The Empty Cabin

 by Ellie B. and Sara M. 

Andi excitedly ran outside; she was happy to be home! She and her new husband, Riley, had just gotten back from their honeymoon to Yosemite. It had been a super exciting trip! She was going to visit her friend Rosa and tell her all about it.

 She went to saddle up her horse, Shasta, and kicked him into a trot out of the barn. Riley spotted her, and said “Where are you going, Andi?” 

“I’m going to visit Rosa!” Andi exclaimed. 

“Alright, have fun.” He waved her on.

Andi loved how Riley knew when she needed to get away. She was grateful for an understanding husband! She followed the path to Rosa’s home. She knew Rosa’s husband would be working at Circle C Ranch, so now was a good time to visit. She rode for a while and came to the turn that was Rosa’s driveway. As she rode up she gasped; the door was hanging open, and it was ripped off the hinges!

 Andi dismounted Shasta and ran up to the door, “Rosa!” she shouted when she saw the  inside. Stuff was scattered everywhere, very unlike Rosa, and there was no sign of Rosa. She spotted a piece of paper in the corner,  picked it up and saw Rosa’s handwriting. “Help, taken hostage by cattle rustlers, heading East!”

 “Oh no,” Andi whispered. How far away were the rustlers? Should I go back and get the sheriff? No, they might be too far away by then. I’ll have to go after them and try to get Rosa!

 Andi wrote a note on the table explaining where she had gone, so that if Riley came looking for her he would find the note. She searched the cabin for more clues. There were none, so her only lead was to go east. Andi sighed, east is a big area, well, I better go. She mounted Shasta and was on her way east! 

Andi hunted the ground for clues; she spotted a faded piece of fabric. This looks like Rosa’s skirt! Andi thought as she kept going. After a few hours, Andi stopped to water Shasta. That's when she heard a faint voice. She strained her ears to listen while walking a little more into the bushes.

 "What should we do with her, Noah?" Andi peeked through the bushes and saw the man that was speaking to another man.

"I don't know? It was your smart idea to bring her along, Harry,”  Noah snapped.

"Well, she would have gone squealing if we left her. She saw us stealing the cattle,"  Harry whined. 

As Andi was looking around the camp she noticed the cattle grazing not far away, but she also noticed a figure curled up in a ball on the ground. Andi caught her breath. It was Rosa! I have to figure out a way to save her! was Andi’s only thought.

                                          

Riley's POV

After Andi didn't come  home after dusk, Riley saddled his horse, Dakota, and started riding to Rosa's ranch. Why is she not home, she should be here by now, he thought. The closer he got to the ranch the more worried he got. Then he was joined on the road by Rosa's husband Hector.

 “Hola, Riley, what brings you up here?" he gave a friendly greeting. 

“Hola,” Riley returned, “I’m looking for Andi, she was going to visit Rosa, but has not returned.”

“Oh, really?” Hector asked

“Yes, I was expecting her back a while ago.” Riley answered

“What’s this?!” Hector suddenly shouted. He saw the cabin.

Riley gaped; he followed Hector and quickly dismounted. He and Hector ran inside, “Rosa! Andi!” Hector shouted - no answer.

“Where are they?” Riley’s question went unanswered. He spotted the note and picked it up. He read aloud “Riley, I have gone to find Rosa. She was not here when I arrived. There was a note asking for help. I have to find Rosa and help her. She said cattle rustlers going east.-Andi” 

“Oh no,” Riley groaned, “Cattle rustlers, we have to get our wives back! You coming?”

“You bet I am.” Hector’s face was worried, 

They mounted their horses and started east. How far east? Where are Andi and Rosa? Riley wondered as they rode.             

 

Andi POV

Andi watched the two men, Harry and Noah. They had lowered their voices, but  were still talking. Andi creeped closer, “Let’s leave her here and go on,” Noah was saying.

“No, we can’t.”

“If we leave her here, we'll be far enough away so she can’t tell them where we've gone.”

“Good point,” Harry agreed. “Okay, now we need to get the cattle as far away as we can, and I'll swing back and untie her.” 

“Why untie her? Just leave her how she is.” Noah said

“Alrighty…” Harry slowly agreed

They’re going to leave Rosa! I can get her after all! Andi felt like shouting. Little did she know it would not be so easy. 

 Andi watched Noah and Harry ride away. She heard them talking about going back and volunteering to help find the missing cattle; even though they were the cattle thieves themselves! Andi fumed, how dare they do that! I have to help Rosa, then worry about the two men, she thought. As soon as they were out of sight she leaped forward and rushed to Rosa. “Rosa! Rosa!” she whispered 

“What-” Rosa gasped, “I’m so glad you are here!” she exclaimed

Andi placed her finger on her lips and Rosa understood, be quiet, they might come back. “Let’s go.” Andi whipped out her pocket knife and cut Rosa’s ropes. “Go! I have a makeshift camp where Shasta is!” she said and they ran. They went behind some bushes and kept going but stayed undercover. Finally, they stopped at Andi’s makeshift camp, where Shasta was tied, and dropped down to the ground. 

"Oh, Andi, I am so glad to see you. I was so very afraid! "Rosa said in Spanish.

 "I know, I was afraid for you, too. I’m so glad I found you!" Andi replied in Spanish.

 “Are you here with anybody else; my husband?" Rosa said with her face lighting up.

 "No,  I came alone…." Andi said, and explained to Rosa what happened. Little did she know they were in for more. 

                   

Riley, Harry, And Noah’s POV 

Riley and Hector were riding along when they saw someone coming towards them. “Let’s ask if they saw Rosa or Andi.” Hector said. But before Riley could reply they had already reached the two men. “Hola, have you seen-” Hector gave a description that matched Rosa and Andi.  Riley noted a look of worry flashed on the shorter man's face.

 “I don’t think I’ve heard of them before.” he said, glancing at the other man.

“No, but we can help you look for them.” the other man said, “My name is Noah.” 

They exchanged names and Harry said “Let’s go south and look for them.” 

“No, the note said they went east.” answered Hector

“Oh no,” Riley heard Noah whisper, “Um… I guess we could,” he said in a normal voice,

“Sounds good!” Hector exclaimed and they rode on, but Riley had a feeling something was wrong with the two mysterious men. 

“Actually we need to go, we can come back soon and help you search.” Noah suddenly said, he kicked his horse into a gallop and Harry followed without waiting for an answer.

“Why are we leaving them?” Harry asked Noah when they were a safe distance away. 

“We have to go and see if the brat is still there,” Noah replied.

 “What was that about?” Riley wondered aloud.

 

Noah and Harry POV

They rode off, away from Riley and Hector. “Why did we leave so suddenly? I thought we were going to pretend to help them.” Harry asked

“Didn’t you listen? They are looking for two people, not the girl we kidnapped. We need to go back and find the other girl! Understand?” many words went unspoken but Harry knew what he meant, get back to camp now! 

“Okay, Noah, understood.” Harry said and they rode fast, back to camp.  Noah pulled his heavy breathing horse to a halt. 

“She’s gone!” he shouted 

“What do you mean?” Harry saw for himself, the girl was indeed gone. 

“Where did she go?” Noah said

“I dunno.” answered Harry looking around.

 

Andi’s POV

Andi had just finished explaining everything to Rose when they heard “She’s gone!” Andi and Rosa froze,

 “Is that the cattle rustlers?” Rosa said in near whisper

“I’m guessing it is, Rosa. Come quietly.” Rosa nodded in understanding. and  went with Andi. They  hopped on Shasta’s back. They were making their way when Shasta stepped on a branch and it cracked loudly. “Who’s there!” They heard a man’s voice and froze. 

“Oh, it's probably some wildlife.” another voice said. 

“Go Shasta,” Andi said. Rosa and Andi held on tightly while Shasta went as fast as he could through the thick brush. They kept going for as long as Shasta could with two riders. “I don't think Shasta can go any further and it’s pitch black. We can’t see anything and I don't know where we are. I think we should sleep here. I’m too tired to go any further.”

“Okay,” Rosa agreed. Andi and Rosa quickly fell asleep till morning.

 Andi last thought was of Riley, and if he missed her.

 

Riley’s POV

As the hours passed Riley became more suspicious of the two men who were all too willing to help find Andi and Rosa. Who were they really and why did they want to help so willingly? Riley and Hector did not even know them. “Riley!” Hector’s voice suddenly broke through his thoughts. 

“Oh, what?” Riley wasn’t listening

“Riley,” Hector’s voice was upset, “There has been so sign of Rosa or Andi. Where should we look next? We have traveled so far east.” he said

“I don’t know, Hector, I think we should go back to that little town we saw and get the sheriff if there is one.” Riley answered

“Okay” Hector agreed, they didn’t have any leads but knew they must find their wives.  Then Noah rode up and said "We will meet you at the town because we have some businesses this way."

 "Ok.." Riley said slowly but he had a suspicion that their business was less than good.                               

 

Noah and Harry’s POV

 “Can't we just go and get the cattle and leave this place?” Harry grumbled to Noah. “We’ve been looking for hours!”

 “Fine, let's go get the cattle .We’ll be in Mexico by the time they find those little brats,” Noah growled.

 

Riley’s POV

“Where could have Andi and Rosa gone?” Riley wondered aloud to Hector. It was three days later and still so sign of Andi or Rosa. 

“I wish I knew, Riley, but we will find them. I’m really getting worried.” Hector said

“Same,” Riley agreed. All of Andi’s family, all the ranch hands, and friends had helped them search, but they still didn’t find them. 

“Have faith,” Riley mumbled to himself not realizing he spoke aloud.

“Yes, have faith.” Hector echoed.

    

Andi’s POV

Andi woke up and yawned, Where am I? Why is it so dark? No, it’s dusk.  she wondered then remembered. “Rosa, wake up,” she gently shook her friend's shoulder.

Rosa woke up with a yawn and stood, “What should we do?” she asked 

“Let’s explore and see what we can find,” answered Andi.

“Okay,” Rosa agreed. They set off on Shasta’s back until they came upon a well used road.

"We should follow this road under the cover of the bushes so we won't be seen," said Andi.

"Sì," Rosa agreed.

 ***

They had ridden for a while when they saw a town; it was definitely not Fresno. Andi looked around, she vaguely remembered this town and couldn't place it. “I think I might have been here before, but I’m not 100 percent sure,” Andi told Rosa,

“Oh,” Rosa was surprised, “What can we do?”

“See if we can find a place to sleep,” Andi said, and they went into town. Andi tied Shasta outside of town till she was more sure of things. Andi and Rosa walked into town; no one even gave them a second glance. Andi looked at her, and Rosa and understood why. She and Rose were muddy, ragged, and looked like any other in town. Andi went up to an inn and asked the owner, “Can my friend and I stay the night?” 

He didn’t even look at her and said, “No pay no stay.” 

“I can pay you later this week,” Andi said. She didn’t have any money on her right then and there.

“Nope.” 

Andi sighed and left. Rosa’s eager face made it harder to tell her the news. Her face fell then brightened, “We can stay in the haystack,” and pointed to one

“It’s better than nothing,” Andi said as they walked over, layed down and quickly fell asleep till morning. 

 ****

Andi and Rosa woke up the next morning and walked around the town to get their bearings. “Rosa,” Andi started slowly, “we can’t just stay here without working. I have no idea if anyone is looking for us right now. Even if they are, they aren’t going to know where we are. We need to find work, Rosa.”

“Si, Andi, I know,” Rosa said. They walked on for a bit when Rosa pointed out a sign saying “HELP WANTED.” 

“Let’s check it out,” Andi said, and they went into the store.

“Um, hi, you were wanting help? We saw your sign,” Andi said.

The man frowned and looked them over, “Yeah, two will have to do. Come.” He went to the back of the store and Andi and Rosa followed….. and gasped. There were tons of boxes, all on the wall and up to the ceiling. “Unpack these boxes.” the man turned and left.

“Um…. okay?” Rosa was startled

“I guess we better get started,” Andi said, and they started unpacking the boxes. They just finished when the door opened. 

“Good. Here you go.” the man paid them

“Shall we come back tomorrow?” Andi asked

“No,” the man said, so Andi and Rosa left.

“We can pick peaches,” said Andi. Picking peaches was not something she liked to do. She had gotten into trouble for doing so before, but right now she didn’t really have a choice.

“Okay,” Rosa said, and they backtracked till they found the peach place they had walked by earlier.

“Looking for a job?” a man asked.

“Yes,” answered Andi.

“Get to work then. Payday is later today.” The man jerked his head toward the peach tree so Andi and Rosa headed over and picked, and picked. Andi’s arms were tired from reaching up and picking the peaches.  When the day ended Andi was grateful. 

“Here is your pay.” The man threw some coins at them and Andi caught them.

“Thanks.” Andi said 

“Rosa, we don’t have enough money to get home. Shasta won’t be able to go that far. We need to wait till we earn more money,” Andi told her.

“Okay, I understand,” Rosa said softly.

                                                  *******

“This is not easy,” Andi said at the end of the next day they had picked peaches all day again, and were so tired. Last night they had slept on the hard ground because they did not have enough money to get a hotel room, and had spent a fitful night and had woken up sore.

“I know, Andi. At least tonight we get paid. Will it be enough to get back home?” Rose pondered aloud.

“I hope so Rosa but I’m guessing it's going to be a few more days. Looks like everyone is finishing up, let's get our pay and find a place to stay the night. Okay, Rosa?” Rosa nodded.

Andi and Rosa walked down the road after leaving the peach place, Andi was lost in thought, I wonder where my family is? Are they coming after us? Andi didn’t know.

                                         

Andi’s POV

It had been two weeks since Rosa and Andi had arrived in this strange town that was named Ricetown. Andi knew where it was now, but she also knew it was too far for them to walk. Shasta had disappeared, he was either stolen or got away, Andi dreaded thinking her beloved horse was stolen! Andi hoped her husband and brothers would figure out to look in Ricetown. Andi and Rosa were still picking peaches everyday, they had earned enough money to get meals on the way back to Circle C. Andi thought it would be a two days walk. 

 Later that evening Andi and Rosa were walking to the cheap hotel they had gotten when Andi said, “Rosa, we need to get home. It's been two weeks and we are still here. Let’s leave early tomorrow morning, okay?”

“Okay,” Rosa said softly.

 

Riley’s POV

It had been two weeks and Riley was torn. He knew he had to keep hunting for his wife, but where should he look? They had searched everywhere! He was sitting on the steps on Memory Creek Ranch when he heard horses hooves. He looked up and saw Shasta! “Shasta! Where have you been? Where’s Andi?”

Shasta nickered and trotted to the barn. Riley had no doubt that he was hungry. Where is Andi? Riley wondered. Riley ran to the barn to give Shasta a quick rub down and thought about what to do.

Andi’s POV

Bright and early the next morning Andi was awake and planning; so was Rosa. Andi faced Rosa, “Ready?”

Rosa nodded as they made their way to the edge of town, and started walking. They walked all afternoon into the evening. Taking breaks every once a while. “This town is not as far from Circle C as I thought!” Andi exclaimed when they came atop a hill. She pointed, in the distance they saw Circle C Ranch! 

“We are almost there!” Rosa exclaimed 

Andi nodded, but one question was firmly in her mind. If Ricetown was not so far from Circle C why hadn’t her family come looking for her? Andi wondered about that as they kept walking and finally figured out why. Ricetown was a super small town and hidden, if you didn’t live there you really couldn't find it. Andi was thinking so much, she didn’t notice they had arrived till Rosa gasped, “Andi! We are here!”

“Rosa,” Andi made Rosa look at her. “You go in and say you are Rosa. I’m going to stay here and pretend to be a ranch hand. Okay? Don’t tell anyone about me.” Andi said

“Um, okay?” Rosa said

“I know what you’re thinking, but I want -no, I need to see if Riley missed me or not; and I have to see if Shasta’s here!”

“Okay, I’ll see you later then, Andi.” Rosa gave a small smile. 

Andi nodded and watched Rosa go, Andi was full of mixed feelings, was she missed? Did Riley miss her? What about Shasta? What should I do? Andi wondered, I’ll just go up and see what my family says, if they even know who I am. 

Andi laughed and looked at herself. She didn’t know if her family would know who she was! She was covered in dirt; from head to toe.

Andi was nearly dropping from exhaustion by the time she made it to her family’s ranch.

Ahhh a nice warm bath, nice food, and a fluffy bed, Andi mused.

Then Andi walked right into something soft “oof,” Andi fell backwards. “I sure am sorry, umm…. Miss,” said a male voice. By this time Andi was just too tired; she just lay there staring up into the sky.

“You okay?” he asked

Andi looked up, it was Chad! “I think so.” she stood.

“Anything I can help you with?” Chad asked, still not knowing it was Andi. 

Andi couldn't resist herself, she threw herself in Chad’s arms, 

“What?!-” Chad was shocked and pushed her away, “What are you doing?” he asked. “Who are you?”

Andi gasped, Chad really didn’t know her? 

Chad stared hard at her and repeated the questions, 

Andi was so tired she just stumbled away and left Chad staring after her. Andi went to the barn when Chad turned away and climbed into the hayloft and fell asleep.

 

Riley’s POV

After thinking about what to do Riley finally decided to head to Hector’s home and see what he thought. He mounted Dakota and loped to Hector’s house. 

“Hector?” he called

“Riley! Rosa’s home!” Hectors voice called back 

“She is?!” Riley was shocked! Rosa was back? Questions filled Riley's mind.

“Yes, Isn't Andi home?” Hector asked in a concerned tone.

“No, I was just coming here so we could continue searching…”

Andi’s POV

Andi woke up and knew right away she was home, at Circle C. I guess Memory Creek is home now though, what should I do? Chad doesn't know me, Andi wondered. 

She stood and stretched. Andi felt refreshed and sat back down and watched the activity below. 

She was watching Chad saddle Sky when Riley, her husband, threw open the barn doors and shouted, “Chad! Andi is near here! Rosa came home yesterday, we need to find Andi!” 

Andi watched Chad respond and he turned pale. 

“Chad?” Riley asked, “Are you okay?”

“Riley,” Chad covered his face, “Andi was here yesterday, she hugged me and I pushed her away. I didn’t know it was her! I don’t know where she went.” 

“No!” Riley was upset, “Are you sure it was her? could have been a different person?”

“No, now that I’m thinking about it, I know it was Andi. She was covered in dirt. We need to find her,” Chad spoke grimly.

Andi hid a gasp, what should she do? She looked at the hayloft steps. Should I do it? Take a step? Andi wondered. Exhaustion clouded her breath. She wasn't thinking straight.

Suddenly a cat chasing a mouse ran through the hayloft and startled Andi. She jumped and nearly slipped down the stairs. She held her breath, did her husband and brother notice? She glanced down; they didn’t. She watched them leave the barn and knew they were going inside. Andi quickly thought of a plan and put it into action. She hurried down the steps and hid in Shasta’s stall, he was there! She hugged her horse, “I’m so glad to see you, Shasta!” she exclaimed.

Andi suddenly felt tired again, it had been a very rough  few weeks, she felt light headed. “Shasta?” she whispered and he nickered. Andi slipped into unconsciousness. 

 

Rileys POV 

“We’ve looked everywhere. Where could she be?” Riley questioned aloud. “ I don't know. I‘m really sorry Riley, I didn't  know who she was yesterday. I should have checked it out more,” Chad hung his head.

“That’s okay, I guess. We better head back.” Riley turned Dakota towards home.

 When Chad and Riley arrived back at Circle C, Riley was discouraged and went to put Dakota in his stall and feed Shasta. He quickly rubbed down Dakota and put him in his stall. He got a scoop full of grain and opened Shasta’s stall door. He stood and stared. Andi was laying against the side of Shasta’s stall! Riley dropped the feed scoop and fell to his knees beside Andi, “Andi? Are you okay?” he gently shook her. Andi didn’t respond, “Andi?” Riley’s worry grew, “Andi!” 

He scooped Andi into his arms and shoved Shasta’s stall door shut. He jogged to the house where the family was waiting, “Andi’s-” Riley was going to say Andi’s hurt but he didn’t really know. 

“You found Andrea?” Elizabeth’s glaze slid over them, Riley nodded, unsure what to say.

“Come.” Elizabeth hurried up the stairs with Riley behind her,”Lay her in bed. I’ll try and see what's going on.” Riley did as she asked, unable to take his eyes off Andi.

 

Andi’s POV

She opened her eyes, looked around, and she saw Riley sleeping in a chair. He looked so uncomfortable Andi giggled, his eyes shot open, “Andi?” his voice was a whisper

“Riley,” Andi smiled, silent tears falling down her face,

Riley cracked a grin, “You never have a handkerchief when you need one, Andi.” he wiped her face. 

Andi just smiled, 

“Are you okay?” Riley leaned forward

“Yes, but I am thirsty, and maybe a bit hungry.” Andi answered.

“Sure,” Riley stood and grabbed a glass of water and handed it to her. Elizabeth came in carrying a bowl of soup.

“Andrea! You’re awake!” she exclaimed seeing Andi watching her.

“Yes, I am.” Andi said.

 The next morning Andi woke up feeling back to her old self. Andi dressed and hurried out the barn. “Morning, Andi!” Riley called and joined her,

“Morning, Riley.”

“I’m so glad you’re ok. I was so worried about you. I missed you, honey” he said

“I am, thanks to Yahweh!” Andi exclaimed 

“Yes, thanks to Yahweh.” Andi and Riley bent their heads and prayed and prayer of thanks.