6:Loser

“Sore loser.”

David sighed, “Coming from a cheater.”

Christian gasped, “We never set any rules. You’re just jealous because you didn’t think of it.”

“No, you know it’s true. The whole purpose was to determine the better rider and I believe the obvious answer is, well, me.”

Christian’s eyes narrowed. “You’re speaking to the holder of the state championship cup. Remember, double A circuit last year, invitational, were you even there?”

“No, I was preparing for nationals, at which I finished fifth. What about you, darling?”

“Gabe had an inflamed tendon and I wasn’t willing to risk him, thank you very much. And as I have only a few minutes before class, I’ll excuse myself.” She left with her hair thrown over her shoulder.

He smiled. “That girl…” A storm brewed in his grey eyes.

--

That day after school, Christian was tapping her foot, waiting for Katy to arrive. Her slim silver phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Chris, Its Katherine. Something came up and I can’t make it out today. Sorry.”

Christian sighed. There went her plans. “Its fine Kat, some other time?”

“’Course Chris. Talk to you later.” They hung up. Christian headed to the barn.

Entering the tack room, she pulled her chaps on over her jeans and zipped them up. She grabbed her helmet and headed to Gabe’s stall.

After tacking up, she swung up into the saddle and headed over to the old trail. She could hardly believe she was doing it but, well, it had to be done. It was their trail. The one that led to her house from his. The one that had once been so well-kept and trodden, but that now was almost completely grown over. Gabe stepped over the fallen trees and Christian directed him around the branches that threatened her face.

It was like a walk through memories. Over there, beneath that tree, was where they’d had that picnic. Red checkered tablecloth. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and sweet iced tea in mason jars. Continuing, she came to the river that they’d often swam in, coming back with their clothes sopping and their parents laughing and smiling and gently chastising them, even though they didn’t mean it. And then, that day when she’d told him about Katy, the fallen trees they’d jumped were rotting, and the field was filled with brush. She smiled gently, remembering their easy comradeship. She still didn’t understand what’d happened between them, but shed forgotten most of that day and the fateful going away party.

“Well, look who it is.”

Christian gripped the reins tighter, ready to gallop from whoever it was. She breathed a sigh of relief. David.

“I see I’m not the only one.”

“Obviously,” Christian stated. She missed him. Missed their friendship, no matter how much time passed she knew she always would. “Look, I’m sorry.”

He laughed, “For what?” His gray eyes had hardened.

“For everything. I didn’t know what I was doing. I was only eight, David. And I missed you more than you’d know-”

“Oh, I think I have some idea.” He nudged Indy to stand beside her stallion. “You’ll never know what it did to me. You were my best friend, and you threw me away. I can’t just forgive you. Ten years, and you never tried.” He sighed. “It’s strange to be talking to you like this, and I sti-show me you’re sorry. Then maybe we can talk.”

He rode away from her, he’d never expected an apology, but he’d never expected to see her again, either. Least of all, did he expect any of her actions…

Any thoughts…too cold, impersonal, do you feel like you anything about the characters? Anything? PLEASE REVIEW. Let me know if you’re reading