Yorktown (lams summer camp au)

Chapter 27

I can't actually believe that i've written 27 chapters and that you guys have stayed with me throughout them... damn.

Anyway, most of you will know who Buddy is, well he's doing great in his new home! I've now been assigned to another dog and she's awesome (she has a few behavioural issues but that's why we're assigned to her just like Bud), I call her Rue so that's what we'll stick to on here. But, seeing as I'm speak of rescue animals anyway, I just wanna say that if you ever do think about getting a pet please check your local rescue centre first, you may find a best friend who needs saving! I know that was a weird announcement to have here but I just wanna spread the message as much as possible. Anyway, on with the chapter!

ALEX'S POV

I've been cantering for about 5 minutes and eventually slow it down to a walk, allowing Lucifer to not only chill but to have a drink from the stream that connects to the river. My ankle is throbbing in pain and I have to choke back sobs as I accidentally move my leg. Whatever is wrong with it is... not desirable.

It'll be fine. I'm sure it'll head on its own...

Probably.

Once Lucifer has had a drink and we've walked for a bit I gradually speed up to a trot and then back up to a canter, flying down the path and feeling every best of his hooves against the ground. Freedom.

We soar through the forest, a flurry of green and brown zooming past my eyes. When we finally reach the river again most of them are ready to go, perfect timing really.

"Okay! Let's move it out people!" I half shout, keeping my voice soft as to not startle the horses. They all leave one by one, with me at the front and Peggy at the back. The ride back is pretty uneventful and we stick to a walk to ensure that everyone is comfortable.

Once we get back they all leave for food and I have chance to jump off of Lucifer onto my good ankle, though the impact still sends ripples of pain through my body. I sit on the ground and allow him to just walk around and roll on the grass.
——————————————————

(TiMe SkIp)

Everyone's back and they're learning how to tack up their horses, so I just walk around on Lucifer observing. No ones asked me any questions about why I'm riding yet.

I see John leave the strap on the saddle too loose, so I trot around the arena and pull Lucifer beside him.

"You need to tighten that strap-" I pull it slightly and the buckle tightens. "-see". I smile down at him.

Peggy helps her sisters so I stay with John seeing as everyone else is doing fine.

"Anyone fancy a run around here with me and Lucifer?" I ask and a few people volunteer.

"Okay... hmm... Laf?" I say, and he nods his head enthusiastically.

"Does anyone want to run around with me so we can show Alex up?" Peggy offers mischievously. Oh, it's on. Again, a few people put their hands up and she chooses Maria.

One of the leaders brings in a block for Laf to stand on and he put his feet in the stirrups.

"Okay Laf, we'll start off at a walk and go faster from there. Okay?' He nods his head.

I command Lucifer forward and Laf follows behind, as we do so the rest of them lead their horses out and come back to watch.

"Are you sure about this, mon ami?"

"Of course I am Laf, you'll be fine." I offer a reassuring smile.

"Laf I want you to move up to a trot, don't panic, we've done this before." I say whilst going into a sitting trot.

He kicks his heels and the horse speeds up into a trot. The look on his face is hilarious. After a while of trotting I think it's time to take things up to a canter.

"Laf, we're going to try a short canter okay?" His face displays one of worry but he nods shakily. "Hey Pegs, you mind leading this one?" I ask and she jumps over the fence and connects a lead rope to his bridle. I kick Lucifer into a canter with my one foot and he speeds up effortlessly.

"Okay, Laf, I need you to kick your heels gently and ask him to canter. I'm going to go past you now, alright?" I ask and he says okay. I overtake him and I see Laf speed up, Peggy running beside him.

"Good! That's great! Keep it at a slow canter and you'll be fine." I say, once again flying past him in order to stay in front. We do a few different patterns around the arena, going from different letters.

(So when you're in an arena they have letters on the wall so you can see where they are talking about. So they'll say "cross from B to K" and stuff like that. I HATE THEM DAMN LETTERS.)

After a while we both slow down and Laf jumps off, a look of relief plastered on his features when his feet hit the ground. I lead Lucifer out of the arena whilst Peggy leads Maria around. Everyone heads out to get food, and I can finally put Lucifer back in his stable.

I shout Michael over and he leads Lucifer into the stable whilst shutting the door, ensuring that no one will see us. I take my feet out of the stirrups and a whimper makes its way out of my throat along with tears welling in my eyes. Michael looks at me with concern on his features, but he stays silent. I can't keep this a secret anymore.

"Hey Michael, do you think you can take me to Washington?"

(Sorry that was boring, it should get better!)