AN: My apologies. I had aimed for all of this to be posted before December, and I'm running late. Only two chapters left though, and they'll be up soon. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 8: The Parade
Oakley smiled at Jack. "You sure you want to get on the horse?"
Jack still felt nervous, but he nodded. If that little girl could learn to shoot to protect her family, he could sit on a horse.
"Alright, let's go." She led him over to where Annie sat on her horse. "You don't have time to learn how to ride before the parade starts, but I can teach you a little so you can ride with Annie."
Jack nodded. Riding with Annie was less scary than alone.
Oakley helped Jack pat the horse on the nose, before she lifted him into the saddle behind Annie. "Now, you both need to hold tight. I'll ride next to you so I can help if you lose control."
"Thanks Ms. Oakley!" Annie said smiling. She looked very grown up riding a horse without a grownup.
"Ok, it's time for us all to line up. Follow me." Oakley led them away to where all the Rough Riders were lining up.
Jack could hear a lot of noise coming from the stands, but he couldn't see them.
Bill rode up to the front of the group. "Alright, everyone. It's time for our last show of the World's Fair! We'll be packing up and moving on tomorrow, so let's give them a show to remember!"
The Rough Riders cheered along with Jack and Annie.
Bill turned away and began to lead the column forward, around the tents, and toward the stands.
Annie gently squeezed the horse with her legs, and it moved forward with the rest.
Jack held tightly to Annie. They bumped up and down as the horse walked. He had to close his eyes because they were so high up.
"Jack, look at all the people!" Annie said.
He opened his eyes. The stands were full of people clapping and waving.
All around him, the Rough Riders waved to the crowd as they paraded around the arena.
Annie lifted one hand and waved too. "Jack, come on! Wave to the crowd."
Slowly Jack took one hand off Annie and waved too.
Oakley laughed next to him. "See, it's not so bad. You two are doing great! Just like real cowboys!"
Jack smiled.