Emily's POV
"Who agrees that Mrs. Lighthouse, needs to get a life?" John asked.
"That's so true, I mean in math class today, she called on Emma, and instead of calling her by her name, she called her sweetie," Max added.
"Earth to Brad," Ben said.
"Isn't he usually the first one to make fun of Mrs. Lighthouse?" Mark asked. We were walking back to the ranch.
"Victoria Adams." That was all I had to say. I looked at Brad. "Just ask her out already. You've had the biggest crush on her since fifth grade." I said to him.
"What are we talking about?" Brad asked. We all groaned.
"That's it," Mark said. He crossed the street to talk to Victoria. Victoria looked over in our direction. Brad turned bright red. She nodded and Mark crossed the street, back to us.
"What did you say to her?" Brad asked. Mark smiled.
"You have a date with Victoria on Saturday. Your welcome." Mark said. He started walking ahead. I shrugged and followed.
"You did not just do that did you?" Brad asked. Why is he still on that topic?
"Dude, you have a date with her. Why are you still on that topic?" I asked him. He started thinking.
"Don't hurt your brain, since you're using it," Max said. Brad glared at him.
"Come on guys, my dad will be upset if the horses don't get ridden today," I said. We all started heading our way back to the ranch. We passed a shop. I stopped walking.
"Emily, what is it?" Ben asked. I was staring at this one hat. It was a tan colour, with a feather attached to the hat. The feather looked like it was an eagle feather.
"I need that hat," I claimed. The boys all groaned.
"Once she's see something she likes, she'll be stopping us to stare at it for days," John complained. I glared at him.
"Um, you should look at the price." Ben pointed out. When I saw it, I was ready to cry. $100. Why do I like expensive things?
"Maybe if I beg dad, then he'll get it for me?" I questioned.
"Didn't your dad say no to those riding boots? That was $50?" Brad asked. I stared at the ground. That was so true. I started walking again. Brad was right.
"Hey kids, how was school?" Dad asked.
"Fine," I said. Dad looked at me.
"She saw a hat. It was really expensive." John said. He emphasized on the 'really'.
"Oh boy," Dad said. I went to get to India. I patted her muzzle. Mom walked over to me.
"I'm going to get Tony, from the orphanage. Don't cause any trouble." She said.
"Me causing trouble. Oh please." I said. I knew that I would cause trouble. Me and my gang (the five idiot boys) would always cause trouble. Mom laughed.
"Just at least make sure the boys don't break anything." She said. I nodded and she got in the car. When she drove away, Ben walked in.
"Hey, Ben," I said.
"Hey. Listen, I was wondering if we could go for a trail ride, like on Saturday?" He asked. I went red. I knew he liked me. All the boys in my grade told me. I want to be friends with him. If I went on a date with him, then that could ruin our friendship. Also make it really awkward, if I rejected him. Me being an idiot, I mounted onto India and had her gallop out of the barn. I didn't have time to put her saddle, or bridle on. I had her slow down when we put a good enough distance between us, and the ranch.
"Ugh, I'm an idiot. If I say yes, then it would be really awkward for the gang. If I say no, then not only will it be awkward for the gang, but for Ben and I. Don't forget about mom and dad. They actually prefer Ben to the rest of the idiot boys. What should I do?" I said to India. I mounted off of her to see what she thought. Instead, she just stared out into the distance. I turned around and saw the same horse from the other day. He was grazing.
"Hey, Emily." Someone called. The horse looked up and ran away. I sighed and turned around. Max came riding on Quinn.
"Hey, Max," I said to him. He slowed Quinn down when they caught up to us.
"So, I heard Ben asked you out." He said.
"Ya, he did," I said.
"What did you say?" He asked.
"I didn't say anything. I may or may not have got on India and we may or may not have run away." I said. Max laughed. "It's not funny," I said.
"I'm sorry, it's just that you embarrassed yourself. I mean you just showed Ben that you like him, even though you might not like him." He explained.
"But I don't like him. I mean if I say no, it'll be awkward for everyone. The gang, Ben and myself, and my parents. If I say yes though, it'll be awkward for the gang. I mean, if Ben and I are closer than the rest of you guys." I explained.
"Just go on the date with him. If you don't feel anything then tell him. Emily, we all care about you like your our own sister. If you tell Ben how you feel, then he'll understand if he does care about you." Max said.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, those were the wise words of Max Copperman. Who knew that you could be smart, and say something that deep." I said. He laughed.
"Thank you. I know, there's always a first for something." He said. "Let's head back. Your dad told me to get you. He said that it was urgent." He added. We rode back to the ranch. I wonder what dad wanted to talk about?
