The Vanishing

Chapter 9

I practically skipped to my next class after free period with Patrick.

The equestrian instructor, Ms. Aine, greeted me as I walked into the stables. She is a sweet woman with long, dark hair that's only slightly greying. She has kind hazel eyes that accompany her gentle demeanor. She always wears a long sleeved sweater or button-down under a navy blue Ralph-Lauren vest and tan riding pants with dark brown riding boots. Her hair is always braided into a tight Dutch braid, so she always looked like she stepped out of a Polo magazine.

"You're a bit early, aren't you Arden?" She asked.

"I have a free period before this and I was nearby." I said absent-mindedly.

Looking around for Nina at the stables reminded me of when she had gone missing and gave me a sick sense of deja-vu.

"Something on your mind dear?" Ms. Aine gave me a knowing look.

"I'm just a little worried for Nina, she wasn't feeling well today at lunch." I said.

"Oh, that's too bad. I'm sure she'll turn up." She said.

I nodded my head and scanned for her as the students trickled in.

When I didn't see Nina after the bell for the start of class had rung, I texted her and asked if she was okay.

"All good, just felt a little soon to go back is all." She responded.

Feeling temporarily relieved, I put my phone back into the pocket of my blazer.

"Today, I want each of you to spend some time caring for your horse. It'll be an easy day, no riding. Only brushing, washing, or cleaning your horse's hooves or stall is on the plan for today." Ms. Aine announced. Each of the students contentedly walked over to their selected horse.

"Arden, we have two extra horses that aren't assigned to anyone. I want you to spend your time with both horses today, see which one you might want to work with for the remainder of the term. Have you had any riding lessons?" Ms. Aine asked.

"I haven't." I said. Unless you count one from camp almost 10 years ago.

"That's quite all right, dear. I was merely asking to see where you were in your skill level." she said as she patted my shoulder.

I walked over to a chestnut colored horse named Gus and chuckled as he nuzzled my hand. I know almost nothing about horses, but I could tell that Gus was a gentle one. He stood patiently as I gave him some feed and water. While Gus was eating, I went to see the other unassigned horse.

This horse was as black as my soul, with white diamond shaped markings on his forehead and chest. I read the name on the stall, and couldn't help breaking into a huge grin as I remembered watching the masked crusader as a kid.

"Hey, Zorro. Let's give that mane of yours a brush, yeah?" I spoke to him as I entered the stall.

He made protesting snorts as I grabbed the brush from the plastic carrier hung on one side of the stall.

I gave him a look as I got closer, and he settled down.

While I brushed him and filled his feed and water buckets, I lost track of time.

Ms. Aine poked her head into the stall and smiled at me.

"My apologies, I seem to have forgotten about you back here." She said.

I glanced around, noticing the lack of students milling around.

"We lost track of time, didn't we, boy?" I asked him as I patted him on the nose and he snorted at me.