Making Memories on Oak Tree Lane: Oak Tree Lane Book Two by R. A. Hutchins

Author:R. A. Hutchins [Hutchins, R. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-28T00:00:00+00:00

Nick had to admit to feeling relieved when he saw Jenna making her way across the field to him, the Great Dane by her side seeming to dwarf her. He wasn’t sure why he’d come out really, or what he expected, other than the house had seemed too quiet without her and his mind too active. Being close to Jenna was the only way he seemed to find peace.

“Is everything okay? Betsie spotted you, eyes like a hawk that one,” Jenna smiled as she approached, her words gentle.

“Yes, umhm, just felt like some fresh air,” he paused, realising she deserved more honesty than that, and he was finally ready to give it to her, “actually, I missed you.”

The smile that he was rewarded with was well worth any discomfort the admission had caused him and Jenna reached out a gloved hand and rubbed his arm for a brief second, “Well, we’re very glad to see you here, aren’t we Greta?” The dog couldn’t have looked less interested, sniffing as she was around the wide trunk of the ancient tree on a long lead.

“I, ah, I go over everything in my head when you’re not there. It’s like my brain is in overdrive and my actual body is numb. Some kind of anxiety paralysis the therapist says. But I really want to let myself feel again, Jenna, I want to move forward with my life and not feel like I’m stuck.”

“Stuck with me in Lower Oakley?” a hard frown had replaced the beaming smile of moments earlier and Nick realised he wasn’t doing a good job of this, not at all.

“No, I, ah, well you must know I can’t stay Jen, leeching off you. I need a job and, and…” he paused as she turned away and called the dog to her. Afraid they would go back to join the others, Nick was about to try again when a huge bang lit up the sky above them.

His whole body froze, his heart pumping faster as adrenaline coursed through him. He shielded his head with his hands and crouched down beside the protective trunk of the old tree.

“Here, here come round the other side where the whole tree will shelter us from the worst of the bangs at least,” he felt Jenna taking hold of his elbow and helping him to his feet.

Embarrassment flooded him and he had to stop himself from shrugging off her touch. The dog, as if sensing his distress, stayed close to his legs and Nick wasn’t sure who was protecting whom from the loud noises which now permeated the stillness of the night at regular intervals.

“Nick, Nick,” a finger under his chin encouraged him to look up at her.

“I’m sorry, I’m such a …” he began.

“You’re fine,” she stood close to him, shielding him with her body as the wide trunk protected his back. Greta sat tall and alert beside them, her eyes wide and her head tipped in the direction of the bangs.

“I remember,” Jenna began

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