TW for cancer talk

'Maddie?' A knock sounded on her bedroom door. 'Maddie, can I talk to you for a moment?'

'Yeah, sure Dad.' Maddie replied, glancing up from her music book as he walked in. 'I must have lost track of time, I didn't realize you'd gotten home.'

'Just pulled in.'

'How was work?'

'Work was alright.' He came over to her desk where she was sitting and gave her a hug. 'How-how was your day?'

She smiled as he gave her cat a pat, Bubbles curled up asleep on her lap. 'Yeah, it was okay… Grampa took me down to the stables for a bit then I've been catching up on school work.' She glanced back down her music book, adding a couple words to finish the line of lyrics she'd been writing down then closed it up. 'You heard from Doc Williams?'

'I did.'

'What did he say?' She questioned as he pulled over a chair to take a seat beside her. 'Can I ride?'

'He's not recommending it.'

Maddie sighed heavily. 'I knew it… Guess that's it then.' She lent back in her chair, tears coming to her eyes. 'All that work for nothing…'

'Maddie.' Cordell said softly. 'Look at me.'

After a moment she turned to him, hoping that he didn't pick up on the fact she was falling apart. The only thing she really wanted to do was ride Dakota in the finals and now even that was going to be taken from her…

'I know how much you wanted to ride-'

'Just leave me alone Dad, okay?' She burst out, rising from her chair. 'Just go.'

He sighed as Maddie flopped down on her bed, burying her face in her pillow. After a moment he stood up and went over to her, sitting down on the mattress beside her. He placed his hand on her shoulder, the girl freezing at his touch like she used to as her sobs were abruptly cut off. 'Maddie, if you let me finish what I was saying you would have heard that I was going to let you ride.'

Upon hearing that, Maddie rolled over slowly, looking up at him. 'What… what did you say?'

Cordell tucked a stray lock of hair back behind her ear. 'I said you can ride Dakota in the competition.'

She sniffled, wiping away tears she'd been wrestling to hold in all day. 'But… but you said the doctor didn't recommend it…'

'Yeah, yeah I did.'

'Then how does that mean I can ride?'

'It means that you are going to have to be very, very careful. Alright?' She nodded. 'Alright. Dry off those tears, I've got something to show you.'

Maddie did as she was told, drying off her cheeks as she followed him out of the room. Abeline was in the kitchen working on dinner, Bonham in the living room discussing something with Liam and Stella and August were at the kitchen table working on their homework. 'What is it?'

'You'll just have to wait and see…' He replied, motioning to the box on the table. 'It was supposed to be for your birthday but well… You're going to need it sooner.'

'My birthday is only a couple days away.' She chuckled softly as she looked at the wrapped gift. 'Hey, either of you two know what's in here?'

'Why don't you just open it?' Stella questioned. 'Then you'll find out.'

'Besides, we haven't got the faintest clue.' August added.

Maddie laughed, beginning to untie the ribbon from around the box. 'Augie, I love you, but you are an awful liar.' They all laughed at that and once the ribbon was untied she placed it aside to begin work on the wrapping paper. 'Now I know for sure that you didn't wrap this Dad.'

'What? Is my present wrapping that bad?' He questioned, receiving three looks from his children and one from his mother. 'Okay, okay. So it was that one time-'

Lifting out a black western helmet, Maddie's jaw dropped. 'Dad… It's beautiful. I-I didn't even know they made western helmets.'

'Well, now you do.' Cordell replied. 'And any time you ride, you wear it. I know you've gotten used to not wearing a helmet but if you want to ride-'

'I'm gonna wear it.' She interrupted him, placing the helmet on her head. 'How do I look?'

'Oh yeah, suits you real good.' August said in a teasing voice, earning himself an eye roll from his sister. 'It's a helmet, Maddie. They all look the same to me.'

'You should know by now that when it comes to fashion, Augie has no sense at all.' Stella added. 'It looks good.'

'Dad?'

'You look like a regular little cowgirl.'

Maddie rolled her eyes again. 'I am a cowgirl Dad. Hats don't make a person a cowgirl. It's their abilities.'

'Just make sure you wear it-'

She laughed, giving him a hug. 'I will. Thank you Dad.'

'Hey Maddie-' Mika greeted as Maddie and her father walked up to her, Maddie giving Dakota a pat when she reached her. 'Mr. Walker.'

Cordell smiled. 'Morning Mika.'

'Hey sis.' Maddie gave Mika a hug then turned her attention back to Dakota. 'How's my girl?'

'Ready and rearing to go-'

'Well, I sure hope she doesn't do any of that.' Cordell interrupted.

Maddie laughed. 'No, only when I tell her too. Right girl?' She rubbed her mare's forehead, Mika handing her Dakota's bridle for her to put on her. 'Only when I tell you too.'

'Mika-' He turned to the stable girl. 'Can I have a word with you briefly?'

At that, Maddie let out a sigh, a look being exchanged between the two girls. 'Dad, you've already been over the precautions with me like ten times this morning.'

'Yeah well I-I just want to make sure that Mika-' He looked back over at his daughter. 'knows them too so that she can make you follow them.'

'Alright, alright.'

Mika chuckled. 'I'm sure it's not that bad…'

Maddie rolled her eyes, asking Dakota to take the bit. 'After the third time, it gets to be a little too much.'

'Oh…' She replied as it sank in, looking back up at the Ranger. 'Overprotective Dad syndrome hey. I get that.'

'Well-' With Dakota's bridle in place she took hold of the reins, ready to lead the mare to the indoor arena for their training. 'While you two go yakety-yakking on about me, Dakota and I have work to do. Come on girl.'

An amused smile was on Cordell's lips as he and Mika followed after Maddie and her mare. 'She does secretly love it when I fuss about her.'

'Yeah.' Mika laughed. 'I can really see that. So, these precautions?'

'I'll get to them. The main reason why I wanted to talk to you is because someone-' He motioned to the girl walking in front of them. 'Has a very important birthday coming up tomorrow.'

'What?' She gasped. 'Maddie never told me it was her sixteenth tomorrow.'

Cordell nodded. 'We-we're planning to throw her a surprise party tomorrow at the Side Step bar. Country themed.'

'Oh yeah, Maddie's mentioned that place before. You folks own it right?'

'We do. It'll be closed to the public tomorrow night though obviously. I just wanted to ask you if you'd mind keeping someone a little occupied tomorrow.'

Mika smiled. 'No worries Ranger, I can do that. Scout's honor.'

'Great. That'd be much appreciated.'

'What time do you want her at the bar?'

'Would around six work?'

She nodded. 'We'll be there at six, on the dot. Anything in particular you'd like her to wear?'

'I got a change of clothes for her in the back of the truck. Can't have her going to her sixteenth smelling like horses and manure.'

Mika laughed at that. 'No. Don't worry Mr. Walker, Maddie will definitely be spruced up for her party. Might even persuade her to have a girls afternoon and do nails and makeup and such.'

'Sounds like a good idea. Thank you Mika.'

'Not a problem at all.' She said with a smile. 'Unlike the problem I now have trying to think of a present to get her. Gees, she could have told me it was her birthday.'

'Maddie's had a lot on her mind these days.'

'Yeah…' Mika sighed softly as Maddie led the mare into the arena and she closed the gate after her for her. 'I know.'

'She-she told you?' Cordell questioned, resting his arms on top of the arena fence.

She nodded. 'I… I sure wasn't expecting it.'

Cordell let out a long sigh as he watched Maddie carefully mount up and begin walking her mare around. 'None-none of us were.'

'I can't imagine how hard this is on all of you.' Mika started after a moment. 'I know I've only known Maddie a short while but I love her like a sister… If there's anything-' She turned to him, the Ranger looking down at her. 'Anything at all that I can do, just ask.'

He smiled, patting her shoulder. 'Thank you Mika. Maddie is lucky to have a friend like you.'

'From what I've heard, she hasn't had many.'

'No.' He agreed. 'No, she hasn't.'

They watched Maddie ride for a little bit then Cordell looked down at his watch. 'I'm going to have to run. Where can I put the bag I brought along for her?'

'Oh just give it to one of the other hands and tell them it's for me. They'll see to it that it gets to my room.' She replied. 'But before you go, you mentioned something about precautions?'

'Oh, right. Just ah, keep an eye on her okay? I've told her if she feels at all like a seizure is coming on to get the hell off her horse.'

Mika nodded. 'I don't think you'll need to worry too much about that.' He raised an eyebrow and she began to explain. 'Maddie had a small seizure yesterday when she was out doing liberty in the pasture. A minute or so before it started both Bel and Dakota stopped, they wouldn't do what she was asking them to do. They knew she was going to have one before she felt it coming on and sure enough, she had one. I mean, I know dogs are trained to alert to seizures but apparently, both her mustangs can too.'

'Well I'll be.' Hearing that helped to ease his worry greatly.

'Anything else?'

'Ah yeah… Actually, there is. Would it be possible for you to take time off next Thursday to Monday?'

She frowned, trying to think of a reason for such a request. 'Maybe. Why?'

'Well, as much as Maddie doesn't like to admit it, she's never been great under pressure. She's never been somewhere as large as Equitana before let alone ride a horse at such a competition. Would you be willing to come along as her assistant? All expenses paid of course and I'll pay you for your time.'

'A free ticket to Equitana? Heck, I'll come along for free.'

'Oh no, I can't expect you to do that-'

'Yes, you can. Consider it a birthday present for Maddie, alright?'

After a moment, Cordell gave in. 'Alright. I appreciate it.'

'No problem.' She smiled. 'It'd be my pleasure.'

'I'll catch you around later then.'

Mika nodded as the Ranger left then something came to mind. 'Mr. Walker, wait up.' He stopped and she jogged after him. 'This party tomorrow, there's a little girl here Maddie's been working with.'

'Rose?'

She nodded. 'I think Maddie would like it if she were to go too. Has she been invited?'

'No, no I didn't even think of her…' He grabbed his phone out, typing a reminder in to ring up Jenny Young on his way into the office. 'Thanks Mika. I'll ring her mother later. Now I really must run…'

'Bye.' She said as he started to the door. 'And don't worry about Maddie, Mr. Walker. I'll be watching her like a hawk.'

Friday morning started with the beeping of Maddie's alarm clock, the teen turning the clock off with a groan. Morning came too early these days, especially when she was getting up again at six once more to make sure that she got to the stables to get in the last minute practice with Dakota that she needed. With being able to compete in the Finals it gave her something to focus on, something to grab hold of with both hands and not let go. Being able to concentrate her energy into the competition kept her mind off everything else that had happened. About her being sick and her upcoming surgery…

Bubbles, her self appointed second alarm clock, padded over to her and began nudging her cheek with her cold nose. 'Yes… yes baby girl. I'm awake.' She chuckled, letting the cat in beneath her covers. Bubbles crawled in under the blanket, purring loudly as she curled up close against her chest. 'Happy now?'

Stella rolled over, looking at her sleepily. 'Bubbles being cheeky again?'

'Yeah…' Maddie chuckled, scratching beneath the cat's chin. 'She's been down right insistent on sleeping as close to my head as she can.' Bubbles purred louder, kneading her pajamas gently with her front paws. 'Maybe she knew something's been wrong this whole time.'

'Maybe. Like dogs can smell things, cats could as well.'

'Horses too. I was reading something the other day about this lady whose horse kept nudging at her breast. Turns out she had breast cancer. Makes sense why both Bel and Dakota have been nudging my head so much too.'

'I didn't know that about horses.' Stella remarked, silence falling between them for a moment. 'How… how are you going Maddie? I mean, we haven't really had a chance to talk since last week.'

'I-I'm okay… Yeah… I think I'm alright.' Maddie replied as she kept rubbing beneath her cat's chin. 'I mean, right now, I'm putting everything I can into finishing this competition. Keeps my mind off other things…' She sighed softly. 'What about you and August? I mean, it wasn't the best of news.'

'We're doing okay. I mean, that's the best any of us could be doing around here anyway these days.'

'You're not wrong there.' She glanced at the clock, knowing she needed to get herself out of bed soon. The medication they had given her just made her so lethargic and tired though it was hard to gather the motivation to get moving. 'You told Todd?'

'Mentioned a couple things.' Stella kicked back the covers and got up, beginning to get herself ready for the day. 'You spoken to Colton?'

'No. I mean, he probably knows by now anyway. Dad told Geri, I'm sure she's mentioned it to them… Haven't heard a thing from him.' Mustering as much motivation as she could she finally made an effort to sit up, Bubbles protesting a little as her comfortable spot moved. 'Mind tossing me that hair brush?' Stella threw it over as she brushed her hair in front of the dresser. 'Thanks.'

'Maybe it just wasn't meant to be between you two.'

'Huh. Whatever could have given you that idea?' Maddie questioned as she began brushing her hair. 'Hey, I feel like there's supposed to be something important going on today. You remember anything off the top of your head?'

Stella thought for a moment then shook her head. 'Ah… Nope.' Gathering her clothes and a towel she headed for the door. 'I get dibs on the shower.'

Maddie chuckled. It was like this every morning. A contest to see who'd get to use the house's only bathroom first. 'Go on then. I'll have a shower later.'

Stella left and after she'd finished brushing out her hair she picked up her phone. Mika had already messaged, a smile coming to her lips as she read the birthday wishes that her friend had sent. So far it seemed that she was the only person who remembered what today was.

Sweet Sixteen.

Would she make it to her seventeenth?

Her eighteenth?

Was this going to be her last birthday?

'Hey, Mika remembered…' She mumbled softly to Bubbles, her cat having reassigned herself to a spot on her chest. 'Guess that's something.'

A knock sounded on the door, followed by Liam's voice. 'Maddie, you awake?'

'Yeah, yeah. I'm awake. You can come in.'

The door opened and her uncle popped his head into the room. 'You be ready to go to the center in say, twenty? Dad's got some stuff to do this morning so I offered to drop you out there.'

'Yeah, sure.' She smiled. 'I'll be ready.'

He left again and Maddie let out another sigh, stroking down her cat's nose. 'They really have forgotten about my birthday, hey darlin…'

With time ticking away she got out of bed and got herself ready, heading downstairs to catch a bite of breakfast. Stella and August were obviously still getting themselves ready for school because they weren't anywhere to be seen and Bonham wasn't around either. 'Morning.' She smiled as she walked in, Abeline at the bench buttering toast while Cordell sat at the table with yesterday's newspaper. 'Grampa around?'

'He had an appointment or something.' Liam offered an explanation for his absence as he walked into the room. 'You ready to go kiddo?'

'Ah, breakfast first?' She questioned hopefully. 'I'm actually a little hungry this morning.'

'Yeah, yeah, sure. Sit down. I can wait another five minutes.'

'Your breakfast won't be long Maddie.' Abeline spoke up. 'Toast with strawberry jam?'

Maddie pulled out a chair at the table next to her father. 'Yep, thanks Mawline.'

Cordell placed the paper down, leaning back in his chair. 'Have a good sleep Maddie girl?'

'Yeah, it was okay. Uh, Dad, can I ask you something?'

'Oh, yeah. Sure. Go right ahead.'

'Mika asked me to hang out this evening, wanted to know if I'd show her around the Side Step. That'd be okay, right?'

'Yeah, yeah. Of course.' He nodded. 'I uh, I probably will be working late anyway so probably wouldn't be home for dinner.'

'Stella, August.' Abeline exclaimed as they both came into the kitchen to grab a quick bite. 'Either of you two have plans for tonight?'

'Ah, Todd asked me to go see a movie.' Stella replied, taking a seat at the kitchen bench. 'Said I'd go.'

'And I'm going to catch up with a couple guys from school you know, we're gonna hang out.' August added.

Yep. They'd totally forgotten all about her birthday.

Abeline brought her toast and some orange juice over for her and once she'd eaten and said her goodbyes, she and Liam headed out. 'Got any plans for today?' Maddie questioned her uncle as they walked down the sidewalk to where his car was parked on the street.

Liam shook his head. 'Nothing in particular. Just got a few errands to run. You?'

'Just working with Dakota.' She replied with a long sigh, Liam opening the car door for her. She put her seatbelt on as he closed the door behind her and a moment later her Uncle had hopped into the driver's seat. 'Uncle Liam, can I ask you a question?'

'Yeah, sure kiddo.'

'What legal stuff does someone have to get organized before they die?'

He sure hadn't been expecting a question like that, glancing over at his niece for a moment as they drove down the street. 'Uh… Well, stuff like a will for starters.'

Maddie nodded, resting her head back against the headrest. 'Yeah, I remember going in with my mom to sort that stuff out. Mom wanted to make sure that everything was in order… You know, Mama had six people written down as guardians for me. When she died, none of them wanted me.'

'That's rough Maddie. I'm sorry.'

'Yeah… It is what it is.'

'Why did you ask about that though?'

'I need to get my stuff organized, just in case.' She replied as she turned to him. 'Would you be able to help me? I don't want Dad getting anymore on his plate then he's already got.'

After a moment, he nodded. 'Alright. If you can come up with a rough idea of what you want to have written down then we'll see about doing it properly.'

Maddie smiled sadly at him. 'Thanks Uncle Liam.'

The rest of the trip was made in relative silence, Liam dropping her off at the center. After seeing him off she headed into the barn and up to Bel and Dakota's stalls. Both mares were eager to see her as usual and she gave them their pats and sugar cubes before grabbing Dakota's halter and lead off the rack.

'Happy Birthday, sweet sixteen!' Mika exclaimed with excitement as she bounded over, Maddie chuckling as she gave her a hug. 'How does it feel to be sixteen?'

'Umm… No different from yesterday and probably tomorrow won't be any different.'

'Oh haha, very funny.'

Maddie smiled at her as she opened the door to Dakota's pen. 'At least someone has remembered my birthday.' She exclaimed, Dakota lowering her head so that she could halter her. 'It seems that my entire family has temporary amnesia and can't seem to remember what today is.'

Mika lent against the stall doorway, chuckling softly. 'My folks forget my birthday every year. I learnt not to take it personally.'

'My Mama never forgot a birthday, ever.' She led Dakota towards the door, Mika moving aside so she could get the mare out. 'She always, always remembered. I haven't had a birthday since she passed. The other half involved in making me never cared about me, let alone my birthdays. I kinda hoped they'd have done at least a little something for me…' She said with a sigh, patting Dakota after having tied the mare up. 'Oh well. Enough of that. What are we going to do today?'

'Well…' Mika smiled. 'Today is my day off so-'

'Wait, you took today off just to spend time with me?'

'Hey, I haven't taken a day off in over two years.' She laughed. 'I deserve it.'

'Fair enough.'

'Hench me not wearing my usual 'Briar Ridge' shirt.' Mika made a motion of showing off the plain t-shirt she was wearing. 'I did have some suggestions for today though.'

'Oh?'

'Well, obviously you doing whatever you need to with Dakota then I thought maybe this afternoon we could do something girly. Watch a couple horse movies, do nails, hair, makeup, that kind of thing. Got a new set of dip powder nails I've been wanting to try out.'

'Sure.' Maddie agreed with a smile, placing Dakota's stable rug on its rail then picked up a brush from her grooming kit. 'Sounds like fun. But I-' She emphasized it. 'As the birthday girl, get to pick what we're watching. You got internet on your tv?'

'You bet.'

'Great.'

'What did you have in mind?'

'Spirit-'

'No way, seriously?' Mika laughed. 'That's like, my favorite horse movie ever!'

'Really?'

She nodded. 'Yep.'

'It's mine too.' Maddie grabbed another brush and passed it to her, Mika helping her brush the mare down. 'Stella and August even got me the Breyer models of Spirit and Rain for Christmas.'

'No way.'

'Mmmhmm.'

'I'm jealous.'

She chuckled at that. 'Hey, if I spot them coming up for sale I'll see if I can nab you a set.'

'Oh no, you don't have to do that-'

'Got to have something to give you for your birthday.' She said with a grin. 'When is your birthday anyway?'

'Not until November.' Mika exchanged her brush for a hoof pick and began cleaning out the mare's hooves. 'But you don't have to spend a ton of money on me.'

'Hey, you are like, in all honesty, my only friend so… Guess that means I get to spoil you.'

She shook her head with an amused smile. 'You are impossible. You know that right?'

'Impossible is my middle name.' Maddie grinned cheekily. 'Now, how do you feel about starting the basics of liberty training with Bel today?'

Later that afternoon Maddie sat on the couch in Mika's apartment, waiting for her friend to get out of the shower so they could start their evening together. She'd already been in the shower and had changed into the clothes that she'd lent her, having forgotten to bring along something herself. It was a little fancier than her usual country shirt outfits but Mika said she'd worn it to a country party thing and that's how it had ended up in her cupboard. It did suit her though perhaps was slightly big on her.

'Alright-' Mika exclaimed as she walked out of the bathroom, her hair tied up in a towel. 'Let's get started.'

'I never thought I'd see the day that Mika Campbell dressed up western.' Maddie teased upon seeing her dressed almost in the same style she was. Her shirt was a blue though while hers was a dark purple. 'Elizabeth would have a jolly laugh.' Mika chuckled at that. 'Speaking of Elizabeth, I haven't seen her around lately.'

'And good riddance I'd say. It's been nice not having her around.'

'I feel sorry for her.' Maddie said as Mika took a seat with her at the table.

Mika gave her a look.

'I do.' She reinstated. 'I think she's unhappy.'

'Elizabeth? Unhappy?' She scoffed. 'Maddie, that girl lives like royalty. Whatever reason would she have to be unhappy?'

Maddie shrugged. 'Just a feeling I get. Not all that glitters is gold.' She opened up the kit of dip powder nails, looking at the colors inside. 'Hey, this dark blue glitter is nice.'

'You want to use that one then?'

'Yeah, sure. What about you? What color are you going to pick?'

Mika thought for a moment. 'I was going to go for a pink…'

Almost before they knew it, the afternoon was gone. As Maddie began to clear away what they'd used, Mika took a look at the clock. It was almost time to leave for the surprise party. 'Hey Maddie-' She called out after her friend, Maddie having taken some things to the bathroom. 'How long does it take for us to get to the Side Step from here?'

'Oh, fifteen, twenty minutes.' Maddie replied as she walked back out into the main room. 'Why?'

'Just wondering about traffic is all. I'm starving.'

'How can you be? You ate most of the chips.'

'Did I? Hmm… Hardly seems like I did.' She chuckled, dodging a makeup sponge that Maddie threw at her.

'I know you did because I hardly got any.' Maddie said with pretend annoyance. 'You know salt and vinegar are my favorite. I thought you didn't like them.'

'Apparently I do.' Mika grinned at her. 'Don't worry about the rest of the stuff, I'll take care of it later.'

'You sure?'

'Yeah, yeah. Don't worry about it. Come on, my stomach is demanding substance.'

Maddie rolled her eyes. 'Alright, alright. I'm coming. I'm coming. Gees. Someone's just going to plain fade away to a shadow, isn't she?'

She laughed, turning the TV off as they headed towards the door. 'Oh, I almost forgot my hat. I'll be back in a moment.'

'I'll be right here.' She chuckled, picking up her own hat off the hat rack beside the door. As she waited for Mika to return she sobered, the thoughts she'd been trying her best to not ponder coming to mind again. What if this was her last birthday?

Though they said that the surgery she was to have was pretty routine, of course there was always a chance that something could go wrong. She'd spent most of the night thinking about that. Thinking about dying. If she did die, what would happen to Bel and Bubbles? Dakota too if she brought her at auction. That was why she'd asked Liam earlier about what things a person needed to get in order. At least if she got things straightened out it'd be easier for the rest of them.'

'Alright-' Mika exclaimed upon her return, placing a straw hat on her head. 'What do you think?'

Maddie laughed. 'Suits you.'

'Come on then, let's get moving.'

They headed out to the car park to Mika's little car, Maddie snapping a few selfies of the two of them before they started to the Side Step. 'So, you given any thought to bidding on a mustang from the competition?' She questioned, looking over at Mika.

'Ah, yeah actually. I'm really interested in that pinto.' Mika replied then sighed. 'Alright, I was planning on telling you later but hey, while we're on the subject, might as well break the news.'

'What news?'

'You're going to have a little shadow at Equitana.'

Maddie chuckled. 'You mean, you're gonna tag along?'

'That's exactly what I mean. Consider it a birthday present. Your own personal groom for the show.'

She smiled. She had actually been contemplating inviting Mika along to help but hadn't had the chance to speak to her father about it. 'Thank you Mika. That sure will help make things easier.'

'No worries. I'm happy to do it. So, know what you're going to do for the freestyle class yet?'

Maddie let out a long sigh, resting her head back against the seat. 'Um… Haven't given it much thought to be honest. I mean, I probably won't even make it to be part of the top ten so if I do, then I'd worry about it.'

'Maybe you should be worrying about it. You and Dakota are like, the best team in the whole competition.'

'I think your opinion is a little biased, judging from the fact you're my friend.'

'No, I'm being serious Maddie. I've been looking at the other trainers and they're good but if it's connection and bond that the judges are looking for, that's what you two have. I mean, look at Dakota today. She knew you were going to have that mini seizure. Most of the other horses in the barn probably wouldn't have noticed.'

A slight smile came to her lips at that. She'd woken to an inquisitive muzzle nudging her cheek while Mika hovered close by. 'I just hope I can buy her.' She said sadly. 'I'd have had an extra couple hundred to add to my fund if I'd been able to work the past week but well… I just hope I have enough.'

'We could go shares.'

'No, I can't ask you to do that.'

'Your not asking, I'm offering.'

'But what about the paint?'

'If you don't have enough for Dakota, I'd rather help you buy her. You two have a strong bond, it'd be a shame to lose that. I mean, with everything else…' She didn't need to elaborate, Maddie knew exactly what she was talking about. 'Dakota deserves to stay with you.'

'I'll think about it.'

A short time later they pulled into the car park of the Side Step, Maddie grabbing her hat from behind the seat as Mika checked her phone. 'Doesn't look too busy tonight.' She remarked, seeing the car park relatively empty. 'Shouldn't take long to get our food.'

'You getting hungry too?' Mika teased, slipping her phone back into her pocket.

'Maybe, just a tad. The only good thing this medication has done so far is give me an appetite back.' She remarked as they stepped out of the car and Mika locked it before they started up to the door. 'It's actually nice being able to eat again. That is, if someone could leave some chips for me. Remind me to hide my snacks if you ever come over to our house.'

She chuckled. 'Yeah, I'll remember that.'

'You better get your own snacks for the trip too-' Maddie started as she started to open the door.

'Surprise!'