The Chase of My Life

Chapter 23

(Athena's POV)

Today was the day all my training been for. Holli was restless, and she stomped her feet. Ready for the bell to ring. I could here my family and friends screaming our names. I was ready for this until I saw Damon, he was smiling at me. Damon and I got in a fight at the restaurant. And we hadn't been talking much. I realized even with the fight, he had came to support me. A tear slipped down my face, and I brushed it away. Knowing the weeks we had not been talking, we could have been hanging out. But I was stupid for fighting with him. And I don't even remember what we were fighting about and that's when he looked at me. Telling me to focus on the track, and I shake my head. Squeezing my legs, and feeling Holli jolt a little. I smile, and I know that I'm ready for the competition. That's when the gunshot goes off, and I kick Holli's sides and were off down the track. Jumping over the obstacles, running down hills and up hills. Tightening my grip on the reins, and staying close to the saddle. Trying to gain speed, as we jump over another obstacle.

Looking ahead and seeing the water jump coming up. Realizing since I practiced during the winter time. We never did a watercourse, wondering how this was going to go. Taking a deep breath in and we make it to the other side. As we were landing the reins slip out of my hands, and I grab onto her hair for dear life. My foot had also slipped out of the saddle, and I was falling. I knew I wasn't going to make it when suddenly I felt Holli butt me with her head. Pushing me back up onto the saddle, and I grabbed for the reins. Gaining control right before another jump. Also, seeing that we were about to reach the finish line. Smiling, we only had it to make through one more jump and then we would win the State Championship. I see my family and friends waiting for me at the end. "Come on, girl!" I whispered to her. Riding around a corner, and seeing a fallen tree as the last jump. Kicking her side one last time, and preparing for the jump.

Suddenly, I heard the snap of a bone. Feeling both of smack the ground, hard. I cry out, and everything goes dark for a second. My body was being crushed by Holli, and I scream out in pain. Hearing Holli neighing in pain, and I try to push her off my leg. Tears ran down my face when I saw her hoof. Knowing that she had broken her leg, and knowing that we were done. I heard people screaming my name, and ambulance siren close by. I laid on my back and stared up at the sky. Tears falling down my face of the pain for my horse and I. Suddenly, I saw people around me. A hand grabbing mine, and I saw it was Damon. I saw that he was talking to me, and I then passed out.

(Jessica's POV)

Derek had invited me to go watch Athena compete with him and others. I gladly accepted. Dressing a little warm, since spring at just arrived. Derek came and picked me up, and we headed to the competition. Stopping by Starbucks on the way, and warming ourselves up with some coffee. Arriving around noon, and I texted Damon asking where they were seated. Receiving a text saying they were at the starting line, and they were going to meet Courtney and Blake who was saving a seat at the finish line for us. I texted back saying we would go to Courtney and Blake to keep them company. Because I knew Tyler and Melody probably were at the starting line. I grasped Derek's hand, and we pushed our way toward the finish line. After a couple of minutes looking for Courtney and Blake, we finally found them. Sitting in chairs trying to be a little warm. I laughed at them, and they heard me. Giving me a glare, "How is Y'all doing?" I ask.

"Good, what about your coffee girl? Bring us any?" Courtney asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shook my head, "Nope, but you can have the rest of mine." I said, handing it to her. Courtney took it,

"Thank you." She said, taking a sip.

"Here, Jessica take my seat," Blake said, getting up.

"Thank you," I said, sitting down beside Courtney.