Fly High--Part 1

    A splinter dug into Rachel’s palm as she clamped the fence rail tightly. Fly High was not having a good day and neither was she. Sweat streaked the black hair that rippled in the wind as the mare galloped from one end of the paddock to the other. Any other time Rachel would have enjoyed the show, but not today. Today was different. It was one of the few days of the year that the mare went crazy with something. Whether it was fear, anger, or hatred, Rachel didn’t know. Yet, she knew that it drove the horse to run itself out.

    “I wish I could help you,” her lips trembled as she spoke the words. She and Fly High shared a deep bond. But beneath the surface there was something that kept Fly High from being a normal horse. And that something filled Rachel’s heart with depression. 

    She forced her hands to open as she took a step back from the scene. Her horse needed space. Tomorrow she would be right as rain and they could go on a long ride together. The thought had little comfort. Please let this day end quickly. The thought left her feeling hollow inside as she slowly made her way back to the house, hands in pockets, shoulders hunched. Behind her the thudding of hooves beat a rhythm that matched her heart. Fast. Fearful. Why must I have a horse that gives me everything I want except the reason behind these spells? Tears burned behind her eyes, fighting to get out. The small house grew blurry as one by one they trickled down her cheeks.

˜      

    Darkness slowly crept out across the sky bringing with it twinkling stars and a bright moon.  The pound of hooves had vanished as the mare stood in the center of the paddock, head down, its body drenched in sweat. 

    Rachel pulled back the lace curtain trying to see Fly High.  Her whole body yearned to run to her horse, but she knew it was not time.  The mare would still react.  She had learned that the hard way. 

Her mind screamed for rest.  The last few days had been stressful ones.  Fly High had been getting more high strung each day until she peaked out and went crazy.  That was how it happened every time but Rachel still could not stomach it. 

    She sunk down on the couch and pulled the worn coverlet over her.  Her eyelids fell shut and within moments her breathing deepened.

˜ 
      

    Rachel started.   Something was wrong.  She could feel it.  Outside her window the crickets chirped merrily trying to reassure her all was well.  She leapt to her feet banging her knee hard on the coffee table.  Pain shot up and down her leg. 

    Calm down.  She tried to take a deep breath.  What was wrong with her?  Fly High.  Her breath caught.  She ran across the room and jerked the door open.  She was overreacting and she knew it, but she could not help herself. 

    “Fly High?” her voice sounded loud in the darkness.  There was no answering nicker, but Fly High could still be in her strange mood. 

    Rachel flipped on the outside lights, illuminating the darkness.  Easy.  Don’t scare her.  That is the last thing she needs.  Slowly, trying to act in control she walked to the fence.  Fly High was not there.  Maybe she is in the shed.  She vaulted over the fence and took off towards the shed at a fast walk, her heart pounding. 

    “Fly High?  Are you in there?”  It was empty as well.  Could I have missed her?  Maybe she is lying down.  It was impossible.  The pasture was not large and there was nowhere for her to hide.  The stark truth struck her heart like a branding iron.  Fly High was gone.

    “Think!  She probably isn’t far.”  Her heart throbbed faster and faster.  But it is dark.  I won’t be able to look for her until morning!  She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans as she sprinted to the house.  She couldn’t do anything until light and it was only 2:00 a.m. in the morning.  Sleep was out of the question.  There was nothing to do but wait.


    A bluebird cheerfully hopped from branch to branch, eyeing the lone figure walking through the woods below.  It let out a cheerful trill before it took off deeper within the trees.
Rachel paused and watched it go.  Now she was truly alone. 

The rising of the sun brought on a search by Rachel to see how her horse had disappeared.  The fence was high and it seemed doubtful that Fly High would have jumped it.  Yet, there were no signs of vehicle tracks other than her own which left her with only one solution.  Fly High had indeed jumped the fence and had headed into the woods. 

    Now, with a lead rope and halter hanging by her side, she slowly made her way down old, unused trails, stopping to whistle and to call. 

    A slight buzzing in her pocket brought her to a standstill.  Wearily she held the phone up to her ear.  “Hey, Katherine, what are you calling me so early for?” 

   “Hey Rache!  How are you?  And it isn’t that early.  Only six o’clock.”

   “For you, that is early,” Rachel paused and swallowed hard before continuing, “Fly High has run off.”

   Katherine was silent for a minute.  “Tell me about it.”

   Fighting tears Rachel poured out the whole story. 

   “Why didn’t you tell me about her moods when you first got her.  I could have helped.”

   “I did everything I could,” Rachel wiped her wet face against the rough material of her jacket.  “I just didn’t want y’all to know that I didn’t have a normal horse.  I-well- I was afraid you would make fun of her.  I love Fly High.”

   “Listen Rachel, I would never make fun of you.  Not over something like that,” her sigh carried over phone.  “I thought you knew me better than that.”

   “I’m sorry.” 

   “It’s okay.  So, tell me, where did you get Fly High?”

   Rachel sunk down onto the dewy ground, her legs tired.  “I bought her at an auction from Missy Hide.”

   “Missy Hide?” Katherine’s voice grew quiet.  “What does Fly High look like?”

   A small smile tinged Rachel’s lips.  “She is a beautiful black.  Her mane and tail are long and flowing, and when she moves . . . there are just no words to describe her.”

   Katherine’s voice rung with a strange tone.  “I know what horse you are talking about.  Rachel, I would suggest you give up looking for her.  She’s not anywhere near your place.”

   “What are you saying?  And, how would you know?” Rachel’s face narrowed.

   “Fly High has a back story.  Her first owners-“ she stopped.  “How quickly can you get to my place?”

   “Thirty minutes, probably.”

   “Then come.  The only way you are going to be able to find your horse is if you understand her.  I might be able to help you.”

   Rachel jumped to her feet, all tiredness gone from her body.  “I’ll be there soon.”