The Lying Woods by Ashley Elston

Author:Ashley Elston
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Published: 2018-11-12T16:00:00+00:00

Noah—Summer of 1999

Abby’s parents won’t leave. It’s been three days since we buried her in the small cemetery in the back of the orchard and they’re still here. Her brother left as soon as he could, saying he couldn’t take off any more work. Robert, Abby’s cousin who’s been staying with her parents, is still here but it seems like he’s at their mercy.

Gus spends his days working on the second floor of the new barn he had built last year. I joked that he was probably trying to enclose it so he could live out there and not have to go back in the house with his in-laws. He didn’t laugh so I’m guessing that’s exactly what he’s doing.

Last night is the first night Maggie’s been by since the night Abby died but she didn’t stay long. Seems like her parents are keeping a closer eye on her ever since she hugged “that stranger” at the funeral home.

“Can I help?”

I like Robert, but damn he’s always got a funny way of sneaking up on you.

“Uh, sure. Grab that branch and throw it on the trailer.” We’re out in the orchard, clearing limbs that have fallen. It’s busywork but I’d rather be doing this than playing referee at the house between Abby’s parents and Gus.

“How much longer are y’all going to be here?” I ask Robert.

He pulls a limb to the trailer and tries to pick it up but it’s more than he can handle. I grab one end and together we throw it on top of the pile with the others.

“I have no idea. I’m on break from school for the summer and was working for Uncle John at his office. Then when we got word that Abby died, we all loaded up and headed down this way. I think Aunt Susan is ready to leave. She’s so depressed and being here isn’t helping because she’s regretting the falling-out they had years ago. But I think Uncle John is staying because he knows it’s driving Gus crazy.”

I jump on the four-wheeler and slowly drive the trailer to the next tree while Robert follows behind me, picking up smaller branches as he goes.

“What are you studying in school?” I ask him.

“Business. Want to get my MBA after I finish my undergraduate degree.”

He’s got a plan and I can’t help but be a little jealous of him. I bet Maggie’s dad wouldn’t curl his upper lip when she hugged me if I had my shit together like Robert does.

“That’s cool. I’m hoping to go to college one day. I’m working here, saving up so you know…this won’t be it for me.” I’m trying to justify working here to him and I hate myself for it. Hate that I feel like I’m not good enough for Maggie because I’m not like him, but Robert is a cool guy and it’s hard to hold it against him.

He helps me with the limbs for the rest of the day and I can tell it’s been a long time since he’s done any work like this, if ever.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.