Behind Her Eyes

4

After the paperwork and signing the release forms, the house was finally mine.

I drove back to the house with Nickel still in the trailer behind me. I didn't want him out before exploring the place making sure the fences were good and that there were no rocks in his pasture nor any holes.

When we got there, I backed the trailer next to the shed that will be soon filled with tack and feed, and unhooked it from the truck before pulling forward. I turned off the ignition and got out, making sure I locked the doors before I made my way back to the trailer.

"Hey, Buddy." I greeted as soon as the doors were open.

He turned his head and nickered back.

"Come on. I want to see what we have." I untied the lead rope and gently backed him out, trusting that he wouldn't bolt, I laid the rope on my shoulder as I closed the doors; Nickel followed me every step.

He was my good boy. Every time I wanted to talk he would always be there. Every time something bad would happen between Austin and I, I would go out to the barn to see Nickel. He always seemed to know what was going on because every time I would wrap my arms around him, he would bow his head so he was hugging me back. He would always get between Austin and I whenever Austin was around.

"Good, boy." I praised, scratching behind his ears. "Come on." I made kissing noises and led him to the gate. Once we were in the pasture, I unclasped the buckle and patted his neck, signalling that he could go.

He nickered before turning around and bolted across his pen with his tail up, happy to be out of the trailer and free to roam whenever he wishes.

As he was checking things out, I went back to the gate and worked my way around the corral, checking the white fences and making sure that there was no way into his pasture. Satisfied that no large animal would get through, I turned around in slow circles to look at my land.

I need to get barrels, poles, and I need to build another arena to practice in. I thought. I looked at my watch. I still have a couple of hours before the sun goes down, and I need to go to the store to get groceries and find a job.

Even though I have money that I have earned from the rodeo and money that I had inherited from when my parents died, I knew it wouldn't last me forever. I wanted to save it for emergencies in case he comes back.

I walked out of the gate and closed it, making sure that it was secured so that Nickel couldn't open it. He's a lot smarter than what people think he is. Even though he's a stallion, he still performs better than any gelding in the arena. Ever since he was a colt, I would spend my time with him every day. I taught him to untie ropes, to lay down if anything happens to me, there was a time when he broke his halter when he came back.

I looked and saw him prancing around with his head and tail held high with his ears pricked forward, snorting like a dragon. Pride swells up within me as I watch him go around his pen.

I walked to the tack shed to put the tack away before getting in the truck to head into town. I wanted to look at the town to see any escape routes and places to go riding. I still had to go grocery shopping to get some real food; speaking of food, I had to find a place where they sell alfalfa for Nickel. There were only a couple bales left in the trailer, I also need to get supplements for him.

I also have to get furniture for the house. My first priority would be to get the food for Nickel and I, and then the essential furniture; I don't want to put a lot of money into the house in case he comes.

I took a deep breath as I thought of the things that needed to get done.

So many things to get done and not a lot of time in the day to do it.