Bird sat quietly. This sounded like something that could easily backfire. But she couldn’t think of an alternative.
Hannah asked Paul, “So, who owns him. You or me?”
“I have a proposal.” Paul sat forward. “How about we own him jointly. I’ll pay the board and you do the training for free until we decide if he’s redeemable.”
“And if he is redeemable?”
“We’ll set a price and sell him, fifty-fifty.”
“And if he’s not?”
“I’ll euthanize him, like I probably should’ve done in the first place.”
“What if I want to own him, once he’s trained and ready to sell?”
“Let’s say that if you want him at any time, then you pay me back what I’ve paid in board until that time, not a penny more.”
“Sounds like a fair deal. I’ll think it over.”
On the stairs, Bird slumped forward and put her head in her hands. Sundancer must behave himself or he’d be euthanized. Put down, destroyed, killed; there were many ways to say it, but it came to the same thing. His life hung in the balance. Her work was cut out for her.
“I’ve been wondering, why did you save him, Paul?” asked Hannah.
“It was stupid of me, I know. I’m a vet; it’s part of my job to put animals down.” Bird heard a squeak as Paul rocked back in his chair. “But there was something about that horse. A dignity. A regal quality. He was overlooked at the Owens stables, one of many. Bypassed. Labelled as a problem. I felt that he possibly hadn’t had a fair shake. I looked into his eye and he stared right back. Insolent fellow, I thought. And some whim overtook me. I admit I was thinking of you, how you’d be the one to realize his potential. Call me anything you want, and I’ve already called myself that and more since Bird’s concussion, but when you said you’d take him, I thought it was meant to be.”
Bird was touched, and a little surprised. It was the longest speech she’d ever heard Paul Daniels make. She liked him more every time she saw him.
Hannah gave a short chuckle. “I appreciate your high opinion of my skills, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to live up to it. Look, let me have a day or two to decide?”
“Sure.”
“It’s tempting to have you pay the bills. That’s a very generous offer.”
“I got us into this.”
“But I supplied the refuge.”
Bird nodded to herself. The deal was as good as done. Hannah could never turn her back on an animal — or person, for that matter — in need. It was fair, as Hannah had said. But Sundancer was on borrowed time. Bird would have to make him understand.
Outside, Hector began to bark. They all heard the sound of tires on gravel, then a car door closing.
“Get your strange and scary smile ready, Hannah, your sister’s here.”
“Get lost,” blurted Hannah, then started to laugh. “Was it really scary?”
“Really scary,” answered Paul with a grin in his voice.
Bird quietly moved to a higher position on the stairs. She wanted to see, but not be seen, when Eva arrived.
But it wasn’t Eva this time, either. It was Stuart Gilmore. Hannah greeted him as Paul made his way out the front door. “Good afternoon, Stuart. It’s nice to see you.”
“Hello, Hannah, Paul,” Stuart said heartily. “I was just passing by and thought I’d drop in.”
Paul gave Stuart a level look. “It’s no business of mine.”
Stuart stopped in confusion. “Did I interrupt something?”
Bird stifled a laugh as Hannah gave Paul a stern look. It was funny! As usual, Hannah had no idea what was going on. It was clear to anyone looking — anyone but Hannah — that Paul was jealous.
“Not at all, Stuart,” answered Hannah, smiling in an attempt to make up for Paul’s rudeness. “Paul and I were just talking about a horse problem. My sister Eva’s on her way, and I’ve got a few more things to …”
“Great,” said Stuart. “Good timing. It’ll be nice to see Eva again.” He smiled broadly and made no move to leave.
Bird watched as Paul looked from Hannah to Stuart and back again. It was an awkward moment. Bird was dying to find out what would happen next. It was like one of those soap operas that some of the kids at school watched. Who would get the girl? Except that the competition was all in Paul’s mind. Stuart saw Hannah as a friend. This was too good! Bird wished that Kimby was here with her.
Hannah was spared the necessity of reacting, as a car was coming far too fast up the drive.
Let the games begin, thought Bird. Shes scooted down the stairs and out the back door, around the house and up the big oak over-looking the front door. She settled in just as the red sedan came toa jerky stop in front of the house.
Eva was the first to emerge. She was dressed from head to toe in her favourite colour: pink. Her bleached-blonde hair was swept up in curls, caught in a pink polka-dot bandana. Her pale-pink skirt was short and pleated like a schoolgirl’s, showing off her lean, well-tanned legs. Her bright-pink T-shirt was stretched tightly across a chest that looked larger than Bird remembered. Pink ankle socks under pink high-heeled pumps and matching lipstick completed the outfit.
On the front porch, Stuart’s jaw literally dropped while Hannah simply stared.
Bird felt ill.
“I’m sooo mad!” pouted Eva as she tottered up the walk. “Randy insisted he knew the way. He wouldn’t listen to me and we kept getting lost!”
A grim-faced man opened the driver’s door and stepped out of the car. Bird examined him carefully from her perch. He smoothed his skin-tight designer jeans with his hands, and brushed imaginary lint from his body-hugging powder-blue sport shirt. His round face sported a thick dark moustache, and he had a great head of curly brown hair. Bird wondered if it was dyed. His highly polished shoes gleamed in the sunlight. Arrogant but insecure, thought Bird. Time will tell.
Next out was Julia. Nine years old now, she’d grown since Bird had last seen her. Bird’s heart lurched as she took in her sister’s outfit. Julia was dressed exactly like her mother, but in miniature. It was all wrong. She was pretty, but she looked wan and tired, and more than a little nervous. Don’t worry, sister. I’ll find you later, when no one else is around, thought Bird.
Bird watched as Eva gave Hannah a huge hug. “It’s sooo good to see you!” She looked over Hannah’s shoulder at Paul and Stuart. “You must introduce me to your handsome friends.”
Where did the Southern accent come from? Bird wondered.
“Of course,” said Hannah politely. “Eva, I’d like you to meet my vet, Paul Daniels. And this is Stuart Gilmore, the principal of Forks of the Credit School. Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to Eva Simms, my sister.”
“Your much younger sister,” Eva drawled, then giggled. Paul shot Hannah an amused look.
Stuart, for his part, was smitten. “It’s nice to see you again,” he said.
Eva batted her eyelashes at him, forming an appealing, questioning look on her face. “When did we have the pleasure of meeting? I never forget a handsome man, and I absolutely never forget a gorgeous one!”
Stuart flushed as pink as Eva’s shirt. “It was five years ago at the Theatre Orangeville fundraiser. You modelled a red flamenco skirt.”
“Oh, yes! At the Tijuana Tribute! What fun!” Eva danced in a circle flashing her white teeth, pretending to throw her skirts around. “Ai ai ai ai!”
Was this really her mother? Bird felt sick with embarrassment. Why did Eva always have to flirt, always have to be the center of attention. Nothing had changed.
Randy joined the group with his beige topcoat over his arm, carrying luggage. He was shadowed closely by Julia.
“I’d like you all to meet Randy Band,” said Eva. “And my precious little daughter, Julia.” She pointed out each person. “Correct me if I get mixed up. Hannah, of course, Paul, and … Stuart? Am I right?”
“Perfect!” gushed Stuart. Eva smiled at him coyly.
Bird was momentarily distracte
d by a red squirrel. He was angry about his space being invaded.
“Chee chee chee chee!”
Quiet, Red. I’m only here for a minute, until they go into the house.
This is my tree!
It’s my tree, too. Hush! I can’t hear!
The squirrel lifted up his tail and scrambled irately away.
While Eva and Randy exchanged pleasantries with Paul and Stuart, Bird saw Hannah observing Julia. Bird knew what Hannah was thinking. She was thinking the same thing. Something had changed. Julia was just as pretty in her blonde, blue-eyed, fragile way, but she seemed more tentative and subdued. But they hadn’t seen her for two years, and so much can change in that time. Perhaps it was only fatigue from the long flight. Plus, Bird noted, Julia was wearing mascara and the same shade of lipstick as her mother’s. How stupid.
Julia felt her aunt looking at her, and turned. “Hello, Aunt Hannah.”
Hannah gave her a big hug. “Julia, I’m so glad you’re here. I haven’t seen you for ages. Welcome back to Saddle Creek.”
“Thank you. Where’s Bird?” Julia asked. “I’d really like to see her.”
Hannah took her hand. “She wants to see you, too, but there are too many people here for Bird. She’ll show up.”
I certainly will, thought Bird. Don’t you worry, Julia.
Eva interrupted them. “Hannah. I brought Randy all the way from California to meet my family, and you haven’t even said hello!”
“Hello Randy, and welcome.” Hannah shook Randy’s hand. He was shorter than Hannah by an inch or two, and sturdy. Bird guessed that he might be a good deal younger than Eva. “I’m Hannah, and I’m very pleased to meet you.”
“Pleased to meet you, too. You don’t look anything like I expected. You’re attractive.” He sounded surprised.
“Why, thanks,” said Hannah.
Paul smothered a laugh with a short cough. “I’m on my way, folks,” he said as he strode to his truck. “Nice to meet you all. See you later, Hannah. Call me when you decide.”
“Right. See you, Paul,” called Hannah.
“Decide?” squealed Eva. “Has he asked you to marry him?”
“No, Eva. It’s about a horse.”
“Hannah! I was kidding. You’re always so serious.”
Reluctantly, Stuart started walking toward his car. “I guess I have to go, too. It was wonderful seeing you again, Eva. You’re just like I remembered. Goodbye Randy, Julia.”
“You don’t have to go yet, do you?” Eva pouted.
“I’m sure he’s a busy man,” said Randy forcefully. He took Eva’s arm and began to steer her toward the house.
“Yes, I must, but I’ll see you again.” Stuart got in his car and rolled down his window. “Your sister promised to invite me for dinner.”
“Oh goody. Bye, Stuart!” Eva blew him a kiss.
“See what I have to put up with?” Randy said to Hannah. “She’s a terrible flirt. All the time. I can’t turn my back for a minute.”
“Oh, you big, strong, man. You’re jealous.” Eva kissed him on the lips, and Randy appeared momentarily mollified.
Bird rested her head on the strong trunk of the tree. She felt exhausted. They would be here for three whole days.
Down on the front steps, she heard Hannah think the same thing.
6
COMPANY
I am smarter than most people, and most people do not understand this about me. It causes problems.
Everyone disappeared into the house. It was safe for Bird to come down.
All yours, Red. See you later.
Not too soon, I hope.
Bird climbed the fence and went over to Sundancer. She needed to tell him what she’d overheard between Dr. Paul and Hannah in the house.
I’ve got something to tell you, Sundancer.
As she neared, the horse visibly stiffened up. Don’t come any closer, Bird girl.
Why not?
Just don’t. The big gelding flattened his ears and threatened to kick.
Bird was alarmed. What’s wrong, Sunny?
Nothing. I’m having a bad day. It happens. Now scram before you’re sorry you stayed.
You were fine earlier. You taught me to skip! Has something happened?
Don’t push it. Get lost.
Okay, but I’ll be back. We have to talk. It’s important.
Bird made her way back to the house feeling hollow inside. She didn’t know what was worse: Sundancer ignoring her, or having him send her away. She thought she’d gotten through. Now, she wasn’t so sure. Not for the first time, Bird was struck by the unique nature of the new horse. He had moods to reckon with. She needed to learn this and be patient.
Bird quietly crept in the back door. She hopped up on the kitchen counter and wiggled into the space on top of the fridge. It was one of her favourite listening spots. People rarely looked up when they were talking, and she’d heard many interesting things at this post. Kitchen, hallway, living room — Bird could hear it all. She momentarily put her worries about the horse aside. It was time to find out what was going on with the people.
Hannah led the way into the living room followed by the faithful Hector, who was limping painfully. “Let’s get everybody settled,” she said brightly. “I’ll show you to your rooms, and then we can talk about what you’d like to do this afternoon.” To Bird, her voice sounded forced and overly cheerful.
“Can you hang this up for me?” asked Randy. He handed Hannah his coat. “It’s a Burberry. I got it in England.” He sniffed proudly. “Belted.”
“Of course,” Hannah answered. Bird couldn’t see what was transpiring in the hall, but she heard every word clearly. “It’ll be right here in the hall closet.”
Bird heard the clinks of hangers as Hannah found one for
Randy’s coat.
“Let me,” said Randy. There was a scraping sound as he squeezed all of the other coats over to one side of the closet and hung his separately. “There,” he said. “This is how I like it hung, not touching other coats, and with the belt flattened properly in the loops.”
Bird chuckled. Ooh, I could have some fun with this.
“I’d like to see Bird now, please, Aunt Hannah,” said Julia softly. “If I could.”
“I didn’t forget, Julia,” replied Hannah. “I’m not sure where Bird is, but she knows where you are. You know what she’s like; she’s probably waiting until she can see you alone.”
Bird smiled. True.
“Talking about Bird?” asked Randy as he shut the closet door. He whispered audibly, “To tell the truth, living in a house with an autistic child is not my idea of a good time. Eva had to talk me into this visit. I’m not proud of it, but there, I admit it. I’m honestly not looking forward to meeting her.”
Hannah’s voice was cool. “Bird’s not autistic. She has elective mutism. She chooses not to talk, but aside from that, she’s perfectly normal. In fact, she’s exceptionally bright.”
“Eva says she’s autistic,” stated Randy. “In my book, if the kid doesn’t talk, she’s autistic.”
Don’t even bother, Hannah, thought Bird. It’s not worth it.
Hannah took a deep breath. “Randy, it’s not always as simple as we’d like. Bird has decided not to talk. We don’t know why, but we do know she’s able to. Two weeks ago she said a word.”
“She said a word?” asked Eva from the living room. Bird heard her high heels clack-clacking into the hall. “What word?”
“She named a horse. Sundancer. The one she fell off.”
“Sundancer? Bird named him? You didn’t tell me, Hannah!” Eva was angry. “You kept it from me? Bird’s first word since she was six!” “Calm down, Eva.” Randy sounded annoyed. “What’s it to you, Eva?”
“I care about Bird.” Eva replied quickly, reining in her emotions. “She’s my niece, after all.”
“No, Mom,” corrected Julia, “She’s your d —”
“Come, sweetie!” sang out Eva loudly. “Let’s br
ing our bags upstairs. Auntie Hannah said you can sleep in Bird’s room. We’re going to have such a fun time!” Eva kept a running monologue all the way up the stairs. “We’ll go riding, we’ll see animals. There are kittens, I’m sure!”
Julia’s smaller heels clacked up the stairs as she followed along.
“You love pussycats, don’t you, darling? Randy does, too!”
Hannah walked into the kitchen, unaware of Bird. She talked to herself under her breath. “It’ll be fine. It will be fine. Only three days.”
Bird watched as Hannah plugged in the kettle then artfully arranged freshly made banana bread and chocolate brownies on a plate. She placed the cups, the creamer and sugar bowl set, and the teaspoons with the fancy inlaid handles on her best tray. She also took a pitcher of lemonade out of the fridge, which she carried out to the screened-in porch off the kitchen and put down beside the coffee. With bright-blue napkins, a bowl of overflowing fruit, and a fresh flower arrangement, the table looked beautiful to Bird and ready for the finest company. Too good for Eva.
“Where’s Bird?” asked a small voice. Julia stood behind Hannah with her toes together, wearing pale-pink jeans and a tiny, tight white halter top that showed off her navel and flat little-girl tummy. Bird expected that Eva would show up in the same outfit.
“Julia! You surprised me,” exclaimed Hannah. “Bird will find you in her own time, honey. I was just getting ready to serve tea. Are Randy and your mom ready?”
“Not yet. They’re in their room.”
“Do you want to go and tell them tea is ready when they are?”
It was time. Bird descended from the fridge, surprising them both.
“Bird! There you are!” Julia grabbed her sister tightly. “I miss you, Bird. Come back with us, please?”
Bird drew back from the hug first and took a long look at her sister’s outfit. Something needed to be done. Bird disappeared into the laundry room and quickly emerged with one of her own clean white tee shirts. She put it over Julia’s head and Julia worked her arms through. Bird smiled. Much better, she thought. Julia smiled back.
“What are you wearing?” cried Eva as she stormed into the kitchen. Bird stepped back and and slid behind the door. She wasn’t ready to face her mother. Not yet.
Sundancer Page 8
