laredo, june 1995.
Something about that hot, Texan air reminded her of the day she met Clint.
And it made things even harder for her just from the start. Because as much as she wanted to forget about him, throw away everything that was left of him, she couldn't wipe off those blurred memories from her head, that kept repeating.
Over and over.
Her mom told her that uncle Mack will pick her up straight from the airport. She didn't say much about him, apart from the obvious things. The last time Lucy saw him was during a funeral of her father. She was only twelve years old when they met. Perhaps if she looked at the photo she could recognize him, but the chances were slim.
She got out of the plane, following the other passengers to the exit. She came out just to stumble upon a huge number of people that created a crowd of bodies surrounding her.
It was enough to make her breathing go faster.
"Lucille?"
A deep, southern drawl made her spin around. Her eyes met with the ones that belonged to an older cowboy standing right in front of her. The years spent in here spoke for themselves with the way how rugged and anguished he looked.
She on the other hand must've looked like little puppy who got lost. Such a pathetic, first expression. Probably not what he expected from his only niece and the stories from her his sister.
"Uncle Mack?" she decided to go for it, still having trouble with recognising the man.
He cocked an eyebrow at her.
"When Donna told me that you have a hard time, I didn't know she meant looking like you've been hit by a car." he chirped.
Normally she would've laughed but all that escaped her was a heavy sigh.
"And here I was thinking that the makeup would fix it all." She mumbled, making him chuckle before taking her suitcase from her.
"That was a good one, nena."
The two chatted casually about everyday matters, but Lucille was always careful to keep her words vague and her tone cautious. She spoke of their life in Chicago, the changes her mother made, and most importantly her new job that turned out to be just excellent choice. Yet, she never shared details about herself beyond the bare minimum.
As they drove through the countryside, she took in the beauty of the Southern landscape. She caught herself glancing to the windows, then back at her hands, unable to bear too long a look at him. She was nervous, excited, and a little apprehensive. She had no idea what awaited her in the place they were headed but she only hoped that it won't make it things worse
"So, is there anything you want to see in particular or--"
"Can we please go home for now?" she pleaded, cutting him off. Her uncle hummed in response and nodded, taking the turn.
Laredo was a big town, that was for sure. She couldn't really remember if she ever visited that place. Her mother usually didn't talk about it and she never asked. There was no point.
So, it could safe to say that this was her first time here, in this foreign but friendly-looking town where everybody knew everybody.
The truck eventually stopped and she realised they reached the destination - an old farm house, with wooden porch and white fence. Just like she expected.
"There are still a few hours to dinner, so why don't ya unpack and take a look around?" he offered in the soft voice that brutally reminded her of her father. Another person she lost.
"Sounds good." She shrugged, taking her things inside the house. "Where--"
"Upstairs, second door on the left." he instructed her and watched as she took the stairs, fighting with the weight of the suitcase. "How about a little help?"
"I'm fine!" she protested already reaching the halfway. "Totally fine!"
Mack shook his head and returned outside, flooding the house with silence disturbed by the sounds of creaking floor and her footsteps.
=
It didn't take her long to unpack but she tried her best to slow things as much as possible. She was reluctant to go outside and let the sun kiss her awfully pale skin, to get some fresh air and actually breathe for the first time in months. She wanted to keep things as they were, she didn't need change.
Just a break.
She found herself strolling through the ranch, taking in the sight of domestic and wildness that spread around. It was a welcoming sight, the one she has always wanted to see with Clint, maybe build a house and have some chickens or sheep running around outside.
Then something caught her attention. The main gate from the fence was slightly opened and her uncle magically dissapeared. She wanted to call for him but then her fingers instantly grabbed the robe that was laying nearby and took matters into her own hands.
The gate was heavier to close than she thought so it took her a good couple of minutes to actually pull it together. When she made sure the knotvwas strong enough, Mack appeared right behind her with a cup of lemonade.
Meeting his gaze she let herself smirk but the movement didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I'm not totally useless, you know?"
"Lo sé, nena." he hummed handing her the drink and painting to the gate. "That's a good cowboy knot there."
"Your sister taught me a few things." her hand slid over the fabric of her skirt.
"I would be suprised if she didn't."
"Got something else to fix?"
Mack chuckled deeply in his chest.
"There's plenty of it, conejita. But first I have to teach you a few things if you want to help around the ranch, got it?"
They both agreed that they will talk this over the dinner. For now she was supposed to relax and enjoy her one and only day off before the work. Something shifted in the air and Lucille didn't feel so tense around him anymore. She actually liked the way he talked with that accent of his (she still found it funny) and how he patiently explained some things to her. He didn't treat her like a child or a little girl he met about a decade ago. No, he treated her as his equal, as someone nearly as experienced in life as him even though it was not true.
"What are we eating anyway?" she asked, when they finished their tour around the ranch. Her hunger was slowly increasing as the time passed and she was back inside the house, pacing around the kitchen.
"Empandas. From my lovely mother's recipe. It's gonna blow that beautiful mind of yours." he declared, making her whine in response.
"What about pizza?"
"Pizza?" he echoed, in disbelief. "This ain't Italy, nena. You eat what you make. There's no debate here."
"Fine, whatever you say old man." she rolled her eyes.
"So much attitude." he shook his head with a smile. "You gonna help me or not?"
Lucille let out a sigh and rolled up the sleeves of her shirt.
=
author's note:
wow! this is actually happening!
welcome to the first chapter, guys. let me know what do you think <3