Since Forever

Chapter 28

Archie's POV

After everyone is done aw-ing at the border collie that ran up to us when we left the duck pond, it is announced that we will be horseback riding. 

I grin. I've always liked horses. Not particularly more than any other animal, but what does that matter?

Zac looks slightly nervous, his eyes darting around restlessly.

I nudge him. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," he assures me unconvincingly, forcing a smile. "I just...don't know how to ride a horse."

"It will be okay. You just sit and the horse walks. It's not like we're doing jumps or anything."

He nods, slowly relaxing. "I guess you're right."

Even though I'm totally over liking Zac and everything, my heart still likes beating faster when he tells me I'm right. Even if it's a guess. "Um, thanks?"

He chuckles. "You're definitely right. I'll be fine."

My racing heart is accompanied by butterflies, released at the sound of Zac's laughter. 

The farmer showing us around informs us that, due to numbers, we'll be sharing horses. I look around for Freddie, searching through the people behind us.

Alice turns to the person closest to her and says loudly, "Will you be my partner?"

Finn looks surprised, but pleasantly so. "Um, okay." He smiles gently at the shocked expression on her face. I don't know if she realises she was asking to be Finn's partner instead of Zac's.

She smiles nervously, catching Zac's eye over my shoulder. He clears his throat and I turn back to face him. "Hey, do you, uh, maybe want to be partners?" He sounds uncertain, shy even. This is different from his usual confidence, but I like that I'm getting to see another side of him.

"Yes." I grin at him, trying not to show how happy that I he asked me, even if it's only because Alice already has a partner. I search for Freddie again to apologise, already knowing he'll be stuck with Zachary. 

He smiles supportively from where he's standing, giving me a thumbs up. I guess all is well.

Zac grabs my wrist suddenly and leads me into the stable after the few people who have started walking. The skin on skin contact shocks me so much I draw a sharp intake of breath. Luckily, Zac doesn't notice. 

"Let's pick our horse!" he chirps excitedly. Strange for someone who, only a moment ago, was not excited to even see the horses.

I follow him anyway, trying to ignore how close he is to holding my hand. A lump starts to form in my throat and I speak to ward it off. "So," I croak, "What kind of horse are we looking for?"

He squints thoughtfully at the horses before leading me down to the farm end of the stable, his hand slipping slightly further down my arm. His fingers are now wrapped around the heel of my hand. The butterflies have morphed into woodpeckers, slowly working away at my stomach. I think I might throw up. 

"I like this one. What do you think?" He looks at me expectantly, gesturing to a chestnut horse with a silky mane.

"Sure," I say, reading the name on her stall door.

A farm hand helps us to saddle her up and lead her outside for the trail ride. 

"Isn't it cool that her name is Flicka?" Zac asks. "My sister loves that movie."

I nod, too distracted to say anything having only just processed that we will be riding the same horse. At the same time. 

"You get on first," Zac offers.