Resolutions Part 1

Chapter 8

Amy sat alone on her bed in the main house as distant from the rest of the family and Ty in particular, as she was physically isolated from them in her bedroom. Conflicting thoughts and feelings kept darting through her head leaving only confusion and despair in their wake.

I don't understand what's going on with me she thought.

How did all this happen?

Is Ty really to blame?

Is it my fault…he was my horse?

Her inner turmoil was compounded by the persistent ache in her heart from the unexpected loss of her beloved horse and companion, Spartan.

He was with me since mom died she thought trying to fight back the tears. He was more than just a horse. He was as much of a friend as any animal could be. He always seemed to sense my mood when I was feeling down and would nuzzle up to me.

He never hurt me or let me down.

We won Hudson jumping contest together.

We worked through my trust issues together after he was stolen.

He trusted me when he broke his leg and needed surgery.

And now he's gone Amy agonized.

Why Ty? Why?

Ty's to blame and Grandpa is defending him.

How; how could he have let this happen?

But Ty did everything he could, Amy thought softening a bit.

But he's a Vet. He should have noticed something was wrong with Spartan.

He was my horse; nobody knew him better than me. Shouldn't I have seen something was wrong?

Why did Ty give him that damn shot that killed him?

Was it because he thought it would help Spartan? Scott said Ty did the right thing.

Maybe Scott is right?

NO, he's just covering for Ty; that's what doctors and Vet's do. They never want to admit when they've make a mistake.

Amy's inner debate paused momentarily as a searing pain ripped through her head. Pinching her eyes, she clenched her fists waiting for the pain to subside.

Please, no more. What's going on with these headaches the last few days? a distressed Amy wondered.

What is wrong with me?

I'm not sleeping well, my hearts pounding and I'm mad all the time.

I've insulted and disrespected Grandpa and he's been like a father to me since dad walked out on us. There's no one I have more admiration for.

Why am I acting this way?

Because Spartan's dead; it's Ty's fault and Grandpa's taking his side against me.

How could he betray me like that?

I'm not myself. I've been so tired these recent days and I don't know why.

Probably just the long hours I've been working.

Am I being unfair to Ty? Overreacting?

No; he's to blame.

My husband…how could he do that to me. I thought he loved me.

He does; you know he does.

But Spartan…the shot.

He thought it was needed.

But he was wrong; he should have known better!

He had to make a judgment call on the fly.

But it killed him!

I'm coming apart, a tortured Amy anguished.

Amy finally completely surrendered to the tears now sliding unabated down her face. Grief stricken and tormented, she put her head in her hands as the two warring inner forces succeeded in tearing her apart leaving her soul in pieces.

….

The Loft

His spirits buoyed by his talk with Lisa, Ty decided it was time to speak with Amy.

Surely she'll listen to reason now.

I didn't kill Spartan; deep down she has to know that.

It's been so good between Amy and me; we can't let this fracture us.

We just need to sit down and talk it out.

…

Ty strode purposely across the gravel and grass to the main house. Reaching for the door, he paused briefly before inhaling deeply.

"Here goes," he thought. "Let's do this."

Slowly entering into the house, Ty instantly saw Lou and Georgie sitting at the kitchen table. Lou quickly arose and embraced him. "Ty, I'm so sorry," she empathized.

"Ty!" Georgie exclaimed, "Are you ok?"

Since the time she came to Heartland as a stowaway in the back of Jack's truck, Georgie had felt a connect with Ty. Maybe it was their shared troubled past, but Georgie had always sensed a mutual kinship. He let her assist with his animals; he helped Jeff when he was struggling with adulthood; he listened to her when she had problems with Adam; he was always patient with her; and he never judged her, though he was also never shy about telling her the hard truth.

She looked up to him, admired him and in a way, idolized him.

"I'm fine Georgie. I just hope Amy and I can put this whole terrible situation behind us."

"So do I Ty," nodded George.

"I'm not sure if that can happen" came a haunted, jagged voice from the living room.

All three turned to observe a haggard; blood shot Amy staring unsympathetically at Ty; her eyes void of warmth.

"Amy… "Ty stammered. "I didn't know you were there."

"I am."

"Can, can we go somewhere and talk?"

"I'd rather talk here so everyone will know the truth of what happened."

"All right," Ty replied. As he started to speak again, Amy abruptly cut him off.

"Ty, Grandpa says you aren't to blame for Spartan's death; that you did everything you could," Amy said while turning to look at her Grandfather.

Jack stoically returned Amy's gaze without revealing his thoughts. "Maybe she's beginning to come to her senses," he thought.

But her next words belayed Jack's hope; all their hopes.

"I thought about it, but I don't accept Grandpa's view. As much as I want to believe in my heart that you're not to blame; I can't. You may have done all you could but Spartan still died after you gave him the shot. Nothing can change that."

"Amy, I…I don't think that's fair. Spartan was already in distress when"

"STOP!" Amy cried.

Lou, Georgie, Ty, Jack and Lisa all froze at Amy's unexpected outburst.

"Don't talk to me about fair. If things were fair, Spartan would still be alive. But he's not; and you're responsible."

Ty could only stare at Amy in stunned disbelief.

For seconds, a hush hung in the air like a storm cloud as no one spoke.

Finally, Amy broke the silence. "I don't have anything else to say, except for this. Considering the circumstances, I don't think it's best for you and I to be together right now. I could stay here at the house but would prefer to be in the loft alone. I would appreciate it if you would move out."

The room reverted back to shocked silence at the harshness of Amy's words.

"Amy, you can't mean that," Lou exclaimed.

"Lou, please don't. This doesn't concern you."

Jack observed his granddaughter in disbelief but chose not to speak.

Ty continued to stare at Amy for several interminable seconds; his thoughts not betrayed by his expression.

Amy's gaze never faltered as she matched Ty's stare.

Without a word, Ty turned for the door and left the house.

A/N: This story is moving in a direction I hadn't initially intended and I'm still exploring where I plan on taking it. I would appreciate any and all feedback (good or bad) you'd be willing to share.