Second Street // Part Fifteen

     Second Street

        Part Fifteen

Neither Charlie nor Pam appeared able to move from the ever so filling meal just consumed. Their waitress came to see if they needed anything else. She smiled at  the pair and said, I know that look! Happens all the time in here. Charlie said, I can see that and laughed. Pam thanked the girl for such a wonderful time. They paid the bill and made their way to the car. Pam looked at Charlie and said I can hardly move so how about some window shopping before we get to active? Honey, I’m right there with you.

The Festival Mall was a short distance away. The parking lot was jam packed and they had to park quite a distance from the building. Well we’ll get a little exercise just getting to the mall, Charlie joked. As they approached the door the ever present Salvation Army bell ringer stood watch.  Charlie dug into his pocket, removing a couple bills and depositing them in the kettle. God Bless, came the words from the bell ringer. Charlie said God Bless you and Merry Christmas. When opening the door a blast of hot air hit them square in the face. The place was mobbed and it was slow going every grandma and grandpa arm in arm cruising along at the breakneck speed of the elderly, searching for that treat for the young ones. Charlie and Pam just settled in and took up the pace. As they strolled along they stopped to listen to a group of carolers dressed in white and red gowns. Charlie, don’t they sound just wonderful Pam said as she wrapped her arms around his waist? They walked and peered in windows. An hour had passed and they managed to reach the other end of the mall. Shall’ we get moving Charlie asked? Yes sweetie, I’ve had enough of this Pam responded. It was another twenty minutes to reach their car.

I have an idea, Charlie said smiling at Pam. Oh? Yes but I not going to tell you just yet. Pam looked at him quizzically and just said ok. Where to Pam asked? Let’s get back on the highway and head back towards home. Pam put the car in gear and popped in a cd into the player. It was Van Halen and brought their mood up from that of the mall. Charlie had seen a farm on the way and wanted to stop there, he pointed to the exit and had Pam pull up the road leading to the barn. There was a sign posted at the beginning of the road. It read horseback riding. Pam looked at Charlie and grinned broadly. They pulled up to the barn and parked in one of the empty spots. As they approached the barn a handsome man greeted them. He introduced himself as the owner and said his name was David. He was about five ten and had a rugged appearance. His hair was a steely grey, black. His eyes were a deep blue and caught Pam’s attention. He shook hands with both of them and asked what he could do for them. Charlie said, I saw your sign and wondered if we could rent your horses for a ride? Well for sure, David said, his eyes twinkling. Let me get some of my friends saddled up. They could use the exercise. It was about ten minutes later when he returned with an Appaloosa and the second was a saddle tan with a white tale and mane, with a white stripe on his muzzle. Pam took one look at him and fell in love. I want him, pointing to the beautiful animal. He was an incredibly friendly and curious animal. Pam stroked his neck and muzzle, an act he was just fine with, loving the attention. What are their names Pam asked? Well the Appaloosa is called Apache and this friendly fella is Scotty, David replied. They are both very gentle and are rider friendly. My best actually. You folks have ridden before, right? Yes Sir, came the answers. David pointed to a trail and told them to stay to it and they would return in approximately an hour. They thanked him and mounted their new friends and off they went. Pam brought Scotty alongside Apache and said, Charlie this was a beautiful idea. You have made me very happy. Pam gave Scotty a little kick and off he went to a smart trot. Apache not wanting to be alone followed right along.

The air was crisp and they could see their breath as well as that of the horses. Because of their size the body heat from the horses produced a bit of steam rising from their bodies. The trail had not been used a great deal since the last snow and the crunch was heard under the horse’s hooves. This was a beautiful trail, full of evergreens all coated in a snowy coat. They came upon a bubbling stream. Ice had formed on the rocks set about here and there. They stopped to let the animals drink if they desired. The horses seemed to have no interest in the water and stood next to each other nuzzling one another as if they were the best friends ever. Charlie looked at Pam and said, well you know  you can lead a horse to water! They laughed and took up the trail again, Pam leading the way. She was thoroughly enjoying Scotty and petted him every chance she got. They saw all kinds of tracks in the snow, so many different types. Coyote, fox, rabbit, deer, dog and who knows what else. It seemed there were freeways for animals, most headed in the same directions. Charlie said to Pam, an amazing thing nature. So much we never see but is all around us. She shook her head in agreement. Before they knew it they were back at the barn and David greeted them with a smile. Taking the reigns from them he asked of their ride. Did you enjoy yourselves? Pam said , oh David it was simply the most wonderful part of my day. I just fell in love with Scotty! What a gentle creature. Yeah he’s a beauty, David said. Come on into the barn while I put them away.

David’s wife was inside and had made some hot mulled wine, offering them a glass. Hi , I’m Annie she said extending her hand with two glasses. This was quite the barn. More of a home than barn. There was a huge stone fireplace, reaching to the second floor, the hearth and fire pit just massive and a fire roaring. There was such a comforting feel to this place, peaceful, warm and welcoming. David had put the horses in their stalls and Scotty was staring at Pam from across the way. Apparently he also fell in love. It was such a perfect picture. Charlie looked at Pam and then at Scotty and just laughed. I’ve got some serious competition going on huh? Pam just blushed. David joined them and they sat and talked awhile, sipping their mulled wine, the fire warming  them. David said, do you have plans for this afternoon? We haven’t thought about anything yet, Charlie replied. Well just in case you’re interested we are having sleigh rides at four thirty. We’ll be headed to the center of town and stop for some Christmas Carols. Just an hour or so. Your  new friend will be our lead horse. Pam looked at Charlie with a pleading look. He shrugged his head and told David, sure , sounds like fun. Let me settle up with you he said. As they took care of business Ann and Pam moved to Scotties stall and were welcomed with a whinny. Ann handed Pam some carrots. Pam smiled and thanked her as she fed her friend. They all sat around the fire waiting for four thirty. David said, we have two sleighs and have six others joining us. Ann will take one sleigh and me the other. It is a fun time. The animals enjoy the work and just the time brings a feeling of the season and a more old fashioned feel when things were much different. Charlie understood just what David was talking about and agreed entirely.

As four thirty approached David and Ann hooked up the horses to the wonderful sleighs. It appeared they were antiques and had been fully restored to the condition of original manufacture. Charlie looked at Pam and said, let me guess which sleigh we will take? He laughed and Pam just slapped him on the chest. The other couples arrived and introductions took place, mulled wine handed out and blankets provided for the ride. Well let’s get under way David said, leading all outside and into their prospective sleighs. David knew exactly where to seat Pam and Charlie, handing them their blanket. Scotty was well aware she was with him and whinnied. David managed their sleigh with Annie taking care of the others. Off they went and it was spectacular. What an amazing perspective. So different than the fast paced world all around. What a treat this was. Pam wrapped her arms around Charlie’s arm and put her head against his chest, the blanket covering them. David had affixed bells to the horses and they played their melody as the horse’s moved. It was like an old fashioned heaven. Snow had started to fall gently and added to the feeling of the moment. Pam closed her eyes and just listened to the bells and Charlie’s heartbeat. His body heat warming her face. It was not long before they arrived at the center of town and the towns Gazebo was filled with Carolers. Christmas lights covering the building and bringing a warmth to the scene. The carolers urged the audience to participate and Pam was all for that. She loved to sing and loved Christmas. Twenty minutes had gone by and it was time to return to the barn. They brushed the snow from the seats and climbed back into the sleighs , Scotty very happy to see Pam. As the sleigh proceeded Pam grasped Charlie’s face and kissed him deeply. She looked into his eyes and just stared. She would not look away and was just melting into him.

Their ride back was as beautiful as the ride out. Upon arriving back at the barn, Pam bid farewell to David, Ann and Scotty. They got into the car and headed back to the home front, more Enya on the cd player. A feeling of great satisfaction played in their heads. They arrived home and of course the driveway filled with drug dealers cars. They parked on the street and entered the house. On went the lights, the candles, Pam putting music on Charlie’s new cd player. Charlie grabbing a bottle of red wine and joining Pam on the sofa. They sat listening to the soft music, held in one another’s charms. They put their feet up on the table, drank their wine remembering the day and fell into a deep sleep of memorable dreams.