Summer of Beauty

(Chapter 1 out of 3 chapters)

Lisa stood @ the window looking across the downward sweep of the field.@ the far fence boarding on the farmland, Beauty gazed placidly @ the sheep. More & more these days, Lisa felt tears rising when she taught about Beauty----which was most of the time. Beauty her pony was old now & barely even able 2 walk on bad days.

Lisa slammed out of the house, hands deep in her pockets & her head lowered as she swallowed back the tears. It had 2 happen.1 day ---perhaps soon ---Beauty was going 2 die & Lisa did not no if she could bear it. That slow beloved shape would b gone from its stable & field...there would b no more welcoming turn of the gentle head as Lisa approached.
"Hello my Beauty"
The ponies nose was still velvet soft even in old age
"Your looking better today aren't u?"
Beauty answered all questions with the same funny little shake of her head. Lisa laughed ,forgetting 4 a moment 2 count the precious days.
"Of course your better. Those new tablets & injections r doing u a lot of good aren't they Beauty." The vet was trying a new treatment 4 the old pony.
"There's no cure 4 old age, but Beauty could live through the Summer if given every care," he had told Lisa's mother. Lisa hadn't heard there conversation & her mother hadn't told her a word of it. Yet she knew. But suddenly a wild hope surged up. The sun was shining, the green fields fragrant with new growth. Suppose the vet was wrong?. The new treatment might give Beauty a new lease of life. Vets didn't know everything & Beauty was of good strong stock.
"Lisa"
"Mums calling Beauty. But well walk around the field after tea okay?. You like that.
Lisa patted the still luxuriant mane & went back 2 the house. It was shabby in need of paint & repairs, but Lisa & her mum couldn't afford things like that. There telephone was a necessity,4 emergencies,& Beauty was expensive 2 keep. Proper stabling, food, vet bills, it all added up. But it was worth it & Lisa wouldn't have things any other way. As she went into the untidy comfortable sitting room, Lisa saw her mother make a swift movement, closing the desk drawer.
"Mum is that another bill from the vet" asked Lisa
"Yes but well manage dear Beauty has 2 have the best we can afford.  The injections help her & that is all that matters." Mum understood so well. They'd do anything 4 Beauty.& yes there was a vague, unreasonable hope that she might get better. Their tea was on the table & the could c Beauty from were they sat eating their plain meal
"Its the school Social Evening on Saturday, isn't it Lisa? That will b fun 4 u.
"Yes mum better than lessons."
Lisa smiled her blue eyes cheerful across the table. Mum didn't know the problem connected with the social evening & noting would make her tell.
"What will u wear, dear?"
"Oh---my blue dress. Its fine."
Later Lisa opened the wardrobe & saw the collection of T-Shirts, jumpers & patched jeans---& the blue dress. Just 2 make sure Lisa tried it on again.
 

By Lizzie Maguire ****

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