Darko

x - Trusting your Instincts

An alarm echoed through her head. Anne groaned and turned over to her side. "6:00 am"

It was the day of tryouts. To say Anne von Blyssen was nervous, would've been an understatement.

She was beyond nervous for Darken. The boy had barely ever been in a sports game before. How he was going to handle this, was beyond Anne's control.

Anne pushed her alarm button for it to stop beeping and sat up slowly. She wiped her eyes and sighed.

She made her way out of her bed and over to the large calendar that was hanging from the door, to her closet. She then marked off the day before and circled the day marked "Valedale Equestrian Team tryouts." She pushed the marker cap back onto the sharpie making a "click" noise.

Despite family not being able to watch, Anne was hoping they would come to support her. Being able to make the Valedale team on the island would be a huge accomplishment. She hoped her parents would be proud, regardless of the outcome.

That morning, she got dressed into a brown riding jacket, tan pants, and pulled her hair back into a low slick ponytail.

Harkin had already gotten ready to take her to the barn where they were hosting it.

Anne was very silent the whole ride and continued to stare out the window.

"Just remember to go out there, have fun, trust your instincts." Harkin encouraged, while he drove.

Anne gave a soft smile. "Thanks for the pep talk."

"And don't worry about your parents, I'm sure they'll be there." Harkin reassured her.

Anne sighed. "Yep."

Harkin laughed. "You have nothing to worry about. You know these people, you've been on a Jorvik team before.." He continued. "Just be glad you aren't in Darken's situation." He shook his head in disbelief.

Anne looked up at him. "Darken is going to be fine." Her lips curved upward.  "I believe in him."  She felt a flutter in her stomach. Anne wanted Darken to succeed desperately. He had been determined and put everything into training. But, most of all, he trusted her.

Despite Anne not knowing him that long, Darken still trusted her judgement. There was no denying that he'd tease her about certain decisions, but he didn't have to stick around.

Yet he did.

Harkin was in utter silence. Anne could feel the tension in the car. Her whole face suddenly grew very warm.

It was obvious that Harkin didn't like all the time she was spending with Darken. Never once did he have anything nice to say about him, just Crest. It's always just been about Crest.

Anne folded her hands harshly into fists, which caused a sharp pain to travel up her arms. It made her fume.

However, the rest of the car ride was driven in silence. Anne thought it'd be best if she didn't make Harkin mad right before the tryouts.

The car bounced around dramatically while driving on the grass.

"Ok, I guess this is your stop." Harkin beamed. "Go have fun." He added encouragingly.

Anne nodded and slipped out of the car. She immediately spotted the red hair boy and very a tall Justin talking by the fence.

Anne swallowed her nerves and approached the two boys. "Hey guys!" She waved over her head.

Darken beamed while Justin gave a small wave.

"How are you guys doing?" Anne rubbed her hands together.