Page 56 of Timber's Line

TIMBER

I headed to bed early. I wanted to do an elimination ceremony now. I want to get rid of Ethan, Oscar, and Luis, but Sal needs drama. I hope he gets it but not at my expense.

I try sleeping but hear yelling from the yard. I watch as Easton and Dayton go at it in the cage. Both are fierce competitors, but eventually, Dayton wins.

My heart leaps when they both sit down and talk. I know Easton is hurting, and Dayton has a cut on his head. When they make their way to the porch, there is a knock on my door.

“Timber, can you come help?” I don’t even say anything, just grab a first aid kit and head downstairs.

The animal clip was low, but at least it made everyone laugh. I am glad he and Easton worked things out. Dayton needs all the friends he can get, people who love him enough to get him in the cage to let out his anger and will hold him up in the end.

I wish I had that, but I also need to learn to stand on my own. That’s why sometimes I’m envious of Ever and Skye, because they can stand up for themselves and others.

I fall into a dreamless sleep, listening to the laughter and jokes and hoping one day I’ll be a part of it.

“Time to get up,” I hear McKenna’s voice.

I feel like a ton of bricks hit me.

“You know what today is?”

I shake my head, throwing my legs over the side of the bed.

“You have another date, but it’s Friday. Sal has something planned for your suitors.”

Friday Fair.

“Come on, let’s get you ready. I know it’s going to be a long day.” She heads to the wardrobe, and I take a quick shower.

“Wait, what about the chickens and horses?”

“We took care of them.” McKenna smiles at me.

“Coffee.” Ever walks in with a mug for me.

“Thank you.” I’m going to need more just to make it through today.

“I heard your date tonight is dancing.” Ever smiles at me.

“Where?”

“The bar that me and Skye went to during the first two seasons.”

“I like country music,” I reply, putting on the clothes McKenna picked out.

“It will be fun,” Ever says, brushing my hair. “Thank you for last night.”

“What do you mean?”

“For helping.”

“I watched the fight from my window,” I tell her.

“They were pretty loud but sounded like they needed to do that.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Yeah.”