Adrenaline -- editing

Chapter 29 {Dumbfounded}

"Cheese!"

*white flash*

"That's a great picture!" Grandpa laughed and shook it for the photo to dry.

Mom kissed my forehead as dad looked at the mail. His whispered something to mom and her face went pale as if she has been in the snow for too long. She smiled at me and wished me a merry Christmas.

"Sheesh! I don't think I've met anyone that slept at deep as you!" Kenzie basically yelled in Holly's ear.

"Whatdoyawant?" She groaned.

"First day of being a Callquib! Number one, get up at four and do the Morning Routine!"

"The what?" She rubbed her eyes and Kenzie dragged her out of bed.

"First step of Morning Routine, food. Second, wash teeth; brush hair, and get in your own skin!"

She plopped her down in a seat and got a bowl and milk carton out.

"Third, get dressed; fourth, exercise or groom or something with your horse to keep it healthy."

"And fifth?" Holly asked as the cereal poured into the bowl slowly.

"Fifth? Well, get ready for whatever else is going on in the day! The Morning Routine is what's always done everyday! And we," Kenzie poured the milk, "are an hour behind."

Holly realized they were the only ones in the house. "What about Samuel?"

"He's has to do it too, but some lessons are held in the morning so he's the one getting the horses tacked."

"Oh," she took a bite of her cereal.

"He doesn't lead the trail rides or lessons he just tack's 'em up."

"Does he need help?"

"Dad only lets him tack, plus his mind is always strait in the morning. The rest of the day? Lost."

"But he was always sane was I was around him."

Kenzie coughed her cereal up, "What?"

"Anyway, why aren't we at the Stable Hall?"

"I want you to eat in your new home first! Plus, Stable Hall is closed until lunch and dinner since you woke up late."

"Oh," Holly dumbed her bowl in the sink once she was done. She followed Kenzie out the door, a few new people on horses and horses getting their morning workout on the track or in the arena.

"I know Allisa is really mad at you but...you still have to work with her. I'll be by you the whole time okay?"

"Kay," she nodded and opened Troll Soul's stall.

"Hey guys," Allisa walked up with a thin saddle.

"Hey Ally Cat," Holly tried to smile.

"Sup," Kenzie took the saddle.

"Well...I have to work with Hayle–I mean Holly—"

"I'm here to watch."

Allisa staggered, then resumed to help Holly brush down the gelding. Minutes pasted and they were finally walking up to the track, Kenzie lagging behind. Holly stroked Troll's neck as he trotted fast down the lane. Picking up speed, she asked for a canter.

A stable-hand walked up while holding a curry comb, and started to talking to Kenzie and Allisa. Holly cantered toward them. "What's up?"

"I was just telling these two that there's an event coming up. WillBerry Stadium at two pm."

"Where's WillBerry Stadium?"

"A few miles from downtown, kinda," Allisa answered quickly. "I'm guessing you want to do the honors?"

Holly paused, "Well...if you really mean it."

"Oops, I guess I don't."

"Shut up Ally Cat!" Kenzie whacked her head.

"So who's gonna ride Troll?"

"No one, he's staying here until Piper says so," Allisa grunted and snatched the bit, "give me the reins."

Troll flinched as she went to pull again, Holly shook her head. "Damn Allisa. Hurting horses isn't a way to get back at me, that's just wrong."

The stable-hand stood there, Kenzie held her breath, Allisa glared at Holly, and Holly slowly and ever so gently pulled Troll Soul away from her.

"Do. Not. I say. DO NOT. Hurt. My. Horse."

Ali glared, and let go.

"Now. Get away from me, my horse, and," she paused purposely, "my real friends."

Blinking dumbfounded, Allisa stuffed her hands in her pockets and looked at the three. "Nice day, huh?" And walked off.

"What an ass," Holly growled as she lead Troll back onto the track for a real run.

Kenzie and the stable-hand looked at each other and resumed back to what they were doing.