My first shift book 1#

twenty-one

I got up to see if Jade was back, but she still wasn't home. I missed her a lot and hoped she'd be coming home soon. It just didn't feel the same without her around. Usually she'd already be awake, making fun of me or asking if I wanted to go riding before school.

I got out of bed and went downstairs to get something to eat before I got ready for school. I saw Dad sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee, staring at the TV even though I don't think he was really watching it. I walked over and sat beside him.

"Why the sad face, bud?" Dad asked.

"I miss Jade. When is she coming home? I wanna go riding with her. I can tell Lex misses her too, and I can't take Thunder and Lex out riding at the same time, Dad."

Dad smiled a little. "Why don't we ride to school? I'll ride Lex, and you can ride Thunder."

I smiled. "Really?"

"Really."

"How are you gonna ride Thunder back?"

"I'll lead him back," Dad said with a chuckle.

"Okay!"

I jumped up and ran to my room to get ready as fast as I could. I was so excited to ride to school with Dad. I threw on my clothes, grabbed my backpack, pulled on my riding boots, and stuffed my regular shoes into my bag. I almost forgot my lunch because I was in such a rush.

When I got outside, Dad already had Lex tacked up and ready to go. She looked around like she was searching for someone.

"She's looking for Jade," I whispered.

Dad looked over at Lex and gently rubbed her neck. "She misses her too."

I walked over to Thunder, gave him a pat on the nose, and started tacking him up. Once we were both ready, we climbed into the saddles and started riding toward my school. The cool morning air felt nice, and for a little while it almost felt normal.

After a few minutes, I looked over at Dad.

"Hey, Dad... do you know when Jade will be home?"

Dad sighed.

"No, buddy. If she isn't home soon, I might have to go find her and bring her back. She's been gone too long, and I'm starting to get worried."

"Yeah... me too. I hope she's okay. I know she made new friends, but it's not like Jade to stay over at someone's house the first time she meets them."

Dad nodded.

"She's probably fine. Remember, she had that school group thing, and you know your sister. She's been doing really well in school and passing everything. I'm sure we'll see her tonight. I'll make sure of it."

"I hope so," I said quietly.

Before long we reached my school. I climbed off Thunder and grabbed my backpack.

"Bye, boy. I'll be back in a bit," I said, giving Thunder a pat.

Then I walked over to Lex and scratched behind her ears.

"Bye, girl. Jade will be back soon. Don't worry."

Lex let out a soft snort, almost like she understood.

I smiled, waved goodbye to Dad, and walked through the school doors, hoping that by the time I got home, Jade would finally be there.

I think this chapter does a nice job showing how much Ace looks up to Jade while also hinting that Dad is becoming worried about how long she's been gone. It makes Jade's absence feel important without revealing too much.