Chapter 12
It wasn’t until late that afternoon that the last class was over and all the Meadowlands girls were ready to pack up and head home.
It had been a great show for the farm and for Tory. She had won the fourth place ribbon for equitation and a second place ribbon for her “hunter-under-saddle” class. That meant that firefly was being judged as well as Tory for her confirmation and appearance. Much of that ribbon really belonged to Firefly but it was also a testament to Tory’s ability to braid and present her as well. They had all had a lot of fun in the costume class with lots of laughs and good natured ribbing. Tory had dressed Firefly as a firefly and she had been a fairy. Lots of people had told her they were surprised she hadn’t won a ribbon for that class but it didn’t matter. They had a great day.
After everyone’s classes were over, the temporary stalls had to be mucked out, the horses un-tacked, legs rewrapped and coolers put on. Once all the horses were loaded, Tory once again crawled into the middle seat, more than ready to head home. She was exhausted, hungry and very, very sore.
Tory’s Dad had already headed home with her ribbons, jacket and the costumes from the costume class, with promises to look after supper. He had hugged Tory and told her millions of times through the day how proud he was of her. She had even caught him hugging Clara and telling her how thankful he was for the lessons she had given Tory. Tory had been shocked to discover he had left both his radio and pager at home. It was the first time he had been without them since they had moved to the Island. When she asked him about it he had smiled and said, “You’re my priority today, and I’ve decided to spend time saving my family instead of everyone else. Besides,” he admitted, “the crew on can handle things and will probably be glad to have me out of their hair for a day.”
Grandma Nan had snuck home a couple of times during the day to look after things and check on the horses that were still at the farm. It had been an emotional day for Grandma Nan too. She had told Tory how proud she was of her. Lots of people had told Grandma Nan how much Tory reminded them of Samantha and how glad they were to see her and her father on the Island again.
No one said much on the drive home. They were all exhausted and Tory was once again worrying about G.G. As they approached the lane they met a truck coming from the other direction. “Ah, right on time, there’s Dr. Marshall,” said Grandma Nan. “I’ll just stop and make introductions and you can help him with G.G., Tory. Clara and I will look after Firefly for you.”
“Thanks guys,” said Tory, as she jumped out of the truck and suddenly felt excruciating pain in her own ankle. Tory wasn’t looking forward to taking her boot off tonight.
Grandma Nan made the introductions and told Dr. Marshall that Tory would help him with G.G. “The Gentle Giant doesn’t like people much, especially men, but she’ll be okay as long as Tory is with her,” Grandma Nan explained. “Tory here has a real healing touch,” Grandma Nan said as she started up the truck again and continued up to the barn.
“I’m not surprised,” said Dr. Marshall. “Given your genes you’d be a natural at animal care. Maybe I’ll have an assistant in the practice soon. Well, let’s go take a look at her, eh Tory,” he said.
Tory liked Dr. Marshall immediately. Although he was a big man he seemed very calm and gentle and in no hurry.
G.G. neighed when she heard Tory call “Hey girl, come on over.” She started limping towards Tory but then pinned back her ears and firmly planted her three non-hurting feet, when she saw Dr. Marshall.
“I’ll go get her,” said Tory. She grabbed the halter from the gate and limping herself, made her way towards G.G., pulling a horse treat left over from the show out of her pocket. G.G. snuggled her big face into Tory’s chest and gently munched on the treat while Tory secured the halter.
Dr. Marshall smiled as both Tory and G.G. limped towards him. “Looks like you’re both in about the same shape,” he smiled. “Nan told me about your ride last night. Guess it was a wild one. Congratulations to you though. I’ve seen this horse before when the Miller’s owned her. She’s had a rough life. I’m surprised you brought her around so quickly. Nan must be right; you do have a healing touch. Your grandfather was an excellent vet you know. He could diagnosis and treat anything, but you grandmother really had the touch. They were quite a team.” He shook his head a bit to take him back to the present and away from the distant memories and stretched out his hand so G.G. could sniff him. “Okay, Tory,” he said. “Your job will just be to hold her and keep talking to her so she’s nice and relaxed while I give her the once-over.”
Rather than starting at her hurt foot, Tory was surprised to see Dr. Marshall run his hand along G.G’s neck, back and flanks first. Dr. Marshall explained that he left the sore part till the last so G.G. would have some comfort with him before he did anything that might hurt her or make her nervous. He pulled a stethoscope out of his backpack and started listening to her chest, heart and around her belly. “Hmmm, interesting” he said as he listened and felt all around. G.G. moved her ears a bit but seemed relaxed under his touch.
By the time he got to G.G’s sore foot, it seemed G.G. had almost forgotten he was even there. She only hesitated slightly in lifting her foot for him. He felt all around her leg and gently put her foot back down again.
“Okay girl, we’re done here for now,” he said. “You’re a good girl and you found yourself the perfect home.” He held out a carrot, which G.G. cautiously took from his hand.
“How’s her foot? Is she going to be okay,” Tory asked anxiously?
Dr. Marshall took his time gathering up his things, zippering his backpack and hoisting it onto his shoulder, being careful not to make noise or quick actions that would scare G.G. “She sure is okay,” he smiled. “Her foot is just bruised on the heel. She’s going to limp a bit for a week or so, pretty much like you. But she’s going to need a lot of care and attention over the next few months. Tory, I guess you’re going to be a Grandma. G.G. is pregnant! ”
“Pregnant! Oh G.G.,” Tory said, as she threw her arms around G.G. burying her face in her neck. “You’re going to be a Mom.” Then Tory remembered the foal G.G. had lost. Suddenly Tory was terrified for G.G.
“Do you think the foal will be okay? She lost one before,” Tory said.
“See you already worry like a Grandma,” said Dr. Marshall. “I think she’ll be fine. I’d say she’s about four months along so that’s a good sign. Means you’ve got about seven more months to go before she’s full term. It takes a little longer than humans. As long as you keep a close watch on her and give her lots of feed, keep her warm and loved, she’ll be just fine. There’s no reason to think otherwise. She probably lost the foal before because she was mistreated and hungry and lots of other reasons that don’t matter here. I’ll keep a close watch on her too. Besides, I like coming out here and seeing animals so loved. And I think I’ll like working with you Tory.”
Tory felt her exhaustion turn to pure excitement. A foal!. G.G was going to be a mother, and Tory a grandmother! She didn’t know how she was going to be able to wait seven more months!
Dr. Marshall threw his backpack in his truck and climbed into the driver’s seat. “Gotta go, Tory. I’ve got a sheep, a cow and a sick goat to look at before I head home for supper. I’ll leave you to tell the great news to Nan. Tell her I’ll see you guys again in a month unless something happens before then,” and he waved as he headed down the lane.
Tory forgot all about the pain in her ankle as she half ran, half limped towards the house. Grandma Nan, Clara and her father were all in the kitchen. Her father was somehow miraculously unpacking fast food hamburgers, fries, onion rings, and milkshakes and setting them around the table. For a minute Tory almost forgot her news as she saw the ice-cream cake in the middle of the table. It was the shape and color of a pumpkin and, in black letter frosting, it said, “Congratulations Tory” on it.
“Ah,” her father said. “The guest of honor has arrived for the f
east!”
Tory was so excited and pleased she just blurted the news out “G.G’s going to have a baby!”
That night the four of them toasted Tory, G.G., G.G.’s foal, and fast food. But most of all they just enjoyed being a family and being together. Tory snuck pieces of hamburger and cake into Saint Albert’s dish and caught her father sneaking fries to Rusty under the table. Tory and her Dad winked at each other across the table.
Life on the Island felt like a good beginning!
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About the author
Heather MacKenzie-Carey is a Bach Flower Registered Practitioner living on the South Shore of Nova Scotia with her husband, daughter, a number of four legged creatures and perhaps a spirit or two.
Tory’s World reflects Heather’s personal shift from working as a Paramedic to the more flexible, sometimes magical realms of vibrational energy healing including Bach Flowers and homeopathy.
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