Page 5 of Twisted Truths

“You’re delusional.” I huffed. “He’ll also be out of this school next year.” I pressed my head against the hard seat.

“Wanna hang out after school?” She rested her head on my shoulder.

“Not today. I’ve got too much homework.” I frowned. “Maybe tomorrow?”

“Sounds good.” She smiled. “Maybe Henry likes you?”

I barked out a laugh. “Yeah, and maybe pigs will fly!”

As the school bus moved along, I looked out the window and tried to push thoughts of Henry Walsh from my mind.

Hewascute, but unfortunately, boys like him are nothing but trouble. At least that’s what my grandpa said.

Our bus driver, Paula, pulled up at my stop, and I stood up and walked towards the door. “See ya tomorrow.” I waved at Tara and bounced down the stairs.

Stanley greeted me at the gate. “Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!”

I laughed as I walked down the driveway toward the screaming goat. “I hear you, Stanley.”

“Maaaaaaaaaaah.”

“You too, Sophie.”

We ended up with the goats because some guy that works with Grandpa said he was planning to shoot them for yelling. Grandpa decided he couldn’t let that happen, so he brought them home.

Sophie produces milk, and Gran learned to make goat cheese and taught me how as well.

I love the smelly beasts! They’re gentle and fun.

Letting myself in through the gate, I jogged, letting the goats chase me up to the house. The moment I opened the door, all three dogs bounded out, running into the yard.

Larry, Moe, and Curly were mutts through and through.

While they did their thing. I went inside to drop off my backpack and put my hair up. My lip lifted in a snarl as I stared at myself in the mirror.

Gran said I looked like a carbon copy of my mom. Which, on one hand, was wild, and the other was weird.

I wonder if she resents me sometimes because I look like her dead daughter.

Heaving a sigh, I went to the kitchen and grabbed an apple to snack on while I cut up a few more apples to share with my four-legged friends.

The moment I walked outside, they lined up for their tasty treats. The dogs did a couple of tricks to get theirs and the goats snatched some from me and ran.

I got the goats into our blue barn and gave them each a couple more apple slices. Once I knew they had settled, I closed the heavy door and went to round up the dogs.

They knew the drill as I cut out a sharp whistle and followed me inside. Some of the small kittens tried to attack my feet as I walked and I picked them up, snuggling three in my arms. Oncewe got to the back door, I let the boys in, set the babies down, and went inside to make their dinner.

One scoop of powdered milk sprinkled over their kibbles. Then I turned on the hot water, waiting for it to get warm. I could hear the clowder of cats mewing for their food, making me move faster.

Grabbing my phone, I tucked it in my back pocket and went outside, setting the jumbo-sized bowl down for everyone.

I did a quick scan to make sure the dogs had food and water, then hopped on my bike and headed towards the trails.

Miranda

The breeze on my face felt exhilarating, and I stood up pumping my pedals harder towards the small, wooded area that hid the trails I loved exploring on.

I steered the front wheel, taking a left and feeling the change from pavement to dirt. The trail reminded me of a sidewinder snake with all the curves and I knew after the fifth curve, I’d drop into a valley that would slingshot me up the other side.

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