Enjoying the weekend

"Carly are there some trails close by that I could run on in morning?"
"I didn't know that you were a runner."
"I only run 3-5 days a week. I really don't enjoy running all that much, but it keeps my head clear and the heart pumping. I don't run for distance either. I run for about a half hour or 45 minutes. It depends on the day."
"Brian, would you mind if I ran with you tomorrow?"
"No problem, as long as you don't run me into the ground. I'm not a fast runner."
"I'll keep it slow enough for ya' Santa Fe." Carly said with a cunning smile.
"I'm sure you will." We both chuckled.
Before we went into the house. I gave Carly a kiss on the cheek. As I headed upstairs I was wondering how to not take those tender kisses for granted.
Mike volunteered to sleep on the floor in his room so I could have the bed. I kept trying to insist that I would be fine on the floor. I couldn't Melinda and Mike.
Mike was reading a book when I went in to his bedroom. He directed me to a towel so I could shower.
When I returned I had been thinking over the day, and the last few weeks. My world had turned upside down, in a good way, and I was considering how blessed I had become. Carly was good for me. How I hoped and worried that I was as good for her. She managed to bring me out of a life where I didn't live, but existed. I was wasting away and didn't realize it. She has rekindle a fire that has put me into motion.
Six in the morning came at 3 I think. Maybe Smithfield has a different time than the rest of the state. Carly knocked on the door softly. I had my gear out and got it on quickly. Mike was stirring. He probably had to get soon for school. When I got outside Carly was already stretching. I joined her. It had been a few days so I was stiff, but it didn't take long for the stiffness to drain away.
"How long do you want to run this morning?"
"I'll take a anything up to 45 minutes. Depending how you fast you run me into the ground I may be back here in 5 minutes."
"I'm offended. How dare you think I'd do something like that, Mr. Owens."
"It may have been dark last night, but I saw the look."
"Mr. Owens you offend me again. Whatever do you mean?"
"Don't play coy Miss Smith. I know the look when I see it."
"Are you ready to run Santa Fe?"
"Show me the way Cube 5." I said trying to show my look. I'm just trying to be macho. I have not developed a look yet.
Forty-five minutes later I was sweaty, but I was able to keep up pretty well; she sets a good pace.
I walked around the yard for a few minutes. I have forgotten how good the country smells. I felt revitalized. This felt good.
Duane took a day off. Mike and Juli had to go to school for a test in first period, but Melinda said she'd check them out of school.
I'm not sure what all this would mean for me, but I was looking forward to seeing Carly in her home environment.
After showering and a hot breakfast I helped clean up. Melinda started making and packing a lunch.
Whispering to Carly, "What is your mom doing? Where are we going?"
"We are going to see if you can really handle being a Smith."
"Uh...what are we going to do?"
"Worried? Santa Fe."
"Should I be?"
"Nope. You'll be fine. We are just going to have a some fun for a few hours. We'll be gone long through lunch. So, Mom is making one for us."
"Are you going to give me a clue?" I asked.
"Wear a pair of old clothes if you've got them. What size of shoe do you wear?"
"Size 11, I think."
"Good, Dad will have a pair of boots that will fit you."
I hadn't made my bed yet so I headed upstairs to do that and read for a while.
I soon heard my name being called. It was weird to hear Melinda call me. "Carly said you needed some boots. Try these on. I'll think they'll fit." They fit comfortably.
"They fit nicely. Thank you."
"Brian, how is your mom handling the loss of your Dad?" I was not expecting this question.
"Melinda, before I can answer that question, you need to know though I call and email Mom, I have not been home in over 7 months." I could see the shock in Melinda's eyes. I could also see a questioning concern. It might have been, 'What will this mean for my daughter?'
"Melinda, Carly knows that when I left home that I didn't leave under the best circumstances. She has been very patient with me, knowing that I will tell when I am ready."
"That must be killing her. Patience is not one of Carly's virtues." Malinda said with a bit of a smile.
"Before I left Mom would cry sometimes at night, but it grew less frequent. Surprisingly she would laugh more than cry. She had a memory come to mind and just start laughing. Most of the time she would share them with us kids. There were others that she kept to herself. I think she's doing okay though. She still works at the store that she and Dad started how many ever years ago. It keeps her busy, I guess.
"Carly doesn't know it, but we are going to Apple Valley next week to meet my Mom at least."
"Come on you two slow pokes, Dad's chompin' at the bit to get out of here. And we still have to get Jules and Mike." Carly said.
"Well Brian, I believe that is as close as we are going to get to a engraved invitation." Melinda said smiling.
With that we headed out the door to what I hope to be a fun adventure.