The Chase of My Life

Chapter 1

Five, god it's too early in the goddamn morning to be awake. I knew I should have argued more for my brothers not to get the damn rooster. I hated it's little red feathered body as I slowly stretch. Looking around at my messy bedroom, laundry and riding gear everywhere with cups and trash. Knowing my mother hadn't seen my room yet. I grumble to myself, falling back onto my pillows knowing it was time to get up. Throwing my covers off of me and walking over to my closet, shoving the clothes out of my way with my feet.

Changing into some clean jean short and a teal tank top over my bra. I pull my long brown hair into a crazy messy bun. Then going downstairs, almost falling down the wooden stairs to the kitchen. I grab a banana, peeling it back and taking a bite as I head to the yellow, smelling mudroom. Finding my boots and slipping them on over my socks, looking out the window as I finish the banana. It was still a little wet out from the rainshower we got last night. Living in Southern Indiana was crazy, rain or sunshine, to snow in spring. It's crazy in this state of the U.S.

I walk outside, the sun peeking out and seeing my brothers already down at the barn. A couple of minutes later I was down in the horse barn, finding a pitch fork and helping them feed the animals. My chore in the morning were feeding our 15 horses in the barn. Half of them were out the fields and the other half inside. I throw in some hay for them then filling up the water buckets with fresh water. Walking up to my horse, Holli, petting her gently on her black nose as her blue eyes stare me. I look around not seeing anyone, wondering if i could sneak out for a ride already. Finally deciding on a small one as I unlock the stall's door, and leading her out into the hall, tying her lead up.

Opening the door to the tack, picking up and finding a rope to ride bareback with, walking back out to her. Slipping it gently over her head and lying it around her neck. I walk to her side, placing my hands on her back and jumping up quickly, sitting up on her. Gripping the rope in my hands and kicking her sides gently, heading out into the morning sun.

Riding down the path to one of my favorite spots on our land. We had a small waterfall which I have secretly told no one about so it would be a small place for me to go and think. Holli followed the well beaten path as I watched birds fly out of trees. Bugs were already buzzing about around me, trying to land on me as I swat them away. The trail began to run up beside our cow paddock, looking across the land to find my brothers out there already.

Going along the well driven road in the black pick up. Driving around and throwing hay barrels out the back. Tyler was driving and Mason was kicking them out, landing in the grass for the cows to snack on. Tyler waved, seeing me and I wave back. I leave them, letting them work as I kick Holli's sides and we begin to gallop down the trail.

Reaching the small trail hidden by branches and bushes, I slid off Holli. Leading the way to the small area and she followed. Hearing the gurgling of the water as it fell down the rock side. Looking to see the water was still a bright blue and fish were swimming around in it. I let Holli go off on her own, knowing she wouldn't go far without me. Walking closer to the cave hidden behind the falling water, grabbing the waterproof bag I've stuffed back there. Seeing my things were still there, an extra set of clothes, a bikini, and a towel just incase.

I decide a swim wouldn't hurt, changing into the black bikini. Folding my clothes up on top of a sunny rock. Walking out of the small cave and dipping my foot into the cold water, it was colder than usual. Knowing fall was coming. I dived into the clear water, swimming around and then to the bottom. Coming up for air as I wipe the water from face. Turning, when I heard a deep voice.

"Hello there." Realizing I was staring into bright blue eyes with messy black hair, he wore a black t-shirt and tight jeans, cowboys too. I freaked out, my breathing becoming shallow and holding back the frightened scream. I slowly swim away from the edge of the pool, thinking about all the stranger danger situations my mom put in my head. Diving under the roaring water to get inside of the cave as I pulled myself out and tried to breath normal. Wondering how he could have found this place, was I going to survive? Suddenly, I heard his deep voice again.

"Wait, I didn't mean to scare you. My name is Damon. I just moved here and I just was looking around on the grounds. I think we may be neighbors." He said, his voice fading to silence. Not hearing anything else, wondering if head left. Knowing this was useless. I decided to swim back out, peeking my head out of the waterfall and not seeing him. I swim to my clothes and towel. Quickly climbing out of the water, shivering from the wind. About to grab for the towel when it was gone. That's when I gasped seeing he was in front of me now, holding the towel in his hands. I glare at him, taking a step back to hide in the water again.

"Wait!" He said, a hand reaching out for me. I stop, continuing to glare at him.

"Why are you doing this? Hasn't your parents ever taught you manners and possibly stranger danger?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him as I keep shivering.

"Oh, is that why you keep disappearing?" He asked back, glaring at him even more. Wanting to just go back home.

"Argh, can I have my towel?" Crossing my arms over my chest and he threw me my towel, catching it and quickly wrapping it around myself. Walking back to my clothes and slipping them on, while making sure he stayed where he was. "How did you find this place?" I asked, curious.

Suddenly, Holli came out of the trees, her dapple pelt shining against the sun. She gently nudged me on the shoulder, telling me that she was here for me.

"I found this place because of her." He said, pointing to Holli at which she neighed, shaking her head. I glared at her and she shut up. Bending her head down and munching on the grass at my feet.

"Well, I guess my spot is taken over... And I'm sorry about earlier, if I was being rude." I mumbled, picking up my bag. Walking closer to him, "It's alright. I shouldn't have scared you like, my mom did teach me some manners." He said, laughing and I smiled. "What's your name?"

Suddenly a black stallion came bursting out of the trees, heading right to me and I froze. Standing there in shock and fear, suddenly he stood in front of me and throwing his hands above him.

"Whoa, boy... It's okay, calm down! Stephen!" He calmly said, petting the stallion's nose and neck. I just stood there behind me, once again scared. Knowing I should get going, my family will be looking for me for breakfast. I sneak away while he is distracted. Grabbing my back and slipping it on my back as I was about to jump onto Holli, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I spun around, "Why do keep wanting to scare the crap out me? Huh!" I said, glaring.

"Because you keep trying to leave."

I push him away, jumping onto Holli, grabbing the rope and looking down at Nathan. He suddenly gripped my hand, which wouldn't let me leave. "You never told me your name?" He asked, begging a little bit.

Smiling down at him, "Athena." I kick Holli and we gallop back home. Leaving Damon standing there.