We Deserve Better (SLOW UPDATES)

Chapter Four

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Alicia's POV
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When we see the path leading down to The Gulch and start going down it, only a couple minutes away, I sigh. Elyza had been talking on and off about a few different things on the ride back, occasionally having the other three join conversation too, but a notable recurring thing she spoke about was her deep hatred for horses. It was annoying how often she brought it up — often whenever her horse stopped moving, was stubborn, or she panicked that it would throw her off — but also amusing at the same time. Well, at least for a little bit. After bringing it up enough, I asked more about the story from when she was younger and for the past 20 minutes she'd been discussing it. In great detail, we've gotten to hear exactly how her day went when she was stood on by a horse as a kid and the exact retelling of what happened and what she was thinking the whole time.

   "Dude, you can't just sigh and stop listening now that we're almost there! I have at least a couple minutes to finish my story." Elyza exclaims. I turn to look at her again and almost miss the flash of pain that comes across her face.

   "Hey, are you okay?"

Elyza nods her head, smiling, even though I can see the fact she's still trying to hide the fact she's in pain.

   "Yeah I'm definitely fine. We're almost back anyways so then I can get this ass of a wound fixed up."

She laughs and I smile back, hoping she isn't injured too badly. Hoping it isn't a bite. Not just for her sake but for the sake of everyone at The Gulch if she turns. Elyza doesn't look like the kind of person that would lie about being bitten but in this world, there's no way to know for sure.

Elyza finishes her story just as we reach the entrance, people opening the gates for us as we ride the horses in at a walk. Morgan, June, and John, get off their two horses, before leading them over to the stable that was built some time ago. I get off of mine, turning to Elyza beside me who's still sitting on her horse, looking at it with a frown.

   "How do I get off this stupid thing? I wasn't watching anyone."

   "Hey," I laugh, "it might hear you."

Elyza rolls her eyes.

   "Just tell me. I never got a chance to practice considering the first and only time I rode was quickly ended by being thrown off."

I hand the reins of the horse I'd been riding to someone to lead to the stable, and turn back to look up at Elyza.

   "Take both feet out of the stirrups, hold the reins in one hand and there," I say pointing at a spot on the saddle," with the other, and swing your leg over without touching the back of the horse. Land with both legs, though I'd suggest putting less pressure on your injured leg."

   "Are you sure I'm supposed to take both feet out?" She asks, hesitantly. I laugh slightly, seeing a woman who didn't seem like the kind to be hesitant of anything, acting this way.

   "Yes, I'm sure. Sometimes people keep one foot in but generally if you're landing on higher ground like a stand. Plus, you're less likely to fall or be dragged if the horse suddenly takes off running."

Elyza stares at me like I'm insane.

   "How do you know all this? Don't tell me you were one of those horse girls as a kid?"

   "No I wasn't. I've just picked up a few things from people here that do know a lot. It's important to know, considering they are our main mode of transport besides a couple trucks. Now hurry up and get off the horse so we can lead it away and get your leg sorted."