Heavy breath, sweaty palms never could get used to this feeling, no matter how many times I've crossed this feeling, it always a good hold of me. I pace my breath to try and drown all the negative thoughts.
Once again, I am completing the last rodeo event: Bull riding. I only need eight seconds on the bull and I get into the bigger leagues.
When I hear my number announced I head toward the Chute.
"Mr. Knight?" a flank man asks.
"Yes, sir. Is this Red rock?" I nod toward the bull in the chute.
I look at the bull in the chut, it has a unique color of red fur.
"Sure is," As he confirms, I climb into the chute and start to adjust all the flank straps.
With my nodding, the cute it opened.
Bulls are aggressive, they crave freedom. As soon as the chute was opened this bull was fighting for his life. With my left hand in the air, I tighten my grip on the Flank strap.
Relaxing my upper body, while focusing on my lower body strength I begin to count.
One
Two
"And were are off to a great start. Mr. Knight has a great form..." I hear the announcer in the background.
Recalling, Monday's training, thoughts of Bonnie come interrupting my concentration. I almost grab
Three
Four
Five
"Our rider seems to be a bit distracted..."
I try to push out any thought unrelated to my training and this very moment of my life. But now I can't help but question if she will leave me to?
Six
Seven
I lose my grip on the strap forcing me to detach myself from the bull's back. Abruptly, getting off the bull I lose balance falling to my side when I land. Quickly standing up, I get out of the field and over the chutes. Looking over to check my time.
7.89
I bite my lower lip while making my way to the back away from the crowd.
I failed in the one thing I am good at.
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A 75!
Looking at my score, I didn't expect much from it but I thought my rank wouldn't be affected as much. I lift my head from my hands when I hear people approaching the back of tents. Flynn and Taylor make their way over to me.
"You'll get it next time, I'm sure," Flynn gives me a careful smile. "You're the best bull rider I know, with your effort and talent you'll be able to make it up next year."
I have trained for this. I'm living my dream, not making it to the ranks makes me lose value in my efforts. Flynn doesn't understand this since he's being forced into it. But I, I want this.
"Flynn, I am not like you. I actually care whether I make it and whether my efforts mean something," I glare at him.
"They won't let you redo it or something?" Taylor speaks up.
Taylor is a city guy, so he doesn't know anything about the rodeo other than winning a trophy. I am irritated by his question, but I know he doesn't know any better.
"No, this is bull riding, not basketball. We don't get re-rides unless there's something wrong with the bull," Annoyed, I try to stay calm.
"Taylor was just trying to help. Don't be like that just forget about it, man. You just have to try next time," Flynn tries to calm me down, but it only made me stressed more.
I didn't make the cut to go on and win a championship, all my training is now wasted and I am worried about the only girl in my life that chose to be with me. I won't be able to compete again till next season.
"Austin, I know your mad and disappointed, but maybe take this as a way to prepare yourself for the next season," Flynn pats my shoulder.
Coming to my senses, I shake my head to clear out my thoughts. I cool down a bit before I speak.
"You're right. I'm sorry guys," I try to shake off the shallow feeling inside of me.
"Don't worry about it. I get you. If I hadn't gotten scouted for college, I would have been disappointed too," Taylor tries to help.
"O.K guys don't get all sentimental. Let's go have a good time, a few drinks and we can bring Bonnie if you want Austin." Flynn suggests
It's intriguing considering after a failure like this I do not want to go home to descend into despair.
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Music is everywhere. People are dancing, drinking and generally having a good time. I whirl around my brandy. The ice has almost completely melted.
"Let's dance, I really like this song," Bonnie gestures to the dance floor.
"Bonnie, you know I don't like to dance," I protest. I don't mind a dance once in a while, but tonight is not my night. Working hard to only not make it for the finals has brought me to reflect on my life choices.
"Please, just this once, I promise," she continues to plead.
"Fine," I drink what's left and join Bonnie on the dance floor.
It's been a while since I danced, but my body seems to remember how to move along with the music. I start to feel dizzy from the heat, and maybe even from the few drinks I had.
"Woah, Careful baby," Bonnie lets me lean on her.
"Bonnie, it's a bit hot. I'm going to sit down," I look toward the bar, for any available seats.
Bonnie hesitantly sighs, "Fine. I'm going to the restroom, I'll be back."
She heads toward the restroom. I make my way toward the bar, when someone bumps into me, making my hat fall on the floor.
"Sorry about that," the stranger says.
"Don't worry about it," I assure the man. It's a bit dizzy from the dancing, not to mention the booze, I try focusing my vision to locate my hat.
As I reach down for my hat, I notice some white boots beside it. I've seen these boots before. Following upward to see the owner I am faced with something unexpected.
"Howdy, cowboy," a thick voice speaks.
As I grab my hat, I look up and follow where the voice came from.
"Clove?"
She winks, "The one and only."
YOU ARE READING
Born to Ride
Romance"I'll be back," my girlfriend heads to the restroom. I walk towards the bar when someone bumps into me, making my hat fall on the floor. "Sorry about that," the stranger says "Don't worry about it," I reach down for my hat. I find it next to some wh...
