Sam rubbed the chestnut thoroughbred's muzzle. His white nose sparkled compared to her dirt sleeve, but he didn't seem to care as he relaxed and closed his honey colored eyes. Slowly moving her hand down his neck to his withers, until she felt his felt stable blanket, she petted his soft, perfectly groomed neck.

"I'm gonna miss you Star." She whispered to the young horse. She locked her hands on his dark, worn leather halter and stroked the brass plate of the side that brightly claimed, "Starlight Glem."

Any other horse would have jerked their head on the pressure of someone hanging on their halters, but Star stood their patiently and sighed, taking a deep breath into his lungs.

"What do you say?" Sam smiled softly. "You and me, taking off right now. Then I won't have to go away." Stars ears pricked and a devilish gleam struck his usually gentle eyes. Sam giggled. Sighing again, she closed her eyes.

"I hate my dad so much." She gritted her teeth. "He made me leave in the first place, why does he want me now? Its so unfair!" Star blew through his nose.

"I don't know either." She chuckled. "Well if I didn't get hurt that time, I won't have met you, so it wasn't a total lose!" She stared at the gelding's mane and picked out shavings.

"Rolling again silly boy?" Sam scolded playfully. "I just gave you a bath!" With that remark, Star stomped his hoof. He neighed loudly and suddenly gave interest at the entrance of the barn. Sam grinned her teeth.

"Right now?" She whimpered. Her heart dropped and she felt her hands go cold. She was so ready to leave when she first left home, but now she wish she could stop time and never go back.

"I'm sorry Sam." A high shrill voice came from behind. Sam turned to see the blond haired women. She had an extremely small figure that most would consider fragile, but when she was riding she looked so strong.

"Beth, please can you call my dad, tell him you need me here for state!" Sam begged. If she could get on her knees she would, but just in case, she didn't want to let go of Star.

"I tried, believe me I tried, but you're dad said he rather you be at home then at state this year." Beth swallowed. Sam would have been a big help to the riding school that year. "You're aunt is here to take you to the airport."

Sam swallowed hard too. She ran up to Beth and gave her a huge hug. "I'll email." She promised. "Thank you for teaching me so much, take care of Star please."

Beth gave Sam a tight squeeze. "Don't worry 'bout Star, I'll send you pictures and videos." She promised. Then both our heads turned to the barn door where the exit was. Sam turned to Star and looked at Beth. Beth smiled understandingly and walked away.

Sam grabbed the stall bolt and let herself in. "Bye Star." She choked as she encircled his neck in a bear hug. She felt his warm breath as he nuzzled her back, confused by the motion, but accepting it.

Then Sam turned and shut the stall. She took off sprinting for the door. Warm tears covered every inch of her face, but she didn't wipe them off. She hurried into the car and waved a goodbye at Beth.

Taking a deep breath she faced the road ahead of her. She was more then willing to jump out of the car at the high speeds to get back to the barn, but her aunt eyed her nervously like she knew what Sam was planning. Sam sighed. If it was a fight her dad wanted, she would be ready. In the end, she was coming back to live with her Aunt, no matter what.