Poppy Tyler couldn't stop shaking. It was her first day at her new school, and she should have been excited, but all she could think about was home. She couldn't understand why she had to leave her friendly old school in England and come to America with her parents. After all, her older brother was allowed to stay at home, so why wasn't she?
"It's time for us to go now, sweetheart," Mrs Tyler said to her daughter gently. "I'm sure you'll be fine. By the time the holidays come around, you won't want to leave!"
Poppy glanced around her new bedroom. It was painted light yellow and Poppy had to admit that it looked nice. However she didn't believe that she would ever enjoy a new school. Grudgingly, she hugged her mother and father goodbye and watched them leave the room. Now she really did feel alone.
There was another bed in the room, which was untouched. Mrs Herson, who was the housemother, had told Poppy that another fifteen-year-old would be sharing the bedroom with her. Poppy didn't really know what to do but wait for the new arrival. After a twenty minute wait, the handle turned and the door slowly creaked open. Poppy stared expectantly, waiting for a face to appear, but all she could hear was talking. Finally, a brown-haired girl strode in confidently, but faltered when she saw Poppy perched on the duvet.
"Umm, hello?" The girl sounded unsure, "I think I must have got the wrong room. Sorry," She exited quickly.
Poppy sighed. She was pretty sure that the girl was meant to be sharing with her, but it seemed that making friends in this school wouldn't come naturally.
The girl reappeared and slowly closed the door of the room before heaving her suitcase onto the bed.
"Sorry about that," She blushed shyly, "I'm Malory O'Neill. My friend said she would be rooming with me this year, but I guess not. Anyway, enough about me."
"I'm Poppy."
Malory's eyes lit up. "Are you English? One of my best friends is from England. I love the accent."
Poppy smiled. Malory seemed friendly enough. "Yeah, I used to live near London," She replied. "Close enough to be able to visit the shops every day, but far away enough to be able to ride."
Malory's grin got even wider. "You go horse riding? I'm not surprised you came to Chestnut Hill then, it's heaven. Nearly everyone here rides- including me," She added.
Poppy nodded enthusiastically. "It was the only reason I came here," She admitted, "I used to help at the stables every Saturday. I think I put my name down for lessons every week, and I hope I can do some extra work at the yard aswell."
"As soon as I've got changed, we are going down to that barn and I'll introduce you to all the horses and people," Malory grinned. "You'll like my friends. I think you'll fit in just fine."
After the two girls had flung on some jodhpurs and riding boots, they headed over to the Chestnut Hill Equestrian Centre. As they walked over, Malory informed Poppy about her new school and essential tips on getting around. Any shyness on either girls' part had been overcome and once they arrived in the American barn they were laughing and joking. Poppy noticed three girls standing around an end loose box and Malory introduced her.
"Guys! This is my new roommate. Poppy, meet Lani, Honey and Dylan."
The three girls smiled and waved in turn. Lani was quite tall with light brown hair and a warm expression, Honey was petite with blonde curls and Dylan was a redhead with green eyes. Poppy prayed that she would remember each of their names but, knowing her awful memory, she doubted that she would.
"Poppy's English, like you," said Malory, nudging Honey. Honey didn't respond- she was staring at Poppy with a knowing look on her face.
"You're not...no...you're not called Poppy Tyler, are you?" She asked hesitantly.
Poppy narrowed her brow. As she looked at Honey, recognition spread across her face.
"Honey? Felicity Honey Harper? Is that you?"
Honey launched herself on Poppy and hugged her tightly. "I never thought I'd see you again!" She gasped, "What on earth are you doing over here?"
"England must be a small country," joked Lani, "Everybody knows each other over there!"
Honey released Poppy and giggled. "Shh, Lani," She scolded her playfully, "But I haven't seen Poppy since Year- I mean 5th Grade!"
Poppy nodded. "We used to be best friends, but we lost touch when Honey moved. We went riding together all the time."
The girls spoke together excitedly for a few more minutes, with Poppy trying to update Honey in a nutshell about everything that had been happening in Britain, with Honey talking about her new life in Virginia. Poppy felt mean because Malory, Lani and Dylan hadn't got a clue what was going on, but she could talk to them later. Now she wanted to talk to Honey, the only other person who could understand what she had gone through. The two girls could have talked for hours, but their converation was abruptly cut short when they heard a horsebox pulling up near the barn. The girls rushed out to see what was happening.
A woman got out of the cab and gave the girls a friendly wave. "That's Ms Carmichael," Lani muttered, "Chief riding instructor. She's also Dylan's aunt, but that doesn't mean that she doesn't give us a hard time!"
Everyone laughed, including Ms Carmichael. "I heard that, Miss Hernandez!" She called.
The noise died down as Ms Carmichael undid the lorry door and went inside to fetch the occupant. She slowly edged down the ramp, followed slowly by a beautiful bright chestnut horse. The golden coat glistened in the late summer sun and the horse's eyes were wide and alert. He looked at least sixteen hands and rivalled an Olympic showjumper or eventer.
"He's gorgeous," whistled Honey admiringly.
"Hands off- he's mine," Malory grinned.
Ms Carmichael only half smiled. "I'm afraid he doesn't belong to any of you. This is Simba, and he belongs to Lynsey Harrison."