Planted Seedling: Day 11

Word Count: 66,007

Summary of Events:

Lark was wrapping the Christmas presents she'd bought or finished making already when Brandt came over and they discussed what they wouldn't mind for Christmas from each other. Brandt then took Lark out snowmobiling where Nick caused some trouble that led to Brandt giving him another thrashing, they then headed home early after police showed up at the behest of the lady who usually complained about their snowmobiling and quading, even though they weren't in the wrong . . .

Excerpt of the Day:

""If he can get back, of course," Brandon said.

"Why?" the officer asked.

"He was in a wreck," Brandt replied. "His snowmobile might not be able to drive."

"Has no one gone and helped him?" the officer asked.

"Yeah, they've helped him," Brandt lied. "Other than getting his snowmobile out, they'll possibly do that later, if they're not too drunk."
"There's drinking involved?" the female officer asked, finally speaking.

"There always is," Brandt replied. "Once all the riding's done. We have a whole site set up, kind of like a day-use area, except we use it at night."

"Oh?" the male officer said.

"Would you like me to take you to it?" Brandon asked.

"If you please," the male officer replied.

Brandon got onto his snowmobile and two officers got on behind him. Brandt watched silently as they sped off, he then looked toward Mrs. Winterholt.

"I can't believe you," Mrs. Winterholt said. "Just as snakelike as your father."

Brandt glared at her viciously, still holding Lark.

"You ought to just leave well enough alone, just like your father couldn't," Mrs. Winterholt said. "Going after–"

"I don't want to hear it," Brandt interrupted, releasing Lark to seize the front of Mrs. Winterholt's jacket and pull her up to his face. "I get hated on enough for being myself, I don't need to be hated on for being related to my father."

Releasing Mrs. Winterholt, Brandt gave Lark her license back and escorted her to his truck.

"We're going home," he said.

While she got inside Brandt climbed onto his snowmobile and loaded it into his truck before climbing into the driver's seat and heading for the field exit.

"Why did you lie to the police?" Lark asked.

"Because Nick deserved what he got," Brandt replied. "You aren't a prize to be had by just anyone."

"Like you," Lark said.

"I'm sorry Lark," Brandt said. "I . . ."

He closed his mouth. Lark said nothing either.

"I'm trying," Brandt whispered. "I know you don't want to. I'm trying."

"Why?" Lark asked.

Brandt pulled over into a field driveway and looked at Lark. He took her hand and looked her in the eyes.

"Because I love you Lark," he replied. "I'm sure of it. I want to make you happy. But it's hard. I've never done it before."

He saw tears in Lark's eyes, and a bit of a smile on her face.

"I'm sorry Brandt," she whispered. "I just felt like I was being used, almost like a means to an end."

"I've always wanted to Lark," Brandt said. "And I don't know, maybe I'll be able to convince myself marriage is something we could do, but I'm not there yet. If you'll be able to be okay with me with all this struggling."

Lark nodded.

"I don't want to lose you to someone else Lark," Brandt whispered.

Lark pulled her hand free of Brandt's hold and put her gloved fingers against Brandt's lips.

"Just take me home," she whispered."