Mal's Twin Sister

Chapter 13: What Exactly Is Love?

Malia's P.O.V.

Auradon Knights had won the Tourney game.

Ben, under the love potion, declared his love for Mal in front of everyone. I laughed when I saw Audrey whine and get Chad to be with her. Sadly, Chad agreed.

Evie was heartbroken, as she realized he was using her for her smarts. I wanted nothing more than to punch that guy and so I did and let's just say I sent him to the nurse.

I was with Eclipse in the pasture she was in. I was on a free period and I decided to visit my favorite horse. Mal suggested she come with me, but I told her she didn't have to.

Ben allowed we to go and see Eclipse when I felt like it, only during my free periods and after school.

"Hey, Malia."

I turned my head and saw Ben there.

"Hey, Ben." I said as I kept on gently stroking Eclipse's face.

He came over and also began petting Eclipse. "So, I heard Jay gave you a cookie." he told me.

I smiled and nodded.

"Yeah. But I mean, we're still friends, I mean." I told him.

"Malia, do you ever feel like...you know...love Jay?" he asked.

"No, I don't love him. I admire him. I want to be by his side as his princess." I explained.

"Malia, there's a difference between love and admire. Admire is you like someone because of what they do and you basically want to be like them. Basically they inspire you." Ben explained.

I nodded my head.

"But, what exactly is love?" I asked.

"Love is when you feel for the person. You love them for who they are. No matter what struggles you two will end up having to face, you two manage to get over them together. You protect each other with your loves to the point where you'd take a bullet for them. You go through think and thin. You promise to love them until the end." he explained.

"Wow." I said as I realized that all this time, I loved Jay.

We grew up together. We started as friends, then crushes. I realized that all along, I loved him. I finally understood what love is when all I thought about it was that it was weak.

Actually, love is strong.

"Wow. I love Jay."

"Indeed, Malia. You sure do." Ben told me.

"But, how am I supposed to know if he loves me back?" I asked him.

"Well, if he is showing signs of always being there for you and he likes you for who you are or perhaps always watching out for you, then that shows he returns the love." he explained.

I smiled and nodded my head.

"How about we go on a trail ride? Do a little bit of thinking?" he suggested.

"But, we have 30 minutes until lunch is over." I told him.

"Well, in that case, we can trot around in the ring." he explained.

He then went inside and soon got out a beautiful buckskin horse that has black at the legs and the snout as well as a black mane and tail.

"Malia, meet Bumblebee. He's a stallion and he's Eclipse's best friend."

"Wow. He's gorgeous." I told him as I studied the horse and he and Eclipse touched snouts.

"Come on. Let's exercise them." he said as he got on. I nodded before I put my foot in the stirrup and swing my leg over the midnight colored horse.

We went into the riding ring as we trotted the horses.

Ben began cantering Bumblebee around in circles and I was trotting Eclipse in the middle.

Suddenly, Bumblebee began acting up. He reared up and Ben almost fell off, but I got off of Eclipse and went to the buckskin horse.

I slowly walked to him, putting my hands up.

"Shhh, shhh. It's okay, boy. You're okay." I spoke in a soft, gentle voice before placing my hands on his face.

"What's wrong, boy?" I asked.

He began nipping at his side and I went to check and I saw that the strap under his stomach was too tight.

I adjusted it and soon, he looked relieved.

"The strap was tight. That's why he was acting up." I explained to Ben.

"Malia, you're a natural with the horses. I mean, they light up and are filled with joy when they see you. You calmed down Bumblebee just as he was about to throw me off. Eclipse listens to you and you two communicate well. You communicate so well with them. Maybe you should help out as a person who can help out our horses in case of they're acting up." he explained.

"Ever since I met Eclipse, I've been feeling a passion for the horses. They've grown on me." I told him.

'In fact, I don't want to lose them, especially Eclipse when Mother gets the wand.' I thought to myself.

"Stand next to Eclipse." he said as he got out a camera.

"Just so you can always have her with you." he told me. I nodded before I went to Eclipse and wrapped my arms around her.

Ben then clicked the button and snapped the picture. "I'll have it printed out by tomorrow." he said.

"You know what? Watch this." I told Ben.

I unstrapped the saddle off her and took off her bridle. She was now tackless. I grabbed her by her mane and hurled myself on top of her.

"Uh, Malia? You're gonna fall." he warned me.

"Have you seen the connection between her and I? She can trust me and I trust her." I explained as I lightly kicked Eclipse's sides and she went for a trot around the ring.

I then clicked my tongue and she went to a canter. I could tell Eclipse moved a lot faster without her saddle or bridle.

"Okay, girl. You ready for the fun part?" I whispered to her. She nickered in response.

"You and me. Let's go girl, let's go. Hyah! Hyah!" I shouted.

Soon, she was at a full gallop. My hair blew behind my face as the breeze was hitting my face at the speed the horse was going.

This went on for about 5 minutes until she started panting.

"Whoa, girl." I halted her and she immediately stopped.

I got off her and patted her neck.

"Good job, girl." I told her as I kissed her face.

"Wow, Malia. I've never seen anybody ride a horse without tack and really fast before." he complimented.

"Well, I mean, this is Auradon. Why can't it have a little extremeness?" I asked as I led Eclipse Back to the stables.

Ben didn't say anything, but instead followed me with Bumblebee.