Love Is Worth Waiting For A Halloween Tale (closed for Momoftwins13 and Nyghtcaller)

[nyghtcaller205]

Pine River GA sat just off old state highway 70 about 10 miles north of the edge of the Okefenokee swamp. The town had about 5,000 residents and wasn't much to look at honestly. The actual city consisted of 8 blocks and 4 red lights. There was the elementary school and the combined Jr. high and Senior high in one building. But it was quiet and the crime was low where everyone knew each other which was good and bad but mostly good.

It seemed to be an ideal place to raise a family but in the deep south small towns often harbored large and dark secrets. Pine River was not an exception to this rule though few current residents knew more than a few fire side stories concerning the town's history and dark past. What was know people considered to be nothing more than ghost tales made up to scare the children.

There was one resident however that knew the truth and also knew that soon a time of reckoning would fall upon the town and its residents.

Pine River had not always been at it's present day location. Though few talk about the original location or the reason for moving Pine River was located 8 miles to the south east on the very edge of the great Okefenokee Swamp. The town had been established around 1792 four years after Georgia became a state. It was settled by a small group of Europeans who had fled from the Baltic area of that continent due to religious repression like many people who came to America.

But unlike many other religions theirs was a dark religion filled with the supernatural. Essentially they were considered witches and gypsies by their fellow country men and whenever something bad happened it was automatically their fault.

The town prospered due to its location near the swamp and travelers would often stop to rest, trade or stock up on supplies as they made the journey around the huge morass which was deadly and almost impenetrable.

But around 1825 the town inexplicably burned to the ground or so the official story goes and rather than tear down and rebuild the town just relocated then rebuilt. It also served to remove them from the ever encroaching edge of the swamp as the it had been approaching the town by ten feet or more a year.

The remains of the old town are all but gone but if one wanders into the edge of the swamp you can still find a few reminders of what was and is now gone. A few stone steps, the remains of stone floor of a few buildings, and various man made objects not yet completely claimed by the relentless vegetation.

The coming of Halloween always brings on increased reports of lights in the swamp, increased sightings of black wolves (though there are no official records of wolves in the area) and many other strange happenings. The lights are written off as swamp gases but they always increase in number the closer you get to Halloween. In the towns ancient past there are numerous reports of young children gone missing never to be heard from again but that is part of legend as the towns original records were lost in the fire.

Lita was had just turned 92 years old a few months ago but she still lived alone on the edge of town. Her wooden shack in disrepair sat at the end of a wagon trail in the middle of a large grove of trees. These trees were ancient and moss clung to the huge and knotted branches. She still made a living selling her "cures" in town which she concocted from herbs and roots harvested from the edge of the swamp. In fact she owned 300 acres of property which backed right up to the swamp.

Townsfolk claimed she was off her rocker and had been for years. Some even claimed she was a witch but she never caused any problems and other than the few teenagers that would drive by her place at night and blow their horns or occasionally get the nerve to roll her yard everyone left her alone.

Today found Lita sitting on her porch staring out into the swamp. "He is angry and wants blood from this town", she said out loud to no one. "If its blood he wants then it is blood he will get."

Lita truly loved this town as her family had been one of the original settlers as many of the townsfolk had descended from them. But they refused to embrace their true heritage choosing instead to make up their own past. Lita however fully embraced that heritage in all its glory.

She thought hard for a few minutes grabbed a bras bowl and poured a purple tinged powder into it. She lit a candle and uttered a short incantation. She then dropped a lit match into the bowl and it burned purple for a few seconds before an acrid dark colored smoke rose into the air. "Perhaps there is a way", she thought out loud if she is willing to follow her heart.

 

[momoftwins13]

Madison Nichols woke up at five AM, just like every other weekday and pulled on a pair of jeans, a button up flannel shirt, and get rubber boots. She quickly brushed her teeth and pulled her hair into a ponytail at the nape of her neck, then darted down the stairs of her apartment, located above Mrs Jensons garage.

When she had enrolled in college at eighteen she had insisted on moving into the finished apartment for privacy so she could study in peace every night. Her college was only forty five minutes away so she chose to live at home as opposed to in dorms on campus.

Her friends had all chided her, saying she was missing crucial party opportunities, but Maddie didn't mind. She wasn't fit for many social events at that point in her life anyway.

Now she had graduated with a degree in business administration. She had just opened her very own store. "Willpower" was her baby, offering women's clothes to those seeking durable yet fashionable outfits for outdoors, as well as country western decor for homes, gifts, homemade crafts from local vendors, and even some horse supplies like some handcrafted tack and specialty brand feed and treats. It was a country folks dream store and her pride in joy.

Her grand opening was in two weeks and she spent day after day in the store preparing for that day. At give am she was heading to the barn though. She needed the time to exercise and care for Houston, her buck skin American Quarter House.

Her father, a rich, strong political figure in the town, reminded her constantly that they had stable hands to do these jobs but she enjoyed them. She enjoyed the bonding time with Houston.

She also had a date that night. Those were few and far in between with starting her new store and her general reluctance to get involved with someone. But Jeff had been a perfect gentleman and Maddie thought maybe it was time To put herself back on the market. He might be worth it.

*12 Hours Later*

Maddie pulled into the parking lot of DeeDee's, a local dinner known for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and delicious home cooked food. Jeff immediately walked up and opened her door, before escorting her inside.

Jeff had been in school with her since day one but they had never before dated. It was a very different feeling. They chatted easily as they sat, perusing the menu they both knew by heart.

Maddie had a feeling sparks wouldn't be flying on this date... But she figured she had to stay somewhere. It had been 4 years since her last meaningful relationship.

And really... Who knew? Anything could happen.

 

[nyghtcaller205]

Brody Rivers stepped up into his old 4 wheel drive Chevy Z71 pickup. It had been two years since he had driven it and then only for a few miles. Brody had left it at home when he went away for college on a football scholarship. His dad parked it out in the old barn and would drive it from time to time just to keep it in good working order.

Brody let his hands slide over the steering wheel and thought about how much fun this old truck had seen from the time of his sixteenth birthday until he had graduated from high school. All the mud riding, loud music, skipping school had all been possible because of this truck. It was like a long lost friend but it just was not practical to college with him so he left it at home.

Brody turned the key and the engine roared immediately to life not that he expected it not to. His Dad would have made sure that truck would be in pristine condition this he had no doubt.

Brody had only just graduated from college with a degree in forestry but this had not been his original dream. He had been the star running back for Pine River High school for three years. He had earned all state honors, MVP of the state championship game as he had rushed for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. He had his pick of college scholarships and quickly signed with an in state school a few hours away. His freshman year he played backup at the half back position but still managed to rush for over 600 yards. By his sophomore year he had become the starting half back. Talk of a NFL career became realistic when he rushed for almost 1,500 yards. There was even some Heisman chatter being thrown about in regards to his name and his stock was rising.

That all came crashing down in teh middle of his junior year when he planted his right foot started to cut and a 300lb lineman fell into the side of his leg. He felt and heard it pop as he fell to the turf. As he watched the ball roll out of his hands he saw his NFL career bounce out of reach forever lost. He had torn his ACL and MCL. He worked hard to rehab and come back as his old self but he had lost not only speed but that ability to cut and turn on dime without slowing down that made him so dangerous in the open field.

Brody then concentrated on finishing school and earning his degree as he finished his last years playing football as a back up to he new freshman that was now the next best thing. He had no regrets and played the cards he had been dealt even if they did seem cruel. He had always believed things happen for a reason and this would be no different. Deciding to come home for a few months before getting down to job hunting brought him to this point in time.

Brody pulled into the old dinner he had missed since leaving home. He parked the truck in the same spot he parked when he and his friends would hang out here after hours. The place was busy as always because the food was probably the best in town.

Brody walked in and looked around seeing a few familiar faces and even few people waved to him. Looking for a table, as this was a seat yourself kind of place, Brody scanned the room. That was when he saw her, Madison Nichols, his old high school sweet heart. The one and only girl he had ever cared about. But she was from the other side of town. Her Dad was not only the Mayor but the richest person in town. He had hated Brody the moment he found out they were talking on the phone. "Brody just wasn't from the right kind of people" he would tell his daughter.

Brody's family were nothing more than good ole dirt farmers who worked hard for a living every day of their lives. Brody had bailed hay, milked cows and fixed fences for two hours before school and then fed the animals immediately after football practice. Hard work had been a part of his life for as long as he could remember along with scarred knuckles and a nice tan from hours spent sweating in the sun.

The last time he had taken Madison or Maddie as she prefered to be called, out her father was waiting on him when they got back. He told Maddie to go on in he needed to talk to Brody. It was then that Brody was given a choice. Either stop seeing Maddie or her father would make sure his Dad would lose the farm to the bank. Times had been had and his family was struggling to make ends meet. If not for a restructuring of their mortgage they were going to go into foreclosure. If Brody walked away he would make sure his Dad got that new mortgage it was his choice.

It was also the hardest choice he had ever made but in the end family won out. He simply told Maddie he was leaving for college before long and that it would be best if they didn't have to suffer a long distance relationship. Oh she cried and offered to come with him to school but he said no her dream was to attend a closer school that many of her family had graduated from. They talked from time to time at first on the phone but soon that stopped as he had gotten caught up with the campus life of a football player. So many girls wanted to go out with him and he went out with many but it was never serious and he had never fully forgotten Mattie and how he felt about her at one time in his life.

Now for the first time in four years he was in the same room with her and she was sitting across from, was that really Jeff the guy he had beat up in 8th grade? Were they dating, married, did they have kids? At least her father would approve as his family did live on the correct side of town.

Maddie looked more beautiful than he remembered and not like the prissy little sorority girls he had dated in college. No she was a real beauty and had only gotten prettier with age. He walked slowly to a table that had just been vacated in the middle of the room where he could see her but still be behind Jeff. He waited to see if she would look up from the menu.

 

[momoftwins13]

Maddie decided on the pot roast and potatoes for dinner. A delicious home cooked meal like that always hit the spot. She lowered the menu and looked at Jeff. "I think im gonna have the p-". The rest of her sentence stopped abruptly as her eyes traveled beyond Jeff to the table behind him.

They connected with the same pair of eyes that haunted her dreams nightly. Chase Dixon. Her heart tripped in her chest and she couldn't take her eyes away from his.

Suddenly she was back four years ago. She and Chase had just gotten back from a wonderful date when her Dad pulled Chase aside. They had talked. Chase had left. She hasn't heard from him for two days and her world had come crashing down.

Chase had broken up with her. They were over just like that. She had tried for weeks to get him back. She had sobbed into her pillow. Cried in the hallways. Begged him to take her back. All to no avail. Eventually all contact had ceased.

She hadn't talked to him in three and a half years. She hadn't dated in that long. And now she was on her first date since then, and this was how it went.

Jeff looked at her with a concerned face and then turned backwards. "What are you looking ... Oh" he murmured. He knew the story. He had gone to school with them."Did you know about him being back home?" Jeff asked.

Maddie shook her head no. "No idea" she said as she took a bite. She forced herself not to look back at Chase. She was on a date with Jeff. Not Chase.

"So... Um... How's work?" She asked Awkwardly. It was like a big pink elephant was now in the room, ruining the flow of the date.

Jeff rolled his eyes. "Maddie... Go say hi. You won't be able to focus til you do."

Maddie took a deep breath and nodded before sliding back and walking over to him. She stopped a few feet from his table.

"Hey Chase" she said in her quiet southern voice. "How are you?"

 

[nyghtcaller205]

Chase had been lost in memories when a voice from his past violently ripped him back to the moment. There standing in front of him speaking to him was Maddie Nichols. She looked more beautiful than ever and Chase immediately stood to greet her.

"Hi Madison", he used her real name not her preferred nickname as he knew it would irritate her and really only friends and family called her Maddie. He was no longer either.

"How are you doing?" He kept his tone polite but reserved no longer did her father have any hold over his family but he knew she must really hate him for the way he left. Her dad was probably right he told himself she deserved someone better someone that could keep her living the lifestyle she had become accustom to living. He no longer hated her father anyways he was doing what he felt best for his little girl and he wasn't it. He had come to accept this long ago and move on with his life. Though he had moved on he had never forgotten his first and only true love.

He stood there waiting for her to say something maybe even slap him. But she just stood, "Dammit Madison say something, yell at me, slap me but stop staring at me like I'm a ghost" was what he wanted to say to her but he remained silent eventually looking away.

 

[momoftwins13]

It was awkward, standing before him like this. She didn't know what to say or do. She shouldn't even have came over in the first place. It had been a stupid decision.

"I had no idea you were back" she finally said. She wondered if he would be staying. She didn't know what he was doing now. Once his football career had ended she hasn't really been able to keep up with his life as easily.

"Look... I didn't really want anything" Maddie said quietly. "I just... Well if you were back, I wanted to clear the waters. You know we will see each other a lot.... So I didn't want any... Umm... Hard feelings".

She was an idiot. He probably didn't even care admit their old relationship. Probably never even thought about it. Why would he? He hadn't loved her so she was sure he probably hadn't ever looked back.

 

[nyghtcaller205]

She seemed nervous and hadn't even seemed to catch the fact he had called her Madison instead of Maddie. What was she trying to say did she really still have regrets or something after the last four years.

Glancing at her hands he noticed no wedding or engagement ring and for some reason this made him happy.

"Look Madison what happened well it happened. I just don't wont to rehash things and I appreciate your attempt to smooth things out because yeah you are right we will probably see each other from time to time."

Brody paused collecting his thoughts, "Look you don't have to but maybe we could have a cup of coffee some time and just catch up on each others lives."

 

[momoftwins13]

Maddie was more than surprised when he asked her to have a cup of coffee with him, just to get over their past, catch up and move on. It sounded like a good idea to her. She smiled slightly at him, but she did not, at least she told herself she did not, blush.

"Sure, anytime.. I'm renting the apartment above Mrs. Jenson's garage now, you remember... drop by anytime, I'm usually there doing some paperwork".

She smiled and turned to leave then, heading back to Jeff and their date. Their date that suddenly she had absolutely no interest in being on. What shit luck. She sat down across from him and he smiled at her.

"So... did y'all make a date?" Maddie glanced at him curiously.

"Why would you ask that?" she asked him.

"Well, because.. Y'all were the hit ticket back in high school and I figured now that he's back you'd probably get back together..." he laughed softly and shook his head. "Lucky bastard..."

Maddie shrugged. "He asked me to coffee but thats it. Just as friends. No big deal..."

Jeff looked at her with pity.

"You have no idea do you?"

Maddie lowered her brows in confusion.

"Y'all are gonna get married someday. Everyone in town knows it... We're all just waiting for the invitations".

 

[nyghtcaller205]

As Madison said her goodbyes and left he watched her go noticing that she must still turn the heads of guys wherever she went. Shaking his head and a smile spreading across his face Brody returned to his meal thinking "wow that was awkward."

As he ate he stole a few glances in her direction but she seemed to be lost in conversation with Jeff. Not once did she look over at him or if she did he was never able to catch her. "Oh well I had my chance perhaps we can still be friends", he thought as he waved a waitress over for his check.

His waitress had been old Mrs. Thomas a portly woman that had been working here for what seemed like forever. As Brody took a last sip of tea he heard a loud female voice filled with excitement, "Oh my god is that you Brody?"

Brody turned in his seat to see two women entering the restaurant one he recognized one he didn't. He immediately stood to greet the new arrival, "Kelly Prescott it has been a very long time."

Kelly walked up to him and the two hugged warmly for several seconds. "I had no idea you were town handsome", Kelly said after releasing him. "That's alright cause I didn't tell anyone I was coming back", Brody said with a hint of playfulness in his voice.

Kelly seemed oblivious to her friend standing there and failed to introduce them her entire attention focused on Brody.

"We must go to dinner one night" she paused, "Oh Brody honey tell me you didn't run off and marry one of those upstate Georgia girls that would be a tragedy."

Brody laughed, "No I didn't run off and marry one of those upstate Georgia girls or any other girl for that matter. What about you and Mark did you two finally tie the knot?"

Kelly frowned for a moment, "Don't bring that name up to me" she stammered and stamped her foot. "That good for nothing, two timing, snake in the grass left me as soon as he graduated from the Jr. College and got accepted to Georgia Tech."

She still wore a frown and pouted a bit while slightly swaying back and forth in her above the knee skirt which showed off her well toned and tan legs. Her top revealed plenty of cleavage and seemed to have "look right here" printed there.

Pulling a pen from her purse she grabbed his hand and began to write, "Here is my cell number please call me and why don't we go have some fun really soon. It has been a long time since I had any real fun in this town."

Kelly leaned in for a goodbye hug and moved her lips close to his ear, her lips moving in a whisper, "I promise you won't regret it." She finally released him after a more than friendly embrace.

Brody smiled at her, "I might just do that" came his response. "OK ladies I have to go have a wonderful evening."

He turned to leave glancing back one more time at Madison and catching her watching the rather loud scene. He tipped his hat in her direction as she immediately looked away realizing she had been caught.

Driving home he thought about the brief relationship he had experienced with Kelly Prescott if one could call it that. She was a wild girl and hadn't seemed to have changed at all.

Brody was about to step into the shower before going to bed when he saw the number on his hand. He was going to just wash it off but at the last second he grabbed a piece of paper and jotted it down. He wasn't sure he would call or even wanted to call her but one never knew as small towns could get lonely and Kelly was a sexy and attractive girl.

The next day he was up early and helped his Dad feed all the animals before heading out mid-afternoon. He had planned to go visit Madison in her apartment but realized she would probably be at her shop, "Willpower" his Dad had told him over breakfast. It was some sort of clothing store so he guessed he would find her there.

Brody found the store and pushed open the door a bell tinkled to signal someone had entered the shop. He walked in and spied Madison assisting a middle aged woman he didn't recognize. He made eye contact with her but said nothing pretending to be looking at a clothing rack.

 

[momoftwins13]

The rest of Maddie's date was pleasant but uneventful. Suddenly she had no desire to be on a date with Jeff... And it was obvious why. Brody. He was always the reason why she wasn't attracted to other men. He had set a bar when they were in high school. A high one. And nobody seemed to be able to measure up to that standard ever since him.

Right at the end of her date, Maddie heard an extremely annoying voice enter the diner. She looked up and watchethat Kelly Prescott entered the diner and headed right to Brody. It took all of the strength Maddie possessed to not get up and walk out as the two exchanged a very personal greeting right there in the middle of the diner.

Kelly had always made Maddie sick. Maddie had been raised - and still believed - that a woman should only have intimate relations with a man whom she loved and was going to marry. She was still a virgin to this day.

Kelly on the other hand slept with nearly every hot guy around. She had no principles except the man had to be gorgeous. And she could do that.. The woman was beautiful.

Finally the exchange between the two ended. Brody glanced her way and Maddie blushed at being caught watching. Brody then tipped his hat and left. Maddie and Jeff finished up and he walked her to her truck where he kissed her cheek in a brotherly manner.

"I knew better than to get my hopes up" he told Maddie. "Find Brody soon, Maddie. Y'all need to talk".

With that said he helped her into her truck and then left. Maddie drove to take care of Houston and then back to her apartment.

The next day she headed into Willpower, opening at exactly 8 am like usual. There were already several ladies lined up to enter and she greeted them warmly. The hours flew by, and pretty soon it was after 2.

She was helping a new lady in town, Miss Kline, to pick out a pair of fashionable yet sturdy boots.

Maddie herself was dressed in clothes she sold in the store. Boots much like Miss Kline wanted but with highlights of turquoise, that matched the turquoise button up shirt she wore with her blue jeans. Her hair was loose and flowing around her shoulders.

She excused herself from Miss Kline and approached Brody.

"Shopping for a gift?" She asked him, nodding towards the rack of ladies blouses he was browsing through.

"Sorry Brody. We don't have men's clothes here".

 

[nyghtcaller205]

Madison's question, about shopping for a gift and her statement concerning not having mens clothing through confused Brody. It wasn't just her what she said it was the cold and annoying tone he heard in her voice.

"No who would I be shopping for?" Then he remembered the exchange Kelly and wondered if that had upset her and why would it?

"Madison are you referring to Kelly? She was only saying hi nothing more." He didn't mention that she had written her number on his hand and hoped she hadn't seen Kelly do it. He also wasn't sure why it should matter they were no longer dating and she had been with Jeff.

"I just wanted to come by and say hello so I have done that and you are probably busy so I will leave."

Brody stood there for a few seconds hoping she would stop him.

 

[momoftwins13]

Maddie frowned slightly when she realized brody thought she was mad at him. "I didn't mean you were buying something for her Brody..."

She ran her hand through her hair and sighed. "Look I can't swear to it but I think you and I are both a little... Erm... Defensive when it comes to each other".

Her bright green eyes looked imploringly into his. "Is it really gonna be this hard for us to be around each other?" She shook her head slightly. "Look I didn't have lunch today... I can take an hour break if you're free... We could go get that coffee you talked about?'

She was praying that by doing that they could get this awkwardness behind them and move on to being friends instead of "ex lovers". In a town that small it was a really bad thing to have a hangup on an ex... Heartbreak was a sure thing in that case.

 

[nyghtcaller205]

Brody turned to face her with a scowl on his face, "Defensive how have I been defensive? I came by here today to talk and say hello. Last night I was friendly and enjoyed seeing you but I'm not defensive."

Brody was a bit angry at this point and his mouth over loaded better judgment, "Maybe it is going to be this hard to be around each other. Perhaps we should just look the other way when we pass on the street. I thought you would be glad to see me. I understand you have moved on as I never expected you to pine away over me forever. After last night I thought this would be a good idea but instead you don't even give us a chance to be civil to one another."

He heard her say that they should go to lunch together but at this point he couldn't stop. "At least Kelly was glad to see me though I do get Kelly is glad to see everyone." He was unable to keep from laughing a bit at his last statement which seemed to melt any anger away.

"Look Madison I'm not sure why that I came by maybe I wanted to be friends? Perhaps I wanted to hear you say I'm happy and my life turned out just the way I planned. Maybe I even wanted to hear you say that your life is better without me. I don't know the answer to any of that so if you want defensive you have it. In fact if you don't think this town is big enough for the two of us let me know and I will try to make my stay as short as possible. I came here to say Hi as I have missed you these past years so thanks for ruining my day."

The wind was out of his sails now and he looked at her deflated and sad. This was not what he had planned at all. He didn't expect her to just invite him back into her life but he had hoped for conversation and maybe a few laughs. He should have just blown it off and had the token lunch with her and moved on as she suggested but he wasn't that guy never had been never would be. Madison of all people should know that about him but there were a few things she didn't know.

He had changed since he left for college and experienced the high powered world of college football. The money, power players, girls and all the glamour and pressure that went along it would change almost anyone. The one thought that kept him from falling over to the dark side of that world was hanging onto what he and Madison had shared once. Somewhere deep down inside he hoped that it might still be there. He felt tainted somewhat as so many of his small town morals had been brushed aside.

He had been a virgin when he left this town as he and Madison had always planned to wait till they were married. But after his forced break up with her and the attention of woman being a starting football player brought that all changed. He never dated just one woman but went out with many not all of whom he slept with but all of whom he could have if he wanted to do so.

He had no idea if Madison was still a virgin and had stuck to her morals but even when he was angry at her she still looked like the same innocent angel standing there. Light seemed to radiate from her and he felt awful about what he had just said to her.

He looked at her once more wondering if she would suddenly agree and close the door forever?

 

[momoftwins13]

Maddie took a deep breath as Brody went on a streak of unhappy words. She frowned slightly. This wasn't going at all like she had hoped. She watched quietly out of the corner of her eye as Mrs Kline snuck out of the store with a little wave.

She would be back, probably just trying to escape the drama. "I didn't mean to ruin your day" she said soothingly. "Look Brody, of course this town is big enough. I didn't mean to give that impression."

She hesitated. Her eyes connected with his. Her heart tried to fly away but she threw a net over it to hold it there.

"Brody..." She said in her quiet voice. "Maybe lunch right now isn't the best idea... I dunno about you but after seeing you surprisingly like that...well... Im feeling pretty raw, emotionally. Didnt..." She hesitated again.

"Didn't you feel anything when you saw me...?" She wanted him to say he missed her. He couldn't live without her. But she knew he wouldn't. He had left her after all. He had lost his feelings for her. It was amazing how badly it still hurt.

"I know you left and didn't feel the same for me that I did for you... But isn't it at least... Emotional in any way for you?"

 

[nyghtcaller205]

Listening to the emotion in Madison's voice pained Brody but he refused to let it show masking his concern. After all the last four years Madison still didn't know the truth, didn't know that he did love her, didn't know why he left and certainly didn't know her father was behind it all.

He wanted to tell her but,"would she believe him, what would it do to the relationship between her and her Dad, did he even have that right".

No he didn't think he could tell her though he would take her back in a heartbeat he didn't think she would ever truly forgive him for walking out on her. Even if she had known the truth of the matter there would be to many hard questions.

"Why didn't you tell me, why didn't you try to stand up and fight for us, was I not worth it" and the questions would go on. No, Brody had said his goodbye four years ago and wouldn't open old wounds.

"Maybe your right Madison perhaps lunch isn't a good idea after all. As far as emotions what did you just see from me? Don't think I get that upset with everyone do you?"

He kept his tone low and calm, in control but some emotion still leaked through the cracks in his dam maybe some of it was pain and regret. It wasn't much but it was there to anyone who knew Brody well and Madison did know him well.

"Yes I admit seeing you stirred some emotion in me but its in the past isn't it?"

Brody let the final words hang in the air question as much as statement. He wasn't surprised she might be feeling conflicted considering how he had left and gave her no final resolution. Maybe that was what she sought resolution something final for sure and something she could wrap her brain around and understand.

If that was what she needed he could do that for her. He would give her a reason to forget him as he recalled Kelly's number written on a pad by his bed.

 

[momoftwins13]

Yes I admit seeing you stirred some emotion in me but its in the past isn't it?

The words hung in the air between them like bombs waiting to blow. She sat there quietly.

"I suppose it is" she finally said with a frown. "I hope that someday we will be able to be friends..." She mmmm hesitated, afraid to say what came to mind next.. But she decided she should.

'I've missed you. When you left ya know, I didn't just lose a boyfriend, I lost my best friend too...."

Just then the bell above her shop door tinkered and Maddie glanced up and nearly wanted to cry. In walked Kelly. She had never once before came into the shop. Never. And yet when Brody was in there she HAPPENED to stopped by. Maddie didn't believe in coincidences like that.

"BRODY! Hey handsome! What a surprise seeing you here! I just thought I'd swing by and see sweet Maddie's little virgin shop here".

The vixen approached Brody and laid a well manicured hand on his chest. "I doubt she has anything here I would wear.."

Nothing showed that much cleavage.

Maddie blushed. "I'll just leave y'all to it" she said softly before turning away. "Catch ya later Brody".

 

[nyghtcaller205]

Brody listened to Madison as she seemed only to agree with it being in the past though she didn't sound convinced. Then her last statement struck a nerve not one of anger but one of regret and sorrow, 'I've missed you. When you left ya know, I didn't just lose a boyfriend,

'I've missed you. When you left ya know, I didn't just lose a boyfriend, I lost my best friend too...."


Before he could reply the sound of the door interrupted his thoughts. Brody smelled her first instantly he knew who had just entered Madison shop. The suction from inside pulled her perfume into the store and then he heard her sweet voice edged with daggers and razor blades.

Before he knew it Kelly had her hand on his chest and something about a virgin and Madison was blushing red before walking away. Kelly was pulling Brody out of the shop and his feet obeyed her. A part of him wanted to stop and go to Madison tell her that he was sorry for everything, tell her the truth about her father, tell her that he had carried the guilt inside of him all these years.

But he knew he couldn't do that and even if he did what would it accomplish other than to open an old wound which though not healed at least was no longer bleeding.

Brody followed Kelly out into the parking lot as she stopped by her silver convertible BMW the back personalized license plate reading "TOPLES1".

Kelly was wearing a tight pair of jeans that fit her body like a glove giving every man she passed something to dream about. Her little top showed way to much cleavage than was proper and drew men's eyes from her face.

Sure Kelly was one sex girl with a body built for speed and sex. Her face was as beautiful as they come no doubt but it was what was inside that Brody had always found unattractive. She had been after him since Jr High and Brody had never fallen into her trap.

"But why not wasn't she like a mystical sex goddess? Why had he always resisted her temptations?" He knew exactly why one name came to mind, "Madison" it was always Madison. He had always been faithful to her and didn't even have to try. It was easy as he didn't want other women she had been the one for him. Then it occurred to him, "she had been" and there it was in a nutshell, "she had been the one for him".

But now that was a memory from the past and he was here in the present. Sure Madison wanted to be friends for her own reasons but he knew she would never give her heart to him again. She had done that once and he had stepped all over it regardless of his reasons. He hadn't stood up for the woman he loved and in that was his greatest failure.

Telling himself he had been heroic to save his families farm had made it easy made it look like he was the good guy. But in the end he was as bad as her father and Madison was the only one to get hurt in all of this. Her father got his wish, his family got to keep the farm, and he got to play Mr. big shot fucking hero. Well, some big hero he turned out to be."

Brody had totally tuned Kelly out until he felt arms snaking around his neck pulling him close. "My dear Brody are you listening to me?" Her lips were on his own kissing him deeply and her tongue teased his mouth. She broke the kiss and he looked at her with surprise his attention fully hers now.

"I see that got your attention. Now I was asking if you wanted to go out dancing tonight at The Underground?"

The Underground was a bar near the edge of town where the younger crowd of Pine River like to hang out, dance, get drunk, and evolve into pure debauchery. Even a small place like Pine River had a house of sin.

Before he could even think about it Brody nodded his head yes.

Smiling widely Kelly leaned into him, "I promise you wont regret it. Pick me up at 8 tonight?" Brody agreed as she got into her car and back out then took off down the street.

He glanced back at the shop wondering if Madison had seen her kiss him even though it was obvious he hadn't kissed her back. The glare on the windows prevented him from seeing inside but he hoped she hadn't been watching the exchange.

 

[momoftwins13]

Maddie stood back in her shop and watched as Brody and Kelly walked outside to her car. Her heart ached slightly as she watched them interacting in the parking lot. Maddie was confident enough in her appearance to know that she could attract men if she wanted. But she had high morals and she was not willing to compromise them.

She immediately began to think of how she and Brody had once promised themselves to each other. She wondered briefly if he had kept those vows... and then laughed without humor. Of course he hasn't. He had became a big shot football star. Women would have thrown themselves at him. Of course he would have accepted.

Then there was her... Still waiting for the right person... A person she would never have now...

She watched as Kelly leaned in and kissed Brody deeply, like some sort of sex kitten. Maddie actually moaned as her heart gave an unhappy jolt in her chest. Thinking she couldn't stand by and watch this she headed to the back of shop, out of sight of the window.

She was busy stocking shelves when her phone vibrated in her pocket. Pulling it out she saw a text from her friend hanna., asking if she wanted to go out that night and have a few drinks.

Maddie made a decision then and there to turn over a new leaf. No. She wouldn't compromise her morals but she refused to remain a fly on a wall. It was time for her to get a life and stop pining over Brody Rivers.

"Sure I'll meet you at The Underground at 7" she typed out on her phone and hit sent. Her eyes automatically wandered to the racks of clothing surrounding her. Now... What would she wear?

 

[nyghtcaller205]

Brody slipped into his favorite pair of jeans that fit him just perfect but would not be considered tight. A tee shirt and boots completed his dress ensemble and he headed out the door.

He pulled up at Kelly's house and she was on the porch waiting for him wearing a tight club style one piece dress that showed off entirely to much leg. It clung to her body like a glove and easily set one's imagination on fire. Her hair was teased and looked perfect and she seemed to glow as she approached moving her hips in a way that spoke of naughty things in the night.

Brody got out and opened the door to his truck offering her hand to climb inside the cab. As soon as he got into the drivers seat she was in the middle of the truck her legs against his own and her left arm reached over into his lap searching for his hand. She leaned on him and he could smell her perfume. She turned on the radio and bounced around a bit to the music as he drove.

The drive didn't take long and they pulled into a parking lot that was almost filled to capacity. Brody found a spot and assisted her out of his truck. She reached her arm around his own and they walked across the parking lot.

Once inside Brody surveyed the place as it had been redone since his last visit here some 4 years ago. Though then he had used a fake ID to get in tonight however he was actually legal. The other difference was that Madison had been with him that night and not Kelly. In fact he wished it was Madison on his arm not Kelly but that was only wishful thinking.

Brody shook his head, "Why was he not happy to be with a girl as sexy as Kelly. She had a body to die for and had already made her intentions know towards him. He should be excited not feeling remorseful", he told himself.

The dance floor was much larger and it was over half way filled with moving bodies as they danced to a fast country song. The bar was full and only a few table were open.

Suddenly Kelly was waving and dragging Brody with her. "Hi Ashley, hi Tom, how are you guys tonight? Look who I found wandering around all alone and lonely." They all knew Brody and spoke to him politely though neither were one of Brody's favorite people in this town. Declining their invitation to sit Kelly pulled him along now to a booth towards the back of the bar.

Taking a seat Kelly scooted in beside almost in his lap practically as a waitress appeared and Brody ordered a beer. Kelly asked for a cosmopolitan.

As they waited for their drinks Kelly turned to Brody, "So now that I have all to myself what am I going to do with you?" She stared at him before leaning up her hand at the back of his head pulling her mouth down to meet her own.

She broke the kiss as a slow country song came on and grabbed Brody's hand, "Dance with me." They stepped onto the dance floor her arms around his neck and Brody's at her waist. She pressed her body against him and nuzzled his neck slightly purring as she began to nibble on his ear lobe.

Brody looked across the bar for a second and saw a number of people staring most were guys who were more interested in watching Kelly while a few were girls probably thinking what a tramp she was. But then his eye caught a familiar face. He strained to see through the poorly lit room swearing that he had seen Madison.

 

[momoftwins13]

Maddie closed up shop at exactly 530 and rushed home to get ready for the night. She had raided a few racks at her shop and come away with a new pair of boots, and a flirty white lace, knee length dress that showed just a hint of cleavage... Innocent looking yet sexy at the same time.

She grabbed a really quick shower and then ate a rushed meal all before blow drying her hair to frame her face, and dressing in the new outfit. She added a turquoise cross necklace to complete the look.

She grabbed her clutch and darted out the door at 6:40, pressing the gas pedal in her truck to the floor and speeding her way through town, pulling up at The Underground at precisely 7 pm. Hanna was already waiting by the door.

Fifteen minutes later they had a booth and two cowboys had already bought them their first round of drinks... The advantages of being single ladies. The girls began to dance and have fun but when a slow song came on they decided to go grab another drink... that was when Maddie saw them.

Entwined in a slow dance, hands all over each other. Her stomach jerked itself into knots. Hanna glanced curiously at what Maddie was standing dead still in the middle of the floor staring at. She groaned and pulled Maddie away quickly.

"I had no idea" Hanna said immediately and Maddie shook herself from her stupor.

"I know... Its OK... Really. Let's... Find someone to dance with". Her reply was firm and packed with resolve.

With that they headed to the floor again and immediately a nice looking man approached and asked Maddie to dance. She accepted and was led onto the floor by the man she learned was named Bryan. They moved slowly around the dance floor and at one point passed Kelly and Brody. Maddie and Brody's eyes connected and her breath left her lungs.

She was still deeply in love with him.

 

[nyghtcaller205]

It was Madison and "WOW" was all he could think. She looked great and not just great but sexy as well. She was allowing herself to be led by some guy to the dance floor. It didn't take long for them to pass near one another and their eyes locked for a few seconds.

Kelly noticed as well and tried to pull him down for a kiss but he resisted this time though it wasn't until Madison had been spun away and he didn't think she saw. Kelly reached behind her grabbing Brody's hand and moving it to her ass. It was firm and inviting but he was still looking for Madison.

"Brody if I didn't know better I would say you don't find me attractive."

Brody looked at her, "No No don't be silly you are a beautiful girl", he wasn't lying she just wasn't the girl for him.

"Then why don't we go get another drink and maybe I have a surprise for you."

She led him from the dance floor her hips shaking as she moved sexily and attracted most males in the place. Brody was one of the few not wanting to sleep with her.

They sat and ordered fresh drinks as Kelly turned to him pushing him into the corner kissing him deeply. Her hand was on his legs and running up his thighs. Brody sort of scrambled up against the wall, "Kelly what are you doing not here." She giggled and gave him an evil smile, "Brody I'm gong to give you the night of your life and when I do you will thank me for getting your mind off that little goody two shoes Madison. I have wanted you since 10th grade Mr. Brody Rivers she had her chance and blew it tonight you are mine."

She said this loud hoping that Madison would overhear their conversation but she was dead serious as well. Brody wanted to get up and leave but he didn't have it in him to embarrass Kelly in front of all these people.

Plus when he had tried to talk to Madison she was rather "bitchy" about it he thought. Now she was with some guy which was none of his business he liked Kelly and she was beautiful so maybe he should quit fighting. The problem was that he didn't like Madison he loved her.

 

[momoftwins13]

The dance ended and Maddie thanked Bryan before she and Hanna walked off. Brody and Kelly's table was right next to the bar where Maddie and Hanna stood talking. Maddie had her back turned but heard the exchange as they stood there. The words uttered from Kelly's mouth made Maddie blush, and the fact that Brody didn't stand up for her brought tears to her eyes.

"I need to talk to him, right?" Maddie said softly and Hanna nodded with understanding in her eyes.

"I'm here for you" Hanna said.

Maddie turned towards the surprisingly close, gripping couple.

"Brody" she said softly and they both looked up, Kelly's eyes narrowed threateningly.

"Can we talk?"

Brody started to speak but Kelly cut in. "He's busy" she said menacingly. Her hand was high on his thigh where there was an obvious bulge.

Maddie's eyes sought out Brody's hopefully.

 

[nyghtcaller205]

Madison was suddenly standing by their booth and called him by name, "Brody, we need to talk." Kelly turned quickly staring daggers through Madison and Brody honestly didn't know what to do.

He was pinned to the corner of the booth with no route of escape by this minx while the woman he once planned to marry was almost demanding to see him. A look of exasperation, sadness, and determination on her face. But then he realized that her eyes also held disappointment and it was probably in him.

"So what else is new", he thought to himself no matter what he always disappointed someone.

Brody took a deep breath deciding that he needed to hear her out to see what she wanted to say to him. Attempting to untangle himself from Kelly's grasp he sat up and pushed her off of him. He wiped at his mouth to speak and noticed his hand came back red with Kelly's lipstick. "Great he was going to have a serious conversation with Madison while wearing Kelly's lipstick", was all he could think of.

"Kelly I'm sorry but just give me a minute alright." Kelly gave him her best pouty face, "But Brody I'm your date not her." Brody leaned in close to her ear to whisper, "Yes you are my date and I will be back in no time. You asked me here tonight not her and I won't forget that alright. He pushed at the corners of her mouth until she smiled and Kelly slipped out of the booth allowing him to get out.

She stared angrily at Madison, "Make sure you don't get to attached to him Maddie he is with me tonight don't forget it."

Brody held up his hand at her, "Kelly stop it alright just stop it you know what I said."

Turning to Madison, "Alright where do you want to talk lead the way."

 

[momoftwins13]

Maddie watched the exchange quietly and couldn't help but notice, with a pang, that the two young people made a striking couple. Jealousy reared its ugly head along with disappointment.

Brody stood and gruffly asked where they would go. Maddie turned and led him through a back door that led to a back gravel parking lot that was thankfully empty.

She walked up to her own truck and leaned back against it, Brody standing in front of her. "What ever happened back then... How did I 'blow my chance' back then? I've always wondered what exactly happened".

A streetlight shone behind Brody, illuminating her hair and face but shadowing his. She couldn't read his expression to try and gauge his thoughts. That bothered her. She had always been able to read him well. She didn't like not being able to.

 

[nyghtcaller205]

Standing in the nearly deserted parking lot Madison leaned up against her truck waiting for him to answer her question. Brody kept himself under control and gave her his best poker face.

It hadn't always been so easy for Brody to mask his feelings from people especially Madison as she always knew if something was wrong. But four years of college football surrounded by people that wanted to ride his coat tail had taught him restraint, calm, and how to hide his true feelings.

Her question shouldn't have been a surprise though it was exactly that. "Why wasn't she asking about Kelly, he wondered?"

Though he could tell her the truth at this point due to his father owning the family farm out right there were bigger issues. What sort of divide would this cause if he told her? All she would see is that he sacrificed their love and life together without putting up a fight. He had already struggled with all of these thoughts four years ago and it was the hardest decision of his life. He wasn't going to rip open old wounds to answer her question.

But he had to give her an answer of some kind. The easiest out would just say he realized he didn't love her and did what was best for them. But it was a lie and maybe she would see through it perhaps not but either way it would hurt her again. That was one thing he didn't want to do is continue to hurt her.

"Madison look maybe you didn't blow it. Perhaps it was me and I just got cold feet. It was a crazy time with all the football recruiters constantly hounding me and I felt trapped perhaps. Maybe I blew it."

It sounded good in his mind but he wasn't sure that he had been convincing.

"I should have never come back and just stayed away." Brody hung his head not willing to risk looking at her. If he looked into her eyes he was afraid he would crack.