The Jessie Stories - The Saga Begins

by imajisaheartlandfan

A young girl is fighting to survive in a harsh world on her own when she finds herself at Heartland through a series of events that will forever leave their mark on her young mind. Will she find a place at Heartland? Will she finally find a place and a family she can call her own? A Jisa fanfic (cause there just isn't enough) with a young girl to keep em on their toes!

124. Chapter 52- New Beginnings

Chapter 52

'Are you sure you should be riding over to Lisa's on your own?' Ty asked Jessie as the girl tacked her stallion up early the next morning. 'I mean, you were pretty scared yesterday when you came back and Jack told me what happened. Maybe I should come with you.'

'Ty, I'm okay.' She smiled at him, patting Warrior before she did up the cinch. 'Really. I just had a bad fright but I'm alright now. Thank you for worrying about me though. I appreciate it.'

'You sure?'

'I'm sure.' Jessie chuckled. 'I've got Warrior and my rifle, just in case. I'll be fine.'

'Alright, if you're sure-'

'I am.' She shook her head in amusement. 'Hey, I didn't have a chance to ask you yesterday but how did things go with Mark and Venture?'

'Not great. He's coming to take Venture this morning.'

'Oh.' The girl sighed, fastening the flank cinch. 'I hoped you guys would have been able to get through to him.'

'So did I. Amy's not one to give up though, she'll think of something.'

'I hope she does. It would be a shame for Venture to have to be retired when it's not his fault.' Jessie picked up her rifle from where she'd sat it down on a haybale, placing it in the scabbard. 'I'd stay and help but I'm going to the polo match with Lisa.' She glanced around as she untied the horse and started for the door. 'You seen Jack?'

'Briefly, he was working on something inside.'

'I must have just missed him then.' She halted the stallion outside the door, reaching for the stirrup as she placed the other rein over his neck. She lifted herself up, gathering the reins as she found her right stirrup. 'Tell him I'll be back this afternoon, it'll save me messaging him myself.'

'Sure.'

'Thanks.'

'Have fun.'

'I will.' She called back over her shoulder as Warrior transitioned into a canter. She breathed in deep of the morning air, a smile on her face as she glanced around in the early light. It was looking to be a beautiful day, the sky cloudless as the orange rays of sun bathed everything in its gorgeous glow. Warrior shook his head, asking to run and she chuckled, keeping him at a canter till he was warmed up enough to gallop. He loved to run, there was nothing she enjoyed more then ride him flat out, the wind through her hair and his mane.

She slowed him to a trot as they came to the bridle path cross roads, turning him down the track that led to Fairfield then let him fly. The sound of his hooves pelting against the path drummed steadily through the trees, an unbroken melodious rhythm. A log appeared ahead and she turned him towards it, the pair leaping it in perfect unison. She patted his shoulder as they raced on, a huge smile on her face from the thrill and joy jumping gave her.

Another crossroads loomed ahead and she slowed him down to a canter, rounding the corner of the path to the one to Fairfield. 'That's enough of a run for today boy.' She ran her hand down his neck, the stallion fighting against her to run again. 'You need to cool off now, we'll be there soon.'

The stable yard was relatively still and quiet as she rode in, only a few grooms and horses were moving around at the early hour. She rode him up to the house yard fence, pulling him to a halt as she slid off. He nickered softly and she gave him a pat. 'Good boy.' He nudged her as she tied him to the rail then grabbed the rifle out, took the saddlebags off the back of the saddle and headed to the gate. 'Just a moment boy, I'll put these inside.' She quietly opened the front door, glancing around. The house was still and quiet and so she placed her rifle and saddlebags down under the coat rack and headed back to her stallion. Warrior was waiting for her, watching with his ears pricked as she walked back to him. 'Here I am.'

Warrior nudged her gently as she untied him, the girl chuckling while they walked to his pen. She rubbed his neck, stopping him at the gate to unlatch it then led him in. The stallion sniffed around while she closed it behind them then she led him to the stable inside the yard. Warrior sniffed around in his empty feed bucket meanwhile the girl tied him up and started to untack him. 'I'll get you some feed in a minute boy.' She exclaimed, unbuckling his breastplate and undoing his cinch. The stallion looked around at her as far as his lead would allow, snorting softly while she lifted his saddle off. 'I know you're hungry.' She placed his saddle on the floor and took off his bridle, replacing it with his halter. The stallion nudged her again and she grabbed his feed bucket. 'Okay, okay. I'll go get you your feed.'

The stallion followed her down to the gate, watching her as she headed over to the feed room. A couple of the grooms said hello to her, the girl returning their greetings with a pleasant good morning and a smile. Linda was in the feed room as she walked in, glancing up at her as she walked through the door. 'Morning.'

'Morning. You're here early.'

'Yeah, just rode over.' She replied, filling Warrior's feed bucket with some oats. 'Have you seen Lisa yet? I went inside but it was awfully quiet.'

'No, I haven't seen her this morning.' Linda measured out some supplements for one of the breeding mares into its bucket. 'Did you check her office in the house?'

'Not yet, I wanted to look after Warrior first. I'll go check after I give him his feed.'

'I can feed him for you if you want.'

'It's okay, I'll do it.' She smiled, grabbing a couple of sugar cubes from a bag to treat him with. 'Thanks for offering thought Linda. See you around.'

Warrior was pacing up and down the fence as she walked back out of the stables, the girl chuckling as he called to her. He stopped at the gate, trying to reach his feed bucket while the girl tried to get into the pen. 'Back boy.' She laughed, pushing him away so she could get into the yard. 'You'll get it in a moment.' The stallion stepped back but quickly tried again to put his nose in the bucket as she walked up to his stable. 'Yes, yes.' She hung it up on the hook, Warrior digging in with gusto. 'Typical horse.'

She left the stallion to his meal, heading back to the house as she glanced down at her watch. It was just after eight and her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten herself yet. Quietly she walked into the house, taking off her boots in the mud room so she didn't soil the white carpets and headed into the living room. 'Lisa?' She asked, looking around. 'Lisa?'

'In here.'

Jessie headed towards where her voice had come from, finding Lisa in her bedroom going through her wardrobe. 'Morning.'

'Hey Jessie.' She replied, picking a dress off the rack. 'How was your ride over?'

'Good. A lot better than yesterday's ride.'

'Oh? What happened?'

'Warrior got spooked and there were big dog tracks near the path. It's the third time it's happened, it's starting to get on my nerves a little.' The girl looked at the dress Lisa was holding, wanting to change the subject. 'That's a nice one.'

'Yeah, I'm trying to pick something. I kinda left it till the last minute.'

'You and me both.' She sighed. 'Let me guess, Jack?' She knew she was correct by the look on Lisa's face. 'I tried talking to him but I'm afraid that you're stuck with me.'

Lisa smiled, touching the girl's cheek. 'I'm glad you're coming along. You had breakfast yet?'

'Nope.'

'Alright.' She placed her dress down on her bed, ushering the girl out of her room. 'Let's go see if we can fix that.'

'Pancakes?' Jessie asked hopefully.

'Pancakes it is.'

'Brilliant.' The girl chuckled, heading into the kitchen. 'You make the best pancakes.'

'Thanks for the compliment Jess.'

Jessie sat down at the bench, resting her elbows on the granite benchtop and placed her chin on her hands. 'Notice anything different?'

'Hmm?' Lisa grabbed out a mixing bowl and some measuring cups, placing them on the bench in front of the girl. 'Nope.'

'My hands.' She grinned as she showed her she wasn't wearing her bandages or gloves anymore. 'All better again.'

'That's great honey. You sure you're not hiding any other injuries?'

'Lisa.' The girl giggled, playfully hitting her with a tea towel that was lying on the bench. 'I'm all better and hopefully will be for some time. I'm not planning on getting hurt anytime soon.'

'That's good to hear, Miss Accident Prone.'

Jessie laughed again, watching as the woman started to mix together the pancake batter. 'What can I do?'

'You can crack the eggs.'

'Okay.' She cracked them into a bowl, whisking them together then poured them in with the rest of the batter. 'Anything else?'

'You can start cutting up strawberries, there's some blueberries in the fridge too.'

'Mmhmm.'

'We'll eat and clean up then get ready for the match. Do you want me to do your makeup?'

'Sure, I've got no idea how to do it anyway.' She chuckled, placing the fruit on the bench then grabbed a chopping board and knife out. 'Closest I ever got to makeup was when Warrior bucked me off and I landed in a fresh pile of manure. Tell you what, it wasn't very pretty.'

Lisa laughed, shaking her head as she poured the batter into the frying pan. 'Oh that would have been a sight darlin.'

'That's one way you could describe it.' The girl agreed. 'I guess today can kinda be a test run for the rodeo then.'

'You thought about the Queen of the Rodeo contest?'

'Yes, yes. I have. Maybe next year though.' She finished cutting up the strawberries, glancing around for anything else she could do. 'You want me to start washing up while you cook the pancakes?'

'Sure. Thanks Jessie.'

'Your welcome.' The girl turned the tap on to fill the sink up, grabbing the dirty measuring cups and spoons off the bench. 'I like being in the kitchen with you.'

'I think you like being anywhere with me, am I correct?' Lisa asked with a teasing chuckle.

'You know me too well.' She playfully bumped her as Lisa leaned over her shoulder to put some things to be cleaned up in the sink. 'And you'll be stuck with me for as long as you'll let me be around.'

'That'll be forever then, hope you don't mind.'

'Do you?'

'Never.' She wrapped her arm around the girl, kissing her on the head. 'You meant the world to me.'

'That's nice to hear you say that.' The girl smiled, looking up at her. 'It makes me feel special.'

'You are special.'

'I know.' Jessie grinned. 'Of course I am.' The woman let go of her after a moment, heading back to the stove to watch their breakfast cooking. She thought quietly for a little while, washing up as she pondered. She paused, turning back to her. 'What do you like best about me?'

Lisa chuckled, flipping the pancakes. 'Where do I start? You're funny, you're kind and compassionate. Beautiful and gentle. You have a way with horses and you always think of others.'

'Yep, that pretty much sums me up.'

'Why'd you ask?'

'I guess I'm just doubting myself again.' The last few things were washed up and placed in the drying rack and she emptied the sink. 'You might say that about me but inside myself I don't believe it.'

She nodded, looking over at the girl as she sat down at the bench again. 'I know Jess, I can tell.'

'I hate feeling like this, constantly questioning myself if I'm good enough.'

'I used to do that a lot to Jessie, sometimes I still do.' Lisa flipped a couple pancakes onto a plate and poured some more batter into the pan. 'For a long, long time I had very little self esteem and self respect. I used to feel the way you do know, sometimes I still do. I'll be very honest with you honey, I still struggle with it.'

'You always seem so confident, so assured.'

'Maybe on the outside, what people see of me.' She put another pancake onto a different plate and carried them over to the bench, joining the girl. 'You want some maple syrup?'

'Sure.' Jessie put some fruit on top of her pancakes, drizzling some maple syrup on top after Lisa had given it to her. 'So what'd you do?'

'You've got to change your thinking first honey, don't keep thinking negatively of yourself and don't call yourself an idiot or names like that.'

She chuckled, taking a bite of her breakfast while it was still warm. 'Jack brought me up on that the other day. It's pretty hard to not call myself that when that's what I believe I am.'

'Well you're not, so we need to change what you believe.' Lisa smiled kindly at her, lifting her chin so the girl would look at her. 'And we'll start with this. Jessica, you are a gorgeous, beautiful, smart, talented young lady who doesn't let people or circumstances get in the way of what she wants. You are wanted, accepted and loved very much.'

Jessie blushed, looking away from Lisa's eyes. 'Thanks Lisa.'

'Your welcome honey.' She replied, the two of them going back to eating their meal. She looked at Jessie, a wistful smile on her face. She could really relate to what the girl was saying, the struggle she could see going on inside her through those big brown eyes. She'd been there, she was still there. She constantly doubted herself, was always worried she wasn't good enough. They finished off their breakfast, each of them absorbed in their own thoughts and happy in the others presence. She got up after she finished her first couple pancakes and got another one, looking over at Jessie. 'You want another one?'

'No thank you.' The girl shook her head, finishing off what was left on her plate. 'That was enough for me.'

'Alright. How about you go rinse off your plate then go get changed and I'll fix your hair up.'

'Sounds great.' Jessie agreed, heading to the sink. She headed to the mudroom where she'd left her saddlebags and rifle, glancing back at Lisa as she walked through the kitchen on her way to her room. 'You got somewhere I can put this rifle of mine while we're gone?'

Lisa raised her eyebrow. What was Jessie doing with her rifle? 'Jessie-'

'It's okay Lisa, it was just a precaution in case that dog decided to try and attack Warrior and I on our way over. Jack was okay with me taking it.'

She sighed in relief that it wasn't anything more. The girl had her worried there for a moment. It wasn't every day you saw a twelve year old walking around with a rifle. 'I've got a gun safe in my room, I'll go put it in there for you.'

'You've got your own guns?'

'My dads.' She saw the look of surprise on the girls face. 'Jessie, I know how to use a gun.'

'I just never thought-'

She chuckled. 'Yeah, I don't seem like the type hey.'

'No.' The girl replied, handing her the rifle. 'Thanks.'

'No problem.'

Jessie headed into her room, closing the door behind her and tossed her saddlebags onto her bed. Quickly she changed out of her riding clothes into her dress and headed back out, looking around for Lisa. 'Lisa?'

'Bathroom.'

She chuckled, hearing her voice and headed down the hallway to her. 'I still can't believe how big this house is. You almost need a map and compass to get around.'

'You'll get used to it.' Lisa laughed, smiling as the girl walked in to join her. 'How do you want your hair?'

'Same way you did it for Amy's party? I really liked that.'

'Sure, we can do that.'

'Thanks.' She smiled up at her. 'You really do spoil me.'

A bit over an hour later and Jessie stared at herself in the mirror, almost unable to recognize herself. She'd gone from the ranch girl to a young lady, her hair nicely fixed and she was wearing makeup for the first time ever.

'What do you think?'

'I look-' She replied, her voice cracking. 'Beautiful. Thank you Lisa.'

Lisa smiled, placing her arm around the girl. 'Hey, don't cry. You'll mess up all my hard work.'

'I won't.' The girl promised, chuckling for a moment then turned sober again. The girl staring back at her in the mirror wasn't the girl she used to be. It felt weird, seeing herself in a different light. It wasn't just the fact that she looked tidy and well kept, she'd never been looked after like this. She'd never had anyone who took the time to make her look and feel pretty. She looked loved, cared for. She stared at the image for another moment, slowly extending her hand forward to touch her face on the glass. Her brown eyes were cloudy with tears as she looked at her reflection, Lisa still with her comforting arm around her. 'I never thought I'd have this life, the life that you and Jack have given me.'

Lisa kissed her head gently, careful not to mess up the girl's hair. Her own eyes were watering, watching the girls reaction to seeing the new her. She was reminded again of just how much the girl had missed out on, how long she'd wanted this life. A life where she was wanted and loved. 'I'm so glad we saw you at Maggie's that night. From the first time I saw you, I wanted you honey.'

'You and Jack have changed my life forever.' She'd often thought of how different things could have turned out if she'd never met them that night. 'I don't know how I can ever repay you guys.'

'You don't have to. There is nothing you could do to repay us.'

'I don't deserve this life.'

'You do honey, you do.' She gently held the girl tighter. 'Our love for you is unconditional Jessie, we love you so so much. You're our gorgeous girl, you're our beautiful fighter. You'll always have a home and a family in us. We mightn't be perfect but we love you just the way you are.'

'You mean it?'

'I do sweetheart, I do.' Jessie smiled through her silent tears, looking up at her. 'I love you Lisa.'

'I love you too my girl.'

She turned back to the mirror, looking at their reflection. 'And you always will?'

'I promise.'

The girl closed her eyes, taking in the feeling of Lisa's arms around her. Somehow, her insecurities, her fears, they seemed to fade away in her hold. She felt the woman kiss her head gently again, holding her. She opened her eyes after a time, composing herself together as she looked at her. There were no more words needed to be spoken of her breaking down. 'You better go get ready or we're going to be late.'

Lisa chuckled, touching the girl's cheek with the back of her hand. As quickly as Jessie's moments came, they went and the girl carried on with what was going on around her. She knew sometimes all she needed was a moment, a moment to let her guard down but then she'd gather herself together and carry on. She was a fighter, always soldering on. She wished for a moment she knew what thoughts had gone through the girls mind, Jessie wasn't the kind to speak everything on her mind but she thought a lot. It was just part of who she was. 'You're right. How about you go grab yourself a book and read for a bit while I get ready.'

'Okay.' She nodded, heading to the door then stopped and glanced back at her. 'Thank you.'

'Your welcome.'

Jessie went out to the living room, walking over to the bookshelf. Her eyes searched over the titles, looking for anything that sparked her interest but they were pretty boring titles. She sighed, checking them over another time then settled for a travel book about France. I'm going to need to bring some more interesting books over. She thought as she pulled it off the shelf. All she could find on there were traveling books. So boring. Where were all the horse books? She turned, about to head over to the couch when a photograph near the ones of Lisa as a kid and a few others caught her eye. She didn't remember noticing it earlier and placed the book down on the table, picking up the photograph. It was of Lisa and a gorgeous chestnut mare.

'Triple Crown Winner - 1996 - Crystal Sunshine' She read out the plague at the bottom of the photo frame, running her fingers over the glass. Lisa looked so young, was that jockey silks she was wearing? She frowned, taking a seat on the leather couch. The chestnut looked familiar, she was certain of it. Where had she seen that horse before? She stared at the photo, time slipping away as she tried to figure out where she'd seen the horse.

'How do I look Jessie?'

'Hmm?' The girl was jolted out of her thoughts, quickly placing the photograph aside as Lisa walked into the room. 'You look gorgeous Lisa.'

Lisa chuckled. 'Thanks honey. You ready to go?'

'Yep.' She got off the couch, glancing at her watch. It was almost eleven. 'What time does the match start?'

'Twelve. We'll be there in plenty of time.'

'Good. Don't want to miss the golf on horseback.'

'Golf on horseback.' Lisa laughed as they headed to the front door, glancing down at Jessie. 'Indeed. You okay in those shoes?'

'I'll manage.' Her shoes had a little bit of a heel to them, she was used to walking around in boots then these sandals. 'But there's no way I could walk in the shoes you're wearing.'

'And I'm still shorter then Jack with them on.' Her face clouded slightly at his name but she quickly brushed her emotions away. There was no sense in ruining a day out with Jessie. 'You'll get used to them eventually.'

Jessie chuckled as she hopped in the car, clicking in her seatbelt as Lisa turned the car on. 'I don't know about that.'

'You'll be just fine.'

'I think Warrior is wondering what's up.' She remarked as they drove past his pen, the stallion whinnying and galloping alongside them as far as the fence would allow. 'He's never seen me dressed up so fancy.'

'You and that horse.' It was rather amusing how close the two of them were. She'd seen Warrior running along the fence out of the corner of her eye. 'You two are something.'

'I know. Warrior is my best friend. After you and Jack that is.' She rested her head back against the seat as they pulled out onto the highway. 'You aren't close to a horse like I am to Warrior, are you?'

Lisa shook her head. 'No. I don't have the time anymore.'

'Did you used to have a horse like that?'

'I did.'

She looked at Lisa, waiting for an explanation but the woman didn't offer any. I wonder if it was the horse in the photo. She thought, thinking back on how happy both Lisa and the horse had looked. She glanced at Lisa again, frowning. Was it just her imagination or did Lisa look teary? 'Lisa?'

'Yes honey?'

'You okay?'

'Just fine.' Lisa replied. 'You read anything interesting?'

'I found a book about France. Not exactly my cup of tea.'

'I'll have to get some books out of storage for you, I forgot that what's on the bookshelf is pretty bland. I've got plenty of old horse novels and stuff from when I was your age.'

'Oh, from when dinosaurs still roamed the earth?' She teased, hoping to put a smile back on her face. It worked and she giggled. 'Sorry.'

'You do come out with some pretty funny things Jess.'

'I do, don't I?' Jessie looked back out the windscreen. 'Sometimes I manage to surprise myself too but yeah, I think those books would be more interesting then that travel one.'

'You'd probably like France more being able to see it rather then reading about it. Maybe I'll take you over there sometime.'

'I don't know-' The thought of that kinda scared her. 'I don't know about that.'

'I think you'd really enjoy it.'

'Maybe.' She bit at her fingernails. 'I've never traveled before, like on a plane or overseas I mean.'

'Maybe when you're a bit older hey?' She could see the girl biting at her fingers, she'd picked up on the fact that Jessie did that when she was faced with something she wasn't sure about. 'In a couple of years you might be ready to do that.'

'We'll see. Has Jack gone over there with you?'

'Ah no. Traveling, like a polo match, isn't his thing.'

Jessie nodded. 'I guessed. Maybe he'll go with you one day.'

'Maybe, but I doubt it. Jack's pretty set in his ways sometimes.'

'Yeah.' She had really hoped that he'd have changed his mind about coming to the polo match for Lisa. She'd tried to get him to, that was the best she could do. 'Your pretty hurt he didn't want to come to the match, aren't you?'

'Kinda.' She finally admitted after a long pause. 'But I should have known he wouldn't have come.'

'It's not about you, just remember that.'

'How do you know just what to say when I need to hear it Jessie?'

'Intuition. Same as you do for me.' Jessie looked back at her. 'I guess we're a lot alike.'

'I guess we are.' She replied, looking around for a parking spot as they arrived at the polo club. She found one, glancing over at the girl as the car came to a stop. 'You want a moment?'

Jessie nodded, taking a deep breath. This was the first social outing she was going to, why hadn't she realised that before? She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing deeply as she focused on what was important. That she was here to spend time with Lisa and that she'd probably never see the people here again. She opened her eyes again, a set determination showing in them. 'Okay, ready.'

'I'll be right here.' Lisa assured her as they walked side by side to the entrance. 'If you feel like it's starting to get to be too much, you just let me know and we can go find somewhere quiet. Okay?'

'Okay.' She found herself holding onto Lisa's hand, looking up at her. 'Thanks.'

'It's okay honey, I know what it's like.'

Jessie stayed beside her as they walked through the crowd, heading to the balcony where there were less people to watch the polo players warming their horses up. She looked around, taking in her surroundings and she felt Lisa squeeze her hand gently. There were a lot of people there, rich people she could guess by the flashy clothes they wore. Glancing around, she began to realize why Jack hadnt wanted to come. She felt so out of place.

'Lisa, it's good to see you.'

Lisa turned around, faking a smile at Val. 'You two Val. You look nice.'

'Thank you. So do you.' She glanced around. 'Jack didn't come with you?'

'Ah no.' She shook her head. 'He didn't.'

'Tsk tsk. Well, you know Jack. He's set in his ways.'

'Yes.'

Val looked over behind her to the girl standing next to her, watching the horses intently. 'And who's this?'

'Jessie.' Lisa replied, a slight smirk on her lips as she looked down at the girl and placed her arm around her. The girl giggled, resting her head against her as she shyly looked up at the woman.

'Wow. You've worked nothing short of a miracle. I didn't even recognize her.' She looked down at the girl, amazed at the difference she saw between the girl now and when she'd seen her at Maggie's a couple months ago. 'I hear you're going to be competing against my Ashley in the rodeo.'

'Yes mam.' She replied softly, staying close to Lisa. 'It would appear so.'

'Have you done much competing?'

'No.'

'It's her first rodeo.' Lisa smiled down at the girl. 'And you're going to do great.'

'Thanks Lisa.' A person down on the field caught her eye and she grinned. 'Scott's here.'

'We'll go talk to him later, okay? I think he's here on vet duty at the moment.'

'Alright.'

'Well-' Val looked around for her daughter. 'If you'll excuse me there's some other people I need to go speak to. It was nice chatting. Lisa, Jessie.'

'I thought she'd never leave.'

Lisa had to stifle a laugh, hugging the girl as she smirked. 'Jessie.'

'You don't like her much, do you?'

'Val Stanton is Val Stanton.' She answered, not wishing to speak badly of her to the girl. 'Let's watch the horses, hey?'

Jessie nodded, turning back to the field. 'I like that grey.'

'That's a nice one.' Lisa agreed. 'You've got an eye for pretty horses.'

'I like pretty things.'

'I've noticed that.' She heard a person coming up behind her and glanced around to see Lou coming over to them. Jessie moved over a little to make room at the glass railing, her focus still on watching the horses. 'Hi.'

'Hi.' Lou replied, returning Lisa's hug.

'Look at you. You look lovely.'

'Thank you-' She smiled, looking at the dress Lisa was wearing. 'So do you.'

Lisa looked over at Jessie, checking to make sure the girl was still okay. Jessie was watching the horses intently, completely uninterested in their conversation. She turned back to Lou, hoping maybe Jack had changed his mind at the last moment. 'Did Jack come with you?'

'I'm sorry Lisa. He's being pigheaded.'

'Mm-hm.'

'And he's not the only one.' She looked down at the field where Scott was talking to a woman.

'Huh.' She saw who Lou was referring to, just hoping that whatever was going on between the two of them wouldn't affect Scott spending time with Jessie in the long run. Jessie had been hurt too many times, she hoped that her getting to know her half-brother would be good for her. 'Where are you two at these days?

'Your guess is as good as mine.'

'Well, they certainly keep us guessing, don't they?' She looked over at Jessie again. 'I'm just going to get a drink and something to eat, would you mind staying with Jessie? I don't think wild horses would be able to drag her away right now.'

Lou chuckled, nodding. 'Sure.'

'Thanks. You want anything?'

'No, I'm good. Thank you for offering.' She turned to Jessie as Lisa walked away, resting her arms on the railing. 'What do you think?'

'Amy was right. It's golf on horseback.'

She laughed. 'I don't think it's exactly that.'

'Probably not, but it's close.' The girl looked up, starting to panic slightly as she realised Lisa wasn't beside her anymore. 'Where's Lisa?'

'She's gone to get a drink. She'll be back in a minute.'

'Okay.' A shiver ran up her spine as she forced back the knots in her stomach, trying not to show how anxious she was to Lou. 'That's a nice dress.'

'Thank you. You look really nice too.'

'Thanks, Lisa did my hair and makeup for me.'

'She did a good job.'

'Too good maybe, Val Stanton didn't recognize me.'

Lou chuckled. 'Val doesn't recognize anyone unless it's Jack.'

'I hadn't noticed.' She looked back at the field again. 'Lou, you're okay with Scott coming around to see me at Heartland from time to time, aren't you?'

'Of course I am. Why wouldn't I?'

'I've just picked up on a couple things, that's all. I know it's not my place to say anything but I was just worried. I really want to get to know him.'

'I'm not going to stop you so you don't need to worry about that.' Lou assured her. Even though it was kind of awkward, Scott and the girl being related they deserved the chance to build a relationship. She'd come to that conclusion, after she'd gotten over the shock. 'Your lucky, Scott's a good man.'

'I'm back.'

'Thought you'd abandoned me.' Jessie mock teased as Lisa returned. 'Gone home without me.'

'I wouldn't do that.' She replied, handing her a couple sandwiches. 'I thought you might be hungry.'

'Thanks.'

'If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find a seat.'

'Okay Lou, thanks for keeping an eye on Jess for me.'

'No problem.'

'You wish Jack was here, don't you?' Jessie asked after a moment, looking at her sandwiches.

Lisa placed her arm on the girl's shoulder, knowing the girl could sense she was disappointed. 'I'm glad I'm here with you.'

'But I'm not Jack.' She took a nibble out of her sandwich. 'I tried to get him to come with you, I really tried Lisa. I know how much you were hoping he'd come.'

'Hey, it's alright honey.' She touched her cheek gently. 'I'm sure you tried your best. This just isnt Jack's thing.'

'I don't think it's really mine either.' The girl looked around at the crowd again. 'I don't belong here.'

Lisa looked at her sympathetically. Of course you feel like that honey. Why hadn't she realised Jessie would feel out of place? She'd been so pre-occupied she hadn't noticed. 'We can leave if you like.'

'No, it's okay.' She tried to make a smile. 'I want to watch the match.'

'Alright. You just say when you want to leave, okay?'

The girl nodded. 'Okay.'

They turned back to watch the horses, Lisa with her arm protectively around the girl. The announcer called over the loudspeakers that it was almost time for the match and she turned to Jessie. 'You want to go find a seat?'

'Can we watch from here? If you don't mind.'

'Not at all. We can stay here.' She replied, glancing around as she heard footsteps coming up behind her. She smiled, touching Jack's arm as he stopped beside her. 'Well, if it isn't the goat.'

Jessie turned, grinning as she saw Jack had joined them. She left Lisa, giving Jack a hug. 'Hey.'

'Hey Jessie.' He returned the hug then placed his hand on the girl's shoulder as she stepped back. 'You look gorgeous honey.'

'Thanks Jack.' Her smile lit up her face at the compliment. 'Lisa did my hair for me.'

'She did a really good job.' He winked at Lisa, the woman watching on with a smile on her face. 'You look really nice.'

'Well-' The girl looked at the two of them cheekily then turned back to the match. 'Don't mind me, I'm busy watching the horses.'

Lisa chuckled, glancing from the girl back to Jack. She smiled, tossing her hair back as she looked at him. 'I'm very glad you're here.'

'Well, Lis, we come from different worlds, you and me.' Jack replied after a moment, continuing as he saw the look of slight confusion on her face as to what he was getting at. 'Like the fish stick to your caviar, the hamburger to your tenderloin.'

'Stop it-' She laughed. 'you're making me hungry.'

'I just-'

'I don't want to change you one bit, I like you just the way you are. Maybe a little less stubble for the club, eh?' She teased, touching his cheek for a moment. 'Kidding. You look so handsome.'

'And you look beautiful.' He glanced around then placed his arm around her, kissing her gently on the cheek. She smiled, god that smile. He was happy to see it back on her face. He hadn't liked the way they'd parted last time they'd seen each other. 'I'm sorry Lis, for the way I've been. Jessie was right, you do a lot with me yet I don't really do much of what you want to do.'

'Jack, it's okay-'

'No Lisa. I feel really bad about it.'

'Well don't. If it makes you feel any better though, I forgive you.' Lisa replied. 'I heard about Jessie's little talk with you.'

He chuckled. 'Jessie has a way of making people realize things in a different way.'

'So I've noticed.'

'Okay you two.' Jessie interrupted with a grin. 'How about we watch the match now?'