Surviving the Surfer// Bax Radic x OC

Chapter 8

"One more time, have a go around on the A side and then we'll take a break. Focus on really holding your form on this one."

I nod at Callie's instructions, sweat sliding down my back under the hot sun. The blond trainer stands in the middle of the arena as Blue and I wheel around her. Her white breeches are nearly blinding, and I'm happy to turn away from her to line up with the grouping of fences she's pointing to.

"One more run bud, we got this," I breathe out to Blue, the gelding snorting over the steady beat of his hooves on the sandy arena floor. We aim towards the first fence, seamlessly blending together to complete this latest challenge ahead of us. The last green and white cross rail flashes underneath my vision, Blue letting out a soft grunt of effort to propel us over it, settling back into a steady rhythm once we touch back to the ground. A wide smile stretches across my face and I reach down to offer a victorious pat on his wide shoulder.

"That's the way to do it Rowan! You Americans really do know how to ride huh?" Callie's blue eyes glitter with pride, a supportive smile gracing her tanned features. She lets out a soft laugh as Blue shoves his sweaty head in her hands, clearly deciding the praise needed to be all for him.

"Why don't you get this guy cooled down, we'll call it a day for this lesson."

"Are you sure? I know I was a little late today, if you need me to stay I can."

The trainer laughs again as she looks up up me, Blue letting out a huff when he realizes she has nothing for him.

"Never apologize for spending time in the surf, horses came from the ocean according to the old stories, so its like riding in its own right. Plus, surfing is a great way to keep yourself in shape for the summer."

My relieved smile has her giving one last pat to my sassy gelding before she strides off, her boots making confident crunches in the sand. I pick up my reins once the metal gate closes behind her on quiet hinges, encouraging Blue into a relaxing walk to cool us both out.

The barn clock chimes noon when I finally get Blue put away, the roan shoving his face into the fresh pile of hay waiting for him as soon as I let go of his halter. His eagerness has me shaking my head in amusement and patting him once on the large muscular hip I'm offered before I walk off towards the locker rooms. My favorite floor-length skirt lies in wait for me, the black floral pattern reminding me happily of home. The matching earthy crop top was part of a set my mom had gotten me for my last birthday, and it was one of my favorite outfits of all time. I quickly throw on a pair of cream wedge sandals and release my hair from its braid, throwing my riding clothes in my bag and heading out the door.

"Hey Outback, fancy a ride home?" Marlon's smooth voice has me spinning around in the parking lot, the Brazilian teen leaning against his sun-soaked truck.

"You know Brazil," I say seriously as I throw my bag in the back seat and climb in. "If I didn't know you already I'd think you were going full Aussie on me."

Mars rolls his eyes and mutters something in Portuguese, the smooth language rolling off his tongue.

"I take it back, your stuff can come, but you are walking back." He halfheartedly grumbling, prompting a laugh out of me as I climb into the passenger seat. The tanned boy flicks a set of dark shades over his eyes before starting off in the direction of home, and I settle against the window opposite of him, fully intending on enjoying the beautiful scenery but quickly drifting off to sleep.

Muffled laughter has me opening my eyes, squinting against the afternoon sunlight that filtered through the blinds in my room. I shoot up, surprised to see myself curled up in my bed. Bodhi's bright laughter sounds again, accompanied by Griff's and Ari's. I swing my legs over the side and stand up, opting to go barefoot to wander out to the patio. Summer smiles in greeting once I round the corner of the hallway, her and Poppy deep in a conversation. I slide past the two girls, stepping out onto the patio to join the rest of the group. Griff shifts over on the couch and pats the now-empty spot beside him, barely pausing in his animated conversation.

I pause, the often-icy Aussie had warmed up considerably since my cousin had first met him, though I was still surprised he had accepted me into their little group so quickly. The blond seemed fiercely protective over his friends, a trait that I greatly admired. I took the spot beside him, tuning in to their happy reminiscence of their trials through Nationals last year. Poppy and Summer rejoin us, both squeezing in beside their partners who look more than happy to see them. A small frown crosses my lips when I realize that Bax is nowhere to be found. I shake off the disappointment and push thoughts of him out of my mind, happy to spend the rest of the evening laughing and bonding with the rest of the group.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey y'all! Long time no see! Had to take a bit of a break from writing but I'm back and ready to give y'all more of Rowan and Bax!