Darko

ix - Stress

Six weeks.

That's how long Darken had been training.

Over the past few weeks, Justin had thought it would be best if he got in contact with other local barns, and have asked to use some small jumps for practice. Despite the jumps not being rangy, it was just enough for Darken to practice his form, and get used to being on horseback.

Even Justin had to admit, it was astonishing on how fast Darken was improving. Anne had convinced Justin he had a natural talent for it. But, Justin didn't really seem to believe her until recently.

Tryouts for the Valedale Equestrian Team were in less than a week. There was no denying the tension the three of them were feeling, and, with all the work they were putting into Darken's lessons, it would be a painful sight to watch him fail.

However, after their lesson on Thursday, the three of them agreed to have a study session at a local café. It had been awhile since the three of them had gotten away, and it seemed like a nice break for them to take.

The three of them found a small wooden table outside, and hung their backpacks on the side of their chairs. Anne pulled out a large Algebra II book, that made the table shake, when she sat it down.

Justin's mouth gaped open. "What in the-"

"We had math homework, remember?" Anne interrupted.

Justin groaned loudly. "How many problems?"

"Just a few.."

Justin sighed in relief.

"..steps for each of them.." Anne finished.

"UGH." Justin slammed his books onto the table beside Anne.

Darken raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Dang man, take a chill pill. It'll be fine." He gestured his palms in a downward motion.

"I don't know how I'm going to make it through school this week." Justin stared at all his books wide-eyed.

Anne scratched her forehead. "Just be glad school is almost over.." She picked up a sharpener and began sharpening her pencil. "I just can't wait to go to Jorvik this summer." She added to herself.

Darken's eyes widened. "Someone's confident." He crossed his arms, giving her a playful smirk.

"Hey, all I'm saying is, if they weren't going to pick me, they would be making a serious mistake." Anne shrugged her shoulders.

"Yeah, sure they would." Justin added sarcastically.

Anne rolled her eyes. She began to twirl her pencil around her fingers, and work on her homework.

Anne and Justin continued to tease each other as usual, occasional roasts.

This gave Darken some time to think to himself. It seemed his life was moving so fast pace, he didn't have to time to evaluate his nightmares. What did his dreams mean? Everything had been so unclear to him. But the worst of it was, they didn't even feel like dreams. It felt that he entered another world, some place far away from Norway.

Darken sighed to himself. However, the noise caught Justin's attention. "What's up with yo-"

Anne gave Justin a fierce look.

Justin's eyes grew wide. "Oh, s-sorry."

Darken looked up, unaware at what just had happened. "What?"

"Well, you just se-"

Anne gave Justin a "Stop talking" look.

Justin pressed his lips into a hard line. "Uh, never mind."