The Girl Who Found Her Voice

By Marcia Ward

Laury, at nearly fifteen, a quiet girl, has been completely comfortable in her life. She is a good student, enjoys sports and being with her friends. She even gets along with her parents!

She is the fourth in a family of five children. Her two older brothers are in college. She and her sister, Sarah two years older, are close and share a bedroom affectionately called “The Pit”. Completing the family is Brother Tag, age six.

Laury’s best friend, Liz, always get things moving, whether it’s tennis, riding, or social activities. Laury is shocked out of her pleasant life when Liz abruptly has to move to her grandparent’s farm in Iowa because her parents are getting divorced.

Initially, Laury has a terrible time adjusting to Liz’s absence. She has some health problems and a lot of social problems.

It was awful to feel invisible. She has a lot of thinking to do, and a lot of hurdles to overcome. With the help of her family, she finds strength she didn’t know she had, a voice she didn’t know she possessed, and a much happier life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcia Ward
• Release date: Sep 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781938701078

Marcia Ward

Marcia and her husband live in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. They have three children and five grandsons.

Book preview

Laury felt a chill even though it was a clear, sunny day as she and Liz waited outside the faded red barn. There were several other people waiting too, and none of them seemed too disturbed by the sounds of stamping hooves, or the weird snorts that echoed in the barn.

Liz, whatever made you think that I would enjoy horseback riding? I’ll bet skateboarding is less dangerous.

Hey, don’t be silly. Nothing to it. My grandpa taught me at their farm in Iowa. Oh, here come the horses. I hope I get the brown one. Isn’t he beautiful?

Laury turned to look. The horses were being led out of the barn. They looked gigantic. More like elephants. She didn’t realize she had been backing away until Liz grabbed her arm. Most of the others going on the trail ride had already gone up to a horse. Some of them were even calling the horses by names.

I think almost fifteen is too old to start. You were probably six when you learned.

Liz was not listening. She had already gone up to the brown horse, and there was only one left. He looked rather tired.

Hey, kid. Come on. Don’t got all day. Here’s your horse. His name is Killer.

Killer! Laury obediently took the reins from the stablehand. She noticed as she got close to him that those who worked in barns had a distinctive odor. She put a foot in the stirrup as the others had done, but something seemed to be wrong. Everyone was watching her now, and she heard a few chuckles.

Can tell you do a lotta riding. It’s a lot easier if you put the other foot in. That’s right. Now I’ll give you a boost. Killer’s pretty big, ain’t he?

As Laury was given the boost, she put some effort of her own into the matter of mounting a horse. If the stablehand hadn’t been there, she would have been down the other side very quickly. He grabbed her foot just in time, and hauled her back up. Liz was laughing.

Finally settled in the saddle, stirrups lengthened, as she was called a long drink of water, Laury was deemed ready to go. She had firmly decided that if she lived through this ride, it would be her last.

They set out on a trail that led away from the barn, through a harvested cornfield and then into a woods. Laury was hanging on as tightly as she could.

Isn’t this a great day? Aren’t you glad my mom could bring us out? Just look at those trees!

Laury looked at the trees. Liz was right. She had been so busy trying to stay upright in the saddle that she hadn’t noticed. The maples were just beginning to turn red, and there was some yellow starting on the oak trees. Mixed with the green it looked like one of the postcards saying Escape to Wisconsin. Laury tried to relax.

Thanks for telling me. I probably wouldn’t have noticed. This takes a lot of concentration, you know.

Liz had already turned around again, and Laury watched her straight back, her blond hair moving from side to side as the horse walked. Liz patted her horse’s head, and Laury decided to try that too.

Nice boy. Nice Killer! Killer snorted, and shook his head around. Laury was terrified. Obviously he didn’t like her! She decided to concentrate on riding again, sitting as straight as she could. It really was pleasant riding through the woods. Everything was so quiet. The sound of the hooves on the hardened dirt path was reassuring, somehow.

When they came out of the woods into a field, the trail leader stopped her horse, and Laury noticed her for the first time. She couldn’t be more than twelve years old! She had on tight, faded Levis, a huge plaid flannel shirt, and well-worn riding boots. Most astoundingly, she had dark red hair, just like Laury’s. It was even just as curly. The girl had hers in a ponytail, though. As she stared at their leader, she wondered if she also had blue eyes.

We’re going to canter through this field. Everyone know how?

There were excited comments from everyone, including Liz. Laury just stared at the girl. The girl went on when no one had any objection to the plan.

Herb at the stable mentioned someone he named ‘Big Red’ who he felt might be inexperienced.

Since Laury was five feet nine inches, had red hair, and most obviously was not experienced, she got the picture. She raised her hand, just a little bit, very casually, to let everyone know she was not frightened in the least bit.

Oh, it’s you. It’s really not a problem. Just remember to keep your reins loose. These horses are pretty used to following the leader, so we’ll try to keep it at a canter for those who haven’t ridden too much.

Laury tried to look confident, and smiled at Liz as their leader turned around in her saddle, and gave her horse a little kick. Laury was just wondering if she should do the same to Killer, when the whole line of horses took off at once, about five hundred miles an hour, it seemed.

Liz looked like a pro up ahead, and Laury used all her strength to hold onto the horn on the saddle. She kept falling from side to side. Suddenly Killer came to an abrupt stop, and Laury nearly went flying over his head.

She had been so busy hanging on that she hadn’t noticed the woods directly in front of them. Obviously they would have to slow down. Why did it look so easy in the movies?

After a slow walk through the woods they came out into a clearing, and Laury could see the barn in the distance. It was just in time. Laury’s backside felt as though it was on fire.

It was then that Laury realized that she was doing something else wrong. Killer didn’t seem to understand that she preferred to go more slowly. He took off in a run, which was understandable, as the barn was ahead.

Laury was deep in thought at the time and was so startled when he took off that she forgot to hang on. Killer took a little jog to the right, and Laury just slid off to the left. She fell to a path that was soft and muddy and rolled a few times. Killer did not come back for her, and she was afraid to move, so she just lay there, all curled up.

She heard hooves moving rapidly toward her, and then heard the sound of boots hitting the ground.

Wow! Are you okay? Anything seem to be broken? Laury opened one eye, the one that didn’t have mud on it, and saw a fuzzy image of red hair and blue eyes bending over her. Her face looked very concerned.

Can you sit up? Don’t try to stand. Here, I’ll help you move over on your back. Slowly now!

Laury did as she was told, and found she could sit up. Nothing seemed to be broken, so that was good. When she got to her feet, with assistance, she realized that all the other horses and their riders had come back and were gathered around her.

That was pretty spectacular. Are you all together? Liz looked really concerned.

What Laury was could only be called mortified. She looked down at herself. She was covered in mud. All she wanted to do was get out of here. And kill Killer.

I’m fine, really. But I think I’ll walk back to the barn.

Liz had started to laugh. You look like you rolled around in a pot of fudge.

Laury was now standing, and didn’t feel like answering, so she just moved in the direction of the barn. It was lucky she had decided to walk because she noticed Killer was already at the barn. Everyone else was headed back on horseback. Laury’s legs felt strange and wobbly, and her backside was numb. This was fun?

Their leader, who had taken everyone back to the barn, came galloping back for Laury. She stopped her horse, which was amazing in itself to Laury, and hopped off in one easy motion.

She grinned. My name is Jen Robbins. Want to ride back on my horse? You shouldn’t get discouraged, you know, especially first time out.

Laury had to smile back. Can’t imagine how you might think it was my first time riding. But, no thanks. I’m Laury Rogers. She patted her backside, as they walked together, Jen holding Star’s reins. Jen walked with a bounce that Laury wondered if she’d ever have again.

We sure do look alike, don’t we? I mean, the hair. And you have blue eyes too. But I have a long way to go to be as tall as you are!

Don’t give up yet. I was once your size, you know.

Jen laughed. Since I’m seventeen, I doubt I’ll get any taller. Laury estimated that she was a little over five feet tall. She was cute and friendly, which made Laury a little envious. It was always difficult for her to talk to new people.

Actually, Jen, you look more like my sister than my real sister does. She’s two years older than I am, but she’s shorter and has light brown hair. And she can talk to people just as easily as you can, Laury was tempted to say, but didn’t.

You have a sister? Lucky! I wish I had one. Even a brother would be all right. But at least I have, Star, don’t I, boy? She reached out to pat him, and Laury shivered.

You don’t have any brothers or sisters? I can’t imagine that. Besides my sister, whose name is Sarah, I have three brothers.

Jen turned to Laury, mouth open and eyes wide. THREE? No kidding. You must have a big house!

Laury had to laugh as she looked at Jen. I guess it is pretty big. Sarah and I have the biggest bedroom. My two older brothers aren’t around much, though.

How come they’re not around much? What’re their names? How old are they? Apparently Laury’s family was like a fairy tale to Jen, and Laury simply wasn’t telling it fast enough.

They’re in college, so we don’t get to see them much. Steve is twenty, and Jack is twenty-one. We haven’t seen Jack since last Christmas, because he goes to school in Colorado, and this last summer he worked in Estes Park. My parents went out to visit him, though.

Wow. But what about the third one?

That’s Tag. He’s only six, and he’s a real character. He’s the only one of them who has red hair like mine. Like ours, I should say!

Tag! That’s a funny name.

His real name is Robert, but no one has ever called him that. When he was born, my father called him the tag-along, because he was so much younger than the rest of us. My mother says he’s a tag on her sanity, which is hanging on by a mere thread.

He must be like a Dennis the Menace!

Laury laughed. Well, if he is, it isn’t on purpose. He’s a neat little kid, but all these things keep happening to him.

Like what? Understandably, Jen was curious.

"Well, let me think. Oh, yes. For instance, the time the cleaners came. The driver came up to the house, and Tag climbed in his truck to check it out, I guess. He must have been about three. Well, when the driver came back to the truck, Tag hid in a pile of laundry. He must have been scared he’d be caught.

About three hours later the driver got back to the store, and found Tag asleep in the back of the truck. Of course in the meantime, my mom had called 911, and there were Alerts and all kinds of people out looking for him.

Wow. I can’t imagine anything like that happening in someone’s life. By this time they were back at the barn, and Liz came up to meet them.

Jen, this is my friend Liz.

Hi, Jen. That was a great ride. We’ll have to do this again soon.

Laury wasn’t convinced. I think I’d be better off tight-rope walking or maybe race-car driving. Less dangerous for me, I mean.

Jen looked dismayed. Hey, that’s silly. All you need is a little practice. Please come out again. She smiled at Laury, rather shyly. Besides, I kind of feel I’ve found a sister.

We’ll get her out here, don’t worry. But we’d better get going now. Mom is waiting over at the fence, which probably means she’s ready to go. See you next week, Jen.

They walked slowly to the gate. Slowly because Laury couldn’t walk any faster without some part of her body complaining. Mrs. Slayton was smiling as they walked up, but her expression turned to shock as she noticed Laury in all her muddy glory.

Good heavens! Were you thrown? How dare they give you a wild horse?

She’s okay, Mom. She just fell off. Liz started to laugh. Actually it was pretty funny. But maybe you could bring us next week. I think Laury needs a lesson or two. Could you?

Laury looked at Mrs. Slayton. She really didn’t feel she knew her all that well. That was most likely because Mrs. Slayton was pretty quiet. Two quiet people don’t add up to great conversations.

Mrs. Slayton got a very strange look on her face. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but then seemed to change her mind. Her face looked stiff. She looked down at the ground.

Perhaps. Well, we’d better get going. I’ve got a lot of things to do.

When they got to the car, they realized they didn’t have anything for Laury to sit on.

I’ll run back to the stables to see if we can borrow a blanket or something. Liz was off in a flash, and back just as quickly. Jen told her she felt terrible for not offering her sister something in the first place. She had a nice blanket.

Now we’ll have to come back next week. Liz whispered as she got in the car.

CHAPTER 2

On the twenty minute drive home everyone was rather quiet. Laury and Liz decided they would get in a little tennis practice in the afternoon. They might as well take advantage of the nice day.

I’ll ride by for you about two. Okay?

Sure. Hope I can move by then. But we’ve got to get some practice in because final tryouts are next week.

Laury looked carefully at their house as she walked up the driveway. It did look pretty big. Painted white made it look even larger, she supposed. It was two storied, and had black shutters. If you looked carefully, you could see that the black shutters could use a little paint. But as her dad said, with two boys in college, and two more coming up, things would have to be do-it-yourself, or not done, in some cases. First things first, her dad said.

Laury had a smile as she thought of Tag’s solution. He thought hard and then felt proud of his idea.

Well, Dad if you need more money, why don’t you just take it from the bank? He had been to the bank downtown where their dad worked, and had been taken into the vault.

Well, that’s a clever idea, son, but somehow I don’t think the bank directors or those people who put their money in the bank would be very pleased with that idea.

Laury entered the front door, looking for Snoopy, their yellow Labrador. She always greeted everyone. Laury was not disappointed. Snoopy came charging out of the kitchen, and jumped on Laury. This was a no-no, but was often ignored in the height of passion. Snoopy always acted as though a person had been gone for months. She practically foamed at the mouth when Jack and Steve came home.

Hi, girl. Down now. Behave yourself! Do you smell the horses? Snoopy was frantically trying to sniff all of her at once.

Don’t I look great, Mom? Bet you can’t imagine what a great horseback rider I am!

Mrs. Rogers had been reading in the living room, and she looked up to smile at Laury. Her expression turned to disbelief.

Good heavens! I don’t think I’ve seen as much mud on one person since we watched the mud wrestling matches. No broken bones, though. That’s good! And now we’ll see how my detergent works.

She came over to inspect Laury more closely. It’s even through your hair straight to your scalp. It’s going to be a test for your shampoo, too!

Mrs. Rogers reached over to touch Laury’s hair. She wasn’t quite as tall as Laury, and had light brown hair, like Sarah’s, but with a few strands of grey, not very noticeable to anyone but herself.

Laury always felt very comfortable around her mother, probably because her mother and dad pretty much accepted her the way she was. It didn’t seem to bother them that Laury was quiet, and not in demand as Sarah always was.

Your hair is definitely called streaked.

Isn’t it gross? I tried to comb it out, but the comb broke and I gave up. Guess I’d better go shower. Liz and I are going to get in some tennis practice later. Where is everyone?

Sarah’s out somewhere with Brad, and Dad took Tag and a friend to the big cartoon festival at the Mall. She laughed. I know he’ll come home with a gigantic headache. You know, the extra-strength Excedrin type.

Laury laughed too. Yup. He surely is brave to be in that crowd of noisy rug rats. Well, to the shower.

Laury headed for the stairs, then turned back. Oh, I forgot to tell you about the funniest thing. The girl who led the trail ride had red hair like mine, and also blue eyes! She’s seventeen and five feet tall, though. She doesn’t have any brothers or sisters and couldn’t believe how big our family is. She wants me to come back for lessons.

Mrs. Rogers had just settled down to read again, but she looked up with an interested glance. So? Are you going again?

Well, she said I just needed a few lessons, which is a gross underestimate, I’m sure. Liz wants to go. Maybe I will.

Laury walked slowly up the stairs. Could you just holler when Liz comes?

The shower felt great. It loosened up the stiffness in her legs. Perhaps she would survive tennis after all. It was not easy getting the mud out of her hair.

She went down the hall to their bedroom to look for tennis clothes. The door was shut. Actually, the only day that the door was always open was Sunday. On Sunday Sarah and Laury cleaned their room, and on the other days their mother said it depressed her to glance in the door.

Since it was Saturday, things were in a disastrous state in their room. Laury sighed as she wondered where she would find tennis clothes. There were clothes piled on chairs, beds, and the floor. She found her warm-up suit under the bed. How had it got there?

Really, they were going to have to get organized. She sifted through stuff until she found shorts and a tee-shirt. Sharing clothes worked fine except for pants because of their difference in height. Or if someone wanted to wear something that was already out