Timber Creek Academy

~17~

On Monday morning, my alarm beeped annoyingly, and I turned it off, then pulled my boots on.  I didn't even bother changing out of my pajamas.

I trudged tiredly out to the barn in the dark morning, and let my eyes adjust to the bright lights of the stable as I grabbed a wheelbarrow and pitchfork.  I mucked out Leo's stall, who didn't even blink an eye at me prodding around his stall.  After that chore was done, I fed Leo, who heartily chomped on his grain, then ran a brush over his mostly clean coat.  I kissed his cheek, then scurried out of the barn and back to my dorm.

When I got in, Hailey was brushing her hair.  "Good morning!" she chirped.

"Morning," I mumbled, rubbing my eyes.  Even after the chores, I was still sleepy.

"Should I dress casual or nice today?" Hailey asked as she stared deeply into her closet. 

"Hmmm, not sure.  Got any presentations today?" I asked.

"Yeah, in art.  We did a project on an artist of our choice, and I have to share my works and research paper to the class," Hailey said.  "I should probably dress nice for that."

I nodded, then went to brush my hair, then decided on what to wear.  If it was a good hair day, then I'll try to look good, but if it's not, then I'll choose comfort over fashion.

I pulled a brush through my tangles, and it turned out to be a good hair day.  I pulled on blue jeans, a long, long-sleeved, flowy gray shirt, and cute orangey-tan heeled ankle boots.  I paired it with some golden hoop earrings, and then I did my make up.  I didn't do anything too bold, just foundation, a touch of blush, and mascara.  I rubbed lip balm onto my chapped lips, then brushed my teeth.

I decided to skip breakfast, and just headed for my class early.  I was still a little nervous about the whole incident with my friends, but I know I can't avoid them forever.

I take my time going to English, and by the time I get there, the bell was about to ring. I began to work on my warm up as my teacher lectured us about figurative language. I hadn't realized how many different things were considered figurative language.

As soon as the bell rung, I headed out of the building and across the campus to sewing club.

As Miss Patsy gave us a lecture about stitching techniques, I felt someone nudge my chair. I turned around, and Beth looked at me.

"Excited about today?" she whispered.

Why did she care that today was the first day back that Leo would be part of the group lesson? She should be upset - more competition now.

"Yeah..." I replied, still confused about why she cared.

"Cool, I'm glad he's okay," she said, then focused her eyes back on Miss Patsy.

I turned around, and focused too. At least Beth was decent enough; she actually cared about the horse's well-being.

***

After classes ended, I headed to my dorm giddily. I finally get to ride Leo with the group!!! We were sticking to flatwork for a few days, but we'll be jumping soon enough.

I dropped my backpack by my desk, and changed into gray breeches and a black wool pullover.

"Excited to ride Leo?" Hailey asked as she typed away on her laptop.

"Yeah! I'm so ready to get back to work with him," I said as I grabbed my phone, key, and ID card.

"Have fun!" Hailey called as I left.

"Thanks!"

I made it to the stable, and dropped my stuff off at my tack box. I set out all of my tack, then grabbed Leo from his pasture.