Sheila Hapner Cook Page 1

Julie loved traveling. It didn t matter where she was going; she used the time on the road to think. She would think about her day, her horse, or her next vacation. Her next vacation would be a cruise. She thought about flying to Miami and embarking on her first cruise. Beth and another girlfriend, Carole were both going on this cruise. It would be all girls and a well deserved get-away. Beth and Julie were already talking about their shopping trips to get their cruise-wear. Julie recalled that Beth had already declared that we needed new swim suits, new formal wear and of course new jewelry to adorn us. Beth and Julie would be scheduling manicures. Carole was blessed with a beautiful set of natural nails to die for, as well as natural brunette without a single gray. She teased the other girls occasionally about her lack of need for any color from a bottle. Julie could never figure why Carole could get by without the gray, as she led the most stressful life. All the women would be going shopping sometime next week, if they could get it in their schedules. It was an easy drive. Julie had been to the airport many times in the past, usually flying out herself. She could catch the interstate twenty-five miles from her home. She headed west on Interstate 70, passing a handful of towns, most even smaller than Shelbyville. As she neared St. Louis, the traffic picked up a little. Julie took the 270 bypass around the north end of the city until she found 170 which turned south straight toward the airport. Interstate 170 joins back up with 70 only a quarter mile before the airport. The exit for I70 West was easy and she stayed way right to catch the fast approaching airport exit. It s much easier getting to the airport than getting out of there and heading back east. If you didn t know what you were doing, you could easily miss the left hand exit back to 170 from 70. She has missed the exit before because the traffic wouldn t allow her to merge across all four lanes in the short distance. She arrived early so she decided to park in the short term garage and go to the gate, if she could find it. She could have gone straight to passenger pickup, but they wouldn t allow her to park there that long. Julie retrieved the parking ticket and found the closest parking spot, which was up one set of stairs and toward the middle. Julie found her way inside the airport and checked the incoming flights. The Texas flights were scheduled to arrive at Gate 12 and 8. Julie wondered which flight Evan was on, she could just wait at the baggage carrousel. The other flights arriving were from Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Billings, Montana. She thought of the men departing from Texas, would they be cowboys, business men or what? What would Evan be? Julie decided he surely would arrive from Texas, after all the letter was postmarked as such. As she made her way to the gates, she hoped she could see both gates from one vantage point. The airport was busy, people scurried along with baggage and kids in tow. Julie thought she would have children some day, but she wondered if that would ever happen. That was the reason for the big house, to fill it full of children as Phil put it. Julie was very glad she never became pregnant, although she thought about it occasionally as each year passed. The connected seats against the windows facing the flow of people was her choice for seating. She could see Gate 8 and all those exiting easily. She could not see the actual gate for the other Sheila Hapner Cook Page 1

flight but she could see all the people as they passed on their way to the baggage claim. Would she recognize him? She felt better knowing she would see him before he seen her. If she did miss him, she could always go to the baggage area and find him there. Julie had 30 minutes to kill, she had picked up a magazine and her favorite Starbucks latte. It was no use trying to read, she found herself watching everyone that strolled by. It was fun to be a people watcher, wondering where they were going or where they d been. Was the young, cute blonde with the business man a secretary or a girlfriend? She was giggling too much to be the wife. Did the pregnant teenager just fly home to her parents or leave town? Flight 242 from Austin is now arriving at Gate 12, boomed over the loud speaker. Julie brought her attention to the new set of people that would be passing by shortly as they disembarked. She would watch for Evan just in case, that flights arrival time was 1:30. After a few minutes, the passengers started filtering by. Business men with laptops, students, grandparents, a flight attendant escorting a youngster, a girl with a nose piercing quickly walked by on their way to somewhere. Flight 128 from Dallas is now arriving at Gate 8, pierced the busy air. Julie wondered if she would miss him while watching both gates. She thought to herself, I m sure he ll be on this flight. She turned her attention to Gate 8. A few minutes later the Dallas passengers began unboarding. She watched for a hint of familiarity in all the faces. She imagined the plane was about half empty by now. It was 1:50pm and she was getting worried. Could she just sneak out and go home without being seen? She reached for her purse on the floor beside her when she felt his eyes on her. In her peripheral vision she could see a man coming straight toward her. She was suddenly scared. The man was nondescript in his dress. He was wearing faded jeans and an oversized button up shirt. She noticed the dirty tennis shoes. There was no watch or jewelry. He was not the tan, muscular man she imagined. In fact, he seemed fairly pale, maybe even unhealthy. Her eyes met his dull green eyes. For a moment he shared no expression, then a slight smile formed on his thin lips. He was the first to speak, You did make it, I wondered where you were. Julie wasn t sure how to respond, I ve been right here at the gate, what do you mean? Nothing, I m glad to see you, he said as he approached her with outstretched arms. I guess I missed you coming off the plane, I ve been watching the gate, she said as she loosely returned the hug. She kind of expected him to confirm he got off the Dallas plane, but he didn t reply. So, how was your flight? She asked just to make conversation. Evan scanned the crowd, seemingly oblivious to her question. Your flight was Okay? She repeated. Oh, yeah. Good. he said as he turned and looked behind him. Hmmm, I think baggage is this way. She said taking a few steps toward the overhead sign that clearly indicated the way. Even if she didn t see the sign, all passengers were heading in that direction. Evan spotted a restroom and mumbled, Hold on, I ll be right back. He darted through the crowd. Julie noticed the black duffle bag in his left hand. As he disappeared into the restroom, she wondered what on earth she was doing here. She was curious, where had he been, what had he been doing, was he coming back to this area for good or for a visit? She had so many questions, but didn t know if she wanted the answers. As Evan emerged from the restroom, after what seemed like a long time, he said Ok, Sheila Hapner Cook Page 2

let s go. Side by side, they headed down the corridor. Julie noticed that enough time had passed and all other passengers on the last two flights had already made their way to the lower level. Where are you parked? I m right outside the baggage area. They have real good parking here. They took the escalator down and Julie was looking at the baggage carousals wondering which one might hold Evans luggage. As she stepped toward the nearest carousal, Evan grabbed her arm and announced I don t have any checked luggage, just this carry-on. Oh, no luggage? Julie was dumbfounded. No, I sent my stuff ahead. This is all I have right now. Ok, let s find your car. Evan said as he went through the doors several strides in front of her. Julie paused trying to recall where she d parked. It s up one level. Let s see, I m a couple rows back toward the right. Julie noticed Evan s determination to get to the vehicle quickly. She wondered if he was just tired of all the traveling and ready to go... where? What are you driving? he asked. A dark green Ford pickup. she answered. A pickup? You drive a pickup? That s cool. he said with a smile. Julie was relieved to see a smile; she had been feeling very uncomfortable up until that moment. Yes, I have a horse. I live on a farm, just a little ranch. She found herself being selective of what information she would share. Nice, he said, as he scanned the parking lot. Julie unlocked the truck and they climbed in. Evan held his duffle bag tightly in his lap and leaned his head back on the head rest. Where am I taking you? she asked Head east. he replied. Okay, I ll try to get us out of here. Julie said as she turned east onto the ramp. She was a little nervous about the tricky exit, but relaxed when she noticed that Evan continued to lean back with his eyes closed. Julie concentrated on the fast moving traffic. She moved across the lanes and made her left side exit. Traffic would still be tight for the next fifteen minutes or so. Julie made her way east and when traffic thinned out she took a moment to examine her passenger. He was in the same position and appeared to be asleep. Julie took note of the rust colored spots on his dirty tennis shoes. Was he a painter? What kind of work did he do, she wondered. His jeans were very worn and probably hadn t been laundered lately. His shirt was too big, but clean. Evan s dark hair was long and unkept. It appeared he had attempted to make himself look better by pulling it back in a short ponytail at his nape. She could still tell it wasn t very clean. She looked for clues, but didn t know what to look for. Julie thought about the years between them and wondered what on earth had happened to him since he left. He clutched his duffel bag even in sleep. The occasional jerk from his hand or foot was the only thing that made her think he was alive. The only thing remotely familiar was the dimple in his chin. She wondered what kind of life had he been living. It wasn t at all the one he had planned. She assumed he had found someone else and married. She figured he had kids. Looking at him now, she didn t make the same assumptions. She felt somewhat sorry for him. She almost felt responsible. Julie turned on the radio, hoping for a distraction. She chose a country station and Sheila Hapner Cook Page 3

sang under her breath to George Strait and Randy Travis. The passenger did not stir. She passed cars on the interstate with luggage in the back. She passed motor homes driven by retired husbands while wives made sandwiches in the mobile kitchens. She really took notice when she pulled up beside the Sundowner horse trailer being pulled by the SuperDuty Ford. She imagined the living quarters with leather covered walls, the flat screen TV on the wall, full bathroom holding towels with horses embroidered on them. She was thinking of her own horse trailer that she gave up in the divorce. She used to laugh when she thought of camping and roughing it. Some of those rigs were nicer than homes. They stayed in the trailer over the weekends when they were showing horses. Julie didn t know that Phil was sneaking over to another trailer instead of checking on the horses. She didn t know that her main competition in the ring was her competition in the bedroom as well. That was one of the main reasons she quit showing. She figured there was more than just one trailer he was sneaking to and she didn t want to face the women, not knowing. It bothered her quite a bit at first, thinking her so-called friends had betrayed her. Then she realized they weren t friends and never had been. Julie had been very careful since then, choosing her friends. Beth was her best friend and besides a few co-workers, her only friend. The miles passed quickly and Julie was actually happy she didn t have to talk to Evan. She just wanted to get him where he was going and get back home. She could exit at any of the next three exits, depending on where in the area he was going. There were a handful of small towns dotting the interstate and it was a country drive back home from any of them. Hey, wake up. I need to know which exit you need. Julie looked over for a response. Evan. Wake up. She said just slightly louder. Jeez, what do I do now, she thought. Julie reached over and touched his shoulder, Hey sleepy-head you... Evan jumped forward and grabbed Julie by the wrist before she could even retreat. What are you doing? he almost yelled. Take it easy, I was just trying to wake you up. I need to know what exit to use. Oh, wow. You freaked me out, I was dreaming I guess. Where is your stuff, I ll take you there. Julie said, still feeling the grip on her arm. Umm, I need to make a call first, get off at the next exit. Julie had already passed one exit and was just in time to make the St. Elmo exit. She remembered that he wanted to make a call and offered her cell phone to him. Evan took the phone and dialed the number by memory. After a few moments, he said Crap, no one s home. Is there someone else to call? she asked. No, I ll have them pick me up at your house. Will that be Okay? It shouldn t be long. he said with a smile. I don t know Evan. I have so much to do. I kind of have plans with a girlfriend. No problem, he interrupted. I can call someone else. He dialed another number and waited. Sheila Hapner Cook Page 4

Hey man, how s it going? I m on my way in from St. Louis and need a ride. He looked out the window as he spoke. Yea, a friend picked me up but I had a mess up with my luggage. I need you to give me a ride from her place. Julie cringed, that is not what I agreed to, she thought. Sure, that ll be great. I ll call you with directions when I get in. Okay, see ya. I m sorry, I promise I ll be out of there in no time. And I ll pay ya for the gas. I really appreciate this. I know you didn t have to do it. he looked directly at her with eyes that finally had a flicker of something. Quietly, Julie drove through the rural area dotted with oil well fields on her way home. Maybe I can stop somewhere before we get home. I really don t want to take him home. I don t want him to know where I live, Julie was thinking. Shoot, he knows my address already. I guess it won't make a difference. Coming from the west, Julie would come up to the back entrance first. She wondered if she should use the front entry, not knowing why. She needed to stop at the barn to feed George, so she made the quick turn into the hidden lane. We must be here. Evan perked up. Yep, this is it. It s not much, but I love it. She was modest. Julie could see George at the gate waiting for her as she pulled the pickup in front of the barn. I need to feed him real quick, the other chores are already done. Julie jumped out of the truck and headed through the open barn doors. She entered the feed room and grabbed a bucket of grain. She could hear George waiting at the door that enters the aisle on the other end of the barn. He was using his nose to try to slide the door open, just in case she had forgotten to latch it. The gelding was known to slide open the door and spend the day lounging in the barn, pooping where he wanted to and he seemed to purposely hide a brush or two. She would laugh while trying to scold him. Julie dumped his feed in his stall as she walked by, smelling the clean pine bedding. George had one foot in as she slid open the door. He passed her in the aisle and immediately went into his designated stall. She put out his hay for the night and rubbed her hand over his back as she left the stall. She would take him on a trail ride next weekend. She remembered the weekends of camping and riding. It had been awhile since she d camped. She made a conscious decision to start camping again. Cool! This is a great barn. Evan said. She didn t know how long he d been standing there. She actually thought he stayed in the truck. Thank you. I do like the barn. It s a little too big for what I need, but oh well. Julie said, then added, I guess I could get a few more horses. Oh, I called my buddy and he can t get here tonight. He ll be here first thing in the morning. Are you kidding? Evan! I have to work in the morning. That isn t going to work out very well. I can take you to his house. Who is this guy anyway? Where does he live? Julie gushed in disbelief. Hold on girlie! Calm down and listen. Remember Caleb Johnson, the kid that used to live down the street from me? I kept in touch with him. He couldn t pick me up at the airport, Sheila Hapner Cook Page 5

his mom is sick. I guess she has some kind of cancer or something. He was going to pick me up tonight but he called and said his mom wasn t doing very well. His aunt will be in late tonight and he said it would better if he could come tomorrow. I didn t know what to tell him. It s his mom. Evan said with what seemed like heartfelt sympathy. Julie thought for a moment, she didn t remember anyone named Caleb. She wanted to call this Caleb and verify the story but what if he did have a mom dying with cancer. She would call Beth as soon as she got the chance. She would know. Beth seemed to know everyone since she worked at the hospital. I don t remember a Caleb Johnson. Julie said, not wanting to have a conflict, but wanting to question him further. He was the one that broke his wrist when we jumped out of the tree. Evan said matterof-factly. Julie didn t remember him, but thought it possible she just didn t know him. She was sure she would recognize him once she saw him. I ll sleep on the couch. What time do you have to go to work? I have to be there by eight. I ll have him pick me up by seven-thirty. You ll have plenty of time to get to work. Evan paused, waiting for her to acknowledge. Evan, I don t know. I don t think it s a good idea. You know what, you re right. I m imposing. I ll get out of here, you ve done enough already. If you don t mind, I ll call Caleb back and we ll figure out something. Julie didn t know how to reply, she reached for her cell phone but didn t find it in her pocket. I lost my phone. I must have left it in the truck. I still have it. Evan said as he dialed again. Julie waited until the last possible moment and said, Oh forget it, Evan. You can sleep here tonight. But I work tomorrow. I need to be out of here by 7:30. Evan disconnected the call. Sheila Hapner Cook Page 6