Amy's Monday through Sunday
The chilly early morning air, fresh and clear, held new promise and direction for the day.
With Norton tucked warm in her jacket, Amy rode Spartan and ponied Harley at a good clip across the wide field, grasses laden with dew and dotted budding wildflowers, toward the mountain fed river. At the water's edge, her two steeds stepped cautiously forward, navigating the river rock, pawing the water, before lowering their heads to drink.
Still mounted, she looked across to the neighboring Big River ranch. Her thoughts drifted to Sam Langston's stallion, Roman, recovering from emergency surgery for severe colic due to a large colon impaction. Spartan raised his head, shook his long silky mane, then voiced a low, throaty nicker, initiating the conversation.
"Good boy, Spartan." She responded, sensing their moods were in sync. Her chest filled only to release a heavy sigh. "You remember that night too, don't you?"
Rubbing his neck, she was instantly transported back to the eve of her high school graduation, the night Spartan had his own brush with colic. A wave of nausea rolled in her stomach and her eyes filled as her mind replayed in slow motion, the technicolored frames. The meat-locker cold of the barn. The dimly overhead light casting shadows in the stall. The pallor of shock stricken faces of those that gathered around him. Spartan lying on his side in the hay, paralyzed with pain, his stomach hard and bloated, his coat shiny with sweat. The hushed colic diagnosis.
She remembered how helpless she felt, too scared to cry, begging him to stand, certain that she would lose her beloved horse, one of the last ties to her deceased mother. When all hope dimmed, a burst of wind whipped through the barn, a spirited resurrection willing Spartan to stand.
Though Scott was able to save Spartan with surgery much to her gratitude, the whole ordeal left Amy off balanced, unsure, unable to move ahead, unable to even consider leaving Spartan to go to college in Colorado. The memory burned into her brain and her psyche.
Saturday night, Scott performed a ventral midline celiotomy on Roman for colic, the same surgery he performed on Spartan. But, this time, she didn't stand idly by, wringing her hands, pacing helplessly, scared and unsure.
Instead, she stood next to Scott, intently listening to his every word of calm explanation and instruction, aptly assisting him throughout the surgery, from calming the horse before anesthesia to shaving Roman's underbelly hair, from handing Scott instruments to retracting the folds of dissected skin, from monitoring vital signs to changing IV bags. At one point during the surgery, Scott even had her reach into Roman's open abdomen to gently move aside a cecum section of large intestine so he could more easily extract ingesta impaction. The sensation of touching the warm, smooth organ with her own gloved hand was at once nerve racking yet strangely exhilarating.
That memory too now burned into her brain and psyche, along side of the other.
As she thought about Saturday night, a sense of accomplishment and pride swelled within, her worries and doubts about Vet School seemed to fade away. She didn't dismiss for one second that school would be a difficult challenge, a lot of hard work and a ton of long hours. Nevertheless, she knew in her heart, this was the right path for her, the blending of her intuition with science.
Harley nosed her thigh, moistening her jeans with cold river water, bringing her back to the present. Chuckling, she reached down, petted his wet muzzle.
"Hey there Harley. Get enough to drink?" She asked as he lipped her hand, then pushed his nose into her lap, grunting softly.
Within the safety of her jacket, Norton peered down at his equine friend, extending an arm out, batting his nose in play. Amy laughed at their antics.
"Well, boys, we better get back. I've got stuff to do before class." She said to the three as much herself.
As she leaned her body, pulling the rein to the right, redirecting Spartan towards home, she spotted him from the corner of her eye.
"Whoa." She uttered. Spartan froze in place as did Harley and Norton, all looking in the direction of her gaze.
Roosting high in gnarled cottonwood on the opposite bank, a lone bald eagle was gazing downward, watching her. As his white head tilted, this way and that, it's golden eyes seemed fixed to her. Just below him, in the intersection of sturdy branches, surrounded by newly emerged leaves, was a large nest, assembled of carefully placed sticks, readied for a family.
"Where's your mate?" She asked aloud, looking around for another.
Almost in answer, he pointed his bright yellow, curved beak skyward, emitting a series of high pitched whistles, calling out into the air. But, no other returned his lonely call.
"You'll find her." She said wistfully. "She's out there, waiting for you."
Knowing that Simon would have wanted to see him, she took out her phone. Zooming in, she snapping several pictures, that she then forwarded to him.
Flitting and spreading his white tail feathers, he hunkered down, before catapulting himself upward, expanding his massive wings overhead. With one mighty flap, the raptor lifted from the branch, shaking the entire tree, releasing a late spring snowstorm of white cotton fluff into the air. The eagle dipped down to start, then gained height as his wings worked up and down, untilfinding his stride and a warm air current to ride. She watched until he slowly disappeared into the distance, down river.
"Beautiful." She uttered before clicking tongue, signaling her horses to head home.
Back at the barn as she tended to her horses, she excitedly told Simon of the eagle and what she saw.
"He was so majestic. Wish you could have been there."
"Me too." Holding his phone close to his face, he zoomed in on the eagle photos. "I think it's that same one. The one we saw a couple of weeks ago. The one from BC. Look he has the blue leg band."
"Maybe he's decided to stay. He built that nest after all." She said without looking up from picking Spartan's hooves.
"I hope so." He smiled. "I'll check the EcoTrace website. See if there are any other reported sightings. You know, that site is pretty cool. It tracks banded birds and their flight patterns. Maybe it will show something on this one too."
"Hope so." As she unclipped Spartan to lead him back into his stall, she asked Simon. "Hey. Did you figure out what was wrong with old Blue?"
"I think it might be the spark plugs, but I haven't had a chance to replace them yet. Take Lisa's SUV again. I'll try to work on her this week."
"Okay, thanks."
Later, in her second row, middle seat in Biology class, she was chatting with Emma before class started.
"Hey. Did you hear about that Gobi Bear cub?" Emma asked.
Amy shook her head. "No. What happened?"
"Two hunters killed another cub last week. Can you believe that? Killing something so beautiful and so close to extinction for a stupid rug?"
"That's awful."
"I know, right?" She paused for effect. "Well, Claire is there now."
"Claire?" Caught off guard, she could only repeat her name.
"Yeah. My cousin. She's in Mongolia. Isn't that so cool?"
"Mongolia, why?" She said, not making the connection yet.
"She there to protect the remaining Gobi Bears, of course."
"Oh, right."
"Yeah. Some famous wildlife vet invited her to go with him. Anyhow, they're working with the local tribesmen. Isn't that amazing?" She said with pride.
"Amazing." She mimicked, still trying to process the information. "Good for the Gobi Bears."
"I read that he's from Hudson actually. Maybe you know him?"
Confused again, Amy's brows knitted. "Who?"
"The other vet." Emma turned her attention to her phone, her fingers working the miniature keyboard. "Here. I'm sending you the article."
"Oh. Okay." Amy muttered. "Um. Thanks."
Professor Parker cleared his throat, interrupting their conversation and her thoughts. "Class. Let's get started. Mr. Jones..."
Although prepared and engaged in her morning classes, the article locked in her phone wormed its way out, nipping at her concentration, vying for her attention. After cutting lunch short with Emma, Amy arrived in Dr. Singh's empty classroom nearly 30 minutes early. Settling into her usual seat, she pulled out her phone, stared at Emma's text on its tiny screen.
"Might as well get it over." She clicked on the articles link.
The headline, Local St. Mary's Bay vet heads to Mongolia to save Endangered Gobi Bears from Extinction, in bold letters filled the screen. As she scrolled down, a photo of Claire came into view. Standing in front of a tall dune of pale yellow sand, clad head to toe in khaki that clung to her body damp with perspiration, she posed, smiling directly into camera. Frowning, she scrolled down through the article, scanning for Ty's name. Instead, another familiar name emerged.
"Bob Grainger?"
She reread the one sentence not dedicated to Claire.
"World renown wildlife veterinarian, author, and Gobi Bear expert, Dr. Bob Grainger, originally from Hudson, Alberta, personally selected Dr. Russell to join the mission in Mongolia."
"Well, I'll be. Bob Grainger. World renown, huh?" Amy smirked in disbelief. "Who knew?"
Curious, she read the next few lines of the article.
"By chance, we met a vet conference in Vancouver through a mutual friend. Bob and I just clicked. Three days later we were on a plane to Mongolia." Dr. Russell laughed, adding. "Crazy."
Having read enough, she closed the article, placing her phone on the table, somehow oddly relieved. With time to spare before the start of class, she opened her textbook, deciding to search for an alternative herbal remedy that she could give Silva to relax her while helping to heal her wounds. Quickly she became engrossed in research.
"Hello Amy." He said breaking the silence.
Jumping slightly at the sound of his voice, she confessed. "Oh Dr. Singh. You startled me."
"Sorry. I didn't mean to sneak up on you." He smiled. "Reading ahead?"
"No." She chuckled. "I mean, I already read ahead through through next week's reading." She then explained what she was looking for.
"Is the horse on any modern medications?" He asked.
"Just a broad spectrum antibiotic."
"Might I suggestVeterinary Herbal Medicine, Edition One instead."
She wrote down the book name. "What do you like about that book?"
"Well, it goes into great detail about each herbal medicine, it's origin, toxicology, dosing, Herb-drug interactions, and such for animals. It more a scientific approach to herbs. You'll find it a good handbook for your line of work." He smiled. "I can lend you my copy for a bit, if you like."
"Really? That would be great." Returning his smile, she thanked him. "I've always just relied on my mom's journals. She wrote down her experiences with herbs and oils in treating horses for different conditions and ailments."
"So your mother was a scientist?" He asked.
"No, she didn't go to college." Amy explain.
"A college degree is not required to be a scientist. Surely Dr. Parker has drilled the scientific method into you, no?" He smiled challenging her.
"Of course!" She grinned. "Problem statement, observation, hypothesis, experimentation, conclusion." She recited from memory.
"Exactly. You said that your mother experimented with herbs and oils for treatment of equine conditions and documented her experience, results and conclusions in her journals. She sure sounds like a scientist to me."
"I never thought of her that way. I always just thought she was intuitive and gifted with horses." She mused.
"I don't doubt that she was. But, why couldn't she be both? Scientific and intuitive?"
Amy considered his words. "Guess you're right."
"Science and intuition are a powerful combination. And, I can foresee that Amy Fleming will excel in your own path that blends the two."
Retrieving it from his briefcase, he showed Amy how the book was organized and how to use it as a reference.
"You may interested to know that the author is traditional DVM and DACVN with a holistic bent which involves botany and acupuncture. You might find her path interesting." He said, peeking her interest.
Students began to file in, ending their private conversation.
Driving home after her last class, she stopped at the silver metal mailbox, BARTLETT written across its side in green capital letters, its door partly ajar. Finding the box empty, she shut the hinged door, drove through the Heartland gate, continuing down the gravel road towards the barn. As she approached, Amy spied her father's truck parked in front of the ranch house. Parked along side of his, she headed into the house.
"Dad?!" She called as she entered the house.
"Hey Amy. In here." He yelled back from the kitchen.
Shucking her boots, she padded into the kitchen where she found him sitting at the table. Walking up behind him, she draped her arms around him, bent to kiss his cheek. Pulling out the stool next to him, she took a seat.
"Whatca doing?" Amy asked, then noticed the piles of mail before him. "Wait. Are you going through Grandpa's mail?" Taken aback, she didn't hesitate to question him.
"Someone has to do it while they're away, hobnobbing with those Frenchies." Not denying it, he answered as though the chore was put upon him.
"Why? Grandpa can just look through it himself when he gets back on Friday." Her brows knit as she pointed out the obvious.
"Amy. Nobody wants to go through stacks of junk mail and old newspapers when they back from vacation." He reasoned. "I'm doing him a favor."
"Some favor. Rifling through his stuff." She retorted, not letting it go.
"Well, it's not all his stuff. My mail sometimes gets sent here too. So..." He said indigently, holding up a flier as proof. "See. Here's my invite to the Alberta Cowboy Association function."
She leaned forward to take a look. "A poetry slam? Heaven forbid you'd miss that." She deadpanned.
"Well, it could be something important. Like a bill. Or another rodeo award." He said seriously as he put it on top of the stack that appeared to be junk mail.
She sighed, conceding his point. She watched him pick up the last piece of unsorted mail to examine it.
"Hmm. Garland Foods. Wonder what this is?" He flipped the envelop over, then held it up to the light from the window.
"Dad, that's addressed to Grandpa. He wouldn't appreciate you going through his stuff." She took the envelop from his hand, gathered it together with the other piles of mail, handing him the poetry slam invite. "You can have this one."
"It's not like I'm opening anything that isn't addressed to me." He offered in his defense.
"Well, thank god for that." She shook her head. "So why are you really here?"
"Jack wanted me to stop by to check on you." He deftly moved on, turned the topic to her. "But, you're never around."
"Yeah well, school and working with Scott are taking up all my time." She explained.
"Taking all your time and money." He poked. "Scott's paying you, I hope."
"Good thing it's my time and money." She retorted calmly. "So no need for you to worry, that's my job."
He smiled appreciatively at her comeback. "So. How is school anyhow?"
"Good. Really good." She answered honestly. "I'm enjoying all my classes."
"I have no doubt you'll make top marks." He said with a hint of fatherly pride.
"School is a lot harder than I ever expected."
"Nah. You'll do great." He encouraged her.
"Thanks, I hope so."
"Amy, if that boneheaded ex-boyfriend of yours could.." His words came out of left field.
"Dad." With a single stern word, she cut him off before he could finish.
"What? It's true. You are so much smarter than that delinquent." Tone deaf, he piled on, unable to stop, unable to say his name.
"Dad. Seriously. Stop. I don't want to hear another word. I don't know what your problem with Ty was and apparently still is, but just stop." She came back hard.
"Amy, I'm just pointing out the obvious."
"What is obvious is that you have always failed to see that despite Ty's awful childhood, he overcame it. He is an intelligent, hardworking, good man. That's why he did so well in vet school and why he's so successful now." Impassioned, she defended him with every fiber of her being.
Grabbing the stack of mail from the table, she stood from her stool. "You need to go."
He reached for her hand. "But..."
"Now!" Glaring, she stood her ground, stepping back, out of his grasp. His hand fell heavily to his lap.
"Okay. Okay." Slowly, he came to his feet, just a couple paces away, facing her. "Amy. I'm just trying to protect you from being hurt. Again. I want you to be happy. That's all...Promise." He spoke like a concerned father.
"I'm not a little girl any more, Dad. I don't need your help or your so-called protection." She shot back, assertive and determined. "I can make my own decisions. And, my own mistakes. I'm one who must live with the consequences of both, good or bad, not you."
"You're right. You are more than capable of making your own decisions." He shook his head, seemingly contrite. "I'm sorry."
She didn't reply, waiting for something more.
"I don't know why I brought him up."
"Next time, don't." She warned, her tone sharp.
He nodded, then uttered. "I love you Amy. That's all."
In response, she let out a heavy sigh, softening with the belief that he did loved her in his own way, infuriating as it often was. Despite everything, she loved him back.
"I love you too." She returned.
He noticed the shift in her stance, the calming of her demeanor and expression.
"Forgiven?" He asked humbly.
"Forgiven. This time."
"Good. I'll take it." He smiled, stepped in with a hug, which she accepted.
When they pulled apart, he tacked again. "Look. I need a favor."
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she braved for what was to come. "Really? What now?"
"it's really nothing. I am going with Susan to Montreal." He started.
"You're chaperoning?" He was constantly surprising her.
"No. Other people are doing that. I'm just going along to keep Susan company."
She rolled her eyes, trying to hide her amusement.
"I want to take her to a nice restaurant while we're there. What was that fancy one Andrew took you to? You know, the one with all that meat?"
"Au Pied de Cochon?" She guessed.
"Yeah. Yeah. That's it. How do you spell that?"
"I'll send you a link to their website. Check out the menu before you make reservations." She suggested. "You know, pork is their specialty, not beef."
"Oh. Right." He screwed up his lips in disappointment, but continued on nonetheless. "I also need to borrow a suitcase."
"Sure. Mine is in the Quonset Hut. You're welcomed to it." She paused. "Don't forget to put it back though when you return. I need it for our trip to the states."
"Oh. That's right. You're going to see Andrew compete." He was clearly pleased. "I read that you patched things up with Andrew. That's great."
"Wait. Did you read that article?"
"Of course I read it." He asserted. "It was pretty descent article, but a bit of a downer, if you ask me." He rambled on. "We should get some business out of it."
"Dad. Andrew and I are not back together." She was blunt.
"But you're still going, right?" He raised his eyebrows. "That means there still a chance."
"Dad. No. We are not getting back together either. Alicia and I are just going on vacation. On our own dime, I might add." She didn't mention that they were still going to the games. She didn't want to get into it.
"Vacation?" He seemed somewhat perplexed.
"Yes. A vacation. I'll need a break after this semester, especially after finals." She retorted.
"Well, okay. If that's what you need." He replied as though he was giving her permission. "Guess I gotta get to work. Maggie's calls."
"Yeah. And, I gotta get to work myself. Scott gave me the day off so I'm hoping to make some headway with Silvie."
"That gray wildie out back?"
"Yeah." She nodded.
"She's a beauty. A little high strung if you ask me."
"Yeah, well, she's wild." She chuckled. "I definitely have my work cut out for me."
"If anyone could gentle her, it would be you." He winked. "You are the Miracle Girl, after all."
"Thanks." Hugging him around his waist, he kissed her temple.
As they walked toward the front door, she put the entire stack of mail back in its place on the desk.
Later that evening, Amy entered the Roasted Beet Cafe a few minutes before 7pm, their agreed upon time. She didn't want to be late. Taking a seat at their usual table in the back, she waved to Samuel who was behind the counter.
"Hello Amy. Nice to see you." He smiled as he waved back.
"Samuel. Good to see you too." She returned.
"Saw the article on you and Andrew." He said offhandedly.
She pressed her lips, before responding, not wanting to add any credence to it. Before she could reply, the bell tingled as the cafe's front door opened. She looked up to see Alicia enter the cafe. Immediately rising from her seat, Amy met her half way with a heartfelt hug which her friend readily returned.
"Alicia. I'm so sorry. I'm been an awful friend." She said as they parted.
"Don't be silly. I know how school is. I'm just glad you made it tonight." Alicia was glowing. "I have so much to tell you."
"Good. I can't wait to hear all about our vacation plans." Amy said leading the way back to their table.
As soon as they sat down, Alicia blurted out. "I met someone." Her face was animated, her eyes shining.
Reading the excitement in her face, Amy responded in kind. "What? When? Oh my god. Tell me everything!"
"Last night. Here. At the Beet. Oh Amy, he's so nice, very smart. Interesting. And, so, so handsome. He has these beautiful gray eyes that I could get lost in. He has a great smile too. I can't believe it. I keep pinching myself." She giggled.
"Alicia. Start from the beginning." She implored her friend.
She took a deep breath. "Well, when you couldn't make it last night, I ordered dinner to go. While waiting in this very seat, I read a book. So I didn't notice him come in and sit down right there." She pointed to next table. "When my order came, I got up to leave, he asked me how I liked glass houses.
"Glass Houses? What a weird thing to ask." She wrinkled her nose. "What did you say?"
"I said, Excuse me!" She laughed. "I had no idea what he was talking about either! Turns out, he was asking about the book I was reading, Glass Houses."
"Funny. What happened next?"
"So we started talking about the book and the author. He's read the book too." Alicia was giddy like a teenage girl.
"Alicia. How are you this evening?" Samuel interrupted.
"Very good. How are you?" Alicia replied.
"Can't complain." His normal response. "So. What can I get you today?" He pulled out his pad, pen poised.
After Samuel returned to the kitchen with their order of veggie burgers, sweet potato fries and lemonade, Amy asked. "So, what happened next?"
"One thing led to another and he asked me to stay and have dinner with him. I said Yes!"
"Really? Was it weird? I mean, what did you have to talk about?"
"Oh Amy. It wasn't weird at all. He's so easy to talk to. Turns out, we have a lot in common. Books, movies, music, yoga, mediation. Our dads. Everything."
"Your dads? Do they know each other?"
She laughed. "No. He's just really close to his dad, like me. His mom died just after he was born. She was only 18 years old."
"18? That's so sad."
"I know." She nodded. "Anyhow, I told him all about Dad, how close we are, how much things changed after his stroke. He listened and asked questions. He even touched my hand when I got a little choked up. He told me he felt the same way when his dad had a heart attack, a few years back."
"Aw. That's nice."
"Yeah. He's a gentleman too. He pulled out my chair and held the door." She swooned happily. "He even stood when I had to go to the restroom."
"He sounds like a great guy. So what does he do for a living?"
"You know, we didn't talk at all about work. We didn't really have the chance. Time flew by and he had to go."
"What's his name?"
"It's Michael. Michael David, actually. He's named after his dad." She chuckled oddly.
"What? You don't like the name Michael?" Amy asked, somewhat confused.
"No, no. I like it. A lot. I was laughing about a story he told me."
"What's that?"
"Apparently, his dad has big ears so everyone calls him Mickey. And, because Michael was always with him, he was nicknamed, Mouse. Get it? Mickey Mouse! I just love that. Mouse!"
"Cute. Soooo, when will you see this Mouse again?" She played along.
"Friday night. We are meeting for dinner." She said without hesitation. "Here, at the Beet."
"So, a second date already."
"Not sure you can call it a second date, given we haven't truly had a first. But, whatever it's called, I'm really excited."
"I bet."
"I really like him Amy, I do. I haven't felt this way...well ever."
"And, I can't wait to meet him."
"And, I want you to." She hedged. "In time. I want to get to know him first. Okay?"
"Perfectly understandable."
Samuel brought their food, on simple white plates, pleasingly arranged with fresh fruit on the side. "Anything else?" He asked.
"Nope. Everything looks great Samuel. Thanks."
As soon as he walked away, they started up again.
"He sounds great Alicia. And I am happy for you. Really." She paused, trying to use the right words and inflection. "Don't take this the wrong way. But, please be careful. Take things slow. I don't want you to get hurt."
"I know. And, I am. That's why I meeting him here for dinner. I haven't given him my address or phone number."
"Okay, good."
"He did give me his phone number though." She added.
"Really?" She knew with her next words, she'd be swimming in uncharted waters. "Um. Would you be willing to share his number with me? You know if there's an emergency or something?"
"Oh my god, Amy, you sound just like my mother. She'd be worried sick that he was a stalker or something." She laughed good-naturedly. "Bet she'd call him up or better yet, have him followed." She rolled her eyes.
"So. You haven't told your mom?"
"No. Not yet. I want to see where this goes first. I don't need an inquisition every time I talk to her." Alicia explained.
"Get that. My dad would be the same way as your mom. Probably worse. If he didn't like him, he'd have him banished to the furthest, coldest reaches of Canada. If he was rich, he'd marry me off in the blink of an eye." She shook her head in mock disgust.
"Yeah. Tim would do something like that."
"Seriously though Alicia. I do worry about you." She said, restarting the last topic again.
"Amy. You are my best friend. I'd actually feel better if you had it. You know, in an emergency." Alicia texted his contact number.
Amy looked at it. "Mouse?"
"That will be his code name. You know, just in case."
"So Mouse it is."
Too engrossed in conversation, they only picked at their food, especially Alicia who continued to talk excitedly, almost nonstop. When Samuel came by to check on them, he was concerned.
"Does everything taste okay? You aren't eating." He asked.
"Everything is good. We were just talking about a mouse." Alicia giggled.
"Oh, you mean the Mouse from last night?" Clearly Samuel heard their conversation.
Alicia blushed slightly as she nodded.
"He seemed like a descent guy. Very attentive to Alicia. Clearly smitten. Good tipper. Paid with an American Express platinum card. So he's comfortable financially." He reported.
"Wow! Very observant." Amy was tickled.
"I've been told that. And, I can read people like a book." Samuel said with some pride.
"Good to know." Alicia retorted.
"If I had to bet, I would say he's a doctor. Probably a geriatrician. Could be a pediatrician." He continued, unprompted.
"You know. I can really see that." Alicia said. "His nails were very clean and trimmed."
"Good observation." Samuel nodded. "I noticed that too."
Once Samuel departed the their table, Amy whispered. "I think you'll be perfectly safe under Samuel's watchful eye."
"I think you're right." Alicia chuckled. "Okay. I've monopolized our entire dinner conversation."
"No, you haven't. It's wonderful seeing you so excited about a mouse!" She teased.
She smiled. "You said something the other day about taking my advice. What was that about?"
"Oh. Yeah. Andrew." Amy proceeded to update her on him and newspaper article. "Here's link to it."
As Alicia read the article from her phone, Amy watched twirl te end of her long dark hair around her index finger.
"I feel for you both." She remarked after reading it. "Glad you talked it through with him and set things straight. I'm proud of you."
"Me too." She took a bite of a fry, then a sip of lemonade. "Then yesterday I told him that I was sending back the tickets. I assured him that we were still attending his competition but that we're paying our own way."
"Oh boy. How'd he take that?"
"Not that great." Amy admitted. "He thinks it's because of the article. I told him that it had nothing to do with that. But, that friends don't give such extravagant gifts. Your words."
"Did you convince him?"
"Doubt it. But, it's the truth." She shrugged.
"Know it wasn't easy to honest, especially when you don't want to hurt his feelings, but it's the only way for you both to move forward."
"I agree. And, I actually feel better about things. Maybe less.. guilty..and more free."
"Good. The truth will set you free, they say."
"I even suggested that he give the tickets to Katheryn."
"Who's Katheryn?" She was confused.
"Katheryn Leblanc. The reporter. She wrote the article."
"Oh. Why her?"
"Well, apparently they dated before we met. Maybe they can rekindle something."
"Know it was with the best of intentions, but Amy, you need to let him make his own decisions on that area." She admonished her.
"Yeah. You're right. I basically lectured Dad on the same thing. But enough about that. Tell me about our vacation."
"Well... you are going to be so pleased. I believe I have out done myself." She grinned.
"No doubt."
"I found this amazing, very secluded beach on the Outer Banks of North Carolina that I think you will love. We can both relax at the beach for a few days before we head to the games."
"Sounds great."
"So, I've researched flights, rental cars, accommodations, restaurants, things to do. Alls you have to do is say Yes! And, I will do the rest."
"Yes!" Amy said enthusiastically.
"Wait til you hear everything." Alicia pouted.
"Fine. But I'm gonna say, Yes, no matter what you say. I know you've put a lot of thought and planning into this. Thank you." She reasoned. "This will be perfect."
"I hope so." She pulled out her phone to read from the itinerary. "Okay. Right after your last final, we fly Canada Air out of Calgary to Norfolk with a stopover in O'Hare. From there we fly Outer Banks Aviation to the First Flight airport near Kitty Hawk."
"Of the Wright Brothers fame?" Amy asked.
"Yep. There's even a memorial there."
"I'd like to see that."
"We can do that. From there, we drive our Jeep the 25 miles along the beach to this tiny village. Population 500. Check out this cute little town." She showed her some photos.
"It's gorgeous. Look at that beautiful white beach."
"I know, right. And, check out our little cabin. From the front, we have an ocean view, from the back the sound view. Supposedly the sunsets over the sound are unbelievable."
Amy looked at the photos. "Wow, this is nice. What's below it?"
"A kayak and bike shop. We can bike, kayak, paddle board. And, the beach is just short walk away."
"I'm not sure I'm gonna want to leave."
"I'm thinking the same thing." She agreed.
"So, the Games?"
"Right. We fly from First Flight to Asheville Regional Airport. Drive our BMW convertible to Lake Lure."
"A BMW convertible? No way."
"Hey. Girls just want to have fun!" She sang the line from the Cyndi Lauper song a bit off-key. Amy cracked up.
"And here's where we are staying...The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's usually a big wedding venue but not when we are there. Check this out." She showed her the Inn's website.
"Oh wow! This is really nice too."
"Isn't that lake and mountains so pretty. The Inn is 90 years old, but it's well kept and has lots of charm, neat artwork and lots of antiques."
"What's our room look like?"
"Here. Take a look." She swiped through her photos.
"Very nice. So. How far it it to Mill Spring?"
"Ten minutes."
"Perfect."
"Yep, we will be close enough, without being with all the crowds. I got two general admission tickets for the competition."
"Thank you."
"After it's all over, we fly from Asheville back to Calgary. Just in time for your first day of Vet School."
Amy held up crossed-fingers. "Dr. Kennedy, you have out done yourself. Thank you."
"So?"
"Yes. Yes. A million times yes!"
"Good. Because I already booked everything."
"Of course you did." The two laughed, really enjoying each other's company.
Having had a night off from the clinic and field work was a welcome reprieve. When she returned to her loft, she texted Scott.
"Hey Scott, can we set a regular work schedule for me? That would help me to organization everything."
"Sure. What do you have in mind?" He texted back.
"How about TWTh 2-6, F 6-6, S 12-6, S 12-6."
"Do you mean TWTh 2p-6p, F 6p-6a, S 12p-6p, S 12p-6p? That's 36 hours a week. Too many hours while you're going to school."
"Yes, I can handle 36. Plus, I really like working with you." Replied immediately.
His response delayed.
Finally his text came. "Well. I like working with you too. How about this? TWTh 4p-6p, F 6p-6a, S 12p-6p, S 12p-6p? That's 30."
"Hmm. No. How about this? TTh 3-6p, F 6p-6a, S 12p-6p, S Scott joins Sunday breakfast at Heartland then leave field work til 6p. 32. With Monday and Wednesdays off."
"You sold me with breakfast. Let me check with Cas."
Several minutes later, Cas texted Amy with Scott included. "MTWTh 5p-7p so you can deal with all the late pet pick-ups. F 5p-7a ditto late pick-ups, Saturday Off, S Scott, Caleb, Carson and I come to Sunday breakfast at Heartland. Scott and Amy field work 10a-6p. 30. Babysit 2 hours a week free."
Amy laughed. She tried on more time.
"Final offer. MW off. TTh 4p-7p I will deal with all the late pet pick-ups. F 5p-5a ditto late pick-ups, S 12p-6p field work. S Scott, Caleb, Carson and Cass come to Sunday breakfast at Heartland. Scott and field work 10a-6p. 32 hours." She pressed send. Then quickly added.
"Will Babysit 2 hours a week double pay."
"Deal."
Amy pleased that she was able to negotiate her work schedule, then texted Alicia. "Wanna have a standing date with me Mondays at the Beet. 6p?"
"You know it!"
The rest of the school week fell into that comfortable routine, more or less, early to rise, late to bed, and lots of class, studying and clinic in between. To top it off, she had a successful join-up with Silvie, aced two quizzes and a paper and babysat Carson so Caleb and Cassandra could have a date night at Maggie's.
Now nearly 9pm on a Friday night, a hush had settled over the Hudson Vet Clinic, its lights lowered and its boarders asleep in the enclosures. Amy sat at the desk, hunched over her botany books, notes and laptop splayed before her. Taking a break from studying, she rounded the cages of boarded patients, 8 dogs, 7 cats, 1 long eared rabbit, a parakeet and pot belly pig, making sure each was comfortable. In the large observation unit, Roman was recovering, his abdomen still heavily wrapped.
Swiveling his ears toward her, the stallion nickered a gentle greeting as she washed her hands in the metal sink.
"Hey there Roman."
She moved to him. Caressing his muzzle first, the flat of her hand traveled up the bridge of his nose, stopping at his forehead.
"Good boy." Her fingers spread, gently raking through the coarse forelock hairs. "Tomorrow's the big day. You get to home. I bet you're excited.
Taking the recovery binder from its hook, she reviewed the notes, then proceeded to perform his health status check.
Warming the cup of her stethoscope, she listened to his heart, lungs, then lastly, his stomach, careful of his incisions. She took his temperature, noted his food and water intake, his output, then gave him his nightly medications, changed his bandage. She made notation in his record.
"Everything sounds as it should." She reassured him.
"Let's go for a walk." She suggested. Slipping a rope halter over his head, attaching a lead, Amy led him through the back door to the dimly lit pen. Taking it very slow, the two rounded the pen several times, before returning inside.
As she brushed him, head to tail, she sang the horse camp song, in a soft voice.
I ride an old paint, I lead an old Dan
I'm off to Montan' for to throw the hooley-ann
They feed in the coulees, they water in the draw
Their tails are all matted, their backs are all raw
When he joined in the chorus, his aging voice harmonized with hers. Surprised but pleased, she turned and hugged him. Neither missing a beat.
Ride around, little dogies, ride around slow
The fiery and snuffy are raring to go
Bill Jones had two daughters and a song
One went to Denver, the other went wrong
His young wife died in a pool room fight
But he tries to keep singing from morning 'til night
When they finished the song, she hugged. him again.
"Grandpa. You're home. I missed you."
"And I missed my favorite granddaughter. Amy, how are you?" His head bobbled ever so slightly, his face weary from travel, yet his smile infectious.
"I am good. Made it through two weeks of school and clinic and I'm still in the game." She smiled back, glad to be in his company.
"That is good to hear. But, bet you're more than in the game. Tell me everything." His eyes locked to hers.
"Only if you promise to tell me everything," She bargained.
He laughed. "You go first."
Jack stayed for an hour. Side by side, they traded news and stories, highs and lows, until they were caught up. He kissed her forehead, told her he loved her, then disappeared into the night air.
As she locked the door behind him, she felt a bit cold. Going into the lab, she found his old, blue lab coat hanging, lifeless, on the back of the door. Wrapping it around her body, Amy checked for the collar for his scent and the pocket for his leftovers. Finding nothing, she went back to studying.
Hi Readers.
Hope you enjoyed this latest chapter. I want to send a thanks to Ladybug, a special lady who has a lovely essence and kind words. And to LifeIn3d, my Fanfiction cheerleader. I love your reviews as they add depth, completeness and polish to my posted chapter and refine my thoughts for the next installment. And, to everyone who continue to read, and hopefully enjoy, my work, and send a review or PM, thank you.
SBR
