Changing Strides

~Chapter 21~

  The show arrived too quickly, I was ready to be sick.  It didn't even feel like we had time to ready the horses.  Nor ready myself for prom.  Luckily, the final day was the night of the prom, so I wouldn't have the added stress of leaving, partying, then having to preform the next day.
  I loaded Storm into the trailer next to Orion.  I gave both horses reassurance before slipping out of the trailer.  I couldn't help but feel a nagging guilt that it wasn't Moon that was in the trailer.  Though Moon's burised cannon had left her sore and she needed a rest.  I ignored the feeling, loading my things into the truck and settling inside.  Sammy joined me after a couple minutes and started a light conversation.  Meg soon followed, settling into the passenger seat and then Miss. Woods climbed onto the driver's seat and started the engine.
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  I comforted Storm as he stood in his temporary stall.  I glanced around the stable, looking for anyone familiar.  As I looked, someone caught my eye.  They weren't from the barn though.  Their face was familiar, but I had no idea who they were.  It was a boy, about my height with golden blonde hair cut short.  He was athletic for sure, then, he looked my way.  I felt my face heat up, his brilliant gaze caught my eye.  Why did this boy intrigue me?  I pondered the question, barely noticing he had walked over and was waving his hand in my face to get my attention.   I stammered an apology, even his cheeks turned a light shade of pink, "Hi, um, do I know you?"
  The air around us became awkward and I shrugged in reply.  However, he insisted he knew me.  "Wait, I know who you are!  You're Clare!  The Claire."
  I raised an eyebrow, "The Claire?  Huh, what's with regal name?"
  "You're like the most amazing person!  You're amazing in academics and track!  What's not deserving of the regal name!"
  I didn't think I had seen someone act like I was a celebrity.  I'm sure my cheeks were red, "Um, thanks...?"
  "You must have a date for the prom.  Who is it?"
  I was caught off guard by the question.  For a moment, I drew a blank.  Then, I realized why, "Actually, I don't have a date."
  "What?!?  You must!  You're the prettiest, most amazing girl I have ever met!"
  "Gee, I've never been complimented so much.  Thanks, but I'm really not as famous or popular as you think."
  The boy's voice became less excited, "Oh, well, um my name is Ben.  Since I think you're amazing, how about we make a deal.  If you place third or higher, I've proved my case and I get to ask you to prom.  If you lose, then... you have to help me with my finals.  Deal?"
  "That's barely a deal!  It's a win-win situation for you.  Ether way, it ends up me hanging out with you."
  "Isnt that a win-win for you too then?"  Ben put his hand over his heary, mocking a feeling I have for Moon, heartbroken.
  "We'll see about that."  I have a sly grin and Ben playfully shoved me.  After laughing for a couple minutes, Ben spoke, "Who are you riding?"
  I pointed to Storm, "His name is Golden Eagle, or Storm.  Though I wasn't originally assigned to him.  My main competition horse, Dynamic Blue Moon, or Moon, got reinjured.  Who are you riding?"
  "I'm riding a warmblood down the aisle named Pisces' Consetllation, or Star for short.  So, I gotta run, see you later?"
  I nodded and Ben took off down the stalls.  I leaned over Storm's stall door and sighed dreamily.  Storm snorted and pawed at the ground.  I couldn't help but to laugh, "I take it you don't enjoy the spotlight on me when Ben's around, do you Storm."
  Storm replied by shaking out his mane.  I laughed once more and Sammy approached us, Orion in tow.  "Here Sammy, they said you could house Orion next to us."
  "Thanks Claire.  So, what's Storm doing that I could hear you laughing and talking from down the aisle?"
  "Uh, I actually met a boy.  We made a deal too.  His name is Ben and he's from school.  He said that if I place third or higher to prove his point that I'm great, he is going to ask me to prom.  If I lose the competition, I have to help him study.  Its a stupid deal, but I thought it was cute."
  "Awww!  My little Claire is finally finding young love.  It's so cute!  No wonder your face was a little blushed when I walked in!"
  "Yeah, I guess so.  Though Storm had a different impression of Ben and he snorted at Ben."
  Sammy couldn't help but to laugh.  Even Orion poked his head out to see the commontion.  I gave Orion a loving pat and he returned to his business of settling into the stall.
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  I walked Storm around, trying to keep his muscles loose.  As I led him back into the barn, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye.  In the distance, I can spot Miss. Woods leading a horse.  The horse was alret, their ears perked with curiosity.  You could tell the horse was nervous, occasionally an ear flicked back in warning.
  I continued on, ignoring the duo.  I led Storm into his stall, grooming him with a soft brush.  I found over the years my remedy for stress is to groom a horse.  As I pulled out the brush, I heard someone shuffle behind me.
  I whip around, ready to see the enemy I've searched for.  Instead, I see Ben, arms raised in he air claiming innocence.  I apologize and he nods, "I get it.  A horse is special.  I have that same feeling."
  I hummed an okay and continued to groom Storm.  Just then, I hear Miss. Woods, with the horse.  "Ben, act normal, that's my barn's owner."
  "Okay.  How about this?"  Ben picked up a piece of straw.  He placed it in his mouth and leaned against the stall's door frame.  I laughed, flashing Ben a cheeky smile, "Perfect."
  "Claire!  Where are you?"  Miss. Woods was hollering down the asile, "I'm with Storm Miss. Woods!"
  A moment later, Miss. Woods is standing next to Ben.  Ben's eyes grow wide, as Miss. Woods stares at him through squinted eyes.  I acknowledged Ms. Woods, "That's Ben, he's my friend from school."
  Miss. Woods nodded apprehensively, then turned her attention to me, "Claire, please come with me when you wrap up with Storm, I need to show you something."
  I nodded as Miss. Woods walked away.  Ben turned to me, "You want me to help you?"
  I shook my head, "I don't really need to groom him.  It's just my stress reliever."
  He nodded, "So, catch you later?"
  I gave a slight nod, putting away the brush and shutting the stall door.  Ben and I parted ways.  I couldn't help but felt that I had parted with a piece of myself.  It sounded crazy, after less than a day, I already had a wonderful friend.
  My heart was light as I approach Miss. Woods.  She gestured to the stall, "Claire, you're not going to be riding Storm."
  I peered into the stall to see Moon staring back at me.  She nickered a welcome, her body relaxing as I showered her with kisses.