San Joaquin Valley, California
I am grateful for this journal. It’s all I have in order to think things through considering the current circumstances. Trying to speak with Kinsey will only result in a thundering, verbal duel. A conversation with Johnny would certainly pick-up where our shoving match ended earlier in the day. Relaying the events of Martin’s Lake to Murdoch would be disastrous. As angry as I am with Johnny and Kinsey, I couldn’t knowingly subject them to the man’s wrath. Asking Maria for guidance is out of the question. Her answer would be similar to Winnie’s; a wooden spoon will solve most problems. I sought out Teresa this afternoon, but unfortunately, it’s Wednesday and “the book birds” were in the Great Room, minus one apple pie. I’ll admit I was dismayed when I spotted Kinsey had joined the flock and newspapers had replaced the books. I’m certain their topic of discussion was the women’s movement, which has a firm footing in the east and heading west.
I know I need to come to terms with my own opinions on women’s equality before attempting to discuss it with my cousin. I’ve read a few articles where a woman’s knowledge of politics is questionable and she would be unable to cast an intelligent vote. Do I think the McGuire twins could vote sensibly? I have my doubts. However, with continued guidance and education, I’m confident Kinsey could make a rational decision.
Change is coming and so must my way of accepting it. Johnny’s struggle may be greater.
~S.
Scott knew Murdoch was starting to notice the polite but limited conversation, which was taking place amongst “his children”. No one wanted him to be aware of exactly how hot that afternoon of riding had gotten. His bellowing would hang in the atmosphere over the San Joaquin Valley for days. However, considering the stubborn nature of all involved, no resolution was in sight. A good front was put forth when the patriarch was present, but the temperature dropped considerably once he was out of sight. The charade was becoming strained. Being the oldest, Scott decided it was his responsibility to set aside his willfulness and put this nonsense behind them. Flipping a coin determined Kinsey would be the first he’d speak with.
The afternoon sun slanting through the barn’s windows provided a tranquil setting for Kinsey as she brushed her chestnut mare. Upon arriving, Scott was provided a glimpse of her contentment before it was replaced with an expression of resentment once his presence was known. Scott began.
“The longer we continue like this, the harder it will be to admit we were both wrong.”
Kinsey’s silence indicated she was not impressed. Letting out a slight whinny, even the mare agreed it was a lousy opening line.
Picking up another brush, Scott started to assist in the grooming with hopes of at least getting the horse on his side.
“So, I’ll go first. Kinsey, I was wrong for over-reacting when learning about you and Johnny at the lake. I apologize.”
Silence.
“All right. Perhaps I need to explain how this works. You see, I said… I’ll go first… indicating you would then go next. We take turns. Rather clever, don’t you think?”
Kinsey let out a sigh as she continued to brush and not make eye contact. “Scott, I was wrong for getting so angry at you as you over-reacted when learning about Johnny and me at the lake. I apologize.”
Scott smiled and nodded. “Good. Apologies accepted. Now, what we won’t apologize for.”
Watching his cousin’s brushing slow slightly helped confirm he had her attention. “Kinsey, I won’t apologize for what I said regarding your last name is not McGuire. You will never be in the same category as the twins or any other young lady I know because you’re above all of them. If wanting the best for you, expecting more from you and holding you accountable is subjecting you to a double standard then you better get used to it.”
Scott let a few moments pass before continuing. “Let me know if we need to review the ‘It’s Your Turn’ rule.”
Kinsey cleared her throat. “Scott, I won’t apologize for the afternoon at the lake. I’ve grown very fond of Johnny. It was fun and nothing happened. I like to be spontaneous and enjoy my life while still making sensible decisions. If this is subjecting you to headaches and hand-wringing then you better get used to it.”
Once again, Scott smiled and nodded. “Good. What we aren’t apologizing for accepted. Now…”
Much to the mare’s dismay, Kinsey stopped brushing. “There’s more?”
“Patience Freckles. Lastly, what we will make an effort to understand.”
Scott brushing came to a rest. A slight protest was heard from their four-legged friend. “Kinsey, I will make an effort to understand your views on equality and your need for more freedom to decide for yourself.” ‘
A slight smile. Finally.’
“Scott, I will make an effort to understand it’s hard for you not to worry and be protective.”
Holding out his hand over the mare’s back Scott offered it to his little cousin.
“Agreed.”
Shaking her older cousin’s hand, Kinsey nodded. “Agreed.”
“Good. Now, no more jumping fences until I find you a horse more suited and I teach you how to do it properly. I mean it. And quit rolling your eyes.”
Scott squinted as he adjusted from the darkened barn to the bright sun outside. “If talking to Johnny could only be that easy.”
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