Without You

Chapter 4

I decided not to go to school on Wednesday or Thursday or Friday. I emailed coach and told him I was him sick but he responded telling me he knows about my aunt and understands. I didn't actually go home at night, I stayed in the barn. I didn't want police finding me. Not that they would be looking for me really.

I hadn't seen my aunt. Did that make me a bad niece? She was awful to me but she was still my aunt. I liked Leah, Star, Javier, and Reed better anyways. My guess was one of my aunt's 'men' put her into the coma. I knew I should have tried to knock that guy out harder.

Jessie had been texting me non stop. I told her I'm okay. Jason said 'Sorry Allie.' and I felt that didn't need a response. What would I say? 'Oh Jase my man all is good! I got over the fact that you lied and said you were my brother and now the whole school knows my aunts in a coma.' Yeah that wouldn't work. When I looked up after my rant to the rude receptionist I noticed a few boys were filming me. Those were probably circling the student population by now too.

I was grooming Leah again and she didn't seem to mind that it's the 13th time today. I took her out for a morning breeze and then took Star since they would be my mounts for the weekend.

YourBestFrandJess: Hey Allie! I hope u r feeling better! This weekend me and a few girls and guys are going to the Track and were wondering if u wanted to come with? Let me know. Miss you! );

My mind started reeling. Was she gonna see my race? She couldn't see me. I wasn't supposed to ride at 15. Reed owned Star and Leah so that was the only reason I could ride them. I didn't race any others. I breezed for different trainers and have been asked to race them but don't want to have the liability.

Changing before my races was a problem. I changed in the barn and walked straight from the barn to the paddock. I didn't want other jockeys to blow my cover. I just trusted Javier, that's it.

AllieC: Sorry Jess I would love to come but am busy. :( another time?

YourBestFrandJess: oh it's ok. Definitely another time! Miss u <3

AllieC: Miss u too! <3

I wondered if she was going all day to the track and who she was going with. Oh well what could I do.

"Lights out Leah." I muttered, climbing the ladder to the attic for the night.

•-•-•-•-•

I woke up at 4:30 to breeze American Lacy Leah and Starfish Soup. They both ran well and noticed a few trainers looking at me.

I hung out with Javier until he had to get to the jockey room and soon enough it was time to get to the paddock. I walked over and then stood amongst the other jockeys in the Yaddo Stakes. My odds were 46-1 so not the best they could be but sometimes the underestimate the girl jockey, Samantha Carter. My wonderful fake name. Sam is 16 and grew up rich and happy. Nothing like my life at all these past 6 years. Javier was in the race on the favorite 9-2, his horse wasn't Reed's, is was Pletcher's but he had been riding him all week, a derby hopeful.

I walked to the paddock and saw Reed in his suit and tie. No sign of Jessie yet. Other horses have everyone ever involved in their life there and I just have Reed. Not that I mind.

"She'll do great, you guys have an understanding of each other. Trust me you'll do well. Plus there is only 4 other horses." Reed told me when I approached him. He was always an optimist unlike me.

"Yeah there are 5 horses but only because no one thinks they can beat Uptown Dancer. And this is Leah's 3rd race."

"This is horse racing anything can happen and trust me if Leah is going to give anyone all she has it'll be you." Too much optimism in one sentence. "I would tell you how to ride her but I trust you with her."