A Rider's Recovery {Book Two of The Little Brown Mare Series}

Chapter 5

Lilah's POV

The weeks passed, turning into months. Before I know it, we'r setting up the tree, hanging the lights, and baking Christmas cake.

Gemma, as a legal adult, seems to have decided to cut her parents out of her life completely. It was an emotional neglection sort of thing, rich people shit, and she wants to forget about it completely. So I have a sister. And I certainly am not upset about it- I've always wanted a sibling, and Gem is the best I could ask for. 

"Party or no party?" she calls across the house. "Make a decision, Anna wants to plan one."

"Mom and Dad will kill us," I yell back. "We'll go to Anna's. It's in walking distance anyway, and I have a wagon. But tell her no alcohol." I still got a bit panicky sometimes around anything that reminded me of my accident.

"Done and done." Gemma sashays into the room and pulls a bit of tinsel off the tree, tying it into her ponytail.

"You have to stop doing that," I say. "I know you think it's cute, and yeah, it is, I guess, but look at the tree."

Indeed, the tree was sadly bare of any tinsel.

"Fine," Gemma grumped.

Patting the couch next to me, I kicked my legs up on the coffee table. "Sit. You never told me how  university is."

"Oh, it's great," said Gemma, "but I miss being around all of you. I'm happy to be back for the holidays."

"Yeah," I say. "Met any new friends?"

"A few."

"You're being vague. Have you replaced me?"

"Hell no. Just don't like talking about school."

"Felt that," I say. "Hey, you know what would be a good idea?"

"No, what?"

"If we bought a couple minis trained to drive."

"Ooh, that would be so cute!" Gemma squeals. "Imagine two tiny horses pulling a sleigh."

"Yeah duh."

"Shut up."

"Sorry," I say sarcastically.

"No, actually. Listen."

I do as she says. A faint scratching comes from the door, and then a plaintive meowing. 

I stand up and hurry to the back door. I yank it open and look down. "Pirate!"

My cat is sitting on the step, looking very pleased with himself. A live mouse dangles from his mouth, squeaking loudly.

"Put that down," I scold him. He drops the mouse at my feet and it promptly scurries off. 

"Big adventure?" Gemma asks, coming up behind me. 

Pirate had disappeared a few days ago. He liked to do that. We tried to keep him in the house because of his eye, but sometimes he'll slip out. 

I pick him up. "Stop doing that. I know you like it outside but it's not safe."