Carolina Blue

Part 27

Carolina POV

I'm staring at myself in the mirror early Saturday morning, it's the first time in over a year that I am preparing myself to compete in a rodeo. The shirt I'm wearing hung in the closet awfully close to one I put way back that I refuse to wear again. I feel my body erupting with nerves, if typical nerves are butterflies, these feel like full on birds flapping their wings.

The opening of my bedroom door pulled me from my thoughts, "Wow you look good!" Darla gushed over me. I looked at myself again trying to see what Darla sees, but I just kept seeing the dark eyes from little sleep, the way my shirt fits much larger than it used to, and how my attempt to wear a tad more makeup than normal does have me feeling what I always thought barrel racers did, constantly worried about their appearance.

Darla comes behind me and our eyes meet in the mirror, she throws an arm around me, "C'mon 'Lina smile, you're gonna do great today. I, for one am glad that you're competing again, and I don't even have to worry about you beating me."

I let out a light almost laugh, "Thanks Darla."

Darla gave me a compassionate smile, "Anytime, now let's go."

Darla and I pulled up about an hour later to the rodeo with her horse and Duke loaded in the back of her trailer. I didn't have to walk too long to find Lukas, and as soon as we found each other he pulled me into a strong hug. As soon as I felt his arms around me I started to relax. Lukas then whispered in my ear, "I'm so proud of you 'Lina and you're going to do great today."

Then he pulled back gave me a wistful smile, "Hey, you look like a real bonafide barrel racin' cowgirl darlin'" Lukas complimented me while taking my hand and spinning me around. I couldn't help smiling because although the nerves were erupting inside my body, I had to admit part of me was feeling excited to get back out there and ride competitively.

I squeezed Lukas hand and let a light smirk grace my lips, "so do you."

Lukas beamed and squeezed my hand back. Then it was like we both remembered Darla was there we separated from one other, like continuing to touch one other would burn. I turned to find Darla eyeing us, trying to piece together what she just witnessed. The problem is if Darla, asks me, I won't have the answer either.

"Well Ladies' I'm gonna go check in for tonight, if ya'll need anything before I'm back call me," Lukas then walked off towards where all the bull riders were checking in for tonight. It was the first time since Cope's accident Lukas was riding. He had scratched many rodeos this past month, but he told me it wasn't fear stopping him, he just felt like it would be disrespectful to just go back out like nothing happened. Lukas, also had decided that what he would most likely win tonight, he would contribute to Cope's family also.

Darla asked me, "You okay?"

I glanced around, I felt the sense that everyone was eyeing me, "Is it just me, or are people staring?"

Darla glared around casually and shrugged, "Well it is the first people seeing you or Lukas since..." Darla didn't have to finish the sentence. I didn't blame people for being curious and several people from the rodeo community banded around Cope the first few weeks of the accident, sending cards, flowers, and the occasional hospital visit. Darla then shrugged, "Plus, you're barrel racin' today, Carolina Blue, one of the best in the female roping game in this part of Texas who 'mysteriously' stopped one day. Is now barrel racing and cozy with Lukas Underwood." Darla had added air quotes around mysteriously and finished with a sad pointed look.

Darla was right, people were curious. My Ma's eyes alone shot to the size of Texas when I told her what I was doing today. She then had asked me, "Are you sure about this 'Lina, you sure it won't be too much?"

It had been one of the first times in a long time my Ma had shown genuine concern for me without judgement being attached to the rodeo. However, it didn't last long, when she had asked me if anyone would be going with me. I mentioned Lukas, and my Ma gave me accusatory glare, "Be careful 'Lina people always talk and you and that Underwood boy have been causing quite the ruckus. While your boyfriend is in a coma I've been hearing that you and Lukas are quite close."

I assured my Ma that Lukas and I were just friends and that I still loved Cope.

Darla pulled me from my thoughts with a light touch on my forearm, "C'mon let's unload the horses."

Darla and I had just gotten done warming up our houses when Lukas reappeared. Once he was close he held out his arms, "Well you ladies ready to kick some ass?"

Darla smiled, "I was born ready."

Once Lukas was standing in the middle of Darla and I, he put his arms around both of our shoulders and gave them a light squeeze, "Let's do this for Cope."

Darla and I both nodded in agreement, as we all had previously calculated what each of our winnings could help contribute to Cope's family.

Darla competed first, and damn she roped like hell, and ended up walking away with the first place prize. I was up next, and my body kept being conflicted on whether to be excited or nervous. I was warming Duke up, but all I kept hearing was the guy from last summer whispering crude things into me ear, but I kept telling myself I'm doing this for Cope and his family.