Colt
Riding made me feel free. I used it to think of my mother and the times that we would ride together- fond memories- but also to be able to be with my thoughts. I loved the ranch life. I don’t think I could see myself doing anything other than this. This has always been the dream.
As I rode across the open field, I could hear hooves creating a rhythmic pattern against the earth, thudding each time they landed against the grass and dirt. The wind whipped through my hair, nearly taking my hat with it a time or two when I gained a high speed. I could faintly smell the flowers - another reminder of my mother. Each gallop gave me a sense of freedom, the endless land giving me a canvas of opportunity.
The sun was no longer warming my back as it was settling. I knew it was getting late, and my dad would have supper ready soon, so I had to get back to the house. As I rode back, I kept thinking about something my mother said to me. “I want you to be happy.” I was happy here, but I knew that wasn’twhat she meant when she said those words.
I put Shadow in his stall when I got back and rubbed his head one last time before I headed to the house. Dinner with my dad and Daisy wasn’t something I was looking forward to.
My dad was sitting at the head of the table, with Daisy to his left. I knew my dad hated it when I wasn’t on time, and I tried to never be late, but riding Shadow today just got away from me. I also knew that although he wanted me to always be on time, he wouldn’t wait for me. I glanced at their plates, noticing there was no food on them yet, so I knew they had just sat down. At least I wasn’t that late. By the time I washed up and came back to the table, they had already made themselves a plate and were starting to eat. I sat and started making myself a plate.
“I guess riding was good today?” I glanced up at my dad.
“Yes. It was good. Sorry I was late.”
“Oh, you can come eat when you want. Food was hot, and we weren’t going to wait until you got here and eat it cold.” My dad wasn’t always like this. He was a lot nicer when my mother was alive…a lot more lenient, too.
“Walt, these pork chops are very good. What did you season them with?” Daisy winked at me. She kind of saved me there.
“A chef doesn’t reveal his secret.”
“Well, give my compliments to the chef.” We ate the rest of the meal in silence and once finished, my dad cleaned up the dishes then headed to bed. We always got up early and he didn’t usually fool with staying up late. I sat on the couch and turned on the TV. Apparently, it was a John Wayne marathon. I wasn’t going to complain.
“Do we have to watch this?” Daisy sat down at the other end of the couch.
“Well, you are in our home. I guess you don’t have towatch it. You could always be like my dad and go to bed. I’m sure he has lots of work for you to do tomorrow.” She rolled her eyes.
“What’s with you?” I took a minute, thinking of what to say.
“What is with me?”
“Um, yes. Did I stutter? Do you have a problem?”
“Do I have a problem?”
“Why are you repeating everything I say?”
“Well, do forgive me. I am trying to understand your questions.” I paused for a moment as Daisy twisted herself on the couch, moving one leg up on the couch and under her body while the other hung off the couch. She had some nerve being in our house and talking to me this way. I wouldn't stand for it.
“Well?”
“Well, there isn’t anything wrong with me. Not that I can think of anyway. With you, though, I’m sure there’s plenty.” She huffed, surprised at my words. It didn't feel so good on the receiving end of the snarky comments.
“Excuse me? You can’t talk to me like that.” It was our family ranch, and she was being so ill-bred. It was only fair she got a taste of her own medicine.
“Go on to bed if you don’t want to hear it then, but you started it." She stood there, not saying a word, so I continued. "So, let’s see…John, your dad, asked my dad for a favor, which was to keep you here to make you work on the ranch. I keep thinking about why he didn’t just take you home to your family’s ranch instead of this place, and all I can figure is that he knew you wouldn’t listen, and he knew my dad would be tougher on you. That’s probably something you need. What else? Oh yeah, that attitude of yours. That’s a problem, for sure. What else am I missing? Oh, I can’t forget how you seem to complain about work all the time. I mean, you moved off from here to do what? You don’t seem like one who even wants to work, so I’m not sure. Am I missing anything?” Daisy sniffed, and I looked over at her, tears forming in her eyes. Crap. Was that too much? I didn’t mean to just go off like that on her. I was just so sick of her stank attitude and I didn't want to live all summer putting up with it. She got up and stood in front of me.
“I guess you covered everything.” She started toward the hall, but not before I grabbed her arm.
“Daisy, wait?”
“Wait? What for?” She wiped under her left eye in a quick motion, using her hand.
“I’m sorry.”
“Sure, you are.” She rolled her eyes, trying to pull away, but I wouldn’t budge.
“No, I mean it. I shouldn’t have said those things. I’ve just had a lot on my mind recently, and I know that’s not an excuse. You just…I don’t understand you. I know my dad is stubborn and tough. I saw that earlier when you were wrestling with that gate. But…I helped you with it…”
