Sam held her breath as she dismounted Ace. For the last time. Today was the day. She wasn't going to deny it. If no one cared enough to tell her she was leaving, then why would she stay here?
She took her time untacking. As she turned him out, Ace trotted to the end of the pen and shook his mane. Then he started grazing without taking a second look at Ace. Sam felt instantly angry. This was the last time she would see him and he ran off.
Then she felt embarresed. It was Ace. It was unlike him to encourage her to fuss over him. She should know better. "Maybe it's a good thing I'm leaving." Sam wondered and walked slowly, kicking a rock as she headed to the house.
She stepped on the porch and at the same time Jake opened the door and started to walk out. She looked at him turning her head to catch him til he was behind her. He had his hat tilted, but pulled it down lower and stopped at the end of porch where to stairs started. Sam opened the door, but held it and looked down.
"Its not my fault." Jake said "I tried to stop them."
" You could have prepared me at least." Sam said coldly.
"Do you understand what you're saying?' Jake asked quietly. "You're going down some dark alley and you won't tell anyone how to find you." "Maybe I like to be lost." Sam looked at Jake in the eyes. Her eyes were cold though, not the same warmth as before.
Sam walked inside and slammed the door. Jake flinched at the noise. He glanced at his watch. Three more hours. His eyes closed and he took a deep breath. Half opening his eyes, he started to walk down to the barn. Sitting on a bale of hay he swatted a fly. No matter how bored Jake looked though, he just wanted this day to be over.
Sam looked out her window. The sky seemed so bright. Should it be like that if today was going to be one of the worst days of her life? Running her hand through her hair she turned and to stare at her bags. Biting her lip, she tightened her fists and kicked the bags. One of the bags opened, releasing her books, pictures and other things that she wanted to take to her aunts.
Sam cleaned up the mess and noticed a white envelope. "I didn't pack that did I?" Sam wondered. She flipped it over. It was blank in the front, but Sam tore open the seal. Carefully she unfolded a white sheet of paper with messy hand writing.
Sam,
I know that you are mad at me and everything, so I won't be able to tell you this, but I'm gonna miss you. Hope you forgive me and your dad. Don't worry 'bout Ace cause he's a horse and can take care of himself. Seriously though it won't be the same without you brat. I'll watch your horse for you too.
Jake
Sam realized she was holding her breath and let it out. She heard a honk outside and her dad yell her name. She quickly gathered herself and hid the envelope. She walked downstairs, trying to get her last look. She opened the front door.
After a long goodbye with Gram she was in the Truck. As they pulled away, Sam looked back. Jake was leading Witch across the yard, but he paused to watch the truck. Sam waved. Jake nodded and pulled down his hat. Looking back forward she smiled and unfolded the note. In the envelope she pulled out a picture of Jake holding faith when they had rescued her.
Sam frowned. In the background was a white spot. She widened her eyes. The Phantom? She forgot to say goodbye to him! Blinking and panicking she almost slapped herself. Then her gaze returned to the same place where her dad had driven when she saw him for the first time since her accident
There standing tall, her horse tossed his head and galloped into the dense trees. Sam might have forgotten but he hadn't.
Sam for the first time felt at peace. She glanced at her bags. Maybe this wasn't such a bad thing. The ranch, the phantom, Ace and Jake would still be there. Sam for the first time in a couple days let her shoulders relaxed and smiled. She couldn't wait to get back home!
'Cause
if you hadn't found me
I would have found you
I would have
found you
FIN
