Breaking Free

Chapter 17

"Tay, Carter get up. We've got horses to feed," Serenity chirps, pulling the curtains open to let the bright sunlight into the room.

I groggily climb out of bed, shortly followed by Carter.

We follow Serenity to the barn, where the horses are eagerly awaiting their meals.

After an hour of feeding, mucking, and letting horses into the field, we all head into the house to grab something to eat.

"So Tay- does this mean we're sort of cousins," Serenity asks.

"I suppose so," I chuckle, sipping on a cup of iced tea.

"And it means- you're not really an orphan," she quietly states. She's stating what I already know but can't seem to wrap my head around. I know that, if I want to, I can talk to Deputy Peters and find them within a week or two. But I don't know if I really want to see them- it's been so long, it's almost as if they aren't even my parents anymore. I don't really have anything to say to them right now.

"Yeah- but I still feel as if I am. They abandoned me Serenity. I was six years old, and they just- left," I whisper, tears pricking my eyes. I quickly push them back, refusing to shed one more tear over my parents.

Carter senses my distress, and grabs my hand and squeezes it reassuringly. I give him a tight grin showing my appreciation.

"I understand that Tay, it's just that- okay, look. My parents died when I was ten in a fiery car wreck, and I was in the car with them. I saw them die in front of me, and I know for a fact they are gone. But if they weren't? If I found out they were alive and they hadn't told me? I wouldn't care that they had lied- I'd just be happy they were alive. I know how furious you are with them Tay, but just- just don't set it in your mind to never see them again. If I had the chance to see my parents again, I'd take it in a heartbeat," she sniffles, trying hard to hold back tears.

"Ser, I didn't know," I whisper, going over to comfort her.

"It's okay" she says composing herself, "But promise you'll at least think about contacting them."

"I promise."

"Okay, let's go on a ride," she suggests, standing up from her seat at the barstool.

"Sounds like a plan," Carter agrees.

We all go to catch our horses- Serenity takes Checkers, Carter grabs a tall bay gelding named Popcorn, and I pick out a Clydesdale mare named Frenchie.

As we are grooming them, I hear girlish voices laughing and nearing the barn.

"Just some of the boarders most likely," Serenity assures, going back to picking Checker's hooves.

"-and did I tell you who got her nose redone?" a familiar snicker giggles, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand up.

"God I hoped she wouldn't come," I whisper, starting to feel faint.

As if on cue, Chloe turns the corner with a small group of her friends. The moment our eyes meet, she stops in her tracks.

Carter is at my side in an instant, shoving me behind him protectively. I feel his arm go around my waist, while I never break eye contact with Chloe.

"What's wrong, Chloe? Cat got your tongue," Serenity sneers.

"No, I just was just startled to see-" she start, before I cut her off.

"We get it Chloe. Now I believe the psycho side of the barn is that way, so go on your way," I fiercely state, feeling Carter's grip in me tighten so much it slightly constricts my breathing.

She gapes at me, but turns on her heels. As she walks away, I hear one of her friends whisper "Who were they?"

I don't hear, nor do I care, what Chloe answer.

"Let's saddle up."

A/N

Sorry the chapters short and sort of rubbish, but I'm suffering from writers block right now. The next few chapters will probably be rubbish, but please stick with me because I do have a plan for this book!