Chapter 4

I crept out of my room and sneaked away in to the stables. I grabbed my riding hat and searched for my horse. I found Sarah at the edge of the stables, eating hay and drinking water. I saddled up my beige chestnut and I unlocked her stable. I climbed on to her saddle and I directed her towards the edge of the property. I turned my head to hear the laughter coming from the house. I saw Fabian through the window and he looked miserable, almost regretful. He caught my eyes and all I could do was gasp. Not only because his eyes were so gorgeous, but because he saw me out of my room, which is forbidden when we have guests. Suddenly, Sarah started going haywire.

Nina: Woah girl! Sarah, stop! Down! Sarah, ah!

Sarah pushed me off her back and I went flying on to the ground. The door opened and Fabian emerged. He closed the door behind him and he raced to my side.

Fabian: Are you alright?

Nina: Ya, but I don't know what's wrong with Sarah.

Fabian: Sarah?

Nina: Ya, my horse.

He grabbed me by my elbow and helped me up. I saw Sarah start to run off.

Nina: Sarah!

I ran after her and Fabian followed me. When I finally reached Sarah, I jumped right in front of her. She was startled and began to kick her hooves, but I soothed her with my voice.

Nina: Shhh, Sarah, it's alright. Calm down, girl. I'm here. Everything's going to be ok.

She calmed down and allowed me to stroke her nuzzle. I was climbing her back by the time Fabian caught up with me.

Fabian: What are you doing?

Nina: Getting back to the house. We ran way too far.

It's true. We were at least two miles from the house.

Fabian: Are you ok?

Nina: I'm fine, but I think you should be getting back. You're probably being missed.

Fabian: I- I just wanted to make sure you were alright.

Nina: Like I said, I'm fine. Here, take my hand.

He shot me a questioning look but took my hand anyways.

Fabian: What are you- whoa!

I yanked him up on Sarah and he started freaking out. I continued to hold his hand and he calmed down.

Nina: Fabian, calm down. You're on a horse. It can't be your first time riding one.

Fabian: Actually, it is.

Nina: What? You've never ridden a horse?

He shook his head no and I felt myself smile.

Nina: Well, it's about time you learn. Give me your hands.

He did as he was told and I wrapped his arms around my waist.

Fabian: What are you doing? I don't want to make you uncomfortable-

Nina: Just hold on and stop talking, will ya?

He nodded and let himself slide on the saddle, pressing in to my back slightly. I took Sarah's reign and tugged at it. Fabian held me tighter at Sarah's sudden movement and I felt his breath warm my neck. His nerves loosened and he started to talk again.

Fabian: Why were you out here?

Nina: Well, I needed freedom. When I was little, my mom and I used to go horse-back riding all the time, since we lived on a ranch.

Fabian: Must've been nice.

Nina: Ya, well, it did, but then I had to leave it all.

Fabian: What do you mean?

Nina: I'm a servant, a maid. I'm not allowed to do any fun activities with the family, even though shopping and partying doesn't seem very fun.

Fabian: I'm sorry to hear that.

I waited for him to share his life story, but he remained silent. Geez, I tell the boy everything and he tells me nothing. How cute. I mean, how shy. Did I say cute? I meant shy.

Nina: Well?

Fabian: Well what?

Nina: What about you? What was your life like?

Fabian: Oh, well, I never really had a family. My Uncle Ade watched over me, but I was taken away at such a young age. There's nothing to remember.

Nina: Might I ask what happened to your parents?

Fabian: I'd prefer you didn't. My mother died in labor and my father- I don't know. He abandoned me.

I stopped Sarah and I searched his eyes to see if this was true. He had bitter tears swelling in his eyes. I've never seen a guy cry and I'm pretty sure I don't want to. I wiped away any tears on his face and gave him an apologetic frown.

Nina: I'm sorry.

Fabian: It's ok. You didn't do anything wrong.

Nina: I asked you about your past. I tapped in to things I shouldn't have. I'm sorry.

Fabian: Nina, don't blame yourself. You didn't know.

Nina: Still, I shouldn't have asked.

Before he could say anything else, I turned around and forced Sarah to march again. I left him where he found me on the floor. He looked like he wanted to say something to me, but I took off towards the stables before he could open his mouth. I quickly put Sarah back in her stall and leaned against a wooden post, watching Fabian reenter the house as I slapped myself. I'm an idiot.