Dawn of a New Beginning

by,
Kara S. and McKenzie S.

Twelve-year-old Andrea Carter sat in the barn with her beloved horse, Taffy, standing above her and one of her best friends, Riley Prescott, sitting beside her. Andrea, better known as Andi, affectionately rubbed Taffy’s nose as she talked with Riley about her upcoming birthday.

“Do you think that Mitch will buy me something for my birthday this weekend?” Andi asked.

Riley shrugged, “I dunno,” then a smug look overcame his face. “But if I were Mitch I’d give you a few extra chores and responsibilities around the ranch.”

Andi playfully punched Riley’s arm, “That’s not what I meant!”

Riley smirked as he slouched in a relaxed manner next to Andi, “What do you want this year?”

Andi pursed her lips together tightly in deep thought, “I don’t know. Last year Chad gave me a new lasso rope, and that was nice, but I’d rather have new tack this year.”

Riley straightened, “Yeah?”

Andi nodded, looking on in the distance and not noticing Riley’s change of posture, “Yeah, like a new saddle, or bridle. Even new stirrups would be nice.”

Riley looked intently at Andi, “Really?”

Andi noticed the interest hinted in Riley’s voice and turned to look at him, “Well, yeah. I definitely would not want a big, fluffy, itchy pink dress, even though Melinda says that's what a 'proper' young lady would want. Taffy’s saddle is getting old since I’ve had it since she was big enough to ride, and it’s getting small on her.”

Riley bit his lip thoughtfully, “Uh huh. Well, I’m sorry I wasn’t here for your twelfth birthday.”

Andi shrugged, “Naw, that’s alright. I’m just glad you’re here for my thirteenth.”

Riley grinned, “Yeah, me too.”

Andi and Riley both smiled at each other, but the moment between them broke when a shout come from the barn door.

“Andi, Riley, where are ya?”

Andi turned her attention to the voice and stood up, “We’re here, Chad.”

Chad saw them and walked over, “Are you two going to go into town today?”

Riley nodded, “Sure thing, boss. Cory asked us to come to the their livery to help work with a yearling thoroughbred. Why do you ask?”

Chad jerked his thumb in the direction of town, “You’d better head out now if you want to be there by four.”

Riley stared at the wall of the barn for a moment before asking, “Do you know where Justin is?”

Chad shrugged, “I dunno. Why?”

Riley looked towards the house, “I’ll be right back Andi. Just saddle Taffy and I’ll be back soon.”

Andi gave him an odd look and then shrugged, “Sure, I’ll wait here.”

Soon after Riley returned they were both riding into town. When they got to town Cory was waiting for them outside of the livery and when they had dismounted, Cory led Riley and Andi into the barn to see the new wild horse.

The horse was a tall thoroughbred whose coat was a chestnut brown. It had no markings on its face but it had white stockings on its feet.

“Aw, he’s beautiful!” Andi exclaimed.

Riley nodded in agreement, “Very attractive. What’s his name?”

Cory smiled, “He's named Lightning, and rightfully so. He's as unpredictable as an unexpected storm. Let’s get started on the training, shall we?”

Andi and Riley both grinned, “Let’s get started.”

The trio had been working with the horse for about fifteen minutes when Mr. Blake came out and began helping them. After about an hour they heard a wagon roll up and a moment later Justin walked into the barn.

“Hello everyone,” Justin smiled at everyone, “It appears the training is coming along well. Riley, I need to talk to you for a moment.”

“Yes sir, I'll be right with you.” Riley quickly followed Justin out of the barn.

Mr. Blake, Cory, and Andi continued gentling Lightning while Riley was gone.

Seeing Riley come back into the barn, and sparking her own curiosity as to why her brother would need to talk to Riley in private, Andi questioned, “What did Justin want?”

“Nothin’ really,” Riley shrugged as he came over and helped with putting on Lightning’s halter.

Piqued by his short answer and tone of voice that communicated he didn't want to discuss his discussion with Justin further, Andi turned her attention back to Lightning. But as they continued working with Lightning, Andi couldn’t help glancing at Riley every now and then.

About half an hour later, Riley abruptly announced that he had to go run an errand for Justin. Riley instantly mounted and rode off in the direction of Justin’s office. Andi watched from the barn door as Dakota and Riley disappeared down the street and began to wonder what the errand was the Riley had to do.

She was still thinking when Cory pinched her arm. “Hey Andi, get back to work. We need you,” Cory said.

Andi turned and looked at Cory, “Oh yeah, I’m coming.”

About an hour later Cory, Andi, Mr. Blake finished working with Lightning and they all noticed that Riley hadn’t returned.

“What’s keeping Riley?” Andi asked out loud, but more to herself than anybody else.

Mr. Blake shrugged, “I don’t know. Cory, wait out here with Andi until Riley comes back, I have some work to do inside.”

Cory nodded, “Yes sir.”

After a long ten minutes, Riley finally appeared.

“Hi guys, sorry it took so long. Are you done?” Riley asked.

Andi nodded, “We’ve finished. Where were you this entire time?”

Riley shook his head, “I’ll tell you that later, come on let’s get back to the ranch.”

The ride home was silent and Riley seemed to be thinking. Andi continuously stole multiple anxious glances at Riley, but neither said anything. When they got back to the ranch, Riley spoke cheerfully as if nothing ever happened.

“Well that was very enjoyable, helping train Lightning wasn’t it?”

Andi stared at Riley for a moment, “Sure, but you didn't really help much.”

Riley glanced down at the ground for a moment awkwardly, “Well, we’d best get inside to lunch. Come on.”

She planned on asking him what he was thinking but he disappeared following lunch and Andi saw nothing of him for the rest of the day.

The following day Andi and Riley went to town earlier than usual. Training Lightning was proving to be very rewarding, and the horse now allowed a bridle to be put on its head.

After Andi, and Riley were finished helping Cory, and the two were mounted Riley pronounced, “Before we go back to the ranch I have a little something I need to take care of by Justin's office. Could you wait for me inside the office while I conduct some business?”

“I suppose,” she responded shortly.

Seeing that her brother was busy shuffling papers, Andi sauntered to the bench on the platform right outside the front door to wait. Except for the occasional passerby, everything was exceptionally quiet. A voice she didn't recognize drifted over to her from the alleyway beside her brother's office.

“...That's not enough, and if you don't bring it by tomorrow, the deal is off.” With her curiosity rising, Andi scooted closer to the sound, edging to the very fringe of the bench.

“I'll have it. This is very important and I need it by the end of this week, Roy.”

Her heart skipped a beat, immediately recognizing the second voice as Riley Prescott’s.

Andi heard the first voice speak again, “Alright, I’ll be back tomorrow, but you’d better have it by then…”

“Don’t worry I will,” Riley replied. “I’ll get the money if it’s the last thing I do.”

Andi leaned forward and accidentally slipped off the edge of the bench and tumbled into the dust. She looked up and Roy saw her then he dashed off in the opposite direction.

“Andi! What on earth are you doing?” Riley shouted glancing after Roy.

Andi stared at Riley as the tramped up to her. He took her arm and helped her up but his grip on her hand was crushing and Andi knew he was frustrated.

“What did you hear?” Riley asked, almost shouting in Andi’s face.

“I… I… nothing,” Andi stuttered.

Riley glared at her and tightened his squashing grip on her arm, “Oh yes, you heard something, now what was it?”

“I heard something about money, that’s all!” Andi pushed herself away from Riley.

Riley was breathing hard and his chest rose and fell angrily as he replied, “You’d better be telling the truth.”

“Why would I lie?!” Andi retorted.

They heard a door open and shut and then Justin was standing above them.

“What’s going on?” Justin boomed.

Riley swallowed hard and replied, “Everything is alright Justin, sir. I just lost my temper. Andi, I’m sorry.”

Andi turned, mounted Taffy and then rode off without another word. Trusting Riley Prescott was the farthest thing from her mind. Riley watched her go with a depressed feeling in his chest.

*****

That afternoon, Andi lay on the bank in her special spot with an empty stomach and what felt like an empty, lonely heart.  Since Riley’s harsh actions toward her, Andi decided that she never wanted to be his friend anymore. She lay there thinking for a couple hours.

Hearing hooves pounding the ground, she sat up and saw Justin riding up on his horse Thunderbolt. He slipped off and sat down next to her, settling his arm around her shoulder.

“You okay, Honey?” He asked calmly. “What happened?”

Andi laid her head on Justin’s should and sobbed, “I don’t know. Riley just suddenly got really mad.”

Justin hugged Andi and spoke gently, “Riley told me that he is very sorry.”

Andi stuck her chin high in the air indignantly, “I will never speak to Riley Prescott again.”

Justin raised his eyebrows, “No? Well, that’s your choice Honey, but I wouldn’t hold a grudge too long.” Justin planted a kiss on her forehead and then stood up, “Come on back to the house and we'll get something to eat.”

A smile slowly lifting her face, Andi stood and followed Justin.

After arriving at the barn, the two riders put their horses back into their stalls and were about to go to the house when Riley approached Andi.

“Andi, may I speak with you for a moment?” Riley asked timidly.

Andi didn’t speak and turned to walk away.

Riley reached forward and grabbed Andi’s arm.

She whirled around and gritted her teeth, “Don’t do this again!”

Riley looked down and released Andi’s arm, “Sorry. I just wanted to apologize.”

Andi crossed her arms, “If you’re so sorry then tell me what you were doing in the alley and why you met with that man.”

Riley looked up and said, “I can’t, not yet. But I promise I will in due time. Please, trust me.”

Andi wheeled around and walked to the house without another word. Riley's heart sank at his failed attempt to make things right with Andi.

*****

 With her birthday quickly approaching, Andi described to her Mother what her idea of a perfect day would look like.

“I'm thinking our family could have an afternoon picnic.”

“Why don't you ask Riley if he wants to join us? After all, you two have been good friends for such a long time; you shouldn’t exclude him.”

“I suppose it wouldn't hurt,” Andi finally managed to say.

Finding Riley wasn't difficult considering he spent most of the day with the horses.

Andi entered the barn and took a deep breath. The quiet sound of horses chewing hay calmed her. She saw Riley sitting on a hay bale and walked towards him.

“Hi,” Riley spoke almost in a question, and Andi knew he was somewhat suspicious of why she would come.

Andi glanced around, “Uh, would you… um…. can you… I wanted to ask if you’d join us on a family picnic for my birthday tomorrow.”

Riley nodded, “Sure, I’d like that.”

Awkward silence hung in the air until Andi abruptly stated, “I have to go now.”

Riley looked up from the floor, “Oh, uh bye.” Riley then stood up and left the barn.

Andi rushed off to Taffy’s stall, glad to be away from the unpleasant silence. She entered Taffy’s stall and stood next to her palomino mare, stroking her mane. She buried her face into the soft, yet prickly texture of Taffy’s mane and sighed contentedly.

“Taffy, what am I going to do? I thought Riley and I were best friends, but all the friendship has seemed to disappear. For some reason I feel betrayed that Riley is so secretive. I feel like he’s keeping the secret just to annoy me.”

Taffy nicked softly and prodded Andi with her nose. Andi smiled and patted Taffy, “I know you understand. Let’s go for a ride.”

Andi grabbed Taffy’s bridle and settled it on her horse’s head. She decided to ride bareback and swung herself up onto her horse. She gave Taffy a squeeze and off the two friends went. Galloping over bright green pastures with nothing but Taffy and the wind touching her, Andi felt free and disconnected from all of her problems. Andi was happy.

*****

The morning of Andi's birthday shone bright and beautiful. Andi awoke with a start, excited about the days' events. By the time she got up, dressed, braided her hair, and hurried down the stairs, it was almost nine in the morning. She mischievously slid down the banister and when she got down Justin was standing in his best suit and a smile on his face.

He tugged on her braids and laughed, “Good morning, Honey.”

Andi hugged her oldest brother, “Good morning, Justin.”

As soon as breakfast started, Mitch told Andi, “On the picnic this afternoon we are all going to give you your birthday presents there. Does that sound good?”

Andi took a bite of her biscuit, “That’s fine.” Then she looked over at Riley, “You mean everybody?”

Riley stared down at his empty plate and didn’t say anything, neither did anyone else.

Justin cleared his throat awkwardly and spoke up, “Well, actually Riley does have a birthday present for you.”

Andi raised an eyebrow and looked over at Riley. Riley’s chest was rising, and falling strenuously, and Andi knew he felt uneasy.

Riley suddenly looked up at Justin and cleared his throat, though it sounded more like a choking sound. “May I be excused?” Riley asked.

Justin bit his lip, “Yes, if you must.”

Riley slowly stood up and left the table, placing his napkin on his plate. He walked out of the house without another word. Conversation soon buzzed in the dining room as the Carters talked about memories of Andi when she was younger.

After the meal finished, Andi went out to the barn. She was sitting with Taffy when Riley come into the barn and saddled up Dakota. He galloped out of the barn and down the ranch lane.

Andi sat silently, waiting and watching. She stroked Taffy’s soft mane, listening to her chew her hay. Tired from the morning activities, Andi sat down at the side of Taffy's stall, resting on the soft hay beneath her.

She dozed off for a while before she was awoken by Melinda. “Andi, everything is ready for the picnic.”

Andi rushed inside and helped her older sister load the picnic baskets onto the wagon. The Carter brothers came inside, washed their hands, and soon everyone was in the wagon on their way to a lush green picnic spot.

As they rode, Andi sighed contentedly. She made a few guesses as to what the gift her family might give her, but none of her siblings would give her the slightest clue. Realizing they didn't intend to give anything away, she stopped guessing and stayed quiet as the wagon trudged on.

Finally they arrived at a shaded area where they stopped and unloaded the picnic baskets. The family enjoyed talking about good memories, and everyone told Andi something they appreciated about her. They had a scrumptious meal of chicken salad sandwiches and apple pie, which was Andi's favorite meal.

“Andi, why don't you see if there's anything still in the wagon,” Justin suggested, with as much sincerity as he could muster.

“With pleasure,” Andi grinned, knowing that he was referring to the gifts they had for her.

Andi walked towards the wagon and picked up a brown sack. Hearing hoof beats behind her, she turned to see Riley coming toward her on his horse, Dakota.

“Hi, Andi. Happy birthday! I hope I'm not too late to join the festivities.” Riley called nonchalantly.

“Glad you could make it, Riley. We've already eaten, and I was just about to open my birthday gifts.” Andi replied.

Riley made his way to the picnic blanket and seated himself with the rest of the Carter family.

Andi returned from the wagon with the parcel and sat down. Her family gave her a locket, a leather journal, and a fountain pen.

After she had finished opening all the gifts, everyone looked to Riley who shifted back and forth uncomfortably.

Recognizing that it didn't appear Riley had anything for her, Andi broke the silence, “Thank you so much, this has been one of the best birthday's ever!” Andi exclaimed and gave each of her family members a hug.

“Actually, uh, Andi, I have a little something for you.” Riley said. He walked over to his horse and took the saddle from its back. He brought it to Andi, who stood confused not knowing why he removed the saddle from his horse.

“Here, this is for you. I thought you might like a nice saddle to ride Taffy with.”

“I...thank you, Riley. It's the best saddle I've ever seen,” Andi stammered, stunned. “I'll definitely put it to good use.”

She ran her fingers along the smooth leather.

“I say we clean up and head home,” Chad announced. “Riley, you can tie Dakota to our buckboard and ride back with us if you'd like to.”

Everyone climbed into the wagon and had a pleasant ride back to the Carter ranch.

As they pulled up to the house, Riley jumped out of the cart, untied his horse, and led him into the barn. Andi grabbed the saddle and followed him. Slowly, she approached Dakota's stall pondering how she could make amends with Riley.

“Um, Riley?” Andi finally spoke up as she watched Riley pull Dakota into his stall.

Riley turned and saw Andi standing in the middle of the barn, “Yeah, Andi?”

Andi stared down at the wood floor and stuttered awkwardly, “I… well… I guess I mean to say… I’m sorry.”

Riley gave her an odd look, “What do you mean Andi?”

Andi swallowed hard, “I’m sorry for my actions toward you in town that day.”

Riley stepped out of Dakota’s stall and walked over to Andi, “You mean when you saw me meeting with Roy?”

Andi nodded silently.

Riley chuckled and looked down at the floor, “I guess I’ll tell you everything. See, the reason I was meeting with Roy was to get your birthday present. He was from San Francisco, and I had to get the saddle before he left this afternoon. When I saw you, I thought that you were going to ruin the surprise. That’s why I got so angry. It's me who should be apologizing. I’m sorry for hurting you, Andi, I never meant to.”

Andi looked up at Riley and cracked a smile, “That’s okay, Riley. I forgive you.”

Riley returned a kind smile and asked, “So does this mean we’re friends again?”

To Andi's surprise, and Riley’s, she stepped forward and hugged him, “We’ll always be friends, Riley Prescott.”

Riley grinned and stepped back out of Andi’s embrace, “That’s great, Andi. Now, let’s go for a ride. And I’ll saddle up Taffy for you, birthday girl.”

Andi laughed and shook Riley’s hand, “You’re on, partner.”

With that, Andi and Riley took off on their horses. Andi realized that this was a new start on their friendship and she wished to keep it strong for the rest of her life.