Jockey Girl

by Shelley Peterson

  “Gotta go,” said Jerry as he headed for his truck. “Have No Justice tacked up and ready at six on Wednesday morning. Rain or shine. He’s gonna have to run in dust or mud on the day, no matter what.”

  “Okay, Jerry. Let me know when you hear from Murray.” Mary waved goodbye to Jerry, then headed to the feed room. “It’s well after three. Let’s get these horses grained and leave them all outside tonight.”

  Evie helped carry the buckets to the fields. She gave Kazzam his mixture of carrots and grain while Mary dumped oats in three feed tubs separated by a good distance to prevent kicking. Horses love their food and get jealous if they think one has more than another, even if they’ve been grazing on grass together all day long.

  On the way back up to the house, Evie thought back on everything that had happened since she’d opened her eyes that morning. “What a day! I lost a horse and a dog, then I got them both back.”

  “And you finally met your mother, after thirteen years.” Aunt Mary put her hand on Evie’s shoulder as they walked.

  “The dog and the horse are less complicated.”

  Mary smiled. “Give it time, sweetheart. Give it time.” After a simple dinner of barbecued chicken and salad, Evie cuddled up on the couch with one of Aunt Mary’s mystery novels. Jerry was right about it being a good read. From the very first page it was packed with excitement, and Aunt Mary really knew how to draw in her readers. It reminded Evie of her favourite book, the one she read every Christmas. She glanced at the cover.

  “Aunt Mary!”

  Mary’s head came up from her computer as she sat at her desk. “You startled me!”

  “I just realized. Your pen name is Elizabeth Elliot. My favourite book is Horse Play. I can’t believe it!”

  “That’s a very nice compliment. I’m glad you like my writing.” Aunt Mary settled back into her work.

  “How could I not know?”

  “Very few people know what I do, and I like it like that. Now, I’ve got another book half-done and it won’t write itself.”

  “I get the hint. I still can’t believe it’s you!”

  14

  Honest Talk

  Darkness fell. It had been a very eventful day, and now it was time for peace and quiet. Evie was intently wrapped up in her book. Aunt Mary sat quietly typing at her desk.

  Both of them were startled by a tentative knock on the front door.

  “The dogs aren’t barking,” was the first thing Mary said. “And it’s ten o’clock.”

  They heard the knock again, a little louder. “I’m not expecting anyone,” she said.

  “Do you think it’s a burglar?” asked Evie anxiously.

  “Burglars don’t knock,” said Mary, rising from her chair. “I have no idea who it might be.”

  Evie got up, walked into the hall, and flicked on all the lights. Aunt Mary was right behind her.

  “Why aren’t the dogs barking?” whispered Evie.

  Mary shrugged and opened the door. On the steps, arms locked with each other’s, stood Beatrice and Jordie. They looked small and frightened. The three dogs were right behind them, wagging their tails.

  Jordie spoke up. “Can we come in?”

  “Of course! Come in, kids!” Mary’s surprise showed in her widened eyes as she ushered them in, dogs and all, and locked the door behind them.

  “What are you doing here? Does Dad know? Paulina?” Evie hugged them both tightly until Beatrice shoved her away.

  “Let’s let them get comfortable before we interrogate them,” Mary said as she led the way back into the cozy kitchen area. “Come on, I’m making hot chocolate, and Evie’s popping some cookies into the oven.”

  Evie sliced the packaged cookie dough with the happy feeling of being part of a family. Belonging. That feeling again. It might be the most important thing of all, she thought.

  Jordie was shivering in his shorts and T-shirt, so Aunt Mary wrapped him in a soft blanket on the couch. Beatrice nestled in beside him, happy with hot chocolate and fresh-baked cookies. Magpie sniffed their faces and snuck a lick on their cheeks.

  “What a funny dog!” said Jordie, laughing. He patted her head. “She remembers me from when she found me.”

  After letting them settle in for a few minutes, Mary said, “You know I have to call Grayson and Paulina. They’ll be worried about you.” She spoke gently, but Evie remembered the morning she’d met Aunt Mary, and knew that the firm tone meant there was no point in arguing.

  Beatrice nodded solemnly. “I suppose so.”

  “Before I call, maybe you could tell us what’s been happening at home?”

  Jordie answered. “Mom stays in her room. She won’t talk to anyone.”

  “And Dad’s never home, but when he is, he won’t talk to anyone, either. Even me.” Beatrice’s small face crumpled. “And I’m his favourite.”

  “Is Sella still there?” asked Evie.

  “Mom keeps firing her, but she won’t leave.” Jordie chewed on a nail, then continued, “But I heard Dad say he won’t pay her anymore.”

  “Why did you leave tonight?” asked Evie. “Did something happen?”

  Beatrice and Jordie glanced at each other. Neither spoke.

  “You don’t have to say anything,” said Mary kindly. “It’s late, and I’m sure you’re both very tired. You walked a very long way.”

  Evie knew that they couldn’t have walked from Maple Mills. “How did you get here?”

  Beatrice sniffed. “Sella drove us. She’s going to live with her sister in Brampton.”

  Jordie added, “Dad wasn’t home and Mom wouldn’t let us into her room. Sella was crying and said we couldn’t stay alone and she knew you would help.”

  Beatrice said, “Sella told us Dad went agaga and ordered her out and she had to leave or the police would take her.”

  “But why?” None of this made sense to Evie. “Sella does everything in the house!”

  Jordie started to say something, but Beatrice silenced him. “We don’t know for sure, Jordie!” she whispered fiercely. “It’s gossip.” She held up her fist to keep him quiet.

  “But it’s true! I know it is! I saw them kissing!” The little boy cowered and shifted away to avoid a punch on his arm.

  Beatrice dropped her fist and slumped deeper into the couch. “I know it’s true, too. Mom and Kerry. And now Dad knows.”

  “Kerry Goodham?” asked Evie.

  “Who’s he?” asked Mary.

  “Kerry’s her coach. Her jumping instructor. But why fire Sella?” asked Evie. “She has nothing to do with it.”

  “Dad said that Sella knew they were kissing and she should’ve told him. It’s not Sella’s fault!” Jordie was clearly distressed.

  “Of course it’s not her fault,” soothed Aunt Mary. “She did the right thing bringing you here. Does your father know where you are?”

  Jordie shook his head. “He wasn’t home.”

  Mary stood and picked up the phone. As she pressed the numbers, she told the kids, “Your father loves you, and your mother, too. They need to know you’re not in any danger.”

  They all listened while Mary left her message. “Hello Grayson and Paulina. It’s Mary Parson. Sella drove Jordie and Beatrice to my farm tonight and she’s going to her sister’s. Please call me when you get this message and we can discuss the situation further.”

  She hung up and yawned. “Now, it’s way past my bedtime. Come with me.”

  The children were only too happy to follow her up the stairs and climb into the twin beds in the room next to Evie’s. Within minutes, all the lights were out.

  Aunt Mary woke everyone up at seven the next morning. Evie was not happy about that, since she hadn’t been able to put her book down the night before. She’d nodded off around two in the morning.

  “It’s a school day!” said Aunt Mary gaily, and rushed down the stairs. “Rise and shine!”

  The three kids appeared downstairs shortly thereafter to find orange juice, muffins, and cereal wi
th bananas and berries laid out on the counter.

  “I can’t go to school dressed like this!” whined Beatrice.

  “I left my homework in my room and it’s not done!” Jordie complained.

  Evie had a more serious concern. “I haven’t been to school for ... a ... couple of days,” she confessed. “I’m a little worried about going back.”

  Mary creased her brow and put her hands on her hips. “What time does school start?” she asked. “Eight-thirty?”

  “Nine o’clock,” answered Jordie. The girls nodded.

  “We don’t have much time if we have to go to your house first. Grab some fruit and a muffin, and drink some juice.”

  She clapped her hands. “Now, everybody in the truck. Dogs stay home. I’ve already fed them, Evie, and Kazzam looks really good this morning.” Mary put some fruit and muffins in three separate bags, along with a sandwich and a couple of cookies.

  They were out the door in five minutes and on the road to Maple Mills. “I assume somebody has a house key?” asked Mary.

  Evie yawned and said, “There’s a hidden key.” She looked glum. “I don’t see why you’re making us go to school. We’re in the middle of a family crisis.”

  “Life goes on. A job is a job, and your job is school. The longer you procrastinate, the harder it’ll be.”

  The kids groaned.

  Mary ignored them. She drove quickly, and soon they were at the imposing gates of Maple Mills. Evie told her the gate code and they drove through.

  Evie was pleased to see horses out in the fields. It looked like business as usual, until she caught sight of Yolanda, leading Thymetofly to his pasture. Instead of her usual sunny smile, she had a despondent look on her face.

  Evie rolled down her window. “Yoyo!”

  Yolanda looked up, startled, then smiled broadly. “Evie. Are you okay?”

  “Yes! And Kazzam, too.”

  “You had me worried, I can’t lie.”

  “I’m sorry, Yoyo. I’ll explain everything.…”

  Yolanda put up a hand. “I figured it out, Evie. And I understand why you ran away and took No Justice. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

  Mary stopped the truck and hopped out. She spoke to Yolanda. “I’m Mary Parson, Evie’s great-aunt. How are things around here?”

  “Truthfully? Nobody knows. Les still has his job and so do I, but Jerry’s gone, we’re down to two grooms, and ten horses have been sold.”

  She looked into the back seat. “Hi, kids!” They waved back. To Mary she said, “It’s nice to meet you. I heard a bit about you from Angela. She really liked you.”

  “Thank you. That makes me happy.”

  “I can’t be caught talking, you know what I mean, so sorry, gotta go. Bye, everyone.” Yolanda and the big horse continued on their way to the field.

  “Bye, Yoyo!” called Evie, thinking that she should’ve left a note for Yolanda before she left. And Jordie, too. More people had missed her than she would’ve thought.

  When Mary drove up to the house, Evie shivered with unhappy memories. “Is Paulina here?” she asked.

  Beatrice answered. “She’ll be sound asleep. But you’re not in any trouble. She doesn’t care about you. No offence.”

  Evie shrugged. They got out of the truck and approached the side door. Evie went into the bushes and turned over a rock. She came out with the key and opened the door.

  “Hurry, kids,” said Mary. “Get dressed, pack a few things, get your homework, and hurry outside. There’s no time to lose.”

  They all rushed upstairs. While Beatrice and Jordie dressed and got organized, Evie changed into clean clothes and packed. She had absolutely no intention of ever returning to Maple Mills. Quickly, she threw her beloved cushions into a pillowcase, removed her favourite posters from the wall, and put her only book into her suitcase with her clothes. She lugged it all downstairs.

  She stopped, stunned. There, in the front hall, stood Paulina. She wore a fluffy pink bathrobe and matching slippers. A white silk negligee hung unevenly to her ankles, and she had sleepy eyes and uncombed hair.

  “So the rats are leaving the sinking ship?” Paulina said unhappily.

  “Hard to say whether this rat is leaving or was already tossed out,” responded Evie. She was pleased at her quick wit, and found herself smiling.

  “What’s wrong with you?” asked Paulina with a furrowed brow. “What could you possibly be happy about?”

  Aunt Mary ushered Beatrice and Jordie into the hall.

  “Hello. You must be Paulina. I’m Mary Parson.”

  “Mary Poppins? Did Grayson hire you to take Sella’s place?” Evie noticed the confusion on Paulina’s face.

  “Something like that,” said Mary cheerfully. Then she looked at Paulina and asked seriously. “Do you know where your kids slept last night?”

  “Here, of course!” Paulina took offence. “Why?”

  Evie felt embarrassed for her. Paulina’s answer confirmed that she really had no idea what her children were doing. Sella was needed more than ever.

  Mary checked her watch. “Got to run, Paulina, we’re late for school. Since Sella’s fired, the kids will be visiting me for a few days. I’ve left my contact numbers on your kitchen counter. Call me, please. I’d love to talk.”

  Paulina’s face crumpled and her shoulders slumped. “I don’t know why I can’t look after my kids. Grayson’s so … angry … I can’t seem to get it together.”

  Beatrice ran up and hugged her mother, and Paulina began to cry. Jordie said, “It’s better this way, Mom. Just for a while.” He started to cry, too, and joined his sister in the hug.

  Evie was ready to cry, too, even though she was not included. She knew how bad it was to have Grayson angry at you. “Aunt Mary will look after them until you and Dad sort out ... everything,” she said. “Really.”

  Mary agreed. “I promise, Paulina. Please call me.”

  Paulina nodded and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

  Mary spoke gently. “All you need is a bit of time right now. Everything will work out fine.”

  “Thank you. Really.” Paulina tried to smile.

  Evie could see how tough this was for her. She saw a different side of her stepmother, a more sympathetic one, and felt badly leaving her alone in the big empty house.

  “Call me?” Aunt Mary said. She picked up as much of Evie’s stuff as she could and swept it out the door and into the truck. They managed it all in two trips.

  “Let’s get you to school,” Mary said to the kids. She started the engine and drove out, chattering to fill the silence. “Your mother will be just fine. She’ll come visit soon. She’s always welcome. She’ll sort this out and come to get you when she’s ready.”

  Jordie and Beatrice sat mutely in the back seat, clutching their duffle bags. Jordie’s eyes were round and red, and his bottom lip quivered. Beatrice appeared hostile and ready to bite someone. Evie thought they both looked lost.

  “Okay!” Mary made an effort to sound jolly. “Where’s Jordie’s and Beatrice’s school? Are you at the same one?”

  “Yes,” answered Jordie stoically. “It’s the Abergrath School, and it’s close to the new shopping centre.”

  They arrived in the parking lot of the school. An older building, it was covered in ivy, and the windows were leaded. The big front door was closed and all was quiet. It was very apparent that they were late.

  Mary marched right into the school and, with directions from the receptionist, went straight to the principal. Evie followed along for moral support, with Jordie and Beatrice clinging to her. They overheard most of the discussion. Evie thought it was very smart of Aunt Mary to explain the situation without giving too many details or painting Grayson and Paulina in a bad light.

  They left the younger kids there and headed for Evie’s school. Evie said, “You made things a lot better for Jordie and Beebee. Now the teachers will understand and will give them a break.” She stared out the window and mumbled, “It’s no
t going to be so easy to help me.”

  Mary pulled over to the side of the road and stopped. “Maybe it’s time for an honest talk.”

  Evie didn’t answer. An honest talk was not what she wanted.

  “We can sit here all day.”

  Evie wasn’t sure how to begin. She turned to face Aunt Mary. “You notice I don’t have a cellphone?” she asked.

  Mary nodded. “I assume it’s because you didn’t want your father tracking you when you left home.”

  “That crossed my mind. But no. It’s because I don’t want to read what the kids at school are saying about me.”

  “What are they saying?”

  “I don’t know! That’s the whole point!”

  “Well, what do you think they’re saying?”

  “Look, I’m not popular, okay? I don’t have any friends right now.” She kept her eyes on the scene outside the truck. Across the road an elderly man was mowing his lawn.

  “That’s hard for me to imagine.”

  “I’m sixteen and I’ve never been on a real date.”

  “And so?”

  “So I....”

  “Go on.”

  “So my friend Amelia, past tense, said this guy had a crush on me. He’s very hot and I liked him. I asked him to a party she was having. He turned me down. He talked to Amelia and she told me what he said. But she told me on Facebook. She put it on her wall. About me asking him out and him thinking I’m a loser. And worse. That I was a skid. Then everybody jumped on, even my best friends. I was shot down big time by one of the most popular guys, if not the most popular, in school.” She cringed unhappily, reliving her humiliation. “I thought he was nice, too. I haven’t been to school since.”

  “When was that?”

  “About a week ago. Maybe longer.”

  Mary inhaled. “You haven’t been to school for over a week and nobody’s called?”

  “Maybe they called. Paulina wouldn’t do anything about it, and Dad never picks up messages.” She slumped down in her seat and wished she could disappear. “There. You’re the first person I’ve told. Now you know.”

  “Thanks for telling me, Evie. What’s his name?”