Stone Creek Academy: Faith

Chapter Twelve

Monday morning was the first time in a week I'd woken up after 5am. I figured both Sonic and I deserved a day off. And, it was kind of nice to wake up and get ready normally. Sofia's and my suite faced the east, so the sunrise made our room look absolutely breathtaking.

I spent extra time perfecting my hair, makeup, and outfit. Thanks to my spa night with Sofia, my skin was radiant, glowing, and acne-free! Plus, my nails looked amazing!

We went to the cafeteria together when we were both ready. I piled my plate high with Belgian waffles, red berry parfait, a slice of banana bread, and a bowl of Honey Kix cereal with hot cocoa for my drink. Sofia and I snagged a table and were joined shortly by Grace and Vivian.

Only a few minutes after I dug into my food, Lacey walked up to me. I hadn't even seen her come in. Something must've been bothering her, because she didn't look happy.

"Excuse me ladies, do you mind if I borrow Regina for a few minutes?" Lacey chirped, grabbing my arm and pulling me out of my chair. Sofia, Grace, and Vivian all shook their heads, looking confused. As Lacey dug in her nails and dragged me outside the cafeteria, I shot Sofia a glance to tell her I didn't know what this was about either.

Lacey let go of me a few steps outside the cafeteria door. For a couple minutes, we stood in silence as she looked me up and down.

"I got up early to coach you this morning. But you weren't there, were you?" Lacey said, pursing her lips and watching me with disapproval in her eyes. Now I saw where this was going. No wonder Lacey wasn't happy.

"Tell me, Regina, honestly, how do you think you stand a chance of winning anything if you don't practice every day?" Lacey persisted, waving her hands about as if their movement might prove her point. I just stared at my feet.

"Hm? And do you think this will help your standings with Coach Mike? It's no secret he's not happy with you after Saturday's stunt. Did you think he didn't know I was coaching you every morning? Why else do you think he'd ask you to ride with us?" Lacey continued, her voice a menacing hiss now. I'd never seen this side of her, and it was scaring me.

"Lacey, I'm so sorry, I-" I began, rushing through the sentence until Lacey raised her hand to silence me.

"Save your breath. You'll need it for tonight. Be ready in the back jumping field promptly at 7. Finish your homework, too, cause we'll stay late, and I expect you to be ready to go tomorrow morning at half-past four. Do I make myself clear?" Lacey warned. All I could do was nod vehemently.

"Good. Pull any stunts and you'll be mucking stalls for the rest of the year instead of riding. I'll see you tonight," Lacey finished. I nodded again, and she flounced back into the cafeteria. There was no doubt in my mind now that Lacey was the best rider at Stone Creek. And that meant that Coach Mike would believe anything she said.

I wasn't ready to go back into the cafeteria yet and face my friends, so I shivered in the frigid morning air for another minute or two before starting to go back in.

"Oh, look, it's Regina Retard-son!" A sickeningly cheery voice called, causing my to pause halfway up the steps leading into the cafeteria and bite my lip in frustration. This was the last thing I needed right now.

"Go away Desiray," I said through clenched teeth. My morning was turning bad fast. Turning around, I saw she was holding the hand of the cute boy from math class, James.

"Aww, I just thought I'd comfort you since clearly Lacey just told you what a horrible rider you are. Don't worry, I'm sure whatever rundown old lesson mill you came from will be happy to have another one of their beginners back!" Desiray smiled angelically, batting her lashes and flipping her hair. It was for sure one of those trademark mean girl movie scenes, except this one was real.

"Shut up Desiray. At least I can back up my claims with real riding, unlike you. Have you even jumped your horse once this year?" I grumbled back. Desiray pretended to look shocked and hurt, causing James to put an arm around her shoulders.

"Since you think I can't ride, why don't we hold a competition this afternoon? I'll invite three of my friends to judge, and you invite three of yours. They'll decide who's the better jumper. Deal?" Desiray smirked. She looked like she was already certain she would win.

"4 o'clock in the third outdoor ring?" I returned, lifting my chin and meeting her eyes proudly.

"You're so going down." Desiray laughed before brushing past me into the cafeteria. It was so on. I had to win.