Chaptet 2!

Sorry I wasn't able to post chapter 2 earlier. But I can now!

Chapter 2: A New Friend

The next morning, Cassie awoke to someone pulling her out of bed. "Git' up! Now! Git to work now or it's whippin'! Get to work now, you little twirt!"


"Okay, okay, I'm coming..." she said, rubbing her eyes. She was use to them being that mean to her.

During the night, Cassie's mother had moved to another spot to sleep so they would not hurt her in the morning.

Cassie thought she should soon wake her, but, then she thought: Well, she's pregnant and she needs all the rest she can get. But, I doubt she will for long; they'll make her any moment.

The first job of the day was to bring Generel Vicingson, the manager, his beakfast.

Cassie just gazed at the food she brought him, her mouth watering.

When she came back, she got to eat her own breakfast, mush. Her mother was there, hvaing it all ready for her.

"Thank you." she said.

"Oh, nothing it is!" and they began to eat the solid mush.

The next job of the day was the cleaning. Cassie went inside Generel Vicingson's huge fancy white house.

She swept the floor, dusted the shelves, waxed his tea kettle and tea cups, scrubbed the window, and the dirdiest job of all...dusting in the attic. It was full of dust and cobwebs all over the place! But Cassie had tio do it every 4 days.

When all the cleaning was done, she went back to her mother.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Not too good, but thank you." she answered, gardening. That was her job.

"Here, let me help you." said Cassie, starting to pull weeds out of the ground.

"Oh, honey! You're so sweet! Thank you so much!"

"It's nothing at all compared to what you suffer." Then her mother couldn't say anything. When they were done gardening, it was time for dinner. They basicially had nothing to eat. But just then, a girl came walking toward them.


"Hello." she said, "I brought you some food. I know you must be hungry." The girl handed them two rolls and scraps of meat. They both could not believe their eyes.


"Thank you ever so much! You are only too kind! What is your name?" her mother exclaimed, taking the food.

"You are only too welcome. My nmae is Stella. You?" she replied, watching them gobble down the food she gave them.

"I am so sorry. I have not said anything. My name is Cassie. And this here is my mother."

"I see. It's fine. I know how hungry you are." Stella smiled.

"Are you a slave too?" she then asked.

"Oh, no. It's just that sometimes my mother lets me go here and help the slaves."

"Oh, how nice! Um, Stella?"

"Yes?"

"Could I please talk to you alone a minute?"

"Sure." and the two girls walked away together.

"Do you suppose you have any medical that could help my mom have the baby?"

"Yes! Indeed I do! Your mother's having a baby?"

"Yes! We need all the help we can get!" cried Cassie, she was so happy. "But, make it a surprise for moter. You can bring us some, right?"

"Yes, of course!"

"Excellent!" Cassie so hoped the medical would work and no one noticed Stella helping them.

Now Cassie knew that they were friends.

"Cassie! Come! It's suppertime break!" Cassie's mother called.

"Coming!" Cassie called, running toward her mother.

The Re-wrote Chapter Of Escaped!

Chapter 1: Slavery

Cassie was a twelve-year-old slave. She hated being a slave, of course. But there was no way of escaping it. Her mother, whose name was Addy, was pregnant. So it it was very hard for her to be a slave. Cassie tried the best she could to help her. She was so very excited for the baby, for she was an only child.

Cassie just hated the burning feeling she always got on her back from the whip. She always dreamed of being free but it never happened.

While her mother worked, she always calasped. She always wished she could rest, but that only meant more whipping.

Cassie felt so bad for her mother. Being a slave while pregnant was such a bad thing. But what could Cassie do? She always wished there was at least something.

The worst Cassie hated to think about was ahen her mother had the baby, she might die. They had nothing to make her feel better, no doctors or nurses, and she was a slave. Caassie triednot to think about it, but she couldn't help it. She hated slavery so much.

That night, Cassie cried. There was nothing she could do but cry. Her mother was about to be dead. She was exausted, cold, and hungry. Every part of her hurt. She couldn't help but burst into a fit of crying. Her mother managed to whisper in a kind, soothing, motherly tone, ""Shh, honey...what's bothering you? Just tell me and I can help you."

"Oh, Mama! You are sure to die! I'm just so exausted! And..and...cold and hungry...everything's just so horried!" Cassie burst out crying.

"Deary, it's okay. Don't say that. Everything's gonna be okay. Shh, alright, alright..."

"No! Everyting's gonna be horrible! And you know that!"

"Now, Cassie..."

"I'm telling you, everyting's gonna be horrible!"

"Cassie! That's enough. If you keep on thinking and worrying about that everything's sue to be horrible. Never give up hope. I know your my strong, girl, Cassie...and, I know that you will be strong even if or when I die. Now stop crying this instant."

"I'm sorry," said Cassie, sniffing, "I just hate slavery Why do people have to be so mean? We don't have to be salves, the just...oh!" her mother heaved a sigh.

"Alright. But I think we both ought to be resting now huh?"

"Yeah." she answered, yawning. Then they both laid their heads on the itchy hay, pulling the blanket over themselves. If anyone asked Cassie what she hated the most, she would answere, "Slavery."

Some More Chapter 7

Here's chapter seven. It's kinda sad. Tell me what you think, ok? And Froula girls, guess what? I have to get off this computer to go pack my suitcase!!! SEE YOU!



Chapter Seven: Rainy Saturday

It had been raining for days. The mud was thick and the grass slippery. It was not a good day for riding, but of course, the weather did not stop Kit.

She was out in the ring, wearing her cow-boy hat pulled low, a too tight sweatshirt, and riding Indigo. Her jeans were spattered with mud and her boots just in the edge of the slippery stirrups.

As usual, she locked in her own world, seeing only the horse and the ring. Nobody else was in the yard. Josh was in the barn cleaning his saddle, and Becca and Maggie were in the hayloft playing card games. Julia and Martha were mucking stalls, and Jen was checking on all the pastures. The creek was close to flooding due to all the rain, and she wanted all the horses in the near fields.

Even though the morning was wet and cool, both Indigo and Kit were in a sweat. Both of them were working hard, but they were deathly quiet, except for a few grunts from Indigo, or a quick command from Kit. But Kit didn't say much, because she knew horses listen better to actions then to words.

Back and forth, up and down, gallop, weaving the barrels, trying little jumps. Kit pulled her grubby hat lower, and Indigo listened to her happy words of praise.

After awhile longer, Kit stopped for a break. She dismounted, leading Indigo to the water trough. She flicked the lather from his neck and sides, and laughed.

"Man, you're good!" she said, dipping her blistered hands into the cool water, Kit never wore gloves. "You're so fast and smart!"

Indigo grunted, and began to drink heartily. "But it's true though!" said Kit "You wild thing!" She fingered his mane, now long and glossy. "I could ride you forever and ever and never get tired of it." she whispered, laying her head on his neck.

The sudden sound of footsteps running, made her look up, Indigo too raised his head from the trough, water dribbling down his nose.

It was Josh. "Kit!" he called "Kit, Jen needs you in the barn right now!"

"Why?" asked Kit, grabbing hold of the reins.

"It's Bill. He's got the colic again. Really bad too."

Kit's eyes flashed with concern.

"Here, I'll take Indigo." said Josh, reaching for the reins "Just hurry! Jen needs you now."

Kit nodded, slipped the reins into Josh's hands, and ducked under the fence, running to the barn.

Bill did have the colic badly. The poor horse, that used to be so strong, was nothing but skin and bones. He lay on the floor of his stall, motionless.. Jen was there, kneeling in the wood shavings, massaging his belly. Julia and Martha stood watching, clearly very nervous. Maggie was holding Becca close in the tack room. Becca was crying.

Kit entered the stall. "I'm here." she whispered to Jen. Jen looked up sadly. "What do you want me to do, Jen?" asked Kit

"Kit..."

"Yes?"

"There's nothing we can do." said Jen painfully

"No! What? No! There's got to be something we can do! Can't we..."

"He's old, Kit. Bill's time has come."

Kit looked wildly about the stall. Jen had tears in her eyes, as did Julia. Martha was clutching a pitch-fork so hard her knuckles were white.

Josh came in the barn leading Indigo, once Indigo was put away in his stall and brushed, Josh joined the sad group.

Kit gently scooped up Bill's great head, and cradled it in her arms. Kit wasn't crying, she showed no emotion. Kit never showed a great emotion over anything that pained her. Kit held Bill's head up to her chest, her dark hair falling on his white fur. She whispered many things to him, and pet his nose.

She didn't let go of him until he died.

When Bill took his last breath Julia began to cry, she was at once joined by Martha and Jen. Maggie too, began to sniffle. Josh silently got up and left the barn, going out into the driving rain.

Kit gave Bill one last kiss, gave a encouraging glace to the three sad women, got up, and left the stall. On the way out she gave a quick hug to Maggie, patted Becca on the back, then went outside.

Once Jen dried her tears, she got to work finding a place to bury Bill. Nobody noticed Kit had left until nearly an hour had passed. Maggie noticed first. The grown-ups were all busy, but she found Josh, and together the two of them went looking for Kit.

They spotted her in the cart ponies' pen. she had her arms wrapped around a pony's neck and was sobbing.

"Shhh, let's leave her alone." said Maggie, knowing Kit would not like to be caught crying. "She'll come back when she she's ready." Josh nodded in agreement.

And Kit did come back later, to help bury Old Bill in a far off pasture. She showed no emotion as she took one last look at Bill.

But the image of Kit crying, and clinging onto the pony never left the minds of Maggie and Josh.

Even More of my story!

Chapter Six: Success

It was the middle of July, hot and rainless. the sun shone high in the the sky, baking the ground, and burning the grass. The horses stood listless, trying to avoid the awful heat.

Today was Saturday. It was the day Kit was to ride Indigo. She and Jen both agreed he was ready, and Kit, of course, was always ready for a challenge like this.

she stood in the barn stroking the little horse and feeding him carrots she had pulled up from the back garden. She whispered to him and kissed his velvet nose. He just snorted, and sniffed her raggy jean pockets, hoping to find more carrots.

"What are you doing, Kit?" asked a young voice from inside the doorway. It was Becca. Maggie was there also, shielding her eyes from the hot sun.

"Oh, I'm just getting ready to ride indigo." replied Kit "I just wanted to talk with him a bit before I try to though. It's so much easier to ride a relaxed horse!"

Becca gasped. "He's gonna buck you into the next county!" she said seriously, sucking her thumb.

"Is he now?"

"Yup. I'm sure."

"Oh Becca!" cried Maggie, laughing, "The next county is pretty far!" Then, throwing Kit a smile, she said, "Indigo will probably just buck into the next town."

Kit sighed and rolled her eyes. "Does nobody believe in me?" she asked laughing.

"Yeah, I think you'll do it." said Josh, coming in, leading a hot Rapido behind him "You prove us all wrong every time. Usually making us all look pretty foolish!" he added with a laugh. "You can probably stay on."

"Probably?" asked Kit "Just what I though! Nobody really believes in me!"

"Can I watch?" asked Becca, pushing her light hair away from her well-tanned face. "Please?"

"Sure!" replied Kit, reaching for her woolen blanket, "Just as long as you don't get too close, ok?"

"Yeah! So when you fall off, you won't fall on me!" cried Becca

"Yeah, sure."

When Indigo was ready, Kit grabbed the reins and led him out into the sunny yard, where Martha, Julia, and Jen, were talking.

"I'm ready!" said Kit "You want me in the round-pen, right?"

"Yup." said Jen, getting up, and heading over to the large pen. She swung open the heavy metal door and waited for them to enter.

Kit turned to Indigo, and gave him a gentle pull with the reins. Indigo stepped forward, and they walked smoothly into the round-pen. They stood there for a minute, Kit focusing on what she had to do, and Indigo eagerly awaiting whatever she had in mind.

Everyone else climbed up the metal rails of the pen, and hung on the sides of it watching.

Kit laid her hands on his saddled back, he didn't care. kit pulled her foot into the stirrup, he turned his head. "Easy. easy. Easy now." she whispered, reaching for the front of the saddle. Then, smoothly, and ever so gracefully, Kit pulled herself up onto Indigo's back, and slipped neatly into the little English saddle.

Indigo flinched, and laid his ears back. Kit gathered up the long braided reins, and slipped her boots into the stirrups.

Indigo stood still, as if thinking about how he should react.

Kit whispered something to him, something soft, and pet his strong neck. He shifted his weight and lifted his head, then snorted loudly.

"Come on, Indigo, walk on." she asked Indigo turned his head, trying to look at Kit. Everyone who was watching, looked quietly upon the horse and rider. Could Kit really have done it?

Indigo then put his hoof forward and took a step. "Good boy!" He took a few more. "Yes, Indigo! Yes!"

The small group watched in awe. Kit cast them all one of her smiles, as if to kindly say, "I told you so!"

"Way to go, cow-girl!" cried Maggie, as Indigo walked about the ring.

Becca just sucked her thumb, watching with admiration. "She did it, Josh." she said, tugging on his shirt "She really did it."

"I know. It's really something isn't it?"

The rest of the afternoon Kit worked with Indigo. Never once did he buck or rear. The next day was even better. And it wasn't too long before Indigo was trotting around and around in the pen. And, after a little while longer, he let Josh ride him, and then Jen, he probably would have let Maggie ride him too, but she didn't dare try.

But there was no doubt who is his favorite rider was. Kit was his best friend.

The second she came walking into the driveway every morning, he would come galloping up to the gate, whinnying and prancing about. Kit could never sneak past Indigo's watchful eyes and ears. Kit was "his girl" and she knew it. It was clear she loved the little horse as much as he loved her.

Lauren Wellch stopped by soon after Indigo was tamed again. She couldn't even recognize him.

"And you did it all by yourself?" she asked Kit in amazement

"Yeah, just about." answered Kit

"And how old are you?"

"Fourteen."

Lauren shook her head in astonishment.

"There's nothing I can't do with him now." said Kit honestly "The possibilities are endless. He's sweet. Real sweet."

Lauren was at a loss of words. "Well, whatever you're doing, keep doing it!" she paused "You know, Kit, what you just did with Indigo, retraining him, people pay money for that, a lot of money."

Kit laughed. "I'm fourteen!"

"I know, but that's something to think about in the future."

"I'll keep it in mind, ma'am." said Kit, stroking Indigo's neck.

"Do you mind if I ride him real quick? Just to see what he's like?" asked Lauren "He wouldn't mind, would he?"

"Not at all! Go right ahead!" said Kit, handing over the reins.

Indigo behaved like a perfect angel for Lauren, even trotting and cantering. Lauren soon returned after a few laps around the barn-yard.

"Beautiful!" said Lauren, dismounting, "I must admit, I envy you for owning such a wonderful horse! And to think I once considered putting him down!"

"He's not mine." sighed Kit "He's all Jen's."

"Oh! Really?" asked Lauren, clearly puzzled "Just the way he acts around you, and you with him, it all looked like he was yours."

Kit nodded sadly. "Yeah, I know."

Chapter 5! :)

Chapter 5: Bonding

Kit kept her promise and came extra early, and after church on Sundays. Everyone had something to say about how to gentle Indigo, but Kit had her own plan. And it was nothing fancy.

All she did was spend time with him. The first week Indigo was kept in a closed off pasture by himself. Kit kept his water bucket full and brought him a slice of hay every afternoon, then perched up on the gate and watched him.

At first, Indigo refused to go anywhere near the side of the gate Kit was on, but after a few days Kit took to sitting right by his hay and water, then he had to get close to her, and he did. Cautiously. But just the same he was standing right next to Kit.

After a few more days Kit took to talking to Indigo, and walking about his pasture, Indigo didn't seem to care. Kit let this go on for awhile, and slowly, during those cheery spring days, they got to know each other.

"He's learning to trust again." said Kit to Jen "Just you see, I'll get him yet."

Though it was taking awhile for the little horse to heal on the inside, on the outside he was flourishing. Kit, with Jen and Julia's help, had made up a special diet for the little horse, and it was doing wonders.

"He needs a good grooming." remarked Julia one morning

"I know." sighed Kit "But he still won't let me lay a finger on him."

"Don't worry." answered Julia, "That'll soon change. Just you wait."

And it did change. It wasn't long before Kit was rubbing his nose, brushing his mane, and stroking his strong back. Though it had taken awhile. Indigo was not quick to trust anyone right away, and he certainly had a strong hate for humans. He reared and bucked and kicked and squealed. If Kit had not been such an expert, she would have been badly hurt weeks ago. But she was smart, and knew just how to act with a horse like him. So it really was only a matter of time before he learned that Kit was not going to give up because of his silly fights.

Kit spent every day with Indigo, and her work was really showing. Jen was very pleased with how it was all going, even though the horse was far from being ridden, and nobody could go near him but Kit. He trusted Kit and Kit alone.

After a few more, long, work-filled, weeks, the day had come for Indigo to get tacked up. Not to be ridden, but just to try a saddle and bridal on, and let him get used to wearing such things. Kit was out trying to catch the wild little horse, while Jen and Martha watched.

Kit raced after him, with a halter and lead rope wrapped over her shoulder, he saw this and kicked up his hooves and galloped away. Kit was laughing and pretending to get angry. Indigo was just teasing, he was not afraid of Kit or his halter now. But he did like a good game of chase.

Jen and Martha smiled, and tried to hold back laughter. "Those two are quite a pair!" cried Martha "Who would have known there was such a spirit in that horse? Aren't you glad you saved him?"

"Yes." agreed Jen "I am. There's still a long way to go, but I know he and Kit will make it through. Trust me, she'll be up and on his back before you know it."

"And she won't just be riding him" said Martha with a smile "She'll be galloping."

Indigo finally gave in, and let Kit toss the rope around his neck and lead him through the gate. She forced him to walk smartly at her side and took him into the barn, where she tied him to the cross-ties. There she began a long and thorough grooming.

Indigo was a beautiful horse now. His coat was a fiery red-orange, and his mane and tail were blue-black. He had a perfect white diamond in between his dark eyes and neat little hooves.

Kit found her woolen bareback pad and Rapido's hacamore, and, with a lot coaxing, she got them on.

The rest of the morning was spent getting Indigo used to walking with them all on.

"I want to ride him now." said Kit to Jen "He looks good." She pointed to his long, now well muscled legs, "He's going to be fast."

Jen nodded. "Wait awhile longer before jumping in the saddle," she said "You know as well as I do that he's not quite ready yet."

"I know." said Kit "But he's so close. So very close! Can I ride him this Saturday?"

"Maybe." said Jen with a smile

"I will."

"We'll have to wait and see."

Kit loved working with Indigo, but it was not always easy. Other kids, Jen knew, wouldn't have even begun, and they certainly would have quit after the bitten fingers, extra hours of work, and sudden horse temper tantrums. Kit had given up a lot those last few weeks, and there was still a lot to be done. Jen knew she could count on Kit all the way. Kit wouldn't stop until all the work was done, and done well.

Anna's New Story Chap 2 part 1

Chapter Two

The drive was a long one, and Mary realized with a sigh that their journey was not yet over. The conversation lagged as eyelids slowly drooped to a close and sweet sleep fell on the weary travels. Mrs. Benison, Edmund, and even their grandmother drifted off into a deep sleep, but slumber could not find and relieve Mary, whose mind still flowed with unanswered and perhaps unanswerable questions.

She stared out the car window. Slowly, the city lights disappeared, and different scenery replaced the familiar sight of tall buildings and busy streets. Tall, leafy trees and mountainy terrain flashed by the car window, until slowly the forest seemed to melt away into long, slopping fields and meadows.

Finally, Mary’s grandmother awoke, rubbing her tired eyes and stretching.
“Sarah, Sarah,” she said, nudging her daughter awake. “We’re almost there.”
Mrs. Benison, yawning, looked around a little bewilderedly. “Oh, good. How much longer?” she asked, giving her mother a tired smile.
“Oh, only about fifteen minutes. We have beds set up in the guest rooms for tonight. I didn’t think you’d want to stay in the cottage without having a chance to settle into it a bit first, getting a look around, you know?”
“Oh, great, Mom. That’s perfect, thank you.”

With a feeling of uncertainty and apprehension, Mary stared through the car window as they pulled to a stop in front of a large wooden farmstead. It was two stories high and, to Mary's eyes, huge. There were lights on inside, and she wondered who could be there at this hour. She prayed silently that there were not a hundred aunts and uncles waiting to greet them.

Her grandfather dispelled her worry bewilderment by saying offhandedly, “Elijah’s staying with us right now, Sarah. H’s really looking forward to seeing you again.”
“Elijah? Oh wonderful! Do you remember him, Mary? You saw him last time Grandma and Grandpa visited for Christmas! He’s right around your age.”
Mary remembered vaguely a small, irritating boy with bright red hair and a passion for mischief. She had been eight and so had he, but that, she was sure, had been their only similarity.

As they dragged their tired bodies up the steps and through the front door, the noise of loud, earsplitting music reached their ears.
“That’s Elijah,” their grandma laughed, rolling her eyes. “He was supposed to clean his room – it was quite the pigsty this morning, let me tell you – but somehow I doubt that it got done.”

“Elijah! Elijah!” the shrill voice of their grandmother called, as she wearily settled down into the first chair they came to, a rickety, old stool in the kitchen. Pounding footsteps were heard on the stairs, and a tall boy hurtled into the kitchen.

Mary was right; he did have red hair, though it was now more auburn than bright orange, and on his face was an impish smile, though somehow it looked gallant and winning on his dark face. But he was tall, and had startling blue eyes and tanned, muscular arms. He grinned at the small assembly of people gathered in the kitchen, and flopped into a cushioned chair leaning against the wall.

“Hi all, remember me?” the blithesome individual laughed, his blue eyes twinkling.
“Elijah,” his grandmother scolded, “Sit up straight and act like a gentleman!”
“Sorry,” he said penitently, sending a big wink in Edmund’s direction. “Hello,” he said, crouching down in front of him, “My name’s Elijah. I doubt you remember me though, you were only three when I visited!”
“I think I remember you,” Edmund, who seemed to have taken an immediate liking to this cheery and jocular cousin of his, replied confidently. “You put a spider in Mary’s hair and hid her favorite doll in the azalea bushes.”
Laughing heartily, Elijah turned to Mary with a mischievous smile. “I did, didn’t I? And if I remember correctly, I never adequately apologized for the said transgressions. If you will allow me,” and he bowed gallantly, “I will make amend as I best I can for that incivility tomorrow.”
Almost against her will Mary found her self laughing. With a gracious curtsy, she accepted his offer.
“And now,” their grandmother smiled, I think you all really must go to bed and get some rest. You’re almost fainting from lack of sleep!”

Later, snuggly tucked under a light blanket in a small, pretty quest room on the second storey, Mary pondered the day’s events. Edmund and her mother were sharing the room next to hers, and for a few minutes she had heard Edmund’s happy chatter before he drifted off to sleep. She wondered if her mother was still awake.

She liked Elijah. He seemed friendly and nice. He’s my cousin, she thought happily. She liked the idea of having cousins. Maybe, she pondered, maybe I’m going to like it here. She couldn’t help but laugh a little at her fickleness. Only an hour ago I hated everything about moving here, and now…

She lay in silence for a few moments longer, thinking of her father. How she wished she could talk to him. She wanted so badly to hear his voice, to have him there to speak his words of wisdom to her, to understand her like no one else could. Her heart ached with a longing too great to bear. Tears filled up in her eyes. She angrily brushed them away. Why do I always have to be so weak? she thought angrily. Why can’t I be like Mother? She’s so brave… She doesn’t even miss him. A sob escaped Mary’s throat, and tears rolled down her cheeks. Doesn’t even miss him…

More of My Story

Part Two: The Worker
Chapter Four: Meet Indigo

Kit and Maggie lay in the shade of the barn, listening to the radio and relaxing. All the morning chores had been done, and now the only thing left to do was enjoy the beautiful day.

"Mmmmm, don't you love this song?" asked Kit, staring at the blue sky, and tapping her fingers to the beat. A gentle rock song was pouring out of the radio.

"Yeah, sure." answered Maggie, who wasn't really listening. She didn't love music the way Kit did.

"You're not really listening, are you?" asked Kit sitting up.

Maggie pushed her shaggy blond hair out of her eyes, and giggled. "No, not really!"

"Well you should! I think you'd like it, listen, see, he's singing about horses, it's really..."

But a pickup truck pulled into the driveway, cutting her off. Behind the truck was a small horse trailer.

"Hey!" called Kit, jumping to her feet, "What's that all about? We aren't expecting a new horse are we?"

"I don't think so." answered Maggie "There's only one spare stall left. Mom says we're just about all full, can't take in another very easily."

Jen, who heard the truck pull in, at once appeared in the yard.

"Howdy there, Jen!" called a woman stepping out of the cab. "How are you?"

It was Lauren Wellch, a horse-breeder who lived just a ways down the road.

"Lauren! It's good to see you!" cried Jen, "I'm good, thanks, you?"

"Oh alright." answered Lauren "Busy summer as usual."

Jen nodded.

"Every year it gets a little harder." said Lauren "Especially with the market for horses so unpredictable."

"I know." said Jen grimly "The only things for sure in life are death and taxes." she shook her head. "Anyway, what brings you up? I haven't seen you since the fair last fall! Time sure does fly."

"Well" said Lauren, "I came to ask a big favor of you."

"What?" asked Jen, wondering what it could be. Most likely she needed her tractor for the weekend, or some help with the haying.

"Did you ever hear about Rick Bowing?" asked Lauren

Jen frowned. "The name sure is familiar."

"Yeah, had a farm not too far from here, a way up North, he just passed away a few weeks ago. A fine man, but he left without a Will." she sighed "So all his horses, he had three, got dumped on me. I was able to sell of two of them, fine Morgan mares, but the third one, well, I can't even seem to give him away. Nobody will take him, not even for free!"

Jen laughed. "Why not?"

"He's a wild thing, Jen. Abused. Mistreated. Weak. He hates all people. And I mean he hates them! Rick took him in as a rescue, but died not two weeks after. This horse, he's a real mess. I can't do anything with him."

"That's awful." said Jen sadly, she hated to hear of good animals mistreated, "But how does this all tie in with me?"

"You're the only person I haven't asked yet, do you want him, Jen? I don't suppose you do."

Jen frowned. "What are you planning to do if nobody takes him in?"

"To be honest, Jen, I'm planning on putting him down, if I can't find him a good and steady home. He's a disaster. I don't have the time or money for a horse like that."

Jen nodded. "I'm not much better off, Lauren."

"I know, Jen. I know. I don't want to have to put him down, it's not his fault he was mistreated, but it would take a real miracle to fix him."

Kit and Maggie had been listening in the whole time from the front steps. They both at once shared a look. And Kit flew off the steps to the driveway. "Jen!" she pleaded.

"What is it, Kit?"

"Can't we take him? Please?"

"Oh, Kit, I don't know..."

Kit's eyes flashed with fear. "I can't stand the thought of a poor little horse dying just because some human ruined him! Please, Jan! Can't we take him?" she paused "I'd do all the work, I'd try to train him again. I promise."

Jen shook her head. "Kit, it's not as easy as you think."

But Kit seemed perfectly serious about it all. "I'd come early every day to take care of him. Even on Sundays, I'd come right after Church."

"Is this the Kit I've heard so much about?" asked Lauren.

"Yes, yes it is." said Jen, almost proudly, taking a look at the eager little girl. "Alright, alright, we'll take a look at him, Lauren." she cast Kit a glance, "Just a look, mind you. We'll see what we're dealing with, then I'll decide."

Kit grinned, and followed Lauren to the back of the trailer.

The horse, a little gelding, was a sorry sight. He was nothing but skin and bones, and his coat, which must have been once a very beautiful red, was matted and patchy. His black mane had been cropped short to his neck, and his tail was a tangle.

The horse was short, not much bigger then a pony, though he had very long legs.

"Awwwww." said Kit quietly "Poor thing."

"Yes, I know." said Lauren sadly

"How old is he?" asked Jen

"Almost ten. Young eh? He was raised roughly, that's for sure." she sighed "It'll only make it even harder to try and fix."

"Yes." agreed Jen "Do you have any idea what breeds he has in him?"

"Not a clue." said Lauren "Nobody knows anything about him really. He's a sickly little thing though."

Kit slowly stretched out her hand to the small horse, trying to pet his nose. The horse at once gave a squeal, and tried to bite her hand, Kit pulled it away just in time.

"He hates all humans." said Lauren "He thinks we're all out to hurt him, just like his old master." She shook her head, "It is a shame, no doubt he once was a bright little thing."

There was a still silence, then Jen shrugged. "All right, Lauren, I'll take him."

Kit's eyes shone.

"I don't know what I'll do with him" said Jen "I can't wait to see what you have planned, Kit, bit I'll take the little thing. What's his name anyway?"

"His halter said, Indigo." said Lauren "That's what I've been calling him."

"Jen nodded. "All right then, Indigo, you've found a home."

Indigo squealed, and tried to bite Jen.

"You've got your hands full." said Lauren, looking at Kit.

"I know." said Kit.