He Was Mine, I Was His

Birthday Boy

    I picked Sodapop up from work on Friday. He didn't know about the horse riding yet and I hoped he wasn't suspicious. I had to admit, I was very nervous. Surprises always make me nervous but that's just part of the fun.
 
    "So when do I get to know where we are going?" he asked as we started down a dirt road. 

    "When we get there," I smirked. He just laughed and turned up the radio. Cry to Me by Solomon Burke was on. One of my favorite songs. I sang along, sticking my arm out the window, waving through the wind. 

    "Close your eyes," I told Soda. 

    "What?"

    "Just do it."

    Soda smiled and closed his eyes. Just in time for the ranch to come into view. I saw horses running around the pasture. I knew this was going to be fun. I pulled down the long driveway and parked in front of the garage, praying the horses would stay quiet so they wouldn't give away the surprise.

    "Keep them closed, Soda," I ordered. 

    "Yes ma'am." 

    I got out and went around to help him out of the car. I led him up to the fence that gated the horses in. 

    "Are you ready?"

    "Been ready since I closed my eyes"

    "Okay open," I laughed. 

    He opened his eyes and his mouth dropped. We both gazed at the beautiful creatures prancing across the field.

     "Happy birthday!"

    "D-do we get to ride them?" He asked. I giggled at his reaction. He was like a little kid. 

    "Yes silly. Come on."

    I led him to the barn where Wade had two horses saddled and ready for us to ride. Soda was so happy. He helped me on to my horse and then got on to his. He ran his fingers through it's mane like he hadn't touched a horse in years. He looked at me, grinning ear to ear. 

    "Have I ever told you that you're the best?" He asked. 

    "No but you don't have to stop," I winked. 

    "You're the best."

    I smiled and we started to ride. Wade had a trail that circled his entire property. On the other side of the pasture, there was a place to sit behind the trees and watch the sunset. We arrived just on time. We sat on our horses and watched the sky's colors change. 

    I looked at Soda. He still had that big grin on his face. It was like his eyes were sparkling with happiness. He kept running his fingers along the horse's mane. It was so cute. 

    He noticed me looking at him and smiled bigger, "This is beautiful. Ponyboy is always talking about the sunsets. It's been a while since I actually sat down and watched one."

    "You should catch a sunrise. They're pretty too."

    "Woah, I don't get up that early," he scoffed. 

    I laughed and started to ride again. Sodapop started talking about Mickey Mouse on our way back. 

    "I was twelve, going on thirteen then. Man, that horse was my best friend. He was ornery and mean but he was mine. It hurt a lot when he went away. It was funny though. Ponyboy was ten and he was saving all his money to buy that horse back."

    "Sounds real nice. Maybe you two will be reunited one day," I said. 

    "I've thought about that a lot. Maybe one day."