Breaking Free

Chapter 4

'This is the story of a girl
Who cried a river and drowned the whole world
While she looked so sad in photographs
I absolutely loved her- when she smiled'

The barn radio starts blasting music, startling me. I turn and see that Joy has pranced in, and is looking at all of the horses. She eventually makes her way to Ezhno's stall, and smiles at him.

"He's looking so much better," she says, a smile on her face.

"I know. I think I'll take him out in the ring before the vet gets here," I suggest, mostly to myself.

I clip a lead onto his halter, and pull him into the round ring. Then I unhook the lead, and pick up the lunging whip. I lightly flick the air with the whip, and he pulls into a brisk walk.

"Good boy Ez," I coo, grinning.

After a few minutes, I make him switch direction, causing him to break into a canter.

"Woah boy- slow down. We don't want to hurt that leg, now do we?" I chuckle.

He slows into a trot, and does a few more laps before I stop him. I drop the whip, and pick up the lead rope.

"Come here," I coo, motioning for him to come to me. He walks slowly to me, and nudges my pocket, searching for treats. I giggle, and willingly hand him one, before clipping on his lead.

I turn to take him out, and notice I've gathered and audience. Joy and Carter are sitting on the fence, observing.

Just then, I hear a car come into the driveway- the vet.

"You guys go greet Dr. Fay, I'll tie Ezhno up so she can examine him," I lightly order.

They hop off the fence and go to see the vet.

"Come on boy, let's go," I urge, leading Ezhno to the cross ties. He willingly follows behind me, his hooves rhythmically hitting the ground.

I clip him into the cross ties, and take of his lead. Right on time, Dr Fay enters the room.

"Well, I have a feeling that cast will be coming off today," she blithely says,

"You haven't even looked at him yet," Joy quizzically states.

"I know, but I just have a feeling. And last time, I could have taken it off because it was healed so much, but I left it on another two weeks just to be safe. I am 99% sure it's completely healed. I'll check to be sure, but I'm nearly positive," she rambles, a tight smile on her lips.

"One second Dr. Fay, I'm going to turn off the radio really quick," I say, turning on my heels to go flick it off.

When I get back, Dr. Fay has a portable machine that she is checking Ezhno's leg with. I'm not sure how it works- it seems very fancy and high tech- but I'm thankful it made her able to come out here to see Ezhno rather than us lugging him and the trailer all the way to her office.

"As I suspected," Fay chuckles, standing to his feet. "His leg is healed. Now, when I take the cast off it's going to look and smell pretty gross. Don't worry, it's not infected. It just needs to be washed, so I suggest giving him a bath. Oh and Taylor?"

"Yes," I meekly reply, my cheeks turning pink.

"I know you love to ride, but please take it easy. Don't go all out for a while," she instructs.

"You don't have to worry about that," Carter laughs. "She's not aloud to ride for another two weeks."

"That's just stupid. My leg is so healed! I can prove it if you want, I'll kick you so hard," I mutter, crossing my arms. Carter just chuckles in reply, while Dr. Fay is watching us with an amused look on her face, along with Joy.

"Don't blame me!" Carter laughs, holding his hands up in mock surrender.

"I can ride whenever I want. That doctor is just stupid," I huff.

"Well, as much as I have enjoyed this exchange, I have to go immunize a few yearlings. So I'm going to remove this cast and be on my way. Oh, and Carter, tell your parents to call me whenever they can to discuss payment," Dr. Fay says, reaching down to take off the cast.

In less than a minute, Ezhnos leg is cast-free!

"Have a great day Dr Fay," I beam. "Thank you for everything."

"Oh it's nothing- this horse has a fire in his soul. He's one of the greats."

With that, she's on her way. Soon her truck is out of view of our house, and I turn to Carter.

"I'm going to bathe Ezhno," I say, leaning up to give him a light peck on the cheek.

"Okay gorgeous," he chuckles, ruffling my hair.

--------------------

After we put all of the horses up, we had to drive Joy home. Then Carter had the genius idea of trying to teach me to drive.

Smooth move Carter. Smooth.

"Okay Taylor, just turn the wheel to the right. That's it. HOLY CRAP DONT PUSH DOWN THE GAS THAT MUCH!! SLOW DOWN!"

"Carter, I don't need to learn this right now," I whine, resting my head on the steering wheel (after we've stopped of course.)

"Fine, fine," he surrenders.

We switch places, and he starts to drive. I notice that he's going the wrong way. In fact, he's driving farther and farther from civilization.

"Carter," I warn, looking around. "Where are you taking me?"

"You'll see."

Eventually, we pull into a large field with tall grass everywhere. I can see, just barely, what looks like a lake in the middle.

He climbs out of the car without saying a word, and starts to come around to my side. Before he can reach me, I jump out and start to run into the grass.

"Catch me if you can!" I taunt.

I hear him laugh, and take off after me. I run full speed toward the lake, but because of my slight limp Carter quickly gains on me.

I feel arms grab my waist, and in moments both Carter and I are falling to the ground. I land on his chest, and chuckle.

"Gotcha," he whispers. I start to lean down to kiss him, but my gaze goes just past him and sees a wild horse standing about 15 feet from us.

A mustang.

A/N

OMG I feel Soooooo bad about not updating. I've been so stressed and overwhelmed with school work I haven't been able to find the time!

Also, Carter and Taylor are so cute <3

Also also expect updates on my other books some time during the weekend.

Love you guys!

Night my lovelies

P.S. is anyone else watching the live sound of music with Carrie Underwood tonight on NBC?