Chapter 2- family matters
The next morning Simon felt still slightly out of sorts as he dressed. He made a habit of making the walk to Manor house and escorting both Dan and Sandra to the stadium. He too had heard of the kidnapping attempt on Dan and it had petrified him so much that he had the urge to see that Dan was always safe.
He wasn't really looking forward to seeing Bill Regan again so soon though.
"Mmm", Sandra pulled away from the red headed groom only to have him pull her close again and kiss her once more. "Bill, someone might come any minute", Sandra warned as Bill cuddled her closely on a pile of hay. Bill smiled, "well we are both adults ,so I don't see the problem", he retorted. Sandra blushed prettily. She had to admit that she was deeply attracted to Bill Regan. Recently she'd sent her boyfriend a note telling him shed met someone else. So now there was no barrier between her and the tall red headed groom. Bill leaned Sandra over further into the hay. The young skater giggled as the hay caught in her hair. "What about the Wheeler kids", Sandra stated around another kiss, "they might come by very soon." For an answer Bill just stole another kiss, "they are out riding and not due back yet", he stated with a smile. He kissed Sandra intently, "there's no one here but you me and the horses", he remarked rolling her over into the hay.
Bill concentrated for the next moment on nuzzling the petite skater neck, he was so occupied that he never saw the eyes looking down on them. "Sandra, it's time for practice', Simon remarked softly as he looked in at them. Bill Regan rapidly rolled off the skater turning red as he got to his feet. "I'm coming coach", Sandra replied blushing red also and attempting to bush all traces off hay from her clothes.
Bill calmly looked at the coach gauging how angry he was about catching them together. He knew Simon was not exactly happy about his involvement with Sandra. Simons vivid green eyes sparkled and were hostile but he made no immediate comment other than helping his skater remove hay from her shoes.
"Make sure Dan, get home on time Saunders", Regan stated firmly eyeing the coach all the while. "I will get Dan home on time", Simon stated firmly turning away.
"Sandra practice won't finish until 8 tonight", Simon reminded. Bill looked over at the coach feeling himself flush again, "I thought practice finished at 6", he stated.
"There are movements you need to practice some more", Simon told Sandra, ignoring Bills comment but not failing to notice the grooms body had gone tense..
"Of course coach", Sandra replied quickly hoping Bill was not going to make any other comments about the evening. They had been going on a date together but Simon's extra practice was going to put a stop to that. Sandra moved out of the stable somewhat putting distance between herself and Bill. She waited for the coach to come and join her. However his movement was blocked by an angry looking Bill ,"you did that deliberately ", the groom couldn't help himself saying as he forgothis resolve of the previous evening. Simon looked at him steadily, "no Sandra, just needs extra practice, its not personal, he remarked softly and calmly" Bill looked at him intensely then deliberately stepped toward him his posture again hostile, "horse pooh, it's not personal", he retorted. "You're angry over yesterday and taking it out on Sandra", he accused.
"Sandra is part of an international skating team preparing for a top level competition. Sometimes that means you sacrifice personal time in favour of practice", Simon replied firmly staring Bill right in the face. Bill was not ready to back down," well you said that Dan won't be late, so he must finish at 6", he pointed o\out. Simon was feeling a little fed up with the questioning, "Dan will be on time but what I do with the rest of the team is really none of your business Bill Regan", he replied. Regan stepped forth again, "I have almost had enough of you Saunders", he warned making sure he looked as intimidating as possible. "You should have cared enough to marry my sister instead of living in sin, perhaps you don't care much for commitment and I'm worried that might extend to Dan", he yelled.
Simon felt himself colour as the accusation hit home. Feeling angrier than he had in a long time he boldly stepped forward until he was inches from Regan, "so it comes down to commitment, Bill, he retorted ," like your commitment to letting Dan into your life at the start. You didn't even acknowledge he was a relative and sent him off to live with a complete stranger. Then at the first hint of trouble you didn't even believe his side of things but just packed him off back to the city." I might have doubted him in that phantom skater incidence but I would have stood by his side, no matter what."
Simon's green eyes blazed and now Bill found himself stepping back, "if I had known Dan was still alive I would not have worried about what sort of trouble he was in I would have come and got him. So tell me which one of us is the more committed, " Bill swallowed, "did Dan tell you all that", he asked angrily. "No, most of Sleepyside did", Simon replied. "Well I don't care what they say, I love Dan ", Bill stated fiercely. "So you are saying I don't", Simon growled intently as he glared at the groom. "Well Bill Regan the only reason I haven't gone for custody of Dan was because I knew Patty would never want us to fight. But I'm tired of the lack of respect, you have for both myself and Dan. Perhaps a court does need to hear all the facts. Then we'll let the people decide who is the least committed", with that last statement he pivoted precisely and turned away from the angry Bill Regan.
Bill found his heart beat rapidly as he was left standing alone in the hay. He looked toward the stunned Sandra, "I'm sorry you witnessed that", he stated. Sandra face tightened, "it's not me you should apologize to Bill Regan," Sandra stated tightly. "You only have yourself to blame for that", then she stormed off in Simon's wake.
Bill sunk down into the hay as the reality of what had just happened struck him. He'd forced Simon into contesting his custody of Dan and now the two men had a fight on their hands. He put his head in his hands and closed his eyes. He was still sitting like that when Matt Wheeler came in with an unfamiliar blonde haired man who was probably in his fifties. As the man came closer Bill found his heart beat speeding up, he'd heard of course that green eyes were not common so it was certainly unusual to have two men in Sleepyside with eyes of that colour. Regan forced his eyes away from the man and toward Mr Wheeler who had a rather deep frown upon his face. "What is the matter Bill", Matt asked. Regan stood up, "I think Saunders is going to go for custody of Dan", he explained. Matt Wheelers eyes widened and the man standing beside him looked shocked, almost as if he understood what Bill had just said. The other man threw Bill a glare before storming off. A confused Bill, looked at Matt. Matt wheeler, approached Bill slowly and almost gently stated, "that was Gregory Saunders Bill, Simons father. He came to show me an Appaloosa and hoped to surprise Dan and Simon. I think it's him who just got a surprise and not a pleasant one either", Matt stated. Bill found himself feeling worried, as now he had two Saunders to contend with.
Dan had thankfully been totally oblivious to the argument that had happened just downstairs. He was happily sitting with the rest of the Bobwhites eating popcorn as he waited for Simon to come and get him for practice. "Leave some for the rest of us", Mart pleaded as he watched Dan scoop up another handful. "Sorry", Dan apologized, Just haven't had any popcorn for awhile now." Jim and Brian grinned at him. "its been so quiet lately", Trixie moaned as she ate, "we really need to think about organizing some sort of event". Mart groaned loudly. Dan shook his head, "if you do Trix, you'll have to count me out, coach would frown on me doing any extra activities". Di nestled on her stomach beside Mart glanced over at Dan and asked, 'do you always call him that, I mean it sounds almost impersonal ,like the two of you don't even know each other". Dan smiled, "I call him that when we are skating, or talking about skating, it becomes a habit I suppose. I don't want it to seem like I get special treatment because of how well we know each other. So keeping things impersonal makes the other team members feel…" Dan broke off his conversation and was staring out of the Manor house windows. Then he suddenly jumped up and raced outside. The others looked stunned and quickly got up and followed their friend anxious to see what had caused his actions.
Matt Wheeler had quickly caught up to Greg Saunders and calmed him down. He'd offered to help the man look for Simon. The two were just discussing possible locations to begin their search when they were interrupted by Dan. The teen skidded to a halt and stared at Greg Saunders. He felt suddenly nervous. When he believed Simon had died alongside his mother he'd considered contacting the elder Saunders. But he'd decided against this feeling that they would be grieving for their dead son and not be ready to deal with his problems. Upon seeing Greg again he felt slightly guilty and awkward. The older Saunders had always treated him like a surrogate grandson and he should have known they would have helped him if he had asked. Greg stared at Dan noting that his initial delight had turned to tension. He sensed some of the awkwardness Dan must be feeling over this reunion and made the first step toward reconciliation, "Daniel so good to see you again", Greg smiled and held out his arms. Dan still hesitated, Greg's eyes softened and he beckoned, "come", he stated gently. Hesitation gone Dan approached and found himself enfolded in a fierce hug. When he pulled away he noted a hint of tears in the older Saunders eyes." Harriet and Grace were also very keen to see you", he told Dan, referring to his wife and Simon's youngest sister who was barely 17. Unfortunately they couldn't come this time."
"Simon said you may visit", Dan replied," but I didn't know it would be today". Ahh it was supposed to be a surprise", Greg replied easily. "So Simon doesn't know you're here either", Dan asked. "No, I was in fact hoping he'd be here", Greg remarked trying his best not to look over anxious about his sons location. "He should be here", Dan looked at his watch and frowned, "he's never usually late", he stated with a hint of anxiety. Greg kept his own voice calm as he stated, "I'm sure he was delayed for some reason".
Greg decided he needed to distract Dan while he searched for Simon. "Do you remember that young foal that lost her mother", he asked Dan. Dan frowned as he thought back then nodded, "yes the one you named miracle", Greg nodded, "well I brought her to show Mr Wheeler, so while we wait for Simon why doesn't Mr Wheeler show you and your friends the horse." Matt recognizing what Greg was trying to do, gathered the Bob Whites together and led them off in the direction of the paddocks where Miracle was currently grazing.
That left Greg alone and wondering where on earth he could start looking for his possibly upset son.
Simon had wandered aimlessly into the preserve feeling both angry and sad. He sunk himself down onto a tree stump and put his head in his hands. Had he really expected things to go smoothly, he reflected. Thinking about it, he guessed, he had hoped Bill Regan would accept him and not feel threatened, huh wasn't that foolish of him, he realized.
Simon honestly didn't know what to do. You could try telling the truth, that thought surfaced. He looked down and noticed his hand shaking, no I can't do that", he realized. I made this choice and now I have to see it through. Simon felt on the edge of despair with his thoughts lost in remembering his lovely red head. He was so lost in thought that he almost missed hearing a horse arriving ,looking up he saw Walter Maypenny regarding him somewhat anxiously.
The old woodsman had not expected to find the US skating coach sitting in the preserve. Looking at the coaches face, he could see he was obviously upset about something. Dismounting Walter made his way over to the man, "are you alright", he asked gently.
Simon thought briefly about lying then decided against it, "not really, but there's not much you can do about it", he replied. Walter sat down beside him not really knowing what to say to the man. Simon glanced down at his watch, "I suppose I should go back to the manor house, Dan will wonder where I am", he sighed softly as he prepared to stand up . Walter put one hand on his shoulder, "you could take the day off", he suggested to the coach". "No, the team still needs a lot of work. We can't miss practice just because I'm having a bad day",Simon told him . Walter Maypenny found himself studying the coach and found his thought again returning to his long ago friend. "Why are you staring at me like that", Simon asked as Walters gaze seemed to linger on him a little too long. Walter guessed that saying part of the story might actually take Simon's mind off whatever it was that was bothering him. "You just remind me of a good friend I had long ago in my college years." My family had moved from out of State and I knew absolutely no one . So it was rather daunting to start a new college. A lot of friendships had already established ,so the first couple of weeks were lonely. Then another family moved into the area and I became friend with their son. We got up to some pretty serious mischief together", Maypenny reflected with a smile" We were friend for years before he moved away again. Our paths did cross again many years later and we reestablished the friendship'. Simon found himself listening to the story with his mind skitting away from his other problems. "it sounds like he was a fun and loyal friend", he reflected. "Yes we got on well and had a lot of laughs together , then something happened and we had a big argument", Maypenny repliedwith a deep sadness. Simon looked over at the old woodsman and nodded insightfully, "let me guess, it was over a girl", he remarked". Walter smiled ironically, "yes it was", he confirmed. 'We never spoke much after that but when I needed some help and it seemed nobody would lend me a hand, he surprisingly came to my rescue", the old woodsman remarked with a sesne of wonder." So why do I remind you of him", Simon asked curiously. Maypenny stared at Simon again, "to tell you the truth I'm not actually sure", he admitted. "You don't look a lot like him but there is just something about you that reminds me of my friend. His colouring was a lot darker than yours but he was also a good looking man and popular with the ladies. He was of Irish descent and I think that gave him an extra charm."
Simon smiled, "I have Irish blood also ",he remarked . "I didn't know that", Walter replied. It comes from my mothers side of the family, Simon told Walter. "My sister Annabella and I have the darker colouring and my green eyes were inherited from my grandmother. Only my youngest sister Grace missed out on the Irish connection ,shes blonde like my father".
Simon attempted a small smile and looked up at Walter Maypenny, "thanks for the conversation, it does help take my mind of my worries". Walter smiled back, "your quite welcome Simon", he affirmed. Simon got up, "well I suppose it's back to reality", he shook Walter's hand and said "go n-eiri an bother leat". When Walter looked confused Simon remarked, "it's an Irish blessing meaning may the road rise with you", he stated. Maypenny thought about the saying and nodded wisely, "thank you', he responded, "I wish the same to you. Simon sighed, "the road has quick sand on it at the moment", he stated as he walked back toward the Manor house.
The Manor house was just coming into sight when Simon saw a rather familiar spotted horse grazing in one of the paddocks. He was looking thoughtfully at the horse when he heard the sound of someone clearing his throat, turning he saw his father standing inches away. "Dad", he remarked with a somewhat weak smile, "what a surprise". Greg regarded his son thoughtfully noting he looked rather pale and somewhat strained. "It's good to see you Simon", he stated moving forward to embrace his son. "How long have you been here", Simon asked. "Long enough to hear Bill Regan say you were going for custody of Dan", came the pointed answer. "Ahh", Simon remarked sadly as he walked past his father and moved on towards the Manor. Greg turned and quickly over took him, "well is it true", he demanded as he put one hand out to stop his son. "I had just had the most awful argument with Bill and said that in anger, Simon replied. "I know what it would mean if I actually did it", he concluded sadly. Greg put one arm around his shoulder, "I've always admired you for what you are doing, but you have chosen a path that makes it very difficult for you." Simon had to acknowledge the truth of his father's words. He was about to comment further when Dan came running up to both of them a happy smile on his face. "Miracle has certainly grown into a beautiful mare", the teen told Greg and Simon. "I'm surprised you'd want to sell her". Greg kept one arm around Simon and encircled Dan with the other, "you'd get to see her everyday if Mr Wheeler bought her", he reminded.
Dan smiled and nodded, "that is true ", he acknowledged happily bathing in the glow of having both Simon and his father nearby. He looked over at Simon, "you're not usually late", he stated. "No, I guess I'm not,", Simon reflected. "we better collect Sandra then go to the stadium before all the other skater decide I'm giving them a holiday". Simon turned to his father, "perhaps we can have dinner together", he suggested. "Certainly", Greg replied with a smile. He pulled Simon close and gave him a reassuring squeeze then released him. Putting one arm companionably around Dan Simon collected Sandra and the threesome made their way toward the stadium.
That left Greg to tend to Miracle who was being looked over Bill Regan. Greg approached and noticed that he seemed to make the red head nervous. He guessed Bill was worried that Simon had discussed the argument with him and was going to make some comment. "Well what do you think of her Bill", Matt Wheeler asked his groom. "She's beautiful Mr Wheeler, obviously well bred and well balanced, she'd be a lovely addition to the stables", the groom replied as he straightened up and eyed Greg Saunders. "Shall we discuss price or would you like to think it over some more", Greg asked studiously ignoring Bill Regan. "Well I guess I have to think about who'd ride her', Matt stated thoughtfully. .
"Perhaps you'd like to ride her and see if she'd suit your needs", Greg suggested.
Matt seemed keen on the idea but Bill was decidedly nervous as he realized that would leave him alone with Greg Saunders. Matt didn't seem unduly concerned though as he mounted the appaloosa and trotted off.
Bill turned away from Greg and walked toward the stables, "I've got a lot of work to do', he remarked. Greg waited until Bill had stepped away slightly before he remarked, "you know whatever else Simon did , he loved your sister Bill Regan. In fact he loved her so much that he was totally devastated by her death. Even though he puts on a good front he still feels her loss deeply ". You should also consider the fact that Simon had known Patty for many years and could share with you many insights about your sister. But you have to be ready to trust him and want to listen". Bill went red as he realized he was being subtly told off. He chose not to make any definite reply just moving back to the stables to undertake more work.
Regan felt like everyone was against him today. He'd tried to talk to Sandra again as she waited for Simon to reappear. All he'd met with was stony silence .It seemed like his argument with Simon had forced the skater to think more deeply about the wisdom of their relationship. But he was convinced her could at least make amends with the young skater and decided to go down to the stores later and buy her a treat. As for Greg Saunders, he would have to be polite as he was here on business. He could only hope he'd be gone quickly.