Midnight

Chapter 7: Friends Change

                               It was a few weeks later and I have improved a lot in my riding. My next lesson is tomorrow. EJ hasn't talked to me much and I have no idea why. Sharla has said a few things but not as extreme. I was sitting in my room after school and was doing my homework but then the thought of Sophie came to my mind. I finally thought to myself that I should try and call her. I picked up my phone and called Sophie straight away. Sophie answered "Hello." I was so happy. "Hi Sophie, It is me Sara. Your best friend. I miss you so much! A lot has happened through out the weeks and it hasn't been the same without you." I explained to Sophie. Sophie was quiet. "Sara, I can't believe it is you. I have had a good few weeks of school. I made some awesome new friends and I have a boyfriend named Chase. He is super sweet." Sophie finally replied. "Wow, I wish I was with you." I said to her. Sophie was quiet again but then finally said something that changed everything "Honestly Sara, I do miss you but I have new friends now and a new life. I also have this really amazing friend name Josephine and she is my best friend. She is over right now so I can't talk for much longer." I was speechless when she said that. "I thought we were best friends Sophie??" I started to tear up a little bit. "We were but I have moved on and I am sure you have new friends too. Look I have to go. I hope you have a good rest of your school year Sara." Right after Sophie said that she hung up on me. I cried my eyes out after she said that. I couldn't even eat my dinner. I told my parents just that we were taking a break but that wasn't the truth. The truth was our friendship was over but I just couldn't tell them. Later that night I went to the barn where Midnight was and as soon as I saw him I let my tears all out. I went into midnight's stall and just cried into his mane. "Why is my life so hard? Why can't I have friends? Why do I have to go through all of this?" I whispered to Midnight. Midnight nuzzled me and softly nickered. "I know you are my friend Midnight but Sophie was my best friend." I cried even harder after saying that. My heart was shattered into a billion pieces. After all these years I have known Sophie I never thought she would do that. "I just wish everything went back to normal and I wish Sophie would have never moved! I wish that everything would go back to the way it was! I wish I could go back to the past! I want my best friend back!" I cried. That wish I made not knowing I crushed Midnight's own heart. The next day felt different. I was so sick to my stomach that my mom had to keep me home. She also could tell I need a break from school. A few moments later I threw up and had a fever "Honey, go lay down. I will go take care of Midnight." My mom said softly. "No, mom I want to see him.  Please?" I asked. My mom shook her head "No honey you need to rest." I laid down and rested. After an hour of resting my mom came back in to get me ready for my riding lesson "Honey, your forehead is still warm. Are you sure you want to go today?" I looked at her "I really want to go but I want to ride Midnight." I replied to her. "Well, you have made up a lot of money and Jill can tell you really want this. She said we can bring Midnight today. I wanted it to be a surprise." My mom said with a smile. I smiled back and jumped out of bed to get Midnight ready. I wanted to make him look fabulous for Jill. I groomed him really good till he was shining then I put on his halter and lead rope. Jill came with a truck and trailer and backed up near the barn. "Oh my gosh, he is a beauty Sara!" Jill said to me in excitement. Jill was excited to have Midnight in her stables. As I lead Midnight towards the trailer I felt him stop and he would not move. "Come on boy, you are going to a new barn. It will be fun for both of us." I said to him not knowing he was afraid of the trailer. Jill took the lead rope from my hand and tried leading him in. Jill knew he was nervous so she took it slowly. "Easy boy." She said to him. As they got closer to the trailer all of the sudden Midnight reared up. "Whoa! It's okay. Shhh." I said to him softly trying to calm him down. As soon as Midnight heard my voice he stopped rearing and settled down. I grabbed the lead rope that was ripped from Jill's hands and tried again but this time I knew what to do. "I know it looks scary and I am sure you have never been in one before. Trust me, you will be okay. I promise." I whispered in his ear. Midnight pricked his ears up and he slowly walked in the trailer. Jill locked it up and me and my mom got in her truck. "Sara, I do not know how in the world you calmed that stallion but that was amazing." Jill said to me on the way to the barn. I smiled I was finally starting to feel a little better after what happened with Sophie. About fifteen minutes later we arrived to the gorgeous barn. Jill unlocked the trailer and I lead Midnight out. Midnight nickered with excitement, he was excited to see all of the other horses. We followed Jill into the stables and she took us to a stall that was right next to Boomer's stall. I hoped that him and Midnight would get along. We lead him in and let him relax and settle before we did anything with him. "Sara, you can go ahead and get Boomer ready for your lesson." Jill said to me softly. I smiled and got Boomer all ready for our lesson. I was finally off the lunge line and I could walk Boomer all by myself. During this lesson we worked more on control then about ten minutes into the lesson "Okay Sara, you want to try a trot?" Jill asked. I smiled but was kinda nervous. "Sure" I said softly. Jill put me on a lunge line and told me exactly what to do. "So what you need to do is squeeze Boomer's side and cluck or kiss and he will go." Jill explained. I did exactly that and Boomer trotted away. I laughed and smiled the whole time. "You are looking great Sara." Jill said with a smile as she saw me laughing. Boomer finally slowed down and we both took a breath. "Was that fun?" Jill asked. I looked at her with a smile "Yes, I can't even explain it. It was so much fun." I explained. "Maybe next week you can try without a lunge line." Jill said with a smile. I was so excited and everything about Sophie was leaving my mind. The lesson was finally over and it was time for me to get off. I unsaddled Boomer and put him back in his stall. I also gave him one of Midnight's apples to show him how good he was. Then I gave Midnight his apple. I got home and missed Midnight already, I knew I would see him tomorrow but it felt weird not having him at home. I got in my room and relaxed on my bed. I got my homework out that was supposed to be due today so I am glad I missed today and got to work. As I was working on my homework my phone started ringing. I looked to see who it was and it was  EJ. I answered "Hello." I said. "Hi Sara, I miss you. Why weren't you at school today?" EJ replied. I blushed and smiled "I was sick but I am feeling better and will be back tomorrow." I replied to him. Our conversation continued and I told him all about Midnight, Boomer and my lessons. I even told him about Sophie which was hard for me to do. After I told him what happened between me and Sophie "I am so sorry that happened to you Sara." He replied with a sad voice. "Friends change Sara. I do not know why but sadly some change and there is really nothing we can do. But that is why you make new friends. Like me. I am here for you if you need someone. Midnight is also here for you." EJ explained to me. I started to tear up because what he said was so sweet. "That is so sweet EJ." I said to him softly. After a while of talking to each other we ended the call. That was the best phone call ever. EJ is right though, friends change but that is why it is good to make more friends that will be with you forever.