Rocketman

Chapter 5: The Deal

Josie took a deep breath as she entered her car. It had been a long day at school. She hadn't done well at all at any of her assignments, and she knew why.

That black demon of a horse had haunted her all day.

The only thing Josie needed was for her kid sister to suffer worse than she did. God, did a broken arm hurt like crazy. Well, it felt relatively numb compared to her bruised ego that day. She remembered how she used to be, sitting on the back of that horse like she was invincible. It felt great, but maybe too great. Maybe she needed a fall just to teach her how reckless she was being. Now sensible and reserved, she only sook thrills from drama in the hallways and a perfect execution of the occasional winged eyeliner look. 

Nonetheless, Josie knew what she needed to do, and she was going to do it right now. 

About an hour later, she was at the Davidsons' little farm. She gave Rocket a sympathetic pat on the nose before going in to see the older couple. 

"Ah, Josie! C'mon in!" her grandfather greeted.

"Hello, grandpa."

"So tell me, what brings you out to these parts for the second day in a row?"

"Well," Josie made herself comfortable in one of the worn out chairs that sat in the living room, "I came hoping to change your and Grandma's mind."

"Hmm, on what?" Mr. Davidson wondered, scratching his bearded chin.

Josie looked up at him, with pleading eyes, "Isn't there some other horse you could get for Riley? I can't imagine the disaster that would happen if she were allowed to ride that--that--thing!"

Josie stood up again, begging more, "He's a beautiful horse! I know you got him cheap, and that's what drew you to him! But you could turn around and make a profit and Riley won't have to suffer!"

"Well I can't sell him," Mr. Davidson responded.

"What?!"

"When I purchased the dern thing," he explained, "I had to sign an agreement stating I understood that he was dangerous and I wasn't allowed to resell him without first gettin' him some proper trainin'."

Josie folded her arms, "Grandpa, that is not a thing."

Mr. Davidson laughed, "Sure is! I can show you if'n you'd like!"

Josie sighed, crestfallen, and paused before continuing, "Can't you get him some training?"

"Well, I could see about a trainer. Those things cost dern near an arm n' a leg though, and I don't know 'bout you, but my retirement fund is runnin' on low. That there horse was my last big purchase."

"Oh, fine!" Josie erupted, "I'll see what I can do about that dumb horse! But if I end up getting hurt, the other last big purchase you'll be making is my hospital bills. I'm not letting Riley get on that horse until he's so broke, a BOMB could go off in his barn and he wouldn't bat an eye!"

Josie had to catch herself. Once she was finished shivering, she and her grandparents enjoyed a cookie together. They said their goodbyes and Josie left.

However, before going to her car, she decided to have a look at that big black horse. She ducked under the electric fence and into the barn.

Why would he lock such a high-strung horse in a stall? Why not let him loose in the field with Rocket? Unless...

Josie took a hard look at Ben. 

Unbelievable. Grandpa purchased a stallion of all things. First order of business is to have this horse gelded!

Ben made eye contact with Josie. He kept his head high and his gaze narrowed. He was skeptical, standing still, but wouldn't hesitate to defend himself should this human behave like...

...the others.

"Here's the deal, horse." Josie began.

Ben let out a quick puff of air.

"You and me, we're gonna fight. We're gonna hate each other. We're gonna have disagreement after little, tiny, silly disagreement. Sometimes you'll win. Sometimes you'll lose. But hear me now, I'll let you kill me ten times over before I'll let you put a single scratch on my step sister. In the end of it all, you're gonna remember me. You're gonna remember the whoopin' I gave you after every time you acted out. You're gonna remember the misery I caused you when you so much as flicked an ear wrong. You're gonna remember how hard I made you work when you wouldn't obey. And when Riley finally gets her turn on you, you're going to remember everything, and you're going to be as well behaved as a forty-year-old plow horse. Deal?" Josie shivered. Though she meant every word she said, the presence of this horse frightened her.

Ben lowered his head just slightly, turned, and began to drink water.

"Alright then," Josie smirked, "Deal."