The Hayride: Chap. 1

The Hayride1

Chapter 12

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When dad brought home the old, wooden trailer, I cringed. It was a hideous sight, the wooden paneling on the bottom was faded, and there were bits of rotting hay stuck in the old tires. The fencing around the edges was completely rusted, and the hauling device smelled of fecal matter. Dad said he bought it for a meager fifteen dollars from an old farmer. I think he might have used it once or twice... but soon sold the old thing for twenty dollars. 4

I never appreciated what something can mean to someone, until I met Davin McGee. He was handsome for a middle-aged divorcee, and dressed the part of someone that would need such a trailer. When dad asked him why he wanted the old thing... he told us the story.5

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“A hayride, mom? What do you take me for, some kind of hick farm girl?”7

“Denise... you are a hick farm girl. Being 18 doesn't’t make you any less the farmer’s daughter.”8

“But Mom, it’s 1976! People don’t go on hayrides anymore. Especially not people like me. I don’t belong on a farm! I belong in New York City!”9

“No you don’t, sweetie, you belong here. Besides, who would take care of the animals?”10

Denise didn't’t like this answer, and stormed away to her small bedroom, where one of two baby chicks squealed upon her arrival. The fat one, Charlie, nipped at her leg, while Tucker just squawked in his corner.11

“Oh shut up you guys... you’re not helping.” Denise knew that in her heart she was meant for something big. She could have been a model, her tall, thin frame perfect for such activity. She was also gorgeous, with waist-length locks of dark brown, all adorned with the brightest green eyes. 12

She sighed, leaning back in her bed. The sheets had been homemade by her grandmother, adorned with tiny blue flowers. She had always loved them, but felt they were so downtrodden. It was quite obvious the disgust of her farm home.13

Rising from her comfy spot, she walked over to her window, laying her eyes on the brand-new trailer in the back field. It had dark wood paneling on the bottom, and shiny steels fencing for a railing. She found delight in this simple object, and began the journey to her new toy.14

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The trailer wasn't’t really hers, but her dad had bought it as a business venture. His pick-up truck hadn’t been enough to carry the loads of vegetables to the farmer’s market, and acquired the hauling device for its obvious use.16

But now, its use was a bench. Denise Sat still on the trailer, her back to the mile long driveway that led to her house and to the garden. She heard a truck rolling up, but took no notice, figuring it was her father.17

“Well, I didn’t know this thing came with a girl... I would have raised the rental price.” The voice from behind was strong, southern, and young. Denise jumped from her seat, brushing off her pants as if they had been covered in dirt, her long hair blowing softly in the tranquil breeze.18

Her eyes landed upon a man, his unruly blonde hair whisping about, with brown eyes that smiled back at the girl. “Who- Who are you?”19

The man smiled, offering a hand to Denise. “I’m Davin McGee, I live down the street. I’m the one who organized the hay-ride! Well... my parents, actually.” Davin blushed softly at this statement, almost ashamed that he still lived at home.20

“You live with your parents? How old are you, 25?” Shock flew from her voice as she jumped down from the trailer, moving to shake hands with the neighbor.21

“Twenty-five? I wish! I’m twenty. I’m guessing you’re... 17, 18?” He shook the girl’s hand as gentlemanly as possible.22

“I’m eighteen... how did you guess?” She knew she didn’t look her age, but how did he know it off the bat?23

“Well... I’m only two years older then you, so I know what eighteen year Olds look like.”24

Denise, shrugged, shoving her hands into the back pockets of her tight bell bottoms. “So you guys are using our trailer in the hayride?” Just another reason why she wouldn’t want to go.25

“Yeah, we are. That’s why you’re family will get to ride for free. You are coming, right?” There was a bit of hope in his voice, since most that were coming were lonely farmer’s and their lonely wives, or young farmer’s, their young wives, and their very young children.26

Denise stopped, biting her lower lip. “Yeah... I’m coming!” She was now, at least. Davin wasn’t ugly... and she noticed that.27

“Great! I’ll guess I’ll see there then. Hey, can you help me hitch this thing to my truck? It’s hard for just one person.” Davin motioned to the back of his truck, where a large steel hitch bulged from the fender.28

“Yeah... I’ll help.” Denise smiled and walked to the back of his truck, beginning to ready the hitch.29