Monday Continued (the longest day known to man...or fanfiction!)
By the skin of his teeth, Ty silently slid into his seat in the second row of his Large Animal Clinical class, just before Dr. Lance Johnson could utter the first word of his lecture. He breathed a sigh of relief. The aged professor was well known as a stickler for being on time. He took perverse pleasure in skewering tardy students publicly, usually driving them from their seat, sometimes in tears, from the classroom. His tactics were so feared that some students just didn't show up to class, willing to take a fail for the day, if there was the tiniest chance of being late.
Though Ty tried hard to avoid being heard or seen, the professor's eyes, magnified by his glasses, bored into Ty. The professor commanded. "Mr. Borden. Please stand."
Ty rose from his seat, nervous but braced for the tongue lashing. "Yes sir?"
Ty knew to acquiesce, to be polite to a fault, to accept whatever Dr. Johnson would dispense. Despite having one of the highest grades in the class, the professor held his future as a vet in his hands, could easily fail him if he chose to be so arbitrary, so punitive.
His teacher went on. "Mr. Borden. Did you receive the on-time policy on the first day of class?"
"Yes sir."
"Were you able to read and comprehend said policy?"
"Yes sir."
"Did you sign acknowledging the policy and promising to adhere to it?"
"Yes sir."
"So. You received the policy, you read and comprehended the policy, you signed and promised to adhere to the policy. Is that correct?"
"Yes sir."
"So you must think that you are something really special, that you can just disregard the policy at will, turn your back on your promises and obligations, disrespect your fellow students, waste this professor's valuable time. What other policies, promises, obligations, regulations, guidelines do you plan to disregard?"
"None sir. This will not happen again." Ty said clearly, without wavering.
The professor took off his black rimmed glasses with one hand, rubbed his eyes with the other. This classic move was staged, par usual, to further embarrassment, elevate anxiety, prolong agony. Dr. Johnson was the master judge, jury, executioner, no doubt. When he put on his glasses back on the bridge of his nose, he was ready to cast judgement, to rule.
"Mr. Borden. By the grace of the animal gods, you slipped into my classroom with a nano second on your side. You may stay for today's lecture. But, I warn you. One more tardy episode, you will be looking for another career. I expect to see you after class so you can explain your disrespectful behavior and apologize appropriately."
"Yes sir." Ty said clearly. "I do apologize to you and my classmates for being tardy. It will not happen again." He remained standing, waiting to be released, to be told to sit, like a defendant on trial.
"Mr. Borden. You may sit down."
Ty did as he was told, quietly pulling out his notebook, ready to take notes. His sweat meandered down his back, dampened his shirt in dark circles under his armpits. Unlike most, he prevailed, so he tried to refocus on the lecture as best he could.
After class, Ty approached his professor as he assembled his notes into his leather messenger bag at the classroom lectern. Sweat beads began to collect again on his upper lip, at the base of his skull. He closed his eyes, as he deeply inhaled, tried to calm. His eyes opened with the forceful exhale. Ty knew instinctively, by experience, how to deal with bullies from the old neighborhood or in juvie. But, a bully in a suit was hard to judge, counter. He couldn't use his fists. "Excuse me. Professor, you had asked to see me?"
He barely looked at Ty. But, in that brief second in which he did, he gave him a look of distain. "Follow me to my office. Mr. Borden."
Ty didn't respond, just nodded.
Silently the pair walked down the hall, up a flight of stairs, then up another hallway. Unlocking his office door and entering his cramped office, the professor took a seat behind his massive desk, adorned with neat stacks of papers, books, and the latest version of West magazine. He motioned to Ty to take a seat across from him.
"Mr. Borden. It has come to my attention that you do not have a position with a licensed veterinary clinic as required to complete your degree. Dr. Cardinal has indicated that you no longer work for him at Hudson Veterinary Clinic. Please explain."
"Yes sir. Given the decrease in his business, Dr. Cardinal could no longer guarantee me a position as a vet tech. So I secured a position at the Hudson Wildlife Refuge under Dr. Bob Grainger."
"So. Are you employed at the refuge now?"
"Well. Not any more, sir."
"Explain."
"Soon after I started working there, I discovered that Dr. Grainger was being paid off by local poachers to turn a blind eye to their illegal activity. I contacted RCMP who then arrested and jailed the offenders. The Wildlife Refuge is no longer in operation."
"I see." Dr. Johnson removed his black-rimmed glasses again, rubbed his eyes, then replaced his glasses on his nose. "Have you secured another position with a licensed vet?"
"No sir. The arrests were just made within the last week. I have secured a position at Heartland Ranch in Hudson. Their work involves equine rescue, therapy and rehab as well as cattle farming. But, no licensed vet is employed there."
"Heartland Ranch?"
"Yes. It's my family's ranch." Then Ty added to be transparent. "Well, my adopted family's ranch."
"Doesn't Amy Fleming own Heartland Ranch?"
The question took Ty by surprise. "Heartland Ranch's owner is Jack Bartlett. Amy Fleming is his granddaughter." Ty explained. "Do you know Amy?"
"Only by reputation. I have been following her career for some time. She is quite accomplished in the equine world."
"Yes! Amy is very accomplished, very successful. She's truly amazing with horses. A lot of my work at the ranch is with Amy." Ty almost gushed with pride.
"So. Amy is your adopted sister?" Dr. Johnson probed.
"No!" Ty blurted out. Caught completely flat footed, off guard, he was unsure how to explain the situation. So he didn't. Yes, he and Amy grew up together. Yes, he considers Amy's sister his sister. But, he never once considered Amy his sister, adopted or otherwise. The very thought was absurd, even repulsive.
Despite Ty's emphatic response, Dr. Johnson's line of thought remained unchanged. "Regardless. I would be most pleased to meet Ms. Fleming."
The aged professor showed his hand, but Ty did not notice, did not respond. The horrible notion of Amy as his sister gnawed at him.
The professor got back to business. "Mr. Borden. You have exactly ten days to secure a position with a licensed Vet and get the necessary paperwork in place before the fall semester starts."
"Yes sir."
"If you do not, you will be removed from the program. Remember other students have perished for far less. It would be a shame given your grades and aptitude. But, if you can't take care of your business and follow policies as agreed, you don't deserve to be a vet."
"Yes sir."
Dr. Johnson switched topics. "Why were you tardy today?"
Ty sighed. "I was working at the ranch and time got away from me. It's my fault. I do apologize. It will not happen again."
The professor nodded. "I fully expect that you will not be late again."
"Yes sir."
"I will be watching. Please close door behind you as you leave." Dismissing Ty, the professor turned his back to him and picked up his office phone. Ty quietly rose, left the room, closing the door as commanded.
Ty walked quickly to Scrub's to meet up with his study group. Kurt, David, Amit, Frank and Jordon had taken over one of the tables and were quizzing each other in prep for next week's final semester exams. Finding them, he took a seat between Amit and Frank, slouched down, legs spread wide, leaned his head back.
"So, Ty, looks like you barely survived the on-time beating." Frank, the cowboy in the group, long and lean, jabbed at Ty, then tipped his chair back balancing on two hind legs.
"Yeah. Time wasn't so much the issue." Ty stated, still smarting from the conversation he had with Dr. Johnson.
"Oh yeah? Where else did you mess up?" David, the cocky animal surgeon to be, messed with his friend.
"I don't have an internship with a Vet any more." Ty frowned with his mouth, his eyes, his expression, his whole body.
"Seriously? What happened to the Wildlife Refuge? I mean. Didn't you just started there?" Jordan asked. She pushed her dark brown hair out of her eyes, exposing a flurry of freckles on her forehead, matching those on her checks and nose.
"Yeah. Well. Dr. Bob was being paid on the side by poachers to look the other way." Ty said
"No kidding?" Jorden exclaimed. "That's terrible."
"Yeah. It gets worse. They took down two healthy bears, one a nursing mother, just for the gall bladder." He sighed.
"Really? What happened then?" Jordan was
"RCMP arrested them, now they are doing time, which is good. But, now I am out of a job."
"It's sucks to be you." Frank said laughing cruelly, almost tipping over backward in his chair. "Whoa, Bessie."
"Yeah." Ty agreed, not slighted. "It really does suck these days."
"Do you have any leads?" Jordon asked empathically.
"Not yet." Ty admitted.
"Ty. I have the perfect idea." Amit smiled, his voice thick with an accent, his tone caring and light. "Come with me to India. We can work together at the India Vet Clinic in Ahmedabad. We can be roommates. We will learn so much." Amit had been begging Ty to join him in India since Amy went to Europe.
"Thanks. Amit. You are such a good friend. Honestly if the program wasn't so far away, that would be ideal. I will reconsider." Ty was touched by Amit's unwavering kindness, friendship, support. He sighed. "It's just that I have ties here in Hudson. I am not sure I can go away for 6 months."
"Your fiancé?"
Ty shook his head. "Yes. Amy is my main consideration." He paused, sighed, his voice hushed. "Except. Um. Amit. Amy and I called our engagement off."
Amit calm expression faded into concern. "Ty. I am sorry to hear." Amit said quietly but with great empathy.
"Thanks Amit." Ty shook Amit's hand.
"Oh my god Ty. You were so happy that Amy was back from Europe. Why? I mean what happened? When did this happen?" Jordan asked in rapid fire succession, took a breath then added. "Ty! Why didn't you tell us?"
Ty didn't respond. Seeing his discomfort, Jordan walked over and clumsily hugged him. "Sorry." She whispered in his ear.
"Thanks." He whispered back.
"Sorry man." David stood and shook Ty's hand from across the table. Ty nodded.
The eldest of the group, Kurt, was a Montana rancher who was happily married to his high school sweetheart, Susan. As he stood, so did Ty out of deep respect for his friend of few words. Kurt reached across the table, shook Ty's hand with two of his like a preacher at a funeral. "I am so truly sorry Ty." Kurt's voice broke ever so slightly.
"Thank you Kurt. That means so much."
Frank, not one for wasting breath on the past, grunted. "Probably just as well that you found out now before the wedding." He slapped Ty on the back.
Ty just nodded, anxious to change the subject. "Well, let's get back to studying. Who's asking the questions?" The group spent the next few hours quizzing each other, exchanging notes, practice answers.
On the drive to home, his stomach growled at him for skipping lunch and declining Lou's dinner invite. At the Hudson supermarket, he bought a loaf of whole wheat bread, crunchy peanut butter, 6 gala apples, ground coffee, 6 pack of bottled water, 6 pack of Cabin Brewing Sunshine Rain IPA, toothpaste and deodorant then headed first to the trailer to get some fresh clothes.
He was eating his second apple when he pulled up to the trailer. The front door was wide open, slowly swinging back and forth in the slight evening breeze. Ty froze, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Not many days had passed since he was accosted by the poachers, he wasn't ready for a replay. So he sat in his truck, tensed, watching, waiting for some movement, some sign. The minutes ticked by in slow motion.
20 minutes passed. Nothing. He exited the truck, armed a baseball bat that he now kept behind the seat, and walked methodically toward the trailer. He held the bat over his shoulder with both hands, ready to swing.
Stepping inside, the trailer was empty. Out of habit, he flicked the light switch. Nothing happened. "Damn it Caleb." Ty shook his head knowing that Caleb was never going to fix the electricity or the plumbing. Apparently, he was going to have to do that himself.
Fortunately, there was still plenty of sunlight in the day so he had no trouble surveying, searching for clues. Everything seemed to be in its place. Even his textbook was still on the table, open where he had left it. But, something nagged at him, but he wasn't sure why. Ty shook it off, chalked it up to a bad day, then shoved fresh clothes in a grocery bag. As he left the trailer, he closed the door tightly, locked it, then checked it again. Just to make sure.
As he drove through the Heartland gate, a sense of relief washed over him when he saw Amy's truck in front of the barn. He parked next to her truck, jogged into the barn calling her name. Than he saw that Spartan's stall was empty.
He checked his watch, half past six. "Mrs. Bell's." He said aloud. Harley called to him with a low nicker.
"Hey Buddy. How was your day?" He petted his neck, played with his coarse mane. "I sure hope it was better than mine. I got to find a new internship in 10 days." He groaned.
Harley just stared at him. "I know. I kinda burned my bridge with Scott. Amit says I could go to India with him."
Harley shook his head wildly. "Not my first choice either...but I hear that it's an amazing program. I'll get to do a lot of surgeries."
Harley blasted out a whinny, almost in protest.
"Okay. Okay. I said it's not my first choice. Why don't you gone up with an alternative then...I think I must be insane. Like you'll be able to get me something."
Ty headed upstairs to get Amy's journal from Ruth's box. "Shit!" Ruthie wasn't in the box. He panicked, started to look everywhere, under the bed, behind the dresser, behind the curtain to the hay loft. She wasn't be found.
He texted Amy. "Hey."
"Hey. What's up?"
"Not much. You at Mrs. B's?"
"Yep."
"Anyone else there with you?"
"Spartan and Ruth. Why?"
He exhaled only relief. "Thank god."
Then he texted. "Good. Just checking. Mind if I read in your loft?"
"It's all yours."
"TY"
He pulled the journal out of the bottom of the box, kicked his boots off, popped a bottle of beer, got on top of the already messed up spread and began read.
Amy's Journal Day 94
Whirlwind day today. I arrived at the barn early, just past 5am. We got the horses, Emir, Noble, Snow, Solstice, Zeus and Jameela, ready and loaded for our trip to Barcelona. I was back to my apartment by 9am and only the jet by 10:30am. And I promptly fell asleep. Hope I didn't snore. Sometimes Ty says I snore through movies. Hope he's just kidding.
Ty laughed.
Once we landed, we went straight to the arena to meet the horses. The venue is huge and impressive. Built in 1897, the 1992 Summer Olympics were held in part there, including the equestrian events, jumping, dressage and such. We spent the rest of the day gently working the horses, easing out the stress from the flight, ground work, hand walk and some Liberty. We attracted quite a bit of press attention when all five SA riders and their horses practiced Liberty in the outside arena. The team from Spain dubbed us the Saudi Arabian Lipizzaner Team. Alessandro stopped by to say Hello. We had a nice chat. But, I think he mostly came to watch Solstice. The team went out to some fancy restaurant, but I had to beg off. I am exhausted.
Amy's Journal Day 95
Clipped to the page was a Spanish newspaper article with the headliner Lipizzaner Vidas. Amy is in the center surrounded by her team.
Ty looked closely at the picture. She looked beautiful. Her hair curled and her smile so big. She looked happy. It's the same picture that Georgie had on her bulletin board.
I am so glad that I went to bed early last night. At 4:23am Emir's groom called. Emir did not eat last night and he appeared to be agitated. I was at his stable within 20 minutes. ..
"Hey. Hope that I am not late." He walked into the house, then stood before them, an apologetic tone in his voice, a hopeful expression on his face.
"Ty! You are right on time." Mrs. Bell replied with the look of a Cheshire Cat.
"Hey Amy." He ventured, hoping she would be happy, or at least not mad that he impinged on her time with Mrs. Bell.
"Well, hey there. I wondered who would be sitting at the extra place setting." Amy stood before him, not moving, a soft expression played on her lips, her eyes locked on his.
"Glad to see me?" Ty asked, just checking.
"I suppose." Amy said. "How did you get here? I didn't hear your truck."
He explained. "I rode Harley. He needed exercise. Plus. He was missing his best friend." Referring to himself, as much as his horse.
"Spartan was missing his best friend too." She said playing along, the corners of her mouth upturned.
He stepped forward, passing by her, ever so closely. She did not step away, her skin tingling from his near brush. He leaned in, kissed Mrs. Bell's cheek. "Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Bell." He said tenderly. "It's always wonderful to see you."
"Why, of course." Then she added. "Glad you could make it on such short notice."
Then he spotted Ruth in Mrs. Bell's lap. "Ruth! I am so glad to see you, little pup. When you weren't in your box, I was afraid that you went on another adventure." He petted her head with the very tips of his fingers.
"Oh she did. We went galavanting this afternoon." Amy bragged.
"Really? You took her to Calgary?" His eyebrows raised in surprise, then chuckled. "Of course you did!" He muttered under his breath.
Mrs. Bell cleared her throat, interrupted their banter. "Amy, Ty. Let's eat before everything gets cold. I am absolutely starving. Please let's sit."
Everyone settled into their seats, Ty and Amy next to each other across from Mrs. Bell who was still holding Ruth.
"Mrs. Bell. You outdid yourself. Everything looks and smells so good." Ty complimented his adoptive grandmother.
"It does indeed. But, I can't take credit. Amy made everything. From scratch, no less."
"Wow. I am impressed." Ty replied somewhat surprised, but smiled appreciatively.
The fledgling chef beamed. "Actually, Mrs. Bell instructed me every step of the way." Then she added. "But I am learning."
"Amy is definitely a very quick study. She is a woman of many talents." Mrs. Bell winked at her, causing Amy to blush. She then raised her glass. "I believe a toast is in order."
With three crystal wine glasses raised, their host toasted. "To the true friends, whether two or four legged, who bring us joy, may we be true friends in return."
"To true friends!" The three said clinked their glasses, then sipping the Italian Pinot Grigio wine.
"Oh. That's pretty good. Kinda refreshing." Amy surprised, especially given she didn't much like wine.
"Yes. It's from the Veneto region in northeast Italy, near Venice and the mountains."
"Yeah. It's not bad." Ty said preferring beer, or something much harder.
"Ty. What scents do you detect in the aroma?" She challenged him.
He stuck his nose into the glass. Shrugged his shoulders, then mumbled. "I don't know."
"Try to swirl the wine in the glass like this to release its scent." She demonstrated with her wine glass. Both Amy and Ty followed suit.
He sniffed again. "Well. I am sure this is my imagination, but it smells a little like honeysuckle to me." Ty said hesitantly.
"Very good. You have a keen sense of smell." She took a sip while Amy took another smell. "Amy, what do you smell?"
"I actually smell pears."
"You both have very fine smellers." She another sip. "I picked this wine because of those undertones as a nice compliment to our meal. So, let's eat! Mangia!"
As the three attacked their food, there was momentary silence except the clack of forks and knives, crunch of corn, smack of lips, low Mmms.
"Amy this is really good." Ty said as his hand touched her knee, then he moved it just as quick.
"Thank you." She said earnestly, the imprint of his hand lingered on her knee like it was memory foam.
"Mrs. Bell did you grow everything in your garden?" Ty asked.
"Yes, Well mostly. The corn, blackberries, green onion, garlic, arugula, all grew in the garden."
"Rosemary too." Amy added.
"Yes. True. Now. The chicken did not grow in the garden, she was was raised mostly in the yard and her coop." She said sarcastically, then smiled.
They all laughed.
"So Amy. Tell me how you made the chicken. It is really good."
"Well. It was really pretty simple. I sautéed the seasoned chicken in olive oil with garlic and rosemary. Would you like another piece?"
"Absolutely!"
"So. Ty. How's my horse stable design coming along? When will you start building it?"
Ty swallowed, then stammered. "Um. Well. I. Ah."
Amy came to his rescue. "Mrs. Bell. Ty and I discussed the barn design. Can you help us by telling us your needs aside from the three stalls? Like do you want it open, fully closed or somewhere in between?" She touched his knee just ever so briefly.
She looked off to the distance for a moment, then responded. "Well. To be honest. I haven't given it too much thought." She paused. "I wanted a comfortable place for Spartan and Harley when they visited. Like tonight."
"Oh! You are so sweet and thoughtful to think about Spartan and Harley. You don't have to go to such lengths."
"Well. No offense intended, but they aren't housebroken, so.." Mrs. Bell explained.
Ty tried to suppress a laugh, but not very well, instead choking a bit on his wine.
Amy just laughed out loud. "No offense taken, Mrs. Bell." Amy said grinning. "But, back to the barn. Why three stalls?"
"Sugarfoot will want to host the sleepover. Of course." She paused again. "So. Let's make it fully enclosed, with doors and windows for ventilation, electricity for lights and heat. We want them to be warm. Of course."
"Yes. Of course." Ty smiled.
Ignoring him, she continued. "Hmm. We'll need plumbing for water. Hot and cold. Maybe bathroom with a sink, shower, toilet too."
"For Sugarfoot?" Ty's eyes opened wide in disbelief.
"Heavens no. For me, or whoever is tending to them. We don't want muck in the house, after all."
"Makes sense. I wish we had a bath in the barn at Heartland." Amy said seriously. "Especially now that I am staying in the loft."
"I lived there for 8 years without a bath. If I can do it, anyone can" Ty said with a tone of feigned superiority. Both women looked at him, frowned.
Mrs. Bell shook her head. "So. Definitely a bath. A place for tack. A feed room. Maybe a herb room."
"I would love to have a separate herb room with a window where I could grow herb in the winter." Amy started dreaming.
"A sink in the herb room would be good, don't you think? Plus, a big table to cut and wrap the stems." Mrs. Bell added. "Oh. And, a high stool or two."
"Yeah. That sounds nice. Oh. And, a groom stand or two where I could clip the horse and have all my tools there. All organized."
"How about this? We could use the Heartland barn and reconfigure the downstairs. We could change one of the stalls into the groom stand, expand the office and add the herb room and bath. Plus, you could have the loft for guests!" Ty said, but mostly kidding. "Maybe add a small kitchen and bath upstairs too."
Mrs. Bell shook her head, "Yes. That might be perfect. Except I want the design to match my house. I do not want a red barn. Hmm. I think I could use an office too."
"Mrs. Bell. This barn is going to be a very expensive and difficult project, especially for me to undertake." Ty advised, realizing that she may be serious.
"Actually. The more I think about it. Will you get me some designs and I will pick. I may need 6 or 10 stalls if Sugarfoot wants to invite some other horse friends."
"I will get you some designs Mrs. Bell." Amy offered. "Tomorrow night? No, how about Wednesday night?"
"Perfect. Both of you will join me for dinner again?"
"Yes. I would love that." Ty said.
"Me too. But. Speaking of dinner. Ty. We need to do the dishes and get home for night check."
"Night check is already done. So no rush." He grinned.
She smiled at him, softly said. "Thanks."
"You are welcome, horsey girl."
Sugarfoot snorted abruptly, then walked to the door. "Oh. Looks like my sweet pea needs to go outside." Carrying Ruth, walked to the door to let her pony out.
Amy and Ty were finishing the dishes when Mrs. Bell handed Ruth back to Amy.
"Amy. Ty. Tonight was wonderful. But, we must go to bed. Good night!"
"Good night Mrs. Bell. Enjoyed it too. Thank you." They said essentially together. They watched as she and Sugarfoot headed down the hall, side by side, to their respective bedrooms.
"Amy. I have a confession. I am not done reading your journal. I accidentally left it in the loft instead of taking it to school. I am sorry."
"Not to worry. Just curious. Where did you leave it?"
"Funny thing. I put it in the bottom of Ruth's box."
"Really? You know. I took the box with me to Calgary! Guess my journal had an adventure today as well."
Mrs. Bell padded into the kitchen in her night gown and robe. "Amy and Ty. It's too late to go home. Please water and feed the horses. You can sleep in the guest room. I put your pajamas on the bed. Good night."
Ty and Amy looked at each other, smiled.
"Well. I think we just received our orders." Amy said.
"Yeah." He paused. "Look. I'll sleep on the couch, you can have the bed."
"I have a better idea. If you are game."
"Okay. What?"
"How far are you in my journal?"
"Barcelona, why?"
"Almost done then. Let's read it together. On the couch or bedroom. Okay?"
"Okay. Where do you prefer?" He asked.
"Don't think I'm trying anything...but that bed is awful comfy." She smiled sheepishly.
"I know right. Okay. Let's go tend to Spartan and Harley."
"And Ruthie. It's almost her feeding time."
Hi Readers. Hope you enjoy this chapter too. SBR.