Chapter Fifty

School End, Formal, Graduation

A/N – What a trip for Amy and Ty and as I stated the recognition alone will add to their already booming business. I have enjoyed all of the Lyndy story lines as I am driven to make her character more of a major one. What a tough decision but I am sure we all know what her decision would be – Family. School is coming to an end and the three older girls are reaching milestones. There are graduations and the 8th grade formal. (Remember Amy's Formal?) Hint, Hint. Prepare for some more challenges. Child Abuse Inferences. Enjoy

Lyndy was relieved that she thought through her predicament and decided to stay at Hudson High. She still planned to continue dancing and show jumping but would start to put more focus on her horse healing skills. Wyatt assured her that he would be there for her no matter what but she was confident that she was taking the right path. She did decide to attend college after her mom and dad had a serious discussion with her about it. At bed check one night Amy spoke to Lyndy, "I still needed to be at Heartland but you have options. It is still your decision but you can go to college, we have set up a fund for all of your to go." Ty added, "Honey, college is a great experience and will open any door you want it to do. You have time and you can always talk to us or Katie. Just try to stay away from Lou, she gets a little intense." She smiled and hugged them good night.

The weeks before the end of school were packed with study for exams, work and continued show jumping practice. Right after school ended Lyndy, Annie and Addie had a big start of season meet in Okotoks. And more importantly the 8th grade formal was coming up in two weeks and Lyndy had to get a dress. She asked Amy, Katie and Georgie to go shopping with her and Amy recommended that Lisa go as well, "Lyndy, you should have seen the dress she got for one of my formals, it was from Paris." Reaching to pull a necklace out she had on and blushed, "It was so nice that your dad gave me my promise ring." As tears came to her eyes, Lyndy hugged her mom tightly. So the group headed out to get Lyndy the most amazing dress in the world. True to her endorsement, Lisa took them to a shop owned by a friend of hers. The dresses were so nice that there were no prices on them and that scared Lyndy a lot. Before she could say anything Lisa spoke up, "No argument I am buying your dress and there is no need to worry what the cost is. Monique's shop doesn't work that way." Over the next few hours Lyndy tried on and modeled a lot of dresses. The rest of the group enjoyed champagne and sparkling water. Lyndy narrowed it down to five dresses but one caught the eye of both Amy and Lisa. It was very similar to the one that she had found for Amy, but in light blue. Lyndy was a beautiful girl and the dress looked stunning on her. She modeled the 5 dresses again asking for opinions. Amy and Lisa knew the one they liked and happily Georgie and Katie agreed. When done Amy whispered to Lisa, "I hope Ty can handle this, I was 16 when I wore this."

It was the day of the dance and Lyndy was getting ready with the help of Katie. No one outside of the 4 people at the selection had seen the dress. Wyatt got himself ready and was already downstairs ready to go. Amy had been getting Ty ready so he wouldn't overreact. Since the dress was handled Amy and Ty got with Maya's parents and got a car for them for the night. They decided Maggie's was the only place for the four of them to eat and as the dance was at school it wouldn't be a long drive. Ty thought he would take them but Amy immediately shot him down. Maddie was perched by the window and when she saw the approaching limo she screeched, "They are here, that is a really big car." Katie heard the commotion and looked at Lyndy, "Time to go and Lyndy, you look beautiful." Like the dress Amy had it draped over her body modestly but proudly showing how beautiful she was. The neckline was a little lower that her father would like but it was Ok. She knew her mom would cover her. Lyndy took a deep breath, "Ok I am ready." She walked down the steps just behind Katie. When she reached the landing all eyes went to her. It looked like Wyatt was going to faint. Ty looked at his daughter unable to speak with the biggest smile on his face. Amy held on to him as he whispered, "Amy it's your dress, she is absolutely stunning just like you." To break the silence Addie and Annie chimed together trying to break the tension, "Lyndy you look hot!" Maddie grabbed Wyatt to shake him back to the current world. "Wyatt, hello, you need to say something. And I am warning you know, you better treat my sister with respect and love all night or else." Maya and her date, a boy from their class, walked in on the scene. She screamed going to hug her best friend. "My god Lyndy you are a fox. Wyatt you better keep an eye on her all night." Wyatt was finally able to speak and walked over to Lyndy with a flower in his shaking hand. "Lyndy, you are so beautiful, I got you this…" Not being able to continue, Maddie grabbed the flower from him. "Geez Wyatt, get it together, you are going to have to talk to her tonight you know." She placed the flower on her wrist. Let the night begin.

Finally settled in the car the four eighth graders chatted about the car and the night ahead. When they pulled up to Maggie's, Lou had a table set up for them with beautiful table linens, plates and silverware. Several candles were lit and as they sat the waitress filled their elegant water glasses. They ordered from the menu, Cheeseburgers, fries and shakes. When the food was ready it was brought over on fine China as the kids giggled. "Kind of fancy for a cheeseburger and fries" Wyatt joked. Lou walked over and asked he if everything was satisfactory giggling a little herself. She was enjoying treating them like they were in a fine dining establishment. Other diners kept looking at them wondering what was going on. Lou spoke up, "Everyone this is my amazing niece Lyndy Borden, her date Wyatt and their friends. Tonight is their 8th grade formal so they are enjoying a nice dinner here at Maggie's." Lyndy blushed trying to shush her Aunt to no avail. As they finished the staff quickly cleaned up their plates. Lou came back over and asked if they needed anything else. As the two boys went for their wallets Lou help up her hand. "Dinner is on Maggie's so keep your money, maybe you can buy a nice gift for your dates. And I understand you may be by after the dance for desert. We will be looking forward to your visit." The four of them headed out to the car as a now calmer Wyatt whispered, "You are beautiful, I am the luckiest 8th grader in the world."

They arrived at the dance and were accosted by their friends. The girls marveled at Lyndy's dress so she had to tell everyone the story. Wyatt was teased by his friends as they knew how close Lyndy was to him. A definite level of jealousy was shown by several of them. Once the music started the kids started to dance. Wyatt and Lyndy especially liked the slow dances. During one of them Lyndy held him tight and cooed in his ear. "Wyatt you look amazing and this is the best night of my life looking at the promise ring on here finger. Well maybe the second night." She hesitated and continued, "I am so happy we will be in high school together. Wyatt, I love you and I will forever. I know we are young but I feel it in my heart. I am sorry I am blabbering." He smiled and pulled her into a gentle kiss. "Lyndy love can be a different levels and we are not too young. I love you Lyndy Borden and I have known it since I met you. Just like us our love will mature and there may be some hiccups but we will make it. I know it in my heart." She nuzzled her head into his shoulder as happy as she has ever been. As the dance continued they were interrupted when Wyatt felt a tap on his shoulder. One of the most unliked cowboys in the class pulled him back. "Hey, are you going to share this hot babe with the rest of us or are you greedy." As his eyes uncomfortably gazed at Lyndy's entire body. She hid behind Wyatt concerned about what would happen next.

Wyatt gathered himself, "Brock, Lyndy does not want to dance with you, especially you so leave us alone." He retorted, "Wow Mr. tough guy, well maybe I will make her dance with me. Us cowboys always get our way with the buckle bunnies." He lunged toward Lyndy and Wyatt blocked him. He reared back to punch him when one of the other students, a new ranch hand at Heartland grabbed his arm forcing him back and onto the floor. The ruckus had gotten the attention of others as they gathered. Several of the teachers headed over to find out what was going on. Brock was on the floor begin held by several of the young men. Lyndy and Wyatt explained what had happened and how some of the other boys stopped Brock from hitting Wyatt. Brock was escorted out of the dance. Lyndy held on to Wyatt shaking and in tears. Wyatt shook the hands of the now three Heartland ranch hands thanking them for their help. The tallest one joked, "Well we are here for each other. Make sure you tell Caleb, maybe he will let up on us." Wyatt smiled, "You can count on it." Wyatt took Lyndy to the table to sit down while Maya got her a drink. She whispered to him, "Wyatt I was really scared. Thank you for saving me, you are the best." Since the dance was almost over they decided to leave. They also decided to just go home so after Maya and her date were dropped off they headed home. Wyatt had texted Amy so when they arrived she met them with Ty on the porch. As she got out of the car Lyndy ran to her mother's arms. Ty went to Wyatt and shook his hand, "Thank you for being there for her, so how was the dance until this incident." Lyndy smiled, "Mom and Dad, it was magical." They held her and walked into the house tired from the crazy night.

The next morning at breakfast, the girls were overwhelmed with information about the dance and the bully. Maddie stated with confidence, "Thank goodness I wasn't there, I would have belted the guy. How dare he try to hurt my sister." Fire was coming from her eyes as Ty patted her back trying to calm her. "Settle down Rambo everything is fine. We got a call from the young man's father apologizing for his son's stupidity." Maddie continued calming down a bit, "Well that is Ok he just needs to stay away from me. I can't be responsible for what I might do." JT laughed, "Maddie is tough." As usual everyone laughed and the carried on with their day. Since it was Saturday, the day would consist of work, chores and some jumping practice. The show was going to be the week after graduation so they had grown in intensity and focus. Lyndy, Wyatt, Annie and Addie were preparing for exams as well so Amy and Ty made sure they set some time aside. Georgie was very happy with Lyndy's progress and quietly told Amy and Ty she felt as though she would defend her title. Amy said the twins were coming along as well and she was sure they would place high in the competition. Katie was pumped as Maddie was doing very well. "Amy, for her age she is jumping at a very high level. You know she could probably jump at a level up but I figure one more year at her age group and we will see. Guys she might be the best jumper in the family and definitely is at Georgie's level. She is fearless like her." Amy agreed so proud of all of her girls.

The last two weeks of school was a whirlwind. The girls were focused on ending the year strong. Lyndy was excited about moving to High School and the Twins were a little nervous about Middle School. The jump from 5th to 6th grade was a challenging one and Lyndy had been helping them with the transition. Maddie was excited because next year she would be solely responsible for getting JT to his PreK class. She loved the fact that she alone would make sure he made it there and that she would picked him up in the afternoon. JT had a chance to spend a little time in the PreK class and couldn't wait. And the fact that his sister would be taking him was even better. Exams were going well for the older three girls, each of them felt that so far they had scored high. All of them were exceptional students but with different strengths. At dinner one night the discussion was focused on the aptitude exams and the testing that Maddie was taking part in. Each one of them talked through each exam they had taken and the ones coming up. Annie spoke up. "I think I completely rocked my science final but English I am a little worried." Addie added, "Same here with math, I want to keep my #1 ranking but I just don't get English." Lyndy stepped up, "Well I love English, how can I help you. How about we sit down after dinner and look through your material." Lyndy had only one easy exam left and had a good chance of being the 8th grade valedictorian. Maddie entered the conversation, "I love the testing we went through and can't wait to see how I do. I think I did well."

Amy and Ty sat with JT on their lap listening to their conversation. JT was listening intently trying to understand what they were talking about. He leaned into his mom, "Mommy they are all really smart, am I smart too?" They both smiled sadly understanding their perceptive son's reasoning. Ty looked him the eye and spoke, "JT as you grow how smart you are is looked at differently. Lyndy, Annie and Addie's smartness is based on a grade or a score. Maddie is based on test she is given that compare her to other kids her age. You, my man are smart and understand things most kids your age do not. Mom and I score you and you are at the top of the class from our view." Amy hugged him tightly telling him, "We score you on love and we love you a lot so you are very smart." Lyndy heard the conversation and got the attention of her sisters. She spoke, "JT you are awesome. All of my friends think you are the smartest little man they have ever met. They all love you too." Maddie continued, "Gwen always tells me that she wishes she had a little brother like you. She loves you very much. The twins chimed in as well. "TJ you rock!." TJ hugged them all with tears in his eyes. Amy and Ty looked on so proud of all of their children. TJ stepped back and whispered in his dad's ear, "Daddy, girls aren't that bad." The girls giggled and began tickling him. It was a moment they would all remember for a long, long time.

School was over and it was Graduation Day. All three would be on the same day. 5th grade was at 9:00am, 8th Grade at noon and the High School would be later. All would be held at the school auditorium. The family, since they had 3 graduating was allowed 20 tickets and along with the 6 that Wyatt they had plenty of seats for everyone to come. Wyatt was excited because his Grandma convinced the doctors to let her go as long as a nurse came along. Ty and Amy would be bringing her with the nurse, Lyndy and Wyatt. The rest of the kids would come with other family members. Everyone would be sitting together so the graduates were sure to be embarrassed as Maddie had also made signs too. After a breakfast at the Miracle Ranch the group headed out. The graduates had to be there a half hour before the ceremony began. After the ceremonies everyone would come back to Fairfield for an open house BBQ where family and friends could all attend. Amy and Ty got the twins to their seats and after kisses went to sit with the family. Maddie sat on her dad's lap and JT was with his mom. June was able to sit in her wheelchair right next to Lisa and Amy. The nurse was right behind her. Everyone was happily chatting as the ceremony began and while holding Lisa's hand Grandma June was beaming.

The crowd settled as the District Superintendent went to the podium. "Greetings and welcome to our first of three graduations today. Don't worry I had a good night's sleep and had plenty of coffee." The crown chuckled as he continued, "The transition to middle school will be challenging for our fifth graders but I am confident they will all continue to shine as outstanding students. A lot of districts forego a graduation for this age but in the Hudson School District we believe this group of young people should be recognized for what they have done and what they plan to do in the future. We are proud of each and every one of you, congratulation graduates." The crowd erupted and the kids yelled and screamed in excitement. The Elementary School principle took the podium. "Students, families and friends I would like to thank our Superintendent for his inspiring words. So let's get to it. Like we rehearsed I will call the graduates up one at a time in alphabetical order. I would tell you to hold your applause but I have been warned by the Borden girls in their words, That ain't happening." Again laughter filled the room as Annie and Addie were teased by their friends. The principle then began bringing the graduates. As he announced their names he would mention some of their accomplishments. Annie and Addie were next to be called up. Alphabetically Addie was first and as he announced her name he mentioned her mathematical awards and other educational achievements. He added her Show Jumping accomplishments as well her barrel racing interest. As she approached the assistant principle to receive her diploma the family erupted clapping and screaming her name. She blushed giving them all a "be quiet " look. Next was Annie's turns. He mentioned her science fair accomplishments and her show jumping skills. He also commented that Annie and Addie were not the first set of twins through this school but definitely were a joy to be around. As she received her diploma the family again erupted and receiving the same glare. After all the kids were done, the principal announce that there would be closing remarks. After giving a generic bio on the speaker he proudly announce, "Dr. Ty Borden can you come to the stage."

Outside of Amy, the entire family was beyond surprised. Annie and Addie deflected the looks they were receiving from their friends. They love their father but to have him speak to the entire class is a little embarrassing. Ty approached the podium pulling out his speech and smiling at his two girls. Amy sat with JT and a stunned Maddie smiling broadly as Lyndy took the open seat from her father to be next to her mom clutching her hand. Ty began, "Good morning, I first want to apologize to my family, outside of my wife for this surprise. When the principle approached me I hesitated but then with my wife's encouragement agreed to give this commencement speech. "Good morning. As mentioned, my name is Dr. Ty Borden and I am the father of Annie and Addie, your classmates. On behalf of all the parents we want to say how proud we are of each and every one of you. You have reached a milestone in your young lives and should be proud of what you have accomplished. I know many of you through your friendship with my girls and seeing you at our ranch. Your life will provide you with experiences that will guide you. You need to celebrate the successes and learn from the challenges. Family is a key to what life will bring you so cherish those who are close to you. Learn from them and be there for them, always. I can attest to the fact that family is everything, they have influence and guided me through my entire life. Your path will be influenced by many people. Years ago a person took a chance on me and is one of the many people who have made me what I am today." Looking at the twins he smiled, "Don't' worry girls I am almost done. So, graduates, have fun, be kind to your parents, your siblings and those around you. But most of all be proud of yourself. Graduates you are dismissed!" The crowd erupted and the kids tossed their caps in the air. Let the fun begin.

As things settled Amy, Ty and some of the family headed down to the girls. As they approached, they saw Addie and Annie in a private conversation with their closest friends. Amy noticed that Addie's friend Bella was in tears being consoled by the girls and Annie's friend Abbey. Concerned Amy quietly asked Lyndy take Maddie and JT so they could talk to them in private. The rest of the family stood back noticing what was happening. Annie and Abbey came to them, "Mom and Dad, Bella is really upset, can she stay with us and come over later. We will explain when we get home." Shaking their head yes, Ty took them to see the family and Amy went to Addie and her upset friend. Without a word Bella sunk into her arms sobbing and clutching her. Amy decided to take the two of them to a more private place, so Ty and the family headed out into the foyer. Amy looked at the distraught girl, "Bella, honey what is wrong, you can talk to me." As Addie held her, she spoke in whispers. "My mom and dad didn't show up, I found out this morning that they were getting a divorce, so my older sister brought me. I don't know what to do, this is all my fault. I don't have any reason to live if they get divorced, please help me." Amy was beyond heartbroken and motioned to Ty to come over. "Honey is it alright if Addie's dad comes over." She smiled a little, OK, he is kind of hot." She smiled agreeing with her as Ty came over. She whispered something into his ear, and he spoke. "Bella you can come with us but where is your sister. As more tears flowed, she told them that she was mad and left her here. Amy again did everything her could to keep it together. She saw how broken she was.

Bella stayed close to Addie and Annie during Lyndy's graduation ceremony, When Lyndy's name was called the presenter listed a number of her accomplishments. Fall Finale Champion, Calgary Dance Competition accolades and her perfect GPA. She had received the valedictorian status which was recognized with a special award. Finally, he mentioned her horse healing skills and how she was following the footsteps of her Grandma and mom, the Miracle Girl. Lyndy stood there blushing as the crowd, specifically in the family section erupted. When Wyatt came up Grandma June was smiling broadly. The family matched the applause for the three Borden girls and Lyndy was whistling and hooting loudly. He looked at he and his Grandma mouthing I love you. As he came back to his seat Lyndy stopped him and hug him tightly, as their fellow students made a lot of noise. Luckily Ty was not the speaker for the 8th grade class, but person selected gave a great speech. When he was done, he dismissed the class telling them to rock it in high school. The family gathered in the foyer again congratulating Lyndy and Wyatt. But several of them noticed Addie, Annie and Bella huddling off to the side.

Ty got the rest of the family to head to the party so he and Amy could take, Addie, Bella and Annie back to The Miracle Ranch. No one asked any questions even thought they had many. As they were leaving, Amy saw the class counselor and after Bella agreed she went to talk with her. After a brief conversation the counselor agreed to come to the house as well. When they arrived, the twins took a distraught Bella to their room so the adults could talk. After being filled in the counselor went to talk to Bella alone in their room as Addie and Annie sat with their parents. Addie was despondent as she hugged her mom and sister, "I knew something was wrong and it has been going on for a while. I saw bruises on her, and she always said she fell or something. A lot of days she didn't even have a lunch so several of us would share ours. I should have done something to help her. Some friend I am" At this point she was crying, tears filing her eyes. They sat consoling her and after a few minutes, the counselor came out asking the girls to go back to their room to be with Bella. She sat with Ty and Amy, "This is a lot more serious that I thought. It seems that Bella's parents have been fighting for a long time and in some cases, she was a part of it. She let me look at her back and sides and she have bruises all over the place. I have never seen anything this drastic. Amy and Ty she told me she wanted to die. I have called Children's Services and they are going to send someone out tomorrow morning. Is there any way she can stay with you till then. I have talked to the principle as well as the CS staff and the police will be heading to her house shortly to arrest them, including her sister who was part of the abuse."

Amy and Ty took a breath and memories came back to Ty of the abuse he was subjected to when he was her age. He spoke, "Of course she can, I can sympathize with her as I too was subjected to an abusive childhood." He continued as Amy held his hand. "We will do anything to help her, I know that the help I got saved my life." The counselor smiled thanking them and telling them she would be here in the morning when the CS people arrived. Taking a minute, they gathered themselves and went to them. "Hey guys, first off if it is OK with you Bella you can stay with us for a while. We can set a cot up between the girl's beds. And this is your call, do you all want to go to the party," Bella took a breath, "Thank you for letting me stay. The counselor told me what was going on and I have told Annie and Addie. I am embarrassed, I don't want people to think I am weak, a wimp or worthless." Addie looked into her eyes with a confident stare, "Bella you are amazing, you are not a wimp. Come to the party, we will be by you the entire time. And my hot dad will be there too." Ty smiled, "Bella we will all be there for you, don't worry." They changed letting Bella have some of their clothes and headed over to the party. Amy discretely texted, Lou, Lyndy, Katie, Lisa and Georgie and told them they were heading over. She asked that they talk to some of the kids and adults to make sure no one confronted Bella and just treated her normally.

The party went well, and Bella seemed to enjoy herself never leaving the company of Addie, Annie, Amy or Ty. Everyone enjoyed the get together and the girls all got several gifts. With some quick thinking, Lou, Lisa and Georgie took some of the Borden girl's gifts and put Bella's name on them. Bella smiled seeing that she had some gifts as well. She never got gifts from her parents. The family as always enjoyed the open house and the food. Maddie and Gwen went to hang with Bella and Addie several times to make sure she felt welcomed. Lyndy and Wyatt offered to take the girls out to see the Fairfield Stable and even let Bella sit on several of them. It was a good diversion. The family left to go home and none of the other kids commented that Bella was with them. As Amy and Ty went around to say good night and when they got to the twins room, Addie held her finger to her lips. Bella was fast asleep, The smiled and kissed their daughters. They also made a point to thank Lyndy, Wyatt and Maddie for being nice to her. Amy and Ty laid in bed worn out from the day. Amy spoke first, "Ty I can't believe what that girl has gone through and I am proud that you mentioned it to the counselor. I know it was hard. And that speech, you did great and looked really hot." She rolled over to him. Their night was far from over.