Seeing Stars

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

We watch all the competitors ride, some do better than others and we wait anxiously for Adrian to ride. Both Joel and Lochlan had good rides and good times in their classes but they do have some tough competition. We watch as Adrian walks Solo into the arena and I bite my lip nervously.

"Lexi?" My mother calls.

I turn my head, "Yeah?"

"Come with me. I need to talk to you about something." She says and starts to head off away from the arena.

I frown but follow her anyway, "What's wrong?" I ask.

"Nothing," She says quietly, her eyes flicking to mine nervously. "It's just that I want you to compete."

I think my jaw actually dropped from surprise, "What?" I ask, unable to believe that she actually asked me to compete.

"I want you to compete today." She repeats.

Automatically I shake my head, "No. No way! I'm not doing it."

"Now hear me out." She starts.

I shake my head again, "No! I'm not doing it!"

"Please Alexis. I need you in that competition. You can win and it would be great for you to be back out there." She takes a step closer to me and I take a step back.

"No. You just want me to go out there and win so you can get the prize money."

Her eyes flick nervously back to the arena, "You know how much we need the money. We need it badly. We're running out and that means we can't care for the horses." She pauses, "That would mean we would have to sell them."

"What about the money from the movie?" I ask.

She shakes her head, "We're getting half after the filming is done and half before although that won't come in until next month and we need it now."

I frown, "You don't need me, you have Lochlan and Joel and Adrian."

"Lochlan and Joel should win but Adrian won't." She says.

"You have so much faith in him." I say, my voice laced with bitterness.

"That's not what I meant. He's good but Taliah is better and if she wins then that money will go to her not us."

"You are unbelievable." I breathe, "I don't want to compete, besides I can't anyway. I don't have a horse."

Her eyes stare into mine sadly, "Yes you do. Rogan's here and already tacked up."

I take another step back, she had planned this whole thing. That was why she made sure that I was coming. Everyone was in on it except me. "How?"

"Ashton."

I notice her eyes flick to somewhere behind me and notice Ashton standing with Rogan, next to the warm up arena. His face contorted in a look of confusion. He'd heard the whole conversation. I turn my head back to my mother's, "I'll ride but I'm not doing it for you."

She gives me a small smile which I don't return, "Alright then. I'll see you in the arena." She sighs once more and turns away.

I clench my jaw and my fists trying to make my anger dissipate. I stand motionless for a few moments until I feel relaxed enough to head to Rogan. I make my way over to Ashton and snatch the reins out of his hands. He hands me a hat and opens his mouth to speak.

I cut him off, shooting him a glare, "You should mind your own damn business next time."

He steps back and away from me, "Why is competing a big deal?"