The Saddle Creek Series 5-Book Bundle. Shelley Peterson

a lot to ask of herself, and of Dancer.

      Abby nodded to herself as she steered her bike up her lane. That was what she’d do. There was always the possibility that Dancer wouldn’t heal quickly enough, and the decision would be out of her hands.

      Cody greeted her enthusiastically, wiggling all over. Together they checked on Moonie and Leggy, who were lazing in the shed. Abby freshened their water trough and gave them a quick brushing and foot picking.

      Satisfied with the sheen of their coats, Abby rubbed both horses’ ears and patted them, then headed into the house. She found a message on the kitchen table.

      Abby,

      Your mom and dad called. Please call when you get in. Their number is 714-555-9137, extension 12. No emergency, just phoned to say hello.

      Love, Joy

      Abby immediately picked up the phone and dialled. Fiona answered on the second ring.

      “Hello?”

      “Mom! It’s Abby!”

      “You’re the only one who calls me ‘Mom,’ Abby! Of course it’s you.”

      “How’s the spa, Mom? Are you doing okay? Is Dad there? Is he all right? What do you do all day?”

      “Abby! One question at a time! The spa is really beneficial. The courses are terrific. They’re trying to help me understand the root of my problem, then teach me how to overcome it. I’m getting lots of fresh air and exercise, and facials and massages, too. It’s lovely. We’re up at six every morning for yoga in the garden.”

      “Sounds good, Mom.”

      “It is good, Abby. Dad is here and he’s doing fine. He wants to talk to you. It’s so good to hear your voice. Are you okay? I miss you so much. Tell me what’s happening at home.”

      “I miss you, too, Mom, and lots is happening! I’ll fill you in. I’m going out with Sam Morris again, I’m training Dancer to compete at a horse show, and Mrs. Featherstone is the absolute best. She’s dating Mr. Wick! Hilary is going to marry Sandy this summer, and they’re doing Pinocchio at The Stonewick Playhouse.”

      “Lots of news! It sounds like things are exciting in Caledon. Your father’ll want to hear all about everything, especially the horse show. How’s Cody? Is he all healed up?”

      “He’s perfect. One hundred percent.”

      “I’m so glad to hear it. Is he getting along with Joy and Diva?”

      “They all ignore each other, so it works out great.” Abby’s tone became serious. “Mom, do you think you can beat this?”

      “I’m trying, Abby. The spa has been successful with a lot of people. I want to be one of them.”

      “I’m rooting for you, Mom.”

      “I know, honey. I know.”

      The next voice was Liam’s. “Abby, my love! I miss you!”

      “I miss you too, Dad!”

      “Your mother got choked up, so I took the phone. What’s this about a horse show?”

      “It’s the Grand Invitational, Dad. On June 26. Dancer was invited to compete, and Hilary will be busy, so I’m riding him. Will you be home by then?”

      “June 26? It’s on my calendar. That’s a Sunday, isn’t it? Wouldn’t miss it.”

      “I don’t want you to come home early if Mom’s not ready.”

      Liam spoke earnestly. “If Mom isn’t ready, honey, she’ll have to stay here until she is. But I’ll be there to watch you compete. Count on it. Nothing can stop me!”

      “Dad, you’re great. I’m so happy you’re coming.”

      “I’ve got to be back by then anyway. I can’t be away from work any longer. If all goes well, we should both be back home.”

      “I hope so, Dad, I miss you both.”

      “Is everything fine, Abby?”

      “Oh, it’s great!” Abby grew serious. “Dad, do you see a change in Mom? Is the spa making a difference?”

      “It’s hard to say, Abby, my girl. But your mother’s working hard at it.”

      “Are you working, too? At your law firm, I mean?”

      “It amazes me how productive I am with fax, email, and telephone. I almost think it’s better that people don’t meet me face to face, but my partners want me back regardless.”

      Abby laughed. “Bye, Dad, see you soon.”

      12

      THE DRESSING ROOM

      IT WAS THE MORNING of the first dress rehearsal. Abby felt like a non-person. All her friends were involved in the play. Some were crew, some were wardrobe, some were actors. Everyone was involved but her. Caledon High reverberated with chatter about Pinocchio.

      Abby’s English teacher was away visiting her ill father. A perky, toothy young woman named Zelda Iman was taking her place for the next-to-last week of school. Abby had nothing against her, but there was something about Miss Iman’s exuberance that was forced. It was almost scary. She talked loudly, as if the class had trouble hearing. She emphasized words oddly, hoping to engage their interest. She gestured broadly, trying to help them understand. Abby had wondered all week if Miss Iman might burst into tears from overexertion.

      Miss Iman had always wanted to be an actress, she’d told them. Abby could believe that. The Stonewick Playhouse’s production of Pinocchio enthralled her, and occupied a great deal of discussion time in class. Today, everyone in the class was to write a one-page essay describing what he or she was doing in or for the play.

      “Don’t be shy, class,” Miss Iman enunciated, broadly sweeping her hand down her face to illustrate shyness. “Reach into your heart and dig into your personal reasons for being part of a theatrical experience. I’m there with you, I really am. Let it flow.”

      Abby stifled a laugh as the teacher reached and dug and flowed with each word. Miss Iman’s gestures were hilarious, she thought.

      Her empty page, though, was another matter.

      Abby wrote, “I am not doing anything in or for the play.”

      Abby was tempted to hand it in like that. She picked up her pen again.

      “I do other things, however, like ride horses.”

      That should do it, she thought. Abby crossed her legs and swung a foot while drumming her fingers on her cheek. She began to daydream.

      Good thing the school year was almost over. Exams were finished, but the school had made classes mandatory until the very last day. Teachers were busy marking, so the students were given make-work projects, which were greatly resented. They attended, however, because marks would be taken off if they skipped. Next Monday the marked exams would be given back. Wednesday, school was out.

      Abby’s parents were coming home soon, and Joy Featherstone would move out when they were back. Abby and her parents wanted her to stay, but she insisted on moving in with Christine and Rory. It seemed a shame, though, because all her things were arranged in the guest room, and she was up to her ears in rehearsals and production. Abby had come to treasure Joy’s warmth and perspective. She would miss her a lot.

      Moonie had continued to be moody and lethargic. If Leggy bothered her, she risked a sharp kick from her mother, which surprised the young mare, because until now Moonie had always had an extremely sweet disposition. Abby knew the reason why. Two weeks ago, Alan Masters had confirmed that Moonie was in