The Horse By The Picket Fence

Chapter 1

My fist pounded against the window. Stupid bank, stupid debt, stupid self. I don't think I am able to get myself out of this one. There was a knock at the door, I look up glaring at the wooden frame. The person knocks again, the nerve of people. 

I shove open the door and just as the person is about to knock again, "It says do not disturb."

A small person stands in the door way.

"Teddy?"

"Nice to see you too."

Teddy walks under my arm and sits down. He swings his legs and waits for me to come sit next to him. I grumble but comply walking over to my living room.

"What?" I say to the jockey.

Teddy rolls his eyes and looks at me.

"I have not seen you on the track."

"I know, I haven't been," I say.

"Stop beating around the bush."

"You haven't changed."

"Sam," Teddy says giving me a warning glare.

I sigh, my hard barrier comes down, and Teddy looks worried.

"Sam is everything ok?" I feel a hand on my shoulder and I look down.

Teddy takes that as an indication and looks around at my house.

"God your place is a dump."

"Thanks."

Teddy gets up and walks over to the kitchen looking at the piece of crumbled paper. I hear him uncrumple it and I look up at the ceiling. I should have listened to my mother, became a doctor, or lawyer. I was the boy who fell in love with horses, I guess all dreams have to die eventually. I feel the couch sink slightly and I look at Teddy who is reading the paper.

"$10,000 Sam?"

"Yeah, I know."

I hear Teddy sigh slowly, I knew that little mind was up to something.

"You can't get me out of this one."

"How much is this place worth?"

"What?"

"I said how much is this condo worth," Teddy said again getting annoyed.

"I heard you the first time."

"Then answer my question."

"I don't know maybe $40,000."

"Then sell it."

"That is the stupidest plan ever."

Teddy glared at me.

"Besides where would I live?!"

"You can move in with me."

"No."

"My place is nicer."

I open my mouth to protest.

"No arguing."

I think about it.

"And all my stuff?"

"Sell that too."

"No."

"Ok store it somewhere the rent is only like, $7.99 a month?"

"I could not impose on you."

"You can and you will. Just sell the place, it is not like you have any horses at the moment, not after-"