High Hurdles (38 page)

“I can change.” DJ bit her lip to keep angry words from spilling out.

“We won’t discuss this anymore. Just keep up your chores and your grades—that’s all I ask. Your life at the Academy is your choice. You have your horse now, can’t you be satisfied?”

“No, I can’t. You always have money for the things you want, like school and another degree. Just because I don’t want the same things you do, you won’t help me. You don’t care.”

“Darla Jean Randall—”

“Don’t bother to say it. I’m going.” She spun away and dashed up the stairs to her room. Just in time, she kept from slamming the door. She flung herself across the bed and pounded her fists on the mattress. Her eyes burned and her throat closed. She
would not
cry. She would not! Only babies cried.

How come her mother could be so selfish? She didn’t care about anything but herself. DJ thumped her fist again in rhythm with her thoughts.
Why? I know she hates me. She isn’t like a mother—Gran is more my mother. It isn’t fair!

After a time of thumping and muttering her angry thoughts, DJ rolled over onto her back and stared at the ceiling. Why couldn’t she stay cool and calm like she’d planned? Fighting never did any good.

She could hear the water running in her mother’s bathroom. Lindy was brushing her teeth. What would happen if DJ went in there and demanded she be allowed to ride in the morning?

Dumb idea.

What if she went in and said she was sorry? But sorry for what? For asking for what she wanted? That’s what Gran had said to do—ask. Of course, Gran had meant she should ask God and Gran; she never mentioned asking Lindy.

DJ chewed on the cuticle of her thumb. What if her mother came in here and kissed her good-night and said I love you, like Gran used to do? She brushed the sides of her eyes and swallowed—hard.

The next afternoon at the Academy, she was back to square one with Andrew. Suddenly, he didn’t want to brush Bandit, he didn’t want to feed Bandit, he didn’t even want to be in the stall with the pony.

“What’s happened, Andrew? I thought you were beginning to like Bandit.”

“No. I want to go home.”

Short of dragging him into the stall, DJ didn’t know what to do. “You want to come see Major?” A head shake. “How about saying hello to Patches? We could stand back a ways.” Another shake. The boy’s lower lip stuck out, and his chin wobbled. DJ sank down against the wall and patted the shavings next to her. “Come sit here with me. We have to talk.”

Keeping one eye on the pony who stood in front of the hay net pulling out wisps of hay and munching, the little boy joined DJ, copying her cross-legged pose.

“Now, the way I see it, your job is to groom Bandit here. He’s never hurt you.”

“But, he scared me.”

“I know, but it wasn’t on purpose. He was swatting flies. I need to put fly spray on him so the flies don’t bother him. How would you like flies crawling on your legs and in your eyes?”

The boy shuddered. “Yuk.”

“So let’s get with the program and get this pony groomed. Then we can put fly spray on him.” She got to her feet and extended a hand. Andrew let her pull him up.

With a look that said he thought she was killing him, he took the brush and started brushing.

Please, God, don’t let Bandit frighten him again. Help this kid get over his fear and please show me how to help, too.
DJ kept brushing, praying, and teasing Andrew until he finally laughed at one of her jokes.

By the end of their session, they had one clean pony and one boy who’d overcome enough fear to keep going.

“You know, Andrew, you are one brave guy.” DJ held the bucket while he filled it with grooming gear.

“Why?”

“ ’Cause even though you’re afraid, you keep on trying. That’s pretty neat, don’t you think?”

“I guess.”

His mother met them with her arm in a sling.

“What happened to you?” DJ asked.

“Andrew, why don’t you go get in the car. I’ll be right there.” Mrs. Johnson sent her son on the way with a pat on the shoulder. She turned to DJ. “I fell off Patches and wrenched my shoulder. Andrew was scared again today, wasn’t he?”

DJ nodded. “But we got through it. Tough about getting hurt. Falls happen a lot with horses. Did Patches act up?”

“He spooked at something, and I just wasn’t ready. I probably wasn’t paying close enough attention.”

“Too bad. Well, take care of your arm, and I’ll make sure Patches gets the steam worked off. You’re putting him on the hot walker or lunging him first, aren’t you?”

“Usually, but that time I didn’t. I was in a hurry.” Mrs. Johnson shook her head. “I had to learn a lesson, I guess. See you.”

DJ wandered back into the barn. She could hear raised voices coming from the south aisle of the barn. She stopped to listen. The drawl and the words being used indicated one voice could only be Tony Andrada’s. DJ felt like a rampaging mother bear whose cub had been attacked. What right had he to talk to Hilary like that—Hilary, who wouldn’t hurt an ant?

DJ stormed down the aisle, but by the time she reached the stall, Tony had made it out the door and Hilary had disappeared.

DJ checked all the stalls. No Hilary. She looked in the tack room and trotted across to the office, but it was locked. Even Bridget was gone. Back in the barn, she thought for a moment. The haystack!

Hilary was wiping away her tears when DJ approached.

“I swear, I could hit him over the head with a shovel.” DJ sank down on a bale of hay.

“It wouldn’t do any good. He’s as hardheaded as they come. It isn’t just that I’m black, either—he thinks all women should do his work for him. I bet his mother still butters his toast.”

“And picks up his dirty socks.”

“Makes his bed. She’d probably breathe for him if she could.” The two girls shared a bit of a smile at their jokes.

“Have you said anything to Bridget?” DJ rested her arms on her knees.

Hilary shook her head. “But I don’t think I can put up with this much longer. I’ve found another stable that will take my horse, and their trainer is okay.” She straightened her back and took a deep breath. “If I could only keep him from getting to me. My father says to ignore him, and, DJ, I try. I really try. But he just won’t quit. And to make matters worse, he doesn’t finish his chores and tries to get by without doing a good job. You know Bridget trains us all to do everything correctly. We don’t allow slipshod work here.”

“Until Tony.” DJ swung her clasped hands. “James wasn’t always the greatest worker, either, but he was younger and he came around. And he didn’t have a father who hammered racist garbage into his head.”

“You heard Tony?”

DJ nodded. “I guess I didn’t really want to believe people think like that anymore, let alone teach it to their kids.”

Hilary rose to her feet and pulled a tissue from her pocket to blow her nose. “Thanks, DJ, you’re a true friend. I just wish we could find a way to deal with Tony.”

“You could tell Bridget and get him kicked out of here.”

“Yes, I could do that.”

“Or I could.”

Hilary shook her head and stared up at the hills in Briones. “No . . . if anyone tells, it will be me.”

That evening at Gran’s, DJ told them what had happened. “Tony Andrada is creepo of the creepos. I don’t blame Hilary for wanting to leave. Some plan Ames and I had—it didn’t work at all. We’ve been ignoring him, but the only one he picks on is Hilary. And me, ’cause he knows I’m her friend.”

“Changing someone’s behavior can take a lot of time and effort.” Joe set his paper down so he could see DJ.

“Our time is running out.”

“You know, darlin’, there’s a Bible verse that says—”

“Gran, with you there’s
always
a Bible verse!” DJ was getting exasperated.

Gran winked at her and continued. “This one fits perfectly. Jesus tells us to pray for our enemies, and so heap burning coals on their heads.”

“Burning coals will work for Tony’s head just fine. I’ll help with the heaping.”

“So, how about praying for him?”

“Gran, that’s impossible. I can’t do that.”

“Would you pray for Tony if it could help Hilary? Keep her at the Academy?”

DJ stared at her grandmother.
Could
she pray for Tony? “I don’t know.”

“Then you need to pray another prayer first.”

DJ sighed. “What’s that?”

“A pastor friend of mine once told me that when you know you should do something and you can’t, you should pray, ‘Lord, make me willing to be willing.’ Works every time.”

“How about, ‘Lord, make Tony willing’?” DJ shook her head at the look on her grandmother’s face. “All right, I’ll try.” She sighed.

Gran shook her head.

“I’ll do it, okay?” What had she gotten herself into this time?

Chapter
•
13

The prayers weren’t working.

“I’m sorry, DJ,” Hilary said. “Even my dad said we should go somewhere else. We’ll stay till the show and then I’m out of here.”

“Oh, Hil, I don’t want that to happen.”

“Me neither, but we’ll still be friends. I’ll see you at shows and stuff.”

“It won’t be the same. I still think you should tell Bridget. She has a right to know.”

“Dad says to write her a letter after I leave so it won’t look like I’m asking her to make a choice. Besides, what can I say? ‘Tony calls me names and such.’ I should be tougher than that.”

After the girls went about their work, DJ couldn’t get Hilary’s sad face out of her mind.
God, I thought you were going to work on this. I’ve been praying for Tony—sort of—and nothing’s happening. Time’s running out.

She saddled Patches and prepared for a rough workout since he hadn’t been on the lunge or hot walker. She needed the fight as much as he did.

Since it was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and they were having company, Lindy had just finished making the bed in the spare room and setting out towels when DJ arrived at home. “Do you mind if the girls bunk down in your room? I thought they could choose between the family room, their parents’ room, and yours. What do you think?”

“Whatever.” It seemed strange that they were preparing to meet family for the first time. Robert’s sister, Julia Gregory, her husband, Martin, and their two children were coming for Thanksgiving because Gran and Joe had invited everyone to their house for Thanksgiving dinner. The Gregorys lived in Connecticut and hadn’t been able to come to the wedding.

“You’ve already stabled Bandit at Joe’s so we can give the kids pony rides?”

“No, not till Friday. Joe and I thought we’d take everyone over to the Academy to look around. Mom, calm down. It isn’t like the president of the United States is coming.”

“Easy for you to say.” Lindy stopped in the doorway with her hands on her hips. “At least it looks nice.”

Looked nicer when Gran lived here
. But DJ kept her thoughts to herself. She didn’t want to shatter the truce that existed between her and her mother. Besides, Gran wasn’t coming back, and DJ needed to live with that.

Lindy glanced at her watch. “Robert and our guests will be here any minute, so hurry up and change. Then we’re going to Gran’s for pizza.”

“Mom, I already know all that. You’ve been over the weekend schedule sixty-five times.” DJ ducked her mother’s fake swing and headed for her room. Wouldn’t it be nice if they could tease each other like this all the time?

Six-year-old Allison decided immediately that DJ belonged to her. She oohed and aahed over the pictures on DJ’s bedroom walls and voted that her sleeping bag should definitely be spread in there.

Meredith, a year older than DJ at fifteen, looked bored with the entire thing. When she did take her earphones off, she acted as though she still had them on and ignored everyone. She chose to sleep in the family room—by herself.

When DJ entered Gran’s house with Allison on one hand, Bobby and Billy wore matching thunderclouds on their faces. They glared at their cousins and parked right in front of DJ.

“Hi, guys. Do you remember Allison? You were still in diapers the last time you saw her.” She nodded to each of the girls as she said the names. The twins eyed Allison suspiciously, as if sizing up the competition.

“I’m Bobby.” The right twin pointed a thumb to his chest.

“I’m Billy, and DJ’s our sister.” They stepped forward, shoulder to shoulder.

“She likes us best.”

DJ looked to Robert for help. All the adults were laughing and talking as if they’d forgotten all about the kids. Meredith had disappeared. If something didn’t happen, they were going to have a war on their hands. Allison’s lower lip stuck out as far as those on the twins.

“Hey, that’s enough, I—”

“And we get to ride Bandit first.” The Bs each grabbed one of DJ’s legs and looked up. “Don’t we?”

“No ponies for kids who don’t share.” Robert scooped a twin under each arm. “And that includes sharing DJ.” He regarded his sons seriously until they each nodded and then put them down. “You guys show your cousin where the games are, or we can put a video on.”

“Or I could read a story.” DJ thanked Robert with her eyes.

“Or you could take a break,” Robert said over his shoulder as he carried the twins into the other room.

“That’s right,” Julia said with a smile. “You are not the designated entertainment for the weekend or the baby-sitter. Come get something to drink and catch your breath.”

“Thanks.” DJ could tell she was going to like this relative. Julia gave you the feeling that she’d known you all her life and you were best friends. How’d she end up with a daughter like Meredith?

Andy and his wife, Sonya, along with their daughter Shawna, entered with armloads of pizza boxes. Andy was Joe’s youngest son. Even nine-year-old Shawna carried a pizza box.

“Hi, all. Food’s here.” Andy led the way to the dining room and they spread the boxes out on the table.

“Everyone help yourself. The paper plates are over there,” Gran pointed to a stack of wicker plate holders. “And the—”

“Drinks are in the kitchen,” Joe finished for her. “Little kids get to eat at the breakfast table.”

“DJ, come on!” One of the twins grabbed her hand and pulled.

“Nope, DJ is not one of the little kids. She can eat wherever she chooses.” Robert saved the day again.

DJ took slices of the Hawaiian special and gourmet delight and wandered after the others into the family room. She sat down next to Andy and Sonya on the floor.

“So, how are the horses and riding coming?” Sonya asked around a mouthful of pizza.

“Good. Now that I have Major, it’s even more fun.” DJ took a bite of the topping-heavy pizza cradled in her hand. “You playing much volleyball?”

The conversation swirled around her with everyone laughing, talking, and teasing one another as if they’d been together the weekend before. It would have been easy to feel left out, but Andy made sure she was part of the conversation. When the twins charged back in, Sonya grabbed them and wrestled them to the floor.

“Run, DJ. Run for your life!”

DJ ran, but only as far as the dining room for more pizza. She was just scooping a slice onto her plate when she heard someone ask, “So, Robert, when’s the wedding?”

DJ froze in midaction. She looked up just in time to see Robert flinch.

“I . . . ah . . . we haven’t set a date yet.”

DJ glanced at her mother. She wore a smile that almost disguised her tight jaw. But DJ knew her mother too well. Lindy didn’t like being pressured.

“We decided we needed to get to know each other better before marriage.” Lindy’s words were true, but DJ wasn’t fooled.

“DJ, we was missing you.” The twins glommed to her like magnets. DJ sighed and smiled down at them. “Where is Allison?” She didn’t bother asking about Meredith. That cousin had made it clear she had no time for people who rode horses.

“Watching
The Little Mermaid
. Can you give us horsey rides?”

“No, she can’t, but I can.” Andy grabbed the gigglers up and dropped to the floor. Both boys climbed onto his back and away they went. Hearing the laughter, Allison clamored for a turn. Within minutes the Bs were riding Robert and Joe while Andy carried Allison. The “horses” raced down the hall on hands and knees. The riders shouted “giddy-up,” the men cried, “outta my way,” and the women laughed till the tears came.

In bed that night, DJ caught herself giggling again at the thought of the inside race. Allison was already sound asleep after her telling of “The Three Bears,” complete with voices to suit the characters. DJ crossed her arms over her stomach. What a crazy evening. Even if Robert didn’t marry her mother, they were still a part of this wacko family.
Bet Grandpa Joe’s knees hurt tomorrow
.

That was the first thing she asked when he stopped by for her in the morning.

“Oh, some. But I beat out Robert and Andy. Not bad for an old guy.” Gray fog had lightened as they fed the horses and cleaned the stalls.

The chill made DJ shiver.

“You should have worn a jacket, child.” Joe tossed out the last of the dirty shavings.

“It’ll burn off. If shoveling this stuff doesn’t warm you up, what will?”

“You recovered from all the attention last night?”

“You mean the kids?” DJ leaned on the handle of her fork. “I wasn’t the one giving horseback rides.”

“To be honest, someone should have shot me and put me out of my misery. My kneecaps!” He shook his head with a laugh.

They were both laughing when they saddled up and headed for the arena.

“Hi, Tony.” Joe lifted a hand in greeting.

DJ shot her grandfather a startled look.

“Hi, Joe.” Tony reigned his horse to ride on Joe’s other side. “How’s the cutting-horse training coming along?” He didn’t say anything to DJ, and she squeezed Major into a trot.

She didn’t hear Joe’s answer. She didn’t want to. Here they’d been having a perfectly good time together and that . . . that—no, she wouldn’t ruin Thanksgiving Day by calling anyone names.

DJ worked Major on the flat until a sweat rose on his shoulders, then the pair transferred out to the jumping arena.
Concentrate,
she ordered herself over and over.

Following Bridget’s advice, DJ tried to keep her self-talk positive. That way, she couldn’t think of Tony—or Hilary, or anything besides jumping. She stayed with the low jumps, focusing on her posture, her hands, and, as always, her head and eyes.

Major lifted off as if he were floating, each jump effortless as they moved in perfect sync. The sun peeked through, melting away the remaining fog. Around they went, back across the ring and over the jumps.

DJ heard another rider enter the arena. She looked up. Tony!

“Guess that’s enough, fella.” She put Major to the final jump. He pulled to the right and ticked the pole. The words she muttered to herself were not positive as they rode back to the barn.

After cooling Major out and putting him away, she bridled and mounted Bandit to ride him to Gran’s. You’d have thought she brought Santa Claus the way the little kids greeted her.