The Replacement (Canterwood Crest)

Chapter 2

I brought out all my suitcases and began to unpack. I put a pile of my favorite books on my night table, all my clothes in the closet, and my makeup on one of the two desks.

I set up some pictures on the desk as well.

I heard the door click open and a tall brunette with glasses and side bangs walked in.

"OMG! You must be Anastasia! I love your name. I'm Andrea!" She exclaimed shaking my hand strongly.

"Thank you." I said.

"So, do you do anything else here besides school?" She asked me.

"Actually, I take horse riding."

"Wow! That's so cool!"

Before I could say anything, a loud announcement went on.

"Could all the new students who will be riding horses please come down and wait at the stables. We will be finding out what team you'll be in."

"I gotta go. See you later." I said and slipped on my brown and turquoise boots. I grabbed my sweater, keys and helmet and went out the door.

I didn't have time to take the elevator so I raced down the marble twisting stairs.

I ran out through the main entrance of the building and found the stables. A whole crowd of boys and girls were waiting. A tall man with glasses stood on a short stool and motioned for me to come over.

I joined the group of people and squished in so I could hear.

"Welcome to Canterwood Crest." The man began.

"I am Mr. Connor. All of you are going to be tested to see what team you will be in. Beginner, intermediate or advanced. Be aware that only one person will make the advanced team. Those of you who have your own horses can tack them up and wait for me to call your name in your stall. Those who don't have a horse, wait here so I can assign you one."

I walked down and found Clovers stall. She was munching on some food. She looked up at me with bits of her food sticking out of the corners of her mouth. Clover was never a tidy eater.

"Hey Clover. We gotta be good to get into the advanced team. This is our only chance, we can't blow it."

I stepped into her stall and tacked her up. I gripped Clovers reins and adjusted the stirrups.

Mr. Connor began calling names. People walked out of horse stalls sweating and nervous.

I took a deep breath. This was my only shot to prove that I was a good rider. I wiped away the sweat from my forehead. I had never been this nervous about riding before.

"Anastasia Nickels, please come up with your horse."

My heart nearly thumped out of my chest when he said my name. I walked up to Mr. Connor and swallowed hard.

"If you could follow me that would be great." He said and walked towards the arena. He opened two huge sliding gates and closed them behind me. Inside, four other girls sat on a bench. They all had a serious looking face.

"I'm Sasha, this is Callie, Julia and Alison. We are the advanced team. One of our teammates recently left and we need a new one. If you can prove yourself, you could get a chance at regionals." The first girl said.

Regionals!? That would be a dream come true. I had to make it.

"Alright, mount your horse." Mr. Connor said with an expressionless face.

I climbed onto Clover and held the reins with my sweaty hands.

"I've set up a more difficult course for you to do. Try your best to make it over all the jumps."

I nodded and he said "go ahead."

I nudged Clovers sides and she started off at a slow canter. The jump wasn't that high. We could make it. The jump approached and I signaled for her to go faster. The first jump got closer. One, two, three!

I squeezed Clovers sides and she soared over it. She landed back down and  kept a steady pace.

We flew over all of the jumps and Clover didn't stumble or hesitate one bit. Once I finished the last jump, I slowed Clover to a quick trot andLed her over by Mr. Connor.

All the girls had a shocked face. They all clapped, even Mr. Connor.

"Well done! You definitely have a chance at the advanced team." Mr. Connor said with a friendly smile.

I felt like I was on cloud 9. I can't believe he said I might make it! If I actually got in I don't know what I would do.

"Thank you so much sir."

"That was a great ride. Clover listened to you at every command. You had perfect timing and kept your pace. We could really use you on our team" Callie said beaming. All the other girls nodded with Callie.

"Thankyousomuch!" I exclaimed. OMG OMG OMG! The girls from the advanced team want me in!

I walked out with Clover feeling amazing. I didn't even know if I got in but it felt great to impress them. I have to thank Clover, I wouldn't be here without her.

"You were so amazing back there Clover, you really deserve a treat."