show me where forever dies. ||WYATT||

[Clarity S. Doty;]

Car tires crackled as the gravel underneath them shifted. Clarity sat in the passenger seat as the cab driver carefully maneuvered down the road. He winced at the condescending look the young girl was giving him as he slowly slid the car into "Park."

Here's your stop, little lady.

Clarity shot daggers at the man with her eyes. She knew her fare had already been payed by her uncle, and she grabbed her bag as she flung the door open.

I'm not little.

She slammed the door as the cab pulled away, and took a deep breath. The scent of horses was heavy in the air and she let out an involuntary shudder.

Horses petrified her.

Carefully making her way towards the main yard, she felt her knees shake slightly, and tears spring to her eyes. She fought to keep them off, but as they began falling, she knew it was in vain. It was time to open up. Slender- no, not slender. Starved- arms encircled her body as the wind picked up, lifting her skirt slightly and causing frigid wind to freeze her to the core.

[/size]

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 896
Status: Complete
Lyrics: All These Lives

It was just before noon that Wyatt was standing in a stall with Martha, one of the eldest horses at his ranch, massaging her leg with his hands. She had injured her muscle doing god knows what and had been cooped up in her stable for over a week. She had taken well to resting but this was an old injury that had flared up and would not be so easy to heal this time around. Wyatt had allowed her her time to heal a bit for stretching the muscles in her legs and massaging them to ease the tension. Martha had compensated on her right leg to make up for the lack of weight she could put on her left. He ran his hands down her legs, watching her every now and again for a reaction in the place where she had been particularly sore. Martha was calm as Wyatt worked and that was a sure sign that she would be out in the paddocks again within a few days. She was a hardy little horse just like the rest of Wyatt's horses and he was glad to see her returning the other horses in the near future. Eventually Wyatt stood, patting the appaloosa on the neck and then rubbing her cheek affectionately. He had already stretched her leg and Martha bumped her nose again his hip, eyeing him and then walking to her water.

Wyatt exited the stall only for a moment to retrieve her halter and then popped back into the stall. He put on her halter and clipped on the lead, ushering her to the stall door and pushing it open. She was well enough to be walked and to get some exercise but being in the paddock she might be prone to put too much on that leg too soon. Martha swung her head up and down, no longer because she was in pain, but because she enjoyed these walks that Wyatt took the time to do with her. The corner of his mouth peeled up in a smile and he fixed her blanket somewhat as it drifted over the side of her back. They went on out of the stabling area and snow crunched beneath his shoes and her hooves.

Doesn't come down when she calls,
"It's time for breakfast."
Momma can't get down those halls
Fast enough to see
Glass is sprayed across the floor
From the broken window.
She can't breathe anymore.
Can't deny what we know.

They're gonna find you, just believe.
You're not a person; you're a disease.

All these lives that you've been taking,
Deep inside, my heart is breaking.
Broken homes from separation.
Don't you know it's violation?
It's so wrong, but you'll see.
Never gonna let you take my world from me.
The world outside these walls may know you're breathing,
But you ain't comin' in.
You ain't comin' in.

Wyatt led Martha around the barn area and eventually the main yard. He could feel the cold through his working gloves but it hardly mattered. He had been out in the cold working at the ranch for all his life. The cold made the work that much harder but it was his life and it was all he knew. He was expecting another member of the TTI programme that morning but had been informed it would be later, so he had taken a chance on working with Martha. He wasn't surprised when a cab came into sight. It wasn't usual to see a cab around Westin so she must have been arriving from another town, there certainly were no airports or form of public transportation here. Westin was so small that you could walk around anywhere and if you wanted to reach other areas you just had to have your own car. And it was about an hours walk or longer to reach town from the ranch.

Wyatt strained his eyes to see the cab as it drove up into the yard near the house. The glare off of the snow was coming from the sun as it rose to its peak for the afternoon. He threw out a high pitched whistle and turned on the spot. Carl had paused in his work de-icing the troughs and then seeing the cab, made his way over to Wyatt.

You take Martha around. This is the new kid.

Wyatt exchanged a few brief words with the ranch hand then turned back to watch a girl get out of the cab. Clarity Doty. That was who he was expecting and had been told that she was somewhat difficult as well as afraid of horses. Wyatt wouldn't have put her here himself because of that but she had no other choice and Wyatt hadn't the heart to turn someone away. Despite that Wyatt was no softie. If she gave him lip he certainly wouldn't take it sitting. He had no intention of easing up on her. She was going to be put to work and he would have to find a way to rid her of her fear of horses. Wyatt approached the girl, seeing her exchange words with the cab driver. She was wearing a skirt. Wyatt showed no reaction on the surface but he was certainly thinking a few things already.

Clarity?

He removed his working gloves and stuffed them into his coat pocket.

Name's Wyatt Parker. I'll be the one workin' with ya over the next couple of weeks.

He paused, his eyes roving down to her shaking knees.

Let's get you set up in the bunker.

He extended his arm towards the bunker house to show her the way but Wyatt had no idea what kind of words this young lady would have for him. He just had to prepare for the viciousness you'd expect from someone who had been put into the TTI programme, but really, he had no idea what to expect. Especially the first time with Finnegan who had been the first to come to Silver Stag.

[Clarity S. Doty;]

Clarity watched as a large horse exited the barn, lead by a man- probably the owner of the ranch. The horse was gorgeous, buts till caused her knees to quake. As the man approached, Clarity felt her resolve slipping. Surely this exchange could be handled with another woman?

After Wyatt introduced himself, the young girl nodded. He lifted his arm to point to the bunker, and Clarity shrunk backwards, as if he'd made to hit her. She quickly righted herself, and tensed her jaw.

Yes sir.

Her voice was forced politeness, and the fear of all that was happening around her was taking it's toll. She hadn't slept in a two days, she'd only had two outfits to pack, and one hundred dollars, cash, sat in the pocket of her bag. She extracted it, handing it to Wyatt, and stared at her shoes. She knew her black eye would still be showing violently against her pale skin, and bruises scattered across her arms, but the defiant glitter in her eyes never faded.

My uncle wanted to thank you for taking in his brother's "troublesome spawn."

Resentment bit in her tone as she quoted her uncle, and a shudder shook her body before she gave in to how she was when she was little. The toughness slipped away, and she looked up at the man.

May I please take a nap?

[/blockquote]

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 424
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

Wyatt lowered his arm to his side slowly as he saw her reaction. He had read her file sent to him by the TTI centre in the city and knew about her past, or at least what could be told on paper. Wyatt was there to discover everything that could only be told by Clarity herself and it was supposed to be on this ranch that these kids made progress if they wanted to go somewhere in life. It was made to be a healing process and by her small flinch, Wyatt just knew that she needed it badly.

Wyatt looked down at the money she handed to him and then looked up at her face. He didn't stare at her black eye or the various bruises scattered over her body. She had had it rough with her uncle back in Idaho so she certainly didn't need anyone staring at her and making this worse than it already had to be for her.

You keep that. I don't want anythin' from your uncle. Out here its just you that I wanna hear 'bout.

Wyatt then began to lead the way to the bunker, waiting for Clarity to follow. The cab driver had turned around and had nothing further to do with the pair, driving away and onto the long road that went through Westin and out to the other towns.

You may. There are plenty of beds in the bunker so you don't havta worry 'bout anyone else in there.

He opened the unlocked door of the bunker and let Clarity take her first few steps in the bunker. There were five sets of double beds and two of them were occupied by the ranch hands whilst the other was rarely used by the other TTI member.

Finn is another kid from TTI. You'll meet him later.

Wyatt put his hands in his pockets and stood, waiting for her to get her bearings.

Once you've had your time to rest we're gonna start our work. I ain't wastin' your time or mine so you can expect to earn your place 'round here.

Wyatt's voice had that way of sounding firm but at the same time gentle. He knew that this was not easy for anybody to take a part in so he had to allow her her time to adjust. Hell it had taken Finn some time but then again he had worked with horses. This girl, as far as he knew, was afraid of them and he would have to find out why.

[Clarity S. Doty;]

Clarity pocketed the money, following Wyatt into the bunker. She gently set her bag down on the bed in the middle, keeping a safe distance from the other occupied beds. She pulled out her one pair of jeans- worn nearly to the point of going in the trash, and frowned.

Why don't we start now? I'll just get a good night of sleep tonight.

Her whole mood had changed now that she was away from everyone and everything that had hurt her. She felt peace radiating down to her core and immediately put her walls back up. She didn't want to be happy here, in the middle of nowhere.

Just let me change, quick.



ooc|| sorrrryyy it's short, i gotta go pick up a baby -.-

[/blockquote]

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 250
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

Wyatt hadn't expected her to change her mind that quickly but he had made time for her this afternoon so it was perfectly convenient.

Sure thing. The bathroom is at the end there.

He pointed out the open door leading to one of the two bathroom's available in the bunker.

I'll wait outside.

With that Wyatt left the girl to change into her jeans. He was glad for it because she certainly would have suffered in her skirt. He left his hands in his pockets and left the bunker, closing the door behind him and taking only a few steps forward into the yard. He looked out over the activities. Carl was leading Martha around by the stabling area now and she showed some signs of over-excitement. She had been in her stall for a long time now and she probably wanted to get back to her paddock this point. It was important to keep her energy level so that she didn't fuss too much in her stall and harm the injury again. Carl looked up and Wyatt nodded, signalling that it was time to take Martha back. Out in the paddocks on the far end he saw his stallion, Hero, trotting around the perimeter of his fencing. He was always an impatient horse and now particularly with new horses coming in he wanted them all to know who was the dominant one. What with a few other stallions around, Wyatt knew his horse would be particularly nasty these days.

[Clarity S. Doty;]

Clarity blinked tears away as she slipped into the bathroom. Pulling off her skirt, she paused a moment to examine the scars that were finally beginning to heal on the insides of her thighs. She slipped on the jeans, holding them out so they wouldn't pull on the scabs, and walked back to her bag. Pulling out a pair of sneakers, she slipped them on and ran outside to where Wyatt waited.

I'm ready.

She still didn't have a jacket, but she kept her arms close to her body, both to hide the cuts and to retain heat. She chewed on her bottom lip, and shifted uncomfortably, waiting for Wyatt's next instructions.

Thoughts of the past racked her as she made her way with Wyatt to the barn. Snorts and nickers emitted from the horses, and she couldn't help but find herself bemused by some of the expressions the horses were casting towards them.

[/size]

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 565
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Face Down by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Hero's neigh rung out across the yard and horses that were standing in their paddocks looked out towards the black stallion. He was standing still and his eyes were perched forwards atop his head. His gaze was directed towards Wyatt as he walked across the yard with Clarity, someone that Hero did not recognize. The ranch had not been this active for ages. With the return of his wife, life seemed to be returning to this place and suddenly Wyatt was finding himself with all of these changes. He wasn't the only one who had to adjust. Hero was used to commanding the small band of horses that were the original residents on Silver Stag. With all of these newcomers Hero was feeling particularly threatened and it had been just the other day that Hero had managed to throw Wyatt from the saddle. His shoulder was alright now but it was still thoroughly bruised after taking the full blow of the fall.

I don't take slackin', that's gotta be the first thing I tell you. Workin' is a part of the process and it earns you your place 'round here. At the same time I'm not the one you're gonna be spendin' most of your time with. You gotta choose a horse. Now the horses available from the TTI have been abused. They don't trust, just like you probably don't. They need just as much help as you do. Any of this ringin' a bell from what the councillor told ya?

Hey, girl, you know you drive me crazy
one look puts the rhythm in my hand.
Still I'll never understand why you hang around
I see what's going down.

Cover up with makeup in the mirror
tell yourself, it's never gonna happen again
You cry alone and then he swears he loves you.

Do you feel like a man when you push her around?
Do you feel better now as she falls to the ground?
Well I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
as your lies crumble down, a new life she has found.

A pebble in the water makes a ripple effect
every action in this world will bear a consequence
If you wade around forever, you will surely drown
I see what's going down.

Wyatt looked at Clarity, having probably said too much at once but this was just the beginning. By the end of the day she'd really want that pillow of hers. Wyatt cut through the crap and would take her straight to work. However he was there for her councilling. If one day she decided to open up then he was always there to listen. He offered support to the TTI teens, that's what he was there for and that was why he had opened up his ranch to them. He wanted to help them because at the time of accepting TTI's offer to run their programme on his ranch, his wife had been away for just about two years. He'd needed a distraction and offering help to others was the one way he'd known to escape his own problems.

That's the horses over there. See the little appaloosa?

One of the three paddocks had been kept aside especially for the horses given to Wyatt from TTI. There was Xander, a friesian helding; Apollo, a fairly small appaloosa; Linda, a large shire; and Love Me Sweet, a palomino who was currently working with Finn. Apollo was the one that Wyatt had pointed out because he was the most active of all the horses. He was trotting around them with his tail held high and eventually Xander grew tired of the nippy horse, challenging him with his teeth bared. The friesian was one of the worst affected and had the meanest temper. Despite that he was a handsome horse, as were all the others. Linda was the calmest and sweetest. She had a back problem but other than that had never been abused. She was there for special cases. Otherwise Love Me Sweet was working with Finn, the only other TTI member, and was making good progress but it was still going to take some time.

[Clarity S. Doty;]

Clarity watched the horses, noting each of their movements and trying to size up their temperments. Years of hanging around with different people made this a gift of hers, and she watched each of them in turn.
The big black one, he's gorgeous. But he doesn't like how the spotted one- the Appaloosa?- is having a good time, while he's trying to graze. The big, big horse is really calm. She's not letting the two boys faze her.
She bit her lip, hoping more than anything that her views on the horses were correct. She watched Apollo, feeling something swell inside her. Watching each of his movements, avoiding the big Friesian, she couldn't help but smile. She knew that this was the horse she wanted to work with.
He's gorgeous, She murmured softly, answering Wyatt's question, and continued. He looks like he could be rough to start with. Like he wouldn't trust who was working with him, though.

[/blockquote]

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 259
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

Wyatt kept his hands in his pockets as he finally came to a standstill. He did not approach the third paddock but instead stood an even distance between the barn itself and the paddock. They could easily see all of the horses from this view and the sun was behind them, allowing them the advantage of not having to strain their eyes to see the horses. Wyatt kept his eyes on the horses whilst Clarity spoke.

Xander just doesn't like 'em. He's got the safety of the herd but he's just barely toleratin' 'em.

Wyatt gave in his own observation alongside Clarity's, finally looking down at her. She was speaking about Apollo and it was then that Wyatt needed to pay attention. He needed to know just what made her happy and to play on those points, set up her progress around that in order to move forwards.

He's not gonna go easy on you. He's got energy for the both of ya but he's got heart. That's for sure.

Wyatt's eyes were on her own, whether she met his eye contact or not. He studied her expression but don't mistake it for him studying her bruised face because if anything Wyatt Parker did not stare. He'd had his manners and good morale given to him since birth and it was for that that many people saw the good in Wyatt.

I see you smilin' but I was told you're afraid of horses.

Wyatt paused, his expression hardening somewhat in case he entered uneasy territory for Clarity.

That true?

[Clarity S. Doty;]

Clarity felt Wyatt's eyes on hers, and dropped her gaze to her boots. She gently shifted some rocks with the toe of her shoe while she listened to him, and nodded lightly at his comment about being afraid of horses.
I've never been around them. When I was younger, my whole dream was to have a big ranch and horses and dogs... but dreams don't come true.
She stopped playing with the gravel, and set her expression. She studied Apollo, watching as he gently nudged the big mare's side and jump back, as if saying "Tag! You're it!" She let out a quiet laugh, her face breaking into a big grin, and found herself straining to not move any closer. She rubbed her arms gently, before allowing another statement.
Horses scare me because I've never actually been around them. Pictures, books.. none of it is like actually having one to care for. Horses kick. They're bigger than you. They could easily bully you out of the way. They could decide they don't want you on their back. They're not machines. They have feelings and brains of their own. They can be unpredictable.[
She glanced up at Wyatt, before letting her gaze settle on the toes of her sneakers again.

[/blockquote]

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 211
Status: Complete
Lyrics: The Way That You Are by The Classic Crime

Wyatt listened to Clarity and once she was done, he had to agree that she had some points. He cast his eyes downwards then tilted his chin up again as he looked over the paddocks. They had all sorts of horses. From appaloosas to grulla, palomino to black, medicine hats to duns. Wyatt was proud of what he had built up around him.

I can't argue with you there. There is reason to be scared but its the fear of takin' a leap of faith that's worse. If you didn't get hurt every once in a while then you'd be doing somethin' wrong.

Wyatt exhaled and squared his shoulders after rolling them once or twice.

He gets his information from overhearing conversations
He doesn't ask questions, doesn't learn many lessons
And he keeps his mouth shut until it boils over and he blows up
And then he can't form his words right, and they don't fit together so tight
And I hope to God that he will find his name,
and not listen to his so called friends when they so boldly say,

"This is the way that you are," don't let them say,
"This is the way that you are"

I'm here for all of that. If you're scared then I'll be right there. I ain't gonna leave you with a horse that's gonna hurt ya. We'll start out slow with a gentled horse. Then once you're ready we'll start with Apollo. How does that sound?

Wyatt had turned to face Clarity at that point and his gaze was unphazed. He was a confident man and anything that he said could be trusted through and through.

An' believe me, if you want to get to know that horse better, you need to know what you're doin' first.

[Clarity S. Doty;]

Clarity nodded, and took a deep breath. She was nervous, and shaking both from the cold and the fear. A huge yawn racked her body, and she covered her mouth with her hand. Fatigue settled over her and she shifted, trying to keep herself awake.

Who would you like me to work with?

Her tone was low, and her eyes stayed locked on Apollo. She watched the Appaloosa lift his head, directing his ears towards them and away, and smiled. She stretched, her weary bones cracking, and faced Wyatt, eyes meeting his.

I want to be able to ride before I start working with Apollo. Do you think that would be possible?

Her anxiety showed on her face as she chewed on her lip, removing what was left of her lipgloss. Shaking her arms to keep them from going numb, she returned her gaze to Wyatt's, recrossing her arms. The sun was beginning to go down, and the chill was settling in deeper than before, but she was set on doing something before bed.

[/blockquote]

[Wyatt Parker]

Word Count: 610
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Broken Handed by SR-71

Wyatt had considered who to pair Clarity with but he wasn't sure how she would react to horses so making any concrete plans had been difficult. But there was Clarity, already deciding which horse she wanted to work with. Wyatt hadn't expected her to make that decision so quickly but it made things a whole lot easier. Now they had something to work towards but it didn't look like she had any first hand experience with horses so it was up to Wyatt to introduce her to it all.

Wyatt hadn't answered Clarity's first question before she was firing another one at him. Wyatt cast his eyes towards the second paddock. He spotted the grulla coat out of the herd of horses. Boondock Saint was a new horse and still proving himself on Silver Stag, especially since it was his wife's horse. They were using him for whenever Lily wanted to ride. He truly was a saint horse and Wyatt planned on using him for Clarity. He would have to speak to Lily but in the meanwhile...

If you wanted to
Could your heart be true
If you wanted to
Could you not want
Anyone else's world
Anyone else's world
If you wanted it
Just break off a bit
If you wanted a taste of it
Somebody else's world

I'm a Broken Handed Superman
You're a Krypto-Nightingale Snow White
Now I understand
It's something I understand
Some things I understand

Boone. That's who you'll work with. I'll bring him out and then into one of the pens and then we'll introduce you two.

Wyatt confirmed, giving Clarity a reassuring and relaxed smile.

I'm gonna go in there and get him for ya. Stay out here and watch what I do. Then once I come through with 'im, you open up that gate over there.

Wyatt pointed towards an empty round pen.

Got it?

Wyatt confirmed and then headed off towards the second biggest paddock. There were a few halters sitting on top of the fence and Wyatt grabbed the one that he usually used for Boone. He ducked under the fence and headed into the herd of horses. Some of them looked up, pricking their ears forwards and others scattered. Dee Boy, the yearling birthed from one of Wyatt's own horses, left his dams side and trotted proudly up to Wyatt. He whinnied and cut Wyatt off, moving around the man and sniffing his pockets. All of these horses were getting spoilt by Lily with treats and all sorts, so searching pockets had become mandatory.

Don't you start, Dee.

Wyatt rubbed the colt's muzzle and patted his neck before heading forwards again. Boondock was standing a little way from a blue roan, one of Bridgett's horses. Wyatt let out a low whistle and came up alongside Boone, keeping the halter behind his back. The horse was gentle enough that he didn't move away and when Wyatt brought out a sugar cube from his pocket he immediately grabbed the mustangs attention. Boone took the cube from the palm of Wyatt's hand and whilst he enjoyed the snack Wyatt fixed the halter onto his head. The lead was already attached and Wyatt clicked his tongue, calling the horse to follow. Boone followed alongside Wyatt, occasionally searching his hands again but otherwise walking quietly. It was certainly a change not to have a fussing horse that challenged every ounce of your strength. Wyatt's horses all had a strong head but this one was Lily's and he was a hell of a lot calmer than all the others.

Wyatt opened the gate, led the grulla through, then closed the gate behind him. He looked over to Clarity and signalled for her to open up the gate for the round pen. Wyatt let the mustang through and then gave him a little slack on the lead.

This is Boone. Wanna come over 'ere? He ain't gonna do anythin'. Quiet as a mouse.

Wyatt patted Boone's neck and looked over to Clarity, waiting on her to make her approach.

[Clarity S. Doty;]

Clarity nodded in assurance at Wyatt's word, and climbed to the top of the fence, near the gate. She unhooked it, and watched as Wyatt approached the horse. He was gorgeous, and seemed to be completely calm. As he approached, she swug the gate open and watched them walk through, before resecuring it and dropping down into the pen.

At Wyatt's request, she approached the horse. He felt his eyes on her and dropped her gaze to her shoes. Carefully, she slowly lifted her arm to underneath his nose, palm down, letting him gain her scent. She felt warm breath and tickling whiskers on her hand, and flinched slightly before taking a deep breath.

Hey there, big boy.

Her breath caught in her throat, but she managed to squeeze out the words before looking at Wyatt.

[/blockquote]