Hi all,

I'm back for another update *laughs* yeah, I didn't expect to be updating this soon either but I just can't help it, I really wanted to get this chapter up and then run and hide in my basement for the next eight or so chapters. You'll find out why at the end of the chapter and I know I'll be running for cover with this cliff-hanger I've left the chapter on.

For this chapter, I know that the time difference between Canada and France is about 6 hours from what I found on Google and I will be disregarding the time difference just for the flow of this chapters sake.

In response to to bluestorm28, Jessie will find out about why Scott has a photo of her mother in about 10 or so chapters from memory. About the broken glass, you'll just have to wait and see *winks*.

Now, you really threw me a curveball bluestorm28 asking about which teen celebrity I'd choose to play Jessie. I honestly never thought about it because I based her off me mainly but I did some digging around and I've chosen Abigail Mavity. She's probably the closest 'teen' actress to the vision I have of Jessie and she's about the right age when Heartland first started being filmed. I really loved her work in Love Begins, it's been the only thing I've watched of her work but I really liked her character, she was headstrong, witty, mischievous, basically everything that Jessie is so that's why I've chosen her...

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 29.1

'You found this in the arena?' Jack asked in disbelief, looking at the glass he was holding with a gloved hand. 'How on earth did that get in there?'

'I have no idea.' Jessie replied, looking at Amy. 'There's more too, isn't there Amy? That's just some of it.'

'It's all through the arena.' Amy agreed. 'If Warrior didn't keep on refusing to go in there, he could have been seriously hurt. I'd have been training Spartan in there if he hadn't been sick, I hate to think of what could have happened.'

'But how would it have gotten in there?'

'I have no idea Jessie.' He mused, turning the pieces over. 'I'd like to know that too.'

'It wasn't there before the cattle drive, I know that much. I don't think it's there by accident, I think someone put it there on deliberate.'

'It definitely looks like that.'

'Who on earth would be twisted enough to put broken glass in the arena?' She lent back against the wall of Warrior's stall, patting the stallion as he poked his head over the door to sniff her. 'That's just so cruel.'

'What's going on?' Ty asked, walking down the stairs from his loft. 'What's cruel?'

'Amy and Jessie found this in the arena.' Jack replied, showing him the glass he was holding. 'It's the reason why Warrior won't go in there, somehow that stallion knew something wasn't right and if he didn't we wouldn't have had any idea. Someone put it there, it had to have been while we were away on the cattle drive.'

'That was almost two weeks ago.'

'And exactly the same amount of time that Warrior's been playing up.'

'Did you find out what's going on with Warrior?' Mallory asked as she walked in with her suitcase, ready to go for her sleepover. She frowned, seeing the glass in Jack's hand. 'Where's that from?'

'The arena. Amy and Jessie found it.'

'Oh my gosh, really? How- Why?' She stuttered. 'How would that get in there?'

'I don't know but until we get all the glass out and make sure it's safe, the arena is off limits. Is that understood?' She nodded. 'Good. I'm going to go talk to Lou, see where we go from here.'

Jessie patted Warrior as Jack left the barn, Amy following him. She sighed, looking back at Ty and Mallory. 'Well, I guess till the arena is cleaned I won't be training for the rodeo.'

'You can still train. Take him out in the clearing.'

'Yeah, I suppose that will have to do. Don't have much choice do I?'

'I think Caleb was going to have Kit give you a couple lessons next week too, guess that'll have to wait.'

'Whose Kit?'

'His friend.'

'Oh. Where is Caleb anyway? I haven't seen him yesterday or today.'

'He's probably galivanting to a rodeo or something.' Mallory answered the question, heading over to Copper's stall to get him ready for the night.

'Most likely.'

'You know what Jack said about using the heater Mallory.' Ty exclaimed, seeing her getting it out of the hiding place Jack had placed it in. 'You know he doesn't want you using it.'

'I'm cold.' She replied, plugging it in and turning it on before heading back to Copper to groom him. 'It might be spring but it sure doesn't feel like it.' She saw the looks the two of them gave her. 'Don't worry, I'll turn it off once I'm finished.' Ty was about to reply to when he heard a truck pulling up and turned around to see who it was. Kit hopped out, and he turned away, heading out of the barn. 'Well well well, look who's here.'

'Who is that?'

'That's Kit.' Mallory shot a glance out the barn door. 'I have no idea what on earth is going on with Ty but he seems to know her for some reason.'

'Is that a problem?' Jessie shrugged.

'Don't you see? Ugh.' She sighed, returning to Copper's grooming session. 'Why am I the only one who can see it?'

'See what?' She wondered out loud but the girl didn't answer. She rolled her eyes, turning back to her stallion to make sure he'd been looked after for the night. Warrior snorted, nudging her gently with his muzzle but careful not to disturb her sling. 'You didn't want to hurt me, did you? You were trying to tell me the arena was dangerous and I didn't understand. The only way you could tell me something was wrong was by refusing to go in there.' She sighed again, her hand on his neck. 'You want a treat boy?'

'So, is this the new barrel racing champion on the circuit?'

Jessie turned around upon hearing the strange voice, blushing slightly. 'I think champion might be a little over exaggerated.'

'From what Caleb and Ty have been telling me about you, you might be quite the competitor in the rodeo.'

'Jessie, this is Kit.' Ty properly introduced her, seeing the girl's slight confusion. 'Kit, Jessie.'

'Hi.'

'Hi.' She went to shake the girl's hand, noting the sling her arm was in. 'What happened to you?'

'Little accident while training this guy.' Jessie sighed, patting Warrior again. 'But I'll be able to ride again in a couple days. You won't be able to give me a lesson though like I know you and Caleb had organized.'

'Oh? Why's that? If she's able to ride in a couple days.'

'Somehow a heap of broken glass managed to get into the arena and it's going to take some time to get rid of it.' She replied. 'I only just found it this afternoon because Warrior refused to train in there, if he hadn't been acting up we still wouldn't know.'

'That's terrible. Who on earth would do such a thing?'

'We don't know.' Ty added, Kit glancing back at him as he took over speaking. 'I don't know what Jack's going to do. Till he figures it out, the arena can't be used.'

'Well, that certainly is a bummer.' She turned back to the girl, looking at the horse standing beside her. She took a step forward, extending her hand towards him. 'This is Warrior?'

'Yeah, that's him. Careful, he doesn't take to new people easily.'

Warrior snorted, sniffing her hand then began to lick it. She laughed. 'Hey boy.'

'I stand corrected. Thanks for making a liar out of me boy.'

'We best be moving Kit.'

'Alright, see you Jessie.'

'Bye.' She raised her eyebrows as Ty walked off with her, the two of them going to his truck. 'I wonder what they're doing.'

'Looks like they're going out on a date.' Mallory replied, leading Copper back into his stall. 'Doesn't it?'

'Yeah.' She headed over to where the sugar cubes were stored and grabbed a couple for Warrior's treat. 'Is Jack taking you to your sleepover?'

'No, Sophia's parents are picking me up. They'll be here soon.'

'Okay.' She gave the cubes to the stallion, giving him a pat then turned to head to the house. 'I'll see you later then, I'm heading to the house before I freeze much more. Have fun at your sleepover.'

'I will. Maybe next time you can come too.'

'We'll see.' She smiled then it faded as she walked out of the barn and headed to the house. There was no way she was going to a complete strangers house for a sleepover, no way in the world. She shuddered and it wasn't from the cold. No, sleepovers were not an option.

'Looks like it's going to be a chilly night.' Jack exclaimed as Jessie walked into the house and got her coat off after a slight struggle. 'Lou and Amy are heading in Maggie's to eat, they've got some sister time planned or something. What do you want for dinner?'

She shrugged, walking into the kitchen. 'Whatever you want to cook. I'm not fussed.'

'Turkey and cheese sandwich good enough?'

'Sounds brilliant.' The girl replied, taking a seat at the table. She yawned, placing her good arm on the table and rested her chin down on top of it. 'So, what are we going to do about the arena?'

'I have no idea.' He sighed, grabbing the turkey and cheese out of the fridge and placed them on the bench. 'We need to figure out who did it before we go and fix it, otherwise they might come back and do it again.'

'Yeah. Lou know anything?'

'No. She was busy the whole time, whoever did it had plenty of time to get in and out without getting seen.'

'But who would do that? I mean, you don't just go and throw broken glass down in an arena for the sake of it. You guys haven't got anyone whose got a grudge against you, it just doesn't make any sense.'

'I agree.' He sighed again. 'I'll take care of it Jessie, you don't need to worry about it.'

'Alright. I'm just glad I finally figured out what the problem was with Warrior, I'm just glad that he knew better then me.'

'Warrior's got a lot of sense, that is for sure.'

'Alright Grandpa, we're ready to go.' Amy exclaimed as she and Lou walked in.

'You'll need these.' He grabbed his keys from his pocket. 'Have a good evening you two.'

'We will.' Lou replied, giving him a kiss on the cheek as she took the keys. 'Bye Jessie.'

'Bye.' She turned back to Jack as they walked out, glancing up at him. Jack was unusually quiet, a look on his face that she didn't quite understand. 'Jack?'

'Oh?' He remarked, the girl stirring him from his thoughts. 'You say something Jessie?'

'Something on your mind?'

He shook his head, turning back to the sandwiches he was making for their meal. 'Nothing in particular. You've been a little distracted lately yourself.'

'Yeah.' She raised her eyebrows. 'I've had a lot on my mind.'

'Want to share it?'

'Not at the moment. I'm still trying to make sense of a couple things. Once I do, I'll let you know.'

'Fair enough.' He picked up the plates the sandwiches were on and took them to the table, handing one to the girl as he sat down. 'Well, what are we going to do with ourselves?'

Jessie chuckled. 'I know. It's so quiet and peaceful for a change.'

'Mainly because Mallory is at a sleepover.'

'Well, I wasn't going to say that but yeah. I like Mallory but sometimes I need a break from her endless chatter.'

'Can't argue with you there. How's Cindy going, by the way?'

'Good, I rang her yesterday. She's hoping to come watch me at the Rodeo if she can but she doesn't know if she'll be able to come yet. I'm hoping she can, I really want to see her.'

'She does know she's welcome to come here anytime.'

'Yeah but it's her grandma. She doesn't have much money for fuel, with her pension. That's the problem.'

'That's fair enough. Maybe I'll take you to see her sometime.'

The girl's face lit up. 'Can we?'

'Sure. I'll have to have a look at what's happening in the next couple of weeks and see if Elenore is okay with us going over but yes, I'll take you to see Cindy.'

'Brilliant! Thanks Jack!'

'Your welcome honey.' He smiled, glad to see the girl enthusiastic about something. 'Now, how about that game of chess?'

'And that's checkmate.' Jessie declared triumphantly, placing her queen in position to trap Jack's king. 'You can't go anywhere.'

'Man.' He shook his head as he looked at the board, chuckling. The girl had definitely got him fair and square for a third time. 'You are just too good at this.'

'Yep. Want another round?'

'I think losing three games in a row is more than enough for one night.'

'Alright, fair enough.' She smiled cheekily, beginning to put the chess pieces back in the box. 'When Lisa gets back you two will have to have a game against me. I think even with two to one I'd still win.'

'Oh you think so, do you?' Jack replied to her teasing. 'I wouldn't be so sure of that.'

'Only one way to find out, isn't there?'

'I guess so.' He glanced over at the clock. 'You better go get ready for your call with Lisa or you're going to miss talking to her.'

Jessie looked up, seeing what the time was and she quickly got out of her seat. 'Yeah, I better. I'll see you in the morning Jack, I'll go to sleep once we get off the call.'

'Alright, see you in the morning honey.'

'Come on Cougar.' She looked over at her pet lying beside the fireplace and clicked her fingers. 'Bed time.' Cougar padded over to her, purring as she rubbed against her legs. 'Good girl.'

She headed upstairs as Jack settled down to read his newspaper, turning the light on in her room as she walked in. Cougar took first dibs on the bed, sprawling out on top of her quilt and she chuckled, grabbing her laptop off her desk before heading over to her bed. 'Move over Missy, you're not the only one who wants the bed.'

Cougar yawned, blinking as she looked at her. 'Yes yes, you're cute. Move over.' She placed her hand on the cat's shoulder, pushing her to move. The cat finally made room for her and she climbed on, letting the cat lie her head down on her. 'How many times do I have to tell you I'm not your couch?'

She shook her head as she turned her laptop on and got ready for her call with Lisa. She checked her watch again, it was almost the time they'd decided on the night before. She got her Skype up, waiting for Lisa to call her. She smiled as she saw Lisa's call coming through, accepting it instantly. 'Lisa!'

'Hey Jessie.' Lisa laughed at the girl's enthusiasm. 'Man, that was quick.'

'I've been here waiting for you.'

'I'm not late am I?'

'No, you're right on time.'

'Good.' She nodded. 'How's your shoulder going?'

'It's okay, it still hurts but it's getting better. It's taking awhile for the bruise to go away but that's because of my anemia you know. I just can't wait to ride again. Not being able to ride is sending me crazy.'

'You only have to wait a couple more days.'

'Yeah, I know. It's still driving me crazy though.'

'Nothing keeps you down for long, does it?' The girl shook her head and she chuckled. 'What's Jack up to? I kinda thought maybe he'd have joined in.'

'I did ask him but he said video calling isn't his thing.'

'Ah yes, Jack isn't one for technology or trying something new.'

'I hadn't noticed.'

'So, what have you been up to today?'

'Not much. Schoolwork, helping around here as much as I can. Being Cougar's couch.' She turned the camera around so Lisa could see the cat sleeping on her legs. 'She wanted the whole bed before, I had quite the time trying to get her to make room for me.'

'Typical cat.'

'Yes. Typical cat indeed.'

'And how's Warrior?'

'Better. Amy and I finally figured out what was going on with him.'

'Oh?'

'Somehow a heap of broken glass found its way into the arena. That's why he wouldn't go in there.'

'Glass?'

'Yeah.'

'How-'

'We've got no idea.' Jessie sighed. 'I don't know what we're going to do with the arena, Jack said he would take care of it so I guess I'll just have to wait and see.'

'You know you're always welcome to go use Fairfield's arena.'

'I know, as long as your crazy ex-husband isn't there. I won't have you around to chase him off.'

Lisa chuckled. 'I think you could do just as good a job chasing him off as I could.'

'Maybe but I think I'll just stick to training him in the clearing for the moment and just see what happens.'

'Fair enough.' She agreed. 'What else has been going on? You were a little quiet last night when I rang. Something the matter?'

'I've just had a lot on my mind is all.' Jessie replied, picking at a loose thread in her quilt. 'I'm trying to make sense of a few things but the more I think about it the more it doesn't make any sense.'

'You want to share what you're thinking about? Voicing it might help you figure it out.'

She sighed, thinking. Maybe telling Lisa would make things clearer to her. 'You know Scott came over yesterday to check Spartan for Amy?' The woman nodded and she took a deep breath before she continued. 'Well, he forgot his phone and wallet and so I offered to go get them for him. When I did, a photo dropped out of his wallet.'

'And-' Lisa prompted after a moment of the girl being silent.

'It was of my mother.'

'Woah.' She certainly wasn't expecting that. No wonder Jessie hadn't been herself when she'd been talking to her. 'Are you sure?'

'Even though I haven't seen her since I was five, I'm sure it was her.' Jessie could see the surprise in Lisa's expression. 'That was my reaction too. I've been trying to figure out how on earth Scott came to have a photo of her.'

'Have you asked him?'

'No, of course I haven't. What on earth would I say Lisa? Hi Scott, I saw you had a photo of my mother in your wallet and I want to know how you know her? No.' She sighed. 'I don't know what to do.'

'I don't think you're going to get answers until you talk to him honey.' Lisa replied gently. 'Does Jack know?'

'No, you're the only person I've told.' The girl sighed again, biting her lip. 'I just don't know what to do. I don't know how I feel about asking him about her, I don't know if I want to know the answers. What do I do Lisa?'

'I don't know honey. I guess the biggest thing is what do you want to do about it?'

'That's the thing, I don't have the faintest clue what to do. If I don't ask him, maybe I'll never learn more about her, who she was and why she did what she did. I have so many unanswered questions, so many things I want to find out. Then on the other hand I'm afraid to ask for what I might find. I just don't know what to do. I just wish I knew.'

'You like Scott, don't you?'

'Yeah, he's an alright person. Warrior seems to think he's okay.'

'I can't tell you what to do Jessie, but I do think you should at least ask him.'

'Maybe. Ugh.' She complained, turning back to the screen. 'I just wish I had never seen that photo! Then I wouldn't have this problem now.'

'Have you thought that maybe you were meant to see the photo? Things happen for a reason Jessie, even if we don't know what the reason is sometimes.'

'Yeah, I know.' Jessie fell silent again for a moment, pondering what Lisa had said. What did she have to lose by asking? Nothing really. Nothing except a very fragile image of what her mother was. Would she lose what little esteem and love she had for her if what Scott had to say about her turned out to be bad? Was that a risk she was happy to take? Regardless, that part of her life was over. She had Jack and Lisa now but even so, that woman was her mother. It had hurt her to realize and see Robert for what he really was, could she chance having to go through that all again but this time over her memories of her mother? Would it be worth it? 'I'll think about it Lisa, hopefully I'll figure out what I should do.'

'I'm sure you'll figure it out honey.'

'I hope so.' She jumped slightly, hearing the front door downstairs slam loudly and a faint whinny from the barn. 'Someone must be home.'

'Oh?'

'Amy and Lou headed out for some sister time, I didn't think they'd be back so early. They were going to get dinner together or something.'

'That's nice. I used to do that with my sister. Speaking of her, I should probably give her a ring and see how she's going. We haven't spoken for a couple weeks.' She frowned, seeing the look on Jessie's face. 'Something wrong Jessie?'

'I don't know. Something just doesn't feel right.' The girl replied, hearing another horse neigh loudly now that she was concentrating for the sound. 'Just give me a moment, I'll see if I can see anything.'

'Alright honey.' She watched as the girl placed the laptop down and heard her stand up on her bed, guessing she was looking out the window. She heard the girl gasp then Jessie came back onto the screen. 'What's wrong honey?'

'I've got to go, the barn's on fire!'

Annnnnnnnddddddddddd, I'll leave this chapter right here... Adios folks!