Just Ride

A Fresh Start

 I leaned my head softly against the cool glass. One of the little comfort for my nervousness, ever since our air conditioner had broken down a couple hours ago, my parents and I had sweated like crazy. I looked outside. Since my phone had died five minutes ago, and my book was already packed up in my suitcase, (which was in the back of the car,) I had no source of entertainment. I groaned as I counted my 300th tree that I had seen since this morning. So far the journey to Brookside had been as exciting as watching the grass grow. "Are we there yet?" I asked my parents. My mother and father just laughed. Pulling up into the most gorgeous campus I had ever seen. "Yes honey, I think we made it!" Boomed my dad in that loud voice of his. For once I wasn't bothered by it.

A ginormous, beautiful, cobblestone building stretched around a large plaza. A perfect rectangular body of water stretched out in front of the main building. A large palace like structure, made of cobblestone like the others, but had glorious marble pillars stretching next to the castle. Glowing the purest white in the golden sunlight. The huge lawn, with it's glowing emerald green grass, seemed to have every blade trimmed at the same length. This place was amazing.

"Wow." My mother, dad and I exclaimed in unison. As my father parked our car on the side, I hopped out immediately. Excitement filling me from all the way to the top of my head, and to the bottom of my black vans. My mom jumps out after me. Helping me haul suitcases to the curb. I take a quick look around me. Riders from all across the country, reunited with old friends. Hugging or exchanging a few words all over the parking lot. I was a little overwhelmed by the expensive tall boots that gleamed blindingly in the sun, and the expensive flashy riding vests, clean and crisply worn. I immediately regretted putting away my riding breeches and boots a few days ago, hidden in the bottom trunk.

Feeling a little out of place, in my common American, Californian white girl outfit, which consisted of a white blouse and shorts, I kept my head down as I struggled to carry my bags. "I got it honey!" My mom chirped enthusiastically. I reluctantly handed her the suitcase as she practically skipped to the check in area. Trying to look confident and at ease, I held my head high for everyone to see, and tried to ignore the curious gazes of the other students. "Fresh meat alert." Muttered a voice. I whipped my head around to see who it was. A red haired girl snickered meanly with her friends. Two of the girls she was chatting with, seemed to be twins. All three girls were dressed in matching riding vests, crisply pressed tan breeches, and expensive tall boots. Their were three boys as well. One was a blonde headed guy with a stubble, and the others were dark haired with a growing beard as well. All six of the riders seemed like they should be in the Young Riders magazine.

I stalked past them. Pulling out my phone and pretending to check it for any posts. I couldn't help but peek out of the corner of my eye at one of the boys. He seemed to be the oldest, and tallest. With scruffy dark hair and a actual, kind of beard. His mouth was pulled back in a smirk and his hazel eyes flashed cockily at me. What a jerk. I think angrily and stalk past them. I pretend to ignore the soft muttering of the group. "Wait a minute, is that Athena Davies?" Asked one of the twins in amazement. The redhead snorts. "You mean that girl who literally died during her course? Probably, she looks like it." She shoots me a glare. I quicken my pace. Trying to get out of the situation, fast.

I hurriedly rush to catch up with my mom. She had already signed me up and the reception lady told me which dorm I was in. "It's upstairs on the third floor. Your room is room 28 on Panizzon floor." The lady directed us. Pointing her pen to the stairs. "Thank you so much, uh, Amber!" I exclaim. Reading her nametag hastily. My mom and I quickly climb up the flights of stairs. After what seems like forever, we finally made it to Room 28.

My mom just stares at me with pride for a few awkward moments. Before pulling me into a bone crushing hug. "Aww honey, you've grown up so much!" She exclaims embarrassedly loud. I just groan and turn a bright red as a couple senior girls walk by and giggle at our embrace. I groan even louder when I hear the click of a camera. "Dad!" I whine and quickly detangle myself from my mother. "Hey, these moments need to be captured." My dad retorts before giving me a noogie. "Your mother and I are so proud of you honey." He beams at me before walking away. "Now let's go honey!" He jokes. My mom just rolls her eyes. "Garry, get back this instance!" My mom yells causing my dad to have a heart attack. "No, mother it's fine. I'll unpack myself." I chuckle nervously. "Bye now." My mom looks at me gently. I give her a quick hug and she nods to me. "Remember, don't have too much fun, get good grades and make some friends!" She yells over shoulder as she walks down the hallway. I just "I will." I shout back before walking into my dorm room.