Thread: What Might Have Been (AndNich123 & Reydan)

Once inside the car, she knew she would have quite a journey before her. Book the flight for you Maam, the hired escort asked. No, she told him, her voice sounding more firm and assertive than it had since the crash. No. I dont think..I want to be in the air anytime soon. She told him, looking up and forcing a smile. Ill take a train or a bus. She knew the fatality rates, and yet they still seemed safer to her than being in the air. Her head rested against the glass as the car made its way through the city. She felt the faint smile on her lips. For the first time in a long time, she was going home. A few days later, she found herself on a bus winding closer to home, her home. The fields of crops growing were a sure sign she was almost there. She had forgotten what the air smelled like there. You can actually smell the grass here. She smiled seeing rows and rows of corn on either side of the long, straight road. It was paved. It was a strange thought to have, but there it was in her mind. The bus itself was quiet. The passengers all content in their own little worlds. She was glad for that. If any of them did recognize her, they were keeping it quiet. Quiet. Thats what she wanted. Thats what she needed. Already she could the connection deep inside with this place starting to awaken. The water tower came into view with the name of the town painted in big letters. You could see where the local teens had climbed it and painted various things as well. It was a tradition there. Only the bravest would dare do it they all said. Her smile grew. The bus continued on its way until the rows of corn gave way to small buildings. The town itself wasnt huge. A few stores littered main street that were filled with older women shopping. There was a ice cream shop there now. Funny. It hadnt been there before. The local drugstore was still there. A few office for lawyers. Even in a small town it appeared things were progressing. The mural on the side of one of the buildings was still there. It was in desperate need of care, but the image was still there, peeling. It was of a sunrise with people walking towards it, holding hands. The flowers were blooming, and a few birds flew overhead. The word Welcome was in big, bold, black letters at the bottom. Welcome, she thought. For the first time since the crash, she actually felt welcomed. The bus pulled into the depot. It was nothing more than a small, wooden covering to protect the passengers in the event of rain. The driver was already retrieving the bags for the passengers. His eyes made contact with hers as he handed her the bag she had stowed away for the trip. With a sigh, she moved away from the bus. Something drew her attention upwards. It was a plane, a crop duster. He must have been heading out to the fields. She watched him as he faded away in the distance. The driver tapped her on the shoulder. Taxi can take you out to the hotel. She nodded. Thanks. He pushed up his hat as he looked at her. You from around here, aint ya? Another nod. Yeah. I finally came back home. All the things from home she loved were flooding back to her. All of them. Especially..him. She wondered if he was still here. Was he married? Would he even want to speak to her? She had tried to make things right with the families with her statement. She wondered could she try to talk to him. Would he even listen? Would it matter? Excuse me, she called to the driver. Can you tell me where I might find a car I can rent, and please dont say Lwicks Family Mechanics. Now Madeline sat there behind the wheel looking ahead. Her fingers tapped on the leather wrapped steering wheel of the 84 pickup truck. It certainly wasnt her first choice, but with this small town lacking a proper rental car business, her choices were limited. Sure Charles probably had a better car he may have been able to let her rent, but it would have been too much to go and see him. Ironic considering he was, right through the windshield, down the street. She had parked on the side and watched him, not sure of what her next move should be. Even now she wasnt sure. There were four people there, ad only one of them scared the hell out of her. He was the reason she came back, and now faced with the chance to speak to him, she found that words did not exist, at least not the proper ones to say to him. There were no words that would even begin to make up for what had happened. Was that what she even wanted? Perhaps it was more to explain what had taken place. No. Still no words to do that either. Her hand came up to brush her hair back away from her forehead and rest there. With her he elbow propped up on the open window, she took a deep breath. Sitting here forever was not an option. Her attention shifted as she saw her uncle come from the house yelling at the poised blonde who looked as though had just stepped from the pages of a magazine, clearly out of place here in this town. Get out of here! Shes not even home yet and you people wont let her rest! Her fingers gripped the keys as she started the truck up once more. Uncle Jake, she breathed, throwing the truck in gear and starting towards the caravan of people. Uncle Jake, she yelled, climbing from the truck and slamming the heavy door. Get back inside. Its okay. Im here. I can handle this. The blonde started asking questions right away, paying no mind to what she was saying to her uncle. The cameraman lunged forwards as well, trying to get a good shot. Its okay uncle Jake. Ill be inside soon. Just go back and wait for me. Alright? He nodded before giving the reporter one last look. With that he turned his back to them and headed inside. Now listen, Madeline said, spinning on her heels to face the blonde. You want a story, my story? Fine. Youll get it. An exclusive, in your studio, not here, not now, and let this be a warning to anyone else thinking about coming here and disrupting my familys lives. Do it, and nobody hears a peep from me. You got that, she asked, looking right into the camera. Ill talk, but on my own time. Now get out of here. I know the truck isnt broken down. Ive seen the ploy before. Buys you time so you can sit here and wait for me. The blonde lowered the mic she held and pursed her lips. Nodding she yelled for them to, Pack it up. Madeline glared at them as they quickly loaded up and left the curb by her family home. Then it was silence and.him. Im sorry, she told him quickly. The media is nothing but piranhas. Sorry she tricked you and wasted your time. I can still pay you for coming out here. I know, she paused, finally looking at him, taken aback by seeing him, by the fact she was actually talking to him, youre a.busy man, she continued. Its good..too see you..again. Real good.