Briarwood Elite Riding Academy: Take the Reins

Chapter 1: A Warm(ish) Welcome

A hot early summer breeze swept through as I stood beside my mother. Despite the nearly scorching summer heat I was shaking, my nerves were beginning to bother me again. My legs felt like noodles and my stomach was doing numerous flips.

I’d already vomited once and I did not want to go through that again but I doubted my stomach would settle.

“Hun, calm down.” My mother muttered noticing my anxious behaviour. “Don’t doubt yourself! You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t great, right?”

“R-right.” I stuttered; still totally unsure.                                     

“Now where are we supposed to meet this lady?” My mother grumbled looking at the Briarwood map. “I think she said the Administration Office.”

The school grounds were immense and immaculate. The main school building in which I was the first building in front of the parking lot was four stories tall, painted a crisp white and had a Victorian style that made it seem antique and elegant.

Dotted across the beautiful green landscape were many different smaller white buildings with the same Victorian architecture. In the far back, enwrapped in lush paddocks and numerous arenas was the large dark wood stable.

Honestly the Administration Office could be anywhere.

Finally mom sorted out the map and decided on a direction. We strolled leisurely down the pristine cobble stone path, me dragging my two suitcases behind me.

It was silent as we walked; every window was black and empty since all the students were away on their summer vacations. The emptiness gave the campus an eerie crypt like feeling. Thankfully we reached a small building labeled ‘Administration Office’ shortly, leaving the desolate grounds behind.

Unlike the outside, the inside of the Administration Office was funky, modern and filled with activity. Kids of every height, age and hair color clambered about talking loudly or chilling on the sofas.

These kids were my competition for the scholarship.

Instantly my nerves heightened as several kids stopped chatting to look at me. A warm, deep blush filled my face and I prayed that they would just look away!

“Hello dear!” A chirpy voice interrupted my nervous prayers and I glanced up at a mossy haired lady wearing a woman’s business suit. “I am Head Mistress Hayes. The one who organized the Briarball this year along with my friend, Head Equestrian Coach Sebastian Gillet.”

Head Mistress Hayes pointed to a lanky, dark haired man standing and talking with a parent near the back of the room. My breath hitched when I saw him.

Sebastian Gillet was one of the top coaches in the world and I could someday be riding for him, under his instruction.

“Hello, I am Lisa Thyme and this is my daughter Blair Thyme.” My mother introduced.

“Ah Blair, we’ve been waiting for you.” Head Mistress Hayes smiled widely. “Now I have a few forms for you to sign Ms. Thyme.”

“Alright.” My mother responded.

My mom was led away into a back room by Head Mistress Hayes and I was left alone in a crowded room full of teenagers to fend for myself.

I chose to hesitantly sit down on the leather couch beside a short redhead with big brown doe eyes who was chatting gregariously with a tall, gorgeous blond with big full lips and lively green eyes.

Upon my arrival the little redhead turned and inspected me with wide eyes before smiling widely; “Hey.”

“Hi.” I smiled back.