Chapter 13: The Accident

On the way to the hot spring he was quieter than ever.
Nashua, are you mad at me? Zella asked when she felt she was about to blow.
Never! Nashua said quickly, then blushed from his outburst, Why would I be? he asked, scratching his head. Under him Sunbeam neighed a warning at Cupid when he got to close to her. Zella drew in her reins.
You re just being really quiet, Zella said, bitting her lip so hard she tasted blood.
Ain t I always? Nashua asked.
No, not always, she said, avoiding his intent stare. Unable to help it, she risked a glance at him.
Their eyes met. His brown eyes met her blue. She couldn t look away. As soon as his eyes released hers she looked down.
~C~S~ It didn t take long for Nashua to mount Cupid.
While Cupid was getting used to being ridden by Nashua, Zella had an erry feeling she was being watched. Get a grip! She told her self.
The feeling stayed and she hoped Nashua didn t notice her fidgeting.
Zella, what s up? You look like you saw a ghost, he said, coming up, leading Cupid.
Nothing, she said quickly.
Well anyway, I think you should ride back on Cupid because Sunbeam may try to eat you alive if you ride her, he said giving her the reins.
She took them slowly still feeling watched.
Are you sure you re okay? Nashua asked again.
Yes, I m fine. Let s go! Zella mounted.
They didn t talk the way back. She couldn t get the feeling of being watched to go away.
Cupid was picking up on her nervousness. He threw his head up and shook it.
Kody s words came back to her, You ll be sorry. Cupid s footing changed from grass to rocky ground.
Nashua made a sound between a groan and a weary sound.
Just then a snake wormed its way from being wedged between two rocks.
Cupid went crazy. He reared so high Zella lost hold of the reins.
Gasping Zella held onto Cupid s mane.
Nashua didn t make a sound trying to keep from scaring Cupid anymore then he was already.
Cupid started bucking wildly.
She was losing her grip as Cupid started to gallop.
Nashua went after her.
Boulders were everywhere. If she fell she would be lucky if she didn t get killed. She knew she was about to fall.
Nashua help me! she cried out in terror as she slipped from Cupid.
It felt like it was all happening in slow motion. She felt sick as the ground got closer to her by seconds. She heard a scream that she realized was her s.
Her head hit a sharp rock. She heard Nashua call her name out.
Nashua was by her instantly.
Zella was in agony. Her sides ached, and her head throbbed hard.
She had to fight to keep her eyes open. The look in Nashua s eyes was pained. He held her trying to comfort her. He saw blood all over her.
Oh god, please help her! He cried out as he saw her almost black out. He was scared for her, Zella we have to get you on this mare, he told her, and lifted her up into his arms carefully.
Ow, Zella cried out almost screaming. Nashua s eyes met hers. She saw so much love in them.
I I love you Nashua---no matter what happens, Zella forced herself to say.
I love you too, Nashua said softly.
She felt something wet hit her and she realized it was a tear. Nashua was crying.
She tried to keep her eyes open but it was so hard she just finally gave in. Closing her eyes she knew she could trust her life with him