chapter thirty-four:
❛ tennessee gal❜

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!!! COMMENT AND VOTE PLEASE

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Clementine stepped off the plane, the familiar scent of the Tennessee air hitting her as she walked through the bustling airport with her brother, Tyler, by her side. She adjusted the strap of her bag and scanned the crowd ahead, her eyes lighting up when she spotted her Grandpubba and Dolli waving excitedly at the gate.

"There they are!" Tyler exclaimed, nudging Clem with his elbow.

Clementine smiled, her heart warming at the sight of her grandparents. Dolli, her grandmother, stood in a simple floral dress and her signature sunhat, her face beaming with joy. Beside her, Grandpubba, in his worn jeans and checkered shirt, raised a hand to wave, his weathered face creasing into a grin.

As they approached, Dolli enveloped Clementine in a warm hug. "There's our birthday girl! Look at you, all grown up," she gushed, pulling back to take a good look at her. "Seventeen! Can you believe it, Grandpubba?"

Grandpubba chuckled, wrapping an arm around Tyler and pulling him in for a side hug. "Hard to believe, ain't it? Seems like just yesterday you two were running around the farm with pigtails and dirt on your faces."

Clementine laughed, the memories of carefree summers spent at their grandparents' farm flooding back. Tyler leaned into the embrace, a smile on his face.

Dolli's eyes darted around behind them, her smile fading slightly. "Where's your daddy? We were hoping to see him too."

Clementine hesitated for a moment before answering, "He's at work. He couldn't get the time off."

Dolli and Grandpubba exchanged a glance, a hint of concern in their eyes, but neither pressed further. "Well, you're here, and that's what matters," Dolli said, squeezing Clementine's hand. "Come on, we've got a little something waiting for you at the farm."

Tyler smirked. "A little something, huh?"

The drive from the airport to the farm was filled with light-hearted chatter and stories, the familiar sights of the Tennessee countryside rolling by. As they turned down the long gravel driveway, Clem noticed something unusual—cars, lots of them, lined up along the side of the road leading to the farmhouse.

"What's going on?" Clem asked, her eyes widening as they neared the house.

Dolli just smiled mysteriously. "You'll see."

As the car came to a stop, the front yard of the farmhouse came into full view. The place was teeming with people, all gathered outside. A large banner that read "Happy 17th Birthday, Clementine!" was strung between two trees, fluttering in the warm summer breeze. There were balloons of all colors tied to the fence posts, tables set up with an array of food, and, in the center of it all, a large cake decorated with pastel flowers.

Clem gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my God..."

Tyler grinned, nudging her again. "Surprise."

The crowd erupted into cheers as soon as they stepped out of the car. Friends and family from all over the area had gathered, their faces lighting up as they saw the birthday girl. Clem's eyes scanned the familiar faces—people she hadn't seen in a while, but who still felt like home.

Grandpubba clapped Tyler on the back. "Figured we'd do it up big this year. You only turn seventeen once, after all."

Clem's eyes filled with tears as she looked at her grandparents. "You guys... this is incredible. I don't even know what to say."

"Just say you're ready for some cake," Grandpubba joked, pulling her into a hug. "Welcome home, Clem."

There was one place on the farm she had to visit first.

Excusing herself from the crowd gathered outside, she made her way towards the stables. The familiar sound of horses neighing and the creaking of wood welcomed her as she pushed open the stable door. She walked down the row of stalls, her eyes lighting up as she spotted her horse, Starburst, standing calmly in his stall.

"Hey there, boy," Clem whispered, her voice soft as she approached the horse. Starburst's ears flicked towards her, and he let out a soft whinny in recognition. Clem grinned as she reached out to stroke his nose, feeling the smooth, warm texture of his coat under her fingertips.

"I missed you," she murmured, pressing her forehead against Starburst's neck. The horse nickered softly in response, nudging her with his muzzle. Clem's grin widened as she grabbed the saddle from a nearby rack and swiftly saddled Starburst, eager to take him for a ride across the open fields.

Just as she was about to mount the horse, a voice behind her made her jump.

"Didn't think I'd see you here, Clem."

Clem spun around, her hand instinctively tightening on Starburst's reins. Standing in the doorway of the stable was a boy around her age, his hair now a buzzcut and a smirk playing on his lips. His blue eyes were sharp, filled with a mischievous glint that made Clem's guard go up immediately.

"Jackson," she said flatly, her expression turning wary. It had been years since she'd last seen him, but she hadn't forgotten the cocky attitude or the way he used to try to push her buttons.

Jackson leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest as he looked her up and down. "You've grown up," he remarked, the smirk never leaving his face.

"Thanks," Clem replied curtly, turning back to Starburst. She wasn't interested in engaging with him. Not now, not ever.

Jackson didn't seem to take the hint, though. He pushed off the doorframe and sauntered over to her, his eyes flicking from the horse to Clem's face. "You know, Clem, I always thought you looked good on a horse. Bet you could still outride me, huh?"

Clem rolled her eyes, adjusting the stirrups on the saddle. "Not interested in a competition, Jackson."

"Come on, don't be like that," Jackson said, stepping closer. "We used to have fun, didn't we?"

Clem shot him a look, her eyes narrowing. "We were kids. And you were a pain in the ass, Jackson."

Jackson chuckled, clearly unfazed by her words. "Yeah, but that's what made it fun. We had a good thing going."

"Whatever you think we had, it's over," Clem said sharply. "I have a boyfriend now. His name's Robby, and he's not just some farm boy who's all talk. He knows karate, and he wouldn't hesitate to kick your ass if you keep pushing it."

For the first time, Jackson's smirk faltered. He raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her bluntness. "Karate, huh? Is that supposed to scare me?"

"It should," Clem replied coolly. "Robby's serious, and I'm serious about him. So, back off."

Jackson stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he shrugged, the smirk creeping back onto his face. "Yeah, whatever, Clem. If that's how it is, then fine. But I'm not scared of some karate kid. Just saying."

Clem resisted the urge to roll her eyes again. She didn't have time for Jackson's games, especially not now. "Good. Then you won't mind leaving me alone."

Jackson held up his hands in mock surrender, a lazy grin on his face. "Alright, alright. I'll leave you to it. But, Clem," he paused, his gaze locking with hers, "if you ever get tired of your karate kid, you know where to find me."

"Not gonna happen," Clem shot back, mounting Starburst in one fluid motion. She looked down at Jackson, her expression firm. "See you around, Jackson. Or not."

With that, she nudged Starburst forward, guiding the horse out of the stable and into the open field. She didn't look back, not even when she heard Jackson mutter something under his breath as she rode away. The farther she got from the stables, the lighter she felt, the tension from her encounter with Jackson slowly fading away with each step Starburst took.

As she urged Starburst into a gallop, the wind whipping through her hair, Clem let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. She wasn't going to let Jackson or anyone else ruin her time here. This was her birthday, her time to reconnect with the people—and the places—that really mattered to her. And nothing was going to get in the way of that.

Later in the afternoon, after everyone had a chance to settle in, Clementine and Tyler decided to take a walk around the old town. The sun was beginning to dip, casting a warm glow over the familiar, weathered buildings that had been a part of their childhood summers. As they strolled past the local diner, a group of older men, leaning against the hood of a dusty pickup truck, caught sight of them.

"Hey, ain't that the Katz's kids?" one of the men called out, squinting as if trying to place them.

Clementine and Tyler exchanged a look before Tyler nodded. "Yeah, that's us."

The man, who looked to be in his sixties with a gray beard and a worn-out baseball cap, gave a toothy grin. "Your daddy still around these parts?"

Tyler shook his head, a bit hesitant. "No, sir. He's out in California now, working."

The man's smile faded slightly, and he exchanged a quick glance with the others. "California, huh? That's a long way from home."

Another man, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, his eyes narrowing a bit. "Strange, I thought your dad wasn't one to just up and leave like that."

Tyler forced a smile, trying to keep the conversation light. "Yeah, well, work took him there."

The men all looked at each other, a silent conversation passing between them. "Well, you tell him we said hey, whenever you see him," the first man said, his tone a bit cooler than before.

"We will," Clementine replied quickly, sensing the tension. The men nodded and slowly walked away, still murmuring amongst themselves.

Once they were out of earshot, Clementine turned to Tyler, her brow furrowed. "What was that about?"

Tyler shook his head, looking just as puzzled. "I don't know, but something about it felt...off."

Clementine glanced back over her shoulder, watching as the men disappeared down the street. "Yeah, it did."

As they continued their walk, a sense of unease settled between them, the conversation with the men lingering in their minds.

As they wandered further into town, they passed by the general store, its old wooden sign creaking slightly in the breeze. Clementine glanced inside, noticing the familiar shelves stocked with all manner of goods, from jars of preserves to dusty cowboy hats. She was about to suggest they head back to the farm when the door of the store swung open, and out stepped Jackson, the same boy who had bothered her earlier at the stables.

"Ah, just the girl I was lookin' for," Jackson called out with a smirk, his eyes lighting up as they landed on Clementine. He swaggered over, a little too confidently for her liking.

Clementine felt her patience snap. "Jackson, I thought I told you to fuck off," she said sharply, her eyes narrowing in annoyance.

Jackson's grin only widened, clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting. "Aw, come on, Clem. No need to be so harsh. I was just lookin' for some company."

Tyler, who had been silently watching the exchange, stepped forward, his expression hardening. "She's not interested, Jackson. She has a boyfriend."

Jackson leaned back, placing his hands on his hips as he looked Tyler up and down. "Yeah, I've been told. Karate boy, right?" He chuckled, clearly not taking the warning seriously.

Clementine crossed her arms, her gaze steady and unyielding. "Robby could kick your ass in a heartbeat, Jackson. You really don't want to mess with him."

Jackson's eyes gleamed with mischief as he considered her words. "Well then, how about a little friendly competition instead? How 'bout a horse race, Clem? Tomorrow at your grandparents' farm. Let's see if you can keep up with me on horseback."

Clementine stared at him, trying to gauge his seriousness. Racing horses was one thing she knew she could handle, but the idea of spending any more time around Jackson wasn't appealing. Still, part of her couldn't resist the challenge, especially with the confidence Jackson seemed to have in himself.

She uncrossed her arms and took a step closer to him, her chin lifting slightly. "Fine. Tomorrow morning, at the stables. But don't cry when I leave you in the dust."

Jackson's grin stretched from ear to ear. "You're on, Clem. May the best rider win."

With a final wink, Jackson sauntered off, leaving Clementine and Tyler standing in front of the general store. Tyler turned to his sister, a hint of concern in his eyes. "You sure about this?"

Clementine sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she watched Jackson disappear around a corner. "Yeah, I'm sure. If he wants a race, I'll give him one. And then maybe he'll finally leave me alone."

Tyler nodded, though the tension between his brows didn't ease. "Just be careful, Clem. Something about him doesn't sit right with me."

Clementine smiled, reaching out to ruffle her brother's hair. "Don't worry about me, Ty. I've got this."

But as they began to make their way back to the farm, the unease from earlier still lingered in the back of Clementine's mind. Tomorrow's race would be her chance to show Jackson that she wasn't someone to be messed with—but she couldn't shake the feeling that there might be more to this challenge than just a simple horse race.

Later that night, the farmhouse was quiet, with most of the family and guests having turned in for the night. But Clementine couldn't sleep.

Something about the encounter with Jackson, both earlier that day and at the stables, had left her feeling restless. She slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Tyler, who was snoring softly in the bed across from hers, and made her way down the creaky wooden stairs.

The night air was cool against her skin as she stepped outside and headed toward the stables. The moon was full, casting a silver glow over the fields and illuminating the familiar path to where Starburst was housed. Clementine's boots made soft thudding sounds against the dirt, the only noise in the otherwise silent night.

When she reached the stables, she found Starburst dozing peacefully in her stall. Clementine smiled, feeling a bit of the tension from the day melt away as she gently stroked her horse's mane. "Hey, girl," she whispered. "Just wanted to check on you."

Starburst nickered softly, as if in response, and Clementine leaned against the stall door, the cool wood pressing into her back as she gazed out at the starry sky.

But her peaceful moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. She turned, her heart sinking as she saw Jackson sauntering into the stable, his hands shoved into his pockets.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Clementine snapped, standing up straight, her eyes narrowing. "I told you to fuck off, Jackson."

Jackson raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin infuriatingly casual. "Whoa there, Clem. I'm not here to cause trouble. Just couldn't sleep, thought I'd come check on my horse too."

Clementine didn't buy it for a second. She crossed her arms, glaring at him. "You always did have a way of showing up where you're not wanted."

Jackson chuckled, leaning against the opposite stall. "Come on, Clem. Don't be like that. Remember when we were kids? Used to play hide and seek right in these stables. You, me, and Alison."

The mention of their childhood caught Clementine off guard. Memories of summer days spent running through the fields with Jackson and Alison flooded her mind. They had been friends once, before time and distance had changed things. She could still remember the way they'd hide in the loft, peeking out at the world below, laughing at nothing and everything.

"Yeah, well, that was a long time ago," Clementine replied, her voice softer now but still wary.

Jackson smiled, a bit of nostalgia creeping into his expression. "I remember you always used to beat me at hide and seek. Alison too. You two were always the best hiders. I swear I spent half my childhood trying to find you girls."

Clementine couldn't help but smile at the memory, but it quickly faded as she reminded herself of the present. "Things change, Jackson. We're not kids anymore.

Jackson took a step closer, his voice lowering. "Maybe, but some things don't have to change, Clem."

Before she could react, Jackson closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to hers. For a brief moment, Clementine was too shocked to move, but as soon as reality set in, she pushed him away, anger flaring in her chest.

"Are you out of your damn mind?" she spat, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "I have a boyfriend, Jackson. You don't get to just walk in here and do that."

Jackson's cocky demeanor faltered for a second, but he quickly tried to recover, holding up his hands again. "Clem, I didn't mean—"

"Save it," Clementine cut him off, her voice cold.
"You can't just waltz back into my life like nothing's changed. You've got some nerve, thinking you can kiss me like that. I'm done with this game."

Jackson looked like he was about to say something, but Clementine wasn't interested in hearing it. She stepped closer, her eyes blazing with anger. "You better get out of here, Jackson. And tomorrow, when I beat you in that race, I want you to get the hell out of my life for good. I'm not playing anymore."

Jackson stared at her, his cocky smile completely gone now. For a moment, it looked like he might argue, but then he seemed to think better of it. He turned and walked out of the stable, his footsteps echoing in the quiet night.

Clementine watched him go, her heart pounding in her chest. Once she was sure he was gone, she let out a long breath, her body still trembling with a mix of anger and adrenaline. She turned back to Starburst, who was watching her with calm, understanding eyes.

"Looks like tomorrow's going to be more interesting than I thought," Clementine muttered, giving Starburst one last pat before heading back to the farmhouse. She could feel the fire burning in her veins, ready to face whatever the morning brought.

One thing was for sure—she couldn't wait to put Jackson in his place.

The next morning, Clementine was up before the sun, her thoughts already racing with the upcoming horse race. Determined to shake off the frustration from the night before, she decided to wake Tyler and get an early start on the day. She crept down the hallway, her footsteps light against the wooden floors.

As she reached Tyler's room, she was about to knock on the door when she heard a sound from the kitchen. Curious, she walked in that direction and found her grandmother Dolli, who was already up and preparing breakfast.

Dolli looked up from her mixing bowl, her eyes twinkling with a mix of surprise and warmth. "Well, look who's up early. I thought you'd be sleeping in after all the excitement yesterday."

Clementine paused, hesitating for a moment before she let out a sigh. "Actually, Dolli, there's something I need to talk to you about."

Dolli set down the bowl and wiped her hands on a dish towel, her expression turning serious. "What's on your mind, honey?"

Clementine took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Last night, Jackson came by the stables. He wouldn't leave me alone and... well, he kissed me. I pushed him away, but now I'm just really upset and unsure about how to handle it."

Dolli's eyes widened in concern, but she nodded thoughtfully. "I'm sorry to hear that, Clem. That must've been tough."

Clementine nodded, feeling a lump forming in her throat. "It was. I told him to leave and that I couldn't wait to beat him in the race today, but I just... I don't know what to do about it."

Dolli placed a comforting hand on Clementine's shoulder. "You've got to do what's right for you. I think you need to talk to Robby about this when you get back. He deserves to know what happened, and it's important that you're honest with him. Trust and communication are key in any relationship."

Clementine nodded, her eyes filling with gratitude. "You're right. I need to be upfront with him. I just didn't want to worry him or cause any more trouble."

Dolli smiled reassuringly. "It's better to be open. Robby cares about you, and he'll want to know what's going on. For now, focus on the race and let's make sure you're prepared. You've got this."

Clementine gave her grandmother a grateful hug. "Thanks, Dolli. I really needed to hear that."

Dolli patted her back gently. "Anytime, sweetie. Now, go wake up Tyler and get some breakfast. You've got a big day ahead."

Clementine nodded, her resolve strengthening. She headed back to Tyler's room, her steps lighter than before. When she knocked on his door and called his name, Tyler groggily stirred awake.

"What's up, Clem?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

Clementine grinned, trying to push aside the lingering tension from the night before. "Time to get up, sleepyhead. We've got a race to prepare for."

Tyler sat up, stretching and yawning. "Already? Alright, alright, I'm up. Let's do this."

As they prepared for the day, Clementine felt a renewed sense of purpose. With her grandmother's advice in mind, she knew that she had a clear plan. The race was not just a way to settle things with Jackson—it was also the first step towards facing her own feelings and preparing for the conversation with Robby. And for now, she was ready to face whatever came her way.

The morning of the race dawned crisp and clear. The sun was just beginning to climb over the horizon, casting a golden light across the farm. The stables were bustling with activity as Clementine and Tyler prepared Starburst for the race. Jackson arrived soon after, his own horse prancing beside him, his face a mixture of confidence and cockiness.

The makeshift racetrack was set up along the field, a straight path stretching from the stables to a line of old oak trees at the far end. A small crowd of curious onlookers, mostly from the farm and nearby, gathered to watch the event. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation.

Clementine mounted Starburst, adjusting her hat and giving Jackson a determined look. "Ready to lose, Jackson?"

Jackson mounted his horse with equal confidence, smirking. "We'll see about that, Clem."

Clementine's horse, Starburst, was a sleek, muscular steed with a gleaming coat, clearly well-trained and eager. Jackson's horse, a dark bay with a slightly less impressive build, shifted impatiently, sensing the tension in the air.

Tyler, acting as the starter, raised a red flag, his voice carrying over the chatter of the onlookers. "Ready, set... go!"

With a sharp crack of the flag, the horses leaped into action. Starburst surged forward with powerful strides, her muscles rippling under Clementine's control. Jackson's horse responded with equal energy, but it was clear from the start that Starburst had the edge.

The first obstacle was a low wooden fence, designed to test the horses' jumping ability. Starburst approached it with a smooth, confident leap, clearing the fence effortlessly. Jackson's horse, while capable, struggled slightly, knocking the top rail with its hooves but managing to clear it with a little more effort.

Next came a narrow stream that cut across the track. The water was shallow but wide enough to require careful navigation. Starburst took the jump with grace, landing lightly on the other side. Jackson's horse hesitated for a split second, causing a splash as it jumped awkwardly but successfully made it across.

As they continued, the track twisted through a series of sharp turns marked by tall hay bales. Starburst's agility shone as she navigated the bends with precision, while Jackson had to maneuver his horse more carefully to avoid knocking over the bales.

The final obstacle was a set of rolling hills that created a challenging ascent and descent. Starburst powered up the incline with ease, her strength and stamina apparent. Jackson's horse, though competitive, struggled to keep pace as they climbed, its speed diminishing slightly.

At the crest of the hill, Clementine could see the finish line in the distance, a line of flags fluttering in the breeze. She urged Starburst into a final burst of speed as they descended the hill, the ground flattening out before them.

Jackson tried to push his horse to match Starburst's pace, but it was clear that Clementine had the upper hand. The gap between them widened as Starburst's powerful strides carried her closer to the finish line.

With a final, powerful gallop, Clementine and Starburst crossed the finish line first, the crowd erupting into cheers and applause. Clementine dismounted gracefully, her face a mix of triumph and relief. She walked over to Jackson, who was still struggling to navigate his horse to the end of the track.

He approached her with a forced smile, holding out his hand for a handshake.

"Good race," Jackson said, his tone strained.

Clementine extended her hand, shaking his firmly. But as Jackson was about to pull his hand away, Clementine took advantage of the moment. In a swift motion, she flipped him onto the ground, surprising him completely. He landed with a thud, his face showing a mix of shock and anger.

Before Jackson could react, Clementine stood over him, her face a mask of cold determination. She leaned in, her voice low and menacing. "Oh my, did I forget to mention that I also do karate? Yeah. Don't fucking mess with me, Jackson. We're not friends. Not since you broke Alison's heart four years ago. Now she's dating someone who used to be you. He changed, and I tolerate him, but every time I look at him, I see you."

With that, Clementine delivered a sharp kick to Jackson's groin. He gasped in pain, curling up on the ground.

Clementine watched him writhing in agony for a moment before turning on her heel and walking away. Her heart was still racing, but now it was from the adrenaline of confrontation rather than the race itself. As she walked back towards the stables, she could hear Jackson groaning behind her, a mix of anger and discomfort in his voice.

The small crowd watched in stunned silence, their expressions a blend of shock and disbelief. Tyler, who had been watching from the sidelines, hurried over to Clementine.

"Clem, that was intense," he said, a mixture of admiration and concern in his voice.

Clementine shrugged, her eyes still fixed ahead. "He needed to know. And now he does."

As she and Tyler made their way back to the stables, Clementine glanced back one last time at Jackson, who was now sitting up slowly, his face pale and his pride bruised. He looked like he was deep in thought, clearly re-evaluating his actions and the consequences of crossing Clementine.

The race had settled the score, but it was clear that the confrontation had left a lasting impression on both Jackson and Clementine.

The sun was shining brightly on the last day of Clementine and Tyler's visit to their grandparents' farm. They were busy loading their luggage into their Grandpubba's old pickup truck, the vehicle's bed already filled with bags and other belongings. The atmosphere was one of bittersweet nostalgia as they prepared to head back to California, ready to leave behind the comfort of the farm but also eager to return to their everyday lives.

As Clementine struggled to fit the last suitcase into the truck, she heard heavy footsteps approaching. She turned to see Jackson running towards them, his face a mix of determination and desperation.

"Clementine! Tyler!" Jackson called out, waving his arms to get their attention.

Tyler glanced at Clementine, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. Clementine, who had been deep in thought, sighed and placed the suitcase down. She crossed her arms, bracing herself for what was to come.

Jackson skidded to a halt in front of Clementine, breathless and visibly upset. "Clementine, I need to talk to you. I owe you an apology."

Clementine's expression hardened. "Jackson, what do you want? We're about to leave."

Jackson took a deep breath, his eyes pleading. "I know what I did was wrong. I shouldn't have kissed you, and I shouldn't have treated you like that. I'm really sorry."

Clementine's frustration boiled over. "You think saying sorry makes everything okay? You just don't get it, do you?"

Jackson's frustration matched hers. "You and Alison both left me! I've had no one, Clementine. No one! You both moved to California and I've been working on your grandparents' farm just so I can feel close to you still. I miss you!"

The raw pain in Jackson's voice caught Clementine off guard. Her anger faltered, replaced by a mix of surprise and empathy. "You miss me? Is that why you tried to make me jealous by dating Alison? Is that why you showed up and kissed me?"

Jackson's shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry about that. I only dated Alison to make you jealous. I thought maybe if I could get you to notice me again, things might go back to how they were. I've had a crush on you for years. I didn't handle it well, and I shouldn't have kissed you when you're with someone else. I just... I didn't know how else to get your attention."

Clementine's anger melted into understanding. She realized that Jackson's actions, while misguided, stemmed from his own feelings of loss and longing. She took a deep breath, trying to process everything he had just said.

"Jackson," she said softly, "I get it now. You were hurt and confused, and you acted out of that pain. But you need to understand that what you did wasn't right. It wasn't fair to me, to Alison, or to Robby."

Jackson nodded, his eyes filled with remorse. "I know. I just wanted to make things right. I'm sorry for everything. I've been thinking about it all wrong."

Clementine took a step closer, her expression softening. "I appreciate your apology. And I forgive you. But you need to understand that things can't just go back to how they were. We all have to move forward."

Jackson's face lit up with relief, and he took a hesitant step towards her. "Thank you, Clementine. I'm really sorry about the kiss and everything. I never meant to cause so much trouble."

Without another word, Clementine reached out and pulled Jackson into a hug. Jackson hesitated for a moment before returning the embrace, his body relaxing as he felt the weight of the confrontation lift.

As they broke apart, Jackson looked at Clementine with a hopeful expression. "I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me. I'll understand if you don't want anything to do with me after this, but I needed to tell you the truth."

Clementine gave him a small, reassuring smile. "We all have to move on, Jackson. I'm glad you apologized, and I hope you find what you're looking for."

With that, Clementine and Tyler finished loading their luggage into the truck. As they prepared to leave, Jackson watched them with a mixture of sadness and hope, his heart a little lighter from the closure.

Clementine gave him one last look before getting into the truck. "Goodbye, Jackson. Take care of yourself."

Jackson nodded, his expression one of newfound understanding. "Goodbye, Clementine. Safe travels."

As the truck pulled away, Jackson stood by the side of the road, watching as they disappeared into the distance. He took a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolution, knowing that he had finally faced his feelings and made amends.

The flight back from Tennessee had been long, but the excitement of returning home made the journey worthwhile. The familiar sights of LAX Airport greeted Clementine and Tyler as they walked through the terminal, their luggage trailing behind them. The hustle and bustle of the airport felt comforting after their quiet time on the farm.

As they approached the arrivals area, Clementine's eyes scanned the crowd for their family. It didn't take long for her to spot their father, Caleb, who stood with a broad smile and open arms. Beside him was Robby, his face lighting up at the sight of Clementine. The moment their eyes met, Clementine's heart skipped a beat.

"Robby!" Clementine exclaimed, her voice filled with relief and joy.

Without hesitation, she darted towards him, throwing her arms around him in an enthusiastic embrace. Robby pulled her close, his hands resting on her back. Their kiss was passionate and full of the longing they had felt while apart.

As they finally pulled away, Clementine's face was flushed with excitement. "Oh my God, Robby, you won't believe everything that happened!"

Robby raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What's going on?"

Clementine took a deep breath, her words tumbling out in a rapid-fire rush. "You remember Jackson, right? The guy I told you about before I left? Well, I saw him again for the first time in years. He showed up at the farm, and we ended up having this huge race, which I won, by the way! He was being all cocky and then tried to make me jealous, but he's been working on our grandparents' farm just to be close to me. And then he kissed me, and I was so mad at him, and I kicked him and punched him! It was crazy."

Robby's expression darkened as he listened, his fists clenching at his sides. "He kissed you? That son of a—"

Clementine, still breathless from her story, interrupted him quickly. "Robby, wait! He apologized to me. He told me he was sorry for everything and that he had a crush on me for years. He only dated Alison to make me jealous, and he really did feel bad about kissing me while I'm with you."

Robby's eyes flashed with anger. "I don't care if he apologized. If I ever see him again, I'm gonna kill him."

Clementine's eyes widened as she tried to calm him down. "Robby, did you forget the part where I said he apologized to me? He's trying to make things right."
Robby shook his head, his frustration still evident. "I heard you, but it doesn't change the fact that he crossed a line. If I see him, I'll make sure he understands the consequences of messing with you."

Caleb, who had been standing by with a bemused expression, finally interjected. "Alright, let's all take a deep breath. They're back home now, and we can handle things from here."

Clementine took Robby's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Let's just focus on being together right now. We'll deal with everything else later."

Robby took a deep breath, trying to calm his anger. "Okay, but just know that I'm not forgetting this easily. I care about you too much."

Clementine nodded, understanding the depth of his feelings. "I know, and I appreciate it. But let's just be glad we're back and enjoy our time together."

As they gathered their things and headed toward the exit, Robby and Clementine stayed close, their connection stronger than ever. Caleb followed, occasionally glancing back at Robby with a mixture of concern and curiosity. The chaos of their trip had come to an end, but the resolution of old conflicts and the reaffirmation of their bonds marked the beginning of a new chapter for them all.

ASH SPEAKS!

i think this is my favorite chapter

WATERPARK CHAPTER NEXT GUYSSS

jackson comes back in s6...you won't believe who he's related to...