We all like to think that nobody would abuse a wonderful animal, but it’s time to face reality. Animal abuse is everywhere. As a result, I’ll be talking about why animal abuse is cruel, why I think it should be against the law, and why it’s against animal rights.
Firstly, animal abuse is cruel, think about how many animals die because they were beaten so badly, or how many are permanently damaged for life because they were abused. When I watch the news, and see pictures of animals that were abused, I feel sick, and think, why? Why do people have to be so heartless? Animals never did anything to hurt us. Sure there are animals like that, who would purposely try to hurt us, but you know what? In most cases the reason why an animal ends up trying to hurt a human, is because the human has brutally beaten them. Animals have lives of their own, imagine if you did one tiny thing wrong, and you got beaten for it. One little mistake! Animals really don’t deserve this, just remember hitting or anything like that, is never the option!
Secondly, I believe animal abuse should be against the law! When a human abuses another human, they get sent to jail, why not when a human abuses an animal? Just think about it, it’s basically the same. Just like humans, if an animal gets abused badly enough they can die or, get seriously injured. What makes animal abuse so different than human abuse? Hundreds of animals don’t get to live a full life, because of their heartless owners, but if animal abuse was against the law, that could be different, just imagine if you could save at least a couple of animals. Animals aren’t just pets, to some people; sometimes they are more like a companion or a best friend. If animal abuse was against the law, we could rescue the poor animals, and give them a better home.
Lastly, animal abuse is against animal rights. Animals can’t stop you, when you hurt them, even if they tried. Animals deserve respect too. More and more animals get put down because they attack a human, but I bet half of those incidents were out of self defense, because the human was abusing them. Animals deserve a, good and loving home, and owner. When you beat them, you aren’t giving them any of those.
After reading this, what are you thinking? You’ve heard this all before right? So why are people still abusing animals? We all know this is cruel, that it should be against the law, and that it’s against animal rights. So make a difference and stop abusing animals!
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Road that lays Ahead
“It’s hard to believe graduation is only a week away!” Jasmine Jill’s best friend exclaimed.
“Yeah,” Jill said, but not with as much enthusiasm, as Jasmine.
Jasmine stopped in her tracks and looked at Jill, “you don’t sound so thrilled.”
“No! No! I am.”
“Really?”
Jill didn’t answer. The truth was, she was a bit scared, but at the same time excited.
“What’s going on?” Jasmine asked.
“Well…. Oh my! Look at the time, I promised Jake I’d meet him at his locker, see ya!” Jill explained. Jasmine watched Jill jog down the hall for a few minutes, then she walked to the cafeteria.
“Jake!” Jill called.
“Jill! I was beginning to think you forgot,” Jake admitted to his girlfriend, as he gave her a kiss.
“No! Jasmine and I were just talking ab…..” Jill started then quickly changed the subject, “let’s go eat, I’m starving.”
“Ummm…alright,” Jake said, allowing himself to be steered to the cafeteria. Jill went straight to the table where, Jasmine and her boyfriend, Mark and Emma were sitting.
“I thought you said you were starving,” Jake pointed out, when he noticed she had sat down at the table, instead of going to get food.
“Oh…ummm…. Yeah I was, but umm...I’m not anymore,” Jill stuttered. Jake gave a concerned look around the table, and then shrugged and sat beside Jill.
“So, who’s going to throw the graduation party?” Mark asked.
“Well, I could, only if Emma and Jill help,” Jasmine offered.
“Absolutely!” Emma grinned.
“What!?” Jill shouted. Everyone looked at Jill with surprised and concerned looks, Jill usually loved parties, and she just wasn’t herself today. “Well I’m actually busy after….graduation.”
“Are you okay?” Jasmine asked.
“Never better, why?” Jill answered.
“You aren’t yourself, like in the hall you were really quiet when we were talking about graduation, and know, you usually love parties.”
“She has a point,” Jake said, rubbing Jill’s shoulder.
“Those things don’t prove anything!” Jill yelled, feeling angry, they had no right to say those things. “I need some air.”
As Jill walked outside, she couldn’t help feeling even angrier at herself. They were right, this wasn’t like her. She very rarely got this mad at her friends. She didn’t know why she was feeling so temperamental today. She was very sensitive about, graduation being in a week, everyone else was so sure about where they were going, but she wasn’t. Emma was going to be a doctor, Jasmine was moving to Winnipeg then going from there, Mark was following Jasmine to Winnipeg, and going to college there to become a journalist, and Jake, well she didn’t dare to ask him, graduation was going to change a lot in their relationship.
Jill had ideas for college, a vet or an actress, but she couldn’t choose, maybe she didn’t have what it takes to be an actress, maybe she was better off with a vet like people said. She also knew that this small town in Saskatchewan wasn’t where she belonged, maybe Saskatchewan was, but she knew Pilot Butte wasn’t, but where?
“Why does life have to be so complicated,” Jill thought out loud.
“I’m not sure?” a voice behind her said, making Jill jump. She turned around to see her boyfriend, Jake looking at her with concern. “Jill we all are very sorry, we are just worried about you, what’s going on?” Jill explained to Jake about how she was so unsure about the future and their relationship after graduation.
“We’ll make it work,” Jake said giving Jill a hug.
Before Jill knew it graduation day was here, she woke up with a sigh, this was it this was the day everything would change.
At 12 p.m. Jill, Jasmine, and Emma headed to the hair salon to get their hair done. The graduation ceremony was at 4 p.m.
“I’m so excited!” Jasmine exclaimed.
“There’s going to be so much change, it’ll be awesome!” Emma said.
“Yeah, but change isn’t always cool,” Jill pointed out.
“Come on Jill, don’t be like that,” Jasmine and Emma complained. Jill sighed.
At 1:00 p.m. the girl’s hair was finished.
“Let’s go get our nail done!” Emma said.
“Yeah!” Jasmine yelled.
“Uh…no thanks, manicured nails and me don’t go well together,” Jill pointed out.
“It’s not like your in a rodeo, or going to the barn today,” Jasmine explained.
“If I had it my way I would have,” Jill muttered under her breath. “Okay no your right, but what about this weekend?” Jill said more loudly
“Fine I guess we can’t make you, but lets all go back to my place and get the stuff for the party out, then Emma and I can do our nails, and then we can get dressed, okay?” Jasmine offered.
“Sounds good,” the girls agreed.
When the girls got back to Jasmine’s house they got all the party decorations and headed outside to decorate.
“Thanks goodness there’s no wind right now,” Emma commented.
“Yeah, and it’s a good thing it’s going to be a nice night,” Jill agreed.
The girls put sparkly lights in all the trees, along with some colored streamers. They put up the banner that said, “Graduation Class 2009” in big bold letters. After the decorations were put up, they went inside to get the table to put the food and drinks on later.
“There! That’s all ready,” Jasmine exclaimed.
“Yeah! And our hairs still in place,” Emma pointed out. The girls nodded and headed indoors.
Once upstairs in Jasmine’s room, they got her nail polish out along with her make-up.
“Come on Jill, you have to get your nails done, please!” Emma pleaded.
“No Way! I hate nail polish. Your lucky I agreed to put on make-up,” Jill explained. Reluctantly Emma dropped the topic. Emma picked a purple nail polish to match her pale purple, silky dress. Jasmine did Emma’s nails and Jill attempted to do Emma’s make-up. Later Jill did Jasmine’s make-up and Emma did Jasmine’s nails. Jasmine picked a peachy colour.
“There, all done,” Jill exclaimed. Jasmine walked over to the mirror.
“Wow! Jill you a natural,” Jasmine gave Jill a hug.
“I told you!” Emma said.
“No!” Jill argued.
“Okay, let’s get the dresses on, we only have an hour,” Jill said.
The girls got their dresses on, being careful not to smudge their make-up, or ruin their hair.
Jill’s dress was a silky, aquamarine blue that had no straps, and it went down to her feet. “I’m going to trip on my dress!” Jill complained.
“No you won’t, just don’t concentrate on tripping,” Jasmine instructed. Jasmine’s dress was a pink, below her knees, it had thin straps that criss-crossed at the back.
“We all look amazing!” Jasmine exclaimed as she turned to Emma and Jill, Emma was just finishing Jill’s make-up.
At 4:00 p.m. the graduation ceremony started. Jill was so nervous every name got closer to hers.
“Vanessa Klan!” the principle shouted into the mic. Great! Jill thought. “Jill Marshall!” Jill walked up to the principle, praying that she wouldn’t trip on her dress.
Before Jill knew it she was in Jasmine’s backyard dancing with Jake.
“You’ve been awfully quiet,” Jake pointed out.
“Yeah? I’ve just been thinking about the…future,” Jill replied.
“That’s not good.”
“I guess not.”
“Same stuff?” Jill sighed and nodded.
The night flew by, Jill danced with almost everyone.
“Well…Umm… I guess this is good-bye,” Jill’s voice cracked as she spoke to Jake.“Sadly,” was all Jake could manage. He enveloped Jill in a big hug, and looked in her eyes and kissed her cheek, then walked away.
“I’m so sorry,” Jasmine and Emma came up behind her and gave her a hug.
“It was for the best,” Jill said. After two years of dating it was hard to believe that they were over, their relationship-long gone. Maybe it’s not, a little voice said inside her head. The girls cried and hugged a gazillion times, until they each went their separate ways.
Who was Jill going to laugh with, or vent to when she was mad, or cry to when she’s sad. The day went by in a blur. Everything was different know, nothing was ever going to be the same.
“I’m going to miss you so much mo, but this is what I have to do,’ Jill cried into her mother’s shoulder.
“I know, I know, but just remember I’m just a phone call away,” Mrs. Marshall said giving Jill a kiss on the cheek, and another. Then watched as Jill climbed into her car. Jill waved good-bye and blew her a mom a kiss, as tears streamed down both their faces.
She drove along the highway heading first to Fort Qu’Appelle to see her grandparents. As she drove down the highway she admired the prairies and horses grazing and playing with one another. Suddenly her cell phone started ringing, making Jill jump.
“Hello?” Jill answered.
“Jill, it’s me, Jasmine!”
“Jazz! It’s so good to hear from you.”
“It’s only been two days,” Jasmine laughed.
“Yeah I guess.”
“So, I just phoned before Mark and I leave. So where are your right now? I’m guessing traveling.”“Yeah I’m just heading to Fort Qu’Appelle right know to see my grandparent’s…”
“Oh I see, our planes arrived, so I’ll call you when we land, see ya!” Jasmine spoke fast. Jill hung up the phone feeling terribly alone. This wasn’t as easy as she expected.
Within ten minutes Jill was pulling into her grandparent’s farm, instantly she knew coming here was a mistake, because once she shut the car door her horses, Nugget, Rossie, Twinkie, and Stormy galloped up to the fence. How was she suppose to tear herself away from them in a couple of hours, or her grandparents for that matter. Jill stood staring at the horses for awhile until Nugget and Stormy’s impatient knickers broke through her thoughts. Jill laughed and jogged over to their gate and let herself in.
Nugget was Jill’s first horse she ever rode, they have a connection that no other horse and rider could ever experience. He follows her everywhere she goes when she’s working with him, it’s almost like they don’t even need a lead rope.
Stormy and Jill share a bond as well but not like Nugget and Jill.
“How’d I know we’d find you here?” Jill’s grandma laughed.
“Grandma!” Jill said as she jumped over the fence to give her grandma a hug.
“So are you taking them with you?” her grandpa asked.
“I will eventually, when I get my farm, it’ll be hard to pick though.”
“We can talk about that later,” her grandpa laughed.
After Jill said hello to Rossie and Twinkie she followed her grandparent’s up to the deck, her grandma went inside to get water and ice cream.
“So where you going next?” her grandpa asked.
“I’m not completely sure, probably Uncle’s,” Jill said.
“Here, I remembered to get your favourite,” Jill’s grandma said handing Jill her drumstick. “So, I heard your going to go to Bradley’s next. Where are you going after?”
“Umm…I think maybe B.C.” Jill said.
Her grandpa and grandma nodded. They sat and talked for awhile, then she took Nugget out and did some barrels, but then all too soon it was time to go. They said their tear filled good-bye, surprisingly even her grandpa cried. Jill looked over to Nugget’s pasture and saw the same pain in his eyes that she sees in his eyes every time she left. Even the same pain in Stormy, Rossie and Twinkie. Jill walked over to her car, fighting the urge to run to the horses and her grandparents again.
Once she got outside of Regina, her eyes were finally dry, but red from crying. As the prairies, rushed by her, she realized this would be hard to leave behind. As Jill drove down the familiar gravel road she traveled and walked on so many times with her uncle, she felt a odd feeling of something she couldn’t put her finger on, was it satisfaction, no maybe, contentment, whatever it was she liked it.
Once she pulled into the farm, Cosmo and J.J. her uncle’s Australian Shepherds began barking and running up to the truck, followed by Emma, her five year old cousin, but practically her sister.
Jill jumped out of the car and picked Emma up and gave her a big bear hug.
“Jill your back!” Emma exclaimed in her childish little voice. Cosmo and J.J. jumped up in Jill’s legs constantly, waiting impatiently for the attention to turn to them. Jill laughed and put Emma down so she could pet Cosmo and J.J.
“Emma! Emma where are you?” Jill’s Auntie Alalna’s worried voice came from behind the garage. “Here mommy!” Emma called back. “Look Jill.”
“Emma! Don’t ever do that again,” Alalna said sternly, Emma nodded. “Jill!” Alalna exclaimed once she noticed Jill standing with the dogs, she ran over to give Jill a hug. “I’m so glad you stopped by before you left.”
“Me too! So where Un…” Jill started.
“Jill!” Bradley interrupted, running over to give her a hug.
“You found him!” Alanlna laughed.
“Your just in time to see Emma ride Trooper,” Bradley explained, handing Emma her helmet. Bradley reached down to lift Emma up onto Trooper, but Emma pulled away and said, “Jill, Jill you lift me up.”
Jill laughed and said, “how about I give you a boost up.”
“What’s that?” Emma asked.
“You climb onto my knee, and put your left foot in the stirrup.”
“Okay.” Emma did as she was told, and she was beaming when she was sitting in the saddle. “I did it!”
The three adults laughed and said, “Yes.” Emma rode around the yard first with Bradley and Alanlna then Jill took Alanlna’s place. Once again all to soon Jill had to leave, and once again it was a tear filled good-bye.
“Our little niece is all grown up,” Bradley said to Alanlna, and she nodded.
“No I’m not,” Emma said confused.
Everyone laughed. “Your right but your not our niece, Jill is and she’s all grown up know,” Alanlna explained.
“Ohh,” Emma said.
Jill gave hugs to everyone, including Cosmo and J.J. before she climbed into her car. Jill didn’t dare to look back. Knowing she would lose the longing to go back.
Two hours later Jill could make out the mountains in the distance, she instantly felt excited. Maybe this would easy.
Jill pulled to the side of the road to admire the scenery. The golden prairies, the mountains that looked never ending. Maybe this was where she belonged, she climbed back into her truck, making her way to Vancouver first. As Jill grew closer to Vancouver, she began to feel nervous. What if she couldn’t find an apartment for rent? What would she do?
Once Jill got downtown she headed to her cousin Miranda’s Maybe she would stay there for the night.
“Jill! Oh my gosh! You didn’t tell me you were coming here,” Miranda exclaimed. Miranda was a year older than Jill, they shared almost the same interests, but Miranda was more of a city girl, Jill preferred the country-the wide open.
“Well I’m sorry, I thought I’d surprise you,” Jill laughed.
“It was a nice surprise! Come in! So how long are you here for?”
“It depends, I’m kinda on a road tripe, you know, like how you did to find your future” Jill explained.
“I see, well you could stay here for as long as you need, but I’d recommend you go stay on a farm in the foothills too. You know, so you could find out if B.C. is for you,” Miranda advised.
“I agree, I’d love to stay here tonight, but I don’t have a farm in the foothills,” Jill agreed.
“You’re in luck,” Miranda said handing Jill a paper that read. “Farm for rent” in big bold letters.
“Wow! Do you think you could call in for me please, I have to go get my stuff out of the car, before it gets too dark,” Jill asked. Miranda nodded.
Once Jill was done unpacking what she’d need for tonight she sat at the kitchen table and asked, “so did I get it”
Miranda sighed looking sad but then said, “Yes! You got it!” Miranda laughed.
“URGH! I hate when you do that,” Jill laughed, trying to sound mad.
“It’s so fun though!”
“Okay….so what’s for supper?”
“Leftovers,” Miranda said opening the fridge. Jill grabbed a slice of chicken pot pie and a glass of milk. Jill and Miranda talked about B.C. and why Jill should stay, till Jill decided to call it night.
The next morning Jill said good-bye to Miranda and headed to the mountains.
Once she got out of the busy streets of Vancouver she finally felt relaxed. She could see the mountains in the distance, the animals grazing….Suddenly Jill’s phone rang, it was Jake! Suddenly a bunch of questions swarmed into Jill’s head, should I answer it? What should I say? On the third ring Jill answered it.
“Hey Jake.”
“Jill! How are you doing?” Jake asked, he sounded just as nervous as Jill.
“Uh…good, I’m in B.C.”
“Sweet! How’s it going?”
“Okay, where are you?”
“Moose Jaw, I’ve got an apartment around Main Street.”
“That’s good, but I’ve got to go, talk to you later.”
“Okay bye,” Jake sounded like he had wanted to say something important but just couldn’t get himself to.
As Jill pulled into the drive she was surprised at what she saw. The farm had animals in it that was the last thing she expected. There was a lot of cats and a couple of dogs, along with horses in the pastures.
“You must be Jill,” the old man said.
“Yes, you are?” Jill asked/
“I’m sorry, I’m Jason Park.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m surprised, I didn’t expect the animals,” Jill admitted.
“Well what’s a farm without the animals, hey?” Jason laughed.
“Right.”
“So how long are you staying?”
“Probably for about 4 days.”
“Okay here’s the key I’m kinda in a hurry so talk to you later,” Jason waved good-bye and got in his beat up truck.
Jill grabbed her bags and headed inside. The house had white old fashioned furniture, the kitchen had a country theme along with the bathrooms. She dropped her bags on the floor, and headed outside. Of course she headed straight to the pastures.
There was a paint horse about 15 hands. And the other, a Bay, looked to be about 16.5 hands. She just stared out at them for a bit, until the horses came up to her.
“Hey there,” Jill greeted the horses. The bay seemed to be a bit shy. She hung back when Jill looked at them, but the paint didn’t, she came right up to her and blew out in greeting.
Jill played with the paint for a little longer, then headed to the house. Just as she got in the phone rang, Jill stood there for a bit wondering if she should answer it, come on you’re the only one here it must be for you, a voice inside her head said.
“Hello?” Jill answered.
“Hey Jill, It’s Jason Park.”
“Oh hi!”
“I was just calling to see how things were going.”
“Great everything’s fantastic!”
“That’s terrific, if you go in the stable I left a note for you, it’s about the horses.”
“That’s great, I’ll head out there right know.”
Jill said good-bye and headed outside. There it was in the tack room, it read,
Jill you bring Molly (the paint) and Dolly (the bay) inside after supper, they each get a bale of hay. And 2 things of oats. You can ride Molly if you wish.
“Well that’s good to know,” Jill said out loud. Suddenly Jill heard footsteps coming from the aisle, slowly she crept to the door and peeked out. There looking bewildered was a slim, brown haired guy, he was tall and very attractive. Jill was more confused, why was he here? She was even slightly scared.
“Umm… Hello?” Jill stuttered.
The guy jumped and answered, “Hey! You must be Jill.“Yes, you are?”
“Oh I’m sorry, I’m Lucas, Jason’s so, he sent me down here to see how your doing.”
“Oh, well I’m doing fine,” Jill answered walking by him to grab a halter that was hanging by Molly’s stall.
“Your taking Molly out?” Lucas asked.
“Yep, I can, can’t I?”
“Yes! Of course, it’s just she’s a bit spirited.”
Jill couldn’t help it, but she wasn’t warming up to Lucas, he seemed liked one of those guys that were very protective of woman. “Well I can handle that, I’ve been riding since I was four, and I’ve barrel raced since grade.9, I have experience,” Jill said, maybe a little too sharply.
“I’m sorry, I’m just looking out for you,” Lucas apologized.
“I don’t need anyone looking out for me,” Jill said. Lucas nodded, as Jill walked by him to the pasture.
“Come on Molly let’s go for a ride!” Jill called.
When Jill got back to the barn, she saw Lucas standing in the same spot. “I’m going to leave now.”
Jill couldn’t help smiling when she turned to Molly, “Okay, bye” is all Jill could manage without sounding too happy.
Once Molly was all tacked up Jill took her into the mountains. The scene was fantastic! The golden prairies, the mountains looking like they were touching to sky, the sunset made mountain tops turn purple and pink. Or the sunset making it look like a painting-something that looked to beautiful to be real. The sunset made mountain tops turn purple and pink.
Jill got back and she untacked Molly and brushed here down, then she went to get Dolly, she gave them their supper and headed inside to her own.
The next morning Jill woke up feeling lonely and even kinds homesick. So she decided to call her mom.
“Hello,” Sherry her mom answered.
“Mom, it’s me!”
“Jill! How are you?”
“Okay, it’s not what I expected, but it’s good.”
They talked about how things were going back in Saskatchewan, and how things were for Jill. Sherry told her things would get better, but Jill just wasn’t convinced.
When Jill hung up she heard pans rattle and a stove beeping in the kitchen. Jill pulled on some sweats and a tank top, not wanting to go out in her P.J.S- and went out to the kitchen.
“Good morning!” Lucas greeted her.
Jill just stood there, she really didn’t like Lucas, “stalker,” Jill muttered under her breath as she walked to the fridge.
“Pardon?” Lucas said.
“What? Oh nothing. Why are you here?” Jill asked.
“I thought I’d make you breakfast.”
“I’m perfectly capable of doing that myself,” Jill pointed out rudely. Suddenly Jill’s phone rang. It was Jake.
“Hey Jake!” Jill answered.
“Jill hey, I didn’t wake you did I?” Jake asked.
“No actually,” Jill moved into the hall. “You saved me.”
“From what?” Jake sounded alarmed.
“Settle down, no there’s just this guy, Jason’s son actually, I met him yesterday, and he let himself in this morning, and know he’s making my breakfast,” Jill explained.
“Oh.”
“But don’t worry nothings going on.”
“I would support you either way, we are still really good friends.”
“I know, so are you still in Pilot Butte?”
“No, actually I moved to Moose Jaw,” Jake answered.
“Oh, hey Jake sorry my phones dieing I’ll talk to you later,” Jill said, then hung up and grabbed her charger and headed into the kitchen.
“Who was that?” Luca asked, putting the omelets on two plates.
“None of your business,” Jill answered sharply.
“I’m getting the feeling that you don’t like me,” Luca admitted.
“Hey you do know something! Congratulations!” Jill applauded.
“Why?” Lucas asked.
“Well, you come in unannounced, and your one of those guys who think girls need extra protection,” Jill explained.
“Those are just silly excuses, but I’ll change.” Jill knew he was right, but she still didn’t warm up to him. Jill shrugged and finished her breakfast and headed outside.
She groomed Molly and Dolly, and then took them out to their pasture. Then came back to muck out their stalls. She gave the cats and dogs their breakfast, and then Lucas came out to the stable.
“Hey, look I’m really sorry Jill,” Lucas apologized.
“Okay,” Jill said. “Maybe I was a little rude, I overreacted.”
“I totally understand. Would you like to go for a ride?” Lucas asked.
“Your dad said that only Molly could be ridden,” Jill pointed out.
“Yeah, for the other people that come. She’s my horse, and she’s very shy,” Lucas agreed. Jill nodded then started to walk to the pasture with Lucas.
Within ten minutes they headed out of the yard Jill couldn’t help it, but she was actually starting to like Lucas.
“You’re a really good rider,” Lucas said, breaking the silence.
“Thanks, I’ve been riding since I was four, you’re really good too.”
“Thank-you. You want to gallop?”
“Race ya to the hills!” Jill yelled as she took off.
‘Not fair!” Lucas yelled after her.
Jill and Lucas got home at about 2 P.M. that afternoon. Luca left at 3 P.M. and Jill to a break from the outdoors to call her mom. She told Sherry about the ride, and how the scenery was fantastic, although something still didn’t feel right, her heart wasn’t content here, something was missing, but what?
That night Jill had trouble sleeping, she fell asleep at about 1 a.m. but then woke up again at 5:30 a.m.
The last two days were horrible, she was feeling very home sick, but she knew that it wasn’t something she has to get used to, it was because B.C. wasn’t right for her.
At 7 a.m. she said good-bye to Jason and Lucas, then headed home, she had already phoned her uncle to say she would stop there, and he said that they all would be waiting.
At 4 p.m. Jill was pulling into the familiar farmyard outside Moose Jaw, a place that was like a second home out of the places she’d basically lived in, her home with her mom, her grandparent’s farm and her uncle’s.
There waiting for her was her Uncle, Auntie, Emma, her mom, her grandparents, even her brothers, and holding Emma was Jake.
“I see Emma’s warmed up to you!” Jill called to Jake.
“Welcome home!” everyone called.
“Yes this is my home! Outside of Moose Jaw this defiantly feels right!” Jill said, as Jake came over to give her a kiss.
“Yeah,” Jill said, but not with as much enthusiasm, as Jasmine.
Jasmine stopped in her tracks and looked at Jill, “you don’t sound so thrilled.”
“No! No! I am.”
“Really?”
Jill didn’t answer. The truth was, she was a bit scared, but at the same time excited.
“What’s going on?” Jasmine asked.
“Well…. Oh my! Look at the time, I promised Jake I’d meet him at his locker, see ya!” Jill explained. Jasmine watched Jill jog down the hall for a few minutes, then she walked to the cafeteria.
“Jake!” Jill called.
“Jill! I was beginning to think you forgot,” Jake admitted to his girlfriend, as he gave her a kiss.
“No! Jasmine and I were just talking ab…..” Jill started then quickly changed the subject, “let’s go eat, I’m starving.”
“Ummm…alright,” Jake said, allowing himself to be steered to the cafeteria. Jill went straight to the table where, Jasmine and her boyfriend, Mark and Emma were sitting.
“I thought you said you were starving,” Jake pointed out, when he noticed she had sat down at the table, instead of going to get food.
“Oh…ummm…. Yeah I was, but umm...I’m not anymore,” Jill stuttered. Jake gave a concerned look around the table, and then shrugged and sat beside Jill.
“So, who’s going to throw the graduation party?” Mark asked.
“Well, I could, only if Emma and Jill help,” Jasmine offered.
“Absolutely!” Emma grinned.
“What!?” Jill shouted. Everyone looked at Jill with surprised and concerned looks, Jill usually loved parties, and she just wasn’t herself today. “Well I’m actually busy after….graduation.”
“Are you okay?” Jasmine asked.
“Never better, why?” Jill answered.
“You aren’t yourself, like in the hall you were really quiet when we were talking about graduation, and know, you usually love parties.”
“She has a point,” Jake said, rubbing Jill’s shoulder.
“Those things don’t prove anything!” Jill yelled, feeling angry, they had no right to say those things. “I need some air.”
As Jill walked outside, she couldn’t help feeling even angrier at herself. They were right, this wasn’t like her. She very rarely got this mad at her friends. She didn’t know why she was feeling so temperamental today. She was very sensitive about, graduation being in a week, everyone else was so sure about where they were going, but she wasn’t. Emma was going to be a doctor, Jasmine was moving to Winnipeg then going from there, Mark was following Jasmine to Winnipeg, and going to college there to become a journalist, and Jake, well she didn’t dare to ask him, graduation was going to change a lot in their relationship.
Jill had ideas for college, a vet or an actress, but she couldn’t choose, maybe she didn’t have what it takes to be an actress, maybe she was better off with a vet like people said. She also knew that this small town in Saskatchewan wasn’t where she belonged, maybe Saskatchewan was, but she knew Pilot Butte wasn’t, but where?
“Why does life have to be so complicated,” Jill thought out loud.
“I’m not sure?” a voice behind her said, making Jill jump. She turned around to see her boyfriend, Jake looking at her with concern. “Jill we all are very sorry, we are just worried about you, what’s going on?” Jill explained to Jake about how she was so unsure about the future and their relationship after graduation.
“We’ll make it work,” Jake said giving Jill a hug.
Before Jill knew it graduation day was here, she woke up with a sigh, this was it this was the day everything would change.
At 12 p.m. Jill, Jasmine, and Emma headed to the hair salon to get their hair done. The graduation ceremony was at 4 p.m.
“I’m so excited!” Jasmine exclaimed.
“There’s going to be so much change, it’ll be awesome!” Emma said.
“Yeah, but change isn’t always cool,” Jill pointed out.
“Come on Jill, don’t be like that,” Jasmine and Emma complained. Jill sighed.
At 1:00 p.m. the girl’s hair was finished.
“Let’s go get our nail done!” Emma said.
“Yeah!” Jasmine yelled.
“Uh…no thanks, manicured nails and me don’t go well together,” Jill pointed out.
“It’s not like your in a rodeo, or going to the barn today,” Jasmine explained.
“If I had it my way I would have,” Jill muttered under her breath. “Okay no your right, but what about this weekend?” Jill said more loudly
“Fine I guess we can’t make you, but lets all go back to my place and get the stuff for the party out, then Emma and I can do our nails, and then we can get dressed, okay?” Jasmine offered.
“Sounds good,” the girls agreed.
When the girls got back to Jasmine’s house they got all the party decorations and headed outside to decorate.
“Thanks goodness there’s no wind right now,” Emma commented.
“Yeah, and it’s a good thing it’s going to be a nice night,” Jill agreed.
The girls put sparkly lights in all the trees, along with some colored streamers. They put up the banner that said, “Graduation Class 2009” in big bold letters. After the decorations were put up, they went inside to get the table to put the food and drinks on later.
“There! That’s all ready,” Jasmine exclaimed.
“Yeah! And our hairs still in place,” Emma pointed out. The girls nodded and headed indoors.
Once upstairs in Jasmine’s room, they got her nail polish out along with her make-up.
“Come on Jill, you have to get your nails done, please!” Emma pleaded.
“No Way! I hate nail polish. Your lucky I agreed to put on make-up,” Jill explained. Reluctantly Emma dropped the topic. Emma picked a purple nail polish to match her pale purple, silky dress. Jasmine did Emma’s nails and Jill attempted to do Emma’s make-up. Later Jill did Jasmine’s make-up and Emma did Jasmine’s nails. Jasmine picked a peachy colour.
“There, all done,” Jill exclaimed. Jasmine walked over to the mirror.
“Wow! Jill you a natural,” Jasmine gave Jill a hug.
“I told you!” Emma said.
“No!” Jill argued.
“Okay, let’s get the dresses on, we only have an hour,” Jill said.
The girls got their dresses on, being careful not to smudge their make-up, or ruin their hair.
Jill’s dress was a silky, aquamarine blue that had no straps, and it went down to her feet. “I’m going to trip on my dress!” Jill complained.
“No you won’t, just don’t concentrate on tripping,” Jasmine instructed. Jasmine’s dress was a pink, below her knees, it had thin straps that criss-crossed at the back.
“We all look amazing!” Jasmine exclaimed as she turned to Emma and Jill, Emma was just finishing Jill’s make-up.
At 4:00 p.m. the graduation ceremony started. Jill was so nervous every name got closer to hers.
“Vanessa Klan!” the principle shouted into the mic. Great! Jill thought. “Jill Marshall!” Jill walked up to the principle, praying that she wouldn’t trip on her dress.
Before Jill knew it she was in Jasmine’s backyard dancing with Jake.
“You’ve been awfully quiet,” Jake pointed out.
“Yeah? I’ve just been thinking about the…future,” Jill replied.
“That’s not good.”
“I guess not.”
“Same stuff?” Jill sighed and nodded.
The night flew by, Jill danced with almost everyone.
“Well…Umm… I guess this is good-bye,” Jill’s voice cracked as she spoke to Jake.“Sadly,” was all Jake could manage. He enveloped Jill in a big hug, and looked in her eyes and kissed her cheek, then walked away.
“I’m so sorry,” Jasmine and Emma came up behind her and gave her a hug.
“It was for the best,” Jill said. After two years of dating it was hard to believe that they were over, their relationship-long gone. Maybe it’s not, a little voice said inside her head. The girls cried and hugged a gazillion times, until they each went their separate ways.
Who was Jill going to laugh with, or vent to when she was mad, or cry to when she’s sad. The day went by in a blur. Everything was different know, nothing was ever going to be the same.
“I’m going to miss you so much mo, but this is what I have to do,’ Jill cried into her mother’s shoulder.
“I know, I know, but just remember I’m just a phone call away,” Mrs. Marshall said giving Jill a kiss on the cheek, and another. Then watched as Jill climbed into her car. Jill waved good-bye and blew her a mom a kiss, as tears streamed down both their faces.
She drove along the highway heading first to Fort Qu’Appelle to see her grandparents. As she drove down the highway she admired the prairies and horses grazing and playing with one another. Suddenly her cell phone started ringing, making Jill jump.
“Hello?” Jill answered.
“Jill, it’s me, Jasmine!”
“Jazz! It’s so good to hear from you.”
“It’s only been two days,” Jasmine laughed.
“Yeah I guess.”
“So, I just phoned before Mark and I leave. So where are your right now? I’m guessing traveling.”“Yeah I’m just heading to Fort Qu’Appelle right know to see my grandparent’s…”
“Oh I see, our planes arrived, so I’ll call you when we land, see ya!” Jasmine spoke fast. Jill hung up the phone feeling terribly alone. This wasn’t as easy as she expected.
Within ten minutes Jill was pulling into her grandparent’s farm, instantly she knew coming here was a mistake, because once she shut the car door her horses, Nugget, Rossie, Twinkie, and Stormy galloped up to the fence. How was she suppose to tear herself away from them in a couple of hours, or her grandparents for that matter. Jill stood staring at the horses for awhile until Nugget and Stormy’s impatient knickers broke through her thoughts. Jill laughed and jogged over to their gate and let herself in.
Nugget was Jill’s first horse she ever rode, they have a connection that no other horse and rider could ever experience. He follows her everywhere she goes when she’s working with him, it’s almost like they don’t even need a lead rope.
Stormy and Jill share a bond as well but not like Nugget and Jill.
“How’d I know we’d find you here?” Jill’s grandma laughed.
“Grandma!” Jill said as she jumped over the fence to give her grandma a hug.
“So are you taking them with you?” her grandpa asked.
“I will eventually, when I get my farm, it’ll be hard to pick though.”
“We can talk about that later,” her grandpa laughed.
After Jill said hello to Rossie and Twinkie she followed her grandparent’s up to the deck, her grandma went inside to get water and ice cream.
“So where you going next?” her grandpa asked.
“I’m not completely sure, probably Uncle’s,” Jill said.
“Here, I remembered to get your favourite,” Jill’s grandma said handing Jill her drumstick. “So, I heard your going to go to Bradley’s next. Where are you going after?”
“Umm…I think maybe B.C.” Jill said.
Her grandpa and grandma nodded. They sat and talked for awhile, then she took Nugget out and did some barrels, but then all too soon it was time to go. They said their tear filled good-bye, surprisingly even her grandpa cried. Jill looked over to Nugget’s pasture and saw the same pain in his eyes that she sees in his eyes every time she left. Even the same pain in Stormy, Rossie and Twinkie. Jill walked over to her car, fighting the urge to run to the horses and her grandparents again.
Once she got outside of Regina, her eyes were finally dry, but red from crying. As the prairies, rushed by her, she realized this would be hard to leave behind. As Jill drove down the familiar gravel road she traveled and walked on so many times with her uncle, she felt a odd feeling of something she couldn’t put her finger on, was it satisfaction, no maybe, contentment, whatever it was she liked it.
Once she pulled into the farm, Cosmo and J.J. her uncle’s Australian Shepherds began barking and running up to the truck, followed by Emma, her five year old cousin, but practically her sister.
Jill jumped out of the car and picked Emma up and gave her a big bear hug.
“Jill your back!” Emma exclaimed in her childish little voice. Cosmo and J.J. jumped up in Jill’s legs constantly, waiting impatiently for the attention to turn to them. Jill laughed and put Emma down so she could pet Cosmo and J.J.
“Emma! Emma where are you?” Jill’s Auntie Alalna’s worried voice came from behind the garage. “Here mommy!” Emma called back. “Look Jill.”
“Emma! Don’t ever do that again,” Alalna said sternly, Emma nodded. “Jill!” Alalna exclaimed once she noticed Jill standing with the dogs, she ran over to give Jill a hug. “I’m so glad you stopped by before you left.”
“Me too! So where Un…” Jill started.
“Jill!” Bradley interrupted, running over to give her a hug.
“You found him!” Alanlna laughed.
“Your just in time to see Emma ride Trooper,” Bradley explained, handing Emma her helmet. Bradley reached down to lift Emma up onto Trooper, but Emma pulled away and said, “Jill, Jill you lift me up.”
Jill laughed and said, “how about I give you a boost up.”
“What’s that?” Emma asked.
“You climb onto my knee, and put your left foot in the stirrup.”
“Okay.” Emma did as she was told, and she was beaming when she was sitting in the saddle. “I did it!”
The three adults laughed and said, “Yes.” Emma rode around the yard first with Bradley and Alanlna then Jill took Alanlna’s place. Once again all to soon Jill had to leave, and once again it was a tear filled good-bye.
“Our little niece is all grown up,” Bradley said to Alanlna, and she nodded.
“No I’m not,” Emma said confused.
Everyone laughed. “Your right but your not our niece, Jill is and she’s all grown up know,” Alanlna explained.
“Ohh,” Emma said.
Jill gave hugs to everyone, including Cosmo and J.J. before she climbed into her car. Jill didn’t dare to look back. Knowing she would lose the longing to go back.
Two hours later Jill could make out the mountains in the distance, she instantly felt excited. Maybe this would easy.
Jill pulled to the side of the road to admire the scenery. The golden prairies, the mountains that looked never ending. Maybe this was where she belonged, she climbed back into her truck, making her way to Vancouver first. As Jill grew closer to Vancouver, she began to feel nervous. What if she couldn’t find an apartment for rent? What would she do?
Once Jill got downtown she headed to her cousin Miranda’s Maybe she would stay there for the night.
“Jill! Oh my gosh! You didn’t tell me you were coming here,” Miranda exclaimed. Miranda was a year older than Jill, they shared almost the same interests, but Miranda was more of a city girl, Jill preferred the country-the wide open.
“Well I’m sorry, I thought I’d surprise you,” Jill laughed.
“It was a nice surprise! Come in! So how long are you here for?”
“It depends, I’m kinda on a road tripe, you know, like how you did to find your future” Jill explained.
“I see, well you could stay here for as long as you need, but I’d recommend you go stay on a farm in the foothills too. You know, so you could find out if B.C. is for you,” Miranda advised.
“I agree, I’d love to stay here tonight, but I don’t have a farm in the foothills,” Jill agreed.
“You’re in luck,” Miranda said handing Jill a paper that read. “Farm for rent” in big bold letters.
“Wow! Do you think you could call in for me please, I have to go get my stuff out of the car, before it gets too dark,” Jill asked. Miranda nodded.
Once Jill was done unpacking what she’d need for tonight she sat at the kitchen table and asked, “so did I get it”
Miranda sighed looking sad but then said, “Yes! You got it!” Miranda laughed.
“URGH! I hate when you do that,” Jill laughed, trying to sound mad.
“It’s so fun though!”
“Okay….so what’s for supper?”
“Leftovers,” Miranda said opening the fridge. Jill grabbed a slice of chicken pot pie and a glass of milk. Jill and Miranda talked about B.C. and why Jill should stay, till Jill decided to call it night.
The next morning Jill said good-bye to Miranda and headed to the mountains.
Once she got out of the busy streets of Vancouver she finally felt relaxed. She could see the mountains in the distance, the animals grazing….Suddenly Jill’s phone rang, it was Jake! Suddenly a bunch of questions swarmed into Jill’s head, should I answer it? What should I say? On the third ring Jill answered it.
“Hey Jake.”
“Jill! How are you doing?” Jake asked, he sounded just as nervous as Jill.
“Uh…good, I’m in B.C.”
“Sweet! How’s it going?”
“Okay, where are you?”
“Moose Jaw, I’ve got an apartment around Main Street.”
“That’s good, but I’ve got to go, talk to you later.”
“Okay bye,” Jake sounded like he had wanted to say something important but just couldn’t get himself to.
As Jill pulled into the drive she was surprised at what she saw. The farm had animals in it that was the last thing she expected. There was a lot of cats and a couple of dogs, along with horses in the pastures.
“You must be Jill,” the old man said.
“Yes, you are?” Jill asked/
“I’m sorry, I’m Jason Park.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m surprised, I didn’t expect the animals,” Jill admitted.
“Well what’s a farm without the animals, hey?” Jason laughed.
“Right.”
“So how long are you staying?”
“Probably for about 4 days.”
“Okay here’s the key I’m kinda in a hurry so talk to you later,” Jason waved good-bye and got in his beat up truck.
Jill grabbed her bags and headed inside. The house had white old fashioned furniture, the kitchen had a country theme along with the bathrooms. She dropped her bags on the floor, and headed outside. Of course she headed straight to the pastures.
There was a paint horse about 15 hands. And the other, a Bay, looked to be about 16.5 hands. She just stared out at them for a bit, until the horses came up to her.
“Hey there,” Jill greeted the horses. The bay seemed to be a bit shy. She hung back when Jill looked at them, but the paint didn’t, she came right up to her and blew out in greeting.
Jill played with the paint for a little longer, then headed to the house. Just as she got in the phone rang, Jill stood there for a bit wondering if she should answer it, come on you’re the only one here it must be for you, a voice inside her head said.
“Hello?” Jill answered.
“Hey Jill, It’s Jason Park.”
“Oh hi!”
“I was just calling to see how things were going.”
“Great everything’s fantastic!”
“That’s terrific, if you go in the stable I left a note for you, it’s about the horses.”
“That’s great, I’ll head out there right know.”
Jill said good-bye and headed outside. There it was in the tack room, it read,
Jill you bring Molly (the paint) and Dolly (the bay) inside after supper, they each get a bale of hay. And 2 things of oats. You can ride Molly if you wish.
“Well that’s good to know,” Jill said out loud. Suddenly Jill heard footsteps coming from the aisle, slowly she crept to the door and peeked out. There looking bewildered was a slim, brown haired guy, he was tall and very attractive. Jill was more confused, why was he here? She was even slightly scared.
“Umm… Hello?” Jill stuttered.
The guy jumped and answered, “Hey! You must be Jill.“Yes, you are?”
“Oh I’m sorry, I’m Lucas, Jason’s so, he sent me down here to see how your doing.”
“Oh, well I’m doing fine,” Jill answered walking by him to grab a halter that was hanging by Molly’s stall.
“Your taking Molly out?” Lucas asked.
“Yep, I can, can’t I?”
“Yes! Of course, it’s just she’s a bit spirited.”
Jill couldn’t help it, but she wasn’t warming up to Lucas, he seemed liked one of those guys that were very protective of woman. “Well I can handle that, I’ve been riding since I was four, and I’ve barrel raced since grade.9, I have experience,” Jill said, maybe a little too sharply.
“I’m sorry, I’m just looking out for you,” Lucas apologized.
“I don’t need anyone looking out for me,” Jill said. Lucas nodded, as Jill walked by him to the pasture.
“Come on Molly let’s go for a ride!” Jill called.
When Jill got back to the barn, she saw Lucas standing in the same spot. “I’m going to leave now.”
Jill couldn’t help smiling when she turned to Molly, “Okay, bye” is all Jill could manage without sounding too happy.
Once Molly was all tacked up Jill took her into the mountains. The scene was fantastic! The golden prairies, the mountains looking like they were touching to sky, the sunset made mountain tops turn purple and pink. Or the sunset making it look like a painting-something that looked to beautiful to be real. The sunset made mountain tops turn purple and pink.
Jill got back and she untacked Molly and brushed here down, then she went to get Dolly, she gave them their supper and headed inside to her own.
The next morning Jill woke up feeling lonely and even kinds homesick. So she decided to call her mom.
“Hello,” Sherry her mom answered.
“Mom, it’s me!”
“Jill! How are you?”
“Okay, it’s not what I expected, but it’s good.”
They talked about how things were going back in Saskatchewan, and how things were for Jill. Sherry told her things would get better, but Jill just wasn’t convinced.
When Jill hung up she heard pans rattle and a stove beeping in the kitchen. Jill pulled on some sweats and a tank top, not wanting to go out in her P.J.S- and went out to the kitchen.
“Good morning!” Lucas greeted her.
Jill just stood there, she really didn’t like Lucas, “stalker,” Jill muttered under her breath as she walked to the fridge.
“Pardon?” Lucas said.
“What? Oh nothing. Why are you here?” Jill asked.
“I thought I’d make you breakfast.”
“I’m perfectly capable of doing that myself,” Jill pointed out rudely. Suddenly Jill’s phone rang. It was Jake.
“Hey Jake!” Jill answered.
“Jill hey, I didn’t wake you did I?” Jake asked.
“No actually,” Jill moved into the hall. “You saved me.”
“From what?” Jake sounded alarmed.
“Settle down, no there’s just this guy, Jason’s son actually, I met him yesterday, and he let himself in this morning, and know he’s making my breakfast,” Jill explained.
“Oh.”
“But don’t worry nothings going on.”
“I would support you either way, we are still really good friends.”
“I know, so are you still in Pilot Butte?”
“No, actually I moved to Moose Jaw,” Jake answered.
“Oh, hey Jake sorry my phones dieing I’ll talk to you later,” Jill said, then hung up and grabbed her charger and headed into the kitchen.
“Who was that?” Luca asked, putting the omelets on two plates.
“None of your business,” Jill answered sharply.
“I’m getting the feeling that you don’t like me,” Luca admitted.
“Hey you do know something! Congratulations!” Jill applauded.
“Why?” Lucas asked.
“Well, you come in unannounced, and your one of those guys who think girls need extra protection,” Jill explained.
“Those are just silly excuses, but I’ll change.” Jill knew he was right, but she still didn’t warm up to him. Jill shrugged and finished her breakfast and headed outside.
She groomed Molly and Dolly, and then took them out to their pasture. Then came back to muck out their stalls. She gave the cats and dogs their breakfast, and then Lucas came out to the stable.
“Hey, look I’m really sorry Jill,” Lucas apologized.
“Okay,” Jill said. “Maybe I was a little rude, I overreacted.”
“I totally understand. Would you like to go for a ride?” Lucas asked.
“Your dad said that only Molly could be ridden,” Jill pointed out.
“Yeah, for the other people that come. She’s my horse, and she’s very shy,” Lucas agreed. Jill nodded then started to walk to the pasture with Lucas.
Within ten minutes they headed out of the yard Jill couldn’t help it, but she was actually starting to like Lucas.
“You’re a really good rider,” Lucas said, breaking the silence.
“Thanks, I’ve been riding since I was four, you’re really good too.”
“Thank-you. You want to gallop?”
“Race ya to the hills!” Jill yelled as she took off.
‘Not fair!” Lucas yelled after her.
Jill and Lucas got home at about 2 P.M. that afternoon. Luca left at 3 P.M. and Jill to a break from the outdoors to call her mom. She told Sherry about the ride, and how the scenery was fantastic, although something still didn’t feel right, her heart wasn’t content here, something was missing, but what?
That night Jill had trouble sleeping, she fell asleep at about 1 a.m. but then woke up again at 5:30 a.m.
The last two days were horrible, she was feeling very home sick, but she knew that it wasn’t something she has to get used to, it was because B.C. wasn’t right for her.
At 7 a.m. she said good-bye to Jason and Lucas, then headed home, she had already phoned her uncle to say she would stop there, and he said that they all would be waiting.
At 4 p.m. Jill was pulling into the familiar farmyard outside Moose Jaw, a place that was like a second home out of the places she’d basically lived in, her home with her mom, her grandparent’s farm and her uncle’s.
There waiting for her was her Uncle, Auntie, Emma, her mom, her grandparents, even her brothers, and holding Emma was Jake.
“I see Emma’s warmed up to you!” Jill called to Jake.
“Welcome home!” everyone called.
“Yes this is my home! Outside of Moose Jaw this defiantly feels right!” Jill said, as Jake came over to give her a kiss.
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