Greengate Academy

Chapter 8

"Ugh," I groaned as I sat down on the couch. I was exhausted after today. And I still had riding!

"I know. This'll take me a few days to get used to again," Maddie said. She was face down in one of the armchairs.

"I'm honestly...I just...I can't think right now," I closed my eyes, and I swore I was going to fall asleep. But then there was a knock at our door that jolted me awake.

"Who is that?" Maddie asked. I shrugged an idk and got up to check. I opened the door.

"Hasn't anyone taught you to not just open your door like that? I could've been a serial killer, y'know." Elaine told me. I laughed it off.

"Right, well now that's good to know. What do you need?" Despite her intimidating nature yesterday, I actually liked Elaine. We shared criminal justice together. And while that may sound like a stupid class to some people, it's actually pretty interesting.

"Just came to see how you're doing. Tonight's gotta be pretty nerve-racking for you." Elaine said. She glanced around the room and nodded. "Not bad on decorating."

"Thanks. And thanks, but I'm pretty okay for tonight. It's just a riding lesson, and I'm really itching to finally ride in a lesson and be told stuff. Even if we do no stirrups, I just really want to ride." I admitted. Elaine smiled.

"I know the feeling. Anyways, I'm in the group after yours. I want to watch you ride." She said.

"Oh, I mean, go ahead you can do that. Do you know who's in my group?" I asked.

"Yeah. There's Zoe, a few people you don't know, and Connor." Elaine said.

I threw my head back. "I can't escape him." I sighed and walked down the hall. "I'd better get ready for riding right now." Elaine nodded and started to talk with Maddie.

In my room I released my dark brunette locks from the braid and changed into grey breeches and a black polo shirt. Walking into the bathroom, I ran a brush through my hair just to smooth it out.

Back out in the living room, I talked with Elaine while I slipped on my paddock boots and zipped up my half chaps. I grabbed my helmet and left the room.

The sun was still high in the air as I swerved around slow moving groups of students to get to the stable. Ah, it was still so glorious. The sun was in a perfect position, peeking out from behind the roof. I could see horses out in the pastures, whinnying and grazing. They were an astonishing assortment of greys and bays and chestnuts and pintos.

I entered the stable. Horses were brought in just before a scheduled lesson so riders didn't have to go out and get them for lessons. It was nice, considering there was so much else to worry about.

"Hey, Cole!" I called to him. He whinnied and kicked the stall door. I opened my tack box and gave him a treat in greeting, and I got to work on his coat.

It wasn't too bad considering I rode him yesterday and there was no hint of mud in the pastures. Once he looked shiny, I tacked him up. I used a pad and polos that matched my shirt. We needed to look like a team for this lesson.

I led him outside. There was a beautiful large sand arena that all the lessons were held in on the weekdays. After mounting, we warmed up among the other people. When Connor entered the arena, we caught each other's gaze. I gave a slight glare and averted my eyes.

After a few minutes, one of the instructors came in.

"Everyone come in and face me!" He called out, loud enough for all of us to hear. I turned Cole towards the center, as did everyone else, and we awaited his instruction.