Unbridled Beginnings

Chapter 7: Unexpected Project

Since I found out about having to 'sell' Sharki, I haven't talked much to Alison and Jack. I don't plan on talking to them about his new home either.

After I got home yesterday afternoon, I quietly made my way inside the house, trying to sneak up to my bedroom without much conversation. But before I could, Alison lurked into the kitchen like she had been waiting for me to come home.

"Did you sell him?" She asked, unaware of the eager tone in her voice.

"Yeah, I did." I said, trying to look disappointed by hanging my head.

I swiftly glanced at Alison for a second to see her leaning against the door frame, a wild smirk painted on her face. I quickly turned away and jogged up the stairs to my bedroom, a similar evil smile on my face.

......

I groggily climb out bed as I didn't get much sleep at all last night, and start to get ready for the day. I change into some light clothes and brush my knotted blonde hair, then look up into the white framed mirror. My ocean coloured eyes squint, reflecting off the shining bright light above, causing me to turn away and walk out down the stairs.

"Morning," Jack says blankly.

"Hi," I reply, seeing him at the kitchen table in his usual position, sipping a coffee.

I grab some breakfast and sit down at the table opposite him. Everything is silent except for the clattering of my spoon and constant annoying sipping noises. I lose my appetite so go towards the sink and tip out half the contents, going to open the front door.

"Would you happen to have a bike Jack? I was going to go down to the dairy to buy milk," I say, just before I leave.

"Yes, my niece's bike is in the shed. She's about the same age as you from what I remember, so it might be alright to use."

I head to where the small tin shed is waiting, and open the creaky door. Spotting a rusty purple trail bike, I wheel it out and swipe off the cobwebs. It's a little small for my liking, but in these conditions I don't mind, as it will be quicker than walking.

......

After around twenty minutes on the road to Sharki I can hear my heart beating hard. The rusty pedals on the bike are clicking and crunching under my gumboot covered shoes. Even though they threaten to break off and leave me without transport, I keep going eager to get where I need to be.

When I finally arrive down the dusty driveway, I see a red truck and a small single float attached. The ramp is down and it's parked neatly alongside the house.

"Who could that be?" I mutter under my puffing breath, as I lean my bike up against the stable.

I walk suspiciously towards the abandoned vehicles and gasp when Janet appears round the corner.

"Hayley! How are you? Thanks for coming." Janet says nearly as surprised as I am.

"Yeah I'm fine thanks. Is there a new boarder here?"

"Yes a new horse has just arrived. I was thinking that maybe this horse could be your first project?" Janet questions.

"Ok sure! I can't start today because I have to get back home. But how about tomorrow afternoon?"

"That would be a great time to start." Janet replies.

Janet wanders back over to the new horse and it's owner and I decide that I should follow her. My heart skips a beat when I see the horse. It's a small palomino pony with thick ruffled fur and a dirty white mane. Even though I don't know much about a horse's health, I know that if I can see it's ribs and it's head is hanging unusually low, this pony has not been cared for.

I try not look surprised and disgusted but Janet glares at me with wide, stern eyes so I realise my expression is obviously clear. 

"Hayley, this is Meredith. She found Nova abandoned and came to his rescue, but needs some help from us to train and care for him. And Meredith this is Hayley, our new trainer here at Mayfield Ranch." Janet says.

"Yes, I'm the trainer here and I am sure that Nova and I will get along just fine," I say, still bewildered.

"It's been nice to meet you both but I better be heading off now. How long will the training take?" Meredith questions, not sure who to look at for an answer.

"Approximately six weeks but we'll keep in touch to give you updates," replies Janet.

"Alright then see you soon!"

Once Janet and I wave Meredith off down the driveway, I turn and apologise to Janet.

"Sorry, I guess I'm a little nervous."

Janet accepts my apology and goes into the stable. I walk towards the palomino called Nova and stroke her along her neck and back.

"You need some serious work," I say to him.

Leading Nova into a stall next to some of the other boarded horses, I spot Sharki and go over to see him. He nickers softly when I open the hinged stall door and slip his light blue halter over his head. I decide to lead him out into an empty paddock since I'm not sure how he will behave with the other horses, also hoping that Janet won't mind. When I slip the halter off and hook it on the wooden fence post he stands still, looking around with his ears flicking back and forth.

I make Sharki a small feed and place it over the fence for him to munch down, before going back to the stable and saying goodbye to Janet.

"I'll see you tomorrow afternoon to start training Nova, Janet."

"Ok have a great day," she replies.