I know I haven't updated in like, a month, and I'm so sorry about that. School, FCCLA, Scholar's Bowl, updating my other four stories, band concerts and dance and singing competitions have driven me crazy. But thanks to all of the people who keep reading and wanting an update. I know what it's like to be on the end of that stick. So on with the show. It seems that Maria and James are starting to develop feelings for each other, and this chapter is one of my favorites. But don't worry, I leave Spirit and Rain in here, too. :)

James and I parked Rain and Spirit under a tree. While the horses munched on some grass, I looked up when a red object caught my eye. An apple. But it was way too high for me to reach, so I shrugged and looked back down. James noticed my expression, and looked to where the fruit was. "Did you want that?" he asked.

"It's fine, James." I said, feeding Spirit some more grass. But, just like always, that boy didn't listen. He jumped and skillfully pulled the apple from its branch.

"Impressive," I muttered with a small smile and an eye roll.

"Do you wanna share it?" he asked. I snapped my head up when a metallic sound reached my ears. He was holding a small object. My knife. "You need it more than I do, Maria."

"Thank you," I smiled as I reached for it. Our fingertips held onto each other's as we stared into each other's eyes. When I was finally able to break his hypnotic brown stare, I took my knife and sliced the apple right down the middle. I gave one half to him, then cut my half in half again and gave it to Spirit. He took it, broke it in half, and gave it to Rain. The paint then stepped forward and nuzzled my Kiger. James looked at them with wonder. "Uh, are you ok?" I asked with uncertainty.

"Oh, no," he blushed. "I-uh, I'm good. Uh..." I looked at him in confusion. It wasn't like him to stutter. "Just, come on. I wanna show you something." He climbed into Rain's saddle and I into Spirit's. He led me away from the tree and into the forest. I could see the wheels in his head turning. What was he planning? We rode along in silence until he commanded me to close my eyes, which I did. When he told me t open them, I immediately gasped at what I saw. There was a beautiful clearing with willow trees hanging their branches down. Flowers and butterflies gave the atmosphere an almost fairytale-like wonder. And the pond really set it off.

"Oh, James," I sighed. "It's beautiful!"

"It is isn't it?" he replied. "This glade is my little hideaway. I've been waiting to share it with someone. And I'm glad it's you." I smiled and blushed at his comment. James slid off of Rain and so did I. "C'mon, let's give them a break."

So Spirit and Rain went off together and that left James and I sitting near the pond's bank. I couldn't help but look around at the wondrous scene. "Do you like it?" he asked.

"I love it. This is amazing." I smiled. He waited to speak before saying something that shocked me.

"You're amazing."

"What?" I asked, spinning my head to look at him. He then took my hand.

"I'm serious. Maria...I'm so happy that I met you. And when I did, I knew that there was a connection. I've been driving myself crazy thinking about you and how beautiful, spirited, brave, and sweet you are. I owe you my life, and you deserve my love."

"James," I breathed. "What are you saying?"

"Hopefully the same thing you are. That I love you, Maria Wilder." After getting over my shock, I smiled at him, grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him in for a kiss, burying my other hand in his thick brown hair. He returned it very eagerly, and we broke apart after a few seconds. "So, I'm guessing that's a yes." he chuckled.

"Definitely," I giggled. "And I love you, too, James Thomas. Ever since I first saw you." He took that as a sign to pull me back in for another kiss. When we broke apart this time, Spirit was lightly biting my light blue dress. he and Rain were wet, so I guess they were swimming. "We should go." I said quietly. He helped me up and into Spirit's saddle. I took the gesture, even though I didn't need it. As he climbed Rain, she nuzzled Spirit, and he her. They were now mates, I could tell. It seemed fitting now that James and I loved each other as well. We came out of the glade and looked out over the ranch. I heard a screech in the and I looked up to see Eagle flying overhead. Spirit neighed to him in a friendly way, but Eagle replied with only another screech and flew off. My mouth fell open at the sight of one of our oldest friends leaving us. Spirit sadly neighed again. Rain gave another nuzzle.

"Do you know that eagle?" James asked me.

"Yeah," I replied. "A good friend." James squeezed my hand and out horses walked off back to the ranch. Dinner should be ready. I stoked Spirit's now full grown mane. and looked back up at the sunset sky.

(Spirit) For the first time in our lives, we felt our hearts torn two ways.