No Time for Horses by Shannon Kennedy Page A

I’d look out for myself. That was my first job.
Like Ingrid said, I had to look out for me first, or I couldn’t
take care of anyone else.
    * * * *
    Wednesday, November 20th, 7:15 a.m.
     
    “How was your therapy session?” Robin handed
over my latte as soon as I arrived at her table in the Commons.
“Did you get your head screwed on straight?”
    “It was good,” I said, removing the cap and
taking a swallow. “You may not have to listen to me whine and
snivel quite so much. She told me that Jack and I did the right
thing last summer when we dropped the kids and went to see Monty
Roberts anyway.”
    “What do you know?” Robin grinned at me,
brown eyes amused. “I’ve been telling you for ages not to
guilt-trip yourself about that. So, she’s going to help you get a
spine?”
    “No. She’s going to teach me strategies for
dealing with the people who want to take advantage of me and keep
me downtrodden.” I drank more of my coffee. “And I’m going to be
nicer to your brother.”
    “Hold on.” Robin straightened in her chair,
suddenly serious. “Where’s that coming from? Vick, you already
treat him way better than most girls. I know. I’ve heard them when
they try calling him.”
    “Yeah, but he’s my boyfriend, not a
superhero. He shouldn’t have to rescue me all the time from my
family. I’m going to teach the kids to put away their stuff and
help clean the house. It will be good for them and for Jack and me
too.” The bell rang as I finished my coffee. “Let’s go. I have
canned stuff for Weaver, so she’ll be able to harass other students
today.”
    “What did you bring?” Robin stood and pushed
in her chair. “I have two boxes of noodles.”
    “Two cans of beets and two jars of that
creamy peanut butter Rick likes. He’s been gone since May, and I
figure I’ll put the food he left behind to good use. Nobody at home
is going to eat that junk anyway.”
    Robin laughed and followed me toward Homeroom
English. “Wow. Maybe I ought to go to your counselor. She’s going
to make you into a superhero.”
    “Yeah, but she wouldn’t have a chance if you
weren’t my best friend. I don’t know what I’d have done without you
during these last few months.”
     

Chapter Eleven
     
    Wednesday, November 20th, 3:30 p.m.
     
    Cheer practice ended early and I hurried to
change then rushed to the parking lot to meet Jack and Robin so we
could head for Shamrock Stable. My cell phone buzzed, and I
answered. “Hello.”
    “Vicky, this is Miguel Diaz. I’m sorry to
bother you, but the kids are in my room and I have a staff meeting.
When will you be here?”
    “Oh my Gawd!” I hastily remembered I was
talking to a teacher. “I’m sorry. Their dad is supposed to get them
on Wednesdays because this is when I do my internship hours for
school. Obviously, he’s not picking them up today.”
    “He didn’t answer his cell phone or the
emails I sent. I left messages for him and your mom at their jobs.
What do you want me to do with the kids?”
    “I’m on my way,” I said. “Can they wait for
me in the office so they don’t mess up your meeting?”
    “I’ll call the principal and tell her I’m on
my way. We’ll meet you out in front of the school.”
    “Great. Thanks so much.” I hit ‘end’ on my
cell and then called Robin. “Okay, who is next on the list for
babysitting? Rick bailed once again. He’s been trying the ‘running
late’ routine for the past few weeks, but this time he just didn’t
show. The kids’ teacher called.”
    “Gwen’s up,” Robin said. “I’ll have her meet
us, and you can tell her what to do when she gets to your
house.”
    “You guys are awesome.” I saw Jack waiting
and rushed to hug him. “We’ve got to stop and do the kid thing
before I can go to the barn.”
    “Whatever you need.” He ran a hand through
his black hair. “Wait a sec. How are we doing the kids and
Shamrock? The same way you did it on Monday?”
    “See, you are the smart