Spitfire

Chapter Two

(Unedited

The rain drizzled lightly across my face, slowly but surely dampening my clothes to the point where they were uncomfortably soggy. Beneath me was a strapping young horse, he was lively and had a fanciful look in his eyes, the look that just said look at me! You couldn't help but fall in love with him. It was just after lunch time, and I was sticking to my promise. I had looked over the young stock I had in the paddocks, I had almost forgotten about this lad. He was brown all over, not a single white mark just a nice brown with black points.

Lunch had been carried out in silence, even Kevin seemed listless. His endless chatter of facts around the world had ceased. I knew it was my fault, that I had caused the break in his childhood where he had to become the man. He is only a child! He should not have to take on the responsibility of the horses and the farm. I was angry, so very angry that I wanted to smash something.

My horse picked up on it too, his pranced and danced his merry way down to the Parsons farm. His legs like elastic, teetering around has he romped. As he skipped his way through the gate he announced his presence with a loud call.

"C'mon mate, have some manners," I grunted kicking him on past the mares. Doug and his father were seated on the verandah, they watched as I rode through the now absolute down pour with a grin.

"Here you go mate! Best horse I have!" I shout to Doug, his grin wavered slightly, I tethered the horse to the verandah post and followed the disappearing shapes of father and son inside.

They were sitting in the kitchen when I found them, there voices floating through the hall.

"It's his best horse dad, and he's ridden out through the rain. At least let me try him before sending him away!" Doug out cried in fury.

"They ought to sell the horse for more than I can pay Doug!" His father hissed, I entered at this point. Their faces snapped in shock at my presence, I felt annoyed. Mr. Parson was believing a horse was to expensive before I stated a deal, I wasn't taking nothing but I was damned if I wasn't going to give a mate a good mount in the war.

"I wouldn't worry Mr. Parson, I don't want that horse going anywhere but with Doug and I," I told him. Doug looked relived, he had always fancied one of our horses, not the dodgy horses his dad picked up in the auctions. He wanted quality, and now I could offer him one, "try him Doug. He got enough spring but he ain't off his rocker!" Mr. Parson chortled at this, Doug glowered at this, he prided himself on being able to ride anything.

* * *

"Bet you can't guess his name?" I challenge as Doug leapt off the horse, this was a horse was going to sell for top dollar. Until yesterday, now he was Doug's for thirty pounds. Wealthy horses often posses extravagant names, we try to keep up with the trends, but they amazingly horrific.

"Oh God, what is it?" He groans and I grin evil, oh it was a good one.

"Oh Dear Darling," I chuckle, Doug's face contorts through confusion, shock and eventually a deep horrified look of realisation.

"So what do I call him for short? Darling?" He mutters, I cant help it I let out a deep-bellied laugh, I lean against a post wiping tears from my eyes.

I sober up for a few seconds, but I still speak with a giggle, "exactly!" Mr. Parson is roaring with laughter, he gravelly voice shaking and wheezing for air as he goes. Doug's face is murderous, his brows low over his face, a blonde fringe covering his forehead. He hates not being in on the joke.

"Buck up, it's not that bad!" I chortle, a tall girl slips through the door frame. Her blonde hair cropped neatly to the side of her head, it's Dougs's older sister Charlotte, well Charlie. She'd have your neck you called her by her full name, she's nineteen and leaving for Sydney soon. I have to admit it, she's utterly and fabulously gorgeous.