When Life Races You By

Chapter 17

The big day had finally arrived. That morning I felt that I might be sick with nerves. It was as though a thousand butterflies were trying to escape for my stomach. These were different butterflies to the ones that Ben gave me, these ones were much more dangerous.

I pushed my breakfast around my plate, not really interested in eating. Eating was the last thing that I really wanted to do. I only forced myself, knowing that I would need the energy.

“Are you not going to eat that?” Ben asked, shoving his face with food.

Plates were piled all around him, from eggs and bacon to toast to fruit. I glanced down at my simple bowl of cereal.

“Not everyone has an appetite like you,” I said, trying to be funny.

“Or one like you,” Adam pipped in.

I just rolled my eyes in response. Mum and Dad had already left for the track as Dad wanted to ‘relive the good old days’, as Mum put it.

Ben grabbed one of his spoons and draw a smiley face in my cereal. I had to laugh.

“Seriously guys, aren’t you nervous?” I asked.

“Just think about it Claire,” Adam explained, “There’s nothing more you can do. What happens out there will happen and no one can stop that.”

“Except the jockeys?” I questioned. A stunned look crossed Adam’s face, followed by a smile.

“Well you got me there,” he laughed. “I’m just happy that I’m not in the Melbourne Cup this year. I wouldn’t want to have beaten Manny.”

“You would have loved it!” I playfully punched him.

“Well…” Sibling rivalry was very strong in my family.

I took one more mouthful before standing up. Looking at my watch is was just after 9. The race was at 3, so I wanted to get there by 11, so I could eye the competition off and get a feel of the ground. Plus Adam was in a race early on in the day, so I had to make sure he got there in time.

“Well I’m going to go get ready and then we meet at my room at 11. We’ll leave just after 11, so Adam can get there in time for his race,” I stated.

“Yes mam,” both boys replied. I laughed and walked off.

                                                                                                ~

I slipped on my green dress and fascinator before looking in the mirror. My hair was done in a messy bun at the base on my neck. The natural make up and dress brought out the green in my eyes. For the first time in a while I was glowing. Through all the bad times I survived and hopefully today was going to be the icing on the cake.

A knock on the door broke my thoughts. On the other side was Ben. He walked in, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.

“You look stunning!” Ben gasped. I did a little twirl, showing off my dress.

“You think so?”

“I certainly do.”

“Well it is a little different to boots and jeans.”

“Yeah. I suppose high heels would slow you down in the barn.”

“Manny would appreciate it though!” We both laughed.

I could tell that Ben really did like the way I looked, as he couldn’t stop looking at me. Of course he was just in his normal race day clothes, but he still looked pretty good. There was another knock at the door.

“That will be Adam. We better go then,” I announced. Picking up my bag and headed to the door.

Let the games begin!

Author's Note: sorry that it's a short chapter. I wanted to upload something of you and I felt it was better broken up. Please comment your thoughts, as they really motivate me! I hope you enjoy it!