Thread: Dangers of Divorce (Casket & TMT)

Hank had left early that morning, telling his son Billy that he wanted to run a few errands before picking up Emily. The nerves showed on Billy's face as his father left in the old beat up farm truck. He was so excited and nervous to meet Emily for the first time and only hoped that she was nice and didn't hate the farm house too much. Billy had done everything he could to make the place more presentable the night before, but after working all day in the sun he found that he'd fallen asleep in the guest bed in what would be his sister's new room. Hank drove to town, which was 15 miles, most of which were unpaved roads till you got to the town proper. The little town of Machias was so small that it only had a single stop light at it's center, and the light mostly just blinked instead of changing colors. He drove by the train stop, which was also the greyhound bus stop and peered out as he drove by. He saw a beautiful young girl standing there with a bag on her shoulder, and dressed like city trash. Short shorts, a revealing shirt and some faux cowboy boots that almost made the old jaded man laugh. Hank drove right by the first time, thinking it would be best to have her wait a little while and really get the scope of how far out in the country she really was. Hank continued down the road with the vision of his beautiful ex-wife Sarah floating in the back of his mind. His daughter was the spitting image of Sarah back when she was in college and seeing his daughter brought the hurtful memory back again. That fire red hair and those damned green eyes, she could have been Sarah's clone and there was no doubt in his mind that she probably acted just like her mother. If he had his way though, maybe this summer he could do some proper parenting and change that fact though. Hank pulled up to the local shop and stepped out of his truck and entered the store. Being in a small town local stores had to carry a larger variety of items and although this was a grocery store, he knew they also had some amish made clothes for sale in the back. Hank leafed through the selection and found two extremely modest dresses. Both had hem lines that would reach the ankle and he thought they looked quite nice. As he was walking back to the counter to pay for the items he saw his good friend Deek Sweet and waved hello. Howdy Deek, how's life treating you? Hank asked with a cordial smile. Good Reverend Eastman, How are you? Deek replied, holding the six pack of beer and looking down at it with a bit of shame on his face because it wasn't even noon yet. Fine, fine....and I've told you, feel free to call me Hank when I'm not behind the pulpit. Hey, I've been meaning to ask you something. You know my boy Bill is almost 18 and I think he's taken quite a shine to your daughter Prudence. Do you suppose we could arrange a date for these two youngins' after church Sunday? Something innocent of course, maybe a movie at the drive-in and some ice cream afterward? Hank asked, making sure to look down at the beer Deek was holding several times. Pru? really? I haven't heard her talking about any boys courting her, she mostly focuses on her chores and those damn horses....oops sorry Reverend.....I mean darn horses. Deek answered and pulled the six pack behind his back. Well the fact remains, they are both getting to that age and seeing how they are both good church going youngsters, who better for them to date? Hank persisted. Bit early for beer isn't it Deek? He added in. Ahhh the beer is for later after the sun goes down, I've got plenty to do around my spread. But yes I suppose you're right, they are both good kids, although I personally think Pru is a little stuck up, but if your boy wants to date her, I've got no objections. Say Hank, who are those dresses for, you starting to date someone yourself? Deek inquired. oo Oh these? He said holding up the dresses. Nooo, I'm afraid my dating days are all over. I tried my hardest to keep my marriage together but she just wouldn't have it. These are for my daughter, she's come to visit for the summer. He answered. No kidding, well I guess Pru will be around since she and Bill will be spending time together, maybe the girls will become good friends. Deek answered and began to walk to the counter. Yes that would be nice, I think a positive female influence would do her fine, she's been city living up till now and I only hope she isn't to far gone. Hank said and placed the dresses on the counter. Excuse me Flo, could you wrap these for me? Hank asked the cashier as he paid for the items. When finished Hank returned to the truck and tossed the wrapped dresses up on the dash board before heading back out toward the bus station. He pulled up next to her and leaned over to address her. Emily? Hello, I'm your father Henry. You can call me 'sir' or Reverend Eastman, get in....I've got a lot to do today. He said in an unemotional voice. Once his estranged daughter was in the truck he pointed at the packages on the dash. Those are for you, I'd like you to get changed once we get back to the house. No daughter of mine is going to be parading around in Hoochie shorts.