Hoofbeat Ridge Soaring High

Chapter 1

Snow fell softly on the ground around me. Every tree was dusted white and sparkling in the early morning light. I had managed to snag a few hours before school to go riding in the new snow. It was early December, and of course, a Monday. My mom and I had just moved to a new area of Lexington, and my urge to explore was practically eating me alive. The horse's hooves beneath me crunched in the light layer of snow and both our breaths came out in clouds that formed in front of our eyes. I ducked to avoid a low birch branch, my back scraped the branch and knocked some of the snow off making it dust both the horse and myself. My phone buzzed in my pocket making me jump, forgetting I had it with me. I pulled it out and saw that it was time to head back.

"Come on Dusty." I said to the gelding under me. I pulled him around and kicked him into a quick trot. The large bay Tennessee Walker moved into a smooth rack and we made our way back to the barn.

~*~

After putting Dusty away in the barn I ran into the house to change out of my riding clothes and into normal jeans and a t-shirt for the day. I wasn't to happy to be going to a different school, and I didn't worry about my appearance to much. I had put some black eye-liner and mascara on, making my green eyes stand out a little bit. I wore a black t-shirt that had Chevelle writing on it in cursive silver letters. My dark jeans hugged my legs, a few holes were placed here and there in them. My dark auburn hair was pulled up in a half pony-tail. I threw on my favorite black leather jacket was thrown on and I pulled my black boots on. Finishing up my look I put my silver winged heart necklace on and glanced in the mirror on the way out. I ran outside just as the bus pulled to a stop. Quickly I got on and found an empty seat. I threw my messenger bag on the seat beside me and looked out the window.

"Excuse me..are you goth?" I heard someone try not to laugh as they asked me the question.

I met their gaze head on. "No, I'm not." I said.

The girl had blond hair and looked very petite. She had a doll-shaped face and blue eyes. There was no doubt in my mind she was a cheerleader. "Really? You seem to be wearing a lot of black."She raised a perfectly shaped eye-brow at me.

"I can assure you I'm not goth." I said still holding her gaze. "Otherwise I wouldn't be speaking to you."

"Hm." The girl rolled her eyes and turned to her friend beside her.

The bus stopped at the school and I got off and into the school as quickly as I could. I walked up to the office window only to see a women filing her nails. She looked up, her grey eyes scrutinizing my looks. With a dramatic sigh the women thust a folded piece of paper in my face. I muttered something under my breath and turned around and left. I unfolded the paper and found my locker number. I spent about ten minutes trying to find my locker. "This is insane." I muttered fumbling with the lock.

"Talking to yourself doesn't help." A deep voice came from beside me.

I followed the voice and saw a guy maybe seventeen with dirty blond hair that was cut short and spiky in the front. His blue eyes sparked with hiding anger. I rolled my eyes. "Nice to meet you to." I growled. My green eyes narrowed slightly.

"I'm Cade." He said a smile playing on his lips.

"Christelle." I said. "Call me Chris."

Cade nodded. "Can I see your schedule? I might be able to help you."

I handed him my schedule, happy that someone seemed nice enough to help me. "People aren't very friendly here are they?"

"Hawkhill High is more of a "fend-for-yourself" kinda school." Cade explained.

I grabbed my bag and followed him down the hallway. He never once glanced up from the paper, as he talked or led me to my class.

"Hey Cade wait up!" Another guy about seventeen with dark blond hair that was shaggy and covered his forehead. He had grey eyes that were flecked with gold, green and blue and framed with long dark lashes. He had a strong jaw that showed a slight bit of tension and frustration.