Welcome to Carlin Ranch! A place for troubled youths to find there way. I can't believe I have to spend the entire summer there. Well I guess it could be worse. I could be on my way to juvie instead. Flipping the brochure over, I see different workshops I have to attend there. They have horseback riding, first aide, camp crafters, and bible studies. Great! I am going to be staying with bible huggers.
"We're here Ashley" came the sweet condescending voice of my mother. My mother is trying to sound like she gives a shit about me. I guess she is trying to impress the new boy toy. He seems to be big about family.
"..." Opting to roll my eyes instead of replying, I look out the car window taking in my surroundings. My mother has sent me to hell. I bet they don't even have indoor plumbing.
The car comes to a stop in front of a rather large country style house. A blonde woman that looks to be about the same age as my mother is standing in front of it. "Come on honey. Let's go meet the director of the camp," She says as we all exit the car. She and her boy toy, that I named Chip, greet the blonde woman. Christine, my mother, goes through too many guys for me to remember their names, so I call them all by the same name. It saves a lot of time.
"Ashley, dear please come meet Mrs. Carlin" Fake! I walk over to them and greet the older blonde-haired woman with my best manners.
"Nice to meet you Ashley. We are going to have a busy summer this year. This is a family run ranch and since you will be staying with us, you are going to help out with all the chores" She smiles, but it is not a warm one.
"Chores?" I croak out. "By the way, how many kids are going to be staying here?" Please don't let me be the only one.
She smiles that smile again and a cold shiver runs down my spine. "Including you there are going to be four total; however, there is also my children who help out." She takes a handkerchief out of her pocket and wipes the back of her neck before continuing. "Yes you have chores. They will include taking care of the animals, mucking out stalls along with regular household chores."
A tall dark haired man comes up to us after Mrs. C finished her rant about chores. He has a kind smile that reaches his eyes unlike the blonde woman. He greets the blonde-haired woman with a kiss on the cheek before introducing himself to us.
"Hi. I'm Arthur Carlin" He shakes all of our hands. "I'm the psychologist/cook here at the Carlin Ranch." I hate shrinks, but I will give him a chance just because I like his warm eyes. "And you are?" He asks looking directly at me.
"I'm Ashley Davies. It's nice to meet you Mr. Carlin. Sir." No reason to bring attention to myself just yet.
"Well Ashley it's a pleasure. Let me show you to your room. You're going to be sharing with our daughter since we normally only take in three youths during the summer." Great! Not only do I have to work my ass off over the summer. I have to live with a bible hugger.
Mr. C shows me into the house while my mother takes care of the paper work with the scary blonde woman downstairs. Up the stairs and first door on the right, that is where I will be living for the next couple of months. Entering the room, I am met with modeled and stuffed horses engulfing the room. "My daughter loves horses" is all he says as he shows me the cot I will be sleeping on. "Go ahead and unpack. The others should be here soon" with that he left the room. I look around at the different pictures; most of them seem to have some girl riding what looks like a giant black beast around barrels. The girl in the picture must be their daughter. I wonder what her name is. She is probably a goody goody. I must have said my last couple of thoughts aloud because I receive an answer.
"My name is Spencer." Said the raspy voice behind me.
Spencer's POV
By far this is going to be the worst summer ever. I am going to have to share my room with a stranger for the entire summer. It's a good thing I hid all my valuables along with my journal. At least I can escape everyone by riding Thunder. He is my beautiful grand champion barrel horse.
"Hey boy" Thunder sticks his head out wanting a carrot. I click the lead to his halter before feeding him a carrot. I feel like riding through the pastors. The feel of the wind in my hair and power of his hoofs running underneath me is very freeing. I could ride forever.
"Come on Thunder lets go to our thinking spot." Mounting him and taking off towards the far end of the property. There is a small pond there with a giant oak tree beside it. I usually go there to think or write in my journal. That is also the place I have come to realize many things about myself.
Ashley's POV
Wow! She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. Spencer? I love how sexy that name sounds rolling around in my head. Admiring her from head to toe, she is wearing a pair of Levi's, wife beater, and boots. I want her. Shit! I am in trouble. If they kick me out of here, it's a one-way ticket to juvie. I had better behave myself.
"Hello" I'm brought out of my thoughts by a hand waving in front of my face. "Do you have a name?"
"It's Ashley"
"Ashley. Stay out of my stuff!" She turns around and leaves. I'm left staring at an empty doorway.
This is going to be an interesting summer.