Making the Connection

Chapter 9~ Let's Do This

I jerked awake and glanced at my clock. 4:00 am. It would be at least a half hour before anyone was up. I put on a tye-dye shirt and a nice pair of jeans. I threw on rainbow socks and put my hair in a bun. I was feeling happy and I wasn't sure why. On my way downstairs, I passed the bathroom and glanced in the mirror. I had huge bags under my eyes. I didn't want them to draw attention to me at breakfast, so I got into Lindsey's make-up bag and brushed on a layer of blush. I looked into the mirror when I was done and smiled, satisfied.

I had two choices, make breakfast or go see Artemesia. "I can see her later," I whispered aloud. I opened and closed cupboards quietly so as not to wake anyone. I found bacon in the freezer and threw some on the skillet. It started sizzling in the oil immediately.

"Good morning, early bird." I jumped. Not only at the sound of Jessica's voice, but I also got popped the bacon.

"Hey," I replied. "You scared me." Jessica chuckled a little. I glanced at the digital clock above the oven. 4:15.

"What are you doing up so early?" I asked her.

"I heard you messing around. I'm a very light sleeper." She grabbed a spatula and took over the bacon. "Bacon is a dangerous breakfast food," she told me jokingly. "How about you start the pancakes on that griddle." She pointed to the counter behind her. I started mixing the batter and was pouring the first batch onto the griddle when Jessica spoke again.

"I saw you last night," she blurted out fast. I nearly dropped the mixing bowl.

"What exactly did you see?" I asked, playing it cool.

"You and Artie." There was a moment of silence. "I can tell you want to ride, Olivia. I can get Amy and Lindsey out of here so I can help you. I know Lins has been dying to go on a trail ride." I nodded. I finally turned around and replied.

"That would be great. Let's do it." We smiled at each other then went back to our baking. It was only 4:45 when we were done with pancakes and bacon. We set the table for Amy and Lindsey with silverware placed neatly and glasses of orange juice poured. Jessica and I left a note to meet us in the barn when they were done. We scurried outside and shut the door just as Amy's alarm clock sounded upstairs.

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Lindsey's POV

"Why hello there," greeted Amy as I followed her into the barn. Two horses were in the cross ties in the middle aisle. Olivia and Mom were standing there talking by them. They both gave us sneaky smiles as we neared them.

"What's this," I asked. I already had an idea but I didn't want to get my hopes up too high.

"You two are going on a well deserved trail ride," said Mom. I bounced up ad down on my toes. Mom had tacked up my favorite horse, Pumpernickel. He had a left blue eye where his white blaze came over it. He was a brown and white paint with sass. A good kind of sass though. Our personalities were totally equal.

Amy was going to ride her bay horse named Raggedy Ann. Amy liked to call her Raggy for short. "I will not object to a nice trail ride," said Amy. Once we were both mounted, with hats and water bottles of course, we started out of the barn. Toby followed us, which Mom made sure he did. I stopped at the last stall and saw a dappled gray inside.

"What's Artie in here for?" asked Amy.

"Oh, I was going to have Olivia watch me do some lunging," said Jessica.

"Hmm," said Amy, looking skeptical. "Why her? The mare with the most spunk?"

"You said you wanted the girls to have the full ranch experience, did you not?" Jessica debated.

"I suppose so," said Amy. She playfully scowled at the two still on the ground and we continue our walk out.

As soon as we hit the open field, I took up a canter.

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Short update but I have a plan coming. Just wait!

And sorry for not updating in a while. I've had the 'after Christmas blues' as my mom called it. Anyone else feel depressed after the holidays?

Vote, comment and fan! :)