It's Complicated

Chapter Nine

I stay silent as we make our way back down the driveway. My mom continues to ramble animatedly about how great Coven Valley seems, but I can't seem to get one certain thing out of my head. Not once did Isabelle even crack a small smile. She was simply stony faced and silent the whole time, unlike her teammates who conversed before, during, and after the lesson. It's such a contrast to me in lessons, it just left a huge impression. Riding is something to enjoy, and it seems like Mrs. Kooper has destroyed that for her daughter.

   "Abby? Are you even paying attention?" My mom's direct question pulls me back to reality. "What? Oh, sorry. Just stuck in my own head a little. What were you saying?" My mom eyes me for a moment before looking back at the road. Her GPS tells her to take a right. She flicks on her blinker, slowing slightly to take the turn. "I said, what did you think?"

   I think over her question. There is no doubt that it is a great facility and that Madison is quite capable of teaching me and Starr and keeping us where we are and better. "Uhm..." I stall, not really sure how to answer. "It was a nice place." I'm saved from having to say more by the GPS informing my mom to take the next left. Dani and her mom agreed to go out for dinner with us to discuss what we all think.

   My mom glances at me quickly again. "I feel like there is a 'but' coming. And it better not be Isabelle." She warns, her stern eyes still focused on the road. I chuckle slightly. "No, it's not her." I tell her, seeing the relief on her face. "I actually kind of feel bad for her." I continue. "She just seems lonely. And her mom seems ridiculously hard on her." I add. My mom hums in agreement. "But as far as Coven Valley goes, it's nice but doesn't it just feel too..." I drag off as I try to think of the right word. I snap my fingers as it finally comes to me. "Clinical?"

   The conversation stalls as my mom pulls into the restaurant parking lot, choosing a space about halfway down from the entrance. As we get out, Dani's mom pulls in a few spots down from us. We stand near the back of my mom's car while we wait for our companions. "I wouldn't say clinical per se." My mom says. "I'd say more clean and well kept. The arenas are all a lovely size, the horses we saw all looked to be in beautiful shape, all the staff we met seemed knowledgeable and very helpful. I see this as an obvious decision, but he's your horse and it's your riding career, so it's your decision."

   I shoot my mom a surprised look as Dani and her mom approach. I was expecting her to put her foot down about where we go, but she's actually letting it be my decision. "So, shall we head in?" My mom nods but not before giving me a smile. Sudden appreciation swells up inside me for my mom. She's actually treating me like an adult in this situation, which is remarkably refreshing.

   "So, what'd you think?" Dani asks as we fall into step beside each other. I nod this time, letting a small smile curve my lips upwards. "It seems like a good enough place." Dani's eyes practically bulge out of her head. "What is that look for?" I ask with a laugh. She lifts her hand, feeling my forehead. "Are you feeling okay, Abby? Did you get abducted and replaced with an alien?" I laugh as I shove her hand away. "No, of course not!" Dani continues to stare incredulously as we all enter the restaurant and stop inside the door to wait to be seated. "Then what is it?" She asks, still astonished. "Cause I honestly never thought I'd ever hear you agree to possibly go to Coven Valley. You do remember that Isabelle Kooper rides and boards there, right?"

   I don't get the chance to answer right away, as a petite blonde seems to materialize out of thin air and smiles brightly at us. "Table for four?" She chirps, our moms nodding 'yes'. "Okay, follow me please." As our group begins to move, I answer Dani. "Yes, I'm not stupid, I know Isabelle rides there, but I need to put Starr before myself. It's a nice facility with lots of room and I genuinely think he'd be happy there. He'd be well looked after." Dani nods in agreement as we all come to a stop.

   "You can take a seat here and your waitress will be right with you." Petite Blonde says, flashing us another dazzlingly white smile. Our parents slide in together on one side, leaving me and Dani to slide in together across from them. My mom claps her hands together excitedly. "So, what did we all think?" I sit in silence while the other three talk animatedly back and forth about how great the place is. My mom shoots me looks every now and then, hoping to get me to join in, but I don't.

   Before the conversation can progress, a slightly taller brunette shows up, giving us all a genuine smile. "Hello guys. My name is Beth, and I'm going to be your server tonight. Can I start you off with anything to drink?" Despite desperately wanting something alcoholic, I just order water like everyone else. As she leaves, our conversation picks up again. Or, well, more theirs. I just happen to be here too. "Abby," my mom addresses me, "what do you think? You've been awfully quiet." Three pairs of interested eyes come to rest on me. I shift uncomfortably under their gaze. "It seems like the horses would be well looked after." I supply with a half-hearted shrug. My mom frowns. I simply look away.

   Beth comes back a few minutes later with our waters, and asks if we're ready to order. Dani and I decide to split a plate of nachos, while our parents both go for a simple burger. Beth jots down our orders and gives a quick smile. "Okay, I'll get this out as soon as it's done!" She chirps, before walking away purposefully toward the kitchen. I watch her brown ponytail sway back and forth behind her simply to avoid more talking. However, I don't get my wish for very long.

   "I really liked Coven Valley." Dani days from my left. "Its a beautiful place, and Madison seems like a very capable coach. I feel like this would be a very good move. I'd love to stay with Jo forever, but that's obviously never going to happen. I'm open to looking at other places, but this feels like a no brainer to me. I'd just really love to have us stick together, you know?" She addresses the whole table, but I know that her words were mostly aimed at me. She is right. About all of it. And I really want us to stay together as well. My mom smiles widely at the redhead. "Well put, Danielle. I agree wholeheartedly. Abby?" Once again, three pairs of eyes are on me and I have the distinct feeling that this is now my call.

   I sit in silence for a few moments while I try to collect my thoughts. Finally, I take a deep breath in and let it all out. "Yeah, okay. Coven Valley it is." Dani grins at my words, pulling me into an awkward side hug. "I knew that you would make the right choice." She whispers as she pulls me close for a second. I offer her a weak smile. Is it the right decision? Riding wise, yes. But for everything else? Who knows. My brain is still whirling with the 'Isabelle is a lesbian' and the 'she has a crush on you' bombshells from earlier. It's also whirling with Dani's observation that I'm not as straight as I say I am. Which is just plain ridiculous. I've never had a crush on a girl before. Ever. I'm drawn back to the present as my mom raises her glass of water. "Coven Valley it is!" She cheers, the other two laughing as they raise their glasses, clinking them all together. I force a smile as I do the same, trying desperately to push down my emotional and mental turmoil inside.

'Coven Valley it is.'