Hi all,

Yep, it's me.

I'm sure you all almost died with surprise that I'm finally updating...

Anyway, a lot has happened since I last checked in here to update (I know, almost a year, I last updated August of last year) and I feel absolutely terrible about making you all wait this long without me letting you all know what's been going on. Anyhow, I've been quite unwell with my health conditions and trying to juggle my studies, life and other projects that I'm working on, this story has been way on the backburner. I hate leaving anything unfinished so know that this unfinished story does plague me lol.

While I've been gone however, I have come to a decision about what I'm doing with this story. Heartland used to be my life, I lived and breathed this awesome show while I was growing up, however, ever since the storyline of Ty leaving (which coincided with the death of my grandmother) and I stopped watching the show for awhile as I just couldn't handle watching it (and no, I still haven't mourned my grandmother either, I've been putting that off too) and so, overtime, Heartland has just quietly faded into the background as I've found other shows to watch and other fandoms to write for.

With this in mind and the fact that I'd much rather spend what little time I have to write working on other stories for other shows that I'm into right now, this story has been neglected and I apologize. After receiving some unpleasant and uncalled for feedback, even though it probably wasn't the intention of the person giving the feedback, that also helped me to loose my enjoyment of writing this story. So, I have decided that I will be uploading this story with all chapters left completed and then I will also publish what I had planned to write so that all the storylines get wrapped up and I will mark this story as complete and leave it at that.

One day I may return and rewrite this story but I don't know when or if that may happen. If it does however, I will still leave this story up. I know there are a lot of people out there who still love this story even though its cringe and dreadfully written by a 16 year old me so I don't wish to delete it. I would only be re-writing it and I would do so using another story. When this story is marked as complete, that's it. I won't be touching it again.

If anyone is interested in my current writing projects, I can be found on here under the name 'MissieWritesFanfiction' and also over on Wattpad and A03 using the name ItsJessieGirl1. I am writing a series for 'Walker' the Walker Texas Ranger reboot series (I know, I know, it's not Chuck Norris and it doesn't claim to be.) Its a great series and deserves a chance. I've also written for Bonanza and Hogan's Heroes, however, Walker is defiantly what I feel to be my best work so far. Walker is my passion show and has been for the past year and I don't expect that to be changing anytime soon! There's also a spin off series called Walker : Independence which is set in 1880's and is probably even better then the original in some regards. If I have the time, one day, I'd like to write for that show also.

I do hope that one day I will enjoy Heartland again like I used to, I still love Jack and Lisa and they are the best TV couple in my opinion (Apart from Bonham and Abeline in Walker, they're just as good) and if we get a season 17, I might drop in to watch it if there's some good Jisa content.

Anyway, that's enough rambling. I will get the final chapters posted as soon as I can. I've made y'all wait long enough.

Enjoy :)

'Come on Jack, please?' Jessie begged a little while later as Jack tacked up Paint, getting ready to go bring the cattle into the home paddock. 'I'm feeling alright, my headache is all gone and besides, you already said I could come with you.'

Jack sighed, glancing at the girl. 'Don't give me that look.'

'This look?' She questioned, using her cutest sad puppy eyes. 'You don't want to disappoint Cindy either, do you?'

'Fine, fine. You can come. But-' He stopped the girl as she went to run out of the barn to collect her horse. 'You aren't doing anything strenuous. No chasing strays, no fancy tricks. You are just watching today.'

'Fair enough.' She agreed after a moment. She couldn't push to far, could she?

'What's the verdict?' Cindy asked as she led Cruze out of the paddock. 'You coming?'

'Yes, but I'm stuck on the sidelines. You are just watching today.' She mimicked Jack's voice and they both laughed. 'Oh well, can't complain. I'm lucky he's letting me come at all.'

'Well come on then, don't keep us waiting.' She teased, Warrior trying to get through the gate after the gelding. 'Or this guy.'

'Come on, back it up.' Jessie chuckled, pushing the stallion back so the girl could get through. After she was through she let the stallion walkthrough, closing the gate behind him as Warrior stood at her shoulder. She smiled, patting his neck. 'Good boy.'

'Have you heard anything about Grandma, Jack?' Cindy asked as she tied her gelding up near Paint.

'Lisa rang late last night, they're running more tests and things but she's stable at the moment.'

'She'll be okay though, won't she?'

'They're just taking precautions, that's all.'

'Oh.' She nodded. It didn't sound like that from her point of view. 'When will Lisa be back?'

'Couple of days, hopefully tomorrow.'

'Bet you can't wait to see her.' Jessie teased as she walked back into the barn, the stallion at her shoulder walking freely. She led him over to the tack area then grabbed his bridle and bridled him up. 'You going to do anything special with Lisa when she gets back?'

Jack rolled his eyes, doing up Paint's cinch. 'That's more than enough out of you. I can change my mind about you coming along you now.'

'Ohhhhh, touchy.'

'If you really must know-' He gave the gelding a pat. 'We're going on a picnic and you two aren't invited.'

'Fair go Jack, that's mean.' Cindy laughed. 'Come on.'

'Oh Cindy, you don't mean to tell me you don't know what 'alone time' means.'

'Ohhhh-' She giggled. 'Boring talking time without two mischievous young girls around who love nothing more than to tease.'

Shoot me now. Jack thought, listening to the two of them. What would it be like if Cindy stayed permanently? First Mallory, then Jessie and maybe Cindy? 'Yes, that's exactly right.' He tossled the younger girl's hair then untied his gelding. 'You two are getting way too mischievous for your own good.'

'Really?'

'We better be careful Cindy-' The girl placed her saddle on the stallions back. 'Or Jack'll throw us both in the pond like he's threatened to do to Mallory.'

'Eash. That's a little harsh.'

Jack shook his head in amusement, leading Paint outside and tied him up then went back in to give Cindy a hand. 'Want a hand with that saddle?'

'Yeah, thanks Jack.'

'No problem. Alright, see here-'

Jessie smiled as Jack explained to Cindy about sliding the saddlecloth back before you put the saddle on so the horse's fur was flat. He took the time to explain things to you, especially Cindy who didn't really have that much horse experience. Underneath Jack's outward show of messing with them she knew he really did like them. Quickly she fastened up the breastplate and did the cinch up then double checked everything, grabbed her rife and placed it in the scabbard. 'Right, I'm all set.'

'We're done here too.' Jack exclaimed, patting the gelding and the girl untied him. 'You ready to go move some cows Cindy?'

'You bet!'

Jessie watched in amusement as Jack showed Cindy how to work the cattle, patting Warrior as they stood on the sidelines to observe. Cindy was giving it her best shot, really taking notice of everything Jack was teaching her and it was good that Cruze had done cattle work before, he was really looking after the girl.

Warrior snorted suddenly, turning his head to look at some bushes rustling and the girl ran her hand down his shoulder. She could guess what it was, she'd packed some food for the wolf in the hopes she would see her. 'Let's go check it out, okay?' She glanced back at Jack and Cindy then urged the stallion into a canter towards the trees. Hopefully they wouldn't miss her.

She slowed the stallion to a trot then a halt, looking around. 'Adashi? Here girl.' She called softly, looking around. A bush rustled again then the wolf slinked out from underneath it, watching around cautiously before she trotted up to them. The girl dismounted, giving the wolf a pat as she sat down on the path. 'Hey girl. How are you doing?' The wolf whined, burying her face in the girl's shoulder. 'You hungry?'

The wolf whined again as she stood up, grabbing the food from her saddlebags. She'd found some old dog biscuits out in the shed from when they'd last had a dog and judging on how old the packaging looked it hadn't been for some time. It would do to feed her though and she placed the biscuits on the ground for her. The wolf fairly inhaled the biscuits, so starved she was that she barely tasted them. The girl sighed, giving her the rest of what she had and that went as quickly as the rest. No wonder the wolf had attacked the neighbors cattle, she was starved and she had pups to look after besides.

'I've got some jerky too-' She added, pulling a small bundle from her saddlebag. 'But I'm afraid that's all.' The wolf sniffed at them then took them all in her mouth, bounding away into the undergrowth again. She sighed as she stood up, watching where the wolf had gone. The poor thing was already so old and her having pups at her age was really taking its toll on her.

Lingering for a moment longer she mounted and headed back to where Jack and Cindy were. They were still with the cattle, they hadn't missed her short absence at all. She brought Warrior to a halt, patting his shoulder as she watched them work then Jack waved for her to come join them.

'We'll start for the home paddock now, I think Cindy's got the idea.'

'You having fun yet?'

'Yes.' Cindy laughed, patting Cruze. 'I don't know what I'm doing so at least this guy does.'

'Your doing just fine.' Jack encouraged as they started the cattle forward. 'Quite well for your first time out actually.'

'Thanks. I can't wait to tell Grandma.' Her face clouded for a moment then smiled. 'I'll have a lot to tell her, the rodeo, this.'

'Stray on your right Cindy.' He interrupted, a steer breaking loose from the mob. 'Reckon you can handle it?'

'No worries. Come on Cruze.'

Jessie smiled as Cindy worked the steer, turning it back to the herd. 'She's a natural born cowgirl that one.'

'We might teach her a few tricks yet.' Jack winked. 'You'll have to give her roping lessons soon.'

'Me? Na-ah. That's your department. I know how to use one but I'm not that great. You're the better one for that I'm afraid. Besides-' She chuckled. 'You could teach Lisa to rope at the same time.'

'Somehow I don't think she'd take to the idea that much.'

'Well, she managed to rope you.'

He playfully punched her shoulder then turned back to Cindy as she brought the steer back to the herd. 'Good job.'

'Thanks.'

Jessie rode at the back, keeping the cattle moving as Jack and Cindy did the lion shares of the work but she didn't mind. It was good for the girl to get some experience and so she let them go on ahead, sitting back to enjoy the scenery.

She sighed in contentment, watching the trees as she followed them through the forest, the creak of the saddle and the song of the birds filling her with peace. There was nothing better then being out riding in nature.

The sound of a dog barking and cattle bellowing brought the girl back to reality, spurring her horse into a gallop towards the herd. The herd were starting to stampede, a flash of grey that snarled and lunged at the cattle into a frenzy. She urged Warrior on, Cindy doing her best to try and keep the cattle and her horse from spooking as Jack went for his rifle. 'Jack! No!' She yelled, dashing in front of him and the cattle. She spun Warrior around as Jack shouted at her, the words carried away with the sound of the cattle and the wolfs snarls. She caught sight of her, the wolf going to tear down a six-mouth old heifer. 'ADASHI! NO!' She yelled, the wolf dropping to her stomach as she looked at her in surprise. 'No-' She growled, the wolf crouching down lower to the ground at the reprimand. 'No. Bad girl. No.'

'Jessie-'

'I can explain Jack-'

'You better have a jolly good explanation too.' He frowned, looking at the cattle scattered through the trees. It would take ages to get them all back together. 'We'll talk about this later. You okay Cindy?'

'Yeah, I'm fine. Easy boy.' She ran her hand down his shoulder as the gelding backed up, tossing his head in excitement. 'Easy boy.'

Jessie looked down at the wolf in disdain, unable to believe what she had just done. She had a feeling by Jack's tone she was in for a little talk and she knew she deserved it. She sighed, watching Jack try to bring the cattle into some resembalence of a herd. Well, Adashi had caused this chaos, She could fix it too. 'Skfwits.' She hissed, the wolf recognizing the command for 'attention' and sat up beside Warrior's front legs. She held her hand out, sweeping over the cattle as the wolf watched. 'Bring them 'round.'

Adashi dashed off, nipping at the steer's feet and the girl sighed as she shook her head. She was going to be in trouble, there was no doubt about that in her mind at all. She watched Cindy and Jack bring the cattle around, Adashi living up to her name as she dashed this way and that to bring all the cattle together. Finally the herd was together again, the wolf lying down to watch them and she called her off. 'Leave 'em be. Here.'

Jack rode back to the girl as the wolf sat beside the horses legs again. 'I don't know what's going on here Jessie but you had better start explaining. Cindy could have been seriously hurt if she had been thrown, she would have been trampled. Now, what is going on?'

The girl sighed. 'This is Adashi Jack, she's the wolf that's been around for a couple months. I've only just seen her myself, this is the second time I've seen her out here. I didn't mean for all this to happen-' The wolf whined, lying down on the ground with her head on her paws. 'Honest.'

He nodded after a moment, he could tell the girl was genuine in her explanation. 'Why didn't you tell me about her when I asked if you knew anything about the wolf yesterday? Why didn't you trust me enough to tell me the truth?'

Jessie blushed. Jack thinking she didn't trust him hurt worse then a belting did. Of course she trusted him, she just didn't want to tell him about the wolf just yet. She shrugged. She had no answer.

'Alright.' He sighed, looking back at the cattle. 'We'll finish this talk later, okay?'

'Okay.' She looked down at Adashi as Cindy and Jack got the cattle moving again, the wolf whining. 'Good one girl.' The wolf looked up at her, tail wagging weakly. She sighed then gave her the command that she was free to go. 'Go on, off you go.'

Jessie was quiet as she stood in the barn, untacking her stallion that afternoon. Jack hadn't said a word to her since they'd been out with the cattle and the girl knew she deserved him being mad at her. She'd outright lied to him, she felt terrible about it. On the other hand what would happen to the wolf? She'd killed stock, she had gone for Jack's stock. There was no way he was going to let her keep the wolf around. Yes, she was only doing it because she was starving but still, the rule was, once a dog had a taste for blood they'd keep killing. Being out in that harsh wilderness for as long as she had had to have changed her. It was incomprehensible to even think of trying to keep her.

She sighed wearily, carrying the stallions tack over to the saddle stand then went back and untied him, leading him past Ashely and Apollo. If Jack wanted the wolf destroyed there wasn't much she could do about it. She knew having her around was a risk to the stock, how could Jack trust the wolf after she'd tried to attack his cattle and had killed two of the neighbors stock?

Warrior nudged her gently, sniffing her as she took his halter off and turned him loose to graze in the paddock. Jack and Cindy were still out there, working with the cattle in the home paddock. She closed the gate then headed back for the barn. It wouldn't surprise her at all if Jack got cross with her. She knew she deserved it.

'You look like you've had a long day-' Ashley exclaimed as the girl walked back into the barn, making her way to the chestnut mares stall. 'You doing okay Jess?'

Jessie raised her eyebrows, not expecting that reaction from Ashely. 'Oh, yeah. Um, I'm fine. Thanks for asking.' She grabbed a halter and lead rope off the hook next to the door then stepped into the mares stall. Crystal turned to meet her, sniffing her softly and she smiled as she patted her neck. 'That's it. Good girl.' She showed her the halter, gently rubbing it over the mares face. Crystal just stood there, falling asleep and she chuckled as she placed the halter on the mare. 'There you go. See?'

'I'll move Apollo out of your way.'

'Thanks Ashley.' She nodded, opening the door again. The mare pricked her ears then stepped forward after the girl, looking around intently as she was led out of the barn and to the arena. Jessie turned the mare loose into the arena, letting her get used to the new surroundings for a moment then headed back to the barn to grab a rope. She saw Jack and Cindy returning, quickly ducking into the barn to get the rope then went back to the arena to avoid them. She really didn't want him to speak with her just yet.

Crystal came to meet her at the gate, the girl smiling as she climbed over and gave her a pat. 'Hello girl.' She held the rope out to her, allowing the mare to sniff it then rubbed it over her. Crystal stood still, interested but not afraid. Her smile widened. 'Good girl.'

Loosely she tied it around the mares neck, the rope resting over her withers and chest. Extending her hand forward she asked the mare to move on, gently encouraging her with her other hand. Crystal stepped forward, tucking her head in as the girl asked her to go around. 'That's it, good girl.'

She kept her going around for a few minutes then asked her to come in, the mare prancing to meet her and she rubbed her neck as she let her catch her breath. 'That wasn't bad, was it?'

Jessie let her rest, rubbing her all over with her hands and the rope as the mare stood calmly. Stepping back she asked her forward again, the mare eagerly stepping on into a trot around her. Focusing her energy on the mare she kept her going around, the mare tossing her head playfully a couple of times then bucked out of spirits. The girl chuckled, allowing the mare to express herself in play but still keeping her going forward.

Finally she called her in again, the mare knickering softly as she trotted to meet her then stood calmly in front of her. 'Good girl.' She smiled, patting the mare as she sniffed her gently. 'Good girl.'

She glanced at her watch, barely fifteen minutes had passed but she knew it was enough of a step for the mare today. There was no sense in rushing anything, the mare was content and calm, it was a good note to end on. 'Let's go back to your stall and give you a brush down, alright?'

Crystal followed the girl along happily, nothing holding her back except the rope around her neck. Jessie picked up the lead rope and halter on her way out the gate, the mare looking around with interest as she led her back to the barn. She patted her neck, turning her loose into the stall again then grabbed a couple brushes and went back to groom her down. Crystal butted her playfully and the girl laughed as she started brushing her down. 'Cheeky girl.'

'I uh-' Jack started, walking up to Ashley in the barn, placing Paint's tack back on the saddle stand. 'heard about your predicament. If you need a place to stay for a few nights you're welcome to sleep in one of the cabins.'

'I'm willing to earn my keep, Jack-' She nodded. 'and I could work at the dude ranch. I'd make a great VP of guest services.'

'You might want to lower your expectation a little. More along the lines of VP of outhouse scrubbing.'

Jessie chuckled as Ashely shook Jack's hand, wondering how she would go cleaning the outhouses as she brushed the mare's shoulder.

'I'll take it.'

'You know, I'm gonna have to talk to you-know-who eventually, but in due time.'

'Okay.'

Jack glanced at Jessie, the girl brushing the mare down in the stall and he walked over to the door. 'Jessie-' The girl glanced up after a moment. 'Can we go for a little walk?'

She nodded, patting the mare then walked out of the stall and placed the brushes down on a bale outside. They headed out of the barn, the girl following Jack. 'I'm sorry Jack, I didn't mean for any of this to happen-' She sighed, looking down at the ground. 'I feel awful Jack, I lied to you and now she's killed stock and went for your cattle- I'm so sorry.'

'Apology accepted.' He agreed after a moment, the two of them sitting down on the seat overlooking the pond. 'But what I want to know is why you lied to me? I thought you knew you could come tell me anything.'

'I'm sorry Jack-' She whispered, biting her fingernails. 'I was worried about what you would do. I only wanted to protect Adashi.'

'I can understand that but you still should have told me.'

'I know.'

'So, what's the story with her anyway?' He asked after a moment. 'How do you know her?'

'She was Lillian's pet, I grew up with her. Her great-grandfather was a malamute so she's not a pure wolf, she's a wolf dog.'

'With more wolf in her.'

Jessie nodded. 'She ran away not long after Lillian died, Robert got drunk one night and kicked her out. I didn't see her since, till now that is. What are you going to do about her Jack? I mean, she killed your neighbors stock-'

'I'll think about that later, it depends. Do you think she'll kill stock again?'

'I don't know to be honest-' She looked back at the ground. 'She's starving Jack and she's got pups. She's not doing it for the sport of it, she's hungry and she's trying to provide for them. You can't really blame her for trying to look after her family.'

'No, I can't but I can't agree that the other ranchers won't be so understanding.' He sighed, trying to think of the best way to deal with the situation. 'Until I figure out what to do, it's probably best if you start feeding her, it might help keep her away from the livestock around here.'

'So I can keep her-'

'I didn't say that-' He interrupted her. 'I'm not forgetting that she's killed stock and could potentially do it again. You know how important every steer or heifer is Jessie, it's our livelihood and that of everyone around here. If she keeps killing it'll only be a matter of time before someone has to get rid of her to protect their cattle.'

'I understand.' Jessie nodded. 'Do what you think is best Jack, I'll respect whatever decision you make.'

'Good girl.' He smiled, touching her cheek gently. 'I'm glad to hear that. Now, I don't know about you but it's jolly hot out here. How about we go inside and get a cool drink? I think Cindy's planning on making milkshakes too.'

'Sounds like a good idea.'

'You really have done something with that mare.' Mallory complimented as her and Cindy watched Jessie work with Crystal in the round pen later that afternoon. 'She's hardly the same horse.'

'It's all her-' She chuckled, guiding the mare one with her hand. There was no rope around her neck this time, she'd decided to let the mare work freely and she could see the mare was enjoying every moment of it. 'It's her that's doing all the work, I'm just the way of showing her who she truly is. I'm just guiding her.'

'Show me how to do that.' Cindy asked in awe. 'You guys look like something out of a fairytale.'

Jessie smiled, dropping her hands as she asked the mare to come back to her. 'Sure Cindy, I can show you how to do it with Cruze if you want.'

'No, I want to work with Crystal.'

'We'll start with Cruze first, okay?' She patted the mare then extended her hands out again and asked her to change direction. Crystal headed out, tossing her head. 'She might be fine with me but you need experience first. Besides, it'll help you bond with Cruze better too.'

'Suppose so.' She sighed. 'Alright. When can you show me?'

'How about tomorrow? It's getting too late now.'

'I feel like another ice-block.' Mallory exclaimed after watching the mare and Jessie a bit longer. 'What about you guys?'

'Sounds like a good idea.' Jessie asked the mare to come back to her then picked up her halter and lead rope and placed them on her. 'We're finished here for today, it's too hot to do anymore.'

'I think it's a good idea.' Cindy agreed as Jessie walked the mare back into the barn and she grabbed a sugar cube to give the mare. 'Can I give her this?'

'Sure.' She took the halter off then let the mare loose into the stall and closed the door behind her. Cindy gave the mare the treat, Crystal cautiously taking it off her. 'Good girl.'

'Race you both to the house?'

'Your on!' Jessie laughed, running ahead of Mallory as the three of them took off towards the house. She reached the porch first, chuckling as Mallory and Cindy joined her. 'Took you long enough.'

'Yeah yeah.'

'You had a head start!' Cindy protested. 'It was hardly fair.'

'Less talk, more licking ice blocks-'

'Sssh-' Mallory put her fingers to her lips, seeing Jack standing in front of the open refrigerator and she chuckled. 'Guess we get to throw him in the pond.' The two girls giggled, following her quietly into the house. She walked up behind him, the girls standing back a little to watch her. 'Looking for something, Jack?'

Jack jumped at her voice, stepping back from the open fridge. 'I'm just, uh, I'm just getting a cold drink.'

'Yeah, right-' She replied as he closed the freezer and grabbed some drinks from the fridge. 'I know a fridge infraction when I see one.'

'Well, maybe your idea about an air conditioner wasn't such a bad one after all.' He handed her a drink then grabbed a couple more out for Cindy and Jessie.

'I'm over it.'

'Your over it?'

'I was watching the weather network, it's supposed to cool off overnight.'

'Well, I am relieved to hear that.' Jack took a seat at the table, opening the bottle of soda.

'You wouldn't have really thrown me in the pond with the leeches, right Jack?'

'Not even if you were on fire.'

Jessie chuckled, taking a seat at the table with Jack. 'That's a bit mean.'

'I'd say.' Cindy agreed as she sat down. 'I'm glad to hear this hot spell is going to be over though.'

'You're not the only one.' He took a sip of his drink then placed it back on the table. 'Lisa rang earlier Cindy, your grandma is going to be okay but it's going to take quite some time for her to get better so until then you'll be staying here at Heartland.'

'When can I go see her?'

'Not for a couple weeks I'm afraid, she's stabilized but she's not up to having visitors quite yet.'

'Can I call her?'

'Tell you what, why don't we go into town tomorrow and get one of those little voice recording things and you can tell her about what you've been up to that way, we can send it to the hospital and the nurses can play it for her.'

'Oh thanks Jack!' She exclaimed excitedly, giving him a hug. 'If we're going to do that I might as well send her a drawing too-'

Jessie chuckled as Cindy raced upstairs to her room, still talking. 'Did Lisa say when she would be back?'

'Tomorrow, if things go to plan.' Jack replied as Mallory grabbed another drink from the fridge and headed back outside. 'How's it going with that mare of hers?'

'I'm getting there.' She nodded. 'I think she's probably ready for Lisa to see her again.'

'You think so? I mean, she was still pretty crazy last night.'

'Jack, I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think she was ready. Besides, I have a little idea up my sleeve-' She winked at him. 'I can't want for Lisa to see her again, she's going to be so shocked.'