"I took a bridge over the river, and it was already pretty high."
"Yeah, this year has been extremely wet, starting in the spring. If the bridge is washed out, we'll be stuck for a while. I can get around the back way on horses, but it's not quick in the least." My eyes run along her face, making note of the dark circles under her eyes.
"Do you have anyone who'll be looking for you? If that bridge is washed out, we're gonna be here for a while. Can I get a message to somebody for you?"
She pulls a plump bottom lip between her teeth. "Yeah, a few people. If I give you their numbers, can you make sure they know?"
"I can," I clear my throat. Leveling her with a gaze. "Do I need to worry about you trying to hurt yourself again? We're going to be here together for a while, and I need to know what I'm dealing with."
Her tongue comes out, licking her lip, and causing it to glisten in the low light. "I'm not fixed, if that's what you're asking, but no, I don't feel the need to end it all. Coming that close? It made me realize I don't want to do something I can't take back."
I grunt my approval. "Good."
The weather radio buzzes again.
A strong cold front moves in tonight, which could bring measurable snow. Stay tuned to local news for updates.
Fuck my life. This gets better and better with every single second.
Three
Paisley
"Will we be okay out here?" I question the man who saved my life. What I'm hearing from the news report is starting to make me nervous. At the same time, there's a part of me that likes the sound of being somewhere other than where I've been for the last year.
"Yeah." He nods. "I'm used to this. There's a good six months out of the year it's possible I can't get to town. It's one of the reasons I'm the Livestock Agent for this part of the county. None of them know this area like I do. If you need to get back to town, we can do it. It's just gonna be difficult and your car will have to stay until the bridge is fixed."
The seriousness of the situation we find ourselves in sits heavy on my chest. Almost as heavy as the situation I found myself in a few hours ago. Nodding, I inhale deeply. "Do we have to worry about running out of food or anything of that nature?"
"No." He shakes his head. "You don't have to be concerned about that. I'm used to it, and I make sure there's enough here for at least three people for the winter. Will we have to conserve at some point? Maybe. But I'm a firm believer in not borrowing trouble. We'll figure it out when we get there."
The quiet calm he has calms me too, and I realize we haven't officially been introduced. "Do you know my name?"
He jerks his head to the side. "No, I don't. All I know is dispatch called me and asked me to intervene."
Swallowing roughly, I stick my hand out in between us. "I'm Paisley."
He takes it, and I can't help but notice the callouses on his palms, and the edges of his fingers. They're indicative of how hard he seems to work. "Chase. It's nice to meet you."
"Thank you," I whisper. "For saving me."
Pushing his hand through his hair, he clears his throat. "I did what anyone in my position would've done."
"No." I shake my head. "No you didn't. I asked for help. Maybe not in the actual words, but for over a year I've asked people to see me. Really see me. To notice what I've been going through. No one did, Chase. But you? Someone who'd never met me before - stepped in and stopped me."
Judging by the firm set of his body, he's embarrassed and uncomfortable that I've praised him. He gives a shake of his head. "I'm no hero, Paisley, but I'm glad I could help you."
The silence stretches between the two of us to the point where I start to become uncomfortable.
"Are you getting hungry?" He questions, folding his arms over his chest. "I can make us some dinner."
I'm not used to anyone asking what I want, or not expecting me to do the work. "I can help you, I'm not an invalid. I know it may seem as if I don't have a good head on my shoulders, but I do."
"Never said that."
"Right, I'm projecting. Do you need help, Chase?"
He raises his eyebrows, looking at me as if he isn't sure how I'm going to react. "You don't have to help me. I'm used to taking care of myself. But if you don't want to be by yourself, you can stay in here and keep me company. I can't promise I'm the best person to talk to, but you won't be alone."
