Against the Stars

Chapter 38

Ginny spent most of the next few days at Rebecca's house, helping her care for Tommy. After s few days, Rebecca sent Ginny away, saying she could manage ok her own. Mother, however, thought Ginny would still be at Rebecca's.

This meant, Ginny had the whole day to herself.

Ginny broke out into a run as she headed towards her destination, a large smile on her face. Then she saw Ben running towards her.

"Ben!" Ginny called out, surprised. When he saw her, he skidded to a stop.

"I was looking for you," they said at the same time.

"Come with me, I have something to show you. I think you'll love it," Ben said dragging Ginny away. Her cap flew off; Ben grabbed it with his other hand. He handed it back, smiling, and Ginny could do nothing but smile to.

Ben dragged her towards the meadow, and his smile grew larger. Whatever he wanted to show her, she was, very excited about. He soon had dragged her into the stables.

Ginny saw the usual horses, but in the back, was one she hadn't seen before. It was a sleek mare with a silky black coat. Ginny couldn't help but begin to brush the mare’s mane.

"This horse is for you."

Ginny spun around, shocked. No, it couldn't be, Ginny thought. There was no possible way that she could have a horse, a luxury she had been denied since England.

"How?" Ginny strutted out.

"No matter how, all that matters is she's yours. You can keep her in the stables though. I thought that might be easier."

"Oh Ben!" Ginny cried, flinging her arms around Ben's neck. "Thank you," she whispered.

Ben smiled, gave Ginny a quick kiss, and then pulled her off of him. "You need to give her a name."

"Maple," Ginny replied instantly.

Ben seemed confused. "Why?"

"Her coat's the color of midnight and when I ride; I will feel as tall as the trees.” Ben laughed, getting the reference.

“Ready to ride?” Ben asked.

“Let’s do it.”

Ginny and Ben sprang into action, trying to get their horses saddled first. For Ben though, it was a lost cause. Ginny was faster and they both knew it.

Maple took surprisingly well to the saddle. Ginny had a feeling she had been a lady’s hose bat one point. She trotted out of the stable, sleek and elegant.

Ginny waited outside the stable for Ben to finish saddling Henry. For Ginny, he seemed to take forever, getting slower each time they rode.

Finally Ben rode out, not as gracefully as Ginny had. Ben bounced in his saddle as Henry walked out. Watching Ben, Ginny got an idea.

“Hey Ben, want to race?”

“Do you even need to ask? Ready, set, go!” Ben cried, racing Henry forward.

“Hey!” Ginny cried, racing Maple forward. She wanted to beat Ben and knew that she could. If only Ben knew his cause was hopeless.

Maple seemed to have a competitive nature too. She raced forward with a burst of speed, edging up next to Henry. She rode next to Henry for a moment, then with another burst of speed, shot forward, racing past the finish line. Henry was left in the dust.

Ginny pulled Maple to a stop, and waited for Ben to catch up. He pulled up a couple seconds later, clearly mad.

“How’d you beat me?” He asked.

“Maple here has some spirit it seems. She reminds me a little of myself.”

“She reminds me of you too, that why she’s yours. Now come on, let’s ride.”

Ginny smiled as she let Maple roam through the snow covered pasture. Since it was the middle of March, the snow was more of slush than snow. Ginny didn’t care. Any weather she could ride in was good weather.

Suddenly, Ginny got an idea; an idea that if it went wrong would have horrible results. Ginny wanted to do it anyways.

She slowed Maple down so she was moving at a walk. She slowly let go of the reins and lifted her feet up onto the saddle. She carefully pulled herself up to standing position. She braced herself and gently let go of Maple’s reins. She stood to her full height and threw her hands into the air. She felt free, standing on her horse, her dress flying in the wind.