Forever Perfect

Chapter 16

Nessie's POV

I buckled my riding hat and wrung my hands nervously. Today was the day of my first competition. I had only been riding for nearly three months now, but Sally said that she was confident I would do fine. My category was the under 8's, so the jumps were fairly small. I patted Luna on the head. She can do it, I know she can. But can I?

We trotted out into the fenced area. Performing sixth out of ten was good, because being first is too pressurising, and last means you have to wait and watch everyone else. "Renesmee Cullen and Luna," a speaker announced. This was it. The judges went quiet, and Luna and I started cantering towards the first jump. I leaned forward, preparing for the worst. Luna swiftly jumped, leaving loads of room, and headed for the next one. In no time we had finished all of the jumps, passing one only by a few centimetres and nearly knocking it over, and exited the area. Now I just had to wait for the results.
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"In third place...Lucy Roberts." A round of applause erupted, as the girl walked over to the judges and collect the rosette. Luna was waiting in a stable behind the arena, and I was standing with all of the other contestants in my category. It was cold in the frosty winter climate. "In second place...Renesmee Cullen." I was second! I didn't think I'd get a place at all. But second out of ten was an achievement to be proud of! I collected my rosette and shook the head judge's hand, and took my place again. "And in first place...Beatrice Smith." Beatrice collected her minuscule trophy. She was really pretty, with ringlets like mine, but black, and piercing blue eyes. She looked my age. After that, we went to get our horses from the stable. Beatrice's horse, Fudge, was next to mine. "Hey, well done!" A voice said. I turned around, and Beatrice was standing next to me, smiling. "Oh, um congratulations on first place!" I returned the smile, "Renes-er...Nessie," I said, offering her my hand. "Bea," she said, taking it. We were cut off by the excited parents and instructors flooding in to the already cramped stables. I let go of Bea's hand, and turned around to look for mother, father and Sue. I knew they had been watching the event, and couldn't wait to see them. I wished Jacob could have been here, but he was staying with his dad and brothers (and Leah and Emily) back in Forks for the weekend. "Renesmee!" Father called, appearing from the crowd. He ran over to where I was untying Luna, and swept me into a hug. "Congratulations! Second at your first competition!" By now mom had joined in the hug, and Sally was smiling next to them.
"Your FIRST competition? Wow, Nessie! That's impressive!" Bea grinned. Father set me onto my feet again and turned to her.
"Um...mom, dad, Sally, this is Bea."
"Oh, hello," mom smiled, shaking her hand. Dad and Sally did the same. A few seconds later a woman with exactly the same face as Bea's, but maybe slightly longer, came running over and embraced her. "Well done baby girl, first!" She exclaimed. I turned, giving them some privacy. "I knew you could do it Nessie!" Sally smiled, leaning down and hugging me. I felt someone tap on my left shoulder, so I turned to face them. "Mom, this is Nessie and her mom and dad, and her instructor Sally." My parents shook hands with Bea's mom, who introduced herself as Claire. Together, Bea and I led our horses out into the fresh air, with the adults talking behind us. Luna trotted to the car park and towards her horse box, attached to the back of the car, when I heard my mom speak. "Claire, would you and Bea like to come over for afternoon tea?
And what about you, Sally?"
"Oh, thank you very much, that would be wonderful! It looks like the girls are getting on very well," Claire beamed. Bea and I shared an excited glance.
"I'm afraid I can't make it, as I had better get back to my own family. Thank you for the offer though, I'll see you next lesson Nessie!" Sally smiled, waving and walking over to her own car. Mom gave Claire our address, and we agreed to meet back at our house. Once Luna was safe in her box, I hopped into the back seat of the car. We drove back home. The journey was short, only about fifteen minutes, but I still managed to fall asleep, clutching my rosette.