Cruel Intentions

Christmas Surprises Part Two

“Brielle, I want to talk to you before your friends get here tomorrow.” It’s three days after Christmas and the Weasley’s are arriving early tomorrow morning.

            “We’re talking now! What more can you ask for?” I said racking my brain for an excuse to leave. For the past week I’ve been using all my best excuses to avoid this conversation. Unfortunately I’ve used all my excuses.

            “Let’s go for a ride.”

            “But it’s 7, it’s almost dark.”

            “Let’s go for a ride.”

            I used to love riding with my dad. We own two horses that we board in a stable about 10 minutes away from our house. When I was little he would take me over there three times a week. Twice for riding lessons and once so the two of us could ride together. I inherited my mother’s horse, Scout. My dad’s horse is Wilson.

            We drove in silence towards the farm. In fact, we didn’t speak until the horses were bridled and we were riding.

            “Race you to Willow Meadow.” My dad called out. Willow Meadow is my favorite spot on the whole farm. It’s a meadow filled with only Willow trees, my dad and I used to go there all the time.

            “You’re on!” I called back. “Let’s kick his arse.” I whispered in Scout’s ear.

            Scout and I thundered alongside Wilson and my dad at breakneck speed. We were neck-in-neck until the end where I jumped over a log and dad went around it.

            “And we are victors!” I shouted as Scout panted heavily and bent down for a drink of water from the stream. Wilson came over next to us for water as well.

            “I knew the day you’d finally beat me fair would come. I just didn’t know it would be this soon.” My dad said, also out of breath.

            “Get used to it dad, I’m only getting better.”

            My dad just smiled.

            “What?” I asked; he was giving me a weird look.

            “You remind me of your mother.” Oh no, not this conversation. Is this what he wanted to talk to me about?

            “You’re getting so big, you really need a motherly figure in your life.” He continued cautiously.

            Oh shit. No no no no. This is not happening.

            “Tiffany and I are getting married next summer.”

            I couldn’t take anymore. I didn’t want to hear it. I nudged Scout and we cantered back to the farm. The whole ride back I couldn’t even comprehend what made my father decide to get married at his age. He loves my mother; he can’t just abandon her like that.

            I got back to the stables, handed Scout to one of the stable hands, apologized best I could and got in the car. My dad started to teach me how to drive, so I took off home. He can apparate, not that I’d care if he couldn’t. His darling Tiffany would come get him.

            I parked the car in the driveway and ran up to my room. Once I was safe in my room with the door locked behind me I let it go. I let out the tears I’ve been holding for almost 10 minutes now. There was a soft knock on my door, “Brie Brie? Are you okay?” Tiffany’s voice called out.