The Hayride: Chap. 2

The Hayride1

Chapter 22

---3

All around me, the smells of a hot, summer, country evening engulfed the atmosphere. My dad stood over by the large bonfire, chatting and sipping on a cold brew. My mom was sitting on the back of our neighbor’s truck, her cotton dress floating in the soft breeze. 4

I had spent all afternoon thinking of Davin, knowing that I was slowly falling for the man that I had only met once. I hadn’t seen him since we arrived, but I did spot our trailer. Being the anti-social one, I walked over and fell into the position I had been in when we first met. My knee-length sundress was tucked beneath my legs, and I snuggled in to my brown sweater. I had spent hours picking out this dress, denying the whole time that I liked Davin. I really did, but I still wouldn’t admit that.5

It was right when the clock struck 8 o’clock that I saw Davin. He had pulled up beside my dad’s truck, and got out from behind the wheel. He was dressed in a pair of loose blue jeans, a long sleeve, flannel shirt adorning his chest. He looked nice, and even his blonde hair was combed neatly. 6

I immediately jumped from my position and walked over to the group he was standing near, trying my best not to act shy, or as if I fancied him. “Hey, Davin...” I said meekly, my voice trailing as I spoke his name.7

He was standing near some older men I didn’t recognize, a beer in his hand. It was the same kind my dad had been drinking. “Oh, hey Denise, how are you?” 8

He pulled off the cool look, trying to act as if he didn’t associate with someone only two years younger. I didn’t mind, but a couple of his buddies snickered. To be honest, I was surprised. “I’m good. I was just coming over to say hey.” I turned around, walking back over to my mom. I leaned on the truck and sighed, as they blew the whistle to start loading up.9

----10

“So there I was, knee deep in pig shit, when she showed up. It was the most humiliating moment in my life.” Davin was lying on his back, his head pillowed against a large hay bundle. It was during the re-telling of his prom night story that I had snuggled close to him, my head landing on his chest.11

We were in the back of my trailer, by ourselves. The hayride had ended, but our relationship was still growing. There were still a few stragglers around the large farm, but most had gone home. My parents still hung around, but they were inside the house. I lay in Davin’s arms, a large, plaid blanket covering us both. I smiled as I listened to his voice, falling in love with him as the moments went by.12

“Well, did your prom night end like most do? Even with the pig shit beginning?” I asked him, suggesting exactly what he thought I was suggesting. 13

“Well... I’ll only answer that if you answer the same question.” He replied, a twinkle in his brown eyes.14

“No... mind didn’t. You see, I didn’t exactly have a date.” It was true, for the most part.15

“Oh... well... mine did. I somewhat regret it, though. That’s the only time, I promise.” He said, watching my reaction. I didn’t mind, and I wasn’t accusing him of anything.16

“She’s a lucky girl.” Was all I said, leaning back into the nook of his arm. It was so warm there, I never wanted to leave.17

“Right now, Denise, I’m a lucky man...” His voice trailed off, and he leaned close to me. I could smell his warm breath, the scent of hot chocolate lying there. I slowly shut my eyes and melted into his kiss, our lips joining to create a sensation so wonderful.18

We stayed like that for God knows how long. I remember very clearly though, his hand slipping down beneath the blanket, caressing my side, then my thigh, and then the hem of my dress. My skin burned on the trail his hand left, and tingles sped up my spine. My own hand wandered down to his belt buckle.19

Before I knew it, my life changed forever. I was lost in his touch, in the ecstasy he brought. But none of it, was worth it...20

------21

“Before we go in my house, Davin... I’ve got something to tell you.” My voice trembled, and my hair flew wildly in the thunderous wind. Above us, thunder boomed in the distance, and dark clouds rolled about threateningly. I stood in my brown sweater, and a floor-length skirt. Davin was before me, dressed in a nice pair of slacks. Tonight would be when he met my parents.22

“Ok, what is it, Denise? Make it fast, sweetie... it’s about to rain.” He sounded rushed, and worried as we stood on my front porch. 23

“I’m pregnant.” It had been two weeks since the hayride, and I had found out a week before. I knew when I spewed up my bacon that morning that I was carrying Davin’s child.24

I watched Davin’s face fall, his eyes moving down to my stomach, so wonderfully hidden by a sweater. I wasn’t showing, but the naivety in me led me to wear nothign but baggy shirts around my parents.25

It was at the moment that Davin’s jaw dropped that my mother opened the door, the smells of a home cooked meal wafting through the threshold. “Well hey there, kiddies! Ya’ll best come on in before it rains!” 26

My mother ushered us both in the back door, smiling largely at my boyfriend. “You’ll be Davin, I presume?” My mother was old fashioned, and full of smiles. Her slightly wrinkled face was full of glee, her green eyes warm. She struck out her hand to shake Davin’s, waiting for a response from the father of my unborn child.27

Like a light had been turned on in his brain, his face too, lit up. He shook my mother’s hand, offering an introduction, and plenty of compliments. 28

We had dinner like normal that evening, and my parents soon explained how much they thought of him. He seemed like a very sweet boy, and were glad that he and I had hit it off so well.29

I’ll always remember how well of an actor Davin was that night, and he’ll always be deserving of an oscar.30