Amy's Saturday Night and Sunday
All three sat in silence, motionless on the couch. Their eyes glued to the TV, not registering that the news clip had ended and had cut to commercial. A sudden volume increase by several decibels and an obnoxious man jumping up and down on the screen, yelling something about Nichols Fine Furniture, jolted Lisa out of her catatonic stare. She reached for the clicker, balanced on his knee, and turned off the TV.
Sighing, voicing her thoughts aloud. "Well. That certainly was unexpected."
"It was that." Jack acknowledged to his wife, as if by habit, still staring straight ahead, still lost in his own world.
Lisa looked at him, searching his profile, weathered, rugged, handsome etched with tiny lines of life. His attention turned to her, their eyes met, held briefly. His steely blue eyes became watery, for the briefest moment.
"Oh Jack." Her tone was gentle, loving. She laid her hand upon his thigh, her fingers lightly moving, back and forth, trying to comfort him.
"It was good to know he's okay, Lis." Guarding his feelings, he feigned a smile, tried to explain. "That's all."
Fumbling for words, not sure what to say, how to respond, she simply said. "He seems happy." Hoping that was some sort of a consolation for him.
Jack nodded slowly.
Before she could utter another word, his concern turned to his granddaughter. His arms tightened around her shoulder protectively, drawing her in, even closer to him.
"Amy?" Tenderly, he spoke her name.
Though her glassy stare lingered, Amy nodded her head, rocking her body back and forth, ever so slightly. Her knees drawn to her chest, wrapped in her arms.
"Amy honey." He said gently, concerned. "Talk to us."
She inhaled deeply, shuttering as she released it. "Funny. I told Alicia this morning that I needed a sign..." Her tone was hushed, soft-spoken. She frowned, shook her head. "It's not what I expected. But there it is, just the same."
"A sign, sweetheart?" Lisa asked as she repositioned, leaned forward to see Amy's face. "What do you mean?"
Amy's eyes met hers as she spoke in a quiet voice. "Lisa. You are right." She tried to smile.
Neither responded, allowing her time to gather her thoughts, her words.
"Ty is happy. I can see that." A single sniffle escaped as she inhaled unevenly. Her exhale was just as shaky, but she continued. "And, I am happy for him."
She looked away, blinking deliberately, quickly, trying to banish the threatening tears, but not succeeding. Another tear escaped, rolled slowly down her cheek.
"Amy. It's okay." Jack asked, his hand stroked her shoulder.
She wiped her cheek, pushed away the tear, then continued. "I guess I just didn't expect to see him...tonight. Sorry."
"None of us did, Amy." Lisa sympathized, her eyes caring, as they moved to Jack, back again.
"The thing is though...seeing him makes me realize how much I miss him. I miss his friendship. I really do." She confessed in a whisper.
He swallowed hard, forcing down his own emotions. "Yeah." He offered, his voice cracking, only barely.
"But. Grandpa. He moved on...Clearly." She added with emphasis, her voice some stronger, steadier. "And. He is doing exactly what he wants, what he loves. Working with wild animals, rescuing them, rehabbing them." As she spoke, a new softness touched her lips, her eyes cleared.
Nodding reluctantly in unison, Lisa and Jack each muttered something unintelligible.
Amy pushed a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. "Despite everything, all that bad stuff in his life. His dad leaving. His mom's addictions. Wade's abuse. Then juvenile detention. Our.." She stopped. She did not want to bring up the details of their break-up. Water under the bridge she told herself.
Jack continued where she left off. "Ty had it rough. No doubt. He had to overcome a lot..."
"And, he did. He overcame it all. On his own. Without..us. He succeeded. He's living his dreams." Amy punctuated each word, though her bottom lip quivered.
"Seems like it." He offered cautiously.
"He didn't let anything...or anyone...stop him or get in his way of achieving his goals..." Her forehead creased as she punctuated each phrase.
"The ironic thing is, no matter how or why he left. No matter how hard it was, how much it hurt..." Her voice caught.
Worried, Jack watched her, listened closely, scrutinizing her every word, her every inflection.
She paused, her eyelashes fluttered as she gathered herself. Her eyes drew back to his.
"Grandpa. I can't help but be proud of what he's accomplished." She said, surprised at her own words and feelings.
Startled by her revelation, his eyebrows raised, his eyes widen, he gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. He responded. "Well."
"Me too...I am proud for him." Lisa echoing Amy, then added. "Except..."
They stared at her, expecting her to say more.
She gazed upward, her lips pursed, her nose wrinkled like she caught a whiff of something unpleasant. Then she deadpanned. "Except. Well, maybe not that hair. He could really use a haircut..especially if he's gonna be on TV."
Amy, expecting her to say something different, burst into giggles, breaking a bit of the tension. "And a shave! What's with that beard?"
"That too!" Lisa grinned, then laughed. "Dear lord."
Jack chuckled, shaking his head back and forth. "He does look a bit rode hard and put away wet."
As the laughter subsided, a sense of calm settled over them, each taking a cleansing breath, releasing some of their hurt, spoken or otherwise.
"You know. It's a relief, really." Amy became circumspect, releasing her knees from her chest, sitting up just a little straighter. "Its freeing, honestly. I feel like I don't have to worry about him any more. He's doing fine."
"Seems to be." Jack glanced up, heavenward, sighed. "Thankfully."
"So, that's my sign. It's time for me to let go of the past. Forgive, forget, move on. And to listen to my own heart." Her voice was calm, assured.
"What does that ole heart of yours say?" Jack asked, lightness in his delivery.
"Oh. Well. So many things." Her mouth curved into a smile. "Its telling me to pursue my own dreams. To be brave, and true and to not settle. To speak my mind. To stick to my guns and not let anything or anyone sway me from my path and my goals." Her words tumbled out rapidly.
He nodded his approval as a relieved smile nestled under his mustache.
"And, Amy. Keep listening to that heart of yours. It's a good one. Have faith and trust in yourself." Lisa's tone was gentle, kind, caring as she reached her hand toward her, touched her knee. Their eyes locked in mutual respect, understanding.
"I'm sure gonna try. Too many times I've let my own fears, doubts get in my way." She sighed.
"We are all human. At times, I too am my own worst enemy, my fears my biggest obstacle." She admitted.
Amy silently reflected on her words, then asked. "Lisa. Did you know that I received a full scholarship to go to University of Colorado to study Equine Science right out of high school?"
"I did not. Wow. That's very impressive." Then she asked. "So why didn't you go?"
"Back then I told everyone that I wanted a year to see if I could make a go of Mom's business. To carry on her dream. To see if I had her gift...But. Honestly. I was afraid. Afraid to leave home, to be on my own, to fail." She shrugged with one shoulder. "A big part of me didn't want to leave Ty." She winced, puckered her lips ever so slightly at her admission.
"Honey, you were young. And look at how much you've accomplished since." Lisa reminded her.
"Yeah. But, a part of me has always regretted that decision. Its an excellent university and its equine program is top notch. I have wondered if I could have done more, had more success if I had gone."
"You've had pretty good success in my book." Jack interjected.
She rolled her eyes, blushed at her grandfather's compliment. "Thanks Grandpa….So, you know that I had planned to take classes part time this summer?"
"Yeah?" Jack said hesitantly.
"Well, I decided instead to I enroll full time in their vet school."
"At Colorado?" Lisa's eyes widened.
"No, no." Amy shook her head, laughed. "At the University of Calgary!"
"Well Amy. That is just great." Jack grinned with pride. "A vet, huh?"
She nodded enthusiastically.
"That is great Amy! Congratulations!" She paused, then hesitantly asked "Sooooo...you'll be staying in Hudson?" Lisa tried not to smile, though the corner of her mouth inched up.
Amy grinned outright. "Yep. I am staying."
Lisa laughed with relief, clapped her hands together. "Oh Amy. I am so proud of you."
"Me too!" Amy grinned. "I truly feel excited."
"So you made your decision?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow. Lisa looked at him, uncertain as to what he was asking.
"Yes." Amy responded confidently.
"And, you are sure?" He asked, insinuating more than his words.
"Yes, Grandpa, I am sure. I have thought about it a lot. I don't want to move to Bromont. I just wouldn't be happy there. I just can't imagine leaving my businesses behind. I've invested so much, worked too hard. I want to expand, not start over from scratch." She said earnestly. "And, I want to go to vet school, here...for me."
"Sounds like you made up your mind."
"Oh honey. Does that mean you are breaking up with Andrew?" Lisa asked carefully.
"No, no." She shook her head. "Though he may break up with me when I tell him." An impish look spread across her lips. "Or maybe he'll move here instead. Crossing that river for me." She gave her grandfather a knowing glance.
"Maybe he will." Jack patted her shoulder. "The two of you will work it out...one way or another."
"Guess so." Her tone got serious again. "I plan to tell him during his visit." She sighed. "Though I am not looking forward to that conversation."
"Hard conversations are never easy." He changed the subject. "So…Dr. Amy Fleming. I like the ring to that."
"Me too." She laughed.
For the next hour, Amy beamed as she talked excitedly about her plans, her day with Scott, checking and vaccinating cattle at JP Farms and vetting the horses at Harper Farms.
"And. I have an appointment Dr. Baljit Singh at the Vet School and with Dr. Partha Singh, Dean at the Agriculture School on Monday."
"Agriculture School?" Jack was confused.
"Until today, I hadn't even considered that. But yes." She almost sparkled. "By studying the science of both horses and plants, I can further my practice, naturopathic and behavioral methods. And, combine that with conventional equine medicine. Maybe cultivate some of my own cures."
"Well, I can't pretend to know what you are talking about. But. Amy I am so very proud of you!" Jack gushed, hugging her with both arms.
"Hey. What happened to business classes?" Lisa asked curiously.
She laughed. "I realized that I don't need to sit in class with 500 other students. I am already fortunate to work every day with the best equine business woman and teacher in the world. You!"
"Why thank you!" Lisa blushed, grinning ear to ear.
"Plus, you don't give finals." Amy teased.
"True that." Lisa laughed. "Hey. Speaking of Dr. Singh and the Vet School. Next Thursday is the annual ATOBA meeting. It's being held at the Vet School this year."
"Oh really?"
"Yes. We'll be in France then. Wanna attend in our place?"
"I would, but Andrew will be here."
"Well. We have two tickets...dinner is free, though not fabulous, the speakers are always very good."
"I'll ask him." She pressed her lips together in thought. "Hmm. It might be good way to introduce him to the school. Show him the partnership between the school and thoroughbred owners and breeders."
"Right. I'll leave the tickets on my desk. You are welcomed to them."
"Thanks." Amy looked her phone. "Gosh. It's late." She stood, leaned over, hugged and kissed them both. "Love you. See you at breakfast."
As soon as the front door click closed, Lisa took his hand in both of hers, gently asked. "Jack. You okay?"
"Me? Oh yeah. I'm fine." He responded stoically.
"Jack. It's okay to miss him." She gazed deeply into his eyes, she could see his hurt.
He shook his head slowly back and forth, pressed his lips before he spoke. "Oh Lis." He sighed wearily.
"I know it's hard." She said softly. "Hey. Why don't we ring him up in Vancouver? Let him know how happy we are for him." She smiled as she pulled out her phone. "Bet we can find that rescue where he works, no problem."
"No." Jack said firmly, then suddenly stood, walked away from her into their bedroom, closing the door behind him.
"Jack? Jack!" Confused, Lisa followed after him. As soon as she approached the door, he opened it. He had an envelope in his hand.
"What's that?"
"Its that letter that Ty wrote me." He opened the envelop, pulled it out, handed it to her.
"Oh." Lisa had known about the letter, but had never actually read it. It had come while she was still in France.
She took his hand, led him into their bedroom, where they sat on the bed's edge, side by side. Her eyes met his, searched, asked. "Are you sure?"
He silently nodded.
Leaning against one another, shoulder to shoulder, she unfolded the letter, which had clearly been unfolded, refolded many times. She took a deep inhale, exhaled heavily, then began to read the letter aloud.
Jack.
Just want to say. Thanks. You gave me a chance and a family and a home. You were better to me than my own dad. I didn't deserve it. And, I can never repay you.
I am moving on too. I hope to finish vet school and my externship and specialize in wildlife rescue and rehab elsewhere. I won't return to Heartland. Save Tim the trouble of kicking my ass to Montana. Haha.
Please. Don't contact me. Its better that way for Amy. Not sure where I will be anyhow.
Love.
Ty
She looked up from the letter. "Oh Jack. It must have been so hard to read this."
"It was..."
She took his hand, gently kissed his cheek. "I know you love Ty like a son. You gave him so much. Ty knows that. And, he most certainly loves you. So, it might give you some answers, closure maybe. Just to hear his voice."
"No." He ran one hand through his hair, then explained. "No matter what he wrote about "moving on", to my way of thinking, he just ran." His tone was calm, measured. "He hurt Amy something bad when he did. Damn near destroyed her. We have spent the last three years watching her put her life back together. She's in a good place now. I can't risk that. I can't and I won't." His jaw clenched, twitched.
She nodded.
They sat there in silence, lost in their thoughts.
Lisa spoke first. "Jack, what do you think really happened?"
He shook his head, sighed. "I don't know Lis. And she won't say. And, I'm not sure it really matters anymore."
"It's all just so.." She couldn't find the words to describe the situation.
"Strange." He finished her sentence.
"Yeah. Unexpected too." She nodded. "Remember when he told us about that wildlife externship and moving to Calgary, Amy was so supportive, even enthusiastic."
"Yeah. They seemed like they had worked things out between them." He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Even after he left, even though he didn't come home on the weekends like they planned, Amy was still supportive, talked about him and his trips. All the time. She just seemed happy. And she wore his promise ring."
"Then that weekend." He frowned, rubbed his chin whiskers. "Remember you were in France?"
"I do. Bought Damsel that trip." She recalled, then screwed up her lips. "Wish I had been here instead."
"Yeah well. Nothing you could have done." He sighed, then continued. "Amy was all excited that Ty was coming home. You know flitting around, getting things ready, grinning. Then he cancelled. Something or other in Nova Scotia. Cougars maybe. I don't know. Anyhow, she was disappointed, sure. But, she was seemed fine."
"Then Tim..." His brows knitted, his mouth frowned. "You know how he is, especially when it comes to Ty. At Sunday dinner he kept up with digs about his absence. He even suggested that Ty probably had another Blair in Calgary." He growled. "I could have killed him."
"Tim is a piece of work." She bit her bottom lip, trying to hold back. "How's she take that?"
"Well ." He exhaled heavily. "He upset her, naturally. But she pushed back, hard. So he left. She was okay when she went to do night check. Maybe I didn't pay enough attention to notice…." He hung his head, said ruefully. "I don't know. Maybe I should have gone with her to the barn."
She patted his knee, she knew what was coming. "You couldn't have known."
"Lis. I will never forget finding her the next afternoon, an absolute wreck, completely inconsolable, and so fragile." He swallowed hard, his jaw clenched.
"Oh Jack."
He pushed on. "She must have confronted Ty on Tim's theories. Who knows. But. Why else would he mention Tim in his letter?" He pressed his lips, shook his head. "But I don't rightly know. I called Ty, left messages, never heard back. Then his phone was disconnected. That letter came soon after I got back from that Montana trip."
"What about Tim? Has he ever say anything? He and Amy must have talked while he stayed at the ranch."
"He never said, though I asked plenty. He would never admit it, but I think he felt guilty about the whole thing. He became this.." Jack made a face as he rocked head back and forth, as he searched for the right words. "this overprotective zealot, insulating her from everyone and anything to do with Ty. He cleared out all of his stuff. Tried to sell his truck and Harley." Jack sighed. "Grrr."
"Good grief." She rolled her eyes. "I guess we'll never know. Maybe it doesn't really matter."
"No, it really doesn't. Water under the bridge." He resigned.
"You are right." She patted his hand. "Well from everything I heard and saw tonight, Amy and Ty have both moved on and are doing just fine." She kissed him on the cheek. "Maybe we shouldn't worry so much."
"Yeah. Maybe so." He kissed her cheek in return.
Her eyes twinkled. "Have I told you today how much I love you?"
"No, you have not." He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her waist, kissed her temple.
"Oh my. Well. I love you Jackson Bartlett." She kissed his lips tenderly.
"And I love you Lisa Stillman." He returned her kiss, a bit more passionately.
"Hmmm." She purred. "Come on, let's get under the covers."
When Amy entered the barn, the lights were down low, night check was done, the horses were quiet. She found Simon asleep in a hay bed in Maggie May's stall. She kissed Spartan's nose, rubbed Harley's, then tiptoed up the loft stairs, closing the door behind her. Boots off, nightwear on, teeth brushed, she got into bed and dialed her number.
"Hey Amy. Everything okay?" She answered, concern in her voice.
"Hey Alicia. Am I calling too late?"
"It's only 10pm on a Saturday. How pathetic do you think I am?" She chuckled at herself. "What's up?"
"Well. I got my sign." Amy informed her.
"Really? Already?" She ventured. "Hmm..Wild guess. Ty called you?"
Amy sighed. "No. But close. I saw him. Well, on TV. He was on the news tonight."
"No kidding. Was he arrested?" Alicia quipped.
Amy shook her head, pursed her lips, knitted her brow at her friend's question. "No! Of course not. Why would you think that?"
"Figured he got arrested for fighting." She explained. "From everything you told me, he sounds like a fight or flight kind of guy."
"Yeah, I guess so." She thought back, quickly cataloging Ty's fights. Jesse, Caleb, Chase, Grant, Wes, Ahmed, the list seemed endless. Then she added, "But, that was a long time ago."
"Hmm. So, why was he on the news then?"
"He was releasing some eagles back to the wild. Apparently he had treated them for poisoning. Guess they were near death."
"That's kind of neat. In Alberta?" She meant it.
"No, Vancouver."
"Hmm. Guess it was a slow news day in Alberta..." she said sarcastically.
"Ha. Guess so."
"All kidding aside. Tell me Amy. Are you okay?" Alicia's voice grew tender, full of concern.
"Well, I won't lie, it was a shocker, to see him. His smile especially." Her voice was calm. "But I think I'm okay."
"You sure? Cuz, I can come over." She offered.
"No, no, I'm fine." She confirmed. "Really. Just wanted to talk."
"So that sign? What does it say?" She asked.
"To go to Vet School, full-time in Calgary. I am going work part-time with Scott Cardinal, well, if he wants me."
"Kinda thought you had already decided that?"
"Yeah. Well, I plan to switch out business classes for agricultural classes."
"Okay. That's a pretty specific sign. Anything else?"
"And. I'm gonna tell Andrew when he visits. I am not going to wait any longer." She sighed. "I just can't move to Bromont and run a ski resort."
"Good. You'll feel better once you set the record straight with him. But. No doubt it will be a tough conversation."
"Yeah."
"There's something else on your mind. I hear it in your voice. What are you thinking Amy?" Alicia asked gently.
She didn't respond.
"Amy? What is it?"
She hesitated. "Alicia, I miss Ty. I miss talking with him. I miss his friendship. I can't seem to help it."
"Amy. It's completely understandable. So don't beat yourself up about. You two were together a long time. Heck you were engaged."
"I guess."
"So. What are you going to do about that?" She challenged her friend.
"Nothing. He's moved on. He's happy. He's doing what he wants and loves." She paused, took a deep breath. "So I gotta do the same. Put the past behind me, forgive, forget, move on."
"I see. So Vet School is moving on?"
"Yeah. I'm done with choosing my path based upon everyone else's goals, expectations, opinions."
"Are we talking about Ty or Andrew now?" Alicia knew Amy so well.
Before she could respond, Amy's phone signaled an incoming call. "Alicia. Let me put you on hold. Scott Cardinal is calling."
"Hey Scott." Amy greeted him.
"Hey Amy. You free tomorrow to come with me on field calls?"
"Sure. What time?"
"I'll pick you up at 10?
"Why don't you join us for breakfast at ranch?"
"Jack's Sunday breakfast? Can't miss that."
"Good. See you tomorrow Scott."
She hung up with Scott, took Alicia off hold.
"Hey. Sorry. I'm back. Scott wanted me to do field work with him tomorrow."
"I guess Scott wants you after all." Alicia deadpanned.
Amy laughed. "Yeah. I guess so. Hey. Wanna join us for breakfast tomorrow.." Then she added. "Scott's coming."
"You trying to fix me up with Scott?"
"Noooo. Why would you think that?" Amy laughed.
"Oh I don't know...maybe because you've tried twice before." She reminded her. "Hey. Ever think about dating Scott yourself?"
"That would be like dating my big brother. Plus, Lou dated him in high school. That is a big sister NoNo. It might even be the first rule of sisterhood."
"Wow. Who knew?" She laughed.
"So tomorrow?"
"Sure. Why not? Breakfast, I mean. Can I bring anything?"
"An appetite?" Amy suggested.
"Ha. I can manage that."
"Good." Amy hesitated. "Hey. Um. Alicia?"
"Yeah?"
She sighed heavily. "Um. Do you think I should sell Old Blue?"
"Do you?" Her voice registered her surprise.
"I dunno. Dad thinks I should."
"Since when did you start listening to Tim?" Alicia said sarcastically.
"Right." She paused. "I just want to move on. Make a clean break. Maybe I should sell Harley too?"
"Maybe. But. Why don't you sleep on it instead? You don't have to change everything tonight or even this week. One step at a time. Okay?"
Amy nodded. "Thanks Alicia. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Right back at ya!"
For the next hour, the two friends updated the other on their day, Amy about her day with Scott and Alicia about her date.
Sunday
Amy woke refreshed, after a dreamless night. The loft was dark, as the sun would not rise for another hour. She quickly dressed, descending the steps into the barn. Simon was already in the midst of morning chores.
"Hey there Simon. Happy Sunday!" She greeted him with more enthusiasm than the early hour generally allowed.
"Hey." He was flat in his response.
"Let's ride to the river before breakfast." She suggested.
"Ah. Sure. Ponying too?"
"Nope. Just you, me, Maggie May and Spartan. We don't get to spend much time together. And. I want to talk to you about something."
"Oh?"
"We'll talk later." She remained vague.
"Well. Okay." He replied hesitantly as he searched her face for clues.
They worked, side by side, without talking, except for the endless chitchat with the horses. By 6, the sun was just beginning to peek across the horizon, chores were done, and horses turned out. They saddled Spartan and Maggie May, swung into easy mounts, headed out to the open fields toward the bluff overlooking the river. There was still a morning chill, a damp freshness in the air.
Not in a hurry, they rode at an easy trot, their horses abreast, so they could talk.
"Maggie May is looking really good, Simon." Amy observed. "You done a great job with her."
"Yeah. She's coming along. She's eating better, with the help of your mix-ins."
"Mix-ins?" She asked, wrinkling her brow.
"Yeah. Your herbs, bananas, honey and stuff. You know, mix-ins." He explained.
"Mix-ins. That's a new one." She smirked.
He began to worried. "Is that okay?"
"What using my mix-ins? Yes, of course…that's what they are there for...to help horses get better."
"Okay."
"She's moving along well too." Amy said.
"Yeah. She is. But, she still gets a mood every once in a while."
"A mood?"
"Yeah. She just stands there and stares. Her eyes get kinda empty and sad." He shrugged. "I can't really explain it. But I think she misses Elizabeth."
"No I get it. Our horse Pegasus got that way after mom died. Like he was depressed. It took a while, a lot of interaction, mix-ins," she smiled. "mom's leather jacket. It took a while, but he eventually starting eating again, got better."
"See, Maggie May? Just keep eating, sniffing on Elizabeth's blanket and you'll be back to your old self before you know it." He patted his horse's neck. "You are my good girl. Aren't you?"
"Saw that you slept in her stall again." Amy commented.
"Yeah. She likes that." He said as fact.
"Bet she does." She smiled. "Soon she'll be eating like a horse again, eating us out of house, home and barn!" Amy laughed at herself.
He gave her a half-hearted smile.
"Honestly Simon, I am so impressed with you and your horse instincts. It's like your skills blossomed with Maggie May."
He shrugged as he looked straight ahead, the corners of his mouth twitched downward.
As they rode on, pinks and oranges took hold, striped the sky, stretching before them as the sun rose from behind. In the field, new grasses wet with dew glittered amidst muddy patches on the ground. The cool air, fresh and clean, nipped their cheeks and noses, turning them light red. As they approached the bluff, they heard the rush of the river, before they saw it.
Still mounted, they watched the river from above. Bloated from melted snow, the river burbled and babbled as it raced over rocks and downed branches. The sun danced on its surface, ripples and ridges, flashing bright.
"Hey Simon?" She broke the quiet.
"Yeah?"
"Do you want to keep working at Heartland?" She asked, her tone serious. She watched his expression carefully as she listened.
"Yeah. I like it pretty good. Wish you were there more often. Do your share of the work." He teased. Then he turned in his saddle, his head tilted to one side, his eyes narrowed, "Wait. Why? You gonna fire me? Please, don't. I need this job."
"Simon. Don't be ridiculous." She chuckled. "Of course, I am not going to fire you."
"I mean. I can work harder. I can complain less. Dad says I have a glass half empty mentality. I mean I can try to change that too." He plastered a fake smile on his face. "See."
"Simon. What are you talking about? You are doing great. You work hard. And, I don't think you complain too much." She smiled as she spoke to assuage his worries. "I like you just the way you are, Mr. Glass H. Empty." She giggled at her attempt at humor.
"Well. If it's about Maggie May…Amy. I swear, I will pay you for her. Well, um, or you can take it all out of my pay." His brows raised, his voice concerned.
"Simon. Stop." She reached over touched his arm. "Look. I am not worried about Maggie May. Honestly. What's going on?"
He didn't respond.
"Simon. Tell me." She pushed him.
He took a deep breath, hung his head just a little. "Tim said that I'm freeloading. With Maggie May and all. He..." He wasn't finish before she cut in.
"Ha. Isn't that rich coming from my dad? The proverbial pot calling the kettle black." She said sarcastically. "Look. Simon. Ignore my dad. He does not speak for me. You do not work for him. You work with me. Okay?" She said firmly, shaking her head.
He nodded. "Um. If you're not going to fire me, then what do you need to talk to me about?"
"Actually I was hoping that I can count on you working at Heartland for the next few years. Maybe take on a tad more responsibility… with the barn and horses, maybe some of Grandpa's work."
"Okay." He gave a half smile.
"Good. I can't pay you any more...in money, but maybe in horse, hay and board? If you are game."
"You mean Maggie May? Like work off my debt."
"Yeah. We could amend your contract to include her ownership papers."
"Yeah. That sounds real good." He smiled. He paused, his eyes narrowed again, scrutinizing her. "Wait. Are you going somewhere?"
"No. I mean, yes. Well. Sort of." She started over. "I am staying at Heartland but I hope to attend vet school. At the University of Calgary."
"Oh."
"Between class, studying and working with Scott Cardinal, I won't be around as much. So, I will need you to take care of more things for me."
"Oh. Okay." He shrugged, then he straightened in his saddle. "I mean I will work hard Amy. I promise. You can count on me. Absolutely."
"Why thank you, Mr. Glass H. Full!"
They both grinned.
"So. Um. Why vet school?" Simon asked, curious.
"Good question. I want to learn everything about horses, their anatomy, physiology, genetics, reproductive systems, treatments, everything, so I can provide good care. Soup to nuts as they say."
"But. You already do. Um. Provide good care."
"Thanks. But honestly, there are lot of things I don't know or can't do, so I have call Scott or another vet."
"Oh. Right."
Spartan and Maggie May heard the splash first, their ears and heads rotating to the right, then held steady alerting Amy and Simon. Just beyond the bluff, a few feet from the waters edge, several white tailed deer were trekking across the river, their tails flicking, flashing their white underside. One deer stopped, turned to look back.
"Beautiful." Amy whispered.
"Look. It's a mama." Simon whispered, pointed. Behind her, two spotted fawns were halted on the bank, afraid to follow, bleating to their mother.
"How about that!" Her smile quickly faded. "Oh. The river is running hard, I hope they can cross okay."
As they watched, the two younglings carefully stepped into the water, joining her. She positioned herself, down river of her offspring, to protect them from being swept away in the current as they crossed.
Amy and Simon practically held their breath as the three made their way across. The water rose just past the doe's underbelly, allowing her to walk on the rocky river bottom. But, the fawns, small as they were, had to struggle to swim. The mother paused at the opposite bank as the first fawn ambled out of the river, shaking the cold water from its fur.
The second fawn stepped back into the river, behind its mother to escape its sibling's cast off droplets. She slid into a deep hole and was immediately swept away, thrashing in the cold water. The doe ran down the bank, to get ahead of her fawn, who gasped, bleated for help, only to be sucked under the water again and again. The doe plunged into the river, just downstream of the fawn, trying to rescue her offspring. As the current carried the exhausted fawn toward her, the mother held her position, bracing herself against the river, ready to impede her fawn's trajectory. At the last moment, the water changed direction, forcing the fawn back toward the middle of the river.
Amy could watch no more, urged Spartan down the bluff, rode full speed along the river's bank. Simon followed on Maggie May, several steps behind. Down river of the fawn, Amy unfastened her lasso, circling it above her head, letting it loose toward the fawn, but missed. The fawn disappeared under the water.
Simon racing down shoreline, passed Amy as she threw the lasso again, this time encircling the fawn's neck as it surfaced, pulling her back toward the shore.
The river's force pulled on the fawn, creating tension on the stiff rope, tightening the noose. Amy grew fearful that the noose would choke the baby deer to death.
"Simon!" She screamed, waving, pointed toward the river. "Get in."
Simon urged Maggie May, plunging into the river's iciness, stopped mid-river, perpendicular to the current. Amy and Spartan crossed the river. With the lasso still attached, she was able to guide the fawn toward Simon. He reached down into the rushing water, plucked the fawn out of the river.
On the opposite bank, Simon astride Maggie May, handed Amy, who already dismounted, the limp fawn.
"Is she dead?" He asked as the animal lay motionless, unconscious on the shoreline.
Amy felt the left side of fawn soaking wet chest, felt a weak heartbeat. "No. She has a heartbeat, but it's very weak."
She watched for a rise and fall of her chest. Nothing.
"She's not breathing." Amy said anxiously as she took off her coat, roughly rubbing the fawn all over to warm it, stimulate its senses.
A dark shadow flew over, then another. Simon remarked. "We have company...buzzards."
Amy looked at him, then glanced over his shoulder. "And an audience."
Simon looked back, the doe and fawn were standing still, watching not more than 20 yards away.
"She's still not taking in air." Amy said, as Simon crouched, watched helplessly.
Amy compressed the fawn's chest several times with a firm, cupped hand. The fawn still did not take a breath.
"Maybe she swallowed too much water." She surmised. Opening the fawn's mouth with one hand, she lifted the hind legs in the other. A small amount of water ran out.
"I'm gonna try mouth to mouth." Holding fawn's mouth shut, she placed her mouth over the fawn's nose and mouth, then blew a short breath causing its chest to rise. She let the chest fall, then blew again, then three more times.
"Still not breathing." Simon said.
Amy nodded, compressed the chest again. The fawn jerked its head.
"She moved." Simon said.
"She's not breathing on her own though." She said as she placed her mouth again on the fawn, blew air.
On the fourth puff, the tiny spotted deer, kicked it's front legs, tried to stand, then fell back. Her chest rising and falling on it's own.
"Oh hey there little one. Let's get you a bit more stable first before you run off." She laughed in delight as she rubbed the deer's ear.
"Oh my gosh. That was incredible." His eyes were shining. "Let's get a selfie."
"You kids and your phones." Amy laughed. Glancing beyond his shoulder, she added. "We better hurry. Mama is getting anxious."
Almost by miracle, the spotted fawn stood, one shaky legs, shook off the river water, then took off towards its mother. Amy watched as Simon snapped pictures.
"Wow. That was amazing."
"Yeah. But we better get going. Grandpa's doesn't like us to be late."
"Hey. Look." He pointed to a tall dead tree, pine of some sort. "A Bald Eagle." He snapped several pictures.
"Hmm. Life never ceases to amaze me." Amy smiled.
When Amy and Simon, damp and dirty, entered the ranch house, Jack and Ralph were already seated at the table.
"Sorry we're so late." Amy said as they shucked off their boots, coats and hats.
"Wash your hands. We've been waiting for you." Jack responded gruffly.
"Oh. Sorry. Grandpa. We didn't mean to make you wait."
"Oh sweetheart. We wanted to wait. Don't worry a bit." Lisa called from the kitchen as she, Alicia and Scott carried bowls of food into the dining room.
Jack and Ralph were seated at each end of table, Lisa on Jack's left, Amy on his right, Simon on his father's left and Scott on his right. Alicia sat between Amy and Simon, much to Amy's disappointment.
Jack cleared his throat.
"First, I want to welcome you all to our Heartland home. My heart is so glad to see the seats around this old table full with good friends our family treasures. So, let's raise our glass to Good Friends."
"Cheers!" The seven laughed, toasted and clinked glass of orange juice and cups of coffee.
Then Simon cleared his throat. "Um. Jack. May I give a toast too?"
"Why sure." Jack tilted his head.
"Um. I want to toast Amy. She gave mouth to mouth to a fawn and saved its life. Cheers." Simon raised his glass of juice.
"Well, I'll be. Did you really?" Jack eyes were wide as his grin.
"Wait. Simon is the real hero. He rescued the fawn from the river."
"Did you really Simon?" Ralph grinned. "The river's flowing pretty high and fast with the melt."
"Yeah. Me and Maggie May." Simon grinned.
"Ralph. You should have seen them. They were an amazing team, Simon and Maggie May. They didn't hesitate, plunged into the river, stood their ground, as the freezing water rushed, way past Simon's boots. He just reached out and grabbed that tiny fawn from the river. She would have drowned otherwise." Amy gushed, clearly proud of him.
"Well, son. That's a gusty move. And, I'm proud of you. Know your mama is too. Bet she was watching out for you." Ralph's eyes were moist.
Simon grinned as a pink flush rose to his cheeks.
"Well it sounds like we need to raise a glass to both of you!" Lisa announced. "Cheers to our heroes, Simon and Amy."
"Cheers!" More laughing, talking, clinking.
Over breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and biscuits, Simon went into great detail, and more than a little exaggeration, as he replayed the events of the rescue.
Simon pulled his phone out of his pocket. "Look. Here's Amy giving mouth to mouth."
"When did you take that?" Surprised, Amy asked.
"Duh. When you were giving mouth to mouth." Simon exasperated, shook his head. Amy laughed.
"Let me see that." Scott asked. He examined the photo, zooming in and out. "So, Amy, how did you know to do that?"
Amy shrugged her shoulders. "Health in high school. We learned CPR." She said. "It's one of the few things I remember."
"But, you put your mouth over both the nose and mouth. How did you know to do that?" Scott asked.
She shrugged. "I figured the air needed to go into her lungs not out her mouth or nose." She explained.
"She patted her chest too." Simon said. "Like this." He demonstrated.
"Simon, could you send me that picture?" Scott asked.
"Sure. Do you want them all?" Simon asked.
"What else do you have?" Scott asked as he handed Simon his phone.
"Well. Let's see." He looked at his phone, scrolling through the pictures. "Here's the doe and her fawns crossing the river. This one is the three on the other side. This one is the fawn being washed down river. Here's the mouth to mouth one. This one is the fawn in Amy's lap. Here's our selfie." He chuckled. "Oh. Here's one the fawn running to her mom. Here's one with the three running away."
"Wow. You should work as a photo journalist, Simon." Alicia suggested. "That's incredible."
"Oh. The last one of an eagle in a dead tree. I tried to zoom in." He scrunched his nose. "First the buzzards came. But, when the eagle came, they left. It was like he was watching over us too."
"Can I see that one Simon?" Jack asked.
"Sure." He walked over to Jack, handed him his phone.
Jack scrutinized the phone. "How do you make the picture bigger?" He asked Simon.
"Oh here." Simon showed him how to zoom in and out using his fingers.
"Hmm." Jack examined the photo for several minutes. "Scott, do you see what I see?"
Jack passed him the phone. Scott looked closely. "Do you mean the banding on its leg?"
"Yeah."
"Right." He swallowed. "Simon. You might want to report that picture to the Canadian government. See. All sorts of wildlife outfits band injured and rescued eagles, and other endangered avian, with bands supplied by the government. The government records sightings to track the movement and health of the birds. You can actually find out all sorts of information about the eagle."
"Cool."
Jack looked at Amy, held her eye for a moment. She smiled back.
"So. Scott. What do you think about Amy to going to vet school?" Alicia asked.
"I want to know what took her so long!" Scott grinned.
Amy laughed. "So. Scott what's on our agenda today?"
Scott scratched his ear. "Well, I'm not sure that our agenda is fit for polite breakfast conversation." He wrinkled his nose.
"Oh." Simon said. "Come on. Tells us!"
Scott looked to Jack who nodded. "Well. Horse deworming horse at a family farm, euthanizing an old donkey riddled with cancer at a cattle ranch, vetting English Setters at a breeding and training facility. Lastly, we need to check on Harper twin foals."
"How are Harebell and Clover?" Amy asked.
"Guess we'll find out." He smiled. "Sunny Ray asked that we come check on them and Aster. And, she invited us for dinner. Is that okay?"
"Really? Of course, it's okay!" Amy almost squealed. "Grandpa, Lisa. Don't wait dinner for me!"
Hello Readers. Hope you are enjoying this glorious Thursday. And, of course, this chapter. Sorry it took so long for me to write it. I wanted to get the conversation between Jack, Lisa and Amy after the news just right. Hope I came at least close to the mark.
And, I am on a girl's getaway at our off-grid cabin in the woods with my main girl, my English Setter, Calpurnia. See this story's new logo.
Anyhow. The part with Simon and Amy and the fawns is inspired by what we saw yesterday. While sitting on the cabin's porch rocking, writing this chapter no less, a bunch of white tailed deer crossed the river that runs along our property. At first, Callie and I only heard a ton of splashing and thrashing in the water below. Honestly, I thought it was a black bear fishing! Yes. We have bears!
Then we saw the deer, a couple with spots, run up the 100 foot ridge and across our land, not 50 feet away from the porch. Of course, Callie gave chase but gave up after a few minutes. Then late afternoon, a bald eagle flew down the river in search of prey. So, I had no choice but to incorporate those into the story!
Please know I also reflect on your reviews when posted and when I write. I take them all to heart, yes, even the less than good ones. All this to say, I appreciate you all.
Have an awesome day. Go outside, enjoy the air, take a deep breath. It's so exhilarating and a huge stress reliever.
Take care and be safe.
SBR