Soaring Higher

Chapter 16

Erin
I sit on a bench just outside the stables, finally getting a small break.

The girls should be back soon, they all went formal attire shopping I think. I told them to get something appropriate, but I think at least some people violated that rule.

The little kids, Laurie's group, have different rules so Laurie is going to get them to shop online for a dress.

Just as I'm thinking about them, I see them crossing the yard.

Laurie glances at me and notices the tired expression on my face.

'Girls, play on the grass while I talk to Erin.' She tells them, and they retreat to a small playground.

She sits down beside me.

'No one told me running a camp would be so hard,' I laugh, weakly.

'Yeah, well usually they don't put that in the job description.' She jokes.

'Hah. Yeah..'

'What's really going on?' She says, seriously.

'I don't know. Carter, you and Carrie.'

She sighs.

'Why can't you tell me about Carter?' I almost plead.

'Listen Erin. It's not for me to say.. but I'll let you know, that it's not bad.'

A light weight is lifted from my shoulders.

'Okay.. I still wish you'd tell me though.'

'I know... but I can't.' She frowns, 'I'm sorry. I wish I could.'

'It's.. fine. I'm just..'

'Yeah.' She nods. 'I get that.'

'So.. uh what's your side of the you and Carrie thing?'

'Right.. the Poker thing.'

I nod. 'If you're up for talking.'

'Sure.. well.' She sighs, 'I just hate how she acts like she's the only one who can ride Poker, and acts like she has a "Special bond" and I'm just like, for gods sakes, it's not even her horse.'

I notice bitter tears stinging her eyes, and and high pitch voice replacing her normal one. She rubs her eyes, making them red.

'Sorry.. I know it must sound selfish. I just.. I want Poker for me.'

I put my arm around her.

'I think you'll feel better if you guys become friends again.' I say.

She leans into my shoulder, and hides her face.

'I'm trying. But she thinks everything I do is about her.. like literally if I make a story called like devil she'll think it's about her.'

'Is she doing anything to try to become friends again?'

'Yes. She keeps emailing me, but I know the drill. She emails me, we become friends, then she backstabs me. That's how it works. She doesn't even know my favourite movie because we haven't had a chance to be friends.'

She uses the end of her shirt to wipe the tears that continuously spill from her eyes.

'Sorry, I must be embarrassing you, I-' she gets herself together and starts getting up.

'No, no. It's fine.' I smile, 'Really.'

'Thanks.' She says.

'Boy, I should be a therapist.' I joke.

'You should.' She laughs, which makes me happy.

The kids start watching us.

'I should get back. We have some very um important business to do.' She says.

'How are you so great with kids? Tell me your secret!'

'A magician never reveals their secrets. See ya!'

I wave. 'Bye.'