Paid to Catch

Like A Movie

Ann's P.O.V.

Horseback riding brings back lots of fond memories of one I was less intellectual- bad ones.

Rizza was the worst babysitter that I've ever met in my entire 9-year-old life. She's such a horrible person- always audibly mumbling about how my brother Philip should be kidnapped or be damned in hell just because she was too lazy (and dumb) to actually take care of him. I'm more than glad that we've performed operation KTBS on her, no regrets.

Compared to Cerice, though... a normal teenage girl, who shares the same fandoms as I- she was incredibly sweet, so far. I know we've only just met, but unlike stupid Rizza, she seems to have a real heart. She treats Jeremy as... well, not exactly an equal, but she's decent. Way more decent than my brother's former babysitter, and definitely will be more decent than she'll ever be.

So, when I found out that Cerice has been kidnapped by an invisible Moriarty while powdering her nose inside the bathroom, I was not at all thrilled; my mood darkened, and it didn't get any better after knowing that the Aussies are bombarding Jeremy with challenges.

The worse part is, I get to relive those bad memories all over again. Except Philip's not here.

"You ready?" I ask Jeremy, crossing the paddocks where he is supposed to pick a horse. He chose a stallion that reminded me of a pony version of Shadowfax, Lord of the Horses from Lord of the Rings.

Somewhere outside, Iva was guiding Ryden on the do's and don'ts, applying the rules of their task- but the duo are having fun about it. Neither seemed fazed; Ryden a little nervous, maybe, but not fazed.

Jeremy grunts. "Oh, sure- don't worry, I'm an expert at getting my butt kicked, mind you!" He vehemently opposed, picking up his horse's saddle as if it weighted three Traces.

I shake my head, striding over to help him. "You're doing it wrong," I say, moulding his hands into the proper position, the saddle hovering over the horse, "Now, put it down lightly. That way, you won't scare the poor thing."

He nods, hopefully in understanding. I let go, and Jeremy proceeds with the tacking. "You've been out riding before?"

"Nope. Dad was too worried that any harm would come to me," I confess, fingers weaving the horse's beautiful cream mane, nostalgia coming to me in a rush. "Philip has, though. Countless of times, to be exact."

Laughter erupts from the other end. There was no need to look- I knew in an instant that the twins were the cause.

"Still Daddy's little girl, I see," Jeremy teases.

I roll my eyes. "And you're still a Mama's boy."

Once he's finished preparing the horse, I take hold of the reins and begin a demonstration. "Always stand on the left side if you want to lead the horse," I inform him, surprised by my own stored knowledge. Weren't we supposed to forget these things while growing up?

Slowly, I walk forward; the horse follows obediently. I try to hide a smile. Hey, this was easier than I thought! "Make sure you're not too far away, but also not too close- otherwise you'll be trampled all over." 

We switch places. Jeremy fumbles with the reins, a nervous glint in his blue eyes as he glances at me. With a start, I notice that his legs were trembling. "D-Do you think Cerice is a-all right?" he stutters, biting his lower lip. He was on the brink of crying. 

Pitiful, yet understandable. Charles Jeremy wasn't known as one who can handle peer pressure. 

"She's fine," I breathe out, suddenly feeling exhausted. Then, I grin, "She's a strong, independent woman who don't need no man."