Harnessed Love Part 2

copyright 1996 Janelle K. Vargas

May 20,1996

Michelle,

Michelle read the last paragraph again. The letter was finely creased and darkened from continuous handling. Its date was what caught Michelle’s eye.

"May 20. . . Today is the 31. Hmmm. Alex should be here any day now. . ." Michelle muttered to herself. A hint of anxious expectation flickered in her blue eyes.

"Who’s Alex? An older brother?" The simple question ended on a hopeful note. Michelle barely held back a sigh of disappointment.

Michelle quickly looked up from Alex’s concise printing. Johnny Kyneese stood just inside the doorway. His short black hair was carefully plastered down. His brown eyes were usually alight with some untold joke and his lips were continuously upturned in a mischievous grin.

Now, though, his eyes and lips were no longer smiling. An expression Michelle had never seen on his face before tweaked Johnny’s painfully handsome features into a carefully set mask.

Michelle hurriedly folded up the letter and put it in the top drawer of her dresser. She straightened her flannel shirt and brushed imaginary dirt off her Wrangler jeans. Then she stood up and faced Johnny, turning her unsettling blue gaze upon him.

"No, I don’t have an older brother. You know that! Alex Rave is a. . . friend, and he should be here by tomorrow." Johnny quirked one finely etched eyebrow at Michelle’s hesitation and his gaze sharpened to pick up the slight flush that suffused her creamy complexion. The seventeen-year old girl could not make herself tell Johnny about Alex. She’d started to many times, but every time she looked at Johnny’s adoring face she couldn’t bring herself to burst his dream of them together.

"Oh. . ." That one syllable spoke volumes of Johnny’s hidden reaction.

An uncomfortable silence hovered in the air. At first, Johnny met Michelle’s direct stare but soon he was staring at the floor. He hitched his shoulders as Michelle glared at the top of his head, as if he could physically feel her mental blows. Michelle wasn’t sure what was wrong but she had never had to challenge Johnny like that before; she realized that she didn’t like it. Michelle shook her head and moved toward the young man in the doorway. "Come on let’s go ride."

Michelle brushed by Johnny but he caught her hand. He had a strong grip and didn’t let go when Michelle tried to tug her hand free.

"Let’s just stay here, Michelle. I don’t feel like riding right now." Johnny finally released his friend’s hand, his old expression back.

Michelle always felt uncomfortable when her eighteen-year old friend did this. Johnny knew that Michelle didn’t like him that way, not the way he liked her: The teenage girl’s heart beat for another. Michelle winced at the thought of what she was about to do. She stood firmer in the middle of the wide hall and looked Johnny dead in the eye. She lifted her chin so that it seemed as if she was looking down at Johnny, even though he stood a few inches taller than she did. Johnny looked annoyed at her refusal but the jovial expression stayed.

"Johnny, don’t do this. You know that you’re like a brother to me and that you’ll always remain in my heart. I just can’t like you in that way." Michelle’s eyes were pleading with Johnny to understand, but her voice was sure and strong.

Johnny sighed resignedly and cracked a playful grin, but Michelle could tell that he was hurt and DIDN’T understand.

"You can’t blame a guy for trying. Alex is more lucky than he knows." Johnny spoke truthfully for Michelle could see the envy burning in his eyes. He had been perceptive and noticed Michelle’s true feelings for her long absent friend. Michelle tried to hide her shame at with holding the full extent of her relationship with Alex, letting Johnny believe that her slight flush was from anger.

"Okay, let’s go riding." Johnny was back to his normal charming self. You’d never guess that he had just been rejected by the girl that he’d be more than willing to spend the rest of his life with.

The two friends linked arms amiably and joked back and forth as they walked down the stairs. The talk was only a little strained, a tightness around Johnny’s eyes and mouth belying his outwardly happy disposition. As they walked through the living room, a sandy haired boy walked to Johnny and conveniently blocked their path. Words tumbled from the boy’s mouth in a rush to speak. Even though Danny was thirteen, he adored Johnny and talked to him at every spare moment. Whenever he came over, Michelle practically had to beat Danny away with a stick so that Johnny could breathe.

Once Danny had finished welcoming their neighbor, he went back to his t.v. and continued to watch cartoons. Johnny and Michelle looked at each other and laughed as they walked out of the kitchen door.

Wind Walker, Johnny’s palomino gelding, was grazing by the corral. Fancy was on the opposite side of the meadow and rolling joyfully in the dirt. When the black mare, thoroughly dulled with dust, heard Michelle’s piercing whistle, she clumsily got to her feet and trotted over to the fence.

Even covered with dust, the bright gleam of black shone through. Fancy was a magnificent mare and would be a sought after brood mare, had Michelle allowed it. When Johnny mentioned it, Michelle had lashed out with a temper that scorched any other suggestions that had risen to his lips. She would give no reason other than she didn’t want to see her horse ruined. Johnny just thought that the girl was selfish and refused to let Fancy out from under for the time of a pregnancy. He would never mouth that opinion of course.

When the girl and horse greeted each other it was a loving reunion. The mare whickered softly and the girl whickered back. Fancy nuzzled Michelle’s hand and Michelle gladly rubbed and scratched. Johnny began to wonder if Fancy could handle the separation. He didn’t think so, not with the way that the mare doted on her human companion. It seemed that the mare would run a hundred miles and jump bottomless chasms had her rider asked it of her. All he could do was shake his head.

Johnny watched the girl he loved express her heart openly to a four-legged animal. He saw a complete and selfless love shining through Michelle’s eyes. It was ridiculous, but he envied Fancy for being the recipient of the tall girl’s affections.

Michelle opened the corral gate and Fancy walked out. Michelle vaulted onto the bare black back and calmly started riding towards the saddle shed. Johnny awkwardly scrambled into Windy’s saddle and followed after her.

Johnny had seen Michelle ride many times before, but each time he saw her on the back of a horse, he couldn’t help admiring her. Michelle rode with a supple grace that most professional riders were not able to achieve. Watching the young woman ride was a pleasure to behold and could convince anyone that Michelle was born to ride.

When Johnny reached the saddle shed, Fancy was calmly standing while her owner groomed her quickly but efficiently. Soon Fancy was gleaming even more than before. Michelle disappeared into the small building and reemerged with an ebony trail saddle and bridle. In seconds, Michelle had Fancy suited up.

Johnny glanced around the ranch and waved to Aaron, one of the hands around the ranch. He watched the old man walk away and realized that he was another mystery. Every treated him with a respect that stated knowledge, and yet he was only a hand. The other was the way that Michelle acted around him. She seemed to unwind and completely relax around him, almost as one would with a familiar grandparent. He hated being left in the dark.

"So where’d you want to go riding today?" Michelle’s voice took Johnny by surprise. He looked at her and was breathless. The mid-day sun was shining on Michelle’s brown hair and made it a glowing auburn. Those blue eyes were shining azure pools. Michelle had mounted up and looked magnificent sitting her large black mare.

"Uh. . . I was thinking we could ride to that run-off pond between my place and yours. You’ve been there before, haven’t you? I thought so. Does that sound good to you?"

Michelle nodded her head silently and rode to the kitchen door. As she pulled a rope connected to a bell, Michelle saw silver half-moons scarring the cement porch.

Fancy’s hooves had made those marks last summer. Michelle smiled softly as she remembered all that had happened during Alex’s last visit. She sure hadn’t been smiling when she had made them. Johnny looked at her askance, hanging back from the porch.

The kitchen door opened and Michelle’s mother walked out. Tallia Valentine, looking no older than she did a year ago and looking every bit like Michelle’s mom. The blue eyes were the same and the beautiful faces almost identical.

"Hello, dear. Hello, Johnny. Going out for a ride?"

"Yah, Mom. We were thinking of riding to Spirit Lake. We’ll probably be back in an hour."

Tallia smiled at her daughter. She could see her husband’s training when Michelle rode. "Okay, Michelle. No more than two hours." Now Tallia turned to Johnny. "You, young man, had better take care of my little girl." The woman shook a threatening finger, but softened the demand with a throaty laugh.

"Yes, ma’am. Have no fear, your daughter’s in good hands." Johnny smiled his charming little smile and bowed in his saddle. Tallia rolled her eyes at the boy’s mock chauvinistic chivalry.

Michelle sidled Fancy over to Windy and lightly cuffed Johnny on his arm. Michelle knew that her mother liked Johnny and approved of him whole-heartedly. The young lady sighed as she and Johnny turned their horses south.

The horses’ gaits were almost perfectly matched. Michelle and Johnny rode at a leisurely lope. The sun was directly above the four companions but a cool, Montana breeze held back the summer heat. Johnny glanced at the sky and then at the woman-like girl riding beside him. Endless heaven and eyes were of the same unbelievable forget-me-not- blue.

Michelle’s face was set in a serene mask but her unshakable calm was only skin deep. Inside she was nothing but worry. The afternoon’s beauty slipped past Michelle’s unseeing eyes. All the girl could think about was what would happen when Johnny and Alex meet. She could already see the two boys - both proud and fiercely protective of Michelle and both hopelessly taken with her - like two stallions. Michelle shuddered. She couldn’t tell Johnny to stay away for the summer but she wasn’t sure what would come about from Johnny’s jealousy - yes, what Michelle had seen in his eyes earlier was jealousy - when he saw Alex.

The young woman was jolted out of her reverie by Johnny’s voice.

"Michelle, earth to Michelle. Spirit is right ahead," reported Johnny. He seemed amused at some personal joke.

The two friends simultaneously slowed their horses to a walk. Michelle glanced at Johnny and tried to suppress a mournful sigh. Johnny looked at her and he seemed concerned.

"Is everything all right, Michelle? You haven’t been yourself all day. Is something wrong? We can turn back now if you want to." His lively eyes were dulled with concern and he had reined Windy to halt.

Michelle’s heart softened and the worries that had been preying on the girl’s mind were whisked away in her haste to reassure her friend that all was well.

"I’m fine. Come on, let’s race." And without and further ado, Michelle urged Fancy into a headlong gallop, leaving Johnny, open-mouthed and thoroughly dusty, behind.

Michelle didn’t look back in her flight towards the lake. Her long brown hair took on a life of its own with the wind. Her cheeks were healthily flushed with happiness. Michelle slowed her mare and slipped out of the saddle. The girl continued towards the lake, Fancy trailing behind her.

Soon, Windy galloped up beside the calmly walking pair. The gelding’s sides were heaving, as was his rider. A big grin split Johnny’s face into two mirrors of excitement.

"You little imp! Next time give a LITTLE more warning so I won’t have to eat Fancy’s delicately churned up dust!" The only thing that ruined Johnny’s angry tirade was the deep laugh that followed.

"I wouldn’t suggest acting for you, Johnny," was Michelle’s only comment as she continued on to the lake.

Johnny dismounted and caught up with Michelle. No one spoke until they reached the lake. It was a comfortable silence. Michelle and Johnny let their horses free graze and then sat at the edge of Spirit Lake.

The water was rippled from the light breeze and white ghost-like images danced beneath the water. Spirit Lake was so named because along the sandy bottom of the pond were large white rocks. On windy days, the reflections from beneath the water made it seem like there were water spirits dancing in the sand.

"This place is so peaceful. It almost reminds me of our glen," Michelle whispered quietly to herself. She hadn’t meant to speak but the feeling was overpowering.

Johnny gave his friend a quizzical look. He had no idea what Michelle was talking about.

"OUR glen? What glen? I don’t recall going to any glen." Johnny’s curiosity made Michelle’s uncomfortable squirming invisible to his eyes.

"It’s a glen that I found. Me and Alex went. . ." Michelle realized her mistake too late. Yet not even the dawning realization of her error prepared her for Johnny’s reaction.

"ALEX? You two seemed to have gotten quite cozy last year!" Johnny felt a surge of irrational anger and illogical jealousy. He despised this boy that he had never even met only because he received the affections that Johnny so desperately longed for.

Michelle was taken aback, but not for long. "I don’t believe that it’s any of your business." The simple statement held a degree of iciness that the deepest winter could not match. The girl’s words drained the day of its heat and Johnny of his comfort. Michelle’s blue eyes had hardened into a slate gray that was as cold and emotionless as a frozen pond; her beautiful features a mask.

It occurred to Johnny’s shocked mind that perhaps he had touched upon a subject that was out of bounds. This was a Michelle that not many had seen - Johnny never had. The change was so startling that Johnny didn’t know what to do. So he reverted back to his usual cheerfulness.

"Hey! Take it easy. No offense meant." Johnny held up his hands in defeat. His brown eyes were wide with feigned innocence but a grin played with his lips.

The cold Michelle remained a moment longer. Then her eyes melted and she hung her head. Again the change was so sudden that it caught Johnny off guard.

"Sorry." The mumbled reply came from the meekly bowed head. "I’m really sorry. I’ve been horrible to you all day." Michelle lifted her mousy head and looked directly at Johnny. Her eyes were moist with unshed tears. She couldn’t believe that she had done that to Johnny. Twice! He didn’t know any better. After the mess with Alex, she had sworn to herself that she would never let her temper get the better of her again, and yet here she was. She shook her head in disappointment of herself.

"No problem. . . I shouldn’t have brought it up. Michelle, do you want to walk to the big boulder?"

Michelle sighed gratefully, relieved that Johnny had taken it so easily. "Sure. Can’t take too long though, it’s already quarter after one."

Boy and girl grabbed their horses’ reins and walked along the edge of the lake. Soon they reached a rock that was half the size of a house. Steps had been carved up the side from the wind and chairs chiseled from the top by winter’s water.

Michelle and Johnny let their horses graze some more and sat on the boulder. The ‘ghosts’ had ceased their endless dancing with the departure of the wind. The companions sat for only a few minutes before they had to leave.

They carefully climbed down and Johnny helped Michelle with a gentlemanly flair. They remounted Fancy and Tharo and ran a ground-eating canter.

The two teens arrived back at the ‘Fancy V’ stables a few minutes before two. Michelle and Johnny untacked Windy and Fancy, lingering lovingly over the grooming. Johnny stabled his gelding in the stall next to Michelle’s black mare.

He followed Michelle into the house after feeding and watering the horses. Johnny Kyneese thought of the ‘Fancy V’ as his second home. From the instant he had stepped through the kitchen door, he had felt welcome.

Michelle was standing at the table and putting some sandwiches together. Johnny suddenly noticed his hunger. He pulled out a chair and sat down heavily.

"My mom would tan your hide if she even thought that you were going to eat with ‘horse hands’, as she calls it." Michelle said this with a light voice to loosen the admonishment.

Johnny gave the girl a sheepish grin as he stood and walked to the kitchen sink. Just as he did so, Tallia Valentine came down the stairs and stepped into the kitchen.

"Hello, kids. Just an hour, huh?! Umm, Michelle, there’s someone on the phone who would like to speak with you." The woman’s eyes flickered towards Johnny as she walked back up the stairs.

"Okay. Johnny, your food’s done. Be back in a minute." Michelle walked into the family room and picked up the phone. Johnny saw her kissable looking lips move but could hear nothing. All of a sudden her face was alight with an inward glow. The young man turned away form Michelle so that his thoughts on the identity of the caller would not be confirmed.

Instead, he looked at the pictures on a corner table opposite the outside door. A picture he had never noticed before jumped out at him. A boy and a girl sitting two magnificent horses. The teens’ legs were touching and their arms were resting easily on each other’s shoulders. It seemed to be a picture of Michelle from last year sitting Fancy. The boy in the picture was unfamiliar but Johnny knew Tharo well. The gray gelding didn’t care for him at all and didn’t bother to hide it.

Johnny finally came to the conclusion that the boy was Alex. He turned from the picture and got his sandwich off the table. It was good and sweet and his voracious appetite quickly devoured the turkey sandwich. He grabbed a handful of chips and munched on them by the open window until Michelle walked back into the kitchen.

copyright 1996 Janelle K. Vargas