A week passed by and before Maddie knew it, Bonham and Abeline's 40th wedding anniversary was upon them. With everything that the family had been going through they had unanimously (and they being Cordell, Liam and the three kids) decided that they were going to do something nice and throw them a party to celebrate. The week had passed by with a blur, Maddie helping Stella and August to prepare for the surprise as best she could and in doing so, had been able to forget for a little while everything else going on in her life.

Her chemotherapy was to start soon, the doctors saying that if she kept progressing at the rate that she was they'd be able to begin treatment in a couple weeks. At her last appointment and scan she'd had at the beginning of the week the tumor still hadn't appeared to have regrown yet. They explained that just because they couldn't see it there didn't mean that all the cancer cells were gone, hence why she would be started on a course of chemo in the near future. With the side effects they said she could experience from it she really wasn't looking forward to her first cycle of treatment. The medication she already was on made her feel lousy enough.

Things with Elizabeth and Diablo were going well too, a fact that helped to make her feel better. Progress had been made with him and that was encouraging. Nina, after seeing that they had started making some progress, had agreed to give them another couple of weeks before she made her final decision about what would happen with the stallion. With that in mind Maddie had been attempting to push things along just a little bit to show Nina that Diablo really was coming good.

Working with Elizabeth, the two of them had slowly begun to foster a friendship. Maddie felt sorry for Elizabeth, she really did. The girl didn't say much but she didn't have to. Maddie could just tell. For all the glitz and glamor that accompanied Elizabeth, the girl wasn't happy. She didn't say her observations out loud though, choosing instead to see if maybe she would open up to her one day. Underneath the facade that she had built around herself Maddie could see that Elizabeth was hurting.

Mika was doing well, her best friend having tagged along for a couple days after school while they went about organizing things for their grandparents' anniversary on the weekend. Friday Stella had to stay after school for an extra class and since neither her or Augie could drive, they'd roped Mika into a little trip back out to the ranch. Yes, it was considered trespassing since they didn't live there anymore but Maddie made certain that no one would be there. Colton was in the extra class with Stella and since his Mom and Grandmother were still away with Geri that only left Dan there. He was easy to work around though since he worked in town on Friday's and they'd ducked in and gone again without any trouble.

With everything going on, Maddie hadn't had much time to spend with either Colton or Rose. She'd had a few short conversations with Colton but nothing serious and she wondered if it was worth trying to see if anything could come from their friendship again. She knew where she stood but at the same time, with all the bad blood between their families, would it work?

She just didn't know.

Saturday morning arrived, Maddie turning her alarm off with a tired yawn. 'Who thought it was a good idea to get up early to make breakfast for Gramps and Mawline?'

Stella chuckled as she pushed back the covers off herself and sat up in bed. 'You used to get up at like, four every morning.'

'I know.' She groaned. 'I must have been crazy. I just want to sleep...'

Stella looked over at her sympathetically. 'Not feeling too good this morning then?'

'No...' Maddie sighed. 'But I'll live.'

'Maybe we should cancel-'

'No, no. I'll be alright.' She interrupted her. 'We aren't going to cancel. Gramps and Mawline, they need this. We need this. After everything... We need something good to happen for a change.'

'Promise me if you start feeling too off, you'll tell one of us, alright?'

She nodded. 'Alright.'

Stella got up a moment later and made her bed before changing and getting herself ready for the day. Once she was finished she gave Maddie a hand, helping her change into the clothes she would wear for the day. 'Want me to do your hair too?' She offered as Maddie struggled doing up her shirt buttons for a moment.

'Yeah, if it's not too much trouble. Thanks.'

'Not a problem at all.' Stella told her, grabbing a hair brush off the bedside table. 'Your hair is starting to grow back.' She commented, brushing the long section of Maddie's hair that hadn't been cut. 'That's something to be happy about.'

'Yeah...' She sighed softly. Until she started chemo that was. One of the side effects of that she had been told was her hair could fall out. That was definitely something she didn't want to happen. She could put up with being tired and being nauseous but to lose her hair... No. She hoped that wouldn't happen.

Silence fell until a knock sounded softly on the door. 'It's alright-' Stella called out to whoever was knocking. 'You can come in.'

Cordell opened the door and went over to give both his daughters a hug. 'Morning you two.'

Stella smiled as he gave her a hug. 'Morning Dad.'

'Morning.' Maddie replied, giving him a hug back.

'You almost ready to go downstairs?'

She nodded. 'Almost. Stells is almost done with my hair.'

'Did you both sleep well?'

'Maddie was snoring again.' Stella teased as she brought Maddie's wig over for her.

'I was not.'

'Was too.'

'Was not-'

'Girls, girls.' Cordell interrupted with a laugh. 'It-It's a little early in the morning for that, don't you think?'

The two sisters looked at each other for a moment then chuckled.

'Sorry Dad.'

'Yeah.' Stella agreed. 'Sorry.'

'That's better. You're both liable to give me a headache.'

'I better go get the banner ready to put up with Augie.' Stella commented once she had finished fixing up Maddie's hair and her wig for her. 'All done Mads.'

'Brilliant. Thanks sis. You're the best.'

'I know I am.'

Maddie rolled her eyes as Stella waltzed out the room then looked up at her father. 'And so modest too...'

Cordell laughed. 'Takes after her mom.' That faraway look that he had when he thought of Emily came to his eye for a moment then he looked back down at Maddie. 'All ready to go?'

'Yep.'

'Alright. Up you come then.' He picked her up, Maddie wrapping her arms around his neck as he started to the door with her. 'How... How are you feeling this morning?' He questioned, starting down the stairs with her.

'I'm okay.' She assured him. 'Not the best but not the worst either. Think this week is catching up with me though-' She paused for a moment to stifle a yawn. 'I just feel so tired.'

'Well, maybe, you know, if you didn't push yourself so hard... You mightn't feel so tired.'

'I know.' Maddie sighed as he set her down gently in her chair at the bottom of the stairs. 'But I just want to be able to walk again so badly.'

'You'll get there, baby girl. It-It'll just take time.'

'Yeah, I've heard that one before.'

Cordell placed his hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring little squeeze. 'I believe you can do it. You just need to believe in yourself.'

She nodded, swallowing that little tidbit of advice as her father headed into the kitchen to begin breakfast. At the sound of footsteps coming downstairs she looked up to see Liam coming down. 'Morning Uncle Liam.'

'Morning Kiddo.' He smiled, stopping to give her a kiss on the forehead on his way past. 'Sleep well?'

'Yeah.' She wheeled herself after him as he headed into the kitchen, stopping her chair in front of the island bench. 'What can I do to help?'

'Well... Ah-' Cordell thought for a moment as he grabbed some bacon out of the fridge to fry up. A moment later, Stella and August came traipsing down the stairs, holding between them a large paper banner. 'You can help those two get that up.'

'Alright.' She nodded, wheeling herself around the table to give them a hand.

'We gonna put it up here?' August questioned, trying to see if there were anyplace better suited for them to hang the banner.

'I think it'll be just fine here.' Stella replied. 'Maddie, what do you think?'

'Right here looks good.' She offered her opinion. 'And it's a mighty fine looking banner too I might add.'

'You would.' August laughed as he brought over a chair to stand on, Stella fetching one for herself. 'You did it pretty much on your own.'

'What can I say? I'm talented.' Maddie teased as her siblings got themselves organized. 'Alright, Augie, bring your side up just a little bit. Stella, yours needs to go down just a tad... There. Perfect.'

Once the banner was in place both Stella and August climbed down to take a look, Stella placing her hands on her hips as she nodded. 'That looks just about right...'

'I'm not getting back up there.' August commented. 'It's staying right where it is.'

'Maybe it could do with being taken up just a little more on your side-' Stella laughed as he playfully slapped her arm. 'Okay, okay. It stays where it is.'

'Good. That settles it then.'

'Right.' Maddie clapped her hands together as they returned the chairs to the table. 'What next?'

'Who wants to look after the bacon?' Cordell questioned. 'Stella, you got it?'

'Yeah, Dad. Sure.' She agreed, heading into the kitchen. 'Better I do it then you.'

'Hey, what can I say? The fire alarm loves my cooking so much it wants to cheer me on too.'

Maddie rolled her eyes. 'Dad, fire alarms don't usually go off while we're cooking.'

'Then I must be talented then.'

'Must be something.' Liam teased with a smile.

Cordell looked at him. 'You-'

'Okay, Dad. Uncle Liam. It's too early.' Maddie interrupted before they could get started. 'What can I do?'

'Ah, well, you and Augie can get started on the centerpiece I guess.'

'Right.' She nodded as she wheeled herself up to the bench to begin. 'We're on it.'

Silence fell as each of them settled down to work at their assigned task, Stella taking over the cooking of the bacon while Cordell took care of the coffee and Liam did the toast. Together Maddie worked with August to arrange their little centerpiece and once that was finished, they set the tray up ready for the food to go on.

'Woah...' Bonham exclaimed with surprise as he and Abeline came downstairs, seeing the family all gathered together in the kitchen preparing breakfast. 'What's going on? What is this?'

'Forty years.' Cordell replied, placing the mugs of fresh coffee onto the tray. 'We're celebrating.'

'Is that scarlet sage?' Abeline questioned, seeing the little flower arrangement on the bench.

'Sure is.'

'I loved how it grew wild near the porch at home.' She remarked sadly, Bonham placing his hand on her shoulder.

August chuckled. 'Where do you think Maddie and I got it?' That earned him a look from his grandmother. 'Little anniversary trespassing.'

'He's kidding.' Stella interjected, looking at her two younger siblings. 'You are, right?'

'Don't worry, we didn't get caught.' Maddie replied with a wink. 'We are smarter than that. Aren't we Augie?'

He nodded. 'Right we are sis.'

Abeline shook her head with amusement. 'You two are partners in crime.'

Maddie giggled. 'Mmhmm.'

'Okay-' She turned her attention back to the breakfast being cooked, walking around the bench to where Stella was at the stove-top cooking the bacon. 'Scooch. I mean, this all looks beautiful, but uh, we're a little particular about our bacon.'

'No, Mama, please.' Liam started. 'Go and relax outside. We know how Dad likes Bacon. We've got this.'

'Why don't we get you situated outside?' Stella questioned, taking control of the situation as she placed the bacon onto the plates.

'Outside. Yes.' Cordell agreed. 'This kitchen ain't big enough for all of us.'

'Make 'em happy.' Bonham told her. 'Go outside. Come on.'

'Happy Anniversary.' He called after his parents as August carried the tray with their breakfast out onto the porch for them.

'Thank you very much. Y'all are the best.'

'It's very sweet.' Abeline agreed, closing the door behind herself.

'Is anyone else getting cold feet?' Maddie questioned softly after a moment, glancing towards the back door. 'Mawline seemed a little bit...'

'Trust me, after all they've gone through lately-' Cordell interrupted. 'Getting showered with love is exactly what Mama needs right now.'

'I guess...'

'Uh-' He took a glance out the window to confirm that his parents were in fact seated as August returned then turned back to his kids and Liam. 'Let's just go over the plan again.'

'Yeah, yeah. I'm gonna get the bubbly.' Liam started. 'Trey actually told me about a place here in town that deals in rare wines, so... He's in Vegas with his Mom, but-' His brother hadn't heard a word he'd said, instead being too occupied with his phone looking at a message that he'd just received.

'Bubbles?'

'Yes.'

'Good. Great. Check. Uh, kids?'

'Don't ruin the surprise.' August replied. 'Uh, be on time... And ah yeah...' He looked at his sisters for confirmation. 'I think we got it.'

'And we may have a little something else planned for them as well.' Stella added. 'Last minute but we think they're going to love it.'

'Well-' Maddie added. 'We sure hope they do.'

'Okay, yeah, awesome.' Cordell nodded. 'Oh, ah, one more thing. Cassie wants to tag along today, so we'll have all hands on deck, plus one.'

'Well, she can ride with me.' Liam offered. 'Love to get a chance to meet your newest victim.'

'Great. Let's do it. Divide and conquer.'

Maddie nodded, maneuvering herself into the kitchen to grab herself some breakfast as her siblings helped themselves to some toast then left, Liam too leaving to go get himself ready to go.

'What do you want for breakfast Maddie?' Cordell questioned, adding some more bacon into the pan for himself.

'Um... Is just some toast okay?' She questioned hopefully. 'Maybe with some strawberry jam?'

'Toast with strawberry jam? Of course. Anything for you, my lady.' He replied with a flourish and a bow.

She giggled at his theatrics. 'Dad, are you trying to audition for a part in a Shakespeare play again?'

'Nope. Just ah... Just tryin to put a smile back on your pretty face and it worked.' Maddie giggled again as he tapped her on her nose. 'Now let's see if I can set the fire alarm off again...' As the back door opened again he looked up, his father walking back inside. 'Ah Dad... Breakfast okay?'

'It's fine.' He replied, walking over to him. 'Listen, uh... These windows aren't double-paned and you already can't whisper worth a damn, son.'

'Yeah, that-that's nothing-'

'Okay, listen. If you're really looking for something to get your mother, there is one thing that you can do.'

'Great. Sure-' He stepped aside to let Maddie in at the toaster, his daughter popping her toast early so it didn't burn. 'Anything.'

'Well... Abby hasn't been the same since everything with Geraldine went down. You know, we all... feel the way we feel about that, but your mother... Well, hell, the one thing that'll make this day really special is Geraldine giving her a chance.'

Cordell nodded. 'Yes sir.'

'So, you working on that?'

'I will do.' He promised.

'All right.'

Maddie looked up at her father as Bonham walked out again, noting the expression he wore. 'Dad...' He looked down at her after a moment, seemingly jolted out of his thoughts by her addressing him. 'You haven't spoken to Geri for a while, have you?'

'No, no... Not ah... Not since the concert.'

She nodded, grabbing a knife out of the drawer while Cordell got the jam down from one of the cupboards for her. 'You'll know what to say.'

Cordell smiled at her then chuckled softly, patting her shoulder. 'You're always tryin to make everyone around you feel better, dontcha you?'

'Yeah, guess I do.' Maddie replied with a soft sigh. 'Guess it's part of me trying to ignore my own problems.'

Hearing that he crouched down to her level. 'Thinking about treatment bothering you again?'

She nodded after a moment.

'I know... I know you're scared, but I'm gonna be there with you. Okay?' She nodded again. 'I know it's hard but try not to think of it right now. We're gonna have a good day today, okay?'

Maddie smiled and nodded. 'Okay. I'll try.'

'That's the spirit, baby girl.' He took a look at his watch. 'Now, not to set any panic buttons or anything but we ah... We really need to get moving and get down to the Side Step to get things organized for tonight so, eat up and we'll be on our way.'

She nodded again and her father headed back upstairs, a small sigh escaping her lips as she looked down at her toast. He was right, this day was about Gramps and Mawline. Her worries could wait another day. It wasn't like they were going to go anywhere.

'Where do you want this Dad?' Maddie questioned as she wheeled herself into the Side Step, another box from the truck sitting on her lap. 'Anywhere will do?'

'Ah, yeah-' Cordell replied, glancing over at her for a moment. 'Over-over there on the table. That one there.'

'Brilliant.' Wheeling herself over to the table she placed the last box containing the decorations down then headed over to where her father was standing on the ladder hanging up a banner. 'Be careful up there, wouldn't want you to fall and break your neck.'

'I am-I am being careful.' Carefully he took the nail he was holding in his mouth out and began to hammer it in to hold the banner up. 'How-how's it lookin from down there?'

'It's looking great Dad.'

'Good. Good. That's great.' Climbing down off the ladder he took a step back to look at it for himself then nodded. 'Yeah... Think that looks just about perfect.'

'See? Told ya.' Maddie smiled then as her phone vibrated, quickly pulled it out to see who had messaged her. 'Mika wants to know if we could use an extra pair of hands.'

'Mika? Oh sure. Be great to have her drop by.' He took a look around the Bar, deciding what to turn his attention to next. 'Uh... You want to see how Stella and Augie are getting on with the flowers?'

'Sure Dad. I'm on it.'

'...Am I staying here or going to freaking Oregon for College? All I'm saying is fate, like, butted in and basically pointed the way for Mawline.' Stella was saying to August as Maddie came back out to join them. 'And forty years later, here we are. Something happened that night and Mawline listened. So, I'm just gonna wait for a sign to guide me.' She looked up from the flowers she was arranging over at her brother, Maddie coming to a stop at the table beside her. 'What?'

'Oh, nothing. I was gonna burp, but it feels like you were saying something important, so I refrained.'

'Augie.' Maddie chuckled as Stella threw some flower clippings at him. 'Ugh, brothers can be so gross.'

'Tell me about it.' Stella agreed. 'I've had to put up with Augie for a lot longer than you might I add.'

'Great.' August exclaimed with a sigh, folding his arms in front of himself. 'So the sisters are gonna gang up on me now.'

'That's what you get when you start teasing me.' Stella told him. 'We girls stick together, right Maddie?'

Maddie nodded. 'Right.'

'Well... In that case then.' He pushed himself back from the table and stood. 'I might go see if Dad needs any help.'

'Good idea.' Stella said as August left then she turned back to her sister. 'Want to give me a hand here?'

'Sure. That's what I'm here for. What can I do?'

'Well, you could trim these down a little so they'll fit in the vase.' She handed her over some wildflowers. 'I'll keep working on this lot if you can manage those.'

Maddie picked up a pair of scissors along with the flowers and set to work. 'So, you still haven't made up your mind yet if you're gonna go to College?'

Stella sighed heavily. 'Not yet. I mean, with everything going on and such... I don't know what to do. It just seems like really bad timing to think of leaving.' She paused for a moment while she tried to cut through a very stubborn stem, placing the flower into the vase after she'd finally cut it. 'I just... I don't know.'

'It's a big decision.'

'Yeah... Sure is.' She looked over at her sister. 'When Minnie Jayne offered to help you become a country singer, what helped you make up your mind about that?'

Maddie raised her eyebrows, adding another flower to the vase. 'Oh... Um... Well, I spent a lot of time thinking about what it was that I felt was most important to me. Did I want to become rich and famous? Did that life appeal to me? I will admit that it did take me some time to finally reach a decision but ultimately it came down to what I felt was most important.'

'And what do you feel is important?'

'Family. But in saying that-' She continued quickly. 'There does come a time when we each have to branch out on our own. We have our own lives. If you really want to go away to College then I say go for it.'

Stella nodded, thinking over what her sister had said for a moment. 'Yeah... Guess that makes sense.'

'When do you have to tell them if you'll take the spot or not?'

'Not for a couple months.'

'Well, that gives you plenty of time to make up your mind.'

'Yeah...' Stella sighed. 'I guess.'

Silence fell as the two sisters kept working on the flower arrangements, the sound of a vehicle pulling up interrupting them for a moment. Liam had arrived with Cassie and as they got out of his car, Maddie waved to them. 'Hey Cassie.'

'Maddie girl.' Cassie smiled as she walked over to see what they were up to. 'You're looking well.'

'Feeling a little better too. Come here-' Maddie initiated a hug with the Ranger. 'Haven't seen you for awhile.'

'Yeah, been busy.' She replied as she hugged the girl back. 'I've been meaning to come by and see you but just haven't had the chance. Sorry about that.'

'Oh, no worries. I've been pretty busy myself lately.'

Liam walked up the stairs onto the porch, joining them. 'These are looking great, you two.'

Stella smiled, still working away at her vase. 'Thanks Uncle Liam.'

'Cordi inside?'

Maddie nodded. 'Hopefully still in one piece. He was attempting to put a banner up earlier. Judging from the swearing, he hit more than just the nail.'

Liam laughed at that, turning to Cassie. 'My brother hasn't ever been much of a handyman.'

'So it would seem.' She chuckled. 'Well, I'll catch you two later. We better go see how my partner is getting along.'

Liam and Cassie disappeared inside, Maddie finishing off her flower arrangement a short time later. 'How's that look?' She asked Stella once she was satisfied with her work.

Stella looked over and smiled. 'Great. I'll go take these both inside now and see what needs to be done next.'

Maddie nodded as her sister stood, picking up both vases to take inside. Once Stella had headed in she let out a soft sigh, looking out over the almost vacant car park. Though she was trying not to think of it, she couldn't help her thoughts turning to the months of treatment she had infront of her.

Would things ever go back to normal for her?

Her ponderings were interrupted by the arrival of another vehicle, a smile touching her lips as Mika stepped out of the car. 'Hey Mika.'

'Hey to yourself.' Mika smiled, taking the steps two at a time. 'How's my little sis this morning?'

Maddie chuckled as her best friend gave her a hug. 'Gettin by, gettin by. Glad you could make it.'

'You know I wouldn't miss out on the chance to spend some time with you.' She replied as she let her go. 'So, what do you need me to do? I am willing and able and itching to get working.'

She laughed, shaking her head with amusement. 'Come on, let's go find out. Dad's the one organizing this whole thing.' She told her as they started to the door. 'And let me tell you now, he's taking it very very seriously...'

'So...' Mika remarked as Maddie and her finished setting up the last of the tables later that afternoon. 'Anything else we need to do?'

'Um...' She took a quick look around. 'That looks like it... Uncle Liam?' Her Uncle looked up from whatever he was doing behind the bar. 'Anything else Mika or I need to do before we skedaddle?'

Liam took a look around for a moment then shook his head. 'Nope. Everything looks like it's ready...'

'Great. We can go then?' Maddie took a glance at her watch. 'Mika was going to take me by the stables before she drops me home.'

'Yeah. Sure. Just-' He continued as the two girls started to the door. 'Just make sure you arrive here on time tonight.'

'Don't worry Uncle Liam. I'll make sure everyone is in the car ready to go on time. You can count on me.'

'Brilliant. Thank you.' He looked down at the drink he was attempting to come up with but all it seemed to be doing was clogging up the drink dispenser. 'Least something is going right...'

'So-' Mika turned to Maddie as they made their way out to her car. 'How about a quick ride before I take you home?'

'A ride?' Maddie repeated, a smile coming to her lips. 'You bet!'

'Alright then, Let's do it.'

With Mika's encouragement, Maddie managed to move herself on her own from her wheelchair into her friend's car, much to her delight. Though she was hoping that she'd be strong enough to walk again soon she still had to manage as best she could with her limitations for the time being. Even though it was a small thing, moving herself from her chair into the passenger seat, it was a win. It was something she could do on her own for a change and she couldn't be prouder of herself.

After a short drive they arrived at the stables, this time Maddie allowing her friend to give her a hand getting from the car to her chair. Knowing she needed to save her energy for the night ahead she let Mika tack up Dakota for her too, taking a quiet moment to sit with her mare as Mika got her own gelding ready. She smiled as she ran a hand up Dakota's forehead, the mare nuzzling her softly. 'I know...' She said softly. 'I've missed you too, my girl.' Her time having been split the past week between preparing for her grandparents party and helping Elizabeth, Dakota had been a little neglected. 'We'll go for a little ride then I'll have to go.'

'Maddie.' Elizabeth started as she walked over to where Maddie sat with her mare. 'I thought you weren't going to come by today.'

'I hadn't planned on it but Mika suggested we go for a short ride.' She replied, still rubbing her mare's forehead. 'Would you like to join us?'

Mika's head shot up at that, sending a look to her friend that clearly asked what the hell would you invite her along for?

'Um... It's probably not the best idea.' She motioned down to her arm that was still in a cast. 'I don't know.'

'You could ride Blossom. She's nice and quiet and Rose wouldn't mind. We weren't planning to go far.'

Elizabeth thought about it for a moment then nodded. 'Oh, alright. I guess I'll tag along.'

Maddie smiled. 'Great. The more, the merrier. I'll give you a hand getting her ready.'

'Thanks.'

'No problem.'

Mika looked over at them and shook her head as Elizabeth entered the mare's stall to catch her. 'What on earth are you thinking?' She whispered to her friend. 'Why would you invite her along?'

'Everyone needs to be shown a little kindness.' Maddie whispered back, a little smile coming to her lips as she watched how gentle Elizabeth was haltering up the mare. She was beginning to learn that being gentle and patient handling horses went a long way. 'Besides, the more the merrier, right?'

Mika glared at her. 'Elizabeth has been nothing but horrible to me. You aren't the one who has put up with her tormenting and bullying for years. If you want to ride with her, fine. Picasso and I will work on our jumping.' Angrily she untied the gelding and began leading him away, stopping for a moment to turn back to her. 'And you better get Stella to come pick you up. Picasso and I will be working for a while.'

As Maddie watched Mika walk away, she let out a long sigh and went back to rubbing her mare's forehead. 'Well... Note to self... Don't mix Mika and Elizabeth.' She sighed again. 'It doesn't end well.'

Blossom caught, Elizabeth led her out of the stall. 'Where'd Mika get to?' She questioned as she tied the mare up. 'She gone on without us?'

'Mika won't be joining us. She decided to go do some jumping practice.'

'Oh...'

'I'm sorry.' Maddie apologized as Elizabeth began grooming the mare down. 'I should have realized Mika would have had a problem with it, judging the apparent history between you two.'

'Yeah...' Elizabeth finished giving the mare a quick brush and began saddling her up, the mare's gear having been left on the rack in front of her stall. 'I'm afraid my relationship with Diablo isn't the only one that needs mending.'

'Elizabeth... I don't mean to pry-' She started as Elizabeth placed the saddle onto Blossom's back. 'But why-'

'Why have I been so snobbish and nasty to everyone?'

Maddie nodded.

Elizabeth thought about it for a moment as she did the cinch up. 'I-I don't... I don't have an answer for that. I-I guess... I've always been like that.'

Silence fell, Maddie untying Dakota once Elizabeth had Blossom ready and they led the horses out into the stable yard. 'Will you need a hand getting on?' Elizabeth questioned as she stopped her mare on the grass.

'No, I'll manage.' She replied, beginning to tap behind Dakota's knee. 'Bow.'

Dakota bowed and after a slight struggle, Maddie was seated in her saddle. Allowing the mare to rise she fixed up her seat belt and the straps securing her to the saddle then waited for Elizabeth to mount up. 'Ready?'

Elizabeth nodded. 'A western saddle sure feels different.'

Maddie chuckled, clucking to Dakota to walk on and the two of them started off. 'So does riding English when I tried it.' She looked over at Elizabeth. 'Elizabeth, relax. Blossom will take care of you.'

'This is the first time riding since well...'

'Ah...' She understood. 'Don't worry. We'll take it nice and slow.' She encouraged her. 'I took a bad fall from Bel a couple months back and it shook me up a little too. Took a little while for my confidence to return.'

'What if mine doesn't return?' Elizabeth questioned as Maddie led the way towards the trails. 'I mean... Riding is the one thing I'm good at.'

'I'm sure you are good at lots of things.'

'Nothing that my folks take any notice of.' She saw the questioning look that Maddie gave to her and began to explain. 'My parents care more about their careers and my younger brothers then they do me.'

'Elizabeth... I'm sorry.'

'Riding-Riding is the one thing I thought I could do to make my mom proud of me.' She continued. 'My mom used to be a big thing in Eventing. You know, I started riding when I was seven. Even back then I wanted to do something just so my parents would notice and take an interest in what I was doing. Oh, they give me everything I ever could want. New iPhone's, fancy clothes, fancy car, expensive horse. All exclusive girls' schools.' She paused for a moment. 'All I wanted was to feel like they loved me, you know?'

'I know. More than you realize.'

'How? You have a great family. Your folks care about what you do. I've seen the way your Dad looks at you when he comes to see you ride. He's proud of you. I've never had that.'

Maddie sighed softly. 'I'm adopted, Elizabeth. I didn't always have such a great family. My mom... My mom died when I was eleven and my dad wasn't around so... I went to foster care until they found him. My father cared more for the bottle than me...' She bit her lip as she paused, struggling with the feelings that welled up inside her thinking about her blood father. 'I bore the brunt of his addiction.'

Elizabeth looked at her, guiding Blossom up alongside Dakota. 'He... He abused you?'

She nodded. 'He died last year.' Silence fell. 'The Walkers...' She started again. 'They-they took me in, gave me a home, gave me a family.' She looked over at Elizabeth. 'And I know what you say about your parents, wanting to make them proud. Wanting them to notice you. All I wanted was for my father to be proud of me. To love me.' She shook her head.

'That... That's rough.' Elizabeth finally commented, at a loss for words. 'I-I don't know what to say.'

Maddie straightened in the saddle again, looking at Elizabeth with a smile. 'It made me appreciate the life I have now.'

'Guess I don't have much to complain about compared to you then.'

'No one should compare what they have been through with someone else's journey. Each one of us has problems and a story unique to us. It's how we help others with what we've learnt along the way that matters.' She paused for another moment then glanced across at Elizabeth. 'You hurt other people because of the hurt you hold inside but you have to let that go.'

Elizabeth was silent for a long time as she thought over what Maddie had said to her. 'I guess... I guess I have a lot of things to apologize for and make right. And I guess... I guess my first apology should be to you.'

'Me?' She questioned in surprise. 'Why?'

'Before I even met you I hated you. Everyone was talking about how great you were and I was jealous that it wasn't me in the spotlight. That's why I challenged you to that jump off then when you showed me up it only made me resent you more.' She paused again. 'But then you went out on a limb for Diablo and you've been trying to help me and him regardless of the fact I'd been nasty to you. I-I was jealous too. Of what you have with your family. I'm sorry. I was wrong and I shouldn't have treated you the way I did.'

Maddie looked over at Elizabeth again, reading her expression closely. 'Elizabeth... When I first met you, I could already tell all that. I knew.'

'And you still decided to help me? Gosh... You're a way better person then I'd ever be.'

She laughed at that. 'I'll be honest, you haven't made it easy for me.'

'No...' Elizabeth sighed heavily. 'No, I guess I haven't.'

'Friends?' Maddie questioned hopefully after a moment. 'We start fresh, put the past behind us?'

Elizabeth smiled, the first genuine smile Maddie had ever seen from her. 'I'd like that.'