Racing to a Chance Future chapter 2
Ronald sighed as he finished carrying the last bale of hay into the stable. He wiped the sweat forming on his brow as he looked around. Murphy had retired early, wanting to see if Ronald could handle the night shift alone. It had been a day since he had started working at Oakland Stables and he was still trying to get use to the feel of things. All the horses were in the barn, all tucked in their stalls fast asleep. All accept one. Ronald had been told that Trending on Lighting was supposed to stay outside in the fresh air every night unless it was stormy or snowing. He heard the black colt whinny from outside. The blond pulled on his coat and step out to see the young thoroughbred dance like a shadow in the night. He chuckled and made his way to the fence.
The colt hung his sleek, black neck over the side. Ronald reached his hand over and patted the steed's neck. He cracked a smile as Lighting nibbled at his front jean pocket. He gently shoved the horse's muzzle away and pulled out a bright orange carrot, which was snatched up by the horse in a matter of seconds. He chuckled as he stroked the black colt's forehead. The end of the orange vegetable snapped and fell to the ground. Ronald went to pick it up, only to have his cap snatched off his head. Lighting whinnied and trotted away from the fence quickly. The blond cursed under his breath.
"Hey! Give that back ya silly boy." He said in a stern tone.
Lighting snorted and ignored the blond stable hand. He trotted farther away and ran around.
Ronald sighed as he threw his leg over the fence and jumped over to the other side. He slowly made his way to the young thoroughbred.
The horse pricked his ears up as the blond approached him. His tail swished as he threw his head up; Ronald's cap still in between his lips.
The blond knew he wasn't supposed to chase a horse but he couldn't help it. He raced as the young colt. Lighting's ears pricked up and cantered away from the rookie stable boy. A whinny escaped the black thoroughbred. Ronald rolled his eyes. He knew the horse was enjoying himself in messing with him.
"Come on. I'm not kidding anymore." He panted. He rested his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.
Lighting trotted around the perimeter of the paddock, watching Ronald. He whinnied as the blond made yet another attempt to catch him.
Ronald fell on the grass, completely exhausted from chasing the young black thoroughbred apparently it was as soft as he thought, almost like a big pillow. He flipped over on his back as the horse made his way to him. He closed his eyes but couldn't help to smile slightly as Lighting dropped his cap on his face. He chuckled as he grabbed the cap and laid it on his chest. Lighting whinnied as he nuzzled Ronald's face and began nipping at his golden hair. The blond shoved the horse's muzzled gently away from his face as he sat up. He felt the back of his head being nudged playfully. Ronald sighed as he reached behind him to pat the horse's neck. He closed his eyes as the colt rested his head on his shoulder.
"Ya a good boy, huh?" Ronald whispered as the horse pricked his ears up and snorted, "Yeah ya are."
The blond opened his eyes and smiled at Lighting. He ran his fingers through the horse's mane. He gently shoved the horse's muzzle as he yawned. He stood up and stroked Lighting's forehead.
Lighting snorted and nuzzled him again. Ronald cracked a smile and chuckled.
"He's a find beast. Isn't he?"
Ronald froze. He whipped his head around and spotted Will leaning against the fence with a light in his hand. The blond sighed and walked to the fence with Lighting following him. He looked at his boss's son.
"I wasn't too loud was I?" He asked.
William shook his head.
"No. I usually check on Prince before heading off to bed. I just couldn't help but notice you chasing Lighting over your cap." He said with a chuckle.
Ronald gave a nervous chuckle as he felt his cheeks become hot with embarrassment.
"Ya saw that, huh?" He asked.
William nodded.
"Yes. I must say Lighting seems to like you. I've never seen him play around like that, except with the other colts he trains with." He said as he patted the black colt's neck.
Ronald tilted his head slightly.
"Train?"
"He's training to become a race horse and a fine good one at that. My father picked a good stallion to father him."
Ronald looked over at the black colt. He couldn't believe it that the playfully young horse was training to be a great race horse.
"Hard to tell. He's a mischievous boy." He said before jumping the fence. He pat Lighting one last time before walking to the barn with William.
Will nodded. He looked down at the blond and saw the forming bags under his eyes.
"You better get some rest." He said after patting Prince a final time, "Sleep well."
Ronald watched William as he walked to the huge house. He let out a huge yawn as he dragged himself out of the barn and into the servants' house. He flopped down on his bed and quickly fell asleep.
