True Blue (Canterwood Crest)

Chapter 15 - Horsey time = The best time

I inched closer slowly...the halter bumped against my back gently, the little fluffy blue wool on the poll tickling my shoulder. Chance snorted indignantly. As I reached forward and stroked him gently, I'd been at Canterwood for three weeks now, Chance and I were getting more friendly. I snuck out each morning to see him and now I could approach him in a paddock and stroke him without completely spooking him. I knew he was trained but I didn't want to push it, he was half wild. I unclipped the lead off the halter and slowly slipped it onto Chance's back. He stood stock still, I whispered to him softly and gently, using a kind tone. He calmed down and once he'd relaxed I continued. I slipped the rope around his neck he tensed, I repeated the process, eventually I had the rope over his poll. He stood there, I pulled, adding pressure. He pinned his ears slightly, I whispered to him. After that he ignored the pressure. I smiled slightly, "it's time baby boy..." I slipped the halter off my shoulder, the cowboy hat shielded my eyes from the sun. Sweat trickled down my neck. He eyed the halter  cautiously and I gently slipped it over his ears. At first he shook his head but then he realized it wasn't hurting him so he let it be. I slowly clipped the lead on and started forward. He followed obediently, his previous training paying off.

I cast my eyes over him, his once skinny barrel was now not round but no ribs were visible. His once matted mane was cast over his neck, tumbling silkily. His muddy, burred fur was clean from my daily brushing. I may not have had a halter on him but that didn't stop me. And now I could do his feet. I reached for my grooming kit bag and pulled out the hoof pick. I gently rubbed his fetlock, squeezing slightly. He lifted his foot up.

"Goooood boy!" I said, feeling happy. I scraped all the gunk and small stones from his feet. Repeating the process in each foot.

I lead Chance around the stable, showing him everything then lead him into the actual barn. He pricked his ears at being inside and I lead him into his stall. After a few minutes I let him go. He went around, sniffing everything then eventually coming to a stop right in front of me as if to say: okay, I'm done exploring, I know what a stall is you can go now! I ran to my trunk, pulled out a packet of crisps and ran back to Chance, he munched half of the salt and vinegar packet and I the rest. I swear we were made for each other!

He licked his lips, wiping the crumbs off his rough muzzle. He cocked his head slightly. As if to say, 'where are the rest?' I laughed.

"You pig! You just had half a packet!" I tickled him and rubbed his ears. We were friend now, we had a bond and he trusted me.

"Sorry." A voice said behind me, Jase. Here we go... I'd been waiting for a while now.

"Jase..." I replied, trying to sound casual.

"I know we didn't get off on the right foot but...I like you. I don't need to be more...just your friendship means a lot." He sighs, relieved to get it off his chest.

I hug him, "Jase, I completely agree, our friendship means a lot to me. I'm really sorry for running off but...I didn't know what to do...Friends?" I asked.

"Friends!" He agrees firmly and we shake hands then burst out laughing.

"Oh and by the way, Clarke likes you!" She spent the whole night asking how I knew you! I couldn't get to sleep!" I laugh, shoving him jokingly.

"Really? I kinda liked her too!" He laughs and we both stumble out of the stables. Our words trailing away...

xXx

Clarke and I sat in our common room, doing homework.

"I swear the teachers have a competition to see who gives the most dreaded H-word!" Clarke said.

"Agreed. My bag probably weighs the same as me!" I say, we both have straight faces and are trying not to laugh.

I slam my book shut, slide it into my Math folder and stand up sighing.

"Break time!" Clarke yells and we both walk out of the common room.

We walk bumping our shoulders, giggling and shoving each other until we reach our room. I flop onto my bed dramatically. "I'm dying! If school stays this hectic I'm going to fail!" I dramatize the fail.

"Please, no more school talk. I heard from a little birdie that you and Jase had a chat?" She wiggles her eye brows and a nearly unnoticeable blush appears on her cheeks.

"Yeah, we agreed. Friends. I don't know what I would have done, seeing him and not being friends...oh and I think someone has a little crush! Talking about Jase 24/7 now are we?"

She blushes, this time her cheeks completely a flame. "So how's Chance?" She asks changing the subject, I notice. Saying nothing I just go along, she doesn't want to talk about it. But it's there all right.

"He's great!" I got a halter on him and put him in the stall! No help from Mr. Conner and I didn't chase him in, just led. I'm thinking about starting him on a lunge and cloth...he's definitely ready."

"Really? That's great maybe one of these days you can come on a ride with me and join our riding lesson...talking about lessons I have one in an hour gotta go get ready. Wanna come watch? Promise, it won't be boring!" She laughs.

"Sure, I have nothing better to do...I grab a polo, jeans and slip on my paddock boots as Clarke heads into the bathroom.

I guess coming to Canterwood wasn't such a bad idea...after all, I would never have gotten Chance, met Clarke...Jase or even Tanner...

Ok...Don't kill me yet, I'm dying! I'm desperate to update but you know how it goes...writers block, school...the whole shebang...at least I got you this! One thousand words or slightly more... Besties have been bugging me so I got it here... At least there's no cliffhanger here :p

Love yah!