Cordell was right when he had said to Geri that it would take Maddie a few days to get over the long Saturday that she'd had, for the next few days all she could do was eat and sleep. If they all were honest with themselves, they were a little worried with how she was after the party but when Cordell got in touch with her doctors they told him it was only to be expected, granted the way Maddie had been pushing herself. It was her body's way of forcing her to rest, rest being all she could manage in her current condition.

With Bonham and Abeline still away, Liam had taken over being Maddie's primary caretaker during the day, Stella and Geri helping her attend things of the nature that Maddie would prefer the men not to. Each morning after either Stella or Geri had dressed her he would carry her downstairs to the living room where he'd set up his temporary office. While he worked he could keep an eye on her and most of the time she spent sleeping anyway on the couch, her cat curled up close beside her.

Mika came to see her Monday afternoon, Maddie falling asleep halfway through their visit. Liam assured her that he'd keep her posted on how Maddie was doing and she offered to help anyway she could. Elizabeth had been trying to get in touch with Maddie to give her an update on Diablo and when Mika mentioned that to him, Liam agreed to get in touch with her and keep her in the loop.

Jenny brought Rose by Wednesday morning before school, Maddie feeling a little better and this time didn't fall asleep while her visitors were present. They had brought the rabbits with them too, much to Liam's annoyance but he couldn't argue that they were indeed cute and it was heartening to see Maddie smiling and laughing after the rough couple days she'd had. After they left though, Maddie slept straight through lunch, even that excitement being too much for her in her weakened condition.

Stella and August confided in Cordell Thursday afternoon that they were really worried about their sister, Cordell trying his best to reassure them that she was okay. If he was being honest, despite the doctors telling him it was normal, he too was worried about how she was. Even back after the Ranger's fair she hadn't been nearly as bad. She had definitely overdone it big time and now she was dealing with the resulting consequences.

When Bonham and Abeline heard about Maddie they wanted to cut their holiday short and return home but Cordell wouldn't hear a word of it. There was nothing they could do anyway if they did return home early since they were already looking after Maddie and though it took a little while to convince them, they agreed to stay on their holiday. Maddie was relieved to hear that too, not wanting them to cut their holiday short on her account.

It was Friday before Maddie was feeling well enough to be up and around though she knew to still take things easy. With Liam's help she cooked dinner that night as a surprise for her Dad and siblings, Geri having been invited along to join them for the meal. They all cleaned up for her after dinner and once the kitchen duties had been finished, Maddie suggested that they play a couple board games.

To everyone's amusement, Maddie beat Cordell at chess for three rounds.

Maddie was finally beginning to get back on her feet.

Saturday morning came around again, it being a week now since the party. Bonham and Abeline still wouldn't be home for a few days and both Stella and August had organized to spend the day out with some friends. Maddie, being sick of being confined to the house any longer, had asked Geri to come by and take her out for the day to the stables, something she was definitely looking forward to.

Breakfast time found her sitting at the table alone, still dressed in her pajamas as she slowly ate what Cordell had prepared for her. Bubbles was asleep on her lap, the cat having taken her job of being close to her very seriously the entire week. It was almost like Bubbles knew she wasn't feeling well and had taken it upon herself to try and make her feel better. Slowly making her way through her toast she glanced up hearing the sound of someone knocking something to the floor. 'Uncle Liam-' She wheeled herself back from the table and around to where he was searching through some boxes that they still hadn't unpacked completely. 'What are you looking for?'

'Dad's old picnic basket.' He replied, placing the box he'd knocked down back over on the bench. 'Have you seen it?'

'I didn't know Gramps had a picnic basket.' She replied with a teasing grin. 'What are you needing it for?'

'Well... I might kinda have a date today. That is, if you are sure you'll be okay with Geri looking after you for the day.'

'A date?' She questioned, her Uncle unable to hide a smile from her. 'Of course I'll be fine. You've just spent the entire week looking after yours truly, champion couch potato here. You deserve to go have some fun.' Moving herself over to one of the boxes she opened it up to give him a hand searching. 'I did see something awhile back that looked like a picnic basket...'

Cordell came back downstairs as she and Liam kept looking for the basket, doing a double take as he poured himself some coffee. 'Hi. Morning. Thought you'd be gone already Liam.'

'Not just yet...'

'You uh, breaking and entering?' He questioned, Liam opening yet another box.

'Hey, have you seen Dad's old picnic basket?' Liam asked. 'I've got this date tonight.'

'His what?'

Maddie placed another box onto the bench, taking another down from the stack to search. 'Apparently Gramps has a picnic basket somewhere around here. Neither of us can find it.' She looked back over at him and frowned, seeing her father all dressed up. 'Are you going to court today?'

'No.'

'Yeah-' Liam looked over at Cordell too. 'What's with all the starch? Are you wearing aftershave?'

'Is that what I can smell?' Maddie added before her father could reply to Liam's questions. 'Geez Dad, who are you trying to impress? Or kill... Ugh.' She made a face. 'You used way too much.'

'Look, okay. If you must know, I'm uh, I'm taking Twyla around today. Gonna go help her find a new apartment. It's not a big deal.'

'Twyla?' Liam questioned.

'Twyla?' Maddie repeated, having never heard the name before. 'Who on earth is Twyla?'

'She ah... She's someone who's helped me out on a couple cases the last couple of weeks.'

'So... She's a Ranger?' She asked with a raised eyebrow.

Cordell shook his head, taking a sip of his coffee before replying. 'No-no... It-it's ah... It's complicated.'

Maddie wasn't convinced. 'Right...'

'You sure that's smart?' Liam asked after a moment.'

He chuckled. 'Easy. We're just running errands.'

'Does Geri know? Look, I know it's a rebound, but...'

'Okay, Geri made it clear she's not interested in us. And-and Twyla... Twyla's not a rebound. She's a friend. You know, it-it's-it's casual.'

'Uh... Cordi, you don't do casual. Okay? Even your daughter can tell that. Right?' He motioned at Maddie.

She nodded. 'Right. I know you Dad. You don't get dressed up for no reason-' She was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell and looked at the time. 'That'd be Geri. I'll-ah, I'll go let her in.' Before either of them replied to her she started to the door, Bubbles jumping down off her lap when she reached up to unlock it. 'Morning Geri.' She started as she opened the door. 'Come in.'

'Hey. Thanks.'

'Coffee?' Maddie asked, closing the door again.

'No, no. I'm right.' She replied. 'I thought you'd have been ready to go.'

'Stella left before I woke up so...'

'Ah, no worries.'

'Geri.' Cordell acknowledged her as she walked in beside his daughter. 'Coffee?'

Geri shook her head, looking him up and down. 'All good thanks. What's the occasion?'

'No-no occasion-'

'Is that aftershave I smell?'

'Told ya it was too much.' Maddie interjected with a look. 'Uncle Liam, can you take me upstairs?'

'Yeah, yeah, sure kiddo.' He placed another box he'd been looking inside down and walked over to her, picking her up gently from her chair.

'You best be gone before I get back.' She commented to her father. 'That smell is giving me a headache.'

Cordell rolled his eyes. 'I love you too.'

'Uh huh.' Maddie smiled as Liam carried her up the stairs. 'Love you more.'

'See you tonight pumpkin.' He called out after her, placing his empty cup into the sink before turning to Geri. 'Geri-'

'No, you don't need to explain.' She told him. 'I'm only here for Maddie.'

Cordell nodded. 'Thank-thank you for taking her out for the day.'

'No problem. Good to see she's up and about again.'

'Just... Just make sure she doesn't over-do it today, okay?'

'Of course.' She looked up towards the stairs as she heard Liam back on his way down. 'Is there anything else I should know?'

'About-about Maddie?'

She nodded.

'I-I'm just... I'm worried about her.' Cordell finally admitted after a moment. 'That party... It really took a lot out of her and I know-I know the doctors say it's normal but...'

Geri could read between the lines. 'You're still worried.'

Cordell nodded again.

'Well don't.' She finally replied after a pause. 'I will keep a very close eye on her. Promise.'

'Thank you.' He took a look at the time. 'Ah... Look, I've got-I've got to go...' Heading over to the boxes he picked out the picnic basket his brother had been looking for from the first one he looked in. 'I'll ah... I'll see you around.' He said, Liam returning. 'Liam, here.'

'Ah, thanks.'

'See ya.'

Cordell made a hasty exit to the door and Geri and Liam shared a look after he had left. 'What's going on?' She finally questioned.

Liam let out a long sigh. 'You'll have to ask Cordi that.' He placed the picnic basket down on the bench. 'Maddie's waiting for you. Just holler when you're ready for me to bring her down again.'

Nodding, Geri headed upstairs and into Maddie's room. Maddie was seated on her bed, brushing her hair as she walked in. 'What do you want to wear today?'

'Um...' Maddie thought for a moment. 'My light purple shirt with the flowers and my nice pair of riding jeans.'

'Right.' Going over to the dresser she began looking through the drawers until she found what seemed to be what the girl wanted. 'These?'

Looking around, Maddie nodded. 'Yep. Perfect.'

Returning to her again she placed the clothes aside, Maddie placing down her brush and began to unbutton her pajama shirt. 'Aunt Geri... Can I ask you a question?'

'Yeah, sure.'

'Who's Twyla?'

'She uh...' She was taken aback at hearing the name but it made sense now why Cordell was dressed up all of a sudden. 'You'll have to ask your father that.'

Maddie frowned. 'I already did...' She paused for a moment, Geri helping her change into her other shirt. As she buttoned it up over the singlet she already had on, she looked back at the woman. 'I thought things with you and Dad were alright again.'

Geri let out a long sigh. 'It's... it's complicated.'

Hearing that, Maddie rolled her eyes. 'When isn't adult life complicated?'

She chuckled. 'Yeah. The joys of what you have to look forward to.'

'Yay.' She replied very un-enthusiastically. 'Can't wait.'

'You know... Colton has been asking about you.' Geri continued after Maddie had changed into her jeans, getting up to grab the girl her belt from the dresser. 'He said he hasn't been able to get in touch.'

'Oh man... He sent me a couple messages but I just forgot to answer them.' Maddie sighed. 'Damn. I've just... I've been trying to catch up and-'

'It's alright, I'm sure he understands.' She assured her, passing her the belt. 'I'll let him know you'll be in touch with him when you can.'

'Thanks, I do appreciate it. I just haven't had the energy to get everything done I need to do...'

'It's alright, don't stress about it.'

'Huh. You don't know me very well then, do you?' Maddie chuckled. 'Stress is my middle name.'

'Well, let's see if we can have a relaxing day today, shall we?'

She nodded. 'That sounds like a good idea.'

'Maddie, hi!'

Maddie chuckled as Elizabeth came over to her and Geri, more than a little surprised when the older girl gave her a hug. 'Elizabeth, hi.'

'Sorry-' Elizabeth apologized as she pulled back. 'I'm just... I'm just really excited. Diablo came up to me when I went to go see him this morning, he actually came up to me-'

'Oh, that's great news!' Geri closed the car door and joined them again, Maddie looking up at her Aunt. 'Aunt Geri, this is Elizabeth. Elizabeth, my Aunt Geri. I've been helping her with her horse.'

Geri smiled. 'Hi Elizabeth.'

Elizabeth smiled back. 'Nice to meet you.'

'So, Diablo's making progress?' Maddie questioned, the three of them starting across the parking lot towards where the stallion was pastured.

She nodded. 'I've been doing everything exactly as you've said the whole week. Before and after school I've been coming to spend every spare minute with him. Yesterday he came over real close to the fence and then this morning he actually trotted over to me when he saw me coming.'

She smiled at the good report. 'That's a huge step in the right direction.'

'So, you think he's fixed?'

'Not fixed, but definitely well on his way to improving.' Maddie told her, slowing her wheelchair down as they neared the stallion's paddock. Diablo was standing off beneath one of the trees a short distance away, the stallion lifting his head as he saw them approach. They stopped at the fence, Elizabeth whistling softly.

'Here Diablo. Come here boy.' She called softly after whistling. 'Here boy.'

Ears pricked, Diablo started walking towards them, coming to a stop a few yards back from the fence.

Elizabeth smiled, turning to Geri. 'You know, before Maddie started helping me with Diablo, he wouldn't come anywhere near me when I called him. She's a miracle worker.'

Maddie chuckled and blushed at that, Geri smiling as she placed her hand on her shoulder.

'She sure is.' Geri agreed. 'I've never seen someone who has such a way with horses.'

'Okay, okay. Enough of that, both of you.' Maddie replied with a soft laugh. 'I haven't done anything, obviously-' She motioned to the wheelchair she was sitting in. 'it's all been Elizabeth.'

'Well, whatever it is, I can't thank you enough.' Elizabeth replied. 'He's a different horse.'

'He's improving, that I can say, but he's still got a long ways to go.' She looked up at Geri. 'I know you were planning on spending the day with me but is it okay if I stay here on my own? I think Elizabeth will be more comfortable if it's just me watching her with Diablo.'

'Yeah, yeah, alright. I don't have a problem with that.' Geri agreed. 'But promise me you'll let me know if you need me earlier, alright?'

'Promise.'

She turned to Elizabeth. 'And can I trust you to keep an eye on her too? Maddie has a bad habit of not admitting when she's getting tired. After this week, the last thing any of us need is her over doing it.'

Elizabeth nodded. 'I'll keep an eye on her.'

'And you know Mika will too.' Maddie pointed out. 'Mika has your number as well in case anything happens.'

'Alright. I'll come pick you up at-' She checked the time on her phone. 'How does around three sound?'

'Sounds fine to me. Thanks Geri.'

'See you then.' Geri pressed a kiss to her forehead and started back to her car, turning back to her again for a moment. 'Don't over do it.'

Maddie sighed as she nodded. 'I won't. Promise.'

Elizabeth chuckled. 'Your Aunt seems nice.' She remarked after Geri had left. 'Mine never could be bothered with me.'

'Geri's not really my Aunt, being adopted and all but yeah... She's nice.' Maddie agreed. 'My real mom was an only child and I don't know about my dad's family so I don't know if I've got any Aunts or Uncles on his side.'

'Have you thought about trying to find out if you do?'

'I did, then the Walkers became my family. My real father...' She paused for a moment, watching Diablo sneak some grass as he quietly observed them from a slight distance. 'I don't think I want to know his family if they are like him.'

'That's fair.' Elizabeth agreed, silence falling as they watched the stallion. 'So...' She started after Diablo had taken a couple more steps towards them. 'What's next?'

'Well, first things first. The way to a horse's heart is through their stomach. Do you know what Diablo's favorite treat is?'

'Treats?' She shook her head. 'I've always been told not to give horses treats because then they'll bite you.'

'Not if you do it right and teach them that treats are only that, treats. You aren't a never ending human vending machine so they can't treat you like one.' She paused for a moment then giggled. 'See what I did there?'

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. 'Very very funny.'

'I know. Sometimes I surprise even myself. Anyway-' She let out a long breath. 'Back to business. Let's find out what his favorite treat is.'

'And we do that... how?'

'In the tack room, in Dakota's tack locker, you'll find a purple bag that looks like a grooming kit. Grab that and we'll begin.'

'Right.' Elizabeth nodded, starting towards the main barn. 'Be back in a minute.'

After Elizabeth had left, Maddie returned her attention back to the stallion. Diablo definitely appeared a lot calmer and more relaxed which was a great improvement since she had seen him last. Even though he was behind a six foot fence he could still see other horses and observe what was going on, for instance, one of the hands were leading a mare and foal back out to pasture just across the road, the stallion watching them with quiet interest. Being able to see other horses and interact with a gelding turned out in the paddock next to him had definitely helped his mental state and it showed. She smiled as the stallion took a couple steps closer to the fence, calling out softly to the mare as she walked by. The mare replied but stayed with the groom and after a moment, Diablo started grazing again.

'This one?' Elizabeth questioned as she returned, bag in hand.

Maddie nodded. 'Yep. Open it up.'

Placing it down on the ground she did so, a laugh coming from her as she saw what was inside. 'Oh, this is a smorgasbord. They've got more snacks here than I have.'

'Mmmhmm. Mika put that together for me for my birthday.' She replied, wheeling herself over closer to Elizabeth. 'Since she came up to Equitana she frequented all the horse stalls and put together this from what they had. There's treat bars, cookies, hay cubes. Any kind of horse treat on the market.'

'What should I try with him first?'

'Whatever you think he might like.'

Elizabeth looked up from the bag at her horse then began rummaging through the treats again. 'What do your horses like?'

'Both of them love sugar cubes but Bel prefers licorice while Dakota goes crazy for peppermints.'

Hearing that, she smiled. 'You know your horses better than the back of your hand.'

'It's part of that bond and relationship between horse and rider. You'll get there with Diablo.'

'I hope so.' Debating a moment longer she finally decided on trying him with sugar cubes first. 'We'll give this a go. What do I do?'

'You've been in the paddock with him?'

Elizabeth nodded. 'At a distance. Never close enough to touch him.'

'And he hasn't shown any aggression or anything?'

'Nope. Been pretty relaxed and chilled the whole time.'

'Alright. We'll give it a go you offering him a treat from your hand then. I'll stay here and watch. If he starts to show any hint of aggression at all, I'll give the word and you get out asap. Okay?'

'Understood.' She looked at her horse then back at Maddie. 'Wish me luck.'

'You nervous?'

'A little.' She admitted.

'Alright. Take a few deep breaths before you go in. Speak to him, tell him what you're doing. It'll help you focus on him and not your nerves.' Elizabeth nodded again in understanding. 'What I want you to do is go in, show him the treat and if he comes to take it, hold it out to him, don't pull it back. Once he's eaten it, slowly back away then hop out again, okay?'

'Got it.'

'Alright. Give it a go.'

Elizabeth stepped to the fence and climbed through the rails, Diablo lifting his head again, chewing away at some grass as she took a few steps inside the pen.

'Alright, that's far enough. Call him and see what he'll do.'

She nodded, holding the sugar cube out to the stallion. 'Hey Diablo... Hey boy.' His ears pricked towards her as she spoke, his body tensing for a moment before relaxing again. 'Hey. Look what I've got for you. I've got sugar... It's really nice and tasty...' She paused, looking back at Maddie. 'I feel like an idiot.'

Maddie laughed. 'Hey, he doesn't care. You do you. Just talk to him. It's your voice that matters, not what you are saying.'

'That's good. I feel kinda stupid.'

'You'll get over that.'

'Alright...' She turned back to her horse. 'Take two.'

As Elizabeth spoke to her horse, Maddie chuckled and sat back to watch the scene play out. An amused smile was on her lips as Elizabeth spoke to Diablo about how good and tasty the sugar was. Who would have thought that the girl she had first met, dressed up like one of those models in the Horseland catalog would don old riding clothes and be out in the paddock making small talk with her horse. Elizabeth certainly was changing and for the better.

Diablo listened with interest as the girl continued to speak, snorting softly as he sniffed the air. It did smell good to him. A moment later he took a step towards her then another, and another.

'That's a boy.' Elizabeth praised as the stallion walked towards her. 'Good boy. Here, here you go.' Diablo stopped a couple feet back, what he deemed as a safe distance and reached out to sniff what was in her hand. As Maddie had instructed, Elizabeth reached her hand out towards him and offered him the sugar with held breath. The stallion hesitated for a moment longer but then the temptation was too great and he finally took the sugar cube from her hand.

The smile on Maddie's face reached from ear to ear. 'Now slowly back away and let him think on that.'

Elizabeth did so, climbing back through the fence as Diablo munched away on the sugar cube. 'He came to me. He actually came to me.' She exclaimed with happiness. 'I can't believe he did that.'

The sound of someone clapping from behind them caught both of their attention and they turned to see Nina standing behind them. 'Well done.' She said as she joined them. 'I came down to see how you were getting along and I'm impressed.'

'Did you see Nana? Did you see him come to me?' Elizabeth questioned. 'It's like he's a different horse.'

'I saw.' She replied with a smile. 'That's progress, I can say.'

Maddie handed Elizabeth another sugar cube from the jar. 'Give him another one. This time see if he'll let you pat him first. Just gently, and just the top of his nose. Reward him immediately when he lets you.'

'Okay, we'll give it a go.'

Nina folded her arms across her chest as her granddaughter climbed through the fence again, this time the stallion walking up to her with less hesitation than before. Offering the sugar cube to him she held out her other hand, Diablo reaching over to sniff it. Gently she touched his muzzle, the stallion pulling back in surprise but then reached towards her again. Elizabeth looked back at Maddie for guidance.

'Try patting him again. He was a little surprised but he's okay with it.'

Elizabeth did so, Diablo this time staying there beneath her touch and a moment later, she gave him the sugar cube. This time when she turned to walk out of the paddock, Diablo was right beside her, only stopping once she had climbed through the fence and he couldn't follow.

'See Nana?'

Nina placed her arm around her granddaughter. 'That's an improvement.'

'Does this mean you'll rethink about putting him down?'

'Well...'

Maddie and Elizabeth both looked at her hopefully.

'You both have convinced me that he needs another chance. A decent chance.' She replied after a moment. 'I might be old but I'm not too proud to admit when I've been taught something from you younger generation. As long as he continues to improve and doesn't show any more aggression, he won't be put down.'

Elizabeth threw her arms around her grandmother. 'Oh thank you Nana, thank you!'

Nina smiled down at her. 'But, in saying that...'

'Yes?'

'I still want you to be careful. I don't want you getting hurt.'

'Careful. Yes. Mmhm. I can do that.'

'Good. Just see that you do.' Nina turned back to Maddie. 'I do have to thank you Maddie for talking me into giving Diablo another chance. Seeing how he's improved since you've been helping with him has been something to see. I'll be taking the changes you've made with him into consideration in the future with my other horses.'

Maddie smiled hearing that. 'It's been my pleasure ma'am.'

'I'll let you two get back to it then. Keep up the good work.'

Maddie and Elizabeth turned to each other as Nina left, waiting until she was out of earshot before they both squealed with excitement. 'We did it.' Elizabeth said, hugging Maddie. This time, Maddie returned the hug. 'We did it.'

Maddie smiled, nodding. 'Sure ain't over yet though. We've still got a lot of work ahead.'

Elizabeth nodded as she pulled back, looking over at Diablo as he stood wondering what on earth they were doing. 'Well, let's get to it then.'

By the time that Maddie and Elizabeth decided to call it a day with Diablo, the stallion had continued to show progress. Not wanting to push things too far too soon, Maddie decided to keep things as simple as possible. As simple as Elizabeth repeating that same exercise over and over again. Calling Diablo and offering him a treat then retreating. Baby steps. It would all be worth it when the end result was achieved. A safe, reliable horse and a strong bond between him and his rider.

When they called it a day, Elizabeth had to go. She had planned to hang out with some friends and they'd come to the stables to pick her up. They were a rowdy bunch of girls and Maddie couldn't help but overhear the remarks they made to Elizabeth about her from their expensive car. Elizabeth didn't say anything and had left with them, Maddie trying hard not to let their remarks get to her.

They hurt though.

She was already insecure about herself and the way she looked after her surgery and hearing what they said about her didn't help.

They had laughed at her.

Hadn't anyone ever taught them that it wasn't nice to make fun of people that were disabled?

And so, Maddie found herself seeking solace with her horses. They couldn't make fun of her. They didn't care how she looked. They accepted her for who she was, cancer and all. A lone tear slipped down her cheek as she sat with Dakota, Bel grazing close by keeping watch over her sleeping foal. If they knew just what she struggled with and had won, would they have said those things?

It made her angry.

Damn the cancer.

Damn her limitations.

Damn it all.

Looking at Dakota, an idea came to her mind. She was sick of the chair. Sick of her being told by the doctors that she needed to be patient. Enough was enough. She was going to walk again and she was going to walk again now.

Moving herself over against Dakota she ran a hand down the mare's shoulder. 'Hey darlin... Mind if I borrow your strong shoulders for a moment?' She whispered softly. Dakota nuzzled at her and she smiled, her eyes watering again as the mare's whiskers tickled her cheeks. 'Go easy on me, okay?'

After taking her feet off the footrests and turned them around, her feet resting on the ground now, Maddie took a deep breath. She knew she wasn't ready but she was so sick of that chair and everything that came with it. She wanted to walk again.

I can do this.

Placing both hands securely upon Dakota's withers, Maddie began pulling herself up using the mare for support. Her legs shook as her weight was placed on them, her arms beginning to ache from holding the rest of her weight. Forcing herself to keep going she grit her teeth against the pain until she was standing. God she was shaking and the grip she had on her mare was like iron but she was standing.

She was standing.

Taking a moment to get herself used to standing again she looked back at that damn chair. God she hated it. Hated being an invalid. Hated that she was weak. She was a Walker for heaven's sake. She was expected to be strong. Yeah, maybe she was a Walker in name only but she sure had learnt to have the Walker pride.

'Lets... let's see if we can do a couple steps... hey?' She questioned, Dakota turning to look at her. 'Take it slow girl, okay?' Still holding on tight to the mare she forced her left leg to take a step. It wasn't much of a step, more a shuffle than anything but it was something. Sweat started to form on her brow as she concentrated on moving her right leg, again, another shuffling and bumbling attempt.

It couldn't even be called a walk.

'Walk... walk on.' She told the mare, holding on tight to her withers. Dakota calmly took a step forward and then another, Maddie doing her utmost best trying to keep up with her. Her best wasn't enough though, for after the third step her legs gave out on her and she couldn't hold onto the mare any longer.

Dakota stopped instantly as Maddie collapsed on the ground, the mare nudging her gently as the girl took a breath then began trying to sit up.

'Maddie! My god, Maddie!' Mika exclaimed as she ran over to her friend, Maddie still trying to sit up. 'What on earth were you thinking?' She asked her, almost shouting as she helped Maddie up and back into her chair. 'That was a stupid thing to do! You could have been hurt-'

Mika was abruptly cut off as Maddie burst into tears.

'Maddie-Maddie, I'm sorry.' She instantly regretted getting angry with her but she had been so worried when she'd seen her fall... 'Maddie, Maddie. It's okay. It's okay. I'm sorry. Please... Please stop crying.'

Maddie shook her head. 'It-it's it's not-its not you... it's me.' She sobbed. 'Look... Look at-Look at me. I-I can't... I can't even stand.'

'Oh Maddie...' Mika didn't know what to do as she watched her friend cry. She felt helpless. What could she do?

'I-I'm... I'm useless.' She forced out between sobs. 'I'd be... I'd be better off... better off dead.'

'No.' Mika replied firmly but gently. 'No. You do not get to think like that Maddie. You are still here for a reason. Don't think you'd be better off dead.'

'Why... what kind... what kind of life do I have stuck in this chair?' Maddie asked, tears pouring down her cheeks. 'This... this Damn chair... and me.' She brought her fist down hard on the armrest as more sobs overcame her. 'Worthless... good for nothing... garbage.'

'Maddie...' Not knowing what else to do she wrapped her arms around her friend, holding her tight. 'Maddie, you aren't worthless...' She told her, rubbing her back gently. 'You aren't worthless.'

Maddie didn't reply, tears pouring down her cheeks. She cried until she was exhausted, vaguely aware of Mika holding her. As she slowly calmed down again she lent against her friend, utterly spent.

'Maddie...' Mika pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping the tears from her face. 'What's wrong? What brought this all on?'

'Elizabeth-'

'Elizabeth?' She questioned before Maddie had a chance to explain. 'What has she done now? I told you she was trouble.'

Maddie shook her head. 'Not Elizabeth... Her-her friends... They-they saw me when-when they came to pick her up. They-they said some stuff. It... it just got to me.' She sniffled, taking the handkerchief to blow her nose. 'I'm sorry...' She apologized, hanging her head. 'I just...'

'It's okay. I understand.' She smiled sympathetically at her. 'This is what friends are for, right?'

'I guess...'

'You didn't hurt yourself when you fell, did you?'

'I don't think so.' She did feel sore but it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. 'I'll be fine.'

'You want me to call your folks?'

'No, no... I'm okay... I just...' She took a deep breath.

'All a little too much?' Mika questioned gently.

Maddie nodded.

'You know, it's okay to not be okay sometimes.' She told her softly after a pause. 'What's been going on?'

'I just... I'm so sick of being in this damn chair. Of feeling useless. I can't... I can't even walk and god only knows when I'll be able to again.' Biting her lip, Maddie paused for a moment. 'I'm just sick and tired of it all. I'm tired of everyone pitying me. I'm tired of being sick. I hate how I look now. I hate being so damn weak...'

Mika nodded in understanding, placing her hand on Maddie's. 'Maddie... I don't... I can't begin to imagine how you feel but it will get better. I promise you. You've just got to be patient.'

'I know. I know I have to be patient but I can't be. I just... I want to be able to walk again.'

'Is that what all this is about?'

'Yes... Yes and no...' Maddie took another deep breath. 'I've just... I've been trying to keep it together but Elizabeth's friends... What they said... It just got to me.'

'What did they say?'

Maddie shook her head.

'It's okay.' Mika assured her, seeing that whatever they had said had obviously hurt her deeply. 'You don't have to tell me.'

'You... You're a good friend.' She said when she finally spoke, sniffling back the last of her tears. 'Thank you.'

Mika smiled at her. 'You okay now?'

'Yeah... I will be.'

'Okay. I don't have to worry about you trying to walk again, do I?'

'No...' She sighed softly. 'I'm already going to feel it later from that little attempt. I won't do it again. Promise.'

'Good.' Mika smiled again, squeezing her friend's hand gently. 'I'll come check on you in a bit, alright? I've got to get back to work.'

Maddie nodded, Dakota ambling over closer to her again. 'Okay.' She placed her hand on the mare's neck, rubbing gently behind her ear where Dakota loved to have a good scratch. 'I'll be alright with my girls.'

'Good. I'll be back soon.'

Mika left, Maddie turning her attention back to her mare as she was alone once more. 'Guess your mom made a right royal fool of herself... Didn't she?' She asked softly, running her hand down the mare's neck. 'Big bloomin idiot...'

Pulling her phone from her pocket she rang her father, sighing as it rang out and his recorded voicemail message played. 'Walker. Leave a message.'

'Hey Dad... Just me.' She said softly. 'I'll... I'll try again later.'

Slipping her phone back into her pocket she looked back at her horses, deep in her thoughts. Time passed by, Maddie staying with her horses under the old oak tree. Hope woke, trotting over to her mom to grab a drink and she smiled sadly as she watched the foal. Hope was growing up so fast. In a couple months time it would be time to begin weaning her of Bel and the mare would slowly be brought back into work after.

Dakota lifted her head, snorting softly as someone came walking over to them, Maddie turning to see what had caught her mare's attention. 'Colton...' She exclaimed with surprise. 'I didn't expect to see you here.'

'I wanted to talk to you.' He replied as he stopped beside her, giving Dakota a pat as the mare checked to see if he had brought treats. 'I tried to ring you but your phone kept ringing out.'

With a frown she pulled her phone from her pocket then sighed. 'I'm so sorry, I had it on silent.' She apologized upon seeing the missed calls and texts from him. 'How'd you know I was here though?'

'When I couldn't get in touch with you I rang August. He told me you were here.'

She nodded. 'Well, as you can see... Here I am. What did you want to talk about?'

'I just... I've been worried about you. You haven't been replying to any of my texts, thought maybe you didn't want to speak to me anymore.'

'No, no, that's not it. At all. I just... I haven't had the energy to reply. I'm sorry.'

'I get that. Aunt Geri said you haven't been well but I thought maybe there was more to it.'

'No, there's not. Promise.' She assured him, Colton taking a seat on the grass beside her chair. 'I'm sorry, I just haven't been feeling the best. I was going to get back to you-'

'Maddie, it's alright.' He interrupted gently. 'I understand. It's okay.'

Maddie smiled at that. 'Thanks. So, is there anything else you wanted to talk about?'

'No, no, that's it.' He looked back at her. 'Something on your mind?'

'Yeah... Were you for real? I mean about how you feel about me?' She was referring to the last time they had spoken, when Colton had told her that he still liked her.

'Yeah. Yeah, that's how I feel.' Colton replied after a moment. 'I mean... Since day one, seeing you helping that injured horse... It's been you.'

She nodded, looking over at Hope as the foal skipped around for a moment then looked back at him. 'If this is gonna work... We really need to be honest with everybody.'

'Yeah.' He agreed. 'Okay, yeah. Cool.'

Maddie smiled. 'I guess this is a step in the right direction then.'

'Yeah, I'd say it is.'

Looking down at her watch she realized that Geri would be coming to pick her up soon. 'I've ah... I'll have to go soon. Aunt Geri is coming by to pick me up.'

'Alright, well, I guess we had better start heading that direction then.'

Dakota walked them out, Maddie giving the mare a pat as Colton got the gate for her then the two of them made their way out into the parking lot. Geri was just pulling in as they arrived, smiling as she got out of her car. 'Hey you two.'

'Hi Aunt Geri.' Colton replied.

'Ready to go Maddie girl?'

Maddie nodded, turning to Colton. 'I'll... I'll catch up with you later then.'

'Alright.' He gave her a hug, placing his hand on her shoulder. 'Hope you're feeling better soon.'

'Me too Colt. Me too.'