Part 2

Bright light flooded into his eyes and he had to blink several times to clear his blurred vision. The white mound infront of him turned into a ceiling and he could make out the pattern on it. Where was he? He tried to swallow but his throat was dry and he started coughing.

“There, there, drink this.” a sweet voice said and a cup of cool water was put to his lips. It stung his mouth and throat but he didn’t care. It tasted too good to stop. When he was done, he saw an older woman, her brown hair was short with silver strands running through it. Her cheeks were full and her brown eyes twinkled. “You feel better?”

“Yes, ma’am.” he croaked out. His head had began thumping and he brought a hand up to his forehead, feeling the bandage already in place over his wound.

“I’m Jeana Hill, Michelle’s mother.” Jeana said, smiling as she sat back down in her chair. “She brought you to us.”

Now he remembered. The angelic face that he had first seen when he opened his eyes. Her blue eyes and sparkling brown hair. Her smile showing several dimples and full pink cheeks. Skin like an angel. He had first thought he was dead, until he felt the pain and her hand on his skin.

“What’s your name, if you don’t mind me asking?” Mrs. Hill said softly, the smile still on her face.

“Tr..Travis.” he stammered. Why did remembering his name come so hard to him? Who was he anyway? He remembered the explosion all too well. But everything else was not clear, as if hidden by a cloud of fog.

“Well, Travis, why don’t you rest some more? I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.” With a nod from Travis, Mrs. Hill left the room and made her way downstairs to finish up her chores.

He lay there for several minutes, trying to gather his scattered thoughts. That’s when he remembered Star. “Star...” he muttered. Windstar was his horse. He remembered that. Star was with him now. He could feel the horse. He could feel fear and anxiety coming from his horse. He had to get out of this bed and go to him. Star needed him. He needed Star.

Very carefully Travis sat up. His head pounded like a drum but he bit his lip and felt the wood floor under his bare feet. His hand immediately went to his neck to feel the jewel which hung there. He couldn’t remember why but he knew the jewel he wore was very important. He then realized his shirt was gone along with his pants. Frantically looking around the small room he noticed with relief some clothes laying over a chair in the corner. It seemed to take him forever to make his way out of the bed and towards the clothes, praying that nobody walked in on him and saw him butt naked. He saw with dismay that the clothes were not his own but he slipped on the sweat pants and tee-shirt, liking the feel of the cool and soft cloth on his bruised body. He was looking around for shoes when he saw the window. The bright afternoon sun was streaming through the silted curtains and slowly he made his way to the window.

Pushing back the curtain he took in the beautiful scenery of CrestWind Farm. Rolling hills and white fenced paddocks dotted the 100 acre farm. Beautiful horses grazed and brightly painted jumps were scattered about in another huge paddock. He noticed with relief Star in a paddock, glad to see the familiar white horse. At least something was familiar around him. He was about to leave when he heard a voice and looking to the right saw another paddock, smaller than the jump one and covered in dirt, not grass. Several kids on horseback were riding in it and a young woman stood in the center, shouting directions to the young riders.

He felt weak, but not from his injuries, as he recognized the lady in the ring. It was Michelle, the angel that had rescued him. She was dressed in tan jophers and shiny black boots and her white lace shirt showed her slender form under it. She was so beautiful. Her beauty blinded him and made him have feelings he never knew he owned.

He quickly shut the curtains, and his feelings toward Michelle. He knew he didn’t belong here but where would he go? Maybe Star would have an answer for him. After finding a pair of worn tennis shoes that surprisingly fit him, Travis slowly and silently made his way downstairs. He could hear voices coming from another room but he couldn’t understand what they were saying. Wincing as the screen door creaked, he prepared himself for a head to pop in on him. But the voices didn’t quit and Travis didn’t release his breath until he was outside.

The warm sunshine hitting his face helped him relax and realize he was glad to be alive. Even though he couldn’t remember much of his past he felt relieved that he had lived through whatever had brought him and Star to this place and time.

A frantic whinny brought him back from his thoughts. Smiling he walked up to the white horse whose ears were pricked in his direction and his muscles tensed under the silky coat. “There boy. I’m here. No need to get yourself worked up.” Travis murmured, stroking the horse’s cheek.

Star nickered in pleasure and pushed his face into Travis’ chest. The boy closed his eyes and leaned his cheek on the huge head, feeling the silky fur against his face and hearing the horse’s rumbling whickers of happiness. Everything was going to be just fine. Star was here with him.

A boy’s laughter made him look up. A boy looking to be eleven or twelve halted his bay pony next to Michelle. “That was excellent Gregory. Just great!” she cheered the boy and patted the pony’s neck.

The boy was still laughing. “It was fun! I want to do it again!”

“Well I think Brownie here has had enough. But I promise you that you can do it next lesson, okay?”

The boy looked disappointed but nodded his head, his smile returning.

“Okay, then it’s settled. Now class, let’s get your horses cooled out and put away. Make sure they are cool when you put them back in their stalls.”

At the chorus of yes ma’am Michelle watched her students walk their horses back to the barn. When she turned around, she saw him. Her whole body felt weak and she cursed herself for her feelings. Straightening up her dirty shirt, she walked towards him. He looked so good in the shirt and sweats. The shirt showed his muscles and lean body off too well and Michelle had to force herself to swallow and not look pathetic.

“I see you are looking better. Does your head still hurt?”

“Just a little. You’re, um, mom wanted me to stay in bed but I snuck out. I had to see Star.”

Michelle smiled and leaned against the fence to face him. “I’m glad my brother is your size or we wouldn’t have had any clothes for you to change into.”

Travis smiled and looked down at the clothes. “Thank you for them. I appreciate it greatly.”

Michelle nodded. Her heart beat faster when the boy just smiled! What was wrong with her anyway? “Um, your horse is very beautiful. He was a bit of a handful when you were taken inside, but I got him settled down.”

“Star and I are like brothers. We can’t be without the other.”

Michelle knew how true his words were. He was stroking the white glossy coat like it was a prized jewel. “I can see he really loves you.”

“Miss Hill, I can’t find my halter!” A cry broke from the stable.

“I’d better see what Mary wants. You be careful. My mom knows what she’s talking about and you should take it easy.”

Travis nodded his thanks and watched Michelle walk to the barn. She was so beautiful. It made his heart stop just looking at her. “I’d better not get any more thoughts about her.” he muttered to Star. “She is way out of my league.”

Star just nickered and shook his head as if agreeing. Neither noticed the dark looks aimed at them a few feet away from Vincent Butcher.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Travis obeyed Michelle and snuck back up to his room. His head was starting to pound worse and when his head hit the pillow, he was fast asleep. He didn’t hear the arguments downstairs later that night between parents and daughter.

“I just don’t think he’s bad.” Michelle said angrily. “He looks like he’s lost and needs our help.”

“Well, I don’t want him staying in our house.” Mr. Hill said, matching his daughter’s fury. He took a deep breath and spoke softer. “Look, I worry about you. Any more you hear of strangers coming in acting hurt and then they rape and kill the people that helped them. I am just being protective of this family.”

“I understand. But I get this strange feeling that he doesn’t mean us harm.”

“That’s just because you are attracted to him.”

“Dad!”

“Yes he’s a nice looking young man, but rapists and murderers can look handsome too.”

“But you aren’t giving him a chance!”

“Calm down you two before you wake the poor lad upstairs.” Mrs. Hill butted him. “Now, Michelle. I understand where your father is coming from. He just wants to protect this household. But dear,” Mrs. Hill turned toward Mr. Hill. “He does seem like a nice lad. I have seen and treated some criminals and he doesn’t have the, oh how do you say it, um, the persona of being a killer. I say, give him a chance. You need help since Albert quit a few weeks ago. How about hiring the boy. He can use Albert’s old apartment to stay.”

Mr. Hill frowned and Michelle was afraid he would refuse but after several minutes he relented. “All right, you two win. But if he causes any trouble, he’s out of here!”

“Oh thank you father.” Michelle said smiling. She really didn’t know why she was so relieved that Travis would be staying but her heart lept at the thought of the young man staying a little bit longer. After kissing her mother and father good night, Michelle made her way upstairs to get ready for bed. She had another class in the morning and her dad wanted her to work some of the young horses.

As she passed Travis’ room, she heard a shuffle. She stopped and peeked in to see Travis sitting on the side of the bed in front of the window, looking out. The moon shone through illuminating the room in soft light. She felt her heart flutter just looking at the handsome young man. His shirt was off and he still wore his sweats. The odd necklace and jewel seemed to sparkle in the moonlight.

Suddenly as if sensing her standing there, he turned. “I..I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Michelle blurted, walking farther into the dark room. Travis just smiled and shook his head causing his blond locks to fall into his face. He brushed them away easily and looked back toward the window.

“You didn’t. I just wasn’t tired.”

“What are you looking at?” she asked, curiously walking farther in until she was standing at the foot of his bed, fully aware of how the soft light fell on his creamy skin.

“The stars and moon.” he replied, his voice almost dreamy.

“They are beautiful.” Michelle agreed, looking out the window to see the dots of lights filling up the black sky.

Travis nodded silently and Michelle’s eyes went back to rest on the jewel. “That is a very nice jewel.” she said pointing to it.

Travis seemed startled by the question and he laid a hand over the crystal rock. “Uh, thank you. It’s very precious to me..my...my father gave it to me.” Only then did Travis stop and realize that he remembered something. It was feint but he did remember something about this jewel that he kept around his neck.

“Oh.” Michelle felt so dumb. Travis’ voice seemed to catch when he mentioned his father and here she was standing there like an idiot. But she didn’t know what to say. She had only met Travis this morning and yet she felt like she had known him her whole life. “Well, I’ll leave you alone.” She went to leave and then remembered something and turned back around to see Travis smiling at her, his eyes soft and gentle. “Um..my dad said that when your feeling better he will offer you a job working at the stables. That is if you want it.”

Travis’ smile seemed to fade but it rebounded again. “I will think about it. Tell him thank you for me.”

Michelle smiled back and silently left the room, feeling more bewildered then ever by Travis’ being.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

That next morning, Michelle ended up sleeping in a few minutes and rushed outside to see the most beautiful picture. The sun was just cutting through the mist and illuminating the horse and rider. She felt her mouth drop when she realized who that rider was. Travis’ blond hair blew back as he and Star cantered up the rolling hills. Her mouth fell farther when she realized that Travis was riding Star without a saddle or bridle! She couldn’t tear her eyes away from the boy and his horse. They worked together in such union and harmony and it made her eyes tear up just watching them. She had never seen a rider and horse look so together like Star and Travis were. It was like magic.

The sound of horses neighing and buckets hitting feed tubs brought her back to reality. Giving the rider and horse one last look, she hurried to help before her students arrived for their lesson. She only gave one lesson to a group small group of kids four times each week. That was all she had time to do since she also had to help train and show her father’s horses. Her father was a renowned trainer and people from all over the United States brought their horses to have him train them. It made her proud to be a part of her father’s job, especially when he intended her to take over when he retired.

An hour later, four horses were saddled and ready for the bunch of laughing and eager kids already jumping out of the cars. They each greeted Michelle with a chipper ‘Hello’ and ran to their mount for that lesson. Michelle enjoyed every lesson she taught and almost wished she could make more time for it. She loved kids and it gave her so much pleasure to see their faces shine when they rode.

“Remember to check your girths before you mount and I will meet you out in the ring.” she called, making her way toward the dirt riding ring. She was concentrating on what she would drill her students on today and she didn’t see Travis coming around the other side of the barn.

“Whoa!” he laughed as he skidded to a halt, grabbing Michelle’s arms before she went toppling to the ground.

“Oh I am so sorry,” she said, her cheeks growing dark red when she felt his hands on her arms.

“That’s okay. I wasn’t paying too much attention either.” “Well, thank you for catching me.” she laughed, inwardly groaning at her stupid comment. But Travis just smiled wide and nodded.

“Have a nice lesson.” he said and made his way down the barn aisle.

Michelle cleared her throat and tried to calm her swiftly beating heart. Her class was waiting and there was no time to be ridiculous about a very handsome young man catching her and holding her in his strong arms... Shaking her head, Michelle marched out to the ring where her four students were already walking their horses.

Travis was just as confused with his feelings as Michelle. Why had he done that? His first instinct had been to catch her but why had he held her longer than he should have? He knew he was getting into something that was going to burn him later but Travis felt like he was on a rollercoaster and it was going faster and faster with no intention of ever slowing down to let him off. Yet, he didn’t want to get off. He wanted to get closer to Michelle. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, or one that he could remember seeing. Her skin was soft to the touch and her big blue eyes innocent yet luring him in like bait. The way her hair fell over her neck like a waterfall and how her lips moved made him want to dive right in. Sighing he ran a hand through his tousled blond hair. He had work to do. Mr. Hill had been surprised at seeing Travis up and about and had given him the overview of what he would be doing around the farm.

Mr. Hill had told him to seek out Marco or Vincent if he had any questions. Travis grabbed a halter that belonged to an older mare named Nancy and easily slipped it on to lead the mare outside. But he was still lost in thoughts about Michelle as he went about his chores of turning the horses out, mucking out the stalls and watering the buckets. Travis still hadn’t seen no sign of Vincent when Michelle made her way into the barn with four kids leading their tired horses. Travis smiled as he peeked out from the stall he was cleaning and watched her shout out instructions to her students. When she walked by the stall, he called out, making her jump in surprise. “How did the lesson go?”

“Oh, god Travis, quit scaring me.” she said, but her eyes twinkled and a smile fell across her lips. “It went good thank you.”

Travis grinned and leaned on the pitchfork. “Sorry about scaring you. Didn’t mean to.”

“I know.” For several seconds they just stood there looking at each other. Luckily one small voice piped up, jerking them both out of their trances.

“Miss Hill, is he the new worker?” the little girl asked, smiling up at Travis.

“Why yes Emily. Emily this is Travis. Travis, this is Emily Watson.”

“How do you do?” Travis asked, kneeling down to face Emily. Her gray eyes twinkled and her dark blond hair was sweaty and coming out of it’s ponytail, yet her face shone with happiness.

“I am good. I want to own my own horse one day.”

“Do you? Well I hope you get your wish.”

Emily giggled and looked up at Michelle. “He is cute, Ms. Hill.”

Travis laughed and looked up to see Michelle blushing and trying to hide it. “Why thank you Emily.”

“Come one Ems, your mother is waiting to take you home.” Michelle said, grasping the young girl’s hand.

“Bye Travis!” she called as Michelle led her away. Travis smiled and waved as the girl disappeared. Shaking his head he got back to work. He was just pulling the wheelbarrow from the now clean stall when a dark voice was heard behind him.

“It’s taking you long enough boy. You’d better get your butt moving before I have to kick it into shape.”

Travis frowned and turned to see Vincent glaring at him. Travis could smell the scent of alcohol on his breath. “I am trying my best, sir.” he said, forcing his temper at bay. He didn’t need to be making enemies with the head manager of the farm on his first day.

“I’d better not catch you twiddling your thumbs,” he sneered, poking a bony finger hard into Travis’ shoulder.

Travis remained still, glaring at Vincent. But the man just laughed and walked away, the feint swagger of one that is drunk in his steps.

“What was that all about?” Michelle asked stepping up to him, her voice clearly stating her dislike for the older man.

“Oh, he’s just telling me where I stand in this job.” Travis muttered, but he smiled at Michelle’s concerned look. “It’s okay.”

“Well, just watch yourself around Vincent. I don’t trust him at all.”

That night, Travis spent it in his new apartment. It was cozy with a bedroom bathroom, and kitchen/living room in one. Horse pictures hung on the wall giving it the lived-in appearance. Travis sighed as he sank down in the bed. Michelle, he, and Mrs. Hill moved some of Michelle’s brother’s clothes and things into the apartment.

“Daniel won’t mind a bit.” Michelle had said at Travis’ concerned look. “He rarely comes home anymore. He says that when he finishes college, he’ll find a job where he lives.”

Sitting up, Travis went to the bathroom. Removing his shirt, he felt his throat catch when the jewel sparkled from the necklace. He felt the smooth cool jewel surface as he ran a finger over it. He wished that he could remember something. Anything. He pressed his forehead to the glass closing his eyes and sighing as the cold glass hit his hot forehead. He didn’t belong here and yet he had no idea how to return to where he was suppose to be. Without thinking, he started water running through the faucet and splashed his face. The water soothed and cooled him and he kept his eyes closed as the water ran down his face, neck, and onto his chest. It had been hard work but Travis liked it. He liked working around the horses, and Michelle. But how much longer was he going to stay?

Sitting back on the soft bed, he raised a hand to his temple, feeling the band-aid that now covered his wound. If only he could remember.

Part 3