"Yeah, it's me," I say, smiling.
"Are you okay? Where are you? Are you in trouble?"
"Woah, calm down big guy," I laugh. "I'm fine. I can't tell you where I am, but I have a place to stay, and sort of a job. I'm working at a ranch. And Ezhno and I are fine."
"Good," he cooly replies.
"So, how's Beau?"
"He's great. I've taught him how to sit, stay, lie down, and fetch. All of the horses are used to him now- he fits right in." A pang of jealousy wells up in my chest, but I quickly push it aside. I chose to leave him, I made a snap decision and did what I thought was best.
"Speaking of the horses, are there any new ones," I ask.
"Yeah, Mom and Dad brought back a dapple gray Quarter Horse gelding from that auction they went to before you left. His name is Smokey. We also recently got a gorgeous palomino Haflinger mare, and her name is Melody. And, we found homes for Navajo, Cupid, and Jupiter," he informs me.
"Is El Diablo still there," I eagerly ask. When I (eventually) go back, i'd like to try to ride him again.
"Yes," he chuckles. "But we do have a family looking into buying him right now. You should have seen it- this six year old girl got up on him, and I was sure he would destroy her. But that little girl showed El Diablo who was boss."
I laugh, and then let out a thoughtful sigh.
"I... I miss you Carter," I whisper.
"I miss you too, Taylor."
No one speaks for a few moments.
"I should go. And I'm not sure when I'll be able to call again," I say.
"Bye Taylor."
"I'll talk to you later."
I don't hang up till I hear a click on the other end.
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"Tay, wake up," a feminine voice says.
I crack open my eyes and see Serenity, who has pulled the covers off of me.
"I'm up, I'm up," I groan. I get out of bed, and get Serenity to turn around so I can change.
I pull on a clean pair of jeans, and a big, red tshirt that belonged to Carter.
"Ok, you can look now," I say.
She examines my clothes, and chuckles. "Stylish."
"Oh, shut up," I laugh, softly punching her shoulder.
"By the way, I brought you a bagel," she says, reaching it out towards me. I scarf it down, barely tasting it.
"Okay, let's go feed the horses."
--------------
"We have no lessons or anything today, so after the horses are groomed, fed, watered, and put out to pasture," Serenity says, as I scoop food into the bucket of an Appaloosa mare who's nameplate said 'Appy'. Very original.
"I guess I'll work on my cottage," I reply, although I'd much rather go out on a trail ride with Ezhno. But he deserves a break, after being ridden constantly for two months.
"I'm not doing anything, if you need any help," Serenity awkwardly offers.
"Thanks, I'd really appreciate it."
She flashes me a smile, and them we part ways so we can finish up the morning chores.
--------------
After what must have been at least two hours, I'm finished. All of the horses are out grazing in the luscious pastures that surround the ranch.
"So, you still want to help me in the cottage," I ask Serenity.
"Yup. I got nothing better to do. Plus, maybe it'll be fun," she laughs.
"Ugh. That place looks like a nightmare," I groan.
"It's not so bad," she optimistically says.
---------------
"Ok, hold the door open, and I'll sweep all of the dirt and leaves and crap outside," I say.
She does, and I grasp the broom in my hand, fiercely sweeping the muck out of the cottage. After what seems like hours, but was probably only 15-20 minutes, the floor is mostly dirt free.
"It's looking better already," Serenity says.
"Yeah, sure it is," I laugh.
"Kitchen or bathroom?" I ask.
"I'll take the bathroom, you take the kitchen," Serenity decides.
I toss her the bathroom cleaning supplies, and head to the kitchen.
I open the mini fridge to see if it works. I'm disgusted to see its full of black mold, and roaches. I slam the door shut, unplug it, lift it up and run it outside, tossing it into the dumpster hidden behind the row of cottages.
This is going to be interesting.
A/N Hey! I did update and I tried to make it extra long to make up for the fact that I probably won't be updating as often. Even so, this isn't really my favorite chapter. It's more of a filler. There will be sort of a mini- shocker coming up in a few chapters, followed by a major shocker a few chapters after that. Not saying what yet though.
Goodnight my lovelies.
YOU ARE READING
On Our Own
AdventureTaylor Evans is in the run yet again, leaving behind the boy she came to love, along with her dog. Not to mention her sense of security. When she comes across 'Maple Ridge Ranch,' it seems like a safe haven for her and Ezhno, her (stolen) buckskin...
