The Elite

Class

Willow made hamburgers for dinner again. We ate mostly in silence. I really had enjoyed working with the filly. At first I thought Little Bit was a silly name but it seemed to match the horse's personality.

"That's why we wait to name them," Aaron explained. "We find out what their personalities are like. For example, Flame was the worst temper."

"And you put me in a stall with her," I groaned and they both laughed.

"You did fine," Aaron said, passing Willow his plate. "You both ought to get some sleep. We're going to the ranch to get ready for classes."

"Now that I can finally go," Willow snorted. She yawned. "In that case, g'night gentlemen."

I watched her walk up the stairs with a frown on my face.

"It's okay to get along with her, you know," Aaron said and I looked over at him.

He was watching me with a smirk on his face. I shook my head.

"Nah," I said, stretching. "We're too similar."

"Ain't that the truth," he snorted. "Good night, Nathan."

"Good night."

-

"Fuck me sideways! God damn it! Shit!"

I sat up and stumbled to my door. I threw it open and looked around. Willow was hopping on one foot in the bathroom, struggling with a towel and bandages. I snorted and she glared at me.

"Well don't just stand there," she snapped. "Help me out!"

"Ah, shaving," I said, getting some Band-Aids out for her. "Jesus Christ!" I cried when she pulled the towel away. "What did you shave with!? A steak knife!?"

"Shut up," she snarled. "Fuck," she hissed. "I can't get the blood to stop."

"Of course you can't," I said, taking the towel and running it under hot water. "That cut is four inches long!"

"It's not that bad," she pouted and I put the towel on her leg.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

We waited until the blood finally stopped. She propped her leg up on the sink and took at least five Band-Aids and put them on. She was surprisingly flexible.

"Stop gaping and go put a shirt on," she grumbled, her face pink.

"What's the matter, Willow?" I teased, leaning against the wall. "Can't stand the sight of a sexy man?"

She glared. "Out," she ordered.

"I'm comfortable," I shrugged.

She rolled her eyes and shoved on my left shoulder. I stumbled back and she slammed the bathroom door in my face. I laughed and changed into a sleeveless shirt and blue jeans. Downstairs, Aaron was pouring orange juice.

"Everything okay up there?" he asked. "I haven't heard her swear like that in a long time."

I shrugged. "She was shaving and cut herself pretty badly."

"Well, time to make a fattening breakfast," he chuckled. "Do you know how to make pancakes?"

"I pity the man who can't," I laughed.

I was feeling more comfortable around Aaron and in the house. I didn't feel like I had to ask for permission whenever I wanted water or to turn the TV on. I wondered if I'd get used to being around Willow. As I turned and saw her coming down the stairs, though, I knew I probably wouldn't.