Ty's Tuesday
Infantile particles of predawn light had barely begun to crawl through the dark when Ty woke with a start, sat straight up in bed as he gasped, trying to catch his breath. Drenched in sweat, his heart was racing, it's beat echoing in his ears, his pupils were fully dilated. A sinking feeling rose from the pit of his gut, insisting that he was terribly late, was missing something important.
He automatically reached for his phone, groping around the night stand. Finding the lamp first, he flicked it on. In the dim light, he saw his keys and wallet, but his cell was no where to be found.
Pushing away the bedsheets twisted around his body, he threw his legs over the bed's edge launching onto his feet. Moving across the room, he rummaged through his jeans and jacket pockets, his vet bag, overnight bag, searching for it, to no avail.
Rubbing his temple, he racked his brain, trying to recall where he put his phone, when he used it last. When the memory suddenly unfurled, he strip-searched the bed, hunting through the rumpled sheets, finally finding it, hidden beneath a pillow, it's battery nearly dead. Ty immediately tapped in the passcode.
Amy's picture illuminated the screen, just as it did the night before when he drifted off to sleep. Her bright blue eyes, her sweet smile. He couldn't help but pause, even smile back.
But, the nagging voice spoke again, urging him. Reluctantly, he closed her picture, removing it from view, but not from his thoughts.
At the bottom of the screen, the tiny green phone icon indicated he had a missed call.
Suddenly, the hairs on the back of his neck tingled, stood on end.
He had a missed call.
"Amy." He whispered her name.
Not knowing that the rain had other plans, washed away his words, eliminated the possibility, he allowed himself to consider, contemplate, to imagine...her voice, her words, her laugh. He missed her laugh, her embrace. He missed everything about her.
In that moment, a flutter of anticipation, of possibility moved inside him. A twitch of excitement grew, then spread.
Yet, he hesitated. His gut reared up, cautioned him to lower his expectations, to brace for the disappointment that was surely to come.
He sat down on the edge of the bed, his focus solely on his phone in his hand. His thumb poised, hovering above the tiny icon, frozen with an array of colliding thoughts, hopes, fears.
A.K. appeared at his side, her body brushing against his, her silky head gently nudging him.
"Okay, okay." He took her cue, his thumb pressing down, revealing the caller.
Betrayed by his own hopes, he was blindsided by disappointment. His shoulders slumped, his chin tucked to his chest as hurt welled in his eyes. He sat there motionless.
Within a flash, disappointment turned to anger. A bitter laugh bubbled up from within, erupting with self loathing.
"Borden. You are an idiot. Why in the hell would she call you?" He scoffed, each word pronounced, drawn out. Still clutching the phone, his hand tightened, reached up behind his head, his arm cocked, ready to hurdle it across the room into the wall, to smash it into a million pieces.
Catching himself before the follow through and release, he balked, lowered his arm but not before harshly chastising himself again through clenched teeth. "You really are an idiot."
His phone fell from his grasp, falling into the mass of bedsheets on the floor. His vet training took over. With a slow release through his nostrils, he tried to regain control, to calm down. He shut his eyes, focusing on the basic routine of breathing, counting each breath, more measured with each inhale and exhale, until his anger was subdued, or at least stowed. Only A.K. and a sad emptiness remained.
With a final weary exhale, he swallowed hard, bent to retrieve his phone from the floor. Entering his passcode, his thumb pressed play on her voicemail.
"Ty. It's Celina. I heard that you've had a successful trip. I am proud of you." She sounded sincere, chipper. After a slight pause, she cleared her throat, then continued in a more sober tone. "Ty. I woke up thinking about you driving home alone. So. Um. I took the day off and am getting on a plane here in a bit so I can ride back home with you. I'm flying into Calgary on Canada Air Flight YVR342, arriving at 8:44 am. I'll meet you at the Arrivals Door 4 round 9 am or so. Hope you're not too annoyed with me. Bye...Oh, I emailed you the details as well."
His forehead furrowed, the corners of his mouth dipped as her message played. He wasn't annoyed or angry with her. He knew that she had only his best interests at heart.
But, he wanted to be alone, to think things through by himself, to disappear for a while. This had always been his way when things got complicated, heated or emotional. He would close off himself from everyone, then slip away to contemplate.
This time, that wasn't possible. Celina made plans for him and he wouldn't disappoint her. He couldn't. Ty replayed her message. He started to call her back, but changed his mind, opting instead to text.
"Got your voicemail. Glad to have your company along for the Trans-Canadian excursion. I will meet you at Door 4 at 9 am." His intent was to be upbeat. He read it, then read it again, making sure it was worded just right, without a hint of anything that would worry her. Adding thanks to the text, he was satisfied enough to press send.
"Good." Immediately she texted back. "James is driving me to the airport. Love you."
"See you soon." He reread his text, then added. "Love you too." He sent it.
With his phone on the charger, Ty gathered his toiletries and clothes then headed to the bathroom. Emerging from a cool shower, dripping wet, clean but not particularly refreshed, he peered into the mirror. A disheveled man wearily stared back. His now week old stubble was out of control, ragged, scruffy. His longish hair wasn't much better. He ran his fingers through both to try to tame them, but gave up.
"Who cares any way?" He lamented.
After brushing his teeth, he dressed in a pair of old, comfortable jeans, a worn short sleeved t-shirt, and his biker boots. Threading his belt through his jeans loops, he cinched it with the old silver rodeo buckle. Another wave of sadness rippled through him before he pushed it away, buried it.
Back in his room, he quickly packed his things and gathered his spent sheets and towels for the washer. Emerging into the hall, arms full of dirty linens, the smell of bacon cooking infiltrated his nostrils. His stomach growled. After starting a load of laundry, he took A.K. outside so she could do her morning constitution.
Returning soon after, he found Michael in the kitchen, dressed for work, standing over the stove cooking while drinking a cup of coffee.
"Hey." Ty said, carrying A.K and her bowls in his hand.
"Morning." Michael's head turned, smiled at him. "Sleep good?"
"Yeah." He replied as he filled his kitten's water and food bowls. "You?"
"Like a log. Thank god, I really needed it." He said, then offered. "Coffee's ready. Help yourself."
"Thanks. Smells good in here." Ty placed A.K. and her bowls on the floor in the corner, out of the way.
"Bacon and eggs. Scrambled." He said as he beat the eggs with a whisk. "Breakfast will be ready soon. Hope you're hungry."
"Starved." He took a cup from the cupboard, filled it with coffee. "Can I help?"
"Nope." He said, pouring the beaten eggs into the pan on the stove. The golden mixture hissed then bubbled as they cooked in the melted butter. "Almost done here." Michael seasoned the eggs with pepper and salt.
"Have you been outside? It's already hot." Ty frowned, then took a sip of coffee.
"Yeah. It's a muggy morning. They're predicting 85 or 90 degrees today."
He groaned as he leaned against the counter.
"At least you'll have good weather for the drive home. No rain. Just turn up the air in the cab." He checked the eggs, turning them gently with a spatula. Two slices of toast popped up in the toaster.
He nodded, took another sip. "Good coffee, Michael. Want me to refill your cup?"
"Sure." Michael handed his cup to him, then began to plate their food.
"What time are you heading out?" Michael asked, carrying the loaded plates to the kitchen table.
"Probably won't get out of here until 9:30 or so." He said as he refilled Michael's cup.
"Oh. Much later than I assumed." Surprised, Michael took a seat at the table.
"Yeah. Me too." Ty admitted, handing Michael his cup, then sat down at the table across from him. "Breakfast looks great. Thank you."
"No problem. Dig in." He bit off a piece of bacon, pretending to swoon. "Love bacon. All that tasty saltiness." He took another bite.
Taking a forkful of fluffy scrambled eggs, he followed with a bite of bacon. "It's good Michael."
Giving a quick smile as he spread a thick layer of jelly on his toast. "Have some jelly. Or, butter, if you rather." He offered.
Picking up the mason jar filled with ruby red jelly with golden flecks, Ty inspected the handwritten label taped to the the side. "Strawberry fig?"
"Yeah. Its good. My neighbor, Mrs. Kelley, gave me several jars. It's homemade. Her brother ships figs from the family farm every summer."
"Figs grow in Alberta?" He looked inside the jar.
"No, it's too cold up here. They're from the States...Arkansas, I think."
"Huh! I've never eaten strawberry fig jelly. Or a fig, for that matter."
"Try it. It's delicious."
With a small amount spread on the corner of his toast, Ty took a tentative bite. "Mmm. Good."
"I know, right!"
Ty spread more on his toast, took another bite. "Maybe as good as Mrs. Bell's." He said wistfully.
"Mrs. Bell?"
"Yeah. Someone I used to know." Ty said vaguely.
Michael nodded, then offered. "I'll give you a jar to take home."
"Thank you."
"Speaking of home...Why are you leaving so late?"
"Well, after I pick-up, um..." He looked toward the ceiling, trying to remember. "Sydney, you know the woman from EquiRide, and her horse, at Valley Stables, we're picking up Celina at the airport."
"Celina?" Surprised, Michael cast his wide eyes on Ty. "Our Celina?"
"Yeah. She called this morning. She's worried about me driving home by my lonesome. So she's flying in just to ride back with me." He rolled his eyes.
"Ah. Just like her. She's good people."
"Yeah, I know...but still. I'll be fine. She worries too much."
"She does. But with you, it's kinda justified." Michael teased.
"Hardly." Ty scoffed.
Each took a sip of coffee, ending the line of discussion.
Picking up a new topic, Michael asked with eyebrows raised. "So, anyone else call?"
Reading the intended meaning, Ty shook his head, replied flatly. "No. Just Celina." He took another sip from his cup, trying to avoid further conversation on the topic.
"Oh." Michael frowned with his own disappointment. "Maybe she didn't get your note." He reasoned.
Ty lifted his shoulder in a half shrug, pressed his lips then countered. "Or. Maybe she did." He shoveled a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
Michael took a long draw from his cup to consider his response. Putting his cup down, he offered. "Ty. Give her some time."
Ty didn't respond, didn't look up as he continued to eat.
"Better yet. You should just call her. You know, you want to." Michael continued.
"And, you know, I can't. She asked me not to. Remember?" He snapped back, disappointment resurfacing.
"That was years ago." He reminded him. "Just call her." He encouraged.
"You know, she has a boyfriend, a rich Olympian, no less."
"Its just a call..."
"Can we just drop it?" Abruptly, he pushed his chair back, its legs screeching against the hardwood floor. Ty stood, carried his cup to the counter. His back was to his friend. A.K. joined him, circling his ankles, rubbing her body against his feet.
"Ty..." Michael tried to reengage him.
"Michael. Please." He said simply, cutting him off. Resignation resonated in his tone. He bent to pick A.K. up, bringing her close to his chest.
He nodded. "Okay, okay."
Ty took in a deep breath, settling himself. He turned around, his emotions carefully tucked away. "Sorry. I shouldn't be like that... especially to you. You've been nothing but a good friend. But, promise me that you won't bring her up again." He couldn't even say her name.
"Ty...come on."
"Michael, I mean it."
"Okay...fine, promise." He reluctantly agreed. "Come sit. Finish your breakfast. Its gonna be a long day."
Ty nodded, freshened his cup and rejoined him at the table. A.K. settled on his lap.
"So, what do you know about Valley Equestrian?" Ty took the lead, steering the conversation.
"Elevate your equine experience." Michael chuckled.
"What?" He was confused.
"That's their tagline. Valley Equestrian is considered the premier private boarding and training facility in Calgary. They cater to the very wealthy."
"Figures." Ty frowned. "Have you been there?"
"Once. Singh held a fundraiser there." He shook his head. "The facility is really something. State of the art everything. The grounds and trails are gorgeous. And, get a load of this. Each stabled horse has a dedicated space that probably bigger and better than my apartment."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Heated, cooled, piped music. The stall itself is huge, maybe 14 squared, lined with red oak with rubber floors. Each horse has a private paddock, tack and equipment room, wash bay, and a furnished groomsman quarters with a full bath above it. It's crazy."
"Bet they charge a pretty penny."
"Yep. They have veterinarians, farriers, trainers, groomsmen, all permanently on staff. I wouldn't mind living there myself. Gwenie would be in heaven." Michael continued.
"Maybe we should room together." Ty added dryly.
"We could elevate our equine experience." Michael grinned at his own joke.
"Why do you think someone who could afford to house their horse there would use EquiRide?" Ty asked.
Michael pondered for a second. "I'm sure there's a good story there."
"No doubt."
As they finished breakfast then did dishes, the discussion pivoted to Wind and Cloud and their treatment plan going forward. As promised, Amy was not discussed again.
Michael looked at his watch. "It's about time that we take off. Don't want to be late."
"Yeah."
Driving separately to Spy Hill campus, Ty and Michael met up just outside the quarantine barn. As the two vets approached Wind and Cloud's treatment stall, both horses looked up from their morning feed, their ears perked, then mid-chew began to call out to them.
"Think they're happy to see us!" Michael chuckled.
"Apparently so." Ty replied, then called back. "Hey Wind. Hey Cloud. Looks like you two had a good night."
"And, a good breakfast." Michael added peering into the feed buckets. "They're practically empty."
Michael lined up with Wind's side as Ty with Cloud. Each began their usual vet checks, peppered with conversation, pets, pats and back-scratches.
Finishing his exam, Ty glanced over Cloud's back, the young horse glued to his mother's side. "You know, I'm gonna miss this. Working with you, working with these two."
"Me too. It's been good."
"Yeah."
"It doesn't have to end." Michael grinned.
Ty shook his head. "I can't."
"Why not?" Michael challenged him.
Before Ty could respond, Dr. Edmonson joined them with a couple of students trailing her.
"Morning Ty, Morning Michael."
"Morning." They responded in tandem.
After introductions with the students, she gave an update from the overnight shift.
"Overall, they had a good night. They seem to be adjusting to the new place and routine. Intake and output are to be expected. Most importantly for Cloud, no additional episodes of loose stool." She summarized.
"That's great." Ty said, then looked Michael, smiled. A congratulatory nod passed between them.
"Let me walk you through their charts. There's a few things we need to discuss. Let's start with Cloud." She offered, handing them an iPad displaying the details of the colt's electronic chart.
Finishing the detailed update on both horses, Michael and Ty presented their plan outlining feed, supplements, physical and social needs and schedule for the next few weeks to Ellen.
"I'd like to meet here at 7:00 every morning and 5:00 every afternoon. When Ty's available, I'll bring him in." Michael concluded their presentation.
"We can pivot as needed." Ty added.
"I think we can work with this to start. Do you have any thoughts about the follow-up to remove the drains and stitches." Dr. Edmonson questioned Ty.
"Too early to schedule. But, if they continue to improve as they are, it won't be long." He said authoritatively. "Body temp and labs will be telltales. My biggest worry is still infection. Cloud especially."
"Right. We'll keep a close eye." She nodded, then dismissed her students.
After they were out of earshot, she said, seemingly offhandedly. "You know, these two have become quite an attraction."
"No doubt. They're pretty special." Michael patted Wind's neck. "Aren't you, girl?"
"An attraction? How's that?" Ty questioned her as he stroked the colt's mane, his tail lazily swaying in contentment.
She chuckled. "Well, aside from the multitude of students, staff and faculty have streamed in to see our new patients and their fancy stitching and drains..." She paused for effect. "Dr. Singh brought Dr. McCay and Dr. Oliver by yesterday afternoon."
"The chancellor and president?" Astonished, Michael asked.
"Yeah. They weren't here long, but they caused a bit of a stir."
"I bet." Michael replied.
"Why did they come?" Ty queried, his eyes narrowed, his tone a bit leery.
"Singh introduced them to our newest residents. He talked about their ordeal, injuries, surgeries and repairs. McCay was fixated on costs."
"That's worrisome if he's already worried about the cost of their upkeep." Michael sighed.
"No, not that. He's worried about costs, you know, time, resources, expenses, to recruit and replace Welch and departing faculty." She smiled at Ty. "To be honest, Singh thinks that Wind and Cloud could play a part in recruitment and maybe eliminate some of those costs."
"Really? Why's that?" Michael asked.
"Singh wants Ty to join the faculty, in the surgery department. He thinks these two can help him make his case." She patted Cloud, smiled.
Ty didn't respond.
"Regardless, I hope you take him up on his offer."
"Offer?" Ty tried to play dumb.
She laughed. "Dr. Singh already told me. I was the one who sent him the video. Remember? Plus, news travels fast around here." Her right ear almost touched her shoulder as it rose in a shrug.
"Apparently so."
"Hope you don't mind me asking...Are you going to accept?"
"I have my work at the wildlife rescue in Vancouver." He answered, deflecting her question.
"I think you'd love it here. Even part-time. The faculty, staff and students are top notch. Me included." She grinned. "You saw clinical facilities with all the latest equipment and technologies. Our simulation labs, research, Vet school and the surgery department are well funded and internationally regarded."
She laughed. "I sort of sound like a commercial, don't I? But, honestly, with your experience, you could make a real difference here, in practice of veterinarian science, in student learning. I saw how you interacted with students and how they responded. Just like Michael, here." She glanced at Michael, smiled, then looked back at Ty. "I hope you seriously consider our offer."
"Me too." Michael piped up.
"Thanks. I will." Ty replied.
"Good." She looked at her watch. "Now. Are you two staying for my 8 o'clock?" She asked. "The students would love that."
"I can stay for a bit. My first class isn't until 9." Michael offered.
"Terrific. Thanks Michael." She looked to Ty. "How about you, Ty?"
"Thanks Ellen. I'd love to, but I have to get on the road. It's a long drive back to Vancouver."
She nodded. "Understand. Next time. And, I hope next time is soon."
"Thanks for everything, especially all you, your staff and students are doing for these two."
"Our pleasure."
Ty shook her hand, said good-bye to the horses, then headed to his truck, Michael walking by his side.
Ty glanced at his phone. "Oh shoot. Look at the time. I have to be at Valley Stables in 15 minutes."
"You best hurry. Traffic's going to be a bear soon."
"Michael. I can't thank you enough." The two friends shook hands, then Ty pulled him in for a quick guy hug. "Dr. Barnes, you are a good friend."
"Back at you, Dr. Borden." Michael replied earnestly as Ty opened his door, got in. "Drive safe. Okay? And, think about that offer, okay?"
Ty nodded, but didn't commit verbally.
"Call me when you get in." Michael said.
"I'll text you. It's gonna be late."
"That works." Michael watched as Ty closed the door, raised his hand in a final good-bye, started the engine then pulled forward to the parking lot's exit.
Glancing in his side tow mirror, he saw Michael reenter the quarantine barn. A twinge of regret surfaced as he left his friend and his patients behind. As if to comfort him, A.K. made her way to him from the passenger seat, purring.
"Hey girl." He rubbed her satiny ears as she settled onto his lap. "Time to get back."
At the first stop sign, he made a quick call to Sydney to let her know he was on his way. Easing onto the road, he headed south to Valley Equestrian on a route that would skirt the eastern edge of Foothills campus. Despite rush hour, traffic flowed reasonably well for the first several miles, giving Ty a temporary sense of relief.
Merging onto Crowchild Trail, however, congestion began to build, slowing his pace. One by one, vehicles ahead started to change lanes, some in an orderly fashion using turn signals and common courtesy, some cutting over with little to no warning, all trying to get into the fastest lane. Before he knew it, traffic had become bumper to bumper, stop and go. Dragging an empty trailer, Ty had little choice but to creep along in his current lane.
At the intersection of 32nd, a highway patrol car followed by a flatbed tow truck, both with flashing with rooftop lights, entered Crowchild, cut into traffic, raced ahead, dodging traffic.
"Guess we're gonna be late, A.K." Ty surmised.
Coming over the crest of the hill on the northeastern edge of campus, he spotted the problem, a pickup truck stalled in the center lane, his lane, it's hazard lights blinking, it's hood up. A flatbed tow truck positioned directly in front of it, highway patrol behind, a bevy of lights, blues, yellows flashing.
Flipping on his right turn signal, he leaned toward the right, his eyes darting back and forth between the side tow mirror and the front windshield, watching intently for a break in traffic. He barely noticed the handful of students walking, as singlets or in pairs, headed to class, on the sidewalk just beyond Crowchild Trail's shoulder.
When an opening appeared in the stop and go traffic, he carefully maneuvered into the right lane, easing in behind a bright green Volkswagen bug. As he rolled slowly past the stalled truck on the left, he nodded to the men standing there, giving them a casual two-finger wave over the steering wheel.
"Move into the center lane and continue south on Crowchild Trail." GPS provided instruction.
Flicking on his left turn signal to get back into the center lane, he kept one eye on the toe mirror looking for an opening and the other watching the Volkswagen, less than a car length ahead. Over car's low profile, a mere 30 or so feet away, she was walking towards him, smiling.
"Amy." He said in a hushed voice.
He would know her from a million miles away. Her walk, the way she carried herself, the tight swing of her hips gave her away. As his truck rolled closer, he leaned forward in his seat, over the steering wheel, his face close to the windshield, to get a better look.
Everything and everyone else faded away.
She looked exactly the same, still beautiful, maybe more so but different somehow too. Gone were her boots and wide brimmed cowboy hat, jeans and flannel shirt, replaced by a short dress that hugged her, left her lovely toned arms and legs bare. Her golden hair of silk was pulled back into a ponytail that swayed with each step.
Then, by chance, she looked over, toward Crowchild Trail, toward him. She stopped in her tracks, the smile on her lips faded. As the distance between them dissipated, his eyes locked onto hers for a split second, igniting a spark that ran up his spine.
As his truck slowly rolled by her, his whole being seemed to follow her, latching on, not letting go, even as she became a shrinking reflection in the tow mirror.
So intently focused on the mirror, he didn't notice the Volkswagen had stopped.
"A.K.!" Automatically his arm went protectively around the kitten in his lap, his other hand gripped the steering wheel as he slammed on the brakes. Stopping millimeters short of a rear end collision, Ty's body jerked forward straining against the safety belt fastened around him.
Wide eyed with adrenaline, Ty sat back in his seat, releasing his held breath.
"Holy crap. That was close." He voiced aloud, then looked at his kitten. "You're okay, girl."
His eyes flickered back to the right tow mirror but her image was gone. Leaning toward the passenger seat, he ducked, bobbed and weaved like a prize fighter, searching until he found her reflection again.
She was standing at the right rear of his trailer, a few yards back. He watched as she stepped forward. His insides grew jittery as he reached over, fumbling to lower the passenger window, to call out to her.
"HOONNKK!" A horn blasted from behind, startling him. He looked up. The intersection light had turned green, the Volkswagen was already several car lengths ahead. Another long honk sounded.
"Okay!" He yelled back. Without thinking, his foot came off the brakes, his truck carried him forward, along with the flow of traffic. Helplessly, he watched her reflection grow distant.
"Move into the center lane and continue south on Crowchild Trail." GPS interrupted, calling out instructions again.
Disheartened, he acquiesced. His left turn signal still engaged, he glanced into his tow mirror, looking for an opportunity to ease back into the center lane. Attempting to inch into a tiny opening, a red Chevy truck cut him off. The next few vehicles followed suit denying him entry.
"Come on, someone let me in." Frustrated, his palms smacked hard against the steering wheel.
"Move into the center lane and continue south on Crowchild Trail." GPS repeated itself.
"I can't!" He snapped back, adding. "I can't do anything!"
Unable to merge left, the right lane funneled him toward the intersection, toward a right turn onto 24th Avenue, away from Amy and away his intended southern route.
Before exiting right, he caught sight of his old truck parked in the same lot, L32, in the same spot as yesterday.
"Blue." He muttered as the he rounded the corner onto 24th.
"Recalculating. At traffic light at the intersection of 24th Avenue and Campus Gate NW, make a legal U-Turn when possible." The automated voice changed instructions.
"Screw it." He turned off the GPS, muting the persistent voice. "Come on A.K., let's go find her."
Turning right onto Campus Gate NW, then another right onto Campus Drive, he joined a procession of cars and trucks moving at glacial speed through campus. Students were everywhere, crowding the sidewalks, spilling onto the road, darting across carelessly in their haste. Seemingly swarmed on all sides, Ty carefully inched along, scanning the endless multitudes, searching for her.
By the time he finished the loop around east campus the sidewalks were mostly empty. Amy was nowhere to be seen. The clock on his dash showed 8:07.
"Just one more time." He said aloud.
Circling the roundabout at the Graduate Student Association building, he retraced his route without a sighting, Deflated once again, he finally gave up.
A somber Ty drove off campus, back onto Crowchild Trail, headed south. After crossing the Bow River bridge, he drove east along the flat, fertile banks of the river.
Arriving at the address nearly 25 minutes late, Ty paused at the Valley Equestrian sign before driving through its stately iron gates, flanked on either side by tall plum trees dotted with pink ruffled blooms and azaleas covered in white flowers. A cobble stone road, lined with three rail horse fence painted a pristine white and edged with freshly cut grass, led to guardhouse not far from the main gate. The gunmetal grey building with white trim was styled to resemble a miniature monitor barn complete with a metal roof and horse weathervane.
Stopped by a second set of iron gates, a uniformed security guard signaled to him to roll down his window.
"Welcome to Valley Equestrian. How may I help you?"
Although the guard's words were friendly and relaxed, he was anything but. Soldier fit with penetrating eyes and a serious demeanor, the twenty-something guard stood next to Ty's truck, stared him down, ready with a clipboard in his hand, a holstered Smith and Wesson pistol on his hip.
"I'm Ty Borden. I am here to pick up Sydney Harrison and her horse."
The guard's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Ty's face, frowned before glancing at his clipboard. "Driver's license, please."
Ty unbuckled his seatbelt, then retrieved his wallet from his back pocket, handed his license to the guard. The guard glared as he looked back and forth between his license and his face.
"What did you say your name was?"
"I said Ty Borden. But, my given name is Tyler Borden. Ty is a nickname." He explained.
The guard scoffed. "You should have said that from the start." The guard made a note on the clipboard. "Your birthday?"
"September 6, 1990."
"Phone number? Home and cell."
Ty gave him cell number.
His lips pursed. "Says here that you reside in British Columbus."
"That's right. I live and work in Vancouver."
"What are you doing in Alberta?" He continued to interrogate him.
"I am veterinarian at the Vancouver Wildlife Rescue. I transported a couple of our injured horses to University for treatment."
"Ah huh." He seemed to expect Ty to continue.
"I am heading back to Vancouver today after I trailer Sydney and her horse. She made the arrangements."
"Hm." He glanced again at the license, then back at Ty. "You do not resemble your driver's license."
Ty rubbed his chin. "Maybe because I haven't shaved in a while. And, I could use a haircut."
"Clearly." The guard scowled. "Wait here."
He walked to the back of Ty's truck, wrote down his license plate, then to the back of the trailer presumably to do the same. Afterward, he entered the guardhouse, made a call, returning a couple minutes later.
"You can go. Sydney is waiting at the boarding house." He leaned in closer, warned him. "You better get her to Banff safe and sound. Remember, I have all your information." For emphasis, he placed his hand on the gun on his hip.
"Oh. Okay." Ty replied, somewhat surprised. "Um. How do I get to the boarding house?"
"Go straight ahead. About a quarter mile. Hang a left after the fountain at the T. The boarding house is on your right. Park out the front."
Before Ty could thank him, the guard retreated into the guardhouse. The iron gate slowly swung open allowing him to pull his rig forward. "Asswipe." He muttered as he drove through.
The fountain was not at all what Ty imagined. Instead, the extraordinary work of art featured three larger than life bronzed mustangs galloping through a fast moving river, their heads held high, tails waving, water splashing and spraying at their hooves and legs. He stuck his head out his window to gawk as he slowly passed by.
As instructed, Ty parked in front of the boarding house, a massive modern monitor barn, painted gunmetal gray, trimmed in white, just like the guardhouse. Its center aisle roof soared skyward, while its side wings stretched wide extending to covered paddocks. Lush landscaping dotted with pink and white blooms surrounded the building. Through open double doors, Ty glimpsed the opulent insides, the rich oak walls, the wide spotless center aisle , the endless stalls with ornate iron work, detailed chandeliers and impeccable design. Everything just so.
As soon as he exited his truck, a teenager, tiny in stature, simply dressed in jean shorts, white t-shirt and a pair of cow hide moccasins, emerged from the boarding house, and approached him. She quizzed him without hesitation. "Are you Ty Borden?"
Framed by long bangs and thick lashes, her arctic blue eyes looked up at him. A rash of freckles crossed her nose, splashed across her pale cheeks. Her straight black hair hung well below her shoulders.
"I am." He replied. "Um. Are you Sydney Harrison?" He was unsure as she appeared much younger than someone who just graduated from university.
"Yes." She said flatly as she checked her watch. "You're late."
"Traffic. And the guard. Sorry." He gave a flimsy excuse and half hearted apology. Ty's eyes broke from hers, he glanced around. "Nice facility."
"Yes. Valley Equestrian is quite lovely."
She looked over her shoulder, nodded to someone inside the boarding house. "Buster's ready to go." She informed him.
"Okay. Need help?"
"No, not with Buster. Just open up your trailer so we can start loading. We're behind schedule."
Just then, an older man exited the barn leading a gleaming, dark bay horse with finely chiseled muscles, head and tail held high, mane braided. Her jaunty step was high and graceful.
"There's my girl." Sydney's icy eyes lit up seeing her horse. "Gus, she really does look beautiful."
"Wanted her to look perfect for your trip." His words oozed with pride just as his temple beaded with sweat.
"Well, she does. Thank you." She touched his upper arm, a gesture of tenderness. With a quick tip of his forehead, he gave her a shy smile of affection in return.
"Gus, this is Ty Borden. He's giving us a lift to the lake. Ty, this is August Barre." She introduced the two.
"Mr. Barre. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
"And, this magnificent creature is Filibuster. Or Buster for short."
"Hello there Filibuster." Ty offered his hand, but tall horse snorted, bobbed her head several times, rejecting his advance.
"She's a bit of a diva. Aren't you, girl?" Sydney explained. "Don't worry. She travels well." She quickly added.
"So that's your trailer?" Gus asked, warily eying it. "Not much to it."
"Yeah, it's pretty basic but it gets the job done." Ty answered.
"Ms. Sydney. There's always VE transport." Gus suggested gently. "Or your father's."
"Oh Gus. Don't worry. This will be fine. It's a short drive. Plus, Ty's a vet." She reassured him, then gently pushed. "Why don't you load her up with Ty? I'll go see what's keeping Jerry with her equipment. We need to get going." She checked her watch again.
Within a short amount of time, Buster and her tack were loaded into the trailer. With A.K. in her usual place on his lap, Ty pulled away from the boarding house. Next to him, Sydney sat poised in the passenger seat, aviator shades perched on her nose, fiddling with her phone, not saying a word.
Nearing the guardhouse, Ty spied a old, beat up Chevy truck towing a two horse trailer stopped there, waiting to enter. The guard, leaning into the driver's window, seemed to be grilling the male driver.
"I see the guard is giving someone else the once over." Ty smirked.
"Ross is just doing his job. Yes, he's vigilant, but he's a good guy with a big heart." Sydney replied, then looked up from her phone. The color drained from her face as she quickly slouched down in her seat, tucking her chin to her chest.
"Everything okay?" Ty noticed her shrinking from view.
She put her finger to her lips, unbuckled her seatbelt then slid onto the floorboard, curling into a tight ball.
Protectively, he leaned up in his seat, shielding her from view as he rolled up to the closed gate at the guardhouse. Waiting for it to swing open, Ty tensed slightly as he watched the guard continued to engage with the Chevy truck driver, a dark haired man around his age. Despite his open window, he couldn't hear their conversation, but the two men seemed to know each other.
When the gate finally opened, Ty drove through. At the main Valley Equestrian gate, he stopped while Sydney finally got back in her seat, fastened her seatbelt, then left out an exaggerated sigh of relief.
"What was that for?" He asked.
"What?" She said innocently.
"We're not going anywhere until you tell me what just happened." His eyes narrowed.
"I dropped.."
"Don't even go there." He interrupted her. "Are we going to have trouble from that guy in the Chevy truck?" Ty glared at his passenger.
"No." She said adamantly.
His eyes held steady on her.
"Promise. We won't. I just didn't want him to see me." She explained.
"Why?" He pushed.
"He's my fiancé. I mean, he was." She said quietly. "He...We just.." She didn't finish as her bottom lip began to tremble, tears began to fill her eyes.
"Are you okay?" He softened.
"No." She bit her lip, wiped her nose, steeling her resolve. "But, I will be."
Ty nodded, then pressed his lips as he assessed the situation. "If you tell me that he won't come after us and start something, I'll believe you. I just don't need any trouble."
"He may be many things, but he's not like that."
"Okay then. Let's get moving, we have a long trip ahead." He said as they pulled onto the main road. Sydney stared out the passenger window. Ty repeatedly checked his side mirrors for the Chevy truck until he was certain they weren't being followed.
With several miles behind them, Ty remembered. "Oh. By the way. We have to pick up my friend at the airport before we head to Banff."
"That's fine." She said flatly.
"It shouldn't take too long." He looked at the clock, quickly thumbed a text to Celina to tell her that he'd be late.
The cab turned quiet except for road noise until they merged into Highway 2 heading north.
"Mind if I turn on the radio?" Sydney asked.
"Sure. Go ahead."
After short piece on the long 55 year history of the Servus Calgary Marathon held annually in May, the deejay started the next song, "Fix You" by Coldplay with its haunting organ music and melancholy lyrics.
When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse
And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?...
The lyrics struck a chord deep inside of him conjuring up the sad emptiness that he tried so hard to bury already twice today. He glanced at Sydney. She was staring straight ahead. A single tear ran down her cheek, fell onto her t-shirt. Ty reached over and changed the channel to a classic rock station. The Steppenwolf's song, "Born to be Wild", in its final chorus, blared from the speakers, starling both of them.
"That's more like it." He muttered as he turned down the volume, until the sound was almost nonexistent.
"I used to like that song. That Coldplay one." She sniffed.
"I never did." He said bluntly.
"I was just a kid when that song came out. Back then I thought it was so sweet that the lead guy wrote it for his wife when her dad died." She shook her head. "But now, listening to those words..." She sighed.
"Yeah." He commiserated, his lips pressed into a tight line. His eyes refocused on the road. Sinking into their separate thoughts, an awkward silence, edged with drum beats and guitar rifts, settled into the cab lasting for miles.
Exiting onto Airport Road, Ty spoke up, changed the topic to something harmless. "So. What lake do you live on?"
"Lake?" She looked puzzled.
"Yeah. You told Gus that I was driving you to the lake."
She shook her head No. "You must have heard wrong. The cabin is on the Bow River in Banff. You have the address that I gave you. Right?"
"Right." Choosing not to argue the point, he said nothing more. Instead he just kicked himself for agreeing to drive her anywhere.
Standing at Arrivals Door 4 as promised, Celina waved to him and proceeded to the curb, dragging a small suitcase behind her. Flipping on his turn signal, he waited for another vehicle to pullout before he pulled into the vacated spot and parked at the curb.
"Stay here." He muttered to Sydney, exited the truck, slamming his door shut.
"Momma C. It's so good to see you." He smiled as he wrapped her in a bear hug. "You have no idea."
"Ty." She drew her arms around his waist, rested her cheek against his chest before she pulled away, reached up on tip toes and kissed his cheek. "I missed you."
"Hi. I'm Sydney." Her voice interrupted their reunion.
"Ah. Celina. This is Sydney Harrison. We're giving her and her horse a ride to Banff. I arranged it before I got your message. And, Sydney, this is Celina Gomez. We work together at the Rescue."
"Sydney. How very nice to meet you." Gracious as always, Celina smiled.
"Hello Celina." The young woman returned her smile.
"Move along folks." An airport police officer scolded them.
"Yes, Officer." Celina replied as she wheeled her suitcase toward Ty.
Ty lifted the suitcase, groaned and grimaced with exaggerated zeal. "Geez Celina. This thing weighs a ton. How long do you think we'll be on the road?"
"I brought snacks. Hungry?" She grinned. "Brought beverages too."
"Of course, you did!" He chuckled as he opened the front passenger door. "Celina, why don't you sit up front?" Ty suggested, disregarding the disparaging look from Sydney.
"No, no. Sydney can. I got up early so I might just snooze in the back seat." She opened the back passenger door, got in.
Sydney strode around Ty, then climbed into the front seat. He closed her door, then put the suitcase in the back seat with Celina.
"All set?" He asked. With her nod, he closed her door. Circling around trailer, he stepped up on the tire, peered in through the window to check the horse.
"Hey there, Buster. How's it going?" The mare didn't look up as she calmly chewed on a mouthful of Timothy hay. "Looks like you are set."
"Move along. You're holding up traffic." The same police office monotoned, then walked on to scold another group.
By the time he got back behind the wheel, Sydney had pushed her seat back as far as it could go and was turned around to talking to Celina who was sitting in the center of the back seat with A.K. on her lap. Each were munching on an apple.
"Honeycrisp Ty?" Celina asked. "Your favorite."
"Maybe in a bit. After we get on the road." On second thought, he asked. "What do you have in there to drink?"
"Water, Coke and Crush."
"A Crush sounds good. I haven't had one of those in forever. Thanks."
"You got it." She handed him a cold bottle from her suitcase. "Sydney?"
"Water, please."
Over the next hour or so, Ty listened to the two women talk, or rather Celina asked questions and Sydney answered in surprising detail. Amongst other things, he learned that Sydney is the youngest of four girls, in a tight-knit family and she grew up in Edmonton where her parents, Daryl and Martha Harrison, still work and live. She and Buster compete in dressage, although she prefers trail riding. She graduated from UC in April with honors majoring in mathematics and statistics. In the fall she was starting her PhD in mathematics at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, her parents' alma mater. She had planned to become a University professor and teach predictive analytics using big data.
"If you live in Edmonton, what's in Banff?" Celina asked.
"We have a cabin on the Bow River. Mom is there. Dad will come in this weekend." As she waved her hand, the sun reflected off a ring on her finger.
"Your ring is beautiful." Celina complimented the modest diamond solitaire on her hand.
Sydney looked at the ring, nodded. "I think so too."
"When did you get engaged?"
"Last year. Greg proposed at Lake Louise. On the anniversary of our meeting." She answered flatly, her eyes still on the ring. "April 29th."
"Sounds romantic."
"It was." She sighed. "We trailered our horses there to go on a ride. At our overlook, he had set up a picnic for us. As the sunset, he proposed." She looked up at Celina, her voice pained as she admitted. "But we're not any more. Engaged that is."
"Oh dear." Celina reached up and touched her hand. "I'm sorry."
"Me too." She scrunched her nose, frowned. "It's probably for the best. I mean it's good that I found out now before..." She trailed off.
"God works in mysterious ways." Celina said softly.
"Yeah. It was pure chance that we even met."
"If you don't mind me asking, how did you meet?" She encouraged her.
"Well. After winter semester finals, my sophomore year, a bunch of us girls went to Lake Louise for a weekend getaway. It was spur of the moment kinda thing. Anyhow. When we got there, I signed-up for an all day horse trail ride around the lake. Turns out, Greg was one of the trail guides. He was only there because another guide was sick."
"It was meant to be."
"That's what we thought too. The morning of the ride, we sat together at breakfast. Greg was so down to earth, nice, funny and smart. We both like math and horses. After that, we rode side by side talking the entire day. We had so much in common. Like instant chemistry." She smiled as she thought back. "By the time the weekend was over, we decided to do the long distance thing."
"Does he live around Lake Louise?"
"No, in Edmonton. Of course I live here in Calgary during school. For two years, we saw each other almost every single weekend. In Edmonton, Calgary, or somewhere in between."
"Sounds so lovely. I hate to ask, but what happened?"
She frowned. "I haven't seen him in weeks. He's a CPA so April is really crazy busy with Tax Day being April 30th. I understand that. I do. So we've been trying to keep up by phone, FaceTime, you know."
"Sounds like the normal give and take of any good relationship."
"Yeah. Except instead of working, he was out, cozying up with another woman." She clenched her teeth.
"Oh Sydney. Are you sure?"
"Yes. Positive. Greg had dinner in Red Deer with Farah Winton. On our anniversary, no less. My friend told me that their picture was in the paper."
"Who's she?" Celina asked.
"Granddaughter of Hugh Winton, you know, the petro mogul." She stated.
"Maybe it was work.." Celina asked.
"Doubt it. It was a Sunday. Plus, her father has plenty of CPAs. So, it wasn't work."
"What did Greg say when you confronted him?"
"I didn't."
"Oh honey. So he doesn't know?" Celina asked.
Sydney shook her head No.
"But, Greg came to Valley Equestrian." Ty spoke up, interrupted. "We saw him at the guardhouse."
"I told you, I wasn't ready to see him." She said without hesitation.
"What's the story with Ross?" Ty seemed to change the subject.
"Who's Ross?" Celina asked.
"He's one of the guards at Valley Equestrian." Sydney explained. "He's also my really good friend. We trail ride almost every night. He's worried about me. He's the one who suggested that I take a break and go away."
"He knew you were going to Banff. That's why he kept Greg at the guardhouse. So he would miss seeing you."
She didn't respond.
"Was Ross the one who told you?" Ty guessed. "About Greg?"
Surprised, Sydney turned to him. "How did you know?"
"He has a thing for you." Ty said bluntly.
"No, he doesn't. We're just friends." She shook her head, slowly back and forth.
"That's not the vibe I got from him."
"How would you know, anyhow? You interacted with him for what, like 5 minutes?" She shot back.
"Yeah. But those 5 minutes were enough. He was sizing me up and down when I came through the guardhouse to pick you up. Like I was his competition or something."
"You're imagining things."
"I've seen it before. Believe me." Ty spoke from experience.
"Are you suggesting that he made it all up? That Greg really didn't cheat?" She was incredulous. "Ross wouldn't do that to me. He's my friend."
"Sydney. I'm not one to give advice, but I've learned the hard way that things rarely are what they seem. If you really love Greg, you should give him a chance to explain. Settle things one way or another." Ty calmly advised, sounding a lot like his mentor, Jack Bartlett.
She didn't respond.
"You're still wearing his ring, Sydney. That must mean something." Ty added.
Sydney's phone rang. She looked at it, sent it to voicemail. "It's Greg again."
"Talk to him, honey." Celina said.
"I can't. Not now." Sydney closed her eyes. "Can we please change the subject?"
"Of course, we can." Celina jumped in. "Ty, how much longer do we have?
"About ten minutes. We're about to exit into Banff Avenue." Ty replied.
"Good. I'm need to stretch my legs. I think A.K. does too." Celina said.
As they turned off of the Trans-Canadian Highway and headed south, Banff Avenue was lined with majestic evergreens of all sorts, lodgepole pine, engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Straight ahead, the snow capped jagged edges of the Canadian Rockies soared, peaked and dipped against the cloudless sky.
"I never get tired of that sight." Ty said as he looked ahead.
"It's truly amazing." Celina agreed.
"I love the fresh pine scent. Do you smell it?" Sydney asked.
The others took in a deep inhale.
Soon the thick forest of pine gave way to the quaint little town of Banff and a host of little shops, restaurants, cafes, bars. The sidewalks were full of people meandering, pushing strollers, walking dogs, enjoying the outdoors and the warm weather.
"Buffalo Street is coming up." Sydney directed, then added. "It will be good to be home."
No surprise, the cabin on Buffalo Street was not a cabin at all, but a mountain estate guarded by tall aged rundlestone columns and walls, carved from the Canadian Rocky Mountains and topped with copper finials with a rich blue green verdigris. Inside the private iron gates, etched with tall pine trees and buffalo, the home, built too of black and gray rundlestone, was castlelike with a deep roofline covered with darken cedar shakes, copper accents, numerous dormers and chimneys.
"Nice cabin." Ty smirked as pulled the truck and trailer up to the three car garage.
Not waiting until he cut the engine, Sydney opened her door, jumped out, ran toward the front door of darken wood and leaded glass. Before she reached the shallow porch, a woman, with long dark hair, step out.
"Sydney, oh honey." She opened her arms wide. "Come here."
"Mom!" She collapsed into her mother's hug. Her mother whispered something in her ear, then kissed her cheek, wiping away a stray tear.
Disentangled from their embrace, Sydney's mother held her hand, then smiled as spoke.
"Hello. I'm Martha Harrison. Welcome."
"Hi Mrs. Harrison. I'm Ty Borden. You have a beautiful home."
"Martha, please." She shook his hand.
"And, I'm Celina Gomez. You have an incredible daughter. So nice to meet you." She was holding A.K.
"Celina, lovely to meet you." She shook her hand. "And, who is this sweet kitten?"
"This is A.K. She's Ty's."
"Well, Thank you all for bringing my Sydney and her Buster home. I hope you had a good trip."
"We did." Celina answered.
"Syd, why don't you and Ty get Buster situated in the barn? Celina, A.K., and I will meet you on the back terrace with lemonade. Lunch will be served at noon."
"Yes, ma'am." Sydney responded.
"Mrs. Harrison, um, Martha. We really can't stay long. Once we have Buster stalled, Celina and I have get back on the road. We're headed to Vancouver."
"Oh my. That's a long drive to do on an empty stomach." She took Celina elbow and led her inside.
As Ty and Sydney were unloading Buster, Greg pulled in behind them. Sydney froze.
"Sydney. Hear him out." Ty whispered to her.
"Sydney. Honey. Are you okay?" He was filled with anguish and relief as he rushed to her.
"Greg. I'm fine. How did you know I was here?" Her tone was calm, controlled.
"Your mom. She told me everything. We need to talk. Please." He begged.
She glanced briefly at Ty, then back to Greg. She nodded. "Did you bring Harper Lee?"
"Of course."
"Good. Let's get them unloaded, tacked and go for a ride. They need to stretch their legs."
Despite a relaxing lunch on the Harrison terrace overlooking the Bow River and the mountains beyond, Ty was more than anxious to get back on the road. Departing after 1pm, they still faced 11 hours of driving. And, given the time zone change, if all went well, they would arrive in Vancouver around midnight.
Settled once again into the truck, Ty was behind the wheel and Celina, up front in the passenger seat.
"Its always refreshing to see young love. Especially when love prevails." Celina tried to take his mind off the long trip ahead.
"Hmm." He hummed.
"She listened to you, you know. You gave good advice. She gave him a chance."
"Glad it worked out."
"Maybe we'll get an invite to the wedding. Sounds like it will be an extravagant affair."
"Don't get your hopes up."
"A girl can dream, you know."
He laughed. "Tell me what's going on at the rescue."
"Well, we've had a rash of emergencies. A couple of dogs, a fawn and a great horned owl with vehicular trauma. Mirna had to euthanize the chihuahua." Celina paused. "The golden suffered a broken back leg and a bunch of superficial wounds. She's recuperating and doing fine. She'll go home today."
"And, the owl?" Ty asked.
"Baxter suffered fracture and severely damaged feathers on her left wing."
"Baxter? Good name."
"Kerry. You know she's turned out to be quite the asset. She's doing wonders with the website. All these great rescue stories. She tells me that our webhits are up. Who knew?" She laughed.
He laughed with her. "What's Baxter's prognosis?"
"Paul splinted his wing. He thinks maybe two or three weeks."
"Time will tell. And the fawn?"
"The mother ran out in front of a car and was killed. Vera brought the little guy in. Samuel, I think. Anyhow, he's just in need of a mom. Kerry's looking for a surrogate between giving him a bottle."
"Good. What's going on with our cougars?"
"Seth Goss, from the Vancouver Zoo, came by Monday to see them."
"And?"
"They want her and the cub, of course. Mirna is negotiating a deal. The chief's involved too."
"Naturally." He looked at her. "And, Mirna and UC."
"Right. She's taken the interim vice chair position in the surgery department at the school. Mostly to help out with recruitment. She's teaching a hands-on soft tissue class in the fall."
"Wild or domesticated track?" He asked.
"Wild."
"Well, that's something. How's that going to work with the rescue?"
"Good question. She thinks she'll be in Calgary Tuesday through Friday. And, here on the weekends to give you and Paul a break."
"That's not necessary."
She continued. "Singh wanted her full-time but they're still working on an agreement. She'll start in the fall."
Ty nodded.
"It's just one semester."
"It would be hard to keep that schedule up for much more than that."
"I agree. Joe's going help out."
"Joe? Well, that's great. He must be doing better."
"Yeah. He was in a couple of hours yesterday. He'll be good to go in the fall."
"So much for retirement."
Celina grinned like a Cheshire Cat.
"What?"
"You have no idea do you?"
"About what?"
"I don't think I'm giving away any big secret." She stopped, deciding on her words. "Joe and Mirna are close."
"Close? As in, more than friends?"
"Yep. They've always kinda had a thing."
"No kidding. How did I miss that?"
"You're just always head down."
He shrugged. "Maybe...but Mirna and Joe, huh? I guess I can kinda see that. But. He's so much older.."
"Seventeen years. They've known each other twice as long."
"Well, I am happy for them."
She shifted gears. "How are Cloud and Wind?"
"The colt had a setback with a bout of diarrhea but he bounced back. We made a really good decision to bring them here." He went into great detail about the horses and their new home.
"Excellent. So what about UC? What's your plan with the offer." She deftly changed topics, surprising him.
He looked at her. "You know?"
"Of course. Singh called Mirna before he talked with you."
"Hmm. So. What does she think?"
"She wants you to do what's best for you."
"What I want is for the rescue to be on solid footing."
"We all do. But, what does that have to do with Singh's offer?"
"I made a commitment to the rescue and I'm going keep it." He said with resolve.
"You're not in servitude. You can explore other opportunities. Mirna wants that for you."
"We have the externship too."
"Again. You have choices."
He nodded, then made a proclamation. "I want to run the externship with Michael, if he's up for it."
"Excellent. We were hoping you'd decide that."
"You were?"
"It was your idea. Glad you're following through."
"I think it will be a great program."
"Speaking of the externship. You and Michael did a great job on your calls. Cheryl Jones made another donation."
"No kidding. How much?" Ty was pleased.
"5 grand."
"That's great!"
"And..." she teased him.
"Don't keep me in suspense."
"She made another donation to the rescue in the same amount."
"No kidding. Did you talk to her?"
"Yes. For quite a while. She told me all about how you rescued her famous horse from certain death."
He chuckled. "Hardly. It was just some foxtail."
"Well, she thinks you walk on water."
He laughed.
"We do too." She added with a wink.
"Hmm. So. We're up to 30 grand or so now? Right?"
"30,100."
He laughed. "Can't forget that extra 100. That could give us at least 5 or 6 missions."
"If you're frugal, you could stretch it to 10. Or if you add another student, 7."
"Really?"
"Really. I figure on a grand a person per mission. Airfare and supplies are the biggest cost."
"Another student might be good." He pondered aloud. "I need to make a list of places. Do you think Namibia is a possibility?"
"Sure. Why not?"
"Sweet. I want to go there."
As they approached Lake Louise, less than an hour into their trip, Celina brought up Sydney again.
"Lake Louise. Where it all started for Sydney and Greg. So romantic." She mused.
"So the story goes." He said sarcastically.
"Tell me about your fiancée." She broached the topic that had been weighing on her mind since Sunday.
"There's nothing to tell." He deflected. "As I don't have a fiancée."
"What's her name?"
He looked at her. "You're not going to let up until I tell you, are you?"
"You know me too well." She smiled.
"I do." He sighed heavily.
"Plus. We have 10 hours to kill. If you'd rather, I can sing."
"Please do not torture me with your singing." He shot back.
"Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away..." She started singing an old Beatles favorite, horribly off key.
"Uncle!!!" He held up his hands in surrender.
"So, what's her name?
"Amy Fleming."
"Tell me why she's so special to you."
He started from the beginning with Clint and Marion, Heartland and meeting Amy on that very first snowy day.
Miles and hours ticked by. Ty pulled off their route only when the truck needed gas so they made the most of it, stretched their legs, used the bathroom, got coffee. Otherwise, he talked about Amy, her beauty, her intelligence, her quick wit, soft voice, gentle touch, and infectious laugh. Her ability to get under his skin, get him out of his head, get him on a path to being a better man. He talked about their relationship, their friendship, mutual respect, deep bond, true love. He talked about their every up and every down, every break up and every reconcile. He owned up to his many mistakes but glossed over hers. He stopped just before the trip to Nova Scotia.
"We need gas." He said as he exited the highway, the sun getting lower in the western sky.
When they returned to the truck with stale, but piping hot coffee, she asked if she could drive to give him a break.
"Nah. I'm good." He climbed back into the driver's seat. Once back on the highway, he asked as he stroked the kitten's soft fur. "Where were we?"
"Michael was with his dad in the hospital after his heart attack." She reminded him.
He took a big swig of coffee, and made a face. "Ugh. That's some bitter brew." He took another swig for good measure, stuck his tongue out.
"So. Like I said, things were going really well for us. We had resolved our differences. We were talking, planning for the future. I had the weekend off so my plan was to go to Hudson, ask her to marry me again. I even got her this necklace with a gold heart, engraved with our initials and the date we met. But, that morning, I felt off. Like really tired. And, I had a this massive headache." He grimaced at the thought of the pain. "I was dead asleep when Mirna called about the cougar sightings."
"Why did you say yes, Ty?"
"I don't know." He rubbed his eyes. "I have asked myself that question a million times. I just don't know. I had all these plans to be with Amy and I just pushed them aside. Pushed her aside. And, went to Nova Scotia."
"Did we pressure you?"
Before he answered, he took a deep breath, blew it out through pursed lips. "Its hard to say No to Mirna's enthusiasm. Or to the adventure, itself. But, no. Neither of you pressured me."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes. I am certain. I made the decision to go. Looking back, it was a stupid decision, but it was mine."
"Okay. What happened then?"
"The next thing I knew, I was on a plane. I didn't even bother to call Amy until after I landed."
"Was she furious?"
"I expected her to be, but no." He shook his head, slowly back and forth. "She wasn't angry at all. It was like she already knew somehow that I wasn't coming. In fact, she told me that she loved me and supported me. And, that the externship was my adventure of a lifetime and that I should take advantage of every opportunity."
"She's quite remarkable."
"Yes. She is in so many ways."
"She really loved you."
He swallowed hard as the pit of his stomach rose to his throat. He croaked out. "I know."
"I would have been pissed." Celina said bluntly, trying to cut the tension.
"Me too." He admitted, scratching his scruffy beard. He didn't look at her, kept his eyes on the road but his thoughts turned inward.
"Hey. Want a sandwich? I have ham and swiss and peanut butter and jelly."
"Yeah." He said absently.
"Which one?" She pulled him back out of his head.
"Ham and swiss sounds good."
She reached to the backseat, opened her suitcase. "We have chips too. Something to drink...maybe a Coke?"
"Coke. Please."
"Chips?"
"No thanks...I'm good."
He hungrily consumed the entirety of his sandwich before she had two bites.
"You were hungry. Want another?"
He scrunched his nose while he debated. "No. Maybe later." He finally decided.
"Just say the word. Cuz we have more."
"Okay."
"So Nova Scotia. What happened next?" She prodded him to continue.
"Back to that, huh? Okay." He shifted in his seat, got comfortable.
"So, you know what a cluster fuck Nova Scotia was. Especially that first night."
"It was indeed."
"Well. Two weeks later, when I was finally awake and amongst the living again, we tried to call her but it kept going to voicemail.
"We?"
"Right. Claire had to help me."
She frowned.
"So, we decided to text her. That's when Claire found Amy's text message. The one Amy sent that night."
"What night?"
"Our first night in Nova Scotia. Around 1 in the morning."
"Ah. About the time Mirna found you neked, babbling in the snow?"
He grimaced at her.
"So what did the text say?"
"Ty. I've decided to move on with my life. I truly wish you only the best in yours. I ask that you do not contact me or my family. Love always. Amy." He recited the text from memory. "And, we haven't talked since. I've tried calling, texting, emailing, sending snail mail. I even sent her that necklace. Nothing."
"Oh Ty. I'm sorry.
"Me too."
"She must have found out about Claire." Celina concluded.
"Probably. But, I don't know how. I didn't even know Claire existed until I got there." He shrugged, frowned. "But, probably."
"What about Amy's family? Did they reach out? At least Jack?" Celina asked.
"At first, they left bunches texts and voicemails for me to call back, asking what had happened. But, over time those turned...unpleasant. Remember I didn't get these for 2 weeks. That's when I changed my cell number." Sadness echoed in his voice. "The first and only time I called Heartland instead of her cell, I got her dad."
"What did he say when you explained?"
"I didn't have the chance. He called me every name in the book. Told me that I was a bum, cheat and liar. That everyone including Amy knew that I was having an affair with Blaire. That she had no use for me and that she had moved on. And, if I ever tried to contact Amy or anyone in the family that he would hunt me down like a dog." His words strung together in quick, bitter succession.
"Blaire? He mentioned the girl that you brought back on your motorcycle?"
"He said Blair but I just figured that he meant to say Claire. I mean, I haven't heard from Blaire for a decade. So" He shrugged. "At the time, the only thing I could figure is that something must have happened between me and Claire that night And, somehow Amy found out. I mean when I woke up in the hospital Claire was there acting like my girlfriend. Everyone, even you and Mirna, assumed she was. Somehow it seemed weirdly logical."
"Honestly, it did look like you and Claire, you know, hooked up, as they say."
"Yeah. Well, as it turns out, we didn't that night. I asked Claire. She said that we didn't." He was upfront with her.
"You asked her?" Celina was surprised.
"Well, I couldn't remember..so, yeah I did. I asked her." He frowned. "Just a few days ago."
"But, after that first night? You and Claire? In Rehab? After your mom?"
"Momma C." He gave her the same answer he gave Michael. "It's complicated."
"A story for another time?"
"There's no story now or later." He was adamant.
"Fair enough."
"Here's the thing, Celina. After, what, three years, almost four, I start getting these near sightings."
"Near sightings?"
"Yeah. Of Amy. By chance, Michael met her the day that eagle clawed me. He called me that night at Roscoe's and told me."
"The night you had that allergic reaction?"
"Yeah. She told him to tell me Hello."
"Well. I'll be. That explains a lot."
"Then, he ran into her at the Calgary airport the day he flew here for the conference. Again, she told him to say Hi. Since then, I keep having crazy dreams with her in them. I've seen her in the strangest places...even at the Vet Conference."
"Was she there?"
"No, but the vet that she works with was. He submitted her photo for the Vet Tech Contest. She won."
"Wait. She's the one who beat Chip?"
"Yep. Bet her photo is still on the conference website."
"Give me a minute." She mumbled as she fiddled with her phone for several minutes. "Found the website...Vet Tech photos. Oh Ty, Wow. She's really beautiful. Even soaking wet."
"I know. She really is."
"What's the chance of that? Seeing her like that?"
"Must be pretty high because the near sightings keep coming."
"Like?"
"Like, she and her boyfriend were at that fundraiser at UC where Mirna spoke. He donated 5 grand in her honor."
"Andrew Pierson? The rich Canadian Olympic team equestrian? He's her boyfriend?"
"Yep. The one and only. Michael talked to him on Sunday to thank him. He asked us to send her a note about the donation."
"Oh my."
"It makes sense really. She's has this incredible ability with horses. It's like nothing I've ever seen. He's a famous horse guy. Compared to him, I have nothing to offer."
"Ridiculous. Ty Borden, you are one of the most compassionate, hard working, intelligent people I have ever met. Do not sell yourself short to me."
He scoffed. "She apparently doesn't think so. I saw her truck on campus yesterday and left a note for her to call back. Nothing."
"Really? Are you sure it was the right truck?"
"Absolutely. I sold her my old 1957 GMC truck. I'd know it anywhere."
"Oh."
"And. This morning I even saw her walking down the sidewalk on campus. It's like I can't get her out of my head."
"Or your heart?"
He shook his head No. He exhaled heavily. "I can't sleep, I can't think straight, I am a wreck."
"Call her Ty."
"And, say what? Hey Amy, it's me, take me back?"
"Start with Hello. The rest will follow."
"She has a new life, a new love, she's even going to university. Wants to be a vet. She's happy. She doesn't need me." He explained.
"Everyone needs friends. You two have been through a lot together. You grew up together. That friendship is worth holding on to."
"Friends? I can't just be her friend and see her with someone else." He said without much thought.
"Really?" Celina cocked her, head. "You can't be her friend? Then you must not really love her, do you?"
Celina's words hit him like a ton of bricks.
"Maybe you're right." He said quietly.
She didn't respond.
She had struck a nerve. Turning inward, he shutdown as he began to process her words.
Reading the situation, she made a suggestion. "Let's listen to some music." Soon, the gentle lyrics and guitar strum of Neil Young's "Harvest Moon" floated through the speakers.
"I love this song." Celina said, adjusting her seat, lowering the back so she could recline.
Ty glanced at her, encouraged her. "You should close your eyes, catch a wink or two. You've had a long day. Rest up."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I'm sure."
His eyes remained alert, peeled to the road ahead, the vehicles around him, mostly passing him by, the mirrors on either side, reflecting the trailer and headlights behind him. But, his mind was elsewhere, on Amy. He looked over and saw that Celina was asleep.
Just after midnight, Ty could see Vancouver casting light in the distance sky. He was exhausted, mentally drained from thinking, sick and tired of sitting behind the wheel and anxious to get out, stretch his legs. He wanted to crawl into his own bed, close his eyes, and shut the world out.
Only 15 miles left, then only 14 miles, he was in the final count down. He sat up straight, stretched his back, moved side to side, to try to ease the kinks. 13 miles.
BANG! The loud noise, followed by a whoosh, took Ty by surprise.
"Damn it!"
"Ty! What's happening?" She was wide awake.
"We've blown a tire. Hold tight."
As if by some unknown hand, the truck began to pull to the left, into the next lane. Battling for control of the truck, Ty gripped the steering wheel while resisting the urge to slam on the brakes. Flipping on the hazard lights, he struggled to steer the rig away from the other vehicles. He tapped the gas, regaining enough control to pull off the highway and onto the shoulder. By the time, they came to a full stop, Ty was sweating with nervous energy.
He breathed a heavy sigh of relief, then rested his head on the steering wheel.
"Let's call a tow. The trailer doesn't have a spare." He instructed when he finally lifted his head.
"On it. James is already on his way."
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Glad you came?"
"Absolutely."
Hi Everyone. Hope you enjoyed this long chapter. More answers, more questions, I am certain. Let me know your thoughts. Mike1965, your idea is tucked away for safekeeping.
It's been a hectic 2023 so far. Life hasn't left much time to write. I appreciate your patience, your support. Next up is Learning to Fly. SBR
ps. Found some glitches and made a few updates. Enjoy!
Pps. More typos fixed. Dang. There were a bunch.