Love, Ryder

Chapter Twelve - Night's Like This

Ail's POV

Ryder sits on the swinging chair on the porch, while we eat bowls of chilli. The moon lights up the sky and Desil my old golden retriever lies on the porch near us. Apache sings out in his stall if he starts to stir the other horses I'll have to turn him out into the outdoor stalls. There is a slight breeze in the night and the stars are shining through the clouds. There is something in the air, but I just can't put my finger on it.

''When do you leave?'' I ask Ryder, he looks up from his bowl.

''Tomorrow,'' he answers with a sad smile, ''I'll still write to you.''

''I know you will,'' I take his hand in mine and for a while, we're quite. But there is no need for either of us to speak; it's comfortable. His brown hair curls around his neck and his toned arms are visible, the way his green eyes look into mine, the passion in them. He looks at me and smiles, the way he looks at me is the way that any girl wants to be looked at. Apache sings out in his stall again.

''Ryder I've got to go get him,'' I say excusing myself. I leave the finished bowl of chilli on the seat and walk out to the stables with tears in my eyes. But the tears quickly become rivers and the weeps become howls.

''Ail, what's wrong!?'' Ryder shouts from the porch, but he comes running down the stairs after me.

''What is it?'' Ryder holds my shoulders steadying me.

''It's stupid Ryder, it's just something stupid,'' Ryder looks at me with sad eyes and pulls me into his chest. My tears leave marks on his shirt when I pull back to wipe my eyes with the back of my hand.

''Ail what is it?''

''I don't know... Maybe I'll miss you,'' I say between tears, ''is it to soon to miss you?''

''No Ail it's not, I'll miss you too.'' Ryder presses his lips softly against mine and we walk hand in hand to the stables.

∞

Apache sees me walking down the stable aisle and starts to sing out again.

''It's okay boy,'' I take his halter off the hook next to the stall door and walk into join him. I slip the halter over his noes and tie it behind his ears. I lead him out to the stalls that are in a large shed with no sides and let him go in one of the spare pens. He seems to be more settled down as soon as he is in the stall.

''I know what it is Ail,'' Ryder points out, ''He can see the stars out here.''

I smile knowing that it's true, he's a wild horse; I can't just put him in a stable with all four walls closed in except for a stall door and expect him to be fine with it.

∞

Ryder and I stand next to his truck, the cool breeze whipping my hair around my face. I place my hand on his back as he pulls me into a tight embrace, this hug is better than any kiss he could ever give me.
I want him to go after his dreams and ride in the PBR but I'm going to miss him. I guess that's just what happened when your with someone.