Chapter 1 – the arrival
"Sleepyside welcomes the US skating team", the poster read. A picture of Coach Jason Clarke featured in its centre.
Dan stood looking at the poster for several minutes then he glanced around covertly. Seeing nobody in the immediate vicinity Dan ripped the poster off the wall and tore it into pieces. Then he stomped off. He didn't see a figure come out from behind a nearby building and look speculatively after him.
He didn't want to be here was the thought in his mind as he got closer to his destination. But when he was practically begged to help out he couldn't refuse.
He had to get his life back on track anyway.
A café loomed up and he pulled the car into a parking spot and got out. In desperate need of a coffee he strolled toward the door.
He opened the door and met the gaze of the curious customers who identified a stranger in their midst. That was the problem with small towns anyone new was immediately identified. "Afternoon Sir", can I help you, The male assistant asked.
"Yeah just a black coffee please no sugar". He perched on a stool.
A few seconds later a woman approached, "I haven't seen you around these parts before", she sized him up and began to smile. What she saw was a man in his early thirties, tall with the sleekly muscled build of an athlete. He had dark hair which right now was annoying not wanting to stay in place and one piece dangled down by his eyes. The woman was now staring into those eyes with a broad smile. He knew only about 5% of the population had green eyes and he'd been told his were quite startling. But right now he didn't want to attract the attention of every single female for miles and tried to avoid rolling his eyes in frustration..
"No", he stated knowing the short answer would probably annoy this woman.
"Are you just passing through", she prodded. He sighed supposing he might as well get this over with, "No, I'll be working at the new skating arena".
All eyes in the café turned to him. "I'll have that coffee to go", he requested quickly anxious now to depart the café before more questions started.
"I guess I'll see you around then, babe", the woman grinned even wider while her friends gave her thumbs up signs. "I will be working", he replied firmly grabbing his coffee paying and exiting the café quickly. The woman watched him go then returned to her friends giggling, "what a cutie", she told them, "maybe things are looking up in this town".
He sat in his car and downed his coffee feeling glad he hadn't drunk it in the café.
At the moment he just wanted a bit of peace and quiet but this job was going to ensure he got exactly the opposite. Once he'd finished his coffee he started the car and headed for his next location Sleepyside Bank.
Peter Belden was just finishing up some paper work when he noticed a change in the atmosphere of the bank, little murmurs and glances toward the door.
He didn't have long to wonder what was going as one of the tellers approached to tell him he had a visitor who wanted to discuss opening an account.
Peter waited until a tall dark haired man was led to his desk. 'He held out his hand, "good afternoon I'm Peter Belden, I understand you want to open an account."
"Yes, umm you might have received a call about me, I'm the replacement coach for the US skating team", the man replied. Peter smiled, "Yes I did receive that call", he acknowledged. The call had come roughly 1 hour ago. "Mr Belden we are the representatives for the US skating team. We understand you have a meeting scheduled with the Coach this afternoon. Well these been a bit of a problem and the expected Coach has had to pull out from training the team. His replacement will attend this afternoon's meeting, Click". That had been it and Peter had not been told the name of the man he was to expect., So he held out his hand and said "it's a privilege to meet you Mr…" . ""Oh sorry, I guess I'm a bit tired, It's Saunders, Simon Saunders.", Simon guessed they mustn't have even told this man his name. He shook the hand held out to him hand firmly. "Welcome to Sleepyside Mr Saunders", Peter stated. "I'll get the forms you need and we can open that account for you", Peter opened his drawer and pulled out some papers. "Weren't you an Olympic Champion Mr Saunders", Peter enquired as he gave Simon the papers to read. "Yes that's right", Simon agreed.
"I thought the name rang a bell", Peter replied. He looked up at his female tellers who were regarding Mr Saunders appreciatively. The Coach was probably only in his early thirties , and Peter didn't notice a ring. That meant the coach was going to be targeted by just about every single woman in Sleepyside.
"Are you staying in town", Peter asked as the coach signed places on the form.
"Yes, the Grant apartments", Simon stated. "I haven't found them yet, since time was getting on I thought I'd come here first".
"Well they're very easy to find", Peter reassured. "What about a supermarket or some place I can buy food", Simon asked as he pushed the forms back. "Well we have a few local stores that are quite expensive", Peter replied regarding the coaches tired green eyes. He studied the coach further then made a decision. "All that driving must have made you tired, why don't you join me and my family for dinner".
Simon looked up startled by the offer. "I couldn't impose", he stated warily. "It's no imposition Mr Saunders and it might save you some time. Crabapple farm, where I live, is one of the places that's applied to host one of your team. If you come to dinner you can check over the farm," Peter smiled.
Simon found himself too tired to refuse, "that's so kind of you", he stated warmly.
"I'll give you directions to the farm and if you come about 630 I can introduce you to my family," Peter told the Coach.
Simon shook his hand again then got up and made his way out ignoring the glances of the females that watched his every move.
Peter picked up the phone, he better tell Helen they were having a guest to dinner or he'd be in big trouble.
The farm was already a hive of activity when Peter arrived home. He could see Helen in the kitchen with Trixie busily preparing dinner. "Evening", he stated as he opened the door and marched inside. He was greeted by a barking red setter and a slightly muddy Bobby. "Who's your guest", Bobby demanded before even saying hello.
Peter smiled, he'd just said it was a client to Helen and not specifically named Mr Saunders. "Someone who's new to town and will be around for awhile", Peter explained with a smile.
Helen smiled back, "well I hope he enjoys roast because that's what we're having".
Peter kissed his wife firmly glad she had such a generous spirit, some husbands would get blasted for telling their wife they had a dinner guest just a few hours before dinner. "Do we need to lock up Reddy dad, inquired Mart. "Well I'd do it anyway, that dogs a pest to new people, Peter acknowledged.
He then got busy with his own pre dinner jobs.
630 Arrived quickly and everyone's gaze wandered to the door as they heard a car pull up. Soon a knock sounded and Peter went to let in their guest. Simon had obviously showered and changed as he looked a lot more alert. He held out something to Peter, "I bought this as a thank you for tonight", Peter smiled and thanked him then invited him inside. "Mr Saunders, this is my wife Helen", Peter stated introducing an attractive curly haired blonde woman . Helen looked at their guest and blushed prettily as he took her hand and kissed its back. Mr Saunders was a very nice looking man she thought then saw Peter eyeing her blush and felt embarrassed for thinking such thoughts. "Nice to meet you Mrs Belden, Simon acknowledged. "These are my brood", Peter stated sweeping his hand over the four children standing awkwardly in a row. The ranged from older teens down to a young child of about 6. Simon suddenly felt a little hot and wished he hadn't come for dinner. He hoped he wouldn't embarrass himself by losing his carefully constructed façade. One by one he shook the hands of the Belden offspring. His hand shook the most as he met the hand of young Mart Belden. He looked about the same age as….no don't go there, he pulled his thought away quickly hoping nobody would notice his discomfort.
"Mr Saunders is the skating coach for the US team", Peter told his family. Trixie immediately stared, "I thought we were going to get some other guy", she remarked.
"Well yes you were originally but he pulled out at the last minute", Simon acknowledged. Bobby looked up at the tall coach ," I skate", he announced proudly, "and I only fall over occasionally ." Simon smiled at the young boy , "some of my team started at your age and they fell over as well", he told Bobby. "if you keep practicing I'm sure you'll get better." Bobby smiled widely enjoying the attention of the coach. "Come on Bobby ,I'm sure Mr Saunders wants to see the house", Brian stated. "Yes, good Brian you could give Mr Saunders the tour", Peter stated.
"Right this way Mr Saunders", Brian offered, leading the way up the stairs.
Simon liked the charming farmhouse but decided the busy atmosphere would not appeal to all of his skaters. Laura Frazer who was an only child might definitely feel overwhelmed and he'd have to consider a quieter place for her. The most positive feature of the farmhouse was the Belden's who would definitely make any of his skaters feel at home.
He came downstairs closer to a decision on who to send to board with the Belden's.
The dinner was sitting at the able welcoming him with its warm glow, a glow that was mirrored on Mrs Beldens face.
"Come join us Mr Saunders", Helen offered with a smile. "Thank you for your kindness", Simon found himself feeling slightly overwhelmed.
"You both must call me Simon", he told the elder Beldens. They chatted while they ate about the upcoming skating competition.
I guess you don't have a lot of time for other things", Peter remarked after Simon had finished telling them about all the things that lead up to a competition.
"Well I do have hobbies and an interest in other sports ,baseball has long been a favourite. Peter immediately grinned, 'mine as well", he told Simon.
That led to a spirited conversation where Peter found out he and Simon supported the same team. Simon though seemed to possess extra knowledge about the individual team members. "Sounds like you follow the sport closely", Peter remarked intently.
"Actually I got that information from Jay Morgan himself", Simon stated referring to the baseball team manager. "We've been friends for years, he was kind of like a mentor to me".
Peter's mouth hung open. Helen smiled, 'I think Peter will want to have some long involved conversations with you", she remarked. Simon found himself smiling back
" If I get the time then I'd love to discuss the sport with you", he told Peter.
There was a gap in conversation and they started desert and Simon found himself yawning.
"You must have had a busy day, Simon", Helen remarked. "Sorry", Simon apologized things have been hectic lately. "I suppose since your appointment was a last minute thing that you must have had to rush about a lot", Helen acknowledged. "Yes, it took a while to be organized", Simon told her.
"We won't be offended if you want to go home and have any early night", Helen stated frankly with a smile. Simons matching smile demonstrated his thanks.
"An early night would be welcome, I have a busy day tomorrow visiting the other homes that have been accepted to board skaters. After that is finished I will be able to confirm who you all get. I like to be able to match personalities with families", Simon told the Beldens. "Will there be many rules for the skaters to follow while they are with us", Peter asked. "We expect all skaters to fit in with the household rules of the family they are staying with. The skaters learn to be disciplined and obey the team rules, really they are similar to most families, no underage drinking, or anything else", Simon shot a look at Bobby. They will have correspondence work from their schools to get done as well. Grades can't slip just because they have a place on the US team", Simon stated.
Peter and Helen stood up then and ushered their tired looking guest to the door.
Helen suddenly remembered Simons gift and opened it while they walk to the door,
Mr Saunders, ahh Simon that's very generous", Helen stated as tickets to practice sessions were revealed. "We don't normally let the public in to see our practice session but those tickets will give you private access. Why don't you come and meet the team sometime", Simon offered as he shook Peters hand and kissed Helens hand .
"Thank you once again for making a stranger feel welcome", Simon told them as he strolled out of the door.
He was thankful the journey back to his apartment was short. Undressing quickly and donning his pajamas he was asleep almost the same minute his head touched the pillow.
Awaking to the sound of singing birds Simon found he's slept for almost 12 hours.
Climbing from his warm bed he padded barefoot to the kitchen and shoved some toast on for breakfast. Over a coffee he studied a map of Sleepyside locating his days destination easily. The Manor house sounded very grand and Simon understood the Wheelers were quite rich.
After eating his simple breakfast he went and showered and brushed his teeth.
He placed back his toothbrush, his fingers touching the small bottle of pills nestled in the cupboard. His hand hovered over the lid debating whether he needed to take one.
A recent conversation played through his mind, "Phillip you don't want me to be the US coach", he'd told his friend when he'd rung to suggest the idea. "Simon you are still a fantastic skater and fronted the list for choice of coach at one time. It was only because we couldn't contact you that we went with someone else", Phillip answered.
"I don't want the job anymore", Simon had insisted. Phillip sighed, "I heard some rumour that… he stopped. "Go on", Simons voice took on a sterner quality. "Just that you'd suffered some sort of breakdown", Phillip remarked gently. "Yeah its true Phillip, I'm currently taking antidepressants", Simon admitted candidly hoping that would get Phillip to leave him alone. "Well don't you think getting back to skating might help get your life back on track", Phillip suggested. Simon sighed, "No", he stated firmly. "The team have no current coach Simon and the next best candidate is currently in Canada, please, as a favour, for me", Phil pleaded with his friend.
Simon always did have a strong sense of dedication and didn't want to let the team down, "oh alright", he reluctantly agreed.
Now as he stood contemplating the medication he wondered if this was an opportunity to begin life again. He opened his wallet and stared at the photos inside, he owed it to them to at least try.
Simon stopped his car in front of the Manor house and stared in awe, what an amazing home. He saw a black horse grazing nearby and suddenly missed his own horse Poppy who now lived at his parents ranch. Exiting his car Simon marched to the front door and knocked. A maid answered and ushered him inside. Then she had him wait while she disappeared up the stairs. She was back quickly though with a tall red haired man. "Good Morning Mr Saunders", Matt Wheeler smiled and shook his hand, "It's nice to meet you". "Nice to meet you as well Mr Wheeler", acknowledged Simon, "you have a very grand home. Matt smiled, "I'll be happy to give you a tour", he stated, gesturing Simon with a follow me action. Simon was treated to a most amazing tour taking in some sumptuous rooms. Matt opened yet another door, "this is the library", he told Simon gesturing at a room filled with books, "your skaters are welcome to come and study here". Simon stared at the books stopping when he heard murmuring, he looked into a corner of the library where a huddle of females were all staring at him. "My wife is hosting one of her groups", Matt explained. Simon nodded and quickly exited the room
"My gosh who was that honey", thrice married Martha Walsh remarked as the door closed. 'That is Mr Simon Saunders the new US skating coach", Helen Belden told them.. "He dined with us last night", Helen added. Martha and the others looked impressed. "So dish out the gossip Helen, is he married", Martha asked eagerly.
"Well there's no ring , Helen remarked, "but he must have a girl friend".
"Maybe I'll see if I can find out" Martha stated with a little grin, "he could be a prospect for number 4". Helen suddenly felt very sorry for the Coach.
Matt Wheeler led the way outside. "That is a beautiful horse", Simon remarked as the approached the paddock where the black was grazing. "His names Jupiter", Matt stated with a pleased smile. The black hearing his name approached the fence and looked over at his master. Simon approached , "You need to be careful around him he looks nice but he can be… "Matt stopped stunned by the display in front of him. Jupiter had his head in Simon's arms and eyes closed was enjoying a scratch. "You've had something to do with horses before", Matt remarked deciding that must be the explanation for Jupiter's uncharacteristic behaviour.. "Yes my parents own a ranch and breed horses", Simon acknowledged. Matt looked thoughtful, 'Greg Saunders", he blurted. Simon nodded, "yes, that's my father". "I met him at a horse sale recently", Matt told Simon, "he breeds Appaloosas and I was thinking of buying one". "Indeed dad has some of the best stock in the States", Simon stated proudly.
"Well I may talk to him again", Matt mentioned as he watched Jupiter with a sense of disbelief. "Do you ride Mr Saunders", Matt asked. "Yes, I have my own horse who unfortunately had to stay behind with my parents", Simon told him. "Well if you want to go riding sometime you're most welcome. Unfortunately my stable manager is out at the moment or I'd introduce you. But since you'll be staying in the area and we'll be hosting one of your skaters I'm sure you might get the opportunity to meet him another time", Matt determined. "Indeed, thanks for the offer and I sincerely hope I actually get time to go riding", Simon sighed.
Matt smiled, "yes, I guess you will be busy", he acknowledged. "The whole of Sleepyside is so excited about the competition and we're glad to have you here."
Simon felt that overwhelmed feeling again, a lot was riding on his shoulders and he sincerely hoped he wouldn't disappoint this whole town.
"Well I'm off to the Lynches now", I'll be in touch later today to tell you the name and arrival time of your skater," Simon remarked as Matt walked him back to the car. Matt gave him directions and watched Simon pull the car away.