Equine Strike Hills Academy (A Place in the Saddle) #1

Chapter 4: Cute Boys and Mean Girls

The next morning I headed to the cafeteria with Bri. We stepped inside and scanned the room. Circular and rectangular tables were scattered around the cafeteria and big bay windows offered a spectacular view of everything on campus. We got in the breakfast line and piled our plates high with eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and toast.

"Hey!" Bri called to a table of girls across the room. They waved her over. "Let's sit with them, they're from Westridge too."

I nodded as we passed tables full of high school students, freshman and seniors, talking to one another. At my old school everything was so divided. I had sat with the girls who had played team sports. We weren't really friends, we just ate lunch together and that was it. No sleepovers or parties, no fashion or makeup tips. All I thought about was riding, but here that was different. Kids who had paint brushes poking out of their backpacks chatted with people who bounced soccer balls on their knees. Band people mingled with kids who wore jerseys for basketball or football.

"Guys, this is Kiera," Bri said as she set down her tray. "She's my roommate this year in Westridge."

"ESHA hasn't scared you off yet?" A girl with jet black hair asked.

"No," I said as I took a bite of buttery toast. "But I haven't taken a math class yet so we'll see." Bri introduced everyone.

"That's Lauren, Hannah, and Caylee."

"It's awesome here, you'll love it." Hannah said, finishing her milk. Her eyes caught my necklace. "Rider?"

"Yeah, after my meeting with the guidance counselor I'm headed to the stables." I stated.

"Nice, what's his name?" Lauren asked as she took a bite of fruit.

"Limitless, he's a Thoroughbred/Arabian cross."

"Cool." Caylee replied.

"What do you guys do?" I asked as I spooned the last bite of egg into my mouth.

"Well, Lauren and I are on the swim team together," Hannah said.

"And I play basketball and volleyball." Caylee added.

"Awesome, I used to play volleyball at my old school." I commented.

"Really?! You should try out!"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Maybe."

"I have to swing by the student bookstore. Ready Kiera?" Bri said as she wadded up her napkin and threw it on her tray.

"See you guys later!" I said, smiling as I got up from the table.

"Bye!" They called after us.

After dumping our trays, Bri led me outside.

"So the guidance counselor 's office is in the administration building. Do you know how to get there from here?" Bri asked as she adjusted her shoulder bag.

"Yeah, I do. Thanks for everything!"

"I'll see you back at the dorm." Bri said with a smile as she walked away.

I headed for the admin building. Pulling open the door, cool air hit me. After checking in, I took a seat in one of the waiting chairs. A guy slid into the chair next to me.

"You here for Ms. Gibbler?" He asked.

"Yeah, I have to line up my class schedule and pick an elective." I said turning towards him.

Holy. Crap. This guy was hot! He had blonde hair and intense blue eyes. He flashed a smile showing his perfect white teeth.

"I already did my schedule but Gibbler signed me up for all honors classes."