Found In June

Chapter 1: Lily Pad

Wednesday, 21st May, 1967

The sun was shining brighter than ever in my life, and pure white clouds sat in the sky. A breeze ruffled my hair and blew the end of my dress up slightly. Though I wore a knee length dress so nothing was revealed. When I had woken up, my heart told me to explore today. So I took a basket and ventured through the woods towards the sparkling creek. Listening to the harmonious melody of the running water, I felt my lips form a blissful smile. The trees swayed around me and the nearby noise of a woodpecker echoed amongst the forest. I found a open field where the creek ran through it. I trotted over happily and crouched by the clear as day water, it shimmered with greatness. I rolled up my sleeves and stuck my hands in, getting comfy on the gravel. The chilly water brought a calming feeling to me, and I embraced it, since it's such an amazing feeling.

Nevertheless, the tranquil moment was disturbed. By children's laughter again, I turned to face it and saw a few of the same kids from yesterday. The birthday girl, 2 boys and another girl. They hadn't seen me yet, so I waited for them too. They were carrying buckets and nets while chanting 'Frog hunt!' Over and over, the dashed around the shallow area, looking for frogs. I didn't want to say anything, but it was amusing to watch them chase the frogs away without knowing. I has perfectly hidden but the tall, brown grass until the blonde child (The birthday girl) ran to me while chasing a frog. It escaped and leaped out of their reach onto a lily pad. They all awed in defeat and the boys started to sulk.

"Come on! We can't give up" The blonde girl said, she tried to step out but the farthest she could get was to her knees before stopping. She wasn't even close either. So I stood up, effectively frightening the kids in the process. I glanced between them and the frog. "I could catch it for you, I'll just need a net." I offered, the birthday girl gave me a net and I thanked her. I took off my shoes and socks before wadding into the water leisurely. I put the net under the water and moved it as slow as I could go without wasting time. It got under the frog and it's lily pad and I smoothly caught both and brought it back. I grasped the frog and held it gently, as to not hurt it. They got a bucket and held it out, I took it to their surprise and dampened it before placing smooth rocks inside and then placing the frog inside. It had some water with rocks so it wouldn't dry out, and also wouldn't drown.

The best of both worlds.

"Thank you miss!" They cheered, grinning like Cheshire cats. "No worries" I shrugged, and the birthday girl stepped forward, "I'm Marilyn, that's Noah, James, Samuel and Katelyn" She pointed to each child as she called their name. "Those are lovely, I'm Addison." Jess' eyes lit up when I said it and she then went on to tell me of how angelic my name was. I laughed it off as I usually do when complimented. Out of the blue, I heard Marilyn's mother calling for her.
"You five should go, don't want your mother to get upset, do you?"
I queried, and they shook their heads before taking off. Chanting and giggling all the way.

I retreated back to my spot and sat down, drying my feet before I slipped my socks and shoes on again. The sun made it much quicker. I take my basket and push myself up off the gravel, I wander around and I find something worth taking. A large blackberry bush hides behind a large fallen tree, the hundreds of prime berries grow off it. I can already feel my mouth watering at the thought of some blackberry scones with cream and butter. So I pluck all the berries in good condition that I could reach, a few popped in my hand and splatter onto my fingertips. I lick the juice away and grin at the tangy taste.

As I realized of how much I had collected, I felt satisfied and chose to head back to start baking.

When I closed the door behind me and took the basket into the kitchen, there was a knock on the door. I hesitated when turning the knob. I peeked out and saw a stranger who's smile beamed and was very cheery. "Hello! I heard you were the new neighbour, I wanted to come say Hi and see if you were busy" The older woman exclaimed, she tipped her hat and I raised an eyebrow. "Oh! Apologies, the name's Candice, and I own the ranch down in the fields over the east side of your property." It was abnormal of how fast she was to make clear of who she was. I nodded without hurry, still unsure of how to act.
"Oh, uh..My name is Addison...do you need anything, Ma'am?"
"I was wondering if I could show you around the stables?"
"I suppose we could, I'm not doing anything at the moment.."
"Great! Let's go then"
"Oh, okay then"

And like that, I was walking with a lady that is constantly on a sugar rush. We chatted the whole way, it was one sided but that's okay. Soon, the stables come into sight and the noise of horses catches my attention. The stone path has stray hay spread across it messily. Candice swung open the doors abruptly, and inside I was met with equines of all kinds in their horse boxes. There were Friesians, Shetland ponies, American paints, appaloosa and even a old Clydesdale. And many more, some that I could identify and the rest not.

"So, do you have any experience with horse riding?"

The question made me snap my head over, I nearly said the wrong thing before I stopped myself and shook my head while looking down at the floor.

Just then, there was a loud crash and a high pitched neigh with galloping hooves to accompany the chaos. Out from the horse box in the farthest corner, a horse breaks free and kicks a stable boy over. Two other stable boys and Candice race over to try and contain the out of control horse. They surround it and the stable boys hold a lasso each, swinging it round and hooping its neck without a care in the world. I jump forward and shove the three of them away, they fall and loose their grip on the ropes. Good...

So there I stand, face to face with this horse. It stands tall and proud, filled with anger and frustration. The blue roan flared its nostrils and pinned back its ears. I could almost see the anger boiling in its eyes. I hold my hands out, showing I mean no harm. This seemed to relieve some of the roan's anger.

"What are you doing?" Candice whisper yelled to me. I blinked at her and put my finger to my mouth, signaling for her to stay quiet. I brought my eyes back to the roan, their ears are no longer pinned back and instead are facing me calmly. I held my hand out, the roan moved forward and sniffed it.

As I stepped back, the roan followed. I took this as an advantage and walked backwards till I got to the empty paddock and led it in. I moved around it and closed the gate and locked it. Candice walked over cautiously and tossed me a red apple, it shimmered under the light. I used my nails to crack it open grom the top and broke it into two halves, one significantly smaller than the other. I finally realized how the roan's ribs were showing and how saliva collected on it's dry lips. I held the larger part out, instantly the roan took interest and nibbled it before taking it completely and devouring it.

I gave the other part with concern and disbelief. Candice came over to my side. "I can't believe you did that."
"When did you bring in this roan?"
"About 2 weeks ago, why do you ask?"

Shock, disbelief and crimson anger rose in me as fast as lightning strikes.

"2 weeks ago?" I snapped, "That horse is being starved, can't you see it's ribs?"

Candice flinched. "I-i was just doing what I thought what needed, you know? If that horse won't break then punishment is needed." She stuttered.

I clenched my jaw and left moon marks in my palms. No horse deserves this...

"If noone here can take care of it, I will."

She thought it over for a dreadfully long  moment. When I thought she wouldn't say anything, surprisingly she nodded. "Sure, I don't see why not. This one is a pain in the ass for all of us, you are the only person who has made real progress with that roan."
"Really? Thank you.."
"Alright, here's the deal. You come in, every day and you train that bloody menace. I'll give ya everything you'll need and you do it, yourself."
"Okay. Deal"
And we shook on it.

Settling the deal, keeping the promise.
And i never break promises...

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Chapter 1 is finally finished!! Yay :)