Black Heart

Going Home

 I look in the mirror and smile, my blue eyes are unfeeling and cold, my pale skin looks like it has never seen the sun. Light pink lips are perfect. My black hair falls in graceful waves down to my waist. I carefully twist it up into a bun so every hair is perfectly in place. I look perfect, delicate and stunning. My designer jeans with a fitted cream top with no sleeves and a high neck, and a black jacket. My almost five foot frame is all muscle. I look perfect as usual. I pick up my purse and go downstairs.

The grass fields are beautiful around the house, my horse Stardance is in the closest one. Her black coat is stunning, she is perfectly groomed, and white spots on her back are beautiful and look like stars. She is beautiful, powerful, tall, and graceful we are similar in so many ways. She is the best racehorse in the world. My aunt comes in while I am making breakfast. After breakfast I go load Star into a horse trailer already hooked to a truck. She is wild and excited. When we get to the airport I load Star onto the plane and say goodbye to my aunt.

"I will be back in two months for the Kentucky Derby, but I will see you in Rome in a week or two," I say.

"Be careful and make sure you exercise Star regularly, she will like all the open land, don't forget to study and keep yourself physically and mentally ready to race. Email me every day, make sure you do or I will be on a plane to make sure you are okay within twenty four hours. I will see you in Rome."

"I will, and don't worry, I will be fine."

"I know, but I worry."

"I know, I will call when we land."

"Make sure Star is safe, just be careful."

"I will, and don't worry, we will be back before you know it."

"I know."

She hugs me then I get on the plane, after checking on Star I take my first class seat. I relax into the seat and pull out my tablet. As I read through a textbook time seems to slow down. The history is fascinating, when the plane starts to descend I am just finishing the textbook. The plane touches down and I get off the plane. My dad is waiting in the airport. I nod at him then go to unload my horse. Star is anxious and unsure. I lead her out to dad's truck, he watches as I walk her around for a minute, she doesn't seem to be calming down. I load her then go over to my dad.

"How are you?" he asks.

"Good, let's get home, Star wants to run."

He nods and we get in the truck, I pull out my sunglasses and keep my face expressionless. When we pull off the main road I look outside, it is nothing like home. Star moves in the trailer and I look at dad.

"We are about five miles from home, do you still know the way?" he asks.

"Of course, pull off," I say.

He pulls off without asking why and watches as I get Star out of the trailer. She is ready to run. I take my shoes off and put them in the truck. I mount Star easily and look at dad.

"I'll be there in a while."

"Okay, be careful," he says.

I let Star run and bend down, I hold onto her neck and relax. As she runs I barely direct her, she responds to my directions without hesitation. When we ride into the yard dad's truck is there, he is waiting for us. An old friend waits beside him. Jake Smith, his tan hair and sun tanned skin, they watch me ride my horse barefoot and without any tack. Star is barely sweating, she enjoyed that run. Jake is staring at me with disbelief. I dismount and pet Star, she nuzzles my shoulder. I smile and it is the only time it is a real smile.

"Hey cowgirl," Jake says.

"I am no cowgirl," I say.

"Then why the horse?"