Long Time

Eric can't help but chuckle at Ashlee's enthusiasm. He didn't think he'd ever seen another horse-crazy girl who loved to do all this work and still not have been in the saddle once. Most would beg to ride, no matter who it was that taught them. Eric wondered, given the chance, if Ashlee really would still refuse to learn from someone else. He hoped he still had enough time before her birthday to be the one to offer. He hadn't wanted to at first but... well... maybe his soft spot was a little softer than he thought. The temptation to tell her now returned, but... if he did, he wouldn't have anything else to give her for her birthday, so he refrains.

"Well, the farrier is due to come soon and we need to figure out which horses need their hooves trimmed. Then we gotta take a look at Static's leg." Eric was referring to his own horse. "He got cut on something the other day and I bandaged it but we need to take a look and clean it and rebandage it. And if there's still time left... we'll figure it out then."


"As far as I'm concerned, we still need you around here." Jeff glances at Stacy as they walk. "Even if Dylan isn't here, we always need more eyes and just having you make your rounds at night is a major worry off our shoulders."

He shrugs, then grins. "At least that's what I think. Besides, no one would have a good enough reason for you not to stay. Even if you weren't a lookout, there's plenty to do. And nobody would want to make Ashlee leave now either."

Nearing the bunkhouses, he knows it's about time to say goodnight, and he sighs. "Well..." He slowly comes to a stop. "I guess this is where I get off."

Turning to Stacy, he sets a hand on her shoulder. "Thanks... it's been a long time since I had such a nice evening."


Justin holds his grin as Beth talks. He didn't know if he'd ever seen her quite like this - bubbly and all excited, but trying to contain it. It was good - refreshing - a big step forward for her. She'd apparently found out a lot about Zach. Though hoping she wasn't getting in over her head, Justin knew that if Beth had received any bad vibes at all, she wouldn't be seeing the guy again. So for the most part, he wasn't worried about her. But why did he have this strange miniature ache way down deep? Maybe he was just being protective.

Having the subject quickly reversed to him, Justin holds up one finger and pauses the conversation for a quick prayer for lunch. When finished, he tears off a corner of his sandwich to dip in his soup, though he knows Beth was still waiting for an answer. "Jared's doing as well as can be expected I guess. Ma says the doctor told her that his body is working overtime to heal quickly, which is good. Seems that the internal damage isn't of huge concern anymore and everything is working properly as far as that goes."

Justin pauses to take a bite of his dunked sandwich. "Mm... boy, this is good. Thanks for cooking." He smiles before continuing the conversation. "I guess he's in quite a bit of pain from his ribs and shoulder but the doctor said that everything really is healing better than could be expected so..." He shrugs. "I guess that's about it. He still can't feel or move his legs though and so far he hasn't regained any memories."

Eating for a moment or two, he finally glances over at Beth. "I... haven't been in to see him yet though. Just not quite sure how to do that one."