Greener Pastures: An Equestrian's Journey

Chapter 1 - "And So The Story Begins"

* IMPORTANT NOTE - The first two'ish' chapters aren't very horsey. But, I promise it will be chucked full, I just wanted to lay some background first. It's important to the story. Please stick it with it, and I hope you enjoy reading! *

"Now remember class, the paper on your summer novel is due on Monday, no exceptions!" Mrs. Davidson, the literature teacher for seniors, attempted to shout over the final bell that rang. Students jumped out of their seats at the signal that the first week of senior year was done with, and the sound of shuffling papers, lockers slamming, and excited students talking about the football game that would occur in the evening was the chorus of the end of a Friday.

Ashley Anderson got up slowly from her desk, books clutched close to her chest, smiled softly and waved at Mrs. Davidson, and then made her way into the bustling hallway. Her eyes immediately began scanning the halls of Ravenwood Academy, in search for her best friend. Ravenwood Academy was a preparatory academy for those who wanted to attend elite colleges. It came with a hefty price tag, and for the school to even consider a student's admittance, they had to be outstanding in either academics, athletics, arts, and so on. Thankfully, Ashley was able to be admitted based off of her academic performance. The school hallway was brimming full of preppy kids in maroon uniforms, many of whom had egos bigger than their mommy and daddy's paychecks.

All that caught her attention were the freshman who were frantically running to catch their buses, and the other seniors who were enveloped with friends in laughter and excitement because they knew their cars would never leave without them. She made her way to her locker and began packing her things into her backpack carefully when she felt someone grab her from behind. Spinning on her heels, she was now face to face with her grinning best friend, Kennedy Michaels.

"Oh my gosh, I've seriously been looking for you for fifteen minutes! Where have you been?" Kennedy quizzed, her obnoxiously perfect, white teeth now hidden by a pouting mouth, her chocolatey brown eyes with an accusing glare.

"Hey now, don't give me that look," Ashley replied, chuckling softly, "You know Mrs. Davidson teaches right up until the bell, and as a matter of fact, I was looking for you."

The smiled returned, and Kennedy nodded with a wink, "Fair enough, I suppose I'll let it slide this time."

Ashley finished getting her things from her locker and then fell in step next to Kennedy. While throwing her backpack over her shoulder, she asked, "By the way, what time is the game tonight?"

Kennedy, tossing her mocha brown hair over her shoulder while adjusting her own backpack, responded immediately, "It starts at seven, but you know I have to be there early to help set up, and sometimes I just find that unfair that I have to do all the work."

Ashley smiled, listening to her friend continue to complain. Kennedy was co-captain of the cheerleading squad, although sometimes Ashley felt that she complained about it more than she enjoyed it.

"Hey you two, hold on, wait up!"

Both girls turned around upon hearing a voice call out to them, and Kennedy groaned and her eyes narrowed with impatience as soon as she saw who it was.

"Oh just great," Kennedy muttered.

Kevin Michaels, Kennedy's twin brother jogged up to the two girls. He was as handsome as Kennedy was pretty, and they had the same matching chocolatey brown eyes and mocha hair, however his was quite curly. And as if they already weren't enough alike, Kevin was the school's leading receiver in football. Clearly, the two were related.