[Note: This is mostly narrative just to bring everything up to date. I wasn't able to get any good screenshot as the seasons didn't match for a while. So pardon for the lack of pictures. But there's a great one at the end of the oldest siblings.
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Alex and Michael returned home for the winter break. Their family was happy to have them home and being surrounded by his loving family helped Alex heal from the damage done by Ashley. The boys had agreed to keep that incident between them. Alex was grateful for that as he would rather his humiliation be confined to Michael's knowledge.
For the most part, no one was aware of anything being a little off with Alex. Lizzy could sense something but she respected his privacy and as long as it didn't appear to be effecting him too badly, she wouldn't press.
They had arrived home in time for the birthday celebrations for Noella and Audrey. A few days later, Noella graduated from high school and sat her university entrance exams. Noella was very excited about going to university for the next terms. She'd been very jealous when the boys got to start without her. Her dream was to study art and photography. For her birthday, she'd received a very nice new camera and she lost no time and going out and getting some lovely winter pictures.
While they'd been away, William had completed training on the two foals. At Alex's earlier suggestion, he first offered Cyana to Samuel Oliver, at a very reasonable price. Samuel was overwhelmed at the offer and was quick to agree. The other foal was sold at the local auction for a very good price and William spent the remainer of the year racing Big Red. William had decided it would be his final year in flat racing. However, he was interested in moving into jumping and possibly cross country events. Darcy Farm would continue breeding prime race horses, though. Everything should be in place for Alex to take over the racing events when he returned from university. William was keeping his eye out for an appropriate filly to add to the stables. Big Red would be retiring from racing this year as well and would be put out to stud.
Lizzy loved having all her chicks around her for the holidays. She'd missed having the boys at home and the thought of them AND Noella going off to university again soon made her a bit melancholy at times. William made sure to give her extra cuddles on the cold nights to help ease her mother's heart. Although, he was very glad that Noella was starting university with both of her brothers close by and he planned on having a stern talk with the two about ensuring her safety at school.
Alex had always favoured his father in looks but it became even more pronounced after he'd been to the barbers to get a haircut. He'd opted for something short like his father's cut. It was more comfortable with the riding gear. Lizzy was startled at first when she saw him with the new cut. He was the spitting image of his father when they married which made her a bit misty eyed to Alex's bafflement.
The holidays passed quickly, too quickly for Lizzy's comfort, but the day arrived for the three oldest siblings to be off. Lizzy was weepy but smiled and hugged her children tightly with the requisite warnings about keeping warm and to call often.
Then they were off with the little moving van and on their way. What adventures would these two terms bring for the close sibblings? Stay tuned...
