StoneRidge for Girls

Chapter 3

My alarm blared at 5:00 that morning. I groaned.

"Why is this stupid thing set for 5:00 AM?"

      I grabbed my towel and hopped in the shower. I let the cold water rinse the sleep from my body and moisturize my brain. I climbed out and plugged in my blow-dryer and straightener. My hair-dryer sounded really loud in the quiet of the room. I quickly straightened my hair and opened my closet. Uniforms were the requirement here. They had a special one for everyday lessons and then a new outfit for each horse session. I grabbed the outfit for the regular classes and grimaced/smiled. It was a purple plaid skirt with a short sleeve navy blue top and black sleeveless vest.I put it on my bed and changed into a pair of work clothes. We were told to bring 5 pairs of work clothes. I grabbed my key and snuck out to the barn.

"Hi Star. How are ya boy?"

I grabbed his water-pail and went out to the tap and got some refreshing clear water. I saw a 3rd year running to the barn. A first year emerged stumbling towards the purple barn. I went back inside and after putting back his water bucket and stringing up a new haynet, found his bran mash.

"Here ya go boy. Eat up."

A few doors down someone was cooing softly. Pretty soon the barn was mostly full of students. I grabbed his leadrope and tied him to the hitching post. I decided to start with the curry and move my way into the body brush and other etc tools. After a good 20 minutes I was done with his body. I then moved onto his hoofs which didn't need anything done on them. I quickly put him back in his stall after mucking out and ran inside to get changed. I finished tugging on my blue boots and grabbed my key. The bell rang loudly signaling breakfast. I walked to the cafeteria chippier than a squirell that found the perfect acorn.

I went through the line and grabbed a bowl of oatmeal, a bowl of fruit and a piece of toast with butter. Snatching a spoon and a napkin, I decided to sit with Rinda and try to make friends.

"Hi. I'm Calli."

". I am Sidney. Lacie. Rinda.  Courtney. Falenn. Bella." "Howdy!"

"Hello."  

"Hello."  

"Hello."  

"Hello."

"Hi. So I had a question. Where is the science lab?"

" Go down the second hallway to your left. 4 doors down take the 2 flights of stairs and there you are."

"Oh ok. Sounds simple enough." We all ate in silence except for Falenn who would not shut up. I got up and scooted myself far from Falenn. Time to head to science. I followed where Sidney had told me to go and I suddenly felt nervous. I stood in the doorway of the classroom. I read the board that said,'Choose a seat and do not talk.' I sat in the seat closest to the door. I sat there and looked around the classroom. It gave us a perfect view of the jumping arena where some of the 3rd years were starting up practice.  

"Good morning class. First I need you to take 3 pencils, 2 pens and a case."

I passed the bag to the person behind me.

"Alright. Now. I need you to take a book and go put it in the supply closet for 1st years with your pencil case. I will pass around black pens."

I got up and went to find my name. All the way near the bottom was where I found it. It was 30 shelves full. I walked back to my desk to find a stack of papers and a pen.

"Read over these papers carefully and then sign your name at the bottom. You have the rest of the hour."

I read the first page carefully. Rules, regulations, more regulations, more rules, supplies, what was expected, and when I finished I had 5 minutes of class left. I signed at the bottom.....