Derby Disaster

cHaPtEr TwO

Chloe frowned as she tied on her number, hating how the dull yellow twine cut a clashing line across her navy hunt coat. It was the first day of the show now, having spent the previous day setting up. It seemed each of them had forgotten or misplaced something. A few extra bits were gone, front boots, shoe polish, mane and tail conditioning spray, hairnets, scissors, and yarn for braiding mains. Luckily, there was nothing major that couldn't be lived without. Rory from Dale Ridge had been pretty sympathetic, lending odds and ends, which Alma said was uncharacteristic for him. Chloe didn't care so long as she could ride without having to worry about her saddle falling apart. 

Her twin sister was waiting to hand her Chili's reigns. The flea-bitten grey horse had been brushed until he shone with a glossy finish, and Will had braided his name into those neat little knots. Chloe took the reigns from Zoe, nervously walking over to the mounting block with her mount. She would do a few warm up jumps in the schooling ring before her class began. She was showing at 2'6" after she had had a nasty fall a few weeks earlier. Unfortunately, the cocky blonde had not gained all of her confidence back, and she knew Will had hoped to see her competing at a higher level. 

Bailey leaned against the fence of the warm up ring with Zoe, watching Chloe prepare. He was hoping that they hadn't forgot any other supplies at home and everything from here on out would go smoothly. He felt terrible; most of the things missing had been things he was in charge of. He knew he was forgetful at times, but he had made lists and when he made lists, he hardly ever didn't do them. His brow creased in self-scolding as he sunk deeper into shame, thinking of how Will had been so disappointed. His train of frustration was stopped when he head a sharp cry. 

Chloe had fallen off. Something had startled Chili, causing him to buck and throw her into the sandy footing. She was gasping as she lay with her back flat on the ground for about half a minute before standing up. Chili was cantering around, kicking up his heels, tossing his mane, blowing hot air out of his velvety nostrils. The slight girl managed to catch her steed with help from Zoe, trying her best to calm down him down. She looked at Bailey as he hopped the fence to help, "A rabbit ran across right in front of him..."

"Chloe, it's okay. You have a flat class first to get back into the right mindset," Bailey was panicking on the inside that his friend would no longer want to compete that weekend. Chloe had just gained back enough confidence to show that weekend after skipping the last several events the team had traveled to. Now, she had fallen at the first show she had come to after her accident. He helped her get back on and led her to the gate for the flat class, saying, "Deep breaths. It's going to be okay."

The competition ring filled with immaculately groomed horses and riders dressed to the nines. The gates closed and across a loud speaker, a judge called for the riders to all pick up a posting trot. As the class continued, two figures were watching at the far side of the ring; the woman with the large hat and Rory. 

She had the same hat on as the previous days, and was sporting a burgundy silk scarf draped elegantly around her neck. Her face had no smile lines to detail years of happiness and instead, her mouth seemed to have weights attached at the corners that were pulling the thin lips down into a permanent scowl. She turned towards the boy who matched her height beside her, "I thought I told you to scare that Horseland rider."

"I did. I did the rabbit thing like you asked to the t," Rory threw up his calloused hands in defense. She made him nervous the same way those nuns in his kindergarten class had scared him by rapping rulers across desks. 

"Hmph," She snorted with contempt dripping off of her. She seemed to be weighing the circumstances in her head, deciding whether or not she should dispose of Rory. After an agonizing while, she spoke, "I suppose that's alright, then. After all, it isn't like I asked you to scratch her from the class and it appears I am in your debt so I shall remedy that now."

The freckled boy of sixteen years let out the breath he hadn't noticed he had been holding. The lady reached into her black jacket, pulling out a fat envelope that had been concealed inside. She handed it to him with a curt nod of thanks, and he sensed that she didn't mean the gesture. He looked at her expectantly, head tilted a little to the left and his hair getting tangled in the wind, waiting. 

"Scratch William Taggert from the jumpers' classes he is in," She said without any emotion. Her face was smug and satisfied in knowing that the boy would agree, even if he protested a lot or a little; all she would have to do was find his price. 

"Why?" He started to protest like she had predicted, but stopped when she held up her hand. His face sunk into a sulky look. He didn't want to do that--scratching someone from an entire division was too far. He rolled his shoulders back out of his usual, comfortable slouch. Standing up straight to address her, he said, "I think that is a little too far, ma'am."

"Good manners, pet. I shall double the fee for this one. It is of utmost importance," She placed a patronizing hand on his shoulder, seeing in his sinking expression that he could not refuse. 

A/N 

Yay chapter two. Poor Will. I have no pity. I did that on purpose. 

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xoxo