Soaring Higher

Chapter 20

Erin

'We're not prepared for surgery so we're going to have to get her out naturally.' The vet says.

'Can't we rush her in!?' Carter says frantically.

The mare seems to sense his worry, and tries getting up.

'Woah.' I place my hands in her, keeping her down.

'One sec.' The vet sticks his hand in.

'What do you feel?' Laurie says, biting at her nails.

'She's the wrong way round.' He replies. 'Okay, I'm gonna try massaging her stomach.'

'Isn't there anything else we can do?' Liv asks.

'Okay everyone shut up!' Carrie blurts.

Time freezes as we all stare at her, then in a millisecond we go back to squabbling.

The vet seems to be lost in his own world, processing something through his head.

'She needs to push.' He declares.

We nod, and stand by.

He mutters things to himself, and his hand gestures make it look like he's doing a puzzle.

'Someone call a trailer to take her to the hospital.' He says.

Carter reaches out for his phone, but Laurie is already dialling the number.

From what I know what breech foals- which isn't a lot- but time is crucial.

'You lot,' he looks at us. 'Go. I can't work with all of you here.'

We all exchange glances, but then I have an idea.

'Guys follow me.' I say.

We push through a different path, crowded by bushes until we reach a little bench, not too far from the field.

'What's this?' Carrie asks.

'I'm not sure, I found it when we were still exploring the place.' I shrug.

'Neat.' Liv says, sitting down on the dust.

I make sure to sit in between Carrie and Laurie, everyone trying to squish in.

'Hey... Erin.' Carter says between deep breaths. 'Can I talk to you?'

Shane and Laurie's eyes pop open, and I nod. Would I finally know?

He takes me far in the forest, fiddling with something in his pocket.

'Um so this might not be the best time but..' He begins. 'Erase that.. it sounded wrong- let me start again.'

I nod, confused.

"I've known you for a while- wait erase that too" he says, groaning.

He looks like he's debating something in this head, then in the end he just reaches into his pocket and pulls out-

My brain rushes with everything. Being secretive, when I mentioned a wedding.

Before he opens his mouth I talk over him.
"Yes"
His eyes pop and he opens the box.
I gasp. A beautiful amethyst.
He slips it on my finger.
"Took you long enough." I punch his arm playfully.
He smiles and kisses me.

Laurie jogs up to us.
"No more dilly dallying come see!"
I roll my eyes.
"Laurie- this is our engagement."

She tugs at me and I follow her back to the group with Carter and they all congratulate us. My blood surges with happiness- like everything is matching up.