A Story to Remember

Chapter 18 Home Again

Chelsea-

Sunday morning service at Bridgecrest High was probably the smartest move I could make. It’s so peaceful. Nothing can make me feel as at peace as the services there.

“Chels, Mountain and Winter?” Austin asks after the service.

“You’re on.” I challenge, “The mountains are great training ground. It’s time to teach them some jumping.”

On the trail we’re riding and teaching the mustangs jumps, “Chels, Gavin told me what happened last night.” Austin says as Mountain and Winter begin mastering their jumps, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want anyone to know.” I tell him slowing Mountain down to a walk, Austin follows suit with Winter. “You know how many leads I’ve had since she disappeared. I just didn’t want to keep getting my hopes up just to have them crushed again.”

“So you think it’s a fake lead?” he asks

“I don’t know,” I admit, “You don’t know how much I want to believe that its true, but it’s happened so many times that I can't believe to be true.”

“Why don’t you go find out? Mysteries of High School is filming near Finland; go see if you can find her.” He tells me.

“You don’t think I’ve wanting to find her since she vanished without a trace?” I tell him trying not to let the wall I’ve built up about Sarah break. “Sarah was my best friend! I’m just tired of someone leading me on. Having someone put a false hope in my heart then snatch it away. I can't do it anymore, and frankly, now I don’t think I want to do it.”

“Okay.” Austin says backing off.

“I’m sorry Austin,” I tell him, “I didn’t mean to explode at you.” He shrugs and shakes his head, a smile on his lips, “Come on, I'll race you back to the stable.” I carefully direct Mountain back to the ranch. Winter races off before I could get settled Mountain takes off, “Mountain, slow down boy.” I tell him tugging on Mountain’s reins to no responds; I guess all the training is going down the drain. “Austin!” I call after him while I continue to try to stop Mountain. “Help!”

“Chels?” Austin’s voice carries from down the mountain, “What’s wrong?”

“I can't get Mountain under control.” I call back as Mountain rears and continues to race around. “Get David or someone.”

Mountain continues his race around the mountain, “Chels!” David calls out.

“Up by the four pines!” I call back down to him.

“Hang tight. I'll be right there.” David calls back. Mountain continuing his tight laps. What did he expect me to try to do jump off and get myself killed? David rides up spooks Mountain. “Steady boy. Steady.” David says lassoing him David rides closer and instructs me on how to switch between moving horses. I finally get up enough nerve to do so and David and I do a horse switch. “Keep Rylee here until Mountain’s out of sight. I’m going to tire him out and bring him back by dinner time.” David canters off and I do as he says and wait.

I finally make it back to the ranch and dismount Rylee with ease. “Chels, thank goodness you’re okay. Where’s David?” John says taking Rylee’s reins and hugging me.

“David’s out working Mountain to cool him down and tire him out.” I explain to John taking Rylee’s reins back, “I have to go take care of Rylee.” Family Ranch Rule 14. Everyone pulls their own weight and takes care of the horse they ride.

“You have company. Gavin’s with him now, go. I'll take care of Rylee.” John says pushing me out of the barn door toward the house.

“I don’t know why you came, you know it’s pointless.” I hear Gavin say as I walk toward the office. I push open the door and freeze, Zach.