Chapter Four
To: Bo Porter
From: Peyton Turner
Dear Bo,
I keep thinking about your letter. About what you asked. It was so surreal. I can’t believe you noticed. People usually don’t. Not that I want them to but still.
I don’t really talk about it or even think about it all that much. Because it’s not going to change anything, but it’s my mother. She’s never been a good judge of character when it comes to men.
Or rather just one man, my daddy.
He isn’t a nice man; he liked talking with his fists more than his words, and growing up, I watched my mother take the brunt of it.
She also took the brunt of his infidelity, as well as his lack of attendance in my life.
He’d come and go as he pleased, without a care for anyone.
My mother, though, always waited for him.
Always turned the other cheek, always treated him like he was the only man for her.
I never understood why, except she’d say that she loved him, and you didn’t choose the people you loved.
So I told myself that I’d never be put in a position like this: to fall in love with a cruel man.
I’d always be careful and smart; wary and cautious.
Even if it meant leading a simple life. A life without adventure or twists and turns.
Meaning no nights out, no partying, no going away to exotic places on spring break.
Definitely no boyfriends. Honestly though, my best friend dates enough for the both of us and just by watching her I don’t think I’m missing anything.
But anyway, it’s just me and my school and my job at the library.
It’s not the most exciting life but it’s peaceful.
It’s exactly what I never had and what I wanted.
In fact, writing letters to an asshole cowboy behind bars is probably the most exciting thing I’ve ever done in my life.
And good thing I did because your answers were really helpful.
It pains me to say it because your ego’s just going to grow bigger, but I do think I may be able to score a passing grade.
Who knew that an asshole cowboy could teach a little college girl something? Although, I will say I’m not little.
If I didn’t hate you so much, I’d ask you to teach me how to ride too. Because in my non-adventurous life, I’ve never ridden a horse before. But you know, I’ve seen people do it and read about it a lot so how different could it be?
Until next time,
Peyton
PS: I’m sending you another list of questions that are just as annoying as the last but only because I think I like you now.