Breaking Free

Chapter 22

Thursday. It is already Thursday and still no word of Clint Harris. I stopped by the police station yesterday after school, telling Carter I just wanted to visit Chief Peters, though I can tell he didn't quite believe me.

Basically, Chief told me they still have found nothing, nor have they heard anything from my parents, though they have been informed of the situation.

And now it's Thursday. Saturday is drawing so close it makes my head spin and my blood run cold. Just the thought of having to leave everything behind makes me wish I were dead.

"Carter, want to go on a ride?" I ask thoughtfully, brushing my hair behind my ear.

"Sure- I'll be out in a minute. Go tack up your horse," he agrees, flashing me the most gorgeous smile.

I nod, and head out to the barn. Ezhno greets me cheerfully, lightly bobbing his head up and down, a quiet nicker sounding from his throat. I smile at him, opening up his stall to lead him to the cross ties.

I run a curry comb and soft brush over him and pick his hooves, before throwing a saddle pad over his back. I grab a western saddle, and fasten it onto him, removing the stirrups. I slip on his bridle, though I have a bit of trouble getting him to take the bit. He gives in after a short struggle, and I lead him out to wait for Carter.

Within a few minutes, Carter is leading out Chester who is saddled up in an old, western saddle. Carter's hair is slightly disheveled from barn work, and his eyes are on mine. He looks thoughtful, like he's trying to find out what I'm thinking. He can tell that something's on my mind- he's been very cautious around me, as if walking on eggshells.

I hate keeping such a big secret from him, but I don't really have a choice, do I. Hopefully this whole thing will just blow over.

"You okay," I ask, cocking my head to the side.

"Funny- that's what I was going to ask you," he suspiciously replies.

"I'm fine," I quickly reply. "Let's go."

I climb up into Ezhno, and urge him into a walk down the trail. Carter mimics me, pulling his horse up in line with my own.

"I'm fine," I quietly echo, so that Carter won't hear. I have to make it seem like I am, no matter how hard of a task it is. For the safety of the people I love, I have to believe I'm fine.

I turn to Carter, and give him a wide grin.

"I'll race you to that tree," I challenge, pointing out a fairly large maple tree.

"You're on," he accepts, kicking Chester in the flanks so that he gallops

"Hey, no fair! I didn't say to start," I complain, urging Ezhno forward. His ears perk forward, excited for the race. Ezhno quickly pulls into a gallop, although Carter and Chester have gained quite some ground. Despite Ezhno's best effort, he doesn't catch up with them.

"I believe this is the first time I've ever won in a race against you and Ezhno- it's oddly unsettling," Carter gloats.

"Oh shut up," I tease, rolling my eyes. Our horses are standing so close that my knees brushes against his. I turn towards him, and slink my arms around his neck. "I love you."

I'm not sure what urged me to say it- maybe it's the fact that soon I may never have the chance. And we've been dating long enough. It will be six months on Sunday, which is ironic since I may have disappeared by that time.

He doesn't speak for a while, which makes a surge of panic rush through me. Did he not hear me? Did I speak to soon?

He presses his lips to mine, silencing my frantic thoughts. When he pulls away, he keeps his forehead against mine, looking into my eyes.

"I love you too."

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When we get back to the barn, Carter quickly untack a Chester. He has to run into the house to figure out what he's going to wear to dinner- we are going out to celebrate an exposé his parents did that saved over 400 horses. I already have my dress picked out, and I'm not putting my hair too fancy. Plus, I want to spend a little extra time with Ezhno.

I take off his tack, and run a soft brush over him, brushing out the saddle marks. He tosses his head up and down, letting out a shrill whinny that causes me to giggle.

I start to lead him back to his stall, when I hear a clang in the barn. A shadowy figure runs towards a big black van parked on the edge of he woods- a van that does not belong to anyone I know.

"Hey," I call out, though he's driving away before I can do anything.

I run into the barn, checking all the stalls to make sure the horses are okay. I let out a sigh of relief when I see none of them have a scratch or scrape.

I go back to Ezhno, and untie him so I can lead him to his stall. As I put him in, I notice a little red envelope resting in the bedding. I lean down to pick it up, closing Ezhno into the stall.

My blood runs cold as I open it, afraid at what might be on the paper. Trembling, I let myself read the written words.

'Dearest Taylor,

Don't think I don't know where you are. Everywhere you go, I follow. Don't try anything stupid child- you're not the only one I can hurt. That was a very touching moment with your boyfriend- I'd hate to see anything happen to him.

~C.H.'

I don't waste time crying- over these past few months, I've learned how to stay strong. Instead, I dial Deputy Peter's cell number.

"Taylor?"

"Yeah, we have a problem," I whisper, my voice shaky. "A big one."

A/N

So, so, so sorry for the long, long wait!!!! hope you enjoyed the chapter!