Born to Ride

Chapter 13

One...

The thrilling feel that runs to me when the festival opening for the Rough stock events comes around is non-exchangeable. This means the Annual Rough stock events are right around the corner. 

Two ...

No room for mistakes, missed practices, and stupid thoughts. I am going all-in with my training. It's early morning, getting my landing technique till it's perfect and ready for the bulldogging competition. Eight seconds can be your best moment or your worst. I am determined to make it my best even if it's for practice. 

Three ...

"Keep your head up, Austin." My trainer, Mr. Lart reminds me. 

Four...

"You got this Austin," I hear Flynn's voice. 

Five...

During practice, I never get the adrenaline rush that I get during the competitions, but this helps me to practice relaxing before the actual thing. There's just something about being in the moment that can't be practiced during training.  

Six...

"Don't hog the animal, keep your head up," Mr. Lart continues to provide feedback. 

Seven...

It's almost time, the moment that must be steady to let go of the reins and land on the floor. This is the hardest part to master in front of the judges. The landing is no joke. Bulldoggers have sprained their ankle before and it's not a pretty sight in front of the bull or the competition. 

Eight...

I land.

An impression of a siren comes from the bleachers, "Wee wow." Everyone looks over to where the sound came from to find the source was Clover. 

I blush a little too hard making my way over the chute, "Are we done here?"

Mr. Lart looks over at Clover and finally looks at me, "Get out of here, while you can. Early practice tomorrow. Don't forget."

Flynn raises his eyebrows up and down while giving me a mischievous grin. 

As I gather my things, I head to where Clover is at. 

"Wow, Cowboy. I barely even recognized you out there. Your amazing." She looks so impressed. "So I take it you're striving for gold."

I chuckle, "Striving to win."

"Atta boy. Here, as an opening gift." She hands me the banquet of flowers. I have never been the person to receive flowers before. Now that I think about it Bonnie has never gifted me flowers or any gifts of any kind. 

"Um... so if you are going to hang around for a few more days do you want to check the opening festival together?" 

***

The music here never gets old. Growing up in the rural areas it's just where I was born to be. I would never want to leave a place so familiar, this place is home. The Festival is what people from nearby towns and cities come for. And who can blame them its the most exciting time of the year? Game Booths, drinking, treats, and best of all dancing. 

"Woah, Cowboy. Are you just gonna stand there and look pretty?" Clover tugs me to keep moving through the crowd. She looks different too as if she never left we are back together like when we were teenagers. "Over here, Let's try this one. How good is your aim?" She hands the booth attendant two tickets.

Clover shoots her three tries, but not enough for any time of prize. "It's been a while since I've shot anything."

"They do say, you go soft after moving to the city," I tease her. "Watch as the I teach you how its done." This is my moment, I need to show her what she has been missing in her life. I take the first shot but don't hit the target. 

"What was that, you said you'll teach me how?" Clover sarcastically challenges. Now that I think about it I've never played any of the booth games with Bonnie. She would always drag me to the dance floor and straight to the bar. I guess I stopped taking an interest with Clover moved away. 

I take the second shot but still miss. What? Clover is laughing hysterically in the background. One last chance. I have one more chance to impress the girl I've had a huge crush on since high school. As I take the shot, Clover sneaks behind me and shouts, "Boo." 

There goes my last chance. 

"Come on, it's no fun if you take it that seriously,"

"Where to? "

Of course, dancing. The highlight of this event is the dancing, embracing the music. As we approached the dance floor the band started to play music for the square dance. It was Clover's bright idea to hop into this song, but since it's been a while she's having a hard time keeping up. 

"Did I tell you it's been a while since I danced? well dancing to this type of music," She leans on me as she is exhausted. 

"I'll be back let me just rest." She makes her way into the crowd. 

After a while, I debate whether to look for her just in case she runs into unwanted trouble. Or maybe it's just more for my reassurance that she won't disappear and make me realize I was dreaming. Either way, I want to have her here where I can see her. Walking around the area close to the dance floor, I catch a glimpse of purple highlights near the bar. Making my way through the crowd, I hear her laughter. That only means one thing, she's is laughing with someone. 

"Hey, Cowboy, "Clover acknowledges me as I approach her. I look across from her and find Mona, who gives me an awkward smile. "I ran into Mona, and we were just catching up. Mona, did you know that Austin can dance? He's a better dancer than I am. It's crazy how things change."

"What's that supposed to mean? Did I ever suck before?" I joke around.

"Well..." Clover starts an intentional unfinished comment.

Caught in the moment, I put my arm around her and smile like never before, it just feels right. Part of me feels embarrassed but it feels like we are back like we used to be. We can tease each other and be ourselves. 

"You guys seem close," Mona teases Clover. "Watch out, someone might get jealous looking at you both."

"Who's gonna get jealous of us? Mona, come on don't be jelly." She wraps her arm around my waist. 

"I'm not talking about myself, Clover," Mona furrows her eyebrows looking at me and then at Clover. I swallow when I realize that I never told Clover about Bonnie. "Clover let's go see if the band will take requests," I try to drag Clover away from Mona. Clover goes ahead and walks to where the band is at.

Mona grabs my arm before I could follow Clover, "Austin, you haven't- Why haven't you told her?"

I brush her off, "It's not like I am keeping it from her. It just hasn't come up."

"Oh, really? Your highly protective and jealous girlfriend is ok with you hanging around with Clover, Or better yet, She's ok, that Clover is inches from you?"

"It's not like Clover and I need to tell each other everything. She is just visiting. It's not like she tells me everything either."

"Are you sure that's the reason? Or is that what you're telling yourself? You and I know why you haven't told her. I'm not stupid. But have you ever thought if Clover would be ok when she finds out you have a girlfriend and you didn't care to tell her about?"

"Just back off, Mona. This is why I couldn't stand being friends with you and I wouldn't doubt that goes for why John never wanted to date you. Stop sticking your nose in other people's lives."

Her eyes start to water and her throat sounds dry, "I, rather be annoying and obnoxious than a stupid hypocrite." She wipes her face as she pushes me aside to leave.

It was one harsh truth exchanged for another.