Bailey's Comet

Ch. 2 - Opposites Attract

Thank you so much for the comments and kudos on the previous chapter. I'm really glad you're all liking this <3

I'm hoping to update on Sundays, but I wanted to update today because I've been feeling extra stressed recently, and your comments really make my entire day.

This chapter is more introduction for the characters, and starting next chapter we'll get more into the story.

----------

Cheryl had prepared for her day with Britta. She got up a few hours early to make sure she got plenty of coffee in her system in order to practically train someone how to clean stalls. It wasn't difficult, but some people just didn't have the extra umph. She was sitting on the steps of her front porch with an extra pair of muck boots, assuming Britta didn't have any.

Betty had been the middle man between herself and Toni, letting Cheryl know what time the social worker and Britta would be showing up. Cheryl continued to sip on her coffee as she watched the barn cats running around and playing. Other than being great mousers, they were incredible entertainment.

A few minutes later, she heard the sound of a vehicle driving down the gravel road. She quickly finished her coffee and raised her arms above her head to stretch. She was sure it was going to be a long, exhausting day and already couldn't wait to take a hot bath and drink a large glass of wine at the end of it.

Cheryl watched the old, beat up truck pull to a stop. She would recognize Sweet Pea's truck anywhere, and had actually helped him fix a few parts - either because he didn't have the tools he needed, an extra set of hands, or the space to work. She stood and walked down the steps.

"Good to see you again, Miss Blossom," Toni extended her hand.

Cheryl did the same, "Likewise. And please, Toni, call me Cheryl," she smiled.

"Alright, Cheryl," Toni smiled back. "This is Britta. I'm not sure how much Betty or Alice told you about her, but she's a sweet girl. I'm just going to hang out with you guys today and make sure everything goes well."

"Sounds like a plan. Nice to meet you, Britta," Cheryl extended her hand to the younger redhead, but Britta didn't budge. "How about a fist bump, instead?" Cheryl turned her extended hand into a fist. She waited for a few seconds before she was met with a soft fist bump from the young girl.

Success.

Cheryl looked between Toni and Britta. "I've never done riding therapy before, but I've been doing my research. Today I'll just give you both a tour and then we'll do morning feeding and clean some stalls. We just got two new horses to be boarded yesterday."

"You like horses, don't you Britta?" Toni asked the girl beside her.

Britta nodded. She was a quiet girl.

Cheryl noticed Toni shivering slightly. She didn't have a jacket on in the chilly morning air. "You're not from here, are you?" She asked.

"What gave it away?" Toni chuckled.

"Well, you're not wearing a jacket and you're shivering. Plus Sweet Pea may have mentioned his cousin moving here a few weeks ago." Cheryl informed her.

"I'm from California, actually. Los Angeles. I wasn't expecting it to be chilly during the summer, so I didn't pack jackets," Toni shrugged.

"Well, Toni, I've got a spare jacket you can borrow, and we can grab you some coffee. Britta, would you like some hot chocolate?"

Britta smiled up at the older redhead and nodded eagerly.

—

The sun had barely risen over the horizon as Cheryl started her tour. Toni and Britta followed the older redhead as they drank from their thermoses and listened carefully.