Heywood Equestrian Stables

In The Barn

"This here is our head trainer, Sidney Parker," Mr. Denham explained. "His brother, Tom Parker is the other trainer. Where might he be?"

Mr. Denham absentmindedly searched the fields for Tom. My eyes were focused on Sidney who was riding one of the horses with such ease around the arena. He sat tall in the saddle with perfect posture. His shirt was off, leaving him in only tight jeans and work boots just like he had done for years. On this hot, summer day, his tanned skin glistened with sweat. He was delightful to look at, but I still hated him.

"No matter. I'm sure we will find him later. Shall we continue?"

I looked away from Sidney Parker just as he glanced in my direction and followed Mr. Denham into the stalls. A tightness hit my stomach with the thought of Sidney Parker still being here. I hadn't seen or spoken to him since I was eighteen. I'd known him most of my life, though. I practically grew up with him and his brother Tom. Of course, Mr. Denham wouldn't know that.

"You mentioned Sidney Parker is the head trainer. What happened to Mr. Lambe?" I asked. Mr. Lambe had been the head trainer for years. He was here long before I was born and treated me like a daughter.

"Oh! Do you know the Parker brothers?" Mr. Denham asked.

"I do. Now can you tell me what happened to Mr. Lambe?" I asked again, more direct and hotly.

Mr. Denham hesitated for a moment and dropped his head. "He died two years ago. It was a sudden heart attack. Happened right here at the stables. Poor Sidney was the one who found him. Messed the kid up terribly."

My heart ached. I always liked Mr. Lambe. He was a gentle fellow with a big heart for everyone, but even bigger heart for the horses. "What about his daughter? Where did she end up?"

"Forgive me. I don't know much about any of the personal lives of the people who work here. I wasn't aware he even had a daughter," he explained.

"Can you tell me what your job title is exactly?" I asked, feeling just a little irritated with the man. Not knowing the lives of the people who work here was not how my father ran things. How could he not know? Everyone who worked here, along with their families, were always considered family.

"I'm the accountant. I take care of all the finances and write up the contracts."

I walked around the familiar stables and peaked in on some of the horses. I hadn't been back here in four years. It seemed different but still so familiar. "When's the family picnic scheduled for?"

"Family picnic?" he questioned. "I'm not familiar with a family picnic."

I turned around to face him. "My father planned a family picnic at the end of summer every year. Has it not happened?"

"Not since I've been here. But I've only been here for two years. I normally work in the office also. I'm not an outdoorsy type of person," he explained.

I sighed and continued looking around. I was surprised to spot my horse, Lucy Girl in her stable. I motioned for her to come closer so I could pet her. She nuzzled me as I stroked her muzzle and forehead. I smiled at the memories I had with this horse. She wasn't the fastest or biggest horse and she definitely didn't breed for these reasons, but she was gentle and always made me feel better when I was upset. She was my best friend growing up.

Tom Parker stepped into the stables and noticed me. He still looked exactly the same. Maybe a little older. He definitely had thinner hair than the last time I saw him, and around his eyes he had a few more wrinkles.

"Charlotte!" he shouted, before running towards me and wrapping me in a great big hug. He even lifted me off the ground a little causing me to giggle. I always liked Tom. He was like a big brother to me and taught me so much about horses and how to train them. I wondered why he wasn't the head trainer instead of Sidney. Seemed only fair, given Tom was the older brother. He placed me down on the ground and held me at arm's length to get a better look.