I walked into the almost empty building. I looked for the very familiar face. I prayed that she would not even close to recognize me. If she did, my mission would be ruined. I slowly walked up to the girl standing by the statue.
"Miss Fiona Friend." I said as I reached her.
I hoped I did not sound shaky. I reached out my hand and she shook it.
"And you must be James Rider. It is so nice to have finally met you. Over the last two weeks I have heard an ear full about your riding abilities."
"I have heard so much about yours too. I am so pleased to be able to work with you." I said trying to smile.
But the only thought that I could envision were the ones of the first time she taught me to ride.
"So where did you learn to ride so well?'
"From a young lady I had stayed with a few years back. When I left her place I couldn't stop. It has been a hobby of mine ever since."
"That is nice." She paused and looked into my eyes. "Have we met before?""I do not think so. I would remember a name like yours. And a face."
She blushed and gave a faint laugh. And I realized then I just had to know.
"Do you have any siblings?"I watched as tears formed in her eyes.
"I had one. I didn't really know him. His name was Alex. He died when I was fifteen." She stopped for a second and I blinked. "We didn't get along. I tried everything to make him go away. We never really got to hang out so I don't know much about him. When he left about a week before he died we had gotten in a really big argument. I never got to apologize to him."She looked genuinely sad.
"Oh I am so sorry. I have never had any siblings."