Christopher stood in the backyard, looking at the fields that ran for miles. He finished settling in his room and just waited for his mom to arrive from town.
“Dad, give me the strength to start this new life, please. Don’t let anyone bully me or make my life harder,” he pleaded as he looked at the beautiful landscape in front of him. The sun was setting, giving the cornfields that golden-looking color that he has only witnessed on TV. He never thought he would see something like it in person, and he surprisingly enjoyed it.
His mother’s car pulled into the driveway and he walked to the front porch to greet her.
“Help me with some bags, Chris. I ended up making a big purchase on groceries,” she laughed. Christopher shook his head, knowing how his mother loved buying extra things. It was some sort of compulsion, even though she didn’t spend her money on frivolous things. It was all for their own benefit.
He helped carry the groceries to the kitchen before Grace handed him the burger to reheat and eat while she put everything away.
“I met this nice girl at the diner when I went to get you the burger. Her name is Palmer, and she told me she’s pretty excited to meet you.”
Christopher quickly stopped eating, looking at his mom with a frown. They haven’t been in town for over twenty-four hours, and people already knew about them?
“I’m sure she’ll be disappointed when she sees me. No one wants to meet someone like me,” Christopher said as a matter of fact.
Grace slammed the meat down and leaned against the marbled countertop. There was a moment of silence between them before Christopher finally took another bite of his food.
“How many times do I have to tell you to stop with that attitude? Many kind people would like you not because of how you look, but because of who you are. You’re smart and handsome, and don’t forget how kind and selfless you are.”
Grace wanted to cry, but Christopher, sensing her sadness, stood from his chair and hugged her from behind.
She hated to see how insecure her son was.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I just can’t get over it. It scares me that the same thing might happen here. I know I’m used to it, but it still stings a little, and I want someone to accept me for who I am.”
“Well, maybe that girl will, and she can be your friend. I also saw two others with her, and they looked nice and fun to hang out with,” she turned around and hugged him tightly, trying to calm herself. “Now, go eat before your burger gets cold again.”
He kissed her on the cheek, and her heart swelled at how much love he always showed others. She was trying to be a tough mom for him, even if on the inside, it scared her. Christopher was almost an adult, and she shouldn’t be concerned.
But he was still her son.
Grace worried about things like, would he be okay, or can he handle the first day at a new school? She attempted not to think if they would accept him. She only hoped they did. It was never easy for her to see him come home every day, crying because another boy took his backpack and tossed it inside a toilet or because they called him horrible names.
Since her husband passed away, it had changed for the worse. She tried so hard to be there for him. Christopher’s stepfather never cared for him much. He would say he could never be the father of a freak like him, and that was, in part, the cause of their divorce. She would not let her ex-husband mistreat her son.
“So, are you ready to start your last year of high school?” Grace asked, putting the milk in the refrigerator. She always had to buy two kinds since he was lactose intolerant.
“Yes, I’m ready. I just hope it’s a good one,” Christopher said, taking the last bite before tossing the trash into the bin and washing his plate. “I’m just going to take a shower. Maybe do some stargazing later. I want to see if the stars look as nice as they do in the pictures.”
Grace nodded her head and dismissed him. He hurried to his room, took a shower, and changed into his sleepwear. Putting his favorite outfit, a white t-shirt with E.T. in the front, and black sweatpants with the solar system, he was ready to relax.
Night had fallen, and he was ready to try his telescope. He adjusted the lens to the desired distance, shocked at what he saw. The stars were indeed shining brighter here than they did in the city.
Christopher lost track of time having fun with his telescope; before long, he had to go to bed. One day closer to meeting new people at the new school, and it was making him nervous.
♥♥♥♥♥♥
“Hello, my princess. How was school today?” James asked as Palmer came in through the door.
“It was good. The usual stuff, rehearsal for the pep rally, and classes are as boring as ever. The only thing new is the gossip about the Melbournes. I met the mom. Her name is Grace. She seems very nice.”
“I’m glad you liked her. Maybe you can be friends with her son. I’ve heard he has had a rough life because he suffers from a condition called albinism,” Daisy mentioned, “He might need a friend here.”
Albinism, Palmer thought. She’s heard about it before, but she was curious, so she decided she would learn more about it and get to know Christopher better.
“Do you want to eat dinner?” Daisy asked while serving her husband his drink as he sat down to enjoy their evening meal.
“No, Mom, it’s okay. I ate with Faith and Gunner at the diner. I’m stuffed. Let me just take a shower and do my homework before going to bed,” she said as she kissed both of her parents on their cheeks, heading to her bedroom.
After a quick shower, she put on a red tank top and some shorts to sleep. She did her homework and sat on her computer to research more about Christopher’s condition.
It took her about an hour or two to learn a lot about it, which made her even more excited to meet him. Not only because of it but because she knew they would be great friends. There would be no need to ask him about it. No need to make him uncomfortable.
A message popped up on her computer. It was Hunter.
“Hello, beautiful. You left school without saying goodbye.”
Rolling her eyes, she sighed. Wasn’t she clear she wanted nothing to do with him? Deciding whether to reply to the message, she laid down on her bed, looking at the screen.
Moments later, another message popped up.
“I’m sorry if I make you uncomfortable. I really like you, Palmer, and I want you to go out with me one day. At least a friendly date.”
Uncomfortable? She was anything but uncomfortable. Getting out of her bed, she replied.
“Hunter, I don’t want you to get your hopes up. I told you I don’t date guys like you. Just being honest.”
She hoped he understood, but he was persistent.
“Just one date, please?”
Groaning, she accepted his invitation.
“Very well, but just one, and after that, you won’t bother me anymore, deal?”
A big happy emoji appeared on the screen, making her laugh and shake her head. He was crazy.
“Deal!”
Palmer turned her computer off and laid in bed, but she wasn’t able to sleep.
She put a sweater on and her slippers on before she headed to the stables. Whenever she couldn’t sleep, she would visit their horses and try to spend some time with them.
“Hello, my beauties. I hope you’re having a better night than I am,” she said, caressing the forehead on one of them. The sleeping horses woke up and took their heads out of the stall to get her attention, making her giggle.
She loved them.
After spending some time with them, she walked inside Trigger’s stall. He was her favorite horse, rescued from a negligent family. One amazing animal, who arrived as skinny as a stick, his bones noticeable. The day they had brought him, she helped her dad clean the stall, and it broke her heart to see him.
Now Trigger was healthy, with a beautiful black mane, and his entire body was white. His legs were black, making him a rare specimen on the ranch. He was swift, which made Palmer love to ride him through the fields.
“Well, my Trigger. You are the perfect one to help me sleep. Just like always, my dear friend,” she said as she pulled a blanket from the wall and sat on the block of hay that was sitting on the corner.
“You know, it’s the weekend, and I’m excited to spend some time with you. Maybe we can go for a ride and visit our new friend. What do you think? I don’t think I can wait until Monday to meet him,” she said, getting a happy neigh in return. “I knew you would agree.”
Six o’clock in the morning; Christopher had woken up to the sound of roosters singing, bringing a smile on his face. It was a better sound compared to the noisy neighbors and cars in the city. He got out of his bed and planned to enjoy a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning. “Christopher! Breakfast is ready!” Grace called from the kitchen. Even his mother was trying to get used to waking up early. Country life, he thought. After enjoying a quick, warm shower, he put on some jeans and a black t-shirt before heading downstairs, ready to have a delicious meal. As he walked into the kitchen, he noticed Sheriff Fisher sitting on the kitchen island stool as he sipped on some coffee. “Good morning, sport,” he greeted while Christopher shook his hand. It confused him why the sheriff was in his house so early in the morning. Grace noticed his hesitation and tried to divert him into getting some pancakes and bacon. “I invited Thomas for breakfast to thank him for welcoming us into town,” sh
All three friends were riding along the trails, but Gunner had to leave. His father texted him, needing help on his ranch. He had to be there to get the horses ready for his next rodeo. “Do you want me to drop you off at home?” he asked Faith, who was looking at her friend, curiously. She shook her head, politely rejecting his offer. “No, I will stay with Palmer for a little longer,” she replied. Gunner pulled his horse near hers, raising his hand to put a curl of hair behind her ear, causing goosebumps on her skin as she felt his hands brush her earlobe gently. “Take care,” Gunner said before he headed towards the Wright's ranch to drop the horse off. As he was riding away, Faith couldn’t help but gaze at him. She couldn’t deny how handsome the track star looked on that horse. Why was she still fighting her feelings for him? It was fun to argue with him and to play hard to get. That much Faith knew. But she was also afraid to think it could be too late by the time she finally a
It was Monday morning. The alarm went off, letting Christopher know it was his first day at his new school. He groaned loudly, getting out of bed to take a shower and get dressed. “Are you ready for school?” Grace asked as she saw Christopher walk into the kitchen, dragging his feet. “Yes, I am. A little nervous, though,” Christopher replied, taking the bacon with some eggs. “Some boys were making fun of me when we were in town, and I’m afraid of seeing them at school. They might do the same.” “Oh, Chris. Don’t pay them any mind. Remember, you have to ignore whatever comments they say, or you will live in fear all your life. We’re starting fresh, and I want you to think about it.” Easier said than done. Christopher finished his breakfast and headed to the bus stop in front of his house, thinking of those words. Not long after, they picked him up and he sat on the last seat at the back, staying away from everyone else. He could hear the other students murmuring, and despite not hea
Palmer was quiet the whole ride, and even inside the diner, she didn’t say a word while she played with her spoon in the vanilla ice cream they served with the apple pie.“Palmer, what’s wrong?” Daisy asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.“I finally met Christopher, and when I invited him to join us, he rejected the offer,” she replied, taking a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. Daisy chuckled, making Palmer look at her like she was crazy. She looked down at her pie and poked on it hard until it turned into mush.“Sweetheart, you just met him, and it must have been an overwhelming first day for him. Especially in a new school. Give him some time, stop rushing into things.”“Well, he looks like he needs fri
The next day at school, Gunner and Faith were waiting for Palmer once again at the entrance. Gunner was leaning against his truck while Faith was in front of him with her arms crossed.“Come on, Faith. Why don’t you accept and go out with me? There is a barn party on Saturday, and I would love it if you were my date,” he pleaded while she looked away, not paying attention to him. Faith wanted him to work a little harder to convince her. “I’m actually going with a guy from the rodeo,” she said, turning around so he couldn’t see the smirk on her face. All she needed was a reaction, and it seemed like she was going to get it.“Who is it? I want to know,” he said, his voice sounded upset. Faith had to press her lips to hold back a laugh, and when she was serious enough, she turned back around to face him.“You don’t know him, he likes to be on the down-low, and no one really knows much about him. He uses a different name on the rodeo, and he is very handsome. Oh, and he’s in college alrea
The school day was over, and the three friends were walking towards the exit. Palmer saw Christopher waiting in line to get on the school bus, and she headed over after she told her goodbyes to Faith and Gunner.“Hey!” She greeted him, and all he could do was give her a small smile.“Hey, yourself.”“I was wondering if you wanted to hang out at my ranch. We have horses, and we can ride them around,” Palmer mentioned, hoping he would say yes. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. My mom is probably waiting for me to help with dinner,” he replied when Palmer’s cell phone rang. James was on the other line. He gave her the news that Misty was finally in position, which meant she would give birth at any moment. She squealed excitedly and turned to face Christopher, pulling him towards her mom’s car. Getting away from her would be impossible.“I’ll miss the bus home, and my mom will wonder where I’m at.”Palmer asked him to give her their phone number, and he hesitantly did. She didn’t waste ti
“Hello, Palmer,” Hunter approached her as she was putting some books on her locker. Palmer had to fight the urge to roll her eyes at his presence.“Hi, Hunter. What can I help you with?” She asked, closing her locker door and walking towards her classroom. Hunter walked next to her, trying to make conversation. “I was wondering since the barn party is this Saturday, and you have agreed on a date; maybe we could go together?” He asked, showing her a flirtatious smile. Palmer sucked in a breath as she turned around to face him.“I’m sorry, but I’ll be going with Faith and Gunner, and we also invited Christopher,” she replied. Hunter looked at her with narrowed eyes before he laughed.“You mean to tell me you’re going out with that, that gallon of milk?”“Watch your mouth, Hunter. I better not hear you talk about him that way again, and you know what? I don’t want to go out on a date with you anymore.”Palmer walked away before he said another word. She was upset and didn’t even want to
“Do you want to pet Jackal?” Palmer asked, but Christopher was still hesitant. She stepped out of the stall and extended her hand for him to grab. When he did, she pulled him back inside, and they both sat down on the hay. The silence was deafening, but neither one of them could speak. They just looked at Jackal and Misty bond.“When I was in elementary school, and probably most of my middle school year, I was shy and alone. No one wanted to be my friend because they would say I was a nerd, with my nose stuck in a book all the time. I even had these big rimmed glasses, and they were always making fun of me,” she chuckled nervously. Christopher said nothing. Gunner was right; she was always friendless. “I was always looking for ways for the other kids to like me, but I wasn’t having any luck. Until Faith arrived at school, she had come from the city too, Chicago. As soon as she saw me, she wanted to be my friend, and at first, I was hesitant. As I got to know her, I realized she was t