The Boy Who Loves Horses (Pegasus Equestrian Center Series) Page 8

  Cray roared and shoved out of his chair to stagger toward Hazel. She stood her ground, screaming insults at him. Before he reached her, she pulled open a drawer, grabbed a butcher knife, and brandished it towards her brother.

  River watched in horror. Both his father’s and aunt’s tempers ran hot and violent, especially when they were drinking. He foresaw bloody bodies, police, chaos, and his own world shattered.

  “Cray, don’t!” River shouted, trying in vain to stop his father’s advance.

  Cray flickered a glance toward River but did not alter his course; and shifted his focus back to the weapon in Hazel’s hand. “You…” he swore violently, and sprang with surprising agility in his intoxicated state. He grabbed her arm wielding the knife, twisting. Hazel screamed and punched at him with her free fist. Ignoring the punches, Cray wrenched and twisted her wrist until she opened her fingers and the knife clattered to the floor. Then he raised his fist.

  River sprinted across the room to throw all his weight against his father, unbalancing him enough that as he swung with his fist, he only grazed Hazel’s cheek. She ducked and scurried away.

  Roaring with rage, Cray turned on River, who was just regaining his own balance after the impact. Cray lunged forward and shoved forcefully so that River fell backward, hitting his head on the floor amid shattered glass. Sharp pain erupted in River’s head and his vision went black. He struggled to take a breath as his father dropped down on him, shoving a knee into his chest as he grabbed with both hands at his throat. “Don’t you ever dare interfere in my business,” Cray growled through gritted teeth as he slammed River’s head against the floor again and then again.

  Another object flew through the air diverting Cray’s attention. He stood and kicked River in the ribs before turning to chase after Hazel who had just fled, slamming the kitchen door behind her.

  Alone in the kitchen, River lay still, gasping for air and with his head throbbing. He waited until his breathing slowed to normal before opening his eyes. Still seeing stars, he blinked several times until his eyes watered and his vision cleared. He pushed himself up in slow stages, assessing for damage that might increase with movement, and determined no bones were broken as he regained his feet. As he tried to stand up straight, the increased pounding of his head almost doubled him back to the floor. He left the house squeezing his palms against his temples, uselessly trying to stop the throbbing in his brain. Storm met him in the yard, whining in anxiety and trailed after him as he stumbled to the barn. He crawled up the stairs on hands and knees with his head tucked between his shoulders. At last in his room, he collapsed onto his mattress and curled into a tight ball while his body trembled uncontrollably and his stomach roiled with nausea. He let tears fall unchecked down his cheeks for there was no one here to see.

  *****

  9 Prom Night

  Every training decision is based on how the rider can be the leader and the horse the happy, willing follower. - Richard Weis

  *****

  Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, Sierra’s stomach took a sudden flip at the sound of a knock on the front door. He’s here! Her fingers trembled as she worked the last bit of a glossy gel into her hair to keep it smooth, and then combed through it one last time. She took a deep breath and smiled at herself in the mirror to see how that looked on her face. She had spent it seemed like over an hour carefully applying, wiping off, and then re-applying her make-up to get it just right. The reflection that smiled back at her seemed to be all eyes and in spite of the make-up, Sierra thought in chagrin, still looked like that of a little girl.

  “Oh well,” she spoke to her reflection, and then made her grand entrance into the living room.

  Luke sat upright and stiff in the one easy chair, facing her mom sitting on the sofa. She had asked him not to rent a tuxedo, which would have been too formal for her dress, and she was relieved to find him dressed in a black suit and a light blue shirt, and had a light blue boutonnière attached to his lapel. He stood as she walked in and what Sierra hoped was an appreciative grin spread across his face.

  “You look beautiful!” he exclaimed.

  Sierra blushed and smiled. “Thank you; you look great!”

  He stepped forward and proffered a clear box with a corsage inside. “Uh, here.”

  “Thank you; it’s beautiful.” Sierra took the box, feeling suddenly more shy than usual, and awkwardly removed the mum corsage made in their school colors of royal blue and gold.

  “Shall I help you?” he offered.

  “Sure.”

  Luke took the corsage and removed two long pins. With fumbling fingers he tried to attach it to the bodice of her dress without touching her inappropriately. He stood close enough so that Sierra could smell the freshness of his shampooed hair mixed with a spicy scent of his deodorant or maybe aftershave (although she doubted he needed to shave). His warm breath wafted against the skin above the neckline of her dress as he bent his head in over his task. The warm closeness of him, his smell, and feeling his breath, stirred her heart to racing and her breathing shallow. She flushed red with heat and feared the color would spread from her face down her neck where he’d surely notice.

  Laughing, his own face flushed, Luke stepped back, unsuccessful in attaching the mum.

  “Let me help you.” Pam, also laughing, came to his rescue and expertly pinned on the mum.

  “I guess we’re ready,” Luke stated and then recited to Pam the arrangements they had agreed on. “Mrs. Landsing, my parents are dropping us off at the restaurant and afterwards will drive us to the dance. Then my dad will pick us up when the dance ends at midnight, so Sierra should be home just a little after that.” Then he handed her a business card. “Here’s my dad’s cell phone number in case you need to get a hold of him for any reason.”

  “Thank you, Luke, and let your parents know I appreciate this.” Pam accepted the card graciously.

  Weeks ago, Sierra had to explain to Luke about her mother’s driving rules, afraid that this further evidence of her immaturity might cause him to back out of his invitation. But to her relief, Luke said lots of kids’ parents had that rule, and not to worry, his parents wouldn’t mind driving. She was very grateful now for the assurance he gave her mother, knowing it would also gain her mother’s respect.

  Pam followed Sierra and Luke outside, noting in approval how Luke held the door open for Sierra to get into the back seat. Luke’s parents both got out of the front seat to come over and introduce themselves, and Pam thanked them again for driving. She waved goodbye and went back inside as Luke’s parents returned to the car and his father started the engine.

  Sitting next to Luke with his parents up front, Sierra’s nervousness welled up in full force. The palms of her hands and under her arms felt moist and clammy while her tongue and throat felt dry as cardboard. She could not think of one single thing to say. She had never felt more awkward, or so like a child.

  But thank goodness Luke was conversant enough for both of them and didn’t seem put off by her trite responses to the questions from his parents. He supplemented her brief answers and then chattered with his father about the game last night. Sierra sat in awkward silence, for she didn’t understand the plays they were discussing, nor did she have any opinions she could contribute.

  “What do you think of Crystal and Justin getting chosen as freshman prince and princess?” Luke asked after depleting football as a topic. The homecoming king and queen were chosen from the senior class and the royal court consisted of three princes and princesses elected by their peers from the junior, sophomore, and freshman classes.

  “I expected it,” Sierra replied. “I’m sure they will both look very regal tonight.”

  “Just wait,” he said with an impish grin. “There’s a surprise after dinner.”

  “What is it?”

  “Can’t tell you; it’s a surprise.”

  The fact that it sounded like this surprise was somehow tied in with Crystal and Justin filled Sierra w
ith more foreboding, and her apprehension as to the outcome of this evening increased.

  At last they pulled up in front of the restaurant reserved for the homecoming banquet. Luke gallantly jumped out and came around to open her door. After saying goodbye and thanks to his parents, they merged with other dressed up high school couples just exiting from cars, and entered the foyer of the restaurant.

  Sierra and Luke were ushered into a banquet room with several long tables elegantly set with snowy white table clothes, bouquets of flowers in the school colors, and gleaming silver place settings.

  “Luke, over here.” Sierra’s heart dropped as she saw Justin, standing up from his chair at a table where Crystal sat next to him. All the nearby seats were taken except for two empty chairs directly across from Crystal and Justin, obviously saved seats. The others at the table were all part of Crystal’s elite group of friends; Gloria and her boyfriend, and most of the other girls with football player dates.

  As the host steered them to the table, nausea roiled from Sierra’s stomach to her throat. Dampness again exuded from her palms, armpits, and hairline. I do not belong with this crowd!

  “Hello, Sierra,” Crystal greeted in sugary tones and a smirk on her face as she overtly looked over Sierra’s dress. She cocked her head to the side, and commented to Gloria, “How sweet.” Gloria stifled a laugh as she also greeted Sierra.

  “Hi,” Sierra returned the greeting, her voice raspy from the dryness of her throat. She ducked her head to hide the flush she felt creeping up as she sat in the chair held out for her by the host, who then flipped open the white linen napkin and placed it on her lap. The formality of the banquet room and the service only enhanced her feelings of finding herself out of place. She could not help comparing her very plain attire to all the others; the boys in tuxedos and the girls in formal dresses.

  If Sierra hadn’t known, she would have mistaken Crystal for someone much closer to twenty years old than fourteen. She wore a strapless dress with a cream-colored bodice trimmed in tiny pearl beads that shimmered in the light whenever Crystal moved. The skirt of the dress was light blue chiffon, and she wore elbow length gloves in the same color. A diamond necklace graced her neck and matching diamonds sparkled where they dangled from her earlobes. Her hair had been professionally styled and adorned with the simple tiara of the freshman princess. The only accessory that seemed out of place was her mum corsage, identical to Sierra’s own.

  “Where did you get your dress?” Crystal asked, smiling.

  “At the mall,” Sierra replied feebly.

  “Which shop?” Gloria inquired.

  “Um…” Sierra couldn’t actually remember; Allison and she had browsed through so many racks of dresses in countless stores. But she was sure her dress did not come from the same place as any of the girls at this table.

  “Tell you what,” Crystal leaned slightly forward and said in a loud whisper, “next time we’ll take you shopping.”

  “Thank you,” Sierra croaked back automatically, even though she knew the offer was only another way of insulting her dress. Fortunately, waiters arrived at that moment to fill water glasses and place baskets of bread and dishes of butter on the table, distracting attention away from Sierra. More waiters arrived to serve plates of salad.

  Sierra picked at her salad. Next to her, Luke talked excitedly in between mouthfuls; glorying with his teammates over both the junior varsity and varsity victories last night. Crystal retained the attention of the girls as she related details of the other royal court’s attire and accessories. By the time the entrée arrived, Sierra was actually a little bored, in spite of the continued niggling nervousness that took away any appetite for the fancy food. She thought about how hard it was going to be to wake up tomorrow morning to go work at the stable, which only reinforced her regrets that she had accepted this date. The atmosphere was way too formal and she did not enjoy the company. She resolved if she ever went out with Luke again, it would only be in more casual circumstances, like last night.

  “Sierra.”

  She looked up in surprise, pulled back from her drifting thoughts.

  “I hear you’ve finally realized what a jerk River is,” Crystal said, “and you two aren’t hanging out anymore.”

  The look of amicable conspiracy on Crystal’s face reinforced Sierra’s suspicion that Crystal’s hatred of her stemmed from her friendship with River. “Um, well, I guess,” Sierra agreed. True, River has been a jerk.

  “We should ride together one of these days,” Crystal suggested with a smile that actually looked sincere.

  “Yes, all three of us could go out on the trail,” Gloria added.

  “Sure,” Sierra answered, doubtful of their sincerity, especially since those two never rode their horses on the trail.

  “I still can’t believe Tess allowed him to buy that wretched creature he calls a horse,” Gloria said, and she and Crystal laughed.

  “What happened?” Crystal asked Sierra. “Weren’t you with them that day?”

  “They were going to take the horse to the auction where he would have been sold to meat packers,” Sierra stated.

  “So?” Crystal made a face indicating it wasn’t an issue. “It would be a kindness to put that horse out of his misery.”

  Sierra shrugged, not wanting to openly disagree. “River thinks the horse has potential.”

  Crystal and Gloria both laughed derisively. “As if he would know,” Crystal said contemptuously. “He doesn’t even compete.”

  “He is next season,” Sierra informed them. “It was part of the agreement Tess made with him to buy the horse.”

  “Oh my God.” Crystal scrunched her face into a display of extreme displeasure. “I don’t believe it.” But she did believe it for she and Gloria spoke together in horror over the idea of River competing on the team.

  Fortunately, they’ve forgotten to include me, their newly discovered friend and anti-River ally, she thought to herself sarcastically, but also happy not to participate in the discussion.

  The entrée plates were removed and the waiters served dessert, a chocolate mousse with a raspberry sauce. Sierra nibbled at hers and enjoyed the rich flavor, but her nerves were still so tense she was afraid its richness would upset her jittery stomach. All she needed now was to have to vomit.

  “You doing okay?” Luke asked after cleaning up his own dessert.

  “Yes, do you want the rest of my mousse?” Sierra offered.

  “Sure.” Without hesitation he pulled her barely touched plate in front of him and dug in with his spoon.

  Crystal and Gloria both got up from the table at the same time. “We’re going to the ladies room; come along,” Crystal said to Sierra. It sounded like an order.

  Luke nodded and smiled at her through a mouthful of mousse. Sierra stood and reluctantly followed along with four other girls from their table, feeling excluded as they giggled together.

  Inside the restroom was a cacophony of girls’ voices and laughter, all talking at once and in loud voices in order to be heard. There was a line-up for the three stalls and another crowd at the mirror, touching up hair and make-up. Sierra got into the line, which moved quickly and she was in and out in no time.

  “Sierra,” Crystal called to her as she moved into a space near a sink to wash her hands. Sierra looked over her shoulder where Crystal and her friends huddled in a corner. She finished with her hands and joined them.

  “Here.” One of the girls handed her a clear flask half full of a golden liquid.

  “What is this?” Sierra asked as she accepted the flask.

  “Southern Comfort,” Crystal answered, “it’s bourbon.”

  “Oh, no thank you,” Sierra declined politely and proffered the flask to Crystal.

  “What’s the matter, Sierra?” someone asked, speaking in a voice as if she were a little girl.

  “Nothing...I just don’t drink,” Sierra replied, which seemed a stupid thing to say. Of course I don’t drink; I’m only fourteen. I’ve n
ever even thought about drinking before. Her answer sent all the girls into a fit of laughter.

  “Sierra,” Crystal said in a tone that indicated she was an idiot and she had to explain things to her in simple terms. “None of us ‘drink’. It only takes one or two sips to relax you enough to really enjoy yourself; get loose. That’s hardly drinking.” She pushed Sierra’s hand with the flask back toward her. “Just take a small sip.”

  “That’s okay,” Sierra answered and thrust the flask back.

  Crystal frowned as she snatched it away, and tipping it, took a sip with her eyes narrowed on Sierra. She swallowed and then announced, “What a prude.” Of course everyone laughed and Sierra heard other comments such as ‘little goody two-shoes’, and ‘such a nerd’. Crystal screwed a lid onto the flask and dropped it into her purse. “Let’s go.” She led her followers from the restroom.

  Sierra trailed behind, again feeling excluded and also very young.

  It was time to leave for the school gym where the dance itself was held. Luke guided Sierra out of the restaurant with his hand at the small of her back. Sierra liked feeling his touch, and her mood lightened with him near. As they stepped outside, she heard kids cry out in surprise and whistles of appreciation as a white stretch limousine pulled up to the curb.

  “Ever ride in a limo?” Luke asked.

  “Never,” she answered with eyes wide.

  “Well, you’re about to,” he said with a laugh.

  “What?” she asked incredulously.

  “Crystal’s father hired it for tonight and we’re one of the couples she invited to ride with her and Justin,” he announced, grinning.

  “Luke, I can’t ride in that!” Sierra said, thinking of her mother expecting his parents to drive them everywhere.

  He looked at her in astonishment. “Why not?”

  “Your parents are supposed to drive us. You told my mother they would be doing all the driving.”

  “Sierra, it’s a professional chauffeur driving, not some kid. I’m sure your mother won’t mind. I didn’t say anything in front of her because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise.”