17- Mountain Trail
Cotey Mallory led Marshmallow, her lippazan filly toward the outdoor ring. They were working on dressage. She swung into the saddle and asked Marshmallow to walk on.
“Cotey could you come here please?” Sam called from the gate. She pulled up and turned in the saddle.
“What’s wrong?” she asked. He shook his head, motioning for her to come to the fence.
“Nothing, I just want to talk to you. If you don’t want to talk to me…” he trailed off, pretending to be hurt. Cotey laughed and trotted over.
“What’s going on?” He shrugged and glanced at the barn.
“Nothing. I wanted to know if you were free for a couple weeks.” Cotey gave him a confused look.
“I don’t know. I have lessons, two kids, we’re in the middle of training… so probably not.”
“How about we just make it two weeks? Jessi or Jason can come over and take care of things.”
“Why?” Sam grinned.
“Because I’m going on a honeymoon, a second one, and I think you should come too. It might look funny if I show up without my wife of almost six years. Our anniversary is in a few months… I just thought it would be nice to do this now.”
“Jess has had enough of watching the kids for a lifetime. We should just wait a little while Sam.”
“We need to get away from everything, even the horses. We’ll have a chance to be alone.”
“We have responsibilities here. It’s not fair to just drop everything in Jess’s lap whenever we feel like it.”
“How about we pay her for the barn work and the babysitting?” She made a face.
“We paid her last time… not nearly enough, but we paid her.”
“So we’ll pay her more. I want to be alone with you for awhile.”
“I’ll talk to Jess about it, but if she hesitates even a little I’m dropping the subject. She has a life outside of taking care of our stuff when we have to go someplace.”
“I know that, but I also know that we need to get away for longer than a weekend. We can’t keep doing things this way.”
“Which way?” He shrugged, touching her knee gently, then sliding his hand up to her thigh.
“With the twins around everywhere we turn. We need a little time to ourselves. I don’t know if you feel that way, but I do. I want to go down to the island for a couple weeks, then come back here and get back to reality.” She smiled.
“I’ll talk to Jess. Now let me go get to work with her,” she said, patting Marshmallow’s neck.
“OK. I’ll go see what the twins are up to.” She grinned, telling Marshmallow to trot.
Jess smiled at Cotey two days later, giving her friend a hug.
“Of course I’ll watch them,” she said.
“Are you sure? Sam is finally out of the mood he was in… I think he’s just getting use to the idea of not being a jockey anymore. I think we both need to get away from everything and everyone. I’m still getting notices from the USET reminding me that tryouts are in three weeks.”
“Are you going to go for it?” Jess asked.
“I don’t think so. After what happened the first time around, I just don’t think it would be a good idea.”
“The trainer is different, and it would get you back into the public eye in the jumping world. People think of you as a jockey, and that’s not going to help you when you give up your silks.” Cotey sighed, knowing that her recent decision to stop racing was for the best.
“I’m going to have to think about it. So you’re actually willing to watch the kids while we’re on this trip?”
“On one condition,” Jess said with a smile. “You have to take me and Jason with you the next time.” Cotey laughed.
“Absolutely!” she said. Jess laughed and hugged her one more time.
Rachel and Dominick hugged their parents in the airport terminal. Cotey waved goodbye and Sam pulled her toward the boarding terminal. Jess and the twins waved, then turned and walked out of the building.
“Ok guys, why don’t we stop and pick up some Chinese food?” she suggested. They both nodded. They had both just turned six, and were starting first grade in the fall.
“I love Chinese food!” Rachel exclaimed. Jess smiled and took each of their hands.
“We can call Beth and Jason to see if they want to eat over too,” she said. The twins climbed into the truck.
“Yeah!” Dominick yelled. Jess smiled and started the truck, pushing in a tape of Bon Jovi.
“Let’s get going!” Jess exclaimed. The twins yelled another ‘yeah’ and they were on their way back to Saratoga.
Jason helped Jess carry the various Chinese containers into the dining room. The three kids were sitting at the table, plates in front of them.
“Alright let’s get eating. We have lots of food guys, so you better be really hungry,” Jess said. They all smiled, watching as food was put on their plates. Jason watched as Jess went back and forth between them, putting the food each one liked on the correct plate.
“Jessi, would you sit down?” he demanded. She glanced at him and smiled.
“Sure.” He smiled and pushed her chair out for her, thinking how much he would like to be in the Bahamas.
Cotey and Sam arrived in the Bahamas that evening. They got off the plan, retrieved their luggage, and then went toward their house. It had been theirs ever since they were nineteen. Cotey’s mother had committed suicide, and Cotey had inherited a lot of money that allowed them to stay on the island for awhile.
“It feels so good to be back here,” Cotey whispered, walking into the large, airy house. Sam put his arms around her, pulling her into a long kiss. She pushed him away gently and smiled up at him.
“What’s wrong?” he murmured. She shook her head, touching the side of his face.
“Nothing. I just wanted to go down to the beach before we get settled.” He nodded, taking her hand and leading her toward her old bedroom. They went through the dim dusk light and out the sliding glass door. The sun was just disappearing at the horizon line. Cotey put her arm around his waist and drew in a deep breath.
“You missed it huh?” he asked quietly. She nodded.
“Definitely. It’s like a breath of fresh air being here. We should come more often.”
“That could get expensive.” She grinned.
“It’d be nice if we could.”
“Yeah it would. We should bring the twins down, they’d love it.” Cotey stopped walking.
“Let’s not talk about the twins, ok? We came down here to get a vacation from everything.” Sam nodded, hugging her tightly.
“Yes ma’am, he muttered, saluting. She laughed, shaking her head.
“I missed this most I think,” she whispered, putting her head on his shoulder.
“What, the beach?” he asked quietly, staring out across the ocean. She shook her head.
“No. This… you holding me and not having any interruptions. That’s what I missed the most.”
“You missed this the most?” he asked incredulously. Cotey glanced up at him and grinned.
“Yes. Why don’t we go up to the house and have something to eat. Then we can go to bed… I’m pretty tired.”
“Want a shoulder ride?” She shook her head, tossing her long brown hair over her shoulder.
“The last time you offered me one, your shoulders ended up bothering you and I had to rub them forever… and as I recall we ended up making out in your room.”
“What’s so bad about making out in my room?” he asked. She laughed again, tugging his hand and leading him toward the house.
After dinner Cotey unpacked and put clean sheets and blankets on their bed. After they had gotten married, the house had been rearranged so the two larger bedrooms held queen sized beds, and the smaller one held two full sized beds. Sam was at the dresser putting away his clothes. Cotey plopped down and pulled on a clean pair of socks, and then pulled her hair into a ponytail. Sam turned and looked at her. Her back was to him and she was looking out at the ocean. He crawled across the bed and wrapped his arms around her.
“Hey babe,” he said. She smiled and gave him a kiss.
“Hey. We should go to bed,” she murmured. He grinned deviously and kissed the side of her neck.
“Absolutely.” She laughed as he pulled her back.
“Sam,” she began. He kissed her again, cutting her off. When he pulled away he smiled.
“Shhh… I’m busy,” he murmured. She laughed again.
The next morning Cotey awoke to the smell of French toast. She pulled on a bathrobe and walked down the hall to the kitchen. Sam was flipping bread in the frying pan.
“You didn’t have to wake up and make breakfast,” she told him, kissing his neck.
“It was worth it,” he kidded. She laughed, taking out plates and silverware.
“What’re we going to do today?” she asked. He shrugged, carrying over a platter of food.
“We could go down to the cavern, or go out to town. Or we could just stay here and do nothing.”
“I can just imagine what nothing entails,” she kidded. He grinned.
“OK, well then we can stay here and do something then.” They ate in silence for a minute. “I hope the kids and everything else are ok,” she said suddenly. Sam reached over and took her hand.
“Jess is very capable, and I’m sure Jason will be around helping out if she needs it.”
“I just wish I knew what was going on,” she muttered, gazing out the window.
Jess chased after Runt with the twins close on her heels. They had been walking him without permission, and he had gotten loose.
“Runt, come here!” she called. The dog stopped and she grabbed his leash. “Bad dog!” she told him sternly, leading him back to the office. The twins followed silently, hoping that Jess would forget about them for the time being. Just then Jason and Beth came into the barn. Jess smiled at them, but then turned to the twins.
“Beth and I will be looking at the horses,” Jason said. She shot him a grateful look.
“Thanks. OK you guys, what are the rules about the dog?” she asked sternly.
“We can’t walk him yet,” Dominick answered. Jess nodded.
“That’s right. Time to sit in the office for awhile,” she said. Rachel’s face fell.
“We’ll miss our lesson!” she exclaimed. Jess shrugged and pointed to the closed office door.
“You should have thought about that when you broke the rules. Go on.” The twins trudged to the office, closing the door behind them. Jess sighed and turned around. Jason and Beth were standing at Fantasy’s stall, Beth stroking the mare’s neck.
“Guess what Jessi?” she asked excitedly. Jess smiled and shrugged, watching the nearly five year old wiggle out of her Dad’s arms.
“What?” she asked.
“I’m going to enter a show this summer!” she exclaimed.
“Really? That’s great kiddo. Are you going to jump?” Beth nodded, excitement in her blue eyes.
“Daddy entered me in one jumping class, and two other ones,” she explained.
“I think they’re walk trot, but I’m not sure,” Jason said, following Jess down the aisle. Beth ran ahead of them.
“She’s going to do a great job. She’s already so good at riding… Beth will be a pro someday.”
“She’s going to be better than her mother,” he muttered. She reached over and squeezed his hand.
“No bad moods allowed,” she said with a smile.
“I’m not in a bad mood, I’m with you.”
“What does being with me have to do with your mood?” she asked.
“I’m usually in the best mood when I’m around you.” She smiled, putting her arm around his waist.
“That’s good to know. I’m going to go talk to the twins, and then maybe we can all go on a trail ride.”
“OK. I’ll start grooming up some horses.” She gave him a quick kiss and then went to the office. Jason continued walking, a smile on his face.
Cotey dove into the warm, frothy surf late one evening. They had been in the Bahamas for almost a week and were having an excellent time. She came up, brushing hair from her face. She took a deep breath and stared out across the ocean. The sun was starting to set, and it cast an orange glow over the water.
“I love it here,” she whispered to no one in particular. She felt a pair of large hands come over her shoulder sand she turned and found Sam gazing at her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. She shrugged.
“You startled me a little,” she said. He sighed.
“Maybe we should just go back home. You don’t seem to be having much fun,” he said. She sighed.
“I don’t want to go home. This past week has been wonderful,” she assured him.
“You haven’t acted like it,” he muttered.
“It’s just because this is the first time we’ve really been away from the twins. I mean… yes we’ve left them here and there, but never anything this far away. They’re still little and I worry.”
“Next time we’ll bring them. Jessi wanted to come down, and I know Jason wouldn’t pass it up. We’ll come again in August,” he said.
“OK. I’m sorry I’ve been in such a crappy mood. It’s just nerves.”
“I forgive you,” he whispered, pulling her into his arms. Cotey gazed up at him for a minute before his lips came over hers. With a sigh of contentment she wrapped her arms around him, but her thoughts were still on the twins.
Jess paced back and forth and Jason watched silently. Suddenly he jumped up and grabbed her shoulders.
“Stop with the pacing already!” he exclaimed. Jess began to cry again, putting her head on his shoulder.
“I just wish they’d come back,” she whispered. The twins had disappeared the day before, and they hadn’t returned yet.
“They will Jessi,” he told her, rubbing her back gently. He sat down, pulling her onto his lap.
“What if they get hurt? They’re only six… they won’t know what to do. What if Patrick got them?” she asked, sitting up.
“Stop with the what ifs. The police have Patrick in custody, but they don’t think he did it. The twins took their ponies, so it’s likely they just went off riding somewhere.” She sighed and nodded, leaning back against him again.
“I know. I wish we could get a hold of Cotey and Sam.”
“They’ll be home in two days anyway, and they’ll check their machine sometime.”
“I just wish they were at the house. Cotey is going to kill me for letting them out of my sight. I can’t believe they got up early enough to saddle their ponies and ride off. It’s just so strange.”
“Let’s just hope they’re ok. I’m sure they will be.” Jess nodded, putting one arm around his waist and trying to fall asleep.
Cotey stared at the machine, then glanced down the hall to where Sam was.
“Sam!” she called. He came out of the bedroom and stood in the hallway, holding a t-shirt in his hands.
“What’s wrong?” he demanded.
“All the messages were from Jess and Jason. The twins are missing… they took their ponies three days ago and rode off. They haven’t found them yet.” Sam closed his eyes for a moment.
“When was the last message made?” he asked quietly.
“Today.”
Jess ran to meet Cotey and Sam. Cotey hugged her, and so did Sam.
“Any news yet?” Cotey asked. Jess shook her head, fighting off tears for the hundredth time that day. Jason’s arm came around her waist and she leaned against him.
“No. The police say they’re doing all they can, but they must not be. How far can two little kids get without food and water on their ponies? I mean there aren’t that many places they can go.”
“Maybe they’ll be found today,” Jason said hopefully. Cotey smiled at him.
“Thanks Jas. I don’t want to get my hopes up too high. My kids are gone, and if they don’t come back…” she trailed off, beginning to cry. Sam put his arm around her and led her up the porch steps.
“Jessi why don’t you and Jason go over to the other farm? Take the horses through the woods… maybe you’ll find something.” Jess and Jason nodded and walked down to the barn. They saddled up and then rode off together. They rode next to one another in silent.
“Jessi, they’ve searched the woods top to bottom. We won’t find them here,” Jason said.
“I know. I just hate this. It’s all my fault that my two best friends are going crazy. It’s my fault that the twins could be hurt… or worse.” They trotted up the path that led toward Jason’s.
“They’re going to be fine. They are both tough kids, and Cotey and Sam taught them what to do if they ever got hurt or lost riding. They probably just went down a trail they weren’t familiar with… maybe went up the mountain.” Jess pulled Fantasy to an abrupt halt.
“Have the police gone up there?” she asked, eyes wide. Jason shook his head.
“No. I completely forgot that there was a path that could take you up there.” Jess turned Fantasy around.
“Go back to your house and leave a note about where we’re going. I’m getting a head start. Bring some blankets, food and hot cocoa.”
“I don’t want you going alone!” he called. She glanced back and smiled.
“It’s either that or I take off while you’re getting things together. I’m going. Catch up quick,” she said. She asked Fantasy to canter and the mare obeyed instantly. They veered off the main train and went to the left, going on to the mountain trail.
Jess went into a two point, giving Fantasy the easiest time she could. They were climbing steadily.
“Dom! Rachel! It’s Jessi!” she called. Fantasy pranced sideways but kept moving forward. Jess sighed when they got to level ground; there was no sign of the twins. She turned to look behind her, knowing that the rest of the ride up wasn’t as steep.
“Jessi wait up!” Jason called. She pulled up and waited.
“I haven’t found anything yet, but let’s keep moving.” She signaled Fantasy to trot, and Jason followed.
Night was falling quickly, and both Jess and Jason knew they should stop for the night.
“Jason, why don’t we stop here? It’s away from the wind, and it doesn’t look like any wild animals come through.” He nodded and dismounted.
“Sounds good. Let’s leave the blankets in the bag though. If they get damp they won’t be much help to the twins.” Jess nodded and watched as he pulled out two horse blankets.
“What are those for?” she asked with a weary smile. Jason grinned and threw one on the ground.
“Us. I brought two more for the twins, but I knew we’d freeze if I didn’t bring some stuff for us.” She gave him a tight hug.
“Thanks you Jason,” she whispered. He hugged back, not wanting to let go. He did, and Jess could see his hesitation.
“Let’s try to get some sleep,” he muttered, straightening the blanket. They both lay down and Jason spread the other blanket on top of them.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly after they had lain in silence for a long time. Jason put his arm around her.
“Don’t worry Jessi. It’s not your fault.” She snuggled closer.
“Thank you. I love you Jason.” He smiled and kissed her temple gently.
“I love you too Jess,” he murmured, trying desperately to close his eyes and go to sleep.
In the morning Jess woke up and gazed at Jason. She sighed and shook his shoulder gently. When that didn’t work she touched his face. He didn’t stir. She let her lips touch his for a brief moment, then pulled away. A small smile came to his lips, but he didn’t open his eyes. She grinned, kissing him again. His arms came around her, pulling her close. When she pulled away he smiled and opened his eyes.
“What a nice way to wake up,” he murmured. She smiled and stood up.
“We should get moving. There’s a lot more ground to cover, and the twins could be anywhere. Jason nodded and folded the blankets up, putting them back in his big backpack. They both saddled and mounted.
“I’ll let you lead. I don’t know this trail well enough to lead us anywhere but trouble.” She laughed.
“Let’s get going. The trail gets a little windy after this,” she said.
“No pain no gain. We’ve got to find the twins… that’s all that matters.” They rode off at a trot.
Jess pulled Fantasy up sharply, causing the mare to rear in protest. Jason backed More up.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. She turned and sighed, pointing in front of her. There was a large hole, and the twins’ ponies were on the other side.
“Dominick! Rachel!” she called. From far away she heard a voice calling her name. Jess looked at Jason.
“I’m going down to get them,” she said.
“No you’re not. We’re going to go back and get help.
“You can go get help after you help me get down there. Those two are only six years old, and they can’t stay down there alone. I’m not leaving them down there alone.”
“Fine, but just sit up here. What if it’s a long way down?”
“Then I have a longer trip. Jason, if it was me or Beth down there you’d do the same thing.”
“OK. I’ll help you, then I’ll go get help.” He took the two lead shanks he’d brought with him out of his knapsack and they worked to tie it together. When it was securely attached to a tree, Jason gave her a hug.
“I’m staying here until you’re down there,” he said quietly.
“I love you Jason,” she said.
“I love you too,” he said, running his hand over her long blonde ponytail.
“I love you too,” he murmured. Suddenly she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. Jason was caught off guard, but quickly regained his composure. She pulled away after a moment, smiling.
“I’ll see you soon. Hurry back ok?” He nodded, helping her slip the large backpack on her back.
“Sure. Be careful and tell the twins we love them.” She nodded and began climbing down.
“Be careful going back down Jason!” she called. He smiled, mounting More and leading Fantasy behind him.
Cotey and Sam looked out the window, trying to find where the sound of hoof beats were coming from. Jason was galloping Fantasy across the main field in a tight two-point. Cotey pulled on her sneakers and ran out to the back deck. Sam followed and they watched as Fantasy dropped down to a canter before jumping the huge fence. Jason pulled her up and dismounted. Sweat was beaded on his forehead, and all over Fantasy.
“What’s wrong?” she demanded.
“We found the twins!” he exclaimed.
“Where are they?” she asked, hurrying into the house.
“On the mountain.” Sam swore under his breath and followed Cotey. Jason went after them.
“Are they ok?” Sam asked. Jason shrugged and sighed.
“I’m not sure. They were in a deep hole, and Jess went down to make sure they’re ok. They have food and blankets now.” He glanced out the window and added, “We should wait until morning to go up there. It wouldn’t’ be safe to do the trails at night.” Cotey was talking into the phone. When she hung up she frowned.
“The police agree with you Jas. We’ll head out with the mounted patrol tomorrow at five a.m.”
“I’m going to go home and put Fantasy in and then get some sleep.”
“Thank you Jason. I’m glad you found them,” Cotey said.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he murmured, trotting off toward home.
The next morning Cotey, Sam, Jason, and four mounted patrol members started up the mountain. On foot were two cave rescue specialists and four EMTs carrying two rescue baskets. Jason led the way, trotting or cantering whenever he could. He was on More, and tried to push the gelding as much as he could. The reached the spot where he had left Jess and the twins by almost noon.
“Jessi, is everything ok?” Jason yelled down.
“Yeah, just get us out of here!” she called back. They watched as the rescue team repelled into the hole. After a few minutes Rachel was brought up. She was dirty, visibly tired, but beside that looked ok. Cotey sighed with relief as the crew loaded her into a basket.
“Mommy I want to wait for Dom!” she called. Cotey gave the two men a look and they waited. Dominick didn’t come up for a long time. They lowered a rescue basket down, and then it came up with Dominick inside. He wasn’t awake, and was deathly pale.
“Is he alive?” Sam muttered, asking the question that his wife couldn’t. One of the EMTs nodded.
“Barely. He must’ve fallen down there. The little girl climbed.” Cotey leaned against Sam’s shoulder and they waited for Jess to come up. When she did she practically jumped out of the attendants arms. She went to Jason’s side and hugged him tightly.
“Dominick just wouldn’t wake up. I tried everything, but he wouldn’t. He’s breathing though,” she whispered. Jason wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her back.
“They’re both going to be ok,” he assured her. She nodded and looked up at him.
“Rachel has a sprained ankle I think. I was so scared that he was going to die Jason. So was Rachel.” Jason gave her a leg into More’s saddle, then mounted to sit behind her. He felt her stiffen.
“I’m not walking all the way back down, and neither are you. Relax, I won’t hurt you.”
“My brain knows that, but my body doesn’t,” she muttered. He put his arm around her waist and made her lean back against him.
“Well have your brain tell your body. Please just relax, we’ve got a long ride ahead of us.” She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly as they began to move back down the mountain. Soon Jason had to hold on to her with one arm, because she fell asleep. He smiled and kept More at a walk.
Jess woke up on Jason’ couch the next morning. Dominick was still unconscious at the hospital. She sat up and went upstairs quietly. Beth had come home the night before and was still in bed. Jason was in his room, laying on his side. She went in, glancing down at the huge gray sweatshirt she was wearing; it was Jason’s. She sat down next to him, then lay down. When she slid her arm around his waist he rolled on top of her quickly.
“I knew you’d be here sooner or later Bet…” he stopped when he realized that it was Jess. He rolled off and sat up, raking his fingers through his hair.
“That wasn’t your fault. I thought you were asleep. I shouldn’t have done that,” she said quietly. He didn’t look at her.
“I shouldn’t do that anymore… Beth and I always play that game in the morning. She comes in and ‘wakes me up’… I just shouldn’t do that when you’re here.” She got to her knees, still a little shaky from the surprising greeting. She crawled so she was behind him.
“Don’t be upset. I don’t want to fight.”
“What do you want Jessi?” he asked quietly, still not looking at her. She touched his shoulder but he shrugged her away.
“I want this to be easier. I want you to have the things you want. I want everything to be normal again, like it was a year ago before Patrick Giran started to ruin everything. I just want to forget about everything he did to me. I know that this is hard on you, but it’s hard on me too.”
“I know Jessi,” he whispered. She gazed at his back for a long moment, unsure of what to do.
“Would you look at me please?” she asked, touching the small of his back. He turned.
“You’ll never know how much I wish I could’ve been the one he had decided to hurt… it should’ve been me. You’ll never know how much I want you every single day, or how much self control it takes for me to keep my hands off you.” She sighed, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. He shook his head, letting his index finger trail along her jaw line.
“Don’t be sorry. I hate it when you say that… you say it too much. Never say it to me again about this, because I don’t need an apology.”
“OK. Sometimes it seems like the only thing to say. It’s how I feel all the time.” He kissed her forehead and hugged her gently.
“I’m the one who’s sorry,” he said, laying back against the pillows slowly.
“Why?”
“Because I can’t make you stop hurting, and I can’t make you trust you. If it wasn’t for me asking you to help catch Patrick, you wouldn’t be going through this. I’m so sorry I asked you to do that.” She rolled over and gazed down at him, running her fingers through his hair.
“Don’t do that to yourself Jason. Nobody’s to blame beside him. He’s the one who did this.” He kissed her gently, his hand touching the back of her thigh. She stopped playing with his hair, bringing her hand over his. “I can’t let you do that yet. I’m sor…” Jason kissed her, cutting her off. His hand moved to her waist, keeping still.
“Daddy!” Beth screamed suddenly. Jess rolled off and ran from the room with Jason following closely. They got to the room and found Beth crying.
“What’s wrong sweetheart?” Jason asked. Beth launched herself into his arms.
“I had a horrible dream about Mommy, Rachel and Dominick.”
“What happened?” he asked. Beth looked up at Jess for a minute, and then back to her father.
“Mommy was riding her horse and she picked up Rachel and Dominick and took them with her. She said that she was going to come back for you and Jessi.” Jason sighed and glanced at Jess, looking for help.
“Beth do you remember how we talked about your Mommy?” Jess asked, sitting down opposite Jason. Beth pulled away from him and nodded.
“Yup. You said that I would be just like her… maybe even a better rider.”
“That’s right. I don’t think a great person like your mom would take the people you love. She loves you too much for that, right Jason?” Beth glanced at him and he smiled.
“You’re exactly right. Let’s go downstairs and have some breakfast. Then Jessi’s going to go to the hospital to see Dom and Rachel.”
“How long will they be at the hospital?” Beth asked.
“Rachel will probably be home pretty soon,” Jess said. Beth stared at her hard, noticing that she hadn’t mentioned Dominick.
“What about Dom?” she asked.
“We don’t know yet Beth. He’s still… asleep.”
“But he’s going to wake up right?” Jess nodded slowly.
“We think so. Let’s go eat.” Beth nodded and followed them downstairs, still thinking about what Jess had said.
At the hospital Cotey and Sam were sitting in one of the waiting rooms. Jess walked over and hugged them both.
“How is he?” she asked. Cotey and Sam both shrugged.
“He isn’t awake yet, but his vital signs look good. Rachel keeps asking for him, but we just tell her that he’s still sick,” Sam said with tears in his eyes. Cotey put her arm around his waist.
“Jess we didn’t thank you or Jason for going up there to try to find them. Then you stayed there all night with them. I’ll never be able to thank you for doing all that.”
“Don’t thank me, I don’t deserve it. If it wasn’t for me they wouldn’t have been there in the first place.” Cotey and Sam both started to speak, but Jess cut them off by saying, “I’m going to go see them. Then I have to go down to the track and help Dad.”
“Alright, see you later Jessi,” Sam said. Jess waved and disappeared.
Rachel was sound asleep when Jess walked in. She went to the side of the bed and kissed the slightly bruised forehead. Rachel’s eyes fluttered open and she smiled when she saw who her latest visitor was.
“Hi Jessi. How’s Beth?” she asked groggily.
“She’s ok… been thinking about you. You need to get better quick.”
“Is Dom really sick?” Jess sat down on the edge of the bed.
“He’s still like he was when we were up on the mountain Rachy, but now the doctors are trying to help him. He should be ok.”
“OK. Are you going to go visit him?” Jess nodded and gave Rachel a final hug before going to Dominick’s room. The little boy was hooked up to machines. Jess felt tears come to her eyes when she saw his small form laying in the large hospital bad. She took his hand and squeezed it gently.
“You better pull through this Dom, your sister and Beth are waiting for you,” she whispered, placing a kiss on his forehead. There was no movement beside his chest rising and falling as he breathed. She sighed and walked from the room.
That night Jess fed the horses for Cotey and Sam, then rode over to Jason’s. Beth and Jason had invited her to dinner and she had accepted reluctantly.
“Did you go to the hospital today Jessi? Is Rachel OK? Did she ask about me? Was Dominick awake?” Beth asked. Jess picked her up and walked into the house. Jason was at the stove, making spaghetti. She went to his side and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.
“Yes, I went to the hospital. Rachel is doing ok, and she did ask about you. Dom is still asleep though.” Beth nodded.
“I’ll be up in my room Daddy,” she said with a smile. Jason nodded and watched as she ran upstairs.
“So he’s still not awake?” Jess nodded and pushed herself up on to the counter.
“No. Cotey and Sam are worried sick.” Jason nodded and held out a spoon so she could taste the sauce. She took a taste and said, “That’s great. Is it homemade or from a jar?” He leaned his forearms against her thighs and smiled at her.
“What do you think?”
“Jar?” she asked. He shook his head.
“That’s brutal. I made it from scratch, and you think it’s from a jar.”
“Take it as a compliment,” she murmured. He smiled and kissed her gently.
“I don’t know… that seems like an insult to me.” She laughed, kissing him.
“It wasn’t. I promise. Now get back to cooking, I’m starving.” He laughed and stood up straight.
“Alright you’re off the hook this time.” She gave him a withering look, sliding off the counter and going to his side.
“Off the hook? That’s ridiculous, considering you could still be lying about the origin of this sauce,” she said.
“So you still don’t believe me?” he demanded. She shrugged, her ponytail sliding over her shoulder.
“I don’t know. Should I?” He smiled and backed her against the counter carefully.
“You should,” he assured her quietly. His arms went around her waist and he kissed her. She kissed him back until she felt his hands sliding over her butt. She pushed him away frantically, turning away. Jason slammed his hand against the cupboard, not in anger but frustration. Jess jumped but didn’t look at him.
“Don’t be mad,” she whispered. Jason put his hands on the edge of the counter and leaned against them, his head bowed.
“I’m not mad,” he muttered.
“Well you’re not happy. Why don’t you tell me the truth?”
“I just did. Let’s not get into this now. We have a nice dinner to look forward to.”
“We’re going to have to get into it some time Jason. We can’t just avoid it.” She walked out of the room and Jason sighed.
Jason called his parents and asked if they would mind having Beth spend the night that night. They were eager to see her.
“I’m going to Grandma’s!” Beth exclaimed, running out of the house. Jess was sitting on the porch railing, watching the mares and foals in the field.
“Great. When are you leaving kiddo?” she asked.
‘Right now. Grandma and Grandpa are driving up right this very second.” Jess smiled.
“Have fun Bethy!” she called, watching as the girl ran to the car and got in. She waved as the car disappeared. She turned her attention back to the horses, watching them gallop back and forth. Hands came over her upper arms, pulling her backwards gently. She tried to move away, but Jason held on to her.
“Don’t pull away from me,” he murmured.
“I can’t stay this way,” she replied. Jason shook his head.
“Yes you can! If you want to you can do anything.” She closed her eyes and sighed softly, pulling away and turning to look down at him.
“Do you know what it’s like in my head every time you do this?”
“Do I want to?”
“That doesn’t matter. It’s like world war three, right inside my brain. One side says ‘let him or you’ll hurt him. The other says ‘don’t or it’ll hurt you.’ Either way I lose.”
“Isn’t there some middle ground?” he asked. She shrugged.
“I wish I knew. I just can’t handle this every day. Please just let me take my time with this.”
“What about me?” She turned away.
“What about you? If you want to get your satisfaction somewhere else, go for it. I’m not going to stop you… I couldn’t blame you.”
“I don’t want to go somewhere else. I want to be with you.”
“I don’t know when I’ll be ok with this.”
“Then I’ll wait. It’s worth it.”
“What you consider waiting isn’t what I do. I really can’t deal with the way things have been.”
“So you’re going to run away from it? You’re so afraid that you’re giving up?”
“No. I’m going to stop coming over and spending the night. I’m going to stop being around you for awhile.”
“So you’re ending this again?”
“No. I just need time to think, and not have you there to help me.”
“So I take it you’re not staying for dinner.”
“No. I’m going to go home and get some rest. I’m tired and I want to think things through.”
“Can’t we think them through together?” he asked quietly, watching as she jumped down from the railing.
“No. I have to do this part by myself, or it will never get solved.”
“Fine. Call me when it is,” he muttered. She didn’t look at him.
“You can be bitter about this all you want Jason, but it isn’t going to get you anywhere. I’ll call you soon.” She jogged down the steps and to the barn. A few minutes later she cantered down the driveway on Fantasy. Jason sighed and went back into the house.
Almost a month later Cotey and Sam organized a party in Dominick’s hospital room. He had waken up almost two weeks before, but was still in for observation. Jess, Cotey, Sam, Rachel, Beth, Jason, and Dominick’s grandparents came.
“OK, the biggest present for you is that we’ll be going on a trip down to the Bahamas, and this time you guys get to come,” Cotey told her son with a smile.” Dominick grinned.
“Who else gets to go?” he asked.
“Your sister, Jessi, Jason and Beth… if they want to that is,” she said, glancing from Jess to Jason.
“That would be great. I haven’t been there since I was seven,” Jess said.
“Yeah, I’d love to go. I know Bethy would like it a lot,” Jason said. Cotey smiled.
“Then it’s all settled. We’ll leave in another two weeks.” Jess glanced at Jason with a frown, nodding.
“Yeah. Two weeks.”
