34- Olympic Complications
Beth Fute jogged down to the barn one February morning, already late. Michael Jones had called for everyone to be there at five thirty, and it was six. With a sigh she rushed into the barn and went to where the rest of the team was standing. Michael frowned at her.
“You’re late Miss Fute,” he said. She nodded, a sheepish look on her face.
“I know. I’m really sorry Mr. Jones, I forgot to set my alarm last night,” she said.
“Next time don’t forget. Now, as I was saying… when you ride you ride with confidence. You don’t think about all the mistakes you could make, even though there are so many. You think about all the things you can do right,” he said.
“So, you’re telling us not to think about messing up?” Angela asked. Mr. Jones nodded, giving a wry smile.
“If that’s how you want to think about it, go ahead. Everyone get saddled up and head down to the cross country course.” Everyone nodded, turning and heading for their stalls. Angela fell into step beside Beth.
“You forgot to set your alarm? I’ll remind you tonight,” Angela said.
“I didn’t forget… I was up at four. I’ve already been down here to groom Lion, and then I talked to Dominick for a long time.”
“Too long right?” Angela asked with a smile. Beth shook her head, letting herself into the stall.
“Never too long. What are we doing today?” she asked.
“The entire course. Then we’re coming back here to watch the tapes during lunch.” Beth groaned.
“Why does he make us watch ourselves. I hated it when my parents use to do that. Do we really have to go out and do this?” Angela laughed, leading Pegasus out of his stall.
“You better believe it. Come on Beth let’s go, you wouldn’t want to be late again would you?” Beth laughed, following Angela from the barn.
Beth groomed Lion thoroughly, then went into the film room. Mr. Jones was just starting the film.
“Nice of you to join us Miss Fute,” he said. She smiled.
“Anytime Mr. Jones, it’s all so fascinating. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Everyone laughed, knowing that it was a constant argument with them. He glanced around, sending them a silencing look.
“Sit down Miss Fute, before you hurt yourself,” he said. Beth laughed, shaking her head. She found a seat next to Angela and they watched as Mark Ambrosia appeared on the screen. Everyone groaned when the water jump appeared. Mark’s horse refused and he took the jump solo. Beth sighed, knowing that she was three riders away. She had gone last, despite Mr. Jones’s wishes. When she appeared on the screen she shook her head. She and Lion went over all the jumps, seemingly perfect. Beth saw what no one else did; her form was off, due to her prosthetic rubbing against her stub. Mr. Jones flicked the lights back on.
“Does everyone see what they need to work on?” he asked. Everyone, including Beth, nodded.
“Why are you nodding Beth? You never mess up,” Theresa said sarcastically. Beth glanced at her.
“Sure I do. My form was way off on almost every jump. My prosthetic was rubbing so I wasn’t really concentrating,” she said.
“It was most apparent on the log pile. Everyone get their horses saddled. We’re going to the beach,” Mr. Jones agreed. With a collective groan everyone stood and left the room.
That night Beth plopped down at her desk, taking out several sheets of blank stationery and a purple pen. She put a book under the paper, thought for a moment, and then began to write:
Dear Dominick,
How is everything in Saratoga. I hope better than here in Atlanta. Mr. Jones is starting to become a huge hard ass, and everyone is tense. That girl Theresa is really getting on my nerves, and I think I’ll strangle her if she doesn’t grow up. She’s getting to me… and on top of her bothering me, I really need to get a new prosthetic. It was rubbing so badly today that it showed in my performance over the cross country course. Everyone must think I’m a total suck up for admitting that I didn’t do it right… especially since it didn’t look wrong to them. Mr. Jones told me I should hurry and get the leg fixed so I can get back to my usual routine. He makes it sound as if it’s my fault it’s bothering me. I feel like telling him that if I had the choice, I’d have my real leg instead of this one. It’s not like I asked that mountain lion to shred me up.
Is Rachel still with Jim? I think I might faint if you tell me they’re still together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Rachel with anyone for over a year. That’s how long they’ve been together isn’t it? It amazes me that anyone could stay together that long.
What about you? Are you doing alright? I mean with all the junk we’re suppose to be ‘ok’ with after ten years? I hope so, because I’m not. The nightmares have me up at two o’clock every morning. I hope it’s going better for you.
So, I guess this is the end of this letter. Write back and tell me all the juicy gossip. How’s spring training going? Help my Dad… exercise ride for him.
I miss you a lot Dom…
Love, Beth
With a soft sigh Beth put the three page letter in an envelope, sealed it, and put a stamp on it. She grabbed her USET jacket and jogged out of the lodge. She put the letter in the mail box, then walked slowly down to the barn.
Beth woke up in Lion’s stall, dazed and confused. The entire team was standing at the stall door watching her. She smiled at them and sat up.
“So I fell asleep… so what?” she mumbled. They all laughed, turning and walking away. Angela stayed at the door.
“What time did you come down here?” she asked, watching as Beth stood.
“Last night at around nine. What time is it now?”
“Five forty five. Put a hustle on it Beth, Mr. Jones is going to be here in fifteen minutes. Lion looks like a bomb hit him too.” Beth glanced at Lion’s dusty coat.
“I’ll be on time. Where are we riding today?” she called.
“Mr. Jones wants us mounted and in the stable yard. He said today’s activities were a surprise,” she muttered. Beth groaned, going into the tack room and grabbing her tack and brushes. She jogged back to the stall and began grooming the big horse vigorously.
Beth put her saddle on the fence, then went back to Lion’s side. Mr. Jones was watching everyone.
“Alright, mount up and canter down to the beach. Miss Fute, stay here. I need to speak to you about something.” Beth nodded, watching as everyone used the mounting block to mount up, and rode down to the beach. When they were all gone, Mr. Jones approached.
“Is there something wrong?” Beth asked.
“Not exactly. Your performance hasn’t been that great lately, and I heard that you slept in the barn last night. What’s going on with you?” Beth shrugged.
“I guess I was tired. I didn’t mean to fall asleep in the stall, believe me. Lion isn’t the most polite horse in the world… I’m lucky I still have all my body parts.”
“What about your riding? You’ve slacked off a lot since you first got here.” She shook her head, starting to get angry.
“It isn’t my fault that I’ve been riding this way lately. My prosthetic has been rubbing against my stub, and I haven’t had time to go get it fixed.”
“You can’t blame everything on your leg Miss Fute, it won’t work with me.” She climbed onto Lion’s back.
“I haven’t ever used my leg as an excuse for anything. If you’d prefer, I can leave. I can’t pretend that my leg doesn’t have anything to do with the way I ride, because it does. If you have a problem with that, kick me out.” Mr. Jones looked up at her, his face grim.
“Go down to the beach Miss Fute, and tell everyone to work on posting trot.” She nodded, giving Lion the signal to canter. They sped along the path, anger gripping her every feature. When she reached the beach everyone was looking at her.
“Mr. Jones wants us to work on posting trot,” she said, glancing at Angela. The woman brought her horse over and they both started to trot at the same time.
“What did he want?” Angela asked. Beth sighed, rising and falling in time with Lion’s stride.
“He wanted to tell me that I was slacking off, and to stop blaming everything on my leg. He said that that wouldn’t work with him. Basically he was saying that this was the Olympics, not some training session for the track.”
“He said that?” Angela demanded. Beth laughed, slowing Lion slightly.
“Not in so many words, but yeah. I told him if he thought I was slacking off he could kick me out.” Angela shook her head slowly, keeping Pegasus in stride with Lion.
“I can’t believe how much you get away with. If any of the rest of us talked to him the way you do, we’d be on the first plane home.”
“Most of the time it’s just joking around. Today he stepped over a line.” The rode in silence until Mr. Jones arrived on his usual mount. Everyone pulled up and turned their horses so they were facing him.
“Everyone dismount and someone help me set up a cross rail at the top of the surf. Time to work on balance again.” Beth stared at him hard. She knew he had chosen this to make her look bad, but she didn’t care. She was going to show off this time. She dismounted, took off her prosthetic, then had Angela give her a leg onto Lion’s back. Everyone was staring at her.
“Let’s get going,” Beth said, smiling at Angela. Beth took the jump first, going over it with ease. She patted Lion’s neck, and cantered him back to the end of the line. Everyone went over the jump several times before Mr. Jones raised the jump to two feet. Beth went over it again, clearing it with no trouble. She went back to the end of the line, and everyone went several more times. Mr. Jones raised the jump to three feet and looked at them seriously.
“After this it goes to five feet. Everybody better stay on,” he warned. Beth smiled and asked Lion to canter. They sailed over the jump in perfect unison. Everyone else went, and then Mr. Jones raised the jump to five feet.
“Are you sure you can make this?” Angela asked. Beth nodded, smiling a little.
“Absolutely. I learned to jump by accident when I was three… my leg was about this big then. I’ll be fine. And if I fall off I fall off,” she said with a grin. She waited until Mr. Jones was done with the jump and then asked Lion for a canter. The went over the jump and landed solidly on the other side, cantering a big circle to finish off. She eased him to a trot and went to where her prosthetic was, dismounting and putting it back on before leading Lion from the beach.
Angela walked into their room after dinner and found Beth sitting at her desk.
“Mr. Jones wants to see you in his office,” she explained. Beth shrugged.
“What if I don’t want to see him?” she replied.
“Listen Beth, he was serious. I think he’s upset this time… I think he’s going to kick you off the team.”
“That’s his decision. Maybe I should join this party in his office… I wouldn’t want to miss being booted out of here.” She stood and pulled her hair back quickly, then put on a pair of sneakers.
“That’s not what I meant. I just think that this was the final straw.”
“That’s nice. I’ll see you later Ange.” Beth walked out the door, pulling on her USET jacket as she went.
Mr. Jones glanced up from his paperwork when she walked in. He didn’t smile.
“I’m here. What do you want?” she asked.
“You can have a week off to get your leg fixed,” he muttered.
“I don’t need a week. I can ride without my prosthetic… you saw me jump a five foot fence with it today. Dressage is even easier.”
“What about cross country Miss Fute?” he demanded.
“As you know, I already know that course front, back, and sideways. I don’t need much practice on it. I’ll just come along and coach Theresa when you do cross country.”
“You’re a stubborn young lady Miss Fute, but I appreciate that. Do whatever you like, but I’m giving everyone a week off anyway.” Beth smiled suddenly.
“Can we have visitors?” she asked. His gaze shot up, a smile flickering across his lips.
“Boyfriend Miss Fute?” For the first time, Beth blushed in front of Michael.
“Yup. So can I invite him down?” He nodded, waving her off. That was unnecessary though, she was already gone.
Dominick flew in three weeks later and Beth met him at the airport. He picked her up and swung her around, hugging her tightly.
“I missed you so much!” she exclaimed. He took her hand and they walked toward the baggage claim.
“I’m glad you asked me to come down here. Mom and Rachel are getting on my nerves.”
“What about?” she asked. He shrugged.
“Getting a new horse. I told them that there are plenty of good horses in the barn that I can ride anytime I feel like. I’m not ready for a new horse yet. I’ve been helping your Dad with training, and I’ve been riding King too.”
“Poor baby… are you over worked?” she teased, putting an arm around his waist. He nodded, putting for a moment.
“Yeah, I sure am. What’re you going to do about it?” he demanded.
“Absolutely nothing… it builds character,” she kidded. He tickled her side and she squirmed to get away.
“I already have enough character,” he said. She laughed, following him out of the airport.
Beth and Dominick walked along the beach that night, Beth getting a piggy back ride. She hadn’t worn her prosthetic.
“We’re sitting down,” he grumbled. She laughed, smacking his shoulder.
“It’s not like I’m that heavy!” she said.
“Yeah, but even someone tiny like you gets heavy on your back after awhile.” He sat down and she scooted up so she was beside him, putting her head on his shoulder. They sat in silence for a long time, watching the ocean.
“I think I missed having you around Dominick Giran,” she said suddenly. He looked down at her.
“I know I missed you. It was lonely and boring without you around.” She laughed, but quieted when he started to kiss her. When he pulled away she smiled.
“It’s nowhere near as weird as I thought it would be,” she said.
“Kissing me? You’ve kissed me before now, what’s so different now?” She shrugged, leaning against his shoulder again.
“I don’t know. I’m really glad you’re here Dom. I was lonely without you.”
Three mornings later Dominick asked permission to ride Mr. Jones’s horse. The man hesitated, but said yes after some persuading from Beth.
“I didn’t think he was going to let me,” Dominick said, watching as Beth mounted Lion. She had gotten her new prosthetic, and was trying it for the first time in the saddle.
“I knew he would. Come on, let’s trot down to the beach. Lion’s ready for a little exercise.” They rode in silence until they reached the beach.
“Can you canter in the waves?” Dominick asked. Beth laughed.
“Dom, of course you could… if you weren’t riding Mr. Jones’s horse.”
“Why can’t his horse do it?” he asked.
“He has bad knees and canons. He jumped for a really long time… too long. I’ll switch horses with you if you want to canter a bit.”
“Lion won’t mind my getting on him?” he asked.
“I don’t think so. Come on, I want to be back in time to get something to eat.” He handed her his reins, and then mounted Lion. The horse stood quietly, watching as Beth mounted Keystone.
“Alright, go ahead,” she said, telling Keystone to trot. Dominick moved into the surf, asking Lion for a canter. They flew down the beach, water spraying up. Dominick smiled, pulling up when he saw Beth slowing.
“That was great!” he exclaimed. Beth nodded, smiling at him.
“We ride down here a lot. Sometimes we take jumps in it. Do you want to see the cross country course?” she asked. He nodded and they trotted off. When they reached the woods Lion began to dance and skitter to the side at every sound. Beth eyed him carefully and asked, “Do you want to switch?” He shook his head.
“Nope, I can handle him. Relax Beth, he’ll be fine.” A bird suddenly flew out, darting past Lion’s nose. The horse reared up and took off, leaving Dominick behind. Beth glanced at him quickly, but he waved her on. “Go get him!” he said.
“Lion!” she called, kicking Keystone into a canter. Lion was galloping toward the jump, his reins flying. Beth gulped, knowing he could hurt himself badly if he took a jump. The horse slowly slightly and took the jump, continuing on after it. Beth went over it after him. The chase went on over several jumps, until Lion’s reins got caught up in one. Lion squealed. Beth jumped from her saddle, going and untangling his reins. “It’s ok champ, it’s ok,” she murmured. Once he was free the horse tossed his head and gave Beth a nudge. She smiled and patted his neck. “You are an idiot,” she whispered, swinging into his saddle. She grabbed Keystone’s reins and rode back to where Dominick was waiting.
Mr. Jones took one look at Keystone and then started yelling. Beth and Dominick stood side by side, staring at him evenly.
“My horse could have been injured beyond repair Miss Fute! You were taking him over five foot jumps at a rushed canter!” he exclaimed angrily.
“I knew what I was doing, and I’d do it again if I had to. I did everything I could to take pressure off his legs. He’s not even lame.”
“That’s beside the point. I trusted you with a very valuable horse, and you put his life in danger.” Dominick shook his head.
“No she didn’t I did. I’m the one who couldn’t handle Lion. If I had switched with her this wouldn’t have happened.”
“I’m going to take care of my horse. Beth I want to see you in my office at four o’clock.” She nodded, handing him Keystone’s reins. With a sigh she led Lion to his stall.
“Dom, get me some leg bandages and poultice. I want to get him wrapped up before he starts hurting.”
“Do you want to hose his legs or pack him in ice?” he asked.
“I’ll hose him for today. If he’s limping or sore tomorrow I’ll pack him.” Dominick nodded and went to the tack room. Beth removed Lion’s saddle and bridle, smiling when he nudged her shoulder. “You’re a good boy champ,” she murmured.
The next morning Keystone was fine. Lion, on the other hand, was not. Beth sighed when she saw him. He was holding one of his front legs off the ground, and then alternating to holding the other. Beth glanced at Dominick.
“Get the ice,” she said. Lion nudged her shoulder when she walked into the stall. “Hey big guy, it’s going to be ok. You’re going to get better really fast,” she murmured, bending down and running her hands down his legs slowly. When she got to his left foreleg he pulled his foot up to evade her touch, but not before she felt the heat there. She sighed. Dominick arrived with a large bucket of ice and an empty bucket.
“Do you want me to bring it in or wait out here?”
“Come on in, he won’t do anything to you.” Dominick came in, receiving a warning glance from Lion. He grinned at bet, reaching out to give her shoulder a squeeze. Lion stretched to nip his fingers.
“Well at least we know he hasn’t lost his spunk,” Dominick kidded. She smiled weakly.
“Yeah. Help me get his foot in the bucket. I want to start this as soon as possible.” Dominick nodded, helping her ease Lion’s foot into the bucket and then pouring the ice in. Lion gave a sigh and let his head rest on Beth’s shoulder for a moment.
“So what are you going to do without a horse?” Dominick asked.
“Might have to bring King down if the vet doesn’t think Lion will get better fast enough,” she said sullenly. Dominick put an arm around her shoulders, ushering her from the stall.
“Let’s go find Mr. Jones so he can call the vet.”
The vet watched as Beth put a muzzle on Lion, and then entered the stall.
“What happened to him?” the man asked.
“He took off on the cross country course without a rider. He took the jumps at a pretty fast canter, the first one at a gallop. Will he be alright by June or July?” The man examined the leg for a few moments, then nodded slowly.
“I think so. It’s just a little pull. I’ll come back in two weeks to check it, and I’ll give you something to give him fro the pain.”
“Alright.”
“I’ll go out and get medicine,” he said. Beth nodded, watching as the young vet walked away. Mr. Jones sighed, walking toward the tack room.
“Miss Fute you may as well start working with another horse for awhile. I’m not going to have you slack off for two or three months,” he said, getting a saddle.
“What horse do you want me to ride?” she demanded. He looked at her seriously.
“I thought you were aware of how things worked. Theresa is going to give up her horse until you can ride yours. If yours isn’t ready by the Olympics, then you’ll ride hers.”
“That’s not fair. Theresa has worked just as hard as I have, and she should be able to ride every day too.”
“You are my best rider Miss Fute, and I’m not going to have you sitting around watching for two months. You will ride Mars, that’s the end of it.” She nodded, watching him go into the stall. Mars appeared, his large red head making her smile. He was a huge horse, but he had a heart of gold.
“Am I riding him now?”
“Yes. Go get your hat. I’ll meet you in the main ring in five minutes.” Beth nodded and walked to the locker room.
Theresa walked into the stable yard just as Beth mounted. She frowned, glancing form Mr. Jones to Beth.
“What’s going on?” she demanded.
“Beth’s horse has gone lame. She needs a horse to ride until he’s back in condition.”
“So she gets my horse? That’s not fair! Let her sit around and do nothing for awhile, she’s the cripple.” Beth sighed.
“Listen Theresa, I know your rich father wouldn’t want me to ride your precious horse, despite the fact that you don’t know how to ride him properly. I’ll have my other horse flown down here, that way I’ll have a back up,” she said, dismounting and handing the reins to Michael. As she walked by, Theresa reached out and pushed her. Beth laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Theresa demanded.
“You are. Grow up. It’s about time that you learn that being rich doesn’t always help. I’m not putting up with your crap any more. Just because I made the main team and you didn’t doesn’t mean I deserve this nonsense from you.” Theresa stared in awe, then a small smile appeared on her lips.
“You have another horse… what’s the point of all this fighting. Bring your other one down and everything will go back to normal. You’ll be the best, and you and Mr. Jones can go back to sleeping together.” Beth hadn’t seen Dominick walk up, but she heard him gasp. She whirled, glancing back at Theresa.
“Dom, you don’t believe that do you?” she demanded.
“Should I?” he asked. Beth shook her head, following him as he walked away.
“He’s old enough to be my grandfather! He’s like sixty, why would I… I couldn’t even imagine,” she said.
“So you say,” he muttered.
“I’m telling you the truth. If you don’t believe me, you can leave. Don’t expect me to crawl back for forgiveness.”
“Fine. I’ll go pack and have Dad send the jet. See you around Beth.”
“I told you this wouldn’t work Dominick. You’re too insecure with yourself to trust me! You should know me better than that!” she called. He shook his head, still sauntering away. With a sigh Beth turned and walked toward Lion’s stall, biting her lip to keep from crying.
August came quickly, and Lion was in top form. Beth awoke on the first morning of the games and got dressed quickly. She went to the barn and groomed Lion before walking back inside. As she walked, she turned a corner and ran into a man from the Great Britain team. She smiled.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to run into you like that,” she said. He shrugged, flashing a killer smile.
“It’s alright. I wasn’t watching where I was going either. Are you ok?” he asked. She nodded, playing with a strand of her hair.
“Yeah. I’m just in a hurry today. Good luck when you ride,” she said, starting to walk away.
“If I lose to you it will be worth it,” he returned. Beth blushed, but continued walking.
The dressage test went well for Beth, and everyone was proud of her. Angela gave her a tight hug.
“You did so well… showed up the entire team.”
“Everyone on the team did well. I just rode the best I could,” Beth replied, leading Lion into his stall. Just then her father, mother, Cotey, Sam, Rachel, and Dominick arrived.
“Honey that was excellent,” Jason said. She reached over the stall door and gave him a hug. Her mother was next, and they hugged tightly.
“We’re proud of you Bethy,” Jess said. Beth smiled, glancing at Cotey.
“You even beat my dressage score,” Cotey said with a grin. Beth smiled and looked at Rachel.
“Rach I need to tell you about something that happened earlier. You won’t believe it.”
“It has to be about a guy. You never get this secretive unless it’s about a guy,” Rachel said. Beth nodded, not looking at Dominick.
“Sort of. Let me finish with him, then I’ll tell you.” She continued grooming, and soon Lion was shining. Someone cleared their throat and Beth glanced up. The guy from Great Britain was standing at the stall door, and her family was eyeing him with interest.
“That was a nice ride,” he said sincerely. She smiled.
“You too. So what’s your name anyway? It isn’t very nice to call you that guy from Great Britain,” she said.
“Joe Smythe. What about you, or are you just the pretty American girl?” She laughed.
“I’m Beth Fute. Congratulations on the good ride. I’ve gotta’ get going… friends and family are waiting.”
“I’ll catch up with you later,” he said. She smiled, letting herself out of the stall. She waved goodbye, then walked away with Rachel.
Rachel was still in awe over Joe Smythe, but Beth was just trying to think.
“He was gorgeous. I think he likes you.” Beth laughed. They were walking slowly down the beach.
“I hardly know the guy. Besides, he’s going to be going back to England when we’re done here.”
“Not many people can say they’ve had any type of relationship with someone from England.” Beth shook her head.
“You’re so shallow. Why would I use someone just for where they live? That makes no sense.”
“I guess you have to think like me to understand my philosophy on life,” Rachel muttered. Beth smiled, putting an arm around Rachel’s shoulders.
“I think I’ll pass.” They both laughed, continuing to walk. Up ahead they saw Dominick.
“He’s still pretty upset about what happened when he was here before,” Rachel said quietly. Beth nodded, clenching her fists.
“Nothing happened, that’s the really funny thing. He’s just insecure. Now he has the nerve to be jealous because I’m talking to another guy.” They had reached where he was standing, and he looked at Beth with serious eyes.
“Is that guy your boyfriend?” he demanded. She shook her head, looking at him evenly.
“No. So what if he was? You don’t give a damn about me anyway.” She replied.
“Yes I do. I care about you too much. Now you like some guy from England.”
“You’re the one who chose to leave in February, not me. I told you the truth, and you didn’t believe me.”
“What reason did I have to believe you?” he demanded.
“Because it’s me telling you! You think I was sleeping with some sixty year old man, and now you’re mad because you think I’m interested in Joe Smythe. You’re wrong on both counts! I have my limits, and sixty is way past it. So is an ocean.” Rachel looked back and forth between them, confused.
“Wait a minute, let me get this straight. Dom, you thought she was sleeping with some wrinkled old man?” Rachel demanded. Dominick nodded slowly.
“Why shouldn’t I believe the person who said it?” he asked. Beth sighed and shook her head.
“Because I was your girlfriend. I was your best friend for seventeen years before that. You were supposed to trust me better, and know me better than to believe Theresa over me,” she said.
“Doesn’t mean you wouldn’t lie,” he muttered.
“Sometimes I wonder about my sanity. I went out with you, then I felt guilty for sending you away. I don’t anymore,” she said, turning and starting to walk away. Rachel followed.
“Go sleep with Joe or some sixty year old man Beth… that’s what you really want out of life!” he called. She turned, walking backwards.
“Screw you Dominick!” He shook his head.
“You’re used goods. Sorry.” Beth began to cry, and Rachel put her arm around him.
“He doesn’t mean any of this Beth, he’s just angry and jealous,” Rachel said, glancing back at her brother.
“He doesn’t have to mean it… he said it. That’s all that matters,” she muttered, shrugging Rachel away. Rachel watched as Beth jogged down the beach, and then she turned back to Dominick.
“That was great Dom, now she’s never going to talk to you again. I thought six months would be enough time for you to get your head out of your ass.”
“Apparently not,” he said, walking beside her. She stopped and looked at him hard.
“Do you honestly believe she slept with Michael Jones?” she demanded. He shrugged.
“I don’t know.”
“You really are stupid. You actually think Beth would do that? She isn’t that desperate.”
“How do you know? You weren’t there.”
“She would have told me! She wouldn’t be this upset about it now. She didn’t sleep with that guy Dominick, and she doesn’t want to be with Joe Smythe. She loves you. You need to drop this and apologize, and now… or she’s never going to forgive you.” Dominick nodded, and then continued to walk. Rachel followed, hoping that everything would work out for the best.
Beth grabbed her jacket and walked out of the lodge late that night. It was well past midnight, but so far she hadn’t been able to sleep. Her nightmares had been bad, and she knew that she probably wouldn’t get much sleep anyway. She walked down to the beach, hugging her arms to her chest. There was a full moon, and it cast a bright glow over the water and sand.
“Can’t sleep?” a familiar voice asked. Beth whirled, knowing it was Dominick before she saw him.
“What are you doing here?” she demanded. He took a step closer.
“The same thing you are. I’m thinking about how screwed up everything is, and that it’s my fault. I’m also thinking that I should talk to my grandfather and see about getting a beach in Saratoga,” he said, trying to make her smile.
“I’m not here to think about that, so I guess we’re not here for the same reason,” she said, turning toward the ocean. Dominick sighed, moving to stand beside her.
“I probably couldn’t sleep anyway. So what’s the point in trying?” he murmured. She looked at him, her eyes sad.
“I don’t understand you. How could you believe that I would be with Mr. Jones?”
“Why would someone say it if it weren’t true?” he demanded.
“Did you ever read the letters I sent you? Theresa’s name was in almost every one of them, and it was never good. She hates me, and she was mad because I was going to be riding her horse until Lion was better.”
“Oh,” he muttered, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. She sighed, looking away from him.
“It’s not fair that it all comes our way. Maybe God decided we deserved to be punished.” They were silent for a long time.
“I know sorry isn’t good enough,” he said. She nodded.
“You’re right, it probably isn’t. It was just so stupid Dominick. If you had stopped being angry for two seconds you would have realized how stupid it was. I wouldn’t even sleep with you right now… why would I be with Mr. Jones?”
“I don’t know. It was stupid. I was angry and confused, and I didn’t know what to believe. All I knew is that I hadn’t seen you for two months, and I missed you, and someone said you were sleeping with someone else.”
“I’m sorry you believed that,” she said quietly. He shook his head.
“Not nearly as sorry as I am. I’m going to be sorry for the rest of my life.”
“Good. I need to head back. I should at least try to sleep. I have a hard day ahead of me.” Dominick caught her arm and made her turn and look at him.
“I was just jealous this afternoon, you know that don’t you? I wouldn’t have said any of that if I hadn’t been so jealous.”
“The point is that you said it. I’m not going to be belittled every time you get upset. I need to take some time to think about everything Dominick. Give me time.” He let her go and watched as she disappeared into the shadows.
Beth awoke early the next morning, still in her clothes. It was four, and another nightmare had pulled her from sleep. She took several deep breaths and sat up. It was starting to get light outside, so she pulled a brush through her hair and went out of the room. The barn was open and Lion was awake. She got his bridle, put it on, and led him outside. She mounted and rode to the beach, trotting through the foamy surf. After a little while she turned toward the woods, moving at a smooth canter. As the wind whipped her hair back, she smiled and knew everything would be ok.
Mr. Jones watched as Beth mounted and waited for the starting bell. It was time for cross country. She smiled down at him.
“Relax Mr. Jones, you’re more nerved up than I am,” she said, holding Lion on a tight rein.
“I am not nervous Miss Fute. I am hopeful. You have the power to put us in first place. I’m just hoping you’ll use it.”
“I always do,” she said. Moments later the bell rang and Lion shot forward. They made good time from the start, and Lion went over everything with no problems. They raced through the course, and made it back to the finish in very good time. She took her saddle off and weighed in, sighing with relief when she made the weight. When she turned around she was mobbed by the entire time.
“We’re in first!” Angela exclaimed. Beth smiled, hugging everyone. Cameras were going off all around them and she hugged everyone. She saw her family and Rachel’s family standing by the gate… but she didn’t see Dominick.
“I’ve gotta’ get Lion up to the barn, he’s warm,” she said. They all moved away, and she led Lion to the barn. Once in the stall she groomed Lion, and thought back to the night before. Dominick had been sincere in everything he’d said. With a sigh she put her brushes away and carried everything to the tack room. She walked out of the barn, almost running into Dominick
“I’m sorry… I got a call about one of my riding students. She fell and got hurt, and she wanted to talk to me. She’s only seven, so I had to talk to her.”
“I didn’t know you were teaching lessons,” she said.
“I thought I told you in one of my letters. Mom asked me to take on some of the little kids.”
“Well I’m glad you could help her. I need to get back, the team said that we’re going to have a party tonight.”
“So you did well on the cross country then?” he asked. She smiled.
“We’re in first now,” she explained. He put his hand on her shoulder, smiling broadly.
“Congratulations Beth. Are family and friends invited to this party?” he asked.
“Yeah, of course. Follow me, I think everyone else is probably on their way.” They walked side by side, already on their way to becoming friends again… maybe even more.
After the party Beth and Dominick walked to the beach. It was almost midnight, but neither one of them was tired.
“That was a great party,” she said.
“Yeah it was. The music was great… lots of good songs.”
“I don’t know if they understand why I came here. It wasn’t because I wanted to win… I just wanted to prove to everyone that someone with a disability like I have can do this. That someone as young as I am can too.”
“You proved yourself. Everyone at home is watching.”
“I bet I’ll have twenty new ‘best friends’ when I get back. They all think that hanging out with me will get them in. Once they got here they’d want to go home,” she said, sitting down in the sand. They sat in silence for awhile.
“So what are we going to do now?” he asked.
“I don’t know. It seems stupid to fight,” she said, looking at him.
“It isn’t stupid for you to hate me though. I was a big jerk.” She touched his arm gently.
“I don’t hate you Dominick… I could never hate you. I just don’t understand how you could have believed it. You’re so confusing.”
“Do you think you’re easy to figure out? You’re the most confusing person I’ve ever met.”
“I’m not that complicated. You just have to think a little bit and not jump to conclusions. It’s not like I have very different ways of thinking.” He laughed and put his arm around her shoulders.
“Yeah you do. I really am sorry about everything. You didn’t deserve that.”
“No I didn’t, but you were confused. Theresa messed a lot of things up.”
“I care about you so much. I wouldn’t ever hurt you on purpose, and I should have known that you wouldn’t hurt me either.”
“This is getting over the top with corniness. Why don’t we just shut up?” she said, putting her arm around his waist. He smiled, looking down at her with serious eyes. She nodded and he leaned down and kissed her. Beth wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed back.
The next day Beth stood at the fence watching Joe Smythe take his horse over jumps in the show ring. She was riding last, and was happy for that. Angela and Mark had already gone, both having a decent round. Lion was excited, knowing he was going to get to jump.
“Easy champ,” she murmured, patting his neck. Joe rode out of the ring and Beth swung into her saddle.
“Good luck Beth,” he said, smiling at her. She grinned.
“Is it hard?” she asked. He shrugged, watching the current rider.
“Depends on who you ask I think. If you ask the guy in the ring, he’ll say it’s hard because he’s not doing so well. If you ask me I’m going to say it’s tough, but you can handle it.
“Thanks. Nice job by the way, but you could’ve gone a bit slower. I want a chance at beating you,” she kidded. Joe laughed and trotted away. When the rider came out Beth rode Lion in. She went to the center and saluted the judges.
“OK champ, let’s kick some ass,” she murmured, signaling for a trot. Soon she was cantering. They went fast, soaring over the jumps. They nicked a high rail, but it stayed in place. The last jump loomed ahead of them, a nearly six foot tall vertical. Beth urged Lion to go a bit faster. He sailed over the jump, missing the top rail by nearly two inches. They landed, and Beth glanced at the clock, smiling and patting Lion’s neck. She had beaten Joe Smythe, and clinched the win for the United States.
Beth and the rest of the U.S. Team rode into the ring. She was in front, keeping Lion at a trot. They went around several times, and then went to the podiums. Beth had been chosen to accept the medal. She stood on the first place podium and smiled, waving to the crowd. Lion was getting grain from an attendant, and a man came with the gold medal. She leaned down so he could put it over her head, and applause broke out. She accepted her roses and then waved to the crowd. She could see Dominick and Rachel holding up a sign that said ‘Beth we love you!’ With a smile she hopped down from the podium and handed the roses to Angela. It was time for her victory gallop. She mounted and waited for the silver and bronze medalists. They went around, Beth carrying the American flag and wearing a smile.
There was a huge party for Beth when she got home, full of many people she hardly knew. Most people were asking her to give them lessons, or tell them how to become better. Halfway through the party Beth decided she needed a break. She went out the front door and down to the barn. Lion was eating his hay, but stopped when she appeared at his door.
“Hey champ,” she murmured, giving his neck a pat. He nickered softly and nudged her pocket. She laughed and took out a carrot, letting him lip it up. “I’m getting too predictable, huh big guy?” she murmured, giving him a final pat before walking away. King’s head was over his stall door, and he was bobbing it up and down. She laughed. “He there handsome, I missed you too,” she said, rubbing behind his ears. He leaned into the scratch, practically knocking her over. She giggled, giving his neck a loving pat.
“Making the rounds?” a voice asked. Beth turned, smiling when she saw Dominick.
“Yup. I needed to get away from all the excitement up at the house. I’ve had enough of that for a long time. What’re you doing down here?”
“I saw you slip out, so I thought I’d follow you. Did you miss it here, or was Atlanta to great?”
“I missed Saratoga. Atlanta was nice… just too hot and south for me,” she muttered. He laughed, slipping his arm around her waist.
“You’re crazy,” he murmured. She laughed, letting her cheek rest on his shoulder.
“You’ve just figured that out? I thought you were smarter than that.” He tickled her side.
“I’ve known for a long time.”
“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” she asked.
“It’s good,” he assured her. They were silent for a long moment.
“We should get back up to the house. I need to finish up with this party, with this Olympic craziness,” she said. They locked hands and walked from the barn, both wondering where life would take them next.
