The great and talented S. Meyer owns the original Edward and Bella. I'm simply just borrowing them for my entertainment.
A/N: Hey guys. Sorry for the late updated. It's been one busy week for me. My sister just had her baby and I was out of town playing aunt.. Anways, thank you for the reviews. I truly appreciate it! I know the story may seem a bit flat right now, but I promise, promise, promise it will pick up and get better.
And before I forget to mention, some of the things that happen in the story are from my own personal experience. I do work on the farm where I keep my two horses and care for fifteen others. I do compete in western events (which I'll be getting into later..) and dressage. I even attended an Equestrian Academy in England where I studied and rode with some top contenders.
Anyhoo…back to the story!
Morning came way too early. I woke up with one leg off the bed, my other tangled in Lauren's sheets. I threw my arm over my eyes to block the light that was coming in from the window. I slowly remove my arm, letting my eyes adjust to the bright sun. I look over to my left and see my best friend hanging half way off the bed, snoring loudly. I couldn't help but giggle.
"Lauren!"
"Uhn.."
"Lauren!" I shouted a little bit louder.
"Uhhhhnnnn…" Ok, I was seriously losing my patience.
"Lauren!" This time I shook her lightly. I didn't want her to fall onto the floor.
"Five more minutes, Tyler-bear." She rolled over.
Oh.. my…god. Is she dreaming of my brother? I think I am going to throw up. "LAUREN! WAKE UP!" This time, I used a little bit more force in my push.
"WHAT!?" Lauren shot up and gave me the dirtiest of dirty looks.
"Were you just dreaming of my brother?" I questioned.
"No. I don't know what you're talking about." She's blushing. She was totally thinking of Tyler. Yeah, I'm really going to toss my cookies.
"That's disgusting, Lauren. Now get up. You have to take me home. Or Tyler-bear is going to leave without me." She's blushing again. Great. I start climbing out of bed and digging for clean clothes in my book bag.
"Do you really have to go? Can't you just stay here for the summer? Forget working at the ranch. I need you! Who else is going to go to McKenna's graduation party with me? Everyone is going to be there!"
"Lauren. You're eighteen. I think you're more than capable of going to some graduation party without me. Besides, I have to take this job. I need it for school."
"Oh you're no fun. So much for being my right hand man." I started laughing.
"Well, there's always my brother. He's a man. I'm sure he's more than qualified to take over." I wink. Oh she's got it bad.
"Fine. Whatever Isabella. I'll remember this." Lauren walked over to her bathroom and slammed the door. Touchy much?
After breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon and pancakes, all made by the lovely Dana, it was time for me to go. I sighed.
"Well, Dana, thank you so much for breakfast and for letting me stay…" This is going to be tough. I start feeling the tears forming at the corner of my eyes.
"I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. You mean the world to me and I feel as if I'm leaving you behind." There goes a tear.
"Oh Bella!" Dana wraps me into a hug. I hungrily hug her back. "No need to thank us, baby. You were always like my daughter. You still are. I would do it all over again. If you need anything, anything at all, you give Jordan or me a call. Even if it's at three AM in the morning and you need us to come pick you up. We'll haul ass and make it there before daybreak." More tears flowed down my cheek. I unhooked my arms from her waist and used my sleeve to wipe my nose.
"I love you, Dana." She gave me a bright smile. I looked over the breakfast bar at Jordan. I quickly ran over to him and wrapped my arms around him. "Thank you Jordan!"
"Now, now Bella. This isn't a goodbye. This is just a 'see you later'. You'll be back here before you know it. And we promise to come visit you at school. With out without Lauren. Like Dana said, you're like our second daughter and we wouldn't have it any other way." For one of the first few moments in my life, I actually felt belonging. I felt love. It gave me hope. I could do this. They are my family. They are here cheering me on. I smiled.
"Ok. Lauren, you ready?" She was in the corner of the kitchen. I could see her eyes all red and puffy and her sniffles were loud. She nodded. I took one last look at Dana and Jordan and headed for the car. I climbed into the passenger seat and closed the door.
"I'll be home as soon as I drop her off at home."
The drive to my house was driven in complete silence, apart of the sound of tears falling. I look out the window and enjoy the scenery. I'm going to miss the dry heat, the cacti and hot sun. Not to mention the sandy dirt in between my toes. But I'm surely not going to miss having to watch out for rattlesnakes, brown recluse spiders and scorpions. I shudder at the thought. Lauren cleared her throat and broke me from my train of thought. I looked in her direction.
"You promise you're going to call me at least once a day?"
"Yes. I promise. Scouts honor."
"Ok. You better."
We finally pull up to my house, and I get out and grab my book bag from the back seat. Tyler is already outside waiting by his car. He looks at his watch and then looks at Lauren.
"Well, well. Right on time. Lauren, you are very punctual." She giggled. I forced down the bile rising in my throat. They are literally playing 'googley' eyes in front of me. Um, hello? Bella is still here!
"Ooookay, well, I'm just gonna run in and grab my luggage and then we can go." Tyler finally breaks eye contact with Lauren
"Oh no need. I already have everything in the car." I gave him a worried look. "Bells, don't worry. I double-checked. I packed everything into the car."
"Okay." I turn back to Lauren. "I guess this is our 'see you later'. I'll be sure to call you when I arrive in Laramie. Don't worry I'll be fine. Have a good summer and stay out of trouble. I'll see you around the holidays."
"You better be coming home for the holidays, Bells. It won't be Christmas without you here." She reaches for me and wraps her arms around my neck. I mimic the action. We stood there for five minutes. "I'm going to miss you so much, Lauren."
"Alright Bella. Let's go. You're going to miss your bus." Tyler is growing impatient.
We climbed in the car and Tyler backed out of the driveway and pulled down the street. I rolled down the window and stuck half my body out. I looked at my best friend, standing in the street, with monster tears pouring down her face. I started waving and yelled, "I love you!"
After she was out of sight, I climbed back into the car.
"You better be good to her, Tyler, or I'll come home and whoop your ass." He looks at me.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Um, yeah. You two sit there and give each other the 'eye' all day. It's kind of sickening. Why don't you just ask her out on a date and get it over with. I'm sure she's enjoy having a date to McKenna's party."
"Yeah, you're right. Maybe I will." I smiled. Maybe my brother and my best friend could work out. Suddenly, my mind traveled down a road I did not want to visualize. I gagged. Tyler looked at me and quirked an eyebrow. I just shook my head. I really didn't feel up to par with having the 'sex one-oh-one' conversation with my brother. That is just wrong.
Upon arrival at the bus station, I approach the counter, where an older woman was working.
"Good morning, dear. My name is Ellie. How may I help you?"
"I'm here for the ten o'clock bus to Laramie."
"Of course. Your bus is at station four and will be checking luggage in the next fifteen minutes. You may a seat in the chairs over across on the other side."
"Thank you." My nerves were starting to get the better of me. I took a few deep breaths when I felt a hand on my shoulder. Tyler was looking at me.
"You're going to do fine if it makes you feel any better. I know I haven't been the best brother to you, but I am going to miss you. And seriously, Bella, if you need anything, you can call me. I promise I won't tell Renee or anything like that if you call me saying you're pregnant." My brother can be so sweet, but then his big mouth opens up and totally ruins the moment.
"Thanks, Ty. You've been the only descent one in the family. Sorry you're stuck with Jane for the summer. If you need to get away, I'm sure Claire and Jared wouldn't mind having an extra hand on her ranch."
He laughed. "Oh Bella. Horses are so not my thing, but I'll keep it in mind."
Just then, I heard Ellie's voice come over the loud speaker. "Bus to Laramie, Wyoming is now checking luggage at station four. Thank you."
I sigh. " I guess this is it, then. Have a good summer, Ty. I'll be sure to keep you posted on the pregnancy thing."
"Har, Har. Okay, Bells. Be good. Give me a call when you arrive so I know you're home. Miss you already. Have a safe trip." He reaches out and pulls me into the hug. At first it's a bit awkward but eventually, it feels warm and loving. I give him a gently squeeze and let go.
"Bye, Tyler."
"Bye, Bella."
I turn my back and walk down to station four. A man grabs my luggage, tickets it and puts in on a cart. I slowly make my way over to the bus and I took one last look at Arizona. One last feel of the dry heat. I smile and walk onto the bus. I plugged my Ipod into my ears and leaned against the window.
After several upon several hours sitting on the bus in a tiny seat, next to an old lady whose perfume made me gag; we finally reach the Laramie station. I waited patiently for everyone to file off the bus before I removed myself from my seat. The driver was unloading suitcases right and left, as people were grabbing them and walking off. The wind blew and I shivered. I was glad I packed a sweatshirt in my carry on. I reached into my pocket and turned on my cell phone. Eight new texts, all from Lauren.
I pressed the speed dial two, and put the phone up to my ear. After three rings, Lauren picks up.
"Yes, I'm in Laramie. No I haven't met any cute cowboys. Yes, I remembered my guitar. No, I don't want a record deal. No, I still haven't met any cute cowboys. Yes, I remembered to call you. Gross that my brother asked you out. And yes, I miss you. Does that answer your questions?"
Lauren squealed. "Are you at the ranch yet? What's it like?"
"No, not there yet. I'm waiting for Jared and Claire. They should be here soon. But I'm excited to get to the ranch. I'm lucky they agreed to hire me for the summer. But anyways, tell me about Tyler."
She squeals again. "Well, he calls me after he dropped you off. He said you mentioned something about McKenna's party…something about not wanting to go alone. He then asked if I'd be his date. He is taking me to dinner and then to the party!"
"That's great. I hope things work out for the best." Just then, I see Jared's head bobbing through the crowd. "I have to go. Claire and Jared are here. I'll give you a call tomorrow and let you know how everything goes."
"Okie dokie. Oh! Send me a pic text with your phone! And look in your front pocket in your suitcase. I bought you a digital camera. I want photos of every cowboy you meet."
"Lauren Hope. You are so bad."
"I know. Love you!"
"Love you too." I shut my phone.
"Bella! Finally! You're here!" Claire exclaimed. I could feel the heat rising in my face. "I was beginning to think maybe you'd changed your mind!"
"No way! I'm so happy to be here. It's going to be a good summer."
"And a busy one. Bella, nice for you to join us this summer." Jared held out his hand. I gave him a firm shake. "Come on, lets get you settled."
We pile into their truck and take off. We drive for thirty minutes, when we finally get to the ranch. We drive through a gate with a sign that read, "Welcome to the Sully Ranch" I instantly felt giddy. I looked out into the pasture and saw horses grazing. My eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.
"Welcome to your new home, Bella. The Sully Ranch."
We pulled up to the house and I climbed out of the truck. Jared went around and pulled my bags. "We will show you around the house, then I'll take you out to the barn and show you around down there. Let you meet a few of the horses, and the horse you'll be riding this summer. Then I'll go through the chore list and things like that."
"Sounds good." Butterflies, butterflies, butterflies! Nice move, Bella. I smirk to myself.
We walk through the front door, and up the stairs. Claire lead me down the hall and to the bedroom off to the right.
"And this, is where you will be sleeping. The bathroom is down the hall and to your left. You won't have to worry about sharing. Jared and I have our own bathroom in our master bedroom. You will be responsible for keeping it clean and in order."
I pick up my guitar and place it on the bed. I walk over to the window and look out. I gasp. The sun has almost set and it's getting dark out, but I can still make out the outline of the barn and front pasture. A very good summer indeed. I turn around and face Jared and Claire.
"You like it?" Claire questioned.
"Like it? I love it." I smiled. Big.
"Well, we'll go show you around the rest of the house and then I'll take you outside."
We walked back down the stairs and Claire grabbed my hand. She led me through the foyer and into the main sitting room, which had an amazing western theme. She had a saddle hanging on the wall above the fireplace and miniature hay bails placed all over. She has spurs and horseshoes ornaments, and a giant leather sofa with a cow skin hid. Interesting choice. We continue through the house, as Claire points out where things are located. I start getting ansty and want to hit up the barn. Jared thankfully notices.
"Alright, I think Bella has the house nailed, simple enough. What do you say we go out and you can meet Buck?"
My grin was from ear to ear. My cheeks hurt instantly. I don't think I can wipe the smirk off my face now. I nod my head with excitement. Jared and Claire just laugh.
Jared walks over to the front door, and puts on his jacket. He leans down and gives Claire a peck on the lips. "We'll be back soon."
On our way over to the horses, I take in my surroundings. It's so different from Arizona. There's actually grass. Green. Healthy looking grass. Not like the dry, brittle stuff we have at home. I inhale. And it smells even better. "Have you dealt with stallions before Bella?" Damn, Jared. I was having a moment.
"Um, Yeah, I have. Just ground work though."
"Well, this summer you'll be doing a lot more than ground work. You horse is a stallion. Top of his class, he is. Don't worry. You'll be fine on him. He's very well mannered and calm. But, he does have his moments where he thinks he's an Arabian and not an appaloosa. You'll love him none-the-less. His name is Buck."
With that, he slides open the stall door. There stands my Nantucket. The spitting image of the horse that I left behind in Arizona. "Oh! He's beautiful!" I don't know whether to jump up and down or to cry. Seeing Buck is making me feel a little bit homesick. None of that, I chastised myself. I walked into his stall and brought out my hand. He looked at me, and whinnied. Take that homesickness.
"Tomorrow, we will have to get you fitted for a saddle and adjust it to fit Buck. You'll be able to handle that, right?" I nodded. "Thought so. You're going to fit in just fine around here Bella."
We said good night to Buck, and Jared introduced me to the rest of the herd…well, half of it. They have over sixty horses. I was awestruck. He then pointed out the chore list. I'd be in charge of mucking stalls, feeding, exercising, prepping horses for auction or rodeo and anything else Jared or the other ranch hands needed help with. We locked up the barn and headed back up to the house. Claire was sitting on the porch swing, waiting patiently.
"So, how do you like it? Think you can handle it?"
I laughed. "Oh yeah. Bring it on."
"You're gonna need it you are going to Laramie County. Those cowboys are tough. You'll also have to get practice in for the rodeos. What do you compete in?"
"Um, I've never really competed. Just played around for fun, but I do barrels and western pleasure mostly."
"Well, Bella, this summer you will be competing. Now get upstairs and get some sleep. We rise at four AM and breakfast is at five. I'd get there early, cause once the other ranch hands show up, that food disappears off the table faster than I can cook it."
I said goodnight and made my way upstairs. I shut my door and opened my suitcase. I started to unpack, but I really was too tired to continue on. I slipped into my raggedy old sweatpants and tank top and climbed into bed. I turned off the lamp on the nightstand and sighed. This was going to be a great summer. I quickly succumbed to sleep. I dreamed of wild horses running through the open fields.
