Crossing the Line

Chapter 6: There is No Boy

When we got back to the barn, I was giddy with happiness. I did everything with a smile on my face. Crystal stopped by in the middle of my shift but I didn’t mind at all. I barely even noticed her.

“Holls?” she asked. I brought my eyes to her and mumbled an acknowledgement. She smiled. “What happened to you today? You’re practically glowing.” She noted. I giggled and shrugged.

“Nothing, I just… really like my work,” I lied. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

“Get real Holls. That is not an ‘I love work’ glow... that is an ‘I love boys’ glow,” she smiled. “Who is he?” she asked. I bit my lip and looked away.

“There is no boy,” I lied again. She sighed irritated and gave up on it. Technically, there was no boy; Tristan was a man, not a boy.

 “Whatever,” she said. “Where’s Tristan?” she asked changing the subject. I hesitated for a second, but continued without her noticing. I shrugged.

“I think he’s in the foal pasture somewhere. I’ll take you,” I said. I set down the brush I was holding and walked out to where I knew he was. He saw me and smiled. I mouthed ‘no’ and he immediately understood when he saw Crystal walking behind me. His smile was a bit tight, but of course, Crystal didn’t notice. He hugged me quickly before he hugged Crystal. I was a bit surprised that he hugged me in front of her, but his smile was easy when he pulled away from my sister.

“Hey,” he said. Crystal held his hand and pecked him on the cheek. I cringed slightly, but she didn’t notice. I grabbed the water bottle that Tristan handed me and started gulping it down.

“Hey, I was around so I thought I’d come see you. Oh, and can we move the dinner tomorrow to my house? I would love for you to meet my parents,” she smiled. I choked on the water and turned to the side to cough. that meant Tristan would be meeting my parents as Crytstal's boyfriend. That was going to be awkward to explain later.

“Umm, you ok Holls?” Crystal asked. I straightened and cleared my throat before I nodded. Tristan was trying not to laugh. Crystal detached herself from him and started heading out. “I'm going to go, but I’ll see you later.” She smiled before she skipped away.

When I was sure that she was off of Ridgeway, I turned and threw the rest of my water from the bottle on Tristan. I laughed and looked at his shocked face. It eventually turned into a sly smile and he started after me. I knew what was coming next. I ran to the trees with Tristan not far behind me. He eventually caught me around the waist and pulled me to him. I squealed. He laughed and tickled me. I squirmed and laughed as my face turned red.

“I give up! I give up! You win,” I laughed. He stopped tickling me and kissed me softly. I caught my breath and sighed. “No fair.” I pouted. He laughed and squeezed me tighter to him.

“You’re so adorable,” he smiled. He kissed my nose before he let me go. We went back to work quietly. When my day ended, Tristan drove me to my house. I could see Crystal watching from her bedroom window. I rolled my eyes and smiled at Tristan.

“Crystal’s watching... see you tomorrow,” I smiled before I opened my door. I shut it and waved to him when I reached the door. He backed out and drove away. I sighed and prepared myself before I entered the house.

“Hey sweetie how was work?” my mom asked from her position on the couch. My parents were finally back from their month-long anniversary vacation to Europe. I smiled and opened my mouth to speak but Crystal beat me to it.

“She was glowing when I went to visit her. I think there’s a boy,” Crystal smiled. I punched her arm, but that only made her laugh.

“There is no boy,” I mumbled. Crystal smiled and her face brightened.

“Oh, but there is a boy for me,” she smiled. “His name is Tristan and he’s coming over to have dinner with us tomorrow, so Daddy, be nice. I really like this guy. I think we’re getting serious.” She beamed. I rolled my eyes and turned to her.

“God Crystal, you’ve only dated the guy for a few weeks,” I snapped. She looked at me surprised.

“I-I… what’s wrong with that?” she stammered. I sighed and turned for the stairs.

“Nothing, I just… I just think you’re rushing things with him. I don’t want you to get hurt,” I said softly. I sprinted up the stairs and to my room before she could say anything else. I didn't mean to blurt all of that out, it just sort of... happened. Crystal with Tristan was starting to get to me.

There was a soft knock on my door a moment later. I opened the door and sat on my bed again. It was Crystal.

“Do you really think I’m… rushing into things with Tristan?” she asked. I hesitated before I nodded. I was already too deep in this lie to dig my way out. I would just have to go with it.

“You’re introducing him to our parents and he’s only been your boyfriend for a week,” I sighed. I knew I had no place to talk about rushing into things. I went behind her back and did more with Tristan than she would ever even do until she was married. I sighed. That was another thing that set us apart. I did whatever I wanted, when I wanted, and she was hesitant and unsure of herself on the inside. She sat on my chair at the vanity and faced me.

“Should I… cancel?” she said unsure. I shrugged.

“It’s already set Crys,” I said. I remembered that I hadn't started packing yet for the overnight. I grabbed a dufflebag and started packing it.

“Where are you going?” she asked eyeing my bag curiously. I smiled at her.

“Nowhere… right now. I’m just getting ready for the Overnight Trail Ride that we’re having this weekend. It’s supposed to be really fun,” I smiled. Her face brightened.

“That sounds cool. Can I go?” she asked. My face fell and I gave her a tight smile. I knew why she wanted to go, but it also didnt' make any sense. She hated camping and horses and everything that went with it.

“Sorry Crys, it’s only for the employees. It’s supposed to be like a team bonding thing,” I shrugged. “Maybe next time.” I turned my back to her and waited for her to leave, but she didn’t.

“Holly?” she said timidly. I took a silent deep breath before I turned to her. She looked down at her hands and smiled softly. “I know… you think I’m rushing things with Tristan, but I think that he’s the one.”

*The women's Ridgeway uniform can be seen in the media to the side.*