Chapter 2 – problems with Dan
Bill Regan muttered to himself darkly as he stocked his 4 by 4 with purchases. He definitely was not in the best mood today and the unfortunate shop assistant that had served him received the brunt of his anger. His problem was simple Dan. They'd developed a close bond during the time Dan had been diagnosed with a hereditary medical condition that had caused his bodies systems to suddenly shut down. Now Dan had to take daily medication to prevent a reoccurrence of the condition.
Recently he'd become moody and withdrawn hardly responding to his Uncle at all.
The school had also noticed Dans behaviour and requested that Dan and Regan front up for a counseling session. Dan had refused to talk about what was causing his behaviour but the councilor seemed to think that Dan was simply having a delayed reaction to his mothers death. Certainly memories had been prompted for both of them with the discovery of Patty's photo album. But Regan had been disappointed to note gaps in the albums photos with blank spaces. Patty must have removed photos then unfortunately lost them.
Nothing would bring those lost memories back and he'd been advised to bide his time with Dan and wait for him to talk. It didn't give Dan an excuse for bad behaviour though and Regan was beginning to see some signs a storm might be coming.
At 22 he felt ill equipped to deal with Dans problems and had relied heavily on the wisdom of the Beldens.
Making sure his purchase were all secure Regan started up his vehicle and headed for home. Mr Wheeler would have left for a business meeting by the time he arrived.
It was probably not a good time to consult Mrs Wheeler on the sale of the gold necklace he'd found nestled amongst love letters from his sisters past. Regan had the medical bill for Dan coming due and selling the necklace was the only way he was going to be able to pay.
The drive back to town was short and Regan could see banners going up to welcome members of the US skating team to town. He understood the coach had already arrived. He didn't pay much attention to those type of things though, horses were more in his line of interest. Why couldn't they hold an international equestrian competition, that would be far more interesting in his opinion.
He pulled up outside his apartment at Manor house and began to unload. The sounds coming from the stable that indicated Dan was already at work mucking out.
He carried the supplies for the Manor house in and gave them to Jim. "Thanks Regan", Jim acknowledged with a smile. Regan smiled why couldn't Dan act more like his red headed friend then he immediately felt bad for having the thought.
Regan marched into the stable noticing Dan hard at work cleaning tack. Dan obviously noticed his arrival but chose to say nothing. Regan could feel a temper brewing. He heard giggling and turned to find Bobby Belden playing in the hay with the small horse selection he'd obtained for the young boys use. There with Bobby was Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler both seemingly involved in a discussion while cleaning their own mounts tack. "The Bob whites should have some sort of involvement in the ice skating competition " Trixie was saying. "Yes but what "Honey agreed ,"the Harris foundation is already covering the money needed for most things". "Them again", remarked Trixie," amusement parks and competitions what doesn't this Harris guy support". Honey shrugged guessing Trixie hadn't really been asking a question.
"Big foundations often forget about the personal touches", Honey remarked, "maybe we need to do something for the skaters themselves. "What a good idea", Trixies eyes sparkled as the idea caught hold". Regan smiled the girls had generous hearts. "That is a really nice thought to do something special for the skaters. It can be daunting arriving in a new town and not knowing many people." Regan spoke passionately remembering his own feelings of loneliness. "I'm' sure I can spare Dan if you need his help with anything", Regan said warmly. Trixie grinned and turned to her friend who looked not exactly happy at his Uncle's announcement..
"Dan what do you think", Trixie asked "Have nothing to do with the damn competition", Dan spat. Regan's eyes widened at the word 'damn'. "Daniel Mangan what did you say", he demanded forcefully. "I'm sure you're not deaf Uncle Bill", Dan remarked staring at his Uncle defiantly. Honey and Trixie traded wary glances as Regan's face got redder. "Come into my office right now mister", Regan demanded. Dan looked at his uncle calmly aware of his anger but not able to help stop himself saying the next words, "No", Dan stood his ground. "Excuse me", demanded Bill shocked almost speechless by Dan's words. "I said no Uncle Bill, I'm not going into your office", Dan reply held no anger just determination. Bill Regan was stunned, he could hardly drag Dan into the office with Bobby, Honey and Trixie present still Dan needed some type of punishment.
"You are grounded mister", he told Dan. "You go to Mr Maypennys every day after school and do your chores, no hanging out with your friends ."
Dan just shrugged continuing to clean his tack. Regan stomped into the office himself and slammed the door. "Aren't you being unfair to Regan", Trixie suggested to Dan.
Dan just shrugged again making no response. Regan's office door opened again and the tall groom came out looking upset, 'Bobby did you take the horse from my shelf", he asked the young boy. Bobby's lower lip immediately began to quiver, "I just needed a daddy horse for my game and that one was so pretty", he explained. Regan's face darkened, "I've told you before not to touch that horse", he told Bobby seriously. Bobby immediately began to cry. Honey and Trixie rushed to his side, "I'm sure Bobby didn't mean to take the Horse Regan", Honey told the groom in a firm voice. "He'll give it back straight away", Trixie stated looking at her young brother firmly.
Bobby just sobbed harder, "I lost it", he cried. "It went to sleep under some hay and now I can't find it". Regan came over and began to rake up sections of hay. After a few fruitless attempts Regan stared at Bobby and walked away but the girls noticed a glint of tears in his eyes. "That horse must be very special to Regan", Trixie remarked.
"It was one of the few things Uncle Bill has that mom gave him", Dan replied softly regretting his previous outburst. "Oh", Tears welled up in Honeys eyes and she began to search the hay as did Trixie and Dan. But after several minutes they gave up hope of finding the horse. "I'll buy him another one", Trixie maintained but she knew it would never replace the horse Regan's sister had given. The girls finished up their tasks quickly and took Bobby out of the stables.
Dan looked at his Uncles closed door for awhile and debated with himself, the taking a deep breath he entered . His Uncle had his head in his hands and looked like he was actually crying. That stopped Dan in his tracks, he was having problems with his own grief and seeing it in his Uncles eyes was something he was unprepared for. "If I realized he had the horse I would have stopped him", Dan told his Uncle softly. "I am sorry I know what it meant to you". Regan looked at Dan wondered anew at his rapid mood changes, minutes ago he'd been angry and sullen and now he was trying to be supportive. "She gave me that horse on my 7th birthday Dan just weeks before she ran off with your father", Regan stated. Dan nodded, "I guess I should feel lucky that I knew my mother a lot longer than you were given the opportunity to know her."
Dan realized tears were falling from his own eyes and he made an effort to hold them back. Regan looked up at him and decided now might be a good time to tell Dan about the others things of his mothers he had found, "I should have told you Dan, but I found some love letters to her from your father". "I was just a little skeptical about letting you read them now". Dan grimaced, "Mushy stuff", he announced. "Oh definitely", Regan found a small smile beginning to form. "There was also a gold necklace." He looked at Dan.
It's worth a lot of money, Timothy must have save hard to buy it", Regan thought that sounded better than saying he thought it was stolen. To his surprise Dan went white and Regan found himself rushing forward in concern, "Dan are you alright", he demanded. Dan seemed frozen his look pure shock. "Dan do you know something about that necklace", Regan asked sure that must be the reason for Dan's attitude.
Dan pulled out of his Uncles arms , "I can't Uncle Bill", he stated softly before turning and fleeing. Regan watched him go stunned. Obviously Dan did know something about that necklace. The horrible thought that Dan knew it was stolen played through Regan's mind. Dan would never admit to knowing either of his parents had stolen merchandise. The quandary about what to do with the necklace returned, was Regan actually right in selling it. What would Dan say if Regan told him he was going to sell the thing. Maybe Regan should tell him and find out or maybe he should just assume responsibility for the necklace. He shivered as a memory again surfaced of seeing the necklace around someone's neck. He must have been fairly young at the time which was why it was all shadowy. With a sigh Regan pulled his thoughts away from the past. He should just embrace the one living thing he had from his sister, Dan. But at the moment nothing about his nephew seemed easy.
"Dan is certainly getting himself in a lot of trouble", Honey remarked as she walked back to Crabapple farm with her friend. "Yes", Trixie replied absently seeming deep in thought. "What", Honey demanded recognizing Trix's reflective mood.
"Well just that it seemed Dan wanted to get grounded. He wasn't upset when Regan told him off, Trixie remarked. "Why would Dan want to get grounded", Honey stated in puzzlement. Trixie looked thoughtful, "he really doesn't seem interested in this skating competition and being grounded would mean he could have nothing to do with it without offending us."Honey frowned, 'I thought Dan liked skating", she remarked. "I think he does like skating but just doesn't like this competition for some reason", Trixie told her friend. Honey's eyes widened, "The Harris foundation", she stated, 'maybe it's not the competition but their involvement Dan doesn't like. I mean the foundation was running that park where Dan was nearly abducted and then injured" .Trixie nodded, "yes and we never discovered a reason for that though nothing else has happened since. It is very mysterious"", Trixie concluded with a grin knowing her brothers weren't around to comment on her use of the word.
Simon pulled away form the Lynchs with a firm decision as to which houses his skaters needing to board would go. He had chosen Laura Anton for the Wheelers as her own family were fairly well off and the setting wouldn't overwhelm her. Laura was just a few months off 18 and had younger siblings meaning she could get on well enough with the Wheeler offspring. For the Lynches he'd chosen another girl Greta Masters whose family actually knew the Lynches slightly. Simon felt guilty that his most difficult skater Darren Laurel was being placed with the Belden's. Darrens problems were simple women or girls. He was a terrible flirt and would chase after anything in a skirt. Both the Wheeler girl and the Lynch girl would definitely be targets despite their relatively young ages. Simon had labeled Trixie firmly as a tomboy not that she was unattractive just not the type that appealed to Darryn.
Her bigger brothers would also be a good deterrent. He'd have to warn the Beldens though and be prepared to come down hard on any inappropriate behaviour, the last thing they wanted was a scandal.
Rubbing his eyes Simon decided to stop off at the local store before returning to his apartment. Entering the quaint local store Simon looked around in amazement. A grumpy looking man came out and glared at him, "I suppose you're lost", he stated.
"No", remarked Simon, "I just felt like something to eat before I go home". Mr Lytell
studied the stranger. 'You'd be that Coach all the gossip is about", he stated. Simon found himself blushing, "yes I guess that's me". The old shop keeper was staring him right in the face. "Don't know why them females go on so about green eyes", he grumbled. Simon wanted to sink through the floor boards, "I guess green eyes aren't all that common", he remarked. "Not ones like yours", Lytell was still staring. "Ahh I guess I'll have an ice cream", Simon decided quickly pulling on out of the freezer. "Good choice, Lytell remarked, popular with most of the teens round here."
You're a city boy I suppose", Lytell chatted as he took his time serving Simon.
"Yes", Simons answer was short. "So them fems aint got much chance of you settling down here anyway", Lytell remarked. "I came to work", Simon stated. Lytell stared at him, "You're going to work all time, he grinned in disbelief, '',don't you like ladies"
"What", Simon demanded. "Well that's what they'll say if you don't go out with someone Mr Saunders,' Lytell told him calmly. "I don't really care what they say "", Simon stated firmly tapping his foot loudly as he waited for his change. Mr Lytell was poking around for small change when the door banged and Honey and Trixie entered.
"Afternoon Mr Saunders", Trixie greeted sunnily. "Afternoon girls", Simon acknowledged. "I'll be ringing your fathers later to let them know the names and arrival dates of their skaters." "Good we're looking forward to having them", Honey told Simon politely. Trixie looked at Mr Saunders, "we were wondering if there was something we could do for your skaters", she remarked taking this opportunity to try her ideas out on the coach. Simon looked at her in puzzlement, "do for them, he repeated, "what do you mean?". "Well we figured the Harris Foundation had taken care of all the financial need but maybe forgotten about the Skaters personal needs.
Here they are in a strange town some of them living with people they've never met before", Trixie remarked, an idea was beginning to take hold. "Wouldn't it be nicer if they had some sort of welcoming event where they could meet Sleepyside families casually?" "Sticking your nose in again Belden", grumped Lytell interrupting Trixie.
"You should be careful Coach, or she'll be trying to find some mystery to solve about you and your skaters." "Mystery", Simon remarked looking at the blonde girl.
Trixie blushed, "I want to be a detective when I get older", she explained. "We have already solved a few mysteries". Simons eyes widened in surprise. "Her parents let her run wild", Lytell explained. "They do not Mr Lytell", Honey told him firmly.
"Indeed they don't", Simon agreed. "In fact you should not say things like that about people Mr Lytell, I found the Belden's to be very friendly welcoming people who have a lot of regard for their children". He turned his green eyed gaze on the shopkeeper.
Mr Lytell drew himself up ready for another comment but the green eyes on his own held firm and he swallowed then looked down. Shoving Simons change across the counter the store keeper moodily began to rearrange his shelves.
"It's a nice thought that you want to put on a welcome for the skaters", Simon told Trixie. He was then going to make a comment to put the girl off thinking up any sort of plan. But then he supposed he was being selfish not wanting to put himself through that sort of heavy social scene. "If you think up anything firm let me know", Simon settled for saying, secretly hoping she couldn't think something up. He nodded to the girls then exited the shop. "What a nice man", Honey stated warmly. "Yes, remarked Trixie, Lets call a bob white meeting and plan something for the skaters."
Simon sat down on a bench by Lytells store and ate his ice cream. He supposed he'd have to get used to nosy comments and questions. He wondered what they'd say if he told them his background, "unstable coach appointed " some paper would probably scream. A general analysis of his life would not turn up any details of his stay at the private psychiatric hospital and he knew the staff there were discrete. So any details should remain private. Simon began to wish he'd never come here then stopped, there was something almost compelling about Sleepyside. He was not sure that he could just climb in his car and drive out of the town and never return. That puzzled him, he'd been many places and met many people and there was nothing remarkable about this place on the surface. So what was it about this town, Simon guess the longer he'd stayed maybe the closer he'd be to finding out the answer.
With a sigh he got up off the bench, he now had to go and visit the newly completed skating stadium and talk to the man who was going to be head of the security detail.
That was the unfortunate part of being a celebrity you attracted some strange people.
It was a short drive to the huge arena. Simon showed his ID and got escorted to meet security chief Dennis Healy. The man was about 50 something and looked kind of menacing . "Mr Saunders, it's good to finally meet you", Dennis smiled and he looked almost pleasant. "You too", Simon acknowledged. "Why don't I run you through the arrangements we've made for your and the teams safety while they are here," Dennis stated. "My safety, remarked Simon thinking he didn't need a bodyguard. "Of course Mr Saunders, it is essential that you be kept safe as well. The coach is a very important part of the team and naturally I expect you to comply with my rules", Dennis told Simon firmly. Simon tried not to roll his eyes. "It is important Mr Saunders", Dennis insisted picking up on the Coaches mood. "Yes I guess, Simon sighed, I just never got used to it that's all."
Dennis led the way through the arena showing the Coach its features including his huge personal office. "I'll screen all visitors for you Mr Saunders. I dearsay members of the general public will try to see you but you'll be too busy to deal with them. Let me know the name of any personal friends and I'll see to it they get access", Dennis smiled. Simon nodded then realized that Dennis was waiting for him to state names.
"I don't think anyone will come calling right now", he told Dennis." I think my parents do plan to visit closer to competition time but I'll let you know about that".
"No lady friends", Dennis asked bluntly. "Not right now", Simon replied sagely.
"Well let me know if that changes and I'm sure it will", Dennis stated.
Simon said nothing just acknowledging Dennis with another nod.
I'll leave you to get acquainted with your office", Dennis remarked before shutting the door firmly after him. Simon sat in his chair and whirled around a few times.
While here he might as well make phone calls to the families telling them about the skaters.
"Ah Mr Saunders, I was just thinking of calling you", Matt Wheeler remarked as Simon gave out the details of his skater. Simon hoped there wasn't a problem.
"I forgot to tell you or show you the lake on our property. It's now solid enough for skating but I don't want to encourage it's use amongst the skaters. We don't want lots of people through the property possibly causing damage to the environment."
"I'll instruct skaters that they must practice at the arena", Simon assured Matt.
"Thank you Mr Saunders", Matt acknowledged hanging up.
Simon sat for awhile longer in his chair then decided to go and have dinner.
Dan rode through the Wheelers preserve enjoying the quiet . This place had become a sanctuary away from the troubles with his Uncle Bill. Of course if Dan actually opened up and talked to his Uncle there would not be a problem. But Dan just could face talking about his pain, not yet anyway. He filled the feed stations and stopped to look at the Wheelers lonely lake now glinting with firm ice. Thinking of ice just made him think of the competition and he clenched his teeth. Hurrying on Dan finished his work and returned to Mr Maypenny's. The old woodsman already had dinner cooking and was busy reading that days newspaper when Dan came in. Dan greeted him then retired to his room to change and wash for dinner.
Usually they chatted over dinner but tonight Dan was quiet his mind miles away.
"Is there something on your mind Danny boy", Walter Maypenny asked quietly.
Dan shrugged. Mr Maypenny watched him awhile, "you've been a little unsettled lately Dan". Talking about it could help, I'm a good listener", Mr Maypenny prompted. Dan sighed his Uncle had obviously recruited the old man to try and get details from him. "It's not something I can talk about right now Mr Maypenny, but thanks for offering" Dan responded firmly. Walter was different from Regan in the aspect of knowing when to push he could see tension in Dan's body that screamed back off so he simply replied, "I'm ready to listen when you're ready to talk".
Dan finished eating helped Maypenny wash up then retired to do homework.
After finishing that off he exited his room bid good night to the old woodsman then went to sleep.
It was the nightmare that woke his screaming the same one he'd had on the streets several times. He tried to make it disappear by involving him self with his new 'family', the Cowhands. Finally it had stopped only to return now full force.
Mr Maypenny rushed into the room as Dan sat upright on his bed trying to get back in control. "Danny", the old woodsman turned on the light. He stared at Dan then quickly sat beside him on the bed. "Are you alright", he demanded. Dan reached up to rub his eyes and felt the tears that had run down his face. "It was just a bad dream", he told Mr Maypenny. Walter looked at the young man on the bed, he was doing a fairly good job of trying to cover up being freaked out. But he didn't fool Walter.
He touched Dan's ice cold hand, "Danny, something is bothering you, your Uncle has noticed, I've noticed, heck I think everyone had noticed". "Oh", Dan muttered thinking he hadn't really done that well at pretending. "I know you don't feel like talking about whatever it is but it might be the only way for you to feel any sort of peace", Walter stroked his hand. Dan looked down his heart rate speeding up again as he thought about what to say. "I guess there is something", Dan finally admitted, "something I haven't told anyone". Mr Maypenny waited quietly. "Sometimes I think I can talk about it then my throat goes all tight and nothing comes out", Dan admitted.
Walter squeezed Dans hand, he knew Bill Regan would probably push at this point trying to get Dan to open up. All that would probably achieve was the opposite so Walter just sat. "it's to do with dreams I suppose", Dan whispered softly. "How you can suddenly think your going to get everything you want then it's gone just like that"
Mr Maypenny nodded ,not because he understood yet what Dan was trying to say but just to acknowledge he was listening. Dan thought about going on and finally telling someone what was on his mind. But once again he couldn't seem to do that.
After the silence got longer Dan looked up at Maypenny, "I will tell you one day", he told the old woodsman recognizing he wasn't just making excuses but actually meant his words. "I'll be waiting", Walter acknowledged. Dan slid back down into bed and Mr Maypenny covered him up. Walter waited to Dan's eyes slid shut and the hand released his until, he slid from the room, 'night Dan", he whispered softly as he shut the door. Dan immediately began to dream again but this time the dream was different, this time he saw a face quite clearly, then familiar arms were hugging him.
Tears rolled down his eyes in sleep as he dreamt on seeing something that he believed was forever impossible.
Dan sat in a totally different place in the school bus while Trixie jabbered on in the back about plans for the skaters. One of the boys from his class who Dan tried to avoid came and sat beside him. "Not into your little friends plans", he asked throwing a nod Trixie's way. Dan just shook his head. You seem to have a problem with this skating competition", Dale pressed, "enough to rip up a poster". "Well if your interested we have plans of our own", Dale Martin stated with a grin. Dan could feel the danger in Dales words the 'bad boys' of Sleepyside high were not convinced by Dan's transformation into good guy' and were always slowly pushing him in their direction. "What have you got in mind", Dan heard himself ask. "We're going to get those skaters and that big headed coach", Dale whispered. "Good", Dan found himself saying with conviction.
"Yeah well they deserve something especially that coach, he's all most of the girls talk about even though he's just about old enough to be their dads. "ooh, Dale put on a high squeaky voice, "what lovely green eyes, and look at those muscles. I wonder if Mr Saunders would give me a private lesson." I'd like to give him a private lesson", Dale turned to Dan who was suddenly white faced. 'Hey are you alright".
The bus appeared to be whirling and in a detached way Dan felt the brakes slam on.
Then there were all these voices but one soothing voice that spoke firmly above them all. "Give him some air", demanded Brian Belden as he and Dale lifted the barely conscious Dan from the window seat and lay him on the floor of the bus. "Get back to your seats", Brian shouted. The other students quickly complied though their eyes never wavered from Dans side. "I think someone should call an ambulance", Brian stated as he felt Dan's galloping pulse . One of the children complied while Brian made his friend comfortable. "What happened", Trixie demanded to Dale. "I was just talking to him then he went all white and passed out", Dale returned defensively.
"I wonder if Dan forgot to take his medication", Brian remarked as he kept monitoring his friend. Dan was showing all of the signs of shock and that was a warning to a repeat of his condition.
They heard the ambulance approaching and Brian and Dale helped carefully lift Dan out of the bus and onto a stretcher. "I better go and phone Bill Regan", Brian stated as the ambulance screeched away.
Dan woke up to find himself in an ambulance. He immediately just wanted to go home but the ambulance staff were obviously not going to let him do anything of the sort. He had to endure poking prodding and blood samples in the ER and was feeling totally fed up with the whole business when his Uncle was finally allowed to see him.
"Dan how are you feeling", Regan asked which was all it took for Dan to burst into tears.
"Hey, hey" Bill enfolded him in his arms. He'd been told that the tests indicated Dan was fine but they were going to monitor him for a few more hours just to make sure.
"I'm sorry Uncle Bill", Dan gulped as he leaned into his Uncles embrace.
"Dan you passed out, it wasn't your fault, the doctors just want to make sure nothing more serious is wrong before they let you come home." Regan sat beside Dan, "You should have told me you were having nightmares", he stated softly. Dan looked shocked then realized his Uncle must have talked to Maypenny who probably had no choice but to mention his restless night. Dan nodded, "I just couldn't talk about it", he sobbed. "It's okay Dan", Regan told him soothingly. "No, its not, I've been so awful", Dan admitted. "I'm truly ashamed of myself", Dan pressed his head against his Uncles chest. Bill Regan could feel Dan shaking almost like he was scared.
Maybe the fact he was almost abducted from that park was bothering Dan more than he let on, or perhaps something else was on his mind.
Just try to relax for the moment Dan or you'll end up staying here even longer, "Regan advised. "We can talk later".
Dan looked at his Uncle, "will you get me something to read", he asked. "Sure Dan, what do you want", Regan asked. "The sleepyside Sun", Dan replied. Bill Regan thought that was an odd choice but didn't argue perhaps Dan was researching something for a school project. Regan brought Dan the paper then settled himself into a chair and read his own paper while Dan appeared focused on the sports section.
Dan was only focused on one article ,he read, "The skating world was disappointed today when Coach Jason Clarke pulled out of his contract to Coach the current US team, explaining personal issues influenced his decision. A last minute replacement has been sought and the rumours suggest the likely candidate is former Olympic Gold medalist Simon Saunders. The article went on to explain Simons background, Dan read through it several times before putting the paper down again. He hoped his Uncle wouldn't notice the look on his face.
As he glanced in the mirror a shocked face looked back at him yet there was a sense of wonder in that gaze. But he also had a problem and one he had no idea how to solve.