Making the Connection

Chapter 7~ Sneak Out

I shoved the last piece of steak into my mouth. I let out a sigh of relief, sitting back and laying a hand on my bloated stomach. "May I be excused," I asked. Amy and Jessica nodded. I placed my dish in the sink and started my way up the steps to my room.

I decided after a long day of sweating in the Kentucky heat that I deserved a hot shower. As I was getting out I heard Lindsey walk past the door. She was on her way back downstairs. I dried off and walked to my room. I threw on pjs and went back to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Lindsey was already in there.

"Fancy meeting you here," I say. She turns quickly.

"Oh, hey Liv." Liv is her nickname for me. She had a nervous look on her face as she fumbled to place her toothbrush in the holder.

"Why are you acting wierd?" I asked her. I knew my best friend well enough to tell when something was up.

She sighed. "After you're done in here can you come to my room?"

"Sure." She turned and went to her room. I brushed my teeth and did my flossing.

I knocked on Lindsey's door. "Come in," I heard. I opened the door and plopped myself down on the bed facing her.

"What's this about?" I asked.

"Liv, you know you're going to have to get on a horse, don't you?" I nodded. Even though I didn't want to, I knew being here wasn't really helping me.

I let out a sigh. "Yeah, I know."

"I feel bad making you do something you're really uncomfortable with, but I think I'm helping you in a way," she explained. I just nodded and walked out of her room. In my room, I changed into a pair of old jeans and t-shirt. I also slipped on a pair of tennis shoes over my fuzzy socks. I jumped into bed and covered up with the blanket.

Soon, Amy came in to say hello and good night. Jessica also came in later to ask if I was homesick or uncomfortable in any way.

"No," I said. All I really wanted was for them to hurry up and get to bed so my plan could spring into action. It was midnight (finally) and I opened my door. I poked my head into the hall to make sure the coast was clear. I scrambled down the steps gracefully and made my way across the yard. I slid open the barn doors and flicked on the lights. In the tack room, I found a stash of treats and grabbed an apple. I ran outside to the sawdust shelter. Her white spots were easy to see in the dark.

"Artemesia," I whispered-shouted. Her head popped up and turned my way. I revealed the apple to her. It shone against the moonlight and she trotted over, whinnying along the way.

"Shh," I warned. "You'll wake them up." I fed her the apple and paused a moment, just looking at her. I slowly reached out a hand and made contact with her cheek. She nickered and pressed her head into my hand. I smiled and starting rubbing harder.

Suddenly, a scary thought creeped into my head. "No," I told myself. "Not yet." Artemesia threw her head up and down as if she could read my mind. I laughed. "See you tomorrow?" I asked.

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

"Wakey, wakey," I heard her say without the bakey. I groaned and checked the clock. Yep, 5:00 am.

"Good morning, Jessica."

"Dear, you have dark spots under you eyes," she said. "Were you able to sleep alright last night?"

"I slept great," I told her and I really did. But as I started to wake up, I remembered last night. Artemesia persisted that I get on by I told her no. So to make it up to her I went and got another apple and a brush with soft bristles. I climbed over the fence and brushed her a little. Well, maybe it was a bit more than a little. I ended up brushing both sides throughly. She stood still the whole time while munching on her apple.

Jessica snapped her fingers I front of my face. I blinked. "Sorry, tired," I explained. She chuckled a bit and said, "breakfast will be ready soon." She left to wake up Lindsey.

I smiled as I got dressed, remembering Artemesia. But I told myself I had to act natural so nobody would make a big deal out of this. I don't really like to be the center of attention. I buttoned my plaid shirt and headed downstairs.

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

A/N

Thanks for reading! :)

I wanted to ask what you thought on the length of this chapter. Was it too short, too long, or just right? ;)

Please vote and comment!