My Oxygen Is Exhaust Fumes

Chapter 4

Still August 27, 2015

Josh’s P.O.V.

The guys and I walk around for a while. Around 4:30 they make an announcement for all bull riders to come to the arena. So we can pull our numbers. We are in the horse barn, and the arena is on the other side of the fairgrounds. So we turn to leave.

     A few girls watch us walk by, but they all appear to be fake. Two inches of make up. Short shorts, tank top crop tops, and boots. Nope. Not interested. A few of the guys eye them back, and are about to stop when I grab them, still walking.

    “Guy’s later. But right now, we need to get to the arena. Try’n pick up whoever you want? Later! Right now get your head on your ride.” I say.

    The girls perk up, oh great. Now we have stalkers. They whisper something then laugh. Oh dear lord, just help me now.

    When we get to the arena, they have us all line up to pick our numbers. Once we pick, they tell us if we want, we can go find our bull. The rodeo begins at 6 sharp, be ready. They will announce the barrel racers, then the bull riders. Then the barrels will run and it’ll be our turn after that.

    We all walk off in a group, on the hunt for our bulls. When find them, they all seem nice so we pet them.

    My phone says 5:30, so I tell the guys, then we all take off in a jog back to the truck. Everyone grabs their bags, then we start getting ready. Sam groans, and then drops to the ground.

    “What’s wrong man?” I ask, looking at him.

    “Man! I forgot my hat!” he says, laying down.

    We all start laughing, a hat is one thing you never forget. How is one forgettable? I’m not sure. Hats are an everyday thing.

    I laugh, “Wow. Your stupid. But here,” I toss him the hat I wasn’t planning on wearing during my ride, “I always have two.”

    He mumbles thanks, and places it on his head.

    About 3 seconds later I hear,“Holy crap man, you’ve got a big head.” I turn to look at him then bust out in laughter. It’s below his eyes.

    “It’s the best I can do man. Stop complaining, that one is kinda small on me.” Then turn back to my chaps that are laying on the ground.

    I hear everyone’s voices start, then people saying, here wear this, I’ll wear this one, you wear that one.

    3 minutes later when I turn around about to head back, no one has their own hat on. I just shake my head and walk away. Wow, I think, those are my friends.

    I pass some girls warmin’ up their horses. And others who haven’t even saddled their horses, who are in a panic. I see Sam’s cousin Jennie, running around frantic, not even changed into her show clothes yet.

    I go over, and ask her if she needs help. She shakes her head yes, and pointing to the back of the trailer where the tack is stored. I jog back there, grabbing the saddle, saddle pad, bridle, ankle wrap, and everything else to get her horse together.

    5 minutes later, her new horse Steel, is saddled and ready to go. They make the announcement for all riders to come to the front.

    I yell to Jennie that ima ride Steel up to the riders meeting to warm him up. She yells thank you, and that she will meet me there.

    I untie Steel from the trailer, and mount up. As soon as I get up, I fell him perk up ready to ride. I push my heels into his sides, and turn him around, “C'mon boy let’s go,” I say. We walk halfway to the riders meeting, but then I say, “C’mon boy,” and put him up to a jog.