“I’m telling Lainey!” Ellie yelled furiously, but there was nothing Gracie could do about that now. Running beside Bobby as he powered back to the yard, she just had to hope she was doing the right thing.
Bobby came to a plunging halt outside his stable, where the cat, who had run ahead, was waiting. He tossed his head, his mane flying, before spinning round, never leaving the spot by the wall. Only this time he was on the other side of it. Gracie shook her head. That couldn’t be where the kitten was, could it? The wall?
“OK, boy,” she said. “Let me get Lainey.”
Zoe was still chatting to Jess. Gracie tied Bobby up outside his stable and ran over to Lainey’s house, banging hard on the door. Jack opened it.
“Gracie?” he said in surprise. “What’s up?”
“I don’t have time to explain,” Gracie said breathlessly, as Lainey appeared behind Jack. “I think there’s a kitten stuck in Bobby’s stable. In the wall!”
CHAPTER 9
Running, Jack and Lainey followed Gracie back to the yard. Even Emily, alerted by Gracie’s frantic banging, trailed after them.
“Here,” Gracie said. “There’s the cat. She’s got three kittens up in the loft, but I think a fourth kitten’s in there!”
“In the wall?” Lainey said, sounding perplexed. “But that’s impossible.”
Jack, who had been listening intently, suddenly darted off into the tack room, reappearing a few seconds later with a stepladder. “It’s totally possible, Mum,” he said, looking unusually serious. “Come inside.”
Jack set the ladder against the wall and climbed up on to one of the beams, reaching up into the roof space, just like Gracie had. Then he reached over and gestured at the top of the wall.
“Down there. It’s hollow, only slightly. Like a double wall. Me and Josh Harper used to dare each other to climb up these beams and drop stuff down the gap.” He climbed down, looking a little embarrassed. “We were, like, eight and it seemed funny at the time.”
Lainey’s mouth curled into the faintest smile at Jack’s admission.
“So there’s a gap in the wall,” she said slowly, “and, Gracie – you think a kitten’s stuck there?”
Gracie nodded.
“I think Bobby has been trying to tell me,” she explained. “The cat has kittens up in the roof and he’s known about them all this time.”
Lainey bit her lip.
“But if the kitten’s in the wall,” she sounded worried, “how do we get it out?”
By now, Zoe had joined them, along with Jess and the other girls. Ellie was in hot pursuit, still looking furious. As she reached them, she opened her mouth to say something, then shut it, as if sensing the seriousness of what was going on. Quickly, Lainey explained the situation to Zoe, who was now looking really worried.
“We need to call the fire service!” she said urgently. “The kitten could die if we don’t get it out!”
After that, things moved quickly. Lainey made the call and then all they could do was wait. Gracie had untied Bobby, and she held him as he pawed the ground, uttering little whickers as if letting the kitten know help was on its way. Occasionally he would press his head against Gracie’s as if asking for reassurance that she was helping him.
“I am,” she would whisper to him. “I believe you.”
It wasn’t long before a fire engine pulled into the yard.
“I’m so sorry,” Lainey said, rushing forward. “I know you must have fires to put out. But we think a kitten’s trapped in the stable wall. It’s in real danger!”
“Don’t worry,” a man said as he jumped out of the cab, followed by a woman and two more men. “We get called out to quite a few animal rescues, and we have special training for this kind of thing. We’ll get your kitten out!”
Gracie could hardly watch as the firefighters set up their equipment and started to carefully cut into the wall, removing each brick one by one. What if she’d made a mistake? What if there wasn’t a fourth kitten and everyone was furious with her? Or what if there was a fourth kitten, and they were too late?
She was still holding Bobby, who was standing as still as a statue, his ears pricked. To everyone’s amazement, the cat was now perched on his broad back, watching intently with her large eyes.
The firefighter who’d spoken to Lainey on arrival pulled out a plastic toy from the gap he’d made in the wall. He handed it to her with a puzzled expression.
“My Action Man!” Jack yelped. “Josh swore he hadn’t dropped that down. See, Mum, I told you!”
Lainey nodded, looking more concerned as time went on and the firefighters removed more bricks.
“But where’s the kitten?” she whispered.
Suddenly the firefighter paused, gesturing to his colleagues to stop. Everyone leaned forward to watch as, reaching into the wall, he gently pulled out a tiny bundle of fluff. It was far too still. The woman firefighter put down her tools and reached out for the kitten. Gracie felt her heart stop as the woman looked down with an anxious expression. Had they been too late? Had the kitten died?
But leaping down off Bobby’s back, the mother cat ran over, mewing loudly. The firefighter lowered her arms, bending down so she could get as close to the cat as possible. Suddenly the little ball of fluff in the woman’s hands lifted its head and meowed back, the tiniest sound. Gracie felt her heart soar. They’d done it! Bobby had done it! He’d rescued the kitten.
“I think this little one’s just about OK,” the firefighter smiled. “But I’d get it to a vet as soon as possible.”
“Of course.” Lainey gently examined the tiny creature. “We can’t thank you enough!”
Then she looked at Gracie.
“Gracie,” she said with a smile. “Do you want to come with me? I can’t think of anyone better.”
“There you go, little ones,” Lainey said a bit later. She smiled at Gracie, who was stroking the purring cat. The cat was lying contentedly under Lainey’s kitchen table in a plush new basket that Lainey and Gracie had bought at the pet shop on the way back from the vet. The four kittens were fast asleep, safe and warm, their tummies full of milk.
The vet had given the escapee kitten a clean bill of health and declared her incredibly lucky. She’d also checked over the other three kittens and their mother.
“We’ll leave them to sleep now,” Lainey said. “But will you help me, while you’re at camp? The mum seems really relaxed when you’re around.”
“Yes, please!” Gracie said. “I’d love to.”
But there was one special pony she needed to thank first. A real hero!
“Bobby!”
To Gracie’s delight, Bobby stuck his head over the door and gave her a soft whicker. His long forelock was full of snow-white shavings.
“You needed a sleep after all that excitement!” Gracie smiled, and then, in a flash, she understood. Everything made sense! Bobby had been much nicer after his sleep that one afternoon when she’d thought her singing had done the trick. And yet there had been no shavings on him most mornings, and he’d been really grumpy, refusing to go back into his stable.
“Of course!” she said out loud. “You haven’t been able to sleep properly, have you?” The piebald pony nudged her gently, as if agreeing with her.
“While we were all tucked up in bed, I bet the kittens were making loads of noise!” Gracie continued. “You poor thing!”
It seemed so obvious now. Bobby had been trying to tell her all along!
“How’s the star pony doing?”
Lainey was back out in the yard now, and crossed over to see Bobby.
“He’s great,” Gracie smiled, and she knew there was something she needed to ask.
“Uh,” she stammered. “I was just wondering, I mean, I understand if not, but I hoped.” It all came out in a rush. “But I would love to stick with Bobby. I know it’s been hard, but now I’m pretty sure I know the reason for his grumpiness – he couldn’t get enough sleep…” Her voice trailed off.
But Lainey smile
d.
“Gracie,” she said slowly. “You’re totally right! I bet those kittens were extra noisy at night. No wonder he didn’t want to go back into his stable! And you were really brave. You knew Bobby was trying to tell you something and you listened to him, even after he’d given you a fright. You acted really responsibly. So, yes,” she grinned. “He’s yours for camp.”
CHAPTER 10
Gracie couldn’t stop smiling long after Lainey had left. She no longer had to find other things to do – she could just hang out with Bobby. Lost in thought, Gracie ran her hand over his thick mane. They had loads of lost time to make up!
Suddenly she gave a start as she heard soft footsteps outside. Looking up, Gracie saw the familiar red hair and tensed, wondering what Ellie was going to say. The last time they’d spoken to each other had been outside the gate, when Gracie had pushed past her.
But to her surprise, Ellie shuffled her feet, reaching up to pat Bobby herself.
“I just want to say sorry,” she said, clearing her throat. “You were right. You knew Bobby was trying to tell you something.”
“It’s fine.” Gracie gave her a smile. She realised it must have been really hard for Ellie to come and apologise. “And anyway,” she continued, “we hadn’t exactly looked like a great partnership up until then, so I can see why you said what you did.”
But Ellie’s cheeks were now scarlet.
“That’s partly my fault,” she mumbled. “I didn’t attach the crown properly.” She hung her head. “I didn’t realise he’d spook like that. I’m really sorry. I just …” She raised her eyes and looked at Gracie. “I just wanted to ride him again.”
Gracie thought about that horrible moment and bit her lip. Yes, it had been awful of Ellie, but she realised how much Ellie must love the piebald pony, just as she did. She decided not to be mad. Ellie clearly felt really terrible about the whole thing.
“It’s OK,” Gracie said, and it was. But she wondered how Ellie might feel about not getting Bobby back after all. To her relief, Ellie answered her unspoken question
“I do love Bobby,” she said. “But actually I’ve really been enjoying getting to know Merry. She’s a cool pony. I can always ride Bobby another time.”
Gracie smiled, and the two girls exchanged a hug.
“Friends?” Gracie said, and Ellie grinned.
“Definitely,” she said.
“Let’s enjoy the rest of camp. And you’ll be great with Bobby. You actually really suit him.”
“Yeah, you do,” said a voice behind Ellie, and Sophie peeped round, followed by Jess, Poppy, Amina and Willow.
“We just wanted to say how brave you were,” Jess said.
“And we’re all so pleased you’re going to carry on riding Bobby!” Amina added with a smile.
“Here’s to the best camp ever!” Poppy grinned.
Gracie buried her face in Bobby’s neck, a little overcome. Then she turned back to her friends and grinned.
“And here’s to Bobby!” she said happily, giving him another hug. She could feel the unspoken bond between them now. Gracie had believed Bobby and seen his true self. And now they were a perfect team!
Gracie’s day got better and better. She and Bobby enjoyed a forest ride, cantering over pine needles and jumping little logs. Afterwards she gave him a long groom, combing every tangle out of his mane and tail. Bobby closed his eyes and rested a leg, as if enjoying the attention.
Once he was out in the field for his afternoon roll and graze, she headed over to the house, where Lainey was on the phone. Lainey smiled and put her finger to her lips, so Gracie went over to the cat basket, where the kittens were stirring. They were beyond adorable, so fluffy and perfect. She imagined holding her very own kitten. It would be the best day ever!
“That’s great,” Gracie heard Lainey say. “She’ll love it at your farm. Speak soon.”
Putting the phone down, Lainey sat next to Gracie. “I’ve managed to find homes for the kittens, when they’re old enough to wean,” she said. “I have loads of friends with farms and stables and they’re lovely homes. I have so many people interested!”
Gracie was torn. On one hand, she was happy the kittens had found good homes. But if she couldn’t have one just yet, then visiting the kittens at Lainey’s would have been the next best thing, and now that had been taken away. She felt her heart sink.
“But, Gracie,” Lainey continued, “one of the calls I made was to your mum…”
Gracie was jolted out of her thoughts, looking up as Lainey carried on.
“I told her how amazing and responsible you’ve been – she might have had the tiniest word with me about the deal you’d made when I rang about your kit bag.”
Lainey winked at Gracie, who held her breath. Could it be?
“She’s coming up later…”
Gracie stared at her, a grin spreading slowly across her face.
“She’s agreed to get you your own kitten!”
Gracie couldn’t speak for a minute as she stared down at the basket of kittens. Her throat felt lumpy and her heart felt as though it might burst.
“I’ll let you choose yours first, of course,” Lainey said with a smile. “I know it’s a big decision.”
“Thank you,” Gracie whispered.
Brushing off her jeans, Lainey stood up. “I’ll also have to ring a rescue centre,” she said, “for Mummy Cat. As the vet said, there’s no chip or collar, and they weren’t able to match her with any of the missing pets in this area, so she’s obviously a stray.”
Gracie looked up, startled. “Can’t you keep her?” she said. The cat seemed really happy in the house and Skate seemed to like her too.
Lainey shook her head. “No,” she said, sounding sad. “My husband, Tim … he’s allergic to cats! He’s being really good about it while they are here – he’s been taking tablets and luckily he’s out at work during the day – but we can’t keep her or he’ll be quite ill. Trouble is, everyone wants a kitten, but not many people will take an older cat.”
Gracie looked at the cat, who bent her head against her palm with a little purr, and at the adorable kittens, who were all so soft and fluffy and playful. And she knew exactly which she should choose.
“Oh, Gracie, she’s lovely.”
Gracie’s mum had arrived. Still in her smart work suit, she didn’t seem to mind that the kittens were climbing all over her. She giggled as they batted at her buttons.
“Isn’t she?” Gracie said. The minute she’d told Lainey what she’d decided, it had felt so right. The kittens were so gorgeous that she knew Lainey would easily find them good homes. But the cat had found Gracie, and had comforted her when she was at her lowest. Gracie couldn’t wait to take her home. There was so much to think about – the wormers and flea treatment, and diet, as well as an operation to ensure she couldn’t have any more kittens. Lainey had told her that the rescue centres were overrun with cats and it was the responsible thing to do. The beautiful cat would finally have a proper home, and Gracie would have her friend, someone to talk to once the stage lights had gone out.
“We’re so proud of you,” her mum continued. “We hoped you’d prove how responsible you were over the summer. But you’ve done more than that. When you chose the cat, we knew you’d made a really kind and grown-up decision. We’ll love having her!”
Gracie smiled as the cat, given a break from her babies, curled up into her lap.
“She’ll need a name,” Lainey said. “We can start calling her it now, so she’s used to it by the time she’s ready to go home to you. Like the vet said, the kittens will wean very soon.”
And Gracie looked at the cat.
“I’m going to call her Bobby,” she said shyly. “Then she’ll always remind me of camp, and Bobby.”
Lainey smiled. “I think it’s perfect.”
Then as Bobby the cat hopped off Gracie’s lap to tend to her hungry kittens, Lainey looked at her watch.
“It’ll be time for pony Bobby
’s tea soon,” she said. “Gracie, why don’t you take your mum to see him?”
Gracie jumped up, taking her mum’s hand.
“Yes, please. Come on, Mum,” Gracie laughed as they headed out of the door and into the early evening sunshine. “Come and meet him. He’s truly the kindest, most amazing pony in the whole world.”
ARE YOU A PERFECT PONY PRO?
TAKE THIS QUIZ TO FIND OUT!
1 WHICH OF THESE PONY COLOURS IS THE ODD ONE OUT?
a) Blue roan
b) Strawberry roan
c) Banana roan
2 WHAT IS A BOUNCE JUMP?
a) A jump with no non-jumping strides in between
b) A jump with bouncy balls as wings
c) An extra-high jump
3 WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR WHEN RIDING ON THE ROAD?
a) A warm coat. It can be chilly out hacking!
b) High-visibility accessories, on both yourself and your pony
c) Matching numnah, ear bonnet and hat silk, in case any of your friends see you
4 WHAT IS A GRACKLE?
a) A type of girth
b) A piece of lunging equipment
c) A type of noseband
5 WHY WOULD YOU CHOOSE SHAVINGS OVER STRAW BEDS FOR SOME PONIES?
a) Some ponies eat straw beds
b) It looks neater
c) Shavings bales are less prickly to carry
6 WHAT WOULD A DANDY BRUSH BE USED FOR?
a) Brushing the pony’s face
b) Untangling knots in tails
c) Removing dried mud from legs and body
7 WHAT SHOULD YOU ALWAYS CLEAN BEFORE RIDING AGAIN, EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO CLEAN THE REST OF YOUR TACK FULLY?
a) The girth and the bit
b) The stirrups and the seat
Sunshine Stables Page 4
