Born To Fly (ON HOLD)

Chapter 4

"Can we go now?" I shout from the kitchen. Dad promised to take us to find new tack today, but he's taking way too long. Mel bounds down the stairs, eyes glued to her phone. She almost trips over the rug.

"Who are you texting?" I ask. She snaps back into reality and quickly hides her phone.

"No one." She says. I glare at her, unconvinced. She ignores me and walks into the living room. Seconds later my dad comes down. I look at him expecting him to say something.

"Yes, McKenzie, we can go now." He says. I run out to the truck and wait. When Mel finally comes out, eyes still glued to her phone, we drive off. I think that dad noticed Mel's odd behavior. Sensing that Mel was not ready to be confronted about it, I start up a conversation.

Long-story-short, it ended with us arguing over what the plural word for "moose" is. As we continue the debate, Mel looks up from her phone, obviously annoyed.

"You two are insufferable!"

At that, we all burst out into laughter. I look out the window to see us pulling into the parking lot of Dover Saddlery. Dad finds a parking spot then Mel and I walk into the store. We're immediately greeted by the smell of leather. What could be better?

I go directly to the saddles, while Mel goes to the saddle pads. I spot a cordovan English saddle. When I look at the price, I'm pleasantly surprised to see that it's only $349. I take it off of the rack and go to meet Mel where the saddle pads are. Mel has chosen a navy blue with red piping saddle pad. I eventually pick out a burgundy saddle pad. I also get a white saddle pad.

Kayleen already gave us bits and bridles. In the end, I buy my saddle, leathers, girth, two saddle pads, stirrups, and a pair of English boots. While Mel and my dad finish buying her stuff, I walk out to the car. I stop in my tracks when I see Lexi (the "mean girl" of the barn.)

She spots me and gives an obviously fake smile. I just continue walking to the truck and load up my tack. Luckily, dad and Mel come out soon. The drive back home is long and boring. Dark clouds lurk in the sky. It begins raining as soon as we pull up to the house.

We manage to get inside with all of our tack before the rain gets heavier. Suddenly, I remember that Dakota was turned out when we left. I put on my rain jacket and run out to the barn. Dakota looks at me, longing to get inside. We're both relieved when he's put away in his stall.

BANG

I jump and turn around to see Eira freaking out. I walk over to her and whisper reassuring words, in an attempt to get her to calm down. I stay with her until the rain stops. She's going to be a handful...