Chapter 10

It seemed like an eternity before the golden filly was allowed to retire to her stall. All afternoon she had stood in a wreath of flowers under the hot and flashing lights of the news media as Mr. Thomas gently answered question after question. After the news conference she had been thoroughly bathed and scraped by her loving old groom, and walked out in a cooling sheet to the deep praise of his gruff voice. And when the stables came into view, she was surprised to discover exactly how happy she was just to see a stall again.

After greedily indulging in a bucket overflowing with grain and treats, and finally satisfied, Flight Angel decided to have her first look around. Each individual barn consisted of individual stalls lined up next to each other one by one, with an overhanging roof that lined the concrete aisle way. Besides the lavender poles that supported this overhang, the stalls were open to the fresh mountain air, much to her delight. Although the view of the distant mountains was like nothing she had ever seen, it almost overwhelmed her, and she was glad to notice that the comforting sounds of a stable were not lost in its grandeur.

As the shadows lengthened, and the flood of spectators dwindled down to a slow trickle, Flight Angel caught herself thinking more and more about home. How long ago had she left the green trimming of the white-washed barns? Could it of been more than a week? It seemed just like yesterday that she had raced Phoenix down the pasture fence, and that Rusty and Blackbird--her mind instantly swerved from the memory, but it could not overcome her love for the black stallion.

Where was he now? Was he home and licking his wounds in the stall next to her empty one? Or was he suffering still in a clinic? And then the question that she was so afraid to ask herself. Did he miss her? Her eyes glazed as she glanced at the ever deepening sky. The stars were twinkling with more brilliance here in the mountains than she could ever remember back at home, but it wasn't the stars that brought a tear rolling down her cheek. It was the blackness they were nestled in, the blackness that could have been the tousled mane or the shimmering coat of her lover with a little imagination.

"Thinking of someone?" a sweet voice asked quietly from the stall next to hers. Through the shadows, Flight Angel was surprised to discover that it was Gypsy Caravan staring gently at her.

"Gypsy! I had no idea you we're next to me, and I've been here all this time!" she exclaimed in wonder as she carefully masked the trembling in her voice. It was so hard to stay mad at that damned stallion! She cursed under her breath as she bit her lip, every time she blinked she saw his chocolate eyes staring back at her with devotion.

Gypsy Caravan, undaunted by not getting a direct response continued onwards. "I always wondered what it would be like to have someone you know? Someone that cared about you unconditionally."

"Oh Gypsy it's wonderful!" Flight Angel smiled like an old friend. "I can't wait to get back home!" Flight Angel's smile quickly turned into a frown as the bay hung her head with shame.

"Angel," she stated timidly. "I just want you to know, that I didn't mean to shove you into the rail today. I know it wasn't fair, but I was just listening to what my jockey told me to do."

Gypsy bit her lip hard, and Flight Angel's face lit up with understanding. "It's fine really," she grinned, "If I would of listened to my jockey, you would have been standing in the winners circle. Sometimes the two-leggeds just don't understand."

"Yes but still, it wasn't right. You should have had a fair race."

Flight Angel snorted. "A fair race? Who cares Gypsy! I had the race of a lifetime today, I've never had to push myself so hard! You certainly gave me a run for my money!"

The bay's face flickered with a smile. "You think so?"

Flight Angel reared up and struck the air with glee. "Of course! I have a feeling that if the race was a longer one, you would have left me in the dust. You're one of the best distance runners I have ever seen! You should give yourself more credit, no one has ever finished such a close second to me, ever."

Gypsy Caravan was content for a few moments to revel in the praise. No one had ever given her the respect Flight Angel was giving her, it didn't even feel like anyone cared about her. She had been switched from owner to owner almost thirteen times over the past three years. No one came after the race to scratch her face if she won or lost, no one spoke to her as they quickly groomed her coat. In fact, had anyone ever had a word of gratitude to say to her? She was after all, the next best filly in the country.

"So this 'someone' you have back at home, what is he like Angel?" Gypsy questioned in the silence. She was so happy someone was speaking to her; she didn't want it to end. Flight Angel paused before she spoke, and her words were carefully chosen and weighted with affection.

"He isn't like anything I have ever seen. I mean over the years, there have been many stallions after me, I figured I had seen it all, but I was wrong. He's so caring and loving, and he's never…well only once did he ever show aggression towards me," she added with a darkened tone, then smiled. "I wouldn't want to be with anyone else, and I hope I never have to be."

Gypsy nodded with understanding at everything the palomino said, but still felt as though her curiosity had not been fulfilled. "He sounds wonderful! But if you don't mind my asking, is he good-looking?" she added sheepishly.

Flight Angel shot her a knowing smirk. "Very good looking."

Gypsy pressed further, "Like take him out in the pasture for a few minutes good-looking?"

Flight Angel giggled. "Gypsy honestly!"

"Well?"

Flight Angel hesitated, then whispered, "More like a few hours!" At this both fillies broke into a fit of laughter. A few moments later after the giggling had subsided, Flight Angel added in a serious tone, "If you ever see him, you can never tell him I talked about him this way!"

Gypsy pouted. "Oh why not? "

"Because," Flight Angel drawled. "We've never spoken about this!"

"Oh so you mean you have never talked about--

--Yes that's what I mean!" Angel threatened in a harsh whisper.

"Alright fine, I will behave. But just in case I ever do run into him, what exactly does he look like?" she inquired innocently.

Flight Angel narrowed her eyes. "You just want to know what he looks like to get in on the action! I know!"

Gypsy smiled playfully. "Who me? Nah, but c'mon, just tell me."

"Alright," Flight Angel sighed. "Blackbird is black, all black, with light brown eyes and a fleck of white on his chest."

"Oo, I've always been one for the darker boys," Gypsy smirked. "And brown eyes? Damn girl, you can sure pick them!" Flight Angel rolled her eyes.

"You know from looking at you, I never would of expected you to harbor such hormones," Angel teased.

Gypsy snorted. "What is that supposed to mean?"

As the night progressed, their laughter carried through the valley with happy undertones. It seemed like it had been forever since either of them had had a "girl talk" and they weren't about to pass up the opportunity. Sometimes they were stricken so hard with laughter, they found themselves rolling in the straw bedding their stalls; unable to catch their breath. But as each finally gave in to the weariness that plagued their bodies, none could be prepared for the horror that was short to come…

A/N: I am so starting to love cliffies, aren't you? I think I am getting so much better at writing them! -evil grin- But aside from that, you all should begin to notice that the T rating is starting to come into effect. It's only going to get worse in further chapters, so if you don't like horsie love, I suggest you stop reading after the next chapter; cause it's going to get pretty deep. But if you decide you are going to read it anyway, try not to flame me or anything. If you are offended, send me a PM and I will try and straighten it out with you personally. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy, and keep sending me those wonderful reviews!