Unforgettable (OLD COPY DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 16

My mallet makes contact with the ball as there's a thwack, the white orb soaring through the air like a missile as it flies for the opponents orange cones that are set up at the end of the field. Hera surges beneath me as she gallops after the ball like a dog chasing a favorite toy, her breaths coming out in excited snorts as she thunders across the field. I ready myself to hit the ball across the remaining portion of the field, only to have my mallet suddenly blocked as I hold it aloft.

I glance to the side to see that an opposing team member has her mallet hooked around mine as her horse keeps pace with Hera. Another teammate from her team rides past on their horse in a flash of red to divert the ball as they hit it behind me, the ball zipping across the field in a flash of white as a surge of frustration flickers under my skin. The other girl releases my mallet as she turns her horse and gallops after her teammate as the game is turned in their favor.

I spin Hera around as she follows through with my command, her braided mane flying back as she sprints after the other riders. I risk a glance at the scoreboard and am reminded of the fact that my team is a point behind.

I can't let them score another point.

My palm stings from where I'm holding the reins as the cut that is still healing throbs painfully and my gaze flits over the bleachers. There is a needling, electric feeling in the air that has lingered during the match, like I'm being watched by someone dangerous and I can't help but think that Luke is here.

He's not here, he's locked up and he didn't kill Cynthia, you're just seeing things. Finn couldn't have spoken to you, he's dead, you're hallucinating.

I startle when one of my teammates comes into view, their horse nearly colliding with mine as they gallop past, their mallet at the ready as they sit forward in their saddle. I urge Hera to follow them, as the opposing team is almost three quarters of the way across the field and is gaining on our goal.

I need to focus.

A horn suddenly sounds and I pull Hera to a skittering stop as I look at the scoreboard, realizing then that the match is up.

We...we lost, I realize as my heart drops in my chest.

Until now, my team had been undefeated and disappointment digs into me like a steel rod.

They were counting on you, I think and don't dare look in the direction of my other teammates as I urge Hera into a light trot as I exit the field.

"Kara," I look up when I hear my name called to see that our number two rider, Lauren, is approaching me.

Her horse, a young buckskin colt has his ears pricked, his dark eyes on me as he snorts a couple of times, his breath still coming out harsh and labored from running. The blonde sitting in his saddle has her light eyes trained on me and I wince at the disappointment burning in them as she keeps pace with me.

"What was up with you out there?" she asks and I feel like it's an accusation.

"I was just..."

"You totally blew it for us," she continues, like I haven't even spoken and I clench my jaw against unsaid words.

"I'm sorry," I murmur and her lip curls at the edge.

"Just...try not to screw up in the next match," she mutters as she turns her horse away and rides over to the bleachers.

I bite my lip as I resist the urge to say something to her and instead start in the direction of the barn. Even though I should stay for the award ceremony, I can't bring myself to be out in the public eye for another minute as I quickly ride through the entrance of the barn, Hera's hooves clopping loudly on the cobblestone.