After a stressful dressage schooling with the horses, I pack my bag and return home on my bike.

Mom's making dinner in the kitchen while Sophie is on her phone in our shared bedroom.

"Have a good day?" She asks.

"Rain misses you."

"I'm not coming back. Not after what happened."

"Please, Soph? I need someone to school with me."

"I hate schooling."

"Fine, we can jump after warming up, then."

"Alright, I guess I'll come with you tomorrow."

~W~

"Who're you texting?" Sophie asks, leaning over my shoulder.

"None of your business."

"Sure its not Jackson?"

"Yes, I'm pretty sure." I say snarkily.

That night I climb into bed, a smile on my face from being able to touch the untouchable mare.

I had made progress with her. But she'd erupt any day now and the training would go to waste.

Our shared alarm causes Sophie and I bolt upwards, hitting our knees on the bed.

Together we slide out of bed and quickly gather our clothes to be the first one in the shower. Sadly I'm a second late and miss the 'warm water' slot. Oh well, it's not like 'odor cheval' will kill anyone.

While I dress into my beige breeches and purple polo, Sophie exits the shower, a towel wrapped around her hourglass-like body she'd been working for all summer.

"Here," I toss her a pair of my black breeches and a turquoise-colored polo along with a hair tie. "You look great."

"What'd you wash these in? Horse shavings?" Sophie jokes.

"At least its not manure."

"Or worse."

"Come on. Lets grab breakfast then head to the barn."

"STARBUCKS!!!!"

"Fine, but you're paying."

"Ugh, okay."

Clad in our English riding attire, we drive to Starbucks.

We're sitting in the car, waiting for our drinks and food when Jackson shoots his head out of the window, handing us our breakfast.

"Hi, Elsie."

"Hey, Jackson!" Sophie shouts from the passenger seat, juggling the fast food.

"See you at school."

"We're off the barn."

"Have fun." He says as we drive off.

~W~

The barn is insanely quiet on the outside, but I was ready for what awaited on the inside.

Amy has one leg cocked and her eyes are closed as she's napping in the center.

"I'm guessing that's Amy?"

"That's her."

"She's a beauty. Is she halter-trained?"

"Yes. Now come, we've got work to do."