Page 32 of Running Risk
She deadpans. “I want you to take me, or I’ll drive.” Her face grows into a mischievous grin.
I shake my head. “Uh, no. I think everyone would prefer that we live,” I say, and her eyes narrow. She’s not the worst driver, but since I’ve always driven her everywhere, she’s never had much practice. Then, as time went on, it became scarier when she actually did drive, so I would always kick her out of the driver's seat before we made it to the end of the driveway.
She scoffs. “I guess you have to take me then.” She spins around and skips off toward the career tents again.
That didn’t go like I’d hoped. I follow as she walks through the crowds, examining each table she passes and always going back to her dream college. I assume she hopes they’ll miraculously display something new for her to grab, but it’s always the same, no matter how many times we pass by.
“I’m going to go grab us a milkshake at the food truck,” I say once she’s not busy talking to another recruiter.
“Oh yum. I want?—”
“Strawberry. I know,” I cut her off, saying over my shoulder.
Food in hand, I walk in the direction I saw her going and scan the area looking for a girl with long brown hair in braids and a red shirt. Walking by a few tents, I don’t see her, but her laugh echoes somewhere in the distance behind me. I turn around and a tall man with a buzzcut in camouflage stands before me. His feet are shoulder distance apart, and one of his hands is covering his other fist in front of him.
“Hey there, son. Have you ever thought about becoming a Marine?”
Rylee’s feetpress on the dash of my truck as she taps to the music on the radio on our drive home. I smile as she sings the lyrics of “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. Anytime the chorus comes on, she sings her heart out, and I relax more in my seat. My favorite thing is riding around with her.
“Want to go to the overlook?” I glance in her direction. When one of us could use a deep breath of fresh mountain air, we drive up to the top of the mountain where there’s an overlook point. It has some of the most amazing views around here,and I’m always looking for a reason to go, and today feels like I could use the fresh air.
Her head rolls to the side on the headrest to look at me, and a smile stretches across her face. “Definitely,” she says right before the chorus comes on again.
I make a turn and start the winding drive up the mountain. Fewer cars go up and down this road, making it that much more enjoyable. Once I kill the engine, Rylee jumps out of the truck, stretching her legs and arms after riding around for hours. I go to the railing and lean over, pressing my forearms into the wood. The mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, and the valley below is mesmerizing. It makes me want to take in every detail with all the green, luscious trees and massive orange rocks. The sun begins to disappear behind a mountain peak, creating yellows and oranges across the sky. Views like this make me never want to leave this place. I love our small town and all the memories I’ve created here, but having a place to go to like this makes me never want to leave. Even if I could find a sanctuary in another place, I can’t imagine it would be like this.
Rylee walks up, standing next to me with her hands in the front pocket of her sweatshirt. “You’ve been quieter than normal today.”
I shrug, not sure how to explain where my head is at. She wants me to go to college with her, but I’m not sure I can. I feel lost and don’t know which path to take. She deserves better than someone who is conflicted about their life and where it’s heading. Life has felt comfortable until the rug was ripped out from under me. My mom was comfortable with her life, and look where that got her. She’s been fighting to hold onto a marriage that was over years ago.
“I know you know this, but I am here when you’re ready to talk. I’m not going to beat it out of you, though.”
My lips pull into a small grin as I nudge her with my shoulder, taking a long, deep breath. Having her in my life as someone who supports me no matter what is worth more than this piece of heaven.But is that enough?
21
RYLEE: THEN
Rylee:18 years old
“Mom! Do you know where my UGA sweatshirt is?” I yell down the stairs. I’ve been packing my suitcase after scarfing down lunch. I leave for an overnight trip with Clayton to explore our future college. I’ve barely gotten any sleep the past few nights because I’ve been too excited. What better way to make sure you’re making the right decision than to go for a test run? We get to sit in on any classes we are interested in and get a full tour around the entire campus.
“It’s in the dryer,” my mom calls back.
“Thank you!” I spin around and throw an extra shirt into my bag and mentally check off that I have everything. I don’t want to forget underwear or something. Pulling the zipper around the track, I grab my purse and tug the suitcase behind me, lifting it down the stairs.
“Here, sweetie.” My mom gives me the sweatshirt I’ve been wearing religiously for over a year.
“Thanks.” I pull it over my head, then redo my messy bun.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you? Youknow I’d love to see the campus that is taking my only daughter away.” Mom wraps me in a hug.
“I’ll be fine. Plus, I’ll have Clay with me the whole time. You’ll have plenty of time to visit once we’re actually attending.” I give her an extra squeeze before letting go. I can’t wait to be on my own at college, but I’ve also loved living at home with my parents.
“Text me once you’re there.” She looks out the front window and nods toward the driveway. “Looks like your ride is here.”
I squeal. This day couldn’t come soon enough. I throw the front door open, halting Clayton’s hand midair before he can knock. “Are you ready?”
He releases a breath. “Let’s do this.” He grabs my bag from my hand, bringing it to his truck and lays it on the bench in his back seat.
