To get Back Into the Saddle Again {COMPLETED}

Chapter 10: Fear

For the next two months, Madelyn continued to recover and go to the doctor. The doctor said that her blood pressure was still low and that she should conserve her energy. Her casts are off, and she was doing physical therapy.

One day, she decided to go to the barn. She hoppled over there, holding onto the fence rail. When she got there, the horse all pushed their heads out of the stalls and nickered. Having not seen her for two months, they were so happy. Madelyn grabbed treats out of the feed room, and being careful of her arms and legs, said a long-lost hello to all the horses.

When she got to Atlas' empty stall, she fingered the nameplate. Her mind traveled to what he was going through. Poor Atlas, still at the vet, recovering from surgery. His legs were swollen, and he limped so badly. He was not able to come home yet, because of his condition. However, she would be able to see him today. As soon as Justin arrived home from doing a few errands, they would leave.

When he arrived, they got in the truck and drove off. On the way there, Justin said, "I have something really important to talk to you about. It's been on my heart for a long time,"

"Ok, what is it?" Madelyn said and looked at Justin in the mirror.

"I don't really like my job. Doing mechanics is not what I went to college for,"

"Yeah, and?"

"I found a new job that is a doctor position. It fits all of my qualifications too,"

"Really?! Oh, Justin, that's wonderful!!! Your should apply!!"

Justin's face lit up. "I already have!!"

When they got to the vet and walked over to Atlas' stall, he immediately perked up and did a big nicker. He sniffed up Madelyn's arm, then her face, then the other arm. It seemed as if he understood what happened to both of them. The vet came and explained what they did to him when he could come home, and what his therapy would look like.

Atlas could come home in a week, and start his therapy of walking around, then trotting, and then leg yields. The week passed by so fast, and when Atlas came home, he acted like nothing was wrong with him. He even reared up and realized his mistake. So, instead, he pranced around like a high-spirited Arabian. He was welcomed back to his home nickers, and an extra serving of his favorite grain.

A day later, Madelyn went to the physical therapist. "I think that you can get on a horse soon. It'll help you heal," She said.

So, two days after that, she called Paetyn to come over and watch. They met in the barn and were deciding which horse to ride. "How about we start off with something slower. Like Rafiki," Paetyn said and patted the blue roan on the nose. "Definitely not Willow or Atlas. Amber would feel your fear, and well, you know what I mean,"

"Paetyn. I'm not scared," Madelyn said and gave her sister a blank stare.

"I know you more than you think sis. Remember, we're twins?"

"Yeah, of course, I know that. But I'm not scared,"

Paetyn shot her a questioning look.

"Fine. Maybe a little,"

"Then let's use Rafiki," Paetyn said and grabbed the western saddle. "Besides; the western saddle will be better to balance on,"

When Rafiki was saddled up and led into the arena, Madelyn put on her helmet and went to the mounting block. Paetyn led Rafiki to the mounting block. Madelyn put her foot in the stirrup and swung her leg around. Her feet immediately were in the heels down, toes forward position. A smile came upon her face.

Then, it went downhill.

A wind came up, banging a gate hard against its neighboring fence post. Causing a loud bang. Rafiki bolted across the arena, and Madelyn hung for dear life. When all seemed fine, Madelyn relaxed. Then, said, "I want off,"

Paetyn, who had been chasing Rafiki caught up to them and held the reins. "Are you sure?" She said. She sighed and led them over the mounting block again. Madelyn's legs felt like butter when they felt the ground. She put her hand out to steady herself.

"I'm sorry Rafiki, but I just don't think I'm ready," Madelyn said and walked back into the house to rest. She laid herself on the couch and rubbed her sore legs.

Madelyn a strange feeling that she was scared. She didn't want anything like this to happen again. Not ever. It seemed that the only way to avoid it was to not ride.