Sundancer

by Shelley Peterson

  Out in the hall, Hannah whispered, “But what about Bird?”

  “You and I both know that Sundancer is a dangerous horse. He demonstrated that twice today. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to Bird. Time to cut our losses, Hannah, and make a deal.” Paul paused. “Also, your father’s right. We could spend a lot of money on legal fees, but we have no proof of anything. If they take us to court, we don’t have a prayer. We really have no choice.”

  Hannah saw resolve in Paul’s face. He made sense. She nodded and led the way back into the kitchen.

  “Twenty-five,” said Hannah as she sat down. She could hardly believe she’d said it.

  “Deal. You cut a tough bargain, Hannah. Chip off the old block.” Kenneth put out his hand. Hannah, ignoring a queasy sad feeling, shook it. Kenneth took his cellphone out of his jacket and punched in a number.

  “Elvin? Kenneth. The deal’s done for twenty-five.”

  Bird listened in horror. She stared at Hannah and then at Paul. Neither would meet her gaze. She pushed out her chair and stiffly backed out of the kitchen, ignoring her little sister’s voice calling her name. She could not stay inside, not now. She had to get to Sunny. Bird ran outside and jumped the fence. Under the darkening skies, she raced as fast as she could through the field, accompanied by a rumble of thunder.

  Whoa there, Bird girl. Where’s the fire?

  Sunny! Hannah sold you! She sold you to the Tall Man and my grandfather.

  You must be joking. No, I can see it is the truth.

  It’s the truth. What can I do?

  You must tell them it is a terrible idea.

  I can’t talk, Sunny. You know that.

  You won’t talk, Bird girl. I know you are able.

  I can’t make the words come out!

  You must. I will not go back. They hurt me there.

  I know! Bird sobbed, burying her face in Sunny’s warm neck.

  I won ribbons today. Why does Hannah want to get rid of me?

  You also hurt people today, Sunny. You looked vicious.

  I only hurt the people who hurt me. It’s fair.

  What about the coyote lady? You hurt her, too.

  I didn’t mean to. I got scared.

  I know how you see it, Sunny. I’m telling you how humans see it.

  Then tell the humans how I see it! You must!

  I can’t!

  Sunny kicked up his heels and ran off into the field. Bird knew he was angry with her for letting this happen. Bird was angry at herself, too. Why couldn’t she speak when she wanted? The words always got stuck in her throat and wouldn’t come out. She clenched her fists and punched the air. She tried to scream. Only a low, throaty groan came out.

  “I’m guessing that Hannah took the offer.” Abby’s voice startled Bird, and she turned quickly, angrily wiping a tear from her cheek. “I know how hard it must be for you, Bird. You don’t want to hear this, but it’s probably for the best.” Abby reached out to touch her, but Bird backed away. “Sunny is a loaded gun. An accident waiting to happen. I know that. Deep inside you know it, too.”

  Bird shook her head fiercely. Of all people, she’d thought that Abby would understand. She wanted to tell Abby that she was wrong. Sunny was not a loaded gun for her. They talked to each other. She wanted to tell her that selling him was a huge mistake. That those people had hurt him. That Sunny would hurt them, too. But nothing came out except a strangled little squeak. How could she make Abby understand? Bird groaned as the realization hit her: She couldn’t. No one would ever understand. Once again, Abby reached out to comfort her. Bird shook her head. Don’t touch me! Just go away. She closed her eyes and flailed her arms. Go away, go away, go away. Before she knew what was happening, her fist made contact with Abby’s chest. Bird stopped moving and opened her eyes. What had she done?

  Abby jumped back in surprise as Cody charged from the bushes. He knocked Bird over and held her down, growling in her face.

  “Cody!” commanded Abby. “Get off!”

  Cody, I didn’t mean to hit her.

  You swore you would never hurt my Abby. You swore the oath.

  It was a mistake. I lost control.

  “Cody, get off her, now!” Abby’s voice seemed very far away.

  Are you mad at her?

  No. I’m mad at myself. I’m mad that I can’t talk and tell Abby why Hannah should not let Sunny go to the Owens stables.

  Then hit yourself, girl.

  I will, if you let me up.

  I will let you up if you will not hurt my Abby. Ever again.

  I promise, Cody. I mean it.

  Cody backed away and let Bird get up. He waited for her to punch herself, as she had promised. He was satisfied when she did, but still he watched her carefully and stayed by Abby’s side. Abby gave him a pat.

  “What was that all about, Bird?” asked Abby. “Why did you hit me?”

  Bird felt miserable. She opened her mouth and nothing came out. She punched her chest again, then squeezed her eyes shut and scrunched up her face, but nothing worked. Tears poured out of her eyes and down her face. Finally, she began to sob. The sobs made sounds from her throat, and Bird tried again.

  “So … rrr … y,” she grunted.

  Then she ran. She ran to Sundancer and grabbed his mane.

  We’re getting out of here, Sunny.

  Good plan. Where are we going?

  Sunny dropped his head and bent his knees, making it easier for Bird to get on his back.

  Anywhere but here. Let’s go.

  Hang on, Bird girl. We’re going to fly!

  Sundancer galloped lightly to the fence. Bird wove her fingers through his mane and held on to his sides tightly with her legs. He gathered his impressive strength in his haunches, sprang off the ground with no effort and sailed over the four rails with air to spare.

  Bird looked back to see Abby and Cody standing in the field staring at them through the gathering mist. She also saw the big blue Owens Enterprises horse van turning into their lane.

  Just in time, Sunny!

  They’ll never catch us!

  Sundancer and Bird raced through the fields behind the farm. The rain had started to fall, and it was getting steadily heavier.

  They splashed through Saddle Creek and along the ridge, heading for the woods. Sunny slowed down to a trot as they followed the dense forest trails, then moved faster into a gallop as he found better footing in the meadows. Big black and white Holstein cows looked up from their wet grass in wonder.

  My legs are getting tired, Sunny. Slow down.

  I’m having fun, Bird! See how fast I’m running?

  Yes, I do. But you’re all wet and slippery and I’m having trouble staying on.

  I’m the fastest horse in the world! The best racehorses can’t beat me!

  Sunny, I’m serious. You might slip in the mud. Slow down!

  You’re no fun.

  The big chestnut gelding slowed to a trot, then a walk. Then he stopped.

  What’s wrong, Sunny? Why’d you stop?

  Where are we going?

  I don’t know.

  I can feel that. Horses always know if their riders don’t know where they’re going. It’s a terrible feeling. So I’ll just stop here until you decide.

  Let’s see. We’re close to Hogscroft, the James’ place. That’s where Dancer lives. We’re not far from Abby’s barn. The Piersons are very close. The Owens stables aren’t far, and the Casey’s farm is over there.

  We need cover. I’m getting nervous out here with the lightning. Who would hide us?

  The Piersons don’t use their barn in the summer. Their Herefords are out and they don’t have horses anymore. They probably won’t even know we’re there.

  LAURA PIERSON WAS PEELING potatoes for dinner at the kitchen sink. She hummed along with the opera that was playing on the stereo, and mentally planned the menu for her next book club meeting.

  Laura and Pete belonged to four book clubs, and Laura was often the main
promoter. She loved the mental stimulation of reading and discussing good books with intelligent people, and tried hard to include interesting new people as they moved into the area. Which was why there were now four book clubs.

  The storm had come in fast and the light had faded. The birds normally began chirping their cheerful nesting noises at this time of the evening, which always made Laura feel happy and content. She knew that tonight they were already snugly nestled in, covering each other with their feathered wings. The thought pleased her.

  Laura stopped peeling and looked outside to watch a bolt of lightning. She rubbed her eyes and looked again. If she wasn’t mistaken, a powerful, handsome chestnut horse with a small rider jumped over their front fence and cantered toward their barn.

  “Pete! Pete!”

  Pete looked up from the book he was reading, ensconced in his comfortable chair with a heating pad warming his aching back.

  “A horse and rider just jumped over our fence. It looked for all the world like Dancer and little Abby Malone!”

  “Abby’s all grown up now, Laura.”

  “I’m not making this up!”

  “I didn’t say you were.”

  “Before you get your nose back in that book, I want you to go see what’s going on.”

  “I need to finish this book before tomorrow. Book club, you know.”

  “You’ve had that book for a month.”

  “I’m reading it now.”

  “I’m glad you are, Pete, but could you look out the back? Please?”

  Pete put down his book. For the peace of the family, he’d take a look, but he thought that his lovely wife might be seeing things. Old age, he thought. It does crazy things to us.

  He got up out of his chair. His arthritis hurt. His back ached. His feet were numb. He looked out the back window just in time to see a girl hop off a horse’s back and quickly disappear into the barn.

  Pete stood there, looking at the dark barn door through the window. He sniffed and stood taller. “Laura, my love, we have company.” Laura spun around, peeler in hand. “I’ll go invite her in. She must be hungry.”

  BIRD WAS HAPPY TO be out of the driving rain and on solid ground again. She was shivering, and her clothes were drenched. Her leg muscles felt like wet noodles, they were so weak. Sunny was delighted with the large clean dry stall he’d chosen, and more than pleased with the quality of hay and water.

  Do you think anybody saw us, Sunny?

  No chance, Bird girl. I was as quick as a bunny.

  A bunny, eh? A fat, slow bunny?

  What are you saying?

  That the back door just opened and someone is coming.

  What!

  Mrs. Pierson is on her way.

  Great. I guess I’ll have to do the talking.

  A talking horse. That’ll be the day.

  There’s more chance of me talking than you, Bird girl.

  “Hello?” Laura Pierson was dressed in a vibrant orange raincoat and matching rubber boots. She entered the barn, put down her turquoise umbrella, and fumbled for the light switch. “Hello? Please speak up, I know you’re in here.”

  You’re scaring the old lady, Bird girl. Say something.

  I can’t.

  Do I have to do everything myself?

  Staring at Bird resentfully, Sunny neighed loudly.

  “Thank you, horse. That was very polite. Now, I know there is a girl in here, too. I saw you both through my window.” Her hand searched the wall for the switch, to no avail. “And my, my! You both jumped that fence well.”

  Bird’s eyes were adjusted to the dusk, and she walked over and turned on the lights.

  “Oh! It’s you! The little girl who lives at Saddle Creek. Hannah’s niece. That explains the silence. You don’t speak, do you?” Bird nodded. She liked this woman right away. She was kind and gentle. Someone she could trust. “Who’s your equine friend?” Laura continued. “I thought for a minute it was Dancer! That gave me quite a start. He was a brilliant champion, and a dear, dear horse.”

  No better than me.

  Bird rolled her eyes at him.

  “I feel quite embarrassed, but I forget your name. It’s a province, I think, and your nickname is an animal. It’ll come to me.”

  Her name is Saskatchewan, Sasquatch for short.

  Sunny, you’re so funny I forgot to laugh.

  “It’s Alberta, isn’t it! You’re Bird! Well, I’m very happy you dropped in. Is your horse looked after?”

  Bird looked at Sunny. He loftily ignored her and munched his fresh hay. She nodded.

  “Good. Then why don’t you come in and dry off and have a bite to eat with Pete and me. We’re all alone tonight and would love some company.”

  Go ahead, Bird girl. It’s been a long day, and I need some rest. The horse show, the kicking at grooms, the great escape. Quite a day.

  Okay. I hope they’ll let us stay for the night.

  That part’s up to you. I’m just a horse.

  Right.

  Bird and Mrs. Pierson entered the kitchen together, leaving the rain outside. Pete looked up from his book and smiled warmly.

  “Well, well! It’s Bird from down the road. Soaked to the skin. I haven’t seen you for over a year. To what do we owe this welcome visit?”

  “Pete, dear, she doesn’t talk.”

  “Oh, yes. That’s right. Then, sit down here with me while Mother gets you some dry clothes and the dinner ready. I’ll just keep reading. I have a lot to cover by tomorrow. Book club. I don’t want to let Laura down. She chose this book, and I can’t quite get into it. It’s not my type of thing.”

  “Pete, the book can wait. Bird came here for a reason, and we should find out why.” Laura hustled away and called back, “I’m getting some nice warm towels, Bird, and I’ll find something cozy for you to wear.”

  Pete studied Bird’s face. She cast down her eyes.

  He was unsure where to begin, so he waited for Laura to return. Soon, Bird was all changed and dry. She sat warming herself by the fire, looking somewhat comical with her wet, spikey hair and oversized blue and green flannels. The sound of Bird’s clothes in the dryer provided a soothing background noise.

  “Does Hannah know where you are, dear?” asked Laura.

  Bird’s eyes flicked up at Laura then dropped down.

  “I thought not. Now, Bird dear. I must telephone her and tell her that you’re safe.”

  Bird jumped up and started for the door.

  Pete was alarmed. “There’s something amiss here, Laura.”

  “Have you run away, dear?” asked Laura. Her voice was low and sympathetic.

  Bird turned from the door and stared into her eyes. If she could tell her the situation, she knew that Laura would understand. Bird opened her mouth, but predictably, nothing came out.

  Pete rose from his chair with great difficulty and went to her. “Families are complicated things, Bird. We find ourselves at odds with the people we love sometimes. It’s natural.” He reached out and tousled her short, choppy dark hair. “Right at this minute, your aunt is at her wits end with worry. She probably wonders if you’ve been in an accident or kidnapped, or have fallen off your horse and are lying somewhere with a broken neck or leg, or both. We can’t let her worry.”

  “You can stay here as long as you want, dear,” said Laura. “We have a spare bed. Your horse is welcome, too. There’s lots of food and water for him, and fresh bedding.”

  “The deal is this.” Pete had to sit down again to rest his limbs. “You can stay here with us until you want to go home, but Hannah must know where you are.”

  Bird didn’t know what to do. She wanted to run away with Sundancer, even on this stormy night. She didn’t want Hannah to come and get them, only to sell Sunny to people that hurt him. But if she got on Sunny and ran away again, these nice people would still feel it their duty to call Hannah. Bird felt trapped. No win. She walked over to the black phone beside Pete’s chair and picked it up. She dialed her home number an
d held it out for Pete.

  Laura swirled over and scooped up the receiver. She listened attentively to the rings with her head tilted expectantly.

  Eva answered. “Hello?”

  “Is that Hannah Bradley? This is Laura Pierson.”

  “No, I’m sorry she’s out.”

  “Who is this, please?”

  “Eva Simms, Hannah’s sister.”

  “Oh my. The beautiful little Eva. Bird’s mother.”

  “Yes. Did you say you were Mrs. Pierson? I wasn’t paying attention. We’re so worried. It’s horrible out there and Bird hasn’t come home. Hannah’s out looking for her, and I’m waiting here for Bird, just in case.”

  “That’s why I’m calling, dear.”

  “That’s very kind of you, Mrs. Pierson. A lot of people have called, and a lot of people are out looking for her. I’ll call you when we find her.”

  “No, dear, you don’t understand. She’s here. With us.”

  “Bird’s there? Is she all right?”

  “She’s perfectly fine. She’s here with her lovely horse. They just popped over the fence for a visit.”

  “Thank heavens. She’s safe.” Eva was overwhelmed with relief. “I’ll call Hannah on her cell and tell her.”

  “Not so fast, dear. I want to know why your daughter ran away. Kids don’t just jump on horses bareback and hide in strange barns for no reason.”

  Eva paused for a moment, then began the story. “Hannah sold the horse. Actually, he wasn’t her horse because he was supposed to be put down and he was given away to the vet instead, but Bird did so well at the show today that the Owens barn wants him back and they’re prepared to pay twenty-five thousand even though they have the papers and Bird was so upset that she ran outside and Abby saw her get on Sundancer and jump the fence and gallop away and we’ve been looking for them ever since and the Owens guys are really mad. They’re threatening to sue and I think they mean it, and my sister doesn’t have any money for lawyers, but the important thing is that Bird is safe.”

  “My, my. Get your breath, dear Eva, and relax. I’m going to talk this over with Pete. He’ll know what to do. In the meantime, call Hannah and tell her that Bird and the horse are safe. Sundancer, did you say?”