Chapter 9

Mara: I told you I was counting the hours! Come on, Nina. We have to get back before- ohhhh. What's going on here?

Fabian and I blushed as I scrambled to my feet.

Nina: Mara-

Mara: No need. You can give me the details later.

She winked and dismounted the horse. I extended my hand to Fabian and ignored her comment. The ground was so muddy and slippery that when I pulled Fabian up, I slipped and fell in the mud, bringing Fabian down with me. He's on top of me. Damn it, I'm blushing. I know I am. I see Mara giggling and pretending to be busy with the horse while Fabian tries to say something.

Fabian: Sorry. Let me- um- here.

He gets up and, instead of offering me a hand, he bends down to hold me by the waist. He gently raises me by the waist and I balance myself back on my feet. Once I was up, he forgot to take his hands off my waist until Mara raised an eyebrow at us.

Mara: Are you two ready?

Nina: Ya… the three of us can't fit on one horse.

Mara: We won't ride this horse.

Fabian: But then, how are we-

Mara: You two are riding this horse. I found Cinnamon out and I tied him to a tree a little back there, so I'll take him. Get going you two. Don't get too… sidetracked.

She shot me a grin and walked off. Oh boy. I'm never gonna hear the end of it. I looked at Fabian.

Nina: Let's finish your riding lesson, shall we?

He smiled and nodded. We walked to the horse and I realized it was Sarah. Perfect. Sarah was a gentle horse, even though she was a bit rough at times. Today, she was calm and happy to see me. Or maybe she's happy to see us. I don't know how horses think, so whatever. Fabian climbed on to the saddle with ease.

Nina: Look who's getting the hang of horse-back riding.

He chuckled and I mounted Sarah the same way he did.

Fabian: What? No exciting entrance that involves gymnastics?

Nina: Of course not. I've ruined my dad's college sweatshirt as it is.

Fabian: That's your dad's? Oh gosh, Nina, I'm sorry.

Nina: No no no. It's alright. I mean… it's just a sweatshirt-

Fabian: But it was your dad's. It's valuable to you.

Nina: It's just a little mud, Fabian. Don't worry about it.

He pulled the reign and we started away. I wrapped my arms around his waist and placed my head on his shoulder. Should I tell him about the dream? He knows so much and… I trust him. I trust him with everything I have.

Nina: Fabian, I had… it wasn't a nightmare but…

Fabian: Was it a vision or a memory or-

Nina: It was a memory. It was- it was the night my parents- they-

Fabian: Nina, you don't need to tell me this.

Nina: But, I want to. It was the night my parents divorced. I- I remembered it. They- they were fighting and my mom, she- she took me with her when she left. And- and all I said was goodbye Robert. Not- not even dad. I- I called him by his name and-

I heard a sob escape my mouth and realized tears were flowing down my cheek. I felt us slow to a stop and Fabian dismounted, waiting for me to come down. I slowly, but surely, slid off of Sarah and reached him. He took my face in his hands. Using the pads of his thumbs, he wiped my face clear of tears and started to comfort me.

Fabian: I'm sorry, Nina.

Nina: Fabian, I- I know we've only known each other for two days but- I-

Fabian: You what, Nina?

Nina: I- I trust you.

He smiled at me and stroked my hair all the way down to the fizzy curls that swayed in the wind.

Fabian: I feel the same way. And I- I want to show you something.

Before I could respond, Fabian pulled out a guitar pick. It was the same blue as his eyes and, in white writing, I was able to read the words "The Light Will Guide Me Out". Wait a minute.

But I see the light

Tomorrow I am on my way

Because I see the path

I won't get lost for anything

No I won't get lost

I'll find my way

The light

Will guide

Me out

My song. My new song was quoted on the guitar pick.

Fabian: It was my mother's. She left it to me in her will. She wrote "If she knows, then she's yours." I'm not sure what she meant, but I want you to have it.

I was still entranced by this. My song was quoted on the guitar pick. If she knows, then she's yours. What does that mean? It doesn't add up.

Fabian: Nina? Are you ok?

Nina: What? Oh, ya, I'm fine. Let's just- come on.

I mount Sarah again in a rush and wait for Fabian. He looks a bit depressed and confused, but he gets on. He wraps his arms around me very lightly, as if he was afraid. As we trot to the house, he starts to question my actions.

Fabian: Did I make you uncomfortable back there? I didn't mean to-

But I see the light

Tomorrow I am on my way

Because I see the path

I won't get lost for anything

No I won't get lost

I'll find my way

The light

Will guide

Me out

Fabian: What did you just say?

I shot him a confused look.

Nina: What do you mean?

Fabian You just said something familiar.

Nina: I didn't say anything.

I looked away and continued to trot, starting to worry to about what I said. The rest of the ride was very uncomfortable and silent. There's no rain or words filling the air, leaving the sound of hooves on mud to do the talking. We finally make our way back to the stables. After Fabian dismounted, asked me to turn. I turned towards him and he took my waist, helping me slide off of Sarah's back. I stumbled a bit and landed safely in his arms. He pulled away slightly to see my reaction and, for some reason, I smiled. He smiled back at me, confused and left wondering.

Fabian: Um, are you ok?

Nina: Never been better, why?

Fabian: It's just- you're smiling randomly. That's not normal.

Nina: What is normal, exactly?

He chuckled and I felt my spirits rise. It's been one minute since our awkward silence and yet, here we are: smiling and laughing like old times sake. When I say old times' sake, I really mean about an hour ago when we were riding out.

Fabian: Normal, it's- I guess it's- apples, ok?

I give him a weirded-out look and shook my head.

Nina: Apples? Where did that come from?

Fabian: Was that weird? Unexpected?

Nina: Yes, I mean, that wasn't normal; it just came out of the blue.

He gave me a knowing look.

Nina: Why are you- oh. You genius sneak.

Fabian: I know. Anyways, I really do want you to have this.

He pulled out his mothers guitar pick and I immediately shook my head in disapproval.

Nina: I can't. Even if I wanted to, I can't take something that belongs to you.

Fabian: Nina-

Nina: Fabian, I'm serious.

He continued to hold the pick out to me, but I covered his hand with mine, forcing him to keep it in the palm of his hand.

Nina: I could never take it. I refuse to. I'm sorry.

He played with the pick in his hand and final took my words in to consideration. He finally nodded and saw my point.

Fabian: Alright, we'll do it your way. So, what now?

Nina: Now, I think it's time you go so I can do my chores.

He simply nodded and smiled.

Fabian: Listen, I had fun.

Nina: Ya. So did I.

For the first time in a long time, I had fun. And it felt fantastic.