"Amy before you let that fiery temper of yours get out of control, I want you to listen," said Grandpa.
"Listen to what?" I asked. "I doubt he has anything to say that will do any good."
"Well at some point you two are gonna have to sit down and talk, since he's taking over Caleb's job," said Grandpa.
I felt my stomach drop and my heart freeze up. Was he kidding? Why would they give HIM his old job back? "What?" I asked.
Ty looked down at the ground, probably wishing I hadn't shown up when I did.
"You heard me, he's moving into his old room tonight, and he's starting work tomorrow," said Grandpa. "Now, I know there are some hurt feelings between you two, but for right now, I need you to show him around; things have changed around here and since he's taking over Caleb's job, he needs to know what's what around here."
Well maybe if he had stayed instead of taking off without telling anyone he wouldn't have that problem I thought, but I didn't voice that opinion. Grandpa was gonna be mad at me anyways for taking on another horse and rider. "Fine," I muttered. "But before I go, Grandpa we got a new horse coming in Wednesday."
"Do I really want to know?" he asked. "What happened to you taking it easy after Storm is sold?"
"Well see this rider needs help with her horse and it was either I offer to help or her parents were gonna keep Frank De LaBlanc," I replied.
"Alright just as long as it doesn't interfere with your schoolwork," he said. "Alright now go on. Oh and Professor Bailey called, he said that you can do a make-up class tomorrow; and I'm pretty sure Mallory can get Storm ready for tomorrow."
"I'll ask her," I replied. "Come on, might as well get started," I add to Ty and, without waiting for a reply, I walked off in the direction of the barns.
"Just give her some time Ty," said Jack as I sighed and started to follow Amy.
"I'll try," I replied and walked fast for a bit to catch up.
As we walked, I noticed that Heartland had definitely changed during the time that I was gone. Before there had only been one barn, now there were three, plus two arenas, and, even at a distance, I could see pastures.
"Yeah, Lou's advertising and business savvy has helped us a lot," she said; she gestured toward the two barns. "The first two barns are for the problems horses, while the barn you'll be working at is for the boarders; then on the other side of the property, Lou has a dude ranch set up. Now, main majority of the week, your only job is to do the morning chores since a lot of the riders are in school or at work; unless the riders call saying they can't take care of their horse or pony, they'll be doing the afternoon and evening chores."
"Yeah, Jack said I might mainly be helping him keep up with maintenance," I said as we entered the barn. I recognized Spartan, he hasn't changed much; along with Storm and Sapphire from the show. Taking a look around, I saw a lot of different horses that were happy and healthy. Not the scared, abused, and aggressive horses that I first encountered.
As we walked down the barn aisle on the left, Amy introduced me to the horses: Mystery, a black Quarter horse gelding, who's owner did Barrel Racing, Snow White, a light-gray Welsh Section B mare, who's owner did Medium Pony Hunter. When we got to Sonya I noticed Mallory leading the mare out of the stall.
"Hey Mallory," said Amy.
"Hey Amy . . . hey Ty," said Mallory.
"So any sign of Caleb yet?" asked Amy.
I felt my stomach tighten at his name.
"No and he hasn't called," said Mallory tying the mare into a pair of cross-ties. "Thankfully school is out so I don't have to worry about classes."
I chuckled. "Oh come on it can't be that bad," I said.
She glared at me. "Let me see teachers who drone on and on and on about the same old stuff everyday, drama queens who think they're gods and we should worship the ground they walk on, and, next year, my mom wants me to go to prom," she said. "Yeah a complete and total nightmare."
I shook my head. Before I was taken from my mom, school was my only vacation from the hell-whole I grew up in; but, they didn't need to know that, at least not now.
"Anyway, I'm gonna go exercise Sonya, are we still up for the video tomorrow?" asked Mallory.
"Yep, we'll do it in the morning and by evening, it should be posted up," said Amy. "And also, I have to do a make-up class with Professor Bailey tomorrow so can you make sure that Storm is ready for Mr. Forest tomorrow?"
"Yeah sure, what time?" she asked.
"Well he's supposed to arrive at two o'clock, can you have him ready by tomorrow?" I asked.
"Alright, see you later," said Mallory picking up the body brush to get Sonya ready for her ride.
"See you," Amy and I said together before I followed her down the right hand aisle telling me some more about the horses down here.
I knew I should keep all of the information straight so this way I knew how to handle each one with care; however, I was somewhat distracted by her. Even after all of this time, if I had been struck blind, I'd recognize her scent no matter what . . . not that I would want to put the theory into practice mind you.
After an hour, I knew where everything was and all about the schedule that's kept so as to make sure things ran smoothly.
"So any questions so far?" she asked.
I shook my head. "No, it might take me a bit to get used to the schedule, but I'll manage," I said.
"Good, see you tomorrow then," she replied as the sound of a truck approaching drifted into the barn. "Okay, I wonder who that is."
I shrugged. "Don't know, I'll see my way out though, I'll be back later and help out with the chores tonight," I said.
"You don't have to . . ." she began.
"I know I don't have to, but I want to," I replied walking toward the door of the Tack Room.
"Hey Amy who's this guy?" asked a voice I would recognize and at the same time want to know what the hell he was doing here.
Looking up, I came face to face with Caleb O'Dell.