She grabbed her phone and headed up to the living area, where her mother was laying across the sofa.
“Carrie my darling, you look lovely” her mother whispered quietly, she was obviously very tired, the headaches taking their toll on her sleeping.
“Thanks, I thought since I was in the country I may as well get some clothes more suitable” She replied, smiling back at the frail vision before her.
“Daniel seems a lovely boy; I had a nice chat with him when we arrived. I’m sure you will have a lovely time with him tonight” She said, pushing herself up into a sitting position, her breath ragged from the sheer effort. Carrie quickly crossed the room and helped her mother to sit up before sitting next to her and holding her mother’s hand in her own.
“He does seem very sweet. Very different to any farmer I think I have met before” Not that Carrie had ever met many farmers, but he was very different to the stereotype she had in her head.
“I’m so proud of you Carrie, I know you have been through a lot but you are such a strong person and I know in my heart you will find your own path eventually, and you will find a way to be happy” Anne tapped her daughters hand and turned to look at her, Carrie avoided making eye contact with her, for fear of the tears arriving.
A knock at the door startled them both and Carrie glanced at the clock to realise it was 6 already and that must be Daniel. Leaning over she kissed her mum on the cheek, and put her phone in her jeans pocket. She didn’t expect to have any signal where they were going but it was always good to use as a camera.
Walking over to the door, she was aware of the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She opened the door to see Daniel leaning against the door frame, smiling at her.
“Wow look at you, the city girl dressed down” he chuckled teasing her.
“Don’t you start, I’ve heard it all from my brother already” she chuckled.
Shouting a goodbye to her mum, she left the barn. Closing the door behind her, she turned and saw his large land rover ticking over on the courtyard, Daniel walked up to the car and opened the passenger door, turning and smiling at her.
“Your carriage awaits m’lady” he said, bowing. Carrie burst out laughing but decided to keep up with the act.
“Why, thank you kind sir” she replied, taking his hand and letting him help her into her seat. As soon as their fingers touched a spark shot through her body, and despite the cold November night she felt as if she was burning up. Daniel closed her door and walked around to the other side of the car and Carrie felt a moment of doubt and wondered if she should just bolt back inside.
Jumping into the driver’s side, Daniel started the engine and began driving up the lane towards the main stretch of road out of the farm.
“Had a nice day?” he asked taking a quick glance at Carrie.
“Lovely” she replied, her throat feeling dry and she began to cough and choke. Daniel quickly stopped the car and reached into the backseat to retrieve a bottle of water, passing it to Carrie before leaning over and rubbing and patting her back.
“Whoa there sugar, don’t go choking yourself, we’ve only just left”
Carrie found herself in-between a laugh and a cough as she slowly sipped the water from the bottle, the cool liquid soothing her now sore throat from the choking.
“How embarrassing! I’m so sorry” She stuttered in-between coughs. Daniel laughed taking his hand away from her back and pushing her hair behind her ear.
“Well I must say I’ve never had anyone find my company worth choking for” he chuckled, before straightening up in his seat and starting to drive the car once again.
Carrie felt utterly embarrassed at her choking fit, and leant her forehead against the passenger window, looking out into the dark night; a pitch black sky dotted with stars. It was such a lovely sight and one she never saw living in London and she wanted to take in every