Mounting up

Chapter 8

Results. That is the only thing on my mind as I pull on sweatpants and a hoodie. I grab an apple from the mini-fridge on my way out of the dorm. Paige was snoring and I left her be. I tip-tied down the staircase as not to wake anyone. It was 8:00 on a Sunday morning and I was going down to the stable to see the results a day late. They were posted yesterday but I completely forgot about it.

I walked down the pathway, and opened the secret entrance to the barn; a back door in the grain room. No body knew about, because the only way to access it was from a secret pathway that could only be accessed by Parker Hall girls. I walked down the stable hallway and stopped by Mr.Rossi's office door. I scanned the list, tracing each name with my index finger.

H...h...h....Ah ha! There it was. I read it carefully.

Emily Halin - Junior Varsity
Spencer Halin - Senior Varsity
Eleanor Hastings - Senior Varsity

I cheered, waking some disgruntled horses up. "Sorry guys!" I whispered. The horses snorted and closed there eyes again. I smiled as I let myself into Elle's stall. She was sleeping in the corner, one hind leg cocked. "Hi gorgeous." I crooned softly. She woke up with a start, sleep fluttering off her eyelashes as she blinked them. She looked so adorable in that motion, I smiled.

I scratched her cheek and murmured "I just wanted to let you know, that we are on senior varsity, meaning we get to go to nationals. " Elle nudged my sweater pocket, one ear turned toward me , listing to me. "Fine." I relented, giving her a horse cookie to chomp on. I smiled as she accepted the cookie and crunched on it. Crumbs flew everywhere. I laughed.

"Hi Eleanor." Kayden's voice said behind me. "Hey." I turned around. "Are you busy? I was wondering if you know, wanted to go out some time today, you know since schools starting now tomorrow and stuff?" He asked, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

I stopped and paused. "Kayden, are you asking me on a date?" I asked, not taking my eyes off him. "Well you know, if you wanna put it like that and stuff... YES!" He finally said. I smiled. "Pick me up at noon." I replied, walking out of the stable, smiling.

I skipped back to the dorm hall, excitement bubbling up inside of me. My hands shook as I turned the key in the lock as I though about the possibility of skin to skin contact Kirk handholding. What if sparks didn't fly? What if we weren't meant to be? Questions like these swirled around in my head as I threw my barn clothes in the laundry hamper.

Paige opened the door and walked inside, chewing on a bagel. "Why are we so happy today?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "Cause we're going on a date" I replied in a sing-song voice, putting a skirt to my waist, I spun around dreamily. "WOAH! What guy dares to ask my BFF out on a date? Would he get the: Paige Heffley stamp of approval? Who is he? Does he ride? Is he a foreigner?" She asked, pacing around the room. "Kayden Reynolds, Yes, He's a guy, Yes he rides, I don't know." I replied; laughing. "Is he cute?" Paige demanded, pulling on some tribal print leggings, while perched on her bed.

I shrugged. "He's dreamy." I whispered, I could feel my eyes glassing over with love. I rifled through my closet. "Paige, I need fashion help. Quick!" My voice shook with urgency. Paige lept off her bed. "First off, you need a bath. Girl, you smell like the barn." She said as she pulled me into the bathroom. I normally have showers but per Paige's request, I had a hot bath with a vanilla bath bomb, bath salts and rose petals in the water.

While I dried off, Paige took over my closet. She threw me a knee-length dress, a blue halter dress and a floor length summer dress. I tried on each of them. Paige looked me over. "The first dress." She decide finally, her lips pursed as she went back to browsing through my various nail polishes. "Hurry up! It's 11:30!" I whined impatiently. Paige murmed a tsk tsk under her breath as she started painting my nails. As soon as they were dry, I put on the white lace shoes.

Paige grinned at her finished product. "I should be a fashion designer instead of an equestrian." She joked, pleased with the end result. I was wearing a coral dress that was a little below the knee, a light brown belt, a light washed Jean vest, a white lace with brown handled purse, and white lace canvas shoes. My nails were painted corks with silver sparkles, My hair was in waves and my makeup was light but there. Finally, I had on a pearl pendant necklace and coral coloured feather earrings.

"Now go! Have fun!" Paige pushed me out of the room and locked the door behind me. Well I guess there's no mind-changing now.