Unbound - Rachel's Story
Copyright© 2025 by A Kiwi Guy
Chapter 24
It was late Saturday morning when Matt and Rachel arrived at Swannanoa. The first riding class was just finishing, and the members clustered near their bus as Matt lifted Rachel into her chair.
Suddenly, a piercing cry broke across the paddock.
“It’s the dancing lady!”
Rachel froze. Before she could take a breath, three girls rushed towards her, voices tumbling over each other in squeals of excitement.
“Can I have your autograph?”
“We love yo u!”
“You’re our hero!”
Rachel shrank back instinctively, gripping the armrest of her chair. For a fleeting moment, she considered retreating into the safety of the car. The girls pressed in so close that Matt worried they might capsize her with their enthusiasm.
Thankfully, Caroline swooped to the rescue. She wedged herself firmly between the girls and Rachel, her voice calm but authoritative.
“Now, ladies, I know you’re excited, but please give Rachel some breathing space.”
The girls stilled, eyes wide and eager, like puppies waiting for attention. Caroline gave Rachel a quick, reassuring smile.
“Rachel, allow me to introduce Justine, Jordan, and Jill – the Three Jays. They’re very special members of this class, and they’re obviously thrilled to meet you. Now, ladies, it’s time for you to head back to the bus, but I’ll tell you what – with Rachel’s permission, and if your driver doesn’t mind a small delay, you may each ask her one question. One only. Then it’s time to go.”
A babble of protest erupted until Caroline lifted her hand.
“First, Rachel hasn’t said yes yet. She might be tired or embarrassed. So, Rachel – are you all right with answering a couple of questions?”
Rachel gave a slight nod, trying not to look resigned.
Caroline turned briskly. “Justine – your question.”
“Miss Rachel,” the girl blurted, “I’d love to do what you do. How did you learn that?”
“I didn’t so much learn,” Rachel replied gently, “as have a wonderful tutor who showed me how. That’s Matt, of course. And I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that we’re now engaged to be married.”
The revelation set off another squeal of excitement.
“Ladies!” Caroline clapped her hands, regaining order. “Jordan, your turn.”
“Will he teach us?”
Rachel hesitated. “I can’t say yes or no. We’d have to discuss it. It’s a big ask – we’re both very busy, and we need to start planning our wedding. But we’ll talk about it, won’t we, Matt?”
He nodded, a little warily, already wondering where this might lead.
“And last, Jill,” Caroline prompted.
“Mrs Mears, will you take a photo of us with Miss Rachel?”
“Very happily,” Caroline said, taking the phone. In moments, the trio had crowded around Rachel, posing proudly for the camera. Of course, each insisted on having her own copy, but at last the happy gaggle returned to their bus, waving furiously out the windows.
Rachel let out a long sigh. “I did not expect that,” she muttered. “Notoriety does not sit well with me.”
“You did fine,” Matt reassured her.
“Indeed,” agreed Caroline. “But regain your calm now. We can chat more over lunch.”
Lunch of cold meat and salad was a welcome respite from the morning’s frenzy, a chance for the four of them to catch up on the week. Rachel and Matt described the art exhibition opening, though they skipped over the mid-afternoon tension – “our first quarrel,” they admitted to each other later. Rachel was still glowing at the applause for her students’ work, but one worry lingered.
“I fear our dance overshadowed their paintings,” she groaned. “I suppose there were more Facebook videos?”
“Yes,” Caroline said, “and that, together with today’s scene, raises something important we need to talk about.”
“I don’t like the spotlight,” Rachel insisted. “It just doesn’t sit well.”
Caroline leaned forward, eyes kind but steady. “I think there’s something here you haven’t yet seen. Do you know why those girls were so excited? It wasn’t the dance alone. It was what you represented.”
Rachel frowned. “What do you mean?”
“In one word: hope. You showed them that they don’t have to be defined by disability. You’ve risen above yours, and that gives them hope that they can do the same. That is a gift no teaching can give.”
Rachel stared down at her plate. The words pierced her defences, and emotions surged up, unbidden.
“Darling,” Caroline continued softly, “think about the Joni Eareckson film you watched. A young woman, her life ahead of her, suddenly paralysed. Years of anguish, hopelessness, depression. Yet with God’s help, she found a new purpose. Because of her disability, she brought hope to millions, something she might never otherwise have done.”
That was too much. The tears spilled over. At first quiet, then wracking sobs that shook her shoulders. Matt, Caroline and Geordie gathered silently around her, offering no words, only presence.
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