The 8 Second Ride

Turn in Burn

When I was younger I wanted to be a barrel racer for the rest of my life but when I met Matt and he stole my heart and then broke it everything changed. I could stay where I was so I left my hometown two years ago and applied to a college in North Dakota. When I left Minnesota I never thought I would be back riding in a rodeo or meeting a guy I might fall for.

I was walking down the trail to the alley of the arena. I wasn't ready to be back in the saddle again after two years. My nerves were working against me and my palms are clammy and sweaty. Before I know it Max whinnies and I know we are at the alley way and there are three other people waiting for there runs. I mounted Max and looked around looking to see if I know anybody here. I see a lot of people that I know and I am nervous to see if I can beat them or not because they have been racing for two years longer then I am.

It's my turn for my run and Max starts to prance around at get excited because he gets to run and do what he loves.

"Ladies and gentlemen this next cowgirl is having her first run after a two year break and some of you may know her, so make some noise for Clara and Max!" when the announcer say Max's name he gets really excited.

I wait for a few seconds and then I let the reins loose and he bolts into the alley and into the arena. We run past the time line and slow down just enough to make it around the first barrel and as soon as we make it around it we speed up a little to get around the second barrel. We get around the second barrel and make a break for the third. Max turns really sharp around the third barrel and goes at full speed to make back to the alley. We reach the alley and I start to slow him down, when we get to a walk I stop him and hop off feeling exhilarated. I give Max a big hug and he whinnies, I hear someone yell my name and turn to see Jo riding towards me.

"Clara the was an amazing run, I thought you haven't rode in two years."

"Yeah I haven't but I was on a horse before I could walk so it just comes naturally to me." I say with no expression.

"Next up is some one you all know and love and the youngest competitor tonight, make some noise for Jo and Echo." the announcer says and before I know it she is in the arena running around the barrels. When she comes running into the alley way I am surprised about her time because her time was amazing.

"Jo that was an amazing time how did you get so good." I asked simply in awe.

"Didn't your friend tell you that I run against the best in the country."

"Yeah but how long have you been racing?"

"About 11 years."

"Do you want to walk back to the trailers together because I need to get ready for the after party." I say not mentioning that I have a date with Jason.

"Yeah get back on Max and we will ride back there because people won't move endless you're on a horse or vehicle."

I mount up again and we begin to ride back to the trailers in silence. When we get to her trailer we stop and she gets off of Echo.

"Do you want to get ready together?" I ask while getting off of Max.

"Yeah I need help picking out an outfit anyway. Can we go to your trailer because I don't want Jason to accidentally walk in on us while we change, is that ok?" she asks while loosing the cinch on Echo's stirrup.

"Yeah I wouldn't want me brother to walk in on me either."

I help her untack Echo and then we both ride Max back to my trailer. When we get there we untack and start to dig through my sister's closet for outfits.

"Does this look okay?" Jo asks and I turn towards her and she is wearing a mint green sundress and black sandals.

"It looks gorgeous and the color looks really good on you. How do I look?" I ask while turning towards the bathroom mirror. I am wearing a baby blue sundress with my riding boots.

"You look great and I know my brother will love it too." I stare at her in shock.

"Yes I know about your little date and that he is only buying you drinks and that he is going out with you because of the buckle bunnies." she says quickly.

"Yeah I wanted it look like I was trying to dress up for him rather then going dressed up in riding clothes."

"Yeah but he is practically the fuck boy of the rodeo anyways, so be careful." She says with all seriousness.

"Yeah so how long had he been bull riding?" I say while fixing my makeup.

"About 11 years and he is practically a natural too" she says without looking at me.

"Did anyone ask you to the party?" I ask hoping someone did.

"Yeah he ride a saddle broncs and his name is Andrew." she says trying to hold back a smile.

"Well you made a good choice because I grew up with him because he lived in my hometown."

"Yeah have you guys talked in last couple of years?" she asks sounding suspicious.

"No but we should get going we don't want to be late for the party or our dates." I wait for a response.

She nods and we turn to leave the trailer. I have a feeling that this date is going to turn into something more. I also have no idea what the future will hold or who is going to be in it.