The End of all Things

Chapter 9

I stormed into the house, slamming the door without thinking.

"What's your problem?" Dad demanded.

You, I thought. But he might make me sell Charm if I told him that

"Nothing. I accidentally slammed the door." I paused. "I'm sorry."

He arched his brow. "Is that right?" He said suspiciously.

I forced a smile. "Yeah. I didn't mean to slam it. Sorry 'bout that." 

He nodded. "Oh. My bad. Sorry for raising my voice."

"Yeah. I'm gonna hit the hay. Goodnight." I waved.

I went upstairs, thinking.

 I hope dad gets over mom. This is getting out of hand.

I rolled my eyes. It's stupid..! I thought.

I took my shoes off and plopped down on my bed, not even bothering to change my clothes or turn out my light, exhaustion swarming my mind and drowning out my surroundings.

The next morning

After breakfast, I decided to go out to the barn and check up on Charm. I put on black breeches and a purple polo shirt, pulling on my riding boots. I swung by the kitchen to snatch an apple and two carrots from the fridge, tucking the carrots into the siding of my boots.

Charm whinnied a greeting as I trotted into the barn. Cassie beamed. Charm stuck her nose through the slats, detecting the treats I was hiding. I slid open the stall door and gave Charm carrot. 

While Charm munched on the carrot, I led her out of the stall, crosstied her, brushed her down, and tacked her up. She grinded her teeth at the infamous girth. 

I walked her to the covered outdoor arena and turned on the fans- it was hotter than Hunter Hayes out here. I mounted Charm slowly, praising her as she stood still, unfazed. I sat still in the seat for about a minute, after her being quiet and waiting, I gently applied pressure, asking for a walk. I steered her over to the rail and rode clockwise around the arena. 

After a few laps around, I ease her into a trot, and I post- sitting trot sucks. Her trot is showy and I just know that if there were judges here, their jaws would be at their feet. I smile to myself. 

"Now for the trot, girl.." I murmur to her. 

Charm's ears flick back to me, and she snorts and yanks excitedly on the bit. I give her her wish and make a kissy sound and tap her behind the girth. When she rocks into a comfy, incredibly smooth canter, I feel so thankful. She is an amazing horse. 

I decide to take her for a few small jumps, just to test out her ability. I dismount her and tie her to a metal railing by the water trough, letting her rest while I set up a few 1ft and 2ft jumps. 

When I'm finished, I retrieve Charm and mount her quickly, eager to start. Charm doesn't even need me to tell her to walk, she went on her own. I was filled with such a euphoria that I completely forgot that mom was dead and gone. 

Charm popped over the jumps, no sweat at all. I patted her neck, smiling as we approached an oxer with red flags on the sides. Charm glanced at them for a half second before jumping confidently over the obstacle. I grinned widely, feeling free and liberated. I whispered pretty words into Charm's ear as we approached a hog's back that was relatively higher than the others, about 2-3 ft. Charm jumped at the perfect time and flew over the jump, her hoof wall nowhere near the bars. 

I slowed Charm to a walk, breathing heavily. Sweat dripped down her hide, while sweat ran into my eyes and mouth. I wiped my face with my shirt, panting. I loosened the reins and took my feet out the stirrups, letting us both cool down. 

When we turned around, my dad stood, watching me, with grim eyes and his arms crossed.