Coco's Passing (ages 13-17)

 by Emma H. 

This story takes place right before (Thick as Thieves)

 Chapter 1

            “Andi, wake up!” someone shook me, I sat up and opened one eye.

“Go away, Chad.” I said to my 28-year-old brother. He did. I relaxed back down and pulled the covers over my shoulders. Just as I started to fall back to sleep something startled me back awake. With a yelp, I jumped out of bed. Chad, chuckling softly, held a wet washcloth.

“Chaaaad!” I said loudly, “why did you-” I was cut off by Chad’s hand to my mouth. “Shhhhhhh.” he said, “unless you want to wake Mother!” It suddenly dawned on me that I was supposed to get up to help Melinda and my brothers make Mother a birthday breakfast. I pulled Chad’s hand from my mouth.

“Ok.” I said. Chad looked annoyed, “Get dressed and meet us downstairs. “Ok”, I repeated. He left the room, closing the door behind him.

           

I pulled off my nightshift and put on a split skirt and a white blouse. I wish I could wear a pair of overalls but those days are long gone. Mother says a young lady of fourteen should not wear such things. Maybe she’s right, but overalls are much more practical for ranch work. I went to my vanity and brushed my long, dark hair and braided it into one thick plait. Flinging it over my shoulder, I headed for the door. Opening it, I tip-toed past Mother’s door, trying not to waken her. Running my hand along the oak wood banister, I resisted the urge to slide down it. Sadly, I could never stick my landing and it always resulted in a crash. It would wake Mother and that would not do!

I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. Justin and Melinda were already there beginning breakfast preparations. Our housekeepers, Nila and Louisa, had the day off. It was almost Christmas and all of the hired help were either with their families or visiting friends. We were on our own. I stepped over to the sink to wash my hands.

 

“Where are Mitch and Chad?” I asked. “They are out milking.” answered Melinda. 

 

“How did you sleep, Honey?” Justin asked.

 

“Fine.” I said, “Other than Chad soaking me.” Melinda started to giggle but Justin sliced her with a warning look that silenced her.

“What can I help with?” I asked, drying my hands.

“You can start cracking……. Justin trailed off. “What is it?” I asked seeing his alarmed expression.

Then I heard it too. There was loud yelling coming from outside.

Suddenly, Chad burst through the back door, gasping for breath.

“Guys!” he said “Come quick!” We all followed Chad out the door. My breath caught when I saw Chad going toward the barn.

Oh no! I thought. Lord, please let everything be ok.

 

Chapter 2

 

            Running, running, running. I reached the barn before my brothers. As I stepped into the dark interior, I noticed that it was very quiet. There were no ranch hands at work. What could it be? I thought, waiting for my brothers. Just then, they stepped into the barn. Melinda was with them. The only reason she ever came to the barn was to ride Panda, her horse.  She was here now. Chad was standing next to the stall when the rest of us walked over. There, lying ghostly still, was Coco! His eyes were glassy.

 

            “Oh, Coco!” I said, sinking to my knees on the soft, yellow hay. “Is he?…..is he?” I could not bring myself to say that dreadful word. “Yes, Andi.” Chad said, his words wrapped in sorrow. I did not know how much Coco had meant to me until now. Of course, I have Taffy, but Coco was the first horse I had ever ridden. Tears formed in my eyes.

 

 I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Melinda, “Come on Andi.” she said, tears pooling in her own eyes. “Lets go to the house.” I stood, still staring at Coco. I could not take my eyes off him. Tears rolling down my cheeks, I let Melinda take my hand a lead me towards the door. Just before we got there, Chad said, “I’m sorry, Andi.” His voice was so sad I could hardly bear it. “I will try to get another pony for you.” I continued walking towards the barn door. I could not look at him for fear of new tears. Melinda and I were quiet as we walked toward the house.  Please Lord, I need help to bear this.

                                                                 *********

 

 

            Breakfast was unusually quiet. Mother had been told about Coco and was also upset, but her birthday breakfast was still a go. “Well,” Chad said, getting up, “We’d best be off.”

I choked on my bite of eggs, for I knew what he and Mitch were doing. They were going to bury Coco. Justin patted my hand from across the table. “It’s okay, honey.” I attempted a smile but I knew it looked fake. I hurriedly finished my breakfast, asked to be excused and left the table. 

            I took my time getting to the barn. I was in no rush,  I did not want to see Coco’s body.

Once in the barn I stepped into Taffy’s stall. I rubbed her muzzle then put my hand on her rounded belly. Taffy was due to have her foal in a week and I couldn’t wait. The foal kicked and I felt a small smile tug at my lips.

“You’re eager to start life aren’t you, fella.” I felt another kick.

“Andi?” a quiet voice asked.

I turned to see mother.

“Hello, Mother.” I said, leaving Taffy to her hay.

 

“I’m sorry about Coco, dear.” Mother said putting her arm around me.

 

I sighed, it was not Mother’s fault. I had not realized how much the poky, old pony had meant to me.  It’s okay, Mother, I love Taffy and I know I should be grateful for her foal that she will have. Mother turned to face me, “I’m so proud of you, dear, I thought you would take this a lot harder.” I saw tears in Mother’s eyes. “Thank you, Mother.”

We started walking towards the house in silence. Mother said, “I came to thank you for the wonderful breakfast you and your siblings made for me.

I said “You’re welcome.” even though I had not helped with breakfast.

We mounted the steps and opened the front door. Melinda, Mitch, and Justin were in the library.

 

“Where’s Chad?” I asked. Justin looked up from his paper work. “He is in town.” He exchanged a knowing look with Mother. 

“What is going on?” I asked. Melinda broke in just then, “Oh, Andi dear, come and sit with me will you?”  Melinda asking me to sit by her! What is going on?  I obliged, and sat on the settee next to her. Melinda picked up a dress magazine and started telling me what was in fashion. It was so dull, the last thing I remember was Melinda talking about lace, ruffles, and silk.

 

Chapter 3

 

“Andi?” Somebody shook me, Oh no, not again. 

I was so tired from getting up early that I shoved my fist in the general direction of the voice.  “Owww Andi!” I opened my eyes to see Mitch standing near the side of the settee rubbing his cheek. My eyes widened and then I giggled at his expression.

 

“Okay, Andi, that’s enough. He tried to look stern but I could tell he thought it was funny as well. “What do you want?” I asked, snuggling deeper into the softness.

Mitch’s answered by yanking me off the settee. “What on earth are you doing?” I asked, as he led me through the house. No answer.

He opened the wide, front door and nudged me onto the veranda. 

There in the yard was my whole family and tied to a hitching post was a horse.

The horse was pure white, with brown spots. Her beautiful, white tail swished in the breeze.

“Oh!” I said, descending the porch steps and jogging over to her.

“Andi, Chad said, meet Moonstone, our new horse.” “What!?” I exclaimed, patting the horse in surprise.

“You heard me, she is ours. I got her for you since Coco died, I could not find a pony but when I saw her, I knew you’d love her.”  Moonstone was so beautiful. She seemed to like me, but what horse didn’t?  “Thank you Chad.” I said hugging him.  “She’s perfect.”