Something to Prove

Chapter 4:A Secret To Keep

The blaring of my alarm clock finally got to be too much and I sat up, slapping the "off" button. This was it. The first day of class. I moved with zombie-like numbness as I changed into pale skinny jeans and a light blue shirt with three-quarter-length sleeves and a white tank underneath. Carly stirred in her bed and lifted her head sleepily. She squinted at me in the weak sunlight streaming through my window. "What are you doing? It's six-thirty!" she said, stiffling a yawn.

"Sorry, I have a meeting with the riding instuctor at seven, then I figured I could meet you for breakfast before I have to go see the guidance councilor," I said.

"Fine, but I'm getting another half-hour of sleep." Carly curled back up under her covers and I rolled my eyes. I would have to remember to be quieter in the mornings. I grimaced when I saw myself in the bathroom mirror. Twenty minutes later my hair was smooth and straight, and my make-up was how it always was; simple and boring. This is as good as you'll ever look. Let's get going before you're late for your meeting with Mr. Connor! I stuck my tongue out at my reflection and gathered up my books, pencils, pens, and campus map, stuffing them into my beige messenger bag as I pulled on a pair of caramel-coloured combat boots and my favourite brown leather jacket, and walked out the door.

The early morning air was chilly, making me glad I'd brought a jacket. My boots thudded on the cobblestones of the walkway, seemingly the only noise on campus. As I neared the stable, I started to worry. This meeting was about which riding team I would be placed on. Shudder. I'd never tried out for a riding team before. Oh, get a grip! It's just a meeting for now! Just discussing your riding experience and what you want to achieve this year. So chill, I scolded myself. I really needed to learn how to better deal with stress, or by the end of this year I'd be living in a mental hospital.

I found myself standing in front of Fallon's stall. I dropped my bag and leaned on her door. "Morning, Fall. Settling in okay?" I asked. Her head shot up at the sound of my voice, and she regarded me with that steady brown gaze of hers. The goof had hay sticking out of her mouth, and she stood watching me for a moment, ears pricked, before resuming chewing. I was thrilled that she seemed so interested in me. It meant that all my hard work to earn her trust was paying off. I rubbed her white snap absently. "I'll be back in a bit, okay?" Leaving my book bag on the ground, I started off towards Mr. Connor's office. I'll be completely honest and say that the Canterwood riding instructor kind of scared me. But he was here to help me become a better rider, so I might as well try to get on his good side. When I got to his door I knocked right away, not giving myself the chance to chicken out.

"Come in," came the reply from within. I opened the office door and tried not to stare. Every inch of the walls was covered with ribbinds and medals, and shiny trophies sat on several shelves. Gulping, I introduced myself. "I'm Aspen, Aspen white."

"Yes, I've heard quite a bit about you," Mr. Connor said with a smile. "The scholarship girl. You were previously coached by Hayley Ardens, correct?"

"Yes, sir," I replied. I wasn't suprised that this had come up, Hayley was a professional showjumper, and knew almost everyone on the show circuit. "She has been a fantastic coach and has prepared me well for riding at Canterwood."

"I'm sure she has," Mr. Connor said with a kind smile. "Your try-out for the riding teams will be next friday, so you'll have plenty of time to practice." I nodded and got up, about to make my way to the door. "Also," Mr. Connor added. "If you feel you need any help with Fallon, please don't hesitate to ask. I know her story, and I know that it may be a challenge to bring her back up to this level of work. Don't stress yourself out if things don't go completely smoothly."

"I'll definately come to you for help the second I'm in over my head," I said as I left the office. With a sigh, I walked back to Fallon's stall to retrieve my bag. "I really hope nobody else finds out about your 'issues', Fallon," I confided. "I don't want them to judge us and what we're capable of." She snorts before going back to her hay. "Love you, girly, I'll see you after class," I said over my shoulder as I make my way to class. I vow to myself that I won't tell anybody else at the stable what has happened with Fallon. The last thing we needed with our fresh start was for people to start assuming things. It'll be our little secret, I thought to myself. Nobody else needs to know.