"We are down to our last two riders, These two have been the two to watch throughout the season, whoever takes this, moves on to take the open spot in the pro circuit. Now up is Clarke Griffin. She is the only female in the high school circuit, don't let that fool you though. She has proved herself among the guys and is one of the top riders out there today." The announcers voice rang through the outdoor arena.

She took a deep breath, the crowd growing quiet, her team lowering her into the chute. The bull she drew is a wild one, no worse then the others though. Just another day, another bull.

"Come on big man, lets do this." she whispered to the animal, more for the benefit of reassuring herself than anything else.

She wrapped the rope around her hand nodding for her team mate to pull it tight, before raising her other hand and giving the signal that she was ready. The adrenaline pulsed through her body drowning out everything but the powerful animal under her. She had a perfect ride. Counting off to herself, one...two...three...four...five...six...sev. Up until a hop and a spin with an abrupt stop, flung her to the dirt. The second her body met the ground she hit her feet, the sound of the eight second buzzer going right through her. She pulled herself up on the fence glancing at the board. She was on top for now, but she knew Bellamy wasn't likely to be thrown before the buzzer. She sat back on the fence adjusting her hat and looking towards her opponent. She groaned in disgust, seeing his buckle bunnies all moving to the side to let him through. He was perfect for the sport, cocky, arrogant, and good looking. He had great form and moved as one with the bull. He climbed the fence before moving into the chute and setting himself down on his ride, adjusting his grip a few times before raising his hand and giving a nod. The chute opened and as a force of habit she counted, her eyes glued to the other rider. One...two...three...four...five...six...seven...eight... The buzzer sounded followed by his flawless dismount. He threw his hat in the air as he approached the fence she sat on, climbing it quickly to avoid the bull making his rounds towards the exit. He sat next to her giving her a quick look before turning his attention to the board. She watched his name jump to the top.

"Good Ride" Clarke said drawing his attention to her.

"You too, what can I say, just not a woman's sport." He replied hopping down off the fence.

"Of all the arrogant things to say, I recall beating you many times Blake." She stated angrily, her feet hitting the ground next to his, she stood facing him.

"Yea, but we both know, this one, is the only one that really counts." he called as he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

"Asshole" she mumbled to herself heading in the opposite direction. She held her head high, second wasn't winning but it wasn't bad, not in a sport dominated by assholes like Bellamy Blake.

They finished out senior year, Bellamy left with the rodeo circuit and Clarke worked on her fathers ranch full time, plus helped out on the neighboring ranch along side Octavia, the ranch belonging to her and Bellamy's parents. A lot happened that year, Clarke's mother Abby left her father Jake, and never looked back, she never tried to get in touch with Clarke, she met a lawyer she claimed to be in love with and just disappeared.

A few months later there was a rancher's meeting two hours north of them. Clarke and Octavia's parents traveled together, leaving Octavia and Clarke in charge. An early snowstorm took them by surprise but the girls managed to band together and get all the cattle moved to lower pastures. When they made it back to the barn there was a police car sitting in the driveway. The cop was a friend of their's, Nate Miller. They approached him with smiles only to be brought to a halt when they saw he look of remorse across his face.

"Clarke, Octavia, I'm sorry, your parents were in an accident. A tractor trailer crossed into their lane up on highway 57 during the storm. There were no survivors. I have already been in contact with Bellamy. Clarke I couldn't reach your mother." Octavia's hand reached out for Clarke's. The two girls held on to each other in that driveway for quite some time, the storm moving around them. Once they were inside Lt. Miller headed back to the station. Within two days Bellamy was back on the ranch with Octavia. He had quite the bull riding career and no one had see him since graduation, with the exception of on t.v.

Clarke had her father cremated and had a small reception the day before Bellamy arrived. The day Bellamy arrived they had a funeral service for his parents. He was there long enough for the service, his schedule wasn't forgiving and he had a contract. He left Octavia with a promise that he'd be back in three months when his contract was up. He paused on his way to the door to give Clarke a hug.

"I'm sorry Clarke, for your loss" his voice was hoarse from crying.

"I'm sorry for your's also" she replied looking up at him, he gave her a kiss on the cheek as he exited the church hall. Octavia and Clarke stood side by side watching him get in Millers truck as he gave them one last wave before Miller pulled out onto the road.

His three months turned into eight months, eight months of Clarke and Octavia running there own respectable ranches, together. They merged their businesses. They kept themselves a float. They were by far two of the hardest working women in the county. They faced it all together.

They came down off the top pasture, a long day of tagging calves behind them. They rode their horses into the paddock closest to the house just as Miller's truck pulled in. They both pulled tack off the horses and carried it to the barn. Before they could get back out Bellamy and Miller walked in.

"Ladies" Bellamy greeted tipping his hat towards them.

"Oh look who it is...has it been three months already?" Octavia replied sarcastically setting her saddle on the rack.

"Three plus five" Clarke voice shot out from across the room.

"What is that? three plus five?" Octavia asked looking to the guys.

"Clarke?" she continued, seeing they weren't going to answer.

"I believe that's eight, eight months" Clarke replied stepping up along side Octavia.

"You have a lot of time to make up for big brother, the two last stalls need mucked" Octavia said handing him a shovel.

"Wouldn't want you to feel left out" Clarke smiled at Miller handing him a pitchfork. The girls laughed as they walked towards the house.

"Octavia is glad your home, Clarke I'm sure missed you in some sick way, lack of people to compete with, just don't ask them to admit it, they are on this independent, them against the world kick" Miller laughed, following Bellamy to the last two stalls.

"Yeah, they are something, I'm just glad to be home" Bellamy smiled as he walked outside to grab the wheelbarrow.