My RA Ch. 03

Dawn grabbed her large scrapbook and a large box of tissues. The group parted as she entered the room, Dawn had Anna stand next to her. Dawn opened the book.

Dawn bent over and kissed the first picture, "Hello boy, how are you doing today? I bet you have a good harem following you around. 'Apache' meet Anna, she is helping me take care of your namesake. Anna meet 'Apache', my first horse and the one I won my first trophy on."

Dawn cried with every turn of a page. Anna looked on with great interest. When they got to the magazine articles of the current 'Apache' Anna had Dawn stop. Anna was now crying. She had to sit and read every word and scrutinized every picture and stories of the three articles.

A week later Noel got a package. It had been such a hectic day, so she didn't connect the Orlando postmark with the school. Jacob watched on as she carefully opened the box. He did know what the Orlando postmark meant, but he knew better than to say anything.

Once opened, the box produced many surprises. On top was a bear, this made Noel jump for joy. "Look Jacob, they gave me a bear. They want me in their 'Bear family!'" She eagerly dug into the box. Out came two crosses, a little sewn mug that had cocoa stitched on the side. A very small Bible with a clasp to close it. A tee-shirt that read "I love Miss Noel.", a checkerboard shirt with snaps and two pair of jeans topped off by a nice cowboy hat and chaps. The boots were amazing.

For church, she got three silk tops in different neutral colors and several skirts. A simple string of pearls and pearl earrings finished off the ensemble.

She texted everyone on her contact list. "Everyone meet 'Cindy', because Jacob is my 'Yogi'; thank you for inviting me to your 'Bear family'. I feel so honored to be invited. You have made my day."

Noel ran into the kitchen and made hot cocoa for herself and Jacob then put the cocoa mug in front of 'Cindy'.

The Disney people had a few architects and designers. They went on a walking tour of the town with Mr. Mayor and some councilmen. The first stop was the club. Everyone was taking detailed notes. Once they toured the whole town the leader spoke to the mayor.

Mr. Mayor, "We wanted a tour to see how we can help your town. Especially the kids. We noticed that they basically just had a corner of a common room. We think they need a place they can truly call their own. Many communities have such areas, usually surrounded by a public library. Your town is getting older and people could use a good library. It will be a haven for the kids. They will need computers to study soon.

"We also think with the ranch theme we can make a park area that has an English feel to it. Picture a pathway leading into the park. Have short brick walls with a wrought iron design set into the top. In front of the wall on either side would be two or three hitching posts. As you walk in you see a garden area for people to rest. Have your gardening team design it from the sod up. They will know it is our park, we made it. It will give them great pride."

The Mayor and councilmen were stunned. "A library? What a great idea. Both adults and children love books. The students will have a place to study and the children can have their own place. A park would be a challenge for the kids, but it would cheer up the whole town."

April screamed up the stairs, 'Molly telephone, it is Miss Gail!"

"Hi Miss Gail, is it time?"

Miss Gail said, "How is the planning going Molly?"

Molly answered, "No."

Miss Gail said, "Have you thought about it?"

Molly answered, "Yes."

Miss Gail thought this was very unlike Molly, "Molly, are you mad at me?"

Molly said, "No."

Then it hit Miss Gail like a ton of bricks, "Molly, are you alone?

"No."

Gail said, "I now understand Molly. How many other children are there?"

Molly said, "Two, best friends."

Molly, "Can you ask Miss Sarah if all three of you can ride to the club?"

Molly gathered her two best friends and approached Miss Sarah.

Molly said to Miss Sarah, "Miss Sarah, Miss Gail wants us to ride down to the club. Do we have your permission?"

Miss Sarah said, "It is awful late. Why do you have to go to the club tonight?"

Molly said, 'We gave our word Miss Sarah, you don't expect us to break out word, do you?" Two heads were nodded behind Molly.

Miss Sarah was about to object when Miss Zoe interjected. "Sarah, you can stop them from going and they will obey. You can't expect them to break their word. This is important to them and I think it involves more than Miss Gail and these three. I for one, trust their judgement, just give them flashlights so they do not get hit; 'Spirit' is almost a flashlight unto herself."

Miss Sarah said, "OK Molly, you three can go. Get some flashlights. Have Miss Gail call me tomorrow, just in case you should stay in town. Your Mommy has feed and water."

Molly's friends always liked to be with Molly and were glad they could see her more now. Riding with her was something special. 'Peaceful' and 'Courage' made a special bond with them that night.

When the girls got to the club, they noticed Mr. Jacob and Miss Noel there. In addition, they noticed some of the Disney people there. Molly went over to Miss Gail and said, "Why are they here?"

Miss Gail said, "They are here for several reasons. Remember this is your party for Miss Joy. You can ask for ideas and then ask all the children what ones they like. I think because this will be a big party we should invite all those lonely people. Miss Noel and Mr. Jacob can oversee that. Remember to swear them to secrecy, then I will explain my idea."

The children watched Molly walk over to the small group of adults.

Molly said, "This is top secret. We want to have a super-duper party for Miss Joy; only people who said they will keep the secret from everyone can help us. We had to get permission from our Mommies. Does everyone promise to keep this party a secret?"

A chorus of "I do" came from the group.

Miss Gail got up from her seat, "Before Miss Joy got pregnant she wanted to have baby showers both here and France as they couldn't be here for the birth. I told the children that they were adult only parties. The children love Miss Joy, so I thought it could be a super-duper surprise party, if we did it after the baby was born. It will be their party, they will accept or reject ideas or maybe combine them."

"Children remember you can always have an idea explained to you in more detail. Miss Joy will be so surprised. The Disney people take ideas and make them come true. Just remember Miss Joy likes simple things, which is the kind of person she is, so I would plan on something simple. If you make it too complex she will know an adult planned it, she would like it to be from you."

One of the Disney people said, "Children, for us to help you better, what does Miss Joy likes? What is she like?"

One little boy said, "That is a silly question. She has a very caring heart, she loves Mr. David and baby Joshua as well as 'Buddy'. She always helps people. "

Another said, "She made sure we got dollies and bears after the flood." A room full of heads nodded in agreement.

The lead Disney person walked over to Miss Gail and whispered something. Miss Gail's jaw dropped and a look of bewilderment shown on her face. The Disney person smiled and walked back to where he was standing before.

"Well if she gave them to you, I think you will need to bring them to the party."

Miss Gail said, "Those bears and dollies are prized possessions for our children. As you saw, they bring them to church with them."

"Mommies, Do you think you could pick several of your daughters to make cakes? Have their friends help. We may need twenty, I am sure some will want seconds; the boys can put up the decorations with the help of some adults. They can make some decorations at school. Miss Joy has a caring heart and it is Valentine's Day. She would love getting hearts the kids made.

"Homemade gifts and cards are the best, they mean you gave a lot of thought to what you made to the person. It shows the love you feel towards Miss Joy. There will be so many she must make a scrap book to fit them all."

Miss Gail said. "What do you kids think about those ideas?"

There was a great amount of chattering going on. They loved the hearts idea, they knew Miss Joy would like it.

A little boy said, "Mister, is there something else we could decorate for Miss Joy? For Thanksgiving and Christmas, we had a lot of decorations."

The lead person said, "Miss Gail has Baby Joshua had a party for him since he has been born?"

Miss Gail said, "No he hasn't."

"Well isn't this party for him?"

Miss Gail said, "Well it is supposed to be like a baby shower, so I guess so."

The Disney man said, "What about two huge string signs, one that says, 'Welcome Home' and the other says 'Baby Joshua' The adults can cut out the big letters and the kids can color them however they want then put them on long strings. It would be his first party, even if he must stay home. It would have to be a big room. You would need one on each side of the room."

The room broke out in a lot of chatter with a lot of head nodding.

"Does Miss Joy like pizza?"

A little boy said, "Boy does she, she likes all kinds."

Everyone broke out in laughter, the boy blushed.

Miss Gail said, "We are not laughing at you, we all know Miss Joy REALLY loves pizza. You made us laugh. With pizza and cake, you will need to drink milk."

An adult stood up and said, "My business can make really big letters for the children to color and I can show them how to attach them to the string."

Miss Gail said, "What do you say kids, is this a super-duper party? Do you think Miss Joy will like it?"

A Mommy stood up and said, "I will baby sit Baby Joshua so Mr. David can come."

Molly said, "I really like it Miss Gail, but it is just food, how else can we throw a party, a good one."

Miss Gail said, "That is a good point Molly, I do not know."

One of the Disney people said, "Has anyone ever played musical chairs?"

All the kids nodded their heads.

The Disney person said, "This is very important, we will pick three people who will intentionally lose, on the third time the remaining children must make sure Miss Joy sits in a special chair that will be on a very special spot. Up in the ceiling we will have a net full of balloons that you have put your name on. The three people who lost will pull a rope back stage and all the balloons will come down."

A little girl said, "Mister, I can't write my name very good and a balloon will be harder." A few of the other children agreed.

The Disney person said, "Do you think you can paint a smiley face, a curved line and two big dots for the eyes?"

The little girl nodded. "Miss Joy can only hold one or two balloons so you will just have to show her. We will have all the heart cards on a board and make them into one big heart."

All the children were giggling now they had their party planned. Everyone was happy.

The next day Molly got a frantic call from Miss Sarah, "You three need to come back to the ranch now, 'Angel' is missing! We need you to help with the search! Miss April is worried sick!"

Molly dashed into the club and announced, "'Angel' is missing, we have to get back to the ranch and help with the search!"

Everyone was stunned, the three girls ran as fast and they could to "Spirit', 'Peaceful' and 'Courage'. Soon they were off at a full gallop.

Once Anne got the Facebook alert she drove up to the ranch to be with April.

The main group couldn't wait for Molly. April hugged 'Beauty' "Listen girl, your baby is missing, she may be in trouble. Go find her for me please." April couldn't hold back her tears.

Sarah took the lead as 'Beauty' knew 'Angel's' scent.

Being a weanling 'Angel' didn't have the size nor strength as an adult.

Everyone, but Miss April was gone by the time Molly got there. She was crying so much she was incoherent. Molly just picked a direction, "Let's go!"

Molly decided to ride at an angle to save time. "Let's ride along the creek and cut back on the meadow on the way back."

The girls heard some splashing and Molly got a glimpse of 'Angel's 'white spot.' Someone was trying to steal her. He had a rope around 'Angel's' neck and was trying to pull her across the creek, 'Angel' was having none of it but she was not strong enough to last long, especially fighting the current.

Molly's friends were yelling to 'Angel', Molly called Miss Sarah and said someone was stealing 'Angel' and said where they were. The girls were not sure they could control their horses in the fast water.

'Apache' being the biggest, strongest horse and Miss Dawn being the most skilled rider went charging to the front. A very determined 'Beauty' was not far behind, no one was going to steal her baby. 'Companion' was right with them.

Soon a shot rang out, "That's is far enough, the next one will go into your horse and I don't miss, even at a full gallop. Dismount your horse and get on your belly with your hands behind your back."

'Apache' got on the other side of 'Angel' so she would not go downstream.

Miss Sarah called the police and told them where they were and the situation. "Molly tie up his hands really good and hold onto the rope in case he tries to run away."

Soon the cowpokes came and surrounded the man. Two dismounted and carried 'Angel' to safety. Miss Sarah dismounted and walked 'Beauty' over to a very tired and very scared 'Angel'. No one could leave until 'Angel' was rested. She knew Mom was there, everything will be alright.

Molly called Miss April, "We have found 'Angel' and we have the 'Bad man' who tried to steal her. 'Beauty' is comforting her and we put a blanket around her to warm her up."

April couldn't hold back the tears of relief, she was exhausted and just collapsed on her bed. Anne tucked her into bed and kissed her on her forehead.

Sarah said, "You know they used to hang people like you, no questions asked."

The police chief and an officer had borrowed two horses from the ranch next to Sarah's. Soon they were crossing the creek and the officer took the rope from Molly.

The chief wanted to make sure 'Angel' was OK before he left so he took all the statements right there. "Miss Sarah your shotgun is evidence, can you turn it over to the officer please."

Miss Sarah agreed, broke open the gun and removed the remaining shell and handed both to the officer saying, "Safety first."

"She was going to shoot me Chief."

Miss Sarah said, "No I wasn't, I was going to shoot your horse, and Miss Dawn being an expert steeple chaser would hunt you down in no time."

The chief said, "Did you know we still have horse stealing laws on the books, the court takes a very dim view of the practice. The law has never been enforced much, a tree is much easier to find."

In a show of unity, all the riders dismounted their horses and walked their horses behind the dismounted police with the criminal in tow. Everyone was not at all pleased with what the man did. A show of passive intimidation bore into the man's soul.

The next day, Dawn planned a big day for Anna. Well before dawn, the breakfast was cooking and then Dawn woke up Anna and told her to dress. A bleary-eyed Anna looked at her clock that read 4:00 AM. Downstairs Dawn had made a huge amount of food: flapjacks, eggs, a baked potato, toast and her famous handmade hot sausage; albeit toned down so Anna could eat it.

"Eat up, we have a long day ahead of us. You are going to learn how to have fun, I think it will help you."

By dawn 'Apache' and Anna's horse was harnessed in the horse trailer and they were long gone before anyone else was up at the ranch. Sarah picked up the note from the table. "Gone to teach Anna how to ride, I packed dinner and might have Supper out. Love D."

Anna was munching on her last sausage when she poised a question to Dawn, "Dawn between 'Apache' and yourself, I seem to be making progress with whatever it is that is bothering me. Would it be an imposition if I asked for a two-week vacation?"

"Anna, as far as I am concerned, you are family. If you don't endanger losing your job, I would be glad to have you around. I am sure Sarah feels the same way."

Anna said, "Where are we going? What are we going to do?"

Dawn said, "We are going to my favorite park to teach you how to ride. It is a shame the flowers are not up yet. I packed a picnic if you want. Just tell me when you get tired and we will stop. If you want, we can do something later.

"Horses are good therapy animals, I encourage you to make use of them once you get back to Orlando. It will be more fun if you know how to ride."

Anna thought this would be a nice leisurely ride through the park. Dawn thought 'Boot camp mode' would be best.

Dawn trained her hard, Anna would be sore tomorrow. Anna was a quick learner.

"Dawn I feel so free! I am having the time of my life!"

The sight was so beautiful Dawn just took snap after snap and video after video on her phone of Anna riding with her long red hair flowing after her.

At 10:30 they stopped for lunch, as both were famished.

Dawn said, "I put the horse food in your saddle bags, I thought you would want to feed them."

Suddenly behind them a little girl shouted out, "Look Mommy, it is Anna!"

"Be quiet, it can't be her." Her daughter frowned at the realization that it can't be Anna.

"Ma'am, I couldn't but overhear your daughter."

The mother said, "I am so sorry, Daisy shouldn't shout like that."

Anna said, "I am so glad she did, you see I am Anna, Daisy was totally right. Here is my card." The mothers jaw just dropped, it was an official Disney card with her character's name on it, and all the Disney people had one.

"When we heard about the flood down at Northfield we just had to do something for them. As you can imagine it took some time to find a spot for us to come up here. Why don't you come down to Northfield tomorrow afternoon and meet everyone? You can have supper at the ranch and your daughter can meet all the animals at the ranch. Would you mind if she helped feed our horses?"

"Please Mommy can we go!" Daisy said excitedly.

The mother was flummoxed, real Disney people and animals. Daisy would never forgive her if she said "No."

"We will be there."

Anna gave some food to Daisy to feed the horses, she took off running to feed both horses.

Anna said to Dawn, "Can you give this lady your card with Miss Joy's number on it also? They are coming down tomorrow."

Dawn said, "Sure, I see you found a way to avoid doing your job."

"And I would do it again in a heartbeat if it made a little boy or girl's day; I work for Disney remember. That is my job."

At school, all the non-parent teachers were excused for the day and the following day. The children spent the entire day making all the decorations; it was a very hard job.

The Moms agreed with the kids making the cakes; it would take a much longer time and they all made sure they had at least double the ingredients.

'The Dean' opened one of the stadium classrooms at Gail's request. Some of the boys were putting up the string signs, many were piling balloons into the net. Putting the heart cards on the board was real hard, they needed a lot of help, but when they finished it looked just like a big heart. They knew Miss Joy would love it.

The little girls had been divided into many homes. They were: measuring, mixing, cracking eggs and generally making a disaster area of every kitchen, but they were enjoying themselves.

At noon Gail sent out a Facebook alert for a meeting at the classroom. Miss Joy and Mr. David were planning to stay home with baby Joshua.

At 2:30 PM Daisy showed up at the ranch. It was April's day off, Sarah had started to let people have more time off. April showed the girl the: horses, bunnies and chickens. Daisy fell in love with 'Angel', she was just a little taller than Daisy.