Colton backed away and hunched down to all fours.
The mother apologized about her child scaring Colt. She looked inside the cab and calmed her crying son, “The doggy wanted to say hello, Thomas.”
As her son quieted, I squatted eye-to-eye with Colton and soothed him. Then I glanced up at the mother. “This is my dog’s first visit to the store, and it’s not good that he became frightened. He has to be numb to noises and quick movements. Do you think Thomas would mind letting Colton greet him again?”
The lady smiled. “I’d be glad to help.” She leaned into the truck cab. “Thomas, the puppy wants to give you a kiss. Is that okay?”
He poked his head out the window and stared at Colton. “Okay. Kiss.”
“Thanks, Thomas. Hold your hand out the window.” Then I gave the command, “Heel.”
Colt walked next to me and up to the cart.
“Greet.”
Colt bumped his nose on the boy’s hand.
“Yes!”
The boy giggled like someone had tickled him and squeaked “Do again!”
We walked away and I repeated, “Greet.”
Colt moved forward and nosed Thomas’s hand. Then he sat in front of the boy.
I bent down and smiled at Thomas. “Thank you for helping train my puppy.”
He laughed and pretended to beep his truck horn, sounding like a goose honking.
Before the mother pushed the grocery cart down the aisle, she beamed and said, “Thanks for doing what you are doing. Service dogs make miracles.”
Colton sat and watched them leave.
Mom had observed from a distance, walked over to us, and put her hand on my shoulder. “He’s doing fine. It’ll take a few outings for him to get accustomed to new people and new sounds. Take him up a few more aisles, and I’ll be waiting at the door.”
We headed to the produce aisle, and then to the restroom. Inside, he needed to see the stalls and hear the hand dryer. I had him follow me inside.
“Sit.” I pointed to the door. “Wait.”
After washing my hands, I put them under the automatic air dryer. Colt’s head flew up. He backed away and stared at the noisy machine. As soon as it stopped, I repeated drying my hands. This time he moved closer with a questioning look. I knew each time we used the restroom, he’d get more relaxed with the sound.
At the front of the store, he wiggled up to the doormat and waited for me to say, “Open.”
He pressed on the mat and swaggered through the open door. Colton walked at my side all the way to the car. I opened the door, and he waited for the command.
“Okay. Up!”
Mom twisted around and beamed. “Trina, Colton did a super job for his first visit. We can do another outing Tuesday after school. I’ll have the afternoon free.”
I grinned and climbed in next to Colton. “Let’s go to the Mall.”
“Really?” Mom’s eyes widened. “I’ve waited a long time for you to ask to go to the Mall. Why don’t you invite Sarah?”
During my evening with Sarah, treating the horses, I talked about Colton’s grocery store experience and invited her to go to the mall.
Her expression was priceless. She studied me. “Really? Why are you going to the mall?”
“Besides having a people watching session for Colton, I need some new clothes. Will you help me choose?”
“Wow!” She clapped her hands together. “Trina, I never thought you’d be interested in shopping for clothes. Is it okay with your mom?”
I beamed. “She’s excited. Before the beach trip, she tried to get me to look at new clothes.”
“So what’s with the new interest? Chase is a long way away.”
“Yep, he is. I’ve outgrown everything. Look, I’m almost as tall as you. I need some new stuff that fits. Nothing fussy. Okay?”
With no conversation about Morgan, we finally said goodbye and headed home. I stretched out on my bed and tried to read but the words all blended together.
This day had been full of surprises. Not the fun kind I had thought of. After riding and then working with Colton, something new tickled inside. And it was a scary.
Chapter 24
Every time I rode Chancy, I told myself I might be a better rider if I practiced more, but being honest with myself, I realized my riding skills might never improve. When Colton and I worked together, we clicked. We were a special team, doing something important for others.
So many new feelings to explore. I was unsure of what I actually wanted to do. I doubted my thoughts and seemed to be confused most of the time.
With two more weeks until my birthday party, maybe I’d figure out what was going on inside of me. I tried to erase my worries and let the thrill of my party seep in. My dog friends, Annie and Jessica and, of course, Wesley were coming. I hadn’t heard from Chase and still hoped he’d come. That would make things interesting with Wesley.
Is it silly for me to be so eager to turn fourteen, have cake and ice cream, and open presents?
I didn’t even know what I wanted for my birthday, but I knew I’d be surprised. And I loved surprises.
Hoping to get sleepy, I read until my eyeballs hurt, but the moment I closed them my thoughts shot from horses to dogs to boys and my birthday. I tried harder to leave out the guy stuff. As I lay on my side, staring out the window, my phone chirped.
My heart fluttered before I answered. Chase had promised to call before my birthday, and we hadn’t spoken in twenty-six days. His voice always brought me back to our week on Edisto. Tingles crept up my arms. I closed my eyes, and concentrated on slowing my pulse. Who else would be calling at this hour? Before the phone stopped chirping, I checked caller ID with shaking hands and answered in a gasp, “Hey!”
His deep voice said, “Hey, Trina, It’s me.”
I swallowed and took time to calm my voice. “Wow! How are you?”
He chuckled. “I’m extra good.”
I sat up, rocking back and forth, waiting for him to explain why all of a sudden he was calling.
His voice grew higher in pitch. “I have some news. Is it too late to talk?”
“Nope, I’m just reading. It’s been a busy day.”
“Trina, I’m sorry I haven’t kept up with calling, but you know how it is. I get busy and forget. That didn’t come out right. I think of you every day, but it’s too hard not seeing you.”
“I know. Maybe when you get involved with PAALS, we’ll be able to see each other.”
Chase snickered. “That’s why I called. Ms. Jen decided to have an early session with graduating some of the dogs. She couldn’t do all of the people at once. Logan’s name came up on the list three weeks ago with the dogs that were ready.” Chase’s voice grew louder. “Logan’s getting a dog!”
I stopped breathing. Two seconds later, I screamed, “Yay!”
Colton stared at me wide-eyed as I choked and pumped my left arm up and down.
Chase spoke slower. “I know you’re excited. I am, too. Breathe for a minute.”
I turned my mouth away from the phone, I didn’t want him to hear my rapid gasping. “I’m okay now. Tell me. Tell me everything.”
“Mom and I went with Logan for our first Meet-and-Greet session three weeks ago. Mom and I will be the caretakers, and they told me what you said earlier. I can’t interfere with Logan’s connection.’”
“Okay. So where are you in this process?”
It was Chase’s turn to pause. “Logan had to stay with Dad while Mom and I tested. We had to prove we knew what to do with the dogs. That took weeks of us practicing and testing, which is why I haven’t called. And I’m sorry for that.”
“That’s okay. I understand. Tell. Tell me!”
“Last weekend Mom and I took one dog, Cassidy, a Golden doodle, to a hotel on Friday night. Whew! That was scary! We h
ad to walk her, take her to a restaurant, settle her into a new room, and sleep. Then on Saturday, we had Sydney.”
I couldn’t help but giggle. “You’re going to make me wait until you’ve told me the whole long story, aren’t you?”
“Uh-huh! Listen. You need to know all of this. By the way, there were six of us training. The next week, I missed school. Each day, Mom and I had outings with Logan and both dogs. We used our training cues in Walmart with lots of people and noise and switched dogs.
“At the Columbia Airport, we practiced getting in and out of an airplane and teaching each dog to sit by our feet. On Wednesday, we were tested at the Mall. Mom and I were totally exhausted, and I know the dogs were, too. We passed, by the way.”
“Yay!” I switched the phone to my other ear. “Go on!”
“Well, on Thursday, Ms. Jen handed us Sydney to begin another practice session. And Logan, for the first time ever, had a seizure.”
“Oh, no!” I sputtered. “Is he all right?”
Chase exhaled in the phone. “Woo! That was the most scared I’ve ever been. You should have seen Sydney, Trina. He lay next to Logan, his paws over Logan’s chest, sniffing his body and checking his breathing. The other dog, Cassidy, saw Logan on the ground and lay on Logan’s other side.
“At the hospital, Logan had tons of tests. The doctors believe it was an event that may never happen again. Maybe too much excitement and being too tired. Anyway, the next day, Logan felt okay. Maybe a bit tired. But then we returned for the final testing, and Ms. Jen didn’t have him do any training. Are you ready for the outcome?”
“No, not yet.” I chuckled, but my pulse speeded and tears welled up and leaked down my cheek. I sniffed. “You’re enjoying yourself too much. Are you really going to tell me?”
His voice grew louder. “You have to know the answer.” He paused, exhaled into the phone, and thumped his hands on the table. “Drum roll, please! It’s Sydney!”
“Yay!” I screamed, “Yes!”
He interrupted my yelling. “I need to tell you this. Ms. Jen shared later, she had planned on giving Cassidy to Logan. But after Logan’s seizure and Sydney’s reaction, she knew he was meant for Logan.”
“Oh. My. Gawd! I can’t wait to tell mom. But Chase, now I need to tell you something.” I took a long breath, making him wait and wonder.
He hooted. “I know what you’re doing. I guess it’s payback time. How long can you hold out?”
“Not long,” I cackled. “It’s not something I want to say. You need to know that I can’t see Sydney for maybe six months. He needs time to bond with Logan and then when he’s off duty, I can play with him. So, if we see each other again, Sydney can’t be with you.”
He blew out a sigh. “I thought you were going to say we could never see each other again. That’s an easy problem. I love the idea of being with you and getting a break from Logan. Let me work on our next get-together. Transportation seems to be the biggest problem.”
“Yeah, I guess so. Any ideas?”
“One day Peyton will be driving, and then I will. Will you forgive me for not calling?”
My body seemed to float above the floor. “You are too much, Chase,” I moaned. “You are forgiven. For a while.”
“Good. I promise I’ll call tomorrow.”
Chapter 25
Days passed and the only thing for certain was I’d talk with Chase at night. On Friday, the day before my birthday party, Sarah chatted with me in the barn after school. I told her about Chase’s phone call. She followed me from place to place holding Colton’s leash as I readied my horse for a short ride.
“Wow! That’s great about Logan!” She gave me a half smile but didn’t look straight at me. “It’s nice you’re still hearing from Chase, even if it’s not often.”
She stroked Chancy’s sleek neck as I put on her saddle.
I wanted to ask about Peyton, but the familiar diesel noise rumbled up the drive, and we knew Morgan had arrived. Sarah waited for the truck to leave, and jogged outside with my wagging puppy. I looked into Chancy’s brown eyes, “Well, isn’t Sarah getting friendly with Morgan.”
Chancy snorted and shook her head. She had no idea what I had said, unlike Colton, but loved the attention. The two girls wandered into the barn, giggling.
I glanced over. “All right you two. What’s the joke?”
Morgan grinned. “No joke. Just excited about your party tomorrow. It’s worked out. I can come.”
“Yay! I’m glad you’ll make it.” I leaned my head. “Do you want to bring one of your new friends? The more the merrier. I’ve invited my class of puppy trainers.”
Sarah poked her elbow in Morgan’s ribs. “She has a new friend in class. And she’s invited Chase, too. That should make the party interesting.”
I jolted upright and gave her The Look. “Wesley is just another puppy raiser, and we have something in common to talk about. And I don’t think Chase is coming.”
“Wow! Good for you, Trina.” Morgan snickered. “Two guys at one time! I have enough trouble with girls, let alone guys. So as for my friends, forget it. They’re busy with their own activities. Anyway, tomorrow is supposed to be hot, with only a small chance of that big storm hitting us, and we’ll have fun at the pool.”
“Storm?” I asked.
Sarah rolled her eyes. “On the news for the last week and a half. Tropical storm in the Atlantic headed this way.”
“Guess I was too busy with Colton. So when’s it supposed to hit?”
“After your party, and then only if it turns this way.” Morgan shrugged.
“That’s good. I’d hate to have to cancel my party.” I reached up for the bridle. “Any chance your parents are coming, Morgan?”
“Nope. None at all.”
“That’s okay. We’ll have fun. Mom and Dad have planned all the food, and of course Mrs. B will be there, and Sarah’s parents will keep mine occupied.”
I swung myself up onto Chancy, sat up straight, and then took a deep lungful of air. I closed my eyes. There’s nothing like swaying back and forth and hearing the clump, clump of her hooves on the ground. Every sensation reawakened my desire to be a good rider.
I had accepted not having my own horse since I had the opportunity right here. My out-of-shape legs brought me back to reality. A shiver went through my body. I squeezed Chancy’s sides with my legs and directed her to trot. My helmet shaded my eyes from the sun, and today I was thankful to be alone with my thoughts. My heart hurt being stretched in two directions.
In a few minutes, Chancy warmed-up her muscles, and I practiced old skills. Sarah stood at the fence with Colton. His chin lay on a rail and watched all of the action. Morgan appeared in the ring. She set up a low rail for me to jump, coached me over it, and added one more jump on the other side of the stadium.
My grin grew larger and larger. “One more time!” I pretended for those few minutes, I was flying over four foot jumps at a cross country event. Soon my legs lost all control, and Chancy panted. We headed to the barn.
“Thanks, Morgan. That’s the most jumping I’ve ever done. Do you guys want to come over for a snack?”
“Nah. I have things to do with Knight, and I’ll help Mrs. Brown. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon. Around 2:00?”
“Yep. See you then. Thanks for helping me today.”
Sarah chimed in. “I’ve got stuff to do, too.” She waved me away.
I shuffled over to Sarah. “Aren’t you walking home with me?”
She made a crooked smile. “I’m going to stay here for a few minutes and visit with Morgan.”
My chin landed on my chest and I couldn’t help giving her a questioning look. Even my voice came out puzzled. “Okay! See ya.”
I walked a couple steps and turned around. “Do you want to do horse treats tonight?”
“Yep. Let’s plan f
or eight o’clock.”
“Perfect.” But I walked home confused.
What’s the deal with Sarah and Morgan?
Chapter 26
During the month of September, the evening air cooled, and days warmed with less humidity. I never knew how to dress during the changing seasons. Some mornings, the fog rolled in and covered all the low places in the woods. I’d wear a sweater, but by late morning the misty cloud burned off, only to grow as warm as a summer day.
A sprinkling of green leaves sprouted yellow spots like they had grown freckles. In the months to come, they would magically turn all shades of reds, oranges and yellows. In time, they’d turn brown, fall to the ground, crumble and disappear. Maybe my freckles would do the same as I grew older.
The sun rose later in the morning, letting Colton sleep longer. Now that he slept in my room, if I woke too early, he reacted like Sydney had done. Any movement from me alerted him. This morning my body tingled as if ants marched up and down inside my pajamas.
“Okay, Colt.” I patted the bed. “Up!”
With invisible springs in his legs, he bounced on the mattress, and plopped his front legs across my stomach, knocking the wind out.
“Humph!”
He leaned over and licked my cheek.
I held his face. “Good morning to you! Today’s my birthday party. We have to stay busy, for hours, to make the time go fast.”
He panted, listening.
Colton lay on the carpet, watching me dress, but the minute I grabbed my tennis shoes, he spun in circles, his tail swinging in full motion. His idea of hurrying me actually slowed me. His head lunged under my arm, preventing me from pulling on the shoe. Or as I pulled the laces tight, he’d slide his nose under my fingers.
I looked at him. “Wait.”
His bottom plopped right where he stood, and he quivered.
Laces tied, I stood and walked to the door. Colton stayed.
“Good boy! Come.”
Every morning new scents caught his attention in the backyard. Deer wandered outside our fence during the daytime but left round, black pellets in our woods while we slept. To a dog, they must be as delicious as our chocolate chips. Colton’s nose tunneled into a pile, eating one at a time.
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