One Bay Later

Chapter 7

Worst chapter...ever

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Chapter 7

What?

“I-uh,” I stuttered nervously, “I’m not old enough.”  I had to think of something gracious and polite to say but it comes out as a blurt, “You don’t have to."

Sarah Lowell smiled and said, “It’s okay.  Besides you need the money and I need the help!”

She tilted her head and looked at me, trying to convince me.

“I can’t take this.,” I was shaking my head wildly and for some reason, gripping the reins so hard my muscles felt like they were going to cramp into that position.

“That’s fine.  Consider us friends.  What’s wrong with sharing a bit of money between friends?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.  Her eyes were teasing, but light-hearted and friendly.

“W-well it’d only be a few dollar-dollars an hour right?” I stuttered, trying to find the words, "And and I wouldn't mind working for f-"

“Ten dollars an hour.  Deal?” she asked.

“Ten dollars!” I gasped my jaw loosening, “That is too much!”

“I can make it twelve if you want,” she said teasingly, smiling.

“Ten dollars is fine but I need to talk to my parents.”

“Your mom told me that she would drop by this afternoon.  I’ll tell her about it while she is there,” Sarah Lowell informed me.

“But she’ll say-say no,” my voice still rolled around uncontrollably.  I was truly embarrased by the way I just let her get right past me.

Sarah Lowell smiled, “I’ll make sure she says yes.  If she doesn’t, I’ll force her.”

I smiled anyways.  “Oh,” I said as I checked my watch, “I have to go home.  I need to be home by 7:30.”

“Well, we've got to run. I’ll see you later,” Sarah Lowell smiled and waved from Vallero.

It was so interesting because she didn’t speak like she did on TV or like I was a child.  She spoke rather in a way as if I were her friend.  But it seemed nicer that way for some apparent reason.

I turned Seila around and asked for a jog.  When we were a bit further away I asked for a lope.  Leaning forward I whisper to her, “Come on girl, let’s try a short cut.”

A few weeks ago, my mom and I took a trail ride and she showed this short cut.  Riding her up the hill, I lean forward, letting her go as she wishes. She lopes forward, struggling slightly on the steep hill.  I give her more rein and a bit of leg and she picks up, loping faster.  I push with my legs for her to pick up her forehand.

At the top of the hill I turn her to the left.  I check my watch which reads 7:27.  Only three more minutes to get home.  I squeeze with my calves urging her forward.  Her neck stretches out and she lopes forward.  My hand lets the rein slip through a tiny bit more, giving her more rein.  My hand follows her head as she lopes on, smoothly.

Letting her lope on, my head whips around searching for the eucalyptus tree.  It should be here by now!  I slow her into a walk.  As we walk on further I slow her into a halt.  I rode her to the right.  Maybe it was in the fork...

Did we get...lost?

“Oh Selia,” I grumbled and turned her around.  I asked her to walk on.  Where did we come from again?  I asked her to turn, and she did.  I asked her to turn on the haunches a full circle, searching for where we started.  Relax, you are going to get home.  I tried to soothe myself, but it honestly didn't work.