Hazel grinned as she watched the horses cantering around in the paddock. She had a love for animals, and especially loved horses. Dan watched her as her bright eyes followed Pennys every movement as she moved across the field.
"You like horses?" Dan asked, breaking the silence between them.
"I love them," Hazel breathed. "They're so free, and so beautiful. I've always wanted one." Her eyes fell to the ground when she saw that Dan was hanging onto her every word. His eyes moved quickly away too, but not after she had seen him look at her.
"Well, um, I could ask Mrs. Jo and Nick if your chores could be helping me take care of them," Dan said shyly. "If they haven't told you, everyone has special chores here. I help take care of the horses, feeding them and grooming them."

Hazel smiled. "I'd like that a lot, Dan. Thanks."
As she walked away, Dan looked after her. He could not understand what it was that drew him to her. Why, Bess had just left a few days ago! Although Bess, with the blond curls and blue eyes was pretty in a refined way, Hazel was beautiful in a wild way. Her brown hair was usually kept in two braids, although for dinner she kept it down. Her eyes were like her name, a light brown, or hazel color. She was quiet and smart, and was in one way like Dan himself---no one knew much of her story yet.
"Hey, Nick," Dan called, breaking himself out of his thoughts as he saw Nick walk by. "I was just talking to Hazel, and I was wonderin' if, for her chores, she could help me out with the horses."
Nick grinned. "Sure, as long as it's fine with Mrs. Jo. She might want another helper in the house." Thinking about it, he grinned devishly. "As a matter of fact, I'll ask her myself, tonight."
"Thanks, Nick!" Dan said, smiling. "I really appreciate it." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~