Babbiloora Brumbies

Meet Brad

Inferno and I were nearing Babbiloora now. I couldn't stop thinking about that...'thing' in the bushes. I could tell it was big, and I remembered seeing a hint of a shiny coat. It moved so fast though, it was impossible to tell.
Whatever it was, it was starting to creep me out. I nudged Inferno into a jog towards his paddock.
I leapt off him to open the gate at the far side of the paddock. Leading him in, I gently took off his tack just before the stock horses came running over to greet him.
I stroked his neck lovingly. "Good boy, Inferno. You did great today," besides the bolting-down-the-hill-thing, but then, I couldn't blame him. "Don't be worried, I'll look after you boy."
"Will you now?" A voice chanted behind me. "That would be nice."
I jumped in shock and spun round quickly. It was getting dark, but I could just see somebody leaning on the fence in the shadows.
I knew who it was. I recognised his teasing voice. "Brad?" I squinted into the shadows.
"The one and only," he smirked, casually walking forwards.
I rolled my eyes. "You shouldn't scare people like that! Or spy on them! What are you doing here anyway?"
"Hmm, let me think. Oh yeah, I work here," He stated sarcastically, taking another step forwards into the last of the sun's rays. He was wearing a blue work shirt with black jeans, and short riding boots. His brown hair was windswept under his tan cowboy hat.
Yeah, he worked here. Unfortunately. It was his mission to annoy the hell out of me. He was the youngest stockman at 19; only two years older than me. Still, he pretended he owned the place. Ironic really, because-
"Finished checking me out?" He smirked, dragging me out of my daydream. I didn't realise I was staring. His blue eyes glowed mischievously from under the rim of his hat, watching me intently for my reaction.
I turned to hide my flushed cheeks, and started walking across the paddock. It was still another 800 metres to the sheds, and I wasn't walking with him.
"You didn't answer my question," he teased at my side. Wait. When did he get there!? I was so preoccupied with the whole creepy-thing-in-the-bushes-issue.
"You didn't answer mine," I regained my composure. "What were you doing watching me? Have you decided to embrace your perverted side?"
"Very funny," he said blankly. "I had to wait for you for hours! I only just finished with the cattle, too! You owe me!"
"Why were you waiting!?" I insisted.
He smiled teasingly, flashing his white teeth. "You really want to know, don't you, Mimi?"
"Mimi?" I echoed in horror. "Don't call me that!" I shoved him hard with the saddle.
He grabbed my wrist tauntingly. "Steady now Mimi, you're in enough trouble already!"
I snatched my hand back. "You better start talking pretty soon, mate," I said through gritted teeth. I hope you now understand why I hate him. "I want an explanation as to why you were spying on me."
He gave in. "Since you're dying to know, your dad sent me. He said, and I quote; 'Wait at the far side of the paddock for Amy, will you Brad, and bring her to me. The crazy girl has been teaching my horses to jump the paddock fence again.' " Brad burst out laughing after his impression of my dad.
Oops, he saw that. And even worse, he embarrassed me in front of Brad and god knows who else.
I kept quiet, trying to contain my anger from exploding. After calming down again, Brad looked at me and swung his arm over my shoulder. "Aww, is Mimi embarrassed because Brad has to take her to her doom," he mocked me. I shook his arm off.
"Hey," he complained. "Don't be like that; you owe me. Not only did I have to wait here for you in the dark, I had to round up the horses that jumped the paddock fence after you took off."
Double oops. I didn't eve notice them. "I don't owe you anything Brad," I answered blankly.
"Oh yeah?!" He challenged. "We'll see about-"
He didn't finish. He was cut off by my dad yelling at me to get over there.
Oh the joys. This should be good. At least Brad would enjoy himself laughing at my expense.
And I almost forgot to mention...my dad was the boss.