Unbridled Beginnings

Chapter 2: Saying Goodbye

"Jack! They're here!" I hear a lady shout as we pull up in front of the farmhouse.

"Coming," a crackled voice of a man replies.

My Grandma excitedly jumps out of the car, almost too eagerly and goes to greet a man and lady who look to be around their late forties. The lady has short grey hair cut to just above her shoulders and a cigarette hanging from her lips. The man who I guess must be Jack, has thin light copper coloured hair and a walking stick in his right hand.

"Are you coming Hayley?" My Grandma asks politely as the man and women inquisitively turn their heads my way.

"In a second," I reply. I reach into my jean's pocket and drag out a crinkled photo of my real Mum and Dad.

"Wish me luck," I whisper to the photo so that no one can hear me.

"Ahh I see you brought a horse with you aye?" Jack asks me through the window. "We thought we heard something about that."

"Yes, he was my parents horse and the only thing I have left of them," I say, trying to make a good first impression.

I hear Sharki stomping his feet impatiently inside the float, so I stuff the photo back into my pocket. Stepping down out of the car I stretch my stiff limbs before going to unlatch the float ramp. I lead him out and let him stretch his limbs as well, the journey has been long and tough for both of us. Next I stand beside Sharki and allow them to view him for the first time.

"Wow he is beautiful," the lady says surprised. "I'm Alison by the way," she announces.  "And you must be Hayley. It's so nice to finally meet you!"

It's great to meet you too," I respond, fibbing a little.

I have been so nervous about today since two months ago when I first found out where I was going to live. But now I am actually grateful that anyone would take me in so soon. I was angry at Grandma for a while because she wouldn't let me live with her. She says that she hasn't got enough room in her apartment and it's also too far away from any schools. But maybe I shouldn't have been so angry at her, she is only trying to do what she thinks is best for me. Maybe this place won't be so bad after all. 

"Do you both want to come inside for a coffee?" Asks Alison.

"Oh I would love to but I have a long drive ahead of me and I want to get back before dark. Though I'm sure Hayley would appreciate that." Grandma suggests, giving me a reassuring smile.

"Oh yeah sure." I say uncertainly.

"Ok great, just put Sharki in that paddock over there with the sheep and I'll meet you inside. It was nice to meet you Julie and I'm sure we will hear from you soon." Says Alison politely as she turns and walks up the porch steps with Jack.

I slowly put Sharki away into his new paddock, dragging it out as long as possible so I could delay having to say goodbye to my Grandma. When it was finally time and I ran over and jumped into her arms, starting to get teary.

"I will call you everyday my dearest Hayley," she says, trying to keep it together for my sake. But still hugging me to keep me comforted.

"I love you so much Grandma, thanks for everything you've done for me."

"My pleasure darling, I love you too."

She loosens her grip around me and steps backwards towards the car and gets ready to leave. I wave and watch with my suitcases as she drives up the dusty driveway into the distant afternoon light, tears dripping down my cheeks.