Fields of Yellow

Chapter 6

Judy rang me early in the morning.

"Hey Eliza, what are you doing this arvo? I need to find a dress for tomorrow."

"Uh nothing," I said quickly. "I need to find one too."

If it wasn't for all the other girls I would have happily worn shorts.

"Can we catch the bus to Wagga Wagga after school then?"

"Yes, of course."

"I'll see you at school then." She said in farewell.

I hung up the phone allowing myself to slide out of bed. How the hell was I going to find a dress? I hated dresses.

"Lizzie, can you feed the horses?" Mum reminded me.

I death, stared my door. It was hard enough getting ready for school.

✽

It was surprisingly warm outside. I looked out towards the canola fields, but my gaze got distracted by a horse in the distance. It was Penelope.

"Penny," I yelled, tapping the bucket against the fence.

She was lying down probably having a morning snooze. I decided it would be better to take the feed to her. Making my way down the paddock, I eventually reached her. Her head rested on the grass.

"Why, you look exhausted. Food." I insisted, tapping it again.

She didn't move.

"Penny, get up. Why are you so lazy?" I muttered.

I tapped the bucked again and this time her eyes fluttered open. She looked at me before breathing heavily.

"Penny?" I said, now fearful.

Something was terribly wrong. She moved her head before moaning into the grass.

"Shit." I snapped fumbling for my phone.

I rang Mum first but she didn't respond. Deciding that my parents were too unreliable, I dialled Luke.

"Hey Lizzie, did you just miss the bus?" He asked. "I'm happy to give you a lift."

"Penelope," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"What?" He insisted.

He sounded concerned.

"She's on the ground moaning."

"Get her up," He said urgently. "You can't let her lie down."

"How the hell am I meant to get her up, Luke?"

"I don't know, Lizzie but a horse with colic can't stay on the ground. You don't want her rolling and twisting her bowels."

"So that's what it is?" I whimpered, running a hand over her neck.

"Most likely. I'm coming over now."

✽

He came running out the back in his uniform, my parents at his side.

"We called the vet," Mum said, her breath uneven.

In the time that they had come, I had managed to get Penelope standing upright.

"She said to walk her around. We don't want her lying down again."

I nodded, forcing her to follow me in several circles.

"She'll be okay," Dad said positively.

I glanced back at my horse. I could see the pain in her eyes. As much as I wanted to believe Dad, my conscience told me otherwise.