The competition between us

First date

Underneath the beautiful sunset over the sea, I found myself immersed in a quiet yet profound first date with Jack. Although I didn't think I would enjoy it this much. Far removed from the familiar arenas of competition and horse jumping, the setting, embellished by the flickering glow of the campfire, seemed almost otherworldly for me-a sanctuary for vulnerability and connection.

As we nestled under a blanket that shielded us from the shilling night air, his hand found mine, intertwined our fingers. Even I, initially guarded, began to sense an undeniable warmth in Jack's presence. His eyes reflected a genuine passion for hockey, just as much as I have for horses. But hockey, a sport foreign to me but intriguing in its own right.

Jack's anecdotes of frozen pounds turned into spirited arenas and the camaraderie among teammates unfolded like a vivid painting in front of me. With each word, his enthusiasm became a bridge, connecting their worlds in ways I never could have imagined. The rhythm of our conversation mimicked the dance of the flames, flickering and dancing in harmony.

As Jack spoke of victories and defeats, I found myself sharing tales form the equestrian world, where the thunderous rhythm of hooves echoed through my life. I started painting up pictures of the unbreakable bond between rider and horse, the finesse of horse jumping, and the artistry embedded in every competition.

To my surprise, Jack, in turn, listened with an earnestness that mirrored the firelight dancing in his beautiful deep blue eyes.

The crackling fire not only served as an auditory backdrop but also as a catalyst for shared laughter and unspoken connection. In the moments of silence, our eyes met, his eyes as blue as mine, communicating volumes that words struggled to convey. Jack's caring nature surfaced in subtle gestures- adjusting the blanket, tending to the fire- each action speaking to a deeper understanding that transcended mere politeness.

Under the vast expanse of the now starlit sky, I felt a gradual unfurling within myself. Jack's authenticity and passion ignited a spark of curiosity, prompting me to share not only the scripted tales of my equestrian pursuits but the unfiltered dreams, fears, and aspirations that dwelled in the recesses of my heart.

The crackling fire, now a companion to their shared revelations, somehow witnessed the lowering of my guard. Jack's presence became a catalyst for an exploration of self and other, creating an atmosphere where vulnerability and connection intertwined like the tendrils of ivy reaching out into the night.

As the evening progressed, the flickering flames mirrored the burgeoning flame of our connection. I realized that this date. far from being a mere romantic encounter, was a magical journey into the depths of understanding and shared experiences. Beneath the celestial canvas, mine and Jack's connection unfolded, promesing to burn brightly against the backdrop of countless starlit nights to come.

After I realized it was almost midnight and that Orion was still with us, I quickly started to walk to him and take him home. Shit, if he gets sick now I'm are screwed.

After walking ten meters I heard Jack shout, "Hey! Are you going to leave without me?"

What is this guy thinking? But I actually enjoyed hanging out with him today.

So I decided to invite him.

"Sorry but I really have to go, Orion needs to get home before he gets sick."

He started running against me.

"Geez, you sound like a mom, I'm sure he enjoyed tonight just as much as I did." he said with a smirk when he catched up with me.

"He sure is my baby, but if you want to I can drive you home when I'm done" I said as I started walking again.

"Sure that would be lovely but uhhmm..." What now?