Repost of the Guardians story

A repost of my horse /Guardians story. I haven't decided if the two at the very end of this are going to stay a part of the story, or if the leader(s) of the Guardians are going t be different. Anyway. This is a verrrry long read, sooo, Sit back and enjoy, eh?



1
________________

The grass was sweet on his tongue as he grazed, cropping the vibrant green vegetation with strong front teeth. His thick black tail swished idly at the Summer gnats that, despite his owner?s applications of fly shield spray, persisted in their hungry attacks on his hide. His name was Shadow, and he was the finest stallion in the area, if he did say so himself. He stood a powerful 17 hands high at the withers, being a Shire Friesian cross. His entire body, from heavily feathered hooves to the tips of his curved, alert ears was jet black, with not a mark on him of white. The mares paid many a compliment to his powerful muscles and thick, wavy mane and tail. His eyes were large, intelligent, a deep liquid blue. His blue eyes were the very reason his owners had kept him a stud. They wanted to pass that down to the next generation.

A deep motor rumbled it?s way down the road on the other side of the white fence, and he lifted his head to stare curiously toward the noise. After a moment, he started off with a flick of his tail. Perhaps it was his next cover. A lovely mare to woo? He came to the fence, neck arched, muscles bulging, doing his best to impress the possible new breeding partner. Being the typical male, he loved his job as a stud, and took special care to woo the mares he bred for his owners. He considered himself to be quite adept at it. He?d almost never been kicked at or refused.

He draped his head over the top rail of the fence and gazed intently at the vehicle that was motoring its way down the road. He was sad to see that it had no horse trailer hitched to its bumper. He huffed a sigh through his flared nostrils and relaxed his stance, grumbling at the misfortune. The truck was one of those large ones that humans carried there belongings in. He remembered when his owners had moved to newer pastures. He?d loved his old pasture; the grazing had been good and plenty, and the fences had been far apart, with room to run as fast as he wanted. The great red barn had been comfortable, with a nice large box stall to call his own. He didn?t exactly understand why they had moved. He guessed that it must have had something to do with the female owner having new offspring. She would ride him all the time, before about nine months before the move. Every time he?d seen her after the end of their riding adventures, her middle had been bigger and bigger.

He?d had a fine view of the old home of his owners from his pasture front gate, and they had been loading all manner of strange things made of wood and fabric into the back. He?d heard them calling it a ?You-Haul.? The ?You-Haul? coming down the road now must be filled with those things too. He watched with interest, waiting for it to turn down his drive. It didn?t. Instead, it turned the other way, down the drive on the other side. He snorted at the nasty smell of the bluish smoke spitting out of the back of the ?You-Haul?. Soon, the vehicle vanished around the bend, and Shadow lost interest. He turned away and lowered his head, going back to his meal of grass.

An hour later, or maybe longer, he heard the jingling of his halter chain coming closer, and raised his head. The male owner was walking toward him, clucking his tongue as soon as he saw that Shadow?s attention was on him. Shadow obligingly trotted over to him, hoping for treats. And sure enough, he was rewarded with a tasty peppermint candy piece. The male owner made his soothing nothing noises, words that made little sense, except for the occasional ?Good boy.? intermingled among them. The male owner slid the halter over his nose and face, and Shadow allowed it, despite the faint feeling of claustrophobia that most horses felt at having their faces enclosed. ?Good Boy, Shad. Good boy.? The last bit was elongated, drawn out in a way Shadow rather liked. He did enjoy listening to the Humans converse. Their way of speaking was so different from the way of the animal kingdom, and yet there was a sense of sameness.

They spoke with their bodies, as well as their mouths. What made it interesting was that their body language didn?t always match what their mouths said. He had often wondered what was wrong, until one of the dogs, an old Golden Retriever named Daisy had told him about lies. Humans could lie to each other. That was something animals had a hard time doing, since their bodies spoke so fluently of truth. Shadow felt the tug of his lead and obediently followed the male owner as he walked away toward the barn. Shadow liked the new barn. It was twice the size of the old one, and his stall was enormous, practically a small barn itself. The flooring under the shavings was a layer of that new rubber matting that drained liquids like no tomorrow, and he even had a run out paddock to go into if he wanted some fresh air.

The male owner led him to the pasture gate and opened the metal exit. Shadow stepped well away like he?d been trained to do ever since he was a foal sticking close to his mother?s flanks. Through the open gate they went and he stood quietly until the gate was closed and followed his leader to the barn. His shod hooves clopped in an even, strong cadence on the stone the humans called pavement. It had a music to it, and he loved listening to it, finding something satisfying in the sound. A sound that meant he was there. He looked around hopefully. Maybe a mare had snuck in while he was watching the ?You-Haul?. He could use to woo a lady.

He was disappointed when they went to the saddling stall and he was clipped into the crossties. However, he was mollified by the knowledge that a good, deep grooming was ahead, and maybe a good long ride cross country. Maybe the female owner would ride him again. He liked that idea. So he stood quietly, muscles quivering with hopeful excitement as the male owner clattered around, stepping into the tack stall and returning with the grooming kit and setting it on the floor nearby. The male owner picked out one of the grooming instruments, a slick stone that Shadow quite enjoyed. He settled down for a long, thorough grooming.

The male owner was a fine groom. He never left a single spot un-groomed, always did the best strokes with the rubbery little curry that humans slid over their hands, and when it came to the last step, where he ran a soft cloth over the sleek black hide, he never slacked, and Shadow always shone like a still lakes glassy surface. Or a ravens plumage. His mane was never tangled, and his hooves never lacked for shine. Shadow was the best cared for stallion in the area.

The male owner finished his last step and stood back, observing his work with one of those grimaces Daisy called a smile on his mouth. Shadow liked the smile the male owner did. It reached the man?s brown eyes and made the skin at the outer corners of his eyes crinkle into lines. The female owner had a nice smile too. Like a mother mares gentle touch. Shadow lipped at the air in a way he knew the owners enjoyed. It got the result he was looking for. The male owner laughed, another thing about humans Shadow liked. Laughter, It was such a nice sound. Musical, generous. Happy.

He also got a free peppermint candy. His day was made even better when the male owner turned and went into the tack stall and came out carrying the saddle, bitless bridle, and fluffy wool saddle pad. Shadow announced his delight with a happy nicker, ears pricked forward. He made sure to stand extra still, holding his breath for happiness. He didn?t move as his halter was removed, and the bridle was slid over his nose to replace it, the brow band was settled around his pricked ears and his long, thick forelock was pulled out from under the brow band to hide it. The throat latch was buckled, and the reins draped over his crest. He stood extra still as the pad for the saddle was placed, centered carefully on his back, and then the saddle was set upon his back on top of the pad.

The male owner reached under his belly and pulled the girth around his barrel and fastened it. He felt the tightness growing, then remembered to let out his breath. He?d never forgiven himself when his held breath had caused the saddle to slip during a ride with the Female owner. She?d fallen, and broken her wrist. She?d never once blamed him, though. He was blessed by Epona to have such fine Owners.

At last, he was ready, and he followed the male owner from the saddling area to the mounting area. There, he was absolutely delighted to see Major, a blood bay Thoroughbred gelding with a broad blaze centering his face standing beside the female owner. Major tossed his head in friendly greeting. ?Ho, Shadow. Fine day for a ride, eh?? The gelding was a jolly sort, who loved to stretch out his legs and race the wind. He was one of those ?Off The Track Thoroughbreds? who had been retired from the job and retrained to a new job. He?d won a race or two, and then his old owners had lost heir farm to a bank and had to sell their horses. Major had come to Shadow?s farm.

Shadow nodded in agreement. ?Yes, it is. The Lady hasn?t ridden me for so long.? He swished his tail as he replied, quivering with readiness to ride. The female Owner approached him then crooning in her sweet, low voice the meaningless nothings that were so satisfying. It seemed she had missed him, too. He rumbled a low whicker in reply, nudging his face into her soft chest and breathing her scent. She smelled like saddle and cloth, and a newer smell, like milk. She was a mother now. She?d been a mother before, but now she was a mother again.

Soon enough, the Owners were mounted up, female on Shadow?s back, and male on Major. The day was just getting better and better.

2
____________

Anna MacCarthy, was glum as she looked out of the car window at the passing scenery. She hadn?t wanted to move. But no one had asked her opinion, now, had they? It was, ?Let?s move out of the place you love so much. Let?s move away from all the friends you love. Let?s go!? She wrinkled her small, dainty nose and narrowed her green eyes at the window. Sure, she loved the country, but she also had been happy in the suburbs. She?d liked her high school. She?d loved her friends. She?d had a crush to drool after, even if the hottest guy in school wouldn?t even think to look in her direction.

Anna heaved a gusty sigh and turned her attention to her parents, studying them. They acted as though they had a wonderful surprise or secret they were bursting to tell her. Her dad, sitting behind the wheel, glanced back at her in the rear view mirror, and a smile quirked at his strong mouth, turning up the corners. Then his hazel eyes returned to the road. Her mom fluffed at her long mass of silky curls, they way she did when she was excited or nervous. She wasn?t nervous, since there was a smile on her face.

Anna?s eyes turned away from them and went back to staring out the window. The car slowed, and turned. They were on their new driveway, coasting down and around a bend. ?Ann, look ahead, kiddo. This is our new home.? Her dad?s baritone pulled her attention from the grassy yard to look out the windshield. The house was a big, two story American Foursquare. It looked like it was older, and in mild need of repair. It was white, though the white was faded and some of the paint was peeling. The trim was blue. The front of the house was taken up by a large, covered front porch. She squinted at it. It had a porch swing. Well, it was something to add to the good news list.

The U-Haul was parked in front of the house, backed up to the porch. The driver and his assistant were unloading the furniture and boxes already, disappearing into the house and returning empty handed for the next load. Anna?s dad pulled in next to the U-Haul and cut the motor. Anna heaved another sigh and unbuckled her seat belt, opened her door and stepped out. She turned and reached across the seat to grab her bag.

Hoisting the bag over her shoulder, Anna turned to look up at the house again. Up close, it looked even shabbier. The screens in the upper windows were rusted, or frayed, or nonexistent. She heaved yet another gusty sigh and started up the steps, wincing at the creak of the boards underfoot. Goddess, was the porch going to collapse under her feet? Not likely, since the U-Haulers were both hefty sized men and the furniture pieces weren?t lightweights either. She stood aside to let the two men by with a dresser, then stepped into the house itself.

Anna looked around at the room. Inside, the house seemed much younger. There were modern fittings on all the lights, and no old wallpaper on the walls. The paint was new, a cheery light blue that wasn?t too much, with white trim. The floor was new wood flooring, red cedar with rich grain swirling through the wood. The house didn?t smell old either. It smelled like a new house Light filtered through the windows, giving the room a nice feel.

Okay, so this wasn?t quite as bad as she?d thought at first. She stepped out of the way of the haulers and went into the living room. It was bare, no furniture having been placed in it yet. It actually looked very comfortable. The carpet was new, a nice shade of cream. There was a fireplace, with a nice large hearth, and a surrounding of wood flooring to separate the hearth from the carpet.

Anna found herself liking it. Until she thought about how much Amy would have liked it. Amy was an Architecture nut, with an almost unhealthy fascination with houses, especially old ones. Amy was an awesome friend, though. She was the kind of girl who stood up to bullies, and comforted smaller kids when they had scraped knees. Apart from Architecture, she was also fascinated with being a nurse. Or a doctor. Amy was ambitious, and finished her homework as soon as she got home from school. She also shared a love of animals with Anna. Especially horses.

Anna heaved a sigh, glumness returned. Amy was all the way on the other side of the state. Sure, there was internet, and phones, and snail mail, if it came to that. But there were no hugs. There would be no more sitting in the cafeteria ogling boys. Anna grumbled, and continued investigating the house. From the living room, she went into the kitchen. It was large, and she felt a little thrill. She liked cooking and baking. This would be a nice work place. The appliances were new, the counters a pretty white and black swirled marble. The sinks were roomy, and the dishwasher was to die for. No more hand washing. she thought, with some satisfaction.

The stove was large, with six eyes, three small, three large. Easy to clean. It?d make her kitchen chores much easier, until her brother could come home from College to share the chores. Tom was not only her brother; he was her best friend apart from Amy and Missy. She never hid anything from him. He knew about her first kiss, had chaperoned her first date, and picked up the pieces of her heart when her first boyfriend had turned out to be cheating on her with the hottest girl in school, Lizzy Meyer. Ever since he?d gone off to college, her heart felt like a piece was missing. Their phone calls and skype calls lasted hours, until he?d have to go.

She sighed and hugged herself, frowning. Would he like this house? Would he be able to find it? She sighed and continued her exploration. The lower floor of the house had a roomy bathroom, and she loved the shower stall. The shower head was huge, and had spray settings. It was also on a hose, so she could reach everywhere on her body. She liked this, and was already looking forward to a shower. There were three bedrooms all small except the master bedroom. This room was huge.

She peeked into the utility room. The washer and dryer were large, and of a good brand. She liked them, too. There was a back porch, large and covered. She turned and found the stairs to the upper floor. She climbed them. There were four bedrooms, and a smaller bathroom. It was still a big bathroom, and the shower stall just as nice as the other. She found herself warming to the house. Despite the shabby outside, the inside was comfortable, roomy. Livable. It would do. But what was the school like? What was the internet like? Were the neighbors nice? Were there any boys who could possibly hold a candle to Davis Marley, her crush?

She wandered from the bathroom and into one of the bedrooms. It was large, She spied the closet and went over to it, opening the door. She gave a gasp of delight. It was a walk in closet with space to spare. Heck, she could put three dressers in there. Alright, so maybe not three. But still. It felt that roomy. She stood in the middle and turned in a circle, arms stretched wide open. She could get used to this, if only her friends were there.

She had found the room she wanted. So she dropped her bag onto the closet floor and left the room to go help unpack. She was stopped by the sight of the view her room had. Anne went over to the window and looked out, mouth slightly open. She had a great view of the mountains. From one end to the other, mountains lined the horizon. The great Rockies. Her eyes finally lowered from the range to her new backyard. There was a barn. It was old, faded red. And it had a pasture. Room for horses.

Anna was liking this more and more. She turned and went to help unload boxes.



3
_________

Shadow had had a fine day. The ride was exhilarating after so long a time of not being ridden. He felt exercised, relaxed, strong and healthy. Such a fine day to be a horse. The male Owner was rubbing him down, and he leaned into the firm strokes, groaning contentedly. After he was rubbed down, the male owner led him to his stall and let him in, fed him and watered him, and said goodnight. He watched the male owner walk away as he munched his hay.

When his belly was full, he turned to his trough and drank deeply. What a wonderful day. And the night proved to be likely to be comfortable as well. He yawned, and went out into his run out paddock. Above, stars glittered in the darkening sky, though he paid little attention, his interest more toward the grass that would be his night time snack. He lowered his head and began nibbling.

A soft woof from outside the fence made him look up. It was Daisy, golden face grey with age and wisdom. ?Good evening, Shadow. How was your day?? The old dog asked, creakily sinking back onto her old haunches and regarding the stallion with liquid brown eyes. Shadow nodded respectfully. ?It was wonderful, Daisy. I enjoyed my ride very much.? He flicked his tail and a persistent mosquito. ?How is training of the pups coming?? Recently, Daisy had begun training her litter of two year old pups, Fable, Millie, Ash, and Creek. They were rambunctious, like most young dogs, eager to fetch and run and swim.

Daisy chuckled dryly. ?Taxing, but they are learning. They have loyalty down. The Owners pup is safe with us.? Her old maw opened in a pant, liquid eyes proud. She was an old dog now. At twelve years, she was nearing her end. She would be sorely missed by dog, horse and human alike. Shadow nodded agreeably. ?How was patrol training?? He asked curiously. Sometimes, he wished he could come along on their patrols, instead of sticking to the trails the Owners wanted to ride on.

?It went well. We chased off a few squirrels, and a stray.? Daisy replied proudly, then cocked her head, listening. ?I must go, Shadow. The Owners are calling. Good night.? ?Goodnight Daisy.? Shadow dipped his head, then went back to grazing as Daisy plodded away. Sometime in the night, he must have dozed, because the next her knew, the sun was rising, and the other horses were shifting in their stalls, huffing and snorting their morning greetings. Shadow shook himself and went into his stall, taking a long drink from the water trough.

There was a rattle, the click of boots on pavement, and the barn door rolled open, revealing the morning stable hand. The stable hand went about gathering up his tools for mucking. Nickers and whinnies of greeting filled the barn as he went through, taking horses out to their paddocks. Shadow added his own voice to the chorus. Soon, it was his turn, and he was led out to his pasture and turned out.

Shadow pranced out from the gate, neck arched, muscles rippling, knees raising high, until he reached the middle, where he slowed and walked in a circle. There it was. He lowered himself to the ground and rolled vigorously, scratching the itches on his back that he couldn?t reach. Itches annihilated, he stretched out on his side for a moment, before heaving himself to his feet and taking off at a gallop, kicking and buckling, burning of his morning energy. He loved mornings like these, were dew lay on the grass, and the sun was warm. He loved hearing the thunder under his hooves as he charged across the pasture.

He reached the fence by the road and slid to a stop and pranced along the fence, knees lifting high, head high, ears pricked. What a glorious morning. Finally, he relaxed and dropped his head to grazing, tail swishing pleasantly. The grass tickled his nostrils and he huffed out a snort, shaking his head lightly, mane tossing and swinging. A few hours passed before a scuff of shoe on pavement made his head raise. It was a young human female, walking out from the drive across the road, where the ?You-Haul? had gone. He studied her.

She had a brown mane, green eyes, and a small nose. Her body?s language said she was shy, happy but sad at the same time. She walked with her eyes on the ground, not looking up. His ears flicked as he watched her walk along, and he followed along on his side of the fence. Ahead, he heard a car motor roaring down the road in their direction. The girl didn?t seem to hear it. The car turned the bend, bearing down on the girl, who still didn?t look out. Shadow, huffed uneasily, waiting for her to get out of the road. He was a horse, for Epona?s sake, and even he knew to get out of the way when a car was coming! When she still didn?t step off the road, he lost patience.

Shadow let out a loud whinny and charged the fence.


4
________

Anna was miles away as she walked down the drive and out onto the road. She liked the house, and the view, but she missed her friends with a passion. What were they doing right now? Probably still waking up, getting ready for school. Discussing the prom. Her nose wrinkled. She?d had a dress picked out and everything, and then her parents had dropped the news on her. ?Hey honey, we?re moving this Sunday. You?ll love it!? She sighed and kicked at the road with the toe of her sneaker.

A loud whinny and thundering hooves broke her out of her reverie and her head snapped up. She heard the motor of the car and looked up, and lunged off the road in time to dodge the car as it swept by. She fell into the bank and sagged against the grass, heart racing in her chest. She had been so close to never thinking again. A snort from across the road made her look up. She found herself looking at the most beautiful horse she?d ever seen, except in pictures on Google.

He was big, looked like a Friesian, and was black as a raven. But his eyes contrasted with his black face and drew her gaze to them. They were blue. A black horse with blue eyes. How did that happen? For a long moment, she and the horse stared at each other. Then she looked away and stood, dusting off her rump and stumbled onto the road. Anna looked both ways, then crossed to the fence, coming up to it and looking up at the horse. He was even bigger up close. She stood at five foot six inches, and he still made her feel small and insignificant.

The big horse was quite friendly, arching his neck and draping his head over the fence to snuffle at her face. He even licked her. She found herself scratching his throat and cheeks, savoring the silky texture of his hide. He was certainly well cared for. He smelled like all horses should. Like hay and grass and wind. ?Hey big guy. You saved my skin there. Thanks. What?s your name, big fellow?? She talked to the horse like she would any friendly animal, stroking the muscular neck under the heavy mane.

He nudged his face against her shoulder, and she scratched it obligingly. And when she started to step away, the horse looked so sad, that she stopped and continued her attention to his face and neck. A buzz in her pocket caught her attention, and she scooped her hand into it and pulled out her phone, giggling softly when she noticed the horse?s acute interest in the cell phone as she flipped it open and read the text message. Anna let out a gusty sigh. ?I gotta go, big guy.? ?Big Guy? looked on with interest as she scrambled down the bank on his side of the road and looked both ways before she crossed the road. She might have been imagining it, but it sounded as though the horse gave a pleased snort behind her back.

She glanced back over her shoulder before she turned the bend in the driveway. The black horse stood pressed against the fence, head draped over the top, watched her go with ears pressed forward as far as they could possibly go. Those big liquid blue eyes seeming to beg her to come back.

When Anna reached the house, she bounded up the front steps and opened the door. ?Okay, Mom, Dad, you weren?t very clear in your text. ?Come home, we have something to show you? isn?t very clear--? She came into the living room, and stuttered to a halt. The tall, lanky young man turned and grinned at her, blue eyes twinkling from behind a curtain of gothy bangs, and teeth flashing in that mischievous grin. ?Hey Sis. Thought I?d help you guys move in, and stake out my room.? Anna mouthed for a moment, then shrieked, and threw herself at him. ?Tommy!? Her brother caught her in a tight hug, then held her back and looked at her. ?My Little half pint sister isn?t so half pint anymore, is she?? That big brother smirk crossed his face, and then he dodged a swipe for his face.

Anna?s cheeks hurt, but she couldn?t stop grinning. Their mom poked her head around the corner, smiling at them both. ?Hey, you two, I could use some help unloading the dishes.? She winked, and disappeared into the kitchen. Tom looked at Anna, then shrugged and started for the kitchen. ?You heard the woman. Let?s unload dishes.? Anna trailed behind him, still grinning so hard it hurt. A few hours later, after the dishes and silverware were put away in their new homes, Anna and Tom were sitting on the back porch, enjoying a root beer float. Anna slid a glance to her brother. ?How?d you sneak in, anyhow? I was on the road, and you weren?t in the house when I left.? Tom grinned, looking smug. ?You didn?t notice the little drive out back?? Anna shook her head. ?Well, it leads to the county road. Mom told me about it when I called to tell her I was driving over to help you out. I figured, hell, why not help my little sis feel more at home? Love your choice in rooms.? Tom winked one big blue eye at her, then slid forward in the patio chair until his flat stomach was almost horizontal with the chair. Anna watched him, green eyes taking in her brother?s figure.

?What?s College like, Tommy?? Was it scary? The underlying question hovered in the air. Tom?s eyes lifted to the beams of the porch roof, lips quirking into a thoughtful pout. Then he sat up straighter and grinned at her. ?It?s a lot like senior high school. Just way more advanced, and you choose what you wanna learn. I wanted to learn about art, so I went to an art college. You?d be amazed at how much better my sketches are. I can paint sunrises!? He stretched his arms wide, gesturing at the horizon with his palms, as though he could hug the falling sun. Anna?s green eyes narrowed at him. ?Show me. Pictures or it hasn?t happened.? Tom?s feet hit the ground as he stood up. ?I thought you?d be dubious, so I brought a painting along. It?s not a sunrise or sunset, but I thought you?d like it. It?s right up your alley.?

He strode across the back yard, long legs tearing up the distance and opened the trunk. He pulled out a large canvas and closed the trunk with his free hand and came back, canvas held so the back was facing Anna. Anna leaned forward, eyes narrowed and waited. Reaching the porch, Tom flipped the canvas and showed her his masterpiece. ?See?? His big grin was on his face again. Anna did. It was a painting of three horses cantering across a wide, grassy field. A black, a bay, and a grey, all Arabians. Tom had gotten really good. ?Wow, Tommy? This is awesome.? She whispered at him. ?It?s for you. I know how much you love horses, and they make a challenging subject to draw. My teacher sent me out to paint the three best stallions on your dream ranch. Of course, he didn?t know that this was the ranch of your dreams, but I was? yeah?? Tom rolled his eyes in mock embarrassment and shuffled his feet.

Anna laughed at him as he set the painting against the pillar beam, then gave him a rib cracking hug. ?I love it, Tommy.? She took in the smell of him and stayed there for a moment. ?Do you have to go back?? He held her back and looked at her, eyes serious. ?Yeah, I have to, Sis. But I?ll be back for your birthday, don?t you worry.? She glared at him. ?You?d better, or I?ll come to your school and clobber you.? He smirked at her. ?Oh will you now?? Anna grinned, unable to hold the glare. ?Yup!?

Their mother called out from the kitchen, and brother and sister went inside, taking the painting with them.

5
________________________


The moon rose above the trees outside the comfortable stall, and Shadow meandered out to look up at it, heavy tail swishing to brush away at a night bug. Giving his head a toss, he wandered back into the roomy stall and lowered his head to drink from the water trough. A soft woof from outside made him turn and make his way back into the outer pen. ?Daisy.? He bobbed his head at the old dog as she sank heavily to old haunches and smiled up at him in that way that dogs had. ?Shadow. How are you tonight? You did well in warning that girl, by the way. I?m proud of you.? Shadow turned his head away, one ear pulling back. ?Well? I couldn?t just stand there, now could I.? A cracked chuckle came from the dog, her brown eyes glittering under the moon?s glow. ?You?re turning into a fine horse.?

Shadow?s head swung back to face the old dog, ears pricked. ?Well, I liked her. She scratches itches very well. I wish she could have stayed longer.? Daisy panted softly, a canine laugh. ?Don?t worry. She?s not gone forever. And the time will come when you find a way to? Well, I won?t spoil that for you.? Shadow tilted his head ears flicking in confusion. What did the old dog mean? He watched Daisy as she heaved herself to her paws and turned. ?Goodnight, Shadow.? He dipped his head in respect, ?Goodnight, Daisy.? The old dog padded away, heading for the house. The stallion watched her go, still puzzled, until he could no longer see her. Blue eyes lifted to look at the moon, now high in the sky, before he wandered back into his stall. Cocking one leg, he drifted off into that place that held images, some he?d seen before, and many that he?d never seen in his life.

The clatter on rumble of the barn door opening woke him with a jolt, his ears jerking back then pricking forward. He arched his neck, stretching heartily before stepping forward to peek over the stall door into the isle. The stable hand was different today. Younger, his human face dotted with fleabite markings. What had Daisy called them? Freckles. The barn was soon filled with whinnies and snorts, and the occasional thud of a hoof on stall walls from the more impatient members of the barn. Shadow added his voice to the clamor, eager to be fed and watered, and turned out in his paddock. Or maybe the Female owner would come out and spend time with him, grooming him until he shone.

The stable hand of today seemed a little shy, like a foal newly introduced to the rest of the herd, and Shadow watched him with interest as he took old Wulfred out. Wulfred was an Ardennais gelding that the Owners used to keep younger horses calm. He was a schooler, and while he was huge and heavily muscled, he was as placid as Daisy. The stable hand seemed daunted by him, however, so Shadow offered a nicker of encouragement. The Ardennais? heavy, wide hooves clopped on the isle concrete as he placidly followed the stable hand out of the barn, liquid brown eyes studying the nervous boy. ?Nervous little mite, isn?t he.? The old gelding?s French accent rippled on the wind, followed by a chuckling nicker. And they passed out from Shadow?s view. Shadow huffed softly and looked up and down the isle, hoping to see the Owners, but they weren?t out yet.

Alger, one of the younger Friesian colts, poked his head out of his stall and gazed down the isle after the stable hand and Wulfred, then blinked slightly and turned his stare to Shadow. ?What happened to the other hand?? Shadow tossed his head slightly. ?I don?t know. But I hope that he returns soon, this fellow is as jumpy as a foal. Scared of old Wulfred. Unimaginable, until now.? Shadow snorted to emphasize his statement. The stable hand returned, taking horses out and turning them free in their pastures, and finally Shadow was the one being led from the barn. The boy started leading him to the wrong pasture. Shadow shook his head, snorted, and tugged toward the proper pasture. The hand made unhappy noises, and Shadow looked at him. Alright, so the fellow was new to this place, so maybe he didn?t know where to take the horses. Shadow could help with that. He tugged toward his pasture again.

The tug lifted the hand off his feet for a moment, and when he?d landed, shaking, Shadow had already made it ten steps toward his pasture. The hand made louder unhappy noises, tugging at Shadows lead. Shadow tugged back. And gained more steps. A human call from across the courtyard made the hand stop mid yank and turn. Shadow watched him curiously. Did his base color below the freckles just turn white instead of rosy? Shadow looked past him and whickered a happy greeting of delight. The male Owner was striding across the yard, colt like long legs more nimble than they looked. Shadow supposed that if Humans could be horses, the male Owner would have had his ears pinned and his eyes rolling, and teeth bared, from the look he was giving the new hand. Stern. Angry noises came from the male Owner, directed at the new hand, who drooped. Shadow lowered his head and nudged at his shoulder. The male owner gestured with his front limbs toward the pastures, where Shadow noticed that several horses were in the wrong pastures, and standing at the gates, looking on with interest at the altercation. The new hand drooped even more.

Shadow have the dispirited hand a nuzzle. He flinched. Well, you couldn?t blame a horse for trying. Shadow huffed and raised his head to look at the male Owner, ears pricked. The male Owner was talking more gently now. His noises were softer, and the new hand seemed to droop less. The male Owner gestured toward Shadow?s pasture gate, a dismissive movement. The hand bobbed his head and led Shadow toward his gate. Shadow snorted, pleased, and pranced slightly before standing quietly while the hand fumbled with he gate latch. Soon, he was turned out, and he took off at a gallop, as soon as he was clear of the gate. He slowed, trotted in a circle, then dropped to the ground and rolled heartily,

Jackknifing to his hooves, he shook himself, mane flowing along his neck, and trotted off toward the roadside fence. Dropping his head, he cropped at the grass, munching happily. Life was good to be a horse.

6
____________________


Anna yawned and rolled onto her stomach, green eyes blinking against the sunlight pouring in through the window. She rose up onto her elbows, rubbing her forehead against her pillow, groaning softly. She?d had the oddest dream. The black horse turning into a man. A very good looking man. She shook her head and yawned, then rolled up to a sitting position, legs dangling off the edge of the bed. They?d set up the beds and other furniture after dinner, and she had forgotten how good her own bed felt. This was the best she?d slept since they?d left their old house. Yawning, she slid off the bed and went to the window, staring out at the pink tipped mountains before sniffing and turning her head to better smell the waves of food smell wafting though the door. Breakfast.

She turned and padded out of her room and down the stairs to the kitchen. Her mother stood at the stove, flipping sausage patties and sliding them off onto a plate. Her father was gone already, off to his new job. Tom sat at the table, shoveling food into his mouth with the usual gusto of a guy, sleepy blue eyes glancing up at Anna and then returning to the single minded mission of eating. Typical Tom. Anna took her plate and sat at the table across from Tom. She ate slowly, enjoying her mother?s good cooking. ?Oh, I forgot to ask yesterday. How was your walk, Ann?? Her mother smiled brightly at her, always he morning person. Anna blinked for a moment, then smiled. ?It was okay? A horse saved my life.? The smile was wiped from her mother?s face, and she felt Tom straighten from his plate, attention captured. ?Oh my God, what happened??

Cathy MacCarthy stared at Anna, green eyes wide with alarm. Since Anna wasn?t a story teller or a fibber, her mother wouldn?t pass off her daughter?s words for a teenage girl?s fantasy. Anna dragged her toe over the wood floor looking down at her plate. ?I wasn?t paying attention to my surroundings, and I didn?t hear the car coming down the road, but the horse across the road did. He neighed, really loud, and startled, me. I jumped out of the way just in time. You should see him, Tommy, he?s huge! All black, and he has blue eyes.? Tom stared at her, blue eyes wide awake, and staring at her. Finally, he licked his lips, swallowed, and then glared at her. ?You were almost hit by a car?!? He didn?t yell; his throat must have been too dry to get volume. But he didn?t need to yell. Anna ducked her head and traced the grain of the table. ?Well, yeah, but I?m okay! The horse saved me.? Green eyes flared and she glared at her brother.

Their mother cleared her throat. ?Tom, let her be. She?s fine, so she doesn?t need to be yelled at. I think she?s learned her lesson.? Tom stared at their mother. ?Yeah, but? Mom! Didn?t you hear her?? Cathy huffed at her son. ?I heard her, young man. Quit acting like a Warlord Prince.? Tom stared at her some more, then turned to look at Anna, angry brother warring with confused son. ?What?s she talking about? What is a Warlord Prince?? Cathy coughed and went back to stirring pancake batter. Anna gave him a bright smile. ?Mom has been reading a book series, and is enamored by the world and magic in it. You know her, always gets deep into a book.? Tom coughed, nodding. ?Yeah?? He sat straighter in his seat, looking down at his food. He didn?t look very hungry anymore. Anna felt guilty for ruining his appetite.

?Tommy, want to go for a walk? Before you have to go?? Anna asked tentatively. Tom seemed to shake himself slightly, then blinked at her. ?What? Oh, yeah, but not if you?re going in your night gown, little sis.? Anna blinked then understood and then she hopped up from her chair and scrambled up the stairs. She swung into her room and pulled open her drawers, pulling out clothes. She tugged on her jeans and socks, then tugged a tee over her head. Shoving her feet into her sneakers, she clattered down the stairs, taking two at a time. Tom met her at the door, and they went out into the morning air.

They walked down the drive in companionable silence for a moment, before Anna glanced up at her brother. ?So? do you like college?? Tom grinned down at her. ?Yeah. It?s pretty fun. I got to paint a naked girl.? Anna wrinkled her nose and shoved at him. ?You are such a boy.? He gave her a grin, laughing. ?No, I?m a man, now. Boys peep in windows, and then go on about how gross kissing a girl must be. Hah!? Anna narrowed her eyes at him. Did he have a girlfriend? Was she pretty? Tom noticed her staring at him, then smirked. ?Nah, I haven?t got a girl, if that?s what that look is about.? She eyed him a last time, then looked ahead at the hearty nicker from across the road. Tom looked up too. ?Wow. That him?? Anna nodded, watching the horse prance along the fence, turn, then prance the other way, tail flicking. ?He looks happy to see you, sis. You must have made an impression.? Anna shrugged.

?Well, I was petting him before mom texted me. He didn?t seem quite ready for me to stop or leave..? The horse gave a rumbling nicker, draping his head over the top board of the fence, ears pricked, blue eyes watching their every move. Powerful muscles rippled under sleek black hide, heavy tail flicked over haunches that showed strength beyond anything a human could achieve with one?s own body. Tom nudged her, and she pulled her eyes away. ?I know horse crazy when I see it, and you, little sis, have got the bug.? Tom grinned at her. ?Looks like I know what I?m painting next.? Anna pushed at him, grinning. The horse made a sound that was almost pleading, and she relented, glancing both ways before crossing the road and climbing the bank to the fence. Tom followed, leaning against the boards while she scratched the horse along the neck. They watched the black lashes sag over the blue eyes, and the lower lip loosen to hang, trembling, as she hit a spot that the horse seemed to like best. She dug her nails in, scratching and rubbing the spot. ?Oh you?ve done it now, sis. You?ve made him fall in love with you and your magic hands. You should become a masseuse.? Anna rolled her eyes at Tom as she moved along the horse?s crest, hand disappearing behind the heavy mane.

At the fairs, the horse barn had always been her first stop, but she?d never touched the horses there, knowing that their was an unspoken boundary between the owners and a girl from the city who came to stare at one of the best creations that could have ever come to existence. The people who owned the horses seemed worlds apart. Touching the horse was like touching a dream she had been missing out on most of her life. ?You should ask if you can ride him.? Anna blinked at Tom. ?What? I? can?t.? Tom eyeballed her balefully. Then tilted his head toward the horse. ?Well, he certainly seems to like you. Look at that face.? Anna turned her head back to the horse, who was staring at her with drowsy blue eyes soft. The lower lip still dangled and twitched, but the ears had gone from drooped and relaxed, to pricked, as though he was listening to them, and trying to understand.

She rubbed the powerful neck, feeling the hot breath blow across her face. Then Tom?s pocket buzzed, and the horse?s head jerked slightly, eyes losing the sleepy look as he looked at Tom. Anna watched him. It was almost like the horse was asking the question of oh, come on, really? You humans and your gadgets. Tom pulled his cell from his pocket and flipped it open, glancing at the text. Then he sighed. ?Well, my time?s up, Sis. I have to go or I?ll miss the plane.? He grabbed her up in a hug, pressed a kiss to her temple. ?Love ya, Annie. I?ll be back for your birthday. You can count on me!? He finished his words in a sing song version of I?ll Be Home For Christmas. His intended reaction came, a giggle that fought off tears. Lanky legs took him across the road in three bounds, calling over his shoulder. ?I?ll call you on skype as soon as I get back to my dorm, okay? And you better ask that horse?s owners if you can ride, you hear me, sis? Make some friends, kiddo! Doesn?t matter if they aren?t human.? He winked, and then was around the bend in the drive.

Anna chewed her lower lip, then jumped as the horse blew hot breath over her shoulder. Soft nose brushed her shoulder, lips tugged at her tee. She stepped back and leaned against the fence, reaching up to tickle at the horse?s throatlatch while she tried not to cry. It was always painful to watch her brother go. The horse lipped at her cheek, tongue lapping at her face. ?Hey?? But she didn?t have the heart to push the horse away. There was something about looking into a horse?s eyes, and have the horse look back at you, something deeper than just a look. It seemed as though the horse was looking into her soul and she had no power to look away. Then that moment was gone, and the horse huffed in her face, and presented his neck for scratching. How could she not oblige?

7
___________

Shadow felt absolutely dreamy. This was almost like when the female Owner was with him, but different. There was a tug somewhere inside him, and a deeper understanding. Something in him knew she was sad, and it had to do with that male who smelled rather like her. Her eyes were wet, and her face tasted like salt. The female Owner had tasted like that sometimes, when she?d been in foal. This human?s scratching found all the right places, and several times, he thought he might have dozed off. Then that abominable buzzing came from the girl?s pocket, and she pulled that thing out and opened it, looked at it, and closed it.

He watched her, hoping it didn?t mean she?d stop the scratching and leave again. Unfortunately, luck wasn?t on his side here. She patted him, made some noises that almost clicked in his head, and scrambled down the bank and across the road, looking both ways, he was pleased to see. But he wasn?t so pleased that she was leaving. And he still had itches that wanted scratching. But soon, she was around the bend, and all he could hear of her was her feet crunching on the gravel. He paced a moment, then huffed and went to graze again. She?d be back. He didn?t know how he knew this, but he knew it, just the same. So he grazed, cropping the sweet grass and chewing. After a while, he wandered to a spot and lowered himself to the ground, rolling lazily before just laying there, enjoying the sunlight on his hide.

Daisy?s woof of greeting made him roll to his belly and look around. ?Hello, Daisy. What brings you here?? He dipped his head, ears pricked and studied the old dog, who wagged her tail and sank to the ground with a grunt and a sigh. ?Just taking a stroll. How goes your day, Shadow. Making friends, I see.? He nodded, rubbing his nose over one foreleg. ?A fine choice.? Shadow looked at the dog, who panted softly. ?You?ll understand in time, young fellow.? Shadow flicked his ears with a soft snort. ?I?m hardly young anymore. I?m sixteen years, and have a lot of children on the ground and in shows.? The old retriever whuffed a soft laugh through her nose. ?You?ll understand in time.? she repeated, then heaved herself to her paws again. ?These old bones?? Liquid brown eyes twinkled at him before she began padding slowly away with an old dog?s dignity. ?Have a good day, Shadow.?

?And you, Daisy.? He nickered after her, then pulled himself to his feet and went back to grazing. He?d never understand her cryptic remarks. Perhaps it was her old age. The skin on his shoulder twitched dismissively, and he took a step forward to a new patch of grass. The grass tickled his nose, and he snorted. Then he heard the male Owner?s voice floating across the pasture, calling his name. Shadow lifted his head, staring off toward the Owner?s voice, then glanced toward the fence. He wanted to stay here and wait for his friend. The male Owner called again. Shadow snorted, tossed his head and cantered toward the Owner with a sigh. Any annoyance that had been in his mind was gone when the Owner held out his limb and held the hand flat. On the Owner?s hand was a carrot chunk. Oh carrot chunks. Shadow lipped it up without hesitation.

Crunching the carrot chunk, Shadow felt the male Owner slip his halter over his nose and buckle the latch. He followed obediently after the Owner, hooves clopping on the courtyard cobbles, to the arena, where his halter was clipped to the long, long lead and he was led into the arena. It was time for the more boring part of being a horse. Long lining. Walking, trotting, cantering, all in a circle, with occasional turns of direction. The male Owner let out the slack in the rope and Shadow obediently began walking out until he felt the tension in the rope, then began the tedious circles. Walk, trot, canter, turn, canter, canter, walk, trot, canter. After a while, he had a fine sheen of sweat over his hide, and he listened closely to the male Owner, watching for any sign of the end to this most tedious part of being a horse owned by humans.

Finally he felt the tug, saw the change in stance, and heard the whoa. He stopped, turned, and came in for a rub on the forehead that said he had done alright in the boring part. The long line was switched out to the regular, and he was led out, toward the wash stalls, where he was cross-tied, and the water was turned on. Shadow enjoyed baths, found the sight of the water swirling into that depression at the center of the isle vastly interesting. And there was always the game the Owners played with him, where they held the hose in front of him and he would try to grab it through the spray. The cool water flowed over his sweaty hide, and the sweat washed away, along with the grass and dirt stains from his rolling in the pasture.

He settled down to enjoy the scrubbing as the soap sponge was rubbed over his hide, scrubbing away sweat and dirt. A soft groan of pleasure came from him as the male Owner found spots that needed attention from itch killing rubs and scratches. It was all over too soon. He was untied and led out, and then to the saddling stall. Oh! They were going for a ride. He perked up and waited impatiently for his tack to be put on. At last, he was ready, and he followed the male Owner out of the saddling stall and out to the courtyard. No one waited for them, and the male Owner swung up into the saddle, turning Shadow out toward the woods. Shadow sighed, then trotted out under the cues of the male Owner.

When they returned, Shadow was unsaddled, and walked out until the male Owner felt he was cool enough, before he was led into the bath stall again and given another washing. They?d run into a muddy patch and the heavy feathering from his Shire lineage had clogged up with mud, and his hooves were packed full of the stuff. The male Owner had him clean in no time. He was led out after a quick toweling of his tail, mane and forelock, and his forelock was braided, along with his mane. He knew what this meant. Tomorrow held travel in the schedule. He yawned widely at the thought. A whole day or more of standing in a swaying trailer. He followed the male Owner to his stall, and went in with a huff. Tired out from the long lining and ride, it didn?t take him long at all to drift off to sleep.


8
_________________


The next morning, that rumble of the truck outside the barn and the creaking of the trailer axels woke him, and he blinked slowly, ears pricking forward, before he stepped up to the stall door and peered out, just as the barn door rattled open and admitted the male Owner and the female Owner. Shadow gave a hearty whicker as the female Owner came to his stall and unlatched it after giving him a morning pat on the neck. His halter was slipped on while he nuzzled her shoulder, ears flicking as he heard excited barking outside. Sounded like Fable and Creek were going with them. Wherever they were going. Sure enough, Fable came bouncing in, tail wind milling. He was a pale yellow, the lightest of his siblings, and the most rambunctious of the whole lot. Sparkling hazel brown eyes stared up at the female Owner as he capered and pranced in circles at her feet, scampering back as she opened the stall door and led Shadow out.

Shadow stood quietly as the shipping boots and blanket were put on him, and then the padded bumper helmet was slipped onto the poll strap of his halter. He wasn?t sure what the thing was for the first time they?d put it on him, until he?d gotten badly startled in a previous trailer that had had a lower roof, and had knocked his head against the ceiling. Then it was very clear what it was for. He looked around and noticed that Major was being led out as well, and that he too had been groomed to a sheen and prepared for travel. Major gave his head a slight toss. Excitement was evident in the blood bay gelding?s twitchy body. ?Good morning, Shadow. Ready to go on a trip?? Shadow snorted softly in amusement. ?That depends on our destination. As long as it isn?t the veterinarian, I?m ready.? Nasty vets with their needles and cold circles of metal. And some times, they pricked him, and he?d gotten very sleepy, and then they?d slipped a long stick of metal into his mouth. Abruptly after that, he?d felt powerful vibrations on his teeth. Daisy had later told him that it was called floating, and that the vet had been grinding his teeth down so he could eat better.

Anything Daisy said, he?d take to be true. The old dog was wise in the ways of the world. He cocked his leg and rested one hoof as he watched the Owners and Hands loading the tack area of the trailer. There was Major?s jumping saddle, and his Dressage saddle. And his driving harness. It looked like they were going all out. Outside, another truck rumbled by, stopped in front of the wagon and cart shed, and hitched up to one of the cargo trailers. He leaned his head over slightly, trying to see what they would be loading. Oh. The Meadowbrook cart. He liked that one. It was light, and easy to pull. And the Victoria. Four wheeled, with a drivers seat, and then a padded backseat. He liked that one a little less. It was heavier, and pulled better if he had a partner in the pulling. He looked around as he felt a tug on his halter. Major was loaded, secured, and Shadow himself was being led to the trailer by the female Owner. He stepped up willingly, turning into his slant and peeked out the barred window. He had a good view from here. Rustlings and thuds told him that the hay was being loaded into the tack compartment, and he listened to the busy noises of the humans in his life. After a while, he drifted off into a nap.

The trailer shook, the truck rumbled. Shadow opened his eyes and peered out. The trailer was pulling out of the courtyard, down the drive. Left turn, and he could see the gravel drive that the young female human came from. Hey! There she was right there. He trumpeted, nose pressed to the bars of the window. And then she was out of sight, gone. He turned his head, trying to see if there was a view out the back of the trailer. No luck. He snorted. Major nickered curiously. ?What has you so worked up? That?s my job.? Shadow glanced at the Thoroughbred. ?I just saw a friend, was all.? Major eyed him, but left it at that. Shadow wasn?t completely sure why, but he wished right the n that he was in the pasture, spending time with the girl.


9
_____________


Anna watched the two trailers drive away, around the bend and out of sight. The horse had been in there. She?d seen his big black nose pressed to the bars of his trailer window, and heard him neigh. Had that been aimed at her, or was he just a noisy traveler? She sighed, and turned in the opposite direction, walking along the side of the road, kicking a pebble of gravel along before her, until it danced off the road and into the grass. She missed Tom so much already. Even though they?d just gotten off a skype call not twenty minutes ago. She bit her lower lip until it threatened to bleed, then released it, looking up. On the other side of the road was an elegant paved drive, with a gate and a sign that said ?Hansen Farms.?. She stared at it. The gate was wrought iron, with the spokes at the top shaped and welded to look like horses, running, trotting, jumping.

There were bedding shavings strewn on the ground on the drive, leading out to the road and back the way she?d come. So that was where the horse?s owners lived. Well, they were gone now. She shrugged and turned back to walk home. The clicking of an expensive bicycle whirred ahead, and she looked up to see a really good looking guy riding it. He had a handsome? No, hot, face, curly blond hair cut short, and green eyes. He looked tall, muscular, and drool worthy. All those details were gathered in the moment he glanced up from the road, before he swept by her. She turned her head and watched him pedal away, around the other bend in the road, and disappear. Well, this was getting to be a better day. He was even hotter than Davis Marley.

She felt a pang in her chest as she stared down the now empty road. Then she shrugged and turned, heading back to the house. She?d just turned onto her driveway when the whirring clicking of the bike approached, just a little more slowly. She stopped and turned, to see the same guy studying her with interest. More attention than Davis Marley had ever given her in all her years in her old school. The guy grinned after a moment, then stopped his bike. ?Hi. You?re new here, aren?t you? I?m Martin Sikes. I live up the road, just off the interstate.? Anna smiled shyly, feeling butterflies dance in her stomach, and an irrational urge to turn tail and hide. This couldn?t be happening to her? Maybe she was still in bed. She stared at him a full minute, before she realized that he was beginning to lose the smile. ?I? Oh! I?m so sorry. My name is Anna MacCarthy. It?s really nice to meet you, Martin.? Martin. His name was cute.

Martin swiveled the front tire of his bike, as if he were thinking about something. ?So, you gonna be going to the school here?? Anna nodded. ?Yeah. I?m kinda nervous, but I?ll make it.? He peddled in a small circle, popping the front tire of the bike off the ground, and she watched, before her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and opened it. A text from her mother. ?I have to go. It was nice meeting you.? She turned to go, but he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. ?Why do you have to go?? She frowned at him. ?My mom needs help unloading things.? He put on a smile, teeth bright white. ?She can wait?? Anna shook her head. ?No. I was headed home anyways, and I wanted to talk to her anyway. It was nice meeting you.? She put a little more firmness into her voice. This time, he let her go. She waved and ran down the driveway.

Her mother was opening boxes of clothes when she came into the living room. ?Oh, there you are, honey. Here, these are yours. Could you take them up to your room, please?? Anna nodded and took the box, heading toward the stairs. But she stopped and looked over her shoulder. ?Mom, I was wondering?? Cathy was rummaging around the boxes, pulling the tabs open and peeking inside. ?Hmm?? Anna shifted the box in her arms, trying to think of a way to ask her question. Finally, she picked one. ?I was wondering? Could we go to the neighbors? house? The driveway across the road to the right. Hansen Farm? They own the black horse, I think.? Cathy looked up, studying her daughter?s earnest green eyes. ?I don?t see why not. When we have everything unpacked, we?ll go over.? She smiled, then looked down at the box she was opening. ?Oh! There?s my books.? Anna looked at her mother, smiling a little. ?Why didn?t you just mark the boxes?? Cathy frowned. ?I didn?t think of that. Oh well. Too late now.?

Anna laughed and carried her box of clothes up the stairs to her room. She unpacked her things, setting them in their drawers. Martin was dreamy, but a little rude. Oh well. Anyway, he was the first really hot guy that had ever given her a look. And he seemed to want to spend more time with her. She smiled a little. Her clothes put away, Anna flopped onto her bed for a moment, before rolling off and heading back down. No sooner had she turned the corner than her mother was thrusting a box into her arms She peeked in. The soft green sheets and pillow cases smelled like her old room. She nodded and turned, heading back upstairs. She?d spent the last two nights sleeping in a sleeping bag on the bare mattress. It would be nice to feel her own sheets around her legs. Reaching her room, she dropped the box next to her bed and pulled out her fitted sheet, pulling the sleeping bag off the mattress and tossing the sheet over the bed.

Fitting the sheet to the corners, she turned back and pulled out the brown sheet and tossed it out to cover the mattress. She spent a minute getting it just right, before she tucked the bottom corners under. Then she turned back to the box, and pulled out her blankets. One was a quilt, thin, perfect for Summer, and patterned with patches that each had a different horse embroidered on it in amazing detail. It was a gift from her Aunt Enid, who had died three years ago. Every time she pulled it over her lap and shoulder, she remembered her aunt?s wrinkled face and gentle voice. The woman had once bred welsh ponies, but had gotten out of the business when she?d broken her hips in a fall. That had happened before Anna?s birth. Tom had said that Enid had missed her ponies, but couldn?t bare to have them and not be able to spend time with them anymore.

Anna folded the quilt long ways and set it at the top of the bed, then pulled out her comforter. It was a plain cloud blue, with soft, silky fabric that was cool, even in Summer, but warm in winter. She tossed it over, tucked it in, then flipped the brown sheet over the top edge. Taking her quilt, she opened it, until it covered half the bed from the bottom up. She stepped back to admire her bed, before she pulled out the pillowed that were vacuum sealed flat. She unzipped the plastic storage bag and giggled faintly as the pillow went from three inches thick to puffed out to the thickness of her waist. She tugged it out and dropped it on the bed, then went about the whole routine again with the next seven pillows. She loved pillows. Pulling out the stack of pillowcases, she dressed the eight pillows and arranged them at the head of the bed.

Looking at her made bed, she almost wanted to climb in and take a nap, back no, there was still unpacking to do. She went back down, carrying the empty boxes with her. They?d be folded back into storage flats and maybe put in the barn. She stepped back into the living room to find her mother sitting on the floor, surrounded by boxes, opened and unopened, looking through the family album. Each month, the album would be set in a decorative spot in the living room on a different page. At the end of every month, the page would be turned. ?Anything else for me?? Cathy looked up, smiled, and nodded to four more boxes. ?Those, and I think there are still a few hidden under those.? She waved her hand at a stack in the corner. Anna blew out a sigh, then grabbed one of the boxes assigned to her, peering in. Her Breyer horse models. Excellent.

Climbing the stairs, she came back to her room, and set the box of models in her closet, then went back down to get the next box. More clothes. And then the next box. Her school things. She?d need them in a month. Two hours later, she and her mother had cleared most of the boxes. Anna climbed the stairs, feeling the ache from the constant up and down journeys. She looked out at the sky and groaned. Still daytime. Then she looked at her bed. One nap wouldn?t hurt. Not one bit. She flopped onto the bed, kicked off her shoes, shimmied out of her jeans and pulled her socks of, then crawled u