Zailey (Sequel) ✔️

Part Fifty

It was day one and I'd already discovered I don't like Zander being away.
School had been hell.
Whisper's were still going around about our dysfunctional family.
Keegan and Brady were still throwing punches in retaliation.
I'd hidden in the Library for recess and lunch, Kellie eventually finding and joining Me.
By lunch time Keegan had ditched school, sick and tired of it and the threats from His Teacher's about Suspension.
Now I was at the Horses, hoping an afternoon with Phoenix would make Me feel better.
Phoenix's joyous whinny rang out to Me as I trudged across the damp ground, approaching his yard and paddock.
"Hey Baby!"
I called back to him, my heart lifting.
Phoenix always makes Me feel better.
He just seems to know.
Phoenix neighed at Me again, trying to tell Me something.
I walked to the post and rail fence of his yard and folded my arms atop the rail that was about at my chest level.
"Wanna get out of your yard huh?"
I asked.
Phoenix carefully slipped his nose through the gap between the rails, his nostrils flaring as he sucked in my scent.
He lipped at my long sleeve covered arm.
"Okay."
I couldn't help but smile.
"I'll go get your halter."
I stepped back, turned on my heel and headed towards the adjoining shelter and small shed.
Phoenix neighed after Me.
I could almost imagine him calling Me back.
"I'll be back!"
I promised him over my shoulder.

"Hey."
I pulled my attention from Phoenix who I was allowing to graze on some long green grass near the Orchard, to find a girl approaching Me, wearing a blue hoody, cream coloured jodhpur's and a pair of slightly dirty top boots.
It took Me a moment to recognise Hayley.
"Hi."
I replied, flicking my gaze back to my happily grazing Horse.
Silence stretched between us, the warbling birds in nearby tree's filling the air.
"So what about if I get Sherpa out and we go for a ride?"
I turned to Hayley.
"Sherpa?"
I asked, confused.
She nodded.
"Jodie moved Me on to riding Him now."
Oh.
"Yeah I... I guess we could."
I slowly agreed.
It was a while since Hayley and I had done any riding alone together.
Normally we just rode through awkwardness in our lesson's.
Hayley grinned.
"Cool!"
She turned on her heel to walk away.
I guessed She was either going to get Sherpa or His tack.
Phoenix lifted his nose from the ground, chewing a few long strands of grass.
"What have I got myself into?"
I whispered to him.
He just blew a breath through his nose and dipped his head back down to continue grazing.
"Last mouthful."
I warned him.
"We have to go get saddled up."
I wasn't planning on riding today, but maybe it would make Me feel better to.

"So how's things going with you?"
Hayley asked as we rode across the paddock, towards the forest and the trails.
Most of Me had no clue how to do this.
Hayley and I hadn't been 'friends' in what felt like ages.
But then again, She'd been the first person other than my Brother's and Zander, to take Me under her wing when I'd arrived in Reef Bay.
Did that mean she deserved a second chance?
She said and spread around some very hurtful things about Me, during her time of jealousy and anger.
But she eventually did apologise.
Because of Zander.
She's tried on numerous accounts since, to talk to Me.
Releasing a breath I didn't even realise I'd been holding onto, I shot Hayley a glance.
"I'm alright."
I told her.
A part of Me wanted to say that I was 'excellent', but I wasn't.
My family was in turmoil.
My Boyfriend was currently interstate.
Life was peachy.
The silence that stretched between Hayley and I, the only sounds being the thud of the Horses' hooves, a freak of their tack or the warble of bird's off in the tree's, I realised I'd missed a step in the 'conversation'.
"H-how about you?"
I asked, glancing over at Hayley.
She nodded quickly, a smile lighting up her face.
"I'm good!"
Well that's good...
I didn't even know what else to say.
"So you and Zander are going strong?"
Hayley asked.
I couldn't help but smile at the mere mention of his name.
"Yeah."
I agreed.
I'd get through these next few days, somehow.
Then I'd hug him tight and kiss the hell out of him so He never wants to leave again!
"I've started seeing someone!"
Hayley remarked, a chirpy note to her voice.
I eyed her.
"I thought you were interested in Kade?"
Last I knew she'd been staring at Zander's big brother with sparkly, googly eyes.
That was one of the reason's She'd attempted to apologise to Me.
Hayley shook her head.
"He wasn't interested that much in Me."
She dropped her gaze to Sherpa's black, brown and white tri coloured mane.
"Or rather, He wouldn't let go of how I'd treated you..."
I felt my heart clench.
She wants to blame Me because she missed out with Kade?
"And I'm not blaming you!"
Hayley insisted.
She shook her head.
"He said He wouldn't go out with someone who would hurt his Family and friends."
Yeah, that sounded like Kade.
He tell's it like it is, just like most of His Brother's.
"It's early days with this new guy though!"
Hayley remarked, a blush colouring her cheeks.
"But it's fun!"
I slipped a smile into place.
"Well that's great!"
Hayley grinned.