Sundancer (12 page)

EVERYONE WAS IN THE living room with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Bird had disappeared from sight when the guests arrived and hidden herself in the old sideboard. It was a perfect hiding place because it had peepholes created by missing knobs. Earlier, while arranging the centrepiece, she'd moved the spare table linens and napkins to make a perfect nest for herself.

Through one of the holes, she watched Hannah carry in a tray of hot appetizers from the kitchen and offer them to her guests. Hannah was flushed from the heat of the oven, but more from anxiety, Bird knew. She looks like she's waiting for punishment. She's like that around Gramps, not anyone else. Her laugh sounds different. Forced.

Bird's grandmother, Jean, was dressed in a very expensive navy linen pantsuit with a white camisole underneath. Her pale blonde hair was puffed into a grand helmet, and at her perfumed throat hung an appropriate strand of pearls. Very proper and controlled, Bird thought. Perfect in every way, and expects others to be perfect as well. George looked almost nautical, Bird mused, in his grey trousers, navy blazer, and paisley cravat. Stuffed and stuffy. What was left of his hair was snow white, and since they'd arrived, he'd referred to his gold watch several times. It was clear that he didn't want to be there. Bird smiled in sympathy.

Kenneth Bradley — father to Hannah and Eva, grandfather to Bird and Julia, ex-husband of Jean — had decided at the last minute not to bring his new young girlfriend. Smart move, acknowledged Bird. The last thing this party needed was more tension. Her grandfather had chosen the biggest armchair in the most prominent place as his own. A permanent scowl sat on his face, making it impossible to tell if he was pleased or not. Bird studied him closely. He was aging badly. His face was red and puffy, and his belly hung over his pants. He'd retired as master of foxhounds several years earlier but still considered himself an expert horseman. The way his eyes brightened and his face beamed whenever he looked at Eva was not lost on Bird, especially compared to the bored stares he gave Hannah.

Randy crossed his legs, careful not to crease his pants. He obviously felt well dressed in his choice of clothes — orange cotton shirt and designer tan pants. He glanced at his glossy brown leather Bass Weegen loafers with pleasure and sipped on his Scotch. He appeared content. Not for long, Bird beamed from her hiding place. She had big plans for him.

Eva and Julia wore matching outfits in shades of pink: short pink pleated skirts with matching low-cut pink sailor blouses with hot-pink ties, tall pink knee socks and white Mary Jane shoes. They looked to Bird like Barbie and Barbie Mini-Me. Eva's curled hair was held off her face with a white hair band, and Julia wore a ponytail with a white bow. Julia's hair fell straight, a sore spot for Eva, because she'd come in from the barn with too little time to have it curled. That gave Bird some satisfaction, but she still felt awful for her sister.

Eva passed mini-sausage rolls with mustard dip, making sure that she bent low when serving the men. Bird gritted her teeth. Why does she need to do that? She's just like a spoiled cocker spaniel when she's around Gramps. If she had a tail, she'd wag it.

Stuart stood at the window with Paul and Alec. All three had cleaned up nicely, Bird noticed, with their jackets and pressed pants and shined shoes. Alec looked awkward in his best clothes, but he was still handsome. Kimberly stood beside him, talking animatedly about something that was making Alec laugh. Kimby had borrowed a mint-green cotton summer dress from Bird because she'd arrived only with her barn clothes. It looked nice on her, and Bird was happy to lend it, but she secretly wished that Alec wasn't enjoying her company so much.

For the moment, everyone seemed to be having a good time. And it's only going to get better, thought Bird with a tingle of excitement.

“Julia, my girl! Come sit on your Gramp's knee,” barked Kenneth Bradley, patting his leg. “You're getting to be such a big girl, and as pretty as your mother.” He tried to force his face into a smile, but to Bird the result was a bit frightening. Julia must have thought the same, because she hadn't moved from her position across the room.

“Julia, do as Grandpa says,” Eva scolded, plopping the sausage rolls on Hannah's tray. She threw back her head so her hair bounced. “I always sat on my Daddy's knee, didn't I, Daddy?”

“You surely did, my sweet sugar pie.” He patted both knees. “You come sit, too. For old times.”

Eva took Julia by the hand and dragged her over to Kenneth. She lifted Julia onto one knee, and then perched saucily on the other. “Isn't this fun, Julia?”

Julia looked miserable. Bird couldn't watch any longer. It was time to do something, time to put her plan into action.

“I always liked you in pink, Eva.” Kenneth proudly assessed his daughter.

“I know you did, that's why I wore it. You still do, don't you?”

“You know what I like, sugar pie, and I sure like pink.”

Bird slipped out of the sideboard and down the hall toward the mudroom. She worked quietly, listening to the ridiculous conversation as it went on and on. She wondered briefly what the other guests thought. Especially Alec. She hoped he didn't think it too weird.

Eva continued giggling. “And doesn't Julia look nice in pink, too?”

“She surely does.” Kenneth nodded and grinned. “Makes me think of you as a child.”

“Are you saying that we look pretty in pink?” Eva prompted.

“You look more than pretty. You look delicious! Good enough to eat!” Bird heard a great roar, followed by pretend gobbling noises. Eva shrieked with laughter.

It was time to make her entrance. She walked down the hall with Hector waddling happily by her side, then stood quietly at the doorway, waiting. It didn't take long for the guests to notice her. She had painted her entire body bright pink, and had streaked pink poster paint through her chopped hair. She wore an outfit made from pinned-together scraps of tan and plaid fabric. Beside her stood Hector, eyes bright and tail wagging, proudly wearing a Burberry dog coat.

Hannah was the first to react. She dropped the tray of cheese balls and sausage rolls. Hector lunged for them hungrily.

Kimberly shrieked, “Bird looks pretty in pink, too!” Alec and Julia giggled hysterically at the outrageous sight.

“My coat!” sputtered Randy. “My belted Burberry!” He ran to the closet, whipped it open, confirmed that it was gone, then turned back to Bird in horror.

Randy glared at Hannah. “Hannah! Your daughter has destroyed my coat. What are you going to do about it?”

At the sound of the raised voice, Hector lifted his head and looked around. Quickly, he slipped out the back door, coat and all, sated with sausage rolls and cheese balls.

Bird looked at Hannah, willing her not to play along.
This is Eva's problem. Let her deal with it
. She turned her attention to Eva and waited for her to make a move.

Eva slowly stood up and rearranged her clothes. She said nothing as she busied herself with putting each pleat of her skirt in order. Bird stared at her mother, completely shocked. She wasn't going to say anything! She was going to stand in a roomful of people and let Hannah take the blame for her bad behaviour. She felt a noise gathering at her throat — a cross between a growl and a scream — and looked around for something to throw. There must be something.

Suddenly, Kenneth Bradley spoke. “You're mistaken, Randy old man. Bird is Eva's daughter. From that broncobuster in Calgary.” He eyed the younger man with distaste. “Whatever gave you the idea that Bird was Hannah's child?”

Finally, Bird looked at her grandfather. Who would've thought that he'd come to her rescue? But it didn't matter how or why, the secret was out — Eva's secret — and that was that.

Randy was shocked. He slowly turned his gaze from Hannah to

Eva, anger turning to astonishment turning to resignation.

“So that's what's going on. That explains it.” He looked directly at Eva. “That's why you get so upset about everything to do with Bird. You're her mother. Not her aunt.”

Eva's pleats were now properly in order. She peeked up at Randy and batted her eyelashes.

Bird stared at her mother and waited. Nothing.

“Eva, tell me the truth. Are you Bird's mother?” Randy spoke harshly.

“Now, calm down, Randy old man,” said Kenneth. “Let's not get our knickers in a knot. I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation.”

Eva ran behind her father's chair and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Randy regarded her for a moment, then turned his attention to Bird. For the first time since his arrival, he addressed her like a human being. “Bird. Who is your mother?”

Without hesitation Bird walked to Hannah. She glared at Eva defiantly through her bubble gum–coloured face.

Kenneth smiled. “Good for you, Bird. Back up your mother.”

Bird stared at him, stunned. Is that what he thought she was doing?

“Is everybody in on this?” asked Randy, exasperated.

Paul stood. “Not at all, Randy. You're being hung out to dry, here.”

“This is none of your business, whatever your name is!” sputtered Kenneth. “This is a family matter, and we keep family matters within the family.”

“My name is Paul Daniels, and I beg to differ, sir,” said Paul. “With great respect, a question has been asked, and we are all implicated by our silence.”

“What are you, a lawyer?” exclaimed Kenneth.

“No, a vet.” Paul smiled in resignation. “But I've had a lot to do with lawyers since my divorce.” He turned to Bird. “In one way you're right, Bird. In the last couple of years Hannah has become your mother, hasn't she?”

Bird nodded her bright-pink head and hung on to Hannah with her pink arms. She looked across the room at Eva, who appeared frightened.

Julia ran to Bird and Hannah, and stood rooted. “Then I want Hannah to be my mother, too. I want to stay here with Bird.”

Eva shrieked. “Julia, baby! You'll make Mommy cry!”

Randy shook his head. “Can you blame her, Eva?” Clearly, he had had enough. “You pay no attention to Julia except to dress her up like a miniature version of yourself. You don't listen to what she says. You don't ask her how she feels. It's always about you. And if Bird is your daughter … well, I can't even imagine how she must be feeling.”

Bravo, Randy, thought Bird. I didn't know you had it in you.

Eva whimpered.

“Careful how you speak to my daughter, boy,” snarled Kenneth.

“I don't understand, Eva.” Randy never moved his eyes from Eva's face. “Why did you lie about something like this? Did you think I'd never find out? Or that you'd tell me after we were married?”

Stuart Gilmore spoke up. “I'm sorry. I have to interrupt. This is terribly embarrassing.” He stood and walked calmly across the hushed room and stopped beside Eva. “Perhaps Eva and Randy could speak in private. No matter what has happened, I think we all should be considerate.”

“Considerate?” spluttered Randy. “Of whom? Of Eva who sends away her kid and doesn't admit to her parenthood? Of Hannah, who plays along with Eva's game? Of Bird who's all messed up because of Eva? Of Julia who wants to be a normal kid? Or of me, because I don't deserve to be lied to!”

Stuart stood his ground. “I'm sure there's a good explanation.”

Kenneth nodded. “That's what I said. Eva, darling, time for you to speak up. What's the explanation?” Eva, still silent, looked at her shoes.

“Yes, Eva,” demanded Randy. “What's the explanation?”

Everyone was quiet, waiting for Eva to speak.

Bird stepped away from Hannah. She opened her mouth. Nothing came out. She tried again. A squeak, then a sigh.

Julia spoke for her. “It's because Bird can't talk.” She looked directly at her mother. “Isn't it?”

Thank you, Julia. Bird smiled at her sister. Eva looked at her younger daughter, opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it again. She began to cry quietly.

Stuart said, “I'm going to take Eva out for some fresh air until she can compose herself. Come with me, Eva.”

Hannah spoke up. “Not so fast, Stuart. Eva deserves a chance to explain herself.” She prompted her sister. “A chance to tell her kids she loves them.”

Eva turned on Hannah, tears streaming down her face. “Of course I love them! I love them with all my heart. It's so easy for you to judge, Hannah. You don't have kids, so you don't know anything about this.” She faced Randy. “I did it for you, Randy! I knew you wouldn't understand about Bird so I said she was Hannah's daughter. There. That's the truth.” With a sob, Eva rushed from the room, followed by Stuart.

The room remained quiet. No one knew what to say.

Finally, Randy spoke. “I'm going upstairs to pack my things, and I'll be on my way.”

“Randy,” Hannah said. “I'm so sorry about this. I'm sorry I was part of the lie. And I'm sorry about your coat. I'd like to make it up to you. Please stay for dinner? It'll be on the table in one minute.”

Randy spoke sincerely. “I don't have any appetite, Hannah, but thank you. Good night to you all.” He turned and walked out of the room with as much dignity as he could feign.

“Well,” said Paul. “I'm starving. Hannah? Can you use some help?”

“Thanks, Paul!” Hannah smiled too brightly. “Please, everyone! Find your name on the place cards and have a seat. Bird, Kimberly, Alec, Julia! Come with me.” She spun on her heel and sailed into the kitchen, followed by everyone except Bird.

Good time to get out of here, Bird thought with growing apprehension. I've caused more trouble than I meant to. She headed for the safety of her tree.

9
HECTOR

I don't like too many people.

From the branches of the old oak, Bird watched as Randy carried out his bags and loaded them into the trunk of his car. Every once in a while, he stole a sad glance at Eva, who stood in the shade of the tree with Stuart. Randy didn't deserve this, thought Bird. He had his faults but he seemed a decent fellow, underneath the bravado. Bird hoped that he'd find somone who'd be nicer to him.

Through the front window of the house, Bird could see her grandfather. He was watching Eva, she thought, but there was something else — something very focused about his gaze. Bird looked into the pasture below. Sunny grazed peacefully, completely unaware of all the turmoil. Lucky guy. Bird looked down to where Eva and Stuart had been standing. They were gone, making their way up the path toward the house.

When Bird turned back to face the window, Kennth Bradley had a cell phone pressed to his ear. Bird didn't like his intensity one bit. Something was wrong here, she just couldn't figure out what it was.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the slamming of the car door. Bird watched as Randy walked around to the driver's door. With one last look at Eva, he got into his car and started the engine. Too late, Bird noticed the patch of yellow — still dressed in Burberry — asleep on the driveway.

No no no no no! Hector!
Wake up! Move! Bird slithered down the tree in record time and rushed toward the car.
Hector!

Hector didn't move; he was too soundly asleep to hear her thoughts.

“Arrrrgh!” Bird screamed through dormant vocal chords. “Raaaaa!” She tried her hardest, but the noise that came out of her mouth was not loud enough for either Hector or Randy to hear above the engine noise. Waving her arms, she tried again. “Raaaagh!” It was no use.

Inside the house, Paul was carving the turkey. The remaining guests had just taken their places at the table when a horrible mix of howls and screams and screeching of brakes erupted on the driveway. After a stunned moment of shock, everyone stumbled out of their chairs and went running to see what had happened. Hannah shot out the front door first, followed by Paul.

Bird was under Randy's car, and Randy was yelling for help. Eva was screaming and trying to reach Bird, but Stuart was holding her back.

Hector lay under the back wheels. Blood dripped out of his nose and mouth as Bird gently stroked his head. His tail thumped slowly. He whined softly, eyes full of pain and love.

Stay with me, girl. Please
.

I won't leave. I'm sorry, Hector. I was too late. The car moved
.

Are you hurting?

All over. The car moved backwards
.

I love you, Hector. I always will
.

I love you, girl. Goodbye. Say goodbye to Hannah. Goodbye, Hector, my old friend
.

The old yellow dog jerked his head up, stiffened his legs, then dropped down limp. Bird swallowed. He was gone. She silently backed away, and sadly climbed back up the oak tree to her perch.

As she passed her mother, Eva reached out as if to stop her. Hannah's voice cut through the silence. “Let her go, Eva. She needs her space.”

“Please give me room to work,” ordered Paul. “Hannah, bring my truck over here and back it in as close as you can.” He threw her the keys.

“I didn't see him!” exclaimed Randy sorrowfully. “He must've been sleeping under the car. I'm so sorry.”

Everyone made way for Hannah as she navigated Paul's truck. Paul opened the tailgate where he kept his medical supplies, and began to prepare.

“Randy,” said Paul. “Please drive your car forward. I need some room.”

Randy obliged. His eyes looked hollow.

Kenneth strode over to Hannah as she stood silently beside Paul's truck. “Hannah, I'll take my leave. There's no sense crowding the place up at a time like this.”

Hannah nodded blankly.

“Lemon pie, face the facts, the dinner's over. But I'd like to take a doggy bag if I may.”

Bird stared down at her grandfather in shock. Could he really be that insensitive?

Hannah was too tired to argue. “Sure. No problem. The food'll go to waste if someone doesn't eat it.”

Kenneth was pleased. “Eva! Come here sugar pie.” Eva came running like a child. “Yes, Daddy?”

“Get your Daddy some takeout dinner, will you? And don't be stingy. I have a healthy appetite.”

“I know that, Daddy!” Eva ran into the house, eager to do his bidding.

Bird watched. Her fists were clenched with tension as she looked at the chaotic scene below. I did this, she told herself. I'm to blame for Hector's death. He wouldn't be dead if Randy had stayed for dinner. If I hadn't ruined his coat. If I talked. She watched as Paul worked on Hector. She knew it was hopeless.

And for what? I wanted to make pink look ridiculous. I wanted to pay Randy back for what he said about Hector. I wanted my mother to notice me. But I wrecked everything. Now Eva will hate me for driving Randy away. And Alec for sure thinks I'm crazy, which I most likely am. The worst thing is that Hector — my sweet, kind, wise Hector — is dead.

Bird balled up her fists and ground her teeth. Tears fell unhindered. Why, why, why do I do these things?

When she opened her eyes she saw Alec kneeling beside Hector. He looked so sad. Bird watched as he slowly and carefully removed the dog-coat. She was touched by the tenderness he showed.

Sunny nickered from below her tree. Bird looked down at him. He was looking up at her. That's odd, Bird thought. Most horses don't look up. She nickered back, then climbed silently down the tree and over the fence.

I have something to say. Just now, the Tall Man came here
.

What Tall Man?

The Tall Man from the other barn
.

Where you came from?

Yes. From there.

What did he do?

He watched me from his car. For a small time. Then he left.

He watched you?
Bird remembered her grandfather, standing at the window with the cellphone to his ear.

Only that. But I don't like him, Bird girl. He doesn't like me.

Don't worry, Sunny. I'll watch out for him.

Bird looked over to the driveway. Her grandfather was gone now, and most of the other guests were taking their leave. Dr. Daniels and Alec were covering Hector's body with a sheet.

Kimberly held Julia's hand protectively. Stuart stood with Eva while Randy sat dejected on the steps. Silently, Bird crept closer. She wanted to be near Hector's body, but she didn't want anyone to talk to her.

“Thanks for trying, Paul,” said Hannah, looking down at Hector lovingly. Tears glistened on her cheeks.

“He died quickly,” said Paul.

“He was a great dog,” Hannah murmured.

“The best,” nodded Kimberly.

“The very best,” agreed Julia. “Even though I just met him.”

Randy stood and brushed the dust off his pants. “I'm sorry, >Hannah,” he said, without meeting her gaze. “I never meant for this to happen.”

Hannah nodded and walked him toward his car.

It wasn't your fault. Bird watched him drive away. This was my doing. She looked again at the sheet that covered Hector. Me.

“I think this would be a fitting time for the funeral,” said Paul to those who remained. “Don't you?”

Hannah nodded sadly as she rejoined the group. “We have the mourners assembled.”

“And even the funeral feast,” added Paul. “We just have to choose the place to bury him.”

Bird knew just the place, and she knew that Hannah would, too. Close to the barn, under the sugar maple and on a slightly higher elevation than the house. Here was the place Hector chose to nap when Hannah wasn't home. From here he kept an eye on the farm and was the first to know when her truck pulled into the lane.

Shortly, the hole for Hector's body was dug. Hannah, Alec, Julia, Eva, and Kimberly stood quietly by the grave, and watched while Paul and Stuart gently carried Hector from the driveway and respectfully placed him at the bottom.

Paul and Stuart took turns throwing in shovels of dirt.

Cody arrived for the funeral. He'd come to honour the life of a good dog. Alone, the small coyote sat in the bushes behind the people.

Suddenly, they all heard the steady thud of hoofbeats coming fast.

Everyone turned to look.

From the front field, Bird came galloping bareback on Sundancer. He came to a full stop at the grave. Sunny dropped his front hooves lightly on the ground, bowing deeply to Hector. Bird slid off Sunny's back and knelt at the lip of Hector's grave. Tears of grief streaked the pink paint on her face. She thumped her head on the ground. She howled like a wolf. Then, exhausted, Bird fell in a heap and curled herself into the fetal position.

Sunny stretched his neck down and gently nudged her. He sniffed her face, and walked his lips over her scalp to comfort her.

Hannah knelt beside Bird and stroked her sticky pink hair. She spoke soothingly. “Bird, my darling Bird. It was awful, what happened. But Hector died quickly. He had a wonderful life here with us.” Bird sobbed. She was inconsolable. Hannah tried again. “He loved you, Bird. You know that. And you were the last person he saw. I know he was happy that you were there.”

Bird rolled over and stared up into the sky. “Sor … ry … Hec … tor,” she croaked, her chest heaving.

Hannah put her arms around her to try to control the shaking. She cried along with Bird. “It's not your fault, Bird! Oh, no, Bird. It was an accident.”

Cody disappeared as silently as he had arrived.

Slowly the group made their way to the house for the remains of the neglected dinner. Hannah held Bird close. Once inside, Julia and Kimberly sat with Bird at the table with their arms entwined.

Hannah bowed her head. “Please bless this food and welcome Hector into Heaven, as all creatures have a place in Your House.”

“Amen.”

Julia spoke. “And it wasn't Bird's fault, and Randy didn't mean to drive over him, and please know that Hector was a good dog, and faithful.”

“Amen.”

Bird looked at her little sister with eyes full of tears and gratitude. Alec watched the emotional scene. “You're right, Julia. It wasn't Bird's fault. Or Randy's. It just happened. And it sucks.” He looked tentatively at Bird. She glanced up from her plate for a split second, then put her head down again. She didn't know how to react.