Chapter Seven

The next morning felt different. It didn't feel like a normal day. I heard my phone buzz. I looked at the screen and saw that it was Tye.
'Good morning sunshine'
Should I answer it? Or should I act like I didn't get a text from him? Ignoring him wouldn't do any good. He'll just find me in the pasture, stable or the arena. I let out a big sigh and went over to my phone.
'Good morning Tye'
'How are you doing this morning?'
'I was doing fine until you texted'
'Oh, Amy that was harsh'
'Sorry, I'm just tired. I didn't sleep well last night'
'Why? Was it because of what happened last night? Or because of the storm?'
'Kind of both'
'Oh. I guess I'll just leave you alone.'
'No! Sorry. I just need to work with Snowflake.'
'Okay. I'll meet you in the arena.'
'See you in fifteen.'
'Bye Amy'
With that I turned on my music and started to get ready.
"Should I wear my riding clothes? Or should I wear my Alabama shirt with jeans? Uggh! So many decisions!" I thought to myself
I finally just put on my riding clothes, went into the bathroom straightened my hair, put it in a ponytail and walked downstairs and out to the barn.
"Hey Amy." I heard Tye say from Ebony's stall
"Tye! What are you doing in Ebony's stall?"
"I was checking on his leg and giving him some feed."
"Oh. Okay." I said surprised
I started to walk over to the arena with Snowflake when Tye had stopped me.
"Amy! Hold on!"
"Yes Tye?"
"About last night."
"I don't want to talk about it Tye."
"I know you don't, but I can see it is bothering you. Why, you can't even concentrate on training Snowflake. I mean seriously? Are you going to act like nothing happened?"
"No Tye. It's just I like you, don't get me wrong, but I just don't need the distractions of dating right now. Maybe after I get her fully ready for competition we can try it again. Right now I think we should take a break. We can still be friends. I'm sorry."
"I understand Amy."
He started to walk away when I called his name.
"Tye!"
He turns around and looked at me but said nothing
"I really am sorry."
With that he walked out of the arena and walked towards barn three.
"Come on Snow, we have work to do today."
I worked with her for four hours. I wanted to be sure that she was ready for the show that was now in two months.
"Do you think we will be ready in time girl?" I asked Snow as if she was going to answer me.
"Come on girl. Let's go back to the barn."
I lead her back into the barn and gave her feed and water.
:"You're a good girl. You have come a long way from where we started."
She nudges my shoulder with her nose
"What is it girl?"
Snow walks over to her feed bucket and nudges it.
"I know that sigh girl. You want a treat."
I walk over to the tack room and get four treats. Two for Snow and two for Ebony.
"Here you go girl. I got your favorite, carrots!"
I lay my palm flat and let her eat the carrot from my hand.
"Good girl." I said rubbing her neck
I walk out of her stall and close the stall door behind me. I get the last two treats for Ebony and walk over to his stall.
"Hey boy." I said softly
He raises his head and then goes back to eating the hay in his stall.
"I thought you might want a treat. Come here boy."
I walk into his stall and give him an apple as I rubbed his neck.
"Yeah, whose my good boy? Hmm?"
I looked into his eyes and I could see that he was scared. Scared of what? I'm not sure. I just know that whatever it is or was, he was afraid of it.
"Hey boy, it's okay. Hey, shhhh. I'm here. It's going to be okay. I won't let anybody get you. I promise."
I could instantly see that fear disappear when I spoke to him. I felt a sense of relief as if he hadn't been scared of anything at all.
"That's my boy. Shhhh. Mama's got you. It's alright."
He tossed his head ad nickered softly.
"Easy. That's a boy."
I rubbed his neck and left his stall.
"Good night you two. I'll see you in the morning."
I turned the barn light off and closed the barn door. I walked back to the house and went up to my room. I was so tired that I fell asleep in my work clothes. Mom walked up to my room and took my boots off and put the covers on me. I could hear her footsteps as she left the room. Even after six months after dad died, I could still hear her crying in her room almost every night. I just want to go in her room and cry with her at times. She isn't the only one who lost the one person she loved the most.