The Mistake [Norman Reedus] Book One {{COMPLETED}}

Chapter 33

"I want to take it for a drive!" I cheered with excitement.

Norman held out his hand.  "Tomorrow." He commented.

I sighed, being let down, and tripped back to the house.  I slumped my shoulders and passed my Auntie when I strode up the stairs, Norman close behind.  We snuggled in the covers and I sighed.  Today has been one of the most exciting days of my- Correction: This has been, so far, the most noteworthy summer ever.

The next morning, I arose earlier than any other person in the house.  I silently got dressed in my black jeans and patterned tank-top.  I wrote a note saying that I was out riding and stuck it to Norman's forehead.  I sneaked downstairs and I was out the door and on my bike in a matter of seconds.  

I started it up and pull the the kickstand back.  I brought my foot up and I was off, speeding around the streets of Montana.

Gorgeous.   I think as I look up at the frost mountains.

Sometimes, I wish I could just pause time and enjoy a moment forever.  Like this one.  All people should enjoy things while they last, because one day they may not be here to enjoy.

I decided to stop at the spot I love sitting at, so I switched my hazards on and pulled over to the big field with Austin's horses.  Yes, Austin does live at a farm, and yes I am allowed to ride his horse, Gatsby. 

I switched off my motorcycle, stood up and walked over to the long, wooden fence that surrounded the large pastures.  I spotted Gatsby grazing in the field in front of me, and when I clicked my cheek, he peered up.  I laughed and the sung my leg over the fence and jumped on to the other side.

"Gatsby!" I called, jogging towards him.  He snorted and then began trotting over to me.  We met in the middle and I gave him a hug and pat before leading him over to the fence.  I wanted to ride on this magnificent horse before I had to go home and eat.

"You ready, boy?" I asked him with my horse voice.  I sounded like a mother talking to her baby.

Gatsby's head jumped up and down and I laughed.  Gatsby was always the horse that I rode, and Oliver was the one that Austin loved to ride.  Austin called Oliver Ollie for short, and called Gatsby Getty for short.  

I stepped up on to the first level on the fence, my hand on top of Gatsby's neck for steadiness, and then i moved up to the top.  I was standing on the fence, praying that Gatsby wouldn't bolt.  But before he had the chance, I swung my leg over his bare, silky back and then shifted myself so that I was centered.  I then took my foot of the fence and Gatsby began to walk forward.  Just like old times.

"Oh, come on boy.  You don't remember how we used to do it?" I asked, nudging his side with my heel.

he kept teasing me with a trot or run, but I knew that he knew what I meant.  And when I said the command "Gatsby go!" we were off.

Galloping.  That's what I used to live for.  And Gatsby knew that.  We both knew it was dangerous to gallop in a field that hasn't' been cut in a while, or even just a field in general since there are many holes to look out for, but me and Gatsby have scoped this field for holes at least 100 times.  We know it like the back of our hand; err, hoof.

The chilly wind blew through my hair and I looked back at the blanket that I took off of Gatsby's back and draped over the fence.  I could barely see it for how far we've gone, and there was a low fog.  The frost on the ground made it a bit slippery so I decide to head to Austin's house and say hello instead of risk slipping on the thin frost.

I slowed him down by tugging gently on his mane and I turned him towards the direction of Austin's home.  I could see the barn silhouette through the fog and sunshine, and I could also see a figure walking towards me and Gatsby.

"You still got it." I heard his voice before I could see his face.  

"Did you think I lost it, Austin?" I asked him, halting Gatsby.

He emerged out of the fog, like in the movies, and smiled up at me.  "Nope."  He reached a hand up wanting a ride.  I rolled my eyes, and agreed, scooting back on the horse.  He hauled himself up and I slid forward when he made Gatsby go and then quickly stop.

It had been a while since I and Austin have had best friend time together, but we never rode together like this.  Ever.  We just thought it was too romantic.  Too risky to get cooties.

"It's cold," He said, suggesting to give me his jacket.  I refused but he gave it to me anyway.

"Come on, boy." Austin said to Gatsby and we began to walk.  He started fast and I almost fell off the back of Gatsby, forced to grab a hold of Austin.

My arms wrapped around him, my body pressed against his back, and Gatsby's steady walk, I felt warm and happy.  Austin smelled like he used to, and the scent brought back memories of riding through these same fields.  Good memories.

"Grace?" Austin asked, stopping Gatsby and turning himself backwards so that he was facing me.

"Yes?" I asked, my heart jumping.

I watched of what felt like slow motion as Austin's eyes flitted down to my lips and then back to my eyes.  His head and body got closer to me, and my breathes were getting heavier.  My eyes felt dry and my cheeks were hot as Austins hand found my lower back, pulling me closer to him.  His eyes shut and his head tilted, and I could only wince as his lips ever so gently pushed against mine.  

Oh, no!  I thought, my eyes closing out of habit.  Norman!  My mind screamed at me to stop, but I couldn't.  I didn't.

Austin pushed his lip's harder onto mine and he began to kiss with more passion.  He was trying to get me to make out with him.  And I did.

Grace!  Stop!  Now!  I kept scolding myself, but my hands didn't listen.  they went straight to his chest, rubbing gently up and down.  But when the image of Norman mouthing he loves me back at the hospital, I snapped.  Back to Grace.

I pulled away and retreated my hands, not believing what I just did.  I wanted to cry.  All of the childhood play-dates, and sword-fighting memories were gone.  Down the drain.  Wasted.  Ruined.  And the thought of losing Austin overtook them.  Our friendship wouldn't be the same.  Now every time I would see him, I would think of me and him kissing on top of my favorite horse.

"Grace," he began watching as  cold tear slipping out of the corner of my eye.

 And when the sound of some certain person's motorcycle sputtered from the road hit my ears, I pushed Austin back out of rage and slipped off Gatsby, sprinting to meet Norman on the road and cry with him.  But what would he think of me kissing someone else when me and him were dating?

I couldn't face Norman alone.  Not with this secret.  And I couldn't run home or run back to Austin.

I found myself darting through the unknown and endless woods of Montana, unsure of where I was.

 

(A/N: Hey readers!  I am sorry that it took me so long to update this chapter, but here it is!  I'll update the sneak peek of Chapter 34 soon!  I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and comment what you think!  Don't forget to vote and fan me!  Thanks so much!) -Writingslayer