Chapter 1

Sam P.O.V

It was yet, like always another chilly winter morning on River Bend Ranch in Nevada. Sam had just gotten her boots on and headed out to tend to her morning chores before she had to get ready to meet Jen at the bus stop. She quickly jogged into the chicken pen and collected eggs, checking that they also had enough grain and if the water heater was working well. She brought the egg basket in the house and put it on the counter so Gram could put them away. She still had 5 minutes before she had to start getting ready, so she went out to the barn to say hi to her favorite pony in the whole wide world.

"Hey baby boy.." Sam cooed at Ace he had his head over the stall enjoying the forehead rub Sam was offering him.

"You talkin' to me or that horse again?" Jake walked around the corner with flakes of hay in his arms , then tossed them into Strawberry's stall. He turned and had that teasing look in his eyes.

"Oh please, you know who I'm talking to" I turned around from ace to put my hands on my hips and stare at Jake who in turn snorted at my sassy position, then quickly kissing her on the lips. "You're gonna make me late for school ya know, I'd love to stay here ..but... I don't think my dad would appreciate it..." Sam said as she thought back to the recent happenings. Sam WAS happy though that Jake was starting to get more courage when it was coming to their relationship... but their relationship was still undefined since she's 15, almost 16! I sang to myself in my head.

"Well ya better get going then..." He trailed off. He was about to kiss me again when Ross came walking in the barn getting ready to head out this morning for fence check. Jake quickly leaned back and carried on with the feeding. Ross nodded at us as he walked by. Jake smiled and turned around to continue his work as I heading into the house to get ready for school .

Sam was staring out the bus window looking at the desert and playa rushing by her. She already wished this day was over. She had an Algebra 2 test today which she for sure sis not look forward to. But she did look forward to her only class with Jake. Biology. Jake wanted to take another years Biology course since it would help him since for college he will be studying farming and agriculture. The thought of him leaving for college made Sams heart fall. She would have to make the best of the time she spends with him before he leaves she promised herself.

Her and Jenn were walking out of Spanish class, which also happened to be their last class of the day. I don't think I flunked the Algebra test but I don't think I did the best either...

"So... how are things between you and Jake? I mean... ya know... he can't keep his eyes off you lately... and, well... has he asked you out yet?" Jenn asked me while I waved at Jake as he got into his truck and drove off.

"Well, my dad won't let me "officially" date till i'm 16. Just 2 more weeks..." I trailed off. " I don't know what will happen between me and Jake, I mean, don't get me wrong, I would love to try to be in a relationship with him but, he's going to be going off to college soon..."

"Oh Samantha Anne you sush. I know you guys can work it out, and I've never seen Jake talk to another girl unless he had to. Ever. Thats so... un – Jakish. I think your the one for him if you might as me.." she looked at me with a smirk. "Even though we are natural enemies... whenever you talk to him, your in a good mood for the rest of the day"

"Oh will you hush up Jenn. 1. Were not even dating. 2. JENN! Come on! Just cause I wanna go out with him doesn't mean were meant for each other." I told her as I shoved her with my shoulder. We were now heading into the bus for the ride home.

Jake didn't stop by later that day at River Bend since he was busy at Three Ponies. I was pretty sad when he didn't come, but I'll see him soon, right? I decided to take Ace out for a ride since he's been whinnying at me since I walked over the bridge arriving from school.

Ace and I were galloping towards the Secret Valley before I even knew it. Ace knew where I wanted to go. When we were getting close to the cave for the entrance I dismounted Ace and lead him thru the tunnel. When I got thru the end of the tunnel I was in Awe. It hits me everytime I walk thru the cave, the vast open space and the beauty of the valley. All colors of horses, roans, black, greys, sorrels, all of them. They all have there furry winter coats as well and it was cute to see them. Instantly I saw Zanzibar troting towards me in his glory. I could see he was healthy and so was his band.

"Zanzibar..." I walked a couple steps to meet him to where he had stopped. He dipped his head down in acknowledgment. I decided today I would just run my fingers thru his mane and rub his neck on his favorite spot. We stayed like that for several minutes before he perked his head up to look at a black horse standing at the top of the Secret Valley over the cliff. Then I realized it was witch, with out a doubt there was smug old Jake sitting along her staring down at the valley. Zanzibar went galloping off back to his heard as I went to collect Ace who was ground tied. I'm happy that Jake kept his secret about not telling anyone about the Secret Valley, and I don't mind at all that he came here today. He was the only person I trusted with this secret, one of the biggest secrets of my life.

"What kept ya busy at Three Ponies this afternoon?" I asked as we rode along in silence side by side back down the mountainside.

"We had to stay and help bring hay out to the cattle in the far pasture. The cold wind and snow has been rough on 'em." He spoke. Jake wasn't himself at the moment, he was concentrating on Witches mane a lot more than normal, like it was the greatest thing in the world, but it was roached?

"You okay over there? Your staring at Witches roached mane like its the most amazing thing in the world over there in your little bubble." I teased him. Me saying that got him to look up in embarrassment and rub his hand on the back of his neck... Typical Jake I thought to myself.

"Nothin'. Just thinkin' bout something" He trailed off as he started concentrating on something else.

Jake P.O.V

Little did she know what I was thinking about...