28- Memories
Beth Fute led King toward his stall at the National Horse Show. Two years had passed, and she was almost sixteen. Her father was carrying her tack box. She smiled at her mother, rolling her eyes.
“Is he going to make it?” she asked. Jess shrugged, glancing at her husband.
“It’ll be a stretch kiddo. You ready to go out there and kick some butt in the adult hunter jumper class?”
“No promises. I’ll be putting up with Rachel all week complaining about her boyfriend dumping her. I wish she wouldn’t get so upset over guys, they really aren’t worth it.”
“Rachel went out with Jake for a year Bethy. I think you’d be upset if you were in the same position.” Beth shrugged and led King into his spacious stall. She patted his neck and groomed him quickly.
“Are you ready Beth? We need to meet Cotey and Sam at the hotel in twenty minutes,” her father said. She nodded and left King’s side reluctantly.
“Yup, let’s go.” She followed her parents toward the exit, glancing back at the stall several times.
Beth put on a simple black slip dress for dinner that night, slipping on a pair of black dress shoes. She took her leather jacket from the hook on the door and went out of her room, making sure it was locked. She went to the lobby, frowning when she saw that Dominick was the only one there. Rachel came up moments later, glancing from her friend to her brother and then sighing.
“They said they’d be down in a minute,” Rachel told Dominick.
“Thanks. Where are we going to dinner?” he asked. Rachel glanced at Beth.
“I don’t know… wherever Beth wants to go I think. It’s her week in the spotlight,” Rachel said. Beth sighed.
“Are you guys trying to accomplish something by making me feel stupid?” she demanded. Rachel shook her head slowly, staring at Beth with wide eyes.
“I was just saying that it’s your week to shine. That’s all.”
“Sorry Rach. I’m just really nervous. It’s going to be riding in front of a lot of people.” Rachel put an arm around her.
“You’ll be great,” Rachel promised. They turned at the sound of people approaching. Her parents, and Cotey and Sam smiled at them.
“Where to Bethy?” Jason asked. She shrugged.
“I don’t care… anyplace with food is ok with me.” They all smiled and walked out of the lobby.
Beth rode out of the ring at the end of the week with six blue ribbons and one red. Jess smiled, patting King’s neck as Beth dismounted.
“Honey we’re so proud of you,” Jess said. Beth gave her a tight hug.
“Well I’ve had a couple really great teachers. Where’s Daddy?” she asked.
“Looking at some horses. Since More died he’s missed riding a lot, so he wants a new jumper.”
“Let’s go get King cooled off. I want to go back to the hotel and take a nap.”
“It’s been a long week hasn’t it sweetheart?” Jess asked, putting an arm around Beth’s shoulders.
“That’s an understatement. I can’t wait to get home so I can do some serious relaxing.”
“You mean playing the piano?” Jess kidded. Beth laughed and nodded and they walked off toward King’s stall.
Beth practiced for nearly two hours before stopping for lunch. She put her music in the folder and then went to the kitchen. Her parents were out for the day, looking at new horses. She fixed herself a cup of mint tea, then returned to the piano bench. She sat and began scrutinizing her instructor’s remarks. They were scribbled in pencil all over the sheet music.
“Well I least I played it,” she muttered, turning the page. She was attempting to learn the second movement of the Moonlight Sonata. There were numerous places that she just couldn’t seem to get right. She sighed, putting it on the bench beside her. A knock on the door startled her. She went to it and was surprised to find Dominick standing on the porch.
“My Mom needs to borrow a longe whip,” he said quickly. She nodded and put her tea down.
“OK. Follow me.” She walked down to the barn, but when she got there something caught her attention. It was a horse screaming. She backed up, running into Dominick. Her mind was playing back t he same noise, but all she could see was Dominick’s frightened nine year old face.
“Beth, are you alright?” Dominick asked for the third time, holding on to her shoulders. She shook her head, as if to clear her thoughts.
“What?” she asked, her face turning red.
“You spaced out for a minute. Are you ok?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s go get the whip so you can get home. I need to get back to practicing.” He nodded and followed her into the tack room. She handed him the whip.
“Sorry I had to bother you, Rachel wasn’t home,” he said, beginning to walk away.
“Dominick, why was I so afraid of that horse scream?” she asked. He whirled, his eyes wide and his face pale.
“What scream?” he whispered. She stared at him and swallowed hard.
“The horse at the other end of the barn… whinnying really loud, like it was screaming. Why was I afraid of that?”
“I don’t know,” he muttered. She shook her head, walking closer to him.
“Yes you do. Please tell me.”
“You’ll remember sooner or later, and I hope it’s later. I need to go… Mom’s waiting.”
“Dominick please!” she called. He kept running, not looking back.
Cotey smiled at Dominick when he returned with the whip. He turned to go.
“Dom is there something the matter?” she asked. He sighed, glancing at her.
“She’s starting to remember. She doesn’t remember much yet, but she’s starting to. I don’t want her to… I don’t want her to have to think about what happened up there,” he said.
“I should tell Jason. What happened?” Dominick swallowed hard, leaning against a stall door.
“She heard a horse scream, but there was no scream. She spaced out for probably five minutes. Then she asked me why she was afraid.”
“What did you tell her?” she demanded.
“Nothing, but she wouldn’t stop asking. I can’t keep her from remembering what happened… I wish I could.” Cotey hugged him.
“It isn’t going to be easy hon, but she’ll get through it. Why don’t you teach a couple lessons for me tomorrow morning, it might get your mind off of things.” He nodded.
“Thanks mom. What time do you want me to start?” he asked.
“Around eight. I have some ten year olds that are working on cantering.”
“Are these the same girls that wouldn’t quit following me around at the fair last year?” he demanded.
“You should feel flattered! Please? Your father and I have some horses to work with tomorrow.”
“I’ll do it, but you owe me. I’ll be up at the house practicing my new flute piece,” he said. She patted his shoulder.
“It will all work out for the best honey. She’s a strong girl.”
“You have no idea what it was like up there Ma. It isn’t going to work out for the best… she’s going to have the same nightmares that I’ve had.” Cotey watched, a frown on her face, as he sauntered from the barn.
Beth sat on her bed, looking out her bedroom window. Almost a week had passed since she’d gotten scared in the barn. The new foals were starting to be weaned, and she watched her father lead a bay toward the field. She couldn’t hear them crying, but she knew from experience they were. A knock on the door captured her attention.
“Come on in!” she called. Jess opened the door and walked in, looking at her daughter seriously.
“Beth, I just got a phone call from your piano teacher. She said that you didn’t show up for your extra lesson this afternoon.” Beth sighed, closing her eyes briefly.
“I totally forgot I scheduled that,” she muttered. Jess sat down next to her.
“What’s wrong honey? This last week you’ve been very distant. Your father and I are getting worried.” Beth shook her head, standing and pacing around the room.
“I don’t know. I’m just in a weird mood Mom. Maybe I miss my friends that are in Florida on that trip. I haven’t seen them since the beginning of June.”
“Bethy, you were fine until a week ago. What happened?” she prodded gently. Beth shook her head.
“Absolutely nothing! I wish everyone would just back off. I’m just in a bad mood.” She whirled and stalked from the room. When she got downstairs she went outside, almost running into Dominick. He caught her shoulders.
“Beth don’t go down there,” he muttered, looking her directly in the eyes. She gave him a withering look.
“Yeah, and I just might do that. Let go of me Dominick,” she said, pulling away. She jogged down the porch steps and started toward the barn. She stopped in her tracks when she heard the foals crying for their mothers. She saw the image of Dominick in her head, only this time his face was bloody. Her breath began coming in shorter spurts, and the ground began to tilt beneath her feet. The world went dark so suddenly that she didn’t have time to reach out and catch herself.
“Beth, come on Beth wake up,” Jason was saying. Beth opened her eyes slowly and found herself staring up at her father and about ten other people.
“What’s going on?” she asked groggily. He sighed, brushing hair from her face.
“You passed out sweetie. Can you stand up?”
“I think so. Will you help me? My leg is sort of numb and my head is still fuzzy.” Jason took her arm and helped her to her feet. Dominick was standing in the crowd of people, his face pale. She looked at him seriously.
“Are you alright?” he murmured. She nodded slowly.
“Yeah. I think I’m going to go up to the house and lay down for a little while. Daddy will you help me?” Jason nodded, smiling down at her.
“Sure. Come on.” She nodded, walking with him toward the house. She glanced back several times, trying to catch Dominick’s eye again.
Later that night Beth awoke. She could smell the steak her father almost always cooked on Saturday nights. With a small sigh she sat up and swung her leg over the side of the bed. She put her prosthetic on, then stood slowly. It was still sunny out, and the foals were grazing quietly. She walked downstairs to the kitchen, smiling at her parents when they glanced up.
“Hey,” she said, sitting down in her usual chair. Jason smiled, putting a hand on her forehead.
“How’re you feeling honey?” he asked, leaning down to kiss her forehead. She smiled, glancing at her mother and winking. Jess just looked at her with concerned eyes.
“I’m fine Daddy. Steak for dinner?” she asked.
“Yup. After that you have a doctor’s appointment,” he said. Beth glanced quickly at her mother.
“What? Why don’t I have to go to the doctor? Isn’t once a week enough?” she demanded. She went to physical therapy once a week, just to make sure everything was alright with her leg, and to do strengthening exercises.
“Bethy, after what happened today I think you need to see Doctor Goodman,” he replied.
“Mom, would you tell him I’m fine?” she said. Jess shook her head.
“Your Dad is right Beth. I’m worried about you too.”
“This isn’t fair! I’m not going and you can’t make me!” she exclaimed, standing and starting from the room. Jason caught her arm.
“Elizabeth, you’re going to the doctor. Sit down, dinner is ready.” She plopped down with a huffy sigh.
“Fine,” she muttered. Jason shrugged and looked at Jess with sad eyes. She gave his arm a squeeze and then started putting food on the table.
Three days later Beth sat in a psychologist’s office. Doctor Goodman had recommended that she see the woman.
“Elizabeth Fute,” she read. “Do you mind if I call you Beth?” she asked.
“Yes, as a matter of fact I do. I don’t need to be here, so let’s just get this over with.”
“Alright. I know the details of your accident, because I’ve been seeing your friend Dominick for quite some time. From what your regular doctor has told me, it sounds as if you’re starting to remember. I want to help you through this, but I can’t do it when you’re being stubborn.”
“I’m not remembering anything, I just fainted. It was really hot that day and I probably just got overheated. Right before I passed out I had an argument with my Mom and I ran all the way outside.”
“Yes, but from what Dominick told me there was something else. Do you remember what it was.” Beth shrugged indifferently.
“It was hot, I had a fight with my mom, I yelled at Dominick… and that’s all I can think of. Why is everyone making such a big deal about this?”
“Because there was one more thing that may have caused you to faint. Do you remember about a week before the fainting spell? Dominick came over to borrow a whip.” Beth shrugged again, but knew exactly what the doctor was talking about.
“I gave him the whip, and Dominick left. Why is Dominick so important. He has absolutely nothing to do with this.” Doctor Sheridan sighed.
“Dominick has everything to do with it Elizabeth. He knows about things that you don’t. He could help you, so could I.”
“I don’t need help! I want to just go home. I have shows to get ready for, piano recitals… I don’t need to stay here!” she said, standing up and walking out.
Dominick knocked on Beth’s bedroom door the following week. Jason had called him and asked him to come talk to her. Beth’s voice came suddenly and sharply.
“I’m not going!” she called. Dominick smiled softly, letting his hand rest against the wall.
“I’m not taking you anywhere. Open the door Beth, I need to talk to you for a second,” he said. There was a pause, then the door opened.
“What do you want?” she asked bitterly. He sighed, pushing her back into the room and closing the door behind them.
“Ok, I’m not going to put up with this crap. I know what you’re going through right now, I’ve been dealing with it for eight years. Doctor Sheridan is going to help you… nobody else can. It’s hard, and it’s scary, and I was praying you wouldn’t remember it. I wish that you would just listen to what everybody is telling you, and get the help you’re going to need.”
“If you ever push me again, I will hit you,” she said.
“Go ahead! You’re the one who’s being a baby about all this.” Beth heard the word over and over in her head, but couldn’t remember why it was important. Dominick stared at her hard, knowing something had clicked. “What is it?” he asked.
“Nothing. Please leave, I don’t want to talk to you right now.”
“You need her help Beth. She’ll save your life,” he said before leaving. Beth sighed and plopped down on her bed, shaking her head slowly.
Doctor Sheridan seemed surprised to see her, but motioned for her to sit down.
“Nice to see you again Elizabeth.” Beth shrugged, glancing around the office.
“My parents made me come. So what are we going to do? I don’t remember anything, so there’s not much to talk about.”
“There are some things you know about, but I don’t think you realize that yet. What about the day in the barn with Dominick?”
“I got scared for a minute. I heard a horse scream… it’s a scary sound if you’ve ever heard it. It sounds like someone is being murdered… only worse. Why’s that so important?”
“Dominick didn’t hear the scream,” she said. Beth stared at her in disbelief.
“That’s impossible. He must’ve heard it… he got just as scared as I did. A sound like that is so loud, it’s like a gun going off by your head.”
“He didn’t hear it, that’s why he was so upset that night too. He doesn’t want you to remember, and when he realized you were, he became scared.”
“Why did I hear it then? Why would I want to hear a horrible sound like that?”
“I don’t know. Did you remember anything when you heard the scream?”
“Dominick’s face… only he was younger, like six or seven,” she murmured.
“Or maybe nine?” the woman suggested. Beth closed her eyes and thought for a moment.
“Maybe. I don’t know for sure,” she muttered, frustrated.
“What about the day you fainted? What happened then?”
“I don’t know. The last thing I remember is the foals…” she trailed off.
“What is it Elizabeth?” Doctor Sheridan asked.
“The foals were being weaned, and they were crying for their mothers. They always do that, every single year. Why would it scare me now? That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Did you remember anything that day?” Beth shook her head, trying to block out the horrible image.
“I don’t want to remember this part,” she whispered.
“I’m right here with you, and you’re safe Elizabeth,” the woman said reassuringly. Beth swallowed hard, taking several steadying breaths.
“I saw Dom again, only this time his face was all bloody. Why was he all bloody? He didn’t fall…” she stopped.
“What about falling?” Beth swallowed hard, her mind replaying the horrible feeling of falling.
“I fell over the side of a cliff. But Dominick… he didn’t fall. Why did I see him all bloody?” she said, looking at the doctor with troubled eyes.
“I think this is a good place to stop for today Beth. We’ve been talking for over an hour, and I think you’ll need to process this over the next week.”
“Why won’t you just tell me what happened?” Beth demanded.
“You need to remember it for yourself. Even if I were to tell you what happened, you wouldn’t actually remember it.” Beth nodded.
“I’m going camping this weekend, so I won’t be here until Tuesday.”
“Ok. Call when you’re back.” Beth nodded and walked out.
Beth and Rachel rode side by side, Dominick was in front of them. Beth glanced around.
“Dominick where are we going?” she called. He turned in his saddle.
“I know exactly where we are, don’t worry about it. Come on, let’s trot.” Beth signaled King to trot and he picked up the gait instantly. They reached the pasture twenty minutes later and they all dismounted. Beth couldn’t see them, but her parents were in the woods nearby. Jason had insisted, just in case something went wrong. The three ate dinner, and then sat around the campfire. After about an hour Rachel glanced at them.
“Guys I don’t feel so good,” she muttered, clutching her stomach.
“Are you going to be ok?” Beth asked. Rachel shook her head, jumping up and running over to a tree. She pretended that she was trying not to throw up. Beth rushed over, rubbing her friend’s back.
“Beth I think I’m going to head home.”
“I’ll go with you.” Rachel shook her head.
“No, stay here and have fun ok? We’ll all do this again another time. I’d feel bad if you went home because of me.”
“Are you sure you’ll get home alright?” Rachel nodded and got a leg into her saddle.
“I’ll be fine. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” Dominick and Beth nodded, watching as she disappeared through the trees.
Almost an hour later Beth glanced at Dominick.
“Where exactly are we?” she asked.
“One of the lower pastures on the mountain,” he replied. He heard her breath come in sharply.
“My father wouldn’t want me to be up here,” she whispered. He looked at her, and could see how pale she was, even in the darkness.
“He knew we were coming, I told him,” he explained.
“Why didn’t I know? I want to go home Dominick.”
“Well have a fun ride home, I’m staying,” he muttered. She sighed, shaking her head.
“I can’t leave without you. You’d never do that to me.” He nodded, his memories coming back in floods.
“If I leave, you’re coming with me.” He turned, just in time to catch her arm as she stumbled.
“What did you just say?” she whispered. He shrugged.
“I don’t know. What’s your problem anyway? Let’s just try to get some sleep.” She nodded, unrolling her sleeping bag.
“Goodnight,” she said, climbing inside.
“Are you still awake?” he asked quietly several minutes later. She nodded, rolling over so she could see his face.
“Yeah. I want to go home Dominick, I’m scared,” she whispered.
“Why are you so afraid? Everything’s fine.” She nodded laying back down. Dominick watched as her eyes drooped, and she slipped into a fitful sleep.
The next morning Beth and Dominick decided to go on a hike. They tethered their horses to a low tree branch and then set off.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” she asked.
“Yeah. I need to go to the bathroom, be right back.” He walked off into the trees, going to where Jess and Jason were.
“What are you doing? If the horses stay here somebody else is going to have to,” Jason whispered.
“I know. You’re staying here, both of you. You shouldn’t hear about this. We’ll be fine, it isn’t that far from here.”
“If she gets too scared bring her back,” he said.
“Ok. Just stay here,” he ordered. He turned and walked back to Beth.
“Ready?” she asked. Dominick nodded, grabbing his backpack.
“Yup, let’s get going.” They walked for a long time. Soon they reached the spot, and Dominick felt his hands begin to shake.
“Where are me?” she asked. He shrugged, trying to appear calm.
“Not too far from where we camped. Come on, there’s a pretty view over here.” He led her to the edge of the cliff. She followed slowly, grabbing his arm when she saw how high up they were.
“What if we fell Dominick?” she whispered. He shrugged, looking at her and swallowing hard.
“I don’t know. What if you fell?” he asked. She was yanked back into memories before she knew what hit her. Dominick moved her away from the edge, sitting her down.
“What’s happening?” she asked, trying to block the images out.
“You tell me,” he said. The tears came suddenly, falling down her cheeks, but he didn’t move to comfort her.
“I fell and hit my head. You kept telling me to stay awake, but I just couldn’t. Then one time when I woke up I heard that horrible screaming… I didn’t know what it was. It must’ve been the horses… oh God,” she said, taking several deep breaths. “Then there was another sound… like a growl. I remember that you were hugging me, and then… Dom you were screaming. Then there was a mountain lion. He was hissing and hitting you. I screamed and he looked at me… then he was on top of me, and… I can’t remember anymore.” He nodded, brushing her tears away. He took her face in his hands, looking at him hard. She just kept staring at him blankly.
“Your face was all bloody Dominick,” she whispered, reaching up and touching the side of his face gently. There were several light scars there, running from his temple to his jaw. He caught her hand, still looking at her.
“Beth?” he asked quietly. She surfaced from the memories slowly, and she could finally see him clearly. She didn’t move her hand, just stared at him.
“Why didn’t I die?” she whispered, beginning to cry harder. He put his arms around her, hugging her tightly.
“Don’t say that. I’m sorry I brought you here… Doctor Sheridan thought it would help you remember,” he said. He felt her nod, and her arms slid around him.
“What else happened?” she asked. He shrugged, pulling away and looking at her.
“The last thing I remember is the mountain lion hitting you in the head. He got your neck really good… I remember after he left that I tried to fix it. Then I fell asleep again until I heard everyone calling our names.”
“He got my neck?” she asked. He nodded.
“Yeah, and your left cheek and shoulder. Haven’t you seen the scars? They’re probably light now… mine are.”
“I’ve never seen them.” He let his index finger trace the ones he could see, and she looked at him.
“I can barely see them, but they’re there. I doubt anyone would notice them if they weren’t looking hard.” He kept looking at her seriously, his hand on the side of her neck.
“Dom what are you doing?”
“I’m not sure,” he answered truthfully, leaning closer.
“Dominick, don’t,” she said.
“I have to,” he answered before kissing her gently. She slid her hands up to his chest, curling her fingers around the material of his shirt. A noise behind them made him pull away quickly. Jason and Jess were leading the horses.
“Mom, Dad, what’re you doing here?” Beth demanded.
“We’ve been here since last night, just in case anything went wrong. Are you ok?” Beth shrugged, glancing at Dominick.
“I don’t know. Let’s just get home. I’m tired,” she replied, standing and going toward King. She mounted and watched as Dominick did the same.
“I’m going to go on ahead. I have some lessons to teach this afternoon. The trails are marked, so I’ll be ok,” he said, looking directly at Beth. She knew he wanted her to come with him, but she shook her head.
“Are you sure Dom? I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you,” Jason said. Dominick nodded, still looking at Beth.
“I’m sure. I’ll call you later Beth. Maybe we can finally get together and work on that concerto,” he murmured.
“OK. Tell Rachel she did a great job acting last night. I was totally fooled,” she said, trying to smile. He nodded.
“All my idea… I’m the mastermind behind this whole operation,” he said. They all laughed, Beth and Dominick a little softer than anyone else.
Rachel hear Dominick slam his bedroom door, and she walked across the hall and knocked.
“Dom can I come in?” she asked. She heard him mutter something, so she let herself in. He was sitting on his bed, taking off his boots.
“What do you want?” he asked, glancing up at her. She shrugged, tossing her shoulder length black hair over her shoulder.
“I want to know what happened. I lied to Beth about being sick… I think I deserve to know what happened after I left.
“Rachel, I never said I’d tell you… and I doubt Beth will either,” he replied.
“Come on Dominick! Did she remember?” she demanded. Dominick stood, pulling off his sweatshirt and taking a white T-shirt from his dresser.
“She remembered,” he said.
“Well good. I need to go. I’m going over to the big farm to work on breaking from the gate. I’m going for my apprentice license in two months.”
“Great Rach. I’ll see you later. Mom asked me to teach a lesson.”
“It’s those girls again. They’ve got the hots for you.” He laughed.
“I feel flattered. See ya’ later Rachel.” She turned and walked out of the room, leaving Dominick to his thoughts.
Two weeks later Beth woke up in a cold sweat, her breath coming in short gasps. She sat up and put her prosthetic leg on, going to the window and looking out. The sun was just starting to come up over the trees. She went to her dresser, pulling out a clean pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. When she was dressed she went quietly downstairs and out the front door. It was cool out, even though it was the end of June. She walked down to the barn and got King’s tack.
“Hey big guy, up for a little cross country?” she asked, grooming him quickly. She put his tack on, wrote her parents a note, and led him out into the stable yard. She mounted and asked him for a trot. He broke into it instantly and she steered him toward the woods.
Dominick heard the horse and rider before he saw them. He was riding toward the cross country course at a trot, but he pulled up. Beth was at the start, and suddenly took off. He went to the upper path, cantering behind them so he could watch her. She was concentrating on the first jump, a set of diamonds. They cleared and moved on, reaching the water jump quickly; Dominick was timing her. King took the jump easily and Beth broke into a smile as the water flew all around them. They went toward the brush jump, clearing it and the next seven jumps easily. The got to the last combination, and soared over that too. When they crossed the finish line Dominick stopped his watch.
“Nice time,” he called, trotting down the hill. She turned in her saddle.
“You scared me half to death!” she exclaimed.
“Sorry,” he said.
“What’re you doing here?” she asked.
“Couldn’t sleep,” he replied.
“Me either.” A silence stretched out between them.
“Why don’t we work on that concerto this afternoon? Mrs. McCarthy is going to be on our case if we don’t have that together the next time she sees us.”
“Sure. My parents won’t be home, and I have an appointment with Doctor Sheridan at five. Why don’t you come at around noon? That’ll give me time to work on my form over fences.”
“Your form looks pretty great to me,” he muttered, glancing away from her.
“I’ll see you later Dom,” she muttered, urging King into a trot. Dominick watched as she disappeared.
At twelve thirty Dominick knocked on Beth’s front door. It opened and she smiled at him.
“Hey. Don’t you have your flute?” He shook his head, clearing his throat.
“Umm, no. I can’t practice today. One of my friends got into a car accident, so I need to go over to the hospital.”
“Which friend?” she demanded. He looked away.
“Rachel’s ex-boyfriend Jake. He was driving drunk… they don’t think he’ll make it. I should go,” he muttered.
“Do you want me to go with you?” she asked.
“No. I’ll be ok,” he said quickly.
“OK. I’ll see you around. I hope he’s ok,” she said. He nodded and jogged down the porch steps and back toward his car. Beth sighed, closing the door and going back to the piano. She took out her music for Phantom of the Opera and began to play the main theme. She smiled, knowing she could sing the entire song. She and Rachel were both in chorus. Beth could sing alto or soprano, but Rachel could only sing alto. Beth finished playing that song and moved on to ‘Think Twice’ by Phil Collins. Someone singing made her stop playing, and she turned quickly. Rachel was standing in the doorway between the front hall and the living room.
“I didn’t hear you ring the bell,” Beth said.
“I didn’t. I hear you playing so I decided not to disturb you. I heard that we’re singing that in chorus next year.”
“Miss Reeves already started me on it. She said that she might want to do a descant, so she’s already asked me.”
“Me too.”
“Do you want to ask her if we can get the music for it early? I bet she’d let us get a head start.”
“That’s a good idea,” Rachel said. They were silent for a moment. “What classes are you entered in for the next show?”
“Intermediate pleasure, road hack over fences, and adult hunter over fences.”
“How’d you manage the adult class? I thought you had to be at least 18 to enter that class.”
“I sent in the paperwork for the adult class and nobody has contacted me to tell me no yet. It wouldn’t be fair for me to enter the intermediate hunter class, I’m way beyond that. If they have a huge problem with it, I’ll drop back down.”
“I hope it works out. Do you want to go for a ride?”
“Nope. I need to go run some errands and then go to Doctor Sheridan’s for my appointment.”
“Why are you still going to see her? I thought you remembered everything. Dom said everything went fine… didn’t it?”
“Yeah, perfect. Listen, I’ll drop you off at home. I’ve got to get going now.”
“I have Rajah, but thanks.” They walked out of the house together.
“OK. Tell Dom that I hope Jake makes it.” Rachel glanced at her, a confused look on her face.
“What are you talking about?”
“Isn’t Jake in the hospital?”
“Nope… he was at my house playing basketball with Dominick when I left.”
“Oh. Well I’ll see you later. Do you think I could spend the night tonight?” Rachel grinned.
“Yeah, that’d probably be ok.”
“I’ll be over at around eight, ok?” Rachel nodded, heading for the barn. Beth suddenly thought of something and called, “Rachel, don’t tell Dominick that I’m coming!”
“Why not?”
“If he asks then tell him. I just want to see what he has to say for himself.” Rachel nodded, turning and jogging toward the barn.
Doctor Sheridan smiled across the desk at Beth. They sat in silence for a few moments.
“So, it worked?” the woman asked suddenly. Beth looked at her with confused eyes for a moment.
“You mean going up the mountain? Yes it worked… Dom did a good job,” she muttered.
“He told me something else happened up there… that you two kissed.” Beth stared at her, her jaw hanging.
“He told you about that? What an idiot… what a jerk.” Doctor Sheridan smiled softly, leaning her chin on her palm.
“Why is that such a problem Elizabeth? Don’t you enjoy his company?” Beth sighed, standing up and pacing the room. She let her fingers trail over a book shelf slowly.
“I’ve known Dominick since… well since I can remember. He’s one of my dearest friends, but…” she trailed off, shaking her head. Her hair was hanging loose that day, and it fell below her shoulders in beautiful blonde curls.
“But what? It’s clear that you care about Dominick a great deal. What’s wrong with this situation?”
“He’s my friend! That’s all he should be… that’s all he can be. I can’t deal with this on top over everything else.”
“What else is there?” she asked.
“You know exactly what I’m dealing with. Dominick must’ve told you about all that too.”
“I’m not sure what you’re dealing with. You and Dominick are very different people.”
“I haven’t slept in two weeks. I can’t sleep. I’ve tried everything… nothing helps. Nothing stops those memories from replaying over and over and over again. I wish none of it had ever happened,” she muttered, moving to the window. Doctor Sheridan watched her closely.
“Things happen for a reason Beth, usually a good reason. The nightmares are something you’re going to have to work through, and Dominick might be able to help you. He’s been dealing with them for eight years. You two should talk to each other, support each other, and try to work through them. You’ve both had an awful experience, and unfortunately there is no quick fix.”
“We’re paying you to figure this out? I could’ve told you that before I remembered anything,” Beth said.
“Beth, why don’t you go home and take some time to think? This session is not helping things.” Beth started toward the door, stopping with her hand on the doorknob.
“I’m sorry Doctor Sheridan. I’ll see you next week,” she said before she left.
Rachel answered the door, smiling when she saw Beth. They jogged upstairs and went to Rachel’s room.
“I didn’t tell Dom you were coming. He and Jake are down at the barn doing something.” Beth nodded, tossing her things in the corner.
“Let’s go down there. I want to check on something really quick.” Rachel nodded and followed her out of the house. They went to the loft and could hear laughing. Beth glanced at Rachel and they walked into the loft.
“Jake! I’m happy so see that you made such a speedy recovery,” Beth said. Dominick had frozen, and he glanced at Rachel quickly.
“What’re you talking about?” Jake asked, a confused look on his handsome face.
“Nothing really. I thought when you got in a terrible accident that you’d at least have a couple scratches,” she murmured.
“Beth, shut up,” Dominick muttered. She glanced at him, then looked toward Jake again.
“Come here Jake,” she ordered. He did and she touched his face gently. “Not a bruise or a scratch on you. Were you wearing your seatbelt?” she asked.
“I don’t understand… what are you talking about? Rachel do you know what she’s talking about?” he asked. Rachel shook her head.
“I’m not sure,” she said.
“You must’ve had an air bag. That explains everything. I’m just glad you’re ok. You were only in the hospital for a couple hours… modern medicine is amazing,” she mused. Dominick grabbed her hand, pulling her out of the loft. He closed the loft door behind them, then backed her against the wall.
“Stop it!” he whispered fiercely. She pushed him away.
“I didn’t do anything. I was just showing concern for a friend. I didn’t have time to get to the hospital, so I’m just glad he’s alright,” she said sarcastically.
“You didn’t have to do it this way. You didn’t have to let everyone in there know what had happened.”
“Well I thought you told everyone. He is your best friend, isn’t he?” Dominick put his hands on her shoulders.
“You know he never got into an accident Beth, cut the crap,” he muttered angrily.
“He didn’t?” she gasped. After a moment she said, “I don’t enjoy being lied to. If you didn’t want to practice, then you could have told me.”
“I did want to! I just can’t do that right now,” he said.
“That’s such a lame excuse. If you can’t handle it right now, then you should just tell me. I almost called Jake’s parents to send my best wishes. I would’ve looking like a complete idiot!”
“I’m sorry. I just can’t be around you right now. I like you too much,” he admitted reluctantly. Beth swallowed hard, staring up at him.
“Let go of me,” she said quietly.
“You can’t do it either. You can’t pretend nothing is happening, because you know something is.”
“Nothing is happening. You might think you like me, but I don’t like you. Not like that.”
“Fine.” He let go of her and turned away with a sigh. She let her head hit the wall.
“Doctor Sheridan told me that we should talk about this… this and everything else. She said that we might be able to help each other with the dreams.”
“Nightmares,” he corrected. She nodded, sighing loudly.
“Nightmares. That’s just what she told me, but I don’t know anymore. Everyone seems to think they have some way to fix it, but they don’t know what they’re talking about.” Dominick gave a bitter laugh.
“Isn’t that the truth. I don’t know. I need to go make sure Rachel and Beth haven’t killed one another. Rachel still hates him.”
“I shouldn’t have come over tonight. I won’t have my mother and father to sit with me after the twentieth nightmare,” she muttered, starting to follow him toward the loft. He turned suddenly, looking deep into her eyes.
“I’m just in the next room… I’ll help you however I can,” he assured her. She nodded and they went back into the loft.
Beth woke up, trying to catch her breath. It was pitch black in Rachel’s room, and it took her a moment to find her prosthetic. She secured it and went quietly out of the room. She walked downstairs and to the living room, knowing that it was going to be a long night. A noise at the door caught her attention, making her turn. Dominick was standing there, watching her closely.
“You scared me,” she muttered. Dominick sighed, walking into the room.
“Sorry. I heard you get up and I was worried. Are you ok?”
“Not really, but sleep depravation grows on you.” He laughed softly.
“If you say so. Mind if I join you? When they start this early I know I’m not going to get any sleep.”
“Me too. Have a seat,” she motioned to the other end of the couch. He plopped down, watching as she took off her prosthetic.
“What it like?” he asked. She glanced at him.
“What do you mean?” she murmured, leaning the leg against the coffee table. He motioned toward it.
“Not having a one of your legs. What’s it like losing something like that.” She was silent for so long that he said, “I shouldn’t have asked that. I’m sorry.” She shook her head.
“No, it’s ok. I’m just trying to figure out a way to explain it. Sometimes I can feel it, like the whole thing is still there. Sometimes I’ll reach out to touch my shin, but it isn’t there. Other times I could swear that I have an itch on my knee, but there’s just an empty space.”
“Is it scary, or do you get use to it?”
“It’s not scary, and I guess you get use to it to some extent.”
“Sometimes I’m sorry that it wasn’t me. I’m the one who couldn’t’ figure out a way to get you back up the side of that cliff. If I could’ve, none of it would’ve happened.” She stared at him, feeling tears come to her eyes. She shook her head, reaching out and touching his hand.
“Dom, it wasn’t your fault. It was nobody’s fault. I don’t blame you for any of it.”
“Well there has to be a reason that you didn’t talk to me for eight years. It couldn’t be just because I didn’t tell you about Apprentice.” She sighed.
“I blamed everyone at first… I was so damn angry. I just couldn’t believe that you, my best friend, wouldn’t tell me something like that.”
“I couldn’t. Everyone told me not to. They said it would mess up your progress.” She nodded.
“I know that now.” They sat in silence for a long time. Dominick looked at her.
“Why did it happen to us? Did we do something wrong? All we wanted to do was help your parents.”
“Doctor Sheridan told me that everything happens for a reason, but I’m not sure she’s right. I think that life is like a big game board, and somebody is moving us all around it… only we got put in the wrong place. I just think that we ended up in the wrong place.” They were quiet again, for longer this time. “I saw some of the scars the other night… you were right. They’re all over my shoulder and neck. I can’t believe I never noticed them before.”
“I pretty much forgot about mine until I was thirteen or so… you don’t see them until you look really close.” She leaned her head on his shoulder, stifling a yawn.
“I’m so tired,” she muttered. He put his arm around her waist.
“Me too. Maybe we should go back upstairs. Rachel will be worried if she wakes up and finds us both gone.”
“What’s the sense in trying to sleep? I’m just going to wake up again… I hate waking up after them. You know as soon as you close your eyes you’re just going to see all of it again.” He nodded.
“Let’s just stay here then,” he murmured. She nodded, but soon they were both asleep. Neither one woke up with the horrible memories the rest of the night.
