Another short chapter. I hope you like it though, I tried making Sam sound really adult so I hope it's not like stupid :p


Sam opened the flap to Allie's tent; she sat on the floor beside her sleeping bag. Allie's back was facing her but she had a feeling that she was awake.

"Hey," Sam said softly nudging her in the back. Allie scooted into her sleeping bag a little deeper, curling her knees up to her chest. She looked fragile and broken.

"Hey," her voice came out hoarse as if her throat was dry from crying. Sam knew that feeling and she felt bad thinking that the girl had been crying so much. They were both quiet for a bit after that. Sam sat listening to her steady breath, watching the sleeping bag rise up and down with each breath. She pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around them, resting her chin on top of them. If anything, she hoped that her presence would bring Allie some peace of mind.

"I'm sorry...," Allie whispered into her blankets.

"It's ok Allie, honest. I'm just glad you are ok." Sam said reassuringly. Allie rolled over to face Sam; she sat up also, crossing her legs to sit Indian style.

"I shouldn't have done that. I had a lot of time to think last night about everything...and well I feel bad for causing so much trouble...and I realize how reckless that was of me...I guess I just really want to say is that I'm really glad you were there, you probably saved my life Sam that I so carelessly tried to throw away. Thank you, a lot," Allie looked down at her hands pausing for a moment. "And I can understand if you wanted to kick me out...I probably would."

Sam unwrapped her arms from around her legs and grabbed Allie's hands. She pulled the small girl to her for a hug.

"You aren't going anywhere. You're my friend now that means we stick together through thick and thin," Sam said as she held Allie who clung to her as if she was her source of life. Finally they pulled apart, Allie with tears in her eyes but a small smile on her face.

"Besides, like you said, I saved your life...you kinda owe me," Sam teased smiling.

Allie smiled for real this time wiping the tears away from her eyes. "Thanks."

Sam patted her shoulder and stood up. "No problem," she went to leave but turned back to Allie. "Actually, there is something else."

Allie looked at her a little worriedly. "Yeah?"

Sam held out her hand for her. "I think you have someone else you need to apologize to."

Allie scrunched her forehead in confusion but took Sam's hand and followed her outside anyway. Sam led her past the group who were sitting in a circle eating breakfast. Jake looked up and Sam smiled at him.

"We'll be back in a minute," Sam said feeling his gaze take in the situation before nodding.

"Sam, Allie, hurry back before Darrel eats all the food!" Tara called after them and Sam waved her hand without stopping.

"If Darrel eats all the food I'll feed him to the cougars!" Sam called back earning a laugh from everyone.

"Hey!" Darrel and Jen yelled simultaneously causing everyone to burst into a new round of laughter. Sam even saw Allie smiling even though she had her head down.

They stopped at the corral and Sam ducked under the fence, she looked back at Allie who waited outside looking at her confusedly.

"C'mon," Sam said nodding towards the group of horses. Allie carefully ducked under the fence too and stood behind Sam.

"I think Popcorn deserves an apology. He was very worried about you," Sam said turning to face Allie.

"H-How do you know he was worried about me?" Allie asked uncertain.

"He was very nervous last night when we got back; Jake said he was acting like a lost horse even though he was in the corral with the others. Very restless...it's easy to assume he was looking for you," Sam explained.

Allie still seemed unconvinced. "But why would he? Why would he care...," her voice trailed into a whisper as her gaze found Popcorn who looked up at her. He nickered and broke away from the group of horses; walking to Allie and Sam. He nudged Allie and let out a big sigh when she scratched his forehead.

"A horses trust and love is not easily gained, Allie. But sometimes, there will be that one horse that you will meet and it will understand you...it will understand your pain and confusion...it will understanding that you have no one to trust, so they will give you theirs along with their love hoping that maybe you can trust and love it in return. This horse becomes tuned to you; so that you may be one. Imagine being this horse, Allie. Imagine this person that you put your all into tried to throw their life away. Wouldn't you feel abandoned? Wouldn't you worry for this person?" Sam scratched Popcorns neck looking intently at Allie, making her meet her gaze.

"I think--I know I would," Allie said meeting her gaze confidently.

"Imagine being Popcorn when you jumped from that saddle. Imagine running flat out trusting your person to guide you in the right direction, hoping they'll be there to direct you away from harm...be there to direct you home, where you both belong, back with your friends."

Allie looked away from Sam and looked at Popcorn instead, who rested his forehead on her chest.

"Popcorn understands you Allie. He trusts you and loves you. I didn't pick him for you just for any reason; I picked him because I knew. Horses are a lot smarter than people make them out to be; they are very intuitive. He knew the pain and struggles you had before anybody else. That's why you're that person to him, Allie."

Allie rest her forehead against Popcorn; wrapping her arms around his head. Sam heard her murmuring to him and knew that it was ok now, she knew now that Allie understood. So she left Allie to join the group to breakfast, knowing that when she was ready, she'd join them too.