Unbridled Beginnings

Chapter 9: Escapee

I'm woken up by the bright sunlight seeping through my beige curtains, and the happy chirping of birds. I roll over and check the time on the clock. When I see that it's 10:20am I decide that I should probably get up as Jack and Alison must be wondering where I am. I pull my spotted dressing gown over my pyjamas, and tie my hair into a messy bun before going downstairs. Expecting to see Jack I look over to the dining table. But to my surprise he's not. I then identify a piece of paper addressed to me.

Hayley

Jack and I have gone out shopping for the day and should be back around four o'clock. Here's a list of chores you need to do before we get home.

-Alison

Then I see the list she mentioned and look at the jobs they want me to do. Luckily there isn't to many as I suddenly realise this would be the perfect opportunity to go and start training Nova. I said to Janet I'd be there in the afternoon, so I guess I should get changed and begin doing my chores.

......

It's just turned one o'clock and I have finished all my jobs except one. I'm just hoping that I'll have enough time when I get home to do it because I need to head off.

I grab the purple bike again from the shed and start pedalling down the road, my legs spinning at an even pace.

I run my plan of training Nova through my head once again. The first day I'm grooming and lunging, then the second day I'm going to try the gear on her. My plan isn't very long yet, but I'm not sure what days I'll be able to make it to the ranch.

......

Eventually I make it and the time is half-past one. Immediately I take off my helmet and lean the bike up against the stable, walking into the barn. I see Janet there cleaning out the stall opposite Nova's and greet her excitedly, before going towards the paddock that Sharki's in.

"Hey boy," I say, as he walks up to the fence and nickers softly.

I go back and grab a slice of the dry, dusty hay and slightly wet it down before putting it over the fence for him.

"Are you ready to train Nova?" Janet asks as I enter the stable.

"Yes but I'm going to groom her first so she gets to know me."

I cautiously lead Nova out of her stall as she is quite restless from being indoors this morning, and get a brush from the tack room. She eyes the brush suspiciously and when I let her sniff it, her nostrils flare even wider. Nova lets me brush her shoulders and back but when I edge closer to her hind end, she kicks her legs out, nearly hitting me.

"Hey what was that for Nova!" I say.

She looks at me as if to say sorry, pinning her ears back and forth, obviously confused about what to do. I keep brushing her back on both sides until the front half of her body gleams, and smile when I see she seems to have calmed down a little.

Feeling happy with our progress so far, I go back to the tack room and come out with a long, black lunge rope. I lead her out into the arena, both our bodies being hit by the hot sun, and flick the end of it towards her hind end. She fights me for a while by flicking her head around and trying to pull the lead out of my hands. But I keep a firm grip on the rope and she soon realises she can't fight and starts to obey me. I keep her walking on a twenty metre circle until I become dizzy and turn her the other way.

I start to get bored with walking and I can see the same expression in her eyes, so I click my tongue and ask for a trot. But suddenly she rears up and violently rips the lead out of my hand, causing me to fall forward close to her flailing legs, waving high in the air. I push myself back up and try to get her attention as she continues to fight me and I struggle to hold onto the lead.

"Nova! Stop!" I say, trying to reassure her in a calm voice.

But Nova doesn't stop. The once calm and collected pony has now transformed into a wild horse. Nova suddenly gives one huge pull on the lead, my hands stinging from the rope burn. For a second I consider letting go of the lead, but before I can the tension between us releases and I think it's all over. But it's not. The lunge rope has snapped due to all the strain that has been put on it and now Nova is running towards the open gates.

"Why hadn't I closed them?' I think, my mind frantic as I run after her.

My mind drifts to the thought that this could be it. My first day working here and I've let a horse escape. What will Janet think of me now? I turn the corner and relief floods me. Janet is holding the frightened pony by her halter and the short, dangling piece of rope.

"Janet! Oh thank you, thank you!" I puff, collecting the lead back from her.

She looks at me, disappointment painted all over her face.

"I'm truly sorry Janet," I explain.

"It's alright Hayley, but your extremely lucky that I was here to catch her. If I wasn't we would have lost her down the road."

"Yes of course Janet. I promise it won't happen again."

Put her away please," she says.

She turns towards her house and goes inside obviously not impressed with what I had done. I lead Nova back through the stable where all the horses peek their heads out, curious to see us and eager to join in on the fuss.

Once Nova has been put away I check the time.

"Damn it!" I say out loud.

It's three-thirty which leaves me just enough time to get home. But what if Jack and Alison are early? I grab the bike hurriedly pull on my helmet, rushing out down the drive leaving dust trailing behind me.

A/N

Will Hayley make it home in time? Will Janet regret her decision to let Hayley train the horses at Mayfield ranch?

Hey guys, I just wanted to mention my friend eujineee, her story "Hiding Behind Love" is a drama based novel around a high school girl and her crush - have a look! :)