"Alex Russo" I tapped on the mouse as I scrolled down, "Youngest racer in the Kentucky Derby, 2010," I exited out of the link. There was not much to know about Alex Russo besides the fact she's a talented racer and that she likes girls. Honestly, what was she thinking? She didn't even know who I was and she still tried to get in my pants. Well, at least when I go to work tomorrow, I'll act like this whole thing didn't exist. She's gone now and I go back to my semi-enjoyable job.

Martin's gone. It did not have a great impact Flames. In fact, he immediately moved onto Marigold. I swear that horse has a split-personality disorder. Or he could be a whore-horse. Or I could just making things up now. Anne was nice enough to let me take Flames out for a ride. Oddly enough, this morning, she complimented on my job well done. I didn't understand. What was the point of cleaning up the stable? It was obvious. Anne was evil...and a man.

I pulled on Flames' reins, bringing him to the open fields. I mounted on Flames gently and patted his head, "go gentle on me, boy," I gripped the reins tight and he trotted. I only wanted him to go around the area. Everything smelled of pine and fresh air. The one thing I love about this place was the fresh air and the starry nights. When I lived in the city, the closest thing we got to a starry night was the theme "Starry Night" for our school dance. I only had been riding for about a year, when I officially had the job. Anne found me a private instructor after telling me that she had no intention of teaching a beginner. I was never struck by the comment. Especially after I saw her fall off her horse...twice. I was the only one who saw threatened me if I had told anyone about it, she would have me thrown into a pile of horse crap. Of course I promised, but I saw her in an entirely different perspective. My private tutor was actually pretty good. She participated in the summer Olympics and nearly won bronze but an accident had permanently damaged her legs. Her name was Patty. She never bothered telling me her last name, and I never really cared about it. I guess she's alright. I mean, she's the only I've ever had. I still study with her on the art of the equestrian. It's weird 'cause my dad had told me the horse show in Australia had a-,

"Hey, Sasha!"

I know that voice.

I pulled on Flames' reins and looked behind me. There she was. Alex. That perfect smile and fantastic eyes. She was not riding a horse...and I was, "Um...hi," I looked back, breaking eye contact,

"So, you ride?" She came to the front, patting Flames' head. He seemed to enjoy it, "you any good?"

"Decent," I shrugged,

"So, what's his name?"

"Flames,"

"Is he your horse?" She circled Flames a couple of times before stopping to get a good look at me,

"No, I don't own a horse. I only work here as like a janitor, and take lessons,"

"How long have you been riding?"

"A year, but I already love it,"

"And working in that stable? Do you enjoy that?" She raised her eyebrows, curiously,

"Well, Anne can be demanding, but it's a decent job. I guess," she looked at me with a smile, "um, so, what are you doing here again?"

"Training,"

"Here? I never see you around,"

"I switched stables. The last one was not compatible with my level," she remarked snobbishly. Jerk.

"Okay, well, I have to go. I need to get back to work," I was about to turn Flames around when she stopped me, almost getting trampled, "are you crazy?"

"Probably."

"What do you want?" I said, trying not to sound too harsh,

"I was just wondering, after work, you want to ride a little bit,"

"I'm only allowed to ride once a day," I lied,

"I'm sure I can persuade Anne to let it slide by," she winked, "meet me near the tall oak tree," and without another word, she left. I sat on Flames, dumbfounded. What was she talking about? There were at least a hundred tall oak trees!

As I made my way to the oak tree, I did see Alex with Martin. I sighed and dragged Flames right next to me. She was already on top of Martin, "you're late,"

"I'm sorry but you didn't specify which tall oak tree," I rolled my eyes as I got on top of Flames,

"Sorry, my mistake," she sarcastically replied, "so, you ready?"

"More than I'll ever be," I said, not sounding too pleased. I really didn't want to ride with a professional. It's just simply condescending,

"Wow, you sound thrilled," She went first, "so, aren't you going to tell me your real name?"

"What do you mean?" I slowly began to panic,

"I asked Anne if she knew a Sasha and she said she doesn't. So, what's your name, Dennis the Menace?"

"Mitchie,"

"Okay, Dennis,"

"Okay?" I shrugged hesitantly, "when are you racing?"

"The derby's in March, so I guess at that time. Until then...," she made a turn, and I followed, "I'm training here and doing a couple of small races,"

"How long have you been riding?"

"Almost all my life," she stared out at the field, "I never enjoyed school and I didn't really have any talent in the arts and sciences or sporty athletics, so my I picked up horseback riding,"

"Horseback riding is a sport," I spoke up defensively,

"I mean the ones that requires a ball and legs," Alex chuckled, "I know how dangerous riding can be. Trust me, I've fallen a couple of times when I first learned. I almost gave up,"

"You did?" That was pretty hard to believe,

"Yeah, but I loved my horse too much, you know? Couldn't give up on him,"

"So, how come you bought Martin?"

"My former horse was getting old. They had to put him down,"

"Oh...I'm sorry," I looked down, listening intently at the trots of the horses,

"It's fine. He lived well," I could've sworn I saw a drop of tear,

"What was his name?"

"Gemini,"

"Cool, like the constellation," I nodded. After a moment of silence, she spoke up again,

"So, you going to the derby?" We stopped as we reached back to the stable,

"Um...I can't,"

"Why not?" Her voice cracked, sounding disappointed,

"I...can't afford it. I mean I wish I can. I usually just watch it on t.v with my mom," I got off Flames and brought him back to his stable,

"And not your dad?" Alex did the same with Martin,

"My dad's in New York. He's a columnist, but my parents divorced fairly recently,"

"I'm sorry,"

"It's alright. I've grown up with it, you know, easier to understand now,"

"Yeah, I guess,"

"So, thanks. I'll see you tomorrow, I guess,"

"Yeah, tomorrow," she smiled and left the stable. I closed up the gates and headed home, forgetting about my bike.