Thanks again for the reviews. Nicky the fire is in another fic I haven't
posted yet. I know shame on me posting out of order. If you want to read
some of my fics that I haven't posted yet, email me jvillelady@hotmail.com
The next morning Elaina and Frank were fixing breakfast when Maria came into the kitchen. "Hey cousins. What's new?"
"Oh hell! I forgot about the party." Elaina said as she dropped a plate on the table. "Maria, I'm sorry. We had some company drop in unexpectedly last night. I completely forgot."
"Don't worry, Lainie. I'll take care of everything. I'm the hostess," Maria said getting a glass of orange juice. "You're just lending me your house. I would have said yard but after that storm last night, it is a bit soggy out there."
"Are you sure, you don't need help? I will do what I can, just ask."
"No. I think I can manage. Who are your guests anyway?" Maria asked stealing a piece of bacon from the plate.
"Frank's cousins, distant cousins, from overseas. They wanted to meet the Donovan side of the family."
"Rather rude of them to just drop in without notice," Maria stated, looking over Frank's shoulder while he cooked.
"They said they sent a letter, but it was sent to the ranch in Montana, after we came back from vacation. I guess Hank hasn't forwarded it back to us yet," Frank told her, thinking quickly. Elaina signed 'thank you' to him when Maria wasn't looking.
"Oh. I better start getting things ready. I can use the game room and dining room today, can't I?"
"Yes. You know you have to, either that or cancel it." Elaina wished her cousin would.
"Yeah right! Like I can cancel my boyfriend's birthday. Jake is looking forward to the party. Especially the close dancing part and the riding double on horseback." Maria walked out of the room thinking about the day.
"You forgot about a party? That is unusual, you love parties," Frank said.
"I didn't hear you saying anything about it either," Elaina countered.
"Sorry. I didn't remember it either." Frank apologized with a kiss. "I'll go see if our guests are awake for breakfast."
"Ok. I'll go, too and get the kids up." They walked upstairs together. Elaina knocked on Derek's door and waited for him to acknowledge her. She then walked to Becky's room and did the same. She went to Sarah's room and walked in, finding Layla talking to Sarah as she played again with the necklace.
"Good morning, Layla. Did she wake you and I not hear her?"
"No, I was walking by her door and I thought I heard her talking," Layla told her, giving Sarah to her.
"She talks to her toys when she wakes up and no one is in here," Elaina kissed Sarah. "Well, we have breakfast ready if you are hungry."
"I am. I will go get Ardeth," Layla said as they went to the door.
"Frank went to your room to awaken him. I'm sorry, but I must tell you, there will be a lot of people here later and they will most likely ask you a lot of questions," Elaina said, taking Layla's hand when she saw that it frightened her to have to possibly explain the situation. "You see, I forgot about my cousin giving her boyfriend a party for his birthday."
"I am not sure I want to see more people," Layla said, her voice wavering a little.
"You can stay up here and I'll put a 'No Visitors' sign up so no one bothers you," Elaina smiled.
"I will speak to my husband and see what he wishes to do," Layla said as she saw Ardeth come out with Frank.
"Sabil-kheyr," Ardeth said to Elaina as she walked out with Sarah.
"Good morning, Ardeth. I hope you slept well," Elaina smiled.
"Yes. Sarah is beautiful like her mother," Ardeth said, smiling at Sarah.
"Afwan," Elaina thanked him. Sarah signed something and Frank and Elaina both laughed.
"What is she saying?" Ardeth asked.
"She wonders why you have her Daddy's face with pictures," Elaina told him.
"These are tattoos of the Med-Jai. I have many," Ardeth said proudly.
"I'm afraid she's too young to grasp that bit of information," Frank said, as Sarah looked even more confused. "We'll try to explain it to her later. Shall we eat before it gets cold?"
******
They all went downstairs where Frank introduced Becky, Maria and Derek. After they ate, Frank and Ardeth went to the stables to see the horses, while their wives went upstairs to talk taking Sarah with them.
All of the horses were out in the pasture grazing or playing. Frank didn't have to call his horse over; she came running to the fence as Frank walked over to the gate. He opened it and the horse came out to be next to him. "Would you like to go riding? It is a bit wet in the field but that won't matter to the horses," Frank said as he stroked the horse's neck.
"I would like that very much, at home I usually go for a long ride in the morning to think."
"We certainly have a lot of that to do," Frank said as they walked in the tack room for the saddles. When they turned around, Frank's horse was waiting by the door. "You just can't stay in one place can you, girl?"
"Your horse is very attached to you," Ardeth chuckled.
"I've had Black Velvet since she was a colt and she follows me like a puppy. It can be unnerving at times. She has been known to move my wife away from me just so she can stand by me," Frank laughed. "You can ride any horse here except her, she doesn't let anyone else ride her."
"You have many horses here for your small family," Ardeth had noticed.
"The people I work with keep their horses boarded here, too," Frank said, tightening the saddle on Velvet.
"That is very kind of you and Elaina," Ardeth said.
"We gave the horses to them one summer. They gave up their vacation time to help us. We returned our thanks with the horses as gifts," Frank explained.
"You both are very generous," Ardeth said as they walked back in the stables.
"Have you decided which horse you want to ride?" Frank asked.
Ardeth looked at the names on the stall doors. "Sahara, the name suggests strength," Ardeth asked, "Which horse is that? Could I ride it?"
"Good choice. She's very spirited yet gentle." Frank went out to look for her but he didn't see her or her colt. Frank began to worry. "We seem to be missing Sahara and her colt. The storm came up so quickly we didn't have time to round them up. We hoped they would come in on their own."
"Do you want to go looking for them? I will help," Ardeth offered.
"I'll have to tell Elaina. Excuse me." Frank went out and shot his gun in the air. "That is the quickest way to get her attention," Frank explained.
"Must you do that? You scared Layla. What's wrong?" Elaina yelled from back balcony.
"Apologize for me. I just needed to get your attention fast. Sand and Sahara are missing. We need to go looking for them."
"Be right there." Elaina turned and went back in. "Layla, I have to go out. You can stay here. I'll tell my cousin not to bother you. I'll have her take care of Sarah," Elaina said, picking up Sarah.
"She can stay with me. I don't mind." Layla held her arms out and Sarah went to her.
"If she signs without talking, you'll have to insist she say the word. If she doesn't, call Maria up to translate for you," Elaina said, as she got ready to go out.
"We will be fine," Layla assured her.
Elaina went downstairs and found Maria decorating the dining room. "What did Frank want this time?" Maria asked, knowing how he used his gun to get Elaina's attention.
"Sand and Sahara are missing. Layla has Sarah. Could you check on them occasionally and make sure Sarah is behaving?"
"Sure, go on. I'll handle any indoor crises. Go find the horses," Maria told her. Elaina went out the sliding door in the dining room and ran out to the stables. Frank had saddled Tracer, Monica's horse, for her. Ardeth was on Zeus, Derek's horse.
"Ardeth are you sure you are up to this?" Elaina asked getting on the horse.
"I'm fine," Ardeth assured her.
"I tried the whistle and calling her name; neither way worked."
"I hope they weren't hurt by the lightning," Elaina said as they started out. "We'll look by the lake first, the colt likes the water."
As they neared the lake they saw the colt lying down in the mud by the shore. Sahara was standing over him, nudging him to get up. Ardeth got down with Elaina to look the colt over.
"He's stuck in the mud up to his knees. He seems to have injured his left front knee trying to free himself." Ardeth saw the swelling in the knee joint of the young colt. "We will have to be very careful not to do more harm getting him free."
"I've done this before. Frank, could you get Sahara and tie her to the tree over there. Ardeth, are you strong enough to help Frank hold the colt still while I free him?" Elaina asked.
"I think so. We'll find out soon enough," Ardeth smiled. He braced himself as best he could in the grass and mud.
Elaina dug with her hands around the colt's legs to ease the suction of the mud. She freed the swollen leg first and then worked to free the other. Frank came back over to help hold the colt from sinking back into the ground. When she had the front legs free she moved to free the back legs. After what seemed liked forever, they freed the colt and Frank and Ardeth carried him from the muddy shore to the grass. The colt wanted to get to his mother so Elaina untied Sahara from the tree and let her go to him.
"Getting him back is going to be a problem. He's too big to carry on the other horses and I don't want him to walk that far," Elaina said.
"I'll go back and get your truck. That is, if I don't get it stuck," Frank joked.
"Just keep it moving, stopping out here is going to be the biggest problem even with four wheel drive," Elaina stated.
"What is four wheel drive?" Ardeth asked as Frank rode off back to the ranch.
"It just means that all four wheels have better traction, not just the front or back." Elaina saw he was still confused. "Let's just say if he makes it here, I'll get it back," Elaina smiled.
"Don't you trust him with your truck, to drive it back?" Ardeth was curious.
"Frank is a better driver than I am or so he claims. I just like to drive in the snow and mud. Frank prefers to drive on paved roads or at least dry ground. Besides I'm not going to let him have all the fun," Elaina giggled.
"You are a very strong and proud woman. That is why I chose Layla as my wife. She, too, is a strong and proud woman."
"Frank says I'm very opinionated and stubborn. That is why we're perfect for one another, he's the same way."
It was about twenty minutes before they saw the truck coming toward them. Elaina could see that the truck would more than likely get stuck when it stopped by the tracks it was leaving in the field.
Elaina had walked around trying to find the most solid ground but it was useless. As Frank approached she saw that he had a passenger with him who was waving at her. Elaina sighed and waved back to her. When Frank stopped the truck next to Elaina and Ardeth, she watched as is sunk in the mud.
"Sabrina what are you doing out here in this mess? Didn't you dress for the party?" Elaina asked her friend.
"Frank told me what was going on. I wanted to help, if I could," Sabrina said staying in the truck.
"Climb in the back and calm Sand on the trip back. Let's get him in before the truck sinks more."
"Want to stop the talking and get the colt in before the truck sinks more," Frank told her.
Elaina, Frank and Ardeth all picked up the colt. He tried to kick his back legs but Elaina was holding them so he couldn't lash out. They gently laid him in the back on the hay that Frank had put in the bed. "Try to keep him lying down," Elaina said getting in the truck.
"I can drive back. I made it out here," Frank told her.
Elaina just smiled at him. "My truck. I want to have some fun, too. Get the horses back. Did you leave the gate open?"
"Yes I did," Frank told, her getting on Tracer. "What about Sahara?"
Elaina whistled and Sahara moved away from the truck and ran toward the ranch. Ardeth mounted Zeus and went over by Frank and Tracer. "Hang on Sabrina. This could get ugly," Elaina yelled to her.
"I'm ready back here," Sabrina answered, holding on to the colt.
Elaina gently pressed on the accelerator and heard the tires spin. She looked at the four-wheel drive switch and it was off. "He had to have turned that off on purpose," Elaina said to herself as she looked over at Frank and to see he was laughing. She threw the switch and stuck her tongue out. He laughed again. She pressed down on the accelerator and the truck started to move. She got it out and hit the gas. The truck fishtailed in the mud giving Sabrina and the colt a wild ride in the back. Elaina saw her in the mirror holding the colt and laughing like a little kid.
Frank and Ardeth rode ahead of her. Frank got off the horse and waited at the gate for her to go through and then he shut it. Elaina made the mistake of stopping on the other side of the gate. She felt the truck bog down. She put her foot down on the gas as Frank walked behind the truck sending mud flying all over Frank.
"Elaina!" Sabrina yelled when she saw what happened to Frank. She tried to keep from laughing but couldn't.
Elaina pulled up in front of the stables and parked the truck. Frank came walking up to her, wiping mud from his clothes. "You are going to get paid back for this."
"What? I didn't mean to do that, it was an accident," Elaina explained, she couldn't help but start laughing.
Frank grabbed her and held her close so she would get mud on her. She laughed harder, not caring about the mud. She wiped the mud from his face and kissed him. "Poor baby, I really am sorry."
"I bet you are, you need to clean up now," Frank dunked her in the water trough.
"I'll get you good for this," Elaina said getting out of the water. Frank took off running, knowing she would do the same to him. Elaina ran after him.
"I wonder if they will realize the colt is still in the back?" Sab asked, sitting with Ardeth and the colt. Ardeth laughed, watching as Elaina tackled Frank in the yard near the house.
"I'm sorry, we have not been introduced. I am Ardeth Bay. Frank's distant cousin," Ardeth stuck his hand out to her.
"I'm Sabrina Kells. Friend and coworker to those two," Sabrina shook his hand.
"Do they act this way often?" Ardeth wondered.
"Only when they aren't trying to kill each other," Sabrina joked. Ardeth looked at her, wondering if she was serious. "I was just joking," Sabrina added, seeing his expression.
"They have work to do yet they play first. They do not have their priorities straight."
"I guess I should break them up." Sabrina jumped out of the truck and walked towards them. "Hey, we have an injured horse to take care of. You can finish the wrestling match later."
Elaina and Frank stopped and looked up at her. "Hi. I guess we're grounded now?" Elaina joked.
"You two act more like kids than you do parents," Sabrina teased them.
"Ok. Get up, Lady, we have work to do. Sabrina only volunteers once a day and getting the colt out is not going to be that time," Frank helped Elaina up.
"I already volunteered today when I went back with you," Sabrina played along.
"Got ya there, big guy, so it is up to us." Elaina pushed him playfully as they walked back to the truck. Ardeth was sitting in the back petting the colt as Sahara kept an eye on them. Elaina could hear her nicker to the colt as she stood next to the truck.
"Well this is one way you get out of your training, Sand. I won't be able to run you through your paces for at least three weeks," Elaina said to the colt as they lifted him out.
"Are you a horse trainer?" Ardeth asked.
"Part-time horse trainer, full time Federal Agent. Frank is a full time Federal agent and horse's ass," Elaina laughed and Frank gave her an icy stare. "Sorry. It wasn't a lie, you can be one at times," Elaina teased.
"You're asking for another fight, aren't you?" Frank said playfully.
"Excuse me. You're not making a good impression for your cousin," Sab scolded them.
"Sorry Ardeth, the weekend is our play time. We try not to be too serious about anything. I'm sorry if we embarrassed you in any way," Frank apologized.
"I am sure your jobs can be very stressful. I was worried earlier when your friend said you only act that way when you are not trying to kill one another."
"Sabrina was joking," Elaina smiled at Sabrina and winked.
"I'll wrap Sand's leg. You all better get cleaned up for the party. I'll be in later to do the same," Elaina told them as she let the colt walk into the stall with Sahara.
*******
Elaina went in to shower and change for the party. As she got to her bedroom door, Ardeth came from his room. "Excuse me, Elaina. I was wondering if I could ask you a question?"
"Sure," Elaina walked over to his room.
"I was wondering if you and Frank could tell me more about our family? I am curious to know how many children Layla and I have. If there is a way of finding out."
"Sure I don't see why not. There is a family history you can read. It may tell you what you want to know. I'll get cleaned up and then get it for you."
"Shukran," Ardeth smiled at her.
"Afwan. I'll let you know when I have it ready. Are you and Layla going to join the party today?"
"She does not want to see too many strangers," Ardeth told her.
"That's fine with me. I don't feel up to a party either, but since it is here, I have no choice," Elaina said, smiling.
"I will let you go, we will stay in our room." Ardeth went back in the room with Layla as Elaina went to her room to clean up.
Ardeth returned to the bedroom to see Layla sitting on the bed, tears running down her face. "Ardeth, I am really scared. How are we going to get back to our time? Our family and friends are probably very worried." Layla looked up at Ardeth as he placed his hand to her cheek to wipe a tear. "They have no way of knowing what has become of us." Ardeth's heart broke to see her so distressed. He wished he had the answers to her questions but he was just as worried as she was.
"Layla, I can only hope that the family history will give us a clue as to why we are here. If not, it will at least tell us how many children we have." Ardeth saw a slight smile come to her face.
"That would be wonderful to know how many and we would know their names too." Layla dried her tears. "This family history could be very enlightening."
"Shukran" .. "Thank you."
"Afwan" ... Your welcome."
"Sabah il-kheyr" . "Good Morning."
The next morning Elaina and Frank were fixing breakfast when Maria came into the kitchen. "Hey cousins. What's new?"
"Oh hell! I forgot about the party." Elaina said as she dropped a plate on the table. "Maria, I'm sorry. We had some company drop in unexpectedly last night. I completely forgot."
"Don't worry, Lainie. I'll take care of everything. I'm the hostess," Maria said getting a glass of orange juice. "You're just lending me your house. I would have said yard but after that storm last night, it is a bit soggy out there."
"Are you sure, you don't need help? I will do what I can, just ask."
"No. I think I can manage. Who are your guests anyway?" Maria asked stealing a piece of bacon from the plate.
"Frank's cousins, distant cousins, from overseas. They wanted to meet the Donovan side of the family."
"Rather rude of them to just drop in without notice," Maria stated, looking over Frank's shoulder while he cooked.
"They said they sent a letter, but it was sent to the ranch in Montana, after we came back from vacation. I guess Hank hasn't forwarded it back to us yet," Frank told her, thinking quickly. Elaina signed 'thank you' to him when Maria wasn't looking.
"Oh. I better start getting things ready. I can use the game room and dining room today, can't I?"
"Yes. You know you have to, either that or cancel it." Elaina wished her cousin would.
"Yeah right! Like I can cancel my boyfriend's birthday. Jake is looking forward to the party. Especially the close dancing part and the riding double on horseback." Maria walked out of the room thinking about the day.
"You forgot about a party? That is unusual, you love parties," Frank said.
"I didn't hear you saying anything about it either," Elaina countered.
"Sorry. I didn't remember it either." Frank apologized with a kiss. "I'll go see if our guests are awake for breakfast."
"Ok. I'll go, too and get the kids up." They walked upstairs together. Elaina knocked on Derek's door and waited for him to acknowledge her. She then walked to Becky's room and did the same. She went to Sarah's room and walked in, finding Layla talking to Sarah as she played again with the necklace.
"Good morning, Layla. Did she wake you and I not hear her?"
"No, I was walking by her door and I thought I heard her talking," Layla told her, giving Sarah to her.
"She talks to her toys when she wakes up and no one is in here," Elaina kissed Sarah. "Well, we have breakfast ready if you are hungry."
"I am. I will go get Ardeth," Layla said as they went to the door.
"Frank went to your room to awaken him. I'm sorry, but I must tell you, there will be a lot of people here later and they will most likely ask you a lot of questions," Elaina said, taking Layla's hand when she saw that it frightened her to have to possibly explain the situation. "You see, I forgot about my cousin giving her boyfriend a party for his birthday."
"I am not sure I want to see more people," Layla said, her voice wavering a little.
"You can stay up here and I'll put a 'No Visitors' sign up so no one bothers you," Elaina smiled.
"I will speak to my husband and see what he wishes to do," Layla said as she saw Ardeth come out with Frank.
"Sabil-kheyr," Ardeth said to Elaina as she walked out with Sarah.
"Good morning, Ardeth. I hope you slept well," Elaina smiled.
"Yes. Sarah is beautiful like her mother," Ardeth said, smiling at Sarah.
"Afwan," Elaina thanked him. Sarah signed something and Frank and Elaina both laughed.
"What is she saying?" Ardeth asked.
"She wonders why you have her Daddy's face with pictures," Elaina told him.
"These are tattoos of the Med-Jai. I have many," Ardeth said proudly.
"I'm afraid she's too young to grasp that bit of information," Frank said, as Sarah looked even more confused. "We'll try to explain it to her later. Shall we eat before it gets cold?"
******
They all went downstairs where Frank introduced Becky, Maria and Derek. After they ate, Frank and Ardeth went to the stables to see the horses, while their wives went upstairs to talk taking Sarah with them.
All of the horses were out in the pasture grazing or playing. Frank didn't have to call his horse over; she came running to the fence as Frank walked over to the gate. He opened it and the horse came out to be next to him. "Would you like to go riding? It is a bit wet in the field but that won't matter to the horses," Frank said as he stroked the horse's neck.
"I would like that very much, at home I usually go for a long ride in the morning to think."
"We certainly have a lot of that to do," Frank said as they walked in the tack room for the saddles. When they turned around, Frank's horse was waiting by the door. "You just can't stay in one place can you, girl?"
"Your horse is very attached to you," Ardeth chuckled.
"I've had Black Velvet since she was a colt and she follows me like a puppy. It can be unnerving at times. She has been known to move my wife away from me just so she can stand by me," Frank laughed. "You can ride any horse here except her, she doesn't let anyone else ride her."
"You have many horses here for your small family," Ardeth had noticed.
"The people I work with keep their horses boarded here, too," Frank said, tightening the saddle on Velvet.
"That is very kind of you and Elaina," Ardeth said.
"We gave the horses to them one summer. They gave up their vacation time to help us. We returned our thanks with the horses as gifts," Frank explained.
"You both are very generous," Ardeth said as they walked back in the stables.
"Have you decided which horse you want to ride?" Frank asked.
Ardeth looked at the names on the stall doors. "Sahara, the name suggests strength," Ardeth asked, "Which horse is that? Could I ride it?"
"Good choice. She's very spirited yet gentle." Frank went out to look for her but he didn't see her or her colt. Frank began to worry. "We seem to be missing Sahara and her colt. The storm came up so quickly we didn't have time to round them up. We hoped they would come in on their own."
"Do you want to go looking for them? I will help," Ardeth offered.
"I'll have to tell Elaina. Excuse me." Frank went out and shot his gun in the air. "That is the quickest way to get her attention," Frank explained.
"Must you do that? You scared Layla. What's wrong?" Elaina yelled from back balcony.
"Apologize for me. I just needed to get your attention fast. Sand and Sahara are missing. We need to go looking for them."
"Be right there." Elaina turned and went back in. "Layla, I have to go out. You can stay here. I'll tell my cousin not to bother you. I'll have her take care of Sarah," Elaina said, picking up Sarah.
"She can stay with me. I don't mind." Layla held her arms out and Sarah went to her.
"If she signs without talking, you'll have to insist she say the word. If she doesn't, call Maria up to translate for you," Elaina said, as she got ready to go out.
"We will be fine," Layla assured her.
Elaina went downstairs and found Maria decorating the dining room. "What did Frank want this time?" Maria asked, knowing how he used his gun to get Elaina's attention.
"Sand and Sahara are missing. Layla has Sarah. Could you check on them occasionally and make sure Sarah is behaving?"
"Sure, go on. I'll handle any indoor crises. Go find the horses," Maria told her. Elaina went out the sliding door in the dining room and ran out to the stables. Frank had saddled Tracer, Monica's horse, for her. Ardeth was on Zeus, Derek's horse.
"Ardeth are you sure you are up to this?" Elaina asked getting on the horse.
"I'm fine," Ardeth assured her.
"I tried the whistle and calling her name; neither way worked."
"I hope they weren't hurt by the lightning," Elaina said as they started out. "We'll look by the lake first, the colt likes the water."
As they neared the lake they saw the colt lying down in the mud by the shore. Sahara was standing over him, nudging him to get up. Ardeth got down with Elaina to look the colt over.
"He's stuck in the mud up to his knees. He seems to have injured his left front knee trying to free himself." Ardeth saw the swelling in the knee joint of the young colt. "We will have to be very careful not to do more harm getting him free."
"I've done this before. Frank, could you get Sahara and tie her to the tree over there. Ardeth, are you strong enough to help Frank hold the colt still while I free him?" Elaina asked.
"I think so. We'll find out soon enough," Ardeth smiled. He braced himself as best he could in the grass and mud.
Elaina dug with her hands around the colt's legs to ease the suction of the mud. She freed the swollen leg first and then worked to free the other. Frank came back over to help hold the colt from sinking back into the ground. When she had the front legs free she moved to free the back legs. After what seemed liked forever, they freed the colt and Frank and Ardeth carried him from the muddy shore to the grass. The colt wanted to get to his mother so Elaina untied Sahara from the tree and let her go to him.
"Getting him back is going to be a problem. He's too big to carry on the other horses and I don't want him to walk that far," Elaina said.
"I'll go back and get your truck. That is, if I don't get it stuck," Frank joked.
"Just keep it moving, stopping out here is going to be the biggest problem even with four wheel drive," Elaina stated.
"What is four wheel drive?" Ardeth asked as Frank rode off back to the ranch.
"It just means that all four wheels have better traction, not just the front or back." Elaina saw he was still confused. "Let's just say if he makes it here, I'll get it back," Elaina smiled.
"Don't you trust him with your truck, to drive it back?" Ardeth was curious.
"Frank is a better driver than I am or so he claims. I just like to drive in the snow and mud. Frank prefers to drive on paved roads or at least dry ground. Besides I'm not going to let him have all the fun," Elaina giggled.
"You are a very strong and proud woman. That is why I chose Layla as my wife. She, too, is a strong and proud woman."
"Frank says I'm very opinionated and stubborn. That is why we're perfect for one another, he's the same way."
It was about twenty minutes before they saw the truck coming toward them. Elaina could see that the truck would more than likely get stuck when it stopped by the tracks it was leaving in the field.
Elaina had walked around trying to find the most solid ground but it was useless. As Frank approached she saw that he had a passenger with him who was waving at her. Elaina sighed and waved back to her. When Frank stopped the truck next to Elaina and Ardeth, she watched as is sunk in the mud.
"Sabrina what are you doing out here in this mess? Didn't you dress for the party?" Elaina asked her friend.
"Frank told me what was going on. I wanted to help, if I could," Sabrina said staying in the truck.
"Climb in the back and calm Sand on the trip back. Let's get him in before the truck sinks more."
"Want to stop the talking and get the colt in before the truck sinks more," Frank told her.
Elaina, Frank and Ardeth all picked up the colt. He tried to kick his back legs but Elaina was holding them so he couldn't lash out. They gently laid him in the back on the hay that Frank had put in the bed. "Try to keep him lying down," Elaina said getting in the truck.
"I can drive back. I made it out here," Frank told her.
Elaina just smiled at him. "My truck. I want to have some fun, too. Get the horses back. Did you leave the gate open?"
"Yes I did," Frank told, her getting on Tracer. "What about Sahara?"
Elaina whistled and Sahara moved away from the truck and ran toward the ranch. Ardeth mounted Zeus and went over by Frank and Tracer. "Hang on Sabrina. This could get ugly," Elaina yelled to her.
"I'm ready back here," Sabrina answered, holding on to the colt.
Elaina gently pressed on the accelerator and heard the tires spin. She looked at the four-wheel drive switch and it was off. "He had to have turned that off on purpose," Elaina said to herself as she looked over at Frank and to see he was laughing. She threw the switch and stuck her tongue out. He laughed again. She pressed down on the accelerator and the truck started to move. She got it out and hit the gas. The truck fishtailed in the mud giving Sabrina and the colt a wild ride in the back. Elaina saw her in the mirror holding the colt and laughing like a little kid.
Frank and Ardeth rode ahead of her. Frank got off the horse and waited at the gate for her to go through and then he shut it. Elaina made the mistake of stopping on the other side of the gate. She felt the truck bog down. She put her foot down on the gas as Frank walked behind the truck sending mud flying all over Frank.
"Elaina!" Sabrina yelled when she saw what happened to Frank. She tried to keep from laughing but couldn't.
Elaina pulled up in front of the stables and parked the truck. Frank came walking up to her, wiping mud from his clothes. "You are going to get paid back for this."
"What? I didn't mean to do that, it was an accident," Elaina explained, she couldn't help but start laughing.
Frank grabbed her and held her close so she would get mud on her. She laughed harder, not caring about the mud. She wiped the mud from his face and kissed him. "Poor baby, I really am sorry."
"I bet you are, you need to clean up now," Frank dunked her in the water trough.
"I'll get you good for this," Elaina said getting out of the water. Frank took off running, knowing she would do the same to him. Elaina ran after him.
"I wonder if they will realize the colt is still in the back?" Sab asked, sitting with Ardeth and the colt. Ardeth laughed, watching as Elaina tackled Frank in the yard near the house.
"I'm sorry, we have not been introduced. I am Ardeth Bay. Frank's distant cousin," Ardeth stuck his hand out to her.
"I'm Sabrina Kells. Friend and coworker to those two," Sabrina shook his hand.
"Do they act this way often?" Ardeth wondered.
"Only when they aren't trying to kill each other," Sabrina joked. Ardeth looked at her, wondering if she was serious. "I was just joking," Sabrina added, seeing his expression.
"They have work to do yet they play first. They do not have their priorities straight."
"I guess I should break them up." Sabrina jumped out of the truck and walked towards them. "Hey, we have an injured horse to take care of. You can finish the wrestling match later."
Elaina and Frank stopped and looked up at her. "Hi. I guess we're grounded now?" Elaina joked.
"You two act more like kids than you do parents," Sabrina teased them.
"Ok. Get up, Lady, we have work to do. Sabrina only volunteers once a day and getting the colt out is not going to be that time," Frank helped Elaina up.
"I already volunteered today when I went back with you," Sabrina played along.
"Got ya there, big guy, so it is up to us." Elaina pushed him playfully as they walked back to the truck. Ardeth was sitting in the back petting the colt as Sahara kept an eye on them. Elaina could hear her nicker to the colt as she stood next to the truck.
"Well this is one way you get out of your training, Sand. I won't be able to run you through your paces for at least three weeks," Elaina said to the colt as they lifted him out.
"Are you a horse trainer?" Ardeth asked.
"Part-time horse trainer, full time Federal Agent. Frank is a full time Federal agent and horse's ass," Elaina laughed and Frank gave her an icy stare. "Sorry. It wasn't a lie, you can be one at times," Elaina teased.
"You're asking for another fight, aren't you?" Frank said playfully.
"Excuse me. You're not making a good impression for your cousin," Sab scolded them.
"Sorry Ardeth, the weekend is our play time. We try not to be too serious about anything. I'm sorry if we embarrassed you in any way," Frank apologized.
"I am sure your jobs can be very stressful. I was worried earlier when your friend said you only act that way when you are not trying to kill one another."
"Sabrina was joking," Elaina smiled at Sabrina and winked.
"I'll wrap Sand's leg. You all better get cleaned up for the party. I'll be in later to do the same," Elaina told them as she let the colt walk into the stall with Sahara.
*******
Elaina went in to shower and change for the party. As she got to her bedroom door, Ardeth came from his room. "Excuse me, Elaina. I was wondering if I could ask you a question?"
"Sure," Elaina walked over to his room.
"I was wondering if you and Frank could tell me more about our family? I am curious to know how many children Layla and I have. If there is a way of finding out."
"Sure I don't see why not. There is a family history you can read. It may tell you what you want to know. I'll get cleaned up and then get it for you."
"Shukran," Ardeth smiled at her.
"Afwan. I'll let you know when I have it ready. Are you and Layla going to join the party today?"
"She does not want to see too many strangers," Ardeth told her.
"That's fine with me. I don't feel up to a party either, but since it is here, I have no choice," Elaina said, smiling.
"I will let you go, we will stay in our room." Ardeth went back in the room with Layla as Elaina went to her room to clean up.
Ardeth returned to the bedroom to see Layla sitting on the bed, tears running down her face. "Ardeth, I am really scared. How are we going to get back to our time? Our family and friends are probably very worried." Layla looked up at Ardeth as he placed his hand to her cheek to wipe a tear. "They have no way of knowing what has become of us." Ardeth's heart broke to see her so distressed. He wished he had the answers to her questions but he was just as worried as she was.
"Layla, I can only hope that the family history will give us a clue as to why we are here. If not, it will at least tell us how many children we have." Ardeth saw a slight smile come to her face.
"That would be wonderful to know how many and we would know their names too." Layla dried her tears. "This family history could be very enlightening."
"Shukran" .. "Thank you."
"Afwan" ... Your welcome."
"Sabah il-kheyr" . "Good Morning."