"Ah, here comes our lovely delinquent, Taylor," Joy cheerily announces, mimicking a sportscaster.
I take a little bow, before entering the casual conversation. Mostly they are talking about homecoming and who they want to ask them, while Ethan and Jake are a pretty good distance away and out of earshot.
"Well we all know who Joy wants to go with," Sky giggles, glancing over at Jake. Joys face flushes crimson, shoving Sky lightly with her arm.
"I don't know," Joy hesitantly states. "I really don't think he likes me. I did for a while, but lately he's seemed- I don't know, different."
"Oh I'm sure it's all in your head. I bet he'll ask you," Erica assures, flipping her long red hair over her shoulder.
"Erica, do you have a special someone in mind," I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"No," she answers quickly, her emerald eyes darting away. I can tell she's lying, but I don't press her.
The bell rings, bringing us out of our chit chat. As we go our separate ways, I pull Joy aside.
"Joy, I really don't want to upset you by saying this, please don't be mad at me," I start, staring into her eyes.
"What is it Tay?"
"It's just- don't get your hopes up about Jake. He told me on the way to school he liked someone else," I sigh, not wanting to hurt her but not wanting her to have false hope.
Her face falls, and she blinks rapidly to fight back tears.
"I figured as much," she mumbles, combing her hand through her hair.
"Hey, you listen to me. You're gorgeous- any guy would be lucky to have you. And I'm sure Jake will realize that sooner or later. Just give it some time. Crushes fade away. People often don't see that what they've been looking for is right in front of them," I comfort, wrapping her in a hug.
"Thanks Tay, I don't know what I'd do without you," she mutters, before we part ways to head to class.
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"I don't even think this stuff is edible," I mumble, poking at the food in front of me with a fork. Today they served us what appears to be chicken alfredo, but seems rubbery and inedible.
"Tay, you almost never eat anything. I will force feed you," Joy jokingly threatens.
"Oh, you know I eat like a pig when I'm at home," I chuckle.
Jake makes oinking noises to demonstrate said pig behavior. I playfully punch his arm, chuckling at his actions.
Erica's eyes narrow at something behind me, and I reluctantly turn my head to see what she's staring at.
"Amelia," I chime with false cheer. "Don't you have an eating disorder you need to attend to."
"I just wanted to personally confirm that you'll be at homecoming on Saturday. I'm on the planning committee, and despite my distaste, you've already been nominated to be homecoming queen," she disgustedly informs me.
"Lovely. And I'll be there," I sweetly say, dramatically batting my lashes.
She rolls her eyes and turns on her heels. Smirking, I turn back to face the table and my still inedible food.
"I really can't stand her," I sigh, brushing my hair aside.
"Me neither. She's the definition of Barbie," Joy agrees.
I nod, pulling a tight smile to my face. Despite the inedibleness of my food, I'm starving. Reluctantly, I take a bite.
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"Woah girl," I almost shout, trying again to slip the halter over Queenie's head. She veers left again, causing me to clutch at empty air.
After much chasing, cursing, and narrowly avoiding being kicked, I catch her and put her in the cross ties.
"Playing with the Queen of Hearts
Knowing it ain't really smart
Joker is the only fool
To keep me away from you," I sing lightheartedly, running a curry comb over her ebony black coat.
After I've groomed her a little, I go into the tack room and grab a saddle pad. I'm not planning on riding her today, just getting her accommodated to wearing tack.
"It's okay girl," I soothe, bringing the saddle pad into her line of view. I let her sniff it and examine it until she's at ease.
After she seems comfortable, I swiftly slide it onto her back. She jumps a little, but quickly calms down. I stroke her neck, whispering praises to her for being a good girl.
I manage to put a saddle on her, though she won't let me do the girth up. After much trial and error, I praise her and let her into the pasture.
"Ezhno," I call, once everything is put away. I see him across the field, lift his head up to hear better. "Ezhno!"
He turns towards me and gallops till he nearly hits the fence.
"Hey boy," I giggle, patting his side. I open the gate and let him out, not worrying if he might run away.
He follows me, as I walk to the tack room, like a puppy. I quickly grab my bareback pad and a bridle, then go to put them on him.
He eagerly let's me, and before I know it we are ready to go. I mount up, and press my heels into his side.
"Taylor, wait," a panicked voice calls from the house. I halt Ezhno, and turn to see Carter on the porch, his face pale.
He rushes to me, looking up at me while I sit uneasily on Ezhno.
"Clint Harris- he killed someone. Here in Oakville. He's here Taylor," he almost whispers.
A/N
So sorry for the long, long wait!!!! really, I am! And sorry for the sort of lame chapter.
Thanks for waiting my lovelies!
YOU ARE READING
Breaking Free
Phiêu lưuThird and Final book in the Runaway Horse Series Taylor has overcome so many obstacles that it seems like there's nothing else the world can throw at her. But when secrets about her parents are revealed, how will she handle them? And how is she...
