Amy's Tuesday Afternoon at Corolla
With tanned knees spread on either side of the oversized steering wheel, left hand at noon, the other palming the knob of the stick shift, his gaze was hidden behind sunglasses. Brent headed the FJ south, forging a path just beyond the waters edge, in sand cleansed and packed by the high tide, untouched yet by human or horse.
Like Brent, Amy faced forward, not a single glance back at him, closed her eyes behind her Ray Bans, her long hair fluttering in the wind. Her emotions were all over the place, pulsing through her core. Not sure if on the verge of laughing or crying, she remained silent to process the overwhelming swirl inside, a dizzying combination of shock, disbelief, euphoria. One corner of her mouth lifted slightly upward, into a Mona Lisa smile, subtle yet fleeting, as her past, present and future collided.
Beyond her wildest imagination, past dismal scholastic odds, fueled by hard work and determination, she had done it. Vet school with a scholarship, no less, and straight A's! she mused, thrilled with her accomplishment.
And, to have him there, out of the blue, when it all unfolded, when it mattered, seemed so right, how it was supposed to be. As Lou would say, the cherry on top.
No matter how much time had passed, how much hurt he inflicted, much to her surprise, the sound of his voice, sight of his beautiful green eyes, perfect curve of his lips, his smile melted it all away. The entirety of her brain and being flooded with good memories, all others vanished. Without pause or trepidation, she fell back into old patterns. They both did. Banter. Laughter. Friendship. She missed that. She missed him. Despite everything.
As the FJ traveled south, putting distance between them, her joy began to ebb, recede, slowly draining away. Reality set in, sadness too, reminding her that he had left her. The externship, meant to stretch his skills, broaden his experience, be his opportunity of a lifetime before restarting his life with her, ultimately became his life. It's who he is, unsettled, restless, searching for the next thing to protect, the next cause to fight for.
In retrospect, her text that night, though she had come to see it as childish, was actually kind, giving him a way out, the freedom to pursue the life he was born to live. And, he seized it, never looked back, left without a fight, without a single word.
In Claire, he found a kindred spirit. Stunning and exotic, wild and adventuresome, not bound to boring routine, a small town, an overbearing family. Everything she was not. His tongue-tied reaction, cemented by his admission, sans any explanation or apology, confirmed her suspicions, revealing his heart's choice.
He was clearly happy in his world, successful and accomplished.
But, then, so was she. She had come into her own, successful, accomplished. She knew where she was headed.
It was all meant to be, she supposed. Her mother brought them together, to support one another through loss, hardship, and hurt, to grow, mature, to become resilient, confident, and strong. To fulfill their purpose. Even if in the end, they did so separately, they were intwined. Imprinted perhaps. Ty would always be part of her story, her DNA. And, she part of his.
No doubt, their paths would continue to cross, most likely by the hands of Alicia and Michael. Undoubtedly like today. She resolved to be good with that.
Forcing the air from her lungs through her nostrils, she frowned. Somehow she'd have to learn to be good with Claire too. She did it once before with Kit, she could do it again.
And so, there it was. The final sign. The rest of the story.
Brent glanced at her, misreading her silence, her solemn expression as anger at him for punching her old family friend.
"Tide's turned." He observed aloud, just to say something.
Her eyes opened, took in the empty beach and graying sea, each successive wave, trying desperately without success to reach its high again, unable to muster the strength, succumbing to nature's pull.
"Yeah. It has." She muttered in delayed response, alluding to something different. Above the clouds gathered, darkening the sky, stilling the air.
"Rain's coming too." He added. "Hopefully we'll get there before the bottom falls out." No sooner were the words out of his mouth, the wind got up, a smattering of heavy drops fell, bouncing off FJ's hood.
Pushing her sunglasses to the top of her head, she looked upward. A huge drop landed squarely between her eyes. She gasped.
"Sorry. I don't have an umbrella." He glanced at her.
"No worries. I don't rust." She countered, slightly amused.
"Good thing cuz we're gonna get drenched." He replied, pushing the 4x4 faster, just past the 35 mph speed limit. The sky opened up, the rain poured down, soaking them to the skin, before slowing to a light sprinkle.
A few minutes later, they had arrived at the kayak shop. The summer squall had come and gone. The sun's rays came out again, evaporating the clouds. Brent shut the engine off, turned to her. Her hair was matted to her head, a single rain drop trailing down her cheek.
"Amy, I am really sorry." He said sincerely in a slow, southern accent.
"It's just rain." She shrugged, brushing the stray drop away with her fingertips.
"No, not that. Earlier. At the beach. When I heard you yell and saw him on you, I thought he was...ah, hurting you." He explained. "So I just...reacted. I shouldn't have hit him." He concluded. "I'm sorry."
"He'll be okay."
"Seems like." He agreed. "But, what about you? Are you okay?" He asked earnestly.
"Yes, of course."
"You're not mad?"
"No." Turning slightly, her chin lifted slightly toward the stairs. "But, I'd better get up there. Alicia might be. Thanks for the ride." She hopped out of the 4x4, strode toward the shop, up the steps to their rental.
Upstairs in the studio, Alicia was already showered, dressed in short, peach sundress with spaghetti straps that showed off her now tanned shoulders and glistening skin. Her long dark hair curled into long waves. She was laying out a short sundress, delicately patterned in pale turquoises and whites, and dainty leather sandals on the bed when the door opened.
Alicia turned, placing her hands on her hips, in mock anger. "Finally." She huffed.
"Hey." Amy said, closing the door behind her. "Sorry I'm late."
"Geez. You're soaked." Dropping the charade, Alicia stepped closer, surveying her best friend. "You okay?"
"Just a little rain." She assured her.
"Looks like a lot more than a little rain." She observed then asked hopefully. "See any horses?"
Expecting a different question, Amy answered. "Oh, yeah. A couple. A beautiful chestnut mare and her sweet foal. They walked out of the dunes right after you left."
"Figured that's what kept you." She seemed relieved. "Was it was as you imagined?"
"Even better. The little one even came up and nuzzled my hand." She smiled at the thought.
"That's cool. Maybe we'll see some more after dinner." She glanced into the kitchen, at the digital clock, its time lit in bright green block numbers. "Speaking of, our reservation is in 33 minutes. You need to hurry if you're gonna take a shower."
Amy nodded, but lingered in her spot.
"Like the new dress I got for you?" She motioned toward the bed.
Moving to the bed, she reached down, touching the silky, soft fabric. "Oh Alicia, it's so beautiful. And, new sandals too?"
"Well, you can't wear old cowboy boots. Duh!"
"Why not?" She teased with a chuckle, giving her a quick hug. "Thank you. Really. I love them."
"You're welcome. You deserve pretty things." She said as they parted.
"Kinda fancy for a barbecue place, though. Are you expecting to see someone there?" Amy probed, a brow arched.
"Just a crowd. I read it's a pretty popular place." She glanced at the clock and back again. "So you need to hurry. You now have 31 minutes. I don't want to lose our table."
"Alicia." Still facing each other, Amy inquired calmly. "Did you know?"
"Know what?" She tilted her head to the right slightly, not understanding.
"Ty. And Michael. They're here. In Corolla. Did you know?"
Alicia's brows knitted, her lips parted, concern filled her expression. But not surprise.
"I saw Ty. At the beach." Amy continued, her voice even.
Alicia reached out, touched her arm. "Oh Amy. Are you okay?" She asked tenderly, worried for her best friend.
Ignoring her question, Amy cut to the chase. "So you knew. Did you and Michael plan it?"
"No, absolutely not. I wouldn't do that to you." She said emphatically.
"So, tell me then, how did Ty and Michael wind up here? Of all places? It can't be a coincidence."
"But, it is. Or maybe it's just fate." She quipped.
Amy blinked once slowly, not in the mood for games. "Alicia. Tell me." She said bluntly. "From the beginning."
"Okay. Okay. They've been in Virginia since Sunday to vet the wild horses up there. You know, the Chincoteague ponies?"
"Like the book, Misty?" Her interest was slightly piqued.
"Yep. One and the same. This week was that annual swim and they were helping out. Assateague Island is a good 200 miles away. So I didn't fathom that they'd show up here. Neither did Michael."
A crease formed between her brows, her eyes narrowed. "So this was for their externship?"
"Yes."
She countered. "Ty said they are leading the externship together. How could Michael not know?"
"Honestly, he didn't." She retorted, then explained. "Or at least not until he saw the Corolla sign. It wasn't in their plan. At all. They were supposed to be on a plane back to Calgary by now."
"But, they're not. They're here." She wasn't going to let it go. "Why?"
She nodded. "Right. When they were vetting up there, they found that some ponies were infected with Pythiosis."
"Pythiosis? What's that?"
"It's a rare disease caused by a water fungus, Pythium Insidiosum, found in stagnant water. In horses, the organism enters the body through break in the skin resulting in non-healing, ulcerated lesions and fistulas on the skin that grow quickly, destroying healthy tissue, bone, ligaments, tendons. Within a matter of weeks, some times days." She lapsed into clinical speak.
"Sounds awful." Her concern shifted to the horses.
"It is. And, it's excruciatingly painful too. They had to trailer the infected ponies to Blacksburg for emergency surgery under anesthesia." She purposely avoided giving away any details about Ty specifically.
"Blacksburg?" She interrupted, trying to fill in the gaps.
"Virginia Tech's vet school is there. It's the only place in the state with adequate facilities to handle the horses' surgery." Alicia paused for a second. "Anyhow. They were flying back to Chincoteague today when they got a request to come and check the wild horses here too. So they made a detour."
Trying to digest all the information, she didn't immediately respond.
"Amy. I know this is hard to believe. But, it's true. We didn't plan it. It just happened." Out of desperation, she pointed to the flat screen. "Turn on the TV. It's all over the news."
"On the news?" Her eyes wide now.
"Yes. Eight Chincoteague ponies are infected. Two are foals. Their prognosis is not good. Even with the surgery, most won't survive."
"Oh, that's terrible. Is it contagious?"
"No, thankfully. The vet here thinks that there's at least one case, a Banker pony that was hit by a vehicle and killed...in Virginia. Michael didn't make the connection between the Banker ponies and Corolla horses. And I didn't know until Michael called after they got here. I tried to call you but you didn't pick up. That's why I sent Brent. I didn't want you to run into Ty without warning. I'm so sorry."
Amy nodded, a bit overwhelmed. "I'm sorry too Alicia. I shouldn't have doubted you." She gave her a quick hug. "It's just..." She didn't have the words to finish.
"Crazy? I know. What's the chance?"
When she didn't respond, Alicia asked for the third time. "Amy. Are you okay?"
"Yeah." She replied flatly.
"Are you sure?" Alicia read between the lines.
"Guess I'm just worried about the horses."
"Only the horses?"
Amy shrugged.
"Do you want to talk about it? We can stay in, have dinner here." Alicia suggested. "Or on the deck. We can watch the sun set."
"No, you made reservations." She stopped, her forehead wrinkled. "Wait. Are they joining us?"
"No!" She replied without hesitation.
"So, Ty doesn't know, does he?"
She sighed, then frowned. "No. Michael didn't have a chance to tell him. But, he will as soon as he has the chance."
"Oh." Amy mimicked her friend's frown.
"Are you sure that you don't want to stay in tonight?" Alicia offered again.
"No. We're gonna stick to the plan. I'll be ready in 25."
She scooped up the dress and headed to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Standing there for a moment, back against the door, hand resting on the knob, she gathered herself. Stepping to the mirror, she stared at her image, wet and disheveled, her eyes began to fill.
"Don't be ridiculous." She chided herself, drew a deep breath, then began to disrobe to shower.
The Village Idiot was housed in a large addition adjoining two old beach cottages. The entire wooden structure was painted a cheery yellow with white Victorian trim, festooned with lighted signs that boasted barbecue, seafood, and live music. The entire front was skirted with a deck bleached by the sun.
Stepping inside, the women were surrounded by a loud buzz of laughter and conversation. The good sized dining room was jam packed, every seat and bar stool was taken.
Alicia leaned into Amy's ear. "Don't worry. We have reservations."
She nodded.
Waiting at the deserted hostess stand, the two took in the scene before them. Despite the crowd, the ambiance was warm and homey, like a favorite neighborhood haunt.
On the right, three bartenders were busily working the long wooden bar, mixing cocktails and serving beer while chatting it up with those sitting and standing before them. Behind the bar, a mirrored backdrop, lined with glass shelves, four high, held scores of liquor bottles. Mounted above were several flatscreens, each hosting a different sporting event, sans sound.
The wall opposite, painted a rich teal, was covered with photos, memorabilia, and a large painting of chestnut horse, standing in the sandy dune, its mane and tail sailing as the gray ocean and sky behind threatened.
At the far end, two garage doors were rolled up, wide open to the outside deck. Cool, salty air breezed in, gently swaying dollar bills hung from the ceiling like fringe.
"Cool place." Amy remarked.
"Yeah." Pleased with her selection, Alicia smiled. A teenager with a silver nose ring and freckles appeared at the hostess stand.
"We have reservations for two. It's under Kennedy."
The teenager glanced at a list, frowned, then looked up at Alicia. "Alicia?"
"Yes."
"Your reservation was 10 minutes ago."
"But, we ..." She started to explain.
"The tables out back are communal. Take your pick." She handed Alicia two menus and a towel. "You might want to dry off the bench before you sit."
"But," Alicia started to protest.
"Bands starts at 9." She said offhandedly.
"Come on. Let's go get a spot." Amy suggested. "I'd rather sit outside anyhow."
"I guess it's kinda loud in here." She acquiesced.
Weaving their way through the crowded room, the two natural beauties garnered plenty of attention, outright stares, sideway glances, a bit of murmuring. Neither noticed as they dodged waitstaff hoisting heavy trays loaded with food and drinks.
Stepping outside, the restaurant noise seemed to dissipate into the background as their eyes took in the large, yet somehow intimate space, graying deck and lattice fence. Two sprawling southern live oaks, their tortured branches, dripping with Spanish moss and tiny white lights, rooted on each side, gave the entire space a living shelter.
"Those trees are magnificent." Amy breathed out. "I've never seen anything like them."
"Yeah. That would be fun to climb." Alicia said wistfully, eyeing the one on the right like a mischievous kid.
"You won't get me up there. With my luck, I'd fall and break my neck. Land with my dress over my head."
Alicia laughed at the image. "Well, there's not a soul here to witness it. At least you'd have a doctor on hand."
"You always have my back." She said seriously.
"Always."
Both surveyed the quiet, deserted space. Huge pots of flowering bushes and ferns, streaming with ivy swaying in the light breeze, dotted the space.
"Hey. Look. There's the band stage." Alicia said pointing to the far end.
Nested in the back center was a slightly elevated stage, covered by a peaked roof, alit with more tiny white lights, now empty, save a few stools, mics and speakers arranged on a worn rug. Radiating from the stage were a dozen or so long picnic tables. In between was space to dance.
"Well, we have our pick of tables." Amy smirked, stating the obvious.
"Let's get one close to the stage so we can hear the band."
"With those mics and speakers up there, don't think that will be a problem." She pointed out. "Who's playing anyhow?"
"The Blackbirds. A brother-sister duo. Indie pop-folk music, I think. Never heard of them but they got good reviews. They're Canadian."
"Geez, did everyone suddenly migrate south?"
"Seems like it." Alicia laughed, as they made their way to the back. "Hey. Let's get that table." She motioned to a table to the left of the stage.
After toweling off the table and benches, they sat across from each other and looked over the menu.
"This all looks good."
"Yeah. My mouth is watering." Amy's stomach growled in agreement.
A young waiter, dressed in khaki shorts and a black Village Idiot t-shirt, appeared. In his tattooed hands, he held an order pad and pen. "Welcome to the Village Idiot. I'm Zach. I'll be your server. " He recited his spiel with a pronounced twang. "Where y'all from?
"Alberta." When he appeared confused, Alicia added. "Canada."
"Well, alrighty. Hey. The band's from Canada too."
Alicia nodded knowingly. "Yeah, the Blackbirds."
"Oh, y'all with the band?"
"Yeah, we're groupies." Amy gave a little laugh.
"She's kidding. We haven't seen them play before." Alicia explained. "But, saw that they got good reviews."
"Yeah. They're actually pretty decent. They played here last year."
"Good to hear..."
"So. What can I get y'all to drink? Rum Runner, Cherry Bomb?"
"Sweet Tea for me." Alicia said.
"Water, no ice."
"Sparkling or still."
"Tap is fine." She said, then asked surprising Alicia. "Do you have champagne?"
"We do. If y'all are looking for something local, I suggest Plēb Appalachian. It's a sparkling white wine made in Asheville, just up the road. It's organic and pretty decent. Will that work for y'all?"
"Sure. Two glasses, please."
"We only sell it by the bottle."
"We'll have a bottle then." Amy said, surprising her even more.
"I'll get those drinks right out to y'all. Then we can talk specials." He flashed a smile, then hurried away, passing a man and woman who were carrying guitars cases.
"Champagne?" Alicia asked.
"Sparking white wine."
"Whatever. What gives?"
"Well. I enjoyed our glass last night. Thought we'd have another glass."
"Hmmm. Why do I think something else is up?" She said, raising a brow.
"We are on vacation." Amy demurred.
"True that."
"What's on the agenda?" Amy asked, ulterior motive unsaid.
"Tonight?"
"Tomorrow."
"Well. We have lots of options." She glanced upward as though a list was written in midair. "We could drive up the beach in our 4x4 bad boy and go to the reserve. See more horses. Or we could kayak, paddle board, bike, go to a spa, get a mani-pedi. Shop. Relax on the beach. World is your oyster."
"What time do we need to be out of our place?"
"1. I got a late check out."
"Good. What time is our flight?"
"4. Need to leave here by 1 at the latest to return the jeep. If we go to Kitty Hawk, we need to leave at 11. Why all the questions?"
"Ty asked me to help check horses tomorrow." Amy admitted.
Surprised, Alicia smiled. "Oh he did, huh? And, pray tell, what did you say?"
"I said I would. Do you mind?"
"Mind? No! Go with him. That's your happy place..." She stopped, smirked. "I mean, working with horses."
Ignoring her comment, she said. "Wanna come with? We're leaving at 5."
"5 in the morning?!" She made a face. "Ah. Thanks but no. I'm on vacation."
"Here's your drinks, ladies." Zach interrupted as he set a tray of drinks on the picnic table. "Would you like to hear the specials?"
After taking their order of the firecracker shrimp and large platter of pulled pork, baby back ribs, fried chicken, cornbread and sides to share, he asked. "Would you like me to open the sparking wine?"
"Please." Amy replied.
Without fanfare, he removed the wire cage from the top, then removed the cork, releasing the familiar pop. He poured two flutes, handing one to each.
"I'll get your order in. Enjoy." He took the tray and walked away.
Amy raised her glass, Alicia followed suit. "To you Alicia. You are a wonderful friend. Supportive, encouraging, caring, thoughtful. Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you. Especially this past summer." She tapped Alicia's glass. "Cheers!"
They both took a sip.
"Wait." Alicia's eyes narrowed. "You got in, didn't you??"
Amy broke into a grin, nodding her head excitedly. "Yes!"
"Oh, my god, Amy! Why didn't you tell me?!" Alicia squealed, jumped out of her seat, rounded the table as Amy got out of hers. "Come here you!"
Alicia wrapped her in a bear-hug, both giggling, rocking back and forth, unable to hide their happiness.
Pulling away, she grasped Amy's hands, holding her arms out wide. "I am so proud of you!"
"Me too." Her eyes sparkled in delight as she laughed.
"You should be." Alicia shot back.
"Guess what else?" Not waiting for an answer, she gushed. "Got a scholarship too. It's only a partial one but, still. Can you believe it?"
"Not surprised one bit. So, a scholarship and straight As!"
Her eyes flashed, her cheeks flushed.
Behind them, a song began to play, barely catching their attention.
"Hey. You two need some music to add to your celebration!" Standing on stage, a thirty-something man called out, strumming his guitar, tapping his foot. Beside him, a younger woman, accompanied him, strumming her guitar in step with his. Together they began to sing the all too familiar song.
Yeah, eh
Celebrate good times, come on, yeah, eh-eh
For there's a party goin' on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times, and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you!
Laughing, the two women danced and sang along to band's rendition of Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" song. Soon Zach and a few others came over to watch, only to be lured into dance. When the song was over, they all clapped and cheered.
"Thank you so much. That was perfect!" Amy grinned, flushed from dancing and the day's sun.
"What are we celebrating?" The male guitarist asked.
"I got accepted into veterinary school at the University of Calgary." She replied gleefully, a touch of pride thrown in.
"Well, congratulations. Quite an accomplishment. UC is pretty tough to get into."
"Thank you!" Amy gushed. "I'm excited."
"You should be. When do you start?"
"Monday."
"Wow! You don't waste time." He chuckled.
"Nope!"
"We hear you're from Canada." Alicia said.
"You heard right. I'm Matthew Blackbird. This my sister Jill. We hail from Mississauga."
"I'm Amy."
"Alicia."
"We're from Alberta. Hudson actually." Amy replied. "You probably never heard of that."
"Sure we have. We have family in High River." Jill interjected.
The four were still chatting when Zach returned with a large tray filled with several plates of food.
"I got y'alls dinner. Are y'all sitting together? Or?..." Zach asked.
"Why don't you join us?" Alicia offered.
"Oh, that would be lovely. Thank you." She accepted. "There's only so much conversation you can have with your brother." She smirked at Matthew, who rolled his eyes in return. Jill took a spot on the bench next to Amy, Matthew next to Alicia.
Dinner conversation was entertaining, filled with stories from Matthew and Jill's travel and misadventures. In turn, Amy and Alicia shared a bit about their work and lives in Hudson. So engaged, they failed to notice that the tables were now filled with diners.
"Excuse me...are these seats taken?" A guy in his mid-twenties in shorts, t-shirt and flip flops asked Matthew, pointing to the empty spots at the far end of their table. Another guy, similar in age and attire, stood silently by his side.
Matthew turned to Alicia. "Are you bringing anyone back with you?"
"Nope. They are welcomed to that end."
Turning back, he replied. "It's all yours, buddy."
"Thanks." The two took seats, across from one another, next to Matthew and Jill. "Geez. It's really packed. Didn't think we'd get a seat."
"Guess it's your lucky day." Matthew replied.
Noticing their empty plates and tip on the table, he asked. "Are you leaving or are you staying to watch the band?"
"We are in the band." Matthew replied with a smile. "So I guess we're staying."
"No kidding! You're in the Blackbirds?"
Turning, Matthew engaged with the two men in conversation. Amy caught Alicia's attention and whispered. "Ready?"
She nodded. "Well, we better get going if we hope to see some wild horses and make it back in time to hear you two play." Alicia said to Jill as she stood from her seat.
"We really appreciate you saving our seats." Amy added, coming to a stand as well.
"No problem. Good luck." Jill replied, putting her sweater on the now empty bench.
"You two leaving?" Turning back towards the women, Matthew asked.
"Yes. But, we'll be back for your first set." Alicia promised.
"Holding you to it. Be safe."
Climbing into their camouflaged jeep parked outside the restaurant, Amy couldn't help but grin. "Excited?"
"Of course!" Alicia said somewhat sarcastically.
Before going to the beach, they stopped at public access facility, where Amy lower the air pressure in their tires. Behind them, the fiery sun was nearing the horizon, casting an array of spectacular streaks of oranges and reds that faded into shades of purples, pinks and blues that streaked across the sky, heading east, over the ocean.
"The sky is beautiful." Remarked Alicia, snapping a few pictures with her phone. "Let's take a selfie."
"Okay." Amy agreed, but anxious to see some wildies.
By the time they reached the beach, it was nearly empty, save a few beachcombers, here and there, looking for seashells and sand dollars left by high tide, and several 4x4s. Gripping the wheel, she drove cautiously onto the 4x4 lane, heading north, well below the speed limit. Likewise, Alicia held on tightly to the hand grip on the vehicle's frame despite the seatbelt snuggly cinched across her chest and lap.
With beachcombers, a very distant speck in the rearview mirror, Amy, more comfortable driving in sand, picked up speed. An ocean breeze, a warm 78, blew through the open cab, launching strands of their long hair into chaotic flight.
"This is great!" Amy exclaimed, grinning.
"Yeah!" Alicia agreed with a nervous laugh.
After several miles, the number of 4x4s on the beach dwindled to nothing. Alicia let go of the hand grip, pulled out her phone, snapping a picture of Amy behind the wheel, confident and sure, yet very feminine in the delicate sundress. Then leaning over in her seat, her head on Amy's shoulder, she snapped a selfie of the two of them. The resulting photo would become beautiful reminder of their adventure and a staple on their bookshelf.
After several miles, Amy slowed the jeep, scanning the dunes, looking intently for any signs.
"See something?" Alicia leaned forward, craning her neck to the left to see.
"No. Not yet." Her eyes darting back and forth between the lane and the dunes. She slowed to a crawl.
"Stop! Is that manure?"
"Where?" She brought the jeep to an abrupt halt.
"There." Alicia pointed out the passenger side, close to the waterline, an incoming wave at its edges.
Leaning over, Amy replied. "I think you're right. Good eye."
Putting the jeep in neutral, setting the brake, she jumped out, rounded the jeep to inspect the brown pile while Alicia stayed put.
"It looks fresh." Amy standing barefoot, looked over the moist balls of manure. "They can't be far."
"See any hoof prints?" Alicia asked.
She looked up and down the beach. "Yeah. Two sets going up toward the dune."
Pleased with her sighting, Alicia suggested that they park, wait and see if they emerge. Agreeing, Amy hopped in the jeep, pulled the jeep perpendicular to the dune, shut the engine off. They sat there silently, waiting and watching, scanning for movement of any kind. Minutes ticked by as the light of day began to dim.
"So. How are you doing?" Alicia quietly broke the silence.
"Me? I'm good." She smiled. "Excited to see some."
"Mmm. Want to talk about seeing Ty?" Alicia asked.
Amy glanced at her best friend, her smile faded. "There's not a whole lot to tell. It was only a few minutes before Brent showed up."
"It won't take long to tell then." Alicia prodded.
She nodded, but didn't respond right away. Gazing out the front windshield, seeing nothing as she formed her thoughts.
She sighed. "I was standing there, watching those two beautiful, wild horses, momma and baby, playing in the waves. It was picture perfect. Magical even."
Amy turned to Alicia. "Then I thought I heard his voice, like a figment of my imagination. When I turned around, I didn't recognize him, but I knew it was him. He has this long hair and beard now." She scrunched her nose for a split second.
"He took off his sunglasses and smiled. All of a sudden, it was like yesterday. As if no time had passed. Like nothing happened, everything bad melted away. It was like always. Just us talking, laughing. Teasing even." She shook her head, almost in disbelief. "Like old friends getting caught up."
"That's good, isn't it?"
"I guess."
"You guess?"
"Yeah. I mean, yes. It was really good to see him. So, yeah..." She nodded slowly, trailing off into thought.
"So...you're okay?"
"Yeah. I'm good." She said, nodding to confirm her own words. "I'm glad he's doing well. Glad he's happy. Successful. Doing what he loves."
"Hmm. What did you talk about?"
"Just surface-y things. Work, school, that kind of stuff. Nothing I didn't already know about."
"Really?"
"Well, except the externship. I didn't know that he was still involved with that."
"Hmm."
"He mentioned Andrew."
Not surprised, Alicia nodded.
"Guess you knew that Ty knew about Andrew and his donation?"
"Yeah." She admitted sheepishly.
She pondered that fact for a moment.
"Amy, you really need to hear from him about all this. Not from me. Or Michael. Okay?"
Sighing, she agreed. "Okay."
"Good. What happened next?"
"I asked about Claire. If she was leading the externship with him. At first he got all weird. Like he was eighteen and couldn't sting two words together." She shook her head, somewhat perplexed. "Then, he admitted that he externed with her. But, that he and Michael were leading externship."
"What did you say?"
"Nothing really." She shrugged. "It's not like it's new news or anything."
"Did he explain what happened?"
"Not at all. But, to be fair, he really didn't have a chance."
"Why?"
"About then, I got the Dean's email. I was kinda nervous to read it...so I asked him to." She smiled as she thought back.
"Ah, huh..."
"Funny. I read his acceptance letter too."
"Karma."
"It did feel a bit deja vue-ish. It was kinda nice." She sighed, then added nonchalantly. "Then Brent punched him in the mouth."
"What? Oh my god. Why?" Her eyes wide as saucers.
"We were celebrating. We were yelling and laughing so hard that we fell down. When Brent got there, he thought Ty was attacking me so..."
"Did Ty swing back?"
"Surprisingly No. Brent apologized. They shook hands." She shrugged again, looking straight ahead.
"Wow! Amy, I can't..."
"Shh." Amy hushed her friend as she leaned forward in her seat. Slowly she raised hand, pointing to the dune. "It's the momma and baby." She whispered. "The ones I saw earlier."
The women sat motionless as the chestnut horses stepped out of the dune cautiously, looking both ways before the spotting the jeep. They froze, ears alerted.
"Don't move." Amy warned in a whisper.
A standoff ensued, neither pair moved, eyes locked, for nearly five minutes. Suddenly, the mare raised her hind right leg to lick its fetlock joint. With its mother preoccupied, the foal took a single step forward, toward the jeep. Then another. Before long the young horse was within a few feet of the driver's side of the jeep, its ears and eyes keenly locked on Amy. Alicia snapped another picture.
Slowly, Amy held out her hand, despite the numerous signs warning against such.
The mare sensing danger, moved in, commandeering the space between her foal and Amy. Glaring intently, the mare blew air through her nostrils, sounding a warning to Amy to back off.
"It's okay, pretty momma. I won't hurt you or your baby." Amy cooed, sweet and soft, her hand still extended in greeting.
Not swayed, the mare reiterated the blow with more purpose.
"Promise. It's okay."
The back and forth continued for some time, each not willing to give up. Without warning, the mare became distracted, raising her right hind leg again, gnawing the same spot as before.
"Have an itch that needs scratching?" Amy asked, not expecting as answer.
The foal tucked its head under the mare, began to nurse, making sweet sucking sounds.
She pulled out her phone, holding it near her thigh, snapping several pictures of the two.
Lowering her leg, the mare glanced at Amy, now seemingly bored, ambled off. Her foal, not finished nursing, scrambled to catch up. Both disappeared into the dunes.
"Wow. That was amazing." Amy turned to Alicia, a smile playing on her lips.
"Yeah. It was." Smiling back.
"Thank you."
"You bet. Ready?"
"Yeah." Amy started the engine, putting the jeep in gear, then drove south toward the Village Idiot.
Inside the restaurant, the teenage hostess stopped them.
"Sorry. We're full."
"But, we have reservations." Alicia pled.
"You shouldn't have left then. Like I said, we're full."
Alicia began to argue, but Amy stopped her. "Come on Alicia. Let's go. We can listen from the Jeep."
As they turned to leave, Zach appeared out of nowhere. "Where are y'all going?"
"She won't let us in." Alicia complained.
"They're with the band. They're from Canada." He explained to the hostess. "They're waiting for them." With his thumb, he pointed to the back deck behind them.
"Fine." The host surrendered.
"Thanks Zach." Alicia gushed, giving him a hug.
As their made their way, through the crowded restaurant and outdoor deck to their table, Alicia was the first to notice. "Our seats! They're taken."
The table was full of guys, ten in total.
"Maybe they can make room for us." Amy suggested. "Or we can just stand."
"No way. That's our table." Alicia was defiant. She waved Matthew who was standing next to the stage with his sister. He waved back.
He motioned to the table. Four men on the right end, two on each side, stood, giving the women back their seats. The four climbed on stage, taking their places behind the keyboard, bass, violin and mandolin. Soon, another man joined them, introducing Matthew and Jill and the rest of the band as the Blackbirds to a cheering crowd. With a quick wave, the brother and sister stepped on stage as the band played a slowed down version an old Neil Young song, "There Comes a Time". On cue, the brother-sister duo began to sing, harmonizing beautifully.
Comes a time when you're driftin'
Comes a time when you settle down
Comes a light, feelings liftin'
Lift that baby right up off the ground
Oh, this old world keeps spinnin' 'round
It's a wonder, tall trees ain't layin' down
There comes a time
You and I, we were captured
We took our souls and we flew away
We were right, we were giving
That's how we kept what we gave away
Oh, this old world keeps spinnin' 'round
It's a wonder, tall trees ain't layin' down
There comes a time
Oh, this old world keeps spinnin' 'round
It's a wonder, tall trees ain't layin' down
There comes a time
There comes a time
Swaying in her seat, Amy was mesmerized by the song, its words, soulful harmony, the emotional violin solo. When the song ended, she stood from her seat, clapping. As she turned to take her seat again, she was startled to see Ty sitting on the other end of the table, watching her.
Hi Readers.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did writing it. Next up is Ty and his journey after seeing Amy at the beach to this moment.
Thank you for waiting patiently for new chapters to be posted. I appreciate and enjoy every single one of your reviews and PMs. I especially appreciate LifeIn3D for the kind and funny words of encouragement. And to Ladybug, Jim, Mike1965, Rick and so many others who take the time to review. I couldn't continue to write without your support.
SBR.