Promises Beyond The Veil Of Light ( PT 43 )

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Part Forty Three

 

It was the end of the first school day after the Christmas holidays at Birchester comprehensive, as a surge of kids made their way down corridors, each one desperate to escape the days activities. Mina was also glad when the end of the day came, but for a different reason, she'd been invited back to Emma's for the evening. The two girls had become best friends since Mia moved away and Mina loved going to see all the animals up at Birch farm, it was one of those rare treats to be asked, especially as going back to an empty flat didn't feel like an inviting option.

 

The two girls walked down the corridor arm in arm with their bags slung across their backs. “You gotta see the new alpaca I got for Christmas Min, she's got such a comical expression, makes me smile each time I look at her.” Min had become the name Emma had given her back a couple of years ago when Mina started going over to the farm. Mina never minded, she knew how long her name could be to pronounce, so just went with it.

 

“Wish I lived on the farm with you Emm's, it would be so cool to wake up with the animals.” Mina thought about her time in Cornwall and wished she was back with Kate, but knew it was all a pipe dream and for now school was important, so she tried to put the notion to the back of her mind. “At least on the first day back we haven't got any homework...thank goodness!” Uttered Mina. They both laughed as they marched out through the school doors feeling the icy cold temperatures as they set off down the road to the bus stop.

 

The bus ride to Emma's wasn't too bad, but when they got off the bus and began walking, it became treacherous with storm winds blowing this way and that, leaving banks of snow that were almost as tall as the girls. It was about a twenty minute walk to the farm normally, but today it would take longer in the terrible conditions as the girls struggled up the hill and along the lane to Birch Farm.

 

As soon as they got to Emmas, Mina remembered her dad's words that morning, so walking through the back door and into the kitchen she asked, “Mrs Shepherd, can I phone my dad let him know where I am?”

 

Mrs Shepherd was a tom boyish sort of woman with short spiky blonde hair. She stood at the sink in jeans, an old white shirt of her husband's and had wellington boots on, it never occurred to her to take them off as their kitchen floor had cold tiled slabs which were so easy to clean, also when you lived on a farm being proud went out the door.

 

A great dane came bounding into the kitchen nearly knocking Mina over it was so big. “Bounder, get down!” Shouted Mrs Shepherd. “Yes of course you can phone your dad.” Pulling the dog off she turned to her daughter, “Emma, take Mina through to the lounge she can use the phone in there, it's quieter.”

 

Bounder was always pleased to see Mina because she made a big fuss of him when she came over. “See you in a while Bounder,” Mina called out to the dog as if it understood.

 

Mina knew the phone number of the Clinic where her dad worked off by heart. It rang only a couple of times when the receptionist answered. “Can I speak to Kendrick please, it's his daughter.” Almost immediately Mina was put through. “Hello dad, I'm over at Birch farm with Emma, can you pick me up later?”

 

Luckily Kendrick was on his break and quite happy to talk. “Sure butterfly. Have you spoken to Evie yet?”

 

Mina hadn't even given Evie a thought, she was so wrapped up in her school day and going to Emmas. “No! Not yet. I wasn't sure if she'd be at the flat, it was pretty dismal this morning. Can you let her know where I am dad?”

 

Kendrick tutted. “Just this once butterfly, but really it's your responsibility to keep Evie in touch with your movements.” Changing the subject quickly, as he didn't want to lay the law down too much. “I'll pick you up around 9pm, if that's all right with Emma's mum.”

 

Emma was stood with her ear to the phone as the two girls smirked at the good news. “It'll be fine dad. See you at nine.” Before Kendrick could utter another word, Mina put the receiver down.

 

“Come outside,” said Emma, “I'll take you to see my alpaca, her name's Cuddles, you'll know why when you see her, she's so adorable.” Mina couldn't wait as they both ran back through the kitchen.

 

“Where are you two off to in such a hurry?” Remarked Emma's mum still at the kitchen sink scraping carrots.

 

“I'm just off to show Mina Cuddles and give her some food.

 

“Well you mind you don't stay out there too long, it's mighty cold and wet...!” Before she had a chance to say another word, the girls were off. Mrs Shepherd was just about to warn them. “and slippery!” When they disappeared. Moving to the door quickly, she shouted out, “Food will be ready in an hour and a half!”

 

The girls looked back and waved that they understood. The lane was sludgy in places where the tractor had been used, but icy and slippery elsewhere. The girls were careful not to fall, holding onto each other and giggling. The barn door was open as they approached with snow still falling heavily. “Dad must be inside,” declared Emma going on ahead.

 

Mina did her best to keep up, but was afraid she'd slip. She could also feel a burning sensation coming from her pocket. Putting her hand in, the ember was glowing fiercely, Mina couldn't understand it because all seemed okay, there were no signs of danger, so what could possibly be causing the ember to radiate so much heat? She wondered.

 

Inside the barn Mr Shepherd was busy stacking hay and getting ready to close up for the day. “You come to give me a hand?” he called out to his daughter not noticing Mina.

 

“Yeah! Okay dad, but first I've come to show Min my new alpaca.”

 

It was then that Mr Shepherd noticed Mina stood at the barn door. “Ah! Hello Mina. She's a mighty fine specimen is our Cuddles, put a spell on all the children, especially our Emma.”

 

Emma blushed, “dad! You're embarrassing me.”

 

“What's to be embarrassed about? Cuddles is a real cutey.”

 

Emma didn't take any more notice of her dad. “Come on Min, she's in the stall over here.” Emma pointed to the enclosure at the far end of the huge barn. Mina could hear the hum of the creature as she approached. Gazing into the stall she saw the amazing expression on Cuddles face and fell in love straight away.” Oh! Emma, you're right she is cute and so adorable. Can I go in and pet her?”

 

“Of course,” replied Emma removing the gate.

 

Mina stepped into the enclosure holding out her hand for the creature to come and get used to her scent. Cuddles hummed her way over, her large eyes penetrating, almost hypnotic. It was a calming experience and Mina felt a welling up of emotions as she soothed the creature with her gentle whispering voice. Placing her hand under Cuddles chin, Mina used her fingers in a massaging motion which seemed to give the alpaca a soothing response, she hummed some more as if to thank Mina, then backed away, moving towards Emma who had food.

 

Mina watched her friend and enjoyed observing the creature eat. She thought Cuddles had a sweet disposition and was desperate to have one of her own, but knew it wouldn't be possible. Perhaps one day! She thought.

 

Cleaning out the stalls wasn't a problem for Mina, she was used to scrubbing out barns. Getting buckets of water and a brush, the two girls first picked up bits of poo into one bucket, then swept up the old hay and finally tipped water onto the floor and brushed away any old debris left lying.

 

Cuddles seemed to appreciate her clean surroundings by humming some more. But now it was time to clear out the other stalls. There were about ten altogether, but the girls weren't expected to do them all, so Mr Shepherd got the hose out and began cleaning the rest of the animals domains with the help of the girls.

 

The evening flew by for Mina as they tucked in to the casserole Mrs Shepherd made and chatted about Mina's trip to Cornwall and how much fun it had been. It wasn't long before her dad was knocking on the door ready to pick up his daughter who was tired and ready for the long drive home.

 

To be continued...