As my parents small blue car pulled into the parking lot, I realised once again just how big this school really was. Holidays had been nice but seeing my friends again would be even better. As the engine spurred to a stop I eagerly got out. My parents followed me and I looked at the familiar huge buildings and paddocks filled with horses. "Should we come in with you?" Dad asked, handing me the handle of my suitcase. "Thanks, but it's fine. I'll see you for Parents week," I hugged Mum and then Dad. "See you in about six weeks," Mum smiled. I waved them off and watched a newbie clinging onto their parents. I couldn't believe that was me last year. Well not anymore, I was ready. Ready for whatever this term had to bring.
"Lola!" I shrieked. We hugged tightly and I smelled in her usual Jasmine body spray. "Omigod it has been too long," she half screamed. "Have you checked in with Steph yet?" I asked placing my suitcase on my bed. "Yeah I got here yesterday, do you like the new room setup," Lola replied. I nodded,"Yep it's perf." She started frantically pulling clothes out of my case. I tried to catch them but there was too many! "What are you doing?" My scream was muffled as a scarf flew in my direction and I leapt in an attempt to get it. Finally the clothe missiles stopped and I could see Lola, my DVD's to her chest. "I need them," she yelled. I burst into giggles, falling on my bed. Lola held up a pair of tights giving me a warning look. "I'll have no other choice," she said in a deep voice. "Okay okay I surrender, I can't deal with the Storm of Lola," I laughed, holding up my hands. She started giggling too and collapsed onto my bed. "I can't believe you were going to kill me for my DVD's," I said, with a mock horror look on my face. "I just have to see the episode where Bronte and Liam finally go on there first date," she squealed. "I'd love to but I owe my beautiful Destiny a visit," I replied. "Okay but if you interrupt this episode I'm afraid you will have to face, the evil Lola," she placed a hand on her hip, after standing up. I laughed and stood up. "I'll see you later," I smiled. As I walked out of Winchester I thought about how good it was to arrive on a Saturday. Then tomorrow we'd have free time and then on Monday classes would start
"Hey boy," I cooed as I entered Desi's stall. He nickered softly as I hugged his neck. "Awwwww I missed you too," I grinned. His black coat was extra shiny, Mike, my favourite Raven Fields groom, had taken great care of him. Destiny's ears twitched back and forth at my voice. "Excuse me? Do you go here?" A girl asked. "Yeah why?" I replied. I observed her scared expression and her shaking hands which gripped a lead line. On the end stood an equally as terrified Morab gelding. "Oh I um don't know where he's meant to go," she stammered. "I can show you. My name's Sasha by the way," I replied stepping out of the stall. "I'm Brit and this is Ash, he gets scared easily. This is a new experience for the both of us," the girl said, her nerves appearing to slip away. "Are you in year six?" I asked, walking down the aisle. "No year seven. I look small for my age that's all," Brit answered. I looked at all the stall names until I found Ash. "Here you are. If you need anything you can talk to me," I grinned. "Thank you," Brit smiled gratefully. "I hope you enjoy being here," I replied. "Maybe we can trail ride sometime, I'd love to show you the trails around here."
"I'd love that too," she said. I waved and left her staring at the huge stall. I had to meet Lola for dinner, and then tomorrow the crazy studying would have to start.
Hey Sash
Can U pls text me when U r done riding? Me & U need 2 talk
It was from Lola.
K me & Cal r trail riding first but will txt U when we r done
I texted back. "Who's that?" Callie asked. "Oh just Lola, she wants me to tell her when we are done trail riding," I answered, my boots scuffing the concrete as we walked. Callie dropped her crop and bent down to get it. I continued walking slowly, waiting for her to catch up. Callie caught up and a silence settled over us. Callie flicked back her golden hair and mounted Sunny. I copied her cooing to Destiny. "Which trail?" I asked. "The one that goes by the creek," Callie replied. We started trotting out horses and she let Sunny edge his nose in front. "Canter?" Callie asked. "Sure but maybe just until the creek," I answered. Destiny started cantering after my signal. I loved how he seemed to float along. Sunny eyed Destiny and he pressed on at a fast canter. Soon we reached the creek where we slowed to a trot and then a halt. "Omigod. I come here a lot but it never gets less beautiful," I said. "Yeah I know. It just blows me away," Callie whispered back. There was light frost on top of the creek and it was crystal clear. "I'm sooo gonna play with Desi in it when it warms up," I answered. Callie nodded. "What's up?" I asked. She stared at me for a long time before answering,"I guess it's just stress". I nodded but I knew my BFF, something was definitely up. "C'mon Cal just tell me," I begged. "Fine I uh guess I've been a little distracted lately by um people," she stuttered. "You mean Heather and Blake?". "No I mean like other people," she said, tightening her purple wrap scarf around her neck. "Huh? What do you mean other people," I asked. "Er I guess I sorta like someone," Callie murmured. "What? Who?" I half yelled. "Shhhh. I uh well kinda Skye," she stammered. "Omigod, for like how long," I demanded. "Let's head back," Callie replied, turning Sunny around. "Wait Cal," I called, but she was already trotting away. I followed her down the trail and by the time I caught up I had decided to drop it. "Look I know you have a million questions so go ahead shoot, but try to dial down the sound. Skye would probably be able to hear you," Callie said. "Well why do you like him? When did you start liking him? And what are you going to do when Heather and Blake find out? I mean they hate us already and how will this help?" I asked, turning sideways in the saddle so I could look at Callie. "I don't really know when, I guess I've always had a crush on him since he started. And he's cute, nice and doesn't call me 'dude' like half the guys here. And Heather and Blake won't find out cause Skye likes Blake not me. Plus no-one will tell them, it's not like he'll just randomly ask me out and then tell everyone we like each other," Callie reasoned. "But c'mon Cal what if he does like you? I mean he is super cute and always opens the door for you," I replied. "Uh hello? He's SKYE he has always been nice and you saw him give Blake a ten. He gave me a seven," she answered. "Well he always offers to clean your tack and he offers to........", I started. "What are you guys doing out here?" Skye interrupted, cantering into view. I soon realised he was bare back. "We are trail riding, why?" I said, hoping he hadn't heard our conversation. "We have a team meeting in ten minutes. Since Callie and you are usually early I came to find you guys," he said. Callie looked at the ground and I immediately wished she wasn't always so nervous around Skye. Then they could chat easily and he would realise how much she liked him. "Oh thanks, I guess we better head off," I smiled to Skye. "C'mon, I swear Mr Konnel will have a fit if we're ALL late," he laughed, urging Maple forward. I nudged Callie and she followed him. I felt bad for her, if only she could talk to Skye.
