I spent the morning poured over my vet text books. While I normal studied really hard, recently I’d been busy with Manny. Deciding that I better catch up, I placed myself in lock down. After around 5 hours stuck in the same position, except to get food, water and to go to the toilet, I gave myself a break. Checking my phone, there was fourteen missed messages from Georgia.
1:25pm
Hi! Are you busy?
1:30pm
Pick up your phone.
1:45pm
Are you ignoring me!?
It went on like that for two hours. Seriously, I thought, she can’t live without me! While I was typing a reply a new message came through.
Ben - 4:30pm
Come now to the stable!
Thinking the worst has happen, as Manny was out in the paddock today, I through on a jacket, my boots and ran to the stable. When I arrived, Ben was riding Sunny. Mrs Hopefield was leaning on the fence
“Gees Ben,” I gasped, “I ran all the way here! I thought Manny was hurt!”
“No silly,” he laughed, “I’m on a horse.”
“Isn’t in great?” Mrs Hopefield asked.
“Yes,” I exclaimed, “how did you get up?”
“Myself, how else?” I could tell there was a slight sense of mischief in his voice.
“Well that’s good. I guess you don’t need me anymore then?”
“Actually Claire,” Mrs Hopefield started, “I need to start getting dinner ready and someone needs to watch Ben.”
“Oh ok, well I guess I can watch him. Then I’ll feed the horses after and bring Manny in.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Ben said as he rode past, winking at me. I poked my tongue out when Mrs Hopefield wasn’t look.
“Thanks for that,” Mrs Hopefield concluded, as she walked off. “Ben be careful!”
“I will be mum!” Ben exclaimed. “She worries so much sometimes.”
“Yeah, but you are her only child. Seriously, sometimes I would love to be an only child.”
“Adam’s really nice though.”
“Good brother-in-law material?” I whispered.
“Haha, you never know.”
The fact that he didn’t say no or maybe, made me think that maybe we have a future together. I had never had a serious boyfriend (or any really), so I was just going with the flow with this one. After a few more laps Ben got off and I took Sunny’s reins, leading her back to the stable.
“I really appreciate your help,” Ben acknowledged.
“That’s ok,” I replied. “Everything worked out better really. We got to spend more time together and I could help you.”
“Are you always a glass half-full?” Ben laughed. I throw the towel, that I was drying Sunny with, in Ben’s face.
“It gets me through the hard times.”
“Like at the track that day?”
“Yes, that has to be one of the worst days of my life.”
“That’s a pretty big statement.”
“It’s not easy when you think you are going to lose two of your favourite boys.”
We stood (Ben sat) in silence while I finished up. Silence could be a powerful thing sometimes.
“I’m going to go get Manny now. Do you want to come?” I asked.
“Sure,” he replied, “you’re going to have to push me though.”
“Can’t do it yourself?” I joked. Of course I knew he couldn’t, but I still liked to tease him.
“And tire my arms,” showing me his muscles, “no way!”
“Alright, let’s go than Mr Muscles.”
The sun was just setting, behind the hills, creating an orange glow in the sky. It matched the orange leaves that littered the ground. Manny was in the paddock which was the furthest away. It was one of my favourite paddocks, because tall trees lined the fence. I pushed Ben under one of the trees and sat down myself.
“Days like this, is what life is living for,” Ben sighed.
“What, spending the day studying?” I complained.
“But it will be worth it.” By now Manny had joined us, grazing at my feet.
“Yeah, it’s just getting there.”
“Nothing is easy in life.”
“So you say!”
“Well take me for example, it wasn’t easy telling you how I felt. If you hadn’t kissed me, we probably wouldn’t be in this situation.”
“That wasn’t plan in any way!”
“Sometimes the best in what is unplanned.”
“Like this.”
And I kissed him again. These days I took any opportunity to kiss Ben or even feel his touch. I could tell we were both enjoying it, because we didn’t stop for a few minutes.
“Yes like that,” Ben said, blushing. He looked so cute when he blushed. “Well I have to go now, Mum will be wondering where I am. Don’t want her to come looking for us now!”
“Sure,” I stood up and brushed the grass off my jeans. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.
“Hopefully, bye than.”
I watched as he wheeled himself back to the guest house. The feeling of him kissing me, lingered on my lips.
“You know Manny, you are a pretty good kisser, but Ben is better,” I sighed as Manny nudged my leg. “I know, I know, you want your dinner, come on than.”
I really couldn’t wait for the future!
Author's Note: Hi! I didn't know if I would be able to upload tomorrow, so I did it today. The end is near, with there being a total of 17 chapters and a epilogue, but don't there will be a sequel. I hope you guys like this chapter. Please comment your thoughts. The competition (as seen on my page) has been extended to end the 1st of March. Good luck!
