No Thanks Required
Dorrie Mitchell stood in the airport with her parents on June twenty-fifth. They were waiting for flight 247 to Italy to be announced.
“Dorrie, you’ll be good while we’re gone won’t you?” her mother questioned. Dorrie rolled her eyes.
“Mother, I’m almost eighteen years old. It’s sad that you don’t realize by now that I’m trustworthy.”
“Of course you are dear… it’s just nice knowing that you’ll be with Aunt Lois. She’ll keep you busy.”
“I still can’t believe that you’re making me stay with her for the entire summer.”
“You would’ve been there every day to ride,” her father put in.
“This makes me feel like you think I need a baby-sitter. Every time you go away I end up staying with Aunt Lois.”
“Then you should be right at home. That’s our flight. Be a good girl Dorrie.”
“I will. Have fun.”
“Bye dear. Good luck in your shows this summer!” Dorrie smiled and waved at them as they walked down the tunnel. With a sigh she picked up her knapsack and left the airport.
Lois Mitchell walked upstairs and down the hall, stopping in front of a closed door. Music was banging and the door was already decorated with several pictures.
“Dorrie, can I come in?” she called, at the same time knocking on the door.
“Yeah!” came an answer. Lois opened the door and smiled. Dorrie was sitting on the bed wearing a tie-died tank top and a pair of khaki shorts. Her sketchbook was sitting in her lap and her hand was moving furiously over the page.
“Are you getting settled in hon?” Dorrie looked up from her drawing and smiled.
“Yeah. I’m so use to being left here when mom and dad go gallivanting all over the world… it’s not really a big deal.”
“Your father has always wanted to travel.”
“It’s kind of sad that traveling comes before his kid, don’t you think?” Dorrie asked with raised eyebrows. Lois sighed and sat down beside her niece.
“I know it’s hard Dorrie, but they both love you very much.”
“Oh, I realize that… they always bring me really great presents.” Lois smiled again.
“Yes they do. What’s that you’re drawing?” Dorrie pulled her long auburn hair into a pony-tail.
“Look,” she said, handing Lois her sketchbook.
“It’s beautiful Dorrie,” Lois said. It was a charcoal sketch of Dorrie’s horse Ishmael. The horse was looking off into the distance with his ears pricked foreword.
“Thanks. I started working on it a couple days ago. Do you really like it?”
“I love it. I’ll go get a frame for it tomorrow.”
“Aunt Lois, you don’t need to do that. You always buy me things… I don’t need a frame for it.”
“Of course you do.”
“But…”
“No buts about it. Are you hungry?” Dorrie thought for a moment.
“Not just yet. I was planning on going down to the barn to ride Ishmael.”
“OK. I think Nick is down there so he can help you out.” Dorrie rolled her eyes. Nick Stevenson was her aunt’s stable hand.
“I really don’t need his help with anything.” Lois stood up and patted Dorrie’s knee.
“You’re too judgmental Dorrie. Nick’s a nice boy. Not everyone is as fortunate as you’ve been.”
“I don’t dislike him because he’s poor Aunt Lois.”
“Then why?”
“He’s got an attitude.” Lois laughed.
“Well if that’s not the pot calling the kettle black.” Dorrie frowned. “Have fun riding honey.”
“Thanks Aunt Lois.”
Nick was filling water buckets when Dorrie walked in. She had changed into a pair of jeans and a navy blue T-shirt.
“I’m going to take Ishmael out on a trail ride. Can you stay a little late to feed him?” He glanced at her and shrugged.
“I’m not sure.” Dorrie sighed.
“If it’s a problem just tell me,” she said, hands on her hips. He shook his head and smiled.
“It’s not a problem for me. I just don’t know if my mother will be OK with it.”
“Oh. Let me know. I’ll be grooming Ishmael.” He nodded. Dorrie sighed again and walked toward Ishmael’s stall. She smiled as his beautiful gray head swung over the stall door. “Hi gorgeous,” she crooned, letting herself into the stall. She began to groom and was almost finished when Nick stopped at the stall door.
“My mom said I can stay as long as I’m not too late.”
“You won’t be.”
“Good. Have fun on your ride.”
“Yup.” She watched as he turned to leave. “Nick?” she said. He turned and looked at her.
“What?”
“I just wanted to say thank-you… for staying so late.”
“Sure. You’re the boss Dorrie,” he muttered, continuing up the aisle. She leaned against the stall door and watched him with confused eyes.
Dorrie finished unsaddling Ishmael and then carried her tack up to the tack room. Nick was there cleaning a bridle.
“I thought you said you weren’t going to be too late,” he muttered.
“I’m sorry. Ishmael threw me off and I had to chase him.” He looked at her, his brown eyes dark with concern.
“Are you OK?” She nodded slowly.
“I guess so. My shoulder’s a little sore.” Nick hung the bridle up, stood and went to her side.
“Where?” he demanded, putting both hands on her shoulder. She cringed.
“There. Don’t worry though, I’ll be fine.” He looked down at her for a long time.
“Can you raise your arm?” She did it with a slight frown.
“Kind of.”
“You should probably get it looked at.” She smiled up at him.
“Probably not. All I need is for my parents to come home early.”
“They’re on another trip?”
“They’re always on another trip.”
“Oh. Well take care of your shoulder Dorrie.” He started to move past her, but she caught his arm.
“Nick, I meant it when I said thanks earlier.”
“I know. See ya’ tomorrow.”
“Bye.”
Dorrie never read the morning paper, not ever. The next morning, however, Dorrie picked up the front page with her mouth hanging open.
“Aunt Lois, come look at this!” she called after reading the headline. Lois appeared moments later and took the paper.
“Another plane crash? My goodness.” Dorrie shook her head.
“Aunt Lois, it says it was flight 247 to Italy,” she whispered, her hands shaking. Lois paled and began to read.
“Oh my God… ‘no survivors’. Your parents…” she trailed off with a sob.
“I need to be alone,” Dorrie said, starting from the room. Lois grabbed her elbow.
“Honey, you can’t be alone now.” Dorrie yanked away.
“Leave me alone!” she exclaimed, jogging from the house.
Dorrie came out of the tack room at full speed, sobbing and carrying her tack. She slammed into someone and dropped off her saddle and bridle.
“Damn it,” she muttered, sniffing loudly and bending to pick up all her gear.
“Dorrie are you OK?” a male voice asked. She looked up and cursed when she saw that it was Nick.
“I’m fine. Leave me alone,” she managed. Nick crouched beside her and picked up her saddle.
“You don’t look fine.” They both stood.
“I am. Give me my saddle.” She reached for it but he held it out of her range.
“Tell me what’s wrong first?” She raked her fingers through her hair and tried to stop crying so she could talk.
“Please, just give me my saddle. I just… I need to be alone right now.” He didn’t give her the saddle so Dorrie began to cry harder. She leaned against the wall and sank slowly to the floor, dropping her bridle. Nick watched as she put her face in her hands and began to shake with sobs. He put the saddle over a stall door and crouched down beside her.
“Dorrie?” he murmured. She didn’t answer so he put his hands on her shoulders and pulled her into his arms. He smiled a little when he felt her arms go around his waist. They sat that way for a long time until he asked, “Dorrie what’s the matter?” She drew in a deep, shuddering breath.
“There was a plane crash… my parents… no survivors,” she said between sobs. “Your parents are…” She cut him off with a nod and he held her a little tighter. “Are you sure?” She nodded again. “Are you OK?” She made a sound like a laugh.
“Yeah, I’m just great,” she muttered. He smiled and pulled away a little.”
“OK, stupid question. You probably shouldn’t ride right now.”
“You’re probably right.”
“Want to go for a walk?” he asked.
“I don’t know. I should probably stay here,” she said, reaching up to brush tears from her face. Nick caught her hand and looked at her seriously.
“Do you really want to stay here?” he questioned, brushing the tears off her cheeks with his thumbs.
“Not really.” He stood and held his hand out to her.
“Then come on.” She took it and let him pull her to her feet. They walked outside in silence, both surprised that it had started to rain. “Do you still feel like walking?” She nodded.
“Yeah.” They walked up the lane together, once again silent.
Dorrie awoke late the next afternoon and sighed softly. The sun was shining and she could smell something cooking. She sat up, got out of bed and looked out the window. Horses had already been turned out and she could see Nick walking toward the barn. With another sigh she pulled the rubber band from her hair and walked downstairs. Lois was standing at the stove making an omelet and sausage. She turned when she heard Dorrie enter the room.
“Hi honey. How’d you sleep?” Dorrie gave a little laugh.
“Just great.”
“Are you hungry? I made your favorite.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“You didn’t eat all day yesterday either Dorrie. You need to eat something.”
“I said I’m not hungry.” Lois sighed.
“Fine. We need to go see your parents’ lawyer today.”
“Why?”
“To hear the will.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“Dorrie,” Lois began.
“Please don’t make me go. You can tell me all about it… let me know if they actually left me something.”
“Fine. I’ll be gone for about two or three hours. You know where all the food is.”
“I’ll probably be out riding or at my house when you get back.”
“Are you sure you want to go over there by yourself?”
“I’ll be fine Aunt Lois.”
“OK. I’ll see you later.” Dorrie went to the refrigerator and took out the milk. She got a glass and filled it before sitting down again. She sat at the table for a long time. Suddenly there was a knock on the front door. She glanced down at her attire: a pair of Old Navy plaid pajama bottoms and a gray tank top. With a sigh she went to the door and opened it. Nick was standing on the porch, hands stuffed into the pockets of his jeans.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hi.”
“How ya’ doing?” She smiled a little and shrugged.
“OK I guess. Listen, thanks for everything yesterday. I really appreciated your spending the whole day with me.”
“It wasn’t a problem Dorrie. I’m glad I could help.”
“I’ll tell my aunt that you deserve a raise or overtime pay… something like that.” He shook his head, looking at her seriously.
“I don’t need to be paid for helping you through a rough time. I don’t want to be paid for that.”
“Oh. Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.”
“I know. What’re you going to do today?”
“I need to go over to my house and get some things.”
“That’s going to be hard.”
“Yeah.”
“Do you want some company?”
“You don’t have to do that Nick.” He smiled.
“I know, but I want to. You need a friend and I’m free.”
“As long as you don’t mind.”
“I won’t even charge you for the trip.” She smiled.
“Good deal. I need to get changed and showered.”
“Don’t do it in that order… it won’t work.” She actually laughed.
“You know what I mean. I’ll meet you down at the barn.”
“Don’t take too long. I might change my mind.”
“Whatever.” He started down the porch steps.
“See ya’ in a little while Dorrie.”
“Yup.” She closed the door and started to go upstairs, all the while thinking, I’m hanging out with the groom.
Dorrie unlocked the front door of her house and walked in. Nick followed close behind. She went to the answering machine and sighed when she saw that it was flashing.
“Don’t you love how people feel obligated to call you and bug you when you’ve just experienced a personal loss?” she muttered.
“Don’t listen to them,” Nick said simply.
“Good idea.” She walked through the house and upstairs. When she reached her bedroom door she glanced at Nick over her shoulder. “You’ll have to excuse the mess. It’s been awhile since I cleaned it.” He shrugged.
“Whatever.” She opened the door and they both walked in. He looked around in awe. “Wow,” he murmured. The walls were decorated with photographs, portraits and other drawings. The bed was covered with pillows and stuffed animals. On the bulletin board there were postcards from every foreign location imaginable. There were Japanese fans on one wall. On another wall there was a very intricate mural. Dorrie looked at him, a slight blush creeping into her cheeks.
“I got bored one day so I painted on the walls. My parents were so mad.”
“They were mad that you drew something like this?” he demanded, going closer to the wall. There was one section that was a map of the world. There were little red dots everywhere.
“The dots stand for where my parents have been.”
“Wow. They’ve been a lot of places.” She nodded, watching as he moved along the wall looking at the different images she’d drawn or painted. Above her bed there were angels, clouds, doves, and the sun. “This is really good.”
“It’s OK.”
“You’re too modest Dorrie. Did you take these pictures too?”
“Yeah. I took photography my sophomore year.”
“They’re really good too. Is that Ishmael?” he asked, pointing to a picture. She smiled.
“It sure is. That’s when he was about four. He got a little excited and I happened to catch it on film.” In the picture Ishmael was rearing, his front hooves striking out at the air.
“It’s like something out of a movie.”
“Yeah. I just need to pack up some things to take to Aunt Lois’s.”
“Do you want help?”
“I guess. You could take all the drawings off the walls and put them on my bed. I’ll get my portfolio and you can put them in there.”
“OK.” He started taking pictures off the walls and laying them on her bed. Dorrie turned on the radio and went into her walk-in closet. She began taking clothes off hangers and putting them in a duffle bag. When she was done she grabbed her portfolio and brought it out to the bed.
“Just pile everything in here. It might be a tight fit. I need to sort through it all.”
“Are you going to take the photos too?”
“I have a separate portfolio for the photographs.”
“OK.” She went back into the closet and returned with another case. She crawled on to the bed and plopped down in the center. She sat Indian style and adjusted her shorts. “When do you think you’ll have to sell the house?” She shrugged and pulled her hair tie out; her hair cascaded over her shoulders and down her back.
“I’m not really sure. I hope it’s not right away.” He looked up when he heard her deep intake of breath. She was biting her bottom lip and her blue eyes were filled with tears. He touched her bare knee and she looked at him. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she muttered, brushing the back of her hand across her face to get rid of the tears.
“Cut yourself a little slack Dorrie. Your parents just died… you’re allowed to cry.” She gave a shaky smile.
“Thanks.” He raked his fingers through his thick, black hair and smiled.
“I don’t need your thanks Dorrie.”
“Well you’ve got it anyway. Let’s get this stuff together and get out of here.” They finished in silence and then got ready to leave.
“Let me carry this stuff,” he said, taking the duffle bag from her.
“Are you sure you can handle all of it?” He raised an eyebrow.
“I could carry all of this and you.” She laughed softly.
“Sure you could.”
“Is that a challenge Dorrie?”
“I… not really.”
“Not really?” he repeated, starting toward her. She backed up.
“It wasn’t a challenge Nick,” she promised.
“I think it was.” She took another step back, but it was no use. Nick bent and tackled her legs. She gave a squeal as he tossed her over his shoulder and started from the room.
“Put me down!” she exclaimed, pounding on his back and kicking her feet.
“You’d better stop. I could drop you.” She stopped abruptly, curling her fingers around the material of his shirt.
“You should put me down so you won’t.”
“I won’t. Do I need to lock the house?”
“Yes, but the keys are in my pocket.”
“Which one?”
“The left.” He reached up and slid his hand into her left pocket. She laughed and said, “I can’t believe this.” He pulled the keys out and locked the front door.
“Believe it.” He carried her to the car, opened the back door, tossed her bags in and then closed it.
“You could probably put me down now.” He nodded and let her slide to the ground. She looked up at him and swallowed hard. “That was completely uncalled for,” she murmured.
“Yeah, but it made you laugh.”
“You’re right. Come on, I need to get back and see if Aunt Lois is home.”
“OK.” He handed her the keys and walked around to the other side of the car. Dorrie drew in a shaky breath and got in.
Lois was sitting at the kitchen table when Dorrie came in with Nick.
“Hey Aunt Lois,” Dorrie said.
“Hi honey. Hello Nick. It was nice of you to help Dorrie bring her things up to the house.”
“Just trying to be helpful ma’am.”
“Well thanks. Dorrie we need to talk.”
“OK. I’m going to walk Nick to the door.”
“Alright.” Dorrie and Nick walked back to the front door in silence. She opened it and he stepped out.
“If you need anything I’ll be down at the barn,” he said. She smiled a little.
“Thanks for everything today Nick… especially making me laugh.”
“I’ll keep trying to do that. Take care of yourself Dorrie.” She nodded and watched as he walked down the porch steps and toward the barn. With a sigh she closed the door and went back to the kitchen.
“So what happened?”
“They gave me full custody and you all of their assets.” Dorrie sat down in the nearest chair.
“They did what?”
“You heard me. They left it all to you.”
“All of the houses everywhere?” Lois nodded. “All the money?” Again, Lois nodded. “I can’t believe it.”
“You’d better.”
“What am I suppose to do with it all?”
“Get a college education and enjoy it.” Dorrie shook her head.
“I’d rather have them.”
“Of course you would sweetheart. So would I.” Dorrie stood up slowly.
“I’m going to bring my stuff upstairs.”
“Do you want me to make you something to eat?”
“I’m fine.”
“Have you eaten today?”
“Aunt Lois I’m really not hungry. Please leave it alone.”
“Alright. I have to start making funeral arrangements so I won’t be around for a little bit.”
“I’d rather be alone anyway.”
“You look tired sweetie. Try to get some rest.”
“I will Aunt Lois. See you later.” Dorrie picked up her things and carried them upstairs.
Dorrie couldn’t sleep several nights later… the night before her parents’ funeral. Of course, she hadn’t been sleeping well since she’d found out about the plane crash either. She got out of bed and slipped on her sandals. She was wearing her Old Navy pajama bottoms and a white tank top, and it was a little chilly. She grabbed a blanket off the bed and walked downstairs. Soon she found herself at the barn. The lights were still on, which surprised her. Nick came out of a stall and they both jumped.
“What’re you doing here?” she demanded. He smiled.
“Lois asked me to stay tonight so I can feed the horses in the morning.”
“Don’t you usually do morning feed?”
“Nope. Lois does it, but since the funeral is tomorrow…” he trailed off when she turned away. “Sorry.”
“That’s alright. It was nice of you to stay.” He shrugged and started to walk up the aisle.
“It’s not a big deal.” Dorrie put her hand on his shoulder, causing him to turn and look down at her.
“It’s a big deal to us… at least, it’s a big deal to me.” He looked at her for a long time, and for a moment Dorrie thought he was going to kiss her.
“What’re you doing awake?” he asked suddenly, turning and continuing up the aisle.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“Understandable. Have you slept at all since you found out?”
“Of course,” she lied. He looked at her over his shoulder, one eyebrow raised. “Well, I haven’t slept a lot, but I’ve slept.”
“That’s what I thought. You should go back up to the house and go back to bed.”
“I’m not tired.” Nick walked into the tack room and straightened things up.
“You don’t sleep, you don’t eat… do you do anything healthy?”
“I eat.”
“When? You’re down here all the time.”
“I eat,” she repeated. He nodded, turned out the light and walked back out into the aisle.
“Whatever you say Dorrie.” He started turning out lights and Dorrie walked beside him.
“I don’t need to defend myself to you,” she muttered.
“I never said you had to.” They were silent for a long time. Nick stopped at the door to the loft and said, “I’m going to get some sleep.”
“Oh.”
“Listen Dorrie, I don’t know what to say to you.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” He reached out and squeezed her shoulder through the blanket she had wrapped around herself.
“Come on, you can keep me company until I fall asleep.” He took her hand and led her into the loft.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asked. He walked to the huge sliding door and sat down on the blankets there. It had begun to rain and they could hear thunder in the distance.
“If I minded I wouldn’t have asked you to keep me company. Have a seat Dorrie.” She sat down.
“It’s been so rainy lately.”
“Kind of fitting.”
“Yeah.” She looked out at the rain, a sigh slipping past her lips. He pulled off his shirt and covered up.
“You OK?” She just nodded. “Dorrie, look at me for a second.” She shook her head, because she was crying again and wasn’t sure why. Nick put his hand on the side of her face and forced her to do as he said. When he saw she was crying he sighed. “You’re going to get through this,” he promised.
“It doesn’t feel like it sometimes,” she muttered, wiping tears away. He smiled.
“You’re going to though. You’re a strong girl Dorrie, and you’ll make it through this and be stronger because of it.” She nodded.
“Thanks.”
“For what?”
“You’ve been really great. None of my friends have even called me.
“They probably don’t know what to say.”
“How come you do?”
“I know what it’s like to lose a parent.”
“Why?” He shook his head.
“If you don’t want to tell me I’ll understand.”
“It’s not that. I just didn’t know that letting you stay with me would end up being so difficult.”
“I’m sorry. You don’t have to tell me, it’s none of my business.”
“I made you tell me when your parents first died, and that was none of my business.”
“I was having a breakdown and you were trying to help.”
“My father left us when I was seven. That was tough for me… it took me awhile to get over it. Maybe I still haven’t gotten over it completely.”
“Wow. That’s rough.”
“Not as rough as our parents dying.” She bit her bottom lip as tears welled up again. “Sorry.”
“I have to get use to hearing it. Don’t worry about it.”
“I’m not worried about it, I’m worried about you,” he replied. She bowed her head.
“You don’t need to be worried about me,” she muttered. He grasped her chin between his thumb and forefinger and forced her to look at him.
“I am worried though. Your eyes aren’t the same anymore, Dorrie. They don’t shine the way they use to.” She swallowed hard.
“I didn’t know they ever did that,” she whispered, unable to look away from his deep brown eyes. He smiled a little
“You’ve got the most gorgeous eyes I’ve ever seen.”
“Oh.” She swallowed again, sure that he was going to kiss her this time. She felt him draw in a deep breath and saw him close his eyes, seeming to think seriously about what he was doing. She slid her hand to the back of his neck and moved a little closer. Nick let out the breath he’d been holding and brought his lips over hers. Dorrie let her fingers delve though his hair and felt his fingers slide through hers. It was a nice kiss, the kind of kiss that made Dorrie forget how to think. When he pulled away, Nick raked his fingers through his hair.
“I shouldn’t have done that,” he muttered, moving away. Dorrie’s hand slid over his bare shoulder at the movement. She watched as he turned and looked out at the rain. Dorrie got to her knees and crawled to his side. She put her hand on the far side of his face, turned him to look at her and kissed him. It took him a minute, but Nick finally pushed her away.
“What’s wrong?” she asked. He touched her cheek gently.
“I don’t know. It’s not like I don’t want to kiss you or I didn’t like it. I don’t want to do this when you’re upset and dealing with a bunch of crap.”
“Oh. Sorry.”
“I don’t want you to be sorry Dorrie. You didn’t do anything wrong… neither one of us did.”
“Oh.”
“I like you a lot,” he said, looking at her seriously.
“I know.” He smiled and moved away from her again.
“You should go back up to the house and get some rest.”
“I’m not tired.”
“I’m willing to bet that if you were to lie down, you’d fall asleep.” Dorrie smiled at him through the darkness.
“I doubt it.” He lay down.
“Come here,” he said, patting the space beside him.
“Are you serious?”
“Yup. Come here and lay down. We’ll see if I’m right.” She crawled to the spot beside him and curled up at his side, her head resting on his shoulder. Nick put his arm around her and rubbed her back gently. Soon he felt her relax and hear her breathing even out. He smiled. “I guess we know who’s right,” he whispered, closing his eyes and going to sleep.
Lois jogged down to the barn early the next morning. She’d gone to Dorrie’s room to check on her and found that she was missing.
“Nick?” she whispered as she walked into the loft. When she reached his make shift bed Lois sighed with relief. Dorrie was there, curled up with Nick. He had his arm protectively around her and they were both sound asleep. With another sigh Lois went to feed the horses.
Dorrie dressed in black for the funeral. When she was ready to go she went out to sit on the porch steps. She’d been sitting on them for quite some time, staring at her clasped hands, when suddenly there was a pair of legs clad in black dress pants in front of her. Attached to the legs was Nick, all dressed up and looking just about as handsome as she’d ever seen him.
“You look nice,” she said. Nick grinned and sat down next to her.
“Thanks. How’re you doing?”
“I’m not as tired as I was,” she replied.
“I told you that you’d fall asleep.”
“Don’t rub it in. I hate being wrong.” He chuckled.
“OK.”
“So what’re you all dressed up for?” He shrugged.
“Actually I’m going to a funeral.” She looked at him in disbelief.
“You’re joking.”
“No I’m not.”
“Whose funeral?”
“Ummm… I didn’t know them very well, but I really care about their daughter so I’m going to go.” She smiled at him gratefully.
“You really don’t have to do this.” He put his arm around her slim waist.
“I know, but I want to go and help you out.”
“I might not be much fun to be around.”
“I’m getting use to it,” he kidded. She whacked his shoulder playfully. Nick caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “I like hanging out with you anyway.”
“That’s good.”
“So you won’t mind if I tag along?” She looked at him seriously.
“I don’t think I’ll get through it without you,” she whispered. He curled his fingers around hers.
“Then I guess I’ll just have to be there.” She let her head rest on his broad shoulder.
“You’re the best Nick.” He laid his head on hers.
“I know.” Just then Lois came out of the house.
“Oh, hi Nick. Dorrie are you ready to go?”
“Nick’s coming too,” she replied. Nick stood and helped Dorrie to her feet.
“That’s very nice of you Nick. Come on, let’s get a move on.” Lois walked down to the car with Dorrie and Nick following hand in hand.
Dorrie changed her clothes after the funeral and went down to the barn. People had begun to gather at the house and she wasn’t in the mood to deal with them. It had gotten very hot out and she was sorry she’d put on jeans instead of shorts. She went into the loft to get some more hay, mainly for Ishmael. She stopped dead in her tracks when she looked toward the shaving heap outside in the shed. Nick was there shoveling shavings into a wheelbarrow. He didn’t have his shirt on and his back was glistening with sweat. Dorrie swallowed hard and picked up a bale of hay before turning to go.
“What’re you doing?” Nick demanded. She glanced at him over her shoulder.
“Getting some hay for Ishmael.”
“Why aren’t you up at the house?” She looked down at the bale of hay in her hands.
“I don’t feel like listening to a bunch of people say they’re sorry and ask how I’m doing.”
“Oh.” He went to her side and took the bale from her. “I’ll take this out.”
“Thanks.” She followed him out into the aisle and watched as he set the bale down.
“So you’re going to hide out here the whole day.”
“For as long as I can. I’m sure Aunt Lois will come looking for me.”
“Probably.”
“She’s going out of town for a week. I guess she needs to go to an auction or something.”
“I know. She asked me to stay here and help out a little extra.”
“She didn’t tell me that. Did she tell you that you could sleep on our couch?”
“Nope. I’ll be fine here.”
“No you won’t. You’re going to sleep on the couch Nick.”
“You don’t have to do that Dorrie. Anyway, she’s not leaving until the end of July. We’ll worry about it then.”
“We’ll worry about it now. I at least owe you letting you stay at the house.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” he said, pulling his shirt back on.
“That’s not true.” He looked at her, raking his fingers through his slightly damp hair. He stepped toward her and put his hands on her shoulders. She was leaning against the wall, looking at him with big blue eyes.
“You don’t owe me a damn thing,” he murmured, kissing her forehead. She brought her hand up to the side of his face and looked at him. He sighed. “I’m not going to kiss you right now,” he said.
“Maybe I don’t want you to kiss me,” she shot back, her eyes holding a challenge.
“I want to kiss you,” he said, his voice soft. She stepped closer.
“Too bad… I won’t let you.”
“For someone who doesn’t like to be wrong, you sure make a lot of dumb statements,” he said before kissing her. Dorrie wrapped her arms around his neck and moved another step toward him. Nick put one hand on her waist and backed her up against the wall. Dorrie put one hand on the back of his head and let the other slide to his hip. Nick pulled away a little and looked at her.
“I knew you’d kiss me,” she said, her voice shaky.
“I knew you wanted me to,” he retorted, pulling away completely. Dorrie stayed where she was and watched him toss hay into Ishmael’s stall. “So I guess I could sleep on your couch when Lois goes out of town,” he muttered. She smiled.
“I knew you’d do that too.”
“I could still change my mind.” She rolled her eyes.
“You could, but you’re not going to.” Just then Lois came in.
“Dorrie, you should come back up to the house now.”
“OK. I’ll see you around Nick.”
“Bye Dorrie.”
Lois looked at Dorrie seriously three weeks later.
“You’ll be OK while I’m gone?”
“Yes Aunt Lois.”
“I worry about you hon. Ever since your parents died you’ve been so distant. You’ve lost weight too.”
“Pardon me for being upset about my parents’ deaths,” Dorrie muttered.
“I didn’t mean it like that Dorrie.”
“I know. Sorry.”
“It’s alright. I want you to eat while I’m gone.”
“I will.”
“Be a good girl.”
“Bye Aunt Lois.” Lois waved as she backed the car down the driveway. Dorrie let out a sigh and walked to the barn. Nick was bringing horses out.
“So she’s finally gone?”
“Yeah. She didn’t want to leave though.”
“I don’t blame her.” Dorrie’s eyes flashed angrily.
“What’s that suppose to mean?” she demanded.
“Nothing.” She sighed.
“We’re not going to fight this week are we?” Nick shook his head.
“I hadn’t planned on it.”
“Good.”
“What’s on your agenda today?” She hesitated.
“Some friends are coming over and we’re going on a trail ride.”
“Sounds like you’re going to be busy.”
“A little. I need to stay busy.”
“Are you going to need any help getting horses ready?”
“I don’t think so.”
“OK. Give a holler if you do.” He started to walk away, but Dorrie caught his elbow.
“Thanks Nick.” He smiled and placed a quick kiss on her lips.
“Anytime Dorrie,” he murmured, continuing up the aisle.
Dorrie rode along a trail with her two best friends.
“So how’re you doing?” one asked. Her name was Sharon.
“OK. What’s been up with everyone?” Sharon looked at the other girl, Michelle, and shrugged.
“Not much. You’d know if you’d have been around.” Dorrie frowned.
“My parents died. Sorry to disrupt your plans,” she shot back.
“Come on Dorrie, we didn’t mean it like that,” Michelle said. Dorrie stopped Ishmael and looked at them.
“I don’t see what the big deal is anyway,” Sharon muttered.
“My parents died and you don’t find that a big deal?”
“They were never around anyway Dorrie. Besides, you didn’t even like them.” Dorrie bit her bottom lip.
“They were my parents. They died… it upset me. It was a big deal.” Michelle looked back and forth between them.
“Maybe we should head back. The sun’s starting to set,” she said, her voice cautious. Dorrie nodded.
“Good idea. Let’s go.” She turned Ishmael and urged him into a trot. Michelle glared at Sharon.
“Good going.”
“I don’t see what her problem is. It’s the truth.” The both trotted after Dorrie, unaware that their friend was crying once again.
Dorrie helped Nick feed the horses that night before they went up to the house.
“How was your ride?” he asked.
“Great,” she muttered, kicking off her boots. Nick did the same and followed her into the living room.
“What happened?”
“Nothing.”
“You can’t lie to me Dorrie.” She glanced at him.
“Who says I’m lying?” He grabbed her arm.
“I do. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’ll be in my room.”
“What about dinner?”
“Help yourself. There’s a ton of stuff there.”
“What about you?”
“I’m not hungry,” she replied, pulling away and jogging upstairs. Nick jogged after her, stopping her bedroom door before she could get it closed. “What?”
“How long has it been since you’ve eaten?” he demanded.
“Since around seven thirty this morning. Why?”
“Don’t lie to me Dorrie, I’m trying to help.”
“I’m not lying. I ate this morning.”
“What did you eat?”
“An apple and some toast.”
“What’d you have for dinner last night?”
“I don’t remember.”
“Is that because you didn’t eat dinner or because you had toast?” he questioned. She turned away from him.
“It’s because I don’t always remember what I eat.”
“Your aunt told me that you’ve barely eaten since your parents died.”
“Aunt Lois isn’t always around.” Nick grabbed her shoulder and turned her to face him.
“Maybe she’s not, but I am. You need to start eating. You’ve lost too much weight as it is.” She sighed and plopped down on her bed.
“I know. Sometimes I just can’t… the thought of it makes me sick.”
“Why?” he asked, sitting down beside her.
“I’m not really sure.”
“OK. Why were you so upset after your ride?” She tried to turn away but he caught her before she had the chance. “Come on Dorrie, talk to me.”
“My friends kind of upset me.”
“That doesn’t tell me much.” She was silent for a long time, looking at the quilt on the bed. “I can’t help if I don’t know what’s wrong.”
“Sharon didn’t understand why I was so upset about my parents.”
“Excuse me?”
“She didn’t get why I was upset because they were always gone and because I…” She stopped abruptly because tears were beginning to fall. Nick brought his hand up to her face and brushed them away.
“Because you what?” he urged.
“Because I never liked them anyway,” she sobbed. Nick sighed and wrapped his arms around her.
“Dorrie, that’s not true,” he murmured.
“Yes it is. That’s why I’m so upset.”
“I saw you when you first found out they were dead. You don’t get that upset when you don’t like the person who dies.”
“But I didn’t like them. They didn’t care about me… they never cared about me.”
“Yes they did. You may not have liked them all the time, but you loved them the same way they loved you.” She didn’t say anything. “Am I right?” She nodded.
“I guess so.”
“I know so,” he said softly. He was rubbing her back gently, letting his fingers tangle in her hair. They sat that way for a long time, until Dorrie had gotten herself together.
“I’m such a mess,” she muttered. He smiled.
“No you’re not. You’ve just got a lot going on in that pretty little head of yours.” She drew in a deep, shuddering breath.
“I just don’t know sometimes. I feel like I could explode… I wish I could.”
“Understandable. You’re doing fine though.”
“I don’t feel fine. I feel like I’m falling apart.” He squeezed her hand.
“You’re not.” She looked at him and gave a small smile.
“I’m glad you’ve got all this faith in me.”
“So does everyone else. Come downstairs with me and eat something.”
“I don’t know if I’m hungry.”
“You are,” he assured her. She laughed. “See, you’re laughing all the time. Your eyes are almost back to normal too.”
“Thanks Nick.” He stood and pulled her to her feet.
“Show your gratitude by coming with me and at least trying to eat something.”
“OK.” He led her downstairs, still holding her hand.
Dorrie came up from the barn later than Nick three nights later. She pulled off her boots and walked toward the kitchen.
“What’s cooking?” she called. He appeared, wearing a pair of clean jeans but no shirt.
“It’s a surprise. Go shower and change.” She raised her eyebrow.
“Are you telling me what to do?” she demanded.
“Yup. Go.” She started to walk past him but he caught her hand.
“What?” He leaned down and kissed her.
“Nothing.” She smiled.
“I’ll be down in a little while.”
“OK.”
When Dorrie came back downstairs Nick was sitting in the living room. He’d put on a long sleeved, tie dyed shirt.
“Let’s eat,” he said, standing and going to her side. He put his hands over her eyes and led her to the kitchen.
“This is really unnecessary,” she said. Nick removed his hands from her eyes and Dorrie looked around the kitchen. “Wow.” Candles were lit at the table and it was set with good dishes and silverware. On each plate was a piece of chicken, a backed potato, and some noodles in parmesan sauce.
“So what do you think?” he asked.
“I think it’s wonderful. Thank you.” They sat down and began to eat. When they were done Dorrie looked at him. “That tasted so good.”
“I haven’t seen you eat that much in a long time.”
“Probably because I haven’t. I was actually hungry. I’ll wash the dishes if you dry.”
“Sounds good.” They cleared the table together and Dorrie filled the sink with hot soapy water and began to wash. “How can you stand to put your hands in water that hot?” She flicked soap suds at him.
“I must be stronger than you,” she kidded. Nick took a handful of suds and threw them at her. She glared at him.
“You can handle it since you’re so much stronger than I am.”
“Handle this,” she muttered, sending a spray of water and bubbles in his direction. From then on it was a full scale war. Nick caught her around the waist and picked up a handful of suds.
“Where should I put this?” he murmured deviously.
“Back in the sink?” she suggested hopefully. He chuckled.
“I could do that, but what pleasure would I get from it?”
“I wouldn’t get mad at you.”
“You’re the one who started it,” he reminded her.
“You could be the bigger person and end it.” He turned her so she was facing him.
“Would that make you happy?” she nodded.
“Yup.” He put the soap suds back in the sink and wiped his hands off on a towel.
“Happy?” She nodded.
“More happy than I was when you were holding the soap,” she replied.
“Good.” She pulled away from him and turned on the radio.
“We have a huge mess to clean up.” The song ‘Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing’ by Aerosmith had just come on and Nick pulled her back into his arms.
“Dance with me?” She smiled.
“Sure.” She put her head on his shoulder and her arms around his waist as they swayed back and forth to the music.
“Do you know how much I like you Dorrie?” he asked, his voice soft.
“As much as I like you?” He kissed the top of her head.
“More I think.”
“That’s impossible.” He pulled away a little and kissed her. When the song ended they were still kissing. Dorrie pushed him away slightly. “You don’t understand how much you mean to me… how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
“I know you do. I’m glad you trust me enough to tell me.” She smiled.
“Think of all the things you could’ve been doing instead of hanging out with an emotional basket case.”
“I can’t think of anything better than being with you.” They were silent for a moment. “Do you know how long I’ve liked you?”
“No. I didn’t think you liked me at all.”
“I’ve liked you since you were about fifteen. All of a sudden I realized you were gorgeous.” She blushed.
“I’m not gorgeous by any stretch of the imagination,” she said, resting her cheek on his shoulder.
“Sure you are. You’ve got beautiful eyes, and your hair is amazing; every time you have it down I want to touch it. You’ve got a beautiful smile… a great figure. I think you’re perfect.”
“You better be careful. I could get use to all these compliments.”
“Good.” He pulled away and raked his fingers through his hair. “I think I should go down to the barn and check on things,” he muttered.
“I’ll go too,” she offered.
“Don’t take this the wrong way Dorrie, but I need to put a little distance between us.”
“Oh.”
“I don’t mean…”
“I know what you mean. Go on, I’ll hang around up here… I might draw.”
“You haven’t really done much of that since your parents died.”
“I know. All of a sudden I’m feeling inspired.”
“OK. I’ll check on you when I come back.”
“Alright.” She went upstairs, wondering what exactly she was doing.
Nick walked into Dorrie’s room quietly. He’d stayed at the barn longer than he’d intended. When he stepped into the room he smiled. Dorrie was sitting in her papazan chair, sketchbook resting on her knees, sound asleep. There was light music playing in the background. She’d changed into navy blue shorts and a white tank top. Her hair was down and she looked completely at ease. Nick went to her side and picked up her sketchbook. He stared at the drawing in awe. She’d drawn him as he must’ve looked the night she’d stayed in the loft with him. She’d drawn him asleep, a shock of his hair falling across his forehead.
“Wow,” he murmured. Suddenly her hand was over his.
“It’s not done yet,” she said. He shook his head.
“I didn’t know you watched me.”
“I did… for a little while.”
“I’m flattered.”
“I’m tired.” Nick put down the sketchbook and picked her up, carrying her to bed.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” he whispered, kissing her forehead. She nodded and closed her eyes. Nick turned off the radio and the lights, and then left the room.
Dorrie’s aunt arrived home to find Dorrie riding Ishmael in the indoor arena.
“Hey Aunt Lois!” she called as they cantered by.
“Hello sweetheart.” Lois watched them go around and smiled. Dorrie pulled up and stopped near Lois.
“How was your trip?”
“OK. I didn’t see anything I liked at the auction.”
“Too bad.”
“How were things here?”
“Fine.”
“Where’s Nick?”
“He’s around somewhere.” Dorrie dismounted and ran her stirrups up.
“You look much better Dorrie.”
“I feel better,” she replied, leading Ishmael to his stall.”
“Good. School starts soon.”
“Yup.”
“Would you like to go out shopping with me? Get some things?” Dorrie smiled.
“Sure.”
“Just let me know when you’d like to go.”
“OK.” She took off the saddle and put it over the stall door.
“Dorrie, may I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“What’s going on between you and Nick?” Dorrie shrugged.
“Not much.”
“You’ve been spending a lot of time with him.”
“So?”
“I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. I’m just curious.”
“We’ve been hanging out. He’s helping me deal with things.”
“I’m glad you’ve got someone to help you.”
“Me too.”
“I’ll be up at the house making dinner.”
“OK. I’ll be up soon.” Lois nodded and went up to the house.
Nick and Dorrie sat in the hay loft together the night before school started.
“I have to ask you something,” he said. She glanced at him.
“Go for it.”
“What’s going to happen tomorrow?”
“We’re going to go to school.”
“You know what I mean Dorrie.” She stood, at the same time shaking her head.
“No, I don’t think I do.” Nick stood too and looked at her seriously.
“Are you going to admit to all of your friends that I’m the guy for you? Are you going to tell them what happened between us this summer?” he demanded. Dorrie swallowed hard and tried to look away from him. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t,” he murmured. “Don’t you dare turn away from me now Dorrie.”
“What do you want me to say Nick?”
“The truth.”
“That’s not what you want. You want me to tell you that everything is going to work out just fine.”
“I only want that you to tell me that if that’s what’s going to happen.”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
“Don’t lie.”
“I’m not lying.”
“Yes you are.”
“I think you’re trying to get me to say it’s not going to work out. Is that what you want me to do?”
“No! Damnit Dorrie, I’ve never liked anyone as much as I like you.”
“Then why are we having this conversation?” He sighed.
“I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to be sorry.” He wrapped his arms around her.
“OK.” She sighed softly, wondering what would happen the next day at school.
Dorrie walked down the hall at school two weeks later.
“So what’s going on at your house this weekend Sharon?” Dorrie asked.
“Not much. Mom and Dad are going on a ‘bonding retreat.’” Dorrie laughed.
“What exactly is a bonding retreat?” Sharon gave a shrug.
“Something to make them feel like they at least tried to save their marriage.” They turned a corner and suddenly Nick was blocking their path.
“Nick!” Dorrie exclaimed, glancing at Sharon.
“He’s your stable hand, right Dorrie?”
“Um… yeah.” Nick was looking at her with angry eyes.
“I need to talk to you,” he said, grabbing her arm.
“I’ll catch up later Sharon,” Dorrie said.
“Oh… alright. Bye.” Nick led Dorrie outside to the front steps of the high school.
“I want the truth Dorrie,” he said.
“What’re you talking about?” she asked, even though she knew.
“We’ve been at school for two weeks and you haven’t said a word to me. Is that how things are going to be? Are you that ashamed of me?”
“No!”
“No? Could’ve fooled me. It’s funny though, because you weren’t ashamed of me all summer when I was the only one who cared about you. It’s funny that I was the guy holding your hand. Now you’re trying to tell me that you aren’t ashamed of me? You won’t even look at me when we pass in the halls and you’re trying to tell me you’re not ashamed of me?”
“I’m not ashamed of you.”
“Then what is it? Wasn’t our relationship good for you?” Did I do something to piss you off?”
“No, I just…” she trailed off.
“You just what?”
“I don’t know what you’re expecting from me,” she muttered.
“I expected you not to be ashamed to walk down the hall holding my hand Dorrie. I guess I over estimated your feelings for me.” She had begun to cry softly.
“No you didn’t. I like you a lot Nick.” He took a step closer.
“Really? Then go find Sharon and tell her we’re dating.” She didn’t move. “That’s what I thought. I love you and you’re ashamed of me because I’m poor. It’s a great situation.” He turned to walk away but Dorrie caught his arm.
“Don’t leave like this,” she begged.
“Why the hell not? I need to get back to the farm so I can be your stable hand.”
“You shouldn’t drive like this. You’re too upset.”
“What do you care Dorrie?” he demanded, pulling out of her grasp and stalking away. Dorrie took a deep breath and walked back into the school. Sharon was walking toward her.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” she asked when she saw Dorrie’s tear streaked face. Dorrie took another deep breath.
“I just got into an argument with Nick.”
“The stable hand? Big Deal, fire him.”
“I can’t fire him. He’s my boyfriend Sharon,” she said, walking toward the student parking lots.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. We’ve been seeing one another for almost two months.”
“You’ve been dating the stable hand?”
“Yes. I need to go.” Sharon grabbed Dorrie’s arm.
“Do you realize what this is going to do to your reputation?”
“I don’t care,” Dorrie replied, pulling out of Sharon’s grasp and jogging away.
Lois was sitting in the kitchen when Dorrie rushed in.
“Has Nick been here?” she demanded.
“Dorrie sit down.”
“Why?’
“Just do it.” Dorrie did as she was told and looked expectantly at her aunt. “I just got a phone call from the hospital. Nick’s been in a car accident.”
“What? Oh my God.”
“He’s a live, but in critical condition. They have him in ICU and he’s unconscious.” Dorrie began to cry.
“This is all my fault,” she muttered in the midst of sobbing. “Will you take me to the hospital?” Lois looked surprised.
“Sure.” Dorrie stood and hurried out to the car. Lois followed, confused about what exactly was going on.
Dorrie walked into Nick’s room slowly. The doctor said he was in stable condition, but that it would be touch and go for awhile. She went to his bedside and bit her bottom lip. His head was covered with white gauze and his face was a mixture of purple bruises and stitches. His right arm was in traction and his right leg was in a big brace.
“Nick I’m so sorry. Just don’t die, please don’t die,” she whispered. She sat down and took his hand, wondering what she’d do if he did die.
Dorrie walked into the hospital after school a week later. She’d gone every day since Nick’s accident.
“How’re you today hon?” a nurse asked. Dorrie shrugged.
“I’m alright. How’s Nick?”
“He’s starting to respond to us.”
“Is he awake?”
“Not yet.”
“Oh. I’m going to go sit with him.”
“Alright. Take care dear.”
“Thanks.” Dorrie walked into the room and sat down next to him. “Hey Nick. Time for you to come back and talk to me, because I can’t handle much more of this,” she whispered, bringing his hand to her lips.
“Dorrie?” a hoarse voice asked. She looked up and felt tears come to her eyes. Nick was awake and looking at her with confused eyes.
“Let me call a nurse,” she said, reaching for the call button.
“What happened?” he murmured.
“It’s a long story. Just relax for a second while I get a nurse in here.” Nick sighed and listened as she talked to a nurse.
Sharon sat across from Dorrie at lunch the next day.
“So how’s what’s his name?” she questioned. Dorrie looked up from her lunch.
“His name is Nick and he’s doing a lot better. He woke up yesterday.”
“Really? That’s… good.” Dorrie sighed.
“You’re the one who brought him up Sharon. Don’t feel forced to talk about him.” Sharon looked at Dorrie and shook her head.
“I don’t. What made you sink to that level of guy Dorrie? You’re a pretty girl, there are tons of guys that would go out with you.” Dorrie stood angrily.
“It’s really none of you business why I’m going out with Nick. He’s been a good friend, I care about him… I love him. It doesn’t matter to me that he’s poor, and it shouldn’t matter to anyone else. Just because you’re shallow and ignorant, don’t take it out on me or my boyfriend.” Sharon frowned and watched as Dorrie stalked away.
Nick was watching TV with his mother when Dorrie arrived at the hospital that afternoon.
“Hey Mrs. Stevenson,” she greeted. The woman smiled.
“Hello Dorrie. How’s school going?” Dorrie shrugged.
“I’m not failing anything.”
“Good.” She looked at Nick. “I’ve gotta’ get to work honey.”
“OK Mom, I’ll see you later.”
“Nice to see you again Mrs. Stevenson.”
“You too Dorrie.” They watched as his mother left the room. Dorrie sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at him for a minute.
“Why are you here Dorrie?” She frowned.
“Because I care about you. I’ve been worried sick ever since Aunt Lois told me you were hurt.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Everyone knows Nick… I told them.”
“Why?”
“I didn’t want to lose you.” He sighed.
“It took you three weeks to figure that out?”
“Yes. I know that you have no reason to believe me, but I care about you… I need you. When I thought you were going to die, I didn’t know what I was going to do.” She was close to tears, so Nick put his good arm around her and pulled her close.
“I’m sorry Dorrie. I’ve been such a jerk.”
“No you haven’t, I have. I’m sorry that I acted like a selfish idiot.”
“It’s OK.” She pulled away and smiled at him.
“Are you trying to say that I acted like a jerk and a selfish idiot?”
“You said it first.”
“You’ve got a point.” She glanced at her watch and sighed. “I need to get going. Aunt Lois is expecting me for dinner tonight.”
“Are you coming by tomorrow?”
“I’ve got a horse show so I might not be back before visiting hours are over.” He nodded.
“Alright. Bye Dorrie.”
“Bye Nick.”
Dorrie cantered Ishmael around the indoor ring almost three weeks later.
“You look great!” a voice called. Ishmael spun around in surprise, but Dorrie stayed aboard. Nick was standing by the gate watching her carefully.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you here!” she exclaimed. He grinned.
“I know. I told Mom to bring me here as soon as the hospital cut me loose.”
“Great. Give me a couple of minutes to finish up with him, and then you can come up to the house with me.”
“OK. I’m going to go sit in the tack room and wait.”
“Alright. I’ll be there in a bit.” He nodded, turning and hobbling away. His right leg was still held straight by a large brace. Dorrie smiled to herself and told Ishmael to walk on.
Nick was sitting on a bale of hay when Dorrie carried her tack into the tack room.
“Done?” he asked. She nodded and put her saddle up on its rack.
“Yeah.” She pulled her hair from it’s pony tail and smiled at him. “So, can you make it up to the house?”
“Of course,” he said, patting his knee brace. “I can go anywhere with this baby.” She laughed.
“I’m sure it helps a tiny bit.” He smiled and took her hand.
“Come on. Let’s go watch a movie or something.” She pulled him to his feet and they walked slowly to the house together.
When Nick returned to school Dorrie met him on the front steps.
“How’s your knee?”
“OK I guess.” She reached down and took his hand.
“Good. Aunt Lois says hello and told me to tell you to hurry up and get better.” Nick laughed.
“Tell her I’m working on it.” They walked into the school and down the hall slowly.
“The horses miss you too. I think they’re ready to go on strike,” she joked, watching as Sharon walked by.
“I’m sure that’s an exaggeration. Where do you go first period?”
“History.”
“Anyone in your class you know?” She shrugged, thinking about all her friends that were ignoring her.
“Not really.”
“Oh. I’ll see you at lunch Dorrie.” She nodded and gave him a quick kiss.
“Bye.” He watched as she walked away, and sighed, knowing something was wrong.
Dorrie was grooming Ishmael several nights later. A noise at the stall door made her turn. She smiled when she saw Nick standing there.
“Hey. I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.”
“I know, but I needed to talk to you about something.”
“Oh. Are you upset with me?”
“No, not at all.”
“Good. I’ll meet you in the loft.” He turned and made his way up the aisle. Dorrie bent down and picked up Ishmael’s grooming kit. She gave him a final pat and then left the stall.
Nick was sitting on a bale of hay when Dorrie walked into the loft. It was just starting to get dark out and the air was beginning to get cold.
“So what’s going on?” she asked, plopping down on the hay bale directly across for him.
“Are you OK?” he asked. She smiled.
“Yeah I’m fine. Why?”
“You’ve seemed really depressed lately, especially in school. Her smile faded a little.
“Well, I’m not depressed. Where did this idea come from?” He shrugged.
“I don’t know. You just seemed distant.”
“I’m fine Nick.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” she assured him. Nick hesitated for a moment.
“I know that your friends aren’t talking to you Dorrie.” She sighed.
“My friends are talking to me,” she muttered.
“No they’re not. You should know by now that you can’t lie to me.” Dorrie looked at him and frowned.
“This isn’t something you have to worry about.”
“Of course it is. I know why your friends aren’t talking to you too, and I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want you to be sorry. They’re being really stupid… that’s not your fault.” He sighed.
“It is my fault they’re being stupid. I’m sorry about it.”
“I made the decision to tell everyone that we’re dating, and I’m glad I did. I’ll never regret it. You almost died because I was being the way my friends are. If they’re going to let this come between us they were never my friends to begin with.”
“I just don’t want you to feel bad Dorrie. You’ve been through enough without losing all your friends because of me.” She took his hand in hers.
“You’re worth it.”
“I’m just making sure.”
“Everything is fine. You don’t need to worry.”
“OK. Don’t you have a horse show this weekend?”
“Yeah. Are you going to come?” He stood and extended his hand to her. She took it and let him help her stand.
“Of course.”
“Good. You should stay for dinner.”
“I’d love to, but I can’t. Mom is already going to wonder what’s taking so long as it is.”
“Is she waiting out front or something?”
“Yeah. I can’t drive yet.”
“I could’ve driven you home.”
“I know. Mom said she’d wait though.” He moved a step closer.
“You’d better go. I wouldn’t want to keep your mother waiting,” she said with a smile.
“She can wait another minute or two,” he replied, leaning down and kissing her. Dorrie wrapped her arms around his waist and moved closer. When he pulled away he was smiling.
“I’ll see you at school tomorrow Nick.” He nodded and walked slowly from the loft.
Saturday evening Dorrie and Nick were sitting on her front porch steps.
“Are you nervous about the show?” Nick asked. She shrugged.
“I don’t know.” She was sitting on the step below him and his arms were around her shoulders.
“You don’t know?” She smiled and tilted her head back so she could look at him.
“I’m not sure yet. I’ll know tomorrow when I’m saddling Ishmael.” He kissed the tip of her nose.
“You’re weird Dorrie,” he murmured.
“I’m weird?” she demanded.
“Yup.”
“You’re the one who hangs around me all the time buddy. What does that make you?” she shot back in mock anger, standing up. Nick grinned and put his hands on her waist.
“You’re weird in a good way,” he promised, looking up at her. She was turned away from him, arms folded across her chest, tapping her right foot on the stair. Her deep auburn hair was cascading down her back, shining in the glow of the setting sun. “You’re beautiful too,” he added, pulling her back into a sitting position.
“You’d better be careful of your leg and arm,” she whispered, looking at him with big eyes.
“I don’t care about them,” he replied, kissing her. Dorrie put one hand on his shoulder and the other on his waist. He pulled away after a minute and smiled. “I love you Dorrie.”
“I know. It works out better that way because I love you too.” He kissed her again.
“I need to get going,” he said. “Now that I can drive I’m free to come and go as I please.”
“OK.” He kissed her once more and then stood.
“I’ll be here early tomorrow morning,” he promised.
“See you then. Be careful on your way home.” He smiled and got into the car. She waved as he backed down the driveway.
Dorrie led Ishmael to the main ring and got a leg into the saddle.
“You’ll be fine,” Lois was saying. Dorrie smiled weakly.
“I know. I guess I just decided to get nervous. I’ve never ridden against any of my friends,” she muttered, looking to her left where Sharon was mounted on her horse.
“Don’t worry about Sharon. I don’t know what possessed her to enter this show. She’s not nearly experienced enough.”
“Sharon can beat me.”
“Only if you let her,” a male voice said. Dorrie turned and smiled when she saw Nick standing on the ground behind Ishmael.
“Where’ve you been?”
“It’s a surprise. So you decided to get nervous?”
“Yeah.”
“You have nothing to worry about. The only reason she entered is to try and show you up.”
“What if she does?” Nick grinned at her.
“Come on Dorrie, let’s be realistic.” She smiled.
“They just called my number so I’ll see you soon.”
“Good luck honey,” Lois said.
“Yeah, good luck honey,” Nick mocked. She laughed and urged Ishmael into the ring. She took a deep breath and asked for a canter. They went over the first jump and moved on to the second. All thoughts of nervousness fled her mind as they sailed over the third jump. When they landed after the final jump the audience clapped. Dorrie grinned and trotted Ishmael out of the ring. She dismounted and was immediately pulled into Nick’s strong arms. “I told you that you had nothing to worry about,” he murmured.
“I knew it the whole time,” she kidded, pulling away and smiling at him.
“Sharon’s going in now,” Lois said. Dorrie turned and watched.
“She’ll knock down one of the rails in the triple combination,” he observed. Sure enough, Sharon misjudged and the top rail of the second jump in the combination came down. “I told you.” Nick put his arm around her shoulders.
“You’ve got the blue ribbon in the bag.”
“Dorrie?” a voice said. Dorrie turned and frowned when she saw Michelle standing there.
“What do you want?” Michelle sighed.
“I want to apologize for being so stupid lately.”
“It’s taken you a long time to figure out that you’re being stupid?”
“I know, and I’m sorry. I just want you to know that I’ll always be here for you and I’m glad you’ve found someone who makes you happy.” Dorrie smiled.
“Thanks for Michelle.”
“Sure. You had a good ride.”
“Thanks. So what’s Sharon been saying about me?” Michelle laughed.
“I don’t think you want to know. I need to go, but I’ll see you at school tomorrow.”
“OK.” Michelle looked at Nick and smiled.
“I’m glad she’s got you,” she said. Nick smiled and watched as Michelle walked away.
“That was unexpected,” he said. Dorrie smiled.
“It was great.”
“You’d better get mounted again. They’ll be calling for ribbons.”
“You think I’ll get one?” He tickled her side.
“Get up there!” he ordered. She laughed and did as he said.
Dorrie put flowers on her parents’ graves on the one year anniversary of their death. She took a deep shuddering breath and brushed her hand over her face.
“Are you OK?” a voice asked as a hand came over her shoulder. She turned and smiled at nick.
“I’m fine. Have I told you recently how much I love you and thank you for everything you’ve done for me in the past year?” He smiled and leaned down to kiss her.
“As I told you when they first died, I don’t need your thanks. Having you is enough.” She took his hand and they walked back to the car in contented silence.
