This one is pretty lengthy! Was fun to edit though, because I remember writing this whole chapter and thought I was a genius for the details, haha. I changed a bit of the wording for this one, because I didn't like how I did it years ago. Hope you enjoy!
After school the next day, Esme came running over to TJ. "Hey! Mom came and told me at lunch that we were taking you and Lily out today."
Surprise crossed TJ's face. He hadn't had this mentioned to him. "Uh, we are? That's great!" TJ tried to sound enthusiastic but he was confused. Was another visitor at the house? After Katie's outburst last night, he'd been surprised they still had guests over.
Katie had gotten home just before dinner, all smiles after her day with Brick. Ty had run in to use the bathroom and of course wasn't there to meet Katie on the porch. So when she walked in and saw her sister still crying at the kitchen table, Katie totally freaked. She thought someone had hurt Georgie—in a way something had—and that she was left at Heartland by herself. But then Ty and Amy appeared with TJ, Lily and Lyndy close behind, so Katie calmed down. Yet like Lyndy, Katie hated being out of the loop and when Georgie refused to tell her sister why she was there, something inside Katie had snapped. Which led to more tears, angry words, and dinner two hours late. Katie had shut herself in the guestroom and Georgie had kept Amy up for hours that night with more crying. This morning, Ty had taken the kids to school and Katie had come out of the room long enough to jump into Brick's car. TJ knew there would be some tension at the Heartland house, but he didn't think his parents would go as far as keeping the kids out of the house.
"TJ, you okay?" Esme looked concerned.
"Yeah, I'm great. What about Lyndy?"
"Mom said Amy said she had barn chores to do, plus she didn't think a kid's museum in the next town over would interest Lyndy. She's so much older than her age sometimes," Esme said with a Look at her friend.
TJ smiled. "That's true. Sounds great." Lyndy was kinda like an adult mind trapped in an eleven year-old's body, with the heart of a kid of course. She always thought big, but had energy and smiles like a child. Museums were boring to Lyndy; she'd rather be doing something opposed to looking.
Esme gave TJ another Look. "That's like the third time you've said great in the same minute. You sure nothing's wrong?"
"Yeah, I'm sure." TJ nodded, and tried to look eager to be going out with Esme. He normally would be over-the-moon, except other things were on his mind at the moment.
Lily ran up and looked from TJ to Esme. "What's up with you two? C'mon we have to go grab the bus! Lyndy's already on."
"We're apparently going with Cass and Caleb today. I think Mom and Dad wanted us out of the house when "you-know-who's" there." TJ whispered the last part to his sister.
"Oh, okay." Lily nodded, and turned back around to run back outside. "I'll go tell Lyndy from the bus window. Meet me outside!"
TJ smiled. This was the old Lily he was used to. She was always ready to keep everyone informed! "Be right there," he replied and shouldered his bag higher. "We'd better meet your mom and dad then," TJ said to Esme with a smile.
"Yeah, they're out by the buses. Sorry you didn't know about today."
"It's all good, I was just surprised. Let's go before Lily has told the whole bus our plans!" TJ raced outside just in time to see the big yellow bus pull away from the curb. Lily was sipping from her water bottle as TJ and Esme approached.
"Just needed a drink after all that yelling," she told them, screwing the lid back on. "Where to now?"
"Mom's in the car over there." Esme pointed at a silver truck. "We'll go have some fun, and hopefully it'll take TJ's mind off whatever he's thinking about."
TJ smiled wistfully. "Yeah, hopefully," he said out loud. But deep down, he knew he wished he was Lyndy for once, who got to stay and maybe find out more about the Georgie Random Appearance Mystery.
Yet little did TJ know, Lyndy wasn't thinking about the Georgie Random Appearance Mystery. Because as soon as she pushed open the screen door, guess who was standing in her kitchen? Her other cousin Wyatt, well technically a cousin through marriage to Georgie. The logistics didn't matter, what did matter was the question of why was he here? Lyndy didn't know what to say and stood open-mouthed at the door.
Amy knew that two people who hadn't visited in properly four years, was a lot for her kids to handle. And although Lyndy was the oldest and knew how to hide her surprise the best, this was an exception. So Amy was quick to intervene when she spotted Lyndy in the foyer.
"Hey honey, how was school?" Amy asked, trying to keep Lyndy from staring at Wyatt. She pretended as though the tall, twenty-six year-old wasn't there, and that it was like any other day after school.
"It was okay. Mom, what's Wyatt doing here?" Lyndy said the last part out of the side of her mouth, trying to keep her voice down.
Amy sighed. "Oh you noticed. Well he's here to see Georgie, although I'm not sure she's willing to see him."
Lyndy held herself back from saying "how could I not notice him, he's standing right in front of me," and chose a different approach. "Why not? Would it have anything to do with the fact she was up until four in the morning crying?"
The look on Amy's face told Lyndy she should have picked the first one. "Lyndy, let's refrain from giving Wyatt all the details. Look, you two catch up while I go outside and wait for Georgie to get back." She left, but not before shooting a stern glance.
Once the front door had been shut, Lyndy turned to her cousin. Although it was weird to think of Wyatt and Georgie as her cousins. They were more in the aunt and uncle category, if anything. THey were still family but Lyndy saw Katie more than she did Georgie and Wyatt, which was saying a lot, considering Katie lived in New York of all places.
Things had been different when Lyndy was little though. Georgie had always been there for her, a babysitter so her parents could go out, the one to help teach her to walk, with the help of Amy and Ty of course. And Wyatt always said he was glad to have her and her siblings, because he joked they would be good practice for when he had kids of his own. Of course, this was all before Georgie showed up in tears at Heartland, and detective Lyndy had had the theory that kids might not be an option for the young couple.
Wyatt was the first to break the uncomfortable silence. "So, what's new around here?"
"Not much, Lou and Katie came over for a visit a few days ago. Katie's still here actually."
"Oh?" Surprise crossed Wyatt's face and Lyndy felt bad. How much did this guy even know? And why was Amy holding back on telling Wyatt the smallest of things? He's family, after all, but even if he wasn't, he came for Georgie, didn't he?
"Yeah, Katie also got asked out by your brother. Their first date was yesterday." Lyndy didn't care what her mom said or did. Wyatt was clearly out of the loop and he had the right to know how his family was doing.
Wyatt didn't even try to hide his surprise anymore. "I'm glad he finally got up the courage to ask! We used to joke about the Fleming-Morris girls when we were younger." There was a look of wistfulness in his eyes now. "Those were the good old days."
Lyndy couldn't help but have some curiosity as to what he meant. "What do you mean?" She asked.
"Oh, nothing." Wyatt smiled apologetically at Lyndy. "I'm not really supposed to say much. I promised Amy I'd tell my side of the story all at once. Besides, it's not a kid's conversation."
"Hmmph." Lyndy was determined to find out what Wyatt meant. She decided she needed to think in private. "I've got barn chores to do. You know, like mucking out and stuff." She gave Wyatt a side glance. If it was anything, it would be barn chores that would put Wyatt off from asking if she needed help. Plus, no one would come looking for her if they thought she was being a good girl and helping out with yucky chores.
"Oh okay. I think I see Georgie in the yard anyway." Wyatt patted Lyndy's shoulder. "Talk later?"
"Yeah," Lyndy nodded and darted out the door, slipping on the gravel. Luckily Ty had just arrived home and caught his eldest and set her on her feet.
"Where are you going so fast?" Ty asked.
"Barn chores. I thought I'd get a head start before TJ and Lily got home from the Kid's Museum." Lyndy smiled the biggest smile at her dad, hoping to seem innocent.
Normally, Ty would see right through his daughter's excuse, but today he seemed distracted. "Okay, have fun."
"I will!" Lyndy ran in the direction of the barn, although as soon as her dad disappeared into the house, she changed direction and hid behind the storage shed. Lyndy knew she had to listen in on whatever conversation was about to be had, if she ever wanted to know the whole truth. A plan started to form in her head, which was soon put into action.
Lyndy knew that no one in her family would come looking for her when there were such important things to be discussed. Not even her mom would think anything but what both Ty and Wyatt would tell her about what Lyndy was up to. So that allowed Lyndy to hide anywhere, as long as it wasn't noticeable. She hoped a back window was left open, which meant that when the family talked, Lyndy could hear from sitting under the window ledge.
Creeping around the back part of the house porch, Lyndy guessed that the family would converse in the living room. Most important discussions were held there, as it was neutral territory and big enough to put everyone without close contact. Luckily for Lyndy, there was also a window left open. She crawled over to it, directly under the window ledge. It was proven by both her and TJ that if anyone looked over the ledge, all they would see would be the plants. Lyndy was too tall to sit straight up under the ledge, so she sat just to the right of it, next to a huge potted plant. It would be hard to spot the eleven year-old, as she was just out of view from the look out the window. Besides, who would come looking for her when they thought she was mucking out stalls?
Lyndy didn't catch much of the surprise of Georgie seeing Wyatt, but she did hear a gasp from Katie as she realized who the tall figure was in the kitchen. Luckily, the conversation quickly migrated over to the living room, which allowed Lyndy to hear even better.
"What are you doing here Wyatt?"Georgie said, no hint of the soft and sad voice she had yesterday.
"I just wanted to see you. You good as disappeared a week ago and it wouldn't be in my right mind to just let you leave without following. I saw your mapped out plan used as a bookmark in the horse behaviour novel. Maybe it was on purpose, so that you would leave a trace. Or maybe it was just because you didn't want me to worry. But I did worry, Georgie. I worry like I always do, when you never tell anyone how you're feeling. Like after the accident. Remember that?" There was a hint of challenge in Wyatt's tone. Lyndy was concerned about what Wyatt was referring to; what "accident"?!
"Oh stop! That wasn't my fault and you know it!' Georgie half-yelled to defend herself.
"Guys, stop. What accident? Are you okay?" From outside the window, Lyndy caught a glimpse of her dad putting up both hands to physically create space between the fighting couple.
"You didn't tell them about the accident? Wow, I wondered how much you kept from them. I had to learn that Katie was here from Lyndy, of all people."
"Well in case you weren't aware, I've been at Heartland for all of 24 hours and it wasn't in my priorities to notify you who was at Heartland and who wasn't. Because I. Had. No. Idea. You. Would. Be Following. Me." Each of Georgie's words were short and emotional
There was a heavy sigh, then Wyatt spoke again. "Why don't we tell the family the whole story then? They probably think we're on the brink of divorce after only three years of marriage. And from the way we're acting right now, I'm sure their thoughts are soon to become reality."
Silence followed, and it sounded like Georgie had started crying again. "Fine, you tell them." she said finally, hiccuping into a sob.
"Alright." Another pause. Some shuffling around made Lyndy assume everyone had sat down. "So after Thanksgiving last year, right after we came to see you guys, there was only a month or so to prepare for the Saint Nick competition, which starts two weeks before Christmas. It featured riders from all over the world and lasted three weeks, which is why we wouldn't be home for Christmas. Little did we know, there would be another reason that we didn't return as well."
"Did something happen at the competition?" It was Amy who interrupted to ask the first question.
"Yes. This is when what we labelled as "the accident" happened." Georgie had stopped crying and turned to face Amy as she answered her aunt's question.
Wyatt shot Georgie a glance, telepathically asking if she wanted to continue the story. With a small nod, Georgie cleared her throat. "There was a horse at the show. It was a huge beast, much larger than Flame. I had only encountered the horse once and it beat everyone in its division by a mile. No matter how high the jumps were, no matter how tight the turns, it seemed to twist in midair, and sail a meter clearance over the jumps. At the previous show, the horse, whose name was Afleet Desire, had been classified in a higher division than me, so I didn't see him act up at all. But at this competition, we were in the same section and to my luck, Afleet rode right before me. So as his rider, a young girl named Lizzie, tried to get on, he started bucking. Apparently he does this all the time, so no one was very concerned. But Lizzie was flung off, not injured, and well, me being me, couldn't stand to see those men beat and whip Afleet, no matter how aggressive he was. Using what Amy had taught me, I slowly approached the horse, not aware of what he was capable of. He charged at me, hooves flying and as I backed away, he must have jumped. Two hooves came crashing down and slammed onto me. I fell to the ground and Afleet got loose and ran into a nearby field. But he was everyone's least concern. I don't remember what else happened, but Wyatt can finish it. He was there." Georgie slid her gaze over to Wyatt, who stood up.
"There was a lot of commotion and screaming. Georgie had multiple broken ribs, a severe concussion and a broken leg. She was in hospital for months, and I stuck right by her side. We never told anyone, as we didn't want anyone to worry. Only two weeks ago, were we officially discharged from the hospital. Which isn't even the worst part. Afleet was shot because he was so wild that no one could get within two yards of him. Not even to this day, does anyone know why he acted up the way he did. It was just so unfortunate because our lives were about to be perfect." Wyatt shuddered and sobs took over him. Tears rolled down his cheeks and Lyndy dared to peek over the window sill. Ty put his arm around the young man, and Amy looked over at Georgie who for once wasn't crying.
No one spoke, but finally Katie broke the silence. "Why was it going to be perfect?" she asked, careful not to sound impatient.
"Because I was pregnant!" Georgie stood up and practically shouted at her sister. "The Saint Nick show was supposed to be my last competition before taking maternity leave! Riders can do that, you know. But after months in the hospital, and even though it didn't cross our minds until later, we realized that there were no signs of pregnancy and after talking to the doctor, it was stated that we lost the baby. My fall, my desperate need to help Afleet killed our child! Do you know what that feels like, to know you killed a life before it was even started? Well guess what, it feels like crap." Georgie turned and abruptly left the room, heading for Lily's bedroom.
"Georgie, wait." This time it was Wyatt who stood up. "I don't know why you left me last week. I've been asking myself why you of all people would go and break my heart, our promise to stay together through sickness and health. But there must have been a reason! I know you, for heaven's sake, I married you. So I know you better than anything. But what I don't know is why you'd just get up and leave. Did something happen? Did I do something?"
Georgie slowly spun around. Wyatt took a step towards her. "You know what you did." Then she filled the gap between Lily's room and where she stood, making sure to slam the door behind her.
Wyatt shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at the floor. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have followed her. She needs space, at least that's what the counsellor told me. I'll go, if she wants me to. But don't think I'm giving up on her." He looked right at Amy and Ty as he said this. "She's my wife, and what I said earlier about divorces was all an act. We are not breaking things off. Not in a million years. I made so many promises when I married her, and have no intention of breaking them. If she asks, just tell her I love her no matter what."
"I never thought you were giving up on her, Wyatt. But what I heard yesterday elaborated on your part to her pain, which was clearly not the whole story. I'm sorry for the way I treated you earlier." Amy stood up and patted Wyatt's shoulder, trying to smooth the creases. His eyes darted to the door, but Amy kept a grip on his shoulder. "You can stay in TJ's room tonight. I know for a fact that when there's a guest over, any guest really, the kids like to sleep upstairs together in Lyndy's room. So we won't have it any other way." Amy knew her children well enough to guess that TJ wouldn't care at all, and Lily would feel much better knowing she wasn't the only one giving up her room.
"She's right though. You deserve to know the whole story. Just because Georgie didn't tell you, doesn't mean you can't find out the truth." Wyatt looked at Katie as he spoke this, who looked at the floor. "Don't worry Katie, I think it's good for you to know too."
"Sorry," Katie murmured, but allowed Wyatt to continue.
"Last week we also learned that when the baby was miscarried it somehow damaged the uterus, and therefore Georgie is unable to have biological children, unless something miraculous happens and her body internally heals itself. Not that there's even a chance, but the doctor was ninety-nine percent sure she wouldn't be able to and when a doctor gives you those odds, well, you believe them. I, for one, am totally fine with this. Not that I'm not disappointed; I am, but at least there's adoption. And I stupidly brought up the subject of how Georgie was fostered and adopted, so maybe we could help out another little kid. Yet that's not what she wanted to hear, and it was my fault completely, that I brought it up too early. She snapped and said things I know she doesn't mean. Then she got up and left the hotel, taking our only source of transportation with her. I had to rent a car from two towns over, which is why it took me so long to get here. But I know Georgie, and she wouldn't go somewhere she wasn't comfortable with. And she's terrible at hiding her tracks. But like I said earlier, maybe she wanted me to follow her."
Katie stood up just then, and leaned over to hug her brother-in-law. "I'm sorry Wyatt. You've both been through so much and I totally flipped at Georgie last night. If there's anything I can do, just give me a shout."
Wyatt was touched by Katie's kindness. He knew someone should have told the family earlier, hell after the initial accident Georgie should've at least called her mom and dad. Then maybe things between them wouldn't have gotten so out of hand so quickly. "I'm grateful to Katie, I really am. Thank you so much." He hugged her back, then turned towards the door. "I need some air, maybe I'll go see Lyndy in the barn. Be back soon."
Lyndy just then realized she needed to get to the barn before Wyatt or else she would be caught! Standing up as quickly as possible, she ran around the side of the house. But before she could check where she was going, Lyndy crashed head first into someone. Falling onto the porch, she rolled off the porch and skinned her knee in the gravel.
"Oh I'm so sorry! Didn't see you there." Wyatt jumped off the porch to help up the girl. He didn't notice quite who it was, as Lyndy had grown up since the last time he saw her. "You okay?"
Lyndy refrained from speaking, and bent over to brush off her knees. No blood, but there was a scratch. "I'm fine thanks," she squeaked. There was a silence, before Wyatt reached down and tilted Lyndy's face towards him.
"Lyndy, what are you doing over on this side of the house? I thought you were in the barn?" There was surprise in Wyatt's tone.
"Uh," Lyndy didn't know what to say, so she just sighed and decided on the truth. "I was…listening to your conversation." There, she was officially busted.
But little did Lyndy know, she wasn't about to get in trouble. "I would have done that too," Wyatt confessed, smiling at her. "It's pretty tempting, when you know where to hide, huh? Trust me, I used to do it all the time when I was younger! There's no shame in it, but I'm glad you told me the truth."
Lyndy couldn't keep the shock off her face. "You're not mad? After all, I know everything the adults know, and I think that conversation was a little old for me."
"Nah, I'm not mad. It takes a lot for me to get mad, unless it involves Georgie, then I'm harder to convince. And I'm glad you agree, that conversation was a bit heavy, even for me. You know what? I think that conversation was rated PG-13, if you know what I mean."
"I know. Like a movie rating, right?"
Wyatt nodded. "Right."
"I think I'm glad I know what's going on though." Lyndy said finally.
"Me too. There's bound to be different opinions. But if there was anyone's opinion to believe, I'd believe yours." Wyatt held out his hand. "Wanna head to the barn before your parents catch us not doing what we said we'd be doing?"
"Let's go." Lyndy skipped ahead towards the barn, forcing Wyatt to jog to keep up. Things weren't perfect, but at least Lyndy knew she was safe with Wyatt there to help her along. And not that Lyndy would ever tell Georgie this, but she thought Wyatt would be a great dad, no matter what Georgie wanted. So Lyndy decided to make it her duty to "fix" her cousins' relationship, and get Wyatt the chance to be what he wanted: a loving husband and a happy father, blood related or not.
46 days until Christmas! Who's ready? (I am, it's a no-brainer question)
Please leave a comment if you want, as I love hearing from you guys!
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