Travis was living his dreams, that is until the accident happened. At the age of 23 there was a horrible accident, Travis had the misfortune of angering the wrong bull, causing said bull to take their pent-up anger out on the poor man. Putting him in critical condition, he spent months in physical therapy, for a long time they were not sure if he would be able to walk again, and that scared him alot. Thankfully after a lot of hard work, he was able to walk again which was a miracle in itself. After that day, Travis was not seen in the ring again, refusing to even try and get back to what he loved. That was almost 10 years ago and since then he became a ghost story to all those who once loved him. The Prince of the Rodeo was no longer an active name among the rodeo fans. Now, Travis was 29, a farmer's right hand man and a proud single father to a 17 year old boy named Issac. Issac was Travis mini him, everywhere he went Issac followed. Travis had tried to teach his son how to barrel race, and other fun activities the Rodeo offered, but Issac politely denied, saying he would much rather help and work behind the scenes, instead of being the center of attention. Which Travis fully understood, especially since he himself hasn't been anywhere near the ring since the accident. So now, they both worked together on a local Farmers farm, the couple wasn't able to keep up with the workload after their daughter had left to take on some big dream of hers, leaving her poor parents with no other option then to hire someone to come and help them with the workload. So they haired Travis and Issac, so after their morning chores on their own farm they would head over to the other farm, where they would be Plowing the fields, feeding the livestock, and tending to the garden. That is where they are now. Travis and Isaac were out in the garden, pulling weeds, trying to make it more presentable that way they could begin planting so the farmer's wife was able to Can whatever she

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could for the upcoming winter. The farmer and his wife were gone, going to pick up their daughter from the airport, leaving the two incharge of the entire property. Travis wasn't sure why she was in town; he just knew the Farmer had asked him to not ask, so he wasn't planning on it. "Are you nervous?" Issac suddenly asked, leaning into his dad while they worked on pulling the weeds. "I know how nervous you are around new people. "Only a little bit" He admitted giving one of the weeds a good tug. "I'm more nervous about not being able to speak. Think if that happens you can talk for me?" Issac hummed softly, looking at his dad with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah, no I'm not much of a talker when it comes to strangers. That's your job as my dad, to keep strangers away." He replied, just as the Farmer's returned to the farm, parking in front of the barn. Travis laughed gently bumping shoulders with his son. "Cone on, the miss wants you to help her make dinner and dessert for tonight. Enjoy that air conditioning while you can." He smiled, carefully standing up. As they wiped their hands on a towel, making their way to the truck to greet the new stranger. Travis paused, eyes widened as he saw who she was. He couldn't believe his eyes, he was convinced after highschool he'd never see her again. "Cassandra? Is that you?" @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cassie sat in the back of her parents truck as they made their way out from the airport towards the farm she had grown up in, gazing out the window and watching as the urban metropolises she was now more used to faded away to give way to open land, fields and ranches. The roads had grown gradually more rocky the further they travelled and had lulled her into a sleep. Her flight hadn't been the most comfortable journey, having hit turbulence two or three times and been uncomfortably squished to the window when her seat mate had fallen asleep themselves and spread out to take all the available space. Her parents had clearly been excited for her visit as the moment she saw their beaming faces at the airport they had been talking non-stop. Her mother had enthralled her about stories on how helpful the airport staff had been to them while they were looking for the arrivals lounge and her father already listing off the things he was looking forward to showing her about the farm. Cassandra herself wasn't as ecstatic about the visit, but it had been a good 7 years or so since she had left and she hadn't managed to make time for a visit before now, so she forced the smile on her face and nodded along to her parents tales. Truth was, Cassandra had been dreading the trip back home. Her leaving several years ago hadn't been looked upon favourably, her parents had always hoped she would take over the farm as they aged even though she had stated time and time again the last thing she had wanted was to be a farmer. She didn't enjoy the constant dust and dirt that came with living out in the countryside. She didn't enjoy the quiet, or how it got so dark at night the breeze made it look like there were figures stalking you. She didn't enjoy the way her parents would faun over all the neighbours farm boys as prospective husbands for their daughter who would encourage and help her with the farm... The thought popping back into her head made her groan. Everytime her parents had s

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poken with her on the phone the first question from them was about her love life. She'd had a few relationships on and off in the city, but none that had been particularly exciting enough to write home about. Her real love for the past years had been her career and it really hadn't left much time foe anything else. She had managed to secure a junior architect role with a rather prestigious firm in New York 7 years ago and since then she had been working as many hours as she could across as many projects as she could to work her way up. She had just received a promotion to senior architect a few weeks prior, and as an added bonus the company had insisted she take a few weeks leave between projects as her next big one had been delayed. So here she was... "enjoying" her leave and time to recuperate before returning to hire her own team of junior architects to work with her on the next project. As her father turned the car into the long drive down to the farm, the shift and bounce over a particularly mean trench woke Cassie and caused her to hit her head against the window of the truck she had been snoozing against. She winced and reached up to rub the sore point on her temple, blinking open her eyes and peering out at the old farm buildings in the late afternoon sun. The heat was already more intense than it had been back in the city and her fathers old truck's air conditioning was struggling to fight against it. Leaning forwards, Cassie shifted to remove the blue blazer she had been wearing over her soft pink shirt, folding it carefully over her hand luggage she had on the seat next to her. Her hair, originally tied up into a neat bun, was now more messy with strands sticking at odd angles where they had come loose during her nap and a fine layer of frizz breaking through her normally sleek and shiny brunette hair. Once parked up Cassie unbuckled herself from her seat and opened the door.

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She heard her parents calling greetings to someone, farm hands she expected though she didn't pay much attention. Stepping out she hadn't even looked up, instead reaching into the car to grab her bags out of the back seat. "Pa, can you pop the trunk for me?" She called out before her father could make his way inside, wanting to get hold of all her luggage. Swinging closed the back door she went to move round to the back when she heard her name and froze. The voice speaking had been... familiar, though the tone was a little deeper, a little more aged than the last time she had heard it. The bag in her hand slipped from her grip, causing a small dust cloud where it landed and the blue blazer slumped down the side onto the ground. Cassie turned round, staring with her mouth agape to the man who had spoken, her eyes narrowing in his direction. "Tr... Travis?" She stuttered a moment. The expression on her face was changing quickly, between shock, surprise, delight, hurt, then settling with annoyance... glancing quickly to her parents and gesturing "Wh.. what's this all about? You didn't tell me he was here!" She stated accusingly to them. Her mother did little to calm her, patting her arm and telling her not to be like 'that' as she made her way inside. Her father on the other hand had retrieved her luggage out the trunk, though in his old age he was struggling a little with the weight of the suitcases. He had huffed to Cassie, commenting that not everything was about her and that Travis and his son had been helping out around the farm. Turning back towards Travis and the young boy she figured was his son after that comment she just stared at him before giving a sigh. "Really? Over a decade of no contact and you're working on my parents farm?" @SleeptoKEN

Travis couldn't help but look confused at her outbreak, not relizing so much time had actually went by since they had last been in contact. He looked to the farmer ans his wife, to his son before he looked back to Cassandra, unsure of how to handle her outburst. He carefully taking his hat off as he gave her a "I apologize if I have offended you Cassandra by taking this job yout ma and pa gave me. But if im being honest, i didnt know these were your parents. And even if i did i still would of worked for them" He said with a frown. Travis' son Issac gave a protective look as he stood by his dad, glaring at her. Issac took a step infront of his dad as he crossed his arms. Just watching her, it was clear he was Travis protector. "Ma'am, my dad and I like to work on the farm, and I am not going to allow you to not be kind or freak out on him. We are only here to work not cause issue" He said with a slight narrow of his eyes. He was about to say so thing else but Travis placed a hand on his shoulder shaking his head. "Issac she's allowed to express herself. Kindly or not, we can't tell people how to feel. " Travis said kindly ad he gave his sons shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Why don't you head into the house with Mrs Harding, you did promise her a song on your Violin." He reminded. Issac gave a heavy sigh with a soft 'Yes sir.' Before he went over to Mrs Harding going inside with her, leaving Travis and Cassandra. Travis seemed diffrent, no longer had the coruious look he once had in highschool. It was now replaced with a somber look, a calm presence that had never been in his nature. It was as if Travis was a completely diffrent person, not the same Travis she knew. He just seemed distant and as if he was in a fog, as if things made sense to him but also made no sense at all. "Cassandra, I really am sorry for not keeping in contact, but If im being honest, I don't remeber why I didn't, or if we ever did promise too." He admitted placing his hat back on his head

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as he looked at her, giving her a sheepish smile. "I can't really remeber much actually, but I'm sure in time if I do ill be able to let you know." He chuckled not relizing how snarky and rude that comment made him sound, he was just trying to lighten the mood as much as possible. He took a moment before he decided to continue the conversation. "So, how are you? Where have you been? " He asked carefullt hugging himself as he leaned back slightly so he could get a better look at her. "I have to say you are very beautiful Cas, but then again if I say that you may think I'm flirting with ya, we can't have that." He winked with a soft smile @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cassandra felt the sudden surge of emotions as he responded so… calmly… to her. She was frustrated, upset and hurt at the whole situation. Not just her parents' betrayal and the fact they had hid this from her, but the fact he was… so… different. He wasn’t the Travis she knew, not in his behaviour anyway. He seemed miles away from the one she had initially lost contact with also… the guy her parents would follow the career of and constantly give her updates whilst she was hurt and unsure why they suddenly stopped talking. They had always been so close growing up, until their late teen years towards the end of high school when things just.. Changed. They seemed to go their own directions, relationships pulling them apart and one day she had realised that her good friend was gone. “It’s not about the job” she sighed back to him, her cheeks concaving as she sucked them between her teeth, chewing a little to maintain her composure as she glanced between him and the young lad to his side. Looking at his age, he was probably born shortly after they had lost contact, and for some reason the idea that he had left their friendship and started a family with someone hurt even more. Her eyes stayed locked on Isaac as his father prompted him to head inside with her parents. She watched as her mother welcomed him to her side as if he was family and it was like a lightbulb moment for her… her parents constant pressure for her to find a relationship and settle down, they had experienced what it was like to be grandparents and she was being nothing but a disappointment in regards to providing them that opportunity herself. Once everyone else had headed inside Cassie realised she had dropped her own bag and jacket, glancing down to the ground alongside her and cursing under her breath before she crouches down, gathering it back up and hooking the bag back over her shoulder as she stood. She found it hard to look back in Travis’ direction again and instead moved to the hood of the

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car, smoothing her jacket out over it as she tried to dust off some of the dirt from the ground. She was however listening to him and his apologies, even if they did sound a little dismissive to her. The comment about not remembering the situation had her frowning a moment, before a conversation with her mother came back to her memory. “Oh, Right… your accident. I had forgotten.” she commented, her voice considerably softer and more understanding than her previous snappy tone to him. She let out a heavy sigh, the accident had been not too long after she had left the state. It was one of the final updates her mother had given on Travis, and one that had made her snap at her, the constant updates after all had been one of the many reasons she had left and gone so far away. Losing a friend was one thing, but to be constantly reminded how great they are and what they were up to was a step too far. She stopped fussing over her jacket, deciding instead she would need to locate a local laundromat to get the last of the dirt out before she travelled back to the city.

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The blazer was unlikely to be needed here in the country anyway, especially if the heat was going to remain as high as it was. Picking it up she folded it lightly over her arm, moving to the front of the car and leaning back against it, holding her arm with her folded jacket lightly across her waist just under her bust as she looked at him. His compliment caught her off-guard a little and she let out an awkward little laugh, shaking her head and reaching up to brush a loose strand behind her hair. “Not sure about flirting, but I don’t think you’d be being honest either. I look like I’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards… the humidity here no longer agree’s with me I think” she thought back to his prior question, shrugging her shoulders. “I live in New York now, I’m an architect there for a company called Ennead, we deal with big building projects all around the world.” she bites her lip, thinking a moment. “Do you still have your parents farm?” @SleeptoKEN

Travis gave a small nod, carefully closing the trunk of her dad's car, carefully looking back up with her . When she said it wasn't about the job he couldn't help but feel even more confused. Carefully tilting his hat back he gave a soft hum as he nodded. "Don't apologize Cas, it is one that is forgettable, litterly." He chuckled softly. "I'm not upset about it so you have nothing to apologize about. No harm done really." Chuckling sofrly he shook his head. "I should actually apologize for Issac, he has became my little protector, not quite sure what I did to deserve to get such a protective kid, sometimes it's a blessing but other times it's a curse. I'm thankful your mom offers to take home when I'm in the field, he has a blast here." He smiled, carefully leaning against the car looking up at the sky. Travis was beyond blessed to have Issac in his life, after adopting him after their parents past life has been an incredible. Their relationship had grown closer and no longer as brothers but as father and son. They had their ups and downs expecally when his accident happened, it made his memory horrible, afraid that it would fighten Issac. But to his great suprise Issac helped him the most, weather it's sticky notes on the bathroom mirror to remind him to take his meds, phone calls to remind him of doctors appointments , you name it Issac has done it. He really didn't want Issac to be his caregiver, feeling as if it took away from his childhood, but Issac would tell him off for 'being silly.' That he actually enjoyed helping out. Travis made sure to get repay him every weekend with whatever he wanted. He carefully looked back to her and gave a small laugh. "Darling you don't like like you were dragged through any hedge, yes the humidity is awful but you look perfectly fine to me, like another city gal I've ever seen." He teased giving her a wink as he carefullt moved to dyand again, stretching ever so slightly. "Here let me help you with your bags." He smiled

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carefully picking up one of the bags giving her a smile, allowing her to walk infront of him. "An architect nice, I believe we have a few of them here, but then again why hire someone when you can build it yourself." He laughed softly. Walking onto the porch. When she asked about his parents farm he suddnelt became quiet, looking as if a dark cloud fell over him. "Yes and no." He admitted carefully setting the bag down. "Unfortunately during my accident someone who wanted to buy some land off of me and kinda took advantage of my confused state and I signed over some of the land. Your dad has been so kind as to help me find some lawyers to get it back but so far it's a no go. I cant remember the details of what actually happened so its making the process a little more difficult then intended. " He sighed shaking his head as he gave her a small sheepish smile. "Guess you could say I'm still the same idiot you've known since highschool." The reminder of the stupid thing he had done during his recovery was a reminder of how vulnerable he actually was, he hated it. He just wanted everything to go back to how it use too, when he and Cas was still friends. "So I still have some land, but not as much as I would like. " He hummed carefully looking out at the land infront of him. The sound of his son playing the violin could be heard from the closed door, making the peaceful scene even more peaceful. "So how long are you in town for? Maybe some time I can take you down to Mrs Sharps bakery, her son William took it over when she past last year, it's been a lovely place to go in the early mornings." He offered with a smile. @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cassie crossed one leg over the other as she was perched on the front of the vehicle, chuckling lightly and shrugging. "I guess he had every right to call me out... I didn't mean to come across so... brash. I was just shocked is all" she sighed, staring over to the small farmhouse where the music was starting to flow from, tilting her head to one side as she listened to it. "Ma's always been good with kids. I have no doubt she is disappointed she never got any grandkids of her own so she probably enjoys having him to fuss over." she raises a brow, looking back over to Travis. "So what about you? Married? Girlfriend? Anymore kids...?" she quizzed, peering to him curiously for the moment. As he made his way round to help her out with the luggage she gave him a thankful smile, letting him take hold of one of the luggage bags at her side before standing up herself from the vehicle. "Well, like all other city girls we don't really do well in the countryside... I don't know how I ever managed to grow up here." she laughed lightly, shaking her head. "And yeah... Architects really aren't that in high demand out places like this. No one has the finances for us, let alone the dreams of something custom designed. All the properties out here are pretty much the same besides some of the finer details and thats the way they like it." she thinks a moment, giggling quietly. "I mean... can you imagine what the neighbours would say if someone put up some huge glass structure in the middle of the town? It would be pitchforks at dawn!" Cassandra leaned down to collect the rest of her luggage, opening one of her bags to check through that her portfolio was still inside. She wasn't sure how it would possibly be anywhere else, but the talk of her job had given her a slight paranoia that she might of left it on the plane so it was good to double check. Zipping back up the bag she started to move towards the car, slow steps so they could continue their conversation before heading insid

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e. She listened intently to the story about the family farm, giving a soft, empathetic sigh to his situation and slight smile. "You were never an Idiot Travis, but I am sorry you lost some of the land. I deal with these guys day in and day out and know they can be pretty ruthless. I'm guessing they haven't yet started any building work on it if you're fighting to get it back?" she asked softly, her mind already running through some similar situations she had dealt with at work. Unfortunately, due to where the money landed, normally she was on the side of the developer. She had always tried not to think too much of what that meant for her morals. As they reached for the door the music rang through louder, Cassie paused just outside, listening for a moment and smiling softly. The tune was familiar, calming, and she took a deep breath before reaching for the handle. "Isaac was his name? He's certainly very talented." she praised lightly to Travis, giving him another warm smile before turning the handle to opent he door. "I'm in town for 3 weeks at the moment, unless my project gets pushed back anymore and then I'll be around a little longer maybe. Though I am certainly going to need to invest in some good haircare products for the stay." she giggled once more, shrugging her shoulders. Stepping inside, she scraped her shoes on the rough mat just in the doorway, before stepping aside and gingerly stepping out of her heels. She looked down at them, sighing at the dust and dirt coating the sides. She should of known better than to wear her expensive suits and shoes for the visit. First her jacket and now her shoes that had become ruined. "William Sharp took over the bakery?! Well now... that does surprise me. He always struck me as someone who was more interested in consuming the goods of his mother than baking them. I'm sorry to hear she passed though... I remember her always being very sweet when we would pop in after school. She was a good lady."

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she nods quietly. "I would love to stop by and see what has become of it though... and perhaps you could give me a tour of the rest of the town too to see what has changed. I'll need some time away from this place if I'm to not go insane during this stay" she laughed, before holding her hand out for the luggage he was carrying for her. "I should get and put all this away in my room. I have to say... I'm interested to know if they've even redecorated it at any point over all these years." @SleeptoKEN

Travis gave a small smile as he listened to her, he couldn’t help but chuckle listening to her talk about her mom. “I fear one day I’m going to get into the truck to head home, and your mom will be there taking him for a ‘Grammy grandson day’ I have to say it has happened a few times.” He laughed shaking her head with a wide smile. He remembered that day well, he had just finished a long day fixing the fence around the property, and was told he wasn’t allowed to take Isaac home at that moment. she had told him they were having grandma and grandson time and wasn’t ready to give it up yet. He had realized in that moment that he was so blessed to have someone to be a grandmother figure in his kids life. He looked at her with a small smile as she asked about him, he couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped his mouth when he heard her questions. “No, no other kids. I’m not married and I don’t have a girlfriend either, it’s just me and Isaac. I did have a girlfriend before my accident, but when I woke up she had went off to be with someone else. Not that I’m not sad it happened but I’m kinda glad she did, I had a feeling she wasn’t the one.” Travis spoke the truth, he had dated someone before his accident and she did leave him in the middle of his time in the hospital. He was happy she found the one she wanted be to with for the rest of her life. but for him he was reprieved and forced grateful for that, because now he was able to find his one true love, he had a feeling she was close but he wasn’t going to rush fate. Travis nodded helping her get the luggage up and onto the porch, giving a small frown when she began to make comments about her not being sure how she ever grew up here, he realized people grew up and changed but he hand expected her to change like that. Carefully turning his frown into a smile he pretended as if nothing was wrong listening to her talk. “Yeah, I was going to offer to ask why you didn’t just take a job here, but I suppose you are right b

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uildings here normally stay the same and sometimes people don’t like to change. But you never know Cas, someone may just surprise you.” He teased laughing softly at her last comment. “I don’t think a glass building would survive, I mean what are we Oklahoma ?” He snorted shaking his head at his own joke. “Nah don’t worry about it, as I’ve been reminded I was born one and I’d probably die one.” He hummed softly as he looked towards the ground taking his hat off before looking back up to her a bit nervous to talk about the farm. “I don’t know, I’m told different things and with my memory being as bad as it is I’m not completely sure what is true and not.” He hummed softly, carefully taking a small notebook and pencil out of his back pocket, he carefully flipped to a clean page as he wrote a note to himself to try and remember to check the land to make sure they hadn’t started building. “I’ll check when me and Isaac get home tonight, I’ll tell you in the morning if I remember, but I’m pretty sure they aren’t. They want to build some sort of mall back there, which won’t be great for most of the local stores and small boutiques. That would probably throw them out of business, so I’m trying to work as hard as I can.” He admitted, he had a look of guilt on his face, he wanted nothing more then to go back to the day and not sign over those papers, or wish he had someone there to tell them no. Following her inside, he carefully placed his hat and jacket on the coat rack before he took his muddy boots off, trying to be as respectful as he could. He gave Cassandra a smile listening as she praised his boy for his skills, he couldn’t help but feel a boost of pride swell up in his chest. “Thank you, he took an interest in the violin after he watched the high school orchestra when he was 8. He’s been playing ever since, I’m hoping he joins the school orchestra this year but I’m not sure if he will or not.” He hummed listening to her talk about how long she was going to be in+

Town for. He gave a small smile as he chuckled. “Well, I’m sure the local drug store has some great shampoo and conditioner if your interested in, they really do have some lovely smells there. I’m more of a apple scent type of guy, but you never know there could be others.” He offered not sure why but he had a exciting feeling, someone he hadn’t seen in years was going to be here for 3 weeks, maybe he could finally get the missing pieces of his memories that he was dying to find. Travis smiled nodding when she seemed excited when he revealed William had taken over the bakery. “Well you’ll be surprised to find out he doesn’t eat any of the sweets now, he stays away from them he much rather sell them..’ he chuckled “yes It was a hard day for everyone when she passed, it was almost like a holiday, everyone took off of work just to comfort William.” He told her with a sad look. “Wasn’t the same without you by the way, but I understand you were studying so you get a pass.” He teased trying to keep the mood light hearted. As Cassandra’s mentions she would like for him to take her on the tour of the town Travis smiled softly, carefully handing her the luggage in his hand,. “Sounds perfect, I’m free Saturday if you’d like to go then, that’s when Will sells his moms famous breakfast treats, her chocolate muffin recipe is my favorite.” He chuckled watching her for a moment “yeah, yeah sure thing ! I have to head home and finish up our chores, you have a good night with your ma and pa now . They have my number if you need me, don’t think your off the hook tho, I will be asking you about your big city life, gotta live vicariously though someone, might as well as be through you.” He smiled tiling his head at her. “Goodnight Cassandra, I’ll see you in the morning.” He winked as he made his way going towards the living area where Isaac was. Travis couldn’t help but feel a feeling he hasn’t felt in a long time, the sense of hope. Maybe this small trip would do everyone some

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good, a person who everyone loved and missed dearly. He had a good feeling about this visit, he wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but he surely was excited to see what it was going to be like. @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

The suggestion that her Ma would be stealing Isaac away for Granny-Grandson days certainly made Cassie chuckle, and she wouldn't be surprised if she hadn't already been doing so. She knew how much her mother loved having someone to note on, that had probably been the hardest part for her when Cassandra had moved away, not having someone to look after other than Cassie's Pa. Cassandra gave a soft sigh to that thought, knowing her mother was likely to go overboard over the next few weeks having her back home. Cassie raised a brow as Travis covered his current relationship situation, nodding along as he mentioned he wasn't with anyone. The news that his last girlfriend had left while he had been recovering from his injury though made Cassie's heart hurt for some inexplicable reason. She couldn't imagine the complexities of what he must of gone through at that time, and to be abandoned by the person who should have stood by him was something she felt she probably wouldn't have been able to cope with. She certainly wouldn't have been one to speak so positively of the situation afterwards like he was. "I'm so sorry Travis... that must of been... tough" she spoke quietly, giving him a sombre, empathetic smile. She didn't say the rest of what she was thinking at that moment, that it must of taken a real cold-hearted person to not only leave someone they claimed to care for, but to leave them for another person in their moment of need. His comment around Oklahoma caused her to giggle and shake her head lightly, reaching a hand up to rub her fingers on her temples. "Some people might change... but it takes more than one person unfortunately." she shrugs her shoulders. "Even if I had stayed here... there wouldn't be enough business to really be successful. There's not even any developers based around here... they all swoop in from the city when they want to get something and bring their architects with them." she was making a reference to those who had purchased Travis' fam

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ily land out from under him, as it was still playing on her mind a little about what could possibly be done about that. As he wasn't sure if they had started building on the land yet or not there was still hope at least. "I may take a trip into the library then tomorrow.... they will have records of who purchased your land and what, if any, planning permissions would have been approved. They will need to apply to the highways first to get a clear suitable vehicular route to the site before they could apply for the mall grant anyway... A lot of hoops these developers have to jump through." she gives a soft smile. "And if it hasn't been approved yet, it will be open for people to counter it... you get enough of the business's in the town on side there's a possibility they will lose out on the planning agreements anyway. The land would become worthless to them..." she quickly hushed, not wanting to get his hopes up too much, though just the idea of it was getting her excited in thinking what could be done to resolve the situation. Once they were inside, Cassie moved round to look through to the front room where her parents were gathered to watch Isaac play. She smiled softly, watching them for a few moments before looking back to Travis. Seeing him without his Jacket and hat made both her brows raise as she blushed a little bit... she found the way his hair had fallen, slightly ruffled from the hat previously, rather attractive and it took her by surprise. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes a moment to calm her rosy cheeks and reminding herself who it was she was talking to. He had been like a brother to her in school, it was inappropriate for her to find him attractive now.

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She nodded her head as she opened her eyes with a quiet "Mhm" before smiling. "The Apple scents are good, got it!" she laughs, although she found she had made a little mental note that that was his favourite, even though she was more of a coconut or vanilla scented girl usually. The comment regarding that she had missed Mrs Sharp's funeral caused her to sigh once again. It hadn't been her intention, but when she had initially moved away she had cut off all contact with her parents and any friends she had left back home to fully focus on her degree and her career... she had thought it would be the best thing for everyone at the time, to help adjusting to being away, as the moment she had left she had a feeling she wouldn't be coming back for a long time even after her studies were concluded. Cassandra moved forwards to take hold of her luggage again, heading towards the stairs with it and lifting the cases up one step before taking a step herself, then lifting them up the next. She realised this was a time-consuming way... but it seemed easier than trapsing up and down the staircase multiple times to take everything upstairs. Pausing on the second step she looked back round to Travis, nodding and smiling in his direction. "Saturday sounds perfect, we'll stop for breakfast and coffee first before you can give me the grand tour. I have some photo's from the city I can show you, though I don't know how entertaining my stories are going to be... I don't have that exciting a life there, I mostly just work, sleep and occasionally take a run when I need some fresh air." she giggled lightly. "Enjoy your chores, and say sorry to Isaac for me for being so... Brutish when I arrived. I'm sure I haven't left the greatest first impression." Cass ruffled her hair some before turning back to her bags, taking them all the way up the stairs and moving them down the landing to her room. She would likely spend a few hours getting everything unpacked and taking a shower as she felt

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a little disgusting after the flight, before she would spend the evening having dinner and catching up with her parents. She was exhausted however, and expected she would sleep well that night. There was an unexpected sense of excitement building within her for the days to come, and suddenly the whole trip didn't seem like it was going to be as hard as she had first thought. @SleeptoKEN

When she apologized for the failed relationship he couldn’t help but wave her off, he had no hard feelings about it. At the time it had hurt like heck but now, he learned to let it go and move on. “Don’t apologize Cas, at the time it had hurt a lot and I didn’t understand what had happened. But now I’m okay with it, I took the situation and grew, now I know how to treat my future partner and how to have a more open and honest communication with them.” He chuckled softly, carefully leaning against the stair rail as he gave her a soft smile showing that he was telling the truth and really wasn’t hurt by the what had happened. “I’m okay now I promise, I’m a big boy Cas I can handle a little heart break.” Listening to her talk about the architecture things he couldn’t help but give her a confused look, he hadn’t realized that kind of work was a hard one to be in. “Well, imma be honest here, I didn’t realize you had to have such a clientele to be able to successful. I thought I was a easy thing to do, but hearing you talk about it, it sounds like a though and kinda scary thing to get into. Not sure when your next build will be, or if you will get hired for that job.” He replied rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish look. He blushed ever so softly as she mentioned seeing who bought his land, he hadn’t expected her to be so willing to help him at all. But once she started to talk about the details of what the people will need, he gave her a puzzled look. Chuckling softly he gave her a thumbs up. “Yeah, I’m that’s true I’m not so sure what any of that means, but sounds good. If need be I’ll pay any fee you need for the help, just let your ma know and I’ll get my check book out.” Travis watched as she gathered her luggage, commenting on how she wasn’t sure her life was so entertaining. “Well, it’s your life Cas, and we haven’t seen each other in a while. Pictures will be amazing , I can’t wait to sit back and look at them” he grinned carefully nodding his head in

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appreciation, watching as she made her way upstairs. “Hey don’t worry about Issac you left a great first impression I promise. I will enjoy the chores thank you very much, see you later Cas.” He smiled watching her disappear from sight. Once he had gathered Issac and they said their goodbyes, they had left the farm and went back to their home. Thinking back on the day and reflecting on the things that had happened, Travis couldn’t help but feel a hint of excitement to see what the weeks ahead would bring them, all he knew was he was excited to see how they would turn out.

The next day #

The next day if Cassandra came downstairs for breakfast, she would hear her mother and father whispering with worried looks, their words not audible to hear what was being said, but the looks on their faces. If Cassandra asked what was wrong They tried to play it off as nothing was wrong, but it was clear something was wrong. Travis and Issac arrived back at the farm around noon, pulling up next to the farmers truck. They had plans on fixing some fences that day, but Travis broken mind seemed to have different plans. He looked to Issac with a confused look as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Your sure today we are fixing the fence? I could of sworn we are suppose to do Mrs Hardings garden” He hummed as they made their way into the house for lunch before they got started on the chores. “Yes dad, we did the garden yesterday.” Issac promised quickly going to Cassandra’s mom to give her a hug. Travis hummed carefully taking his hat and books off as he slowly put them up on the coat rack. “Huh! Well where was I? Did I fall asleep doing work again? You know Mr Harding won’t let me back in that tractor if I did .” He said following Issac with a smile. He suddenly paused as he looked to Cassandra with wide eyes “Cas! When did you get here?” He asked his smile widening as he grinned. “Man! It’s so good to see you holy cow, it’s been what a decade ?” He laughed not realizing he had +

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Seen her the day before. After his accident Travis had been diagnosed with CTE ( Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) a brain condition that develops when you have to many blows to the head, and being in the rodeo he had. No one knew when his memories would do a reset, so it seemed today was going to be one of those confusion days. As Travis carefully sat at the table he smiled. “Man, William is not going to believe your here, he just asked about you Monday, wait Mr and Mrs Harding are your parents small world! How long are you here for? Maybe we can do something while your here if you’d like.” He offered while Issac looked sad, staying close with her parents. @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Following a relatively quiet evening with her parents Cassandra had headed up to bed and as expected, fallen asleep almost immediately. Her dreams were full of memories of her childhood and high school days, the good and the bad, but mostly they meant she woke up comforted and content. It had been the soft haze of the sunshine coming through the window that had awoken her the following morning. She spent some time laying in bed and staring up at her ceiling above her, her hands clasped over her stomach. Her eyes caught sight of one of the posters still stuck up on the bedroom wall and she groaned embarrassed. It was a poster of a lead singer of one of the popular boy bands when she was a teenager, her high school crush. Seeing it now though was mortifying, and she had the sudden thought that there was no way she could deal with anyone else seeing it too. Jumping out of bed she got to work pulling the posters down, rolling them up and tucking them away into a drawer. Once completed, Cassie grabbed her robe and headed on downstairs for breakfast. She was unsurprised to find her parents were already up and about for the day - as farmers, they always had been early risers - nor the fact that her mother had already prepared her breakfast and laid it out on the round wooden table in the kitchen. Sitting down she peered to her parents who seemed to be having some sort of hushed heated discussion in the corner. She tried her best to listen to what was going on, but the most she could make out was there was something her father wanted to tell someone and it was something that her mother was scolding him for and telling him to keep quiet. It seemed they hadn't even realised she was present in the room. Sighing, she reached for a piece of toast, taking a bite from it before calling out a "Morning" to them both. The fact she was in the room seemed to startle her mother, who immediately set about grabbing her a glass of juice and tidying up around the kitchen, making small t

3:14 AM

alk about the weather and what a lovely day it would be. The reaction was... suspicious... to say the least, and Cassandra glanced back and forth between her and her mother, who now had his face in his hand and avoiding eye contact with her. "What was that you two were talking about?" She'd quiz, watching them carefully. They would glance to each other before uttering their reassurances that it was nothing, they were just discussing some neighbourhood gossip and not anything she should concern herself with. Her father very quickly made his excuses and left, heading out in his truck for the day. Cassie huffed a little, there went her plans to spend the morning at the Library. Following breakfast Cassandra headed for her morning shower. Dressed in a loose t-shirt with lace inlay down the front and thin straps and short denim shorts, Cassie decided she would try and make herself scarce for the morning and enjoy some of the peace of the countryside. She took her digital portfolio tablet and pen with her and headed out the door into the fields. She made her way through to a lone oak tree sat on her parents land and set herself up just beneath it, facing back towards the house where she decided to sketch the land and the buildings as they currently were. After a few hours of her drawing, Cass figured it was probably time for lunch. She carefully packed up her stuff to take back with her, standing up and dusting off her butt from any dirt she had picked up sitting at the roots of the trees. Holding her hand up she shielded her eyes from the bright sun overhead, spotting her fathers truck just pulling back into the driveway, and a second vehicle pulling into the road further down. She suspected that it was probably Travis and Isaac coming by to start their work for the day, so grabbing her things she headed back through the field to head inside. By the time they would get in, Cass would already be sat at the kitchen table once more, one leg crossed over the other.

3:15 AM

Her hair she wore half up and half down, looking a little less frazzled than it had done before. The conversation she was having with her mother paused briefly as Isaac came on into the room to give her a hug, her mother looking at him a moment knowingly before giving a soft sigh. Cass hadn't missed the concerned look her mother gave her before looking to the door. Following her gaze with a furrowed brow Cassie watched as Travis entered the room, smiling and about to greet him when he looked at her in surprise. The sudden outburst as if he hadn't seen her immediately the day before shocked Cassie and she stared at him a moment in disbelief, glancing to her mother and Isaac in complete confusion. The expression on their faces though said more than they could of in words. They weren't shocked by the fact he had no clue she was in town, and instead they just looked sad at the situation. Cassie closed her mouth, taking a moment to comprehend what was happening. Her heart sunk and it felt as though the excitement he had granted her the day before had evaporated instantly. Gulping to try and keep her expression as neutral as possible, clenching her hands under the table, she took a deep breath before replying. "Nice to see you again too Travis, I got here yesterday... uh... late yesterday." She figured it was easier to act along that they hadn't seen each other yet than try and recount the conversation they had. At least this time she got a second chance to not be so rude. "William? Oh... thats nice... we uh.. yeah, we should swing by the bakery sometime and say Hi." Her voice was a little monotone and slightly shaky, she turned her gaze down to her hands clasped on her lap. There was definitely an awkward atmosphere filling the room, which her mother tried her best to distract from by quickly placing down plates with lunch onto the table, going back to her earlier small talk about what a lovely clear day it was... Cassie looked solemnly to the plate in front of her, fe

3:15 AM

eling her stomach turn at the sight if the food. Lifting a hand she gently slid the plate away from her. "I don't think I'm hungry ma, thanks..." she commented lightly, before shifting her chair to let her stand up. "I need some fresh air!" She squeaked quickly, rushing from the room and out the front door, slamming it shut behind her with more force than she intended. She walked along the porch to lean on the railing, putting her head in her hands and trying to take some deep breaths. @SleeptoKEN

Travis had suddenly looked very confused when Cassandra walked out of the house, turning towards her mom and his son he rubbed the back of his neck. “Did I say something wrong ?” He asked with a look of sadness, he hadn’t meant to upset her in any shape or form. He sighed softly as he gently took the coffee her mom had given him. “Should I go apologize? I didn’t mean to be insensitive or anything. Why did she run out?” He asked As her mother explained to him what had happened his heart sank, he really didn’t mean for that to happen. He looked at her mom guilty like as he took a deep breath. “I’ll go talk to her, I didn’t mean to make things complicated, I can go talk to her, I don’t think I told her about it yesterday because I don’t think I wanted to scare her.” He admitted with a soft sigh as he stood up putting his hat back on. He gently booped Issacs nose. “Be good while I’m out okay.” He smiled as he made his way to the front door. Once outside he looked around trying to spot Cassandra expecting her to have walked miles away, but as he turned left, he jumped with a start when he saw her leaning on the railing, placing a hand over his heart he laughed softly. “Gosh, we may need to narrow old Bessie’s bell for you, sneak up on me like that.” He chuckled going over to stand next to her leaning against the rail. “I’m really sorry for scaring you Cas, I didn’t mean for you to get spooked in there, I probably should of told you yesterday, and yeah your mom and Issac reminded me that you were here yesterday.” He sighed carefully taking his hat off so he could look at her properly, giving she’d a small smile. “I have the starting symptoms of CTE, which is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. It happens when you get one to many blows to the head, and well when I was in the Rodeo I fell off a few to many times times I hit my head along with my last accident. It’s causing memory loss, depression and a few other symptoms i can’t keep track of them all. But if it makes

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you feel any better I am getting the help I need to heal, I’m not just winging it and hoping for the best, i see a doctor regularly and I make sure to tell them if I feel off.” He promised. Travis felt like he’s had this conversation multiple of times, trying to this who ask about it so they aren’t so worried, while trying to keep those who are worried at bay so they don’t overly worry. “Let’s take some deep and calming breaths together yeah? In and out.” He instructed taking a deep breath motioning for her to copy him. @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Hearing the front door open behind her somewhere, Cassandra lifted her head from her hands, using her palm to wipe away any tears that might have been on her cheeks. Her eyes were a little bloodshot red, but she had opted for no make up that day so at least she wouldn't be panda eyed. Expecting it was probably her father who had come out after her, Cass made no attempts to turn round and look. When she was a child, whenever she would have arguments with her ma (which had become frequent through some of the more troublesome teenage years), her pa would be the first to come after her. She was a typical daddy's girl in that sense. Cassie took some deep, slightly shaky breaths as she tried to get her head together over why she was upset, expecting to hear her fathers calming voice any moment, however, the sudden jump in the footsteps on the dock made her raise a brow, and she glanced round hearing Travis' voice. His comment about tying a bell to her so he could know where she was made her give a soft, sad snort-laugh before she would look back out again over the land and towards the treeline on the other side of the road past the end of her parents property. She stayed looking that way as Travis spoke, listening carefully to him before turning her gaze his way as he removed his hat. The disorder he spoke of was not one she was familiar with, but she listened intently to learn more, not making any move or noise to interrupt him. Once he had finished Cass stayed quiet, looking down at the railing and gently picking at the wood grain with her nail as she took a moment to digest what he had explained. As he started the deep breath exercises she would shake her head light, turning in place towards him. "I wasn't scared... I just.. I dont know." She shakes her head, waving a hand dismissively to her own thought process before continuing. "Has it improved at all since you've been seeing the doctor? Do they... do they think they can cure it?" She peers to him, pausing a

9:13 AM

moment as she didn't want to overwhelm him with too many questions, although she certainly had plenty I mind at that very moment. "Does it happen every day?" @SleeptoKEN

Travis paused his breathing exercise to listened to her concerns as he looked out at the files, humming softly as he gave a soft nod, he knew it would be a process in trying to explain and adjust to the normal, especially since she hasn’t seen him in so long, but he was more then willing to be there for her and provide a peace of comfort. “The big memory laps? No, not at all. Those happen to me every maybe two months if I continue with therapy and taking my meds, I have small ones through out the day, mainly goes around food. I forget if I ate that day so I tend to over eat, I forget peoples faces and names when I first I first meet them.” He said sounding as if he wasn’t phased by it. “Doctor thinks it’s CTE, but I’m not so sure. With CTE there’s no cure, it’s like dementia or Alzheimer’s. But I’m not convinced it’s that.” He replied looking at Cassandra with a smile. “Because I’m getting better, slowly but surely I am getting better, I use to have those big memory lapse every day and now it’s down to two months .” He hummed turning around as he leaned back on the fence with a dramatic pout, the same pout he’d have when Cassandra would tell him off in high school. Tilting his head at her he gave her a small smirk “your worried about me?” He asked trying to keep the atmosphere light and happy, he didn’t want her to spend the day worrying about him. He grinned poking her nose “you got that same look you had when you found out I got stuck on the roof of the school because someone threw your notebook up there.” He laughed softly. “Cas, I promise you I’m okay, I only need a few reminders every once and a while and if I look confused just yell at your pa, he Will either snap me out of it or just give me more work, either way I remember what’s happening a few minutes later.” He promised taking his hat off so he was looking her in the eyes, his blue eyes met hers. He had never been so thankful for a beard, feeling a slight blush creep onto his face as they stared at

8:02 PM

each other. Was his old high school crush still alive, but buried under his desire for her happiness. He stood up rubbing the back of his neck as he gave a sheepish smile. “Now, ma’am, how about we get you some lunch, if I do so recall you hadn’t eaten yet.” He smiled holding his arm out so she could take it. @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cassie let out a slight sigh in relief as he mentioned that the big memory laps weren't frequient. The idea in her head that they would go through this same dance of him not remembering that they had already spoken each morning was a painful one and not something she felt she would be able to handle. Her expression would shift and she gave a soft smile back to him. "Ok... well, the small blips I'm sure we can manage. Though if you suddenly forget who I am completely we may have something bigger to worry about" she gave a soft chuckle alongside a playful wink to him before looking back out. Feeling the warmth of the sun on her face, Cassandra closed her eyes and took a deep breath of the fresh air as she listened along. As he grew quiet she peeked over, giggling to the pout he had put on and shaking her head a moment. "Hey, that look didn't work on me back then it's certainly not going to work now. CTE or not, I'm glad they've found a treatment plan for you that seems to be improving. I'm sure Isaac is happy for that fact too... I imagine it was hard on the both of you at first." she rocked lightly in place, bumping against his arm with her shoulder. "I'll always worry about you, even if we haven't spoken in a decade or so... we got a long history Travis, that doesn't just go away." She turned round to lean back on the railing instead, twisted slightly to face towards him with her head tilted to one side, pulling her hair gently over the one shoulder as she met his gaze, smiling lightly to him. No matter how much time would pass, how much they would age, how many creases would decorate their features, the eyes always remained the same, and that very gaze would take her rushing back to their childhood together. The nostalgia had hit her like a freight train and she would be the first to break the look, glancing back towards the house. "I'll bare that in mind, though more for how to break you out of it than to go running to Dad. I'm sure we'll be ok." she nodded as

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suredly. Cassie watched out of the corner of her eye as he quickly stood back up and commented about lunch, narrowing her eyes suspiciously a moment. She couldn't tell if it was just the shadow the porch had cast over his face or that perhaps he had just caught the sun a little too much, but she was sure there was a slight pink tint to his cheeks just above the beard that she hadn't noticed before. She pushed off the railing herself after a moment, stepping forwards to loop her arm through his. "Sure, and I guess I should fill you in on our conversation yesterday? You had said that you would show me around the town on Saturday and we would visit the Bakery and see William, if you're still up for that. Also, you were going to look into where the building process was at for the land that had been sold off... I think you wrote that in a little book or so to remember?" she perked a brow, glancing to him as they headed inside. Pushing the door open she would go first, unwrapping her arm from his before they turned into the kitchen... the last thing she needed was for her parents to be getting any funny ideas. She still suspected they hadn't told her he was here in 'hopes' for something to happen. Heading into the kitchen she fell back into her seat, glancing briefly to her parents before looking back to Travis. "I was going to check out the Library to see what I could dig up on it for you, but my plans for today went a little haywire." @SleeptoKEN

Travis gave a small smile leading her inside, he gave a soft smile as they walked inside together, carefully looking away he tried to will his cheeks to calm down. He couldn’t help the cocky grin that spread across his lips when she said the look he gave her wouldn’t work. “What can I say, it was worth a try, it has worked on you before, but if seems this time I have failed, darn.” He chuckled softly shaking his head softly as they made Way into the house. “As for Isaac he’s more annoyed I remember things, secretly I’m thinking I will forget when he has parent teacher meetings at school.” He laughed softly, carefully removing his boots and hat again as His face suddenly went bright red when he heard her statement, this time it was very visible. Especially in the tip of his ears which was bright red. “Y-you have?” He asked stammering slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck giving a small awkward laugh. “Yeah history! That’s true we definitely do have history.” He smiled rubbing the back of his neck as he nodded. “The big buddy little buddy program, man that sure does bring me back, that was when you would boss me around and make me do things.” “Do what?” A voice came from behind Travis making him jump, standing there was his son Isaac. Looking at them with raised eyebrows and a frown. “What did she make you do dad?” Travis smiled ruffling issacs hair, showing that he was only teasing and didn’t mean she did anything bad. “Chores mainly, I think the first day we met she made me walk to the teachers lounge to get a her a coffee a few times. But after that we became friends. No need to worry kiddo promise. Why don’t you go hang out with Grammy. Sent you suppose to go to the store with her today?” He hummed. Isaac wrinkled his nose. “The craft store.” He sighed carefully hugging Travis. “Promise to be okay.” He whispered giving his dad. Travis heart broke and melted at the same time as he hugged his son close. “I promise bubba. Now you go have fun, and please

6:29 PM

I’m begging you no more clothes ! I can’t get them in your dresser.” Travis said as dramatically as he could causing Isaac to laugh. Travis looked up sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck, hearing Cassandra’s mom skulled him. Telling him if she wanted to buy him clothing she would. “Yes ma’am .” He chuckled looking at Cassandra and winked softly. “I’m just going to take Cassandra to the library after the chores. I’m assuming since it’s Friday your keeping him tonight ?” He asked carefully pointing to his son with a smile. When her mom laughed and confirmed she was, Travis looked to Cas with a smile “Seems like tonight gonna be crazy, want to go to a bar or the cafe tonight.” he asked with a smile “just like old times.” @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

It was hard not to notice Travis' entire face suddenly burn beet red once they were inside, his ears were practically glowing as Cassie glanced to the side at him and giggled lightly. She could remember how much he used to blush around her as a kid, though she had assumed he would have grown out of it by now but obviously not. Cassandra had never really come to a solid conclusion on just why he would blush so much around her, and instead figured it was just one of his 'Travis-quirks' that he had whilst they were growing up. "Sure... I mean ma used to keep me constantly updated on your career even after I moved away. She'd always adored you after all, though she did calm down and stop for a little while after the accident and confirming you were all ok..." she drifted off a moment, thinking about that for a second or two in silence. "I would have come back you know... I just figured you wouldn't have really been bothered either way." she shrugs, before they move onto discussing their school life. She chuckled as he recalled her bossing him around, which was entirely true especially for his first year or so, before he figured that he could actually get away with not doing what she said and there was nothing she could do about it. "Yeah well, it was nice having a little personal assistant around, I really enjoyed the few weeks I didn't have to carry my books around with me." she giggled, glancing over as Isaac came darting out of the kitchen and raising a brow at him, holding her hands up in defeat quickly. "I promise it was nothing bad, untoward or criminal." she squeeked lightly, giggling again and smiling to Isaac. It really was adorable just how much he looked out for Travis, though she definitely felt like she had to be on her best behaviour. She watched the interaction between the two, stepping aside out the way and tilting her head to one side. The fact that Isaac didn't sound that excited to be attending the craft store did make her chuckle, and she remem

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bered her own childhood days of being dragged out and about to do the shopping chores with her mother. The voice of her mother calling out in response to Travis' rules regarding clothing Cassandra tilted her head to one side to peek in. "Hey Ma! I remember you telling me the same thing when I was a teen! No clothes!" she called back, chuckling quietly and rolling her eyes as her mother made her excuses as to why Isaac was a different case. "Oh Ma's on childcare duties tonight? That explains why the third bedroom had been done up since I was last in town... wondered what had motivated them to do that." She laughed a moment, peeking in to watch the interaction between her mother and Isaac and shaking her head lightly. "I'm surprised they didn't turn my room into his and put me in the smaller one really... they seem to truley adore him you know." she reaches to nudge Travis again, before smirking lightly. "You really think a bar is a good idea? You know what alcohol does to me!" she pauses, chuckling. "Or maybe you don't... we could spend the evening refreshing your memory in that case. Are you good to drink?" she wasn't too sure what medication it was he was on or whether alcohol would cause issues, it coming in as an after thought. Glancing up, Cass spotted her father near the door getting his own hat and boots on and checking the time on his watch. She coughed awkwardly, nudging Travis and then nodding to her father at the door. "I think I've probably delayed your work long enough, if I keep distracting you I'm going to risk getting sent to my room and grounded!" @SleeptoKEN

Travis laughed. “Okay okay fine, you can get a few clothes. Just don’t have to much fun with Grammy.” Travis told Isaac carefully ruffling his hair, watching as his son ran over to Cassandra’s mom to start their day. He couldn’t help but feel blessed knowing Isaac had a safe place whenever he wanted to get away and be able to have fun and just be a kid. Even if almost every weekend he came home with large bags of clothing. He turned to Cassandra and grinned. “Trust me, your mama wanted to keep a space for you just in case you needed a place to hide away from the big city life. But then again he has more things here then his actual house, he might as well come home with me on weekends instead of him coming here.” He gave a small laugh, following her inside to her a drink of water before he could go out and begin his chores. “Well you know, I think if I was in the hospital any longer then I was, your folks was gonna take custody, which I am forever great full for, especially when they allowed him to live with them while I was in the hospital.” He sighed softly Thinking back to the day when Isaac left to live with Cassandra’s parents broke his heart, he didn’t remember much of that day, but he did remember signing the papers the temporary guardianship papers. They had Isaac for almost 6 months before he got out of the hospital and was able to take care of him again, he wasn’t sure how he was going to repay them, but he knew one day he would. Travis chuckled softly when she asked if a bar would be a good idea. “Well I thought it was, but hearing your reaction maybe not. I’ve carried you out of the bar once before I’ll do it again.” He teased carefully setting his empty glass in the sink. “I’m good to drink, I don’t do it often since I’m normally in bed by 9, I’m not sure about the meds but I should be good for a beer or two. But hey drinking could be fun tonight, if all else fails we can call Will to drive us home.” He grinned. As she judged him he looked up con

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fused, giving a sheepish smile as he saw her dad. “Yeah I better go and start on the chores, that grounding will come my way and we won’t be able to go out and have fun.” He winked grabbing his hat and boots before he walked outside with a soft smile , feeling excited for that night. Through out his time working Travis couldn’t help but think of her words she had told him. I would of came back, I figured you wouldn’t be bothered. he couldn’t figure out why that gave him butterflies in his stomach, he wasn’t sure if his childhood crush was coming back, or if the old feelings he had been feeling for her never went away. Maybe it was fate she came back to him, maybe this was his second chance to actually admit that maybe he did love her. Or maybe he was just fooling himself. She lived in the big city now, she had a big fancy job. He sighed shaking his as he continued to do his work. Erasing the hope from his mind, he didn’t have time to chase a fantasy. @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cass considered the fact she had a space to run too if the city got too much, glancing a moment out the window to the emptyness of the farm outside and thinking a moment of how much different it was to her home back in the city. But... she had ran to the city to get away from all this, the idea of running back to get away from the city was an interesting one. "Maybe they just thought I wouldn't be cut out for being in the big bad world on my own." she sighed quietly to him, before turning to him with a smile. "You even remotely suggest that she could have him almost full time and you're losing that boy you know." Hearing him reflect on his time in hospital, she furrowed her brow, nodding her head slowly. Her parents hadn't mentioned how much they were supporting him whilst he was there, though they did give regular updates she had assumed it had come through the typical countryside gossip-chain where everyone knew everyone else's business whether you wanted them to or not. It had always made growing up... difficult. You couldn't exactly sneak away and get up to no good knowing every man and their neighbour was watching and would report back on you. She had more than made up for that though in her first few years in the city. As the topic of conversation moved back to the bar she smirked, shrugging her shoulders lightly to him "Once? I'd say it was more than once... You know you were a great companion when you were too young to drink." she winked to him, giggling lightly and shrugging. "But I've got city-ness in me now, and believe me, bar nights are much more... messy." She moved over to the lunch her mother had set aside, picking at it and eating lightly as she watched him get ready to head out to work. "I'll get ready for say.... 8? Give you time to finish and freshen up?" she called after him once her father had headed outside and out of earshot, waving lightly to Travis before he headed back out the door. Once left alone in the kitchen she finished up some o

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f the lunch aside before dusting off her hands, moving to head back up to her room. Inside she sat at her desk, pulling out her tablet once more and opening it. She swiped her way through a few of her building and landscape drawings, thinking a moment before pulling up the drawing she did earlier of the house. Adding another layer in she started to sketch, humming softly to herself as she did so.

A few hours later...

Emerging from the shower, towel wrapped around her and a smaller one in her hand as she scrunch-dried her hair, Cassandra wandered through her bedroom to the table. She glanced down at her drawing, now featuring an image of Travis in the foreground she had doodled down from memory. The image brought a smile to her face before she could even realise it, suddenly blushing and reaching to switch the tablet off in surprise at herself. Checking the time, she started to get ready, starting off with a pair of jeans and a loose satin camisole tucked in at the waist, furnished with a pair of heels. She did her make-up, going for a toned down, natural look with shades of soft brown and pink. Her hair was blow dried and allowed to hang loose in soft, natural waves. Once ready she grabbed for a small clutch bag, throwing in her phone and her purse before heading downstairs. (edited)

11:48 AM

@SleeptoKEN

Travis worked all day in the hot sun, by the time he had finished the chores it was nearing five o’clock, leaving him just enough time to head home and change for the night. He wasn’t quiet sure what to wear to the bar, he knew he normally wore his jeans and flannel but he wasn’t sure what city folk wore, he didn’t want to embarrass Cassandra that night, knowing she hasn’t been to the local bar in quite some time. Patting his pockets he made the faulty realization. He locked his keys in the truck. Doing a different type of walk of shame, he walked over to Cassandra’s dad, taking his hat off as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Sir, I locked my keys in the truck again, and I forgot the spare at the house. May I barrow some of your truck or some clothing ?” He asked giving the other a sheepish smile. As Cassandra’s father chuckled, he handed Travis his keys. ‘Go on now, don’t keep my baby girl waiting now you hear?’ With a sense of hope, Travis thanked the doctor with a wide smile and ran to the truck, maybe just maybe he had enough time to get ready. As he got into the truck he began to drive the 15 minutes back to his farm, being extra vigilant when he parked to make sure the keys were out in his pocket as he got out and went into the house, placing them on his key hook before he ultimately rushed to go shower, getting the day of sweat and grim off. Once he had finished showering, he had walked out of the bathroom holding the towel around his waist, making his way over to his dresser. He grabbed a clean pair of jean , undergarments and a under shirt before he made his way to his closet, trying to figure out what flannel he wanted to wear. He stood there for a good 5 minutes before he looked at the time “shoot!” He gasped noticing it was nearing 8. He quickly grabbed a light blue and white flannel as he quickly got dressed in record time, grabbing a belt and his rodeo belt buckle and a clean pair of boots he was out the door. Putting his hat back on. # BACK

11:18 PM

AT CASSANDRAS # Isaac had been sitting with Cassandra’s mom and dad in the living room, all three cuddled up in their pjs as they watched a movie together. He looked up to see Cassandra coming down the stairs. “Woah, you look really pretty.” He told her as she’d dad gave her a smile, complementing her and calling her beautiful. “Are you going out with my dad? On a date? If so why so late?” He asked curiously, wondering why she and his dad was going out so late. A few moments later, the door bell and reviling Travis. If Cassandra opened the door, Travis jaw would drop, his face began to heat up as he looked at her. “I- Cassandra, you look absolutely beautiful” he complimented as he came into the room, taking his hat off to look at her. He gave a short whistle as he smiled. “Is this how you city girls dress, I may need to take a tip or two.” He teased softly, gently holding his hand out to her so she could do a spin. @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Cassandra heads for the front door and peeks outside. She was surprised to see Travis' car in the drive still, though no one seemed to be inside and she was sure she hadn't heard the door ring whilst she was still upstairs. Checking her phone, she confirmed that there was still a few minutes before they had agreed to meet, so she wasn't late at all. Shrugging a little confused, Cassie turned to head into the lounge area where her parents were curled up with Isaac, just as they used to do with her when she was much younger. Hearing the compliments coming her way she blushes a little, peering down at herself and wondering if she was a little overdressed. "Oh... thank you." she laughs lightly, moving over to her parents and giving each a kiss on the cheek while Isaac quizzes her. "No... no, it's not a date, we're just going out for a few drinks as friends." she interjects quickly, laughing awkwardly. She couldn't help but notice the glances her parents gave her and the small smirks they had on their faces as Isaac had suggested it was a date. "It's not a date!" she quickly doubles down on, gesturing at the two of them to wipe the smirks off and laughing awkwardly. "It's not really that late... and don't worry, I won't wake anyone when I get back. We'll probably just have a drink or two and catch up on everything thats been happening over the last few years." Taking a deep breath, Cassie turned and headed into the kitchen, reaching and grabbing herself a glass of cold water and sipping it slowly to try and ease the blush burning in her cheeks. She couldn't quite fathom why the idea of it being a date had got her quite so flustered. As she stood at the sink, she spotted lights coming down the drive from her fathers car. Her eyes narrowed a little confused, before laughing and shaking her head, obviously she had missed something earlier in the day. Perhaps his car had broken down. She finished her glass of water and moved to meet Tra

3:41 AM

vis at the door when he rang the bell. Opening the doorway she smiled bright to Travis stood before her, chuckling lightly and blushing again as he complimented her. "Well thank you." she nodded her head out the door towards the car. "Taking some tips from my highschool boyfriends in asking my dad to borrow his car to take me out now?" she teased, nudging him lightly. She was about to step outside with him before she paused, instead taking a step backwards and aside, holding the door open to him. "You wanna see Isaac before we head out? They'll probably all be asleep by the time we get back, they look ready to go any moment." she chuckled. Peering Travis up and down a moment she exagerrated her 'deep-in-thought' face. "Hmmm... well maybe..." she started, before smirking to him and shaking her head. "You look great yourself, don't worry, you don't need any tips from me." she smiled to him, shifting her weight onto one foot and leaning a little against the door and watching if he chose to go say farewell. She'd wave to her parents afterwards. "I promise not to disturb you, we won't be too late" she reiterated again before moving to head outside. "So really, are we taking your car or my dads?" @SleeptoKEN

Isaac made a face when she kissed his cheek, in typical teen fashion he wiped it away as he huffed looking a bit embarrassed. “I though adults had bedtimes too.” He admitted looking to Cassandra’s with a raised eyebrow. He looked taken a back when she had explained it wasn’t a date, he looked to her parents who just gave him a smile. “Alright then, sorry to assume. Don’t worry about it, I sleep through anything. Grammy and poppy knows, I slept through the tornado that touched down last month ” He replied going back to the movie, as to not ask any more questions. As Travis entered the house, cheek burning as she mentioned borrowing her dads car. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Actually, no we aren’t taking your dads truck. I kinda locked my keys in my truck this morning, so he allowed me to take his home. I got the spare one so we are good to take mine .” He replied softly offering a kind smile. “Yeah I’m go ahead and tell him goodnight, one moment please.” He smiled going over to Isaac to give him hugs and kisses, making sure he had well wishes of a good nights rest. With one last tight squeeze Travis went back to Cas with a smile. “Ready to head out ?”he asked walking with out outside, closing the door behind them. Giving a small smile as she complimented him he chuckled. “Thanks, I do try my best, it isn’t every day you get dressed up to go out for drinks. I mean I don’t think Will would appreciate my fancy dressing as much as you would.” He winked carefully unlocking the truck as he opened the door for her. “M’lady.” He smiled Once she was in the truck, Travis closed the door happily walking over to the driver side to get in, buckling up he turned the truck on before they made their way to the local Bar. “Hopefully Isaac wasn’t giving you to much trouble, he’s a strange one my boy.” He teased as he drove. He looked so at peace behind the wheel, not like the shy guy who was just standing behind her front door, he just looked more calm as he drove

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. “Thank you for allowing me to take you out tonight, not sure why but I had a deep feeling that you would of told me no, I’m really glad I was wrong .” He smiled carefully looking at her with a smile before he looked out back to the road. @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cassandra found it quite heart warming watching Travis and Lucas say their farewells and goodnights, watching quietly from the hallway before she followed Travis outside, wandering towards his car carefully in her heels on the rough gravel driveway. "Mm that is true... you country boys don't often make much of an effort. Do you know all the guys in the city go to bars in full suits?" she laughed lightly, climbing on into the truck. She buckles her seatbelt and crosses her legs, leaning back in the seat and watching as he wandered around to climb in the other side. "He's not that strange, he was fine." she laughed quietly, thinking a moment back on the conversation in the lounge. "I mean, he said I was pretty and then asked why we were going out on a date so late in the evening." she perks a brow as she mentions the date word, watching Travis out the corner of her eye for his reaction, she was curious whether he was going to go bright red like he had done earlier, or laugh it off like she had done in the lounge. Glancing to the time on the console of the truck as they drove she laughed lightly. "Something tells me perhaps this is past your usual bedtime then?" As he spoke about not being sure she would be willing to go out with him she perked a brow, turning her head to stare at him as he turned his gaze back to the darkening streets stretching out ahead of them as they travelled towards the town. "Why do you think I would of said no? Look... I'm not going to lie. I have been dreading coming back to spend the weeks here, especially as I have no vehicle of my own to get anywhere around here. There is only so much fun that can be had on a farm with your parents. I'm really glad we bumped into each other, and I'm glad we can put the past behind us and hang out like friends again." she gives him a soft warm smile, reaching her hand out to nudge his shoulder lightly to not distract him from his drive, giving a wink if he would look her way again. "I'm also lookin

11:40 AM

g forwards to being able to let my hair down a bit, though I don't know if you are really ready to deal with that. You know if I don't get home in one piece it will your door my father will be knocking on right?" she giggles again, turning to watch the passing fields, leaning her head lightly against the window until they would near the local bar. @SleeptoKEN

Travis jaw dropped. “No way, your definitely pulling my leg, there is no way people actually go out in full suits to go to the bar, that’s just way to fancy.” He said shaking his head with shock. “I mean, I can’t say much I don’t really own a suit, the only suit I’ll own will more then likely be for my wedding day. That may be the first and last time people see me dressed up.” He laughed with a shake of his head, keeping his hands on the wheel. “I have a feeling I wouldn’t last a minute in the big city.” He chuckled softly as he shook his head. “But then again you never know .” As he heard what Isaac had asked her he couldn’t help but chuckle. “I mean, kinda is. He has this idea anytime I go and hang out with someone it’s a date, but I’m pretty sure I know who planted that idea in his head.” He hummed, trying his best not to blush or react in any ways she could use to tease him. His ears kinda gave it away tho, slightly turning red. Travis chuckled softly as she asked her next question. “Yeah, I’m normally in bed by nine, ten at the latest. But I figured tonight was a special night, so why not stay up a bit longer.” He chuckled softly. Travis gave a small smile as he listened to her, he had a sense of relief as he listened to her talk. “Eh, there’s only so many good things to happen to a guy you start to wonder.” He teased as he chuckled, smiling when she nudged his shoulder. “Hey the farms not that bad, if I remember correctly you use to throw the best parties there while your folks were out of town. I think that’s when I had my first beer.” He replied, carefully pulling into the parking lot of the local Bar. “Or was it first kiss….I have no idea, but it was a first of something .” He shrugged carefully turning the truck off as he made sure to attach his keys to his belt so he wouldn’t lose them. “But if you ever want to narrow my Truck for anything just let me know. “ Carefully getting out of the truck, Travis walked over to the passenger side, carefully open

8:39 PM

ing the door for her. With a smile he held his hand out for her. “And you know If I don’t have home in one piece you’ll get a new brother.” He teased with a wink. “But what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t take care of you. I promise you’ll go home in one piece.” He replied locking the Truck before he took her inside, the music was playing some good country music, tonight was packed, lots of people were gathered around to screens watching the rodeo, a sort of cloud well over Travis as he realized. Carefully clearing his throat he lead her to a booth “how about we sit here yeah?” He offered, trying to focus on the moment, and not on what he was missing . @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cassie grinned over at Travis, laughing and nodding her head as he looked so surprised about the city living. "No, really, they all wanna show off how successful they are and to do that, you gotta have a suit." she smirks and shrugs her shoulders. "But really, you'd be just fine, because the girls don't want just another suited guy... they'd be tripping head over heels to get to talk to the local cowboy." she turns her gaze down to her hands a moment, adjusting to the weird feeling making that comment gave her. Was she... jealous? "Well, maybe Isaac just wants you to meet someone. He's getting older now and... y'know... he's going to be wanting to spread his wings and live his life someday. He won't want to think he's leaving you all on your own." she chuckles lightly. "But yeah... you know my ma' always wanted you to be her son from the first day she met you..." she responded quietly. The memory of her teenage parties did make her laugh again, shrugging her shoulders again with a smirk. "Ahh yes... well, that was one benefit of living in the middle of no where. No neighbours to complain about the noise. Though the cleaning up before they got home was never a fun task the next day... I uh... I should probably apologise for making you do that so often." she giggled, glancing in Travis' direction again. "First kiss.... I think you had that after the first beer. Who was it with again? Suzanne? Jessica? Wait... wasn't it that girl with the braces?... uh... Hannah!" she snickers, enjoying teasing him like they did when they were kids. It almost made everything feel... normal. Like she wasn't visiting, like a decade hadn't passed since they last saw each other... Once Travis had opened the door for her, Cassie swivelled herself round, taking his hand and carefully dropped out of the car onto her heels. "Oh I'm sure I'll get home in one piece, and I don't think whether I do or not will have any impact on the fact I have a new brother. Or nephew... they definitely see

10:11 AM

him as a grandson." she furrows her brow a moment, thinking on that a moment. "That would make you... nevermind!" she grabbed for her purse, following Travis to head inside. As they approached the doors she heard the music getting louder, the atmosphere of the country washing over her and making her grin brighter. She could almost taste the alcohol on the air and the excitement coming from inside. As they headed in her eyes widened, watching everyone gathered and enjoying themselves. She hadn't noticed Travis' reaction, but followed after him all the same as he weaved through the crowd to a booth. She slipped into the booth as he suggested they sit down, nodding her head. "Sure... get me settled into a booth before I start dancing on the bar tops." she laughed with a grin, looking around over at the bar. "Can I at least get a drink? You know what I like... and if you don't remember, I'll dare you to take a guess." she turns her gaze back out and looking up towards the TV screens, raising a brow as she watches the Rodeo a moment. It had been years since she had seen one. "Do you..." she starts, about to ask when she glances to Travis, noticing the slight change in demeanor finally. "Are you sure you wanna drink here?" @SleeptoKEN

Travis gave a soft hum in response, giving Cassandra a small smile, trying to hide his true feelings. He really didn’t want her to have to worry about him the entire time they were out at the Bar, he wanted her to have fun and remember the good times they have had in town, not join him in a pitty party. “Yep, all good I promise, nothing can bring me down, and surely not.” He promised as he sat in front of her, just looking at her with a forced smile ignoring all the people cheering and hollering at the tv screens. He carefully grabbed a menu before he looked at it. “And for your information, the kiss from Hannah was horrible, her braces sliced my lip and I tripped and rolled down that hill into the pond.” He snorted as he shook his head. When she mentioned he would be scooped up being in the big city he laughed. “You saying that is making me want to go to the big city a lot less.” He admitted as he carefully took his hat off and set it down beside him. “But you never know, maybe I’ll live my dream and go to the big City and be a bellhop.” He chuckled looking up as a waitress came over, and asked what he wanted. ’I assume you’d like a lemonade tonight Travis. the lady had laughed as He rubbed the back of his neck giving a small nod. “Oh, yeah a lemonade sounds great, and I think Cassandra would like a margarita? Or one of those fancy things with the cherries ?” He replied giving Cassandra a hopeful look, hoping he had gotten her order correct. If she confirmed or denied he would look greatful for her. Once the waitress had walked away, Travis gave a small smile. “I’ll stay designated driver if that’s alright, I don’t mind at all.” He promised. “You know, Issac has tried to set me up multiple times.” He admitted with a soft sigh. “Unfortunately, we’d go on a few first dates, but they didn’t mean much. Some just wanted a quick fling and we’ll I’m not about that.” He chuckled softly, watching as people around them continued to cheer and watch the rodeo. If Travis

12:38 PM

was being honest, he was saving himself for a special someone, he wasn’t sure who they were, but he knew for a fact it wasn’t any of the girls his kid set him up with. “Yeah your parents are great, after my folks passed before I graduated, they were there for me when it was getting hard. I kinda can see them as parental figures in my life, but it’s more figurative than anything. Although I think if your ma had it her way, she’d scoop Issac up and kick me to the curb.” He teased with a small laugh, watching as the waitress brought their drinks over. As he thanked her he carefully took a sip of his lemonade before he made a face. “Sour.” He coughed. Travis raised an eyebrow when she didn’t finish what she was going to say, he hummed carefully leaning forward as he grinned. “Would make me what? A competitor for attention?” He joked as he puffed up his chest to make himself look bigger as he grinned. “Honey I’m always looking to be the center of attention. Didn’t you know, I'm an attention seeker?” He teased carefully, taking another sip of his lemonade as he smiled. “I’m just teasing, you don’t have to Answer that at all if you don’t want too.” He promised softly, his charming smile was back as he looked at her, he didn’t pay anyone else attention, his eyes were on her, and her alone. The same look he had in high school, when they first started to hang out, the lost puppy look he had when she would tell him things he needed to do, before he went to do it. “Remember in high school, when you found out a group of football players wanted to take me to a party, because they learned I won first in barrel racing my sophomore year, because they thought being my friend would make them more popular?”

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He asked softly. “And you found out they didn’t have the best intentions so you came up with a long laundry list of things to do at your folks house to make sure I didn’t go.” He chuckled, smiling at the memory, shaking his head thoughtfully. “I really didn’t understand why you did that to me, but now I do, and I want to thank you for that.” He said softly giving her a genuine smile, it seemed since they had started to talk again, Travis was beginning to make more and more progress at remembering things in the past which was a huge step. “Although, I’m still stumped on how you found out. Mind sharing ?” He laughed @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cassie gave a small, slow nod in response to his assurances that drinking in the bar was fine, though she watched him closely with a concerned gaze as he took his seat and started looking through the menu. As he brought the chatter back to her high school parties she snickered lightly, nodding her head slowly. “Yeah I remember Hannah, but hey you might not of enjoyed it but she was riding high off that kiss all week.” she gave him a playful smirk, flashing a wink. Tilting her head lightly to one side she raised a brow, giggling at his reluctance to go to the big city. “I’m sure your interest in going there wasn’t particularly high for me to have damaged it anyway. It’s certainly… different from home. For some that’s a good thing… for me that was the whole reason behind it…” she leaned forwards against the table, hands clasped lightly together in front of her as she gazed out around the bar, at everyone gathered, laughing, drinking together. The atmosphere was certainly very different to what she experienced in the city on the few times she had ventured out to the bars. The waitress arriving at their table brought Cassandra’s focus back to them as she looked up at her, glancing between the waitress and Travis as he ordered. The fact he ordered lemonade made her frown a moment, sitting back against her booth seat and nodding slowly “Margarita is great for me… But you’re going to let me get drunk and make a fool of myself all on my own? I thought we were going out for a drink, not just me.” she pouts her lips sulkily, crossing her arms over her chest. Cassie let the subject drop however, nodding for the first drink he suggested and watching the waitress return to the bar a moment, catching sight of someone looking their way curiously. She frowned her brow a little, staring at the stranger before turning back to Travis as he spoke about his previous dates. She was sure she knew the guy at the bar but couldn’t quite place it… and if she was struggling to recognise h

10:00 AM

im… surely he wouldn’t have recognised her? It must be Travis he was looking at. Pushing the thought out of her mind she chuckled quietly. “Look, quick fling’s aren’t all that bad really, but everyones different. You’ll meet someone though… perhaps it might be good to uh… broaden the horizons with that. There’s only so many people our age in this place after all.” she smirked to him. “I had a few dates too in the city but it never really amounts to anything. Hardly have time for that sort of thing outside of work anyway and the few… brief… encounters I have had never really went anywhere. They all fizzle out in the end.” she shrugs her shoulders again, dropping her arms finally from being crossed over her chest. “Yeah, my parents are good folk, they’d do anything for anyone really… That’s one reason I’d never want them to come visit me. People like that get taken advantage of.” Cassie leans forwards across their table, nodding her head for Travis to do the same. “Do you… do you know that guy at the bar? Looking at us?” she subtly points in the direction with her hand on the table. Moments later they are interrupted by the return of the waitress and she leans back, smiling bright to the waitress and nodding in thanks as her own is put in front of her. Watching Travis sample his own lemonade and pull a face she laughed lightly, “Careful there, don’t want to drink it too fast and have it all go to your head.” Picking up her drink, she lifts the glass up in a ‘cheers’-like gesture before taking a sip herself. “Whoo… I forget that they don’t do proper shot measurements in this town.” she laughed, placing down her drink once again.

10:00 AM

Her hand remained on the glass though, her nails gently smearing through the condensation on the outside of the glass. As he picked up on her comment she had cut off she snickered lightly. “No, no, not attention. I was going to say that it would make you my brother… but that sounded too weird. And it still sounds too weird. I’d like you to remember that it is your fault that I had to say that out loud.” she reaches for the lime wedge on the edge of her glass and throws it towards Travis’ head with a smirk. As Travis reminisced again, Cassie tilted her head to one side, narrowing her eyes as she watched him. The memories brought forwards made her laugh some more and she blushed a little shaking her head and looking down at her drink. “Yeah well, I wasn’t going to let anyone just use you for their own gain. I mean… only I was allowed to do that to you. Plus…. You really made those few months easy on me for the chores, even if Ma had a go at me for ‘outsourcing’. Dad was… impressed, even if he didn’t want to admit it. He probably remembered that when he hired you.” she winks. “So you’re welcome for back then, and for getting the job this time too!” she giggles lightly, before sighing. “I found out because the quarterback, Jordan, had been hitting on me for a while and I never wanted to give him the time of day… It seemed, convenient, that after the last time I had rejected him suddenly you were getting invites out and such. He had made some comments about you before so…” she sighed and shrugged. “Guy was a Jerk. They were all Jerks. You deserved better friends then that.” ((So sorry for the long delay! Feeling bit better now)) @SleeptoKEN

Travis chuckled softly as he looked down at his lemonade. “For your information, I just got my license back, so I’d like to keep it that way, I asked you for a drink, never said alcoholic city girl.” He winked with a grin, laughing as he dodged the like she tossed at him. “Woah there, that’s not very fancy of you.” He teased, carefully grabbing his napkin as he picked up the lime and put it to the side, keeping his southern charm. “Well, Hannah forgot to mention, she told me I was an awful kisser after I got out of the pond, funny how you learn new things when your out of school.” He smiled, listening to her talk about the big city, and how different it is from their small town. Travis couldn’t help but hum, using his straw to stir his drink, he’d be lying if he hadn’t thought about moving out of the small town and into the city, to give his kid a chance at a new life, use his brains for something more then just farming. But the panic and stress of moving to the loud bustling city out a stop to those ideas, and made Travis more then grateful for the small town life they lived. “It sounds like an adventure.” He finally replied. “But I lost my sense of adventure a long time ago, and I’m not sure if my old heart can take any more spooks.” He chuckled softly, giving her a small smile, showing he appreciated her sharing her experiences in the big city, and allowing him to have a glimpse into her life. “Well, no quick flings aren’t bad, just not for max I’m not sure if I can handle a quick fling again, my heart just gets too attached to someone too quickly.” He admitted with a heavy sigh, Looking up at her with a raised eyebrow as she told him to broaden his horizons. “Well…..William takes me to Dallas some times, when he needs to get things for the cafe, or when we go see a movie.” He offered, rubbing the back of his neck as he laughed. “That’s probably not what you meant by broaden your horizons, but hey baby steps.” He snorted softly. Travis gave a sympathetic sm

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ile, understanding what she meant by they fizzled out. He nodded his head, looking down at the table, almost cursing when he realized he was glad she hadn’t found anyone yet, but it shocked him, why had that been the first thing he thought of when she told him that information. “Hate how people believe kindness is weakness for them to exploit; I wish people would just treat people as just that, people.” He sighed heavily as he sat up straighter. Looking at Cassandra with a confused looks. “Huh?” He asked looking over towards the bar, scanning the sea of people only to see someone staring at them. Travis looked back to Cassie giving a small sheepish smile. “Yeah, um. No need to worry he’s just…..a recruiter. He’s been trying to get me back in the rodeo since I got out of the hospital .” He explained. “And well, he can’t take no for an answer unfortunately.” Travis looked out the window, the downcast look falling back onto his frame, he though his first no would of been enough for the guy to leave him alone. But no matter how many no’s Travis spoke, the more yes’s his heart screamed. He really did miss the rodeo, but he didn’t want to to get hurt again, he was scared of getting hurt again. He had talked to Cassandra’s dad about this multiple times, but her parents had tried to encourage him to get back into it, he wasn’t convinced yet. “Um. Let’s ignore him yeah? Maybe he will go away and leave us alone.” He offered her a smile. “A brother? I’m more of a unwanted bug.” He laughed, the dark cloud leaving just as quickly as it came. “I take full responsibility, I’m so sorry I made you say that out loud.” He laughed wiping an imaginary tear away from his eyes as he grinned. He watched her with a small smile as she spoke about that day. He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Yeah, they were jerks, but you know what, it was fun being popular for a day, it made me see the world through your eyes, and the hardship you go though with it.”He explained softly. “It isn’t something+

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I’d wish on anyone.” Travis gave a small sigh as took another sip of his lemonade. “Unfortunately that’s what happens. The popular want to be more popular. And the people who sent born to be popular get dragged alone, but you know what, I bet one day you’ll be able to meet more not so popular people, who give you better friendships then that.” He said with a wide smile, winning at her as he continued. “Because that’s what a girl like you deserve. Genuine friendships not fake ones.” @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cassie screwed up her face as he made his reasoning for lemonade, her head rocking side to side as she imitated his comment about his licence before screwing up again to stick her tongue out childishly. “Yeah yeah alright, drinks don’t not mean alcoholic in the city you know…” she chuckles, reaching to take another sip of her own drink. She wasn’t sure if it was because the drinks were stronger, or the stress of coming out to visit her parents had just lowered her tolerance level, or maybe it was the bar atmosphere… either way, her head was already starting to get a little fuzzy and hyped. The comment about Hannah made Cassandra tilt her head to one side, perking a brow. “Oh really? And she was sure it was your fault? Because what I heard back then is Hannah kissed like a bulldog… slobbering all over…” Reaching for her glass again, she swirled it around so the liquid formed a slight whirlpool within. “Yeah the city can be considered an adventure I guess. At first it was at least. Now it’s just my standard day-to-day. It’s actually… not that exciting I suppose? It’s expensive so everyones just so busy with work. This last day or so has been… strange to say the least. I usually work 12 hours a day, weekends too.” her hand casually itched against her leg. “Being so out of contact feels unnatural for me.” “You head to Dallas with William? Oh… for… café stuff, right.” she snorts, shaking her head quickly. “You know my parents would look after Isaac for a weekend for you right? You should ask William to just leave you out there for 24 hours next time so you can have some fun.” smirking she flashed Travis a wink across the table. “And as for fling’s… I dunno, I guess they aren’t for everyone, though sometimes its just something you get used to. Things can be… much simpler without all the attachment”. Cassie followed his gaze back to the bar again, watching as the guy that had been looking in their direction raised a glass to Travis once he had looked his way. That at

9:27 AM

least confirmed the stranger wasn’t staring in her direction. She looked back to Travis with a perked brow, awaiting the explanation as to who he was. “Ohh… Wait all this time?” she frowns, looking back to cast a if looks could kill glare at the guy. “What a snake, preying on you the moment you recovered just for his own gain?!” her right hand raised to the guy, before flipping him a finger with a condescending smile and turning back to her drink. Perhaps it was giving her a little too much buzz… Noticing the change in demeanor of Travis as his attention had turned away, Cassie grew quiet, biting the corner of her lip as she watched him. The silence between them grew awkwardly until he turned back. “Are you sure you don’t want me to go over there and say something? Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve yelled at someone to leave you alone.” she shrugs, giving him another small smile. “Hey now! You’d never be an unwanted bug!” she comments, looking around for something else she could throw in his direction though nothing was available to hand immediately, fortunately for Travis. His comment about being popular made her roll her eyes slightly. “The whole popularity thing in school just wasn’t worth the headache in the end. Everything was always so drama-drama-drama. Another reason I’m glad I got out of this place… I didn’t wanna be stuck with those friends I had back then. They were all so fake… and so obsessed with other peoples lives. Do you know that Cath Langley tried to contact me a few months ago? She just wanted someone to complain to about Rachel apparently being some slut and stealing her boyfriend…” Cassie rolled her eyes with an eurgh noise. She laughed at the comment about friends however, shaking her head.

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“Yeah, the city isn’t really the place to be making not fake friends though. My office is pretty much just like high school, gossiping around the water cooler about who is sleeping with who, whose pregnant, whose just getting fat, whose cheating with their secretary… blah blah blah.” she snorted again, grinning to him. “I guess thats why I was pretty happy to see you… my only real friend I had in a long time, even if we did go through a long break.” she sighs, before furrowing her brow. “Did I… I don’t know. Did I do something? I was never too sure why we stopped speaking.” @SleeptoKEN

Travis grinned slightly, he couldn’t believe she had actually said that out loud. Giving a small hum, he set his lemonade down, giving her a sort of cocky look. “Well, I wasn’t going to humiliate poor Hannah like that, but I suppose it wasn’t the best kiss in the world, slobbery and all. Her husband sure liked it though they got together shortly after that kiss, so I suppose it wasn’t such a terrible time.” He replied calmly, picking up his lemonade again to take a drink. He couldn’t remember the last time he was able to go out and relax, sure he and William went out to relax every once and a while. But the hang outs were nothing like this , Cassandra just made him feel calm, and relaxed. He didn’t want this to end. When she mentioned drinks didn’t mean alcoholic drinks in the city, he couldn’t help but give her a skeptical look. “That may be so, but how many city folk do you know that want to go out for drinks, but don’t mean alcoholic drinks?” He asked her in a curious tone, he paused for a moment looking confused as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Actually , now that I think about it, how many country folk have non alcoholic drinks.” Giving a shake of his head, he turned his attention back to Cassandra, and listened to her talk about the city. He couldn’t help but frown, he understood how an exciting new chapter of your life could turn into a day by day pattern, that it became boring and not as exciting as the first day. It saddened him to hear her say that, he’s known she’s always wanted to live in the city, ever since highschool when they were buddies, she’d tell him about wanting to run to the big city to see what was out there, outside the small town walls. “Sorry to hear that Cas, I know you're out of your comfort zone, but maybe this is what you needed.” He replied softly, his eyes showing compassion and understanding. “Maybe being out of contact will give you a fresh start, one that will make things a bit easier or give you a new look on your life the

4:15 PM

re.” He smiled trying to remain positive, and give her a sense of hope that she won’t be trapped in the loop called life forever. With a playful roll of his eyes, Travis gave a small chuckle. “You do realize William did open his cafe right, so we head to Dallas to get things for the shop. That is where Costco is, and that is where he can get all the food, teas and coffee for a great deal .” He chuckled softly, taking another sip of his drink before he put it down on the table, watching Cas with a raised eyebrow. “Unfortunately, Issac is only comfortable staying a night or two at your parents house, and I have to be in town for him to be able to stay.” He replied with a soft sigh. “I’ve tried to get him to stay the entire weekend, but I ended up at your parents around 3 to pick him up. As for being in Dallas for 24 hours, I’ve done that too. Before I got custody of Issac, my first year out of highschool I went a little Buck wild. “ he said, having an embarrassed look on him as he looked back on the memory. “Yeah, let’s just say that’s another big reason I don’ t do flings, you’ll never know what you will wake up too. And by God i found out the hard way” he shivered shaking his head as he leaned back against the seat looking around the bar.

4:15 PM

Travis was quick to take Cassandra's hand in his, making sure the man wasn't able to see her flipping him off. “Cas please, he isn't bothering me by watching, if he wants to watch that is his right it's a free country.” he replied softly, trying to easy the atmosphere again, he carefully places their hands down on the table, watching her with wide eyes, afraid if he let go of her hand, that she would be on the attack again. “I know it isn't ideal, but hey I'm tough. I can handle a small stalking situation, besides we are here to enjoy our time, and we aren't going to let him ruin it. “ he said, remaining as calm as he could. He looked at her in the eyes showing that he was okay. Slowly he released her hand offering her a small smile. “I appreciate you wanting to go and defend me, but I promise you I am completely fine. I don't want you to get kicked out of a bar while you're visiting, that would definitely not be gentlemanly of me now would it?” he teased, his cheeks began to burn slightly. In that moment he was reminded of the times Cas had defended him against the football team when they were in highschool, her shouting at them and flipping them off. It brought back memories he hadn't thought about in a long time, he couldn't help but wonder if she too was thinking back on memories that haven't surfaced in years. Travis gave a laugh, as he shook his head. “I can only assume you were going to throw something at me, and i'm glad i took your last lime, but you gotta admit at first i was an unwanted bug.” he chuckled softly leaning forward against the table so they were eye to eye. “Popularity may not have been worth it in the end, but you gotta admit it did prepare you for a demanding job right?” he asked carefully sitting up listening to her talk, his grin slowly went away the more she talked. He hadn't realized how much of a headache her friend group had been back then. “Ah, um yeah I get that. She calls me every weekend and meets me at Williams. She isn't havin

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g the best time at the moment, sorry she only wanted to complain about Rachel. They are really trying to do better though, please don't let their complaining get to you they probably aren't sure what to say since they haven't seen you in a long while.” he admitted taking the last sip of his lemonade before setting it down on the table. Travis tried to see the best in everyone, it was his greatest flaw in life, no matter what that person had done to him he always made sure to see the good. He frowned heavily when she made the comment about the city and not being able to make non fake friends , he honestly couldn't see the appeal of the city especially if you could never be sure if you would be able to make good genuine friends. “Well, afraid that's most of the gossip here in town, but mainly it's who's engaged and who isn't. I'm not sure who is engaged or who is pregnant. But thankfully Williams' place is just full of elderly women so the gossip is pretty mild and not so much rumor making. That and they mainly gossip about his late wife.” he shrugged softly looking at her with a frown when she suddenly frowned her brows at him, he tilted his head to the side to look at her. His eyes widened when she asked if she had done something wrong because they had lost contact. That made him stop, looking at her with complete shock. He hadn't realized his no contact had hurt her so much.

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“Cas you didn't do anything wrong, I am so so sorry.” he said looking at her with wide eyes, full of remorse. “No you didnt do anything wrong, I um... I suppose that's my fault. I came up to the city after graduation, a month or two before my accident. I arrived at your office when you were doing your internship. I had flowers and was going to take you out to dinner as a surprise. But as soon as I got into the office and asked for you, this guy Trevor, said you had a boyfriend and he didn't take too kindly to me being there to flirt with you…i told him were friends, that i was there to surprise you and catch up. Sohe called someone over the phone, at the time I thought It was you but telling by your reaction i can tell i was dense and dumb for thinking that. Whoever it was said you didn't want to see me and to get on out of there. So i just took that as a forever.” he sighed heavily letting his head tilt forward as he looked at the table, he didn't want to tell that he had actually went to ask her out, but that was a confession for another time, right now he felt like the biggest jerk in the world. “I'm really sorry Cas, I should have called you, or had your parents message you, guess I'm just that dumb naive guy from high school huh?” he asked, running a hand through his hair looking at her with remorse. @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cassandra picked up her drink to take another sip, though she nearly spat it out when Travis mentioned that Hannah was now married. She tried to think back to their school days and who Hannah had been dating at the time, her jaw suddenly hanging open as she turned back to Travis. “No! Hannah and Kieran got married?!” she laughed, shaking her head gently. “You know I always thought he was gay… He was so timid around girls all the time and we all assumed that Hannah and he had made a deal to just pretend to date so people would stop talking about them. I never thought they would end up married…” she put down her glass, giggling lightly. “I guess it shows we don’t know it all at that age hm? Did they have kids?” She would take a deep breath, somehow… the discussions around their childhood friends was bringing a warm wash of nostalgia back to her. She didn’t regret leaving, and she didn’t regret losing contact with people, most people, but it was nice to hear all about how their lives turned out. As he apologised following her stories of the city, Cass would frown, shaking her head quickly and waving her head. “Nothing to be sorry about. It is what is it… nothing is going to be shiny and new forever.” she’d give a little sigh as she thought about that for a moment, before shrugging. “I wouldn’t have changed going out there though, and I don’t want to move back here. I’m standing by that it was the best decision I made. My life might not look… typical to some. I’m in my 30’s, without a husband, without kids, and in no rush to have either. People find that strange - but I do love my job and what I do and the people I meet.” Hearing the explanation regarding their visits to Dallas, Cass would screw her face up and shake her head, laughing lightly. “No no… people don’t go to Dallas to go to Costco! That’s not where the fun is! And that is absolutely not where you’re going to meet someone. You can’t… let your hair down in a Dallas Costco.” she’d grin to him, laughing lig

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htly and sipping her drink. It was going down fast… and the effects were heading to her head equally as fast. As he explained though the fact that Isaac wasn’t comfortable on his own for too long she would tilt her head to one side, peering at Travis. “Isaac’s a nice kid but… if he doesn’t want to stay with ma he’s probably old enough to manage a few hours at home on his own? It might do him some good too to know you’re out.. Living your life too. Because you still have one. It’s ok for you to go out and make the most of it too.” The sudden scolding for her showing some attitude towards the talent scout made her bite her lip to not giggle too much, looking at Travis as he pinned her hands down so she couldn’t throw any more gestures in the guys direction, though there were certainly a select few she would love to. She was about to argue back to Travis before he explained he was fine and he didn’t want her to be kicked out. Sighing she would shake her head lightly, before opening her hands to him in defeat. “Fine… fine, I’ll let it go, but just this once and only because it’s our first night out since I got back. I’m not making any promises though if we come out and he’s still here and doing the same thing again…” She would tilt her head to one side, watching Travis’ reaction to her comments to him. Though the statement about waking up to something unexpected changed her expression completely, her brow raising and a small smirk hitting her lips. “Wait… what is this? You’ve never told me this story before…” shed cross her arms on the table in front of her, leaning over towards Travis as she would grin to him. “Go on, what did you find?” The news that Travis was meeting with Cath every weekend took Cass back a bit in surprise, and she’d quickly sit back upright in her chair, her demeanour shifting slightly as she would peer over at Travis curious a moment.

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“You meet with her regularly… ?” she would repeat back to him to be sure she had heard him correctly. Picking up her glass, she would down the last of her Margarita before sliding the glass to the end of the table. “I think I need another drink” she would say quickly, waving her hand to get the attention of the barmaid and pointing to the empty glass. Afterwards, she would look back to Travis to continue the conversation. “You know… she always had a thing for you back in school, she wouldn’t admit it but whenever I asked her over she would always have to know if you were going to be there too before she would accept.” she explained quietly… or well, it wasn’t quite a full explanation for her shift in mood, but half of it. As their conversation took a turn into their history, Cassandra would shift a little in her seat, tucking one leg under herself where she was sitting. Fortunately, the barmaid arrived at just the right time with her new drink, which Cass accepted with a thankful nod to her before looking to Travis. She felt she was prepared for whatever might come, whatever the reason was he no longer wanted to be around her. Maybe it was a girlfriends choice, maybe he didn’t like the person she had become in the later years of school so had been glad when she had left. Maybe Cass had stepped in just one too many times on his behalf and he had simply had enough of her controlling so much of his life and his friendships… The fact he had come to the city though, was not what she was expecting to hear. She froze, surprised at the revelation as she stared at him across the table. Her shoulders would slump as he explained, her face forlorn as she dropped her gaze down to the table, shaking her head and muttering the name “Trevor” under her breath. She’d take her glass, sliding it out of the way before she would reach back across the table for his hands, hoping to catch them in hers and give a soft squeeze. “Travis.. I…” she started, though she felt like her heart w

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as breaking in that very moment, knowing one of her dearest friends had made so much effort to visit and then… thrown out? “I am so… so sorry. I honestly had no idea.” she sighed softly, thinking a moment. “I wasn’t with anyone… not for a long time after I moved to the city… but.. Trevor…” she drifted off a moment, wondering just how much information she should share. It was many years ago, and most of it she had put behind her for good she had hoped… there were certain memories she wasn’t wanting to delve back into. “Trevor had asked me out though, quite a few times. About a year and a half after I started there I found out that he had been turning away any male clients that had been asking to see me out of jealousy. I didn’t know he had been turning away friends too.” she sighed softly, looking up into his eyes. “I should of reached out myself… I am sorry. Can you forgive me?” @SleeptoKEN

Travis chuckled carefully getting napkins just in case Casandra did spit on herself. “Yeah, they did. I was actually at their wedding. I mean I helped watch the kids but I was still there.” He replied, looking at CAs with a bit of shock when she had told him her assumption people had made about the two of them. “I can tell you Kieran and Hannah are very much in love, I’d hate to hear what you all thought of me back in highschool.” He admitted with a small frown, he hated that for Kieran, he knew that Hannah and Kieran hadn’t really wanted to be public about their relationship, he just had no idea the rumors that had been going around about Kieran, now it made sense. “Um, actually they have about four kids now. They were blessed with a set of triplets and just recently had their last one. Poor Hannah, she always wanted a little girl but was blessed with all boys. They talked about maybe adopting once Hannah heals, she um ... .she didn’t have the best birth I’m afraid. Almost took her that one did, but now she is alright, with a healthy baby boy named Ezekiel, he looks like a spitting image of Kieran. That poor boy got his dads big ears, I hope he doesn’t get teased because of it. Maybe he will be like his daddy and grow into them, but time will tell.” He chuckled softly, carefully setting his dream aside as he looked back at her. He couldn’t help but give a small smile, he understood what she meant, sometimes people are just too comfortable getting into other people’s business, especially when it comes to marriage and kids. He raised an eyebrow when she mentioned she really wasn’t in a rush to have either at the moment. That he also understood, but he couldn’t help but feel the slight nag in the back of his head telling him not to get his hopes up, that crush from highschool would only be a crush from highschool. Nothing more, nothing less. “Well, I’m glad you love your job, I’ve always heard when you work and do something you love it will never feel like a job. I

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hope that is the way it is for you Cas.” He smiled at her. Travis laughed when she said people don’t go to Dallas for Costco. “Suit yourself! I highly enjoy going to Costco, the samples are amazing, I’m able to get my groceries for the month and still have enough to head to the butchers. You say it’s not fun, I call it the highlight of my adult life.” He grinned, but that grin slowly went away as she began to talk about Issac. He couldn’t help but be some protective and defensive, he really didn’t mean too, he knew Cassandra meant well. But Issac was his kid, no matter what others said. “Imma stop you right there Cassie, my kid isn’t a burden. You didn’t say that but me having a social life involved him, that’s what I signed up for when I became his parent. I am living my life, and just because it looks different then going out and partying doesn’t mean I’m missing out. I still hang out with friends, I still have a good time. I may not go out and drink every night, but I still have fun.” He explained to her, he really didn’t mean to sound snippy, but he had to make sure she got the point. “As for Issac being alone, I’m not forcing him to be alone. Yes he’s 17, but he’s been through way too much for me to force him to be alone. Especially since I am only a few months out of the hospital he’s not comfortable with me leaving. And before you ask, yes he's in therapy, and yes we are slowly working towards being alone, but for now it’s in his hands and at his pace.” He replied, seeming a bit hurt by her suggestion about his social life. Once he realized how rude he sounded and was being, he let go of her hand blushing heavily. “Sorry, I’m um. I’m a bit passionate about this stuff. I don’t want people to keep defending me, it’s my turn to stand up on my own two feet. I can’t have Isaac, William, your parents or you standing up for me forever.” He admitted, rubbing a hand on his arm anxiously. He really hoped she didn’t think he was mad or upset with her.+

7:50 PM

“If he comes up to me again I will talk to him, I’m not afraid of him, I just need him to back off and give me some space.” He admitted with a soft shrug. Looking at his empty glass of lemonade he really wished he had taken her to a different place, maybe he could feel a bit braver than he was feeling at that moment. His face became brighter when she asked what he found during his one and only one night stand, he sank in his seat carefully putting his hat on as he tried his best to hide his face, he now regretted mentioning his only fling. “I…um. Now Cassandra, that is not a gentleman like thing to do, talk on another ladies' behalf!” He protested looking at her with wide eyes, his face now as red as an apple, clearly whatever he saw wasn’t something he was willing to open up about. When she leaned closer he couldn’t help but lean back, becoming extremely flustered and embarrassed. “Don’t make me tell, I rather forget that night Cas, I don’t want to remember it.” He whispered, taking his hat off once again and fanning himself. “Is it hot in here ?” Once the subject changed Travis looked at Cassandra with confusion, not understanding if she was surprised or concerned that he was regularly meeting up with Cath. Frowning he watched as she pushed the glass towards the edge of the table and mentioned she needed another drink, pointing to the glass. He sighed softly “Yes, we meet up. After high school everyone dropped her as soon as graduation ended. She was also my Nurse when I landed in the hospital, so she checks up on me, you know with the memory loss and all. And I check up on her and make sure she’s okay.” He admitted softly looking down at the table, frowning softly when she mentioned Cath had a thing for him in school. He wasn’t sure what happened or why the mood had suddenly changed, but he wanted the topic of Cath over with and moved on. “Yeah, a lot of people have told me, pushed me to take her out on a date. It didn’t go well and we realized we were be

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tter friends and such.” He watched as she was given another drink, he carefully sat up, watching her. He wanted to make sure she was having fun but was safe while they were out for the night. He watched her take a sip of the drink, making sure she was safe before he slowly looked away. Once he had answered her question he anxiously waited her reply, hoping he hadn’t gotten anyone into trouble. He was extremely surprised she didn’t know about him being there in the city to see her . But judging by her reaction, whoever this Trevor was, he stepped over a boundary and made her not too happy. Rubbing the back of his neck, he leaned back in his seat, watching her talk. He had no idea what to do or say. “Cas don’t apologize, it’s okay really. At the time I didn’t want to upset you so I just didn’t want you to bother you or step over a boundary. I thought he was your boyfriend and I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable with me being there, or make your partner seem like I was a threat. But knowing now he wasn’t even your partner….well it kinda sucks and hurts a lot knowing that someone was able to trick me into thinking you really didn’t want to see me.” He admitted with a heavy sigh shaking his head, he had an annoyed look on his face, very angry that someone was able to trick him like that. And Cas you don’t have to ask for forgiveness, I was never mad at you I promise.” He said giving her a small smile. “And I hope that guy isn’t still working at your job because he sounds like a grade A tool.” He grinned gently holding his hand out for her to take, showing he had no hurt feelings towards her. Travis paused for a moment, a look of sheer confusion. He took a moment to gather himself, to those around him, it looked like he had lost his train of thought, or was having an episode of confusion. Maybe Travis wasn’t sure, but he looked Cassandra in the eyes, looking at her with slightly wide eyes.

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“I…remember something from my accident.” He said ignoring any look she gave him, so he could speak and get his train of thought out before he lost the memory. “I was being loaded into the ambulance, and I saw you. You held my hand the entire time they operated, telling me I better be okay, and you’d be angry with me if I didn’t make it, you’d drag me back from my cloud farm just to send me back.” He said his eyes seemed a bit distant as he was lost in the memory. He was wearing the same look he had that morning. After a few moments he looked back to Cassandra and smiled. “Your dad sent me to bring you home Cas, out partying again?” He teased, it seemed the trip down memory lane, caused him a little stress, which forced his brain to remove his most recent memory of them being out for the night. “Well, it’s a good thing I cleaned the truck, might as well take you for a drive huh? Unless you’ll be sick, then let me find you a plastic bag.” He replied putting his hat on his head. Waiting for her to tell him what she needed him to do next. @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

The discussion surrounding Kieran and Hannah made her chuckle a little, especially the description of the youngest being blessed with his father's ears, shaking her head lightly. It was all so weird to think how much everyone's lives had changed since Cassansra had left town... people had grown, found love, had families and were living their proper, adult lives. Cass felt a little like maybe she had got stuck in that time when she had left the small country town - she still thought and behaved like an 18 year old in social settings anyway. "I'm sorry she went through complications but... Good for them. I'm sure they love having a big family." As he brought the discussion back to her job though she would nod. She did love her job - it had been her dream and she was working hard to make it a reality. Perhaps one day she would be able to own and run her own architect firm. Usually the idea brought her joy, life, but for some reason now they had discussed everyone's lives moving on to having families... her dreams felt a bit shallow, a bit empty. What would she really have to show for herself? Sure.... maybe by the time she's 50 she could have her name on a building but what then? Who would she enjoy that with? And it seemed her mood was to continue on the downwards trajectory as Travis snapped at her over her comments about Isaac. She gulped a little, recoiling into her bench seat and meeting his eyes as he spoke. She wouldn't interject or get defensive - the way he had taken her comment had absolutely not been how she meant it, but she didn't want to argue with him, this was meant to be a night to reconnect after all, not for them to fall further apart. As soon as he let go of her she retracted her hand across the table quick, bringing it down to her side. His apology was met with a shake of her head quickly. "No... its uhm... I was out of line, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken out of turn, you're a good dad to him". With that her gaze turned away, looking b

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ack out at the bar.

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She could remember the first time they had been in. Cass had managed to get her hands on a fake ID from somewhere and, being a small town, the bartender really didn't care to look twice even though everyone knew everyone. She had gotten horribly drunk that time and ended up with her head in a bucket for most of the rest of the night and the biggest killer headache that came for her the next morning. His refusal to speak of his one night stand made Cassandra laugh lightly, though there was an element of respect there for him not wishing to kiss and tell. Her head would nod and she'd give him a light smile, letting the subject drop although she had made a mental note to circle back to it at a later opportunity if she could. Maybe if he chose to visit her again in the city, they could have a drink out together without him worrying about driving and she could push for a little more details then. It wasn't that she was particularly concerned with who it had been with.. just his behaviour suggested there was definitely something juicy he was hiding, especially in how flustered he became. It reminded her of him when he was younger, especially when they had first met, he seemed to be the kid who often got hot and flustered around her. As she looked out for the waitress with her drink, she would listen as Travis continued to speak of Cath. She wasn't sure why but she could feel her own discomfort rising - her and Cath had been somewhat friends, sure, but Cassie always had a feeling that she was just being used so Cath could get closer to Travis. Was she upset at being used though or just trying to keep them apart? That wasn't certain, but the idea the two seemed to have connected while she was gone just didn't sit right. As he explained that Cath had become his nurse after the accident, Cassie nodded her head.. that made sense, and it made her sad that she herself couldn't have been there more for him. The accident had been at a bad time, just before her first day on th

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e job and she was already scheduled to leave. Maybe she shouldn't have put her own dreams ahead but... they had already started to drift apart anyway. The idea that they had been on a date together really felt like a bit of a punch to the gut for Cassandra and she curled up a little, sipping her new drink as soon as it arrived but not commenting. She wasn't even sure what to say- sorry it didn't work out would be an absolute lie and one she wasn't even sure she could spit out. Then came Trevor, she shrugged her shoulders a little sadly as he spoke about how bad it felt now knowing he had been turned away by a lie and let their relationship dissolve. She wished he had messaged, said anything that would have let her know at the time it had happened... but she also knew she was equally to blame.

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Her drive to climb the corporate ladder had detached her from anything that wasn't work at that time. She could have reached out herself after all, there was no reason she should have left it to him to initiate contact. "Trevor got fired a few years ago. Myself and a few other women put in enough complaints that the bosses couldn't ignore it for much longer... well... especially after he got arrested for stalking me and breaking into my apartment." She knocked back more of her drink quickly to drown out that particular memory before reaching across the table to gently take his hand, giving it a light squeeze. That was when his expression changed. Noticing it, Cass put down her glass quickly and peered to him. "Tr.. Travis?" She spoke softly as he looked up to meet her gaze, a look of concern for him on her features. He spoke of the accident and she gulped, sitting up straighter. His memory wasn't wrong, she had been in town at the time briefly and rushed in when she heard what had happened. Of course she wasn't going to let him travel into the hospital alone and Isaac would have been far too young to accompany him. She gave a sad chuckle as he recounted her words, her eyes tearing up a little as she remembered the panic and fear she had that night, seeing him in a hospital bed. As soon as his demeanour changed though and he spoke of picking her up, Cassandra blinked back the tears and looked at him confused. "I... what?". She'd stare over the table at him a moment before realising what must have happened. Maybe it was the stress of the memory coming back.... maybe it was the stress of the whole night, but something seemed to have pushed on his reset button. Pulling on her hand she would remove it from his, before shifting to move herself out of the booth and moving over to slip in alongside him. She wasn't sure whether this was going to be the best move... she could of just played along and headed home but... she felt maybe he wouldn't want her to do that eit

1:56 AM

her, especially as their night out would no doubt be a discussion point back home. Reaching over she would take his hand nearest to her in both of hers, holding it gently at his side."Travis... my dad didn't send you to pick me up. You've been here... with me... the whole night. You invited me out for a drink so we could catch up... reminisce...." Her head would tilt to one side, her brown hair falling to one shoulder as she watched him carefully. "Maybe we did too much reminiscing... I think you might have had a memory lapse... its OK though." Her hands on his would squeeze softly. "Do you wanna leave? We can head home. You do have dad's truck."

1:56 AM

@SleeptoKEN

Travis gave a soft sigh, he hadn’t meant to snap at her, he was very sensitive when it came to Isaac. He rubbed the back of his neck, he really didn’t like when he got overly passionate and his words came out harsh. He took a moment to calm himself down, before he looked at Cassandra giving her a guilty look. He really needed to work on his words, and how he expressed them in times of distress. Especially now, when his distress caused his brain to restart like a computer. He gave her a confused look, as if trying to put the pieces together, he wasn't sure if she was telling the truth, until he saw the keys in his hand, and his glass of lemonade being refilled, by the waitress who had walked over. He gave a soft hum as he rubbed the back of his neck, offering a sheepish smile. “Guess your right!” He said looking at their hands, his face going slightly red. “It’s alright, I think I may have gotten a bit too excited. It happens sometimes, maybe it’s a sign my brain is healing .” He winked as he carefully put the truck keys on the table as he smiled up at Cassandra. “You actually agreed to go out with me? Man, we are definitely not in highschool anymore.” He teased with a shake of his head. He took a moment to close his eyes, gathering all his thoughts as he tried to process them, and make sure he knew where he was. “We are at the old bar downtown.” He began. “You and I are having a drink and talking about old times? And your dad let me use your truck. Okay I think I remember some of that. “ he nodded, giving her a grateful smile, as he was starting to remember bits and pieces of the night. “Are you hungry? I’m so craving some chicken bites and cheese sticks. “ Travis smiled carefully grabbing the menu as he began to look at it, after a moment he looked up at her with a frown. “You okay Cas? You don’t seem like your feeling okay.” He said gently holding her hand , he had a worried look on his face as he gave her his full attention. "talk to me maybe i can help you

5:42 PM

not feel so anxious? i mean i can try my best." @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cass took a deep breath as she watched Travis look around, taking in the sights and evidence of his attendance to the evening, the refill from the waitress could not have been more aptly timed. Her brow was furrowed though with worry as she kept an intent gaze on his expression... would the fact he had forgotten while he was out panic him? Was this the first time it had happened without going to bed? The sheepish grin he would give though would calm some of her worries, and she would slowly nod in understanding to him. However, she wasn't quite ready to release his hand from her grip as it was giving her some comfort too, so she would simply sit back, sinking a little more relaxed into the booth seat next to him. "Mhm... maybe it is a sign... but, have you mentioned that you have these episodes when you're awake to your doctors?" OK, maybe all the worry wasn't gone from her just yet as she watched him carefully. The fact his mind reset mid conversation with her certainly didn't feel like it could be a good sign of healing, and she couldn't help but think how dangerous it could be to him if it happened at a bad time. What if he had been driving? Or if he had taken Isaac somewhere and reset while the kid was out of sight... These weren't concerns that needed to be discussed now though and would be saved for a more, stable, moment. As he mentioned about her agreeing to go out with him she chuckled a little, tilting her head to one side as she peered at him. "What do you mean? We used to go out all the time... I mean, it wasn't ever just us like this... but you were usually the sober one so i guess some things don't change" She would flash him a playful grin before reaching over the table to grab her drink again, releasing only one hand from his, the other remaining firmly in his grip. She took a careful sip of her drink as her intentions to get particularly drunk that night were no longer there, she needed to maintain at least some sense she felt to keep an

1:13 AM

eye on him. It was how they always were though... he would keep an eye and look out for her, and she did the same back. It was funny how quick they slipped so easily into old habits. As he grabbed the menu she would briefly look over it, before shaking her head. "I'm not particularly hungry... I'll just steal some of yours like the old days." She would give a small chuckle with a grin to him, though she was hesitant now about bringing back so many memories. She didn't want another relapse tonight, she had already dealt with his memory slips twice today, she wasn't sure her anxiety and worry could handle a third. It seemed that anxiety was showing though. Travis attention turning back to focus in her made Cassandra let out a heavy sigh. She didn't want him worrying about her... especially not worrying about her worrying about him. She shook her head again, giving him a light smile. Her hand interlocked with his gave a light squeeze. She reached over to take his hat with her free hand, bringing and putting it on her own head with a chuckle. "I'm okay, really. I'm going to worry about you, it's what I do, you know that..." Her eyes dropped to their clasped hands between them and she suddenly felt the warmth of a blush rising into her cheeks. She wasn't sure ever in their history had they just sat side by side, hand in hand, and now she didn't need to be worrying over him she wondered if it was weird for her not to pull away...

1:13 AM

@SleeptoKEN

Travis hummed softly as he looked at Cassandra, he thought about her words when she asked if he'd talked to his doctor about the day's episodes. He gave a small nod. “I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon, your dads letting me get off early so I can go. So I’ll mention it to him, I can’t imagine it would be too much of a problem.” He said softly as he looked at Cassandra with a small smile, taking a sip on his lemonade holding her hand. He felt guilty for scaring her, these episodes were never fun to witness, he could only imagine how anxious it had made her when he just suddenly forgot. He gave a small grin as he chuckled. “We went out in a group, there was only one time it was you and me, but that was win I brought you home after a party.” He chuckled softly. “Your dad thought I got you drunk, I have never seen him so angry at someone until that night. Well thankfully you told him what had happened and I got off the hook.” He smiled Travis looked at their hands for a moment , just watching what she was doing, he gently stroked her hand with his thumb as he hummed, staying silent as he basked in the peace and calm of the night, he couldn’t help but feel thankful for this sort of second chance at being able to see her again. After the trip to New York he was sure he’d never see her again, it took a long time to accept that fact, but now that she was here, he couldn’t help but feel thankful for this chance. Even if it was just drinks with a friend, he just really hoped his memory wouldn’t. He snorted. “Hey now, I’m a growing boy Cas, I need all the food I can get. But I guess I’ll be a gentleman and share with you” He winked, waiting for the waitress to come back. He ordered boneless wings, and cheese sticks for them to eat. Once the waitress left, he looked at her with a small smile, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “Cas, I appreciate you worrying about me. If it makes you feel a bit better, when I first got out of the hospital I use to walk around the t

11:44 AM

own like I was someone’s lost grandparent. Now at least I can tell what street I’m on.” He joked trying to keep it light hearted. “I promise I’ll be okay, I’m sorry I scared you, I truly am. I will talk to my doctor about what happened tonight and I will make sure we find a solution .” He promised her. “I would never lie to you about something serious and I’m not going to start now , I’ll be okay Cas I promise. Please don’t be scared.” @👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯

Cass was a little surprised by how willing Travis was to visit the doctor so soon, heeding her concerns, though she was a little more concerned that it suggested perhaps he hadn't mentioned it before... perhaps it hadn't happened before really. Like that. In the middle of the day or a social situation. Chewing the inside of her cheek, Cass quietly stared at the woodgrain of the table in front of her for a moment, before speaking up. "Would it be OK if I came with you? Not like... into the appointment... but perhaps would be good if you had someone else there who could drive you home in case it gets... intense?" She wasn't sure that going would help to alleviate the anxiety she felt over his memory loss incidents, but it at least would make her feel like she could do something to help, as right now she felt personally responsible for 2 incidents in not much more than 24 hours since she arrived back in town. Cass listened to the story from their youth with a raised brow though as she watched the table, chuckling lightly as she remembered the rage her father had been in, practically throwing Travis out the front door while screaming that there was no way that boy was going near his daughter again. It was funny to think how much things changed since then - it wasn't much later then that that Travis would be the one her father would call to go find her and bring her home when she missed curfew. "Yeah well... what's a dad if not over-protective hm? I'm pretty sure though there was a point where he decided he believed more that came out of your mouth than mine. I remember the other times you'd took me home drunk and he would ask me a question... then ask it to you because he didn't believe anything I said." Cass giggled again quietly, curling slightly towards his arm and their joined hands. Following the giggle, Cass gave a soft sigh, shaking off the anxiety and worry just as the waitress came to take the order. When she turned to Cassandra, she would shake her

12:23 PM

head, declining to order anything for herself. "Gentleman or no, you know you'd have no chance keeping me from your food anyway." She teased lightly until the waitress had left earshot of them, hearing Travis pull the conversation back to his health. Slowly, she would nod her head to him. It wasn't that she doubted his words or the honesty behind them, nor that he was keen to get it resolved too. It was more the overwhelming feeling of helplessness that came with the news he shared. "I just wanna help, however I can." She would punctuate again, shrugging her shoulders to him. Her drink still had a little in, but she reached with her free hand to move it away from her, not keen on the idea of getting anymore drunk that night as they progressed. There may be too much in her already to pass a breathalyser test, but she at least felt she still had enough sense to drive if really needed to. It wasn't long until the waitress returned with a tray stacked with the food Travis had requested, placing it down on the table in front of the two of them. After confirming if any additional condiments were wanted she would leave. Cass immediately reached over to grab herself a cheese stick with her free hand, either consciously or subconsciously maintaining their hands together between them, as her free hand certainly wasn't her dominant one she would usually eat with.

12:23 PM

@SleeptoKEN

Travis gave her a soft smile, carefully rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. “Hey, it’s gonna be alright, it only happens every so often. But I will let my doc know.” he said softly. He carefully leaned back as the food was placed in front of them. He waited for the waitress to walk away before he continued. But before he didnt he couldn't help but smile, as he watched her pick up a cheese stick to eat. “How did I know you'd go for those first?” he teased softly with a smile, carefully taking a bite of the one he had picked up, he had hummed as he enjoyed the fresh taste of the melted cheese. After a bit he couldn't help but look at her every so often, giving her a soft smile. Travis still couldn't believe she had agreed to go and have dinner with him. He figured she would have told him no that she didn't want to go back down on memory road. But here they were. ‘So, what are you going to do when you get back to the city? Going to forget us simple folk for the high life? Or plan your next visit?” he teased, carefully taking another bite of his cheese stick. “You know, my vote is for you to come visit more often. We aren't that bad over here, well….i'm not that bad no matter what your dad says.” he chuckled If he was being honest he didn't want her to go back, he missed this. Missed the days they would drive the country road, while she vented about anything and everything on her mind. Or when she would hound him to talk to her when he had a bad day, and wouldn't talk to anyone about it. If he was being really honest, he missed her presence in his life, the only constant and positive thing in his life at the time. When the fame of barrel racing made him gain an ego, she was always there to knock some sense into him and made sure he stayed humble. He looked down at his food, a small smile plastered on his lips as a thought came to his mind. “It would be funny if something happened and made you fall back in love with the small city.” he said looking at her with a

5:54 PM

smug grin, one that resembled his highschool grin when he had a plan (that would most likely fail) brooding. “But hey, a city girl like you, it would take a miracle or 10.” he winked at her. Travis grabbed his Lemonade and took a sip, before he made a horrible face putting it down. “That was tart!” he coughed, shaking his head a bit. He looked up at Cassie giving her a sheepish look. “So ignoring all of that, what are your plans? Any fun things you want to do while you're visiting? Anyone you wanna go see? Wanna go on a trail ride?” he grinned asking a million questions at once. It was obvious he was trying to keep the mood light and happy, even more so when he realized the Rodeo helper was still watching them. “You know, the rodeo is having their annual beauty contest, you should try out.” he suggested he was being genuine, he really thought she would win the contest with flying colors, heck he knew she would probably blow everyone out of the waters. “What do you think?” he asked her with a curious look, his head tilting to the side as he watched her wondering what she would say, or how she would react to his sudden question. He knew it was a sudden and random question, if he was being honest it was a selfish question, he was worried she’d leave quicker then she had come, he wanted to be and spend as much time with her as he could, before she would leave. He wasn't sure when the next time he'd see her would be so if this would be the last time he'd see her for a long time, he wanted to make sure he cherished this time with her as much as he could.