Jeffrey walks through the stable doors, embarrassed as he continuously adjust his pants that are too tight and shirt that is too long.
Justine appears from behind two horses in the middle of the barn. She is adjusting the saddle of one of the horses. She spots Jeffrey and tries to hide her childish smile.
Jeffrey laughs at himself, "I had to borrow some clothes. But it seems they belonged to a very dysfunctional man," holding up his long sleeve and pointing to his too high pants.
Justine can't control her giggles as she catches another sight of him. She comes out from behind the horse, her smile fading, "I am sure you can think of more important things to do than riding with me while waiting for my Father. I will completely understand."
Jeffrey follows her around the second horse helping with the saddle adjustments.
"I realize you don't want me to go, but I told your father I would, so I am."
Her smile returns, but she does not look at him, "It's not so much that I'd rather ride alone, I just know this was not your first choice of things to do when you came today."
Jeffrey finishes tightening the straps and watches her as she disappears into one of the horses stalls.
She returns carrying a small sack and gets up on her horse. "Always on Fathers time," she says and gives her horse a slight kick.
Justine's horse starts off out of the barn stables as Jeffrey quickly jumps on his own to follow.
The two of them gallop for some time along a dirt path surrounding the Martin's very large grounds. Jeffrey always trailing just a little bit behind Justine. He can tell she likes to be in the lead so he does this on purpose, though Justine sees things differently.
Finally, while being coy, Justine pulls on the reins of her horse and slows down to a walking pace. Jeffrey catches up and pulls out his handkerchief and wipes his face down. Shading his eyes from the beating afternoon sun he relaxes in his saddle and glances around at the scenery.
The Martin house and stables look like small figurings against green hills. The leaves on every tree hovering over the path are a brilliant green and birds flood the sky singing.
"I only imagined it this beautiful in my dreams," he says.
Justine giggles at his remark, but he pays no attention and closes his eyes while taking in a deep breathe of fresh air. Justine is unamused by the scenery and is rummaging through her sack. She pulls out a small silver flask and takes a drink, "Awwweee, how refreshing."
She hands the flask out to Jeffrey, "Would you like some?"
Jeffrey opens his eyes and takes it. He licks his lips realizing how hot and thirsty he had become. He takes a gulp, waiting for the cool feeling of water to trickle down his throat.
He spits it out almost instantly, "What the...."
Amused by the display she just witnessed, "Not used to whiskey are we?"
Jeffrey wipes his mouth with the hankie and laughs a little, "Just not expected." He takes another short sip this time and hands it back to her. She grabs it and takes another long swig, enjoying it very much. Jeffrey watches her, "You are not what I expected."
She smiles and they continue riding for a moment until Justine breaks the silence.
"You should have stood up to him today, to my father, and said you had other matters to take care of this afternoon."
Jeffrey is a little caught off guard by her topic of choice, "What do you mean?"
"You had other plans this afternoon, did you not? Shouldn't you be home with your mother? Father is always doing that."
Jeffrey looks out at the scenery, "Well, Mr. Martin is a very busy man, it was easier for me to change my plans around."
"It was not." She says firmly. "Father did nothing this morning except walk around the grounds picking flowers."
Jeffrey keeps his eyes forward.
"Now look. Your mother is home sick and you are riding with me. I have to believe you have more of a back bone than you let on, especially when it comes to my father. Don't you?"
Jeffrey says nothing. Justine decides to take the conversation in another direction as they continue a light walk further along the path.
"Jeffrey tell me, why has my father insisted you come back this summer?"
He finally makes eye contact with her, "Business. It is time to discuss my plans for the future after I graduate."
"And what is the plan for you?"
"I suppose I will come back to Quincy and join a respectable law firm, eventually handling your families affairs."
"All part of Daddy's plan. Keep it in the family."
"No, I too wish to be successful. Being a Lawyer is an excellent career choice, and working for your father would be an honor."
"Yes, but just because my father says it is the right choice does not mean you will be successful. There are many measurements of success. Plus, you do not strike me as a Lawyer."
They look at each other for a moment, "What is it that Jeffrey Oakes wishes for? If you could do anything, be anywhere, what would you choose?"
"Why are you so adamant on believing I do not want these things?" He questions.
Justine smirks at him. He pauses and thinks for a moment, "Why do I feel like you know me so well Justine?"
She can't help but smile.
"I would write and travel," he finally answers.
Justine seems shocked by his remark, and a little shocked that yes, she does know this man very well though they've only just reconnected, "Really?"
"Surprised?" He asks a little nervous by her reaction.
"No, just not expected," she giggles a little, "That would explain where those corny lines come from though."
Jeffrey smiles watching her, "What corny lines?"
She just giggles, "Are you any good? At writing? I mean has anyone read your work?"
"Two of my stories have been published actually," he says with more confidence than ever heard through his voice before.
"Really? Father never mentioned this side of you."
"He wouldn't. I have not told anyone here at home. Not even my mother."
Justine smiles and stares ahead, "I must say I am very impressed Jeffrey Oakes. You should be following your dreams, not letting my father make decisions for you."
Jeffrey becomes a little defensive at this remark finally sticking up for himself, "You're father is a very generous man, helping me succeed where I never thought possible. He believes I will make a fine Lawyer, and that is what I intend to be. I can write in my free time, but this is the path that has been chosen, going to school, working in an outstanding Law firm, I will do this for your father, for my father, mother.... and for me."
"Yes, and father is always right," She replies and they ride in silence once more.
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