Cowgirl Strong

by Jenny Hammerle

  “How did he know your name?” Rachael asked Maysie.

  “From the license and registration.” Shannah answered.

  “And the fact that I recognized him, too.” Maysie spoke in a hushed whisper.

  “You knew him?” Shannah sounded nervous.

  “He’s from around here. He knows my dad.” Maysie admitted. “Like I said, I recognized him, and that typically goes both ways. If I recognized him- he would’ve recognized me also.”

  “Great! We’ll all be shoveling crap in the barn tomorrow.” Rachael sighed.

  “Probably, but it was sooo worth it!” Shannah teased.

  “For sure.” Maysie added.

  Chapter Four

  Rachael crawled back into bed around five o’clock and slept soundly until there was a light knock at her door. Her mom walked in and handed her a cup of coffee

  “So,” she paused. “I got a call from Mrs. Baxter.”

  Rachael sipped her coffee, careful not to look up over the rim of her cup. After a minute or more she realized her mother was waiting on her to say something.

  “Really? What about?”

  “Oh, just a little something to do with Gabe’s vehicle and some graffiti painted on the windows.”

  “Oh, no, what could he have done to deserve something like that?” Rachael feigned ignorance.

  Her mother laughed. “I was thinking the same thing, poor guy.”

  “It didn’t do any damage, did it? This graffiti stuff.” Rachael feigned worry.

  “Nope- no damage, but he called Travis this morning and was out there scrubbing his car windows like a madman. I guess it really ticked him off.”

  “Poor Gabe. I feel for him. I really do.” Rachael pouted her lips trying to appear sad.

  “I thought so, my little angel. I knew you had nothing to do with this.” Rachael’s mother stood and they shared a knowing smile.

  So Mom understands after all…

  “Oh and Rachael, honey, scrub your nails. There is still polish on them.” She walked out and closed the door behind her. Rachael could hear her laughing all the way to the kitchen.

  Rachael climbed out of bed and set to work feeding animals and cleaning stalls. She didn’t hear from Travis all day and surmised by dinnertime he was not happy with her. Rachael wouldn’t give in and call or text him. He was the guy- that was his job.

  *

  Two days passed and still nothing. Now he was really beginning to make Rachael angry. By the third morning, she decided she would march right over there and set him straight.

  She climbed in through the still broken window of her Mustang, and drove over to the Baxter Ranch. Maysie was out in the round pen riding Pretty Girl.

  Rachael parked her car and climbed out through the window. She walked over to the round pen. Maysie galloped over to her.

  “You can’t stay to visit. I’m grounded.”

  “Grounded?”

  “Yep. The officer friend of my dad’s called and ratted us out. So I’m grounded.”

  “Bummer. My mom knows but she didn’t ground me.”

  “That’s because your parents are cooler than mine.”

  “Where’s Travis?”

  “He’s grounded, too.”

  “Why is Travis grounded?”

  “For arguing with me over the whole Gabe thing. Dad said that blood is blood and he shouldn’t be fighting with me over it. I’m grounded for two weeks- for driving the get-a-way car and all. He’s grounded for one week for fighting with his sweet, little, innocent baby sister.”

  Rachael knew by Maysie’s comments that Travis must be standing behind her. She turned to hear him saying, “Hardly. We’re twins. I’m ten minutes older than you- not ten years. Hey Rach- so I guess you’ve heard. We’re grounded.”

  “Just found out. I guess I should be going. I don’t want either of you to get into trouble. Can I hug you?”

  “Make it fast.”

  Rachael went over and hugged Travis.

  “Sorry you’re grounded.”

  “Sorry for defending Gabe.”

  “Hi, Rachael.” Mr. Baxter bellered from the barn. “If you’d like to be grounded too, there’s always room for one more. Come on out here and grab a shovel. I could use some help with these stalls. Maysie, you and Travis, too.”

  Four hours later, the three of them were still working tediously in the barn. They heard a horse trailer coming down the driveway. Maysie lifted her head in the direction of the doorway where Tristan’s truck and trailer pulled into view.

  Maysie shrieked, “Great. And I look awful. Just plain awful.”

  “Don’t worry about it. He’ll like you dirt and all.” Rachael offered.

  “Not stank and all.” Travis grinned.

  “More working, less caterwauling.” Mr. Baxter barked as he went outside to greet Tristan.

  The rattling of the metal gates on the horse trailer made everyone stop and take notice. Tristan led a new filly into the barn. She was a buckskin and appeared to be a little over a year old. She was walking nicely on her lead rope and didn’t seem to be bothered by all of the activity in the barn going on around her.

  “She’s gorgeous, Tristan. What’s her name?” Maysie greeted.

  “I’ve been calling her Prissy, short for Priscilla.”

  “How old is she?”

  “Eighteen months.”

  “She’s a baby.” Maysie cooed.

  “Here we go, again.” Travis chided.

  Rachael and Maysie set their shovels aside and walked over to pat the filly. They both rubbed her neck and shoulders.

  “She’s so tiny- for a baby horse.” Rachael amended. Prissy wasn’t exactly tiny, but she was a baby still.

  “She’s too small to ride, but she needs lots of ground work. I thought the girls would enjoy working with her.”

  “Could we?” Maysie squealed. “I’ve never had a filly before.”

  “Okay, girls.” Mr. Baxter directed. “Lead her down to the end stall and make sure she has fresh water, hay, and feed.” He paused, “And by the way, y’all consider yourselves un-grounded. Now go get washed up for dinner. I’m heading up to the house.”

  Rachael wasn’t quite sure what had just happened. First they were grounded, now they weren’t. As if reading her thoughts Travis explained. “Dad always doles out quite the punishment at first- then sometimes he has a change of heart and paroles us early.”

  “Good.”

  Rachael and Travis put away the shovels and walked out behind the barn to empty the wheelbarrow in the back pasture, leaving Tristan and Maysie alone in the barn.

  “What do you think about the filly?” Rachael glanced sideways at Travis.

  “I think it’s a gift for my sister.”

  “I think you’re right.”

  “My dad must’ve known though because he didn’t seem surprised.”

  “Yep- and so the courtship begins.” Rachael beamed.

  “Hmmm.”

  “You have to try to stop seeing her as a sister and more as the woman she’s becoming. She will be eighteen in two weeks, Travis.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  After dumping the wheelbarrow and pushing it back to the barn in silence, Rachael started speaking in a very loud voice when they neared the doors. “I sure am glad you aren’t grounded anymore!” She was nearly yelling.

  Travis shot her a look.

  “What?” She smiled.

  “You know what. You were firing a warning shot. Letting them know that we were coming back in.”

  “Who me? No, I was just talking.”

  “You can’t lie to me, girl.”

  Travis smacked Rachael on the butt. To their surprise Tristan and Maysie had already made their way back up to the house. Travis flipped on the barn lights before heading up to the house, stopping long enough to kiss Rachael softly. They strolled hand-in-hand into the house.

  Inside they were greeted by the smell of baby back ribs, coleslaw, garlic toast, and baked beans.
Rachael texted her mother to let her know she would be staying for dinner and to find out what time she needed her home. Her mother was fine with it and told her not to rush.

  Dinner was a beautiful, elegant affair. Mrs. Baxter had set the table with real linen napkins, china, and everything. After dinner Travis and Rachael went for an evening swim while Maysie and Tristan visited on the back porch. Mr. and Mrs. Baxter had retired to the family room for a little TV time.

  “So, I’ve been thinking, I’d like to have a back-to-school party and invite all of our friends.” Rachael announced.

  “Sounds like a great idea.”

  “Amber, too.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.” Travis disagreed.

  “Why not? She’s still our friend.”

  “Yes, but she is pregnant. You don’t think that your mom and mine will have a problem with us hanging out with a pregnant chick?”

  “No. Why would they? It’s not like her pregnancy is going to rub off on us or anything.”

  “Good point. We can always ask and see.” He offered.

  “Why would we ask? She’s pregnant- not a felon.”

  “Yes, Rachael- she’s pregnant. I’ve got the definite feeling that moms, plural, as in yours, mine, and other people’s moms- will see it as us condoning teenage pregnancy.”

  “You’re wrong. If anything they’ll encourage us to embrace Amber. You’ll see.”

  “Okay, if you say so.”

  “I do say so.”

  “I just don’t want you to be disappointed.”

  “I won’t be because you’re wrong- in this case. Everyone will surprise you and receive Amber with open arms, hearts, and minds.”

  “So let’s discuss what I want for my birthday.” He winked.

  “I bet I can guess.”

  “If you think you can, be my guest.”

  “A new compound bow.”

  “Would be nice, but no.”

  “A new stereo system for your truck.”

  “Would love it, but you can’t afford it on your pay.”

  “Don’t tell me that you have been hanging around Gabe- and want to renegotiate our purity agreement.”

  “Be serious.” He frowned.

  “You never know, the thought may have crossed your mind.”

  “All the time, but no, I’m not wanting ‘it’ for my birthday if that’s what you’re asking. I was thinking more along the lines of his and hers fishing poles.”

  “Thank goodness. Had me scared there for a moment.”

  “You scared? I’m the religious one, remember? Let’s get out of this pool and go babysit Maysie and Tristan.”

  Travis hauled Rachael out of the pool behind him.

  “Renegotiate our purity pledge…not a bad idea. Maybe in a year or two.”

  “Not happening, Travis.”

  “It was worth a try.” He joked.

  Inside Rachael heard laughter coming from the kitchen table. Mrs. Baxter was dishing up warm apple pie and ice cream. Rachael sat down still wrapped in a towel and wearing one of Maysie’s one piece swimsuits.

  Tristan sat talking about Maysie’s new filly.

  “Her sire and the mare were both not that tall. She won’t be taller than fifteen hands. I think she would be perfect for cutting, especially for a woman.”

  “She is so gentle and sweet. I think she’ll be easy to train.” Maysie advised.

  “We shall see.” Tristan raised his eyebrows.

  “I think you two will have your hands full. Maybe even too full to go out in the middle of the night shoe polishing vehicles.” Mr. Baxter grinned.

  “I don’t know about that. Don’t mess with us country girls. We may seem all sweet and kind, but underneath it all, we’re pretty tough.” Maysie warned.

  “You’re preaching to the choir here, Maysie. Your mom has whipped my butt into shape for twenty years.” Mr. Baxter teased.

  Mrs. Baxter giggled, “And you’ve enjoyed every minute of it, too.”

  “That I have, my dear, that I have. Maysie and Travis, why don’t you tidy the kitchen?”

  “I’ll help.” Tristan stood and started to clear the table.

  “Figured you would. Goodnight, Tristan. Rachael it was good seeing you. Lock the door before you come up to bed, Travis.”

  Mr. and Mrs. Baxter turned and exited the kitchen. Rachael went into the downstairs bathroom to change out of the borrowed swimsuit and put on her dirty work clothes, and boy did they smell. Maysie had gotten cleaned up just before dinner. Rachael hadn’t had anything clean to put on. Climbing back into the smelly clothes after swimming was very unappealing.

  If Travis noticed her stench he didn’t let on. He walked her outside, down the steps, and kissed her goodnight.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow before you go into work.”

  “That reminds me, I was mad at you.”

  “For what now?”

  “For not calling me for two days.”

  “I was grounded, remember?”

  “Still could’ve texted.”

  “Not without a phone you can’t.”

  “Didn’t realize you lost that, too. Sorry, I just missed you.”

  “I’m just glad you didn’t vandalize my truck or anything.”

  “Not this time, but watch out.”

  Chapter Five

  Work dragged by, one hour at a time. Rachael had unpacked and priced the little bit of new merchandise that had arrived earlier this afternoon. Next, she dusted every display table in the store. She knelt on the floor in front of the boots, making sure that they were paired correctly by size and style. It was amazing how mixed-up they could become in just two days. She stood to walk back toward the front of the store when she heard the bells chiming.

  A girl walked in, carrying a store bag, probably needing to exchange or return something. Rachael looked at her, realizing she looked vaguely familiar but not recognizing her. Her hair was drab and lackluster- and her overall appearance could have been described as gaunt. Her cheek bones were high, but her face was thin- too thin. Her exposed arms were bony and appeared to lack all muscle tone. The skinny jeans she wore did nothing to conceal her hipbones and her flat butt. This girl looked sick!

  Rachael immediately felt for her and walked over behind the register.

  “Welcome to the Western Store. How may I help you?”

  “Hi, Rachael.”

  Do I know this girl?

  She removed her sunglasses- this super thin stranger seemed to know her. Rachael’s heart hit the ground…Misty…

  But this wasn’t the super beautiful, curvy in all the right places Misty that Rachael remembered. This Misty was frail and appeared as if a strong wind could blow her over.

  “Hi, Misty.”

  Misty sauntered, or staggered rather, up to the counter.

  “I believe you helped my grandmother pick this shirt for me. I love it- but it’s way too big for me. I think I need an extra small.”

  “Let me grab the correct size.” Rachael wandered over to the rack and selected an extra small. She brought it back over and scanned the first shirt as a return. Then she rang up the next one as a new purchase.

  Misty made no attempt at small talk. Her eyes were deep set and had a sunken appearance. Her skin had lost its youthful appeal and she had a few sores on her face and arms.

  What is wrong with her?

  Rachael thought about asking, but knew she wouldn’t be asking for the right reasons. Yet, something deep inside her told her Misty was in trouble. Something was wrong. She seemed very anxious and fidgety. Kind of strung out.

  “Will there be anything else?”

  “No. Enjoy my boyfriend.” She smirked and turned to go.

  “Whatever.”

  It took all of Rachael’s self-control not to sail over the counter and knock Misty’s frail, meager butt to the ground. She had a few words saved up for Misty, but couldn’t bring herself to say them. Misty had never been nice. She’d never even been what Rachael ha
d thought of as a decent person. For the two years that Rachael had known her, she’d been mean, snotty, slutty, and an all-around not good girl. Rachael realized that she hated Misty. Truly hated her to the core of her being.

  However, no matter how much she despised Misty, she felt sorry for her.

  Whatever was wrong with Misty it had to be serious. She must’ve lost nearly thirty pounds and she didn’t have thirty pounds to lose in the first place. Rachael would’ve guessed that the skinny jeans were a size zero or maybe even smaller. Misty was tall. Weighing less than one hundred pounds was too thin for a girl her height.

  Rachael’s anger and hatred of Misty transformed itself into pity for her. Had her break-up with Travis left her more emotionally scarred than Rachael had known? Had she truly loved him? Was that in some way tied to her current state of uber thinness?

  The last few hours of Rachael’s shift dragged by, and she was relieved once again when she could pull out her vacuum, lock the doors, and cash out for the day. She put the deposit together for Tracey who would be opening first thing in the morning and locked it up in the safe for the night. She exited via the backdoor where her car was parked outside. Travis lazily leaned against her door. After her run-in with Misty, she was in no mood to talk to Travis about it.

  He always made a habit of waiting for her after her shift. He didn’t like the idea of her exiting a backdoor in a poorly lit alley behind a row of stores. He’d voiced his concern over this part of her job to her on many occasions and it seemed tonight would be no different.

  As if sensing her upset, he walked over to her and hugged her. “What’s wrong?”

  “I had a little run-in with Misty tonight.”

  “Sounds interesting. Did y’all get into it or something?”

  “Just a little. I wanted to beat her up or at least curse her out over her telling me to ‘enjoy her boyfriend’, but that aside, no.”

  Travis was laughing.

  “It really isn’t funny.”

  “Not the part about you enjoying her boyfriend, but the part about you beating her up. Now, that’s funny. I never pegged you for the fighting type. You’ve been spending too much time with Shannah.”

  “Laugh if you will, but the only thing that kept me from doing it was her frail, super skinny, half-starved appearance.”