Mounting up

Chapter 15

I tense up immediately as do the rest of the team. Results for individual rounds were just finishing, I felt proud of Elle and I. The intermediate jumping round wasn't the best, but that's alright. I got the blue ribbon champion in advanced jumping, advanced dressage and advanced cross-country. In intermediate dressage and intermediate cross-country I got second place. For my hunters class, I got third as it was my first time doing advanced hunters.

Paige did very well too, actually, everybody from Windsor Preparatory had at least one blue ribbon champion. Mr. Rossi knew we would placed, but our fingers were crossed for internationals next year. Only the top two teams got into internationals. America was only allowed to send the top two teams, as was it the same with all the other countries.

Our biggest rivals at the moment, was Oakwood school for the talented and Ridge-Oak Private school. They were both tough schools, but I knew a couple people from both and they are really nice.

Mr. Rossi's face went pale. I listened intently and found they were announcing the top three teams.
Each ribbon was worth 30 points, with the blue champion ribbon being the exception. That was worth 50 points. Every point you earned counted towards your team's total amount of points over the week.

"In third place, We have Maple Bay school with a total of 250 points." The announcer said. Everyone cheered for Maple Bay. "In second place, We have Ivory Heights with a totally of 399 points." The lady said, a smile on her face. Everyone cheered again, and she finally said "In first place, We have Ridge - Oak with a total of 456 points. Congratulations." The crowed paused before cheering.

Mr. Rossi's face was stone-cold. The announcer had a meek smile on her face. "I'm sorry, we had a calculation error. In first place, we actually have Windsor Preparatory with 486 points."

Our whole team clapped eachother on the backs. "We're in first place, whoo hoo!" Taylor chanted.

The announced grinned. "Now, for the teams who will be going to internationals. With the leading team being Windsor Preparatory - they automatically get a spot in internationals. The second and final team who will be going to nationals is Maple Bay ! Congratulations !"

Our team grappled everybody into a group hug, we were crying and Mr. Rossi was definitely wiping away a tear or two. "Great job guys !" Ms. Jenkins said, appearing with our trophy we won.

[[ a/n : trophy pictured above ]]

"Wow ! Our very own trophy ?" Alyssa said shocked. Ms. Jenkins nodded, a motherly smile on her face.

I was elated. After all that I been through in the past year, this is so worth it. To be here with my boyfriend, and my best friends and my favourite horse, this is a moment I will never forget. Dad would've been so proud of me, He is proud of me. Kayden pulled into a hug, and I started sobbing tears of joy.

I saw Elle being lead by our stable hands to the trailers that would take them home to Seattle. I waved a little goodbye, before Mr. Rossi turned to face us.

"Your suitcases are waiting for you guys in the van we have rented. Grab your horses stuff, and get into the van. We have a surprise location to travel too." He said, smiling at us.

I grabbed Elle's stuff faster then you could say "trip". I brought it to the truck that was hauling the horses home, and handed it to the stable hands. I jogged to the van, and grabbed a seat beside Paige and Alyssa. "Hey guys !" I said happily, and buckled my seat belt.

Mr. Rossi climbed into the van, his keys jingling. The van roared to life, as the others climbed in. "Say goodbye to Ottawa troop !" He said lightheartedly.
I waved a little before calling with Paige. "Goodbye Ottawa!" We laughed together, before I returned to looking out the window.

"Where are we going for our trip?" Taylor asked Mr. Rossi and Ms. Jenkins. "That, Taylor is a surprise." He chuckled. "You'll find out at the airport." He said. Taylor nodded, and settled back in her seat, beside Kayden.

The luggage bounced around in the back of the van as we travelled to the airport; the mass of trees just a blur. I nodded my head along to the music, I slipped on my sunglasses.

An hour-so later, we pulled into Ottawa International Airport, and dropped the rental van at the rental car drop off.
I pulled my suitcase, the wheels clinking along ever so lightly. Kayden held the doors open for everybody as we stepped into the airport. Mr. Rossi made us sit down while he checked us all in, then Ms. Jenkins lead us to the suitcase drop off. I laid my suitcase down on the conveyor belt, and watched my suitcase get rolled away. My backpack was slung on my shoulder, packed full with things I would use for my carry-on.

Mr. Rossi turned to face us. "So, it's almost time. Once we are through security, you will find out the surprise location." I nodded as Ms. Jenkins herded us like sheep to the security checkpoint. A couple guards looked at us, and nodded at us. Some cracked a smile, though most didn't let go of their stoic face.

I placed my carry on bag in a plastic container along with my shoes and jacket. The lady who was running the x-Ray scanner gave me a crinkled smile, and politely gave me back my belongings once they had been cleared.

I had been scanned top to bottom, and I waited for everybody else beyond the security checkpoint. Paige groaned as an officer chewed her out on a Pepsi bottle in her suitcase. I bit my lip and tried not to laugh. I leaned against the wall, watching everybody make it through security.

Once through, we made our way to the boarding area. A big board was in front of us, reading the following words;
FLIGHT AC378 to Maui, Hawaii IS NOW BOARDING

Paige laughed and squealed. "We're going to Hawaii?" I jumped up and down, smiling gleefully. "Thank you thank you!" Paige wrapped her arms around Mr. Rossi. Ms. Jenkins laughed and grinned, Mr. Rossi nodded and said calmly "yes, you are going to Hawaii. Ms. Jenkins and I, however are going back to Windsor. That means you guys get to spend 1 week in paradise by yourselves." He told them softly.

We cheered loudly. "Let lay down 3 rules.
1. No drugs
2. No alcohol
3. No baby making" Mr. Rossi said sternly, and looked at me and Kayden when saying the last part. Kayden blushed deeply.

Ms.Jenkins smiled "now go, have fun, be safe, see you in a week at Seattle airport!" She called as we took off towards the boarding gate.

Hawaii, here we come.