It's Complicated

Chapter Ten

   The day to say goodbye to Jo has come, and I just really don't want to. I don't want her to leave and move to the other ride of the country. I'm not ready to potentially never see her again. I stand back by the trailer as Dani says her goodbyes. Both Starr and Iconic are already loaded and ready to go. I straighten up as Dani pulls away, smiling sadly as she lifts a hand and wipes her eyes on her sleeves. Jo rubs her shoulder consolingly as they share their last few words. I slowly start to make my way over as Dani backs off.

   I've been telling myself all morning to be strong, but as Jo gives me a watery smile before pulling me into a tight hug, I lose my composure. The tears I've been struggling to hold back slide down my cheeks as I hug her back. "You're gonna be fine, Abby." Jo says quietly. "You don't need me to win, and you're going to go to Coven Valley and prove it to all of them. I know you're going to make me so proud." I nod against her shoulder before pulling away, sniffly slightly as I wipe furiously at my eyes.

   "I'm really gonna miss you." I choke out past the lump in my throat. Really, that's an understatement. Jo has easily become my second mom. Things aren't going to be the same without her around.

   "I know." She replies. "I'm going to miss you too. But I'll come visit when I can. And I'll always just be a phone call away, okay?" I nod miserably. "Can you promise me something?" She adds softly. I look up and meet her eyes. "Promise me that you'll give Coven Valley a chance. I know this is a big change for you, but it's up to you whether it's a good one or not. You have the skills to win, don't hold them back just because you're in a new place." I soak in her words before finally nodding. "Okay." I smile sadly. Jo smiles back. "Good. Go show them what you guys are made of."

   With one last round of hugs, we all split and go to our respective vehicles. I wave one last time before my mom starts the car and pulls out of the driveway, the trailer close behind. We follow Dani's mom as she goes right, in the direction of Coven Valley. I glance out the window, just barely being able to see Jo's car go left, toward the airport. I let out a shaky sigh as I turn back around to face forward. As of now, everything is going to change.

   "You okay, Abby?" My mom asks softly, briefly taking her eyes off the road to glance at me. I simply nod, not really trusting my voice. "Everything will work out, Honey. Don't worry." I nod again, turning my still watery eyes out the window. My mom sighs softly before turning the radio on low. I don't even care as she tunes into a country station.

   I watch the buildings and trees fly by the window in silence. I don't even know what to say right now. That life is unfair? That I just want to go back in time and enjoy my time with Jo more? Those thoughts are pointless. My mind wanders to Coven Valley instead. To how unhappy Isabelle looked after that one lesson of hers that we saw. Was it always like that for her or was it just a bad day? I have a sinking feeling that I know perfectly well the answer to that. I didn't tell Dani about my decision to befriend the girl, but I still stand by it. Despite our past, she looks like she just wants and needs some companionship. Riding is supposed to be fun, after all.

   Coven Valley slowly comes into view, making my heart lurch into my throat. It's still so hard for me to believe that this place is going to become my second home now. There's a larger group lesson going on in the ring beside the driveway today. I watch with mild interest as the group of girls take turns trotting over a small cross-rail set up along the fence. My attention is soon pulled away as we enter the parking lot, pulling to a stop beside Dani's mom. Dani and I both hop out immediately. She shoots me a grin, one which I struggle to return, as the trailer pulls to a stop beside us.

   The two horses whinny from inside, pulling a few answering whinnies from nearby horses. We both approach the trailer as Riley hops out of his truck. "Nice place." Riley enthuses as he looks around. I nod in agreement as Dani smiles. How can she be so enthusiastic right now? Was it just my world that was flipped upside down? "Hey," Dani says as she grips my hand and squeezes gently, "it's all gonna turn out okay. We'll adapt here." I offer her a small smile. "Thanks." She nods before letting go and moving forward to take Iconic as he steps off the trailer.