Hope & Skydancer (Book 1)

Chapter 7

I sat in the backseat of my mom's royal blue truck. I couldn't believe that I was going home. I was also excited because Faith was coming today, and I would get to work with her without help. It was her "final test" before she could get officially handed over to me.

After the long ride from the city, we reached the ranch. I looked at the familiar sign, but something was different. Above the sign was another sign. On it said "Welcome Home Hope!" There were balloons and ribbons tied onto the trees along the drive. I looked into the pasture, where many of the horses were. They were dressed their very best, with shiny coats and ribbons. Another banner hung on the barn door, and on the side of the house.

We parked in front of the house. My mom went around and grabbed my wheelchair. She opened the cab door and helped me as I hoisted myself down from the truck.

"Close you eyes," I did as I was told and closed my eyes. She wheeled me toward the house. 'The stairs are going to be a problem' I thought to myself.

"Ok," my mom finally allowed me to open my eyes, and when I did, I was astonished. Going up to the front porch was a ramp, built for me. "You have another surprise in the house, but you can thank the girls for this one" she flashed a smile. I wheeled myself up the ramp and through the front door.

In the house, the furniture had been rearranged so the wheelchair could fit better. I examined my surroundings. Then, from no where, Lucy put something over my face. I felt myself move. Eventually we stopped and my sisters locked my wheelchair into place. My blindfold was removed.

I was in the master bedroom, that once belonged to my mom.

"You guys, this is awesome." I began to shed tears of joy.

"We figured that not having to use the stairs would make life easier. Plus this room is bigger and easier to navigate." I maneuvered through the room and into my walk in closet. Then back to my new full size bed. I pushed myself up onto the bed and sprawled out. I looked back up at my sisters.

"Thank you. I love you guys." They walked over and sat on the bed. We embraced each other in a group hug.
________________________

There was a knock on the front door, and then a scratch. My mom yelled for them to come it. The next thing I knew was that Faith had jumped up and turned the door handle, opening the door.

"Good girl" I cooed. Then I called to her. "Come!" Reluctantly, she stood up and walked over to me. I patted my lap and she jumped up, putting her large front paws onto my lap.

Throughout the afternoon, Faith's trainer followed us through the house and yard as I worked with her. She pulled out my dining room chair and pushed me in, opened doors, grabbed items out of my reach, and even guided my wheel chair down the ramp. After dinner, her trainer took her back to the facility to grade her. If she did well, my mom and I signed some paperwork and she becomes mine. I get a special license and the right to take her anywhere I go.

The next morning we got a phone call. My mom picked it up and answered. When she finished she put down the phone. She came back into the living room smiling.

"Hope, she passed."
_________________________

A/N
What do you think Faith should be like around the farm. What do you think about Hope and Faith?