In The Name Of Love

Chapter 25

"Anwyn, can we do something?" Roy asked next morning as I was lacing my boots up.

"I'm actually off to Jerry's but you can come along if you want," I said without looking up. I was frowning in concentration. He never just randomly asked if we could do something. We had to plan it all at least two days in advance. "Take some photos."

"Ok. I can do that," he said and went back to his room to get his camera.

I quickly called Dad.

"Without planning it?" he asked once I'd explained what was going on.

"Yeah, I know right! But it is photography and about six weeks ago he said he wanted to do a shoot somewhere when I was back for the holidays. Maybe it's that. Anyway, I've gotta make him some lunch."

"I'll be back in five, stick kettle on for me?"

"Sure. Sludge?"

He chuckled at my name for coffee. He had more coffee than water. "Please, ta."

*****************

"You ok?" I asked Roy.

He nodded a little stiffly. That wasn't too unusual when we came somewhere for a photo shoot so I wasn't worried. Once he was snapping away he'd calm down.

"Ok. Well, you take as much time as you need. Lunch is in the cooler in the foot well behind your seat. There's tea and pop."

"Are you going to be getting over your fear of horses?" he asked.

"Yeah. If you get out now you can see me saddle up. It might be funny, getting on is the hardest bit. I might look a little faint."

"Don't faint!" he exclaimed.

"I won't," I laughed. "You just... you might not need a green filter on my face that's all."

He looked really sad. "How come you can do it and I can't?"

"Because... Oh, I don't know, Roy."

"It's because I'm autistic, isn't it?" he asked bitterly.

"Maybe."

He got out of the car and slammed the door closed. I quickly got out too and he took a photo of me as I whacked my head on the roof of the car. He grinned. Well, at least he was feeling better.

"Should have had a helmet on," he said.

"Oh... be quiet," I said, but I was smiling.

We walked over to the stables, Roy looking around for pictures to take the whole time and Jerry was waiting for me with a horse ready and waiting. This time it was a big black one. I gulped a little since I was sure it was taller than me at the withers. It felt like it was that big anyway. Roy took a photo of me.

Jerry walked over. "Didn't realise the whole event was getting recorded. Good to see you, Roy."

"Hello, Jerry," Roy said. "I hope you don't mind.

"Ruth thought I was pulling her leg when I said Wyn had been down here."

Roy frowned. "Why were you pulling – oh, you mean she didn't believe you." He grinned. "She will when she sees the pictures."

"Can we just get started?" I asked. I hadn't taken my eyes off the horse and the worse bit was getting on and as soon as that was over I could calm down surely.

"Oh, alright eager beaver," Jerry said and walked over to the horse.

Roy leaned towards me as we walked and spoke quietly. "Why did he call you a beaver?"