Wow. What a scary year this is! I just got back from the out-of-province university fair and there are a lot of appealing places in eastern Canada in the Maritimes, closer to where my dad lives. It's exciting looking at my future, but also terrifying. I hope you will forgive me again for my prolonged absence. It will be commonplace now and I see it will be for others too. Well, Evergreen will stay open as always for whenever anybody has a thought or story they'd like to write out and get out of the way. Hope everyone's doing well.
Now, for my thought...
I sighed as I walked away from the paddock where Mindy was riding Harley. Mindy's fate was at it again, having it's way with her. I was upset that Bryan and she just couldn't work it out, but I was sure that Mindy's decision had been right - to call a divorce and share custody of the kids. I can't imagine what it would have been like if my own parents had stayed together in their deteriorating marriage. They are so happy and successful as they are now, seperated and miles apart, and so different that I can hardly imagine them in a room together.
As I thought about all this, I headed back to the apartment. Mindy's luggage was in the doorway, only reinforcing the reality of the current situation. I passed Jason as he hurried down the hall.
"Where are you off to in a rush?" I asked, smiling.
"Out with Mandy," he replied, shrugging.
"Have fun... oh, and is it alright if I let Noel out this afternoon with Millicent?" I inquired. I knew how much Millie loved Noel, and of course I was always up for a chance to watch the beautiful little tripod foal trotting in her own unique way across the field.
"Sure!" Jason agreed hurriedly. He quickly waved and was out the door. I really did want to meet this Mandy girl...
Jakob was inside, giving Kyle a bath in the kitchen sink. Kyle was squirming a little, odd expressions and the occasional smile darting across his face.
"Mindy got the message?" Jakob asked, hearing my quiet entry.
"Yes..." I replied with a sigh. I went to the sink and helped Jakob dry and clothe Kyle who, by his fidgeting and rolling about, indicated that he'd much rather go naked.
I picked him up in my arms and carried him to the couch where I lay him on my knees. Jakob sat close to me and tickled Kyle's tiny feet.
"Do you think Kyle'll ever know that he was a mistake?" I asked Jakob. "I mean, he's so random. If he remains a single child and if we still live in an apartment by the time he understands..."
"I am not sure," Jakob replied earnestly. "A house will come with time. Once mine and Loranna's riding lessons pick up. He might not be a single child forever. He's certainly a well-loved and treasured mistake. Is there really any reason that it is wrong?"
I nodded.
"My youngest sister, Dahmnatt is ten. The next youngest is Ailne who is 18. That's eight years. Do you think there may have been an error there?" Jakob said with a smile.
"I see."
"Well, I am going out to warm up Veritas. She's a wonderful ride. A lovely gait. She carries herself beautifully high," Jakob explained, clearly proud of his new andalusion. He and Loranna had been to a horse auction a few weeks back and picked up a pair of andalusians, apparently the only two their sire was ever able to concieve. One was a strikingly white mare, and the other a rich black gelding: Vertias and Aequitas, Truth and Justice, respectively.
"Well, don't think too hard on it," Jakob said, reverting back to the original conversation. He kissed my on the cheek and kissed Kyle's tiny forehead, provoking a squeal out of him. The door shut behind Jakob and I sighed. His sparkling blue eyes, his already thick black hair; Kyle looked exactly like him.
-Scarlet
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