The morning air under the canopy of hardwoods was damp, heavy, still as they trotted down the worn path leading from Mrs. Bell's house toward Heartland. It had been a long night and a long day lay ahead. Ty and Amy were exhausted, subdued. Breaking out of the woodlands, into the open meadow, under early morning sun, Harley and Spartan were urged into a less than full throttle gallop. Normally, a good natured horse race would have been suggested, challenged, wagered, ensued but their minds and hearts were not in it.
As they neared the ranch house, a familiar figure on atop a horse of sheer muscle, stature, restraint was waiting for them.
"Good Morning Amy, Ty." He greeted them as they pulled up, stopped in front of him.
"Morning Matt." Amy responded rather flatly, too tired to be cheerful. Ty remained quiet.
"Everything okay Amy?" Matt picked up on her mood.
"Yeah. Just tired." She reciprocated his concern. "Everything okay with you? Didn't see you last night on the ride over to Mrs. Bell's."
"Oh. I was there, just trailing behind. Wanted to give you two some space." He explained.
"Thanks. Ty and I don't get much time to ride together, these days." Amy glanced at Ty, catching his eye.
Matt didn't respond.
Amy pivoted, asked. "Any news on Adela?"
"She's on the move. She checked in to a hotel in Rome."
"In Rome? Do you know which hotel?" Amy quizzed him.
"Martini something.".
"Oh.. Hotel di Martini?"
"Do you know that hotel?" Matt asked, his eyebrows rising just slightly.
"We stayed there a couple of times." She explained. "Do you know, if Ahmed's people are in Rome too?"
"Not that we can tell."
"Well, keep us informed."
"Will do." Matt paused, rubbing the back of his neck, seemingly uncomfortable. "Amy. RCMP's security detail for you ends tomorrow."
The wind picked up slightly, blowing her hair across her face. After pushing the stray strands away from her eyes, she wrapped her arms around the scarf that contained Ruth and her journal. "Yeah, I know."
"Do you have that additional evidence you promised?" The constable continued. "Is it in that bundle around your waist?"
Amy laughed, sidestepped his query slightly. "Heavens no. Actually, it's just Ruth. My new pup." She pulled the sleeping puppy out of the chambray scarf tied around her chest, showed her off, then nuzzled her.
He observed. "Very handsome. Bird dog?"
"Good eye. Yes. An English Setter. She comes from a long line of field trial champs."
"Hope to see her in action one day."
"She has a lot of growing up to do first." She nuzzled her pup again before tucking her back into her makeshift bed.
Matt shifted in his saddle, slightly leaned toward her. "Amy. We really want to protect you, Ty and your whole family. But, I need that additional evidence."
"I know. I know. I am working on it. Promise. It just takes time."
"What about your diary?" He said pointedly.
Startling by his question, she forced a laugh. "Are you kidding? A diary? You mean with a lock and key?"
He didn't return her laughter, continued with his line of questioning. "Amy. You said you had a diary."
"Honestly, Matt. I didn't. I have never kept a diary. Not even as a little girl."
His eyes narrowed slightly, but did not challenge her. "My mistake then." He conceded, but continued to push. "Amy. You have twenty-four hours to get me something."
"Understand."
A awkward silence ensued as Matt and Amy looked at each other warily.
"Hey Amy. We have a lot on our plate today. We better get going." Ty interjected.
"True that." She responded to Ty, then added. "Matt. See you later." Amy held up her hand in a half-hearted wave, signaled Spartan with her legs to head toward the barn, then trotted away. Ty and Harley followed.
The two dismounted, walked into the barn, untacked their horses. "Okay Amy. What was that all about? Why didn't you say anything about your journal?" Ty asked.
"Ty. I purposely never told RCMP that I kept a journal, or a diary for that matter. How would he know that?"
"Oh. I knew something was off when he said he trailed us last night. We rode over to Mrs. Bell's separately."
"I know. Something is definitely going on." Amy agreed.
"Yeah." He paused, continued. "Amy. I didn't tell you this because I didn't want to worry you. But, when I got to the trailer after class yesterday, the door was wide open."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Nothing was missing or messed up. But I had this weird feeling that someone had been there. I think someone is looking for your journal."
"Really? The only person who knew about my journal was Adela. Do you think she got to Matt?" Amy surmised.
"Seems that way. Or maybe Ahmed got to him." He pursed his lips before making a suggestion. "Maybe you should give your journal to Summer instead of RCMP."
"Agreed. We better hurry though. We have chores and we don't want to be late."
With focused speed, they did their chores together, feeding, watering and turning out the horses, but skipping the mucking. At 8:05 they were showered, dressed and on the road with Ty behind the wheel of Amy's white Ford F-150 truck.
"Nice ride." Ty was impressed at its handling, power, comfort.
"Thanks. I like it." She added. "It's nice to not have to borrow grandpa's old truck."
"I bet." He said as he adjusted the seat to account for his longer legs.
With Ruth curled on her lap, she held up her journal. "So. Are you up for more journal entries?"
"Sure. We have almost an hour trip to Calgary. We should be able to finish it."
"Okay then. Here goes." She opened the journal and began to read.
Amy's Journal Day 126
Back to work. After a relaxing weekend, today was long one. Its hard to believe that we will be leaving for the games tomorrow. Everything that we have been working towards is coming fast now. We all are excited but apprehensive, a bit nervous too.
Barring any unforeseen issues, the pairing for the games are as follows.
Ahmed - Emir
Hassan - Noble Cause
Omar - Redwood
Jamal - Solstice
Malik - Zeus
Calla - Rein
Today, I had each rider and groom focus on their horse, morning to night. My goal was to reinforce their bond, their team, strengthen the routine, making its flow second nature, automatic. Throughout the day, I only gave gentle reminders and cues. If they aren't ready now, they will never be. But, I think they are ready.
I assigned Rein to Calla. He is the very last alternate horse, so in my estimation his training is least important.
Morning chores, hand walk outside, inside flat work, four rounds of jumps (2 forward, 2 backward), cool down. Modified Liberty. Rest. Hand walk. Flat work. Four rounds of jumps (2 forward, 2 backward). Cool down. Dinner. Hand walk. Night check. All went according to plan.
Given that we are moving to Caen tomorrow morning for the games, Dr. Antar vetted each horse and determined that each was fit to travel and compete. Over lunch and dinner, we finalized the transport plans and reviewed them again. Equiline is coming at 9 in the morning to transport the horses the 38 miles to Caen. The transport needed to be stress free.
We will leave for Caen shortly after the horses leave.
By the time I got home at 10, Adela had already packed up my clothes and all my things to move out. But instead of just one suitcase, I now have two. :) Adela-Lou loves to shop. Especially with my funds.
It's hard to believe that after almost four months, that I am leaving this apartment. Funny, though, I didn't do one thing to make it mine other than a couple of photos.
"Were you sad?" Ty asked, eyes mostly on the road. "To be leaving?"
"A little. It was my first apartment, my first time to live on my own. So yeah. I guess."
"I get that."
"But, on the other hand, I really didn't spend much time there except to sleep. So it wasn't really home."
After some yoga and a bubble bath, I crashed.
Amy's Journal Day 127
When Amy turned the page, she laughed. "Look my badge from the games!" She held it up for Ty to see. The badge was mostly green with Normandie written in white on the top and the outline of a horse head. On the back, was her name, picture and title, Saudi Arabia Team Jumper Trainer.
"That's pretty cool."
"Yeah. It is." She said wistfully and started to read again.
The day started off early, at 5, with a text from Patrick. He wanted me to know that Snow had settled into her new stable in a stall next to Drift. We agreed to meet up at the Games.
At the stables by 5:45, Dr. Antar and I checked the horses. Each rider and groom, and of course, Calla, were there to assist with the horses thankfully. Loading went smoothly and transport left on time without issue.
Syed, Adela, Calla and I rode together for the short trip to Caen. For some strange reason, Syed had music of Matthew Barber, a Canadian indie pop musician, playing instead of his usual traditional Saudi Arabian music. At first, I really enjoyed the music, his songs as they reminded me of home. Then I started to get homesick so I asked him to change the station. I couldn't afford to be thinking of home.
Ty put his hand on her knee, looked at her. She glanced at him briefly, embarrassed, she looked down again.
"Sorry." She tried to explain. "I really had to focus. I couldn't.."
Ty interrupted. "It's okay. I understand actually."
She nodded, mumbled "Thanks." She began to read again.
Syed dropped Calla and me at the temporary Greenwhich Woodhouse Barn Stables just outside Stade Michel d'Ornano where the games would be held. The open air stadium was built in 1993, so its really modern compared to most of the other arenas where we have competed. Apparently it can hold over 20,000 spectators. Oh boy! No pressure!
We ran into Patrick and Alessandro almost as soon as we walked into our assigned barn. It was surprise, but great to see them. As it turns out, the Italian and Irish teams' jump, dressage and eventing horses were stabled in that same barn too. We talked about Snow, Drift and Solstice and how the horses brought us together. Patrick told a funny story about Snow and Drift following each other in the field, playing chase. I know that I made the right decision for Snow and Drift. I am very happy.
Each of our 6 horses had their own hard side stable approximately 3 by 4 meters next to each other. Each stall had elevated sleeping bunks so that the grooms could bed down with their horse over night for extra security.
We spent the rest of the morning checking the horses. Thankfully, none were worse for the trip. Not even Emir. A good sign. We hand walked each of the horses around the stadium to dispel their extra energy and give them some exercise.
At noon, the FEI held a luncheon at the Caen Convention Centre for the 74 countries and almost 400 riders that were participating in the dressage, eventing and jumping competitions. Each team had its own table with that country's flag. The FEI President Princess Haya, a female no less, gave a speech welcoming us. The dinner was fun and exciting, despite the arena being loud and crowded, bad food and swarming press.
"You sound kinda like Ashley." He grinned at her.
"How's that?"
"Snobby, pretentious."
She laughed. "I do, don't I?"
Press conference after press conference consumed the afternoon. Ahmed fielded most of the questions, while I sat next him and handled the training questions, mostly softballs. By seven, I was exhausted and tired of smiling.
Adela and I went back to our hotel, Les Chambres de l'Abbaye Hotel, an actual 11th century Abbey for nuns converted into a hotel. Outside looked like a castle, with spires, towers, cobblestone courtyards, breezeways, and gardens overflowing with flowers. We each had our own room with a single shared bath between them. Both rooms had high ceilings and walls made a shell-white stones and the floors were a softly polished dark wood. The furnishings were simple, antique including a huge bed. Everything about the hotel was calm, inviting, relaxing, perfect given our crazy days ahead. I could imagine nuns praying and meditating hours on end here.
"Sounds nice." Ty remarked.
"It really was. This may have been one of my favorite hotels."
"Why?"
"It's simplicity, quiet, calm, it's history." She shrugged her shoulders and read on.
We practiced yoga, ate a sandwich. At nine, I went back to the barn for night check. All seemed as it should be. I was in bed by 11.
Amy's Journal Day 128
I overslept! It was almost 6:20 when I got to the barn. Ahmed was anxiously pacing in front of Emir's stall. He was worried that Emir was unsettled. After checking him, I told him that Emir was fine, that he was the unsettled, nervous one.
I instructed him, as well as all the riders, to hand walk their horse around the barn, and arena. Ahmed asked me to walk with him. I said No, that he needed to lead his horse and his team, by himself. That I would walk with Calla and Rein in the back. He wasn't happy but he did it.
"Amy. Ahmed is a royal ass and a jerk."
"He was actually pretty insecure. He was used to being pampered, coddled, being waited on. He didn't like it when someone said No. honestly, I was the only one who did. I think he respected me for that."
We moved on to our normal morning routine, inside flat work, four rounds of jumps (2 & 2), cool down. Modified Liberty. Hand walk. Lunch.
We had a series of press conferences. Again. Tonight was the opening ceremony so everyone, including me was excited. The afternoon training was abbreviated. Flat work. Four rounds of jumps (2 & 2). Cool down.
At 4, we returned to the abbey to shower and change for the ceremony. Our outfits were Saudi green pants, white shirts and black fitted suit jackets. We each wore several Saudi pins. I also wore a Canadian Maple Leaf.
The team's riders joined the other participating athletes in the Parade of Nations during the ceremony. I joined everyone else in the crowded stands to watch.
At the opening of the ceremony, the French air force jets streaked across the sky above the stadium leaving trails of red and blue (the colors of the French flag) in their wake.
The Parade of Nations was next. Each country's athletes paraded into the stadium behind their national flag. The Saudi flag was carried by Hassan, with Ahmed next to him, then Omar, and Jamal. The crowd went wild as each country was called. I found the parade especially moving. All those athletes, their hard work, skill, perseverance, drive, dedication to get to the games.
Speeches came next, again by the FEI president and other dignitaries.
The performance, history of horses, was stunning, mesmerizing and included tons of real horses and riders, acrobats, performers, and some really cool 3D images of horses. At one point, the stadium floor looked like an ocean with waves and tides, another part, the floor became a black and white chess board. Each equestrian event, jump, dressage, eventing, cross country, etc all had a mini show. This guy called Lorenzo performed, riding - standing - with ten of his white stallions, just amazing. The music, choreography, the story line, everything of the ceremony was breathtaking. It reminded me of Dark Horse.
I stood cheering almost the entire time. Just Wow!
"Wow! That must have been something to see."
"Ty. It was so incredible. The jets shook the ground, the stadium, the sound was deafening, the red, white and blue streams of smoke trailing behind the jets. The crowd went crazy. Then everyone sang the French national anthem along with the French Guard on horses. The Parade of Nations, the incredible show, all those horses, and their riders. Oh my gosh. I will never forget it."
"I bet."
Amy sighed, then became solemn.
"What is it Amy?" Ty read her mood, asked gently.
"You know. As amazing as it was, no one at home watched the ceremony, the games or even cared to ask me about them. Except maybe Georgie." She was wistfully, contemplative but not angry.
"Amy. I am so sorry. We should have watched, supported you more."
She sighed heavily, then resigned. "Oh well. Water under the bridge." Amy rubbed her eyes, blinked away her sadness, then started to read again.
The incredible show lasted almost 3 hours. By the time we got to the abbey, we were still exhilarated, pumped but exhaustion settled in quickly. We went straight to bed.
Amy's Journal Day 129
"Hey look. Here's a Saudi newspaper article and picture of the team marching in the Parade of Nations." She giggled. "Ahmed looks so formal. Hassan, Omar and Jamal look like they are having fun."
Ty glanced at the picture, then chuckled. "Ahmed looks stiff as a board with a stick up his butt!"
Amy looked again, conceded Ty's point. "Yeah. I guess he does." She chuckled.
I woke to a text message from Renard. He had attended the Opening Ceremony the prior evening as several horses from Dark Horse performed in various performances. Imagine that. If I had accepted his invitation, I might have performed instead of watching in the stands. We arranged to meet for tea after morning workouts.
The morning routine went as planned, with the exception of Redwood. I noticed that he had tired on fences yesterday so I reduced his rounds to two, one each way...forward and backwards.
Renard and I met for tea in the Riders Cafe. I was happy to see him, he was relaxed, happy as usual. When I asked about Juliet, he told me that she was doing great and had actually performed in the opening ceremonies. He gave me her Dark Horse Bio and picture. I was thrilled.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Amy asked as she showed the picture to Ty.
He nodded. "She is. Amy. You realize, don't you, that you saved her from a certain death under Ahmed. You gave her a chance at a new life."
She smiled, blushed a bit. "She was a special horse. I am so glad she's happy."
"You did good!"
"Thanks."
Oddly, Renard asked me several times how I was and if I was okay. It was like he either didn't remember asking or he didn't believe me. I tried to reassure him that I was fine, though a bit stressed with the games.
"Do you think he was worried about Ahmed? He warned you about him before, remember?"
"Maybe he was."
"Honestly. I'm surprised that Ahmed didn't show up at your tea with Renard. He seemed to pop up unexpectedly a lot."
"Yeah. He did do that a lot. But not this time."
"Maybe Renard can be a witness for you?"
"Maybe. I guess Summer's team may want to talk with him." She sighed. "I just hate involving him in all this." She frowned.
After a short press conference at 12:30, the afternoon was spent with our normal routine. But, instead of practice fences, each rider and horse was able to walk and then jump one round on the course of 12 obstacles for tomorrow. It was good to finally see the course.
We had another press conference at 5. After a series of routine questions concerning rider and horse health, fitness, excitement, a reporter asked Ahmed about me as his trainer, being a women and being young. Ahmed was very kind in his response. He talked about my skill, patience and balanced, holistic approach to training for the horse, rider and the team as a whole. He said that I brought the team closer together. That I was the team's good luck charm. I was very humbled and proud of Ahmed's kind words.
After that, the US team's veterinarian, Dr. Nancy Street introduced herself. We exchanged business cards. She wanted to know more about my holistic approach to managing horse behaviors.
Amy waved her business card.
"Nice. Have you kept up with all those folks who you got business cards from?"
She shook her head, No.
"Why not?"
"Honestly?"
"Yeah."
"Where was I going to put all these high end horses? Grandpa didn't want me to expand the barn." She paused then added quietly. "Plus. You told me that I had changed. That I only wanted to work with rich people's horses. If I had contacted them, started working with them, it would have proved and cemented your opinion.
"Oh Amy. I don't know what to say."
"There's nothing to say." She just shrugged her shoulders and started to read again.
The team had casual dinner on the terrace of the abbey to celebrate how far we had come. Ahmed gave a heartfelt toast to the team, to me the team's good luck charm and tomorrow's first day of competition.
I also toasted the team and each rider individually to thank for their hard work, for their friendship and for accepting me. I gave each rider a Canadian Maple Leaf pin as a sign of my thanks and good luck in the games.
Everyone was excited. The evening was warm and the food simple but delicious. I was starving as I skipped lunch. Night check then I went straight to bed.
Amy's Journal Day 130
The BIG SHOW. Today is the first day of competition and it's all focused on Speed. Each individual rider draws a jump slot in the morning or afternoon. The goal is to have the lowest clock time. A 4-second penalty is added for every obstacle knocked down. No points are taken away for style and execution, or lack thereof.
Hassan and Omar jumped in the morning and Ahmed and Jamal in the afternoon. That split represented a coordination challenge for me to ensure that the horses and riders were warmed up sufficiently and not too early or too late. Then to ensure that the horses are cooled down immediately after their run. Thank goodness Calla was watching the clock for delays and start times. It was like conducting a symphony with so many moving parts. She was invaluable.
"I never really thought about all that coordination work that you did, Amy."
"Yeah. That was a big and stressful part of my job, especially at the games."
Incredibly, at the end of the Speed round, Ahmed and Emir were in second place after their impeccable run of 73.72 seconds, 0 penalties. Emir and Ahmed minimized the steps between each obstacle, lined up straight to the fence quickly and sailed cleanly over each without a lot of airtime which adds to the click. It was so thrilling to watch them, seeing how profoundly the bond between them had grown and strengthen so dramatically over the months and weeks. They seemed to communicate, listen, and respect each other .. like they were one, each contributing to the whole.
The first place rider from the Dutch team was only a tiny sliver of a fraction of a second faster that Ahmed with 73.65 seconds and 0 penalties.
Jamal and Solstice performed amazing well, with a 7th place time with 76.72 seconds and 0 penalties.
Hassan and Noble were just a fraction of a second behind them and scored an 8th place spot with 76.81 seconds and 0 penalties.
Omar and Redwood placed 21st because of a 4 second penalty for clipping the second rail. He scored 77.1 seconds and 4 penalties or 81.4 seconds. He was clearly quite disappointed.
The afternoon session ended at 2:30 and the press conferences began immediately following. Ahmed handled those alone so we could keep the horses on their routine.
At 7, we had a team dinner at the abbey again, this time inside in the dining hall. The hall was impressive with soaring ceilings, the same white-shell stone ceiling and walls as our room. There was a long heavy wooden table with long benches. The simple, delicious food was served family style with big bowls of food passed around. Fun, relaxing.
Ahmed was statesman like. He really had gained confidence, respect from the team and had become the clear leader of the team. I suspect his win played a huge role in that. He toasted everyone for their contributions. The dinner was a joyous, happy occasion, everyone was in a festive mood.
After night check, we retired to our own rooms around 10. I was exhausted.
Amy's Journal Day 131
"Pay day. I always loved pay day." She said as she looked at her pay stub.
"Bet you did. That's quite a generous pay check." Ty remarked.
"Are you saying I didn't earn it?" Challenging him.
"Absolutely not. Ahmed should have paid you more given how much you worked, how well the team did." Ty said pulling his foot out of his mouth.
"I couldn't agree more." She smiled accepting his save.
Day Two of the Games. Today is the Team competition and it's all focused on skill, style, execution. Each individual rider draws a jump slot in the morning or afternoon. The goal is to have the best execution score within a set time allotment, although speed is not a factor. 4 Fault points are assessed for every disobedience, obstacle nodded down and one or more feet in the water or lath incident. If the horse and/or rider fall, it's elimination.
All four of our riders drew to jump in the morning which made the coordination of the warm-up and cool down so much simpler. Each rider walked then jumped the 12 obstacle course once.
At the end of the Team round, our team was in third place with a score of 294.3 with 4 penalty points for a total score of 298.3. All riders were without penalty except Omar who clipped the rail again on the second obstacle. Ahmed's individual score kept him in second place. Likewise, the Dutch rider held on to first.
This was an extra long competition day went on until after 5:00. Because our team competed in the morning, both riders and horses tackled the routine workout, although much lighter.
Press conferences starting after lunch with the major one after the final day's talley. Ahmed, again handled the questions superbly. The team and I were at the table but our role was just to smile and agree with Ahmed. ;)
Team Dinner again at the abbey, this time the fare was Saudi Arabian with quiet traditional music playing the the background. Ahmed is getting really good at being humble and giving others credit. He didn't mention much about the next day's jump off of the top 4 riders. That he would be competing for the team, for their country, for himself. He was the only one of our team that would riding. Yet. He talked about our team, our joint efforts, our connectedness with our horses, our synergy. I was so very proud of him.
"Proud of him? Really?" Ty was incredulous.
"Honestly. Yes. He had come so far as the leader of the team. As a partner with Emir."
"Do you hear yourself? Do you see what he did to you? What he took away?"
"Yes. I do." She said quietly as she nodded, looked down. "I know he likely invaded my privacy, my space, intercepted my calls, my messages. If not him, his staff. But..."
"But what?"
"I think that's probably the way he was raised, being watched, being monitored. It's probably the way his staff protect him by watching everyone around him."
"Seriously Amy?!" Ty was exacerbated.
She sighed. "Ty. Ahmed gave me so many opportunities, so much responsibility, so much credit, so much confidence, and honestly, he paid me well."
"But that doesn't give him the right to harass you, invade your privacy, steal from you, to spy on you."
"I know. You're right. It took me a long time to realize that all those opportunities don't give permission to trespass. That my employment contract with him didn't give him any rights over me."
He watch her try to formulate her next thoughts and words.
Finally she said. "How much of this is my fault? How much did I allow? Lou warned me. But, I just couldn't or didn't see it."
He touched her knee. "Amy. This is not your fault. You did everything right. You expected him to be descent. He just took advantage."
She didn't respond.
"Amy." She looked up at him. "I promise you that I will be by your side as you go through this. Promise. Okay?"
She nodded.
Night check and in bed by 10:30.
Amy's Journal Day 132
The last day of the Games! The Jump Off of the top four top riders and their horses were scheduled for 10. The competition was focused on both speed and execution. The rider in 4th place jumped first and the rider in first jumped last. Being in second, Ahmed was slated to jump third. All penalties from the first two days would be applied.
To keep our horses on a routine, we did just that, our normal morning routine, inside flat work, four rounds of jumps (2 & 2), cool down.
Except Ahmed and Emir. Of course. They warmed up, first by walking the 12 obstacle course, with slight higher rails. Then they jumped through the course just once. During practice, Emir clipped the twelves rail, it teetered, then fell off. That would be a 4 point penalty in competition. Ahmed dismounted Emir, walked him to the twelfth jump and appeared to talk to him. Honestly, that made me smile.
At 9:50, the team made its way to the stands, Ahmed, Emir and I made our way to the stadium floor, to the competition hold to watch and wait.
The first rider, from the French team, performed well with a time of 76.01 seconds and no penalties. The second rider also performed well with a score of 75.95 and 0 penalties.
Ahmed and Emir were up next. We could see on the Jumbotron the entire Saudi team in the stands, dressed in head to toe Saudi green, standing up, their arms stretched upward, holding hands.
Before he urged Emir forward, he looked up to the sky, then to his team and then touched his heart. The two started slow but quickly picked up speed. They seemed to fly over every obstacle, with razor thin air over each rail. Emir's every step seemed choreographed, minimized, straight, sure and graceful. They raced across the line, finished the course in 71.8 seconds and no penalties! The team went wild, jumping up as down, hugging and screaming. Ahmed dismounted and ran to me with Emir in tow and hugged me so hard, I could barely breathe. We were laughing so hard, tears ran down our faces.
Ahmed and Emir were in first. At least for the moment.
Next, up was the current leader, the rider from the Dutch team. Their steps were lightening fast from the start, their gait fluid, leaps graceful, flawless. I could see the time clock, he was easily 1 second faster than Ahmed at fence 6. My heart fell. By the twelfth fence, almost 2 seconds faster. I told myself second wasn't so bad. But, then it happened. His horse clipped the last rail, it wobbled, what seemed like slow motion, then fell. Their time was 70.9 seconds but with the 4 second penalty, their score was 74.9 seconds.
Ahmed and Emir won the GOLD and the team won the SIlVER. Ahmed fell to his knees on the ground and covered his face with his hands. Then he was swarmed, by the press, by the other riders, by our team. I was elated.
"Congratulations! I know you worked very hard."
Amy just grinned.
As a team, we all got Emir to his stable for cool down and grooming. The singing, the laughing, the joking, the hugging was infectious. The press was watching, shouting questions, taking pictures. So much joy.
The medal award ceremony was wonderful. Ahmed insisted that the entire team including me be on the podium to receive his individual medal. The Saudi flag was raised and national anthem played. Everyone had tears of joy.
The same was true for the team silver medal. The Dutch flag was raised and the national anthem played for that. Again, we were beside ourselves with joy. I had to pinch myself multiple times. :)
A huge press conference ensued. All six of us were at the table with Ahmed in the center and me to his right. The questions came fast and furious but Ahmed was humble and gracious.
We had dinner at the Abbey again. This time it was more like a big party, not a sit down, subdued dinner. There were lots of FEI dignitaries, Saudi royalty, other associates. Ahmed was the center of all attention which allowed me to slip away and go to bed as I was exhausted.
"I guess we didn't talk at all during all this, huh?" Ty observed.
"No. It's all my fault. I was so busy from early morning until late at night."
"It's not all your fault. I was as much to blame. I didn't send texts or call either."
"Do you think we learned anything from all this?" She asked.
"I sure hope so. If this ever happens again, god forbid, I hope we figure out how to talk every day, make the commitment and really do it."
"If you go to India..."
"Amy. I doubt I am going to India."
"You never know. It may be the best thing for you..." They looked at each other, with a hint of regret, exhaling wearily. She read on.
Amy's Journal Day 133
She held up a another newspaper article. "Look at this picture of the medal podium. Doesn't everyone look so happy, proud. That moment was so great." Amy grinned ear to ear. "And, look, here is the official Games photo from the podium."
"Everyone does look happy. It's a good picture of you Amy."
"That was a good day."
Adela let me sleep in until 9. When I woke, she ordered room service of French pastries, fruits, cheeses, coffee and orange juice. Oh so good. We ate leisurely in bed, propped up against big pillows and rehashed the big win. Then I took a long, hot bubble bath in a huge claw footed tub. Heaven.
"Did you like having Adela around all the time?"
"Honestly. She reminded me of Lou. Pushy, beautiful, organized, smart. She took care of me. If it weren't for her, I could not have worked those long hours and survived. Plus, I would have been very lonely. Even more than I already was." Amy paused. "So yes. Definitely."
"Do you think she was Ahmed's spy?"
"I don't know. I hope not but that's probably naive on my part."
"Yeah." He smirked slightly.
Adela informed me that we were moving back to Falsaise into the Chateau for a night as Ahmed had planned a huge party to celebrate our win. Naturally, she had already packed.
I slept the entire 30 minute car ride to the chateau. Then I took another nap as soon as I got to our room. I was more than tired, I guess.
At four, Adela woke me to get ready for the party. No surprise, she got me a new dress, a sleeveless ivory brocade dress in silk from Paris. It was so beautiful and classic. Naturally, she bought shoes and under things to match. I wonder how much that will set me back. :) She had arranged for a hair stylist, manicurist, and make-up artist. After my bubble bath, yes, another one, a huge and beautiful bouquet of flowers were delivered to our room for me!!
"So you received the flowers I sent you? You never said anything." Ty grinned.
"Ty. I didn't receive any flowers from you." His grin disappeared.
"But you wrote that you received the flowers." He said.
"From the team. The bouquet was from the team. See here's the card." She read it. "To Amy. Our Good Luck Charm. Thank you for everything. Ahmed, Hassan, Omar, Jamal, and Malik."
"I sent you flowers, I swear." He was frustrated.
"I don't doubt it. But I did not receive them."
"I bet every dime that I have that Ahmed threw them away. Maybe just switched out the card." Ty groused, anger dripping from every word.
"Maybe. I don't know." She sighed as he huffed.
They both sat in silence, their mood souring as the miles ticked by. Both knew that the kiss was coming up and neither wanted to relive it.
"I'm sorry." He said quietly. "I'm not mad at you."
Amy nodded.
"Please. Read on."
"Are you sure?" She asked.
"Let's get it over with." He said a bit gruffly. Then he softened. "Please?"
She nodded.
The team had sent me an arrangement of white, blue and yellow flowers... my favorites, hydrangeas, asters, lavender, harebell, arnica, delphinium and rosemary in a cobalt colored vase.
She looked at him. He was staring straight ahead to the road. "Those flowers are native to Alberta. You ordered those exact flowers, didn't you?"
He nodded.
She sighed. "Oh Ty."
"Go on. Please. We only have a few more miles."
They called me their Good Luck Charm. Their note brought tears to my eyes. They are so sweet. It will be hard to leave.
By the time my hair, nails, make-up were finally done, I could hear the music and guests downstairs.
When I looked in the mirror, I hardly recognized myself. I saw a beautiful woman looking back. I saw confidence, grace, sophistication, success, strength. I smiled. I knew I had to do one thing before I went downstairs to celebrate.
Mom. I just want to thank you for everything. For being you, for being my mom, for teaching me, for guiding me. For loving me. I do hope you are proud of me. I love you. I miss you. Amy.
Amy was silent, tears collected in her eyes. He reached across, touched her arm.
"She is, you know. Proud of you. And so am I."
She sniffled, nodded, laid her head against his shoulder.
"It's okay. We'll get through this. Okay?"
She gave a muffled laugh. "Okay." She started reading again.
The party started off festive, enjoyable. Lots of people celebrating, laughing, talking. The music was loud and lively. The press was swarming everywhere, getting quotes and taking pictures. I knew most everyone, which was incredible, funny that I, a small town girl from Hudson, would know so many people. And, everyone wanted to say hello, to say congratulations, to hug me, to shake my hand, to kiss my cheek, to pose for a picture with me. I felt so proud, so elated, so grown up.
Then I saw Ahmed. He told me that he wanted to talk about the Games, our contract, my departure.
We sat on the couch, to talk. The party was so loud, it was hard to hear. So I leaned closer to hear him. We talked about the Games how exciting, how lucky we were, how much fun we had. We laughed as we relived every moment. He thanked me for my work, for helping them win, making it possible. I thanked him for the opportunity, for his support, for the fun. We discussed my flight home the next evening. We talked about extending my contract with him in Hudson.
He said that the team wanted to thank me, for my work, my friendship, my encouragement. They got me a gift, a necklace, a beautiful diamond horseshoe. I said it was beautiful but too generous. He said that they really wanted to thank me, that it meant a lot to them. So I accepted the gift. I leaned closer so he could clasp it around my neck. I thanked him.
Then he kissed me. On the lips. Oh my god he kissed me. Eww. I pushed him away. I told him that he was my boss. That we were just friends. I told him I loved Ty, that I was engaged to be married.
He apologized. Said he just got caught up in the moment. He apologized again. He asked me if I was okay. I said yes. Then he apologized for a third time. Then I said that was tired, excused myself, then I went to my room.
Adela was in our room, packing when I entered upset. I told her what happened. She said it was nothing, a simple mistake, a misunderstanding, to shake it off, to forget it.
She suggested that I fly to Rome with her then fly home from there. She had the next week off and was going to Rome to meet her boyfriend. Her flight to Rome left in two hours. I decided that I would go with her.
I called Ahmed, told him about changing my flight. He was fine with the change, knew that I was anxious to get home. He wished me a good flight, safe travels. Adela then modified my ticket. Syed drove us to the airport, so I had a chance to say goodbye. He had been a good friend during the tour. I will miss him.
I regret that I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to the team, Dr. Antar, Calla.
Adela and I were in Rome by 11 and in bed by midnight.
Amy's Journal Day 134
At noon, I woke up in a beautiful suite in the Hotel di Martini feeling rested, but excited to get home. Adela ordered lunch while I showered. I dressed in the clothes and boots I bought in Paris. We ate gnocchi and salad for lunch. We chatted while she did my hair, Parisian style. We talked about Hudson, Heartland but mostly about Ty. I was so excited to get home, to see everyone. To see Ty. To share my adventures. To start my new business.
She talked about her boyfriend Mario, how they met our first trip to Rome, in this very hotel. She had visited him the weekend that the team went to Verona. Funny. I had no idea.
I gave her most of my new clothes. I wouldn't have any use for them in Hudson. She was actually speechless. I think I saw a tear in her eye. :)
At 2:00, we met Mario in the lobby. He was very nice, very Italian with a thick lovely accent. He hailed me a cab to the airport. It was hard I say goodbye to Adela, we had been through so much together. So we just hugged, for a long time.
I called Lou from the airport to tell her my flight info and that I would get a driver to take me home. Home. That sounds really good.
The End.
"Well. That's it." She said just as Ty pulled into a parking space. "With three minutes to spare!"
Ty sighed. "Thank you. I know that was hard to share that with me. But I am glad that you did. Are you ready to share it with Summer?"
She nodded. "I guess so. You better get going or you'll be late." She said as she exited the truck to come around to the driver's side.
Ty was getting his books out of the back seat when there was a knock at his window. He looked up, startled to see Dr. Johnson standing there. Ty opened the door slowly.
"Mr. Borden. It appears that you are going to be late again for my class."
"Dr. Johnson. I still have two minutes. I'm hurrying. Please." Ty begged.
"Excuse me. Dr. Johnson?"
He turned toward her voice. "Yes...oh, oh." He started to stutter.
"Hi. I'm Amy Fleming. Ty has told me a lot about you." She held out her hand to him to shake.
Hey Everyone! The journal is DONE! Finally. Hope you enjoyed this very long chapter. Let me know what you think.
SBR
Ps. My new icon is our English Setter, Boo.