A/N: Thanks to my awesome beta, bzeemomof4, I'm able to get this chapter up sooner than I anticipated. She was a little shocked the other day when I sent her 50 pages to edit, but she got it done really quick, so she only had a little bit to edit for this chapter. The next chapter may be a week or so out. I've got some family things to do and some beta work of my own to get done, plus my beta is going on a camping trip this weekend, so it will be a while until we can finish up the next chapter. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and it holds you over until I can get the next one up. :) Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing. I can't express how happy it makes me when I read reviews.
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the characters involved, Stephenie Meyer does.
We headed out across the field together. Neither of us talked for a while as we rode out into the woods. We slowed when the ground got harder to navigate. I watched Midnight closely, following behind me and Apple. He didn't seem bothered by the trip at all.
"Why did you want a saddle on him?" I asked.
"He needs to learn what it's like to have something on his back. Next, I'll be draping two seed bags across his back, so he can feel the weight of someone being on him."
"So why did you want him to come on this ride with us?" I questioned further.
"I want to know if he's willing to follow you no matter how hard it might be. I want to know if he's going to get spooked at all or if he's going to trust you. I also want to know how well you would do, trying to navigate and handle more than you were used to," he explained.
"Where are we going?"
"You have a lot of questions today," he countered, grinning at me.
"I'm only curious."
"I'm taking you to a place I want you to see," he answered. I didn't ask any more questions. He didn't seem willing to give me more than what he'd already told me anyway.
We went far into the woods, farther than I'd ever been before. He was right when he said it was going to be hard to get there. We went far past the boundary of my dad's property. I wished I knew where he was taking me.
"Here it is," he announced, looking out upon the open field in front of us. It wasn't anything special. It looked much like my dad's property. It was just an open field surrounded by trees and a rundown old barn sitting in the middle.
"What is this place?" I asked.
"It's what I plan to buy someday. I'm going to turn it into an animal rescue place. I want to be able to take in animals, which have been abused or neglected. Or just animals people don't want or can't care for anymore. And not just horses, all sorts of animals. I want to be able to invite schools or the public in general, to come out and I'll teach them how to care for animals properly and how to live off the land." I watched as he talked about his dreams. He looked so happy and enthusiastic while talking. "Come on I want to show you." We rode onto the property and down near the barn. He got off his horse and wrapped the lead around the pole. I did the same with Apple and Midnight. He reached for my hand and led me towards the barn. I stopped him before we stepped inside. It didn't look safe to be walking in.
He stopped, turning back to me. "What if this collapses on us?" I asked, nervously looking at the structure.
"Bella, would ever put you in danger?" He asked. I shook my head, knowing he wouldn't. "Then come on." He pulled on my hand and I followed him in. We walked under a fallen rafter and into the open area of the decaying barn.
"I plan to fix this up and build a little apartment above it, just like I have now. I already have Chester who would keep me company out here all be myself. Eventually I'm sure I'll get a few more animals to care for and look after. Out there I can plant a garden and maybe even make a little money off of it. It's got excellent soil and lots of potential," he explained. I smiled at his plans. He seemed to have everything thought out and knowing who he was, he'd make it happen. "I've been saving money for years. A couple times it's been close to selling, but it always seems to fall through. I have the money for the down payment and to get it started on my own, but I guess I'm just scared to take the next step. I know your dad would help me out and probably let me keep my job there with him for as long as I needed. I guess I'm just afraid of failing."
I walked closer to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. He looked down into my eyes, pushing my hair back off my shoulders. "I know you can do it. You're a strong person and you don't let anything hold you back from what you want. Just go for it Edward." He smirked, leaning down kissing me. I tightened my grip around his neck, deepening the kiss. His hands traced along my back, lifting at the hem of my shirt. I lifted my arms, allowing him to remove my shirt from me. He rested his hands at the base of my neck, while I undid the zipper of his pants.
He slowly lowered us to the dirty floor. He laid on top of me, kissing down my neck and across my chest. I arched my back, letting him have better access to my body and remove my bra. His lips traced across my nipples, one by one, before darting his tongue out just barely licking each one. It drove me crazy with need for him. I could feel his smile against my skin as he made a trail of kisses down to my belly button and to the hemline of my jeans. He undid my zipper, pulling my pants down and off each leg one by one.
He sat up on his knees, looking down at my exposed body. He took one finger, tracing a line from my belly button down to my clit, rubbing against it, roughly. I bucked my hips into his hand, urging him on.
He wrapped his arms around my back, lifting me up to him and kissed me fully on the mouth. He nuzzled into my neck, biting and sucking gently. I settled into his lap, wrapping my legs around him. I brushed his hair back, twisting my fingers around the hair at the base of his neck. He closed his eyes, moaning. I leaned in, gently kissing his forehead, his eyes, his cheeks, until I reached his lips. My lips lingered against his, as I traced his lips with my tongue. His hold around my waist tightened.
"Fuck, Bella… You are driving me crazy. I need you so bad," he breathed.
I hummed, slowly moving to his ear. I sucked his earlobe into my mouth, softly biting down. "You have me," I whispered. I leaned back, just a little, looking him in the eyes, telling him everything he needed to know. His lips consumed mine with a passionate kiss, moving us both so he could have better access. I gave myself freely to him, letting him do what he wanted. I loved him and I wanted to be only his. I could hear him reaching for his pants, searching for a condom. I wanted to tell him not to worry about it, but I knew it was what he needed. As soon as he had the condom, he pulled his pants down a little more than they already were and rolled the condom onto his erect penis. He lifted my hips, lowering me on to him, slowly. I moaned as he filled me. My eyelids fluttered and my mouth hung open at the feel of him being inside of me. He rolled my hips, bringing me closer to him.
I wrapped my arms around him and tightened my legs. He placed his hands on my lower back, beginning to thrust slowly into me. He was slow and tender letting me feel every move he made. Our bodies rocked together as one. He had one hand wrapped around my waist, guiding me on him, as the other held the back of my head. His lips never left mine more than a few seconds to get a breath in. As the orgasm built, I clenched my legs around his waist, pulling myself even further on him. He let out a low moan, releasing into me. He fell backwards, laying back on the floor and taking me with him. He wouldn't release his arms around me.
I rested my head against his chest as he gently caressed my back with his fingers. We were both panting, coming down from the pleasure we had experienced.
We laid there on the dirty floor of this old, rickety barn, not caring about anything in the world, but each other. I wanted it to be this way forever, just him and me, and nothing else.
"Have you talked to my dad about this place?" I asked.
"No," he replied. I sat up, leaning against his chest, looking down at him.
""Why not?"
"I haven't told anyone about this place. You're the first person I've ever brought out here," he disclosed. I felt a sudden twinge of pride at his reveal. It meant a lot to me knowing I was the only one he wanted to share this place with.
He sat up, grabbing for his shirt and pants. I did the same, realizing he must be getting ready to go back. He stepped outside, retrieving the horses without saying a word. He seemed upset or angry about something. I didn't understand it.
"Did I do or say something wrong?" I asked, following him out.
"Why would you think that?" He asked, handing me the reins for Apple.
"You seem upset. Are you afraid I'm going to tell my dad about this place or something? If you are, you don't have to worry, I won't say a word."
"That's not what's wrong," he answered.
"Then what is it?"
"It's nothing. I was just thinking and got a little lost in thought." I knew he was lying. I couldn't figure out what was wrong, but something was bothering him. He helped me up onto Apple and passed Midnight's reins to me before mounting Chester and leading the way back. Neither of us said much on the way back. There was an odd tension between us and I didn't know why.
Just as my dad's house came into view, I decided to speak up. "I think you should go for it. I think you should try to buy the property and get it running the way you want to. What do you have to lose?" He glanced in my direction, smirking.
"Maybe I will," he laughed. He didn't have much confidence in his response, but I didn't want to push him into something he wasn't ready to do.
"So when we get back are you going to let me ride Midnight?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Not tonight," he answered. "We'll start tomorrow."
"Is that your plan? Put it off each day until I stop asking or I give up?" I asked, angrily. He stopped his horse, turning towards me. I stopped as well waiting for a response.
"I'm not putting it off," he countered. "He's had a big day and if you attempt to ride him tonight, he's not going to be happy."
"So what excuse are you going to have tomorrow?" I argued. He groaned, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. He rode off, not giving me an answer to my question. I followed behind, riding up to the barn.
My dad stepped out of the barn, just as we were getting off the horses. "I wondered what happened to you two," he said.
"I wanted to see how Midnight and Bella would do on some tough terrain. I'm not sure either of them, are ready yet," Edward answered.
I crossed my arms against my chest glaring at the back of his head. Midnight and I both did fine, yet now he's telling my dad we aren't ready. I could feel my anger towards him rising inside of me again.
"Why are we not ready?" I asked. They both ignored my question.
"I need to prepare Midnight for the added weight and I think it would be a good idea to get Bella some better riding clothes," Edward added.
"I think you have a good point there," my dad said, looking me over. "I'll take Bella shopping tomorrow to find something more suitable." He walked back into the barn, leaving Edward and I alone. He glanced in my direction, nervously. I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Come on," he insisted, tilting his head for me to follow. I took in a deep breath, following behind with Apple and Midnight in tow. "Go put Apple away and meet me in Midnight's stall when you're done." I rolled my eyes, but did as he asked. I got Apple put away quickly and took Midnight back to his stall, waiting for Edward to show up.
A few minutes later he walked in carrying a strange pack type thing. It looked heavy but I didn't know what it was or why he had it. He walked over to me holding it out for me to take. He draped it across my arms and I about fell over from the weight.
"This is a saddle bag filled with grass seed. It's heavy because it needs to represent the weight of a human. Now go put it on his back," he demanded. I glared at him briefly, before doing as he asked. I struggled getting it up on his back. Midnight didn't like what I was trying to do and kept stepping away from me. I couldn't hold him still and lift it up on his back all at the same time. Finally Edward came over, taking the bag from me and did it for me, with such ease. I was about to argue with him, telling him I would have eventually got it, but before I had a chance, Edward grabbed my hips and yanked me away, leaving the stall. I looked back and Midnight was thrashing and kicking all over the place. He wasn't happy and wanted that thing off his back. I wanted to go in and help him, but Edward held me back.
"If you tried to get up on him now that would be you he'd be bucking off," he pointed out. "He isn't going to stop to think about who it is on his back. He isn't going to care. He's just going to kick. He needs to get used to the weight first. I'll be keeping this on him all night and hopefully by the time you get back tomorrow, he'll be calmed down a little and we can try. But you need to be aware of what he's going to do. This isn't a walk in the park. This is going to rough and you're going to get hurt, no matter how much preparation either of you have." He walked away, leaving me alone to watch Midnight in so much distress. I started to understand why he was being cautious.
My dad walked up behind me, looking in on Midnight. "I know you don't like hearing this, but Edward knows what he's doing. You need to trust him. I've never trained horses before. I was always used to them bucking. But Edward has trained so many of these horses here. He's even done side jobs for neighbors, helping out with their horses. He's good at what he does. Chester was probably twice as bad as Midnight is. He was a wild mustang who came from over in Wyoming. He was captured and at the time had a bum leg. Vets took him in and fixed him up, but he'd been away from the herd for too long and they wouldn't let him back in. So he got passed around from ranch to ranch and somehow along the way he ended up here. He was a wild one when he came, but Edward knew exactly what to do. It took him months to get him to the point where Midnight is with you. I think it took over a year of constant attention and training to get Chester to where he is now. He's such a gentle horse, you would have never imagined he came from the background he did." Edward had never told me any of this about Chester. I knew my dad had pretty much given Chester to Edward, but I never knew why. Chester and Edward had the same type of connection as Midnight and I did.
I stayed out, watching Midnight for well into the night. I was so afraid he'd get hurt with all the thrashing around he was doing. I wanted to remove the bags from him so badly, but I knew he'd never be able to be ridden if I gave in.
My dad came out a few times, bringing me something to eat or a sweater as it started to cool down. Eventually he told me he was going to bed for the night, but understood if I wanted to stay out and watch over Midnight. He did warn me to be careful and whatever happened I was not to go into the stall. I was to get him or Edward to help.
I hadn't seen Edward since he explained why we had to do this to Midnight, so I was a little surprised when he came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. He leaned into my shoulder, kissing me on the neck. "Come on, let's go to bed," he urged.
I shook my head. "I can't leave him. What if he gets hurt?"
"He'll be fine, Bella. In a few hours he'll start to calm down and get used to the extra weight. By morning he'll be fine," he explained.
"Won't he be exhausted tomorrow?" I asked, leaning back against his chest.
"He probably will. If I had my way, I'd leave the weights on his back for a good week, before I'd let someone attempt to ride him. But I know you're anxious to ride him so I'm giving in to prevent you from being angry at me."
I looked in on Midnight, watching him circle his stall, kicking up the hay and shaking his head uncontrollably. He wasn't ready for me to ride him. He needed more time. I didn't want to hurt him. "We can wait a little longer. But I want to be riding him before my birthday. My mom's going to be here in a couple weeks and she's throwing me this huge party in Seattle. I want to be done by then." I left out the part about me going back home. I'm sure he knew I had no intention on staying, but it wasn't something I was willing to discuss with him, just yet.
"Am I invited?" He whispered.
"Why wouldn't you be?" I asked, turning around in his arms.
He sighed, brushing my hair back and resting his hands on my shoulders. "I just wasn't sure if you would want to tell all your friends you associate with me."
"I don't care what any of them think. I'll be inviting you, Jake and of course my dad." He grinned, leaning in to kiss me softly on the lips. He reached down grabbing my hand and led me up to his room. We crawled into his bed and I settled into his arms, falling asleep almost instantly.
In the morning, I was awoken by my dad shaking my arm. I jumped, when I realized it was him. My heart was beating so fast, as I searched around, trying to make sense of where I was.
I was laying just outside of Midnight's stall with a blanket draped over me. I didn't know how I got there or where the blanket came from. The last thing I remembered was falling asleep in Edward's arms in his room.
"You must have fallen asleep out here last night," my dad observed. I crawled up off the ground, looking into Midnight's stall. Edward was in there with him, removing the pack. He was definitely a lot calmer, but he looked so tired. I walked around my dad, stepping into the stall and rushed over to Midnight. I leaned my head against his, petting him and telling him it was okay. He seemed to calm even more once I was there.
"I'm going to give him few hours to rest. I'll put the seed pack back on in a little while," Edward said. I nodded my head in understanding. He stepped out and said something to my dad, but I couldn't hear him.
"What's going on?" I heard Jake ask. I figured he must have just arrived for the day. Edward walked away, letting my dad fill Jake in on what happened. I stayed with Midnight, reassuring him it was okay.
"Bella, you really should try to sleep for a couple hours. I'm sure you're just as exhausted as Midnight is after being out here all night. You both could use some rest," my dad suggested.
"I'm fine dad. I want to stay with Midnight," I argued. I actually slept really well considering I was with Edward, but my dad didn't know that.
"Why don't we go for a ride, Bella?" Jake offered. "I can get Apple ready for you."
"I don't want to go on a ride. I want to stay here."
"Bella, if you stay in there, he's not going to rest," Edward warned. "He's okay now. He knows you're here and you didn't leave him, now he needs to rest." I looked at him with pleading eyes, but I knew he was right. I sighed in defeat, giving Midnight one last pat before walking out.
"Would you like to go shopping Bella?" My dad asked. "I'm kind of busy until this afternoon, but I could have Jake take you right now if you want to go right away. He knows where to go to get the best riding gear." I glanced toward Jake, who looked overly excited.
"I think you may be right, dad. I am a little tired. I think I'll lie down for a while and maybe this afternoon you and I could go." I noticed Jake looked upset, but more than anything I noticed Edward's smirk.
"You'll watch him, right?" I asked Edward, looking up in his eyes. He nodded his head.
"I'll be close by. If anything happens, I'll let you know right away," he answered. "But Bella, like I said, he needs rest and so do you. He's going to be fine." I nodded my head, walking past all of them and walked to the house.
I did sleep for a couple hours before being awoken by my phone.
"Hello," I answered groggily.
"Bella," Alice squealed. "I just got off the phone with your mom. She said she's throwing you a huge birthday party in Seattle. I'm so excited. I've never been to Seattle. Rosalie and I are coming in a few days before the party. You'll have to show us around and take us to all the hot spots."
"Alice, I'm not in Seattle. I've only been into Seattle once since I've been here. I don't know where any hot spots are."
"You're kidding right?" She asked, sounding shocked. "What have you been doing all summer then? I can't imagine you've been sitting around your dad's house all summer by yourself," she wondered.
"I've been finding stuff to keep myself busy," I answered, vaguely.
"Well, we'll just have to explore everything together. I'm looking forward to the trip. Oh, Rosalie and I were talking, and we were thinking as soon as you turn eighteen, you'll be free to do as you please, so we want to plan a trip to Italy for your birthday present. Wouldn't it be so much fun if the three of us spent a month in Tuscany? We would have a blast. Italian boys are hot too." I could tell Alice was excited about this trip, she and Rose were planning. It did sound like fun, but the minute she mentioned it, I got a sharp pain in my chest at the thought of leaving. Could I leave Midnight behind? Could I leave Edward?
"It sounds like fun Alice. I'm sure we would have a lot of fun," I agreed, unenthusiastically. "I should go. I just woke up and I need a shower."
"Okay sweetie. I'll see you in a couple weeks." Alice and I hung up the phone and instead of taking a shower I rushed outside to check on Midnight. My dad's truck was gone, so I figured he had left. I wasn't sure where Jake or Edward was, but at the moment I didn't care. I just wanted to see Midnight.
I went into Midnight's stall and walked over to him. He perked up as soon as he saw me. I rushed over to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. I felt like crying, thinking about what he'd been through during the night and also the thought of leaving him.
I thought about asking my dad if I could take him with me. I'm sure I could find somewhere close to home, I could keep him. Maybe I could even ask Phil to build a barn on the property. I could take care of him. If I could ride him and prove to everyone he was my horse and we were connected, I'm sure I could talk all of them in to letting me bring him with me.
"He's doing a lot better," Edward said from behind me. "He's happy to see you though." I turned around, smiling at him.
"What happened last night?" I asked. He walked into the stall, patting Midnight on the back. He flinched and took a step back.
"I knew you never went in the house last night. I figured the best thing to do is make it appear you were out here all night and you fell asleep by the stall. Around four, I carried you down here and wrapped the blanket around you. You must have been really tired, because you didn't even stir as I carried you down," he explained.
"Thank you," I said. "Not only for taking care of me, but for taking care of him too." He smiled, lifting his hand and brushing his knuckles across my cheek. He leaned in, kissing me. I wasn't sure where my dad or Jake were, or if they could see us, but I didn't care.
Midnight wasn't too happy with Edward kissing me though. Suddenly Edward broke the kiss and stepped back, rubbing his head. "Owe," he expressed. "He just hit me on the head." I started laughing. "He's definitely got some jealousy issues. I've never had a horse as competition before." He smirked.
"I guess we'll have to hide things from him too like we do everyone else," I suggested.
"Maybe we will." I chuckled, lightly, before leaving the stall. I turned back to Midnight, petting his nose.
I stayed with Midnight for most of the day. My dad didn't get back until late afternoon and said if I still wanted to go shopping we could, but he looked exhausted, so I told him we could go some other time. I wasn't planning to ride Midnight for a few more days so it would be okay. He seemed really happy about not going anywhere else for the day.
Edward gave Midnight the night off of the weights, but first thing the next morning, he put them back on. He did get upset again and started kicking, but he seemed to accept it a lot sooner than he did the day before.
We did this for four days and by the fourth day he didn't even seemed bothered by the added weight. Edward asked me to bring him out to the yard with the weights still on. He wanted me to be close to him and see if he would listen to commands with the weights on. He did so well at listening to me and following me every more. I was so proud of him. Even my dad and Edward seemed shocked by his tolerance.
"You need to get some proper attire," Edward announced at the end of the day. He smiled this sly, crooked smile. "You're riding him tomorrow."
I grinned excitedly. "You're serious? I get to ride him tomorrow?"
"We'll try it. He's probably going to buck you off the first couple times, but we'll try." I wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. He told me to go tell my dad and have him take me into town.
My dad agreed to drive me into town and brought me to this little store that provided a vast assortment of riding equipment and clothing. Some of the stuff was definitely for show. I just needed the basics. I just wanted to get this over with so I could ride him. I had to pick out a pair of thick wrangler jeans. I found a pair of bright pink cowboy boots and I had to have them. Edward would get a kick out of them too. I got a pair of riding gloves and I had to have a long sleeve shirt. The last thing my dad insisted on me wearing was a riding helmet and shoulder and knee pads. I felt like I was three years old again and learning how to ride a bike. If my dad had his way, he probably would have wrapped me up in bubble wrap before I was able to try to get on Midnight.
After we were done shopping, my dad took me out to dinner. I ordered a salad, since it was a small diner with not a lot of options. But when the salad came, I was surprised how big it actually was.
"So you and Edward seem to be getting along really well lately," my dad observed, making casual conversation while we ate.
"I guess so," I shrugged.
"What do you think of Edward?" He wondered.
"What do you mean, what do I think of him?"
"Do you think he's a good trainer? Have you learned anything from him?" He questioned.
"I've learned a lot from him. He's been really great with Midnight. I know we bicker a lot, but I know he's just trying to help, so I do my best to listen and trust his judgment," I explained.
He nodded his head, skeptically. I was sure he could see right through me and he knew exactly how I felt about Edward. I needed to change the subject.
"I don't think I mentioned it yet, but mom is planning on coming to Seattle in about a week and she's throwing me a birthday party. Would you come?" I asked, nervously. The last time my dad came to one of my birthday parties, I was around 5 years old. I looked up at him through my lashes, waiting for a response.
He grinned. "I'd love to come, Bella. Thanks for inviting me."
"It won't be weird with mom and Phil being there?" I asked. I haven't seen my parent's in the same room since my mom and I left. I wasn't sure how well this would go now.
"Bella, your mom and I have been divorced for a long time. What happened between us is ancient history. We can be in the same room without fighting," he assured.
"Do you think it would be okay if I invited Edward and Jake?" I asked.
"I'm sure they both would appreciate the invitation." The smile on his face made me really suspicious if he knew. Maybe he knew all along and didn't say anything. Part of me wanted to be honest with him and just admit to what was going on between Edward and I, but I didn't.
As soon as we got back, I ran out to check on Midnight. He still had the saddle and the weights on, but he was fine. He wasn't upset or kicking at all. He was resting peacefully. His head shot up as soon as he saw me though.
I didn't go inside, but he came to me instead. I rubbed his nose, smiling at him.
"Tomorrow it's all you and me, Midnight. We have to prove to them, we belong together. Try not to kill me okay?" He tipped his head towards me, like he was agreeing with me. I hoped so bad he understood.
I went to bed that night with so much anticipation, I couldn't sleep. Edward told me to stay in the house so I could get some good sleep, but I guess he didn't realize I slept better being with him, than I did by myself.
Eventually, I did get some sleep, but bright and early the next morning I was up and had everything I needed to wear on. I rushed downstairs and my dad stared at me in shock.
"You're up early," he laughed.
"I want to get started as soon as possible," I said. I grabbed an apple off the counter and rushed outside. I walked into the barn, spotting Edward right away. He did a double take when he saw me.
I smirked. "Is this proper attire for you, Edward?" He made a quick glance behind me, before grabbing my arm and pulling me into a covered area. He took my face in his hands, tilting it up and pressed his lips against mine forcefully. The kiss went on and on. I wasn't sure he was ever going to stop. I knew my dad and Jake would be out soon and probably catch us. I wasn't sure Edward even cared at the moment.
"Do you have any idea how sexy you look right now?" He asked, brushing his nose across my chin.
"I look ridiculous," I laughed.
He shook his head, moaning into my neck. "No, you are absolutely, undeniably, the most beautiful girl I've ever known. And this outfit is going to drive me crazy today. I'm going to have the hardest time keeping it in today."
I laughed, pushing on his chest playfully. He laughed, taking my lips in his once again. He pulled away, walking back over to where he was and picked up the ropes. He handed me them. "Go get him," he ordered. I smiled, rushing down to his stall. I walked in and got him ready, before bringing him out to the corral, Edward had set up. My dad and Jake leaned up against the fence as I walked in and led Midnight over to Edward.
He smiled, taking the reins from me. "I love the boots, by the way," he whispered. I smiled, knowing he would.
"Okay, first of all, he's going to buck you off. I'm just letting you know. It's inevitable. So the best thing to do is hold on as long as you can, but when you hit the ground, you can't stay there. You risk getting stepped on. You have to get off the ground as fast as you can and run to the side. I'll do my best to hold him here, but I have just about as much control as you do. We'll keep trying until he allows you to ride him. Eventually he should give in. But don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. It could take a few days for him to let you stay on him," he explained. I nodded my head in understanding.
Edward held on to the rope connected to him, holding him still as best he could. I grabbed the reins, putting my pink boot in the stirrup. I glanced at Edward one last time to be sure he was ready. He nodded his head once, answering my silent question. I gave myself a little push and pulled myself up on his back. I was only up for about two seconds before Midnight stood up on his hind legs and whinnied loudly. I fell to the ground in a heap. I laid there for a second as the pain of falling rushed through my body.
"Bella, get up," Edward shouted. I jumped to my feet as quickly as I could, remembering what he had warned me not to do. I stumbled to the side, holding on to the bar of the corral to catch my breath. Edward shot me a warning glance. I looked at him apologetically.
"Bella, are you okay?" My dad called.
"I'm fine," I answered. "Let's do it again."
"Give him a minute," Edward instructed. "He needs to calm down before you jump back on him."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself too. We waited a few minutes before trying again. "You have to remember to get out of the way. You don't have a second to think about the pain," he warned gruffly.
"Okay," I agreed, harshly. He sighed heavily, shaking his head.
"You are going to be the death of me," he whispered, covertly. I smiled.
He stepped back, holding the rope tightly and handed me the reins. "Whenever you're ready," he said. I put my foot in the stirrup once again, lifting my leg over and sitting down in the saddle. This time, I was able to get seated, but once again he lifted up on his hind legs. I squeezed the reins at tight as I could and clenched my legs around him.
"Hold on. Don't let go," Edward shouted. I closed my eyes, holding on with all my might as Midnight lifted me up on his back time after time. He was mad, I could tell. He wanted me off of him. I let go and once again fell to the ground. I jumped up as fast as I could and ran to the side.
Edward got Midnight under control once again, before turning to me. "You almost had it. Why did you let go?" He shouted angrily.
"He didn't want me on him. I had to let go," I shouted back.
"Of course, he doesn't want you on him. But you're never going to ride him unless you show him whose boss. You can't give him the power. You have to be the one in control and he needs to know that. If you give in, he's always going to buck you off," he shouted back.
"Don't get mad at me. I've never done this. I don't know what I'm doing, you're supposed to be helping me, not yelling at me when I screw up," I yelled. He grumbled.
"Edward," my dad called. "Easy." He took a cleansing breath, nodding his head to my dad's warning. I raised an eyebrow at him, placing my hands on my hips.
"Maybe if you weren't yelling at me while I'm trying to do this, he wouldn't be so quick to kick me off. You know he doesn't like it when you're around me to begin with. I'm sure yelling at me for every mistake I make is not helping his attitude," I said. Edward glanced at me with wide eyes. I hadn't realized what I said until after I said it. I definitely made a huge mistake.
"Just pay attention," Edward warned.
We continued with the same thing for most of the day. My dad and Jake watched most of the time. I really felt like if I didn't have them watching I could do this, but I couldn't exactly ask everyone to go away.
By the end of the day, I still wasn't able to stay on him more than a few seconds before I fell off. Edward finally said we were done enough for the day and told me to get cleaned up. He led Midnight back to the barn and to get him cleaned up and fed.
"Don't get discouraged, Bella," my dad said, draping an arm across my shoulders as we walked back towards the house. "You may never be able to ride him. Some horses just can't be broken."
"I'll ride him, dad. I'm not giving up until I can ride him." He smiled, nodding his head, in acceptance of what I said.
I walked upstairs and started the water in the tub. I needed to soak my sore muscles. I glanced in the mirror and didn't even recognize myself. I was filthy and a complete mess. I stripped down, settling into the hot water to relax. Every muscle and joint in my body hurt.
I soaked in the water until it was almost cold. I crawled out and put some pajamas on before crawling under the covers and falling asleep.
The next morning, I couldn't even get out of bed. I was so stiff. I slowly crawled out of bed and put clothes on for the day. I slowly walked downstairs and out to the barn.
"You look horrible, Bella," Jake expressed, once I came into view.
"Thanks," I said sarcastically.
"Oh wow," my dad gasped as I came into his view. "Bella, maybe you shouldn't do this today. I think you need a day or two of rest."
"I'm fine."
"You have dark circles under your eyes and a pretty bad bruise and scrape across your cheek," my dad pointed out. I don't want you getting hurt even more."
"Dad," I shouted. "I said I was fine. I'm going to ride him."
Edward came around the corner leading Midnight out. He stopped in his tracks when he saw me. His mouth hung open in astonishment. He'd looked at me that way before, but this time, I didn't think it was because he thought I looked nice.
"I know, I look like shit," I exclaimed, rolling my eyes. "I've already had that fact pointed out to me by two other people." I walked over, taking the reins from him and led Midnight out to the corral. Edward followed behind me.
"You still look beautiful," he whispered, behind me. His small statement made me smile and gave me that little boost of confidence to keep trying.
Once again we started the day with me trying to get up on his back. Time after time I got bucked off and fell to the ground. Edward and my dad tried to get me to stop so many times, but I wouldn't. I wanted to do this, even if it killed me. They said I was stubborn many times; and maybe I was, but I saw it more as determined.
By the end of the week, I was exhausted and bruised from head to toe; I was starting to give up. I didn't think it was ever going to be possible to ride Midnight. Maybe he'd be better off if no one ever rode him. But if I couldn't ride him, would I be able to keep him?
"I've got a bunch of paperwork to get done today," my dad announced on Saturday morning, while we were sitting at the table. "Are you planning to do anything today?"
"I'm working with Midnight," I replied.
"You haven't given up yet?" He asked.
"Not yet," I answered. I got up from the table and headed out to the barn. I walked into Midnight's stall, preparing him for another day of attempting to ride him. He seemed a little more relaxed today. I hoped today would finally be the day.
I got him ready and led him out to the corral once again. I patted him and talked to him a little bit while I waited for Edward.
He came out a few minutes later, and walked towards me. I smiled, when I saw him. "Are you ready?" I asked.
"Bella, I'm not sure this is going to work," he said, cautiously. "He isn't ready for this and you aren't strong enough to hold on to him to show him whose boss. You have no training what-so-ever and both of you are exhausted and hurting."
I glared at him. "I've told you before not to tell me I can't do something. I will ride him," I asserted.
"Think about what's best for him, Bella. He doesn't need this extra stress. Hasn't he gone through enough in his life?"
"If you don't want to help me then stay out of my way," I shouted. "I'll do it myself. I led him out to the middle of the corral, steadying him in front of me. Seconds before I pulled myself up, I heard Edward sigh and walk over to me.
"Without help you only risk getting yourself killed. If you aren't going to be reasonable, I have no choice but to help you," he said. He grabbed the rope from my hands, holding him steady. I put my foot in the stirrup and pulled my leg around him. I held on to the reins as tight as I could and clenched my legs around him. He started whinnying and circling, but he wasn't bucking. This was a first.
"That's it, Bella. Don't let go," Edward shouted. As soon as Edward shouted, Midnight jumped, and threw me off. I landed on the ground, hitting my head on a rock.
"Bella," Edward shouted. He let go of the rope, and ran towards me. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." I sat up, brushing myself off.
Edward let out a frustrated sigh. "You're bleeding," he pointed out. He removed his shirt, wiping the blood away from my head. "I should get you in the house and cleaned up."
"No, I'm fine. It's just a little blood. I want to go again," I said.
"Damn it Bella! Why do you have to be so stubborn? You're hurt, we can try again tomorrow. Take a day off."
"I wouldn't be hurt if you wouldn't have yelled. He was doing fine until you opened your mouth," I explained. "You scared him and he panicked. Just let me try again and this time, don't talk."
He stood to his feet reaching out his hand for me. I took his hand and pulled myself up to my feet. I dusted myself off, while Edward went to retrieve Midnight.
Once again, Edward steadied him in the middle. I took the reins and put my foot in the stirrup. "This time, please keep your mouth shut. I can do this." He nodded his head, but I could tell he was frustrated with me.
I pulled myself up once again and held on tight. Midnight got a little scared right at first. "It's okay Midnight. We're okay," I called. After he heard my voice, he calmed down tremendously.
"That's it, Bella," Edward said, quietly. I glared and shushed him. He smirked.
"Good job, Midnight. You're doing excellent." I patted his neck and smiled down at Edward. "See I told you he just needed you to be quiet."
"I'll be sure to keep it down from now on," Edward agreed. "Now see if he'll follow commands with you on him." I pulled to the left and he followed. I tried out every command I had been teaching him over the last couple weeks. A few he wasn't quite sure and hesitated a lot, but eventually he did seem to follow my every command and do as I asked. I was so proud of him. I was proud of myself too for accomplishing this. I couldn't believe I had done exactly what I wanted to do.
I worked with Midnight for most of the day, giving him commands and teaching him new things. He took to everything so quickly and listened to me so well. He never once bucked me off or seemed distressed with what I was doing.
I stopped Midnight right in front of Edward, smiling down at him. He looked up at me with so much relief and pride in his eyes. I hopped down and jumped in his arms, squealing with excitement. He chuckled, lifting me off the ground and swinging me around. "You did it, Bella. You did exactly what you were meant to do. I'm so proud of you," he expressed.
"I have to tell my dad. He's going to be so excited," I said.
"Wait," Edward said, grabbing my hand to stop me. "I have a better idea. Why don't you go ask him if he wants to go on a ride with you? Don't tell him it's with Midnight. I'll get his horse ready for him."
"Do you think Midnight will be okay going for a ride so soon?" I wondered.
"I think he'll be fine. Just don't go too far."
"Okay," I smiled. I turned to go back to the house and get my dad, but before I could I had to thank Edward properly. I didn't care if my dad was watching or not. I wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing him passionately. His arms snaked around my waist, pulling me closer. "Thank you for helping me. I know I probably wasn't the easiest person to work with, so thanks for not giving up."
He smiled, tightening his arms around me. "You definitely weren't an easy student, but you're welcome. I enjoyed every minute of it." I smiled, and he leaned in giving me one more kiss. I stepped away, rushing into the house.
I headed into the office where my dad was and sat down in the chair. He had his head down, looking at papers on his desk and writing things down as he read.
"Hi dad," I said, announcing my presence.
He glanced up momentarily before going back to his papers. "Hey." He sounded stressed and almost sad. "Are you done working with Midnight for the day?" He asked.
"Yeah, we're done," I answered, vaguely.
"What can I do for you Bella?"
"I was wondering if you'd like to go for a ride with me. We don't have to go far, just a short ride," I offered.
"I'm sort of swamped with paperwork and paying bills. Can we maybe go a little later?" He asked.
I sighed, dropping my shoulders with disappointment. "Sure. Whenever you're ready dad," I agreed. He must have heard the sadness in my voice, because he sighed, dropping his pen on his desk and standing to his feet.
"I guess I could take a little break and go for a short ride with my daughter," he said. I smiled jumping to my feet. "Let me get my boots and I'll meet you out there. Can you ask Edward to get Apple and Cupid saddled and ready to go?"
"He already did," I answered. He nodded his head and followed me out of the office. I headed back out meeting Edward in the yard.
"Is he coming?" Edward asked.
"Yeah," I smiled.
"Good. Midnight and Cupid are all ready." He handed me the reins and stepped back. I got on Midnight, waiting for my dad to come out. He came walking across the yard with his head down. When he reached us and finally noticed I was on Midnight, he stopped, and glanced back and forth between Edward and I. I smiled at his surprised expression.
"Is this for real? Did she actually do it?" He asked.
"She did, Charlie," Edward answered. "I had my doubts, but she did it. She got him to let her ride him and he's doing great too. He hasn't tried to buck her off at all today."
"I told you both I could do it," I cut in. "Midnight and I just needed time to figure it out. Now, are we going dad, or not?"
He took the reins to Cupid from me and mounted his horse. We slowly started heading out towards the trees, riding side by side.
"I still can't believe he's letting you ride him," my dad said. "You've become quite the natural with him."
"I knew he would let me eventually. I just needed to be patient with him."
"Edward must be a pretty good teacher."
"Yeah, he is. I think he was just as shocked as you were, but he never gave up on me," I informed, smiling at the thought of Edward and his trust in me.
We rode through the trees and out near the creek.
"This reminds me of old times. When you were little," he laughed, lightly. I stopped Midnight, staring at my dad. He stopped, turning to see what was wrong. I hopped off Midnight and walked over to the water. "Is something wrong?"
"I remember it all, dad. I remember coming out here with you. I remember you taking me for rides. I remember running through the trees and playing hide and seek with you. I remember being happy." I heard him get off his horse and come up behind me. I turned around, practically in tears. "I never wanted to leave, dad. I used to beg mom to let me come home. I loved the horses and wanted to stay with you. I thought I did something wrong and you didn't want me around anymore because you never came for me. Why didn't you make mom come home? Why didn't you fight for me?" He pulled me into a tight embrace, rubbing my hair as I cried.
"I'm so sorry, Bella. I never wanted you to leave either, but I didn't want to fight with your mom anymore. She made me feel bad about giving you this life. She said she could give you better and I wanted you to have the best. Your mother and I would have never lasted. We were too different. So I thought I was doing the best thing for you by staying out of your life." He held me out at arm's length, brushing my tears away with his thumbs. "I love you, Bella. I've always loved you and I'll never stop. You're my life and what keeps me going every day. I've missed you so much these past years. I thought about you every day and wondered if you were okay." I stared up into his eyes, fighting back the tears as he explained everything he was feeling to me. He pulled me back into his arms, hugging me tightly. "I'm sorry I didn't fight for you. Giving you up is the biggest mistake I ever made."
I took a deep breath, knowing for sure my dad loved me and always wanted me. "I love you, dad," I whispered, through my tears. "Thank you, for making me come home." He chuckled.
"I'm so glad you're home, Bella. I've never been happier than I am right now." He pulled me away wiping my tears again, before brushing at his own tears with his shirt sleeve. "Come on. Let's get back to the house before it gets too late." I nodded my head, going to get Midnight.
I got up on him, steadying him underneath me. My dad got on his horse and led the way back out of the trees.
"Remember the first day I came back and you said I was too much like mom?" I wondered. He nodded his head, turning towards me as we road back side by side. "You were wrong. I'm more like my dad." He smiled proudly at me, making me smile back.
As we rode into the yard by the barn, Edward came out meeting us both there. He had a grin on his face when he saw us coming. As we got off the horses and he saw the puffy and blood shot eyes from my tears, he got a worried expression on his face.
"Is everything okay?" He asked, glancing back and forth between the two of us.
"Everything is great, Edward," my dad answered, walking over to him and hugging him. Edward looked a little shocked and confused by what was happening. I heard my dad whisper thank you to him as he pulled away. Edward nodded his head in return, still baffled by what was going on.
"I'll get the horses put away," Edward offered, taking the reins from both of us.
"When you're done there, I'm taking both of you out to dinner. You both accomplished something amazing today and it calls for a celebration," my dad announced.
I smiled at my dad. "I'll go get ready." I ran back to the house, rushing to my bathroom to shower. Once I was done with my shower, I picked out a light pink spaghetti strap dress to wear. I was almost tempted to wear the cowboy boots with it, but I didn't. I didn't want to give Edward a heart attack. I'd save that for later, I thought to myself, deviously. Instead, I slipped on a pair of white sandals and fixed my hair and make-up. I had to adjust my hair a little to cover up the small cut on my forehead. It wasn't very noticeable, but I still didn't want it to be seen. As soon as I was ready, I rushed downstairs, seeing my dad was already dressed in a pair of slacks and a white button down shirt.
Are you ready?" He asked.
"Yep. Where are we going?" I asked, as we walked out to his truck.
"I thought we'd go to the Steakhouse in Port Angeles." The minute he said steakhouse, my heart sunk.
"Don't worry, Bella," Edward began, grinning as he walked over to us. "They have other things there besides steak." He had on a pair of khaki pants with a light green shirt. He looked very much like he did the day we went to Jake's party. I smiled the minute I saw him. He walked over opening the passenger door to my dad's truck for me. I brushed past him and he whispered in my ear how I looked beautiful. I blushed as I climbed into the middle seat of the truck. Edward slid in next to me and my dad climbed in behind the steering wheel.
We headed down the road towards Port Angeles. My dad and Edward talked and joked around about stuff most of the way. I remained quiet during the drive, just enjoying being with the two most important men in my life. I wanted to tell Edward everything he had done for me. I wanted him to know how important he was to me. I had told my dad how important he was to me. Now, it was finally time to come clean and tell Edward how important he was to me too. I needed to tell him, I loved him.