Yellowstone

Chapter 8 - A Country Boy Can Survive

"Goddamn..." Elisabeth huffed, looking out at the still dark sky. "What?" Ryan asked. "Winter came early this year... way too early."

Just a month ago, they were all swimming after work because it was so hot out. But now, the hands were wearing their heavier jackets and gloves due to the weather. The horses' coats were already getting thicker and fluffier as well.

Autumn had pretty much been skipped in the cycle of seasons. The cold front had come quick, and it didn't leave much time for the hands to prepare for the subzero temperatures that Montana brought during its cold seasons.

"I can't do this!" Jimmy cried. "Quit complaining and start working. You've wasted enough time as it is." Rip snapped, putting his sunglasses on.

"Mr. Dutton said there was a bear out on the property yesterday morning." Rip said, turning his head to Elisabeth. "Do you know which portion?" She asked. "Right off the road. You know... the one you crashed by... with the horses and-"

She cut him off. "Yes, Rip. I know the one you're talking about." She said, now sounding slightly irritated.

"Crash? Wait- Liz, when did this happen?" Ryan asked with concern.

"Earlier this year. Long story short, Mr Dutton and I were being chased by a semi, crashed the truck and trailer and we were pulling horses at the time." She quickly explained. "It was when I had that big ass gash on my head."

He seemed to understand now. "Is that why Stone didn't ever come back? And why the yearlings were never delivered?" He asked.

Stone had been Ryan's other horse. "Yeah..." She huffed, scuffing the ground with one of her boots. "I uh... I had to shoot Stone... there was a rod stuck in his neck and-" Elisabeth stopped herself.

"You know what? It doesn't matter. Let's get to work."

THREE HOURS LATER

"Huh... wonder what she's doin'." Elisabeth muttered as she saw Beth walk out the barn, leading a horse.

Beth took the horse into the large arena and got up on it. Elisabeth could tell that Beth was scared, and so could the horse. As soon as Beth steadied herself, the horse started trotting. Then he quickly broke into a canter.

"Fuck.. she lost her balance." Elisabeth whispered. Soon enough, the horse was galloping and Beth fell to the ground.

The gelding bolted off, bucking and nickering. Elisabeth hopped the fence and walked to Beth, who was lying on her back.

"Damn. You got buckaroo'd right onto your ass, didn't you?" Beth rolled her eyes. "Repeat that in English. I don't speak fucktard."

She huffed, standing and mounting the horse again.

"You wanna run motherfucker?" Beth muttered to the gelding, kicking his flank. "Run." She hissed.

The horse almost immediately reacted to her leg cue and cantered off. Unfortunately, the horse reared up and bucked her off once again.

"Oof... damn." Elisabeth said to herself. She inhaled sharply through her teeth and walked up to the horse, as he was standing near Beth.

"You don't fucking speak horse neither, do you?" She asked with sarcasm.

Beth huffed as she watched Elisabeth get up on the horse, trotting him smoothly. She made a lap around the arena before returning to Beth and dismounting.