Briarsridge Riding School

Chapter 31

I awoke the next morning, stretching my stiff joints out. My feet hit the backboard of my bed, and I sighed, continuing to stretch my arms.

"Wait.. My bed doesn't have a backboard." I mumbled, opening my eyes just the tiniest bit. Instead of the usual light filtering through, there was pitch black. Alarmed I sat up, shoving my hands out behind me to support myself. My hands landed in something squishy, and I immediately remembered the events of the previous night, smelling the manure soon after. Disgusted, I recoiled, and stood up. I felt my bedraggled ponytail, clumped with smelly manure, and groaned. My phone lit up and I examined the forty messages from various people. However, none from the one person I needed at the moment. Luke. I turned, banging on the door until I heard rushing footsteps coming towards me. I saw a familiar face in the glass, and I heard the lock click. My trainer opened the door, stunned to see me standing there.

"Scarlett? What are you-?" The stench hit him, and he gasped, holding his nose and looking at me. "What happened in here?" He asked.

"Not quite sure. All I know is the entire stairwell is filled with manure, Luke locked me in there, and I've been in there since last night and would really like to change." I replied sleepily, and Mr. S. stared at me. He shook his head before meeting my eyes again.

"So you're saying. That Luke just. Left you in here." His voice was gritty and monotonous. I nodded, and he ran his hand through his hair.

"Go on back to your dorm and get changed. Then come back. I need to talk to you." I nodded again, walking around him and stretching. I checked my phone again.

JULIE: 15 NEW MESSAGES

MR. S: Are you up for a lesson tomorrow?

BRANDON: 20 NEW MESSAGES

DAD: Mom and I are coming to visit!

DAD: We will be there in two days!

MOM: What do you want for your birthday?

LAUREN: Hey! How are you doing?

I sighed, replying only to my dad's messages.

Hey Dad! So excited to hear that!

Quietly, I arrived back to my dorm hall. It was still early in the morning, the sun hasn't risen yet, so no one was awake. I slipped quietly into my room, walking immediately into the bathroom and turning the shower on hot, I let the water heat up while choosing clothes. I set out a pair of tan breeches, as well as pulling a lavender tee from my dresser. My Sperrys were removed from my shoulder and I dumped my socks on the floor. Walking back into the bathroom, I undressed and stepped into the warm shower, washing every inch of my body and cleaning my hair until I could only smell the mint body wash and shampoo I was using. I stepped out, drying off before changing into the clothes on the counter. I grabbed a new pair of socks and picked my Sperrys up before heading into the main room. Looking in the fridge, I saw an orange, and smiled, grabbing it before rushing back into my room and taking my phone off my bed. I rushed out of my room, unlocking my phone and texting Julie.

Hey! I'm fine, it's all good. Just a small barn mishap, so I ended up sleeping there. I'll see you later today!

I sent the message, continuing to walk to the barn. Soon, the building loomed in front of my, and I stopped before entering to put my shoes on. After I had finished lacing them up, I stepped into the barn and walked to Mr. S's office, sitting down. He was on the phone, and motioned for me to wait. I smiled, and peeled my orange into his trash can, soothing my rumbling stomach just as he hung up.

"You look- and smell- much better Ms. Cooper." My trainer gave me a smile, and I chuckled.

"Thank you sir. What was it you wanted to talk to me about?" He looked at me, remembering something.