Something to Prove

Chapter 8: Confession Time

"I still don't get it." Sasha said, guiding Charm around a rock in the trail. We had taken the horses out for a trail ride, and were discussing why Mr. Connor was making me wait to hear my team placement. "I mean, he told me which team I'd be on right after I tested." She glanced at me from under her helmet. "Don't stress it, though. I'm sure he just wants to pick the right team for you and Fallon."

"Thanks, Sash. I know whatever team I get, it'll be the right one for both of us," I said, leaning down to rub Fallon's shoulder. Truth be told, I was just worried about why this was taking so long. I mean, if Mr. Connor didn't think I was good enough to ride at Canterwood, he could just say so!

"Hey, I can tell you're over-thinking. Stop it." I grinned. Fallon was such a good friend. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you so worried about all of this?" Sasha asked softly.

"Well," I sighed, "it's kind of a long story." I looked Sasha in the eyes and decided to be honest. "I have major confidence issues. I'm always really hard on myself, and according to some people, I underestimate my abilities. I always stress about how people think of me." I take a deep breathe.

"Fallon used to be a Grand Prix showjumper. She was amazing! But one day, in the middle of a competition, something went wrong. Fallon and her rider were barreling towards a jump, but the distance wasn't there. Her rider didn't try to fix it, only pushed Fallon faster. They took off awkwardly and they crashed into the jump. And I do mean crashed. Three poles broke and the standards fell on top of Fallon. She spooked and tried to run away, but she was trapped under all the poles and stuff. It was horrible.

"After that, Fallon lost her trust in people and got really scared of anything that involved jumping. I guess the accident was more traumatic for her than it should have been. Anyway, her owner wanted to retire her, and my barn bought her, so that she could be a happy pasture horse. Only problem was she wasn't able to settle down and be put out to pasture permanently. So my coach asked me if I wanted to try and work with Fallon a little, just to help her quiet down a bit. After about a week and a half, it became obvious that whatever I was doing was working. That was when my coach proposed a deal: if I could get Fallon back into working condition, I could have her. It would be perfect, since I was looking for a new horse to take to Canterwood anyway.

"I spent my whole summer working with Fallon, gaining her trust and building her confidence. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it. I'm so incredibly proud of her! It's just... me. I'm worried that I'm not good enough. That I won't be able to handle a horse like Fallon... A lot of people back home doubt me. Friends, family, former coaches. I have to show them that I can do this. I have to prove myself," I said the last sentence softly. I turned to Sasha, suddenly embarassed. "I'm sorry, that was TMI, wasn't it?"

"Omg, don't even worry! I'm glad that you told me what was going on. Really! And just for the record, I think you and Fallon have so much potential, you're totally great together."

"Really? Wow, thanks!" I beamed. "But... Could you please not tell anyone else?"

"Your secret is safe with me." Sasha mimed locking her lips and throwing away the key. We giggled as we made our way back to the stable. It felt so great to finally talk to someone.

...

I draped my hunter green saddle pad over my saddle and walked out of the tack room. Just as I was turning the corner to go to Era's stall, I head someone call my name. Whirling around, I saw Mr. Connor coming towards me. Ohhh, boy.

"Can I see you in my office, please?" he asked. I nodded and started towards Mr. Connor's office. Inside, I slid into one of the chairs in front of the huge desk in the center of the room. "I won't drag this on, I've decided on what riding team you will be on," Mr. Connor said. I nodded mutely. Mr. Connor leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk. "This decision took a lot of thought. You are clearly ready for the intermediate team, and before the accident, Fallon would have obviously been fit for the advanced team. However, given the recent circumstances, she is probably closer to the beginner level." I held my breathe. "So, I have decided to put you on... the intermediate team. Congratulations." Mr. Conner smiled broadly at me.

"Ohmigosh, thank you so much!" I blurted.

"I hope that you and Fallon will continue to grow together and learn from eachother. If you have any questions or concerns, please come to me immediately. I hope to see you at the first team practice Monday morning."

"Thank you, sir, I promise that I'll practice hard!" I said as I left the room.

I saw Sasha down the aisle in Charm's stall. Not caring who saw me, I ran over, squeeling. "I made it! The intermediate team! I made it I made it I made it!"

"OMG Aspen! I knew you would make it!" Sasha hugged me. "You know what we should do? Celabrate at the Sweet Shoope!"

"You read my mind," I said with a smile. We headed over to the on-campus cafe/bakery, giggling and gossiping. I was so excited about making the riding team, and it felt good to have a friend like Sasha.