Page 13 of Imbalanced Minds
I sigh because she’s right. “Sorry, hon. I get so caught up I forget everyone else. I mean, what did Justin say about it all? He’d surely be mad as hell.”
“I haven’t told him.” She tells me in all seriousness. I acknowledge I’ve put her in a tough situation but I’m thankful for her loyalty.
“Thank you. For everything. You’re such an amazing person and I love you so much for being you.”
“Back at cha bub. Now, who do ya want to watch? I know you didn’t only come out here to wake me up.”
“Hmm, I was thinking,”
“Tom!” We both yell at each other because we both love Tom Hardy which also causes another round of giggles.
Inhaling a deep breath brings peace back to my soul.
“It’s so good to be back.”
—
Today’s the day. Determined to leave the apartment and face the real world, I pack up my car early Friday morning and head to Mum and Dads to let off some much unwanted steam.
Pulling up to the house, our old family Huntaway alongside Dad, are waiting at the door. Dad stood tall; arms folded with a knowing smirk on his face while Mac is barely containing his excitement.
“I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away,” he booms with delight, laughter now echoing around us in the open air, “you didn’t make it the full week without coming out here.”
“Well, I couldn’t let you have all the fun around here now, could I?” I shrug as I start towards the house. “I also need to let off some steam, ya know.” Engulfing Dad in a squishy hug, my body immediately relaxes like it knows where I’m meant to be. Pulling away, I bend down to pet Mac while he continues speaking.
“What’s got ya in a pickle, honey? You seem off. It’s not boy trouble, is it? Because if it is your mothers in the kitchen. You came bang on time actually; she’s making her special brownie.”
Raising a brow, I step back and look at him. “What?” he asks confused.
“Just the way you said special brownie had me curious.” I laugh.
“Oh get out with ya, you know damn well it’s raspberry chocolate. Not that green smudge those hippies use.” Laughing hard I follow him through the house to see Mum.
“Boy it smells delicious in here, hi Mum,” I say, giving her a hug, “what’s been happening since I’ve been away?”
Sighing, Mum pulls away. “Nothing much actually Petal. It’s been a bit slow this last week or so. You having a week’s leave actually came at the perfect time.”
The use of her nickname for me straight away makes everything seem so much better. I love my Mum; she’s always been so understanding of my passion for riding and my need to keep it to myself.
When I went through my breakup, she was my rock and stood by me when I needed her. Hell, she was there with Nat even when I thought I didn’t need anyone.
“I thought I’d come get some recreational riding in, seeing as I can’t stay away from the place,” I eye Dad with a cheeky grin, “if that’s okay? I need to feel like me again.”
Mum eyes Dad which tells me she is going to have some words with me later. But for now, I decide it’s best to get myself sorted and grab my bike from the shed.
“Will you come watch, Dad?” I ask, knowing he would never let me ride on the track without supervision. Even if I am an adult. That’s just not him.
“Of course, sweet pea, let’s go.”
Just like that, we’re headed for the shed just like old times. There’re never many words with Dad, but his presence is enough to show how much he cares. He’s the kind of man who would help you no questions asked. Even if he thought you weren’t worthy of his help. He is always there with an extended hand. I’ve always been a daddy’s girl, but my personality is all Mum, of course with my own thrown in there too.
Having armoured up, I slide my feet into my boots, put my helmet and goggles on then hop on my baby ready to kickstart him to life. Rick is a 2019 KTM 250sx. I only run 2-stroke motorbikes, if I had gotten the 4-stroke model Justin would have given me shit about owning a farm bike. It’s a bit of an inside joke between us that not many understand.
I kick start Rick to life on the first attempt. Making my way to the track entrance where Dad awaits, I warm the bike up as I go.
“Take it easy for the first few laps. Get reacquainted with the track since we had some rain during the week. Then give ‘em gold honey.” Dad yells over the crisp idle of my bike.
Giving the thumbs up in return, I enter the track and a surge of energy runs through me. This is just what I’ve been needing, and no amount of persuasion will have me turning back.