Bread may feed my body, but my horse feeds my soul.

The next day I walked into the barn, eager to see my boy. The new girl wasn't attending classes today, so I knew that I didn't have to help her there. What a relief. I felt guilty for being so angry at her, but I was still getting used to campus, too. I shouldn't have to worry about a new girl.

I listened to my boots clicking on the cement and began a rhythm. Click, click, rat-a-tat-tat. Click, click, rat-a-tat-tat. Click, click-

No. This was wrong. I stood before a box stall and stared at the pure black Holsteiner gelding. He was from Virginia. He was eight years old and exactly sixteen hands. How did I know this? One of my worst riding rivals was here. Meagan Reynolds.

"Aiden." I slowly turned around and stared at Meagan. As usual, her dark red hair was up in a bun, and her skin showed no trace of dirt or dust from the stable.

"Meagan." She stepped around me and began to unbolt her horse's stall door. The nameplate flashed in the sun.

Time Keeper

Owned by: Meagan Reynolds

"How are you? Did you get stuck on a mule after your accident? I'm surprised you're even out here." I scowled at her.

"No. What are you doing here?"

"It's a free country, geez. I'm allowed to transfer to any school I want. And, well, I want this one." I turned around and began walking away from her.

"Whatever. Just leave me alone." I could still hear her laughing as I gathered up my tack and headed for Olly's stall.

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The indoor arena was full with my advanced team as I mounted. Mandi was there, warming up Alchemy who was bending beautifully. She smiled at me and I gave her a little wave before trotting past her. After fifteen minutes Mr. Conner walked in, accompanied with his clipboard.

"Good afternoon, everyone. I have some exciting news. We have been invited to attend a three day event in Washington at the end of the year, and I am sure that by that time most of you will be YENT riders. To prepare for this show, we will be attending others so your horses will get used to travel." I wasn't worried about Olly. He was fine in a trailer. "We will be riding at another boarding school in New York in two weeks. Permission slips have been sent out to your parents already." I looked over at Mandi and we grinned. I loved shows almost as much as Oliver.

"Alright, go do a collected canter at the wall." We simultaneously went to the wall and I gave Olly the cue. He arched his neck and transitioned into the smooth gait. "Mandi, tighten your reigns. Alchemy is getting excited." We cantered around and came to a trot at Mr. Conner's word. Throughout the whole lesson I didn't let my mind wander once.

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Late that night I called Brooke. She answered on the fourth ring.

"Hello?"

"Hi Brooke. It's Aiden."

"Hey! How are you? Is everything alright?"

"It's fine. I just found out about some shows we will be attending this year. I'm so excited!" I then proceeded to explain to her all the shows we were going to.

"Wow! That's really good, hon. How's the school going for you?"

"It's tough, but I'm keeping my grades up. I won't let a C get in the way of the YENT team."

"That's my girl. I can't wait for the long weekend next week so I can see you!"

"Me neither. I have to go, but I'll talk to you later, 'kay?"

"Okay. Love you."

"Love you, too. Bye." I hung up and looked at the bright screen and sighed. One more week and then I would be in Colorado again.

I clambered into my bed and looked out the open French doors. A breeze swayed the glass plant holders, causing the moonlight to glint through the raindrop-shaped glass. Outside, the lights flickered on. I closed my eyes and drifted off before I could start to worry about Meagan.