Just for You

Chapter 9 - Meeting Violet

I meet Violet the next day. I am pleasantly surprised by how willingly she welcomes me into the group. She is a dark-haired beauty, but on of the friendliest people I have ever met! I realise after five minutes with her that I had nothing to worry about.

By the time the bell rings it's as if we had known each other our whole lives. Connie stops beside my locker on the way out, Violet beside her.

“Phoebe, do you wanna come back to my place and the three of us can go for a trail ride? We'll ride over to Violet's place and show you the view from the hill behind her house.”

I glance at Violet who gives me a reassuring smile. “Ah, ok. Sure! Can I call my Dad on your phone, Connie? Just to let him know where I'll be?”

“Here,” she handed me her mobile, “call him now and we'll meet you at the bus stop.”

I take the phone and grabbed my last couple of books, closing the locker. Walking down the hall in the direction of the doors, I dial Dad's mobile and wait as it rings.

“Hello?”

“Dad, it's Phoebe. Could I go to Connie's for a trail ride? Violet, her best friend is coming and they're going to show me something new.”

“Yes, that's ok, as long as you're home before dark. Be sure to thanks Connie's mum for letting you come over so much.”

“I will. Thanks Dad.”

As I approach Connie and Violet at the bus stop, Connie gives me a questioning look. I hand her the phone and grins. “It's on!”

“Great!” Connie squeals as we get on the bus. Violet slips into the seat next to Connie and I take the one in front. “You're going to love this.” Connie promises.

When the bus stops at Violet's place, she stands up and turns to us. “I'll be waiting, so hurry over!” Connie nods.

At the Goodley's stop we clamber off the bus and and start down the driveway to the house. Chad climbs off after us and walks slightly behind. I glance back once as Connie chatters on. Chad is staring straight at me but he quickly looks down when I look back at him. He face is always wearing an angry frown and his green eyes are hard. I look he gives me makes me want to grab his collar and shake him until he tells me what his problem is.

We eat and change twice as fast as usual. Mrs. Goodley laughs and we rush past her and out to the shed. “You girls must give me some of your energy! You hear? It's not fair!”

We grab the saddlery and walk out to the paddock. Wanya sees Connie coming and canters over to the fence, ready to go. Simba follows Wanya at a trot and comes up behind her a few seconds later.

We catch and saddle the horses and swing up into the saddle. Connie turns Wanya around so that she is standing beside Simba. We stare down the driveway. “Ready?” Connie whispers.