“You know, that little girl could charm the birds out of the trees. Such a friendly wee thing she is. Always keen to join in and make friends. Grandad called in to fix the leaking tap out back and she chattered away to him, nine to the dozen while he worked.” Amy stood up and walked around the desk, leaning her arm against the counter top. “How are you finding the locals? Finding your feet at work okay?”
“Yes. Its kind of interesting meeting everyone. Some are a bit stand offish but I expected that being the stranger in town.”
“Yes well, you have to be here for thirty years to be called a local. But don’t you worry, Ryder, before you know it, you’ll be one of us again.” She smiled and rubbed her hand up Ryder’s arm. “I’ve been thinking though, we should have a family barbeque to introduce you to all the relations. I’m betting you don’t remember any of them.”
Ryder shook her head. “Not a one. You don’t have to go to any trouble on my account.” It seemed like the ideal opportunity to meet everyone and she’d be silly not to take advantage of it, but the thought was still daunting.
“Oh it’s no trouble. Believe me, we all like an excuse to catch up. Besides, I’m pretty sure Granddad would like to see you again. I told him you were back in town and and Eb was your little girl. It brought a tear to his eye.”
“Really, that’s kind of sweet. Dad didn’t talk about the family much, said it was too painful.”
Amy looked away. “I don’t know why that would be. Listen to those children playing.” She slipped her arm through Ryder’s and walked her toward the room Ebony was in. “Come and see what your little princess made today. She is such an arty kind of person, just like me.”
Ryder walked into a room full of squealing tiny tots doing the actions to the book their teacher read aloud.
“Mummy!” Ebony broke free from the ruckus and launched herself at Ryder, wrapping her arms around her waist.
“Hi, Pumpkin. I missed you today.” She picked her up and held her on her hip, smelling the strawberry shampoo in her daughter’s black hair. Her pigtails had come loose and the bands were almost out.
“Mummy, come and see what I made with Amy. You’re gonna love it.” Ebony squirreled down to the ground and hurried over to the clothesline that held the paintings and other artwork made by the tiny budding creators. She pulled off the pegs, tongue tucked in the corner of her lips, and proudly carried back her creation and held it out to her mother.
“Oh my, how pretty is that. Our garden at home?” She crouched down so she was face to face with her little girl. “And is that the rooster who wakes me up every morning?” Two bright purple feathers stuck out at odd angles from a lump of dried glue and squiggles of paint.
“Yes.” She pointed to a black blob in one corner. “And that’s Tinker, my cat. She’s going to be my friend.” Eb blinked, her big brown eyes just like Robs, pulling at Ryder’s heartstrings.
“Yes she is and you know what? When we stop at the store for milk and bread, I think you should get her some treats to see if you can’t tempt her down from the hay pile. What do you think?”
Ebony clapped her hands and squealed. “Yes.”
“How can people be so cruel as to leave their animals behind? It breaks my heart, it does.” Amy patted her hand over her chest. “So good of you to take care of what’s left behind.”
“The old mare is adorable and deserves a quiet life and the chickens aren’t a bother. With any luck they’ll keep us in eggs. The cat, though, is proving to be a bit more difficult. I have the feeling she’s trying to protect a litter of kittens. She’s a lot skinnier than when we arrived so I’m guessing she’s given birth already.” Ryder grabbed hold of Ebony’s hand ready to leave.
“What a good mother she is then. I know if I’d had my own babies I’d do anything in my power to protect them. That I would.” A sheen of tears sprang up in Amy’s eyes and Ryder gave her a smile. “But that wasn’t to be so I’m doubly glad I get to look out for your little one. Think about that barbeque and let me know tomorrow so I can organize it. My Jim is dying to meet you too. Seems like his and your schedules haven’t matched up so far. The weekend would be perfect.” Amy walked them out the door and stood waving while they climbed in their truck and drove out of the centre.
“I like Miss Amy. She’s nice to me.” Eb sat in her seat in the back of the truck with her face turned to watch out the window.
“Yeah, we’re lucky, honey. She’s a nice lady. Now let’s go and do some shopping. Your Mummy needs to get home and soak in the bath once the jobs are done.”
They drove a couple of streets to the grocery store and parked out front. Ryder wanted a quick in, grab the basics, and get out trip. Ebony had other ideas. She stood in front of the tins of cat food, her pudgy little fingers pressed against her chin as though giving it serious thought before turning to her mother. “Which one do you think kitty will like?”
Ryder squatted down beside her and looked at the multitude of different cans, some promoting delish fish and others good hearty casserole. Where the heck do they get this crap from? Cats don’t go fishing. Surely they should be eating things like luscious lizard or rare rabbit. Even marvellous mouse stew. To her they were all cat food and
