Briarwood Elite Riding Academy: Take the Reins

Chapter 26: Medicine

By Friday my every muscle ached.

And not even my prescribed painkillers could cease it nor the millions of hot bubble baths I took.

It hurt to ride, it hurt to walk and it even hurt to just lay in bed.

But I had to ride for the mini challenge and I was not prepared for my sore muscles to stop me.

"Those are some huge pills," Amelia commented from where she did her hair in the mirror.

I gave a sow nod as I chugged down a mouthful of water before popping in one of the large blue pills; I chased it down with another gulp of water. "Necessary evils," I told her, I didn't mention however tell her how much I actually looked forward to taking them so they could ease the pain somewhat...

It was sort of frightening how much I looked forward to swallowing them and hoping for an odd chance that they would work and relieve some of the aches and pains.

I could sense Amelia's worried eyes on me from across the room and I desperately tried to ignore them.

"You ready blondie?" Zoé asked the question was directed at me as she reappeared from the bathroom.

Quickly my eyes flicked down to my PJ's and I hurriedly hopped off of the bed.

"Not yet; sorry it's just I've been so tired and I keep sleeping in..."

Zoé held up a slender hand to silence me; "It's fine you don't have to apologize to me, just don't push yourself..."

She's starting to sound like Ben... Do I look as bad as I feel?

"Now quickly put on some pants," Zoé clapped.

With an over-exaggerated smile (to prove to them that I didn't feel as horrible as I did) I reached into my dresser and pulled out my favourite pair of maroon breeches and a long sleeved white shirt. The weather was slightly cooler lately so I had started getting into the habit of dressing in long sleeved tops or light sweaters.

Once I was changed and my hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail Amelia, Zoé and I headed off for breakfast.

Tatum met us at the entrance of the Dining Hall with Ben and Logan in tow and together our little group picked a table.

"I feel like we're close to the end now," Logan murmured as he played absent-mindedly with his cereal.

"Yeah... I wonder how many challenges are left?" I pondered.

"I wonder how many more muscles I'm going to lose feeling of?" Tatum joked.

"No but seriously I wonder who will be in the final three?" Logan quickly brought the topic back.

"Well there are still quite a few of us left... I wouldn't be placing any bets yet," Ben interjected.

"I wonder whose gonna be next...?" Logan trailed; Amelia placed a gentle hand on his arm and I couldn't help but bristle slightly at the remark.

It wasn't long ago people were betting that I'd be going home next... It still kinda stung thinking about it.

"Maybe we shouldn't talk about this," I snapped slightly before tearing into my toast.

"Oh yeah; sorry Blair," Logan quickly grew embarrassed.

I offered a weak smile and shook my head; "It's fine,"

"Well... Let's get going before it gets any more awkward," Tatum quickly said with a laugh; it lightened the mood and I was thankful for her diversion.