This Land is MY Land: (Closed for now)

[macmillian]

" This Land is MY Land "
Closed for; why_me884 & macmillian

"The Story"

Amy has returned to her childhood home a ranch out in the middle of nowhere and her father's dream. She hoped she could make something he could be proud of , wanting him to be proud of her even after he was gone. Heaven knows she had disappointed hin whe she had choosen business, went to college and then to the city with a job offer. The job was never what she had thought it would be and was never happy with it. Her father's passing left left her with more then she knew she could handle alone but would do her best. The ranch was located along the Arizona and New Mexico state borders.

She left posted on the bullentin board at the local diner:

"Experienced horseman needed at local ranch, room and board, inquire with the cook"

The diner owner/cook was close friends with her father.

A neighboring ranch owner wanter her land to expand his own. It started with lawyers contacting her lawyers to relieve her of her inheritence burden and the offer was politely declined. They next suggested that a woman with her education would be unable to maintain an interest in rural life for long.

The fact was she loved being back home. She loved the horses and she missed them but she was unable to do all the work by herself.

OCC;

Sam ( Soltano - "Apache" ) Ryan
age; 29, height; 6'1", weight; 150 lbs., hair; black, eyes; black, Bronze color skin darkened by the sun.

Dropped out of school at thirteen and has worked the ranches in this area, rode in the rodeo until a busted hip ended his rodeo career two years ago. His is tall. lanky, slim, strong an in good health (except for a slight limp) with sharp contrasting features, a sharp angular nose (broken twice) with a shark jaw that always makes him appear like he's smilimg.

The son of an Irish Father and a full blooded Apache, but has always felt close to hi mothers people. He is a member of the "AIM", the American Indian Movement and beleives that the land should be returned. Including yours and your neighbors that lay near Indian Lands.

 

[why_me884]

Amy

She had been up since dawn. Cleaning the stalls that had fell behind. She was weary but determined. Clancy(a now aged shepard mix) her old faithful friend kept her company in the barn as she worked. She glanced at her watch as her stomach growled 10:00 am. Amy headed towards the farmhouse in an old faded tank top and jeans. Her boots that she dug out of her closet still fit comfortably and still smelled like the barn. Oh well no use wasting anything new that was just going to get mucked up anyway.

In the kitchen she scrambled a few eggs threw in some ham bits and some cheeese, brewed a fresh pot of coffee. Sitting down to eat she pictured many mornings with her mother and father at this same table.

Amy, (Amelia Gene Meyers) 27 years old home again she wondered why it had taken her so long to find out that she was meant to be here. A tear sprang in her eye as she pictured her mother at the stove pleading with her to not agrue with her father.

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

I walk into the diner and take a seat at the counter. A voice calls out that they will be with mee in a moment. I waitress with a oval face and short black hair askes is she can help. I order a stack of hotcakes and coffee, that's about all I can afford. I tell her I am goin' to wash up and head for the men's room.

On the way out I see the sign on the bullentin board and take it down and return to my stool at the counter. My coffee is waiting and I take a drink. The hotcakes soon follow and I ask the waitress to see the cook, pointing to the notice I pulled of the board.

Sam .... "Hello, Sir, Names Soltano Ryan, Sam for short, This job still open. be needin somrthing right fast. I've got nough to pay for this here."

Cook .... "Hi" and shakes my hand, "Sure is, have a way to get there. It's twenty-five miles out."

Sam .... "Yah, that old blue chevy, but no gas, runnin on empty now. Anything I can do to earn gas money?"

Cook .... "NO! but I'll lend you the ten bucks to go out and see Amy. You do right by her!" and he gives me the directions out to the ranch.

 

[why_me884]

Clancy shuffles over and lays his head in my lap. "It's alright boy, we will be just fine" smoothing my hand over his greying forehead, "That barn isn't going to finish it's self let's get back to work." He gives me a low woof and trots towards the door. Never one to be left behind.

Amy returns to her work refreshed by the coffee and the food.

She hears a truck pull up and hopes that it isn't another visit from Mr. Hopkins the neighboring ranch owner dead set to take her land. Well I'm dead on staying and he is just going to have to get used to it. She hears the truck door close and Clancy heads for the door. A low growl of warning to who ever is approaching the door. Amy thought to herself he must be petrified and smiled to herself. The old dog barely had any teeth left. "It's ok Clancy let him ask I'll just keep telling him no."

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

I stepped out of the truck and I heard a dog growl and looked over towards the barn and saw an old mongrel sulking in the door and then a female voice to low to understand what is said.

"Hello, Hello, Anybody here?" I call out. "The cook at the diner in town sent me out! Hello."

 

[why_me884]

Moving into the doorway of the barn adjusting to the bright light outside slowly. "Yes, can I help you?" She took in the tall dark stranger with a mixture of appreciation and anxiety. Being out in the middle of no where alone had it's good and it's bad points. Removing her work gloves as she came closer a polite smile on her face and what she hoped was a confident demeanor. "I'm Amy this is my(she stuttered a moment still not quite used to using the term) place." Standing at 5'3" he only got taller as she walked closer.

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

I see the woman approach and remove my hat. "Morning mam! Name is Soltano Ryan an I come bout the job. I saw you sign at the diner and the cook said to come up here and see you. He says to say hello for him and he'll see you Sunday at church.", And I offer my hand.

 

[why_me884]

At thought of help I my smile grew wider. "Welcome Mr. Ryan. I sure could use some experienced help around here." "Would you care to come into the house and join me in some ice tea while we discuss what I need."

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

"Be honored to mam'" and I knelt down as the dog walks up to me and I rub his neck. "What's this old fellows name mam?" As I stand and follow you towards the back door of the house.

 

[why_me884]

"That's Clancy he still thinks he is a fierce protector of his land so mind yourself." I replied smiling. "and my name is Amy my mother was ma'm that is if you knew what was good for you."

Opening the back door into the kitchen motioning towards the small wood table. "Have a seat," Bringing our glasses of tea to the table and pulling out some sugar, a spoon and a napkin. Setting all this on the table and taking the seat oppisite you. Taking a good long drink to wash the dirt and heat from my throat. "The tea is unsweetened please help your self if that isn't your preference." "Tell me Mr. Ryan what is your experience with horses?"

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

"Thanks mam, errrrrr, Amy.......... Been working horses since I was born. Soltano is Apache, my mother's people. White Mountain Apaches, My Pa was Irish. I left school when I was thirteen and have been wrangling since. I've rode the rodeo circut til I broke a hip two years back. I just startin to work again and I dead flat broke. My experience you may say is the same as my life experience." I paused and took a drink of tea, no sugar, makes you more thirsty.

"You don't mind I'm a half breed, that's what makes getting work hard. The "AIM" movement here is these parts is not to well received."

 

[why_me884]

"I certainly don't mind you being a half breed as you say. I don't hold to judging people on their looks or nationalities. As much as I wish it true I can't handle this place on my own as my folks did. It's not very big but it's mine and I tend to continue building on what my father was so proud of. uh we kind of had our differences most of my teen years and my adult life. I went off to school in Chicago instead of staying here and learning more about building a good horse ranch." I was sure my regret was showing on my face so I changed thoughts quickly. "I did however learn much about building a good solid buisness. I'm afraid that wasn't his strong point. I have some savings and with help I want to make his dream come true."

"My turn to ask the same, will it not bother you having a woman for a boss? I won't be laying all the hard work on your shoulders mind you." A thought flitted though her head as she took note that his shoulders did indeed appear strong along with the rest of him. "We will be working together and I hope you can teach me what I need to know before you go wandering off?" Hoping her suttle hint of how long he might be hanging around wouldn't go unnoticed.

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

"Amy, A boss is a boss, good and bad, treat me fair and honest and I will in return give you hard work and my loyalty. I'll give you ample notice when I intend to leave. You sound sincere and as to hard work, I am not afraid of that either. Matter of fact I enjoy hard work." I smile across at you and I again take a closer look at you. You are a striking figure of a woman, it just may be hard to keep one's mind on work.

"May I have another glass of tea, BOSS, Miss Amy, before you show me around and we go to work", and I hand you my glass. Yes very nice indeed as I watch you go to the fridge. Nice ass, nice everything. I may stay here awhile, the fringe benefits get better and better.

"I didn"t see a bunk house or another out building, Where do I stay if I can ask. Does the Tack room have a loft, I can use that or the loft in the barn itself. You have any ideas on that point. Have you given it any thought?"

 

[why_me884]

"Just Amy will do just fine." I said with a quirky little smile as I fill up your glass again." Your smile brighten's to your eyes. "I think we will get on just fine you and I." "your right we have lots to do glancing out the window as the sun is just starting to lower from it's afternoon position.

"There is a small bunk room in the barn. Not much but you'll just need it for sleeping and stashing your things. My ad said room and board so you will be taking your meals in the house, just make sure to knock first and then let yourself in. It didn't say cooked meals however." "If you tell me your preferences I will try to stock of but you get to help yourself or we will fix a meal together. Tonight I'll make dinner but don't get used to it." Thinking of the meatloaf she had prepared last evening and thought she could eat it most of the week without having to cook again.

Watching as you finished your tea, "Shall I introduce you to the stars of the show?"

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

"OK with me boss, let's take a look. I'll need you to let me know what horses stay and which are up for sale or trade. If you're not sure, I can help you along those lines too. I've done breeding before and I fancy that I have an eye for the fillies!" More that just the four legged kind.

 

[why_me884]

As I watch you raise from the table I catch myself thinking. I just bet you do. Taking my mind back to the buisness at hand. "Tell me, Soltano", hoping I pronouced that right. "How can you possibly raise these beautiful creatures for a couple years and then let them go." "I think I should keep them all." Laughing as you look at me like I lost my mind. "I don't mean really keep them I just mean how do you pick which ones your not supposed to fall in love with?". We talk as we cross to the pasture where a small herd of 15 graze close to the barn getting later towards evening they are looking to get fed their oats and find some company.

Climbing up on the fence and perching on the top rail I gave a whistle. Morgan was the first to trod slowly over and nibbled at my jean's pocket. Brushing her mane from her eyes and gently pushing her nose from my hip. "This here is Morgan she is mine and will forever be." My father has never been able to get her to breed and I was surprised to find that she was still here when I came back. Basically she is just a pet but quite spirited to ride."

The rest of the group slowly coming closer to the fence but staying out of arms length.

Mostly Quarterhorses some paints. All of them were healthy and fit looking. One raised her head and whinnied loudly prancing back and forth as if to warn the others to stay clear of us. "That's Spook she won't let anyone near her unless we are very creative and block her path of escape. She learns quick because she won't fall for the same trick twice. She isn't mean she just doesn't trust us and frankly I have never trusted her. She is very young and hasn't been handled much. I fear she was not treated right from the man my father won her from."

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

'Well Boss, Amy will have to wait awile for me to use, Morgan is yours and considered untouchable, Spook is a challenge and I like challenges and so we keep her. The rest we will wait and see. This is your mares, any stallions on the place or do you use that new artificial insemination?

 

[why_me884]

"My father always took the mares to have them breed sometime he would be gone for a couple weeks. I dont know if I can afford anything worth while but I feel it would be best to get our own stallion. Maybe even earn extra for breeding him out. He did keep good records on his breeding program they are in the den in the house. I wish he would have kept as good records on his financials." Patting Morgan she jumped down off the fence and turned towards the barn. "Let me show you around the barn and your new bunk. Tomorrow we can go for a ride and I'll show you the boundaries of the land. I have 3 more stalls to finish cleaning before dinner."

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

"OK Boss, You feed the stock and I'll finish the stalls and get that out of the way, if that's ok by you." and I give you a hand as you get down from the fence. We walk into the barn and You give me the quick tour. Then we go to work. I watch as you swing through the barn, you have a very natural gait and you don't exagerate it at all. Real nice, Real nice indeed.

We bring the mares in and they slide into there stalls, even spooky and things settle down. You show me to the bunk room. It's small but comfortable, large enought for two men.

"Not a bad room Boss, I can set it up real nice. Like you said, just for sleeping and changing. I'll take it if the rent's right." and we both laugh.

 

[why_me884]

Amazed that the work seemed like fun. That might have been because I got the job of feeding and you got to finish cleaning the stalls. Patting and talking to each horse by name as I gave them their grain. Trying yet again to let Spook let me pet her but she would have none of it. "Fine be that way little miss thing" Morgan followed me through the barn like a puppy instead of the large animal she was. Till last I put her up in the last clean stall.

"I'm glad you approve of your new digs. I'll let you get settled in while I go start dinner. Come on up whenever your ready I think I might have a beer or two in the fridge." as I started towards the barn door Clancy close at my heals I turned and smiled "I'm glad you wondered into the cafe today."

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

I walked with you towards the hose and my truck. I piched up my few things and carried them to the barn. It didn't take me long to put my few things straight. I knocked on the back door and called out as
I walked in.

What ever it was she was cooking smelled good, I hadn't eaten since that stack of flapjacks this morning.

"That smells awfully good, Boss, I mean Amy. After supper, where do you want me to park my old heap of a truck?" I asked sitting where I sat earlier in the day. "By the way, your friend the cook, I owe him ten bucks he lent me to buy gas to get here."

 

[why_me884]

"It will be a little while yet. If you'd care to shower there is a bathroom right through there." pointing towards the short hall off the kitchen. "I'm going to finish cleaning these vegatables and then go take one myself." She'd hoped she would be more ready when he arrived for dinner.

Max (the cook) had loaned him money? She couldn't believe her ears. He was known for his ability to read people basically but also as a tightwad never spending any money unless he had too. There must be something in this stranger that he saw to trust him that much.

"Well, he knows where to find you. Him and my father had been friends for years. That's why I asked him to send someone out here that he thought could be trusted." Again the thought struck her that she had only met this man but yet she trusted him.

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

"I think I hurried to fast to get here. I'll move my truck and put my saddle in the tack room. Call me when it's time to eat. Sorry", and I walked quickly out the back door.

I started my truck and moved it over near the barn and sat there a few minutes. "Your such a damn fool, she's the boss, educated and smart. Look at yourself, a drop out, uneducated and dumb as a rock. A match made to torrment me." These thoughts ran through my head as I sat there.

Getting my saddle and gear and carried it to the tack room. I set the saddle on the wood horse and i cleaned off the dust and dirt. It would be good to get back on a horse again. I walked up in to the barn and checked on the mares. They all seemed settled for the night and there was Spook looking out at me. I walked up near her and she sensed that I wasn't there to bother her and so she let me lean up against the post bside her.

"Good girl, Yor the smart one here!"

Then the Call to supper was shouted and I walked on down to the ranch house.

 

[why_me884]

"I hope your like meatloaf? Sorry it took so long you must be hungry."

I was confused why you had hightailed it out of the kitchen earlier but didn't want to make a big deal about it. I had showered and changed into a simple sleeveless house dress, black with small white flowers. It was nice to have a reason to put on something other then a housecoat sit, eat and fall into bed exhausted.

The table was set simply no frills. I had thought about it even gotten out a candle and then realized I was acting like this was some kind of date. Get used to this he isn't here for you he is here for a job. Be professional I had to tell myself over and over.

"I can't promise that it will be good but I can promise I won't poison you."

 

[macmillian]

This Land is MY Land

"To tell the truth, errrr, Amy, anything is better that rehab food, this smells like a gormet dinner." I sat down and looked across at you. You looked even more like a woman now in a dress and your hair down. Stop thinking like that, she's your boss...........

"Let me check around and see if there are any good studs available. I been out of circulation for awile with this bum hip, so I have to ask to find out. Spook also let me near her this evening, I not sure if that's a good sign or not." We eat in silence and casting glances at each other and catching ourselves as we do.

"Which one of the mares will make a good saddle horse for me, you have Morgan and you know a little of your stock so I ask your guidence."