#walker fandom

'A year.'

'So you committed for a year even though we might only stay a few months?'

He shrugged again. 'I couldn't get a shorter lease, the old owners wouldn't let me sign for anything less then a year. Seems comfortable enough though-' The house was fully furnished, the previous occupant an elderly lady who had gone to a nursing home and her children had looked to make a quick buck leasing out the property. 'Might even be good enough for your expensive taste. That's one thing your mother could have forgotten to teach you, I can't ever keep you happy with where we live. Well-' He looked down at her. 'Is it up to your standard?'

Maddie swallowed and nodded. 'I like it Dad, thank you. It really is a nice house. Can I go and choose my own room now?'

He motioned for her to leave. 'Afterwards you better start unpacking, I need to make a trip into town.'

‘I won’t take long.’ She assured him and started up the hallway, peeking into the rooms as she went past. There were two smaller bedrooms and a larger one she guessed her father would want. One of the smaller bedrooms was a soft light pink with white furniture and a sad smile graced her lips as she looked at it. It reminded her of her old room when she lived with her mother…

‘We don’t have all day Maddie.’

‘Coming, coming.’ Her reply was shouted back and she hurried out to where he was waiting at the truck. ‘I’ve chosen my room, the one down the hallway from the living room.’ She quickly helped him untie the tarp off the back of the truck, taking her suitcase down from the pile. ‘It looks really nice here Dad.’

‘It’ll do for now.’ He grunted and between the two of them they emptied their belongings from the truck and onto the porch. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he took a quick look at the time. ‘I’ve gotta get, you’ll have to finish unpacking yourself. You know the drill.’

She nodded as he started for the driver's side of the truck. ‘When can I expect you back?’

‘When I pull in the drive.’

‘What about the groceries, we need to eat.’

‘If I have the time, I’ll drop by a store.’

Maddie sighed heavily as the truck reversed down the drive and turned around, the teen standing on the porch steps until she could no longer see the vehicle. It’s an improvement on that apartment room, I guess. It could be worse... She thought as she looked around again. It was still and quiet, no life sturring on the flat, grassy horizon. Not even birds sang. At least we’re not in the city anymore. 

Glancing down at the belongings to unpack she pulled her phone from her pocket, turned some music on and set to work. Her fathers things she took into his room and left them in a neat pile for him to sort through when he returned. Their shared belongings went into the living room for her to arrange and then she set to work on her own room.

Humming along to one of her favorite Beth Crowley songs she organized her clothes into the drawers, thankful to have drawers again. It was nice to finally have a house to live in once more, since they had moved so much they’d gone from motel and hotel and in town apartments; now they finally had a house once more. It was nice to be able to put her clothes into drawers again and not live just out of her suitcases. 

When her clothes were away, she turned her attention to her other belongings. Gently she picked up the framed photo of her and her mother, her eyes misting with tears as she ran her fingers across the smooth glass. I miss you Mama… She sniffled as she placed the photo on the bedside table and after a little while longer, she had finished her unpacking. 

It was late in the evening when she made her way back to the living room, flicking on a light as she walked into the kitchen. There was no food in the cupboards or fridge when she looked, but she had expected as much. 

Can you bring something back for dinner please? She texted, waiting a few minutes for a reply but there was none. Looking around again she decided she’d look around outside while there was still some light.

The back door out of the kitchen led into a large garden and after a moment she found a ripe tomato for a snack. The garden could use some work. She thought as she walked around. At least gardening is something I kinda know how to do. 

Behind the tall fence she spotted a barn and after finding a gate, headed out to look at the building. It smelt of old leather and horses as she walked in, a smile coming to her lips. Sunlight drifted through the window high above, two stalls on either side of the aisle. There were cobwebs everywhere, the barn hadn’t been used for many years but to a curious teenager, it was like stumbling across a lost treasure. Her mother loved horses, when she was little she could remember her mother putting her on the pony rides at the rodeos they used to attend. 

‘You’d have loved this place Ma.’ She spoke into the silence as she gazed around, an old leather halter and lead hung up on the stall door catching her eye. ‘Stardust.’ She read the dusty nameplate out loud, imagining for a moment the horse it might have belonged to. A spirited palomino stallion perhaps? Taking the halter off the hook she continued on through the barn, halter in hand.

There was still hay in the loft when she climbed up to investigate, fresh and green as if it had been baled yesterday. The roof didn’t leak then if the hay was still good and already her mind was turning the loft into a cozy place for her to claim as her own. It would be her perfect hideaway, her own little secret-

She opened the loft door, looking out at the landscape around her. It was the kind of place that she could imagine herself calling home. For the first time in years, she felt at peace with where she was. No noisy cars screaming past, no sirens. Just calm, peace, and quiet. 

‘Might even be lucky enough to get a horse.’ She said to herself then chuckled. No, that wouldn’t happen. Her father wouldn’t allow that. She’d have to content herself with her books and stories of magnificent steeds for the time being. Perhaps though, if they were going to stay here awhile, maybe- No. She shook her head. She should be grateful for what she had, not wish for that she couldn’t have.

Closing the doors again, she climbed back down and found herself coming to another room. Her eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the many saddles inside and blew the dust off a western saddle. It was beautiful, one of the most beautiful saddles she had seen, with silver trimming and ornate carving. It needed a good clean but as she ran her fingers over the leather, she could just imagine herself riding in it on a fast bay horse-

Her phone rung with a message and she pulled it from her pocket to read. Business took longer then expected, no chance to pick up groceries. Pizza?

It would have to do. Quickly she typed a reply then started out of the barn, closing the door behind her. First thing tomorrow morning she would clean that saddle up then make her own little place in the barn. A smile was on her lips as she headed to the house, perhaps things were starting to look up for her. 

~~~~~~

Maddie stepped back, brushing the dirt from her hands as she surveyed her work. It had taken her three days of work but finally, the loft was fixed to her liking. The bales of hay she had managed to arrange nicely in the corner, a couple left out for chairs. A few horse posters from magazines decorated the walls and the western saddle she had found held pride of place in the corner. 

‘Perfect.’ She exclaimed with satisfaction. ‘But there’s just one thing missing…’

A quick trip to the house and she returned with her mother’s guitar, placing it in the corner against the saddle. Yes, that looked right. ‘Now, it’s perfect.’ She reaffirmed with a smile. Yes, this place would do nicely for her… 

Her father had been gone since they’d arrived, returning late at night only to leave again in the early morning. He’d told her he’d gotten a job on a construction site but she wished that he could have taken a couple days off before throwing himself back into work. She hardly saw him these days and it was lonely with just herself for company. Doing the loft had been a welcomed distraction but now that it was finished she found herself trying to find something else to do next. The garden could do with some work, I guess. 

Leaving the barn once more, she found some garden tools in an old shed and set to work. There were a lot of plants that were overgrown, growing across the paths and that was the first thing she started on. Humming as she worked she delved into her work and soon it was mid day.

It was the sound of a vehicle pulling up out front that distracted Maddie from her work and she decided to go investigate, the girl brushing the dirt from her jeans as she got up from the garden bed. As she came around the side of the house she saw that a silver truck had pulled up in the drive, one she didn't recognize. The thought of running and hiding crossed her mind but the woman inside the truck saw her and waved. She swallowed hard, heading out of the yard to speak with her.

'Hey there-' Abeline smiled as she stepped from the driver's seat. 'You must be our new neighbors, we live just down the road aways.'

Maddie nodded, taking a moment to look at the woman. She was about five foot five with curly hair that touched her shoulders. She wore a denim jacket and red skirt but it was her blue eyes that helped alleviate some of her fears. She looked kind and gentle, like her Mama… 'My Dad and I just moved in a couple days ago.’ She replied. ‘I'm Madeline Stanton.'

'Abeline Walker.' The two of them shook hands, Abeline looking at the girl. She looked to be around the same age as Stella, her long brown hair tied back in a messy ponytail. 'I wanted to drop by and introduce myself on behalf of my family, I made a sponge cake as a welcome gift.'

'I can't say no to cake.’ Maddie smiled. ‘Would you like to come inside? I apologize for the mess, we’re still getting settled in.' 

'Mess doesn’t bother me the least.' She replied with a chuckle. ‘I have two teenage grandchildren at home and between the pair of them the house is always a mess.’ She grabbed the container from the car then followed the girl into the house. The house was in a bit of a mess and she noted the many empty beer cans beside one of the couches in the living room as she walked through. The smell of alcohol was thick in the air but she made no comment, following the teen into the kitchen.

‘Have a seat.’

She sat at the invitation, glancing around. The kitchen was much cleaner than the living room and she placed the cake on the table as the girl went to wash her hands in the sink. 'So it's just you and your dad living here then?'

Maddie nodded. 'Yeah, just the two of us. We get by though just fine.’ Wiping her hands on a towel she then went to a cupboard to gather a couple plates and some cups. 'Would you like a drink? I'm afraid I can only offer cold water, my dad hasn't had a chance to do a proper grocery shop yet.'

'Water would be just fine, thank you.' She said, the girl filling the glasses then brought them to the table. 'You guys planning on staying here long?'

'Well Dad took out a year lease on this place-' She brought over a knife to cut the cake then took a seat across from the woman. 'but it depends on his work.'

'What does your dad do?'

'Odd jobs, he does most anything.' She shrugged as she placed a piece of cake on the plate. 'He's got a job on a construction site at the moment so he'll be working there for a few weeks at least.'

'And your mom?'

'You ask a lot of questions, don't you?'

'Just trying to make conversation is all.' Abeline said, noting the girl appeared half starved as she quickly devoured her piece of cake. 'It's an old family recipe, this one. My grandmother used to make them.'

Maddie swallowed down a big mouthful as she nodded. 'It's good, really good.' Before long, she had finished off her piece only then realizing she'd made a pig of herself. 'Please excuse my lack of manners, it's been a long time since I've tasted something as good as this.'

'As long as you enjoyed it, that's all that matters.' She chuckled, taking a drink. 

'To answer your question though, my mom passed away a few years ago.'

'I'm sorry to hear that.'

Maddie shrugged. 'It's no big deal, my dad and I get along just fine on our own.'

'Still, it must be hard.'

'Sometimes…' She was going to say something else but decided to change the subject. 'I noticed there's a barn out back, did the old owners used to have horses?'

Abeline nodded. 'This place actually used to be a horse stud, they had the small barn and pens close by to keep their favorite horses near the house. Have you looked around the property?'

She shook her head. 'Haven't had a chance yet, I've been busy unpacking and such… The garden needs attention too, I don't know a lot about gardening but it seems such a waste for it to die.'

'When you get a moment, you'll find the main barn and the rest of the stud a little down the trail behind the barn. I assume you like horses from the question.'

Maddie nodded. 'I love horses, so did my Mama. I've never had the chance to learn to ride though, the closest I got to a horse was pony rides at the rodeos. I know a lot about them though, I read every book about horses I can get my hands on.'

'Your welcome to come see our horses, my husband Bonham breeds Quarter horses.'

Her face lit up. 'That would be great, I would love that.'

'I also dropped by to invite you and your father to dinner tomorrow, if you would like to join us.'

'I'll ask my Dad and I'll let you know.'

'Well-' Abeline looked at her watch. 'I must be going. If you need any help, feel free to ask. That's what neighbors are for.'

She nodded as she got up to walk her guest to her car. They exchanged phone numbers before she left, Maddie standing in the drive watching her leave. She seemed nice, she seemed like a person she could trust… And she had teenage grandchildren! Perhaps maybe, she could finally make some friends. She hadn't had friends in years, not since her mother had died and she'd lived with her father. Hopefully Dad will let me visit them. She thought, wondering what her father's reaction to Mrs. Walkers invite would be. It would be nice to have friends again. 

~~~~~~~~

When her father's truck finally pulled into the drive that night, Maddie fairly hurried out to meet him. 'Hey Daddy, how was your-' She stopped short as he stepped from the car, her dad with beer can in hand. He'd already started drinking… She sighed. 'Come on Dad, let's get you inside.'

'I don't need your help!' He hissed, staggering away from her up the path. The gate was abruptly kicked open, his daughter following as he walked into the house. 'Where's my dinner?'

'I didn't know what time you were going to be home, it's not ready yet.' 

'Well don't just stand there useless, go get it ready.'

Maddie nodded. 'I'll go get it now.'

'While you're there-' He picked up the tv remote, flicking it on to the sports channel. 'Get me another can of beer from the fridge.'

Soberly she headed into the kitchen, placing a frozen meal into the microwave to defrost before taking him in his beer. 'Dad…' She didn't know how to ask him, deciding it was best to just blurt it out. The worst he could do was get angry at her… 'I had a visit from one of the neighbors today, they invited us to have dinner with them tomorrow night.'

Robert took a long swig from his can. 'I'm busy tomorrow night.'

'Could I still go, please? I promise I will be on my best behavior, Mrs. Walker seems like a really nice person and she has grandchildren who are my age. Can I please go?'

He thought about it then shrugged. 'Fine by me, I couldn't care less what you do.'

'Thank you Daddy, thank you-'

'Hurry up with my dinner before I change my mind.'

'I'll get it right away.' 

He said yes! Maddie was overjoyed as she went to the kitchen, checking on the meal in the microwave. It was ready so she took it in for him, her father giving a grunt of acknowledgement as she placed it on the table in front of him.

'Now get, I've had a busy day and don't need the likes of you whining in my ear.'