Country Life Part 1

A month later on a train from Arlington Virginia to Willow Creek Virginia, a quiet 9-year-old girl was in a compartment with her aunt.

"Aunt Jessie," the girl finally spoke up. "what should I call these people we are visiting... when I don't even know them?"

"You will call them 'Mom' and 'Dad', Lucky." Jessica Whyte, the girl's aunt said firmly.

"If they ride horses where we're heading," Lucky said. "I don't even know how to ride."

"Don't worry," Jessica said. "you'll learn where I learned as a girl, Pine Hollow Riding Academy."

Suddenly, Lucky saw two girls on horseback racing after a couple men who were trying to capture some horses that looked like the two black horses.

"Wow! Who are they?" Lucky asked Jessie.

Jessie looked out the same window that Lucky was looking out of.

"Stay away from them, Juliana Fortuna Lake Whyte! They are romani," Jessie scolded sharply. "they will steal you blind in a heartbeat!"

All Lucky could do was watch the two girls.

"I sure wish I could ride like those girls someday." Lucky sighed dreamily.

Upon arrival at the Willow Creek train station, Jessie and Lucky grabbed Lucky's suitcases and disembarked the train.

Ashley and Jason were sitting on one of the many benches on the train station platform.

"Lucky," Jason exclaimed. "you're here!"

"Hi, uh... Dad." Lucky said, she was still nervous.

"You will love it here in Willow Creek, Dear," Ashley told Lucky. "I'm sure you will fit in just fine."

"I hope so, Mom." Lucky sighed, she was blue but now showed a bit more confidence.

"I'd best be heading back." Jessica said.

"You're not staying, Sis?" Jason asked Jessica.

"No, Jace," Jessica answered. "Dad needs me back at the house to finish packing for the move to Richmond."

"Okay, then," Jason said. "see you later, Jessie."

A few days later, Ashley dropped Lucky off at Pine Hollow to explore a bit while she signed Lucky up for riding lessons.

Lucky found herself at the gate to the riding ring where a lesson was taking place.

"Very good, Risa," Maxine exclaimed. "you and Spirit were totally synchronized! Okay, Evie, it's your turn!"

Evie turned to her stallion, "Are you ready, Gustdance?" she asked.

Gustdance just nickered in agreement.