Wayward

Chapter 3: Some Answers, More Questions

"Ugh!" Jeanne huffed as she placed the large saddle onto a nearby bench.

It had been over a month and a half since her arrival in the "world" she now called home. She wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her arm. She had started helping around the ranch, much to Miriam's chagrin. She didn't want the young woman to push herself too hard, especially after the fainting incident in town. It took some time, but Jeanne had convinced Miriam she would do less laborious work. Albert had been more than happy to show her the ropes and was just as happy at how fast Jeanne learned.

One of the horses neighed as Jeanne went about feeding him and the others in the barn, Jeanne giggling as she filled his container with feed, "Okay, okay, I get it! Here's your food, Brush!! Impatient much?"

The horse neighed happily as he ate. The stable held six horses in total. Brush was a chestnut color, a little immature, and the was the youngest of the brood. There was Silva, a beautilful champagne mare who acted as the mother of the group, the oldest of them. Second oldest was Noche, a jet-black male who was also the largest. He followed Silva everywhere, and Jeanne thought it was the cutest thing in the world. Third was Autumn, a bay color mare who happened to be the sweetest of the group, loving to get pets whenever she could. Fourth was Polk, who was a pinto-colored male and was the more introverted one. And last was Snow, a stark white male who was just...odd, but Jeanne liked it.

They each had their own personalities and Jeanne had enjoyed getting to know them. It had helped with her transition into this new life. She had gone into town a few more times and met some more people. She had also spent time with Saoirse, which she greatly appreciated, having else to talk to. Once she was done with her chores, Jeanne stepped out of the stable and walked to the waterspout nearby. She turned it on, pouring the cool water down her neck and back, taking a few sips. Once she was cooled off, she turned it off and took a seat on the old wagon parked next to the stable. Leaning back, she took a deep breath, the breeze feeling refreshing against her wet skin.

She closed her eyes, relaxing in the moment when Albert approached her, "Sleeping on the job? Tsk, tsk!"

Jeanne chuckled, opening her eyes as he sat next to her. He handed her a bottled water, fanning himself with his cowboy hat. They sat in content silence. The two had gotten close over the last few weeks. They had built this sibling rapport, messing with each as though they had known each other their whole lives. The Slades really had saved her life, in more ways than one.

"Hey, Al," she spoke in quiet tone. "As much as you guys have helped me, and I don't mean to sound rude! But..."

"But you want to do more," he finished for her.

She lowered her gaze, swigging the water left inside the bottle.

"Listen, Jeanne," Albert turned to her. "We get it, we do. My grandparents and I know you have a million questions, and there's only so much we can answer. Don't feel bad about it."

"I just," Jeanne started, letting out a sharp breath, "with what I know about this universe, especially this Earth, I honestly don't know what to do. How do I go about this? Do I use what I know to help prevent further suffering, or will that only worsen things? Should I even meddle to begin with? I'm not even supposed to exist here, Albert! I'm...I'm so confused and scared."

She dropped the bottle, covering her face in fright. Albert placed an arm around her, holding her tight as he spoke.

"Jeanne, I wish I could tell you what to do, I really do. I know you are terrified of what your presence will do to this world. But you got to understand, never ever think you're not supposed to exist, ya hear me?"