Cowgirl Boots: a Cinderella Story

Chapter 8

I was able to catch up on all of my homework that night, before practically falling into bed.  The following three days were filled with the usual, plus excitement about the annual Thanksgiving dance in the Addison's barn.  I tried to focus on my job, Thunder, working for Alicia and my homework, however I did secretly long to go.  Georgie had her head in the clouds, however never let her guard down when either her mother or Selina were around.  I started saving every quarter I was tipped to buy Georgie a nice dress for the dance.  She was going to go, even if that meant hiding from Alicia and Salina the whole night.  

As soon as Selina stopped the truck in the parking lot at the stable, Georgie and I jumped out of the truck and raced for the stable.  We burst through the door, however didn't startle the horses because they were used to it, and found the horses had already been fed.  There was hay in each trough and grain in every bin, well what was left of what had been given anyway.  Whoever fed them couldn't have done it any later than five minutes ago.  

"They have the exact amount they are supposed to, at least there's only that much missing from the grain bin."  Georgie stated in wonder, closing the large grain bin behind me.  

"This is amazing."  I exclaimed softly, "I wonder who did it?  Oh, thank-You, Jesus!"  

I ran over to Thunder's stall and found a twenty dollar bill tucked in one of the boards in the gate.  I took it out and flipped it over.  There was a large letter B written on it.  Benjamin, I thought immediately.  

I held the bill up for Georgie to see, then hid it quickly as Selina came into the stable.  Georgie walked up beside me and gave me a questioning look.  I smiled and mouthed, Benjamin.  Perhaps we could buy Georgie's dress with the twenty dollars, and I could save the quarters for Benjamin's Christmas present.  

"Well, we still have to exercise them, so let's get started."  I decided, taking a deep breath.  

Maybe I would have time to work with Thunder!  Only if I hurry.  Georgie and I worked a little harder with the horses that evening, because we had more time, and I was able to make a more than decent supper of baked chicken and a tasty rice dish.  I was able to do most of my homework before I saddled Thunder and rode to my night shift at the restaurant.  I washed dishes for four hours, then collected my check for the month.  One-hundred, sixty dollars!   Just enough to pay Alicia for one month of Thunder staying at in her stable.  

Suddenly, I remembered that we had forgotten to clean out the horse stalls.  I hurried back home as fast as Thunder could go, cooled him off in the round pen, penned him and grabbed the shovel and wheel barrel.  I was going to have to hurry.  

I came to the first pen and noticed that the dung had already been cleaned out.  

"Benjamin, your the best!"  I mumbled in wonder, shaking my head.  

"Aw, thanks, Iris.  Maybe that's why I'm your best friend."  Benjamin spoke from right behind me.  

I spun around, startled and punched his shoulder.  

"Don't scare me like that!"  I exclaimed, forgetting to be quiet.  

"Shhhhh."  Georgie shushed me, stepping out from behind Benjamin.  

"Wait, Benjamin, where did you get twenty dollars?"  I asked.  

"I found a job at Grace's farm.  Their regular farm hand broke his foot, so I'll be working there for the next five weeks."  Benjamin explained.  

"Why are you giving your money to us?  You should keep it if you still want to go to university."  I told him as sternly as I could manage, slipping the bill out of my pocket and pressing it into Benjamin's hand.