Jockey Girl

by Shelley Peterson

  Evie cringed. Oh, no. Not again.

  “They’re saying you’re cool. You know, riding Thoroughbreds and everything.”

  “One Thoroughbred. Only Kazzam. But that’s great. Better than talking about what a loser I am.”

  Mark shook his head. “Look, I’m sorry. I was a real jerk. I should’ve blasted Amelia on Facebook that same day. Will you ever forgive me?”

  “I already have. But I’ll never forget. You let me hang.”

  “How can I make it up to you?” Mark pleaded. He looked genuinely stricken, then brightened. “Hey, are you going to the prom next weekend?”

  “It’s the Queen’s Plate. I’m riding.” Suddenly she worried about jinxing herself. “Touch wood.” She knocked on her head, then held up her two hands and crossed all her fingers.

  Mark stared. “You’re kidding.”

  “No. If everything works out, and it might not, I’m riding No Justice in the Plate.” She kept all her fingers crossed.

  “Then I’m coming. I’ve got to see it!”

  A small fire began to burn inside her body. “Cool. That’s how you can make it up to me.”

  “Isn’t the race in the afternoon? I’m coming, but can’t you come to the prom with me that night?”

  She smiled from ear to ear. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

  “Cool.” Mark took her hand in his. At his touch, Evie felt a pulsing sensation travel through her body. Her mouth went dry and she couldn’t move.

  “Cool because I’ll have the coolest girl ever with me. The winner of the Queen’s Plate!”

  Evie wished that this minute could last forever. Mark Sellers and her, sitting on the steps in the sun, holding hands. She felt like a popular girl, a novel experience.

  “Evie! Hello! Over here!”

  Aunt Mary’s truck pulled up at the curb. Evie looked at Mark dreamily. “Science tomorrow?”

  “Science tomorrow. See you then.” He released her hand reluctantly and slowly stood.

  Evie grabbed her bookbag and ran to the truck, face flushed. She looked back to see him waving goodbye. She raised her hand in a quick motion, then got in and closed the door.

  “Handsome boy,” said Aunt Mary.

  “That’s his nickname.”

  Mary chuckled. “What’s his real name?”

  “Mark Sellers. And yes, the Mark Sellers.”

  “Well, well!” Mary said with raised eyebrows. “Young love. It’s a wonderful thing.”

  Evie agreed, but “wonderful” was such an inadequate word. “Full of wonder.”

  “Indeed. So, let’s pick up Beebee and Jordie and get home. Lots to do.” Aunt Mary checked her mirrors and pulled onto the road. “Murray called. He thinks you and No Justice will really pump up attendance and betting and get the Queen’s Plate in the news.”

  Evie stopped daydreaming about Mark and sat up straight. “What did you say? So we passed the test? I’m an apprentice?”

  “Yes. Didn’t I tell you?”

  “No! That’s huge!” Evie bounced in her seat and shrieked with joy. She stuck her head out the window and hollered, “I’m riding in the Queen’s Plate!”

  Mary laughed gaily.

  Evie felt on top of the world. It was truly hard to believe this news! She was just sixteen. The only race she’d ever ridden was the amateur Caledon Horse Race. Should she pinch herself? Could this be real?

  They drove to the Abergrath School and waited for Beatrice and Jordie. Children seemed to pour out of the doors and down the stairs, dispersing in various directions. School buses pulled out.

  “Do they know you’re picking them up?” asked Evie.

  “Yes. I told them last night and put notes in their lunches, too.”

  As the minutes ticked by, fewer and fewer kids emerged. “It’s too quiet,” said Evie as she got out to stretch her legs. They’d stiffened from her earlier ride, and sitting all day in exams hadn’t helped. “Should I go see what’s holding them up?”

  “Good idea. I’ll wait here in case they show up.” Mary turned on her phone and checked her emails and messages.

  Evie walked into the school. It was empty except for the occasional teacher and cleaner. She walked to the office, where an assistant was putting on her blazer.

  “Hi. I’m looking for my little sister and brother. Beatrice and Jordie Gibb. Have you seen them?”

  “No, sorry. All the kids are gone. Do you want me to call anyone to help?” The woman’s face creased with concern as she checked her watch.

  “No thanks. My aunt is outside. If they show up, can you ask them to call Aunt Mary?”

  “I would, but I’m just leaving. Sorry.”

  Aunt Mary appeared from down the hall. “Evie? Beebee left a message.”

  Relief washed over Evie. “I’m so glad!”

  The assistant was relieved, as well. “Thank goodness. Well, we have to lock up now.”

  “Thanks for everything,” said Mary, walking with Evie toward the door. She seemed kind of tense.

  “Where are they?” whispered Evie.

  “Apparently Paulina came to get them at school.”

  “Paulina?”

  “Yes. She’s their mother, after all. It’s as it should be.”

  “Then why are you gripping my arm so tightly?”

  “Oh! I’m sorry,” said Mary as she released her hold.

  “It’s just that Beebee sounded ... uncertain.”

  “Can I listen to the message?”

  “Yes. In the truck.”

  They walked together across the parking lot. Evie was concerned. Paulina’s moods were unreliable. She was likely to return her children as quickly as she took them. And without Sella the housekeeper, Paulina couldn’t cope. Sella was the person who’d raised them, not their mother.

  When they got in the truck, Aunt Mary retrieved the message for Evie to hear. Beatrice’s plaintive voice could be heard clearly:

  “Aunt Mary? Evie? It’s Beebee? And Jordie, too? Um ... Mom is here. At the school? Um ... she’s here to take us to where she lives now? She said it’s okay. Is it okay?”

  Evie and Mary sat in silence, both considering what to think about the call.

  Evie said, “You’re right. Paulina is their mother.”

  “And remember, they were to live at my house just until she got organized.”

  “Yeah, but why didn’t Paulina tell you she was picking them up so you’d know where they were?”

  Mary pursed her lips. “I guess that’s the troubling thing. And Beebee sounds confused.”

  “Poor Jordie. I’m sure he’s confused, too.”

  “Do you know Beebee’s cell number?”

  Evie shook her head. “She’s not allowed to have a cell.”

  “Well,” said Mary briskly as she started the truck. “Let’s get home. Nothing to do but wait. Beebee didn’t leave a number, but Paulina will call later, I’m sure.”

  Evie wasn’t so sure. Beatrice’s voice had been quite tentative. Was Paulina even sober when she picked them up? Adults were sometimes so unfathomable.

  As always, Evie’s spirits lifted as they turned into the lane at Parson’s Gate. The horses were out in their fields, grazing in pairs. Bendigo and Paragon in one field, Christieloo and Kazzam in the next. They looked sleek and healthy, and the little farm with its yellow house, wooden fences, and charming barn seemed to welcome them home.

  The three dogs raced up to the truck when they parked at the house. Tails wagged and tongues flapped. Magpie leaped into the truck as Evie opened her door. “Down girl!” she commanded with a laugh. “You must have really missed me today.”

  “Time is simple for dogs,” mused Mary. “They miss us while we’re away, but when we get home it’s like we were never gone. After the welcome, that is.”

  “But really, if a dog’s year is seven of ours, each minute must feel like seven.”

  “Who knows? They’re not talking,” Mary winked.

  When they got to the house, the message light w
as blinking. Mary said, “Might be Paulina. Get some milk and a snack, Evie. Help yourself.” She pressed the button.

  “Hello, Ms. Parson. This is Dale Green at St. Michael’s Hospital. You’re listed as the sole contact for Ms. Angela Gibb. Please call immediately at extension 4357.”

  Mary wasted no time. She pressed the numbers. Evie waited with apprehension.

  “Yes, this is Mary Parson. You left a message about Angela Gibb.... Yes, I’ll wait.”

  Mary spoke to Evie. “I’m on hold.”

  Evie asked, “Why do you think they called?”

  Mary shook her head. “We’ll know soon.”

  Evie clamped her mouth shut. She sat on a stool at the counter and tried not to imagine disaster.

  “Yes, hello, this is Mary Parson. I’m returning your—. Yes, I’m her.... No, I didn’t know.... When did she leave?... How did it happen?… Yes, I understand.… Okay.... Yes, I will.... Of course.... And you call if you hear anything at all?... Thank you very much.”

  “What happened?” asked Evie. “What’s wrong, Aunt Mary? You look so worried. Tell me, please!”

  Mary leaned against the counter and rubbed her face with her hands. She spoke very quietly. “Angela left the hospital.”

  “She’s gone?”

  “Yes. This afternoon. Nobody knows where she went.”

  “Is she well enough to leave?”

  “Not really. They hadn’t discharged her, anyway.”

  “How did she get out? Dr. Graham said they’d watch her.”

  “Angela wanted to go outside for a smoke. She wasn’t allowed to go alone, so she convinced an intern to join her.”

  “And she escaped?”

  “Yes. She slipped away. The oldest trick in the book.”

  “So she’s not ready to be helped.”

  Mary turned to Evie slowly and put a hand on her shoulder. “That’s my guess.”

  18

  Christieloo

  It was after five on Monday afternoon. It had already been a big day, with the test race at Woodbine and two exams, plus the stress of Angela leaving the hospital and Jordie and Beatrice being picked up by Paulina.

  Evie’s science exam was the next day and there was a lot of information Evie needed to review. She flipped through her textbook, trying to concentrate. She reread passages and tried to memorize graphs and pertinent points.

  But studying was a lost cause. No matter how she tried to focus, Evie continued to worry about her sister and brother, and she was very concerned about where her mother had gone.

  At least Beatrice and Jordie were together, she figured. And fine, if you didn’t count how bleary and moody Paulina got once she opened her bottles of wine. Which would’ve started around noon.

  But Angela had been hit by a car and wasn’t well enough to leave the hospital. On top of that, she didn’t have a clean place to go. How would she find food to eat and a warm bed when she was so weak? She could’ve called Aunt Mary. She could’ve called me. Evie was worried and frustrated. She said she wanted to get better for me. Yeah, right.

  Evie slammed the books shut and gazed out the window of her room. How had Aunt Mary been so patient with Angela? All those years of almost getting help, then disappearing back into her addiction.

  The sight of Kazzam distracted her. My Queen’s Plate horse. Evie still couldn’t quite imagine it. His black coat glistened in the late-day sunlight, and Christieloo, with her bright golden colour, made an attractive contrast.

  She thought about riding him on a hack. Just to clear her brain. But no. He’d had his test at Woodbine that morning, so she should let him rest. Evie’s eyes fell on the little palomino quarterhorse. What about Christieloo? Aunt Mary had asked her to help. She’d said that the mare was a rescue and had some trust issues. Right up Evie’s alley.

  Evie felt her sluggishness wash away, replaced with purposeful energy. She jumped up and ran downstairs. “Aunt Mary?” There was no answer.

  “Aunt Mary?” The house was empty. Evie saw a note on the wooden counter and picked it up.

  Hi Evie. Didn’t want to disturb you. Gone for groceries. Back soon. Study hard! Love, M

  Evie looked outside and saw that her aunt’s truck was gone. She was disappointed. Christieloo was a pretty little mare and in the few minutes since she’d hatched the idea, Evie had developed a huge desire to ride her.

  No harm in taking a walk to get some fresh air before getting back to the books, she thought. And it’s never a bad idea to check the horses’ water supply.

  Evie opened the back door. Three dogs popped up their heads and stood and stretched. Tails began to wag and six earnest eyes begged her to do something fun.

  “Okay! Can’t refuse this kind of pressure.” She strolled down the slight slope feeling better and better with every breath. Magpie stayed at her side while Simon and Garfunkel raced into the woods.

  As she neared the pastures, four horses raised their heads at the same time. They watched her approach calmly.

  “Good day!” she called gaily. “How’s the grass? Up to your liking?” Evie grinned and hopped a step, then two, then broke into a happy dance. She was so glad to be outside, away from her science books.

  Now all the horses looked wary, which made her laugh.

  “Never seen a happy dance before?” she asked aloud, gyrating with her arms waving and her feet prancing.

  The horses snorted and shied away. Kazzam began to buck and off he ran. Evie got the message. Her enthusiasm seemed like aggression to them, so she reluctantly reined in her jubilance and settled down.

  Evie climbed on the fence and watched for five minutes, until finally the horses were peaceful again. She’d disturbed their tranquility. Now their curiosity was taking over.

  Horses are innately curious, Evie reflected. It was a trait she’d learned to use in training. Instead of going to them, if you were patient enough they would come to you.

  Bendigo and Paragon ambled to the fence and sniffed her. By then, Kazzam had stopped caring. He was off by himself, busy grazing.

  Christieloo hung back with Kazzam, curious but cautious. Evie patted Bendigo and Paragon, and scratched their ears. Five more minutes passed before they tired of the attention and returned to the grass. Magpie wearied of the inaction and wandered off to join the other dogs.

  Now Christieloo approached. Her nostrils gently sniffed Evie’s hand and breathed out warm, fragrant air. Evie admired the mare’s thick white tail and glossy blond coat. She quietly touched the delicate skin on her nose and made soft cooing noises. Then she began to stroke her, first around her head and neck, then further back along her sides. Evie gradually climbed over the fence and stood beside her.

  “How much do you know about people riding you?” Evie asked. “Aunt Mary knows but she’s not here, so I’ll have to find out for myself. With your help, Christieloo.”

  Evie kept the low, quiet chatter going while she took the halter from the fence and slipped it over the mare’s ears. “Aunt Mary will be home soon, so she’ll help, and soon we’ll be hacking through the woods as happy as can be.” She rubbed Christieloo’s chest and stroked her legs all the way down to her feet.

  “Do you know how to pick up your feet for a person?”

  Evie held both front feet in turn and set them down. “Very good, sweet mare. Very good! We’ll try the hind feet later, when someone else is here.” Evie knew how easily horses are startled and that sometimes their first instinct is to kick out.

  A lead line was looped over the fence beside the halters, and Evie took it. She snapped the clip on the left side of the halter, then tied the other end to the right side. “See, now we have reins,” she whispered.

  With one hand holding the halter, Evie leaned on Christieloo’s back. The mare stepped away, but didn’t seem bothered, so Evie tried again. She stepped up on a log and pushed down a little where the saddle would sit. The mare was interested in what was happening. Evie began to massage her back and could tell that it felt good, b
ecause Christieloo lifted her upper lip and flipped it back, exposing her teeth, then began to make chewing motions. Evie persisted, and within minutes, the little palomino accepted Evie’s entire weight. There she was, stomach down, feet dangling off the ground on one side and head and arms on the other, her body bent right over the mare’s back.

  Evie slid off, dropped to her feet, and praised Christieloo. “What a clever girl!”

  She looked around. Aunt Mary still wasn’t home. Should she continue? Why not?

  Evie stood beside Christieloo’s shoulders and faced forward. She held the right rein in her right hand and the left rein in her left, then began to walk with her. She steered her in circles until she was quite sure the mare knew what Evie meant when she pulled one way or the other. And then they worked on steering plus “whoa.” Evie would stop her randomly with the voice command and a gentle tug.

  “You know all this, don’t you?” Evie said aloud. “I’m wasting your time, but how was I to know?”

  Evie walked the mare over to the fence. She leaned over her back again and grabbed her mane with both fists. Careful to avoid startling her in any way, Evie slowly slid herself astride onto Christieloo’s bare back. She sat there quietly, feeling the mare’s uncertainty beneath her. The other horses were grazing on the far side of the next field, totally bored with her presence, and Kazzam didn’t seem to care. If that changed, and if any of them came charging over, Evie would hop off. Quickly. All bets are off when a horse joins the herd. She’d keep an eye out for that.

  She squeezed her legs together, just a little, and Christieloo moved forward. “Nice, girl! Well done.” They walked in a big loop to the left, halted, and then walked in a big loop to the right. Evie asked her to do a large figure eight, and switched directions after stopping in the middle. “So you know walk, whoa, turn left and right. You know how to move away from my leg. What else do you know, Christieloo?”

  Evie now urged the mare into a slow trot and then halted. “Very good!” Soon they were doing figure eights at a trot and halting whenever Evie asked.

  “Have you ever cantered with a rider?” Evie asked the mare. “Is this the time to try?”