just because [pin hawthorne] 𝐢

chapter seventeen

As Olivia walked through the stables the following day, the effects of last night's occurrence could be felt. Nobody was thinking about the great night they'd had at the dance, everyone was down because of Raven's disappearance. The worse of it was of course felt by Zoe. Olivia found her standing at the entrance of Raven's empty stable, Jade and Becky at her side, trying to comfort her. Olivia stayed behind. She could tell Zoe didn't need empty promises that everything would be fine. Sam called a team meeting, and the two girls left. Olivia stayed behind, waiting for Zoe to come walking out. When she did, Olivia silently pulled her into a hug. The embrace seemed to convey unspoken words, telling Zoe that she'd be by her side through it all. The two girls eventually separated, heading towards the group where everyone had gathered.

"You alright?" She asked Zoe.

"No. No, I'm not alright," Mia answered instead. "I've had two horses stolen," she added. Mia, this isn't the time to make it all about yourself.

"We're all upset, it's awful," Sam said.

"Daddy's absolutely livid, he has good mind to sue the stables," Mia said.

"That's not gonna help bring Raven home, is it?" Said Zoe defensively.

"What's this to you? He's my horse," Mia said pettily. Olivia dug her nails into her palms to stop herself from saying something that would make everything worse.

"Look, there were three guys at the stables the first time they tried to take him. The photographer guy must've been working with them, you should be questioning him right now," Zoe said.

"I'm sorry, Zoe. We didn't have enough evidence to charge him, he was released this morning," Derek said apologetically.

"What?" Exclaimed Zoe.

"We saw him set up the barn for a horse, with chains, and we heard him on the phone saying he was ready for the horse, what more evidence do you need?" Said Olivia indignantly.

"Look, just, let us deal with the investigation," Derek said.

"Yeah, the people who let the main suspect go. Go ahead, do your job," Zoe said dryly.

"Zoe," warned Sam. "Look, the best thing we can do right now is carry on. We've got the county show tomorrow." Sam said.

"How can you even think about that with Raven missing," Zoe said indignantly.

"Life must go on! I want you all in the tack room in an hour. We're gonna go over the show courses together, and we're gonna work out how we can win this thing," Sam said, before leaving. Becky and Jade dispersed, and Zoe walked away.

"Zoe..." Marcus called after her.

"I think she needs to be alone for a moment," Olivia told Marcus. The latter nodded. Olivia went into the tack room, taking her book out from her locker. Then, she walked to Nina's stables, settling on a hay bale to read. Horses make for better company than you'd think. After reading for some time, Olivia decided to go looking for Zoe. She knew her friend needed time to herself, but she just wanted to make sure the girl was alright. After stopping by her locker to store her book, Olivia set out looking for Zoe. It wasn't long before she found her, sitting on the haystack and looking into the void.

"Hey, I know you probably want to be alone right now, but I was thinking you might need some company," Olivia said gently. Silently, Zoe motioned her over. Olivia climbed up the stack, and sat next to Zoe. The two girls stayed silent, before Olivia noticed Zoe had started crying. She wrapped the girl in her arms rubbing her back soothingly.

"I'm sorry," Zoe said between sobs. "I'm trying to be strong for Raven, just like he was for me, but I can't," she said.

"Crying does not make you weak, Zoe Phillips. Each tear shows the hard things you've survived, be proud of them," Olivia said.