Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy

four

On the other side of town, Bella sits in her room with her head glued to her book and her ears covered with headphones. After a long shift, she deserves a little break or two. She had recently got herself into romance novels since it bought her a sense of warmth to her life while the outside world wasn't ready for her. Laura called it "stupid" since it was just writing and not something that could be done in real life. She tried hard to not think back about the whole tyler hiding in the back moment but it just running through her mind. His hat covering his eyes as he peeked from behind the door and his sterling silver rings shining in the sun as he held the door. It wasn't like a small little thing.

Bella used to have a crush on him; she watched every video he made, bought seat belt harness cause he had them, and invested in a cologne he talked about just so she could have the smell of him. She used to have journals filled with fantasies and drawings before she grew out of it and tossed those dreams into the garbage can. Seeing him in person, it just seemed unreal and false. Bella had even told Laura that she never wanted to see that man. It was a forbidden rule she set for herself. Without it, she'd be throwing herself at him like majority of the women she encounter at the bar ever since he showed up. Surprisingly, She hasn't seen Sarah Lynn since he been in town but she knew her presence is lurking somewhere out there.

"Get your head out the clouds and come help daddy with the animals." Laura screamed from the living room, She was covered in hay from head to toe and her curls still somehow intact.

"Coming!"

She jumped from the bed and stuffed herself in her boots before opening the front door to her sister standing there catching her breath. "What took the wind out of you?" Bella smirked while poking her sister and skipping down the stairs to the barn.

"Please, Out of breath? This is nothing. I'm just getting my stamina together."

Bella let out a loud laugh as she pulled her horse "Denim" out of the stables and outdoors to some water. Denim was gifted to her by her mother when she was six years old. The horse always held a special place in her heart since the day she laid eyes on here. Bella wanted to use her for the rodeo but it's been a minute since she rode Denim. One day, She's gonna get on that horse and say fuck it! but for now, Denim will stay in the stables being cared for until it's time. He's a Friesian horse with a glorious pearl white coat and a beautiful chestnut brown mane. His hair dancing in the breeze as he galloped to the water bin and his reins dark as night.

"Daddy has yet to let you see the folks at the arena. Don't worry, I'm gonna get you there." she mumbled, brushing her fingers through the mane and leaning her head against the fur.

the sounds of tires driving along the dirt road alarmed her as she peeked through the gate and watched to see who it was. It was the patrol car, containing Sheriff Quincy. He stepped out the car and shielded his eyes from the sun while looking for a family member who's available. A toothpick hanging from his mouth and his holster empty with air. Bella tied Denim to the fence and tiptoed over to the house, hiding beside the house and poking her head out.

"Officer, I wasn't expecting you to come by today. What's the problem?" Laura questioned, door wide open and her boots pointed towards him.

"We need to take this in the house."

"Of course, I'm sure it's serious."

"You could say that."

Her brows furrowed while watching the scene unfold before her. Bella hurried to the window as the door slammed behind them. Her eyes caught them swapping spit and touching all over each other. The scandalous scene making her cover her eyes while sliding down the side of the house. Their father rushed over to Bella and towered over her.

"Is your head unscrewed from your body? What is wrong with you?"

"Nothing. Just had a hot flash." Bella stammered, picking herself up from the ground and wiping her pants off. "Just don't go into the house."

"Why not? I paid for it, I'd be dammed if something is broken."

he pushed Bella out the way and stomped up the stairs. Bella trailing behind him trying to grab a hold of his arm and pull him back. Her fingers slipped from his sleeve leading to her tripping on the stairs and him opening the door. To his surprise, there was nothing. Where did the couple disappear off to? Laura slapped her hand over the officer's mouth and held onto the closet door as hard as she could. His warm breath warming up her hand as she squeezed her eyes closed. Their father roamed the house and looked around for any imperfections. He noticed a vase moved from its original spot, he moved over and placed it back before coming back outside.

"guess that heat flash wasn't that bad."