Amy's Sunday
Refreshed from her dreamless sleep, Amy rose from bed immediately despite the early hour, anticipating the day ahead. Bed made, she slipped into the bathroom for her morning routine.
Standing at the sink, she glanced at her reflection. Something caught her eye, she leaned in to get a closer look. Maybe it was her good night's sleep, maybe it was her excitement for day. Maybe it was something else entirely. Regardless, her worry lines, the two vertical lines etched between her eyebrows, were gone. Instead, the spot was smooth, relaxed, as though someone just performed a deep T-Touch to ease away all her worries. Just to be sure that her eyes were not deceiving, she ran her index finger between her eyebrows finding the creases had indeed disappeared.
"Huh. How about that?" She muttered in amazement.
Reaching for her toothbrush, she spied her blue one leaning away from his silver one in the caddy. As she brushed her teeth, her thoughts filled with him, trusting that he was home, safe and sound, wondering if he was thinking of her too, hoping he was okay. That they both would be.
Oral hygiene completed, her wet toothbrush back in its caddy, she took his out, examined it. His toothbrush, a sleek polished silver metal complete with his initials on one end, black straight, soft bristles on the other, was starkly different from hers, a blue plastic one with Oral-B stamped on one end, worn white bristles on the other.
Marveling at the stark differences in their toothbrushes, she hummed.
She was about to drop his toothbrush into the waste basket, when she changed her mind, put it back in the caddy, next to hers. Amy had no intentions of discarding him from her life, his love, his friendship meant to much. That included even the silliest of daily reminders of him. Finding her phone on the nightstand, she quickly tapped out a text to him. Purely out of habit, without much thought.
"Hey. Thinking about you this morning. Hope you arrived home safely, slept well and are doing fine. PS. Got myself a Norton."
She smiled at the PS.
Message sent and delivered, she watched the three dots immediately pop up, dance on the message bar indicating he was responding. Suddenly, the dots disappeared, he stopped responding.
"Hmmf. Maybe his phone died." She speculated aloud.
She put her phone on the counter then went about her morning routine, modified by the newest member of her household, Norton. Upon completion, she scooped him up into her arms. Immediately his body began to vibrate in a rhythmic pattern, syncing with the purr escaping from his throat.
"Norton. You are such a love muffin." She said as her thumb rubbed behind his tiny ears. His purr engine kicked into high gear. Together, they descended the loft stairs into the barn below.
Walking around its footprint, she explained. "This is our barn. You'll be spending a lot of time down here with the horses so you might as well get used to it."
Norton meowed. She looked around, replied. "Yeah. I agree. Not as many parking spaces as I'd like but it's ours."
One by one, she introduced the kitten to each horse starting with Spartan.
"Hey Spartan. Meet Norton Hall. He's the newest member of the family. Norton. This is Spartan. His mouth is sore so be nice."
The black gelding lowered his muzzle to smell the small creature. Threatened by Spartan's looming enormity, the kitten's eyes grew wide, his pupils blackened, his body tensed, his fur stood on end. Without warning, Norton reach out, tried to bat the horse's nose, unsheathed claws extended. Surprised, Spartan retreated before the kitten's swipe connected, raising his head with an indignant snort.
"Norton. That was not nice. Spartan won't hurt you." Amy said gently, but firmly. "Sorry Spartan. He's just scared." She reached up, gently touched Spartan's cheek, drew tiny circles with her fingertips to reassure him. "You're a good boy, Spartan."
Not wanting their first encounter to end on a bad note, Amy continued to coax, cajole, and reassure both animals. After they each relaxed a bit, she tried again, this time holding Norton's paws as she cooed to both.
"Spartan. Norton. Let's try this again."
Spartan eyed the kitten suspiciously, but at Amy's beckoning, again lowered his muzzle. Norton, secured in Amy's hands, did not squirm or struggle but instead watched with wide eyed curiosity as the horse's whiskers approached. And uneasy truce between the two was formed.
"Good! See, I knew you could be friends." She praised the two with gushing words and pets, choosing to overlook the obvious, that her horse and her cat could only barely tolerate the other.
Moving down the receiving line, Harley was next, more than curious to inspect the newcomer.
"Harley meet Norton. Norton, Harley. You two have a lot in common. For starters, you're both named after motorcycle. And..." She stopped, pausing to watch an instant bond forming, cemented when Norton licked Harley's nose. Harley nickered in response. Amy was more than pleased.
Introductions to the others completed, Amy gingerly placed the kitten on a cement floor of the barn's wide aisle. "Have fun exploring." She watched in amusement for a moment as Norton scampered off, then returned to her horse.
"Hey Spartan. Let's have a peek at that mouth of yours." She gently stroked the velvety softness of his cheek, mindful of the foxtail sores in his mouth. The gelding responded with a low, throaty nicker. She entered his stall, ran her hand down the length of his body and legs, before peering into his feed bucket.
"You ate more than half. You must be feeling some better." She remarked as she exited, feed and water buckets in hand. "I'll be back in a few."
She returned a minute later wearing blue gloves and headlight, a bucket filled with fresh water, a syringe, and a bucket of alfalfa cubes mixed with a bit of frankincense.
"Let's take a look at those ulcers." Amy carefully lifted his upper lip, gingerly streamed cool water on his gums, which he licked with his long thick tongue.
"Good boy." She leaned into him, directing the light with her head movements as she examined his upper gums. Then, hooking her thumb in the corner of his lip, left side first, then right, she checked his cheeks. Lastly, she pulled down on his bottom lip, rinsing with water.
"Oh. Those look better than yesterday. I don't see any more barbs either." Pleased, she slowly released his lip. In response, Spartan curled back his upper lip exposing his front teeth, inhaled through his nostrils, making Amy laugh.
"You are such a good patient, trying to help me." She cooed, then warned. "Okay Spartan. I need to look inside. This is going to be uncomfortable."
She gently slid her thumb into the corner of his mouth, behind his molars, then pushed toward the roof of his mouth.
"Okay. Let have a look-see." Spartan cooperated as she checked the roof of his mouth and under his tongue. "Well, these two look about the same. So no bit for you. No riding either."
She entered his stall with feed and water buckets, then offered.
"We'll do a few loops around the yard after your breakfast. You need some exercise. No alfalfa belly for my man." She laughed at her lame attempt at humor.
Per usual, she ran her hand along the length his body then down each leg, checking for issues, finding none.
"You're in good shape Spartan. Considering."
She thought back to that night, only 3 days ago. Seeing Spartan in pain, Simon vigilant and encouraging, Andrew calm and supportive.
"What a night, huh Spartan?"
Her phone dinged in her back pocket. "Bet it's Andrew." She hoped.
"At home." Andrew's text was curt.
"Good. Know your mom's happy to have you there. Tell her hello for me." She texted, then added more. "In the barn with Spartan. He is doing much better. Thanks for everything you did for him and me the other night."
She could see he was typing out another text so she waited. His response was very slow in coming.
"This is very hard."
She nodded in silent agreement, then texted back.
"I know. I miss you. A call might be easier. Okay if I call? Know it's early."
Seconds, then minutes passed, no reply.
"Andrew?"
"I need some time..."
On her first read of his text, she wasn't sure what he meant, so she read it again. After the second read, she was sure that he meant it was too early for her to call. After the third reading, a lump rose up in her throat, her eyes began to sting.
Amy was unsure how to respond, if at all. Worse, she wasn't sure how she felt, if she should be hurt, angry, or even relieved.
In the end, she simply texted one letter.
"K."
She turned off her phone, shoved it in her back pocket, then she did the only thing she could do in the circumstances, she focused on chores.
Horses fed and watered, she was rolling the wheelbarrow into the center isle when Simon strode into the barn.
"Hey Amy!" His greeting was chipper.
"Hey."
"Up and at 'em early, I see." Grabbing his work gloves from the shelf, he pulled them on. "Don't worry. I'll get that."
She nodded. "Thanks."
Sensing something wasn't quite right, he asked. "You okay?"
"Yay." She went to retrieve the stable rake. "You?" She asked over her shoulder, almost as an afterthought.
"I'm fine." Simon answered, observing her, looking for clues, finding nothing discernible. He asked another way. "Anything the matter?"
"No. Of course not." She returned, handing him the rake. "You?" She asked strangely.
"No. Of course not." He mimicked her response. "Well. I do have the matter of shit ahead of me." He attempted to joke, to make her laugh.
A faint movement barely flickered at the corners of her mouth, but she said nothing.
"Okay. Amy. I know something is bothering you."
"I just have a lot on my mind. School, work, Spartan..." She trailed off.
"Ice cream?"
She shrugged.
"I just want you to know that I am here, that I got your back. And, I know I have said this before, if you want ever want to talk... I'm available."
"Thanks Simon. That means a lot to me." Heartened, by his concern, she tried to smile. "I'm okay. I will be okay." She quoted Andrew's text. "I need some time."
"Understand...Hey. Wanna ride with me and Mags this morning?" He asked, knowing that it was her cure-all.
"Can't. Maybe tonight." She said as she attached a lead to Spartan's harness.
"Why not?" He had a puzzled look on his face.
"I'm going with Scott on field calls. Remember?"
"Oh yeah. But, you can still ride this morning." He assured her. "Plus, it's supposed to rain later..so."
"We have chores, tack needs cleaning, horses need checked and exercised. And there's breakfast to make."
Suddenly, his stomach gurgled and growled. "Sorry. You mentioned breakfast. Guess I'm hungry." He stated the obvious, pressing his hand against his stomach.
"Either that or you swallowed a bear." She deadpanned.
"Funny. Har Har!" Thrilled that she was engaged.
"So, you're coming to breakfast then?"
"What time? Cuz I don't think my stomach can wait too long. I might pass out." He fretted dramatically, the back of his hand against his forehead.
"Funny guy." She rolled her eyes. "Normal time."
"Of course I'm in." He replied enthusiastically. He stopped, scrunched his nose, then gazed at her with cautious eyes. "Wait. Is Tim going to be there?"
"Heaven only knows." She said, then reconsidered. "Lou is going back to New York today. So probably."
He hesitated, seemingly weighing his empty stomach against Tim, then replied with some trepidation. "I guess...I'll have to take my chances."
"We all will." She shot back.
"Good point...So. Back to riding. You should go after you're done with Spartan." He urged. "I can't help make breakfast but I can handle the rest of the chores." Without waiting on her response, he added. "Which do you want me to saddle, Calpurnia or Harley?" He didn't give her a choice.
"Calpurnia. She's about ready to go. I wanna make sure." She explained. "And. Simon. Thank you. I owe you."
"Nah. You don't owe me nothing."
"Hey. Will you hang on to Spartan? I'll be right back." Amy handed over Spartan's lead, then ran up the loft stairs, returning only moments later.
"Here." Handing Simon a small, clear plastic sandwich bag, she took back Spartan's lead. "These should help with your bear problem."
"What is it?" He raised the bag to his eyes to get a better look.
"Pizzelles. They're waffle cookies. Andrew send them from Italy."
"Oh. Don't you want them?" Simon asked.
"I had one already. Plus, I don't want you to pass out in the manure pile."
"Right." Simon opened the bag, stuck his nose in. "What do I smell?"
"Anise."
"Anise? It doesn't smell like butt." He said making a face.
"Eww! No!" Amy laughed. "Anise is a spice that tastes like licorice."
"Oh."
"Try them. They're pretty good."
Taking off one glove, he pulled a thin, delicate cookie, stamped with a snowflake pattern, out of the bag, then took a bite. "Pretty good."
"Told you."
Nearly a half an hour later, Amy returned to the barn, leading Spartan, with Norton trailing behind, almost like a pied piper. True to his word, he had already saddled Calpurnia.
Simon's eyes narrowed in disbelief, focusing on something just beyond her. "What is that?" He pointed.
Turning to see what Simon was looking at, puzzled she replied. "It's a kitten. What did you think it was?"
"I knew what it was..." He rolled his eyes.
"Why did you ask then?" She said, easing back into their usual banter.
She picked up the kitten. "Simon. Meet Norton Hall. Norton, meet Simon Emerson."
"Another stray?" Simon said sarcastically. "And you've named him. Are you keeping him?"
"Of course I'm keeping him." She retorted. "Name or not."
"Great. Another mouth to feed. More work to do." He groused. "I am not picking up any dead mouse carcasses." He said with emphasis.
"Dead carcasses? Where do you come up with this stuff?"
He shrugged. "I'll take Spartan. His stall is ready." He said patting his neck, before reaching for his halter. "Go ride. Calpurnia is ready."
"Thanks!"
"Take that cat with you." He snickered.
With Norton tucked inside her buttoned plaid shirt, Amy easily mounted the mare, taking off into the morning light, muted by a gray pallor of low hanging cloud cover. She headed straight for the family cemetery, stopping once to collect wild flowers along the way. At the wrought iron fence, she checked first for foxtail, or rather its absence, before she tied Calpurnia.
Amy removed her hat, smoothed her hair then entered the hallowed patch quietly. Kneeling down, she placed the wild flowers at foot of her mother's tombstone, then touched it's smooth granite surface.
"Hi Mom." She said in a soft voice as she traced the engraved name with her fingertips.
A gentle westerly breeze got up, blew across the hilltop, ruffling her hair. She closed her eyes briefly, imagining her mother by her side.
"Mom?" She breathed the word in, then out. "Mom." Hoping against hope, that her mother would suddenly appear.
"I'm sorry I haven't been to see you. There's just lots going on." She started. "Lou's here for a visit. Peter, Katie and Georgie too. Andrew brought them. They all seem happy, living in New York. They're leaving after breakfast. I wish they could stay longer."
"And. Grandpa and Lisa are away, in France no less."
Pushing a stray wisp of hair behind her ear, she continued with her update.
"Let's see. What else? Oh. Spartan is on the mend. A few days ago, he got a bunch of foxtail burrs in his mouth. I had to pull them out with tweezers." She made a face. "There were a ton."
"Spartan was all slobbery, it was kinda gross." She made a face. "I even ruined Alicia's dress in the process, but it was so rewarding to be able to help him. The whole thing made me even more certain about school, becoming a vet." She smiled with a nod.
"Anyhow, Spartan's on frankincense now to help with pain and to heal. I found that in your journal. And it's working. Thanks Mom."
"So. School starts tomorrow. I'm excited, but kinda scared too." The corners of her mouth dipped slightly. "After all, I wasn't the best student in high school."
Her eyes became steely with determination. "But, I'm gonna work hard, do the best I can, get through this semester and hopefully get into Vet School. I wanna make you proud, Mom. Me too."
She grew quiet, then took a deep breath. "Andrew and I broke up yesterday. I do love him, but I think it's for the best. With school and our business, I have so much that I want to accomplish here." She sighed. "I couldn't possibly move to Bromont. I couldn't possibly think about getting married."
"You know Mom, at first, I was okay, maybe even relieved. Like the pressure was off. I thought we could remain friends. Support each other. Now I don't think it's possible. Now, I just feel.." She searched for the right word, she touched her chest. "I don't know. Hollow. Like there's a hole inside of me that grows whenever someone I love leaves. It hurts." Her eyes swam in salty tears.
She laid her forehead against the tombstone. "I wish you were here."
The breeze picked up in spurts and fits. She looked skyward, noticing the clouds were darkening. Making his presence known, Norton squirmed his way out of her shirt, landed on the base of the tombstone, rubbed up against its corner as he boldly explored.
"Mom. This is Norton Hall. I found him running wild near a Norton motorcycle at the airport yesterday when I dropped off Andrew. Remember, Ty had a Norton."
She watched as the kitten crouched down, his hind quarters rose up, his eyes grew wide and dark. He froze in position, his sight latching on to some unseen predator. His hind end started wiggling, as though he was revving his engine. Then he sprung into the air, pouncing on an unsuspecting dandelion just dancing in the wind.
Despite her mood, Amy laughed out loud. "Oh Norton. You are such the hunter." She picked him up, drew him to her neck, cuddled him.
"Anyhow. He's just a love muffin with a great purr."
"Huh, Norton?"
On cue, his purr cranked up as his tiny head rubbed against her, his body vibrating her skin. Somehow she felt somehow calmer.
"Mom? You sent Norton my way, didn't you?" She asked, knowing the answer. "Thanks. I love him. And I love you." Her eyes lingered on the tombstone, before tucking Norton back into her shirt, then rising to her feet. "I guess I better go. Bye Mom."
Simon greeted her as she neared the barn on Calpurnia. With ease, she dismounted and began to untack her.
"Good ride?" He asked.
"It was just what I needed." Amy answered. "Thank you."
Simon smiled. "I'll take Calpurnia. Field or stable?
"Stable. I smell rain." She looked up at the ever darkening clouds.
"Stable it is, then. I'm gonna try to get in a ride on Mags, before it does. I might try to pony Buddy and Harley too." He led the horse to her stall.
"Good. They'll like that. But, you better hurry, else you'll get soaked."
"You better hurry. 9 is coming fast." He rubbed his stomach making her laugh.
Stepping into the house with Norton in her arms, Amy was struck by its almost eerie stillness, especially odd on a Sunday morning. Assuming that everyone took advantage of Jack being away to sleep in, she silently slipped off her boots, slipped on house shoes, then made her way into the kitchen. Finding the coffeemaker cold, she sighed, then proceeded to make a fresh pot. While it brewed, she retrieved all the ingredients from the refrigerator and cabinets to make a big country breakfast of eggs, hash browns, bacon, biscuits and fruit, placing the items on the round kitchen table. Nursing her second cup of black coffee of the morning, she peeled and sliced the potatoes and onions. Melting cold, solidified bacon grease in a large cast iron skillet, she then layered potatoes, onion and spices on top then turned her attention towards the bacon.
A low-pitched creak of a door in the hall caught her attention. Without much thought, she stepped out of the kitchen, peered toward the hallway, toward the sound. Clearly unaware of her presence, Lou and Peter emerged from the bath, both still dewy from a undoubtedly joint shower, wrapped only in towels and silent grins ear to ear. The two snuck into Lou's old bed room, before closing the door behind them. Murmurs strayed into the halls from under their door.
Back in the kitchen, Amy murmured to herself. "Good for you, Sis!"
With bacon strips laid across the broiler pan and in the oven, Amy had just flipped the fried potatoes and replaced the lid when Lou entered the kitchen making a beeline for the cabinet to retrieve two green mugs.
"Hey." Lou said standing to next to her sister.
"Hey." Amy responded. Then unable to resist, she asked with a knowing side glance to her sister. "Good shower?"
Not meeting her eyes, her older sister responded sheepishly as she poured the hot coffee into the mugs. "Very refreshing."
"I bet!" She grinned, trying to suppress a giggle.
Ignoring her comment, Lou took a long draw from her cup then turned to Amy.
"More importantly. How are you this morning? You okay?" She asked softly, touching Amy's forearm. "You had quite a day yesterday."
"Yeah. But, I'm good." Amy reassured her with a nod and a faint smile.
"You sure? You left pretty early last night." She said, her eyes searching Amy's for evidence to the contrary.
"Yeah. I just needed some space to myself." She explained.
"Understandable."
"Funny thing though. Simon was in the barn, then Alicia came over. So.."
"Glad your friends were there for you." Lou cocked her head, trying to read between the lines. "Something else happened, didn't it?"
Amy was slow to nod. "Andrew texted this morning that he needs some time." She sighed. "I'm afraid he doesn't want to be friends. Or even stay in touch."
"Oh Amy. I am so sorry. Guys suck."
Amy nodded.
"But, you can't really blame him. Andrew thought he'd leave here engaged to a beautiful, talented, successful woman." Lou was blunt. "Instead, he's going back to the friends zone, a huge step backward."
"I guess. But he was the one that broke up with me. I didn't want to break up." She said, somewhat defensively.
"Come on Amy. He's not that stupid; he read the writing on the wall Wednesday night at dinner. We all did. You weren't going to Bromont. You weren't going to say Yes." Lou said. "And, that's okay. You have your own plans and goals."
"True, but still. I wanted Andrew in my life. I thought he felt the same. We were going to support each other, cheer each other on..blah, blah." She sighed. "It just seems so, I don't know, ridiculous, make believe. But, it still hurts."
"Of course, it hurts. And, it probably makes you angry, sad, furious and confused too."
"Yeah. It does."
"Look. Give Andrew the time he needs. You never know. He may end up being your best friend after all. Or not. Either way, you have to be true to yourself Amy. You can't save your relationship by not growing."
Lou smoothed her sister's hair, kissed the top of her head.
"You're right. Thanks Lou for listening."
"Of course. Your my sister and I love you."
"I love you too."
"Hey. Do you want me to stay a few extra days."
Touched by her sister's concern, Amy smiled gratefully. "Lou. Thank you. But, no. I will be fine."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure." Amy said.
"Okay. I'll take your word for it." Lou sighed, then complimented her. "Since when did you become so resilient?"
"After years of watching you." She smiled at her sister.
"Oh. Come here." The two gave each other a quick hug.
Breaking apart, Lou surveyed the kitchen then asked as though just noticing. "Smells good. You started breakfast?"
"Don't act so surprised!" Amy retorted.
"Well. I guess I am." She said bluntly, her right eyebrow arched.
"That's fair." Without taking any exception or tone, she allowed, then explained. "Since you've been gone, I've been helping Lisa with Sunday cooking duty."
"It's about time you learned to cook." Lou panned.
"Yeah. And I'm not half bad." Amy replied with a bit of self-depreciating humor. "No incidences of food poisoning. Or at least none reported to the authorities."
Somewhat teasing but not fully, Lou frowned. "Guess you don't need me anymore..?"
"Hardly. I always need my sister." She bumped her shoulder into Lou's. "Plus. I can't make eggs to save my life. They are either too runny or too hard."
"It's all in the wrist when whisking and in the pan's temperature when cooking." Lou replied. "I'll do those."
"Thanks. Canned biscuits okay with you?"
"As along as you have Mrs. Bell's jam...and butter."
"Got both... according to Mrs. Bell, this batch of jam has a pinch extra of her special ingredient."
"Yummm." The two said in sync then laughed.
Peter entered the kitchen, with Georgie and Katie trailing not far behind. Katie was clutching Norton tightly to her chest.
"Hey Amy." Peter greeted her as Lou handed him a steaming green mug. He kissed his wife's cheek tenderly.
"Morning." Amy said, then hugged her two nieces. "Katie. I see you found my new kitten."
"She's cute. What's her name?" Her 8 year old niece asked.
"His name is Norton Hall. Isn't he just the sweetest?"
"Norton, huh?" Lou murmured. Amy caught her sister's smirk.
"His purr tickles." Katie giggled as she awkwardly climbed into seat at the kitchen table.
"He has a good working purr engine for certain." Amy laughed.
Retrieving a bottle of orange juice from the refrigerator, Georgie closed the door.
"Amy. Are you going to ride this morning? I want to get a ride in before we leave." She asked, then took a swig right from the bottle while Lou's back was turned, busy with cracking eggs.
Amy frowned at her niece with a look of disapproval.
"Fine." She put the lid back on the bottle, then put it on the table. "So. Are you?"
"I already did. But Simon is going to." Amy suggested. "Call him. Maybe he didn't leave yet."
Without responding, Georgie headed toward the door, phone against her ear. "Simon..."
"Be back by 9:00, Lou yelled.
"K." Still talking on her phone, Georgie barely responded, as she slipped on her boots, left the house with the screen door slamming shut behind her.
"Peter. Will you set the table?" Lou asked.
"Sure. How many?"
"Five?" Lou guessed.
"Eight. Simon, Scott and Alicia are joining." Amy answered.
"Tim and Susan?" Peter asked without any hint of judgement.
Lou shrugged. "Set it for ten to be on the safe side."
"Will do."
By 9:00, eight were assembled around the table, talking and laughing. With Amy at the head of the table, Scott, Alicia, and Simon sat to her right and Lou, Georgie, Katie and Peter to her left. Two seats at the end were empty, Tim and Susan hadn't shone up. Not willing to have another dust up, no one dared to sit in the chair at the other end.
Alicia turned to Scott on her left. "So Scott. Amy tells me you were in Vancouver this week." Amy shot her a dirty look that Alicia conveniently ignored.
"Yeah. Vet conference. Had to take a few courses to meet my continuing education requirements."
She nodded. "Gotcha. I have to do the same every year to keep my medical license. Mostly though, I attend one in somewhere close, usually in Calgary. So, why Vancouver?" She pressed on.
He admitted. "Had to get them done by month's end. I procrastinated. The Vancouver conference was my only option." He shrugged, took another bite of his eggs. "Mmm."
"Lou made the eggs." Amy jumped in.
"Good Lou." He said giving her a shy smile.
"Thanks Scott." Lou added. "Amy made everything else. She's has become quite the chef."
"Hardly." Amy rolled her eyes.
"Everything is very good, Amy." Peter chimed in.
"What classes did you take?" Simon asked.
"Classes?" Amy tilted her head in confusion. "You mean cooking classes? Or my classes tomorrow?"
"No. I meant Scott. At the conference." Simon clarified, taking the conversation back to the Vancouver conference.
"Oh. Well. Cattle and dairy health. Small animal diseases. That kind of stuff." He answered vaguely, not relishing being in the center of attention.
Nonplussed, Simon uttered. "So, nothing really interesting?"
Scott looked skyward trying to recall. "Oh. I took one on canine amputations. That was interesting."
"That's so sad." Katie made a face to match.
"Actually, Katie, an amputation is often a good thing because it helps to relieve the dog's pain." He explained, careful to use words that an eight year old would understand. "You'd be surprised how quickly a dog adapts to a missing limb. Mostly it's because they don't hurt any more."
Satisfied with his explanation, she moved on. "On TV I saw a dog without any back legs. He walked on his front legs. Like a hand stand." Katie mentioned then licked the butter off of her biscuit.
"That must have been something to see. Usually when a dog loses two limbs, they need some kind of aid." Scott replied, then took a bite of bacon.
"I once saw a dog without back legs using a cart with wheels." Georgie said.
"Like wheelchairs?" Katie asked.
"Yes. K9 Carts."
"Hmm." Katie pondered that as she examined her biscuit. "Dad. Can I have more butter?"
"Scott. Did you run into anyone you know at the conference?" Alicia asked as Peter acquiesced, buttered Katie's biscuit.
"I did." Scott did not elaborate.
"Anyone interesting?" Alicia asked asked pointedly, then noticing Amy's glare, soften a bit. "I mean. I usually run into old classmates at my medical conferences. That's always fun."
"I saw my old professional skills professor." He shrugged. "But. That's it."
Her eyes held steady on his profile as he took a long draw on his coffee. "So, no real winners?"
"Winners?" He turned to her, his face registering surprise at her question. He raised his napkin to wipe his mouth, then cleared his throat.
"Well. I was going to wait to tell Amy later." He smiled at Amy, then quickly leaned forward, surveying the table. "But, know you all will be happy to hear it too."
Catching Amy's eye, Alicia silently mouthed. "Ty."
"Oh. What's that, Scott?" Amy tried to sound calm as she braced herself for his answer. Her heart began to beat hard against her rib cage.
He pulled his phone from his pocket. "Um. I submitted that picture of you and that fawn to the conference."
"The one I took?" Simon blurted out.
Scott nodded.
"Oh. That's so very cool." Simon was quite pleased.
Somewhat disappointed, Amy responded. "Why would you do that?" Her voice was measured, tight.
"Promise. It's all good...they had a contest."
She tilted her head toward him. "A contest? What kind of contest?"
"You'll see. Press that link there." He passed her his phone.
Holding his phone, she did as he requested, not sure what to expect. Gazing closely at the tiny screen, a video started, zooming into an older man behind a podium on a stage.
Scott leaned in to watch with her. Simon and Georgie huddled behind her.
"That's Dr. Steele. He's the head of the Vet Association." Scott pointed out. "You might want to turn up the volume."
She did as he suggested.
"Well, on to our next topic! I know that you are all anxiously waiting for the results of our annual contest for your favorite vet tech and vet. It truly has been an exciting race to watch as the votes poured in. A whooping 97% of you voted in the poll this year. Just incredible. So give yourselves a hand."
Amy looked at Scott over the phone.
"Keep watching." He advised her as the sound of clapping erupted from the phone in her hand.
"This year, the photo entries of vet techs and vets have been incredible, showcasing the wide variety of beautiful creatures, wild and domesticated, great and small, and of course, all wonderful. And, each representing the diversity in veterinary practices. Before I announce our vet tech winner, let's first take one last look at all of our vet tech contestants."
Amy watched as images flashed on the screen on stage.
"Oh my gosh. That's my picture. Simon...look." She flashed him the phone.
"Are you kidding?" Simon exclaimed.
"Shhh." Lou warned him. "Turn it up Amy."
"As announced, today's vet tech winner will receive a state of the art stethoscope, designed for use with animals. The perfect instrument for a future veterinarian. The winner will also receive an annual membership to the Greater Vancouver Zoo and a jumbo box of arm length, latex gloves for the close up and personal encounters with the hind end of a big animal!" The last line elicited laughter.
"And, as an added bonus, the winner will receive a 1000 dollar scholarship to continue their education at the school of their choice." A thunderous applause rang out.
Amy's eye grew wide.
"So without any further delay…drumroll please!" The man tapped the microphone trying to simulating the sound of a drum.
"And, our vet tech winner is...Ms. Amy Fleming of the Hudson Animal Clinic in Hudson, Alberta. The photo was submitted by Dr. Scott Cardinal, veterinarian and proprietor of the clinic. Dr. Cardinal, please come up on stage to collect her prizes! Congratulations!"
"What?" Amy's eyes were huge. "Are you serious??"
"Yes." Scott said calmly as everyone around the table cheered, clapped enthusiastically.
"Thank you!" She leaned in, excitedly hugged him around the neck. Scott grinned, patted her back. "I can't believe it!"
"Amy! Oh my gosh!" Lou squealed.
"Wow! Amy that's awesome." Alicia grinned.
Congratulations!" Said Simon.
Scott nodded. "Congratulations Amy. The stethoscope and everything else is in the truck."
"Scott. I can't. I mean. Oh my gosh." Amy was flabbergasted. "Scott. Thank you." Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Of course you can." Scott patted her arm. "I expect good things from you."
"Amy! Oh my gosh. Congratulations!" Lou gushed as everyone talked at the same time.
"Let's see it again." Georgie urged.
After the third, replay, Peter stood, cleared his throat. "I want to make a toast. Actually several."
"To Simon for your presence of mind to snap the picture of Amy rescuing that fawn."
"To Scott for your thoughtfulness in submitting the photo to the conference."
"And, to Amy for your abilities with all sorts of animals, horses and beyond. And for forging on in your studies to become a vet. Well done everyone."
"Cheers!"
"Let's watch it again." Katie asked.
Lou noticed Scott check his watch. "Katie. No, we can't. Amy and Scott have to do vet calls today."
Katie pouted. "I want to see it again."
"Lou. You can watch it from the conference website. I'll send you the link and password."
By the time the dishes were done and long good-byes were said, the sky had opened up and the rain came pouring down. Making a dash through the deluge, Amy and Scott climbed into his white truck with a trailer attached. Both were soaked but laughing and good spirits.
After mopping his face with a red bandanna, Scott grinned as he handed her a gift bag. "Here. Your winnings."
"I still can't believe it. Thank you. I appreciate your faith in me." Her eyes sparkled.
"Buckle up first, then let's see what's in there." Already belted, he turned the ignition key, starting the engine. Shifting into reverse, he expertly maneuvered the truck and trailer out of parking spot, shifting again they were headed to the main road.
Excitedly, Amy pulled out the first item, a box of 50 arm length plastic gloves.
"Oh boy!" Amy giggled.
"Don't laugh. You'll be happy you have those today."
"What are we doing today?"
"First we're headed over to Circle F Ranch. Need to check if their two mares are pregnant."
"Much different from the cattle check we did last week?" Amy asked.
"Not much." He rubbed his chin. "After that, we're going to Rocky Road Dairy. They have nearly 500 head. We're checking hooves."
"Wow. That's a lot of feet."
"Yeah. After that, we working a shift at a free spay and neuter clinic. Mostly cats and dogs. Maybe some rabbits."
Amy nodded. "Okay."
"Lastly, we're going to see an old friend of mine, Paul Tibbets. He's the president of the Alberta Sanctuary for Horses. Are you familiar with the outfit? It's near Sundre."
"I've heard only good things about them."
"Yeah. ASH is one of the few volunteer outfits that work directly with the government to keep the wild herds in Alberta healthy without resorting to sterilization. They also capture the injured or sick horses, then treat, domesticate, and rehome them."
"What's the problem there?" She asked.
"They have a injured horse that was attacked by a cougar."
"How bad?"
"Apparently the gouges are pretty deep. Now possibly infected. Their regular vet is out of town. Unfortunately, they can't get anywhere near the horse to have look. She's pretty agitated, bordering on aggressive."
"Fever?"
"Don't know that, they can't get close."
"Right."
"Anyhow. That's where you come in." He smiled at her.
"I'll do what I can."
"Counting on it."
"So. What's the trailer for?"
"Just in case we need to take the horse to Heartland.
"You know I start school tomorrow?" She reminded him.
"I wouldn't want you to get bored." He grinned at her. "Now what else is there?"
She dug into the bag, pulling out a navy blue t-shirt with the words Vet Tech written in white letters surrounded by a stethoscope, its lead in the shape of a heart. "Cute!"
"Looks like it might swallow you whole." He noted.
She laughed. "Well, I can always use it as a night shirt."
"True. What else?"
"A couple of envelops." Taking both out of the gift bag, she opened the first one.
"Oh my gosh. Wow." She grinned, held it up for him to see. "Scott. It's a cashiers check for 1000. I can't believe it."
"That's gonna come in handy with school. Books are expensive. Not to mention class." He glanced at the check, then looked back to the road.
"No kidding. This is great." She laughed. "I still can't believe this."
"What's in the other envelop?" He asked.
"It's a lifetime membership to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Cool. I've never been there."
"The zoo?"
"Or Vancouver." She said wistfully.
"It's a busy, coastal city. Pretty nice though. And, the zoo is first class. You know, they do conservation work with endangered sea turtles. Now that you are a lifetime member, you should go."
"Maybe some day." She looked out the side window. "I hear it rains there a lot."
"Yeah. Still nice though. Anything else in there?" He prompted her.
Amy nodded, pulled out the black leather stethoscope case, unzipped it, then stared at the instrument neatly nestled there.
A flood of memories of that day, of him danced before her eyes. His growing grin as he put the earpieces into his ears. His green eyes locked onto hers as he listened to her heartbeat.
Lost in the past, she didn't say a thing. He glanced sideways at her as she focused on the instrument.
"Pretty cool, huh?" Scott broke into her memories.
She slowly nodded, her eyes still resting on the stethoscope.
"Yes. It's really is. Thank you." She said in a hushed voice.
"Try it on." He suggested.
With the earpieces lodge in her ears, she raised the bell to her chest, pressed it firmly against her skin. Closing her eyes, she heard her own heart beat imagining what Ty heard that day. A tiny chuckle emerged around the lump that formed in her throat.
"I hear my heartbeat. It's amazing Scott."
"Littmann stethoscopes are the best. Looks like it has a dual frequency diaphragm. One side for large animals and the pediatric side for small ones." He said with authority.
She carefully folded the stethoscope back into its case, zipped it and put it back in the bag.
"Thank you Scott. I really appreciate everything you've done for me."
"Oh, don't thank me yet. We're about to turn into Circle F Ranch."
Nearly eight hours later, a wet, filthy, smelly but mostly exhausted Amy sat brooding, arms crossed over her chest in the passenger seat as he drove the last stretch back to Heartland from Sundre. Scott glanced over every so often to see if she had fallen asleep, but she hung tough, staring out the windshield, through the steady sweep of the wipers.
Although she had tried repeatedly to hose off, the reminders of day clung fiercely to her clothing, to her being, from head to toe, and now had begun to dry, cake into a grayish brown. Her clothes, and likely her boots, were surely permanently stained, ruined and in need of incineration. The smell alone was enough to make a hog's stomach turn. Clearly, her mood did not escape unscathed.
"Next time be sure to bring an extra set or two of clothes." Scott gently suggested the obvious.
"You might have mentioned that before we left Heartland." She shot back.
"True. I apologize." He said sincerely. "Hopefully you're still up for a next time."
Amy turned her head purposefully toward him, her eyes bored onto the side of his head, his eyes focused on the slick road ahead.
"What? And miss all the blood, guts, pus, vomit, diarrhea, excrement, and urine? I wouldn't miss that for the world." She deadpanned.
"It sure turned into a day filled with bodily fluids, didn't it?" Scott observed.
"Bodily fluids! That's a polite way of putting it. And, don't forget the mud, slim and sludge." She groused. "I believe you saved up all your most disgusting calls for today, just for me." She accused him. "Well played, Dr. Cardinal."
"The calls just come as they come. I have no power over those, Amy." He tactfully deflected her accusation. "Anymore than I have over this rain."
"Hmm. Likely story. What I don't understand is how you have remained pristine. Not a single speck, splatter or chunk of any of it on you. You are clean as a whistle. And I'm covered in...everything imaginable." She looked down at herself, almost gagged.
"Plaid helps. It hides most anything." He said.
"I'm wearing plaid. What good did it do me?" She huffed.
"Well, I also have a very good assistant." He looked at her with a broad grin, his brown eyes gleaming with sincerity.
Amy's head snapped toward him, ready with some sort of retort. Seeing his grin, she soften at his compliment. A slow smile gave into a grin reflecting his.
"Amy. You're right. I challenged you today. And you exceeding every hurdle, every expectation. Despite it all, you remained kind, patient and calm with the animal and tactful and professional with the owner. You did well today."
Her eyes glistened. "Really?"
"Hands down the best assistant I have ever had."
She lowered her head modesty, then looked out the side window, not wanting him to see the single tear running down her cheek.
"So. What's your best story?"
She wiped her cheek, before turning to him. "Best story?" She asked.
"Yeah. When you get together with your vet school buddies, everyone will try to top each other with stories. The more disgusting the story, the better."
"Really?"
"Yes. And, I suggest you write them down, in a journal. Details are important. But so is delivery. So you got to practice to win." He said. "So what's your best story?"
"Oh gosh, there's so many to choose from today. The dairy farm probably had its share of food for fodder." She thought back for a moment. "How about the dairy cow with the exploding abscess? I still have the taste of fermenting pus in my mouth." Amy made a terrible face.
"That's a good one. But pretty normal stuff in our line of business, unfortunately."
"Hmm. How about the projectile diarrhea from that mare as I was already shoulder deep in her rectum trying to determine if she was pregnant?"
"Meh!"
"Seriously? How about the Doberman ejaculating as we are about to neuter him?"
"Old hat."
"Okay mister, what's your Go To?"'
"I have several good stories. Hmm. Okay. Got one involving dehiscence."
"What's that?"
"You'll find out."
"Okay this happened, four or five years ago. The patient was a pregnant prize jersey cow owned by a 12 year old boy. The cow at full term had shown signs of colic for two days so they brought her in. Vaginal examination revealed closed cervix and rectal examination revealed left side broad ligament crossing over the cervix towards right side. In other words, her cervix would not dilate. We had to perform a hysterotomy to deliver the calf and save the life of the mother."
Engrossed with the story, Amy asked. "Did the calf live?"
"Yes, she and the mother both did. Anyhow, my assistant and I closed the wound. Unfortunately, when the anesthesia wore off and the disoriented cow stood up, postoperative wound dehiscence occurred as a complication. In other words, the wound just opened up."
"Oh no. What happened?" Amy's eyes were wide open.
"Her intestines fell to the floor right next to her newborn."
"Then what?"
"We put them back in. Stitched her back up with surgical mesh and extra bandaging to keep everything in until she healed, good as new."
"Oh that's some story." She said, then added. "I'm surprised that Ty never mentioned that one."
"Its not for the faint of heart." Scott rationalized.
She nodded in agreement.
"We're close to Heartland." Scott stated, changing the conversation.
"Right. I'll call Simon, let him know we're coming." She pulled out her phone.
"Shoot." She mumbled.
"What's wrong?"
"I forgot that I had turned off my phone. There's like ten texts from Lou. The last one says. "Amy Fleming. You need to keep your phone on." She chuckled, dialed Simon instead.
"Sounds like Lou."
By the time Scott parked at the barn, the rain had stopped, and the afternoon sun finally appeared. Simon was waiting for them.
As Amy and Scott approached, Simon stopped. His face became pinched, contorted, his nose wrinkled and his mouth melted into a clownish frown. His hand flew to his face covering his nose and mouth.
"Something reeks like a dead zombie." He did not hold back.
"Oh that's me." Amy replied with a sense of pride.
"Were you swimming in it? Whatever it is, it is all over you." His free hand waved around, emphasizing his words.
"Kinda of."
"She held on like a champ as Silvie dragged her through the mud."
"Bet it was way more than mud." Simon surmised.
"Oh most definitely." Scott agreed.
Amy laughed. "Let's get Silvie unloaded and into an outdoor stall. I'm sure she's had it with this trailer."
Silvie kicked the inside wall, shaking the trailer, in agreement.
With Amy leading, the three were able to coax her into a lab outside stall without injury.
"She's really beautiful." Amy swooned again over the dappled grey horse with dark socks. "Her eyes are gorgeous. You can see forever in them."
"Why did you bring her here? Amy won't have time. And, I don't know the first thing about wild horses." Simon complained. "Plus, we still have Calpurnia."
"According to Scott, Silvie is my project so I don't get bored."
"Bored?" Simon echoed Amy. "Amy if you've forgotten, your classes start tomorrow."
She shrugged.
"Hey, I need to get going. I'll stop by in a couple of days to check on Silvie." Scott opened his truck door, got in and rolled down the window. "Wednesday evening good?"
"See you Wednesday then. You can vet Norton."
"You can do that yourself." He suggested. "Hey. thanks, Amy. You were an excellent assistant today."
As she held her hand up to wave goodbye, she could not help but grin.
"Hey look. A rainbow." Simon pointed to the sky.
"Beautiful. Good ending to the day."
The two admired the multi-colored arch stretched across the sky behind the ranch house, until it faded to nothing.
"I gotta go get a shower."
"Good idea." Simon smirked. "Don't worry about night check. I got you covered."
Freshly showered, in her pajamas, Amy made herself a cup of hot tea then settled onto the couch with Norton and her phone. She dialed her sister's number.
"Where have you been? Why didn't you answer my call?" Lou was in a snit.
"Hello to you too, Lou." Amy chuckled. "I was with Scott doing field calls. Remember? I just got back home. What is so urgent?"
"Do you have a laptop?"
"Yea, why?"
"You have to watch the awards from that vet conference, the one that Scott went to."
"Lou. I have already seen it three times." Amy wasn't interested.
"No. You only saw part of it. Amy. I just sent you a text with the web address." Lou persisted. "Scott gave me the password."
"Okay. I got your text. Let me grab the laptop. Hold on."
Over the next few minutes, with Lou's guidance, Amy logged into the conference website.
"Okay. Now what?"
"Click Play." Lou instructed. "Oh. And FaceTime me so I can watch with you."
"Okay."
The video began to play.
"Well, on to our next topic! I know that you are all anxiously waiting for the results of our annual contest for your favorite vet tech and vet. It truly has been an exciting race to watch as the votes poured in. A whooping 97% of you voted in the poll this year. Just incredible. So give yourselves a hand."
Amy clicked Pause. "Lou. I don't want to watch this again. I'm tired and I have class in the morning."
"Amy. You have to see this. Fast forward until you see Scott."
The video fast forwarded. "Oh. There's Scott. He looks nervous." Amy observed.
"Of course. Turn up the volume so I can hear it."
"Vets. I give you Dr. Scott Cardinal." Dr. Steele said.
There was clapping for Scott in the background.
"Dr. Cardinal. Could you tell us a bit about Ms. Fleming?"
"Ah. Thank you. Amy is a very talented young woman. She has a gift with animals, especially horses, of every kind. She will be an excellent vet some day."
"Aww. That was so nice of Scott." Amy said. "Oh he's coming back to the mic."
"She starts school at the University of Calgary on Monday."
"Look he's so nervous." Lou said.
"Wonderful. Could you tell us about this photo you submitted?"
"Oh. Yes. Amy was riding horses with her friend Simon Emerson. A doe and her two fawns were crossing Highwood River, which was swollen and swift from the spring melt. The fawn in the picture got swept downstream by the current. The two rescued the exhausted fawn who had been sucked under the current several times. Amy performed mouth to snout recitation to revive him. Um. Simon took the picture."
"Wow! How's the fawn?"
"He lived. Ran off with his mom and sibling."
Amy and Lou laughed.
"Well, that's great to hear. Tell us about your practice, Dr. Cardinal. please."
"Um. I own the Hudson Animal Clinic in Hudson, Alberta. Hudson and surrounding area are mostly ranch and farm land. We care for domesticated animals, dogs, cats, cattle, horses, llamas and the like. We occasionally treat wildlife."
"Anything else?"
"No."
"Oh no. Scott's mopping his forehead with a hankie." Lou said.
"Poor guy." Amy added.
"Thanks." Scott said then hurried off the stage.
"Well, there you have it! Thank you, Dr. Cardinal!"
"Look. Scott almost ran off the stage." Lou giggled.
Amy clicked Stop. "Oh that was really nice. Scott's such a good guy. Thanks Lou for showing me. I've got to go to bed. I am whipped."
"We're not done. Amy. Just five more minutes. You have to see this."
"Lou!"
"Please Amy."
"Fine. Five more minutes." Amy clicked Play.
Dr Steele was talking again. "Next, we will announce your favorite vet. Like our vet tech photos, this year's crop of vet photos were outstanding, representing a wide array of animals and every walk of veterinary life."
"Did Scott win the vet contest!" Amy asked.
"Shhh. Just watch." Lou hissed.
"Before I announce our vet winner, let's first take one last look at all of our vet entrants."
Amy watched closely, looking for Scott, as images flashed on the screen behind the stage.
"Wait. I missed Scott's picture. Did you see it?" Amy asked.
"Amy. Just watch."
"As announced, today's vet winner will receive free admission to next year's vet conference, plus, 1000 dollars to cover expenses. But, that's not all. The winner will also receive a genuine leather Coach vet bag complete with an array of state of the art instruments and an annual membership to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Long gloves are not included!"
The crowd laughed.
"Drumroll, please. And, here's our winner. Dr. Ty Borden, of Vancouver Animal Rescue, right here in lovely Vancouver, British Columbia."
"Amy? Amy? Did you hear that? Amy hit Pause." Lou commanded.
His face suddenly filled the laptop's screen.
Amy did as she was told, but said nothing. She was too stunned.
"It's Ty! Can you believe it? It's like you two are the king and queen of the prom!" Lou suddenly realized that Amy didn't say anything.
"Amy. Are you still there?" Lou was worried.
"Lou. I'm here." Amy said quietly.
"Oh good. Can you believe it? Our Ty! I was shocked! Shocked. Okay. Click Play."
"Lou. I don't want to watch any more."
"Amy. There's more. He comes on stage. He talks about his job, the cougar. You have to see the end. I know you'll want to." She was excited but didn't want to give away the ending.
"Lou. Its okay. I gotta go. I have an early class. I love you. bye." Amy clicked End on her phone.
Immediately her phone rang, it was Lou. Amy turned her phone off.
She stared at the screen, searching every inch of his handsome face. His beautiful green eyes, his wide, toothy grin, his lips, his thick dark hair. Even the tiny whiskers of stubble.
His face was so familiar yet so different, she almost didn't recognize him. He had grown up, matured. He wasn't what he used to be, who she used to know. He had clearly moved on.
She closely observed the black cougar too, its gorgeous thick fur, its regal head, its wild, haunting expression. She was struck how the intensity of cat's green eyes were an exact match for Ty's.
The photo captured his sheer happiness, his passion for the endangered animal before him.
"Congratulations Ty. I hope you have everything you ever wanted." She whispered.
Her hand touched his face on the screen, as a tear slid down her cheek, then another. She wiped her eyes, smiled, closed the laptop, turned off the light and got in bed.
"Tomorrow is about me and my dreams." She told herself, then fell into a deep sleep.
Hello Readers.
Happy Labor Day! To those that celebrate it.
To Jim, this one's for you. Thanks for being so patient.
To everyone, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Let me know your thoughts. You know how I love reviews. Next up SW chapter 29 Ty's Sunday.
SBR