AllFreeNovel
Share Us
* * *
After I take care of things at the shop, I head out to Second Chance Rescue. I have some time before the game to check on Harley, and Ophelia said that was where I could find her.
I take the familiar path to the inn and stop at the stop sign to turn where the wreck happened all those years ago. I think about that night when I thought I’d lost Callie. The way her parents and the town blamed me. Rumors went around that I’d been drinking. I hadn’t. A bunch of us had been hanging out at the inn, but we had no alcohol at the party that night. It didn’t matter because nothing I did would convince people of the truth once the rumors spread. It was like another nail in my coffin. Evan and his parents vouched for me, but it didn’t matter. The damage was done. No one looked at me the same after that. I was just a kid at their mercy and had to take their shit. But guess who’s not a kid anymore? I don’t have to take shit from anyone.
I want to coach, but at what cost? To lose Callie again? Lose the position I’ve worked for? And I still have stuff to work through with Callie. We still have what feels like a giant elephant in the room of unanswered questions. I’m not sure I can ever make her understand why I left without further damaging things and losing her trust. When she called me a coward that day in the hospital? She wasn’t wrong. I was a coward for leaving. Deep down, I have always hoped that she and her parents would figure things out. I know how it feels to be estranged from my mom, and it’s not a good feeling. Sure, Callie’s parents are crappy, but they’re her family. If she wanted to cut them out of her life, that had to be her choice, not mine.
When I get out of my truck at Ophelia’s, I notice that the big barn is dilapidated and barely held together by loose boards patching it in places. This place is in rough shape and needs a lot of work. Ophelia comes out to meet me wearing jeans and a hooded sweatshirt with her rescue logo across the front. Harley and Mr. Pickles trot beside her, tails wagging. Ophelia says something softly, and Harley sits next to her and waits.
I watch. Ophelia gives her another command, and Harley turns and runs back into the barn. She returns with something in her mouth and brings it to Ophelia. Ophelia takes her phone from Harley.
She turns to me and then says something softly again to Harley and she bounds over to me. After circling me, she sits beside me and looks up at me.
“She can bring you things?” I ask in disbelief.
“She’s a super smart dog. She’s had a lot of cool training. Once I looked over her paperwork, I called the place that your buddy got her from and found out all her training commands. It’s very similar to the methods I use. I think she would like to use that training with you now. You could both benefit from companionship with each other.” She smiles and leans up against the barn. “What do you say?”
“I’m in,” I say as I stroke Harley behind her ears. “But are you sure I’m qualified to keep her?”
“Listen, I’m no expert. But sometimes people and animals come into our lives just when we need them. And you and Harley need each other,” she says as she tucks her hands into the pocket of her sweatshirt.
I nod, not sure what to say to that. But I do like the idea of making sure Harley is taken care of for Sparks. They both deserve that.
“If it’s okay with you, let me work with her a few mornings this week with Mr. Pickles. She’s been through some trauma losing her person, and she needs time, just like you do, to grieve and practice her training to carry it on with you. Then I’d like to work with you and show you how she can assist you moving forward.”
“Okay, that makes sense. She already looks so much happier.”
“She’ll be okay. She just needs to adjust to her new environment with you. I also got in touch with my local contact at the VA, and I’m working on getting her registered to you as a service dog here in New Hampshire. They have a great program for veterans and their service dogs here.”
“That sounds great,” I say, determined. “What will her job be?”
“With your friend, she provided PTSD and anxiety support. But we can talk about how she can be the best companion for you and whatever you need. The VA will be able to work with you on this. She’s very special.”
I nod, choked up, not saying anything for fear it’ll make me tear up. I sniff and say, “That sounds good.”
I look around the property. It’s in shambles with piles of scraps everywhere. “How long have you been set up out here?” I ask, motioning to the barn, trying to change the subject.
“Just a few months. I’m busy with my grooming business, but rescue and training are my passion. I like to make sure they all have good training and find good homes.”
“Do you have help?” I ask, scrubbing a hand over my face.
“Why, you want to volunteer?” she asks with a hopeful grin. “I could use a mechanic to look at my new-to-me van.”
“My dad and I can take care of that.” I nod to her. “Just drop it off at the shop, and we’ll get you taken care of, no charge.”
“Thank you so much,” she says with a hopeful grin.
I need to run it by Coach Murphy, but I could get the team out here sometime for a big cleanup. “I might have an idea on the property. I’ll get back to you on that.” I could also get friends to come and help with some small repairs. She’s doing good work out here with her dog rescue, and I’d love to see her have help from the community.
“Of course.” She shrugs, reaching down to pet Mr. Pickles, who has been watching everything.
“You’re so close to the inn.” I look around. “Will you be at the fall festival?”
“No, I don’t like going to town things. I keep to myself,” she says with a frown.
“Why’s that?” I ask, curious.
She hesitates for a moment and says, “My ex-fiancé, Nial, screwed over a lot of people and then ditched town. Some people here believe I’m to blame since he’s not here, but I still am.”
