Warning: There's a bit of sadness in this chapter. But what's a good story without a little turmoil?
My worn brown riding boots kick up small clouds of dust as I make my way through the old rickety stands of the Lima Greensboro Coliseum. Rachel had mentioned riding here last night, and part of me had been slightly aroused at the thought of seeing my breathtaking girlfriend - God, it feels good to say that - covered in dirt and taking on a particularly ornery bull. So, I'd stopped by the HyVee a few streets over from Shannon's to pick up a bunch of tiger lilies, and headed over to the arena to surprise her. I chuckle to myself as I realize that only part of the reason why I'm here is to see the look on her face… the other portion is because I can't wait to kiss her again.
I can see Rachel from where I'm sitting, adjusting her cowboy hat and focusing hard as she listens to an older blonde woman in a black Adidas tracksuit with white piping. Sue Sylvester, no doubt.
Rachel was right. She is scary.
I can't help thinking about how cute Rachel looks when she's trying to concentrate, and I smile a little when she pulls on her gloves and drops into the chute with a large brown bull, its horns shorn down to prevent injury. She gives the high sign to the two bullfighters standing outside the metal doors, and they yank the ropes connected to the chute, throwing the doors open.
Rachel's low center of gravity allows her a special advantage, and she grips the bull's saddle tight while keeping her torso flat against the mount. The beast jerks to right, and Rachel adjusts immediately, rolling her hips to keep her bottom down. It twirls hard to the left, and again, Rachel flexes her surprisingly defined biceps and pulls herself against the saddle. I'm keeping count in my head without realizing it, and I'm amazed that I've managed to count to thirteen without seeing Rachel hit the ground. My mouth falls open when I hit fifteen seconds, and when she finally dismounts, I've made it to twenty.
Damn. Shannon was right… She is competition. My best is eighteen.
I watch my girlfriend fall on her back, her long brown ponytail swishing around in the dust while she barrel-rolls away from the still kicking bull. Smiling as she picks herself up and dusts off her short frame, I grab her bouquet of flowers and make my way toward to bull pen. I fall into a light trot, my feet feeling surprisingly light as I round the corner of the wooden stall. I'm totally unprepared, however, for the harsh words that hit my ears when I do.
"What do you mean you haven't slept with her yet?" I hear Sue's hardened voice say. "Love her and leave her, just like the rest. It's a run-of-the-mill job."
No. Not Rachel. Please, not Rachel…
"Sue -" Rachel's own melodious tone sounds from behind the wood. She seems exasperated, but Sue cuts her off.
"Don't you 'Sue' me, Berry. You want to win Madison County? You beat Fabray. You want to beat Fabray? You throw her off her game. You want to do that? You sleep with her. Please explain to me what part of this is unclear to you."
… She was just trying to win the rodeo?
My grip on the lilies' stems tightens as I step out from my hiding place to reveal myself. Sue's back is to me, but Rachel's eyes lock on mine immediately. Tears form in my eyes, threatening to spill over, but when Sylvester turns to see what has her rider's attention, I steel myself. I refuse to let either of them see just how much they've hurt me.
"So was it all a lie, Rachel?" my voice cracks horribly, my gaze boring into her apologetic eyes. "The touching, the kissing, the flirting…? Was any of it true?"
Rachel takes a step toward me and opens her mouth to answer, but Sylvester's arm shoots out to stop her. I give Sue a hard stare that she returns without fear, and I drop the tiger lilies at Rachel's feet, my hazel eyes never leaving her conniving advisor's.
"Consider Madison County won. I'll withdraw tomorrow."
Rachel's pleas fall on deaf ears as I make my way back up the wooden stairs to the stands. The tears sting my eyes again, and I'm just barely able to make it to Shannon's car before I break down. My whole being crumbles, and I sink to my knees, sobs wracking my entire body. And the saddest part of my turmoil is that after Santana, I should have seen this coming. I should have been more careful.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice… And break my heart.
AN: OH, DEAR GOD! You all have no idea how much it killed me to write that. Seriously. Ugh.
