Adelaide ….Annual Rodeo …
"Where have you been ? It's almost time for your event." Claire calls as she walks up to Alex .
" Calm down Mum I've just bought myself a new hat."
His comment has the desired result and she fires. " Mum ! How bloody dare you ! Miss your event see if I care ."
He laughs , she doesn't .
" Come on you two get a move on !" Jack shouts.
They both hurry towards him.
….
Claire sits in the grandstand and watches the bull riders as they finish their rides.
Alex's event is coming up and she's nervous for him.
Glancing sideways she smiles at the young woman with the cute baby in her arms.
Claire shuffles along as the girl plonks down beside her.
…
Claire is stunned when the girl begins to feed the baby, she must be around the same age as herself.
Ordinarily Claire isn't nosey but she's intrigued by the goings on.
" How old are you?"
" None of your business really is it?" The newcomer replies defensively .
Claire grins at her ." Sorry it's just you look like you're about my age and I couldn't imagine being a Mother just yet."
Looking down at her baby the young woman replies." Wasn't on my to do list either but I'd never change my life now."
She looks at Claire and answers." I've just turned 16 , I was 15 when my parents tossed me out when I found out I was pregnant. "
" Shit!"
" Hmm."
" So where do you live now?"
Shrugging her shoulders the stranger replies" Here and there ."
" Wow that must be hard.?"
Unable to answer the young woman just nods.
Claire decides she likes this new person and holding out her hand offers " Claire McLeod."
" Stevie Hall pleased to meet you."
…
It's thrilling watching the horses buck, weave and jump high into the air as they try to dismount their riders.
Stevie loves this event and although she's never ridden in an event before she's an awesome rider and can handling even the most difficult of horses.
The bloke that ran the local horse hire told her she was a natural .
That was before her pregnancy and the birth of baby Rose.
As if reading her thoughts the girl sitting beside her asks "Do you ride ?"
" Yes. We'll I did before the baby." She replies.
….
A few more events take place before Claire speaks again.
" Are you any good at riding ?"
"Yep."
"Have you ridden in events like here?"
" No but I've practiced heaps."
" My usual partner had a birthday and can't ride in my age group anymore."
" What event ?"
"Some call it Gretna Green some call it Rescue ."
" Is that the one with two riders and one horse."
" Yes that's it ! Would you be game ? "
"I'd love too but can't leave the baby on her own."
" My Dad might watch her , it'll only be for twenty minutes or so."
" That would be great , she's a really good baby and I'm feeding her now so she'll be right for ages."
"I'll be back in a minute , save my seat ." Claire gushes and runs off.
….
Alex heart pumps as he gets himself ready .
His shute opens and he flies .
Claire holds her breath .
Stevie smiles broadly , her adrenaline whooshing through her veins.
Alex's mount bucks and twists , he holds on for dear life .
It's his first time in this age group and he wants to make an impression .
Time holds itself up .
Suddenly he's flying without the horse .
Hitting the ground hard the dust floats around him.
His smile wide .
Still laying on his stomach he looks up.
The crowd are cheering .
Spotting Claire his smile widens , then he notices Stevie the girl he met before .
Jumping to his feet he dusts himself off .
Looking at the girls he touches the brim of his black Akubra .
Both appreciate the gesture.
….
Alex walks back to the gate where Jack is standing with some of his mates.
" Nice ride Alex."
"Thanks Jack I'm pretty happy with it. "
Claire, Stevie and the baby join them and Claire congratulates him.
" Thanks Claire it felt really good."
Before Claire can add to her comment Stevie drops.
" You favour your left side it puts you off balance. "
" Yeah well who asked you?" He snaps.
" Alex this is Stevie Hall" Claire offers trying to disarm the conversation.
Alex is touchy about his riding and doesn't appreciate advice .
" You didn't ask for advice about your hat but I was right wasn't l. "
"Oh you know each other already." Claire says but neither acknowledge her.
" It's a bit different isn't it."
" I dunno can you fall off your hat ?"
He grins .
Stevie does too.
…..