Kayalina

The Beginning

Kayalina

Written by Haylee L. Brunet

I had written this short story for a school project in which we needed to create a cheesy, modern day tale of Romeo and Juliet with a twist, and I based this short story off of an idea I had for a novel I had considered writing.

Haylee L. Brunet

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I looked out the window of my room, smiling as I watched the sun dance across the fresh blanket of snow that lay upon the Pennsylvanian ground. Subconsciously I knew that January first was here. Another year had begun, but time seemed so unpredictable that I tried to never pay any attention to it.

Today, however, time had a heavy weight on me. I felt tears threaten to fall from my eyes, but I didn't know if they were of joy or sorrow.

I looked away from the snow, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. As I looked up my gaze lingered on the apartment over the garage; it was only then that I understood why time mattered and why today, January first, haunted my me.

It was on this day that my life changed.

My memory drifted back to the beginning of our story and as it drifted further I remembered every small detail...

"Kayla, you're going to be late."

I jumped and grabbed onto my horse's reins, hiding behind his big black head. "You scared me half to death," I laughed as I looked at the woman leaning against the barn door.

My step mom smiled. "Scared or not, you'll still be late."

I looked at my watch, my eyes widening at the time. I had never been late for school a day in my life and I was not going to start on my last year.

I kissed Knight and handed my step mom his reins. "I didn't get the chance to finish brushing him, can you, please?"

"Just finish when you get home. You know he gives everyone a hard time," she protested.

"Please, mom?"

She stared wearily at the large black stallion standing before her. "Kay, he loves you, but everyone else seems to bring out his dark side."

I gave her my, you-know-I'd-never-ask-unless-I-needed-your-help look in hopes that she'd budge, but I knew Knight was a handful.

Mom and dad got Knight for me when he was only a year. He had been badly abused by his previous owner and didn't take very well to anyone. I fell head over heals for the black foal and dedicated all my time into taking care of him. Now, five years later, he had grown into a handsome and strong horse. He still never let anyone touch him unless I was with him, and even then he wasn't too friendly.

She rolled her eyes. "Fine, get to school, but if your horse ends up killing me, there will be no one to cook your father's dinner tonight," she joked.

I hugged her. "Don't worry, I can cook too."

She laughed. "Love you, Kayla."

I yelled a quick, "love you, too," and headed to the house to grab my book bag before I ran to school. As I entered the kitchen I saw my dad sitting at the table in his pyjamas with his cup of coffee and morning devotional.

"Kay, where's Jen?" he asked.

"Mom's out at the barn; she said she'd finish brushing Knight for me."

Dad put down his coffee and shook his head. "You know I love that horse, but--"

"But I was the first one to ride him and he decided I'd be the last. I know, dad, you always say that."