Nothing But Horses

by Shannon Kennedy

“They’re both welcome,” I said. “So are you. If we get everything done around the farm, we might be able to get my grandfather to move the motor-home so we can play basketball in the carport. Grandma freaks when we hit it with the ball.”

  “I can see that.” Olivia smiled at me. “Do your grandparents live with you?”

  “Only during the holidays,” I said. “They have a place in Arizona for the winter. When it gets hot down there, they head north. They end up here for most of July and August which is majorly helpful for horse camp.”

  “Is that where you met Cedar the first time? She barely talks to anyone except us so I was totally surprised you got her to speak up.”

  “It’s not a big deal,” I said. “During camp, I assign barn buddies and the campers have to interview each other and report back. Cedar came for three weeks. By the last session, she was in the habit of talking to me. It just continued at school.”

  “Awesome.” Olivia glanced over her shoulder as the Mount Pilchuck crew wandered out of the restaurant. “Now, if we get Inez to transfer to Lincoln, we could majorly kick butt. I’ll see you next Monday, Sierra.”

  I watched her jog over to make nice with Inez. I got into my car and headed home. When I parked the car, Queenie and Charlie got off the porch. They barked twice and then ran to greet me. I bent and petted each of them. Okay, so I fussed more over my pup than the older collie, but she didn’t mind. Grandpa and Dave each took a moment to rumple her fur before they started packing in sacks of groceries.

  I carried in two giant packages of paper towels behind the guys. After I stored them on the shelves in the mud-porch, I returned to the kitchen and began putting away canned goods.

  “Your old basketball coach called.” Mom pulled out boxes of pasta. “She seemed surprised when I said you weren’t coming back after break. What was that about? We did all the necessary paperwork for your transfer, didn’t we?”

  “I left on a half-day,” I said. “Some of my teachers had subs, so the school secretary said they’d sign me out when classes started again. No big deal. I’m going to Lincoln next Monday.”

  Mom nodded. “That’s what I thought. Lauren Jamison phoned and asked me to remind you about the judging clinic for the 4-H club this Saturday. She seemed very nice. Why don’t you like her?”

  “Because she’s a total fake. She sucks up to parents and teachers. She plays Ms. Innocent while they give her what’s important to other people, like my winter solo. Then, she claims she doesn’t know why you’re upset or hurt or angry.”

  “Well, what goes around comes around,” Mom said. “She’ll discover that actions have consequences. I’m sure you’re not the only one who left the Mount Pilchuck choir.”

  “Probably not.” I took a bag of sugar over to fill the canister. I thought Mom might be a little naïve, but I didn’t say that. Instead, I told her about running into Cedar and the practice schedule at Lincoln. I’d still be home in time for chores most nights, but we agreed I should stay in Marysville to attend my teen group sessions on Tuesday evenings.

  * * * *

  Arlington, Washington

  Saturday, January 4th, 9:30 am

  The rest of the week zipped by. Autumn and I spent New Year’s Eve together while Mom, Dave, Grandma and Grandpa went to the local casino for the big party. They didn’t make a late night of it because we had our own party the next day. That went really well. Autumn was majorly thrilled when Dave brought a killer momma cat and three kittens to patrol the feed-room. He called it the ecologically friendly way to rat-proof the place. Tom and I still searched out any holes and blocked them with metal.

  Thursday and Friday, the stable opened. We did pony rides, lessons, trails—the usual activities on the farm. Vicky came in and worked Aladdin, then moved on to start Spirit. I liked her style. She didn’t push the filly, but focused on ground school. Spirit already knew to stand for grooming, vetting and hoof trims. Now, she learned about saddles and bridles. By Friday afternoon, Vicky could longe Spirit at a walk and trot while she wore both.

  Saturday morning I helped with chores, then packed my lunch and drove north to Salmon Pond Stable, the barn where the local 4-H and pony clubs would meet for a clinic with trainers and veterinarians. I followed the signs to the parking lot and made sure the Subaru was in the designated area so Lisa, the ultimate barn diva couldn’t freak out at me. Grabbing my backpack, I headed toward the large indoor arena.

  Halfway there, I spotted Lauren and a few of the other members with our leader, Tanya Jamison. I waved and went to join them. “Hi.”

  Blonde, ultra fashionable in breeches, boots and a gold Carhartt jacket, Tanya threw a scowl my way. “Sierra, what are you doing here?”

  I almost fell back a step, then pasted on a polite smile. “Lauren called to remind me about the judging clinic today.”

  “And that you couldn’t come because you didn’t do the community service.” Lauren said in a super-sweet voice. “I guess you’ll just have to turn around and go back home. Sorry.”

  She wasn’t and both of us knew it. I met Tanya’s ice-blue gaze. “Do you really want me to leave?”

  Fists knotted and I felt my nails bite into my palms. Stay calm, Sierra. If you blow it here, Mom will know as soon as Lisa talks to her at their next stable-owner meeting. Don’t lose it, don’t lose it, don’t lose it!

  I glanced past her and saw Lauren’s smirk. Angie, her best bud elbowed Cicely and the two of them snickered. Fury rocketed through me when a couple of the others looked past me like I didn’t exist. Oh they were a club all right, no—make that a coven and Tanya was the head witch.

  She must have seen something in my face because Tanya narrowed her eyes. “I told you to go. You’re not welcome here.”

  “Are you sure this is the way you want to play the game?”

  “It’s not a game to me, Sierra. Go.”

  “The Silver Spurs used to be a good group when the Weldons led it. My mom told me stories about their activities. It’s not the same anymore. You ought to change the name to the Silver Broomsticks. Then at least, people would know they have to be evil to join.”

  “Go, Sierra.”

  “Don’t worry. I am. I wouldn’t lower my standards by staying with trash like you. Who knows? You might want me to sacrifice a kitten or a baby.”

  I spun and started back toward my car, determined not to cry, angry with myself for sinking to the Jamison’s level. I hadn’t screamed or thrown things like I used to when I had a tantrum, but I wanted to cut loose with more than words. They had no right to set me up and shoot me down. What if they’d already been inside? I glanced over my shoulder, but they were gone. Calling Tanya, trash was mild. I could think of worse names. Next time, I’d use them.

  I couldn’t go in the building if my 4-H leader refused to sign for me and I wasn’t going to be embarrassed in front of more than the members of my club. A pickup had parked next to the Subaru. I waited for a moment for the kids and the driver who was probably about my mom’s age to climb out of the rig.

  “You’re Sierra McElroy, aren’t you?” The woman wore jeans and a blue Horse Heaven sweatshirt. She’d braided back her strawberry blonde hair and she tossed a friendly smile my way. “I’m Cathy Tiernan. Did you forget something? Are we blocking you?”

  “No. I mean I am Sierra, but I didn’t forget anything. I’m going home.”

  “Why?” Cathy kept smiling, but something changed in her face. I’d seen that look on my mom’s face when the going got tough and we were up all night with a sick horse. “I’m not that late, am I? My presentation isn’t until just before lunch.”

  “You’re not late at all.” I sniffed hard so the tears didn’t escape, wondering why kindness made me want to cry when Tanya’s meanness didn’t. “It was a set-up and I didn’t know.”

  I bit my lip. How did I allow her to hear the truth? Maybe, because her mom was friends with mine and I had just remembered that Cathy was a veterinarian from the Pine Ridge clinic. “I’m sorry.
I have to go.”

  “Not until you tell me the rest of it.” She folded her arms, lifted her chin and waited.

  “Look, I didn’t do my community service because we were having the Christmas party at Shamrock the same day and I couldn’t leave my mom with the whole thing. Now, my 4-H leader won’t let me stay, so I’m going home.”

  “No, you’re not. You’re attending today as a guest of the Horse Heaven Angels. If that turns into a problem for your leader, I’ll turn my mother loose on her. Believe me, nobody messes with Evelyn Tiernan or her kids or her 4-H club.”

  “And if she doesn’t get you, then Aunt Liz will.” This time it was the tiny version of Cathy from the other side of the truck who spoke up. “I’m Nikki Tiernan. You’re with us. Why doesn’t your mom have her own riding club?”

  “I guess we never thought of it.” I wound up carrying one of Cathy’s big tote-boxes toward the arena. “We already have so much to do with every-day chores.”

  “So do we,” Nikki said. “Do you think Horse Heaven runs itself? Get a clue, Sierra.”

  I laughed, already liking the snarky teen more than anyone in my own club, seeing the family resemblance between her and Cathy. I couldn’t imagine either of them standing by and allowing Tanya Jamison or her daughter to snipe at me. “We have forty horses, thirty of our own and ten boarders. How about you? What do you guys have?”

  Cathy was the first to arrive from the other barn, but she wasn’t the last. Nikki proceeded to introduce me to about a dozen other kids from her grandmother’s club as they joined us on the bleachers. They were nice and talked to me about the different programs that Evelyn had. Some of them boarded their horses there, but most leased their favorites. If I’d known them before, I might not have turned down the opportunity to attend Stewart Falls Academy, or Centennial Mid-High. Between talking horses, they also shared news about their classes. Even if I didn’t tell them so, I was still glad to be going to Lincoln.

  During the lunch break, Nikki and I went to get sodas for everyone. I saw Tanya Jamison talking to Lisa, the snooty owner of the barn and hoped I didn’t look concerned.

  “What are you still doing here, Sierra?” Tanya asked. “I told you that I wouldn’t sign for you to attend the clinic with the Silver Spurs.”

  “I know.” I kept my tone civil. “I’m visiting the Horse Heaven Angels today.”

  Nikki glanced at my 4-H leader and slid into the conversation with a super-sweet tone. “We want Sierra to join our club since she’s leaving yours. I already texted Grandma and she’s up for it. She says women entrepreneurs have to stick together.”

  “Yes, we do.” Lisa nodded at me. “How is your horse, Sierra? I hoped you’d bring him today, but I forgot to call and invite you. Sorry about that. One of my mares colicked yesterday and my brain was totally scrambled. If you’re shopping for a new organization, you could always join my pony club. We do three-day eventing and your big guy is a natural for that.”

  I felt a smile tremble to life. “Thanks, I’ll think about it. As for the invite, that’s okay. Nevada doesn’t like to go places without his mommy. Colic is a major killer. How is your horse?”

  Lisa strolled over to join us and proceeded to tell us all the medical details and how Dr. Cathy saved the day. Tall, dark-haired and perfect in her judging attire, Lisa looked like everything Tanya wanted to emulate and never would. Okay, so at thirty-something, Lisa could be a total witch at times like when she sold Rhonda a horse for a dollar, but I didn’t bear a grudge about that. I hadn’t wanted to sell our Houston to the woman regardless of the hefty price that would cover barn costs for a month.

  Lisa was still an amazing rider who’d won tons of awards in the dressage arena. She stood and chatted with me and Nikki long enough that nobody dared to hassle me for the rest of the afternoon. Meantime, I learned new things about the youngest Tiernan girl. She was Dr. Cathy’s niece, not her daughter. Nikki’s mom was active Army, stationed in Kuwait. While she finished her tour, Nikki stayed with her family.

  Once we had our sodas, we climbed back up to join the other Horse Heaven Angels. I flashed a glance at Nikki. “Did you know that Lisa went to high school with your mom or was a member of the original Silver Spurs club?”

  “No, but I’m not surprised. Aunt Cathy told me that most of the horsy people around here had been friends forever. Are you going to talk to your mom about starting her own riding club?”

  “I think so. Since Lisa totally dissed Tanya Jamison, it’ll be worth my life to go to another meeting.”

  “Well, if it doesn’t work out, you really can come to Horse Heaven and ride with us,” Nikki said. “Grandma won’t mind.”

  On the way home, I stopped in Stewart Falls to pick up Mom’s favorite combination pizza. Okay, so I didn’t have a screaming fight with Tanya Jamison or her witch daughter. However, I also hadn’t left Salmon Pond and gone home when they ordered it. Plus Dr. Cathy and Lisa had been super nice to me. That would totally annoy the Jamisons, especially since it was obvious they weren’t even on the barn V.I.P.’s, or the veterinarian’s radar. And part of me, the mean, nasty Sierra was doing a little whoo-hoo dance on the inside, enjoying every moment of their humiliation.

  I wondered how I’d manage to convince Mom that we should start our own riding club. I could already think of seven or eight members. Once I put up posters around our stable, there would be a lot more. The stall decorating contest and New Year’s Day work party proved our customers felt like they belonged at our barn. They believed they were part of our family. Granted, Mom and I did a lot when it came to maintaining our own barns. Add in the lessons, trail rides, pony rides, summer camp and the new pre-owner package and we were going non-stop.

  So, how did we begin a new program? Where did we start? What would it take to continue to foster a sense of camaraderie for our students and boarders? Could I build a community of riders at Shamrock Stable? How would I share the benefits with Mom?

  Chapter Twelve

  Marysville, Washington

  Monday, January 6th, 7:15 am

  I still hadn’t come up with answers for why I wanted a new riding club when I arrived at Lincoln High. I parked in the student lot and went inside to get a permit for my car. While I filled out the paperwork, the secretary told me my next stop would be the counseling center so I could go over my schedule with the school psychologist. I must have looked a bit confused because the next thing I heard was that the Vice Principal hadn’t returned yet from break.

  Dr. Danvers turned out to be a real sweetie and totally different from what I expected. In black slacks, a print shell, a fitted jacket and spike-heeled boots, she looked like professional woman Barbie. Her hair was the same deep red as Nevada’s coat, but he never stood still enough for me to sew braids into his golden mane and hers were extremely intricate. She looked over the schedule that I’d put together with Robin, Vicky and Dani, then nodded agreement.

  “I’d only make one change, Sierra. I noticed that you were in a singing ensemble at Mount Pilchuck. We offer that at the end of the day here at Lincoln.”

  I eyed her carefully before I said, “Don’t you have zero-hour practices?”

  “We don’t believe in them,” Dr. Danvers said. “Recent studies show that teens need more sleep than they get and achieve more academically if the school day starts later. Our classes start early enough now. All of our sports practices are at the end of the day. You can choose choir, or drama, or a club, or study skills, or science for the last hour. You just don’t get to waste time.”

  “Okay, then I’ll pick choir.” So far, I really liked this school. It felt like I’d made a good choice. We stopped by the library for me to collect my books and then Dr. Danvers showed me where to find my locker.

  The next stop was English class. As soon as I saw Mrs. Weaver, I knew why Robin called her a troll. Short and squatty-bodied, she wore a steel gray suit that matched her gray poofy hair. She actually resembled one of those old-time kid’s toys. She gave m
e a long look from stone-gray eyes. If she smiled, I’d bet her face would crack. But, she wasn’t taking any chances.

  She pointed to an empty seat and I hastily sat down. Nobody lifted their heads long enough to glance at me and there were twenty silent teens in the room. It felt majorly creepy, like I’d walked into a Stephen King novel. If the vampires leapt out of the storage closet, I wouldn’t be surprised.

  “We start with a fifteen minute write on Mondays,” Mrs. Weaver said. “The prompt is on the board. Use one of the composition books that Dr. Danvers gave you. Begin on the fourth page so you have room for a table of contents. I only accept blue or black ink.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I pulled a pen out of my backpack. Thankfully, it was black. I flipped open the black marbled notebook to the correct page and then looked up at the whiteboard. The sentence was simple. “Describe a favorite time you spent with your family or friends during Winter Break.”

  Was she serious? How could I possibly write for fifteen minutes on something so inane? I glanced at the rest of the class. They didn’t seem to be having any problems. I saw Vicky flip a page in her notebook and keep writing. Obviously, this was more important than what I thought. I shrugged and decided to describe the Shamrock Stable party on horseback. It had happened during break and we really had fun. It turned out to be one of the highlights of my vacation, although I actually loved Charlie more and my new-to-me car ranked right up there too. I wasn’t about to share any of that with a new teacher.

  After I survived English, I was glad to walk into my first choir class and find Dani. She smiled, and then came to meet me at the door. I grinned back. “How are you?”

  “Okay.” She led me over to where a young, skinny, dark-haired guy sorted through a stack of music. “Mr. Haller, this is my friend, Sierra. She’s starting today.”

  “Welcome to the mad-house.” He passed me a folder and a stack of songs. “Here you go. Dani, help her organize them. What are you, Sierra? A soprano?”