Sundancer. Shelley Peterson

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ laundry in the corner, and nearby, the old mother cat groomed herself, happy to have a babysitter. Three of her litter had survived; all fluffy and soft, multicoloured and purring loudly.

      More cuddles, please. The calico rolled on her back and looked at Bird expectantly. More.

      Scratch my back, girl. The tabby nudged her hand, trying to capture her attention.

      I’ll catch you! You’re a mouse! The white-and-ginger pounced on Bird’s wrist with her tiny sharp claws.

      Calm down kitties, or your mother will fire me.

      The week before, one kitten had died. He’d been tiny and his back legs had defects that didn’t allow him to walk. It had been very sad.

      After the incident that morning with Sundancer, Bird had busied herself with cleaning tack, picking small rocks out of the pastures, grooming horses, and pulling manes. Now, it was nearly seven o’clock and still muggy and hot. Idly, Bird stared out the window at the driveway.

      Hannah would be back from the show any minute with lots of stories to tell. Bird smiled and snorted. She wondered if Dr. Paul had dropped by to see Hannah after all. If he had, he’d wish he hadn’t. Horse shows were always stressful and Hannah usually had more than she could cope with as it was. She did too much of the work herself, making it easy for her students to take advantage.

      Bird had been to enough shows with Hannah to imagine how the day had gone. They’d be coming home with ribbons, no doubt, as Hannah was a good coach and the horses were well trained. But by now, Kimberly was probably threatening to sell Pastor for some silly reason. It happened every time. Chances were that Jo had thrown up at least twice, and Hannah would be lucky if Peter showed any interest at all in looking after Zachary, his long-suffering mount. Sweet Melanie was the least likely to cause trouble, but she was easily distracted and needed Hannah’s constant guidance.

      Bird sighed. Perhaps she should’ve gone to the horse show with Hannah after all. She could’ve given Hannah a hand and avoided the whole episode with Sundancer.

      Suddenly, Hector started thumping his tail and whining happily. Singing, really.

      She’s home! She’s home! She’s home at last!

      Good ears, Hector.

      Bird looked through the window and watched Hannah steer the big rig through the stone gates with care. Bird noticed a red-haired passenger beside Hannah. It was Kimberly. Odd. The students usually went home with their parents after the show.

      She patted each kitten one more time and jumped down to help. By the time the rig pulled up to the barn, Bird was there to open the side doors and pat noses while Hannah dropped the loading ramp to the ground.

      Kimberly got out of the truck to help. She raised her hand in a little half-wave. Bird waved back. She liked Kimberly. She could be mean and selfish, but Bird sensed a kind heart.

      “Kimberly’s staying for dinner,” said Hannah as she backed Pastor down the ramp. “Lavinia ... her mom ... is tied up with something and can’t get away. She’ll pick her up later.”

      Bird looked at Hannah as she spoke and then at Kimberly. Kimberly was staring hard at the ground, kicking up dust with her riding boot. She’s embarrassed, thought Bird. She feels like she’s in the way. And Hannah is angry, but not with Kimberly. Lavinia strikes again.

      Together, they unloaded all the equipment and the four tired, sweaty horses. They hosed them off with cool water and tucked them into freshly bedded stalls with buckets of water, hay, and their evening grain.

      Bird made her way to each stall, dropping apples into the horses’ feed as a special treat. At Pastor’s stall she stopped for a moment to rub his ears. Kimberly had ignored him ever since they’d arrived.

      What happened today, Pastor? Why’s Kimberly mad this time?

      I dumped her on her head at the show.

      Why?

      She wasn’t paying attention. She was showing off, kicking me in my sides and yanking at my face. I showed her.

      That was mean.

      She wasn’t hurt. She’ll pay attention next time.

      I hope you know what you’re doing, Pastor.

      Are you kidding? I trained four kids before Kimberly.

      Bird chuckled and patted his honest, reliable face.

      “Thanks, Bird. You’re a great help,” said Hannah, wiping her dusty hands on her pants. “You too, Kimberly. It’s rather pleasant looking after them, isn’t it?”

      “Yes. I guess. I don’t do it too often.” “It’s never too late to start. Hungry?” “I’m starving.”

      “Good. Let’s go make some dinner.” Hannah tousled the girl’s red curls with affection.

      “Come on, Bird, let’s go clean up.” Bird nodded. She was hungry, too.

      Exhausted, Bird and Hannah and Kimberly walked from the barn to the house. The shadows were getting longer and the leaves in the maples were fluttering slightly. Bird hoped that the heat wave might be lifting.

      As they were passing the front field, Bird’s eyes fell on Sundancer as he peacefully grazed. The elegant chestnut gelding seemed to glow in the light of the evening sun. Nobody would guess, she thought, what a maniac he’d been earlier that day.

      Kimberly’s back stiffened with attention. “Who’s that? I’ve never seen him before.”

      “Dr. Daniels sent him over yesterday. A gift horse. He warned me four times that this horse is unrideable.”

      “So he’s vicious?”

      “Vicious sounds horrible. Let’s just say he’s unpredictable.”

      “You mean he has a mean streak?”

      “Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll see.”

      “What’s with that, anyway? Why do some horses have a mean streak?”

      “Usually it’s the way they’ve been handled. Rarely it’s the way they were born, but it does happen.”

      Kimberly nodded, unable to take her eyes off him. “He’s gorgeous. What’s his name?”

      “I didn’t ask. There’s been so much trouble in his past, I’ve decided to rename him and start again.”

      “If I owned him, I’d name him Phoenix, after the fire bird that rises out of his own ashes. He’s the colour of flames.”

      His name is Sundancer, thought Bird.

      Hannah looked at Kimberly and smiled. “Well, Kimberly. What a good idea. You have poetry in your heart. You keep it hidden, don’t you?”

      Kimberly sniffed and yawned. “Whatever.”

      “Too late, Kimberly,” СКАЧАТЬ