Amy's Monday
The morning's steady rain broke into a gray overcast afternoon as she drove onto the Foothills Campus, following signs to the Teaching, Research and Wellness Building, where both Drs. Singhs' offices were housed. Arriving in visitor parking lot nearly 15 minutes early, she pulled the vehicle into a prime spot, just outside of the building's main entrance. Old Blue would not start that morning. At Lisa's insistence, Amy drove Lisa's new Porche SUV to Calgary instead. She really didn't have another option.
She shut off the quiet engine, then sat for a few moments, clutching the steering wheel with her freshly painted fingernails and sweaty palms, trying to reassure herself. In the visor's lighted mirror, she checked her make-up and hair, done up for the interview, one more time. Then she glanced at her summer cowboy hat, mostly white, but somewhat worn and stained with dirt and perspiration, thrown on the seat next to her. She reached for it, along with the brown folder containing her application, resume, references. Satisfied, she exited the vehicle with both in hand.
After the hour long drive, just standing in the fresh air felt good. With cowboy hat on her head, Amy smoothed the creases from her knee length dress. The classically styled dress was made gray-blue raw silk noil, had a fitted bodice, three quarter sleeves, scooped neckline and straight skirt. Somehow it intensified the blue of her eyes, outlined by layers of black mascara and the lightest of pink eyeshadow.
As Amy had nothing professional nor appropriate to wear in her closet, Alicia lent her the dress as well as the smoky kitten heeled pumps she wore on her feet. She looked stunningly beautiful, polished and professional, yet she felt uncomfortable, wished she was wearing her old jeans and plaid shirt instead.
As she stood there, she debated the merits of wearing her favorite hat. It was her trademark, of course, her shelter from the sun and rain, her constant companion. In the end, she thought better of it and tossed it back into the SUV.
At dinner the previous night, Partha suggested that their meeting with older brother was nothing more than a formality. Whatever that meant, she wasn't sure. He also advised her to be open, candid, professional and above all, project confidence. Remembering his words, she straightened her posture, then strode with purpose into the mid-rise modern building encased with glass. Though she exuded confidence, inside she was bundle of nerves.
As she walked into the building, she was immediately struck by the cavernous lobby, its modern sleekness, its soaring ceiling, its glassy view to the outside.
"Hello Amy!" He called out, startling her.
Partha was standing, grinning, waiting for her just inside the main entrance to the lobby. He was dressed more casually than she expected, wearing a chambray long sleeved shirt, jeans and scuffed boots. His attire made her conscious of her own, now worried that she had overdressed.
"Partha. So good to see you." They shook hands. She returned his wide grin with one of her own. "Thought we were going to meet in your office."
"There's been a bit of a change." Partha relayed, sounding somewhat apprehensive.
"Everything okay?" She grew concerned, playing off his tone.
"Yes. Of course. But, a pressing matter has come up at the research farm. So Baljit only has a small window of time to meet with us. We will head to his office straight away." He walked her to the elevators. "Hope you don't mind."
"Of course not." Amy smiled, tried her hide her worry. "I am just thankful that you both are willing and able to see me on such short notice. I realize that I am an imposition."
"Nonsense." Partha gave her a quick smile. "You are a gift."
During the elevator ride, he calmly handed out more advice. "You should know that my brother is quite formal, direct, and can be intimidating. Don't let him rattle you."
"Okay." She replied quietly.
"You have already excellent experience, skill and knowledge. Have faith in that and yourself and you'll be fine."
A sudden warmth rose from her core as her hair became heavy against the back of her neck. Her hand reached up, lifting her long blonde tresses from her neck, hoping to cool it before sweat began to collect there. She sighed heavily.
Partha noticed. "When I have nervous energy bottled inside me, deep purposeful breathing, inhaling, exhaling, helps to release it."
She nodded, then tried to bring her attention to her breath, counting silently to herself.
Arriving on the fifth floor, he led her to the massive set of double doors, frosted glass panes encased in a beautiful cherry wood. Etched in the glass was his brother's name, his many degrees and his title, Dean of Faculty for Veterinary Medicine. The grandeur simultaneously impressed and intimidated her. She was thankful that she was dressed appropriately.
He pushed the buzzer, the doors swung open revealing a long, sleek cherry reception desk, accented with the frosted glass. Within the modern, sleek and somewhat cold reception area, a middle aged woman, prim and proper, was stationed there.
As he stepped forward, she looked up at them both, smiled slightly, then addressed him in a professional but respectful tone, "Good afternoon, Dr. Singh. May I help you?"
Partha responded in kind. "Good afternoon, Ms. Braswell. Ms. Fleming and I have an appointment with Dr. Singh."
"Of course. Please have a seat, I will let the Dean know that you have arrived."
"Thank you."
Surprised at the level of formality, Amy took a seat in an uncomfortable chrome framed chair with black leather straps for the back and seat, placing her folder on her lap. The only consolation was that the metal arm rests were cold to the touch, giving her sweaty palms respite.
After 20 or so minutes, Ms. Braswell stood beside her desk. "Dr. Singh, Ms. Fleming, Dr. Singh will see you now."
Partha nodded to Amy. They rose, approached the receptionist.
"Follow me." She instructed.
Partha let Amy follow directly behind Ms. Braswell. Together in a silent line, the three walked to the closed door office just a few steps down a side hall. Ms. Braswell knocked on the door.
"Come in." A muffled request came from the other side.
His assistant opened his door, slowly stepping inside, Amy and Partha followed.
"Dr. Singh, Dr. Singh and Ms. Fleming are here to see you." She announced.
"Thank you, Ms. Braswell. Twenty minutes. No more." She nodded without words, exited the office, closing the door behind her.
Standing, Dean Singh was the same height and build as his brother. They both had the same brown eyes, clear and kind. But, the similarities ended there. His head was covered dark plum colored turban, his mostly grey beard was full, covering his entire jawline, his full mustache was mostly black. And while Partha was casually dressed, he wore an expensive navy suit, white shirt and tie that matched his turban.
"Dr. Singh." He held out his hand to his brother, who grasp it in his own, quick handshake.
"Brother." Partha said, clearly less impressed with formalities.
"Ms. Fleming." She shook his hand was well, then handed him the folder.
"Pleased to meet you, Dr. Singh. Please call me Amy."
"Please have a seat, both of you." As they sat, Amy noticed that the seats were nearly identical to those in the reception area, and noticeably shorter than Dr. Singh seated in his desk chair, making her feel uncomfortable, a little like a punished child. She did her best to push away the thought.
"Ms. Fleming, I understand from Dr. Singh that you desire to enroll in our Veterinarian Medicine school in the fall semester." He stated, then opened her folder, glanced down at her application in his desk.
"Yes, that is correct. Thank you for meeting with me."
"I must be honest. Your request at such a late date is highly unusual, and lacks foresight and preparation." He remarked. "As they say, procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."
He huffed, then continued.
"Tell me, Ms. Fleming, about yourself and why you think you are a suitable candidate for this school."
She swallowed, forgetting her rehearsed lines, then rattled off jobs that she listed in her application. "Well, um. Currently, I am partner to Lisa Stillman, owner of Fairfield Stables, a thoroughbred breeding and racing facility. I also operate the Heartland rescue center, founded by my mother. I trained Andrew Pierson, with the Canadian Equestrian jump team, and his horse for this summer's World Games. I was the head trainer the entire Saudi Arabian team and Prince Ahmed Al Saeed for the same games four years ago where they won the individual gold and team bronze medals. I rehabbed, trained and rode Lightening Dexter in the Annual Hudson Stakes. I trained.."
Dr. Singh held to hand up for her to stop. "Are you here to make your case for admission to our program or are you here merely to recite what is clearly documented on your application?"
She was speechless.
He held it up for her to see. "Maybe you forgot?"
She felt a droplet of sweat roll down between her breasts. She let out a nervous chuckle. "No. I mean, yes. I mean I want to make my case to be admitted to vet school." She looked to Partha for encouragement.
Partha jumped in. "Ms. Fleming comes highly recommended by Sunny, of course. And, by Dr. Scott Cardinal. He refers to her as his protégée."
Dr. Singh looked at the papers before him. "Ah. The esteemed Dr. Cardinal." He smiled thoughtfully. "Quite an excellent vet. His last recommendation turned out to be an outstanding student, top of his class, and a stellar veterinarian." His voice grew mellow and full of pride.
"Ms. Fleming. Several years back, we accepted a student into our program based on Dr. Cardinal's recommendation."
Amy heart began to beat fast, she felt the heat rise to her cheeks.
"He proved to not only to be an outstanding applicant with top undergraduate grades, his experience coming to us was varied and immense. If I recall correctly, he treated a variety of animals, domesticated and wild, in unusual and complex situations using traditional, alternative and herbal remedies. Even broke up a ring of bear poachers! He became and still is a passionate, outstanding veterinarian, whose dedication to his craft is so selfless that he often risks his life, and his loyalty to animals unsurpassed. That's the kind of student I am looking for."
He paused and asked. "What makes you worthy of Dr. Cardinal's recommendation?"
Amy was stunned into silence. She assumed he talking about Ty and was pleased that he was held in such high esteem. But even though she knew she was beside him in many of those situations, she felt stupid, undeserving. She wondered why she thought this would be easy, the proverbial cake walk. It was anything but...
He looked at her application. "It can't be your high school grades, those are abysmal. Did you take any other courses not listed here?"
"No." She admitted weakly.
"Hmm. Ms. Fleming, scanning your application, it appears that you are an excellent horse trainer, healer, maybe even whisper to high end horses. And, you have been quite successful and obviously well rewarded for that line of work." He seemed to nod at her outfit. "I saw you drive up into the lot."
Amy didn't respond, she felt her shoulders sinking into her body.
"If I can be candid, I already have my quota of high end horse trainers in the autumn class who want to be a vet so they can continue to reap the immense benefits and pay associated with these pampered horses. I do not need another in that class."
"But, I have worked with horses that are not high end horses as well. Actually, that's the real essence of my work." Then she wondered if that was actually the case any more.
He looked at his watch. "I have a few more minutes. I am listening."
"I rescued and rehabbed wild horses at Pike River. I rescued and rehabbed a horse abandoned in coulee and left to die. I rehabbed horses that are cutters, rompers, barrel racers, plow horses, miniatures, trail riders, police horses."
"I see those on your application."
She closed her eyes briefly, unsure where to go.
"Ms. Fleming, you have two strong recommendation letters and plenty of experience and accomplishments with horses. But, you do not have a good academic track record. Nor have you been able to articulate why you want to go to vet school. Honestly, I am disinclined to accept you into our highly competitive, highly regarded program. I'm sure that Dr. Singh here can easily find you a spot in his department."
"But, brother, you have an open slot." Partha said quietly.
"Ah...Ms. Fleming. Dr. Singh speaks truthfully. If you must know, our top recruit has accepted a full scholarship at the University of Colorado, an excellent institution in the states, has declined UCVM's offer. Much to my dismay. But, given your application, your academic mediocrity and your inarticulate and lackluster interview, I would rather at this moment, waste a precious open slot than give it to you."
Amy could not remain quiet any longer.
"Dr. Singh, with all due respect, I am quite clear that you have no inclination to accept me in your program, but I can say, without a doubt, if admitted I would be an asset to that class, to the program and to the school."
Dr. Singh raised his eyebrows, but said nothing.
"I am very familiar with the University of Colorado as I too was offered a full scholarship after I graduated from high school. That excellent institution in the states recognized and appreciated my in-depth knowledge and experience with training, rescuing, rehabbing, healing and gentling horses despite my abysmal grades. You see, at age of 15, when my mother was killed in a vehicle accident, I had to take over her horse business, essentially single handedly, to save our family's ranch from financial ruin and foreclosure. That ranch has been in our family for six generations, and honestly, thanks to my hard work, it still is. At that point in my life, schooling and grades were secondary to saving my home."
"Go on." His interest was piqued.
"During those three years while still in high school, and ever since, I treated countless horses, both domesticated and wild, pampered and cared for as well as abandoned and neglected horses. Some were considered unredeemable, broken, worthless. Many slated for the slaughterhouse."
"I can proudly say that not one of the horses I rescued and rehabbed was euthanized or sent to a slaughter house. All rehomed to new owners, often with a new purpose or function. Often free of charge."
He rubbed his beard.
"I work hard, get up early, go to bed late, I shovel manure, groom horses, clean tack, pick hooves, treat wounds, haul hay and feed, saddle my own horses. I have birthed horses, cows and even my sister's baby. Our ranch, like many family ranches, is surviving on a shoe string budget. And, we have had our fair share of bad times from down markets, bad weather, disease, quarantines, poisonings, fires, shootings, stolen livestock, and wild animal attacks. I have treated horses with rain rot, abscessed teeth, depression, tendonitis, lamanitis, ulcers, arthritis, starvation, old age, biting, open wounds, fighting, and refusals to eat, jump, or return to the barn. I have gentled many horses and earned their trust. Often I do this strictly through alternative, natural herbal and behavioral methods, often without the services of a vet or without monetary gain."
"I see." His muttered.
"Yes, I am most proud of my work with horses, because I feel a deep connection to them, partly because of my mom, partly because of our ranch, but mostly because that's what I am truly good at."
The she chuckled. "Funny. You mentioned reaping the immense benefits and pay associated with these pampered horses." She used his exact words. "Its actually those pampered horses and their owners who pay for my unique and effective services that allow me to rescue, rehab and rehome unwanted, discarded, abused or wild horses."
"Truthfully, what I am wearing and what I am driving today are borrowed. And, yes, my nails are painted but only so you can't see that they are perpetually stained. As is my cowboy hat that I left in that borrowed vehicle."
He watched her closely.
"My unending belief is that every horse is an intelligent, sensitive, beautiful creature, a true gift to mankind. That every horse has potential, often more than one, that should be realized, tapped into, nurtured, honed. That every horse deserves a good and safe shelter, adequate food, water and exercise. That every horse deserves to be healthy, to live their life to the fullest, to have access to good care for prevention of disease and injury as well as for acute and chronic issues, not just traditional methods like Drugs, Surgeries and Other Treatments but also Psychological, Behavioral and Natural and Holistic Treatments. Like every breathing, living creature, horses deserve a first, second and third chance."
"I wanted to go to veterinarian school at the University of Calgary, an excellent institution, to learn, to grow and give back. I hope to expand my skill, my experience, my knowledge, my work in Alberta beyond natural remedies, training, behavioral work that I have successfully used and honed over the last decade. I want to be able to offer and deliver to every horse the best treatments available. I hold those same beliefs for all animals."
She paused, then added.
"Animals of any species are often kinder than humans." She said that sarcastically as a jab to the Dean.
The Dean raised his eyebrows, then chuckled.
Amy stood up. "Thank you Dean, for your time. But I believe it's my time to depart as I have real work to do."
Partha touched her arm, motioned her to sit. He lifted his chin to his brother. Amy looked across the desk at the Dean. He was leaning forward in his chair, in rapped attention. His elbows on his desk, the tips of his fingers touching, prayer like. He had a grin ear to ear on his face. She remained standing.
"Thank you Ms. Fleming. I see that Dr. Cardinal and Sunny have not lost their touch. I am glad to finally see your passion, dedication, knowledge and experience and all things you would bring to this program. I am also glad to see your grit, your strength, willingness to work hard. Because you'll need those certainly."
She didn't respond, she figured he was giving her a backhanded compliment.
"Please have a seat. I'd very much like to continue our discussion." She nodded, then retook her seat.
"Our school does not focus on one species, horses for instance, instead it was founded to educate the next generation of veterinarians, rooted in scientific fact and research advancements, so that they can provide the best clinical care medicine to a wide variety of animals."
She listened.
"Are you willing to learn about and work with animals, wild or domesticated, beyond horses?"
"Yes."
Partha handed his brother a stack of papers. Just as he began to look through them, Ms. Braswell knocked lightly and entered.
"Dr. Singh. Your twenty minutes has passed." She said quietly.
"Give me fifteen more." The Dean said.
She nodded, backed out of the room.
The Dean showed Amy the picture of her giving mouth to mouth to the fawn. "When did this take place?"
"Yesterday morning."
"Aside from this young man, did you have any other assistance. A vet maybe?"
"No."
"Very impressive. You seem unafraid to do whatever is needed to save this animal's life. You'll need that courage, that selfless drive."
She nodded.
"And, you'll also need the understanding that not every life is salvageable."
Amy frowned, but nodded again.
"Okay. Ms. Fleming. You have convinced me to consider your application for this fall's class. But, your academic performance thus far is weak."
"I do not disagree."
"So. Here's my offer. You take the MCAT in early August and score at least a 495. Additionally, you take a full class load, spring/summer semester with the courses and professors of my choosing and achieve straight A's. You pay full tuition. If you perform as I expect that you will, I will review your application for acceptance into the fall class. The fall term starts August 27th."
"I accept your offer. What classes do I take?" She said without hesitation.
Dr. Singh turned to his laptop, started typing. "Biology and lab 241 with Parker..."
Partha interrupted. "Brother, Biology with Parker? Is that really necessary?"
Dr. Singh ignored his brother, continued typing. "Chemistry and lab 201 with Brownstein, English 251 with Kim, Stat 205 with Smith. Botany 292 with Singh."
Partha smiled.
"My gift to you, brother." He smiled, then turned his gaze back to Amy.
"Ms. Fleming. I have just enrolled you in the required course work for the program with our best but also our toughest instructors. This serves three purposes. One, you will receive the best foundation for Veterinarian course work. Two, you will not be labeled as a student accepted into the program by unfair advantage. Three, I can fully evaluate your application including academic record without hesitation. Summer classes start Monday May 7th and end August 20th. You are to be on time and prepared for every class. Understand?"
"Yes."
"Good. You need to redo your application which is due August 1st. This includes a new personal statement and your interim grades." He looked at her. "Do you still accept?"
"Yes. I accept."
"Good. I have a hunch that you will be an outstanding student and veterinarian."
"Thank you. I hope to prove you right."
"By the way, drop your summer tuition payment off tomorrow morning at the registrar's office. It 5600 Canadian. Please see Ms. Braswell to finish registration and get your schedule."
"Thank you Dr. Singh." She shook the dean's hand.
Then she turned to Partha. "And thank you, Dr. Singh. I could not have done this without your and your wife's support."
"Partha, please." He held out his hand for her to shake, but she hugged him instead. He chuckled. "Remember, you made this opportunity for yourself by your years of hard work. I was just a last minute bystander."
As the two brothers shook hands, the Vet School Dean leaned in, said to his brother. "Thank you brother. I owe you."
Partha grinned, "Yes. You do."
After she worked out her schedule with Ms. Braswell, Amy got into the SUV, put her head on the steering wheel. She wanted to cry and laugh at the same time, instead she called Scott.
"Hey Scott."
"Amy. How did it go?" He sounded as though he was driving.
"Awful. But, I am enrolled full time in course requirements for the summer. If I do well, the Dean will consider my application to Vet School for the fall."
"Congratulations Amy. Dean Singh is pretty tough."
"That's an understatement." She paused, then she added. "He spoke very highly of you. He called you the Esteemed Dr. Cardinal. Said that you were an excellent vet."
"He did?" Scott seemed surprised.
"Yes. He did. He also talked highly about the last student you recommended."
"Oh."
"Was it Ty?"
"Yeah." He answered quietly.
"Scott. Ty is a great vet because you are a great vet."
He didn't respond.
"And, I am lucky to have you as my friend, my vet and now, my mentor. I so am excited to work with you. And learn from you."
"You will be a great vet Amy. I have no doubt."
"Thanks Scott."
"So...When can you start as my vet tech?"
"Sunday. As soon as I get back from taking Andrew to the airport in the morning, I am all yours."
"Good. I have that day already lined out."
"Great."
Her phone beeped, indicating that Alicia was calling.
"Hey Scott. I gotta go. Thank you so much for everything."
"Sure thing. Bye."
Amy put Alicia on speaker.
"Are you in?" Alicia asked, skipping the formalities.
"Yes. Well kinda of."
"Tell me everything."
Amy started the ignition, headed home. For almost the entire hour trip to Heartland, she and Alicia talked about every single detail of her meeting with the deans.
Arriving at Heartland, Amy went straight up to her loft, shed her fancy clothes in favor of her usual attire, worn jeans, plaid shirt, work boots and her cowboy hat. She sighed with relief.
Her phone rang.
"Andrew! Everything okay?" She was surprised to hear from him as it was after midnight in Europe.
"Hey Amy! Yes, of course. How was your UC meeting? Tell me everything."
"Good. I am enrolled for the summer. Classes started Monday."
"Terrific. Congratulations. What are you taking?"
"A lot of basics. English, biology, chemistry, stats and botany."
"Botany?"
"Yes. I am very excited about that one."
"Well then, good. But five classes? Will you still have time for my visit?"
"Absolutely. I am so excited to see you again. It's been way too long. And. I've missed you!" She said, meaning every word.
"Oh Bebe. I have missed you so much too." Then he asked. "Um. When does the semester end?"
"August 20th. Why?"
"Just curious."
There was an awkward silence.
"Hey. Speaking of your visit, do you want to have dinner in Calgary Wednesday night? We can go right after I pick you up from the airport." She asked.
"To be honest, I'd much rather have dinner at Heartland with you and your family...If that's okay."
"Well sure. Of course. Everyone is looking forward to seeing you. I'll make arrangements with Lisa at dinner tonight."
"Perfect. Thank you...oh Amy, I love you. I have missed you so."
She smiled. "And Andrew, I missed you too."
For the next fifteen minutes, they got caught up and made plans for his visit to Hudson.
On her way to the ranch for dinner, she stopped to share her news with Spartan and Harley.
"Boys. I am so excited! I start classes on Monday. It's gonna be tough and a lot of hours. But I have a chance of getting into vet school. So that means that there's going be a lot of changes. You won't see me as much. But I promise we will ride every day."
The two responded to her excitement with quiet snorts and nuzzling her neck and hand.
"And, guess what Harley! The Dean talked about Ty. He was very impressed with him and his work. You should be very proud of him." Harley's ears perked up hearing Ty's name making Amy laugh.
That evening, dinner at the Heartland ranch was small and simple. Only Jack, Lisa, Amy and Simon sat around the table dining on leftover beef stew and fresh biscuits.
"So, Amy, tell us about your meeting at UC today." Jack said as he slathered butter and honey in his hot biscuit.
Amy went into detail for the fourth time, but no less animated. Jack and Lisa were pleased to hear about the dean's words about Scott and Ty too.
"Well Amy, that is wonderful. Congratulations!" Jack grinned.
"Let's toast." Lisa suggested, as she began to raise her glass.
Amy shook her head, pursed her lips. "Let's wait to see if I get into Vet School first. Okay? I have a ton to do before I get in...so I don't want to celebrate prematurely."
"Well, if you say so." Lisa said, somewhat disappointed, then recovered quickly. "Well. Toast or no toast. Amy, sweetheart, we are so proud of you."
"Yes we are." Jack added.
Simon piled on. "Yeah. It's really great Amy. I am ready to step up and help where ever I can."
"Thanks. I appreciate that." She paused, then added. "You know Simon, I honestly think your pictures of the fawn yesterday really helped me. So I owe you."
"How about a ride after dinner then?" He seized on her IOU.
Amy laughed. "You got it."
"So, Lisa, what shall we do about Fairfield and my work there? I just don't think I'll be able to give you and the business much time with school. I am so sorry."
"Well, I've been thinking about that too. We'll just have to scale way back on your involvement in the business. If an interesting case crops up, I'll may ask for a consultation. But, honey you are going to be very busy."
"Oh Lisa. I am so relieved... you know I'll be doing vet checks with Scott at Heartland and Fairfield too."
"That's great. But, don't worry. We'll work it out."
"Um. Of course, my salary will end." Amy stated.
"Amy. You are my partner. You have helped me rebuild Fairfield into the thriving business it is today. Of course you'll be paid."
Jack raised an eyebrow at their conversation. Both Amy and Lisa noticed.
"Sorry Grandpa. I know. No business at the table."
Lisa reached across the table, and patted her hand. "Amy honey. We'll talk later." She winked to which Amy mouthed "Thank you."
"Oh. I almost forgot. I am picking Andrew up at the airport Wednesday afternoon. He would like to have dinner here with everybody. Is that okay?"
"Of course. We would love that." Jack jumped in.
"Yes. I had already planned the menu..fried chicken, masked potatoes and salad. And of course, strawberry cake."
"All his favorites. Are you sure it's not too much work? You're leaving for France the next day." Amy felt bad. "We can just order from Maggie's."
"Do not worry one second about it." Lisa said. "I have help."
"Oh?" Amy was surprised.
"Um, yeah, your grandfather said he'd be happy to help..."
Jack choked a little his stew. Lisa looked squarely at her husband, raised her brows, tilted her head. "Isn't that right, Jack?"
His head bobbled a bit, he cleared his throat. "Yes. Of course. I volunteered."
"Is that right? Well okay." Amy was confused, but let it go. "Um, could you keep Vet School thing under wraps?"
"Aren't you going to tell Andrew about Vet School?" Jack leaned forward, looked at Amy from the corner of his eye.
"I will, but when we're alone and it's the right time."
"Look. You know I don't like to get involved. But, from my way of thinking, keeping secrets isn't the right way to go."
"I am not keeping a secret. I have already told him about my summer classes. I just am not sure when I will tell him about Vet School. No need to bring that up at the family dinner." She shrugged her shoulders.
Jack sighed. "I don't think that's wise, Amy. But, it's not my story to tell."
Amy nodded. "Thank you."
After washing the dishes, riding with Simon, doing night check, Amy was exhausted. She drug her tired body up the loft stairs, immediately she changed into her nightwear, then fell into bed and into a deep sleep.
That night she dreamt of him, in full detail, as though he was next to her, in broad daylight. The dream started simple enough. She was studying, hunched over the kitchen table. In front of her were stacks of paper, its lines intersecting with her hand written notes. Books strewn about, open with highlighted sections of pink and blue. The glare of the laptop staring. Her fingers raked through her hair, her eyes bleary, her brain tired.
"I'm not ready." She said wearily.
"Sure you are. You know this." He said, calmly, his smile boyish.
"I'm not." She disagreed, feeling overwhelmed.
"Let me help. I'll quiz you. Right answers earn you a kiss."
She laughed. "What do wrong answers earn me?"
"A do over."
She smiled. "Game on!"
"Here's your first question. What one toed animal is in the taxonomic family Equidae?" He grinned.
"That's easy. The horse."
"You earned your first kiss." As he leaned over, his smooth lips kissed hers. "One right."
"I like this study method."
"Which nerve form the secondary loop for the passage of the brachial/axillary artery?"
Dear Readers.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Life is a not a straight line. It is a winding journey, filled with fits, starts, hills and valleys, forks in the road, tragedy and triumph. It's more than just the ending.
Some have expressed the desire for a quick meet up between Amy and Ty. I want to remind you that in this story, it's been more than 3 years since Ty and Amy have spoken. More importantly, Amy believes that Ty lied about coming home and he was unfaithful. Although she misses him, he hurt her terribly. Ty also misses Amy, but he believes that Amy has moved on because of his actions and decisions.
Life is messy.
Stay safe, keep healthy!
SBR