Troy’s bright shiny glossed up car sped by the trailer and spooked both horses, Vego was calm after a few seconds… but Sorrento not so much…
Sorrento neighed loudly and yanked the lead rope from Billy’s hands and reared striking the air with his hooves, he bolted away from the car, thankfully towards the barn instead of the road.
Billy and Charlotte ran off to get him; I quickly went over to Evan and calmed the agitated Vego.
I saw Troy get out of his car and I immediately whipped my head around and stared him down, Troy took no notice of the freaked horses or me.
He calmly began heading towards the house, I saw mom and Jamie come out completely confused. Jamie saw Charlotte and Billy struggling with Sorrento so he rushed to help.
“TROY!” I bellowed, I stomped over to him and blocked his way into the house standing on the porch steps.
“Do you realize what you just did?” I pointed to Sorrento.
His caramel colored haired head turned towards the barn, and then back to me. No sorrow or guilt in his eyes one bit…
I glared at him waiting for his answer; unfortunately this jerk is a very good liar when it comes to my mother within earshot…
His expression changed to a fake face of guilt. A total act to make my mother believe that I AM the bad guy…
“I didn’t see that poor animal,” He lied. I refrained kicking him in the gut; I breathed deeply trying to listen to the voice in the back of my head telling me to calm down.
“My, I really need to be more careful…” He gently moved me out of the way, and then stepped up the stairs. My eyes followed him to the door, as he shut the door he gave me one quick glare when my mom wasn’t looking.
When the door shut I yanked my hat off my head and bit my teeth into it to keep from screaming! Now you officially know how much I hate that sick excuse for a “father”…
I helped Evan and Billy release Sorrento and Vego into the pastures, Sorrento seemed calmer once he was free in the soft grass. He began rolling in it like a yearling, which obviously was a good sign that he was happy.
I walked back inside and immediately I was met with the scolding gaze of my mom, I avoided her eyes and started for the stairs.
“Josh I need to talk to you…” I stopped in my tracks and closed my eyes, praying silently that I wouldn’t blow up at Troy or mom.
I quickly slipped off my boots and took my hat off, and I sat down calmly on the sofa as far away from Troy as I could get.
Mom met my gaze; my eyes fell to the ground. I couldn’t look at her for long with out feeling guilty; she had that motherly gaze that’s so hard not to feel like you’ve done something…
“Joshua I love you son, but I want to know why you barked at Troy.” She asked calmly, her caramel brown eyes concentrating on me.
I bit my tongue to keep the truth from coming out, I know lying is bad. But in this case I don’t want to; she wouldn’t believe me anyways…
According to mom, Troy is Jesus reincarnated come back to earth again. (Notice the sarcasm)
“The safety of Sorrento is important to me; Sorrento could have seriously gotten hurt if he bolted before Troy’s car passed him. And Billy’s life was at stake; if Sorrento came down on Billy… he could have gotten hurt or killed. Sorrento isn’t exactly a Shetland pony mom…” I told her calmly, that was the truth.
But what I really wanted to say was; “Troy should have known better and he nearly hurt Sorrento and Billy, and if he hurt anyone in my family including the horses I would have to tie him up and tie a rope connected to him to one of our horses and make the horse pull and drag him from here to Peru…” Now that’s not very nice is it? (Again, notice the sarcasm)
“That’s not a very good reason Josh; I need to hear a better one. That’s not cool that you…” Troy began; mom cut him off, which surprised me.
“Troy I understand that you’re offended, but he’s my son and I was talking to him. Please…” She looked at him pleadingly but a little annoyed.
Troy fell silent.
“Thank you Josh, but I don’t appreciate that you shouted at him… you had a reason to be a little upset, but please, next time don’t overreact. Troy isn’t out to get you…” She looked at me comfortingly.
Yeah and butterflies eat rainbow beans, I grumbled in my head keeping my comments to myself, but she saw my facial expression unfortunately.
I’ve really got to work on my acting.
“Now go entertain yourself…” She got up and sat down in between Troy and I, I got up and made my way up the stairs I stopped when I was out of site and acted like I went up the rest of the way by stomping my feet several times.
I quickly leaned against the wall and listened.
There was silence for a bit, mom turned on the faucet in the kitchen and then Troy spoke in an annoyed voice.
“How much did you leave home and leave your kids with your ex-husband Jenn? Joshua does NOT have any respect for his elders… he should have a little bit more respect for me at least.” He grumbled.
“Troy, he doesn’t mean it…” Mom sighed, exhausted.
“Then why isn’t he ever nice to me? I treat him like I would if I had any of my own… he doesn’t respect me. Maybe his friends are influencing him…” Mom dropped something that banged on the floor loudly.
“His friends are good boys Troy; they’ve played with him ever since elementary school. I trust Josh, he knows not to get in with the bad crowds, and he knows the consequences…” She mumbled as she picked up the dish.
Troy sighed. “Well, I guess he’ll grow out of it… I can understand his pain of having a step father. Like you’ve said he’s quite attached to his… father.” He hesitated on the last word.
I heard footsteps and then a sigh. “Well, maybe we’ll decide to have one of our own sometime… you like?” Troy purred my face twisted in disgust.
“Maybe…” Mom trailed off, I became reluctant to listen anymore…
There was silence but I knew enough that he kissed her for a moment.
“I’m thinking about going upstairs… care to join me?” Troy purred again, I felt my hormones boiling violently.
“I think… maybe…” Mom giggled, I nearly gagged myself then and there.
I heard the sound of them kissing, I quickly retreated to my room and snatched my guitar, and I stomped down the stairs making sure that they knew of my coming… anything to stop him from touching my mom.
I stared at my step father and mom for one brief second; he had her in his arms which made my stomach form a knot. I quickly grabbed my boots and hat and put them on.
“And where are you going?” Mom asked.
“To have some time alone… I need to think…” I talked quickly and short, shooting Troy one quick glare to stay off my mother and then heading out the door.
I walked out of earshot of anyone and sat on the fence and pulled my guitar out, I strummed it once listening to the sound of the strings in perfect tune…
I pressed my fingers against the strings and began playing…
“Whooa… whooa…” I sped the song up and smiled. “I never thought I would see the day… when horses galloped free! When people were free to dance and sing… when everyone was free to laugh… when we were free…” I clutched the guitar pick hard and paused, letting the last note float out…
“Ooohhh,” I sang, I started strumming harder than before. “When people were free, that was the life! When everyone was able to walk in the sun and be with their friends!” I strummed a few notes wondering what lyrics I should do… I sighed and gave up.
I watched the horses prance around the pasture and nip at each other bucking and rearing like playful foals.
Brego snorted at another horse, as if he was engaging in conversation with him. I watched him and our chestnut mare; Helena prance around each other bobbing their heads.
I smiled as Brego nipped at Helena and neighed as if he was laughing as she pinned her ears back against her neck and snorted, clearly irritated.
“Hey, leave her alone Brego…” I talked firmly; Brego looked at me and shook his head making his mane whip against his dark brown neck.
“Come here…” I gestured gently towards me; the dark gelding snorted and started walking slowly towards me.
I slid off the fence and I grabbed Brego’s halter and made him look me in the eyes.
“You leave her alone Brego…” I held his big head in both of my hands and looked into his dark eyes. “Now go on…” I leaned my forehead against his and closed my eyes.
I patted his hind quarters and he trotted off, I slipped my hands into my pockets and let the light breeze blow in my ash black hair as my thoughts floated off into what it would be like to have a non-broken family...
*
“Trot Zeus, come on!” I dug my heels into the stubborn 6 year old Andalusia gray and black mane and tailed gelding.
Zeus is enduring a lot of training from me, Billy, and Charlotte… we just got him about 3 months ago and he still needs a lot of work. We’re trying to train him to do basic commands like walking, trotting, and cantering. And of course, eventually galloping…
Finally the cherry bay gelding went into a perfect English trot, I started posting immediately and I got him to go around the arena a couple times successfully.
“Hey Josh,” Evan swung himself over the arena fence and waited for me to slow Zeus to a walk.
“Hey,” I stopped the gelding in front of Evan.
“Ok, number one: you were trotting was completely wrong,” I glared at him at that, he smirked. “And number two: I was told to come and fetch you for a family meeting.” My brow furrowed.
“I’m going to go in on one condition,” I dismounted and looked Evan in the eyes. “Is this a family plus Troy meeting?” I asked in a low voice, not like anyone would hear us. But it’s always good to be careful…
Evan shook his head. “As far as I know it’s just you guys, somehow your mother or sister managed to get Riley back…” The strangest mixed expression of disgust and grimacing came across his face.
“Great,” I snorted sarcastically, that jerk was always lovely to have around. All though I don’t exactly know how LONG he will stay around, depending on where he decides to make his home with his friends and girlfriend next.
Riley really screwed up big time; he got in all the wrong crowds right around his sophomore year in High school. He seems to think that’s more important then the REAL world…
“All right, do you mind putting this stubborn donkey in his stall?” Evan chuckled, but nodded.
I passed the reins to him and strolled leisurely towards the house, taking as much time as possible to avoid something like this. Especially with my lazy self obsessed brothers; both of them are screwed up big time…
I opened the door and found my whole family waiting for me talking amongst themselves, mom saw me first.
I made my way to sit in an empty chair, but when I was about to sit in it Riley put his feet up on it and grinned maliciously.
When I looked at him it was not pretty, I’ll say that…
I yanked the chair out from under his feet and slammed it back down sitting on it, hard.
Mom rolled her eyes when she saw our little banter.
“So,” Mom sighed deeply. “I know you all are wondering why I have you here, well… I know it may be a pretty bad time. But I thought this would be a good for our family…” She smiled at all of us, I stared at her skeptically.
“I have been thinking this over a lot, and even though Troy doesn’t agree I’m going to do it anyways.” I knew my face turned quite curious at that point, mainly because she NEVER does anything with out Troy’s consent.
“For the past few months I’ve been emailing back and forth to a good friend of mine I met through www.cafemom.com and doing webcam. And, I invited her and her family to come here from Nashville Tennessee for the next 6 months…” My heart nearly broke through my chest wall because it was pounding so hard.
“Wait, what did you just say?” I gasped.
“My friend, Emily, is coming here with her four kids and her husband. I thought it would be a good idea, mainly because this family needs something to heal us…” She talked firmly but softly.
No one said a thing, Riley suddenly scoffed.
“Thanks mom, you’re a real lady… you don’t even ASK us if it would be all right if this family can come to OUR home and take up our rooms…” Riley grumbled, folding his arms across his chest.
Mom shot him a glare. “I wasn’t finished,” Her eyes ran over all of us. “Remember the old guest house that was here when we bought this farm?” Mom asked, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
“ALL of us are going to fix that house up for our guests, and we have 2 weeks… Billy and Evan have already been fixing it up off and on anyways. So starting bright and early tomorrow morning after all our chores; Jamie you’re going with Billy down to the hardware store in the city to get the things we need. Josh, Riley, Char, you three are going to help me fix the guest house with Evan…” I refrained from grumbling.
“What about us?” Katie asked innocently, mom smiled.
“You’re going to help put a fresh coat of paint on the house…” She told them cheerfully, the two girls grinned at each other.
“All right, now you can run off…” Immediately we all got up, I quickly went out the door and went to go clean some saddles.
I scrubbed Brego’s English saddle until it was spotless, and that’s when trouble (Riley) entered the tack room.
“Hey little brother…” He smirked, leaning casually against the doorframe.
“What do you want?” I snapped.
“Nothing, I just wanted to come see what my special brother was doing…” He chuckled.
I just glared at him and went on cleaning saddles.
“So when are you going to graduate?” Riley asked, completely at ease.
“Next year like every kid is supposed to, unlike you Riley.” I didn’t turn around to bother to see his face twist in anger, whenever anyone says that he is stupid because he hasn’t graduated High school he gets really angry.
“That’s… good…” Riley mumbled. “So, what do you think about this family coming here in a couple weeks?” Riley asked, this time he sounded quite sincere.
I turned to look at him.
“Um, I guess there is really nothing I can do… but no I’m not too thrilled. There’s already too much screwed up here anyways, bringing some family into this is a bad idea…” I mumbled the last part, and straightened myself.
“Yeah, same here…” Riley looked a little distressed. That’s when I noticed the way he looked; his jeans are ripped and his eyes look like he hasn’t slept very well.
“Well, I’m gonna be here for a while…” He sighed.
“Huh?” I blinked, confused.
“Vanessa broke up with me and basically stole all my money…” He sighed, exhausted.
“Why?” I found myself asking, I bit my lip.
“Apparently I’m not the ‘man I used to be’.” He scowled. “I guess I wasn’t paying enough attention to her,” He heaved a big sigh and then looked at me.
“Well, have fun polishing bro…” He patted me on the shoulder and then walked out. I stared after him as what he said registered in my head; he’s usually such a jerk… I started wondering what was making him upset.
Probably the same thing that’s been bothering me ever since mom remarried very unjustly a year ago.
*
Next morning I awoke to the unpleasant sound of a loud pot banging.
“Get up boys!!” Mom banged on my door, or OUR door, referring to its both Riley’s and mine.
I groaned and rolled out of bed, I grabbed a button up shirt and some jeans and shoved my foot into Riley’s ribs as he still snored away, ignoring our mom's orders.
He stuttered and when he saw my face he glared at me.
“Get up, I’m not going to let you get away with being a lazy butt and make me do all the work.” I snapped, Riley just grumbled but he got up and got dressed.
Riley slapped a baseball cap on his head backwards, I smiled at his look. The tips of his ash black hair stuck out under the hat, it made him look like a scarecrow.
We both grabbed a granola bar and headed outside; everyone was already waiting minus Billy and Jamie.
The guest house isn’t really that far from our house, maybe about 50 yards or so. Fortunately a little brick path somewhat connected our house to it so you didn’t have to walk in the mud.
I couldn’t help but notice how mom was dressed, she honestly is a very beautiful woman for her age after having 6 kids, plus she has the body of an average 17 year old girl.
I think mom had a spunky attitude when she woke up; mainly because she’s wearing a banana yellow tank top on with pink flowers and cut off jeans with red converse.
“Ok, let’s get started!” Mom grabbed the tool box next to her feet and started towards the guest house.
We all started on the guest house and worked for a few hours and took a break for lunch. And then we started back up again and planned on working on it until dinner…
I slammed the hammer down onto the nail and kept doing so until the new board was successfully secured to the roof of the 3 bedroom guest house.
“So Josh,” Jamie passed me another board and climbed up the ladder.
“What’s up?” I set the board up in its place and held the nail there and began to gently tap it into the wood.
“What do you think having a family of 6 staying here will be like?” Jamie asked.
I banged the hammer a little too hard and in the wrong spot, I stared blankly at the bent nail half way in the wood.
“How should I know?” I snapped.
“Ok geez, calm down. I meant no offense…” Jamie put his hands up defensively.
I rolled my eyes and pulled the dead nail out of the board and handed it over to Jamie.
“I’m curious though Josh, what do you think it’ll be like? Mom said that her friend Emily has a set of twins that are about your age…” Jamie prodded; I heaved a big sigh and thought about it for a moment.
I guess it couldn’t be that bad, all though then again it could be. These kids are from the city, they probably have never even been around horses. And being that inexperienced means time out of my schedule to teach these city kids how to ride a horse…
“Come to think of it,” I looked at Jamie and sighed. “I honestly think its going to be a load of frustration, these are city kids Jamie. And city kids equal inexperienced riders…” Jamie rolled his eyes.
“And inexperienced riders = teaching them how to ride… which means time out of our schedule. And believe me I want to do ANYTHING but teach some city kids how to ride a horse…” I started hammering another nail into the board, my anger showing straight through how hard I was banging on the poor nail.
“Ok,” Jamie let out a small chuckle. “To be honest I think it might be kind of fun…” He commented I shot him an amused look. He smiled, I chuckled and shook my head and continued to replace the old boards on the roof.
