Page 33 of Don't Leave Me Behind
By one thirty, I can’t sit alone with my thoughts any longer. Hillcreek is the epitome of a small town; even driving my Jeep around is a risk. Leaving my options of wandering excessively limited. If I can sneak over to the big house, I might be able to get some of my old books and find those letters Clay wrote me. I bring my phone out to check the family group chat, trying to figure out where everyone is.
Kane Family Group Chat
Mom
I’m bringing lunch out to the boys in the sevens. I understand that half the herd is out on the highway and Brooks is taking personal time. NO ONE is to call him. Understood?
Tobias Russell
Understood
Adler James
Suck up
HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED
We’re verging on 3/4 of the herd. Not enough cowboys
Mom
Pa’s on his way
HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED
There’s a fence down between block 77 and 79. Think that’s how they made it all the way over here.
Ethan Todd
Got it. On our way
Tobias Russel
You know… I almost forgot what Ethan looks like without a suit on
Adler James
That was Ethan?!
Mom
Back to work boys
Adler James
Jesus one day without Brooky and the whole place falls to pieces
Perfect.If everyone is out in the field, trying to wrangle cows, then I should be able to sneak into the main house. I used to do it all the time as a kid. Miya and I would sneak out to parties, but weweren’t nearly as sneaky as we thought. One or more of my brothers usually ended up at said parties and escorted us home. At least they had the decency to let us sneak back in, instead of ratting us out.
Searching my closet, I select a matching leggings set. It’s a pretty taupe color that I’m hoping will help me blend into the landscape as I hike the mile and a half up to the house. There’s no way I could drive my Jeep over there. Even if most of the hired hands are off at a rodeo, there’s still plenty of employees wandering around at the barns and main house. I’ll have to be extra careful not to get caught.
My family will hear about me being back on my terms.
I curse myself when I realize all I have are boots, flip flops, and my bright pink tennis shoes. The rest of my shoe collection is still in the Jeep. Guess I’m wearing cowboy boots with leggings. My fuchsia-colored trainers would act like a homing beacon for anyone within eyesight.
Squaring my shoulders, I tie my hair back into a ponytail and set off into the pasture. I feel ridiculous, keeping my body crouched low, inching my way through the empty field. The only thing that could possibly make this better is some war paint, and my brother’s hiding out there somewhere, trying to catch me.Stealthwas my favorite game growing up; I happen to be the reigning champion. Or I was…I wonder if they ever play games anymore.
Chapter 11
