going on.*

Tom: *chuckling a little* Looks like the machine's got a hold of her.

Cole: I guess I better go save her.

Angie: *seeing him walking towards her laughing* It's not funny. I only got stuck in here because I was thinking of you.

Cole: Oh so it's my fault.

Angie: Just get me outta here.

*He tried to reverse the wringer but it was no use. Her shirt was bunched up in it and it wouldn't budge.*

Cole: I think you're trapped, which means I can have my way with you.

*He started tickling her and she laughed until she could barely breathe.*

Cole: Okay, okay I've guess you've had enough. Now take that shirt off and you can put mine on. *He said as he unbuttoned his shirt.*

Angie: No I can't! *her eyes got big as plates*.

Cole: Why not?

Angie: *whispering* All my underthings were dirty so I didn't have any to put on.

Cole: *smiling as his face turned red* Oh. Well I promise I won't look.

*Angie unbuttoned her shirt and wriggled out of it as Cole wrapped his shirt around her but she caught him looking,*

Angie: Cole, you peeked!! I thought you were a gentleman!!

Cole: You thought wrong. *he said as he pulled her close and kissed her*

*Tom came out of the barn and saw them smiling in each other's embrace as he headed into the house for lunch.*

[*~Mrs. Cooper ~*]

Awwww! Aw. Aw. Awww!

I'll update later, sis

[butterscotchgreer]

you two have a habbit of making me fall into a pile of mushy goo!!! heehee!

[*~Mrs. Cooper ~*]

"I love you too, mom. Yes, I'm having a wonderful time." Kim hesitates, lying right through her teeth. She adjusts the phone in the other hand and leans against the wall, trying to keep quiet in case anyone is listening. "Mmm-hmm, we're both behaving." she says softly, sighing. She pauses, listening to her mother's response. "Yeah, I'm okay; just tired, I guess." Her mother can tell by the tone in her voice that something else is on her mind -- and being a mother...she pries a little deeper to get as much information out as possible. Tom walks into the house just as Kim breaks down and spills her secret: "I fell in love with a boy, mother." She says almost sounding depressed. Her mothers' tone raises a couple notches as she begins to scold. "No mama, I didn't--No!" She tries to get a word in but says a little too loudly, "He doesn't love me back!" The mother pauses. Kim sighs and suppresses the tears. "I just wanna come home. I miss you both."
Tom quietly walks back outside and saddles up his horse for a long ride off into the prairie to sort out his thoughts. About 10 minutes later he arrives at a lush and vibrantly green meadow with one apple tree standing alone. The meadow is wide open and thick with wheat swaying in the breeze. That one apple tree, with such crimson red apples, catches the eye immediately and stands out magnificently. Tom steps down off his horse and sits down next to the apple tree. His surroundings are calm, peaceful and serene -- but inside his head is anything but. 'It's not my fault she fell in love with me; just because we're of the opposite sex doesn't mean anything has to come about. She's had so many guys in her lifetime and I'm no different.' He picks at the grass and looks down, knowing she's changed dramatically from the time she arrived up till now. Being a man, he is prone to loneliness and he would love to settle down sometime in the near future -- but he feels there isn't a woman in the world who'd love him just for who he is. Though the fact of the matter is...he's the only one who's standing in the way of every relationship that passes him by. He leans his head against the trunk and takes a deep sigh.

"Angie!" Kim calls out, peering through the porch screen with the phone still in her right hand. "ANGIE?!" Kim yells, trying to catch her attention. Angie walks out from beside the house and laughs, "What?"
"Mom's on the phone; she wants to talk with you." Kim says, furrowing her brow at the sight of Cole's overly large shirt on her petite body. She chuckles and hands Angie the phone. "Mama?!" Angie shrieks over the phone.
The two chat for a while as Kim walks outside finding Daisy romping through the leaves, chasing a pigeon. Kim laughs and pats her knee. "Come on, Daisy! Go find the ball!" Daisy's attention is grabbed immediately and she dashes off to go find the ball. She finds it within seconds then bounds toward Kim at full speed. Kim laughs at the sight and grabs it from her, pulling her arm back and throwing it as far as she can. Daisy goes off to fetch it but barks a few yards away -- as if calling to Kim's attention. Kim has a questioning look on her face as she follows after Daisy, wondering what she's barking at. Once she steps up to Daisy -- the dog dashes off again -- doing this for quite sometime until she walks up a small hill, overlooking a large meadow. "Oh my goodness. It looks like something out of a fairytale!" Daisy barks again and runs down the other side of the hill. Kim chases after her until she comes to an apple tree. There's a horse tied to one of its branches but she doesn't see anyone around. There's a steep ledge off in the corner that wasn't noticeable at the top of the hill. She walks down a man-made stairway and follows it -- the sound of leaves crackling underneath her feet.

Tom climbs out of the water with only his boxers (I don't want this story to become dirty! It is a Family Friendly Forum, you know ) and wipes his face with the shirt he took off before he jumped in. The cool water soothes his headache and makes him feel more refreshed than when he first arrived. Daisy suddenly appears and licks his face. He chuckles a bit, patting her back when he hears the sound of feet walking closer toward him; he looks around to find Kim.



Kim's eyes meet with Tom's immediately as she gasps, frightened but mostly embarrassed that it looks as though she had followed him. "I'm sorry..." Kim says, turning around to start heading off toward the house. Tom stops her. "I heard what you said on the phone." He begins. Kim freezes then turns around. "You did?" she gulps. "Yeah. And I just want you to know that you can't be expectin' me to feel the same about you; so don't be goin' around and tellin' people that kinda gush. I still think you're just a good fer' nothin' so you might as well just forget those feelings of 'love' and mind to your chores." He says sternly, with a slight hint of hesitation. Kim's eyes well up with tears and she bites her lip. "So that's what you're all about then, hmm? Just a foolish jerk who has nothing good to say to anyone because of your own self-pity!" Kim snaps back, wiping her tears. Tom goes to speak up but Kim cuts him off. "I know about self-pity, Tom; but I've been taught lessons here that I'll never forget." she pauses, taking control of her emotions. "I just find it funny that you don't practice your own preachings. You tell us we're lower than dirt but all the while you have bull-headedness in your own life that you don't recognize. I'm sorry I ever met you, Tom Henry; but more than anything I'm just sorry I had the misfortune of falling in love with you." She begins to walk away then pauses when she sees his pants and shirt lying on the ground next to the steps. By this time Tom has turned around, fuming and pacing. Kim quietly takes the clothes and walks back up the steps; Daisy follows.

As he paces, Tom hears the sound of galloping in the distance -- it seems to be traveling further away. He gasps and bounds up the stairs when he realizes she stole both his clothes...and his horse.

[*~Mrs. Cooper ~*]

Oh my gosh, I am so sorry it's so long! I can't get anything out in such small posts!