"Everything okay?" Maleena pushed her eyebrows together as she glanced down at her boyfriends hands as he fiddled with the zipper on his rodeo vest.

          "Yeah, I'm just..." Cody struggled to get the zipper to cooperate with his shaking hands. "Kinda nervous for some reason." He scoffed, a nervous grin rising on his lips as he looked up, making eye contact with Maleena. 

        "Here, let me help you." Maleena reached for the zipper on Cody's vest, zipping it up with no problem for him. "Why are you nervous? You and I both know that you will ride great." She stated, resting her hands on his chest. 

          "I'm not sure. I think I am more nervous about this being the last time I lead the Bible study. I know Cameron will do a great job taking over, I just..." He let out a deep breath, refusing to look at his girlfriend. 

         Reaching a hand up to his cheek, Maleena asked, "What else is botherin' you, cowboy?" 

         Resting a hand on top of the one Maleena had on his jawbone, Cody replied, "I am glad that we got the chance to talk the other day about you and me and about what Chandler said, and I know that we agreed to take a step back with some things. I just...it's hard sometimes, is all. And besides, I leave in less than a week and that's-"

        "Please don't talk about you leavin'. I don't want to think about that." Maleena interrupted, dropping her hand. 

         "That's just it, Malie. We have to talk about it now while we have the chance or else Friday is going to come up, and I am goin' to leave and it's going to be a bomb of a change, and I don't want that." 

           "Okay, you're right. Let's talk about it, then." She stepped back slightly. 

           Before Cody could speak a word, one of his buddies poked his head behind the chutes, where Cody and Maleena were still standing. "Hey, man, you're up in five minutes." 

          Nodding his head in a thanks, Cody turned back to Maleena, resting both his hands on her upper arms. "We will talk after Bible study tonight, okay? I promise." After Maleena nodded, Cody pulled her close, dropping a kiss on her forehead before trotting off to mount the bronc that he would be riding for the last time this summer. 

         Just like every time Cody mounted the back of the bucking horse, Maleena nervously watched from the stands. However, just like always, Cody's ride was skilled and smooth, his dismount next to perfect. 

         Clapping proudly for her boyfriend who scored himself a second place ride, Maleena waited for him to join her behind the chutes. Several of the other cowboys who were preparing for their roughstock ride greeted Maleena by name as she passed them. Only a few of the sea of faces could she remember their names. It seemed like after Maleena won the futurity race, the entire town knew her name. Plus, it helped that her boyfriend was one of the best bronc riders around.

         "Hey, cowboy, great ride." Maleena grinned, giving Cody a hug before walking with him to the platform where Cody took a seat, switching out his pair of cowboy boots, removing his chaps and vest, and grabbing his bag. 

        "Second place ain't half bad for my last ride. I could have spurred better." Cody slung his arm through the strap on his bag. "Most of the guys tell me I spur like a bull rider." He grabbed Maleena's hand as they walked to the barn's indoor arena where the Bible study would be taking place. 

          Maleena groaned. "Don't you dare get any ideas about ridin' bulls."

         "I thought every girl had a thing for a bull rider?" He raised his eyebrows, giving her a cockeyed grin. 

         "Well, yeah, but I already have a rodeo cowboy who I worry about enough, and who is movin' out of state for the year. I don't need any more reasons to worry about him." 

         "Well, I appreciate you carin'. Thank you." Cody grinned, dropping her hand to open the barn door for her. 

          Walking into the arena, Maleena and Cody could already hear voices, indicating they were the last to arrive. As they walked into the open space, Cody couldn't believe his eyes. "Y'all, what is all of this?" He chuckled, waving his arm over the space in the arena that had been covered with decorations. 

         "Well, since today was your last day leading the Bible study, we wanted to do a little something for you for your 'going away' and to thank you for how huge of a blessing this event has been to all of us." It was Rose who spoke, standing next to her new husband, Lucas.

         Turning to look at Maleena, who looked as equally surprised as he did, Cody whispered, "Did you have any idea they were doin' this?" 

        Shaking her head, she replied, "No, this was all them. I had no idea." 

       Facing Rose and Lucas again, Cody said, "Well, thank you guys so much. You didn't need to do this, but it means a lot." He gave both of his friends a hug. 

         "Well," Rose wiped her eyes, blaming the tears on the arena dust, "What do you say we get started with the Bible study?" 

         "That's a great idea." Cody's smile spread from ear to ear. Walking towards the group of people that had congregated around the snack table, he called them all into a circle, "Let's begin tonight with prayer." Once everyone was seated, Cody asked everyone to hold hands, like usual, before starting the prayer. "God, thank you so much for all of these people gathered here tonight. Thank you for the blessings you have given me through them. Father, I pray that you bless us and our conversation tonight, and be with everyone. Help us to be more like you every day, and spread your Good Word. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings. We love you. In your name, we say," the group joined in unison, "Amen." 

                                                            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

          "Man, I cannot believe that this was the last time I got to lead the Bible study." Cody chuckled as he shut the door on his truck, walking around to Maleena's side. 

         Waiting until Cody opened the door for her, Maleena took his hand and slid down from the cab. "You did a great job. But, tonight wasn't the last night ever for your to lead; it's just until you are home for breaks at college." 

         "Speaking about college..." Cody stopped walking to face his girlfriend. 

        "I guess we have put it off for long enough, huh?" She chuckled, watching his eyes that were illuminated by the porch light. 

          "I just want you to know that nothing will change between us." 

          "You're goin' to college several hours away...we won't get to see each other every day, and we will both be in class all day. I'm sorry, love, but in some ways, things are goin' to change between us." 

           "That's true, but what I mean is that the time apart will be good for us, and I know it won't change our feelings for each other. If anything, it will make things better." Cody tucked a piece of flyaway hair behind Maleena's ear. 

          "I guess you're right. But you promise to call and text as often as you can, right?" Maleena asked, insecurely. 

         "Of course, love. Of course." He pulled her in for a hug. 

        "Speaking of change," Maleena pulled back. "You're alright with what we talked about, after my argument with Chandler, right?" 

         "What? About us taking a step back, and re-centering our relationship around God? Of course I am okay with it." Cody grinned, sincerely. Sure, he missed getting to hold Maleena and kiss her as much as he used to, but he knew this new form of their relationship brought them closer to God, and that made him happier than ever. 

         "I'm glad." Glancing at the door, Maleena added, "And, I'm excited to stay at your place tonight." 

         "Me, too. I just hope that my parents get along tonight." He mumbled, letting out a scoff of a laugh. Walking forward, Cody and Maleena walked up the steps of the porch, and Cody grabbed the door for her. 

        Upon walking into Cody's house, all Maleena could hear was the quiet talking on the television on the radio. 

         "Hey y'all, we are home." Cody announced, sliding off his boots at the door, dropping his bag next to them. 

          "Hi, honey. I'm in the living room." Cody's mom announced from her spot on the couch. 

         "Hey momma." Cody kissed her cheek, sitting on the love seat, catty cornered from the couch. When Maleena joined him, he slung his arm around her shoulders. "Where's dad and Cory at?"

            "Cory had rodeo practice, and then went out with some friends. He is spending the night at his buddy's house. And your is out working late, and getting drinks with coworkers afterwards, supposedly, so who knows if he will be back tonight, or not." There was a bit to Margaret's words as she lifted the bottle of sparkling water to her lips.

        Cody let out a sigh, knowing the routine. Dad would come home drunk, wake up mom, they would fight, which would wake up Cody, Cody would get upset and annoyed and drive to the rodeo grounds to sleep for the night. If his calculations were right, he would get about three hours of undisturbed sleep from the current moment, but knowing it would take about another hour for the rodeo adrenaline to wear off, and about an hour of him and Maleena talking, Cody knew it would be yet another sleepless night. Part of him began to wonder why he even stayed at home anymore; he would always end up just going to the rodeo grounds that his parents owned, and stay there, or sleep at Maleena's. Only a week left until college, Cody kept telling himself. 

         "Well, I apologize, y'all, but I am goin' to turn in for the night." Margaret handed Cody the television remote, taking her water bottle with her. When she got to the door of the living room, she spun back around on her heels. "By the way, Maleena, I would still like to have a girl's day with you and your mom. Give me a call or shoot me a text sometime, and we will make plans, if you are still up for it." She smiled a genuine smile. 

         "Absolutely. I was just thinkin' about that. I will talk to my mom about when she is free, and give you a call." Something fluttered inside Maleena as she felt herself becoming excited, but also nervous, for the girl's day. Cody had kindly reminded her, however, that scheduling things with his mom was hard since she would either cancel, or just never follow through on making the plans. This was something that Maleena was committed to getting on the calendar, no matter what. 

          "Sweetheart, I apologize, but I think I am goin' to hit the hay as well. I'm fixin' to take a shower, and then turn in. You're more than welcome to text me or whatever if you want." Cody stood from the couch. "I'll show you up to the guest room for you." He grabbed her hand, helping her off the couch. 

           Once upstairs, Cody opened the door at the end of the hallway, flipping on the light switch. "Here you go. I made the bed this morning, so the sheets are clean and fresh. The attached bathroom is right through the door on your right. If you need more blankets and pillows, they are in that hamper over in the corner." Cody pointed to the corner to the left of the bed. His head down, and his voice sad, Cody added, "And to be honest, since my dad is out drinkin', he is most likely going to come home around 2 or 3 in the morning. He always wakes me up, so I will keep my bag packed just in case he wakes you up too, and I will drive you to the rodeo grounds and we can stay there." 

           Maleena stepped into the guest room, walking to the bed and sitting down on the edge. Reaching for Cody's hand, she offered for him to take a seat next to her. "I really hope for your sake that your dad doesn't wake you up. You've had a long, great day, and I would feel horrible if anything, or anyone, was to ruin that. I'm hoping you can get restful sleep tonight." She smiled, resting a hand on Cody's cheek. 

          "I'm honestly not countin' on it. If dad comes home at all, I'll text you so you can be aware if I decide to stay elsewhere." 

            "Alright, sweetheart. I would offer my house still, but it's my parent's date night, and I want them to have their space." 

             "Of course." Grinning, he leaned forward to drop a kiss on Maleena's forehead. "Goodnight, darlin'." Standing off the bed, Cody walked out of the guest bedroom, shutting the door behind him. 

           Staring at the back of the closed door, Maleena let out a sigh. She knew that no matter how hard she wished, for Cody's sake, they would end up staying the night at the rodeo grounds. In that moment, she felt bad for Cody and his family and their struggles. Cody had to live with constant fear of his parents fighting, never knowing when, or if, he would get a decent night of sleep. 

          Grabbing her toothbrush and pajamas, which consisted of one of Cody's t-shirts and a pair of athletic shorts, Maleena walked to the attached bathroom. Once she was finished with her nightly routine, Maleena slid underneath the covers of the freshly made bed, her tired body thankful for the rest. 

                                                       ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

              After what felt like only a few minutes of deep sleep, Maleena was waken by voices. One was louder than the other. Listening close, Maleena could hear a female voice whispering, while the male voice was loud, his words slurred. Glancing around the dark room, Maleena remembered that she was at Cody's house, spending the night. 

           "Jerry, be quiet. You will wake the kids." Margaret whisper yelled sternly. 

          "I ain't doin' nuthin'." Jerry's words were hardly understandable. 

           A loud thud echoed from the hallway. Beneath the closed door, Maleena could tell that the hall light had been turned on. 

             "Jerry, come on, wake up. This is ridiculous." Margaret's voice wasn't as quiet now as it was before. 

           "Mom, what's goin' on?" It was Cody's voice. He sounded exhausted. 

          "Your dad passed out, again." Margaret's muffled voice sighed. "Can you please help me get him up and into his bed? I'll sleep in Cory's room tonight. I cannot stand to be around him when he is like this!" 

           "Yeah, you grab that side, and I'll grab this side and we will lift on the count of three. Ready? One...two...three." Cody's voice grunted on the last count.  

         Heavy footsteps were heard as the mother and son carried a drunk Jerry to his bedroom, laying him on his side in bed. Something told Maleena that this was not the first time, or even the tenth time, that this exact scenario has happened. 

         Shutting the bedroom door audibly, Cody and his mom continued their conversation in the hallway. 

           "Mom, you stay in my room tonight. If dad woke up Maleena, I am takin' her to the rodeo grounds. There's no reason that she needs to be here to hear this or see dad like this. I knew it would be a bad idea havin' her stay over. But I guess I was just hopin' for dad to be sober for one night if he knew I was having someone over." 

            Margaret sniffled. "I know, sweetheart. I am really sorry. I wish your dad and I could be better for you and Cory. You guys deserve better than this." Her voice cracked. 

           "That's just yet another thing about me goin' to college out of state. I won't be able to be here for you when dad gets like this." There was remorse in Cody's voice.

            "Oh, honey, it isn't your responsibility. You know that. Besides, I have dealt with your dad like this before you and Cory were even born. I will be alright." She tried to keep her voice down the best she could, though she figured all of the commotion most likely woke Maleena. 

           "I know you will. I love you, mama." Cody pulled his mom into a hug. "I am goin' to go grab my phone and text Maleena to see if dad woke her up. If she is still sleepin', I will sleep in Cory's room, and you can have my bed. I know it's more comfortable for you. Either way, try to get some sleep, ma." 

           "Alright. Goodnight. Love you." Margaret walked with Cody to his bedroom. 

         Grabbing his phone and his bag, Cody walked back out into the hallway, shutting off the hall light and texting Maleena. "Hey, you awake?" 

          Turning over in bed, Maleena flipped over her cell phone, seeing the text from Cody. She hesitated for a second, wondering if she should pretend to be asleep so Cody wouldn't have to drive anywhere tonight, but she also knew he would sleep better if he wasn't at his house. "Yeah, I'm awake. You can come in here." Almost immediately after she sent the text, the bedroom door opened and Cody slunk in, sitting on the bed beside Maleena.

         "How much of that did you hear?" Cody didn't look at Maleena. 

          "Just the part where your dad passed out." 

         "You are a deeper sleeper than I am, then. I heard dad walk in the house, and I could just tell by his footsteps that he was drunk. I'm sorry he woke you." Cody rested a hand on Maleena's leg, giving her a sympathetic look. 

          "It's alright, sweetheart." Maleena hesitated for all of a second, remembering the new boundaries that her and Cody had established. However, she knew that whatever Cody needed to get sleep was exactly what she would do. "Do you want to lay down here with me and try to fall back asleep?" 

          "As much as I would love that, I'm goin' to pass because I won't be able to sleep more as long as I am here, at home. Are you okay with goin' to the rodeo grounds tonight? I hate to have to even ask you that." 

           "It's fine, Cody. There is nothin' like a midnight drive, er- a 2am drive, anyways." She forced a smile as her eyes fought for sleep. 

         "Thanks, darlin'." Standing from the bed, Cody grabbed Maleena's bag of stuff next to her, strapping it over her shoulder, and walking out of the bedroom, Maleena right behind him. 

          Once downstairs, Cody grabbed a couple bottles of water, and a few snacks form the cupboard before slipping his boots on and grabbing his truck keys, heading outside. 

           The ride to the rodeo grounds was silent. Occasionally, Maleena stole a glance at her boyfriend. In a baggy hoodie, sleeves pushed up, Cody drove with one hand on the window sill, the other tightly gripping the steering wheel. Any other night, Maleena would have teasingly chuckled at the fact that Cody was wearing cowboy boots with his shorts, but she knew tonight wasn't a night for teasing. 

         After what felt like longer than what it was, Cody pulled up next to the rodeo ground's barn. Maleena, practically asleep from the lull the truck ride had put her in, squinted when the cab lights came on as Cody opened his door. 

          "You comin', sleeping beauty?" Cody teased, offering his girlfriend a hand down from the truck. 

         Unlocking the barn door, Cody led Maleena down the familiar aisle, into the barn office. Flipping on the light switch, Cody set down their bags before taking the cushions off the couch, pulling out the fold-up bed. Patting the thin mattress, Cody said, "Couch or air mattress? Honestly, the couch is probably more comfortable since the air mattress has a habit of losing air." 

         With a chuckle, Maleena said, "Couch will be just fine, thank you." She sat down on the bed, taking off her cowboy boots as she watched Cody pump up the air mattress. Tonight her heart hurt for Cody, and she thought about how chill he seemed to be acting about all of this, almost like not living at his own house was part of his daily routine. Seeing this side of him, and what he has had to go through with his parents only made her see how tough he really was. "Cody, I just want to say that I think you are incredibly brave and tough to have to deal with what you do. It isn't fair for you, and I'm sorry that your dad-" 

         "Shh, darlin'." Cody interrupted, turning to Maleena. "This office is a stress free zone. No talking about my parents, alright?" He bent over her, kissing her cheek. "Let's try to get some sleep, what do you say?" 

         Maleena nodded her head, pulling the blanket up to her chin. Cody stood up to flip off the lights before he crawled under the covers of his bed as well. 

          For several minutes, Maleena listened to Cody's breathing, until it deepened into a quiet snore, indicating that he was fast asleep. Though she tried hard, Maleena could never find sleep. Instead of wrestling with the idea of sleeping, Maleena decided to turn her worries over to God, knowing prayer was the only way to relieve the pain she felt for her boyfriend.