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Brianna runs at me, throwing her slender arms around my shoulders. I immediately break down crying as if I haven’t cried enough today. Brianna doesn’t let me go and I can hear the telltale signs of cries coming from her as well.
When the cries finally stop, she releases me. I step back to inspect my friend. Brianna hasn’t changed at all.
She’s still tall and willowy. Her dark hair cascades down her back. It’s gotten longer.
She’s wearing a black pencil skirt and a blue-green blouse that wraps around her upper body. She stands out amongst everyone else, even though they all wear their Sunday best.
“It’s been too long.” She states. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too,” I tell her. “You look amazing.”
“Ugh. I just got off a plane and headed straight here. I’m sorry I missed the funeral.” She apologizes.
“Don’t be. I wish I could have missed it as well.”
“I’m an asshole,” Brianna claims. “I’m so, so sorry about your dad. You know I loved him like my own.”
“I know, and I’m glad you’re here. Even if the situation is shitty.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it. I didn’t know if you’d be here, though. Six years.” She huffs. The look on her face tells me she’d ream me if not for all the people meandering on the lawn. "Where were you? I tried to call over and over, but you never answered, never responded to texts or anything."
“I’m sorry,” I whisper. She’s another person I unnecessarily hurt with my actions.
Brianna pulls me into another hug and whispers in my ear, “You wanna get out of here?”
There’s absolutely no hesitation when I nod. I quickly find Ellen and tell her I’m leaving for a bit. She hugs Brianna and ushers us both away before going back to whatever conversation she’s having. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find somewhere quiet to talk, considering the whole town is eating and drinking on my property.
As we tear down the long driveway, the wind blowing through our hair, I remember our teenage years and how often we’d fly down the nearly empty roads. We’d turn the radio up as far as it would go, and sing the lyrics to BSB’s Everybody or TLC’s Chasing Waterfalls. Our classmates would cringe at our choice of music, saying it was too old-school.
We pass the county line before either of us says anything. “So, what was I hearing from those old biddies telling me about a kid?”
“They were telling the truth. If you’d have shown up a few minutes sooner, you could have met her.” I respond.
“No shit!” Brianna squeals. “I’m an auntie?”
I laugh, “You are.”
“And is the father here? Do I get to meet him?”
“You already know him,” I respond.
She thinks for a minute and then responds, “No way!” When she tries to look over at me, the car swerves, so Brianna pulls over. “When did you see Shane in the last six years to get knocked up?”
Brianna looks utterly offended at the idea that I’d reach out to Shane, but not her. “I didn’t. The only person I’ve even spoken to since I left is my dad.” I assure her.
“But… wait! Samantha Marie Davis, were you pregnant when you left?”
I give her a small nod. “Please don’t hate me.” I cry.
Brianna pulls me into her arms. “Never. I could never hate you. But you owe me the details.” I stiffen up in my seat. I do, but she and Autumn are friends, too.
Brianna looks me in the eye. “I have a feeling this is going to require a little liquid courage.”
“More than a little,” I say and Brianna laughs.
“Good thing I make for an amazing designated driver.”
She puts the car back in drive and heads further away from the ranch. If I know my friend at all, she’s taking us to Sudz.
