Burning Desire

Chapter Eight

{ A/N - Not so proud of this chapter to be honest. Also, I decided to introduce you to a few more characters in this chapter. Please vote, comment and enjoy. }

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The soft, dappled light of the warm September morning made Milo's dark coat seem radiant. He nuzzled my arm affectionately as I brushed invisible dirt from his forelock, wincing slightly as his muzzle made contact with my injured hand.

Just because I wasn't able to ride didn't mean I'd be taking any time off; I'd been unofficially demoted to a groom whilst my hand healed. Although the injury wasn't severe, it was major enough to leave me stranded on the ground for a few weeks. I harboured a burning desire to get back in the saddle – I despised the way I felt disadvantaged, like every second I was out of work allowed everyone else to gain a lead over me– but was grateful to still be around the creatures I adored.

Tacking Milo up took longer than usual with the limited aid of my second hand, but the young gelding was patient and stood still for the duration of the task. Stretching his legs was particularly difficult to do single-handedly, but I managed. I snuck him a polo before leading him out of his stall to be greeted by a freakishly slim girl with dark, silky locks poking out from under her riding cap.

"Madison," she said, offering me a forced smile. "Thanks for tacking him for me."

"No problem," I smiled back. Annabel had been at Belmont almost as long as me, and was a talented and experienced event rider. Whilst she was pleasant company, there was too much competition between the two of us to indulge in friendship.

"I'm so sorry about your injury! It must suck to not be able to ride for a while," she gushed, taking the reins from me. Her smile wavered at the edges, starting to appear forced and artificial. I felt a trace of jealousy trickle into my bloodstream as I handed her the reins and watched her mount my most talented prospect.

"Yeah," I sighed.

"And especially after that accident at Southern Pines a few weeks ago. How tragic!" her tone mocked at sympathy, installing a sense of distrust within me.

"Yeah. I guess things haven't exactly been going my way recently."

"I heard you've been trusted with the newbie, as well...Callum," she purred his name, dragging out every syllable.

"Yeah," I replied shortly.

"And his mare!" Annabel scoffed. She placed one hand on her hip, shaking her head in an attempt at empathy that escaped more as pity. "That's a lot of responsibility, Madison. Especially during this...rough time you're going through. What was Donna thinking?"

"I'm coping just fine, actually," I said, my voice firm.

"I'm sure you are," she forced another smile. "But, if you ever need a...helping hand, you know where to find me."

"Thanks, Annabel," I said, mirroring her tight smile.

She shortened her reins, digging one heel into Milo's side so that the gelding's hind-quarters swung around dangerously close to my face. "Well, I have to go and school this beautiful youngster. See you around, Madison!"

I sighed as they jogged off, scowling at the brace on my hand. I was used to rivalry amongst the riders at Belmont; the equestrian centre bred competitiveness into both horses and riders. But my opposition with Annabel burned brighter than any friendly competition between riders, and it wasn't the kind of thing you could battle from the ground. I wished it was me riding Milo; I despised feeling so helpless and incapable. I felt as if I was seeing the world through a shattered lens; everyone else's dreams danced on the screen in iridescent colour - a reel of highlights - whilst mine were shattered, torn outtakes. The images were blurred around the edges and flickered in static black and white. With no horse and no hand, the focus was fading from my frame and all that was left was a vacant diegesis.