(Beth's P.O.V.) - 1 hour and 15 minutes later-
I rinsed my hands of a wet rag, smiling softly at the familiar sight of a adorable foal on its wobbly legs as it's being groomed by its mother. "Thanks, Beth. I don't know what to do without ya.".
"No worries about it, Jess. Good thing you called me in time, otherwise we could've lost the little guy or worse as he was in breech.". I glanced at one of my best friends, Jess which is short for Jessica, her last name being Anderson. She has strawberry blonde hair, light brown eyes, tan skin.
We often joke that we've been sisters as we are practically born upon the same day, being both 20 yet we weren't related as our parents had been best friends in the first place. "Looks like this would be the last one for Belle as she's older than my girls. What are you calling him?". I spoke curiously as I looked back at Belle, the mare who was distressed in the past hour, having been exhausted from the labor herself.
Like her name's meaning, she's quite beautiful, having a cinnamon brown group of patches over her solid white coat, and a silver-blonde mane & tail which is a bay pinto. Belle is one of two ponies that Jess got from Chincogeatue Island around the same time I got Blossom and Vidia.
Belle's mate over the years is Adam, having a dark brown pelt and a black mane & tail, showing that he's a dark bay. He's quite the rogue, yet he knows that he's a handsome boy. Their new son has a solid brown pelt with a white distinctive mark across his face, and a black mane & tail.
"You know, I never expected to see a white handprint on any horse's face, let alone this little cute guy, but we are seeing this!". Jess laughed with a awed tone in her voice. She's right. The palm rests upon the ridge of his nose, with the fingers splaying over his right eye. Any person would have assumed that someone's hand was wet with paint and placed it upon the foal's face, but it's totally real fur.
Jess continued on, "Since a handprint's like a front track of a human, how about Tracker?". I approved happily, "That's a great name, Jess! Tracker. Welcome home, little guy.". Tracker shook his head, gave a high-pitched neigh, making us laugh.
I nudged Jess, "Come on, they look fine to be alone now.", walking out with a wave toward Adam who's in the farthest stall for the most privacy, hearing Jess speak to Adam excitedly, "Your son's name is Tracker. Look after him when he's ready to head out later, alright?". A whicker from Adam was the answer, leaving Jess smiling as she joined me.
"So, care to tell me why you are having a man in your house? You didn't push the disconnect button enough and I heard the brief conversation. Who is he?". Jess raised a eyebrow as we walked to her house. I stuttered in surprise, "What man?". Jess nudged me, "Bethany Raines, I practically knew you since we were babies. Don't you think you can hide anything from me?".
I groaned lightly as Jess was right, and smiled softly, "His name is John. He's the politest, sweetest, smartest man I've met. However, the sad situation was that he is homeless. His only possessions are his clothes upon his back, and his wonderful horse, Lenard. So, I offered a place for him to stay as he figures out to keep on his feet while he helps me around.".
Jess teased me, "Is he handsome or what? Tell me the details!". I giggled softly, "Well, he has bright green eyes, auburn red hair, pale tan skin. He's tall, at least a few inches above me, slender in the frame yet he's getting stronger. And...I kissed him..this morning.".
Jess gasped, "On the lips?". I shook my head, "No, it was a kiss on the cheek, a little peck really, and I didn't know how he reacted to that for I already left the front steps by then.". Jess shook her head, "Beth, you really need to know men again! It has been months since..".
I shivered, "Don't, Jessica.", warning my best friend. Jess widened her eyes, "Oh, shit, I am sorry. That was too far.". I sighed, "It's okay, Jess. I just don't want to get hurt again, and John is really polite. He practically asks for permission on some things including cooking.".
Jess chuckled, "He cooks?". I smiled, "He's a quick learner. He cursed the fire alarm after he accidentally burned the toast one time, and now he got it perfect.".
Jess nodded, "And his age?". I spoke, "He's 25.". Jess mused, "Are you going to ask him if he would like to go to the Harvest Ball in Great Falls next month on the 24th? I bet he's a great dancer.".
I giggled, "Oh, he already is. And yes, I will ask him about that. You know I never miss any chance that WMH offers.". Jess laughed, "You better have plenty of pictures ready by then! You know that I always save the best in our best friends album.".
I smiled, "I shall do my best, Jess. I better get home.". Jess grinned, "I will update you on the progress of Tracker. Don't worry so much, Beth. I am sure John likes ya. You already like him.". I nodded, and headed to my beloved truck, the ever so reliable 2004 Dodge Ram, dark blue.
I scooted in, revved up as I waved goodbye to Jess who returned the gesture, and backed up, turned around into the driveway, and headed out of the Anderson Farm. Heading home, I was hoping Jess was right about John.
