Sorry this one took so long, a bad case of writer's block followed by a cold had me out for most of the week. But, thankfully that's all over with!

Chapter 19: "Ready Or Not"

"'Morning, Cass!" Tech called out, resting his arms on Phantom's stall wall. Cassidy nearly jumped in suprise when she heard him. "Are you okay?" Tech asked worriedly. "You seem... jumpy."

"Pre-show nerves. I'll get over it." Cassidy walked up to him. "Thanks again, Tech. I wouldn't be doing this without your help." She smiled at him.

"It was fun." Tech smiled as he remembered helping Cassidy get Phantom ready for the show. Once, he made as much noise as he could, to get Phantom used to the many loud noises that were sure to be at the show. Neither of them could keep from laughing, especially when Rev decided to help by wrapping strings and bells all over Tech.

Phantom set her nose on Tech's shoulder as if to say, 'Thanks, Tech.'

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"Well, Rusty, are you ready?" Rev asked as he brushed Rusty's red-brown coat. Rusty bobbed his head up and down.

"The real question is, are you ready to have your butt whooped at barrel racing?" Rev turned around in suprise. He saw Rachelle standing outside Rusty's stall.

"Is that a challenge?" Rev asked.

"Are you up to it?" Rachelle folded her arms and raised her eyebrows.

"Bring it on, shorty!" Rev laughed.

"Who are you calling 'shorty'?" Rachelle asked. She and Rev were exactly the same height.

"Uh... nevermind." Both roadrunners laughed.

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"Shadow! Hold still!" Duck whined as he attempted to put Shadow's halter on. The young colt was full of energy, and he could tell that there was something going on.

Duck looked up when he heard somebody laughing. The laughs came from Slam. "Thanks." He muttered. Slam entered the stall. Shadow pulled away from Duck so he could go sniff Slam. Slam glanced at the black foal confusedly as he nuzzled his hands. Duck took the opportunity to put Shadow's small, orange halter on him. "I don't think so, big guy." Duck pulled Shadow away from Slam and began to brush him.

Slam shrugged and went to get Red ready for the show.

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"Would the contestants for the barrel racing competition please enter the ring?" Mr. Boswell's voice boomed out from the loudspeaker.

Lexi, Rev, Rachelle, and several other guests walked their horses into the ring. They stood in the center for a few minutes so Ben could write down all their names. Then, they exited.

"Number three, Rev Runner, on Rusty."

"Yes! My turn!" Rev trotted Rusty into the ring. The others lined up against the ring fence so they could watch him and cheer him on.

When given the signal, Rev urged Rusty into a quick canter and they headed for the first barrel. They turned tightly around it. Rusty shot off at a gallop at the next barrel, turning around it as quickly as he could. After turning around the thrid and final barrel, they charged towards the finish line. Ace, Lexi, Duck, Tech, Cassidy, and Rachelle began shouting for joy. Rev and Rusty had set a record.

Then, it was a differen guest's turn. Lexi waited at the gate, as she was next. Ace gulped and approached her slowly. "Uh, Lexi?"

Lexi faced him. "Yes, Ace?"

Ace hesitated. "Well, I... uh... OKAY! I know you really like Ben and everything but I was hoping that he had not already asked you this, cause I really want to ask you...uh.. do you want to go to the dance with me?" Ace blurted out, nearly as fast as Rev.

Lexi just looked at him, mouth wide open.

Ace gulped, fearing the worst.

(end chapter)