The County Fair

Chapter 8

Chapter 8:

"Anna you are on deck," the announcer's voice rang out. Anna had not talked to Lane since their little argument this morning.

Anna came running a bit behind because she had to make sure she had all of her bull riding equipment. When it became her turn Anna strolled Sunny to the alley. Sunny's registered name was Sun Frost Storm. Anna had broke her herself and they had a deep connection. Anna whispered to Sunny, "Let's go," and like a bullet Sunny sprang to the first barrel and had a nice clean turn. they ran for the second and a little to big of pocket but Sunny with the help of Anna corrected and were back on a solid run. Sunny pushed for the third barrel and clipped it but Anna was a second ahead lightly set it back miraculously. They ran for home and had a decent run of 16.75.

Anna patted Sunny and cooled her down trying to rush a little bit because she needed to get set for bull riding. once Sunny's breathing returned to normal Anna made her way back to the arena, quickly.

Anna found her bag she had placed near the chutes earlier and grabbed her chaps and vest and began her routine of preparing. Anna heard the announcer saying she was in the hole which meant she needed to go get ready to get on. she had drawn a bull by the name of Sideways. He had gotten his name after his signature move of jumping sideways.

Anna reached her chute she met Lane there and was glad because she needed someone to help her settle in. Lane helped her and caught her when the bull began to fight in the chute. "Damn it," Anna swore under her breath because the bull was moving around to much. when Anna was settled in she nodded her head and the chutes flew open.

Anna matched Sideway's moves trying to work with him and not against him. she was once told that keep your mind in the middle and the rest will follow. Sideway's bucked with all his power and his signature move but Anna used his power to keep her on the bull. After what felt like an eternity she heard the sound of the buzzer she pulled on her tail but it was kinda tight. she could feel herself slipping and the urgency of getting her rope unwrapped increased. she finally felt the rope slipping and her glove loosen. she got off cleanly by stumbled a little.

"I am so sorry i should have never said any of that to you earlier," Lane apologized as Anna was walking out of the arena.

"It is alright" but Anna was drowned out by the sound of the announcer.

"Now ladies and gentleman i think this young lady deserves a round of applause. she is a great gal making it in a male sport and her score shows it.... How about a solid 76 points!" the crowd went ballistic. Anna couldn't help but smile.

After a 10 minute wait Anna and Lane had swapped spots. Lane was settling into his bull, Rampage, while Anna was on the side giving him advice and helping him anyway possible.

Before Lane nodded Anna whispered,"I love you cowboy," with that Lane nodded his head and the gate flew open. he rode his 8 seconds, but when he went to pull his tail to loosen his rope he could not get it. he had fallen an now was on the side being drug.

Anna's POV

Lane made a flawless ride and i couldn't wait for him to be back here so i could give him a hug. but as he was dismounting he did not get his rope complex undone and he is now being drug. "Unhook him, help him!" i was screaming to myself or so i thought but by the looks i was getting i was saying them aloud. Jessy finally had pulled his rope and he lay limp in the arena. i was running towards him but it took forever to get to him. when I got to him he had rolled to his back and was grinning. "why the hell are you grinning? you just about gave me a heart attack!"

Lane replied " i know but your kinda cute when your scared,"

"Let's get you up but, you are sure you are ok?"

"Yes I am sure!"

Back to normal

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Anna helped Lane to the horse trailer where she kept her vet supplies. she pulled out her pink vet wrap and grinned," Sorry its all i got,"

Lane laughed," well doctor Rutledge you better get to work we have some awards to get back to!"

"alright this might hurt."

After Anna wrapped Lane's shoulder they headed to the awards ceremony. The team roping awards were just getting finished. "Congratulations, to Ryan and Cody for first place in the team roping," rang the announcer's voice. Lane and Anna clapped they were both happy for Cody and Ryan. Ryan was Anna's little brother. One day when Lane had come to work for Anna's dad for a little while he had shown Ryan to rope. Ryan was hooked from that day on and he was pretty good at it. even after that Lane and Cody treat him like he is one of them.

"Now we will start on the barrel racing event, third place goes to Amber, second goes to Jess," Anna let out a sigh she figured if she didn't make second or third she must not of placed. "And first place goes to Anna." at first Anna hesitated she wasn't sure if this was a mistake but after Lane nudged her she ran up to claim her buckle.

"Now lets begin the bull riding awards to get this event wrapped up," the announcer spoke."Please come and get your prize. in third place we have Josh," a friend of Lane's but Anna did not know him very well. "in second Anna and your first place winner for this years junior bull riding event is Lane!" everyone applauded the winners after all the congratulations Anna and Lane made their way to the beef barn it was nearing 4:00 and they needed to check the animals again.