Page 11 of Pigeon

Having lost my appetite, I rise and take my plate to the sink. Standing there for a moment, I look out the window at the land I’ve called home for most of my life. I feel trapped, and in essence, I am. If I move out, the ranch won’t survive, and I’ll lose everything I have left to love. If I stay, I’m a slave and a punching bag to my only sibling. Not able to stay inside for another moment, I turn abruptly and walk to the door.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Ted says in a raised voice.

“Fuck you, Ted,” I say as I pull the door open and walk out.

Breathing in the clean, crisp air, I stop at my truck long enough to grab a hoodie. Cody appears at my side as I break into a jog. Entering the barn, I head directly to Junior’s stall, grabbing his bridle on the way. Slipping it on him, I lead him outside and use an upside-down bucket to stand on to mount. Words aren’t needed, and neither are cues. We’ve done this so many times in the past, Junior knows what to do. Wrapping my hands in his mane, I lean down, and we’re off.

Dusk is settling over the land as I let Junior have his head. We race past the house and Ted screaming from the deck and hit open land. One with my horse, I allow him to pick our route, and I simply breathe at the freedom of riding. Junior picks up speed for a short time before slowing to a gentle lope. My mind blanks of all worries, and my body relaxes as I allow myself to enjoy the ride. After we’re quite a distance from the ranch buildings, Junior slows to a walk. We walk aimlessly for over an hour before we make our way down a gentle incline. Reaching the edge of a creek, I loosen the reins so Junior can drink.

The only light is moonlight, and luckily, it’s close to a full moon. We pick our way across the creek and up the bank before stopping. I slide off and lead Junior, Cody by my side as I think about my options. Give it all up and leave or tough out my situation for now. I know what my grandparents wanted for my future, but they didn’t have a clue as to the path it would take for me to get it. I’m not a quitter, but I’m having a lot of days where I’m exhausted from the fight. I drop to my butt on the ground and drape my arms over my raised knees. Cody sits quietly beside me as Junior takes advantage and grazes next to us.

I sit until my butt becomes numb, and my mind is too tired to think anymore. Rising, I lean into my horse and breathe in his scent. Knowing it’s time to return home, I lead Junior to the slope that leads down to the creek. Standing on the high side, I swing up on him and settle against his broad, warm back. Lifting the reins and taking another settling breath, we head home to face the consequences of my abrupt departure.

Ivy: Can you swing by the rescue tonight?

Gunner: Yeah. Around 7 or 8pm ok?

Ivy: Yes.

Gunner: Is this going to make Ava happy?

Ivy: She’s going to love them!

Gunner: Them? As in more than 1?

Ivy: Bonded pair that can’t be separated. Once bonded, they should never be separated. They’re perfect though.

Gunner: See you tonight.

I slide my phone into my back pocket and smile. At least this aspect of my life is going well. Giving the two donkeys each a quick cuddle, I make my way through the barn and outside. Walking to the outdoor dog area, I again smile when I see Thor. Even with his battle scars, he’s a beautiful dog. He’s not at the point where he can have other dogs in the fenced area with him yet, but he’s starting to show interest. His tail gives a quick wag, and he makes eye contact with me. I watch as he trots in my direction and then slows to a stop before reaching the fence. He’s still very cautious, but he’s making huge strides in the right direction. I speak quietly with him for a couple of minutes before tossing him a biscuit. Catching it out of the air, he drops to his belly before devouring his treat.

I decide to let him have a few more minutes playing outside, so I make my way indoors. I can hear Priscilla berating some poor bird in the aviary, so I make my way to the door. Walking in, I see her presiding over the rest as usual. Sitting on her favorite perch, she’s on a rant.

“Someone’s got their feathers ruffled. What’s up, Prissy?” I ask.

“Fools. Damn fools. Fools!” she screeches while wildly flapping her wings.

“They’re not following orders, are they?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“My perch. Mine!” Prissy shouts in her perfect Southern-Belle accent.

“Come hang in the office with me and give the others a break from General Prissy, okay?” I offer while lifting my arm.

After another show of feather-ruffling and posturing, Prissy takes flight and lands on my wrist. We close the door behind us, walk down the hall, and enter the office. Prissy immediately flies to the perch by the desk and lands gently. I ignore her muttering and take a seat at the desk. Pulling up the donkey’s info, I reread everything, so I’m prepared for Gunner’s visit.

Chapter 5

Pigeon

Hearing my name shouted, I look to see Gunner walking out of his office. When he nods toward the main door, I stand up and follow. Once outside, my club president turns to me.

“You were raised on a farm, right?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I answer while wondering why that’s important to him.

“What do you know about donkeys?”

“Ava about to own another ass, Prez?” I ask, grinning because I think I know where this is going.

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