Sundancer

by Shelley Peterson

  Julia jumped up from the floor, dirty rag in hand. “It was terrific! I love Timmy! We went on the path along the cliff and through the woods. We even trotted and I can almost post now! We came back the other way and went in a pond to clean the ponies’ feet and we rode past a whole lot of other people on horses. Big horses, too. Can we ride again tomorrow, Aunt Hannah?”

  “Sure can,” she answered. “I’m so glad you had fun. You’ll be a super rider by the time you leave. Now, both of you, get upstairs and shower and change, then come down to set the table.”

  Bird was out of the room before Hannah had finished her sentence, glad to be away from her mother for even a while.

  IN VERY LITTLE TIME, the girls came thundering down the stairs, ready for work in the kitchen. Julia’s hair was clean and shiny, and she was wore one of Bird’s shirts. She looked much happier than when she’d arrived. In honour of Julia’s visit, Bird had decided to comb her freshly washed hair and wear a top that matched her pants.

  “You both look beautiful,” Hannah remarked. “What gorgeous sisters! Now it’s my turn to shower and change. Please set the table — and surprise me!”

  An hour later, Eva and Randy descended the stairs as Hannah was lighting the fire in the old kitchen fireplace. The table was set in the best silver, on the old lace tablecloth that their great-grandmother had crocheted. The brightly coloured napkins were all different, folded artistically into the empty water glasses. In the center of the table was an enormous bouquet of summer flowers formerly planted in Hannah’s garden. The effect was riotous and pleasing, warm and welcoming.

  Bird and Julia watched expectantly for their mother’s reaction. “Fabulous table, Hannah! You’ve outdone yourself!” she squealed.

  “Bird and Julia did it all. Every bit,” Hannah said proudly.

  “Not really? Julia, you’re a little genius! Come give Mommy a hug.” Eva opened her arms to Julia, but the girl hung back.

  “It was Bird, too, Mommy. Bird did most of it. All the ideas were hers, I only helped.”

  Randy snorted. “How could Bird have ideas? She can’t even talk.”

  Hannah spoke up. “Bird has lots of ideas. And sometimes it’s better not to talk than to say something stupid.”

  Good one Hannah, thought Bird. But why did her mother say nothing in her defense?

  While Randy tried to figure out if he’d been insulted, Bird noted his pale-blue jacket and open white shirt that showed off his deep tan. His black pants were made of shiny fabric, and his black boots added several inches to his height. Eva wore a long pink paisley dress with a low-cut, frilly bodice. Frills edged the slit that climbed up past her knee, and her heeled sandals were covered in the same pink paisley fabric as the dress. Bird guessed that there were smaller clothes for Julia.

  “Julia, honey, come put on your dinner clothes.” Eva held out a miniature of the dress she was wearing, and smaller replica shoes.

  Bird rolled her eyes. Right again.

  “I like what I’m wearing, Mommy,” Julia replied. She didn’t look at her mother. “I’m comfortable.”

  “Now Julia, sugar pie, I had our dresses and shoes specially made. You know that. They can’t go to waste.”

  “Do us all a favour, Julia, and do what your mother says,” said Randy dryly.

  Julia sagged. She took the dress and shoes from her mother and dragged her feet out of the room. Bird went with her.

  By the time the steaming food was on the table, Bird and Julia had returned.

  They made their entrance giggling, and waited for a reaction. Bird was wearing Julia’s dress with her dirty sneakers. It was much too small for her, and looked ridiculous, especially with Julia’s shirt on one arm and her pants on her head. Julia wore the pink paisley heels with Bird’s oversized clothes falling around her knees.

  Bird looked at her mother and was pleased to see that she was angry. She might have been turned to stone, except for her high colour.

  “Well, Eva,” said Hannah, suppressing a smile. “At least the dress isn’t going to waste.” Then she, too, broke out laughing, unable to stop herself.

  Randy joined in, and when Eva realized that she was outnumbered, she smiled. Bird could tell it wasn’t real.

  “All right. Very funny. But, Julia, before you get dinner you have to wear your clothes properly.” Eva’s smile was tight.

  The laughter ceased. Bird had underestimated her mother. Eva wasn’t about to let this go. She led her sister out of the room, glaring at Eva as she passed.

  In a surprisingly short time they were back, each wearing their own clothes.

  “Very pretty, Julia!” gushed Eva. She was the only happy person in the room. “Don’t you think so, Randy?” She waited for his nod, then stood beside Julia, posing. “Don’t we look like twins?” She looked at Randy, then at Hannah, waiting for a response.

  What is her problem? wondered Bird. Could she not see that Julia was about to cry? Bird touched her sister’s arm, trying to make her feel better.

  “Yeah, doll,” muttered Randy. “Now can we eat?”

  Dinner passed without incident, but everyone was on his or her best behaviour. Hannah chatted gaily about the horses, the local gossip, school starting soon — anything to get through the evening. Finally, the dinner dishes were cleared and dessert was on the table. Bird noticed that Hannah had begun to breathe easier.

  “Bird needs a haircut before she goes to school,” said Eva.

  Here we go, thought Bird.

  “If she wants,” answered Hannah lightly, suddenly tense again. “Not if she wants. She needs a haircut.”

  “What’s it to you?” asked Randy, his mouth full of fresh berries. “She looks scruffy. Hannah should keep her looking pretty, that’s all.” Eva looked longingly at the ice cream, then patted her flat tummy and set her jaw. “Also, her clothes are too loose and drab. They don’t show her off to her full potential. She needs a new look.” Eva poured another cup of decaffeinated coffee and stirred in artificial sweetener. “More colour.”

  A new look? More colour? A tiny smile crept over Bird’s face.

  “Bird, would you like more dessert?” Hannah asked.

  You can’t distract me, Hannah. Not this time, Bird thought.

  “Bird?” Hannah tried to catch her niece’s eye. “Would you like some more?”

  Bird stood up and left the room, just as Julia spoke up in Bird’s defense. “Mommy, I think Bird looks pretty. She has her own style, that’s all.”

  Eva harrumphed. “She sure does. Like that dog, what’s his name?”

  “Hector,” Julia answered. “And Bird’s nothing at all like Hector.”

  Randy laughed. “Actually you’re right, Eva. They’re both rather, shall we say, neglected?”

  “I think you’re both being mean,” the little girl said. She stood up and turned to leave.

  Julia stopped in her tracks. Bird was back. It had only taken a few minutes but the effect was dramatic. Everyone in the room froze. Bird smiled broadly. Her thick mop of dark hair had been reduced to chunks of different lengths, leaving her scalp showing here and there. As if that wasn’t enough, she’d splashed bright red, orange, yellow, green, and blue poster paint over her clothes. For good measure, she’d streaked her hair with it, too, then wiped her colourful hands on her face.

  No one knew how to react.

  “Bird got herself a haircut,” said Hannah to Eva.

  “And her clothes definitely have more colour,” added Julia.

  Bird stared at her mother defiantly, and Eva glared back, ready for a fight. She was turning purple.

  Hannah stood up and put her arm around Bird. “Bird, you look very artistic. Très chic. You’ve got a new look, that’s for sure.”

  For the first time since his arrival, Randy did something that made sense. He put his hand on Eva’s arm. “I think we’ll go for a little walk. Thanks for a lovely meal, Hannah.” He stood, then began to pull Eva’s chair out for her.

  “I’ll go when I
’m good and ready, Randy. Alberta, I will not have you putting on a show like this! Go to your room immediately!”

  “Eva,” Randy said, puzzled. “Let Bird’s mother handle this.”

  She is. You just don’t know it, Bird thought.

  “She’s doing this to upset me! To ridicule me!”

  “Eva, let’s go. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

  “You don’t understand, Randy. You don’t understand one bit of it. Bird cut her hair and ruined her clothes to make a mockery of me.”

  “You’re right, Eva. I don’t understand. Hannah thinks Bird looks fine.”

  “What has Hannah got to do with anything?” Eva turned on Bird. “You … get … up … to … your … room! Now!”

  Bird didn’t move. This was exactly what she’d wanted. She would flush her mother out. Let everyone see what Eva was all about. No more walking on eggs.

  Randy backed toward the door. “Eva! You don’t yell at another person’s child, even if she is your niece. Come with me now, or I’ll keep on going, alone.”

  Bird looked at Randy with new interest. He did have a backbone, and he was getting very angry. Maybe he wasn’t as easy to push around as Eva thought.

  “Don’t go, Randy! I’m coming with you. You’re right. I don’t know what got into me. Sorry everyone!”

  With the slam of the door, Eva and Randy were gone. Silence. Julia turned to Bird. “Randy thinks you’re Mom’s niece?” She began to giggle, then she fell on the floor in a spasm of laughter. Bird began to chuckle, then laughed so hard that she had to clutch her belly. Hannah hugged them both, caught up in the mischief. All three were a mess of laughter and poster paint.

  This is what a family should be like, thought Bird. Fun and loving, not cruel and insensitive. If Eva couldn’t understand this, it was her loss.

  Bird and Julia helped Hannah clear the table and scrape and load dishes into the dishwasher. They scrubbed the pots and pans and swept the floor. In minutes the kitchen was clean.

  “Thanks, girls,” said Hannah. “You’re the best. Both of you. And Bird, I love your new look. It’s completely original — it suits you.”

  “I agree, Aunt Hannah,” said Julia, giggling again. “That’s what I’d call an extreme make-over! And the best part is how Mom couldn’t do anything! I wish I was as brave as you, Bird. Nothing scares you, not even Mom.”

  Bird reached out and hugged her sister. Plenty of things scare me. I’m just good at hiding them.

  “Is there anything you want to do until bedtime?” asked Hannah.

  Bird took Julia’s hand and led her to the kitchen door. She looked questioningly at Hannah.

  “Sure. Go outside. I’ll ring the cowbell at quarter to nine. That gives you an hour to play.”

  HANNA HAD BARELY SAT down in a chair with her book when Eva hollered through the window. “Hannah, why did you let Bird ride Sundancer? After her concussion? Are you insane?”

  Hannah leaped to her feet. She ran to the door and opened it. Sure enough, Bird was trotting along the fenceline on Sundancer. Julia sat on the top rail, clapping her hands in appreciation.

  The horse looked wonderful. His coat glistened in the softening rays of the evening sun. His legs strode out in perfect rhythm, strong and sound. His head was nicely tucked, his neck arched.

  Sunny, Hannah and Mom are watching. And Randy, too. Mom’s never seen me ride before and Hannah doesn’t know we’ve been practicing. I don’t want to mess up.

  I won’t let you down, Bird girl. Just come along for the ride. I’ll talk you through it.

  Bird asked him to move into a canter, and together they sailed.

  He changed leads. She rode him in a small circle, then a large circle. They changed direction. Now they slowed to a trot. Shoulder-in, half-pass. They reduced speed until he was trotting on the spot. Bird sat straight and tight, giving him lots of leg.

  No, Bird girl. Not like that. Put your toes slightly out, but don’t dig my sides with your heels. Now, we’ll canter shoulder in. Squeeze just behind the girth with your outside leg. Yes! And play with your inside rein. Good! See how my head wants to bend just so?

  Hannah was mesmerized. Bird was doing advanced dressage! She must have been riding Sundancer all along, while she — Hannah the horse trainer — had been pussyfooting around in the arena! No wonder his muscles had developed so quickly. No wonder his tone was so good.

  “See, Hannah! Bird’s riding the wild horse.” Eva had caught up to Hannah, out of breath. Randy leaned against his car, bored by the prospect of yet another tantrum concerning Bird.

  “She’s doing remarkably well, too.” Hannah said.

  “Stop her! She’ll get killed.”

  Hannah turned to face her sister. “Does she look like she’s in any danger?”

  Do you want to try something wonderful, Bird girl?

  Sure, Sunny. What?

  I’ve never tried it before. Just sit up and hang on.

  Eva opened her mouth with a response, but she changed her mind. Mouth still open, she watched Bird as she quietly sat. The big horse sprang up in the air and kicked out with his back legs. He landed, prepared himself, and did it again.

  “Airs above the ground!” gasped Hannah. “I can’t believe it!”

  Sunny, where did you learn that?

  I watched the dressage horses at my old stable.

  Very cool!

  Thanks for staying off my mouth. It helps.

  Now they were skipping together. Two canter strides on the left lead, two canter strides on the right.

  It was lovely. The horse was simply stunning, and Bird had never looked more beautiful. Her crazy hair peeked out from under her black hard hat and the paint streaks lit up her face. These two unique creatures were totally compatible.

  “Your daughter’s full of surprises,” Hannah said softly.

  “She’s a good rider, isn’t she?”

  Hannah nodded. “Wonderful. I have no idea how she learned those steps. I certainly didn’t teach her. I don’t know them myself. She’s very special, Eva.”

  Eva’s head tilted to one side as she watched her daughter dismount. To Hannah, she looked lonely and lost. She seemed more like the little sister she remembered.

  From across the field, Bird caught her mother’s eye. This is me. Do you see me now? For the first time, Bird thought that the answer might be yes.

  8

  THE DINNER PARTY

  I’m no different than I’ve always been. Nothing has changed.

  Bird woke up early the next morning to a bright sunny sky. All was right with the world. She’d impressed her family with the dressage show last night, and she knew that Sundancer’s life had been extended, at least for a while. Hannah had seen his considerable talent and his workmanlike attitude. She would have to understand that he was worth extra effort.

  She chuckled to herself. This was going to be another good day; a day full of surprises. Tonight was the dinner party that Hannah had been preparing for, and Bird had been making preparations of her own.

  She got out of bed and stretched all over. She looked at her little sister sleeping peacefully on the futon, cuddled up with pillows and blankets, hugging a stuffed pink monkey. There wasn’t much time left in this visit. They’d have to make the most of every minute.

  Bird quietly woke Julia. They got into their riding clothes, and after a quick breakfast the two sisters ran out to the barn, followed by the enthusiastic Hector. Bird had a soft package tucked under her arm.

  To the girls’ surprise, Kimberly was in the aisle, brushing Pastor. She hardly looked at them as they came bursting in.

  “My mother had other plans,” she said without emotion, as she combed Pastor’s mane. “So she dropped me off here. And I’m coming to the party. She arranged it with Hannah.”

  Bird stood silently as Kimby spoke. The expression on her face was tight and sad. Bird wondered if Lavinia had arranged anything at all. More than likely, she’d simply dropped Kimby off and informed
Hannah that she was staying.

  Bird and Julia looked at each other. Julia wasn’t fooled, either. Both girls surrounded Kimby and gave her a hug.

  Kimberly began to cry. “She woke me up so early and she dumped me here and I don’t have anything to wear tonight and I can’t stand her boyfriend, he’s so old and horrible.”

  Julia wiped away a tear from Kimberly’s cheek. “Trust me, we know how you feel. If you want weird boyfriends, check out some of our mother’s.” Julia suddenly chuckled. “Bird, do you remember the guy with the false teeth?”

  Bird rolled her eyes and grinned.

  “Mom didn’t know until I lost my front tooth and put it under my pillow. He came running in without any teeth and his hands full of money, yelling that the tooth fairy was real, that she’d visited him and now he was rich!” Julia squealed with laughter. “You should’ve seen Mom’s face!”

  Bird hooted, pleased that Kimby was laughing, too. Good old

  Julia, she thought.

  Now the three cheerfully saddled their horses and headed out for a nice long ride on the trails along the escarpment. They were determined to make the most of their day.

  AS SOON AS THEY WERE back, Hannah put them to work. “We’ve got lots to do, girls,” she said. “Paul and Alec are joining us, too, so it will be a full house.”

  Bird smiled to herself. Alec’s coming. Kimberly noticed and winked at her. Bird blushed and looked away.

  Hannah put the girls in charge of washing the windows, and soon the sun sparkled through unstreaked glass. Hector’s bed was shaken out and washed. The wood floors, trim, and furniture were polished within an inch of their lives. Before long, the house was clean and tidy, ready for company.

  There were twelve people coming for dinner, so Randy moved the kitchen table into the dining room and abutted it to their grandmother’s big oak table. Eva and Hannah set it with the best of everything Hannah owned, and the girls arranged a centrepiece. Candles and ribbons and small dolls adorned colourful, fresh garden flowers.

  When the preparations were complete, Eva and Randy set off to walk along the Bruce Trail, then for a drive around the countryside. Bird was happy to have them gone. Hannah was tense whenever Eva was around. She needed a break before the guests arrived, and Bird knew just the right thing.