The New Girl

Chapter Eight

   Ella kept her head down as she walked to the barn. The other kids had been giving her funny looks ever since the situation with Strider and Esperanza a couple weeks ago. Thankfully, the questions had ceased after the first few days, but it would have been much easier to pass the whole thing off as a one time fluke if the herd hadn't bowed to her before galloping away. Ella knew that Bailey had been suspicious of her, but now it was nearly impossible to pretend she was a normal teenager. Even Will couldn't deny that there was something strange about the mysterious girl. Ella had the feeling that it was only a matter of time before they either figured it out on their own, or she was put in a position where she had no choice but to reveal herself. Probably the latter, she thought. It was amazing how stubbornly humans would refuse to believe in magic as a possible answer. Reaching the barn, Ella walked down the aisle until she reached Belladonna's stall. The mare shook her mane and nuzzled Ella, sensing the goddess's dark mood. "I'm okay, sweet one," Ella mumbled, answering the horse's unspoken question. Belladonna gave the girl a deadpan look and snorted, not believing it for a moment. Ella smiled ruefully. She never could lie to her Chosen Mount, anymore than she could lie to herself. She sighed. Looking to see that she wouldn't be overheard, she whispered, "Alright, I'm not okay. They know something's up, Bella. They can tell we're different. Bailey had already suspected it, but what happened on the trail ride a couple weeks ago made it very clear. I don't know how long we have until they find out who we really are, and I can't be sure what they'll do when they do find out. I also don't want to lose the first real friends we've been able to find in over fifty years. What should we do?" Bella kept silent, knowing that she could offer no real advice or comfort. She was at just as much of a loss as her rider. Jimber stuck his head over his stall door, having caught the tail end of the one sided conversation. "Lady Epona, if I may be so bold," he began. The girl nodded, signalling for the old stallion to continue. Feeling more confident, Jimber went on, "Why not just tell the kids the truth? I understand you worry about their reaction, but your secret is unlikely to stay hidden for very long. And it would be better if they hear it from you, rather than figuring it out on their own. If you tell them, you can at least control what information they receive and how, as well as under what circumstances. Should they find out on their own, they'll likely think that you didn't tell them because you don't trust them, and it may cause irreparable damage to your friendship with them. Besides, they are good kids, and not even Chloe or Zoey would stoop so low as to use it against you." Ella thought for a moment before nodding. "Thank you, Jimber. Your advice is wise, and I will consider the solution you have offered me. Perhaps I'm just being a bit paranoid, and they will handle the news well. And yes, I suppose it would be best if they hear the truth from me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must prepare Bella's feed."