‘Stupid… Bloody… Cannot believe it…’ Dylan muttered angrily to himself as he worked on the fire appliance, the delicate touch he’d once used with maintaining the important machinery gone as he hammered out his anger.

It had been a week since the major fire at the hospital, a week since he’d received such glowing praise from the chief. A week since Puzzle had floated back into his life, his irritating face appearing when Dylan least expected it, his annoying grin haunting him at nearly every turn.

‘Why… For gnomes’ sake… What the hell…’ Dylan was hardly focusing on the dent he’d been hammering out, his mind totally consumed with his rage. He was an adult now, a grown man! Surely he should’ve grown out of his imaginary friend stage years ago. What the hell was wrong with him!

‘Argh!’ Cursing, Dylan dropped the hammer on the floor; as was inevitable given his state of mind he’d missed his target and hit his hand. Rubbing the already bruising skin, Dylan kicked the side of the fire appliance. ‘Stupid thing!’

‘Dylan!’ Alan’s curious face appeared at the door of the garage, his expression softening as he realised what had happened. ‘Would you come out here for a minute, son?’

Rolling his eyes, Dylan trailed out after the chief. Alan studied him for a minute through his shades, a little worried.

‘What’s on your mind, Dylan?’

‘What’s on my mind? Nothing!’

‘Come off it, son! You’ve been a total mess all week, entirely distracted, unfocused, and now you’ve managed to hammer your hand into the side of the truck. What’s going on?’

A little nervous about where the conversation may be heading, Dylan fidgeted with his braces. ‘Sorry, chief. I just… I…’ How can I tell him?!

‘Was it the hospital? Was it too much for you to handle? I know you did a fine job, Dylan, but that was the first major incident you attended. I realise such things can be a little shocking if you’re not -’

‘No! No, no, I was fine with that, honestly. I don’t know what’s the matter with me, chief. I’ll try and-’

‘Dylan! Dylan!’

Dylan gritted his teeth.’I'll try and get focused again. I know I can do this, chief.’

Alan nodded. ‘I know you can too, son. But don’t try and push yourself too hard! Neither you nor young William have had any real time off since you started here, have you? Look, here’s what we’ll do. You boys can take the weekend off, you’re due a couple of days rest anyway. You can go away, relax, have some fun, get whatever’s on your mind off it then start afresh on Monday with a clear head. Best thing all round. Do you agree?’

Hanging his head, Dylan nodded reluctantly. He hoped the chief didn’t think he was being weak. ‘Yes sir.’

‘Honestly lad, you’d think I’d just fired you given that reaction!’

*       *       *

‘I can’t believe you’ve never been here, Robbie!’

‘Of course I haven’t. What kind of little sister wants to go and hang out where her dorky big brother does?’

Dylan gave his sister a look. ‘Did you just call me a dork?’

‘Well I used to think that! Come on Dyl, you’re my big brother! I don’t think it any more, if that’s any consolation.’ Robyn flashed Dylan a cheeky grin as the pair walked into the arcade.

‘I suppose it’ll have to do, for now, but when I thrash any score you get on Syndication it’ll make me feel even better! Oh wow, this place hasn’t changed a bit!’ Stopping in his tracks, Dylan gazed around the familiar haunt. ‘Come on, let’s get on the games!’

‘Right, okay… So this button does…’

‘Yeah, that does that, then if you press that one that happens,’ Dylan demonstrated on his own machine.

‘Right… Okay, I’ve got it!’ Enthusiastically, Robyn pressed the start button and began pressing the buttons feverishly. ‘Oh wow! This is brilliant!’

‘Mmm,’ Dylan half replied a little absent-mindedly as he concentrated on his own game. I’m so out of practice! Still, at least I’ll beat -

‘Oh, cool! Thirty thousand points!’

Ripping his eyes away from his screen, Dylan glanced over at his sister’s. ‘How the hell did you do that! How did you get that?! I’ve never got that!’

Robyn laughed gleefully. ‘Seriously?! Wow! Looks like I’ve finally found the one thing I’m better at than you! Hah, now you’re dead!’

‘Oh, what?!’

Aghast, Dylan looked back to his game just in time to see his avatar keel over. This was not how this was supposed to have gone!

‘Oh, cheer up Dylan! Look, I’ll buy you some gum.’ Robyn started rooting around in her pockets for some change as Dylan watched in horror.

‘Robbie! Your game!’

‘What? Oh! Ah well. Come on, bro.’ Robyn skipped away from the gaming machines as her own avatar died, entirely unfazed. As he went to follow her, Dylan noted that she’d at least doubled any score he’d ever had.

She didn’t need to know that.

‘Catch, Dyl!’ Robyn tossed a silver coin at her brother before popping her own into the gumball machine. ‘You know, I’ve not had any gum in ages. Mum doesn’t like me chewing it, she says it’ll rot my teeth.’

‘She’s got a point, to be fair! Though I think she’d be more worried about your dress sense than chewing gum at the minute, what the hell is this that you’re wearing? You look like a right rebel!’ Dylan laughed a little sarcastically.

‘Oh, quiet you! This is the height of fashion, I can assure you. Besides, I may as well give up everything and start rebelling after the example you set me!’

‘Eh?’ Dylan wheeled round to face his sister. ‘What d’ya mean?’

‘Hm? Oh! Well you kind of set an unreachable example for me, didn’t you! You got ridiculously high grades in your final exams at school then decided to become a superhero! You should hear Mum when she’s with her friends, she hardly shuts up about you. You know your name was in the paper after that thing at the hospital? I thought she was going to explode with joy and pride!’

‘Seriously?’ Dylan’s face lit up. ‘So she’s not worried any more?’

‘Course she’s still worried you pillock, but you’re doing pretty well in convincing her not to be. Hey, do you think she’ll worry about me when I stroll in saying that I’m going to become a professional arcade game player when I leave school?’

‘Oh, don’t be daft! Robbie, no matter what you do Mum and Dad’ll be proud of you, and I will be too. I’ve hardly set the perfect example! Did I ever tell you about how I got kicked out of here once?’

*       *       *

‘Mate, we should’ve done this aaaages ago, and not on a Sunday night! I can’t believe how dead it is,’ Will said as he took a deep sip of his drink. The two trainee firemen had decided to make the most of their final night off and had headed out to a bar near the station, the Bridgeport Sports Zone.

Dylan grinned as he knocked back his own beverage. ‘I doubt we’d be allowed! Can you imagine us getting an emergency call from here and having to stumble off to a fire? The alcohol fumes would probably make us go up in flames too!’

‘True, true! Still, we should’ve done this before now. I can’t believe we’ve known each other for so long and not had a night out! Sacrilege in this town, really,’ Will grinned at his friend, who laughed back.

‘You make a fair point! Still, better late than never. Let’s make this a night to remember, hey!’ Dylan downed his drink and determinedly slammed the glass down on the nearest table.

Looking around the fairly empty bar, Will chuckled. ‘Might be a bit difficult here, hey! Not really lively enough for fun and games!’

‘There’s a few more people in the other room, pal,’ the bartender called through. ‘But what do you expect, coming out on a Sunday? School night!’

Laughing, Dylan and Will thanked the barman before heading through the double doors. ‘I’m going to get another drink, d’ya want anything Will?’ Dylan asked as he eyed up the bottles of spirits behind the bar.

‘I’ve just seen what I want, and it’s not a drink! Meet me in a sec Dyl, fit girl at two o’clock!’ Will seemed to vanish from Dylan’s side as he hot footed it over to the shuffleboard table, leaving Dylan gazing at the drinks menu.

‘What’ll it be, then?’

‘Erm… Think I’ll go for a Winning Streak.’

‘Coming up!’ The bartender flashed a friendly smile as he started mixing Dylan’s drink together. ‘Bloody hell, your friend’s a quick worker! He’s practically got her eating out of his hand?’

‘Hm?’ Dylan glanced over his shoulder as he started straining his ears to hear what Will was saying.

‘…So yeah, I’m a firefighter, actually…’

‘You’re a firefighter?! That’s so cool!’

Dylan froze. He recognised that voice.

‘So like, you’re a hero? You save lives?’ Melody gushed, gazing deep into Will’s blue eyes. Dylan knew that look well.

Will preened a little, sweeping his hair back from his face. ‘Well, not that I like to brag…’

‘Wow…’

‘Hey! Get away from him!’ Before he knew what he was doing, Dylan had grabbed his drink from the startled barman and was marching across the bar to confront his old classmate. The girl who’d humiliated him.

‘Dylan! What are you doing here?!’

‘I’m on a night out with my friend and colleague, who you are going to stop talking to right this second!’

‘Dyl, what’s going on?’

‘Er, Dylan? He came over to talk to me! I can’t help it if I’m irresistable, can I?’

‘Yeah, well, after he hears about what you’re really like I can’t help thinking he’ll run a mile! How is Brad, by the way?’

Melody scoffed. ‘Brad? Long gone! Not that it’s any of your business, Dylan Rivers. Get out of my face! Just because you’re so bitter -’

‘Bitter? Me?!’

‘Yes, you!’

‘You just can’t get over the fact that I broke up with you! Let’s face it Dylan, you were in love with me, I broke your heart. It’s understandable, but you’ve got to move on! High school was a long time ago now, sweetheart, it’s time to leave those feelings in the past,’ Melody said, her tone melting from angry to patronising.

‘Dylan, what the hell is going on?! Were you two at school or something?’ Will asked confusedly. Dylan tore his livid eyes from Melody to his friend.

‘William, meet Melody. We dated in high school. Well, I say dated… She used me for a few months before cheating on me and breaking up with me in front of the whole school.’

‘What? You bitch!’ Will’s expression turned to one of disgust. Melody rolled her eyes and adjusted her top.

‘Your loss, mate. Don’t know what you’re thinking, hanging around with a loser like Rivers anyway. Clearly you’re not worth it! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get back to having a good night out with my friend.’

A sudden swish of black hair caught Dylan’s eye. His heart leaping, he turned around to see…

‘Mels? What’s going on?’ Melody’s friend smiled curiously. ‘Can I help you?’

Dylan realised he was staring as a weight seemed to fall on his shoulders. His vision blurred a little as tears began to well in his eyes.

Not Louise. Of course not.

]]> http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/27-the-solution/feed/ 17 theemmettlegacy b c d h i j k l m n o p q r s t http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/26-end-of-an-era/ http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/26-end-of-an-era/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:01:03 +0000 Sianystar http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/?p=1293 Continue reading →]]> ‘You do not look old, Maria!’

‘Oh, please! You’re such a sweetie Ivy. I know you’re only trying to be kind, but let’s face the facts – I qualify for a subway pass, my face is heading south, and the other day on the bus a man stood up and offered me his seat! Can you imagine it, Ivy?! The shame!’ Miserably, Maria took a sip of her chai latte. Ivy stared at her in disbelief.

‘Maria… What on earth were you doing on a bus?!’

‘Oh hush you! Way to miss the bigger picture!’

Ivy grinned as her old friend sighed and tossed her curled hair back dramatically. Despite her years Maria was still taking great pride in her appearance; her greying roots were hidden by a red scarf and she was dressed stylishly yet suitably for her age. She still looked good, and she knew it!

‘Oh Ivy. Where did the years go, hey? Seems like only yesterday we were young and carefree, going to gigs in Sunset Valley and pulling rockstars!’

‘I think you’ll remember that I was the one who pulled the rockstar Maria, you just followed me to Bridgeport,’ Ivy teased. ‘And let’s be fair, we’ve not done too badly for ourselves! I’ve got Ethan and the kids, all the time I need to garden, and this place isn’t exactly a cesspit. You’ve got that gorgeous penthouse over the river, private hottub, own record company…’ After Maria had relocated to the city she’d set up her own record label with her inheritance from her father, bringing a couple of the bands she’d managed in the Valley with her. Her projects had gone from strength to strength until she was able to step back from managing altogether and live the life of luxury she’d always dreamt of!

‘True, true. Shame I never found that special someone though…’

‘Maria! You wouldn’t want to be tied down and you know it,’ Ivy gently chastised. ‘Besides, there’s still time! Leon’s over to watch the interview with us later, you could always spark that up again,’ she winked.

‘Please! Leon’s a sweetie, but it would never have worked out. Chalk and cheese, we were, plus the timing wasn’t great after the Amelia thing!’ Leon and Maria had dated for a couple of years following Ivy and Ethan’s wedding, but the relationship had fizzled out. No hard feelings, no grudges, just a lack of chemistry. ‘At this rate I’m thinking that moving into a retirement home would be a good idea, I quite like the idea of being waited on hand and foot, and I may meet Mr. Right in there!’ Both Maria and Ivy creased up into giggles before falling into a companiable silence.

‘Seriously though. I am happy with my life. I’ve got everything I’d ever wanted,’ Maria said contemplatively, nodding to herself. ‘I just wish my Dad was still here to see everything. And your parents.’

Ivy nodded in agreement, a smile creeping across her face. ‘I know. I wish I’d got the chance to meet your Dad properly, before he died. I’d only just found my parents then, hadn’t I?’

‘Yeah… I still can’t believe that happened, you know, the way it did! You took pity on a little boy who turned out to be your little brother!’

‘I know! Such a miracle,’ Ivy beamed. The memory of it still warmed her heart. About to say something else, Ivy was interrupted by bellowing laughter erupting from the living room. ‘Honestly, what are they like! How long until the interview starts?’

‘Half an hour or so,’ Maria said as she checked her phone. ‘We’ll leave them to it until we’re called!’

*

‘Oh gnomes, I can’t believe some of the stuff we wore for our first tour! Do you remember that one change you had, Leon, the slashed up shirt and jeans? You had more holes than material!’ Andy laughed as Leon rolled his eyes.

‘You can laugh all you want, but the ladies loved me in that get up! I seem to remember getting the loudest screams on just about every date on that tour,’ he preened before bursting into laughter with his friends. ‘Besides, you can’t talk! Do you not remember your phase of multi-coloured trousers, Andy? Or your lime green trainers, Ethan?’

‘Fair play, fair play! We’ve all had some shockers. Good times though, lads,’ Ethan beamed. ‘Wouldn’t change anything!’

‘Not even those off the shoulder t-shirts?’ Andy teased.

‘Or that time you decided to throw your guitar in the air and forgot to catch it?’ Leon snickered as Ethan shoved him.

‘You know what I mean! And no, I wouldn’t change those things as a matter of fact. Not one moment, good or bad. I’ve had the time of my life with my two best friends, why would I want to go back and do anything differently?’

‘Aw, mate. Deep!’ Andy’s face broke out into a huge grin, tears welling up in his eyes.

‘Oh do stop Ethan, you’ll make Andy cry! This is going to be hard enough to watch without having him bawling his eyes out,’ Leon said through a forced chuckle, trying to subtly wipe away his own tears without his friends seeing.

‘It’s not like it’s all over forever, Leon,’ Andy reasoned, decided to not comment on Leon’s tears. ‘It never will be.’

‘It’s a pretty huge landmark for El Tigre though. I never imagined us ever stopping recording,’ Ethan said sadly. ‘I never thought about it ending…’

‘But that’s just it! We haven’t stopped! We’re just taking an indefinite hiatus. We might go back, if the material’s right or for charity or something, we might even carry on touring after a few years, but we always said that we’d never release music just for the sake of it. Everything has to come to an end at some point, and we all agreed that now just… Well, it feels right.’ Leon looked from Ethan to Andy for confirmation of what he just said.

‘You’re right. I’m not disagreeing or anything, just saying… All those years ago when we first got signed up and started recording our first album, it just felt like we could go forever. You never like to think about anything ending!’ Ethan sighed. ‘This is the right decision, though. I’d rather go out in a blaze of glory than have all our fans get sick of us!’

Leon laughed. ‘I think I’d break out the costumes from El Tigre Hit The Jungle again before I let that happen!’

The three men burst out laughing as they pictured themselves prancing about in the costumes from long ago as the soap opera came to an end on the television. Wow, what an explosive marriage that turned out to be for Jeff and Alison! Find out who survives next Tuesday at seven thirty. Coming up next we’ve got the final ever interview with El Tigre as they close the door on their illustratious career, followed by a retrospective of their decades in the music industry. It’s the end of the El Tigre era, folks!

‘Ivy! Maria! Get through here, it’s on soon!’ Ethan called as Andy gave Leon a sideways glance.

‘Don’t comment please, Andy,’ Leon interrupted before Andy had even opened his mouth. ‘We’ve discussed this already. It’s not happening.’

‘Again.’

‘Oh do be quiet Andy! Leon and I are in the past, and that’s where we’ll stay. We’re just friends. Hiya, Leon,’ Maria smiled as she settled down next to Andy. Ivy snuggled up to her husband as the talk show began.

‘Hello and welcome to Talky Sim, with me Elliot Brindle. Tonight my guests are Rosemary Byrd, here to talk about her new role in the big summer blockbuster Behind The Eyes, and El Tigre, who are with me for their final interview to explain their decision to leave the recording studio behind once and for all. Is this truly the end for our favourite rockers?’

As the actress came out for her interview, Andy went to get the audience some drinks and Leon and Maria began catching up. Ivy gently squeezed Ethan’s knee.

‘You okay?’

‘Me? I’m always okay.’

‘You know what I mean! I know how much El Tigre means to you. What with this ending and Dylan moving away all coming so close together…’

‘I’m fine, Ivy. Everything has to move on, everything has to end at some point. I can handle that! As long as Dylan’s okay, Robbie’s happy, my boys are here and I’ve still got you, I’m totally fine.’

‘Did you just call Andy and Leon boys? Ethan, I’ve got some bad news for you!’

‘Shut up, Ivy!’

]]> http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/26-end-of-an-era/feed/ 20 theemmettlegacy a b c d e f g h j http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/25-time-to-grow-up/ http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/25-time-to-grow-up/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:06:27 +0000 Sianystar http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/?p=1257 Continue reading →]]> ‘But love, I just don’t understand why you don’t want a birthday party!’

Dylan sighed as he chewed on a mouthful of his cheesesteak. This subject. Again. ‘Mum, I’ve told you and Dad already about a million times! I just don’t want one! Like I said, after graduation me and the lads are going to go on a night out or something, so we’ve decided it’s going to be a sort of joint thing,’ he said through his food.

‘Don’t talk with your mouth full! And I just don’t see why -’

‘Mum!’

‘Alright! It just would’ve been nice to have a bit of a get together, what with you swanning off after graduation,’ Ivy sniffed. Dylan gave his mother a ‘look’ and was about to respond when Ethan came banging into the kitchen.

‘Sorry I’m late everyone! Got held up in rehearsals. This album is going to be our best yet!’ he beamed as he scooped a cheesesteak onto a plate and strolled into the dining room. ‘So, what’s everyone talking about?’

‘Dylan and Mum are arguing over Dylan’s birthday,’ Robyn piped up from the end of the table.

‘Robbie!’

‘We were not arguing, Robyn. I was merely enquiring as to why my son does not wish to celebrate his birthday.’

‘Hey? What’s this, Dylan? You don’t want a party?!’

‘Oh, for gnomes sake!’

Dylan buried his head in his hands and groaned exasperatedly. ‘It’s my sodding birthday and I’ll do what I want!’

‘But Dylan, surely you want a bit of a send off! Your birthday’s so near to graduation, and what with you going off to live at the station afterwards -’

‘Dad, I’m going to be just on the other side of the bridge and probably home on weekends. I’m not leaving the country, or even the city! I just don’t see why it’s such a big deal! Everyone’s got to leave home sometime!’

Everyone jumped as Ivy’s fork banged down onto the table. ‘Well usually, Dylan, people don’t leave home to go and jump into fires. Excuse me for wanting to have one final get together while my son’s still safe at home. Oh, forget it.’ Angrily, Ivy scraped back her chair and stormed into the kitchen, slamming her plate into the dishwasher before marching out of the room.

Dylan nervously looked at his father. ‘Dad? What was that all about?’

‘Oh, don’t mind your mother. She’s just a bit worried about you, is all. Finish your tea.’

*

Homework finished, Dylan stretched out on his bed reading through his induction pack for the fire service. A tingle of nervy excitement rushed through him as he realised that, in just a few months, he would be one of the smiling faces in the photographs. He’d be stood there in uniform, sporting the helmet, rushing to rescue people in their moment of need. He grinned to himself. Gnomes, he was excited!

His smile faded slightly as he became aware of a light bobbing about at the foot of his bed. Snapping the book shut, he tossed it under his bed before looking up. ‘Yes?’

Puzzle tilted his head from side to side. ‘Puzzle heard shouting earlier. Mum okay?’

‘Yep.’

‘Why she shout?’

‘She’s just a bit cross with me. She doesn’t want me to move out to the fire station.’

‘Move out? When moving out?!’ Puzzle hopped from foot to foot.

‘Don’t do that, you look like you need to go to the toilet! In a couple of months, after graduation.’

‘Yay! Puzzle excited!’

Dylan was confused. ‘Er… Why are you excited?’

”Dylan and Puzzle moving out! Dylan and Puzzle going on adventure!’

‘Wait, what?! You’re not coming!’

‘Of course Puzzle comes! Puzzle needs Dylan, Dylan needs Puzzle!’

‘What?!’

‘Like at prom! Dylan needed Puzzle when horrible Melody was -’

‘Woah! Calm down. Look, you’re not coming.’

‘Wh… What?’

Dylan sat up on his bed and looked directly at Puzzle. ‘I’m not going on an adventure. I’m getting a job! This is my career, Puzzle, and it’s very serious! The last thing I need is you bobbing about and distracting me while I’m trying to save lives!’

‘Save lives? Dylan… Dylan will be in danger?!’

Frustrated, Dylan scrubbed a hand through his hair. ‘Puzzle, I’m going to be a fire fighter. You know, someone who fights fires? I’d imagine it’ll be a bit dangerous!’

‘But… But…’

‘But nothing, Puzzle! Look, I’m going to get a drink.’ Puzzle watched sadly as Dylan left the room, waiting until the door was closed to before screaming.

Dylan was going away. Dylan was going to be in danger. Dylan needed Puzzle more than ever…

*       *       *

Sighing, Charlie went over and turned the games console off. He and Dylan had an assignment due in two days time, and he’d come over to start work on it with his friend and classmate. As he flopped down on the sofa next to Dylan, the two lads looked at each other.

‘Right. We should probably get on with it,’ Dylan grumbled.

‘Yeah. Did you know Oliver and Elle have already finished?’

‘Well that goes without saying, they’re like that aren’t they…’

‘True. Still, we don’t exactly have a lot of time left to get it done… We should make a start…’

The two boys looked reluctantly at their school bags sat waiting for them by the living room door. Dylan’s gaze slowly moved up the wall to the clock.

‘Charlie… How long d’ya think it’ll take?’

‘Er… Couple of hours?’

‘Right, right… We’ve got time for one more level…’

‘Too right!’ Beaming, Charlie picked up the control pads as Dylan leapt up to turn the system back on, and before long the two boys were totally immersed in their virtual world once again.

‘Go on… Get him! Get after him!’

‘Shoot! Dylan, shoot! Argh!’

Entirely oblivious to the world around them, neither boy noticed Ethan as he poked his head around the door. Noting the forgotten school bags on the floor, he shook his head as he walked into the room.

‘How’s things, boys?’

‘Great Dad,’ Dylan replied distractedly as he focused on chasing an enemy character into a building. ‘He’s trapped, dead end! Yes!’

‘Don’t, er… Don’t you two boys have homework to be getting on with?’ Ethan casually strolled over and sat down with Dylan and Charlie, a quizzical expression on his face.

‘Yeah, we’re starting it in a bit. Just getting this… This level done…’ Charlie fell silent as his character started to defuse a bomb, Dylan entirely focused on what his friend’s avatar was doing.

‘Okay. It’s just that you two really should get working soon. Charlie, you’ve been here for four hours now.’

‘I know! For gnomes sake, Dad! We know what we’re doing!’

‘Dylan! Charlie! You boys should be doing homework!’ Ivy’s shrill voice made the three jump as she appeared in the doorway. ‘And don’t leave your bags lying around for someone to break their necks tripping over!’

‘Sorry,’ Dylan and Charlie chorused, their attention already turning back to their game. ‘I’ll move them in a bit Mum, I just need to get this bit done…’ Dylan said.

Rolling her eyes, Ivy picked up Dylan’s school bag and rooted around in it until she came across his homework diary. ‘In that case I’ll just sit and go through this, if you don’t mind. I need to sign it, after all.’ Sitting next to Dylan, she began read through the last couple of weeks in the diary.

‘Oh, listen to this, Ethan! Dylan’s homework is an official assignment, part of his overall grade for History! And it’s due in on Friday! How much have you got done, boys?’

‘Mum, what the hell!’

‘I’m just taking an interest in your education, Dylan! You can’t deny your Mother that, especially when you’ll be leaving us all too soon.’ Ivy’s voice had an edge to it.

Slamming a hand down on his control pad, Dylan cursed to himself. ‘Fine! We’ll go and get started on it, if it’ll shut you up about me moving out after graduation! Come on Charlie.’ Moodily Dylan stomped over to the games console, turned it off with a stab of his finger, marched over to his bag, picked it up, and stormed out of the room before Charlie really knew what was going on. A little flustered, Charlie muttered a ‘s’later’ at Dylan’s parents before rushing out of the room after his friend.

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you’re all having a lovely Christmas Eve or, if you don’t celebrate, a Happy Holiday season in general and that you’re all well and happy. I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who takes the time to read my little old legacy, it means so much to me and I seriously appreciate it. Much love to you all!

The next chapter is going to be out on Boxing Day (26th December); I know I’d said today but I’ve not had the time I’m afraid. Silly old real life!

I hope you all have a lovely day tomorrow, whatever you’re doing and wherever you are.

Much love, and Happy Holidays,

Sian xxx

‘Jeez Dylan, you actually sound like a girl… Note to self, don’t tell Rory and Charlie you spent three hours getting ready,’ Dylan muttered as he made the final adjustments to his attire before stepping back to admire his handiwork.

‘Having said that… I’ve not done a bad job!’ Congratulating himself, Dylan took one last look at his pristine suit and carefully coiffed hair before calling his parents into the room.

‘Okay Mum! Dad! I’ve finished!’

‘About time, kid! I don’t think I’ve ever been sent out of my own bedroom before!’ Ethan grumbled as he and Ivy walked back into the bedroom they’d been hovering outside of, waiting to see their son all suited and booted for his big day. ‘Looking good, though!’

‘Oh, Dylan! You look simply wonderful!’ Ivy gushed. ‘I knew that suit would be an investment! First your Uncle’s wedding, now your prom! You’ll be getting married in that before I know it!’

‘Mum!’ Dylan felt his face grow hot with embarrassment. ‘I’m not getting married!’

‘Oh, I don’t know, you do have that lovely girlfriend of yours!’ Ethan teased. ‘We might have a grandchild within a year, Ivy!’

‘Dad!’

‘Don’t take things that far, Ethan! We’re far too young for grandchildren! But seriously love, you look very handsome. When are you going to Melody’s?’

‘Soon, I’m just waiting for Rory to text me. I’m meeting him and Charlie, then we’re going over to pick up the girls. The limo’s going from there.’

‘A limousine! Oh Ethan, our boy in a limousine!’

‘Ivy my sweet, we ride in limousines on many occasions. Gigs, premieres, you have been in one too you know!’ Ethan rolled his eyes, smiling at how his wife was getting carried away, the excitement on her face warming his heart.

Ivy grinned and nodded at her husband and son. ‘I know that, but this is his first time without us! And this is his special day, no-one elses!’

‘Mum! It’s everyone in the top year’s special day! Oh… Yep, that’s Rory,’ Dylan said as he checked his texts. ‘Right, I’m off!’

‘Okay love! Have you got enough money? Have you got some tissues? Remember your curfew’s at eleven, don’t go getting carried away and staying out too late!’

‘I won’t! Stop worrying!’

*

‘So, come on Charlie! Who did you ask out in the end?’

Charlie tossed his hair back, trying his best to look nonchalant knowing one of the most popular girls in the school would be emerging from the house soon. ‘Well, I decided in the end that the whole “finding a prom-date” thing was an archaic custom, so I haven’t asked anyone.’

Dylan and Rory exchanged looks and smirked. ‘So what you’re saying is, you haven’t found a date?’

‘No!’ Charlie looked up hotly. ‘Didn’t you listen to me?’

‘Oh, sure we did,’ grinned Dylan. ‘It’s just a bit surprising at how long it took you to actually come to that conclusion. I mean, you asked out Georgia, Leanne, Angelica…’

‘Perrie, Jade, Leigh-Ann, Jesy…’ Rory continued. ‘Ellen, Jas, Rosie -’

‘Oh be quiet you two!’ Charlie folded his arms and scowled at his best friends, who weren’t doing anything to suppress their laughter. ‘You won’t be laughing later when I’ve got the pick of the girls and you two are stuck with your dates!’

‘Mate, are you kidding? You haven’t managed to get a date yet with weeks of preparation, what makes you think you’ll be able to get one tonight?’ Dylan joked.

Reaching out, Rory ruffled Charlie’s long, wavy hair. ‘You know, I blame this barnet of yours! I’ve been saying for ages, you need to get this cut off!’

‘Oh, shut up Rory!’ Charlie fended off Rory’s attack and straightened himself out. ‘Like you can talk! When was the last time your hair saw daylight before today? I’d almost forgotten that you even had any under that stupid hat of yours!’

‘Ah, come on Charlie, we’re only having a laugh. Look, let’s just all agree – we’re going to have the best night ever. Dates or no dates, we’ll make sure we stick together and have a brilliant time. Let’s face it, we’re gonna need it! Exams start next month remember!’ Dylan smiled at his friends who grimaced at the thought of the hard slog that awaited that.

‘You’re right, Dyl. Friends first,’ Charlie beamed. About to agree with Dylan also, Rory was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. The three boys turned to look as Melody strutted out onto the patio.

‘Sorry to keep you waiting, boys! You know what us girlies are like. Lou’ll be down in a minute, Rory, she’s just finishing off her hair. Hi, Dylan!’ Melody simpered at Dylan, who was staring at her agape.

‘That’s… That’s fine, Melody…’ Rory blinked several times furiously, trying to tear his eyes away from his friend’s date. Charlie was simply lost for words. Dylan, realising that he should probably talk to his potentially official girlfriend, shook himself.

‘Hi Melody! You look… You look amazing,’ he gulped, not entirely sure where to look. ‘Wow.’

‘Oh, thank you Dylan! You’re too sweet!’ Melody skipped forward happily, tottering a little in her heels, and planted a kiss on Dylan’s lips.

‘Um… What time’s the car getting here?’ Charlie found his voice, finding that he was only speechless when he looked directly at the overly exposed Melody. Melody looked at the bashful teen for a few seconds, her mind ticking.

‘Not for another five minutes, so we’re alright. By the way, Charlie… You never did find a date, did you?’

Charlie shook his head, trying to look at Melody and not look at her at the same time.

‘Well! You know my friend Sarah?’

‘Sarah? Cheerleader Sarah?!’ Melody had Charlie’s full attention.

‘Yes! Well, she broke up with her boyfriend yesterday. She thinks you’re cute, you know. I said you didn’t have a date, so she’s going to be waiting for you when we get there.’ Melody tried to hold back a sneer as Charlie’s face lit up.

‘Really? Are you serious? Cheerleader Sarah?!’

‘No!’ Melody let out a harsh laugh. ‘Of course not! You should’ve seen your face, Charlie boy!’

Dylan and Rory exchanged looks. ‘Are you kidding?!’ Rory mouthed as Charlie’s face flushed red.

‘Ah well. Maybe I’ll get a chance another time,’ Charlie tried to smooth over his shame, adjusting his tie. ‘No biggie.’

Frowning, Dylan was about to say something to Melody when the door opened for a second time.

Rory’s face lit up like a Christmas tree as Louise strolled out casually, a shy smile on her face. She looked beautiful. ‘Wow Rory, I’d almost forgotten you had hair under that hat of yours!’ she joked tentatively as she walked past everyone else and up to her date.

‘Hah, my hair only comes for special occasions,’ Rory grinned as he took Louise’s hands. ‘You look amazing…’

‘Thanks!’ Louise smiled back, trying to meet Rory’s eyes. She could feel everyone else’s on her, and it was making her feel uncomfortable. Removing her hands from Rory’s, she began playing with the end of her side ponytail.

‘You missed a properly good joke, Lou!’ Melody exclaimed, trying to regain her lost attention. ‘I almost convinced Charlie that Sarah was his surprise date for the night!’

‘That doesn’t sound very funny,’ Louise said blankly, staring at Melody. ‘Oh by the way, Charlie, a couple of my friends from the debate team don’t have dates tonight either. I can introduce you later, if you like.’

‘Really? Wow, thanks Louise!’ Charlie beamed at Rory’s date, who smiled kindly back. Dylan concealed a grin as Melody’s face creased in anger.

The limousine pulled up outside Melody’s house, and Melody tottered off to get the best seat. ‘At last, it’s here! Come on, Dylan!’ she called over her shoulder. Hardly hearing his date, Dylan hung back a little and watched as everyone else climbed in.

‘Louise is lots nicer than Melody,’ a voice piped up from over Dylan’s shoulder.

‘I know. Wait, what?’ Dylan whipped around before he could stop himself.

‘Dylan? What are you doing? You don’t need your dancing shoes until we hit the dancefloor!’ Rory crowed from the open door of the car. ‘Come on!’

‘One sec!’ Dylan pretended to be adjusting his tie as he turned to face Puzzle’s sly smile. ‘I didn’t mean that.’

‘Puzzle no say you did.’

‘Melody’s much nicer.’

‘Puzzle no agree. Neither does Dylan.’

‘Oh, sod off! You’d best not turn up at the prom!’

]]> http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/24-its-prom-night-and-im-on-the-swings-with-my-imaginary-friend/feed/ 44 theemmettlegacy 1a 2a a b c d e f g h http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/23-wise-old-puzzle/ http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/23-wise-old-puzzle/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:24:07 +0000 Sianystar http://theriverslegacy.wordpress.com/?p=1153 Continue reading →]]> As the sun set over the hillside of Bridgeport, a small, well dressed crowd gathered together in the back court of Ethan and Ivy’s home. Lamps were lit, flowers were scattered everywhere, the nectar was flowing and soft music was lilting from the stereo into the evening air.

Tristan took a deep breath, smiling shyly at his fiancée in her white gown. ‘I, Tristan Forest, take thee, Katya Jones, to be my wife. To have and to hold…’

The blushing bride beamed as Tristan gently slipped the golden band onto her ring finger, giggling as it slotted into place over her white glove. ‘Oh, Tristan,’ she whispered, smiling confidentially at her husband. ‘I’m so happy!’

‘You’re not the only one!’ Tristan whispered back. ‘Everything is just so perfect…’ He quickly wiped away a tear that was threatening to spill down his cheek; he’d spent the entire morning in tears of joy and had only just managed to compose himself in time for the ceremony, he didn’t want to set himself off again!

‘You may now kiss the bride!’

As cheers, applause, and calls of ‘give her a kiss, mate!’ echoed around the walled courtyard Tristan and Katya grinned at their captive crowd. ‘I’ve made an honest man of him!’ Katya laughed before leaning in to plant a kiss on her new husband’s lips.

‘I do love you, Mr. Forest!’ Katya said as she pulled back reluctantly, stroking her gloved hand down Tristan’s cheek.

‘Aw, wife! That’s so sweet. While we’re doing the whole “I love” thing, I must just say… I love cake. Our wedding cake, specifically. Come on, I need a slice!’ Bursting into laughter, Tristan dodged Katya’s mock-punches and ran over to the other side of the courtyard where the cake was stood on a table, being carefully watched by Dylan.

‘About flipping time, Uncle T! Congratulations on your wedding and all, but this cake has been calling me all the way through the ceremony!’

‘You’re not the only one, oh nephew of mine! Don’t tell your Aunt, but I’ve only gone through with this to get my hands on this beauty. Hey!’ Tristan laughed as Katya digged him in the ribs, having caught up with him. ‘You know it’s not true, my love!’

‘No, no, it’s fine. I accept it. It’s okay. I was only marrying you for the canapés anyway!’ Katya smiled sweetly, wrapping her arms around Tristan. Dylan rolled his eyes, realising that this cake wasn’t going to get cut any time soon while the newly weds were busy trading insults with one another, and looked around the congregation for his plus one.

‘Melody! Are you okay?’

Dylan leant in and placed a slightly bashful kiss on his date’s lips. He could still hardly believe his luck that she’d agreed to go on a date with him, let alone sort-of go steady with him. They still hadn’t got round to ‘that’ conversation yet, but for now he was happy just as things were.

‘Are you having a good time?’

‘Yes!’ Melody nodded, smiling at Dylan. ‘I am, actually. Everyone is really sweet. Your little sister’s adorable!’

‘You can’t have spoken to Robyn then! She’s a bit of a menace. Did I tell you, she’s got herself an…’ Dylan broke off as his father approached the couple, a friendly smile on his face, and cringed. Please don’t let him embarrass me…

‘Hello, you two! Are you having a good time!’

Melody smiled and nodded politely as Ethan beamed jovially at his son. ‘Dylan, you didn’t tell me you had a girlfriend!’

Dylan died a little. ‘Dad, she’s not my girlfriend, we’re just… She’s just…’ he stammered looking at Melody for help, who was looking just as embarrassed as he was.

‘We’re just… I… Er… Oh! I have to go!’ Melody smiled at Dylan as the rest of the crowd began to file out. ‘See you at school, Dylan.’ She kissed him on the cheek before walking up the steps and back into the house.

‘Bye, Mels! See you! …Thanks for nothing, Dad! You are so embarrassing!’

Ethan chuckled. ‘Now then, Dylan! What’s a Dad for if not to embarrass his eldest son in front of his date? Come, sit down.’

‘But Dad!’

‘Be said!’ Reluctantly, Dylan followed his father over and sat down at the table next to him.

‘Now then. I’ve not met this Melody before. I just have a couple of questions. How long have you known her?’

Dylan fidgeted uncomfortably. ‘Ages. We were at Elementary together.’

‘Ah, childhood sweethearts!’

‘Dad!’

‘Okay, okay!’ Ethan lifted his hand to stop Dylan from getting up. ‘I was only having a laugh! Now, what is going on with this Melody?’

Dylan sighed, rolling his eyes. ‘Do we have to do this now, Dad? I’m tired! It’s a school night!’

‘Now now! You’re never so eager to get to bed on a school night when you’re on the computer or watching television, or out with your friends! Why so keen when your old Dad wants a chat? Now, what’s going on with this Melody?’

‘Oh, fine. We’re just seeing each other.’

‘Just?’

‘You know what I mean!’

‘Do you like her?’

‘Of course I do, otherwise I wouldn’t be seeing her, would I!’

‘Dylan!’ Ethan looked at his son sternly, a quizzical eyebrow raised. Ethan sighed again.

‘Yes. I do like her. But I want to take things slowly. She’s way out of my league, so I’m just… Yeah.’

Ethan nodded, understanding. ‘Ah. I see. Well, just so you know, I don’t think any girl’s out of your league. You’re the son of a member of El Tigre, you’re a terrific catch!’

‘Dad, you are so embarrassing! Never say that in front of my friends!’

*

‘Thanks for everything, sis.’ Tristan hugged his sister one last time on the front steps of their house. He and Katya were moving into their new apartment in the city centre, so it was the end of his time living with Ivy and the rest of his extended family. ‘Thank you. For everything.’

Ivy smiled, holding her brother close. ‘Katya organised most of it!’

‘I don’t just mean the wedding! For everything. Thank you for everything. Especially for helping me to catch that minnow, all those years ago!’

‘Don’t mention it! Gnomes, if anyone had told me that day that the whiny little kid I was helping was my brother, I’d have thought they were insane!’

Tristan laughed. ‘You’re not the only one! I still can’t believe that happened. Of all the benches for you to drunkenly fall asleep on, hey!’

‘Hey! We do not talk about that, Tristan!’ Ivy grinned, ruffling Tristan’s messy hair. ‘Now go! Go set up a new life for yourself. I expect nieces and nephews within the year!’

*

Grumbling to himself, Dylan yanked his freshly washed pyjamas out of his dresser drawer and pulled them on. He could hardly believe his Dad! How could he have asked if Melody was his girlfriend, right in front of her! Couldn’t he have done what Dads usually do and just not ask at all!? What the hell was Melody going to say to everyone at school!

‘She’s never going to want to be seen with me again!’ Dylan muttered to himself, slamming his drawer shut crossly. ‘It’s so not fair! Why can’t I have normal parents who don’t take an interest in my life!’

‘Dylan’s parents are nice!’

Tensing up, Dylan tried to pretend he hadn’t heard the familiar voice pipe up from behind him and instead concentrated on pulling out the books he needed for school the next day from the pile on his desk. ‘Chemistry, Maths, Psychology…’

‘Dylan! Dylan’s parents nice!’

‘English… Not listening…’

‘Dylan lucky. Dylan has nice parents. Melody not nice. Puzzle no like her.’

‘What? Why not?’ Dylan looked over at Puzzle, who was casually resting on his bed, for the first time. ‘Why don’t you like her?’

‘Melody not nice. Puzzle can tell.’

‘Yes, but why?’

‘Melody not nice.’ Puzzle smiled at Dylan, who was growing more infuriated by the second.

‘Look, just sod off if you’re not going to give me a straight answer! What are you even doing here? What gives you the right to sit there and judge me!’

Puzzle tilted his head from side to side, the little light on his antennae bobbing about erratically. ‘Dylan and Puzzle best friends. Puzzle always here for Dylan.’

‘We are not best friends! Best friends don’t pull pranks and get their friend in so much trouble they’re sent to boarding school! Best friends don’t break things and get their friend kicked out of Arcadia! Best friends don’t bad mouth their friend’s other friends! Best friends aren’t bloody freaks! Look at yourself! What are you even still doing here, I chucked you out ages ago!’

‘Puzzle know…’ Puzzle’s face dropped slightly, his antennae drooping. ‘Puzzle sad.’

‘So what are you still doing here?’

‘Puzzle said… Puzzle and Dylan best friends. Puzzle always here for Dylan.’

‘I’m going mad’, Dylan sighed, massaging his temples. ‘Look, get lost. I want to go to sleep. Go!’

Pausing for a moment, Puzzle finally nodded and clambered clumsily off Dylan’s bed and across the room. As Dylan got into bed and closed his eyes, Puzzle stopped and turned to look at his old friend. They’d been friends for so long, ever since Dylan was a baby… Puzzle had always been there to look out for him, to look after him. What had gone wrong? Puzzle only wanted Dylan to be happy with him…

*       *       *

‘Ooo! You’ve managed to dig really far today, girls!’ Robyn stared transfixed at the tiny ants inside her antbox, gazing at the complex system of tunnels that were snaking their way towards the bottom of the box.

‘Amazing! You’ve only been in here a week! You’re nearly half way!’ Grinning, she leant forward on the table with her nose practically up against the glass. She barely noticed the sound of her door opening.

‘Robbie, you have got to be kidding me! All you do is stare at those bloody bugs! They don’t do anything!’

‘Yes they do!’ Robyn pouted up at her big brother. ‘They dig! Look! Look at all those tunnels!’

‘Oh, whoop de doo!’

‘Well I think they’re fascinating, and they’re my pets, so that’s all that matters! Keep digging, ladies,’ she said, nodding at the scurrying ants.

‘Oh, whatever! Anyway, it was pets that I wanted to talk to you about.’

‘What about pets?’ Robyn eyed Dylan warily.

‘Don’t look at me like that! Look, I was wondering… Shall we ask Mum and Dad if we can get a pet? A proper one, I mean, a dog or a cat or something. My friend Rory’s Mum has started to run an adoption service, they’ve got all sorts in!’

‘No, I don’t think so.’

‘What? Are you kidding! Why not? Wouldn’t you love a fluffy little kittykat, Robbie?’

‘No!’ Robyn shook her head fervantly. ‘No I would not! A cat or a dog might be really bouncy and might knock the girls over!’

‘The girls? Oh… Oh, fine.’ Dylan frowned as Robyn skipped out of the room, chattering back to the ants about the leaves she was going to fetch them for their lunch. After she’d gone, Dylan scrutinised the box.

‘I cannot believe she’d rather have these than a dog!’ He grunted.

‘Lou… I don’t know about you, but I’m not quite ready to go back yet. I was thinking… You’ve got half term this week. I know you’ve probably got plans with Melody and your friends, but if you wanted to your Aunt and Uncle have said that we could stay a few days more?’

‘Really?!’ Louise whipped round, her braids flying. Her mind was whirring… Melody wouldn’t like it. But then, Melody had Dylan now, to take her mind off everything…’We could maybe see Layla’s puppies being born,’ she said hopefully. ‘Could we stay, for a few more days? Go back on Wednesday, maybe?’

Anita’s face lit up and she stood and walked over to her daughter, pulling her into a tight hug. ‘Thanks, Lou,’ she whispered.

*       *       *

‘Wow Layla, you really are strong!’

Louise laughed as Layla tugged on the pull-rope playfully, her tail wagging frantically, almost pulling Louise over in the process! Kendra looked over from where she was bartering with a local fisherman and grinned.

‘You be careful with that dog, young lady! Especially in her condition!’

‘Oh, relax Auntie!’ Louise called back. ‘It’s not as if she’s going to give birth right here on the beach – Layla!!’

Layla was stood stock-still with an expression of pure surprise on her face as a pool of straw-coloured liquid collected in the sand around her hind paws. Louise gaped.

‘Layla! I’m so sorry! Auntie Kendra!’

Kendra was already at Louise’s side, smiling maternally down at her beloved pet. ‘Looks like all that exercise kickstarted you, girl! Come on Lou, let’s get her into the back of the van and home. We can’t have her giving birth on the beach!’

Layla’s labour was quick and looked practically effortless; both Anita and Kendra were looking on jealously exchanging gruesome tales of their own experiences while Arnie and Louise helped the eager mother reach all five of her newborn pups. Louise could hardly take her eyes off the fluffy brood, and as soon as Layla had finished cleaning up the first born she carefully reached into the basket and picked it up.

‘Hello there! Ooo, Uncle A, this one’s a boy!’

‘You’re right there, girl! And I think this one is too, and the others are girls… Two boys, three girls! Aren’t you a clever girl, Layla!’ Arnie ruffled the proud dog’s head, his eyes misting over a little. Layla licked his hand soothingly and seemed to nod in response. ‘Why don’t you give that one a name, Lou?’

‘Really?!’ Louise gasped. ‘Wow! Thank you, Uncle A! Hmm… What shall we call you, little puppy? Hey!’ She laughed as the pup reached out at batted at her nose, yipping away at her!

Lou hadn’t wanted to go to bed that night, instead wanting to stay watching Layla, Cooper, and the rest of the puppies even as they slept. As her eyelids drooped as the night went on she eventually admitted defeat, and got up from her spot on the computer chair quietly, dimming the lights as she left the room. Turning back for one last look, she saw Cooper nestled right up practically under his mother’s chin, snoozing peacefully.

‘Night, Layla… Night Cooper… Night pups,’ she whispered as she slowly closed the door. Just as the door was about to close to, she saw Layla open one eye and look at her, a smile seeming to appear on her sleepy face. ‘Well done, girl,’ Lou smiled back.

*       *       *

‘So, what does everyone have planned for your last day here?’ Kendra asked as everyone got stuck into their freshly made waffles. ‘I thought we could all go down to the park later for a picnic, take the pups out for the first time?’

‘Great idea, sis!’ Anita said happily through a mouthful of her waffles. In the past few days Anita had visibly relaxed, the worries of Bridgeport seeming to melt away like the waffles were doing on their tongues. ‘You’re up for that, right Lou?’

‘Of course!’ Louise nodded enthusiastically. ‘But this morning I think I’m going to take Tanner into town. I’ve, er, I’ve got an appointment at the salon. I’m going for a makeover.’

‘A makeover? Whatever for, love! There’s nothing wrong with you,’ Kendra admonished gently. ‘You don’t need one!’

Louise smiled as she speared another piece of waffle onto her fork. ‘You’re so sweet, Auntie! No, I’m not doing it because I think I need one. It’s just that… Well, I kind of feel like I’ve changed a lot since I’ve been here. Well not changed, just… I’ve come out of myself a bit more. I’m not afraid to be me any more. I just want the outside to reflect that. I’m not going for anything drastic, don’t you worry!’

‘Just so long as it’s practical,’ Arnie grunted from the end of the table. ‘You won’t be able to help with the weeding if you’re all dolled up to the nines.’

Grinning, Louise rolled her eyes. ‘Never fear, Uncle!’

*

‘There we go, boy! You’ve had your makeover, now it’s time to go for mine!’ Louise stepped back to admire her handiwork; Tanner’s coat was practically gleaming and his polished hooves were glinting in the sunlight through his neatly groomed feathers.

‘Don’t you look handsome!’ Louise patted his neck as Tanner turned his head back to inspect his coat, tossing his mane from one side to the other. Seemingly satisfied, he nuzzled Louise. What a nice girl, she was. If only she’d brought him another apple…

Saddling up the steed Louise hopped onto the horse with far more confidence than she had done a few days previously and set Tanner off trotting up the road. She’d done a lot more riding since the trip to the grocer’s she’d taken with Daisy, even helping out her Uncle with a couple of the riding lessons he gave to some of the local children. Breathing in the fresh, countryside air she realised just how much she loved it in Appaloosa Plains. The wide open spaces, greenery, the quiet countryside… It was the total opposite of noisy, grey Bridgeport, yet she loved them both equally.

Coming up to the small salon, she walked Tanner up to the tetherposts (Louise was still amused by the number of places there were to tether horses in this town!) and fastened his bridle securely, leaving the horse to wait for one of her Uncle’s riding students to come and pick him up in a few minutes time, before walking a little self-consciously into the building and up to the stylist who was sat behind a desk reading a fashion magazine.

‘Ah, you must be Louise Fletch!’ The stylist smiled widely and flipped her magazine closed. ‘You’re early! Good thing I’m quiet today,’ she joked, winking. ‘Right then my dear! My name is Justine and I’ll be styling you today! What did you have in mind?’

‘Well, I’m not really sure… Just a change, really,’ Louise replied as Justine ushered her over to her work station and onto a wooden platform. ‘I’ve had the same style and hair since I was five years old, I think!’

‘Gosh, that is a long time! Around ten years, yes? Well it’s high time for a change! Leave it to me, my dear!’

Justine got to work immediately, combing out Louise’s braids and flicking through rails and rails of clothes as she tried to find a style for the teenager. ‘You girls have got to be careful, you know,’ she said absent-mindedly as Louise was sat with conditioner soaking into her hair. ‘Flash too much flesh and you’ll look foolish! I see it all the time when I pop to the city, young girls strolling around with their legs and their chests out wearing next to nothing when they simply don’t need to! They’re pretty enough to get attention without resorting to such cheap measures. Poor creatures, I always think they must have so little confidence in themselves if they feel that’s the only way people will be interested in them. You remember that, my girl! You have stunning features, you know,’ she said as she turned back to her client and started painting a face mask on to Louise. ‘You just need to make the most of them!’

Lou sat and listened as Justine chatted away, letting everything sink in. What she’d said about the girls in the city had really hit her. Melody walked around just as Justine had described, showing off everything, but… Could what Justine had just said been true about her friend? Was Melody just covering up a lack of confidence? Puzzled Louise tried to concentrate on her own makeover, which was coming to an end as Justine applied a last subtle coat of mascara.

‘There we go, my dear! I do hope you like it.’

Louise loved it.

Her hair was tied back away from her face, waving down her back. She hadn’t realised just how long it was out of the braids! Her makeup was subtle, classy, enough to enhance her features without being caked on. Justine had dressed her in a short black skirt, white blouse and red demin jacket, doing just as she’d said she would do – emphasise one of Louise’s features without making her look cheap. Louise had been lost for words as she’d paid Justine.

‘No need to thank me, my dear! It’s my pleasure!’ Justine had beamed as she waved her goodbye. Louise had walked out of the salon to find her Uncle, Aunt and Mother waiting where Tanner should’ve been.

‘Louise, my dear, you look beautiful!’ Anita exclaimed as she hugged her daughter, with Kendra echoing her sentiments as she smoothed back Louise’s hair. Arnie grunted his approval.

‘Good job I had Helena take back Tanner as part of her lesson today,’ he said. ‘Can’t ride horses in a skirt like that!’

The family crossed the road from the salon and walked into the park where Arnie laid out a red and white checked table cloth and Kendra started to unpack a wicker hamper. As everyone tucked into their food Layla and the puppies ran riot around the park, all except for one puppy who laid on the rug beside Louise, gazing up at her pleadingly hoping for a piece of her hot dog!

‘Pippin! I can’t give you any of my food, it’s not puppy food! Louise said, tapping the greedy pup on the nose. ‘Why don’t you go play with your Mum and Cooper?’ She pointed over to where Layla and the adventurous Cooper were chasing each other round in circles.

‘Layla! Come and get your pup, m’dear,’ Arnie called over, and everyone grinned as Layla dutifully trotted over and carefully picked Pippin up off the rug before noticing that there was food on offer and biffed Louise’s hot dog off her plate!

‘Oh, Layla!’ Louise said a little faux-crossly as both Layla and Pippin pounced on the soiled hot dog, finishing it off in less than thirty seconds between them. Getting up, she went over to where Cooper was chasing his tail and pulled out the tug-rope she’d played with Layla with.

‘Here we go boy! Wow, you’re nearly as strong as your Mum!’ Louise laughed as Cooper tried his hardest to match his Mother’s strength, playfully growling as he tried to get his mouth around the thick rope. Succeeding, Cooper gave one great yank and caught Louise by surprise; she dropped her end of the rope and Cooper began dashing around the picnic blanket with his prize in delight!

Chortling away, Kendra stood up and came over to the creased-up Louise. ‘That pup adores you, you know,’ she said.

‘Well, I adore him too! It’s pretty hard not to, to be fair!’

‘Your Uncle and I were wondering, we’ve cleared it with your Mum, but… Would you like to take him home with you? Not yet, you understand, he’s still pretty reliant on Layla as amazing as that seems, but in a few weeks? Seems a shame to split the two of you up!’

‘Are you joking?!’

Lou’s mouth gaped open in shock. ‘I would love to take Cooper home with me! Are you absolutely one hundred percent serious?!’

‘Yes, we are!’ Kendra said, laughing at her niece’s joy. ‘Besides, it’ll be good to know that at least one of Layla’s pups is staying in the family!’

About to reply, Louise was interrupted by a calamitous splash from the far end of the park. Everyone turned to see Layla proudly doggy paddling in the pool!

As Arnie got up and ran over to try and fish his dog out of the strictly human-only pool, Louise scooped up Cooper who was now standing by her feet, watching the commotion.

‘I can’t wait for you to come home with me, boy!’ she whispered, cuddling the tiny pup to her. ‘We’re going to have an amazing time!’

*

After Arnie had managed to coax Layla from the pool and had apologised profusely to the strict park ranger, it was time to be getting back. Louise and Anita were having to head back to Bridgeport that evening; Anita had business meetings the following afternoon and needed to be back in the city. After loading up the cases in the car, it was time for the final goodbyes. Kendra embraced her sister, and the two promised that it wouldn’t be long before they saw one another again. Louise picked up Cooper and cuddled him close, cooing at her new best friend. Arnie, feeling a little self-conscious stood by himself, bent down and gave Layla a huge hug, not caring about the muddy paw prints she left on his back!

As Anita and Kendra walked out to the car for a final goodbye and Layla took Cooper off to tuck him up in bed with his brother and sisters, Arnie turned to Louise. ‘You’ve done some good work here over the past few days, my girl. You’ve been a great help.’

Louise beamed. ‘Thanks! I’ve had a lot of fun, actually. It’s been hard work, but I’ve had fun! Let me know how you get on with those potatoes, yeah?’

‘Of course I will! And Lou, just so you know – you’re always welcome here on the farm, if you ever want to come for a few days. I know it’s not as hip and trendy in little old Appaloosa Plains as it is in the city, but if you ever need to get away for a while, we’re always here for you.’

Louise’s face broke out into a smile at her Uncle’s earnest words. ‘I’d love to, Uncle Arnie! I’d absolutely love to!’

*

‘Mum, I owe you an apology.’ As Anita and Louise drove down to get onto the motorway back to Bridgeport, Louise spoke up. It had been playing on her mind for the past few hours, but she’d only just worked up the courage to apologise.

‘Apology? What for, my dear?’

‘I was a brat when you wanted to come here, I didn’t make things easy for you. I was so annoying the whole car journey here! But I know that you really needed your time here, and I’ve had a pretty good few days too. So I’m sorry for being a brat.’

Anita smiled to herself. ‘That’s quite all right, my dear. I’m just pleased you had such a good time as well! I can’t wait for Cooper to come and live with us!’

‘Me too!’ Louise grinned as she gazed out of the window, watching as the ‘You Are Now Leaving Appaloosa Plains’ sign flew past. ‘I can’t wait to bring him back here, too!’

*       *       *

‘Finally, you’re back! You’ve missed so much while you’ve been stuck in that backwards town, Lou! I have so much gossip!’ Melody flounced into the apartment, dressed in the tiniest of green dresses, Louise noted, and sat down on the arm chair she usually sat in. Louise closed the front door and went to perch on the sofa as she usually did, a little miffed that Melody hadn’t said anything about her new look.

‘Why haven’t you been returning my texts?! I sent you loads while you were away! I guess you were too busy being buried in horse muck or something! Oh, never mind about that! Listen to what happened at the party!’

And Melody talked…

…and talked…

…and talked…

…and talked for what seemed like hours to Louise. She barely seemed to pause for breath! Lou listened as she talked about the party, and who had kissed who and who had drunk so much that they passed out and got their eyebrows shaved off and who had tried to turn up and been turned away, and how Dylan had asked out Melody and how Melody had said yes.

‘You should’ve seen Brad’s face when he saw me kiss him later on!’ Melody cackled. ‘That’ll teach him for dumping me for Tiffany. Anyway, it’s not all bad. I actually went on a date with Dylan the other day, it wasn’t too bad. We went to the cinema and he paid and everything. He’s not so bad. He’ll do for now!’

Louise nodded feeling a little numb, like she was oddly blank… She wasn’t entirely sure what she was feeling. It wasn’t the raging jealousy she’d felt when she got that first message. It wasn’t anger. It wasn’t annoyance. It was just… Numbness…

Do I even care?

Contemplating that thought, Louise stopped listening to Melody all together. That was it. She simply didn’t care anymore. She had stopped caring as soon as Melody had waltzed into her apartment and hadn’t asked her one thing about her time away, hadn’t said one thing about her makeover. She just didn’t care any more.

‘…Lou? Are you even listening to me?! Honestly, you go to the country for a few days and come back with your ears packed with horse muck!’

Louise gave Melody a look. ‘Melody, shut up.’

‘What did you just say?!’

‘I said shut up, Melody!’ Louise stood up angrily. ‘Are you ever going to ask me about my weekend, or are you just going to mock me about it for the next few weeks? Were you ever going to mention the fact that I look completely different to when I left?!’

‘What, you mean you hair? Yeah, it looks nice, I guess. Jeez Lou, calm down!’ Melody rolled her eyes, smirking.

‘Do you even care what I’ve been up to?!’

‘Of course I care, Lou, it’s just that I’ve got the gossip!’

‘Well I don’t care about the gossip!’

‘I’ve been away for days and days and you just aren’t bothered! You just want to show off about drinking and playing boys off each other! I’ve actually been doing something with my life!’

‘Louise, what’s got into you?’

‘You do not care about me, Melody! You just want an audience to listen and give you attention, you never give anything back! I’ve had enough, Melody, and I’m sick of it! I’m just as important as you are!’

Melody fell silent, looking a little shell shocked as Louise came to a breathless halt. ‘Lou… I don’t know what to say…’

‘I… I had no idea you felt that way, that I made you feel that way. I’m so sorry, Louise… I know I talk a lot, I just… I figured you were happy to listen. I never thought that… Oh, gnomes. I’m sorry, Lou.’

‘…Really?!’ Louise frowned a little. She hadn’t expected that reaction. Melody looked positively ashamed of herself.

‘Really. Look, how about we pop to Simbucks for a coffee? We can sit and have a proper catch up, you can tell me about all the… The farmy things you’ve been doing. Do you fancy it?’

Louise smiled and nodded. She felt different, more alive… The power balance between Melody and herself seemed to have shifted. They were equals.

Still, she wasn’t going to rest on her laurels. She did know Melody, after all. Whether this act of contrition was real or not was anyone’s guess. But for now… Yes, she’d forgive her.

For now.

‘Layla! What? Oh, do you need to go outside?’

Layla bounded down from the bed as quick as she could in her condition, wagging her tail furiously. In spite of her tiredness Louise grinned at the beaming dog.

‘Okay girl, let’s get you outside. I wouldn’t crawl out of bed at this hour for just anyone, you know!’ Glad of the distraction from her nightmares, Louise crawled out of bed and bent down to give Layla a quick scratch behind the ears.

‘Thanks girl,’ she whispered. ‘You’re going to be a great mother to those pups of yours! Hey! Get off!’ Lou laughed as Layla jumped up at her, licking her face. ‘Gross! Oh, Layla!!’

*       *       *

After letting Layla out into the back yard and napping fitfully on the sofa for a couple more hours, Louise dragged herself up and got dressed. She really needed to clear her head. She hadn’t been able to go on her usual early-morning jog the previous day; she and her mother had had to set off early to get to Appaloosa Plains. Frowning, she looked down at her outfit. She should’ve decided this earlier; denim was hardly the right material for a work out! About to turn to go back upstairs to change into her joggers, Louise heard a clatter coming from the kitchen before noticing the sweet scent of pancakes drifting through the house.

‘Ah, Lou! You’re up early!’ Kendra beamed at her niece as she casually tossed the pancakes sizzling away in her frying pan. ‘Hope you’re hungry! Strawberry pancakes for brekkie, there’s plenty of them!’

‘Actually I was going to go off for a run, I can grab something when I… Yes Aunty, yes I am hungry,’ Louise hurriedly corrected herself, remembering that her Aunt wasn’t a fan of skipping meals or ‘grabbing a bite to eat’. Meal times were a thing of beauty to her, not something to be quickly skipped over!

Kendra smiled at her with an eyebrow raised. ‘Good to hear! Besides, there’s no need to go prancing about the Plains for exercise my dear. I’ve got you helping your Uncle out with some of the newer crops this morning, and when you’ve finished there you can pop up to the grocers with some samples for them. Your Uncle’s been experimenting with new fertilizers, the crops are tasting better than ever!’

‘My friend’s Mum does that kind of thing too,’ Louise said without really thinking. ‘She used to help run a nursery in Sunset Valley before she moved to Bridgeport.’

‘Oh really? Poor dear won’t find much space for gardening in the big city! Which friend’s that then?’ said Kendra absentmindedly as she spooned some more batter into the frying pan. Louise froze.

‘Uh… Oh, no one you know,’ she said quickly. ‘So can I dig into these pancakes now, or do I have to wait for everyone else to come downstairs?’

*       *       *

Louise’s Uncle Arnie was a man of few words, but he was passionate about his farm. Louise had never seen anyone so dedicated to plants in all her life, not even Dylan’s Mum came close! As Louise trailed back and forth from the small plot Arnie had set aside for his experimental crops with the heavy watering can she watched as her Uncle gently tended to each one individually, barely noticing her presence as she got on with her work. Why doesn’t he just paint his thumbs green and get on with it? Louise thought fondly as she tried not to overwater the growing shoots, grinning as she watched her Uncle. She could’ve sworn he was talking to each one in turn!

‘Rightio Lou. I think we’re just about done here…’ Arnie appraised the lot carefully while Louise held her breath, hoping she’d done a good job. ‘You’ve done well this morning, girl.’ Louise beamed as her Uncle treated her to one of his rare smiles. ‘Rightio. I’ll pop and fetch Daisy’s saddlebags and get them filled up for you. Would you check her stable for me? It might need some fresh hay popping out.’

Louise’s heart dropped a little. ‘You mean… I’m riding Daisy? I don’t know Daisy that well… Can’t I take Tanner? Or walk?’

Arnie shook his head. ‘Tanner’s busy later, and it’s far too far to walk! Don’t be daft, girl. Daisy’s steady as they go.’ With that, he turned and went back into the house, leaving Louise stood on the patio trying not to look into the horses’ paddock, where Daisy was tucking into the salt lick. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Daisy, she just didn’t know her. Not at all, really… When she was in the country she usually rode Tanner, safe and reliable Tanner.

She couldn’t do it. It was too new, too strange, too unpredictable…

Oh, come on Louise. Get the stables out the way first.

Louise spent the next half an hour carefully spreading hay out in Daisy’s stable and raking out any nasty bits. She had been hoping that the longer she took here would mean that her Uncle would get fed up of waiting for her and take Daisy himself, but…

‘Rightio Louise! I’ve saddled Daisy up for you and attached her bags. She’s waiting for you just outside the gate. Try and get a better price on the peppers and potatoes, at least! By, you’ve done a good job here, haven’t you!’ Louise nodded sadly and trailed out of the stable, walking slowly over to where Daisy was impatiently shaking her braided mane. Tentatively Louise reached out a hand and patted Daisy’s neck. ‘There’s a good girl… Good girl… You won’t run away with me, will you?’ she said soothingly, not entirely sure if her words were for the horse or for herself. Without warning, Daisy turned to look directly at Louise, straight into her eyes. Louise was rooted to the spot as Daisy looked her up and down, before reaching out and sniffing Louise’s own braided hair. Lou jumped as the great horse let out a sudden whinny, as if she was laughing, before nuzzling Louise gently.

Louise laughed herself, trying to calm her racing heart as she combed her fingers through her own braids. ‘I guess we do have a similar style, Daise! Come on, let’s get this over with.’ Climbing onto the fence, Louise carefully clambered onto the horse.

She didn’t feel as confident up here. Seemingly knowing her task Daisy slowly walked up the path onto the road, heading in the direction of the road up to the town. Louise clung on for dear life.

I can’t remember the last time I rode a horse, Louise thought as she gripped Daisy’s reins for dear life. I should’ve come up with Mum last time she came. And the time before that. She felt a little guilty as she remembered dismissing the notion without giving it any thought whatsoever, eager to stay at home with her friends. Well, Melody. Mels had always taken great pains to discourage Louise from leaving Bridgeport for any reason, even to see her family. Melody liked having her little sidekick around…

Louise shook her head, trying to shake the bad thoughts about her best friend from her mind. Melody was her best friend. She valued and respected her. Louise knew that…

Yeah right. Trying to convince yourself, more like.

Sighing, Louise suddenly looked around in shock. She’d barely been paying attention as Daisy plodded along; she hadn’t been guiding her or anything as she’d wandered through her thoughts. Anything could’ve happened! Where was she? Where had Daisy taken her?!

As Daisy turned a corner, Louise breathed a huge sigh of relief before laughing aloud. The grocers. Daisy had brought her to the grocers! ‘Oh, you clever thing, Daisy!’ Louise exclaimed as the horse walked right up to the post she stopped at on a weekly basis and began tucking into the bale of fresh hay scattered in front of the water trough. Tethering the horse up, Louise gave her a quick hug. ‘Thanks Daise,’ she whispered as she untied her saddle bags. ‘Sorry for doubting you.’

As Louise made her way into the shop Daisy munched the hay, feeling proud of herself. The girl had been scared of her; she didn’t know why but she definitely had been wary. Daisy didn’t mind. She knew that strangers could be wary at first, it was just a matter of winning them over. She’d felt the tight grip on her reins loosen as she walked, carefully keeping her pace slow as she guided the girl in the right direction. She’d done a good job, she knew that. The girl had said so, and you didn’t get hugs and kind words for anything else!

Daisy liked that girl, she decided. She was kind, if a little anxious. And they had the same hair. That was always a good thing.

Forty-five minutes later Louise came out of the shop feeling elated. The shop owner had been delighted with the taste of the samples her Uncle had sent over, and Louise had successfully bartered to get a higher price for all the produce! She could hardly believe it. Back in Bridgeport she wouldn’t have dared, she knew that. Here, though, something seemed different… She’d been helping out at the farm, trying new things, and actually finding she was good at them. Her confidence was growing.

Her head held high, Louise walked over to Daisy to find her mother already standing there, playing with one of the horse’s braids. ‘Ah! Louise! How’d you get on?’

‘Mum? What are you doing here!’

Anita grinned. ‘Kendra asked me to pop to the restaurant and pick up some paperwork for her. So? How did you get on?’

‘Um… Well, I guess. I got a higher price on everything.’

‘Really? Oh Lou, I’m so proud of you! Your Uncle will be chuffed to bits.’ Anita smiled kindly at her daughter. ‘Say, while we’re both here why don’t we pop to that café over there? My treat?’

‘Seriously?!’ Louise’s face lit up, eager to spend a bit of time with her mother. She was always so busy back at home. When she wasn’t at the office until stupid o’clock she was locked in the study doing paper work. She treasured these rare moments when it was just the two of them… Well, apart from the car ride over here. Louise cringed. She’d been such a brat!

‘This key lime pie is delicious,’ Anita proclaimed as the mother and daughter settled on the porch with their treats. The café was fairly quiet considering the time of day, the lunch time rush already over with, so the two had the outside seating area to themselves. Louise nodded in agreement.

‘Anyway, Lou… I must admit. I’m not here just for pie. I was wondering, is there anything you wanted to talk to me about? About your father, I mean…’ Anita trailed off tentatively as Louise put her fork down and fidgeted with the belt of her dungarees. ‘I know it all happened so fast. It must’ve seemed like a whirlpool to you.’ Seeing that her daughter’s anxiousness at the situation, Anita sadly took another mouthful of pie.

‘I just… Why? What happened? One minute everything was fine, the next I come home from school to find half the stuff in the apartment gone? What happened?’

Anita contemplated the question. ‘Look, Louise. You’re old enough to know the truth, so I’m going to give it to you. I’m not going to sit here and bad mouth your father, because that’s not fair on you; at the end of the day he is still your father and I respect that. But I am going to tell you the truth. I found out… Well, your father was having an affair.’

Louise was stunned. ‘What?!’

Nodding, Anita continued. ‘I came home from work to find him in our bedroom with some woman… Well, anyway. I caught him. She left. I asked him what the hell was going on. He said it was my fault, I was never around, I was always at work, I was never there for him. I pointed out that someone needed to pay for all the bloody holidays he wanted to go on and things he insisted on filling the apartment with, and considering he wasn’t doing anything to help what did he bloody expect, and…’ Anita trailed off, taking a sharp breath. ‘I got a little carried away there. I’m sorry.’

‘Mum… I can’t believe it.’ Louise placed her hand over her mother’s shaking one and squeezed it gently. ‘I had no idea.’

‘Well. These things come out sooner or later. I suppose I’m grateful that I found out, that I wasn’t living in ignorance any longer. I just felt so humiliated.’ Anita wiped away a tear that was threatening to fall onto her cheek, putting on a brave smile for her daughter.

Louise smiled sympathetically at her mother. ‘You should have told me, Mum. I had no idea what was going on! I’d have been there for you. He’s the one who’s done wrong, not you!’

‘Oh, I don’t know about that sweetie. I could’ve been home more often. I could’ve confronted him about how much he was spending, we could’ve worked things out before it even came to this. I just buried my head in the sand and hoped everything would turn out okay in the end. The worst thing is that I wasn’t even surprised when I found out.’ Anita paused and took another bite of her pie, chewing it thoughtfully. ‘At least I can say I’ve learnt something, I guess. If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t bottle things up or hope for the best. Even if you get hurt, you’ll at least know. I’m not going to spend my life wondering what might have been. That’s something you can take heed of too, young lady!’ Anita tapped her daughter’s nose with the end of her fork. ‘You bottle up far too much. If you wanted to know what had happened with your Dad you should have asked me. Or him.’

‘I know, Mum. I just… You were so upset. I thought if I asked you, you’d get even more so…’ Louise trailed off, pondering what her mother had just said. Maybe she was right…

Mother and daughter sat and talked through everything for another half an hour, ordering another slice of the delicious pie to share between them, both of them wishing they’d sat down to do this sooner. As Anita paid for their food, Louise went back to Daisy who’d been waiting at the tether post patiently.

‘Sorry, girl. I hope you weren’t too bored standing here. I bought you a treat!’ Louise produced a fresh apple from her pocket, which Daisy gratefully took from her. ‘Just don’t tell Tanner, okay!’

*       *       *

By the time Louise and Daisy got back to the farm the sun was already beginning to set. Louise had decided to pay attention to the ride back, and went on a little detour around the route she’d used to take Tanner on when she was younger. As she rode Daisy back up the path to the paddock she felt the air around her grow colder, and so took her straight back up to the stables.

Taking off Daisy’s saddle and bridle, Louise smiled and waved at her Uncle who was brushing Tanner down in the other stable across the barn. ‘Wait for me after you’ve popped Daise to bed,’ he called over.

‘Now then, young Lou! Sounds like I owe you a huge thank you! I had a call from Jim at the store earlier, turns out I’m getting an extra twenty simoleons for every piece of veg I sell him! You’ve done good work there, kiddo,’ Arnie beamed at his niece, ruffling her braids.

‘Really?’ Louise grinned herself, pride swimming through her.

‘Indeed I am! You’ve done me proud, Louise!’ Rightio then, I’d better get in and get changed. Kennie’s cooking salmon for tea, it’ll be ready in half an hour. You can amuse yourself until then!’

Louise nodded and ran inside to fire up her Aunt and Uncle’s ancient computer. She wanted to check her Simbook to see if she had any messages. Well, to see if there were any pictures from the party the other night…

She giggled as she clicked her way through the images, starting out with her classmates self-consciously posing and trying to look cool before descending into a drunken madness as the night progressed. It seemed like literally everyone had turned up! Her heart skipped a beat every time Dylan appeared in a picture, a goofy smile plastered on her face as he beamed out of the computer screen at her. She grinned as Melody popped up more than a few times, clearly determined to be the centre of attention.

Then, her heart sank. She’d forgotten. How could she have forgotten…

A picture of Melody. And Dylan. Locked in an embrace.

How could she have forgotten…

For a teenage girl used to the bright lights of the big city, however, Appaloosa Plains may well be a living hell.

‘You’d better get a smile on your face before we reach my sister’s house, young lady, or we will be having severe words later!’

‘But I don’t want to be here, Mum!’

‘For goodness’ sake Louise, we’re only here for the weekend. It’s not like I’ve uprooted your entire life!’ Anita Fletch rolled her eyes as she braked to avoid a family of ducks as they waddled across the road to reach the pond on the other side. 

‘You may as well have done! You do realise just what you’ve done to me, dragging me away for this weekend! This weekend, Mum! Of all the weekends!’

‘Yes I know Louise, you’re missing Melody’s party, you’ve only mentioned it eight hundred times. You know full well I don’t like you hanging around with that girl, she’s a bad influence! And I’ll tell you again, it is only one party!’

‘But everyone was going to be there!’

‘And everyone will be there at the next one! Come on Lou, please. You know what I’ve been through, I just need to get away from the city for a while, especially after what your Father – Look, you know I need this. Please. Just co-operate.’

‘Fine!’ Lou dramatically tossed her braided hair and slumped her head against the car’s window, pouting and crossing her arms, trying to bite back the tear that threatened to spill over. It wasn’t just any old party. It was going to be the party of year! Melody’s parents had gone away for the weekend and Melody had practically invited the whole school.

Dylan was going to be there.

Louise sighed, staring glumly out of the wind shield at the hell she’d been dragged to. She wished she had Melody’s parents. They didn’t drag her to the middle of nowhere just because they were having a nervous bloody breakdown. Hmph. Life just wasn’t fair.

The car turned onto Anita’s sister’s street, and Louise tried to repress the smile that was creeping onto her lips. Her aunt and uncle’s green farm house, the one her mother and aunt had grown up in, stuck out like a sore thumb amongst their muted neighbours and even from this distance she could see Aunty Kendra stood on the front porch, beaming and waving at her approaching family.

‘Anita!’

‘Kennie!’

Parking up, Anita practically ran from the car and into her sister’s arms, hugging her close as if the embrace was all that was holding her together. Louise stood awkwardly on the sidelines looking around for Layla, the collie her aunt and uncle owned. 

‘It’s okay, Anita, it’s okay. You’re home now, you’re safe.’

‘I just can’t believe he would do that to me, Ken!’

‘I know sweetie, I know. We’ll go make a coffee and talk all about it.’

Louise tried not to listen to the snippets of conversation that floated her way, instead concentrating very carefully on the lilting noise of a distant ice cream van. Eventually, her mother pulled away from her sister and made her way tearily into the house. Kendra watched her walk up the porch steps with a sad smile on her face before turning to her niece.

‘Louise, my darling, how are you? It’s so good of you to come out here with your mother, especially after what’s happened. You must be taking it so hard too; you’re such a dear to be so strong for mum, hey?’

Shifting from foot to foot, Louise muttered an incomprehensible reply. Her aunt’s kind words made her feel a little guilty. Deservedly guilty.

Kendra smiled warmly. ‘Well, we’ll try not to bore you too much while you’re here. Your uncle’s taken Daisy down to the equine centre to give Elisa from across the road her jumping lesson, but I think Tanner’s out the back. I’m sure he’d be glad to see you!’ Reaching into her pocket, Kendra handed Louise a small apple and winked.

Nodding, Louise turned and walked down the dirt path down the side of the house and jumped over the fence at the end of it, breaking into a smile as the wise old face of Tanner the shire horse turned her way. Seeing the proffered apple he trotted over and took it from her outstretched hand, munching away gratefully.

‘Hey, Tanner! Steady on, have they not been feeding you or something!’ Louise laughed as Tanner devoured the treat, whinnying gently and nudging the teenager for more. Placing a steadying hand on his face, Louise remembered when she had met the great horse for the first time. Her uncle had bought him when she was five years old, so he had been a part of the farm for as long as she could remember.

‘Oh, Tanner. Life’s always a disappointment, isn’t it?’ She sympathised as Tanner realised there were no more apples coming his way and softly head butted Louise to show his annoyance, rubbing his neck. ‘At least you’ll have more apples some day. I don’t think my dad’s coming home any time soon. Any time ever. And I don’t even have Dylan to take my mind off things…’ Louise paused as she voiced her feelings for Dylan aloud for the first time, shaking her head sadly. Her vision blurred as her eyes filled with tears.

‘Oh, Tanner!’ she cried as she flung her arms around his neck and sobbed into his mane.

Tanner stood still carefully as the apple-girl clung onto him, a little confused. She wasn’t happy, he knew that. But he didn’t understand why. Oh, these human types, they led such complicated lives. All he needed was the odd carrot, the odd apple, his salt lick and a bale of sweet hay and he was right as rain.

But these human types needed more than that, and right now the apple-girl needed him. So he stood still carefully and nickered quietly as she clung onto his mane. Maybe he was her apple. Who knew.

*       *       *

After digging out another apple from the barn for Tanner and sorting her face out, Louise jumped over the other side of the fence and into the back yard. To the rear of the yard stood her uncle’s farm, acres upon acres of crops as far as the eye could see. The back yard itself was remarkably simple; a barbecue, a picnic table, a fire pit and the dog house, in which a sleepy Layla was snoozing. She raised her head in acknowledgement as Louise approached her, before looking pointedly at her bowl.

‘Honestly, does no-one on this farm feed their animals? One second, Layla!’ Louise popped into the house and prayed that the dog food was still kept in it’s usual spot in the utility room. Finding it, she ran out to find a slightly more alert Layla waiting patiently.

‘Here you are girl! Chicken and liver, enjoy!’ Louise carefully poured the dry food into the bowl, expecting Layla to react as she usually did and bound from her kennel and up at her in delight for a few minutes before scoffing her face. Instead, Layla practically crawled from her spot and up to the bowl sleepily, pulling the bowl closer to her before tucking in.

Louise frowned. ‘Layla? Are you okay?’ she asked concernedly, but got no reaction from the dog who’s main priority now was the filling of her stomach. Lou watched her for a while longer before walking back into the house and into the kitchen where her aunt was cooking tea.

‘Where’s mum?’ she asked a little nervously, her shy demeanour getting the better of her. Even around close family she could feel on edge, especially if she hadn’t seen them for a while.

‘She’s in her room unpacking, she’ll be out for her meal. Stu surprise, my speciality! Hope you’re hungry, there’ll be a lot to go around,’ replied Kendra as she busily chopped an aubergine, courgette and squash, seemingly at the same time. Kendra had been a professional chef back in the day, before buying her own restaurant in the centre of Appaloosa Plains and taking a back seat management role to help out with the family’s farm her husband now ran. Not that she lost her passion for cooking, mind. Her family was the best fed in the entire county! 

‘I didn’t eat lunch so that I’d have room for your cooking, aunty K!’ Louise joked, tentatively taking a seat at the kitchen table. Kendra laughed before gently admonishing her niece.

‘Now then Loulou, you know that’s not what I like to hear! You’re a growing girl, you should be having your three square meals a day!’

‘But your meals are huge! They’re more like cubes!’

‘Right they are, and that’s why my restaurant is the most successful in the area! And don’t you forget it, my girl. And don’t just sit there, either! No idle hands in this house, mark my words. Wash up and you can give me a hand here, there’s a tonne of potatoes to be peeled!’

*       *       *

‘Kendra, Arnie, can I just thank you again for taking in Louise and I for the weekend? You don’t know how much it means to me, just to be able to get away from everything. Work, the city, life…’ Anita trailed off as she took another mouthful of her stu, trying not to let her words run away with her. Arnie, back from the equine centre, smiled sympathetically.

‘It’s no problem at all, Anita, as you know family’s welcome here at any time! Just as long as you chip in. We’ve got you mucking out the stables at seven tomorrow morning, just so you know!’ Arnie’s bellowing laugh echoed around the kitchen as Louise tried not to choke on her food.

‘Mum, mucking out the stables? That’ll be the day! You should see our apartment back at home, uncle, it’s utterly spotless! Mum abides dirt of any kind, I can’t imagine her covered in horse muck’ Louise grinned at her mother across the table.

‘Louise Fletch! I will have you know that I cleaned out my fair share of stables in my younger days! Your aunt will vouch for me, won’t you Kendra!’

Kendra nodded, chuckling away. ‘I must say, she did Louise. That was until she grew up and flew off to university and left country life for the rat race, and seemingly developed an allergy to mess! I have seen your apartment many times, Anita, before you start! You can’t deny it!’

‘See! I told you mum!’

‘Will you all stop ganging up on me! Come on Louise, you know I’m not uptight! It wasn’t until your father said…’ Anita trailed off, her smile wiped from her face instantly at the mention of her husband. Tension radiated.

Louise stared steadfastly at her now empty bowl. ‘Um. I think I’ll go to bed,’ she murmured as she got up from the table and took her bowl to the dishwasher. ‘Am I in the loft?’

‘Yes you are sweetheart, in the room your mother and I used to share,’ said Kendra with a faux-brightness to her voice, glad of the distraction from the uncomfortable atmosphere. ‘I think Layla’s up there at the moment, she’s taken to sleeping on the rug in there. I hope that’s alright?’

‘Of course! Oh, aunty, I meant to say something earlier – is Layla okay? She seems really sluggish and lazy. Well, lazier than usual I mean!’

‘Course she is, daft girl. She’s nearly full term!’ Arnie looked at Louise as if she’d just asked what colour the sky was.

‘Full term? What?’

‘Oh gosh!’ Kendra exclaimed suddenly, her hands flying to her face. ‘I completely forgot to tell you both! Layla’s having puppies! She’s due in the next couple of weeks, we think!’

*

Reaching her room, Louise found Layla laid in the centre of the patterned rug on her back. Now that she looked closer she could see her stomach was rounded through her dense fur. Puppies!

‘Layla! You’re going to be a mummy! Are you excited!’ Kneeling down Louise rubbed Layla’s swollen tummy, giggling as Layla looked up at her with a huge grin on her face, her tongue lolling out.

‘That’s so exciting, girl! I can’t wait to see them! What lucky puppies, having such a gorgeous mummy! Make sure you -’ Louise was distracted as her phone vibrated in her pocket. Standing, she took it out and read the message.

Lou! You’ll never guess what! Dylan Rivers just asked me out! Dylan! Hahahahahaha!! Think I’m gonna go for it, it’ll get Brad off my back! That’ll teach him to break up with me, won’t it? Haha! Hope you’re having fun in the middle of nowhere, lol as if! You’re missing a great party girl! xxxxxx

Louise felt her heart drop into her shoes. She sent some vague response to Melody and dropped her phone into the drawer of the dresser, slamming it shut angrily.

Dylan and Melody. Dylan and Melody.

She’d missed the party and Dylan had asked out her best friend. Dylan had asked out Melody and she hadn’t been there to say anything. She hadn’t been there to stop it. Melody would have said no if she’d told her, she would have found someone else to get back at Brad with. Surely, she would…

No she wouldn’t, you silly girl! Melody looks after number one, then everyone else if it suits her…

Louise cursed the voice in her head as she changed into her nightdress numbly and crawled into the welcoming bedsheets. Layla watched her curl up, baffled at the sudden change in her mood. She’d been so happy, then that little box thing had made her so sad. Why?

Carefully, Layla jumped up onto the other side of the double bed and settled down. Poor girl. She was sad.

She felt a squirming inside her stomach, and shifted her position. Babies. They were her babies. She’d be looking after them soon, any day now. Until then her maternal instincts would be put to better use here, she thought. Snuggling up closer to Louise, Layla put her head down and drifted off to sleep.

Half an hour later Anita carefully climbed the stairs up to her old bedroom, where she herself had slept as a teenager. Half nine and Louise was already fast asleep. This wasn’t like her. She was a city girl, they were generally a nocturnal bunch! Exhaling, Anita rubbed her face resignedly. She was trying not to let her marital difficulties be too much of a strain on her daughter, but she’d seen her face at tea time, she’d seen how she’d clammed up. How she hoped she wouldn’t lose her, as well as her husband. Oh, her darling girl… 

‘Is there any truth in the rumour that you sent him away because of his behaviour?’

‘Will your son be going into the army, Mr. Blaine?’

‘Mr. Blaine! Dylan! Look this way!’

Rolling his eyes Ethan ignored the papparazzi lining the street outside his home, pulling into the driveway and immediately locking the electronic gates behind them. A cursory glance in his rear view mirror told him that none of them had followed the car inside. Looking at the passenger seat, he grinned at his nervous son.

‘Come on, Dylan. Everyone’s waiting for you!’

Dylan’s face lit up and he scrambled out of the car and up the porch steps into the house before his Dad had even thought about taking off his seat belt! Launching himself into his Mother’s arms, he clung on tight.

‘Hi Mum,’ he squeaked.

‘Hey kiddo!’ Ivy cuddled her son close, touched at the display of affection. ‘How was the trip over?’

‘Alright. Loads of journos outside.’

‘Well we did think there might be. Anyway, no need to worry about that now. We’ve got some candles to blow out!’

After hugging his Uncle and sister, Dylan made his way through to the lounge where a small family party had been set up. Dylan’s eyes widened as he saw the cake.

‘Is that vanilla and straw -’

‘Yes dear, vanilla and strawberry, your favourite! We had to push the boat out considering this is a double celebration. Happy birthday, and welcome home!’

Smiling from ear to ear, Dylan stood centre of attention as the chorus of Happy Birthday rang out around the room. As it came to a finish, he took a deep breath and blew his candles out in one breath.

‘Oh, Dylan! It’s like we only had our baby back for a split second, isn’t it Ivy?’ Ethan choked out, feeling a little emotional. Tristan grinned and punched his arm.

‘Hey, you! I’m supposed to be the one who tears up at the littlest thing, don’t you start! Ivy won’t know what to do with us. Come on birthday boy, cut this cake! I’ve got a date to get to later!’

‘Thanks to me!’

‘Oh, shush Robbie!’ Ivy scolded gently. ‘You’re still grounded for that!’

*       *       *

Panting, Tristan ran up the steps of the underground and out onto the street. He was running late. He knew he shouldn’t have stopped for a second slice of cake! Looking at the street sign, he realised he was only one street away from Eugis’. Time to start running again!

He’d barely made it around the corner when he ran smack bang into another Sim, causing his glasses to fall lop sided. Adjusting them, he apologised profusely until he realised who he had run into.

‘Katya!’

‘Tristan! I was wondering where you’d got to…’ Katya forced a smile onto her strained face. She’d been walking back to the underground, thinking that she’d been stood up.

‘I am so sorry! My nephew came back from boarding school today and it’s his birthday, and I got caught up and missed the train and the second one took forever -’

‘That’s okay, Tristan!’

Katya grinned and took hold of his hands, amused by his flustered rambling. ‘It’s fine. You’re here now, that’s what matters. Shall we go into Eugis’?’

Tristan nodded, and meekly followed Katya into the building and into the lift, feeling a little self conscious. He’d almost forgotten how beautiful she was. Trying not to stumble as he walked out of the lift and into the bar, he turned to his date.

‘So, um… May I buy you a drink, Katya?’

Katya giggled. ‘You most certainly can, Tristan! I’ll have a cherry casanova, please,’ she purred.

Tristan ordered himself one, too. He wasn’t a big drinker, but figured that if Katya liked it it wouldn’t be too bad. He took an experimental sip while he was waiting for his change and was pleasantly surprised, before looking at the glass in horror.

Girliest drink ever. Ah well. He doubted that Katya was out with him for his rippling masculinity, what did a cocktail with a heart-shaped mixer matter at this point? Swallowing his pride with another mouthful of the cherry cocktail, he waved Katya over and handed her drink over.

‘Cheers!’ Katya’s smile sparkled in the low lighting as the couple clinked their glasses together, toasting their date. ‘Glad to see you’re a man of taste,’ she said, nodding at Tristan’s matching glass.

‘To be honest, I’ve not had one of these before,’ he confessed, pushing his glasses back up his nose. ‘It’s really nice though. I like cherries,’ he offered lamely.

‘Well, I think it’s refreshing to see a man who doesn’t think that anything other than pints are girly,’ Katya confided. ‘Just drink what you want, I say. The glass doesn’t make the man!’

‘Exactly!’ Tristan tried not to cheer, relieved. ‘So, Katya… How did your audition go?’

Katya’s face fell a little. ‘Ah, not the best. I didn’t get the part I was going for, but they’ve cast me in a smaller role. It’s something, I guess.’

‘Beats pouring coffee at the diner?’ Tristan smiled sympathetically.

‘You can say that again!’ Katya visibly brightened up. ‘Besides, if I hadn’t gone for that audition I wouldn’t have been walking through the park, and I wouldn’t have seen you playing with Robyn. Well, I wouldn’t have gotten drenched either, but I wouldn’t have met you. Maybe these things happen for a reason!’

Tristan felt his face glowing as red as his drink!

*       *       *

‘Okay sweetheart, we’ve got one more surprise for you. It’s in your room!’

Ivy laughed as Dylan bolted up the stairs to his room, eager to see what was waiting for him there. Following him at a slightly slower pace (the years were getting the better of her!), she saw him stood in the middle of the room with a broad smile on his face.

‘Mum! I love it! I absolutely love it!’

Dylan pulled his Mum into a hug, still taking in his surroundings. Gone was the childish room he’d lived in previously, and in its place was a proper teenager’s room, classy and sophisticated.

‘Glad you like it, Dylan! I’ll leave you to unpack. Your trunks are down there,’ Ivy nodded at the three large cases that were just inside the door, ‘I expect at least one of those to be empty by tomorrow morning, birthday or no birthday! It’s good to have you back,’ she said as she walked out the room, closing the door behind her.

Dylan laughed as he called out another thank you to his Mother, still drinking in his room. His parents had done him proud, here! Gazing around, he suddenly felt a shiver run down his spine. It felt like he was being watched…

Shaking himself he went over to his cases and opened the top one, pulling out some shirts, books and his comb case. Carefully placing them on his dresser he was about to delve back in for some more of his belongings when he caught sight of something in the mirror… Something sitting in his chair…

His face hardened. No. It couldn’t be.

‘Dylan. Hello!’

Dylan ignored the voice. The voice inside his head. Frowning, he opened the empty drawers of his dresser and began transferring his clothes into it.

‘Dylan?’

Not usually one for attention to detail Dylan began carefully folding and arranging his t-shirts, concentrating on the task at hand. He wasn’t hearing voices. He wasn’t seeing things. He was folding and putting away his clothes, with nothing out of the ordinary happening whatsoever. Nothing at all.

‘Dylan! Puzzle is speaking to you! Puzzle missed -’

‘NO!’

Crossly throwing the top he was holding into the open drawer, Dylan rounded on the startled creature. ‘No! I cannot be seeing you again! You were my imagination, nothing else!’

Puzzle looked confused. ‘No, Dylan. I your friend. I no go away!’

‘This cannot be happening,’ Dylan muttered, massaging his temples. ‘I can’t be going through this. You’re not real. It’s not real. It can’t be…’

‘Dylan?’

‘Can’t be real…’

‘Dylan!’

‘SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!’ Dylan exploded, pushing out at Puzzle. ‘I was sent away from home because of YOU! Why are you still here? Why would you think I would want you?!’

‘But Dylan, I -’

‘No! NO! I don’t want to hear ANYTHING from you! Look, I don’t know what you are or which figment of my imagination you’ve sprung from, but just leave me alone!’

‘Why, Dylan?’ Why?’

‘Why? Why!?’ Dylan floundered for a few seconds. ‘I was sent away from home because my parents thought I was pulling pranks every five minutes. But I wasn’t! It was you, wasn’t it? Heck, I’d convinced myself that it was me pulling them, that you didn’t exist. How can you exist? Look at you!’

Puzzle’s face sagged, and he sat down again at Dylan’s desk gazing at him with a sad expression.

‘Puzzle Dylan’s friend. Puzzle always Dylan’s friend.’

Dylan sighed exasperatedly. ‘I don’t care what you are. What I do know is that I was sent away from home because of you. What sort of a friend does that? Oh gnomes, look at me, arguing with my own imagination…’

Later that night as Dylan slept, Puzzle crept over to his side of the bed and gazed down at him. Puzzle knew that Dylan hadn’t meant what he said. How could he? Dylan was Puzzle’s best friend! Puzzle couldn’t live without Dylan. Puzzle couldn’t even exist without him… He knew that he’d calm down, soon. He knew he’d be his friend again properly. He knew it would just be the two of them, just like it was before. Just as Puzzle wanted it to be…

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