Rodeo Hearts

Chapter 12

I want to thank you each and everyone of you for being patient with me. Life is really hectic for me lately, but I have not forgot about you all or this book. I've dedicated a year or so of my life thus far for this book and it would be senseless to let all that hard work go to waste. I have thought about giving up, but then I would think what would Aurora do? Would she give up? Most definitely not. You guys inspire and fuel my dreams and expectations for this book and for my writing career in general. I will continue to update slowly until  this book is finished. Thank you once again for reading. I hope ya'll enjoy this chapter.

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Aurora's POV

I quickly pulled away as my face flushed blood red. Brayden lowered his voice to where only I could hear him, "We'll finished this later." Somehow I knew that he would uphold his promise. Jade stood before us with a knowing look. She smiled as my face turned an even deeper color of red.

"Hey guys!" she said.

"Hey Jade...Wow! You look beautiful!" I told her.

Jade had her black hair curled into delicate ringlets that lay over her shoulders. Her makeup was more than she usually wore, but suited her nevertheless. Her dress matched the color of her forest green eyes. Sequins covered the dress from the hem of the dress to the bust. Jake walked up behind Jade and put his arms around her. This time it was her turn to blush.

I smiled at the happy couple that stood in front of me. Jake had always had a thing for Jade and for as long as I can remember Jade had liked him as well. Jake and Jade took their seats at our table as the pageant rules were explained to the participates; Any bad sportsmanship shown will be a mark against the contestant. Instant disqualifications would be a result of foul mouthing, agressive physical contact, public ill-wishing, or illegal substances found in the drug-testing taken prior to being entered into the pageant.

The pageant consisted of 3 parts; The runway and talent, dance, and then crowning. The talent portion was to be kept secret until the moment we step outside to showcase those talents.

I felt the warmth of Brayden's hand holding my own. It gave me comfort to get through this nerve wracking day. The host called all of the contestants to the makeshift backstage to begin to get ready for the first event. Brayden and Jake wished Jade and I luck as we walked backstage. I could tell that she was as nervous as I was, but we both tried not to show it.

The first event was Runway; all the girls' have practiced alone and together since registration was over. I looked to my left and then to my right at all of the girls. This pageant has the prettiest girls in Plum Grove competing for the crown. I saw Lauren standing in all of her glory as if she already won. She threw me a glance and lifted her head even higher.

After our makeup was touched up and our hair was free of flaws, we lined up on stage and waited for the curtains to be opened. The runway portion passed without any mishaps. Anytime I felt my nerves start to get the better of me, I looked to Brayden as reassurance. His smile was more than enough to help me through it. You would think that I would be used to being in front of crowds, but i've never been judged about my appearance or the way I walked. It's a new experience that I'm not really sure I enjoy.

Brayden's POV

I could tell she was nervous as she would look to me for reassurance every now and then. I gave her a smile to let her know everything is alright. Aurora along with the other contestants walked off stage to change into their outfit for the next talent part.

The host asked us to step outside to the backyard for the talent portion. I followed behind everyone through the side doors to the backyard. Outside there was a tent with chairs set up under it. I found a chair near the front open and sat down.