Chapter 5: The Rematch

A week before the rematch. Nellie and Sparks are ready to race Bunny and Laura. Sparks seems to be ok with his leg but he is kicking it up some as to maybe trying to get a ache out of it.

Laura and Bunny are also ready for the race. Laura is letting Bunny rest up and slacking off of some of her workouts since she was getting alot of homework.

Mary asks Laura, "What are you doing about Bunny its about a week before the race?"

Laura says, "I might run her a few times why?"

There was a knock on the door Charles opens it and he says, "Hello Mr. Hanson is there something wrong at the Mill?"

Mr. Hanson answers "No, I like to talk to Laura first if that is ok Charles?"

"Sure," Charles says."

"Thank you Charles," Mr. Hanson replies, "I hope you are ready for the rematch coming up, Laura. The Town is getting all decorated for it. Your name is even on a big banner across Main street."

Caroline looks over asks, "I don't mean to interrupt but why are they making a big doing out of a Country Race?"

Mr. Hanson explains, "Well Caroline its been a long time since we had a race and then a rematch. It's big news lots of people are placing big bets on Bunny."

Laura gulps. Her eyes get big as she says, "I thought we were going to keep it simple? A small race among friends".

Mr. Hanson says, "It is but Harriet took it among herself to charge admission and let out of state people come in to see it to."

Laura says, "I think this is way out of hand but thanks for telling me Mr. Hanson."

Mr. Hanson says, "No problem Laura. I even placed a bet on you and Bunny".

Laura says, "Thank you."

Mr. Hanson says as he about to leave, "Your welcome and the best of luck Laura."

Pa shuts the door and says to Laura, "Bunny better win seems like alot of people are thinking Bunny is their wonder horse and she's not. I hope you can pull this race off."

Laura sits low in her chair, stares at the floor

and says, "I never expected a race like this. Pa, what should I do? I'm sort of scared!"

Charles says, "Please don't be just do your best."

"Yes Pa," Laura says and then has second thoughts to herself, "What if Bunny stumbles or falls and doesn't win."

Laura gulps she knew sleep would not come easily to her for the next week.

On the day of the race Laura did her chores early. When she finished her chores Caroline, her Ma gave her a gift as she says, "I want you to look nice for the race, Laura. I read some books on horse racing and this is what they wear. A silk shirt with checkers on it. Please wear this today."

Laura takes the shirt and skirt. Laura not know what to say and as a tear falls out of her eye she manages to say, "Thanks Ma! It's a beautiful outfit."

She gives her Ma a hug. Pa comes in the house and asks, "You ready Half Pint? I got a present for you too."

Laura answers, "Yes Pa! I'm as ready as I will ever be."

Charles says, "Come Laura." She follows her Pa outside with her Ma and her two sisters and Carrie also dressed up in their Sunday best.

Charles leads Laura to the barn where Bunny was munching on some hay and saddled with a new special light weight racing saddle.

Laura was speechless again and again is able to say as she hugs her Pa, "Thanks Pa!".

Charles says, "Ride slow into Town. I'll be close."

Laura gets on Bunny as she says, " Thanks Ma and Pa for believing in me."

Charles says, "Don't get scared, Half Pint."

Laura says, "Ok Pa, see you at the race."

In Town Nellie is dressed and ready for the race.

Harriet asks, "Ready Nellie?"

Nellie answers, "Yes Mother."

Nellie then goes out and her Father says, "Knock em dead kid!"

Nellie says, "Thanks Father."

Nellie goes over to Sparks pets him. Puts on his gear and climbs on his back.

Harrriet says "Here is a good luck charm".

Nellie says, "Thanks mother."

Laura and Nellie are at the starting line and the race is about to start.

Laura gave her family one last big hug and was nervous about the bets that everyone made.

The race begins and Bunny is ahead but than Sparks catches up and now Sparks is ahead for a moment. Then all of a sudden Spark's left leg the one that was recently broken gives out and he falls letting Laura win.

Now that Sparks is down again and lost another race what will the Olesons do with him?

To Be Continued