Break away || Wyatt

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 810
Status: Complete
Notes: It came out longer than expected. xD

Wyatt hadn't realized how his words had been interpreted by Finn. He had meant to caution the young man. Beau was gentle but he also didn't know his own strength. He repeated this to Finn yet he was still persistent on riding the chestnut. Maybe he would have to learn his lesson the hard way. Or maybe Beau wouldn't be so bad. Running his hand over the back of his head to calm his mess of dark hair, Wyatt looked after the boy. Then he turned his head towards the paddock. So much for getting the horses out himself. Neither Hawk nor Buck were out in their paddock so they must be in their stalls. Wyatt headed after Finn and Beau, keeping the distance between them instead of hurrying on over to catch up. Wyatt eyed Carl and Billy who were still giving each dirty looks. Lily had just told Carl that he might be in a bit of trouble.

"No damn way."

Then Lily threw the water onto Billy, who yelped in surprise. He had closed his eyes and then opened them, looking down on himself. He was pretty much soaked to the bone. His eyes flicked up to Lily.

"Now what in the hell was that for?"

Carl was laughing his ass off, doubling over even, with his hand on the wall for support. He tried to say something but found it hard to. Billy stood up straighter, looking at Lily with his arms out stretched and a big, forced grin on his face.

"Lily, its time for a hug, hunny."

Wyatt left them to it, shaking his head with a smile on his face. He stepped into the barn, immediately met with with the face of one of the horses that rented out space in the barn. He stroked the horses nose, passing by the piebald. A few rows down a more familiar face popped out. Buck Ryder eyed Wyatt, wriggling his lips and stretching his head out as far as it would go. The gelding was a dun paint, with four stockings and a dark brown mane and tail interlaced with tan. He had a thick neck and a flat back, with a broad chest and two ears that always jutted out to the side. Buck was all brawn with brain enough to be a fine cowhorse. Only thing that was wrong with him was his gait. It was off, a bitt chompy and not very comfortable for someone who liked a smooth gait. Buck wasn't pedigree by breed, but he was pedigree in heart. He had enough of it to make Wyatt quite fond of him. But Buck was ridden by Billy most of the time, because the gelding could take his weight and the two worked together as a fine pair. Wyatt would just be borrowing him. Wyatt would have to make sure that his companion, Hawk, got some exercise later.

Wyatt had Buck's halter on and led him out of his stable, tying him up to the hook on the wall. After gathering all the brushes that he would need as well as marked tack, Wyatt set to work. Finn seemed to know what to do and any time that he needed help, Wyatt was there, especially with the heavy western saddle. Wyatt himself was so used to the weight of it that he picked it up like it was air when he put Buck's saddle onto his back. Pulling the girth snug, he then pulled on the bridle with no nose piece. Buck complied without a fuss, apparently eager to get out onto the range. He danced a bit as Wyatt led him out. He pulled his stetson on tight and was about to ask Finn if he needed help getting into the saddle but apparently not. The kid was already on.

Ridden before?

He asked as he too jumped into the saddle. Wyatt sat evenly with his heels down, taking the reins up with one hand as he checked the girth again. It was fine. He urged Buck on with a tilt of his heel against the geldings sides. He walked on towards Beauford. The two horses sniffed, with Buck being the one to nibble at Beau's muzzle.

Manners.

Wyatt reminded the dun paint, who shook his head, tossing his neatly groomed mane about. Turning his head, Wyatt looked at Billy, Lily and Carl. Carl was the only one standing by the barn door.

Dunno how long we'll be. An' remember to get the horses into their paddocks.

Carl nodded, putting down the rope that he was working on. Carl had been taught by his father how to make ropes out of just the raw materials. He made good ones too.

Let's go.

Buck Ryder leapt forward into a trot and Wyatt kept it slow, waiting on Finn to join him.

[Finn Keagan]

Lily knew that this TTI program would be just as good for Wyatt and the guys here as it was for the kids that came into it. Just by looking at Finn, her heart went out to the seventeen year old, and she wished that there was something that she could do to help him. It was obvious he was more comfortable around women, but it was also just as obvious that he knew something was wrong with her. And that something was exactly what had killed his mother, and that was the reason it would be difficult for him to get close to her, even if he wanted to. He needed someone here that he could grow close to, and he needed to find that someone fast. He wasn't going to be agreeable for much longer if he didn't. Finn always started off polite and rather easy to handle, until he grew comfortable in a place. And if that happened, he would show Wyatt and the rest of the people at Silver Stag Ranch where and how he got his reputation. He was a wild kind of guy, and defiance was his strongest asset when it came to him being more comfortable.

Right now he was just scared and confused, and worried about being abandoned once more. This place was different though. All of the other places had simply cast him out because of his reckless ways. They hadn't treated him with the kindness and the patience that he needed because they simply didn't care. He was just another troubled teen that had been dropped off at their doorstep by the cops because they were tired of booking the same kid over and over again. Finn had more warnings behind his belt though than any other kid, and that was simply because of his past. They felt sorry for him, and that was what angered FInn the most. He hated it when people felt sorry for him, and he didn't want anyone's pity. Lily wanted to help him with that. People weren't feeling sorry for him...they just wanted to help him when and if he needed the assistance. IT was going to be a hard lesson for the boy to learn, but hopefully Wyatt and the horses would be responsible for teaching him that lesson. Not through harsh words and abuse, but through kindess and patience. Those were two things that Finn probably hadn't experienced in quite a while. Even here, where no one had raised a hand or a voice to him, he was still as jumpy as ever, and the fear was evident in his eyes. The young man just needed time, and that was all that they had at Silver Stag. There was no one rushing him, and Lily hoped that he accepted that, and grew used to them here. She also wished that Wyatt would be the one that Finn connected to. It would do them both some good if that was the outcome.

As the young woman looked over her shoulder at the cowboy and the boy, she smiled slightly and then focused back on her cousin and Carl. As Carl doubled over in hysteric laughter, Lily turned her big, innocent eyes up to Billy. "Oops? It slipped, I swear." She spoke innocently, looking up at him as if she could do no wrong in the entire world. Lily had that effect sometimes. She could turn her big multi-colored eyes up to anyone and have the sweetest look on her face. Sometimes it worked, but she was certain that with her cousin it wouldn't. He knew her better than that, and he never had fallen for her tricks in the past. As he stepped towards her with the big grin on his face, and his arms outstretched, she froze in place. Soon enough she put her hands out, and started backing up slowly. "Now Billy...it was an accident. And you know I love you, but I don't think I want one of your hugs today." She said quietly, watching Carl, and looking at the other ranch hand for some help. She had helped him out, so she hoped he'd return the favor. Backing up, she watched as Wyatt walked past, just smiling and entering the barn. Oh great. No one was going to help her from her fate of being hugged by the soaking wet Billy. Looking to her cousin, she fixed him with another look. "I love you?" Her pale face held rosy cheeks and bright eyes, and it was obvious that being out here with the guys and the horses was exactly what she needed to feel better. Now she just needed her daughter and her husband and her day would be complete. But Wyatt was busy with Finn, and Lily figured she was pretty much on her own. Just great. She grimaced slightly, and then tensed up, ready for Billy's bear hug.

Finn looked to Wyatt and the horse that he was saddling for the ride to who knew where. He was a bit nervous to be going off on his own with Wyatt, but he knew that he needed to get over that. Wyatt had never shown him anything that would harm him before now, so he just needed to relax. The young boy sighed quietly to himself, and thanked Wyatt when the man helped him with the saddle. He wasn't able to lift it with his wrist and his small muscles. Normally he would be, if he had the correct body mass and muscle structure, but he was still malnourished and severly underweight. It seemed that he'd break with any small hit, but he wasn't as fragile as he appeared. Finn was strong, but mentally and physically...he had just had a lot of trouble in the past. And it was weakening him. Shaking those thoughts away, he just mounted up and then heard Wyatt's question. He nodded slightly. "Yeah..for a while." He said honestly, and then watched as Wyatt asked his horse to trot. Finn asked the chestnut gelding to follow, and even though he tossed his head in slight protest, Beau went along anyway. Lily prayed the horse would behave with that boy on his back today. Today of all days she wished it. But Finn looked like he was doing well, and as he settled a little behind Wyatt, he spoke up over the hooves. "My dad didn't like me riding though." He said quietly, and that was a sign to Wyatt. A sign that said that maybe today was the day he'd hear Finn's side of the story.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 625
Status: Complete
Lyrics: How Do Ya Feel Tonight by Bryan Adams

Billy eyed Lily with his big, goofy grin and broad arms. He was strong and he could take advantage of Lily's situation. She was weaker than him and was a good target for teasing but he had to be gentle.

"This could be an accident too."

He replied, looking just as innocent although he couldn't make his eyes all big and doe-like. He walked towards her a little faster. At her second set of words he launched his attack. He ran after her and what he didn't know was that Carl was coming to the rescue. Carl jumped on his friends back, his arms around Billy's beck. Billy fell face first into the dirt and it wasn't a graceful fall either. Carl was sprawled on top of Billy who was sprawled out on the ground.

"Carl?"

Carl responded with a groan.

"Get yer skinny ass off my ass!"

is there anybody out there?
anyone that's loved in vain
anyone that feels the same

is there anybody waiting?
waiting for a chance to win
to give it up and start again

we all need something new
something that is true
and someone else to feel it too

Wyatt kept Buck reined in, making sure the gelding didn't get too ahead of Beau. The liver chestnut was a little bit shorter than Buck, but the two looked more or less the same height next to each other. Both were fairly stocky in build, with Buck leaner and more squarely built where Beau had good conformation. Wyatt looked dead ahead, thinking about Lily who was back at the ranch. He didn't think she would be lonely with Billy, Carl and Katy so he let himself off the hook. But. He wanted to be there with her. He could not, however, abandon Finn. No matter the excuses he could give the kid, it would be like a replay of all his other homes. Wyatt had to stick to this commitment no matter what was going on in his personal life. It was a sacrifice but for the right reasons. Buck sensed his riders sudden change in spirit and he lowered his head, his ears twisting back towards Wyatt. Patting the horses neck, he sat a little straighter in the saddle rather than slumping.

No worries, boy.

He said, not sure whether Finn had heard him or not. Before Finn had spoken Wyatt brought Buck down to a walk. They were already a couple of meters away from the ranch, headed past the many paddocks. They had avoided the Nokota stallions pen but were now walking towards the Nokota mare's pen. Wyatt looked at Finn when he spoke, with something like a sympathetic expression but his voice sounded different. He sounded stronger.

Why not?

He asked. If Finn was ready to talk to him so soon, then he wouldn't be the one to stop the young man from doing so. Up ahead was Desert Dancer. She was a bay roan mare, with black mane and tail, which was interlaced with tan hair. A majority of her bodice was covered in white, brown hair. Her legs, like stockings, were bay up to the knee where the classic V gave away another characteristic of the rare Nokota. She was a beautiful, feisty mare. She had plenty of spirit and had not yet been broken in, but she showed signs of a gentle temperament. He had seen the mare with her owner, Raine Adylin. The girl was new in town but already she had two horses. Her other one, Cowboy, was with his horses in the paddocks. He was a dun and easy to spot, with his well-kept coat. She had asked the ranch hands for help and even Wyatt on the occasion. Looking back at Dancer, who stared at the approaching geldings, was a pretty sight. She had tried to communicate with the stallion, Flyer, before. They had both come from the BLM. Wyatt couldn't help but wonder if they came from the same heard. What story did they share?

[Finn Keagan]

Lily knew that she didn't have to worry about her depression any longer. She had worked long and hard on getting herself better, and there was no way that this place would make her upset any longer. This place lifted her spirits instead, and that was something she desperately needed with her sickness. She felt lighthearted and free on Silver Stag Ranch, and it was because of the people she was surrounded by. Carl and Billy were almost like the comic relief, and once they got Wyatt involved with their antics, the young woman usually couldn't stop laughing. She knew that Wyatt was rather reserved, or moreso than Billy and Carl. However, when he did relax and play around with the ranch hands, it was a sight to see. She loved seeing him happy, and she loved seeing him have a good time with the boys. It was something that she felt he desperately deserved after all the hell she had put him through. It was the least that he deserved in all honesty. Shaking her head slightly, she focused back on what was going on in front of her.

As Billy gave her one of his goofy grins, she knew what that meant. He wouldn't stop until he got her back. Her eyes widened in surprise as he stepped quickly after her, and then she heard her words. "I don't think so Billy. I have a witness...he knows this ain't going to be any ol' accident." And then she realized how she had just spoken. Lily had always been proper in her two years away from the ranch, and before marrying and moving in with Wyatt. But once she was around them all, little phrases here and there started to slip into her words, and it usually frustrated her. She had always tried to be proper, and she had a habit of correcting some of the things that the ranch hands said in the past. But not now. Now she was joining in on it, and she was desperate to stop. Biting her lip with that innocent look once more, she let out a small scream of surprise as Billy started her way. As she braced herself for the wet hug, she realized it wasn't coming. Hearing the loud smack in the dirt, she opened her eyes and then burst out laughing. Carl was sprawled across Billy, and Billy's face was in the dirt. Lily laughed hysterically, doubling over, unable to help herself. She was more than happy with being here, and that much was obvious. They were certainly making this easier for her. Finally gaining control of herself, she stepped towards Carl and Billy, offering a hand to help them up. "Thanks Carl, now I owe you. That was a graceful fall Billy." She spoke out, trying not to laugh once more at their predicament.

Finn was in his element at the moment, and it was easy to see that the young man had ridden before. His back was straight yet relaxed, and he looked more at ease than he had ever been since coming to the ranch. It was true that he had ridden all sorts of disciplines at home, but jumping had been one of his favorite things to do. He doubted he'd be jumping here because of the western saddles and the profession Wyatt was in, but he hoped he could take up something. And not just with any horse either. He found himself thinking more and more about Sweet, and he hoped and prayed that he could find a connection with the palomino. Sighing quietly to himself, he let his eyes focus ahead of him, and he soon took in the sight of Wyatt's back as well as Buck's. Finn knew that the man was trying his best to make him feel more at home and relaxed here, but it was so much easier said than done. He was trying to fit in more, and to show them that he was thankful, but it was proving to be rather challenging for him. The young man just shook his head now and felt Beau tossing his head up and down. The liver chestnut was actually behaving, and it seemed that he knew how fragile the form upon his back was. Finn leaned forward only slightly, patting the gelding's sturdy neck to show his appreciation. Beau danced slightly forward, glad that he was being noticed at the moment. Finn just smiled a little, remembering the problem horses he used to ride back at home. Beau was being good for him, but Finn was up for a small challenge. He didn't want to hurt his wrist anymore, but he wouldn't mind a buck or two. Beau was soon prancing to catch up with Buck, and Finnegan let him go, only reining him in when they were a bit closer. At that moment, he heard Wyatt's words to his horse. No worries?

No worries for what? Finn furrowed his brow slightly, but he didn't feel as if it was his place to say anything. He just didn't want there to be anything wrong with Wyatt however. He wanted to know what was wrong with Lily though, for there was obviously something. He recognized that pale expression, and the way she fought to get a good breath every now and again. She seemed weak and frail, and that was exactly how his mother had been when she was at the beginning of her cancer. Shaking those thoughts from his mind, he finally decided to speak up. "No worries? Is everything okay?" Worry fled through him at that moment, for he started to think about what it could be. What if something was seriously wrong with Lily, or with the ranch? He wanted to help of course, but he was worried that maybe he'd be sent away now. Trying not to think about it, he looked over as they passed the roan mare's paddock. She resembled the stallion that he had seen the other day, and he furrowed his brow a little, the thoughts of before escaping from him for the moment. "Is she a Nokota? Like that stallion? She sure is pretty." He finished honestly, and then realized he was being questioned about his father. Looking down to the saddle horn, he adjusted his weight in the saddle, and then put his heels down further. He was fidgeting because he was uncomfortable, but also because he knew he was going to talk to Wyatt about something that was hard for him. But he needed to, and for some reason, he felt like he could with this man. Sighing, he finally spoke in response. "Because when I got off work at the grocery store, I would go straight to the barn to work. I'd get home late, and I wouldn't be able to make him dinner some nights, or clean up, so he'd get really mad. And...well, he'd be really angry, and he'd say he wouldn't want me at the barn. But horses were the only thing I looked forward to, and I didn't want him to take them away from me. So I went. And, I paid for it later." He said with a small shrug, not knowing what else to say. He didn't want to admit that his father hit him, but that much was apparent. If Wyatt asked now, Finn would open up. It was just how the kid was.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 521
Status: Complete. Finally, sorry!
Lyrics: Savin' Me by Nickelback
Notes: For Katy's bit, I don't know who's mother it should be? Lily's or Wyatt's.

Carl's eyes peeked open, looking at his predicament. His eyes widened remarkably.

"Billy, this ain't the kinda love I was expectin'."

He laughed, falling off of Billy and landing in the dirt himself, missing the mud by millimeters. He was still laughing, eyeing Billy who looked bemused.

"No comment."

Billy said, shaking his head and lifting himself up with his arms, looking up at Lily.

"Oh, so you want graceful, eh?"

His grin came back as Billy reached out for her hand, pulling her in the mud along with him. What none of them knew was that inside the ranch house, the phone was ringing. Katy skipped down the stairs with Gunner at her heels. She was panting by the time she reached the phone, picking it off of the wall and holding it to her ear. It was a big big for the little girl, with the mouthpiece extending beyond her lips to speak to whoever was on the other side.

"'ello?"

She said rather loudly, as if the other person would not be able to hear her.

"Katy, honey! Darlin' its your grandma!"

Show me what it's like
To be the last one standing
And teach me wrong from right
And I'll show you what I can be
Say it for me
Say it to me
And I'll leave this life behind me
Say it if it's worth saving me

Heaven's gates won't open up for me
With these broken wings I'm fallin'
And all I see is you
These city walls ain't got no love for me
I'm on the ledge of the eighteenth story
And oh I scream for you
Come please I'm callin'
And all I need from you
Hurry I'm fallin', I'm fallin'

Wyatt looked at Finn, his head turning up rather sharply, realizing that the kid had heard him. He rubbed the back of his neck uneasily.

I'm, uh...guess I'm worryin' about Lily.

Then he added:

Always told me I worry too much.

He muttered, looking up at Finn. The teen looked scared and as worried as Wyatt felt.

That frown's gonna stick to your face.

He tried to joke a little, to ease the tension. Then he looked forwards, seeing the roan mare again. She was eyeing the geldings but was now standing in the middle of her pen, her nostrils flaring as she stayed still. Buck eyed the mare, snorting and then looking forwards again, apparently uninterested. His long time companion was Hawk, who was his girl. The two were good together, working as a team when need be. They sheltered, groomed and kept good company with each other.

Yup. Just like that stallion. Gotta say, Nokota's make fine looking horses.

Both were traditional Nokota's, with great conformation and smooth gaits. It would be a pleasure to ride the mare once she was trained under saddle. The stallion he would leave to Lily. He didn't want a throw like earlier today on Hero. His shoulder wasn't so bad but he would feel it the following day, but it was only a minor injury. A nuisance, in fact. Finn began to speak to him once Wyatt asked him why his father didn't like him riding. Finn was opening up to him and Wyatt felt proud of the kid. He was making quick progress, but in the back of his mind he was wondering if it was going too smoothly. Would Finn eventually just crack right down the middle or would he only get better from this point onwards? He hoped, for Finn's sake, that it was the second one.

Was it ever as serious as the last time you were with him?

He asked, his brow furrowed before he made himself more clear.

The beatings, I mean.

[Finn Keagan]

Lily couldn't help but laugh at the predicament the boys had gotten themselves into. She appreciated Carl's help, but she felt badly that he had landed himself on top of Billy like that. The laughter that was bubbling up inside of her made her want to double over from the intensity, but she refrained herself a little bit. She put her hands on her knees and leaned over slightly, trying to regain her breath back as she stood there facing Billy and Carl. Taking a few deep breaths, she exhaled slowly and then straightened, her face reddened with laughter. Her eyes were bright and shiney from the tears of laughter, and she was soon calming down enough to watch over Carl and Billy. She figured that the two would go after one another after that little spill, but apparently not. Billy approached her soon enough, speaking to her about grace. "Billy...I don't think this is such a good idea." She said after a moment, watching as he reached out to grab her. She tried to dodge him, but it was to no success. His strong ranch hand enclosed around her thin wrist without a moment's hesitation.

Lily tried working herself out of his grip, moving her hand every which way. She grabbed onto his arm with her other hand, trying to pry his fingers from her wrist as he pulled her along. Looking forward, she saw the mud puddle up ahead. It wasn't even a puddle. It was more like a lake. Her eyes widened, and she looked up at her cousin. "Billy! Don't you dare! Billy!" She yelled out as he kept dragging her forward, and soon enough she was digging her heels into the ground. She used to do it all of the time when someone was pulling her somewhere she didn't want to go. She tried her best to stop him and resist, but it was no use. He was too strong, and she was going in the mud whether she liked it or not. A small squeal left her mouth as she plunged in, and she had to move her feet to balance herself out. She sprayed mud with her quick movements, and ended up having more on her back and front then around her legs and boots. She stayed where she was for a moment, holding tightly onto Billy's hand so that she wouldn't slip and fall. Glaring up at him, she didn't realize that there was a bit of mud on her cheek already. "I'm going to get you for this. You know, I was going to help you guys out..but now I think I might just let you suffer through." She said with a laugh, wondering what Billy would say to that. She wanted to get him more muddy then he was right now, but she was too afraid to let go of him in case she fell right on her butt. "I think Carl needs a bit of mud in his life though. He's lookin' lonely." She spoke out, wondering what he would say to that.

On the ride, Finn was trying to think about everything that he had within his mind. He was trying to make himself better, but it was proving to be difficult and challening. He took a deep breath as he sat upon Beau's back, wondering why his life had ended up this way. Why was it his mother that had to die from cancer? Why was it his father that had to beat him until he was near death? It didn't seem fair. He didn't wish this on anyone else of course, but he also didn't want it to be him. He was tired of being afraid of everything and everyone, but his father had only given him that emotion. Instead of confidence and encouragement, which was what most father's gave to their sons and children, it wasn't like that in the least. His father had made him shake in fear because he was approaching, and he made Finn sneak around so that he wouldn't get caught and then suffer because of it. The life he had lived was nothing that a young man deserved. Finn wished that there was some way he could change his past and make everything the way he wished it could have been. He would have made his mother live..he would have made his father happy. That was all that the man had needed anyway. Finn shook his head slightly, and then looked over at Wyatt as he spoke about Lily. "Oh. Is she going to be okay?" He questioned, hoping that the answer to that question was yes.

Finn rode along quietly, until he saw the Nokota mare. She was just as breathtaking as the blue roan stallion in the pen across the way. At that thought, Flyer's voice was sounded over the silence of the ranch. The stallion called out to the mare, and it was obvious that he was interested in her. Finn wondered if Wyatt would eventually breed them, and as the man spoke up, Finn was sure that he would. But he had said a comment before that...about his frown. Finn looked down and spoke out. "My mother used to say that." That was the first mention of his mother, and you could tell he wasn't exactly happy about it. He bit his lip and shook his head, and then changed the subject as Wyatt spoke up. "Do you think you're going to breed them?" He questioned, and then asked Beau to behave himself as he tossed his head around a little. Beau stood easily then, knowing that he wasn't going to be able to push Finn around like he first though he could. Sighing, the gelding just behaved, and let the conversation run out. Finn was uncomfortable at the moment with Wyatt's question, but he felt like the man deserved an answer. He looked down as he spoke, too afraid to see the man's reaction. "He never used a bat or an object before, no. Sometimes he would just hit me once, and I was relieved. Sometimes I would be able to sneak right by because he was too drunk to notice I was back. It kept getting worse and worse as I got older though. I would explain my bruises as me being clumsy. Everyone believed it, because they never thought my father could do such a thing. I hate him though. I hate what he did to himself, and I hate what he did to our family." He finished bravely, wondering what Wyatt would say to that. Finn was an angry person, and there was no one to tell him that it shouldn't be so. Finn felt like he deserved to be angry for a little while.

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 874
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Open Up Your Eyes by Daughtry

Billy dragged Lily out towards the puddle despite her pleas and her efforts to pry his fingers from around her wrist. It came to no avail but she didn't give up, making the job that little bit harder for him by digging her heels into the dirt. With one little movement he had swung her right into the mud with a howling laughter at her reaction. But she hadn't let go and he'd leaned in, stepping into it by accident and splashing mud up onto the both of their legs.

"Aw, man!"

He nearly slipped himself but he kept his feet braced, making it easier for him to balance. Billy looked up at Lily when she spoke.

"Ah. If you say so."

With a grin, he stepped away from her after prying her fingers loose. He had seen that she wouldn't be able to balance on her own but this was priceless - he couldn't say no to her if he tried. Carl was laughing, doubled over and not watching Billy. So Billy approached him and Carl's eyes widened.

"Hey, no! No!"

He protested but Billy had tackled him, grabbing the other ranch hand in a headlock and dragging him out to the mud. Carl writhed under his grip, his face going red in his efforts to escape the evil clutches of his good friend.

"You assho..."

Carl was disrupted as he slipped on the mud and Billy let go. Landing on his back in the mud again, Carl groaned and just put his head back, getting mud in his hair too.

"Hole."

He finished, moaning.

A single rose left to remember
As a single tear falls from her eye
Another cold day in December
A year from the day she said goodbye

Seems it's only been a moment
Since the angels took him from her arms
And she was left there holding on to their tomorrow
But as they laid him in the ground
Her heart would sing without a sound

For the first time you can open your eyes
And see the world without your sorrow
Where no one knows the pain you left behind
And all the peace you could never find
Is waiting there to hold and keep you
Welcome to the first day of your life
Just open up your eyes

I've got to hope that she'll be okay.

I've got to.

If I tried to think of how I would react to Finnegan Keagan's situation, I would find myself a broken person - much unlike who I am today, with an upbringing that never involved my parents raising their hand to me. But if I tried to think of how Wyatt Parker would react, I think you might find an angry man. Perhaps not someone who raised his hand to someone else, but maybe one who would take his anger and frustration out through his silence. Wyatt would withdraw himself from the rest of the world and just get on with his business without other people poking their damn noses into his life. He would have an attitude that would shout "stuff them all". But that's not the right attitude to have. Maybe he would react differently. Maybe it really would break a man who already felt like his foundations were on the verge of cracking. He had healed himself before. Wyatt had not been abused, but his heart had been battered. Wyatt is not a very sentimental man who turns his words and thoughts into poetry. He sees things as they are and says it like it is. But he could say that his heart, that thing that doesn't even look like what they draw on paper, that thing that pumps the life into your veins...his heart, whether it was figurative or not, had been broken. Wyatt could not know how it felt to live through that hell for longer than his short two years. It really must have gotten under his skin and polluted any pure thoughts of a young kid. Love must be a vague memory to the teen. It must be a very unfamiliar feeling by now.

Might.

Wyatt replied briefly, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of his wife - the love of his life. Lily was the only woman that he had ever been with, well in a serious relationship anyway. He had built his life around the kind of life that he wanted to have with her, to make her comfortable. And as they say, no matter how much a man does for his family, he always feels like he's failing them. Its true. Wyatt had failed Lily, whether it had been her fault or his for her leaving, and Wyatt had failed Katy by not really being there. His mind had been elsewhere these past two years. So now he had to try. He had to save her. He had to. He just had to.

It couldn't have been easy. Everything but.

Wyatt frowned, removing his hat and wiping his brow with the sleeve of his shirt. Then he plopped his hat back on his head, chewing his lip in a moment of thought.

Why did you protect him?

He suddenly said, turning in the saddle to look at Finn seated up on the back of the large brown mustang. Beauford was square in his build and actually very awkward sometimes, but he was a damn good cow horse for Wyatt and the ranch. Buck was also a bit awkward but just as trustworthy. The mustang began to snort, shaking his head and stopping every now and again as he coughed. Dust had been blown up off the ground by a strong wind. Wyatt patted the mustangs neck, stroking his shoulder and whispering to him.

Easy boy. Easy now.

He reassured the mustang.