Dotty’s Story – Chapter Ten
By mosquito
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9th Mar 2011 •
3,390 views
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11 comments
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And so it went for Dotty. The pattern was always the same. Get up early, go for a gallop or a stroll on the walker, come back, and eat and rest all day. Dotty didn’t mind. There was always plenty to see at the track, and although she make friends only to see them leave for another track, new friends would always come along. Solo had disappeared, so that made things easier too. Jimmy never walked past her stall without patting her nose, and saying something kind to her. Even if she was sleeping, she’d hear his voice as he walked by.
The only exceptions were race days, and Dotty grew to love them. She loved the excitement of race day – she could feel the tension in Jimmy right from breakfast time, so she would know right away if a race was on. She could sense a mix of fear, excitement, and anticipation, and she loved it. She began to grow more and more relaxed about racing; she knew what she had to do, and she would just get on and do it. Jack always rode her, and she trusted him completely. She’d gallop along, letting him gently guide her into position. Then she’d wait, just wait, to feel his fingers relax on the reins, his heels on her sides, and hear his voice call out ‘Now, Dotty, Go!’ Then she’d drop her head and dig in her hooves, pouring more power into each stride.
Sometimes she never even noticed the finish line – she’d gallop as fast as she could until she felt Jack start to lean back. Sometimes it was too easy – she felt like she’d be able to gallop forever and Jack would have quite a time convincing her to stop. Other times it was too hard. She’d give her all, but it wouldn’t be enough. There’d be another horse stronger, faster, better that day. Dotty would be disappointed when she lost, and she’d shake her head and kick out with frustration when Jimmy was trying to hose her off. No one ever scolded her when she lost; Jimmy always said to Jack – before every race – ‘just get her back safe.’ She knew it was great to win, but Jimmy treated her just the same no matter how she finished. No one seemed to care if she won or lost.
But Dotty did. She didn’t so much mind whether she was the fastest horse or not, but if she lost she wouldn't got to the winner’s circle. If she didn’t get to the winners circle, she wouldn’t see Maryanne and the children. Maryanne found it too difficult to get to the shedrow in her wheelchair, so unless Dotty won she wouldn’t get to see Maryanne. Sometimes Jimmy would bring the children down, and those times were wonderful. Sometimes their father would bring them down and they would scramble around Dotty in her stable or take her out for some grass while their father discussed business with Jimmy. But Dotty always wanted to see Maryanne; she longed to feel Maryanne’s hands pressed warmly on her face after a race; it seemed to make the whole world brighter somehow.
And so it was one bright autumn day. It was a race day, and Dotty felt great. The air was perfect for racing; cold and crisp, but dry. The kind of autumn weather where the winter cold is just coming in, and everything seems to hang in the air – sounds, smells, even sights seem to freeze for just a second so you can experience them more deeply. The kind of cold that really wakes you up; makes you feel ready for anything.
The race went perfectly. Dotty broke neatly from the gate, slipped between horses for a good position, then powered home for an easy win. She pulled up quickly, and turned, not even waiting for the outrider to take her back to the circle. Today was a great day, and Dotty wanted to share it with Maryanne. She jogged back to the circle, and Jimmy was waiting for her. He didn’t walk up to her today, he just stood and watched her come up. She jogged up, tossing her head and dancing; she felt like she could go right back out and run again.
Jack snatched at her reins. ‘Settle down, Shorty!’ he said, and Dotty froze at the sharpness in his tone. ‘What’s happened, Jimmy?’ Jack asked. Jimmy didn’t even look at Jack. He reached up and clipped the chain to Dotty’s bit. She could feel his hands shaking, and she could smell the salt of tears. Jimmy just shook his head, turned and led them away to the circle. Jimmy’s shoulders were low, and he walked slowly. Dotty had to take a pause with each step so as not to overtake him. Something terrible has happened, Dotty thought, and she glanced at Jimmy often, trying to catch some clue.
Jimmy led Dotty into the circle, and Dotty stopped. She looked around. No one was there. Not the children, not the father, not Maryanne. ‘Come on Dotty!’ Jimmy said. Dotty planted her feet. She could feel her heart speeding up, and she suddenly felt cold. She pulled back on the lead. She wanted to get out of there, away from the circle.
‘Come on Dotty!’ Jimmy said. He was upset, in a way Dotty had never seen before. ‘One last time, one last time for Maryanne.’
‘No!’ Dotty thought. ‘No!’ She felt a mix of anger, fear, and frustration build up inside her. It was so strong it hurt; it was like a hot coal was burning deep in her chest. Jack gave her an unusually sharp jab with his heels. ‘No!’ Dotty thought ‘I won’t! Not without Maryanne!’
She couldn’t take it anymore; she felt ready to explode. She shrank back on her hind legs and reared, shaking her head, twisting her body and lashing out with her front legs. She felt Jack fly off her back, and she saw Jimmy raise his arm and cry out. She reared again, and again. Jimmy wrested with her, pulling on the lead, and then the reins. ‘Let me do!’ she squealed. ‘Just let me go!’
But Jimmy wouldn’t let go. For the first time ever, Dotty felt the full force of Jimmy’s experience and his strength. He wrestled her head down so she couldn't rear, although every muscle of her was trying to. She smelled blood, and stopped. She looked at Jimmy’s face, and she could see the blood trickling down his face where she had struck him. Dotty felt terrible; all the anger, the fear, the distress disappeared, and all she could feel was cold. How could she have done this to Jimmy? What was she thinking?
She followed Jimmy quietly into the winner’s circle, and Jack was gently lifted back onto her back. Dotty hung her head; she couldn’t bear to look at Jimmy. She felt colder and colder. She started to shiver. She felt the flash of the camera bite through her, and Jack slipped off her saddle, put one hand on Jimmy’s arm, then walked quietly away to the weighing room.
Jimmy threw a rug over Dotty, and pulled it gently up over her withers. He took a tissue out of his pocket, gently wiped his forehead, wincing a little, then put it back in his pocket. ‘He must hate me now’ Dotty thought. She looked sheepishly up at Jimmy. Jimmy leaned over, and rest his head on the star on Dotty’s face, and wrapped his hands under her jaw. Dotty could feel him shaking ever so slightly, and his hands squeezed her jaw, so tightly it almost hurt.
‘It’s gonna be okay, Dotty,’ He said, his voice said, trembling a little. ‘We’re gonna be okay.’ Dotty wanted to believe him, but somehow she just couldn’t. She was certain that without Maryanne, everything would change. |
Related: Dotty's Story - Chapter One, Dotty’s Story - Chapter Two, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Three, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Four, Dotty’s story – Chapter Five, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Six, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Seven, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Eight, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Nine, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Ten, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Eleven, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Twelve, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Thirteen, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Fourteen, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Fifteen, Dotty’s Story – Chapter Sixteen, Dotty’s Story - Chapter Seventeen - The End,
More In This Category: Horse Fiction
More From This Author: mosquito
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No Walkin Farms9
Awwwwwwww. This is great. Can't wait to read more about Dotty. She's such a great character.
Awwwwwwww. This is great. Can't wait to read more about Dotty. She's such a great character.
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23 days ago
• 2,210 views
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weezapony
D:
Where is everyone?!
Poor Dotty!
great writing, as always!
D:
Where is everyone?!
Poor Dotty!
great writing, as always!
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23 days ago
• 2,177 views
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kingfisher
Wow is there more can't wait to reqad it!
Wow is there more can't wait to reqad it!
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23 days ago
• 2,187 views
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23 days ago
• 2,202 views
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22 days ago
• 2,203 views
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T W I
Can't wait for part 11!
Can't wait for part 11!
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22 days ago
• 2,203 views
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Artista
This is such a great story. I've read since the beginning and the way you developed her character is really cute. Great work!
This is such a great story. I've read since the beginning and the way you developed her character is really cute. Great work!
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22 days ago
• 2,184 views
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Spaztastic
Poor thing ?? I hope theres more !!!!
Poor thing ?? I hope theres more !!!!
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21 days ago
• 2,185 views
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Stay Untamed
I love this series!I can't wait till the next one!
I love this series!I can't wait till the next one!
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20 days ago
• 2,211 views
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Untamed Heart
Hmmm... Poor Poor Dotty... Make it happy in the next one!!!
Hmmm... Poor Poor Dotty... Make it happy in the next one!!!
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18 days ago
• 2,199 views
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Jun 18, 2011
• 2,334 views
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