It was likely that not everyone in the entire program was present, but it sure as heck seemed like it. I'm not even particularly short and yet I could barely see over the heads of eager equestrians. My friends and I were gripping each other's hands. Immediately as the clock hit 5:59, Mr. Watts and another lady came out of the office with 5 sheets of paper amongst them.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen, as soon as you figure out where you're at, please go see your trainers. Novice by the lockers, JV by at the end of the aisle, Varsity in my office, and National in the arena. Elite riders, as soon as you're done, either remain in the arena, or go from my office to there. Congratulations to all, no matter where you have been ranked for the preliminary week." Mr. Watts called out. They tacked up the sheets of paper and immediately ducked out of the way.
We all surged forward, craning for the first tiny glimpses. There was a mix of elated or disappointed reactions. The shoving got more intense as we neared the front of the pack. I heard Kennedy and Jenny's voices as we neared.
"For goodness sakes Jenny! How badly could you have screwed up if you landed yourself on JV?!" I heard Kennedy scold. "You are a senior! This had better be temporary for you".
"Oh really? Look who you placed behind!" With that Jenny stalked off , shoving away anyone in her path, including Avery. Kennedy gave me a cold, steely glance, and then proceeded to stalk away, not quite as violently, but she did shoulder check me pretty hard.
Finally, we were at the front. I didn't think there was any chance of me making the National, much less the Elite, team and started from the bottom. I got anxious as I scanned through each list, just itching to find my name....and then I spotted it.
Starting Varsity Team for SHR:
Trainers: Adam Watts and Erica Brandt
Riders:
Drew Willard
Avery Destin
Daniel Marshall
Madeline Silvers
Savannah Bells
Anna O'Reilly
Kennedy Marshall
My heart stopped. I looked to Madeline and Avery and we gave a quick group hug. We heard a squeal and turned to Isabelle. After a quick glance at the list, we found she had made the National team.
"Congratulations!" Madeline said, wrapping her in a strong embrace. Isabelle returned it, but immediately wiggled out.
"I'm thrilled about that, but Savannah look!" She said. I furrowed my brows and looked at the Elite team queue part of the list she was pointing at.
In queue:
Isabelle Starling
Savannah Bells
Kennedy Marshall
Daniel Marshall
Oh...my...God! I ranked over Kennedy! I didn't think that could be even close to happening. EVER!
Soon, we were being swallowed up by the crowd again, and I found myself rebounded off of one boy behind me and into another, both considerably taller than me.
"Watch it you bloody idiot!" The one I bounced off of remarked cuttingly as he shoved me away roughly. The extra force I was returned to the other direction with, combined with the original, sent me and the other boy down to the barn floor. Unfortunately I'd gotten pivoted on my heel and that meant he came sprawling down on top of me. And he had a decent amount of weight on him!
I immediately began to try and frantically shove him off of me. Realizing I was trapped under him, he immediately rolled off.
"Oh Jesus! I knew that fall felt weird! Are you alright?!" His moving finally cleared the black mass blocking my vision. I was better able to process everything now that I could, you know, breathe. The guy had his hand extended to me, but I almost barely noticed. He had his brown hair styled just so and his dark brown eyes had me completely captivated. What was my name again..? Gah! Savannah! I took his extended hand and grabbed it for some help up.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I've had worse." I awkwardly averted my eyes and cleared my throat. He did the same, releasing my hand. After a rather pronounced silence between us, I wandered to the office per instruction, and he followed me. I could only assume he was on the Varsity with me. Greeeeaaat. I can now FURTHER embarrass myself in front of this guy. Eventually, the entire team was gathered in the office.
"Alright ladies and gents, welcome to the SHR Varsity equestrian team. You all know me, Mr. Watts, and those of you who were here last year remember Mrs. Brandt. I moved her up from JV to assist me with the Varsity team this year. Now, here are your practice schedules" he said, passing out a sheet of paper. "As you can see, practice is from 4:30-5:30 PM Monday through Friday. On Saturday, we are from 9-11 AM. Then on Sunday, we are from 4-5 PM. I will have the show schedule out for you soon". We all smiled and high-fived each other. Mrs. Brandt smiled. "On that note, that is all, We will see you Monday. Riders on the Elite team or in queue need to meet in the arena. Get out of here, and celebrate".
I found myself in the arena with Isabelle, Kennedy, the crabby guy from earlier, the one I got trapped under, and another 3 students. Not a one of us looked like the others. I noticed Kennedy and the crabby guy were standing close and discussing quietly. I managed to catch a quick snippet of the conversation.
"Daniel, you need to step it up. WE need to step it up. We've come too close to let it be ruined by any newcomers" Kennedy remarked urgently.
"I'm certainly aware of THAT. Ran into the supposed competition earlier, and I mean that quite literally. She doesn't stand a chance if that's the first impression she makes" he scoffed. Wait a minute so he's Daniel on the varsity team. Daniel what again? Daniel.....oh crap.
Daniel Marshall.
Well that's just the icing on the cake. Of course there's two of them. Murphy's law dictates nothing less. At that point Mr. Watts and Ms. Flint walked in and gave us a lecture similar to the ones we'd received in the office. Practice for the Elite squad would be every other day during lunch. Those participating would have a lunch time right after practice, and the grooms would be responsible for their horses so they would be on time to their next class.
"Now, those of you in queue will not be attending these practices, but Mr. Watts and I will be closely monitoring you and reporting back with each other. That's both in and outside of the barn setting. Any infractions will be noted. That is it, we will see some of you at the first practice tomorrow. Get a good night's sleep" Ms Flint noted.
I turned to Isabelle.
"Can you believe we all got onto varsity or national, AND have a foothold in on the Elite squad? This is like something out of a dream"
"Well then it would be best to keep it that way. Also, you know Kennedy, and therefore potentially Daniel, will be ready to tear you to pieces at any sign of vulnerability. Jenny's also probably going to come for you as well. She'll be ready to draw blood if it means she'll get a Varsity spot."
I pulled my phone out and texted Delaney and Debbie with the news. I figured I would call my parents personally. Debbie and Delaney sent me similar messages of congratulations in all caps. As much as I was missing my old crew, I was having a blast here. This place made it seem like anything was possible, or at least beyond what I'd figured for myself before receiving the scholarship.
"Tell you what Izzy, let's get all the girls and head over to Petite Ville and celebrate"
"Ayyyyee! Sounds perfect, but let's clean up first. We're still in our barn clothes, and have been all day."
Of course. What else is new in this life we lead? I just rolled my eyes and headed back with Izzy. Look out Silver Hawk Ridge
YOU ARE READING
Silver Hawk Ridge: Taking Flight
Подростковая литература"Rewards hard earned are never easily kept" Savannah Bell has earned a coveted position at Silver Hawk Ridge, a prestigious equestrian academy. Upon arrival, she discovers it is not the end of her trials. It's hard enough being a teenage girl...
