On Our Own

Chapter 17

"Get up, get up, get up!" Serenity squeals.

I sit up groggily, and stare blankly at her. Then, I remember that today is the Gala, and a smile comes across my face.

"I'm up," I laugh, climbing out of bed, and down from the loft.

"We have a lot to do! People will start flowing in around noon, so we have to get the horses fed, groomed, and ready. Some of them need to be taken to pull our hay ride, some need to be taken for the pony rides, and the ones who are competing need to be groomed. Their owners will do everything else," she hastily informs me, excitement apparent in her voice.

"Let's get started," I state, ecstatic to start what I'm hoping will be an awesome day.

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"Anything else," I ask Serenity. All of the horses are where they should be, and people are moving around all over the property.

"Well, if you still want to race, I suggest signing up now. They only take eight competitors," she replies.

"Where do I go?"

She points me over to a little booth, with a bored looking man sitting behind him. These volunteers could at least pretend to be enthusiastic.

I walk up to the table, and ask, "Are there any slots left for the trail race?"

"Yes, there's one left. Sign your name and your horses name on the sheet," he responds, not even looking up at me, too consumed with his cell phone.

I neatly print 'Taylor and Ezhno.' I don't put my last name, hoping it won't matter.

When I'm finished, I turn to go to the pony rides, knowing I'm supposed to help out there until the rodeo starts. But instead, I get a pleasant surprise. Note sarcasm.

"So, a little birdie told me you signed up for the Trail Race."

"Your point, Barbie?" I growl. Chloe rolls her icy cold eyes at me.

"Well, I hope you aren't expecting to win. Actually, scratch that- I hope you are. Because I can't wait to see the look on your face when Annabel and I cross the finish line," she laughs. And when I say laugh, I mean cackles like an ugly old witch.

"I can't wait till you and Annabel cross the finish line, either. Because by that time, I'll have won, accepted my trophy, and done a victory dance," I retort, amused.

"Please," she snorts. "Annabel is a purebred with excellent lineage. She could beat your mutt of a horse in her sleep."

I picture myself tackling her and pulling out her perfect hair for that. But, I don't.

"We'll see about that," I grit, before spinning on my heels, and stomping off towards the pony rides.

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I walk Copper around the ring for what feels like the thousandth time. There is a giggling, happy little four year old girl on his back, and the expression on her face makes it worth it.

"The Barrel Race will start in five minutes," a voice announces over a makeshift intercom.

That's my cue to go get Ezhno ready for the trails. The Barrel Race is scheduled to last around 20 minutes, followed by the Jumping which is supposed to take half an hour. Then, it's my turn.

After I help the little girl dismount, I hand Cooper over to the next volunteer, a 15 yr old who takes lessons at the ranch.

I slip away, and go to Ezhno's stall. He let's out an excited whinny when he spots me, and I let out a giggle.

"Hey Ez," I coo, opening up his stall. I've already groomed him, but I'd like to put a green ribbon on his tail. I'm not braiding his mane or tail, because I like it flowing freely.

Apparently, the competitions don't have strict rules, and they don't care about your tack or clothes. In my case, they just care when you cross the finish line.

So I'm riding tackless. I feel confident that Ezhno and I can, and will win. Ezhno is incredibly fast, and it's next to impossible to wear him out.

I tie a bright, green ribbon at the base of his tail, and smile. We are going to wipe the smirk off of Chloe's face.

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I've mounted up on Ezhno, and I ride him out to where the other competitors are. I have to admit, the horses around me are beautiful, and I'm sure they're fast. But they are all playing for second.

An announcer says to line up on the starting line, and we all do.

Chloe pulls Annabel up beside me, and smirks when she notices my lack of tack.

"Starting in three," a voice announces.

I look at the crowd behind me, trying to find Serenity and Joy. I spot them, and the both have silly grins on their faces, as if they've been plotting something. And there's someone else with them.

"Two"

A tall boy stands in between them. His sandy hair falls around his face, but I still see his brown eyes. A sheepish grin is on his face.

Carter.

"One."

And the gun fires, telling all of the horse to start the race.

And Ezhno is off and running, already ahead of all of the horses, his heart and soul in this race.

And I can't focus.

And I can't think.

And my heart is pounding.

And my head is reeling.

And my mind only focuses on one thing.

One name.

'Carter'

A/N That was my big surprise. There are also lots of mini surprises. But that's the main one. Sorry I didn't update until now I've been in the car all day. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

And also, please check out 'Lock and Key' by gigi71





Ok, I don't know why but this chapter temporarily disappeared but I fixed it.