life after you - bridgett

[Anthony Tomsett]

Word Count: 812
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Life After You by Daughtry

Anthony dropped his keys on the table alongside the front door, dropping his jacket off of one arm then as he pulled off the next he looked up and down the hall.

Lee?

Anthony’s voice was met with an eerie quietness echoing off of the walls. He left his jacket over the back of the sofa after walking into the sitting room slash kitchen slash study. Outside car horns honked and voices floated through the open window. The city was busy as usual and buzzing with an irritated New York vibe. It was summer and the humidity was making taxi drivers cranky, businessmen more flustered and shop keepers more intent on driving you mad. But hey, whilst all that was going on Anthony was concentrating on becoming a father. He hadn’t brought anything yet but Anthony had been eyeing the baby isle in the supermarket. He didn’t earn a salary that offered them luxuries but he’d be able to keep his future family under a roof.

Anthony’s mouth curled up at one corner, fondly thinking of the day Lee-Ann had given the news. Now they were six weeks into the pregnancy and all had been good – great, in fact. They were having a baby. Anthony’s smile grew broader as he thought of it.
He walked out into the hallway again and eyed the bathroom door. It was closed and he noticed a pool of water coming out from the bottom of the door. Anthony approached, admittedly a little cautious, and knocked on the door.

Lee?

He pressed his ear to the door and his eyes cast downwards. Then his face fell. That was blood on the floor, not water.

Lee! Open the door, Lee!

He shouted, having to play with the faulty door handle before he had to shoulder it open. She was there, curled up against the bath with her legs folded into her chest. She was hugging herself so tightly that he knuckles had turned white. There was a trail of blood from the door leading straight to beneath her. Anthony crossed the bathroom and dropped to his knees.

Oh no.

His voice was full of despair and he saw her body shake. He collected her into his arms and held Lee-Ann as tight as he could, his face buried into her hair. She moaned and leaned into him, suddenly releasing all of her tears.

I lost it. I lost the baby.

All at once Anthony heard her heart break. It shattered right there in his arms. And Anthony had been helpless to hold it together.

Ten miles from town and I just broke down
Spittin' out smoke on the side of the road
I'm out here alone just tryin' to get home
To tell you I was wrong but you already know
Believe me I won't stop at nothin'
To see you so I've started runnin'

All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughing with you
I'm thinkin' that all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through
'Cause I know there's no life after you

Out in Red River Bed Anthony was sitting on a large boulder with his legs dangling over the side. Jump Scat, the medicine-hat gelding, was safely ground-tied just a few yards away. He was happily munching on some grass that he’d found after digging at the snow with his hoof. Anthony was cold and wrapped his jacket tighter around himself. He’d needed to come out here after suffering from an episode that lasted three days. That was mild compared to his last two week stint.

Anthony closed his eyes and doubled over into his lap. Lee-Ann had suffered a miscarriage and Anthony had taken her to the hospital a short while after finding her in the bathroom. Just thinking about it hurt too much and Anthony’s breathing became laboured. It took a few minutes but eventually he looked up. Scat had raised his head and was watching Anthony. The former soldier looked back at the horse. He threw out a low whistle and the mustang approached steadily. Scat reached the boulder and nibbled on Anthony’s boot, nudging his leg with his muzzle.

Good boy.

Anthony praised, reaching down and giving him a pat. The gelding snorted and sniffed at the rock, his eyes wandering distractedly. Snow had fallen four days before Christmas and had come down heavy the other night. It hadn’t turned to ice so it was moderately safe to go out on horseback. Anthony was well experienced so Wyatt had trusted him to take good care of his mustang.

Anthony took a hand through his mop or brown hair, newly washed that very morning. His stubble on the other hand made him look grungy. He looked worn and dark circles under his eyes were a sign of his sleepless nights. Anthony finally dropped down from the boulder and having not anticipated the move, Scat raised his head and backed away quickly. He grunted his protest and made Anthony smile.

Silly bugger.

Anthony grabbed the reins and Scat pulled, moving away from Anthony then settling once the male patted his neck. The mustang grumbled then nosed Anthony’s palm, throwing his head up again when Anthony patted his neck firmly.

What is wrong with you?

He laughed, his eyes roving over the area of Red River Bed behind him, with which Scat seemed distracted.

[Bridgett Tyson]

It had been a couple months since she heard Cage's truck and trailer pulling out of her gravel drive. The rememberance of the day made her heart ache. She didn't know what had happened to change what they had between them. He just up and ran. Their "break up' left Bee in peices. She had relyed on Cage a lot, he was helping her get back to her old self. But now she was left laying on the floor with no one.

Well not exactly no one, she still had Carbon and London. Both were great horses, very relieable. Today she had trailered Carbon for a wintery ride, hoping it would help clear her jumbled mind. Her grey Dodge pulled her three horse gooseneck easily up and down the hilly terrain. Red Rock was their destination today.

Bee pulled into a parking area and killed the deisel engine. She when to her trailer, opened the door and undid the butt bar. She gave Carbon's black tail a lil tug and allowed him to back out. The blue roan gelding was quite the beauty and Bee recieved many complements on him. She patted his neck before tying him to the trailer and getting the brushes out.

She ran a hard and soft brush over him carelessly, it was just a trail ride not some champion competition. She then put her barrel pad and saddle onto him and fastened it. She walked back to get his bridle, Carbon gazing around with out a car. Unlike many barrel horses Carbon did not need a tie down, he always was calm in and out of the arena. She slipped a simple snaffle into his mouth and put the reins over his neck. Carbon reached over and nudged her side, right where here scar was. Bee smiled and kissed the geldings cheek.

She checked the girth before swinging into the saddle. She made sure she locked her truck and had her carhart on. She then nudged the gelding forward towards a trail. She let the reins loose and just let the gelding pick the paths the would ride on, keeping track just in case Carbon forgot his way home.

She noticed Carbons ears perk up and him give a soft wicker. Bee looked around for another rider, but didnt see any yet. Carbon picked up his pace, all Bee could do was chuckle and look about for what was bothering him. Finally a medicine hat horse came into veiw, followed by its man rider. Bee commanded Carbon to whoa. She waved at the rider once she got his attention.

Notes: We should really get a word counter on here... its completed and i like it.

[Anthony Tomsett]

Word Count: 465
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

In the distance Anthony heard a faint noise. It had sounded like it came from a horse but he couldn't be sure. He watched the horizon for a moment or two then returned his attention to Scat. The horse fussed a bit then settled down, lowering his head against Anthony's hand and bumping it. The horse was affectionate and had an abundance of energy. Usually he'd wear off his energy with his twin Wild Cat but ever since the birth of her colt she had been otherwise occupied. Scat had energy he needed to burn and Anthony didn't blame the poor guy for trying to grab as much attention as was available.

Anthony reached up and rubbed the horse on his forelock, messing with his mane then gathering the reins up in his hand. He walked around to Scat's side and with the reins in hand, held onto the saddle horn with his foot in the stirrup and lifted himself up. He found his seat in the saddle and held his hand over the saddle horn with the reins absent-mindedly. He was looking up across at the shelf of a small hill rising in the empty river bed. A deer looked straight back at him and then it raised its head, looking down at one of the empty trails, beyond where Anthony could not see. The wild deer cleared off into the bushes and in its place, a woman on horseback appeared on the trail.

Anthony strained his eyes to see the other person, slightly blinded by the sun that perched atop a rocky hill. He hed his hand over his eyes and caught her wave. He returned the gesture with a move of his hand then returned it to the saddle horn. Jump Scat stretched out his neck and pulled at the reins, moving in the opposite direction of the other rider but Anthony turned him in a circle to settle back to where they had been.

Thought you'd want some company, eh, Scat?

Anthony smiled as the mustang heaved a sigh and perked his ears towards the other rider. He urged his horse on and they ambled on towards the woman. Anthony couldn't say that he'd recognized her at first but once he drew closer to the rider on a Quarter Horse, he began to realize that he knew her. After all, Westin was a small place and they had both grown up in Westin. She'd been two years behind him in high school.

How's it, Bridgett.

Sure, he knew about her but they had never been really acquainted. Perhaps this was their chance to change all of that. And what with his three day stint behind him Anthony wanted to return to normality, or at least what had become normal for him.

[Bridgett Tyson]

<sup>She grinned when the man waved back. Carbon began to snort and paw at the ground, excited that there was a new horse infront of him. Bee pulled back on the reins a tad, correcting him. She waited until the sun didnt shine down on the mans face so fiercly before realizing it was Anthony Tomsett. What a surprise. Carbon struck out with his hoof again, growing slightly impatient.

Quit it. she vocally commanded Carbon. The gelding lowered his head and cocked his back hind hoof in relaxment. Bee returned her focus on Anthony and smiled.

Hey! Long time no see.

It had been quite sometime since they had seen eachother. She couldn't even remember the last time she saw him. But all she knew is that it was very refreshing to see a familar face. She had really kept to herself for the past couple weeks.

Lifes been alright, I guess. How have you been? She said her hazel eyes fixed on him but not in the googly eyed way.

Notes: Sorry I took so long to reply</sup>

[Anthony Tomsett]

Word Count: 364
Status: Complete
Lyrics: All The Right Moves by One Republic

The glare off of the sun had disappeared behind one of the cliffs and Anthony could look upon her face, study it for all the changes that had taken place. He had never been alone with her before, if you took Jump Scat and her own horse out of the equation. He urged his horse forwards to come closer to the rider and when Scat ambled forwards Anthony's smile showed itself on his lips. He was good company apart from his episodes and was a friendly soul. No reason to show this woman the cold shoulder. He didn't want to go back to that dark place he had been in so he did what he knew to do, he showed her his smile. Hopefully that would provoke a goode ease into the conversation.

I'm alright, you know, figuring things out. Finding my place out here again.

He answered her question in return but tilted his head a fraction to one side.

You guess?

All the right friends in all the right places
So yeah, we're going down
They've got
All the right moves in all the right faces
So yeah, we're going down

Let's paint the picture
Of the perfect place
They've got it better then when anyone's told ya
They'll be the King of Hearts, and you're the Queen of Spades
Then we'll fight for you like we were your soldiers

Anthony's smile reached his eyes, showing her only kindness but not at all provoking an answer out of her. He knew how much he didn't want that question himself so he allowed her this pass at having to answer.

So tell me who this is? Handsome fella.

Anthony's eyes averted from Bridgett's face to the grulla horse carrying her in the saddle. Jump Scat extended his muzzle to the other horse and grumbled deep in his chest, obviously curious and in deep want of another friend. The medicine hat had a whole herd of horses back at the ranch yet he seemed lonely all the same. Anthony enjoyed his rides out with this gelding and the two had a particularly good friendship even though he wasn't even Anthony's horse. Scat's breath was misty in the chilly air and the snow beneath his hooves crunched. Anthony looked back up at Bridgett. He could not recall any particular changes in her, or at least any on the surface. He had on the other hand matured somewhat in his looks. Anthony had always looked young but after his time in the army you could tell the transformation he had made from boy to man.

[Bridgett Tyson]

<sup>She had only had health class with Anthony. An my my how he had changed. She didn't know how he became to look so grown up and handsome. When he question on how she responded to how she was doing, it took all she had to hide the pink brushing against her cheeks. She tucked a blonde strand of hair behind a ear.

One simple word. Men.

She said and tried to smile. Yes it was probably time to move on now, but it just hurt. It made her heart feel like it was being smashed into little peices again. She knew she had to move on, she just hadn't found anyone to move on with. But Anthony was already making her day a little brighter just by talking to her, what the simple gestures could do.

She watched as Anthony's horse reached out to Carbon. She hesitated to pull back, not knowing how the horses would react to eachother. The medicine hat seemed quite nice and Carbon just gave the other gelding a nudge.

This is my boy Carbon. He runs barrels for me and is just a ranch horse

She said with a gentle smile and patted the roan geldings muscular neck. Unlike many barrel horses Carbon had a good head on his shoulders.

And who is this pretty fellow?

Medicine hats were quite rare, she had only seen a few on the rodeo circuit. She had strayed away from rodeoing lately, mostly because Cage was there to rope, and he always watched her. It made her brain a mess, although Carbon took good care of her.

Im really glad we found eachother again. Not in a weird way.
She said with a slightly chuckle.</sup>

[Anthony Tomsett]

Word Count: 514
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

Anthony saw a dullness reach over her when Bridgett tried to shrug off her problems. "One simple word. Men." Now Anthony knew very well how his own gender could be and that in fact he had nearly wound up the same way. That was why he was grateful for his situation, not that he could say he was happy that Lee had miscarried, but for the fact that she had pulled him out of his mess before he dug his hole any deeper. He could not figure any way to pay her back other than to do what she wished, and that was to stay exactly where he was whilst she was up in Canada. Anthony exhaled and exchanged a look with Bridgett, one showing her his sympathies but also sharing the feeling that it was time to move on. The look in his eye reassured her of that.

Anthony's eyes averted down to her horse when his question was answered.

Carbon? It suits him.

He mused, his smile broadening as he studied the colour on the horse. Back at the ranch there were three more roan additions. One was to grow up a grulla, the other two were a blue roan and bay roan. Roan horses were certainly a sight for curious eyes and there in front of him was another blue roan. Carbon was thicker than the wild stallion at the ranch but he had a good build. Anthony was no rodeo master but he could see how Carbon would do well to squeeze around those barrels without knocking them over then sprinting back to make his time. Then Bridgett enquired about his horse in return and Anthony just smiled, leaning down and patting Scat on the neck.

He's a twin actually. Jump Scat's his name. He scatters like a bat out of hell if something goes wrong. Pure flight over fight senses.

Jump Scat had lifted up his top lip, still curiously inspecting Carbon but Anthony eased his horse's head back, not wanting to take a spill if Scat suddenly decided he didn't like Carbon's reaction. Anthony had had his eyes fixed on the medicine hat but when next Bridgett spoke he just had to look up. He laughed heartily and leaned on the saddle horn.

Well Bridgett, I'm glad we met again. No worries.

He was obviously amused by how she had phrased her words but could see where she was coming from. He remembered the days of sitting in the middle row, twirling a pencil in his hands whilst looking across at the sea of bored faces. He could recall her face out of all of them, once or twice catching her eye but it had never become anything until now.

Why don't you take a ride with me?

He asked, leaning back and sitting up properly in the saddle again. He turned Jump Scat to face the same direction as Carbon and that was towards the other end of Red River Bed. He looked to her for an answer and then grinned mischeviously.

Unless its wierd.

He joked.

[Bridgett Tyson]

<sup>She watched as his look somewhat spoke out to her. Maybe she wasn't the only one left out in the cold. Well she knew she wasn't the only one in this world to be dropped on their butt my their lovers. But overall the incident made you feel like you were all alone with no one to help.

She listened to the explaination of Scat's named. She chuckled slightly. Good thing she didn't bring her mare London, now that would be a circus. London could be a hot head and hard to handle at times. But she was turning out to be a great barrel horse, her breeding goin back to Frenchman.

When Scat curled his lip up you could see the curiosty in Carbon's eyes shining. The gelding bobbed his head slightly before settling down.

Sure, lead the way.

She said chuckling at the last words Anthony said. Hopefully they could build a friendship, be riding buddies or something. If not she would just be out on her own again. She nudged Carbon forward, still keeping distants from Scat so she didn't spook him if Carbon slipped.</sup>

[Anthony Tomsett]

Word Count: 507
Status: Complete
Lyrics: Newport Living by Cute Is What We Aim For

Anthony gave Scat a fair amount of rein, keeping it slack but just short enough that if Scat went off Anthony would be able to gather up the reins quickly. He eased into the western saddle - made for long days in the saddle so this short ride was a pleasure. Well, it had taken thirty minutes to reach Red River Bed from Silver Stag so the trip was a fairly long one. Then again when you had all this land to ride on it was hard not to want to go out on these long rides. It was such a pleasure to have that time.

Anthony could feel the sun on his back and he cast one glance over his shoulder. This was a place for healing - the mountains in the distance, the warm Arizona sun and just all of this space...it was filled with the thoughts of previous wanderers who had come to this place to think. Anthony smiled fondly then cast his eyes on Bridgett.

It feels good to be back in Westin.

And if you lie you don't deserve to have friends
If you lie you don't deserve to have them
If you lie you don't deserve to have friends
If you lie

You are a sell out
But you couldn't even do that right
So your price tag has been slashed
And now you're chillin' on a half priced clearance rack
You are a sell out
But you couldn't even do that right
So your price tag has been slashed
And now you're chillin' on a half priced clearance rack

He was letting Scat take his route along the trail that had a wide enough berth for the two horses to ride on. The empty river bed had been aged by the weather over the years. Plants grew in it and in some places the water still trickled from god knows where. The river bed was rocky in some places whilst in others it had places where the sand had fallen in and formed grooves. The trail had been well worn and chosen fairly for a fairly safe route.

Scat was a sturdy horse although slightly lanky. He was made for speed to catch stray calves and Anthony had the pleasure of experiencing that once. He had gone out with Wyatt and the ranch hands on a cattle drive and it had been challenging but exciting. No one had been close to them and Anthony just had to chase after the calf, letting Scat's experience lead them and they had done a pretty good job together. Anthony had turned his eyes back to the trail but he was still smiling and when next he spoke he turned his head to look at Bridgett.

So, all those men, were they in Westin or did you also leave town?

Anthony was out of touch with everything. He'd been in the wars, both literally and figuratively. He had a fair amount of scars physically and mentally. He sure had collected them over the years and he guessed that Bridgett had as well. His arm had a few obvious scars, one running the length down his bicep whilst others were small, like the one on the corner of his eye. Fragments scattered from a bomb had hit him more than once. Anthony's warm eyes were quite intent on Bridgett, still unable to believe how the years had treated them both. He wasn't sure if she was still the same girl from health class but he had every intent of getting to know her better.

[Bridgett Tyson]

<sup>She allowed Carbon to pick his side along Scat. The gelding keeping even pace with their riding partners. Bee looked along the beautiful scenery. It had been awhile since she had taken on the trails. She watched as both horses hot air drifted and swirled into the slighlty fridged air. She pulled her carhartt closer to her body, putting one hand in a pocket.

It is.

Her words were simple. They road in silence. Not really an akward silence. More like just appreciating eachothers company. She looked at him when he spoke to her, smiling as he smiled at her.

I stayed here... Met the last one on the rodeo circuit. Bullrider.

This time her voice didn't wobble like it did before. More stronger, confident.

He left.

She finished the story simply, giving a half smile to Anthony. She didnt remember much of health class. It was the same old stuff. Wear a condom. Be safe... blah blah blah. She oftene had other more important things on her mind. But she did remember that Anthony was smart, aced everything in that class.

But both of them did a lot of growing up. She didn't know how Anthony did. She could see his physical scars, snaking along his arm. The only really bad scar was just above her hip. On her stomach. Pushed through a window by Sam, another ex. She smiled at Anthony, wondering what he was thinkin.</sup>

[Anthony Tomsett]

Word Count: 276
Status: Complete
Lyrics: It Had To Be You by Motion City Soundtrack

Anthony listened to her, imagining all of the faces he had seen in the rodeo. All those bullriders hanging on to the backs of those bulls until it was impossible and landing in the sand with those dangerous hooves kicking over their heads. The rodeo was a place where cowboys and popcorn were plentiful at the same venue - not to mention clowns. He tried to imagine her with a robust bullrider and then pulled his eyes forwards.

Oh geez. Same old thing, ey? I'd like to see a story where they stay.

I'll get lost, messed up and bored when I'm alone too long
I can't sleep, function or eat when I'm not with someone
Late last fall, she ended it all and moved to who-knows-where
Just like that, she vanished and packed and never even called

You feel a certain sense of synergy between yourself and me
A kind of macabre and somber Wonder-twin kind of harmony
What if it was you?
You that I needed all along
I felt like a fool,
Kicking and screaming and pretending we were wrong

Let's get wrecked on pop tarts and sex and see the Taj Mahal
Let's save birds from Prince William Sound and skateboard through the mall
Let's fight crime with mangoes and limes and join the PGA
Let's win big with every spin but hurry, I can't wait

There was a touch of humour in his voice and he shot her a little smile.

I give you credit for staying in Westin. Thought it was pretty stifling when I got back.

He shook his head, looking down at the reins then ahead at the trail again.

Now I can't imagine leaving for the city again. This place just has somethin' about it. Maybe its you, ey Scat?

He laughed, again patting the horse's neck and the mustang grunted, throwing his head up then setting it back down again, sniffing at a bush as he walked past it and grabbing a few leaves.

Well I gotta say. I wouldn't have figured you'd been through hell. You still look as good as you did back at school. Got any tips for my wrinkles?

Anthony joked, pointing out his crows feet at the edge of his eyes. All those hours squinting in the sun certainly had an aging effect on the skin of any man working on a ranch. He didn't mind it all, taking it in his stride however the years treated him.

[Bridgett Tyson]

<sup>She looked at him, making sure he wouldnt catch her in an akward stare. He was handsome, really handsome. He had grown up a lot physically since their days in health class. She grinned as he talked about never going back to the city again.

I could never live in the city in the first place. I'm too country for that.

She said with a laugh. It was true. She was a country girl and that couldn't be changed for no one. If you tried you would have a up hill fight on your hands.

Pink creeped back into her cheeks as he said she looked good. She smiled all the same though and replied

Ha, thanks. Sorry I dont reveal my secrets.

Her grin was almost teasing, devilish infact. She hadnt gotten any taller, weighed about the same, she knew he boobs got a little bigger. But atleast he wasn being a gentleman and not noticing ha.

So what are you gonna do after this?

She said noticing the trail head was nearing. She knew that this might be the last time she may ever see him, although she hoped not.</sup>

[Anthony Tomsett]

Word Count: 229
Status: Complete. Sorry if my reply is off, I'm a bit tired x.x
Lyrics: N/A

Me? I've gotta take Scat back to the ranch then..well I guess I didn't plan that far ahead.

Anthony hadn't really expected the question because he'd been so in tune with the present. He had thoughts of the past but as for the future, he'd only planned as far as getting out to Red River Bed in the first place. He had come here to think and meeting Bridgett had been a pleasant surprise. He was enjoying being around her and her smile was just as infectious as his.

Maybe get a drink at the bar.

He started off and then brought Scat down to a halt, standing somewhat diagonally across the trail.

You could join me later if you don't have any plans. I'd like it if we could see each other again.

Anthony was fairly bold but in the sense that he would say things directly. Now it was hard for Anthony to wear his heart on his sleeve but one thing that he needed out here was friendship. Bridgett didn't know about his episodes where he would disappear for days at a time but maybe he was just getting ahead of himself. He had to keep his head straight and only go as far as needed be. He didn't even know if she wanted to accept his invite to drinks or if she had other plans.

[Bridgett Tyson]

<sup>She listened to him, no emotions on her face. Her hips rocked back and forth as Carbon picked his way along the rocky trail. So he didnt have any plans. But before she could hand out a invite he had already, in away, invited her to drinks... that is if she wasn't busy.

But was Bee ever busy? Not lately. She halted Carbon until Anthony started back on the trail.

Sounds good. I think I can make it.

Well she knew she could make it but she didnt want to sound way to eager. Her heart seemed to glow as he said he would like it if they saw eachother again.


Notes;;
Wanna start a post at the bar?</sup>