1 – The Bradshaw's
Olivia Bradshaw is an eight-year-old girl who has grown up on a huge horse ranch. Her father, David Bradshaw, is a horse breeder for the army and other private buyers. Her mother, Emily Bradshaw, kept the household running, but was a former teacher prior to her marrying David eleven years earlier. Since they lived too far from town for Olivia to attend school, Emily taught her daughter at home. Olivia loved being at home every day instead of going to school. With being at home, she was able to spend time with her father and learn more about the family business. She had a good sense about horses and could tell the difference between an excellent horse and an ok horse. Olivia did have the experience of attending a normal school when was younger and her family lived closer to town. But once David acquired the ranch, they moved further from town.
A typical day for Olivia was to get up, do her morning chores, which consisted of feeding and watering her horse and the other horses, and help her mother set the table. The family would sit down for breakfast every morning. They would discuss the daily doings and plans. After breakfast, Olivia would help with the dishes and begin her school work for the day. Once her schoolwork was finished, she was able to go outside and play or work with her father. Later, she would have to feed the horses and water them again and help her mother with setting the table once more. The whole family would sit at the table for dinner every night. It has always been very important to David and Emily that they always sat down for breakfast and dinner. Both were times to discuss plans, how the day went, and plans for the next day. Olivia would then help clear the table and wash the dishes or dry them depending on the day. She and her mother would take turns washing and drying the dishes each night, but always worked together.
"Olivia, it is time to wake up."
Emily said to her daughter early one morning. Olivia rolled over and groaned. She really hated mornings, but she knew she had to start waking up. If her chores were not finished before breakfast, she was not going to be able to go with her father and would be stuck doing extra chores. Her mother walked to the chest and pulled out a dress for Olivia to wear today. Then, went back to wake her again. This time Olivia sat up and swung her legs over the bed. 'I hate mornings.' She mumbled in her head; not daring to say it out loud. She slid off her bed and walked over to where her mother put her dress and began to get ready for the day. Once she was finished getting ready, she raced down the back stairs and ran out to the barn. Not being a morning person, she really did not want to have to talk to anyone until she was completely awake. She made her way to the barn and began her chores. Once she was finished, she walked over to Buttercup and talked to her about her day and the fun things that were going to be happening.
"Good morning Buttercup. Daddy said that he is going on a camping trip and that I can go with him. Doesn't that sound like fun?"
Buttercup gave her a friendly neigh. Neither Olivia or Buttercup saw David standing just inside the stable doors. He enjoyed seeing Olivia talk to Buttercup as if she was a real person. Buttercup was an older palomino that was actually her mother's horse, but was given to Olivia when it came time for her to have a horse. Buttercup was the only horse that would let her wiggle and kick and do all sorts of things without spooking her. It was like Buttercup had a second sense when Olivia was around.
"Buttercup, I am little nervous about going though. Mama isn't going this time. I am scared that I might miss her. I don't want to tell papa, because I am worried that he won't let me go, and I really want to go. I don't know what to do."
"I will miss your mama too."
Olivia froze and looked at Buttercup. David deep rich voice carried across the barn as he walked over to where they were and started to pet Buttercup. Olivia just stood there petting Buttercup not sure as to what to do. They stood there quietly for just a moment. Then, David turned Olivia around. She had unshed tears in her eyes and didn't look at her father when she turned around. She knew that she had not done anything wrong, but she was scared that her father wasn't going to allow her to go on the trip now. David put his hand gently under her chin and steered her eyes to his. His heart broke at the sight of the tears welding up in her eyes. He gave her a warm, small smile trying to ease her distress.
"What is wrong darling? Why are you crying?"
"Are you going to make me stay home now because of what I said?"
"No darling. You can still go. I am going to miss your mother too. We will get through it together. No more tears. Ok?"
"Yes sir."
She said shyly with her head hanging low. David smiled and looked her in the eye. She looked up at him and the tears fell when she blinked, but gave a small smile. David gave her a big hug. He hated to see his daughter upset, and he never wanted her to feel like she couldn't talk to him. She clung to her father feeling safe in his arms.
"Olivia. You know that you never need to be scared to come talk to me about anything."
"But...what if you get mad or change your mind or…"
"Olivia, I will always listen and try to help you work out what you are thinking before I ever changing my mind...unless you have just done something that is unacceptable. In this case, I would not change my mind about taking you unless you just don't want to go. You have never been away from your mother for that long, but you are growing up, and I think you can do it. Plus, I really need your help on this trip. No one has the experience that you have around horses."
David gave her a wink, and she gave a giggle. She knew she wasn't the most experience person going on the trip. She knew he was just trying to help her feel better. She gave her father another big hug and told him that she loved him. He told her that he loved her too and told her that she should get into the house before her mother came looking for her to set the table. She ran towards the house and set the table just in time. Her mother seemed a little annoyed that she was not in the house earlier, but did not say anything to her about it. Shortly after having the table set, David walked into the house and gave his wife a hug and kiss before heading to the table. He could tell she was a little upset when he walked in.
"Everything ok my love?"
"You need to talk to Olivia about being more quick about getting her chores done. It took her forever, and I am not going to remind her of her chores every day. I should not have to remind her. I am trying to raise her to be responsible."
"I am sorry my love. She and I were talking about the trip. She is a little nervous being away from you that long."
"I didn't know, David. I have noticed that she was been getting quieter over the past few days. I was actually going to talk to her tonight about it. Is she ok?"
"Yes, she will be ok. I mentioned that she did not have to go if she wanted to stay home."
"You know that she would probably be just as nervous with you being gone that long. Plus, it will be good for her to go with you. It will keep her busy. I will be helping the doctor with Mrs. Simmons twins."
David nodded in agreement that it would be best for Olivia to go along with him. They both carried the last of the breakfast dishes over to the table and sat down to say grace and enjoy the time they had together before being apart for a few weeks. Olivia looked around and was grateful for her parents and the life she leads.
