8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaVPIzAmyH
Xenon looked at himself in the mirror, ensuring that he was well-dressed for tonight. The place he and Calian would go was a regular bar, but Calian had texted him a while ago. He stated that the Wild West Bar was hosting a singing competition, so there would be a large crowd. Xenon wasn't in a large crowd, but it was too late to go back. The cowboy looked at himself as he wore a dark blue long-sleeved shirt with the first couple of buttons undone, showing his partially muscular chest. He wore black jeans, a black belt, and black boots. Xenon got his cologne and sprayed some on his chest and parts of his neck.
When done, Xenon went to his closet and retrieved his black cowboy hat from the top shelf, putting it on his head. "I guess I'm ready," he told himself as he got his wallet and keys from one of his wooden cabinets near his bed. The picture of himself and his wife caught Xenon's eye. It was their wedding photo. The cowboy gently held the picture frame as he looked at the picture. The memory of his wedding to Kendra felt as if it weren't too long ago. Their smiles, their happiness, their hugs and kisses were something he couldn't forget.
The cowboy hugged the picture frame as tears began to form in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Kendra. I'm sorry that I couldn't tell you the truth about what I have become. I'm sorry that I have to keep lying to our son." Xenon looked and kissed Kendra's image. "I promised myself that I would not love another woman, but it's hard, Kendra. I can't help but feel alone, even though we have our friends and son. I miss you so much."
There was a knock on the door. "Daddy, I'm ready! I got my toys ready!" David excitedly announced.
Xenon composed himself as he put the picture frame back in its place. He looked at his reflection for one last time, took a deep breath, and opened the door. David stood with his small Mario backpack filled with his favorite toys. His face gleamed with excitement. "I'm ready to go to Granny's house! I hope she made apple pudding!"
"Now buddy, you can't always expect Granny to make pudding all the time."
David's excited smile didn't lessen. "I know, I know. But, Granny always makes apple pudding whenever we visit! That's why I didn't eat a lot of McDonalds!"
His son's excitement got to Xenon. The smallest things in life made him happy. "Alright, let's get going, buddy." Father and son walked out of their house, to the vehicle, and drove off toward the Flathead reservation. David was humming to himself while looking out the window, which held vast green land and mountains. Meanwhile, his father made a quick call to Calian, letting them know they were on their way to his mother-in-law's house.
Eventually, the duo arrived at the reservation, which was situated in a vast area far from the central city. There were many houses on display, and more were being slowly built. Xenon turned off his truck while looking at the reservation. He was happy to see that his friends in the reservation were doing well. Not many reservations didn't have the same fortune when it came to job opportunities and government support.
"Alright, buddy, we're here. Remember don't ask Granny about making apple pudding. You're in her home and you will follow her rules. Got it?"
The young boy gleamed, his smile had a hint of mischievousness, Xenon noticed. David put a thumb up. "Yeah, I got it!"
Xenon amusingly raised an eyebrow. He knew that his son loved Granny's apple pudding; it was one of his favorite desserts. Also, Granny loved David as if he were her grandson. "Why did I bother anyway," he thought. The cowboy motioned with his hand, which his son held. They walked into the path that led to the center of the reservation. Some people outside their homes greeted father and son.
Eventually, they arrived in front of a light green manufactured home where the lights were turned on. Before Xenon could climb the stairs, David let go of his hand, climbed the stairs, and banged on the door. "GRANNY! WE'RE HERE! WE'RE HERE! I BROUGHT TOYS!"
Xenon shook his head as he massaged his forehead. The door opened, and an older woman with a smile plastered on her face. She immediately carried the young boy, who squealed in excitement and hugged her back. "David, my mischievous níyoltsoh (tornado). I sensed you coming miles away!" She looked at Xenon, who chuckled. "Hello to you to, Xenon. It's about time you brought my little rascal to me. I missed him."
"Hello to you, Winona. Sorry, we have been busy."
Winona rolled her eyes. "You mean, 'you have been busy.' You always find excuses to be busy to avoid going out. Seriously, you need to go out more, it would give David an excuse to come visit me more often."
"You have your other grandkids."
"So? Some live farther away in Montana, and some are older and going to college." Winona looked and smiled at David. "It would also give me an excuse to make apple pudding."
David's eyes lit up. "You made apple pudding!?"
"Sure did, níyoltsoh. When Calian told me that you were coming, I knew I had to make your favorite dessert!"
The mention of apple pudding excited David, who then looked triumphantly at his father. "See, Daddy! Granny made apple pudding! I didn't have to bug her!"
The adults chuckled; Calian and his wife, Willow, arrived.
(How Willow looks)
Calian and his wife, Willow, heard David, and they couldn't help but be amused. Willow went to her mother and David. "Well, hello, you little terror. It's been a while since we've seen you in this house."
Daid pouted as he crossed his arms. "I'm not a terror! I'm not mean!"
The adult chuckled again. Winona looked at the others. "Well, we won't keep you all. Go out and have fun." She eyed Xenon. "And you. You better keep an open mind. Try to talk with some of the women. I don't want you to be single forever." Xenon was about to speak, but Winona glared at him. Everyone who knew her knew that when she used the glare, it was best not to protest. "No buts! I better hear that you at least talked to some women." The older woman then focused on the curious David. "Let's go little one. Let's eat some apple pudding and put on a movie! Then, you can help me with some crafts."
Calian, Willow, and Xenon were left outside, amused by Winona's antics. "Sorry about my mother. You know she can be a handful and blunt."
"Not all. I admire that about her. I must imagine that one can always enjoy company with her."
Calian rolled his eyes before his wife would notice. "Still, we're happy that you decided to join us. It would be good for all of us to get out of our homes and go out together. Are you ready, my friend?" Calian asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6myYTgAzkh
