Fatal Attractions : The Masquerade

Chapter One

                                    ONE YEAR LATER

"Okay, good... Now, keep your form and push off with that foot. No, Lena, your other foot!"

My head smacked into the floor mat and, trying to ignore the pain, I quickly pushed myself back onto my feet. Alex stood off to the side, trying to cover his giggles with his hand.

"Oh, shut up. I'll get it," I said. Alex let out another giggle and put his hand down.

"I know you will. It's just a matter of how many concussions you get before we get there."

"I've only ever gotten' one concussion before, and you gave it to me," I said.

"Saving your life," he said, crossing his arms. His face was suddenly serious.

"I know. I'm sorry." I walked over to him and gave him a peck on the cheek. His serious facade cracked, and he smiled.

"You're forgiven," he said, and I rolled my eyes. "Don't you roll your eyes at me."

I rolled them again.

He grabbed me by my wrist and yanked me against him, dipping me and giving me sloppy wet kisses all over my face.

"Ew, knock it off!" I yelled, covering my face with my arms.

We were interrupted by the sudden sound of the swinging doors opening, and feet pounding against the padded floor.

"Lena, come on! She's here!" Sam yelled, her face full of excitement. Her knee length hair was in a fish braid down her back, contrasting against the peach color of her dress.

Alex lifted me upright and I bolted from his arms.

"No way!" I yelled, running over to Sam. She grabbed my hand and we ran out of the gymnasium together.

It wasn't long before we burst through the back door, running fast over to the stables. By the time we got through the stable door, I was panting. As I struggled to catch my breath, Sam let out a squeal of excitement and skipped over to what I've been waiting weeks for.

Standing there, in pure beauty, was a tall, slender filly. Her shiny coat was a fiery auburn, the light bouncing off of it in copper shimmers. She was already wearing a shiny black saddle and bit, a lead securing her to a metal loop in the wall. Her thick black mane flowed down the side of her head, just as glossy and raven-black as her tail.

I stepped closer to her, a toothy smile on my face. I couldn't hold back my excitement as Sam motioned me closer.

"Sam, she's beautiful!" I gawked, scratching the mare's chin. She licked at my arm and blinked at me.

"Isn't she? Two years old, she's still just a baby!" Sam said, lifting onto her toes and scratching the horses head.

"You wanna' ride her?" Sam asked. My toothy grin was back.

"Yeah!" I responded.

"Alright, go get some riding pants on," Sam said with a laugh. It took me a moment to realize I was still in shorts and a t-shirt from self defense training. I cleared my throat and starting making my way over to the changing stall.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I'm gonna' need Lena back now." I turned around and saw Alex standing in the open doorway, leaning against it. He let out a long whistle and took a few steps closer.

"Wow. She's a beaut'. Oh, the horse, too," he said, smirking at me. I sighed and shook my head.

"Why do you need me back? I was gonna' go riding," I said. Alex walked over to the horse and patted her side.