An Experience to Draw On
Summer seemed to come early in Maine that year, early and unusually hot. The kids in school suffered through the ninety degree heat, looking longingly out the windows and dreaming of the ocean. Leah Hatch was one of those students. She sat by the window in her religion class, staring out at the glaring sun. She went to a private school, and her wool skirt didn’t help cool her off.”Miss Hatch, are you paying attention?” Leah looked toward the front of the room and smiled at the teacher.
“Yes ma’am.” The woman sighed and returned to her lecture.
“Good going Leah,” a voice whispered. Leah looked across the aisle and smiled at her best friend, Sarah Powers.
“It’s last period, ninety degrees outside and she expects us to pay attention?” Sarah grinned. Moments later the final bell rang. The girls gathered up their things and walked out of the room.
“What are you doing this afternoon?” Sarah questioned.
“Umm… my father is taking me shopping to get some more stuff for summer vacation.”
“You’re so lucky. How many people get sent to Italy for summer break?” Leah sighed.
“Only the ones that have parents who don’t want them around,” she replied. Sarah put her arm around Leah’s shoulders.
“Leah, they aren’t sending you to get rid of you.”
“That’s easy for you to say Sarah, you don’t live with them. It’s not a big deal… I’ve wanted to go to Italy for a long time.”
“There are a lot of guys in Italy Leah, cute ones.” Leah tossed her head back and laughed.
“Like any guy in Italy will notice me. Anyway, I’m going to ride, not to find a boyfriend.”
“You can’t marry a horse.”
“I’d be a whole lot happier if I could.” Sarah rolled her eyes.
“The guys over there will love you. You’ve got fabulous red hair, green eyes, you’re thin… you’ll have ten boyfriends.”
“You’re crazy. I won’t get involved with anyone who lives a twelve hour plane ride away from me.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’d be stupid. I’m going for the horses Sarah. My parents have paid a lot of their precious money so I can go to this riding school. I plan on taking full advantage of it.”
“I know. I’ll see you Sunday at graduation Leah.”
“OK. Call me.”
“What for? You’re always out riding and I can never get through.” Leah smiled and walked to her car. Justin Potter was there waiting for her.
“Hey beautiful,” he greeted, giving her a quick kiss. She smiled.
“Hello yourself. Are you coming shopping with me and Daddy today?”
“I don’t know Lee. I’ve got things to do for my graduation party.” Leah sighed.
“I know you don’t want me to go this summer, but I have to. It’s a good opportunity and it’s only for two months.”
“Two and a half.”
“Not that you’re counting,” she kidded. Justin didn’t smile.
“I’m not joking around Leah. We’ve been seeing each other for four years and you’re taking off.”
“So do you want to break up?” she demanded. Justin sighed.
“I don’t know.”
“If you’re going to throw a four year relationship away over two and a half months, you’re crazy. Whatever you want to do just let me know.” She opened her car door, got in, and drove away.
Mr. and Mrs. Hatch were sitting at the dining room table when Leah came up from the barn that night.
“You’re late young lady,” her father said. She went to the kitchen and washed her hands.
“I’m sorry. Ickirus was being a moron and I had to spend extra time with him.”
“Are you still planning on taking him to Italy?” Mrs. Hatch asked. Leah sat down in her usual chair and began to cut her steak.
“Of course I am. He wouldn’t understand if I left him for two months. I’ve worked with him every day for six years.”
“There are plenty of horses in Italy Leah,” her father said.
“Not him. I can’t just leave him all of a sudden… he’ll think he did something wrong. Anyway, they’re expecting me to bring my own horse.”
“Of course dear. Let’s just enjoy dinner.” Leah nodded and started to eat.
After graduation Leah went to Justin’s house for his graduation party.
“Leah, don’t look so down,” Sarah said. They were sitting by the pool wearing shorts and bikini tops.
“He’s being a real jerk about this Sarah. I’m only going to be gone for two months.”
“Almost three.” Leah glared at her. “I’m not taking sides Leah, but I can see his point. That’s a long time and a long distance.”
“We’ve been dating for almost four years and he’s prepared to just give all that up.”
“He’ll probably stay with it. If he really loves you he’ll stick by you while you’re gone.”
“I know. I think he does love me too… I know I love him.”
“I know that and so does he.” Sarah paused and then asked, “Have you thought about the possibility that you might find someone in Italy that you like?”
“I won’t.”
“You’re a beautiful girl, and the guys over there are gorgeous and romantic. It isn’t a crazy idea that you’d meet someone.”
“It doesn’t mean I’d see someone and cheat on Justin.”
“I know. So does he.” Leah nodded, but was silent. Suddenly a shadow fell over Leah and she tilted her head back to see who it was. Justin was standing behind her.
“Hey, can I talk to you for a second?”
“Sure. Go ahead.” Justin raked his fingers through his blonde hair and sighed.
“Alone Leah.” He grabbed her hand, pulled her to her feet, and led her toward the house. They walked upstairs in silence and went into his room.
“So why’d you drag me off?” Justin pulled her into his arms.
“Because I love you and I don’t need Sarah listening to this conversation.” She smiled up at him.
“Oh. So what are we going to talk about?” He kissed her quickly and then released her.
“Italy.”
“What about it?” she asked, plopping down on his bed.
“What are we going to do about it?”
“There’s not much to do Justin. I’ve been planning it for months. Getting accepted to the school is a big honor.”
“So you’re leaving me… our relationship for your riding?”
“I’m not leaving our relationship. I’m going on vacation for three months at a very prestigious riding school. I can’t believe you’re not happy for me. Not everybody gets accepted.”
“Your parents probably paid the head trainer off,” he muttered. Leah stood angrily.
“That was a rotten thing to say,” she said. He sighed.
“I know, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
“I know. So what do you want to do?” They both sat down on the bed, Leah cross-legged and facing him.
“You know I love you right?” She nodded.
“Of course, and I love you. Going to Italy isn’t going to change that.”
“Maybe it will change it Leah. You can’t say that it won’t… there’s no sure thing.”
“What’s the point in worrying about it now? I highly doubt that any of the guys over there will find me interesting or attractive.” Justin grinned.
“They will if they see you in breeches and a tank top.” She smiled.
“You’re horrible.”
“It’s true.” She blushed.
“Just because some guy might find me good looking doesn’t mean I’m going to start seeing them.”
“I know. It’s not that I don’t trust you, I just want to leave things open so neither one of us feel like we have to just wait around.”
“So you want to break up?”
“I think that we should agree to see other people.” Leah took a deep breath.
“Is there someone else you want to see now?” she demanded. Justin put his right hand on the side of her face.
“You should know the answer to that. You’ve ruined me for any other girl.”
“That’s only because you’ve never been with anyone else.”
“I’ve never wanted anyone else, not the way I want you.”
“Good.” She got to her knees and kissed him. Justin wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. Leah’s hands were on the back of his head, playing with his hair.
“We shouldn’t do this now Leah,” he murmured.
“Why not?” she questioned, kissing his neck.
“Because there are people downstairs… you’re leaving tomorrow.” She looked at him seriously.
“All the more reason to do this now. I don’t want to forget the way it is with us.” He smiled and rolled on top of her.
“You convinced me,” he said. Leah smiled and pulled him closer for a kiss.
Leah sat waiting for her plane early the next morning. Her parents sat next to her.
“Now you won’t get involved with any womanizing foreigner, right dear?” Mrs. Hatch asked. Leah laughed.
“Mother, I’m not stupid. Anyway, Justin and I are going to stay together.”
“Justin’s just as much a womanizer as any Italian boy,” Mr. Hatch muttered.
“Dad, you’re being crazy. I’ve been with Justin for four years and he’s always treated me just fine.”
“Of course he has. How long will that fidelity last when you’re on another continent?” he asked. Leah sighed.
“Thank you so much for making me feel better about leaving Dad. I really appreciate it.” Her flight was announced over the loudspeaker and she stood.
“Take care of yourself Leah,” Mrs. Hatch said. Leah picked up her carry-on bag and a pillow.
“I will. I’ll call when I get there.”
“We may not be home, but you can try,” her father replied.
“OK, bye,” she muttered, walking down the tunnel.
Leah got off the plane and went to customs. After going through she went to claim her baggage.
“Are you Leah Hatch?” a voice asked. Leah turned and almost dropped her knapsack at what she saw. A guy was standing there. He was tall, had black hair, and gorgeous blue eyes. He was wearing a pair of faded jeans and a white T-shirt.
“Who wants to know?” she asked. The guy smiled.
“I’m Marco Spinelli. I work for the Royal Academy and I’m supposed to pick you up and drive you to the school.”
“How do I know you’re who you say you are?” she demanded. Marco raked his fingers through his hair.
“Here’s my employee ID card,” he muttered, handing her a card. Their fingers brushed together and their eyes locked. Leah swallowed hard and looked at the card. It had his picture and name, along with the academy’s emblem.
“OK, good enough. I need to find my luggage.” He nodded and followed her to the conveyor belt. After getting all the bags Marco led her outside to a truck. “It’s so beautiful here,” she said as they started their drive.
“Yes, it is. You’ll be able to see much of the countryside as we drive. It’ll take about two hours to get to the academy.”
“Great.” They were silent for a moment. “Oh! Did my horse get here OK?”
“Yes. I took care of him when he arrived. Ickirus is a beautiful animal.” She smiled at him and pulled the hair tie from her hair.
“He sure is. So he’s settling in?”
“Yes. All of the other students have been eyeing him.”
“They’ll get their chance with him. I won’t be riding him all the time.”
“I’m sure many will want to try him out.”
“Are you a trainer at the school?” Marco glanced at her and shook his head.
“I’m a groom… more specifically I’m your groom.”
“I get my own groom?”
“Yes. It’s Academy policy… saves time.”
“I guess that makes sense. Do you ride too?”
“If I have time after all my work is done.”
“How often is that?” Marco laughed.
“Not too often. Usually I’m busy taking care of someone else’s horse.”
“I’ll try to give you some time,” she promised. He laughed.
“I’ve never heard anyone make such a foolish promise.”
“Why’s it so foolish?”
“Because it isn’t possible. You won’t have time to do all the things you need to do if you’re trying to give me time to ride. Anyway, most students at the Academy don’t befriend their grooms.”
“Why not?” He didn’t answer so she said, “Well there’s no good reason for it. I’ll make friends with anyone I want.” Marco smiled and shook his head.
“Whatever you say Leah. I’m sure you’ll change your mind.”
Ickirus was munching hay when Leah walked up to his stall.
“Hey gorgeous,” she said. His head shot up and he nickered.
“Is he yours?” a voice asked. Leah turned and smiled at the beautiful woman standing there.
“Yes. I’m Leah.”
“Luccia Spinelli.”
“Are you Marco’s sister?”
“Yes. Marco is your groom?”
“Yup. Are you a groom too?” Luccia laughed.
“No, I’m an instructor. I got Marco the job here.”
“Oh. How old are you?”
“I’m thirty.”
“You don’t look that old at all.”
“The years have been kind to me. Have you been shown to your room yet?”
“Yes. They gave me the schedule for the week too.”
“Good. You should give Marco a copy so he knows when to have your mount saddled every day.”
“I can saddle a horse by myself.”
“Of course you can, but Marco gets paid to do it for you. I have to go down to work with a student. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“OK. Nice meeting you Luccia.” The woman smiled and walked away. “Well Ickirus, I guess I should go unpack. I’ll see you in the morning.” She turned to go and ran into someone. She looked up and smiled at Marco.
“Sorry about that Leah,” he said. She shrugged.
“No big deal. I need to give you a copy of my schedule.”
“Do you have one on you?” She shook her head.
“I left both copies in my room. Do you want to walk up with me?” He hesitated.
“I don’t know if I should.”
“Why not?”
“You could give me the schedule some other time.”
“It’d be just as easy to do it now. Come on, it’ll only take a few minutes.”
“OK.”
Leah unlocked her bedroom door and turned on the lights. Marco stood in the doorway and watched as she went to the desk. She bent down and rummaged through some papers. Her long red hair was falling over her shoulders. She was wearing a pair of tight stonewashed jeans and a light pink tank top
“Here it is,” she said suddenly, straightening and turning. When she saw the way he was looking at her, Leah swallowed hard. “Here ya’ go.” She held out the sheet of paper and Marco took it. He glanced at it and then looked at her.
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” he said.
“What time should I be at the barn?” He grinned.
“About five seconds before your class if you’re like everyone else here.”
“I’m not.”
“Ten minutes before class. Goodnight Leah.”
“Night.” He turned and left, closing the door behind himself. Leah sighed and plopped down on the edge of her bed, thinking about the look in his eyes.
Leah was fifteen minutes early for her class the next morning. She was riding Ickirus in a jumping class, and was glad she’d be riding a horse she was use to the first day. Marco was in the stall, almost finished with Ickirus, when Leah arrived.
“I can finish up with him if you want,” she offered. He gave a startled jump.
“That’s OK,” he replied, tightening the girth. She let herself in and took the bridle from him. “What are you doing Leah?” She glanced at him.
“What does it look like?”
“It looks like you’re doing my job.”
“It’s not a big deal. As long as I’m here, why shouldn’t I?” He sighed.
“Fine. I’ll see you after your class.” She nodded and finished with Ickirus. When she was done she led him out to the ring.
Luccia was teaching the class that morning. After everyone had warmed their mounts up, she stepped into the center of the ring and clapped her hands together to get everyone’s attention.
“I’d like you all to say hello to Leah Hatch. She just arrived last night and will be with us until September.” There was a chorus of hellos and Leah smiled.
“It’s nice to meet all of you,” she said.
“OK, let’s get started. Go over the ground polls, cross rail, and two foot plank. Trot over the polls and don’t pick up a canter until you land after the cross-rail.” Someone moved to go first but Luccia held up her hand and said, “Why don’t we let Leah have the first go at it today Michelle?” The girl nodded and smiled at Leah as she rode by.
“Come on big guy, let’s go,” Leah said, squeezing her legs to ask for a trot. They went over the ground polls and moved on to the cross-rail. They cleared it with ease and cantered on landing. They went over the plank jump and Leah pulled up.
“Very nice Leah,” Luccia said.
“Thank you.”
“Please go over to the flat ring and work on your posting trot and your two-point. Your feet are all over the place.” Leah nodded and did as she was told.
By the end of the week Leah was exhausted. She woke up on Friday morning and dressed in breeches, her black tank top, and high boots. She pulled her hair back in a loose braid and walked out of her room and outside. The sun was just starting to come up over the Mediterranean. There were no classes until that afternoon, so she decided to go for a ride on the beach.
“Morning Ickirus. You feel like going down to the beach?” she questioned. She began to saddle him and was soon done. “According to the schedule nobody’s riding you today. We can have a nice, long ride.” She led him outside and swung into the saddle. They trotted down the hillside and through the woods, moving through the trees. She asked him to extend his stride, smiling when he did it willingly. The sound of hoof beats approaching made her turn in the saddle. Marco was riding toward her on a big Andulcian.
“Hello Leah. You should have told me you wanted to take a ride. I would’ve gotten Ickirus ready for you.” She smiled.
“It looks like I had it under control. Who’re you riding?”
“This is Athena. She belongs to my sister.”
“She’s gorgeous.”
“Would you like to ride her?”
“I don’t know… Luccia might not like that.”
“Why not?”
“She doesn’t think… well she’s been kind of hard on me all week.” Marco smiled.
“Luccia has to be hard on you; it’s your first week.”
“I don’t think Luccia thinks I’m a good rider,” she muttered. They let their horses walk.
“She thinks you’re very good.”
“Did she tell you that?”
“She didn’t need to. I’ve seen her watching you during your classes. She looks at you with very serious eyes… and she only does that when she sees someone with talent.”
“She has a funny way of showing it. Riding for her is like doing things for my parents.”
“What do you mean?” She sighed.
“Nothing.”
“Do you want to ride Athena?” Leah grinned.
“Yeah.” They pulled up and she swung into Athena’s saddle. Marco adjusted her stirrups and then mounted Ickirus. They rode on and soon reached the beach.
“Let’s race to that dock,” he said, pointing. About a mile down the beach there was a wooden dock.
“OK.”
“Ready, set, go!” he called. Leah squeezed Athena into a canter, and went into a two-point. Athena broke into a gallop with just a little more urging. Marco was a little ahead of her.
“Come on girl!” she called, kneading her hands along Athena’s neck. The mare sped up and Leah looked over at Marco. “You’re going to lose!” she yelled as they galloped past. She and Athena reached the dock first. Marco cantered up moments later.
“I’ve never lost a race before,” he said.
“Do you race a lot of the girls down here to race Marco?”
“You’re the first.”
“Maybe I’m just more skilled at racing.”
“I wouldn’t have lost if we had raced on foot,” he promised.
“We’ll have to test that theory out. I bet you’d lose.” He grinned.
“You’ll eat your words Leah.”
“We’ll see.” She paused for a moment before asking, “How old are you?”
“Nineteen. How old are you?”
“I turn eighteen in three weeks.” He nodded.
“Do you like Italy?”
“I love it. I especially like the way everyone talks. It sounds so… romantic I guess.” He smiled again.
“It must be interesting to come to a new country.”
“It is. I’ve been to plenty of European countries before… Spain, England, and France. My parents have sent me to so many places; they like to be alone.” Marco looked at her, observing her sad eyes as she looked out across the sea. He reached out and touched her shoulder. Leah turned to look at him. As she did, a breeze came up and blew the loose strands of her hair across her face. Marco reached up and brushed them away.
“Are you OK?” he asked. Leah swallowed hard and forced a smile.
“I’m fine. We should probably get back soon. I have class in an hour.” He nodded.
“Of course.” They trotted off toward the barns.
Almost two weeks later Leah was riding Ickirus in the arena. It was pouring out, and also hot and humid. She was wearing a gray tank top, breeches, and high boots. Even with the tank top on she was sweating. Beads of sweat poured down her face and neck, and her shirt was plastered to her back and chest. The arena was only partially lit due to the storm going on outside.
“Keep it up Ickirus,” she murmured. They were cantering around and she had him completely collected. She took back a little more on her reins, deepened her seat and put more pressure on the right side. He dropped down to a trot and preformed a shoulder in. “Good boy,” she crooned. After a few moments she pulled up and let him walk.
“You look good,” a voice said. She turned and smiled when she saw Marco.
“I look horrible. Ickirus looks good.”
“You make him look good.”
“Not according to practically everyone here. Your sister thinks I’m horrible.”
“I’ll have to tell Luccia to take it easy on you.”
“I don’t want her to. I want to learn while I’m here and I won’t if she does.”
“She’s obviously pushing you too hard Leah. She doesn’t think you’re horrible.” She wiped sweat from her forehead.
“Whatever.”
“If it makes any difference, I think you’re one of the best riders I’ve seen in a very long time.” Leah smiled.
“Thank you. I haven’t had anyone say that to me in… forever.” She dismounted and ran her stirrups up before leading Ickirus toward his stall.
“I’m surprised you don’t hear it every day. You’re very good.” She unsaddled Ickirus and sponged him down before leaving the stall.
“You’re too nice to me Marco.” He laughed.
“Look who’s talking. I’ve ridden more since you got here than I ever have before. No one has ever shown up early to help me before.”
“There’s no reason for you to do everything for me. I’m not paralyzed.” They stood at the barn door to look out at the rain.
“It’s coming down very hard,” he observed.
“It sure is. I’m going to get wet.”
“We both are,” he agreed.
“Oh. Are you done for the day too?” He nodded.
“Yes. I’ve finished all my work.” She smiled at him deviously.
“How about that race?” Marco glanced at her.
“Are you crazy? It’s pouring out.”
“We’ll get just as wet if we walk the whole way.”
“OK.”
“On your mark, get set, go!” she called. They both raced out into the down pour. Leah watched as he ran up the hill ahead of her. They were fairly close, so there was no time for her to move when he slipped in the mud and tumbled back toward her. He slammed into her and they rolled down the hill together. At the bottom they came to a stop, Marco on top of her. She stared up at him and swallowed hard.
“Are you OK?” he demanded.
“Ummm… I think so.” He brushed a strand of muddy hair from her face, at the same time wiping a streak of mud across her cheek. She glared at him. “You’re going to get it,” she warned.
“Really? It seems as though I have the upper hand,” he replied. Leah filled her right hand with mud and brought it up to his face. He frowned.
“Looks like your advantage isn’t that big,” she said with a smile. He let a handful of mud fall on the center of her chest.
“It’s pretty big I’d say.” The mud fight began soon after. They rolled around in the mud, laughing and gasping for air. “OK, OK, that’s enough!” he exclaimed. She was on top of him, straddling his waist. Her face was covered with mud, as were her arms, shoulders, and hands. Her neck was black with dirt and her breeches and shirt were ruined. He looked the same. Both of them were smiling.
“Have you learned your lesson?” she demanded.
“Don’t try to run up a steep, muddy hill when it’s raining?”
“No! Don’t try to beat me because you’ll always lose.” He was on top of her before she had a chance to prepare herself.
“Always?” She swallowed hard and nodded. His blue eyes were burning into hers.
“Yeah, so far.”
“The way you look right now, it seems like you lost.”
“You can’t see yourself Marco, you look pretty bad too.”
“I never said that you look bad Leah. You look… cute.” She raised an eyebrow.
“Cute? I don’t think I’ve been called cute since I was five.”
“You are. You’ve got mud all over your face and in your hair, but your eyes are so bright…” he trailed off and touched her muddy cheek with his index finger. She put her hand on his.
“If I’m cute covered with mud, what am I without it?” He shook his head.
“You’re one of the most…” he stopped abruptly. “We should get in out of the rain,” he muttered, looking down at her for a minute before rolling off of her. He held out his hand and helped her to her feet. They walked in silence until they reached the building her room was in. She caught his arm before he could leave. They were standing under the doorway, their shoulders getting wet from the roof run-off.
“Are you OK?” she asked. He nodded.
“Yeah. Just a little muddy and wet.”
“Oh. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, glancing down at her feet. He looked at her for a moment before pulling her closer and kissing her. When he pulled away he bowed his head.
“I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have done that. Good night Leah.” He was walking away before she had a chance to say anything.
On Leah’s birthday she sat in the phone area talking to Sarah.
“So he kissed you after you mud wrestled for twenty minutes?” Sarah demanded.
“Yeah.”
“I told you that you’d meet someone. Is he cute?”
“He’s gorgeous. He’s got blue eyes, black hair, and he’s built… God, listen to me. I’m going on and on about some Italian guy when Justin and I have been seeing one another forever.”
“Didn’t you and Justin agree to see other people?”
“Yeah. I still feel bad though.” Sarah sighed.
“Let me put it this way Leah… have a fabulous time while you’re in Italy.”
“Is he seeing someone else?”
“I wasn’t going to tell you on your birthday, but he’s been seeing Jackie Ramsey since the day you left.”
“Oh.”
“I’m sorry Leah; I didn’t want to upset you today.”
“You didn’t. I should probably go. I’m running up the phone bill.”
“OK. Happy birthday Leah.”
“Thanks. I’ll write soon.”
“Send me a picture of this gorgeous boy.”
“I will bye.” She hung up the phone, raked her fingers through her hair, and stalked outside.
The tears started when she reached Ickirus’s stall.
“I can’t believe it,” she sobbed to the horse, sinking to the floor. Ickirus nuzzled her shoulder.
“Leah?” She looked up and sighed when she saw Marco.
“I’m OK,” she muttered. Marco let himself into the stall and crouched down beside her.
“You don’t look OK. What’s wrong Leah? Please tell me.” She shook her head.
“I’m just being emotional because it’s my birthday.” He smiled.
“I don’t really believe that, but I have something that might cheer you up.”
“What?”
“A birthday present.” He pulled her to her feet.
“Where are we going?”
“You’re going down to the beach and I’m going to meet you there.”
“But…” He put his index finger over her lips.
“No buts. Go. I’ll meet you by the dock.” She sighed and watched as he disappeared.
Leah sat on the dock with her arms wrapped around her legs and her chin resting on her knees. Her hair was down and swirling around her shoulders. The wind had come up and the waves were crashing against the shore. Leah shivered.
“You look cold,” Marco said as he walked up behind her.
“The wind came up. I should’ve worn a sweatshirt.” Marco pulled his sweatshirt off and handed it to her. “Thanks.” He sat down next to her.
“Sure.” He handed her a wrapped gift and said, “Happy birthday.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“I wanted to. I know it must be hard to be away from your family and friends.” Tears stung Leah’s eyes.
“It’s not as bad as you think.” He put his hand over hers.
“Open your present.” She opened it carefully and gasped at the picture inside. There were several sketches of her on the paper in the frame; one was of her mounted on Athena. She was looking out across the sea and her face was sad. Another sketch showed her on Ickirus in the arena the night of the storm. Her hair was falling from its braid, the strap on her tank-top was falling down and there was a dark stain in the center of her shirt. There was sweat rolling down her face… she could almost imagine it was moving. That sketch was next to one of her right after the mud fight. It showed just her face, neck, and shoulders. It was clear that she was laying on the ground. Her face was streaked with mud, all of her was. Despite the mud, the sketch was beautiful. All of them were. The biggest on was of her on the beach. All of them seemed to come together. Leah ran her fingers over the glass of the picture frame and looked up at Marco.
“This is the most beautiful thing anyone has ever given me,” she said. Marco blushed.
“It’s Ok… just some sketches.” She touched his shoulder.
“It’s beautiful. I can’t believe you drew this.”
“When you told me about your birthday I started making sketches.”
“There are more?”
“Yes.”
“Could I see them sometime?”
“Of course.” Leah looked at the picture again.
“Did I really look like this?” she asked, gesturing to the drawings.
“Yes. The one of you on the beach is the best one. The look in your eyes…” he trailed off with a smile.
“I can’t believe I really look like that. You’re an amazing artist.”
“Only when I have something beautiful to draw,” he replied. It was Leah’s turn to blush.
“I’m not beautiful Marco.”
“Yes you are.” They were silent for a moment. “Have your parents called yet today?” Leah frowned.
“No.”
“I’m sure they will.” She smiled a sad smile.
“No they won’t.”
“Why do you get so sad whenever you talk about your parents?”
“They don’t really have time for me. They never have, and they like it that way. I guess I’m an inconvenience to them.”
“I doubt that is true.” She stood angrily.
“You have no idea what my parents treat me like.” He stood too.
“You’re right, I don’t. I’m sorry.” She sighed.
“No, I am. You’re just trying to help and I’m being a jerk.” He grinned.
“Do you have a boyfriend in America Leah?” She shook her head slowly, thinking about what Sarah had told her.
“No.” He stepped toward her slowly and put his hand on her waist.
“I don’t know if we should be doing this, but it feels right to me,” he said. She swallowed hard.
“Let’s not think about it too much. This feels right to me too.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Marco pulled her closer and kissed her. Leah wrapped her arms around his neck and moved closer still. One of his hands was on the small of her back, the other was on the side of her neck. She pushed him away a little. “We’re never going to find our way back to the barn. It’s almost dark,” she said softly. He smiled, pulled away completely, and took her hand.
“Then we’d better start now,” he said. She smiled and they walked up the beach together.
Luccia watched Leah urge a big bay gelding, Apocalypse, over a huge triple oxer. A week had passed since Leah’s birthday.
“Leah, you must give Apocalypse more rein over big fences!” Leah gave a curt nod as they moved on to the next jump. “Keep your feet set!”
“Got it,” Leah muttered in response. Apocalypse went over the next jump and Leah turned him so they were heading toward the next jump.
“Only four strides!” Leah took back on her reins, but let Apocalypse take an extra stride. They cleared the jump with ease, but Luccia called, “Pull him up!” Leah did as she was told and wiped sweat from her face.
“Something wrong?”
“Yes. I told you to take four strides and you took five.”
“He needed the extra stride to get more momentum. Anyway, we cleared it.”
“When I tell you to do something it’s for your own good,” Luccia said, looking up at Leah seriously.
“I don’t see what the big deal is. My way worked fine.”
“You would’ve knocked down the top rail on the next fence because you would’ve been unbalanced.”
“You don’t know that.” Luccia sighed.
“I get paid to know that Leah. If you don’t want to learn, then you shouldn’t be here.” Leah dismounted angrily.
“I am here to learn. I’ll tell you something, I sure as heck didn’t come here to be criticized constantly. Since the first day I rode for you a month ago, you haven’t said one positive thing about the way I ride. If you didn’t want me to come to the school, why didn’t you turn down my application?”
“Leah,” she began.
“Forget it. I’m taking the rest of the day off, and I’ll have Ickirus.” She led Apocalypse from the ring, leaving Luccia to stare after her speechlessly.
Marco stared at his sister and asked, “Why have you been so hard on her?”
“Because she’s good Marco, you know that. She’s one of the best students I’ve ever had.”
“Then why criticize her? Damn it Luccia you don’t know how sensitive she is to criticism.” Luccia looked at him with dark, serious eyes.
“What do you know about it Marco? You’re her groom! You don’t understand her; you clean her stall and saddle her horse.”
“I know that she can’t take criticism.”
“How involved are you?” she demanded.
“It’s none of your business Luccia.”
“For God’s sake, she’s leaving in a month!”
“I know that! You don’t need to remind me of it.”
“You really have feelings for this American girl don’t you?”
“Is that so wrong?”
“It will be when you have to drive her to the airport in September and say good-bye. I just don’t want to see you hurt Marco.”
“I know… and I don’t like to see Leah hurt. Please talk to her when she comes back. Tell her what you think, really think, about her riding. She needs to hear it.” Luccia smiled.
“I will.” Marco turned to leave. “Marco? She took Ickirus out and headed toward the beach.”
“Thank you.”
“Athena is free.” He nodded and left.
Leah was sitting on a hill overlooking the sea. Ickirus was standing near by, his reins tossed over a tree branch. Marco dismounted, tossed Athena’s reins over the same branch, and walked slowly toward Leah. He crouched behind her and slid his hands over her bare shoulders. She was wearing a white tank top and black breeches. She leaned back into his embrace.
“Are you alright?” he asked. She shook her head and sniffled.
“No. She really thinks that I’m bad.”
“No she doesn’t Leah. She really doesn’t think that.”
“Yes she does. Maybe my parents did pay them to accept me… I wouldn’t put it past them. They never want me around. Maybe they sent me here to get rid of me. They didn’t care if I found out I was bad.” Marco moved in front of her and took her face in his hands.
“Leah, my sister really thinks that you’re good. As for your parents, they’re insane.”
“Really?” She was looking at him with a tear streaked face.
“Yes. Anyone who doesn’t want you around must be.” She gave him a weak smile.
“Thank you.” She slid her arms around his waist and let her head rest on his shoulder.
“What for?”
“Coming all the way out here to look for me… for caring enough to do that.”
“It was no problem.” She pulled away just enough to look at him.
“You’re fabulous. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’d ride and be wonderful at it, just like you are now.” She put her head against his shoulder again.
“I probably shouldn’t have yelled at Luccia.”
“Did it make you feel better?”
“A little,” she said honestly.
“Then you should’ve done it. She’ll understand. Plenty of people have yelled at her before.”
“I’ll never be able to face her again.
“Yes you will.” He was stroking her back, his fingers tangled in her hair. Leah played with the waistband of his jeans. After a moment she looked up at him and kissed him. Marco moved his hand to the back of her neck. When she pulled away she smiled.
“We should get back. I need to talk to Luccia… apologize or something.”
“Don’t apologize for expressing your feelings Leah.” She stood up and pulled him to his feet.
“Well I have to say something to her.”
“That doesn’t mean you have to apologize. She doesn’t expect that.” Leah went to Ickirus and swung into the saddle.
“I’ll think of something,” she muttered.
“There’s no need to think of something to say,” he said as he mounted Athena. She smiled at him as she turned Ickirus.
“Nothing is as simple as you’d like it to be Marco. I can’t just leave things the way they are.” He watched as Ickirus broke into a canter. After a moment he asked Athena for a canter and followed Leah back toward the barn.
Luccia was in her office when Leah finished with Ickirus. Leah knocked on the door frame and Luccia looked up from her work.
“Leah, please come in.” Leah walked in and sat down in the chair across from Luccia. “I was hoping you’d stop in.”
“I thought I should come and straighten things out.”
“Good.” Leah opened her mouth to speak, but Luccia held up her hand. “Let me speak first.”
“OK.”
“I’m sorry that I’ve made you feel so badly. I didn’t realize that you were so upset.”
“How could you not? I mean, people don’t like to be criticized. It hurts their feelings.”
“I thought you realized why I criticize you.”
“Because you think I’m bad.” Luccia smiled.
“No. I think you’re a wonderful rider. You’re one of the best I’ve ever seen.” Leah sighed.
“I don’t understand why you’d criticize me if you think I’m good.”
“I do it to push you. You’ve improved a lot since you came… I didn’t think it was possible. You have such drive and determination.”
“Riding is my life. It’s always been there.”
“You’re very good Leah. I should’ve told you before now. I’m amazed by your talent.”
“Oh.”
“There’s a show in two weeks, a three day event. I’d like you to go and represent the school.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I’d like you to ride Athena in the show. You do a marvelous job with her.”
“I didn’t know that you’d seen me ride her. Marco let me on the beach and once in the arena.”
“I know. I saw you come back one time, and I also saw you in the arena. You keep her well under control.”
“Thank you. I’ll start working with her regularly.”
“Good.” Leah stood and smiled.
“I need to get something to eat. I’ll see you this evening for my class.”
“Leah?” She turned and looked at Luccia.
“Yes?”
“Marco told me that you two were getting very close.” Leah blushed.
“I guess you could say that.”
“Do you think that’s wise?”
“I don’t know, but I really care about your brother Luccia.”
“So do I. I just don’t want to see him hurt.”
“Neither do I. I’ll see you later Luccia.” Leah turned and walked out of the office. Luccia sighed.
Marco carried Leah’s saddle to the stall Athena was in. It was the second day of the show and so far Leah had a second place score after the dressage competition.
“I could’ve done that,” Leah said when she arrived. Marco tightened the girth.
“It’s definitely not your job to be tacking up. You’ve got other things to worry about.” She smiled.
“I’d rather think about this than that cross-country course.”
“Leah, you’ll be fine. You wouldn’t be here unless Luccia had faith in your ability.”
“Thank you.” Marco tightened the cheek strap on the bridle and led Athena out. He looked at Leah and smiled.
“Decided to take advantage of the dress-down day?” he asked. She glanced down at her clothes, a white tank top, black breeches, and high boots.
“I was going to wear jeans.”
“I like this much better,” he said, putting his hand on her hip and kissing her.
“Hey you two,” a voice said. Leah and Marco turned toward the sound and were practically blinded by the flash of a camera. Luccia grinned at them.
“I didn’t think you’d take such a candid picture,” Leah said.
“It was priceless. I took two more before that, while you were kissing.”
“My parents will wonder what I was doing when I get that film developed.”
“Why don’t you two stand together… so you’ll have a nice picture to show them?” Marco stepped beside her and put his arm around her waist. Leah put her hand over his and wrapped her arm around him. “Smile.” Leah and Marco smiled and Luccia took the picture.
“Thanks Luccia. You can give Marco the camera. He’s going to go ahead of me and take some pictures of me on the course.”
“OK. Do your best Leah. I know you’ll be fine.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you soon.” Marco and Leah walked out toward the start of the course hand in hand. Luccia smiled and walked toward the finish line.
Leah urged Athena on and looked ahead. A large brush jump was there.
“Ready girl?” she murmured. They flew over the jump and moved on. The path turned sharply into the woods and Leah was met with the sight of a ramp jump. Leah collected Athena and managed to get over it. “Good girl,” she crooned. They moved on to the next jump, a big drop jump that led to a pool of water. They splashed through and jumped onto the bank. The next turn led them out of the woods. They moved on and cleared the set of diamonds and then slid down the embankment after it. There were no more jumps, just a mile of turns and drops to the finish. Leah went into a concentrated two point and said, “Let’s go!” Athena broke into a gallop and Leah grinned. They flew along, turning and heading toward the finish. When they raced under the line, Leah pulled up, dismounted, and took her saddle off. She went to the scales and stepped on.
“You’re OK miss,” the woman said. Leah’s smile grew and she went back to Athena. Marco was waiting.
“Thanks. What was my time?”
“It gave you first place,” he said with a grin.
“Really?” He nodded and Leah threw her arms around him.
“I told you that you’d get it,” he said.
“Thank you.” He gave her a quick kiss.
“Come on, let’s get her cooled out. I’m taking you out to eat.”
“OK.”
Marco and Leah walked back to the hotel late that night. It was raining, but they didn’t care.
“Did you have a good time?” She nodded.
“Yes. Thanks for taking me out.”
“Anytime.” They were standing outside the hotel looking at each other.
“Did you have a good time?” she asked.
“Anytime I spend with you is a good time,” he murmured, kissing her gently.
“Are all Italian guys as romantic as you?” she asked. Marco smiled.
“Probably, but you’ll never find out about them.” She looked at him.
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not going to share you.” She smiled and placed a kiss on his chin.
“So you’re the jealous type?” He gave a little shrug and pulled her close.
“I never have been before. I guess you bring out the best in me.” She laughed.
“That’s just great.” They were silent for a moment.
“Do you hear that?” he asked.
“What?”
“The music. It’s coming from the main ballroom in the hotel.”
“Oh. Yes I hear it.”
“Will you dance with me?”
“Here?”
“Yes.” She smiled.
“Of course I’ll dance with you.” They began swaying to the faint music. Several people stopped to watch them. One person who stopped was Luccia. She smiled and took out her camera. After clicking several pictures she went into the hotel.
“I think my sister just took our picture,” Marco whispered.
“I wouldn’t be surprised.” They danced until the song ended. “We should get up to bed.” He nodded and pulled away from her.
“Yes. You have a big day tomorrow.” She took his hand and they walked into the hotel together.
Leah sat atop Athena waiting for her turn in the jump off. So far she was tied for first place.
“You will be fine,” Luccia assured her.
“I know. Where’s Marco.”
“He’ll be here, don’t worry.”
“OK.” She took a deep breath and murmured, “It’s my turn.”
“Good luck Leah.” Leah nodded and rode into the ring. She saluted the judges and then began. They were in top form and went clear. When she rode out of the ring Marco and Luccia were waiting.
“Beautiful ride Leah,” Marco said.
“Thank you.”
“I think you may have it won,” Luccia said. The final scores flashed on the scoreboard and Leah smiled.
“I won,” she said softly. Marco pulled her from the saddle and spun her around.
“Didn’t I tell you?” he said. She clung to his neck.
“I can’t believe I won,” she said. He kissed her cheek.
“You did. We need to get the Academy’s sheet over her for the victory ride,” Luccia said. Marco pulled away.
“I’ll be back,” he promised. Leah watched as he jogged away.
“I’m very proud of you Leah. I never doubted that you’d win.” Leah smiled at her.
“Thank you Luccia.”
Leah walked along the beach late that night. There was a full moon and it was rather warm. She was wearing a pair of jeans, her white tank top, and her navy blue hooded sweatshirt that zipped up the front. Her hair was down, something unusual for her.
“Leah!” a voice called. She turned and smiled when she saw Marco jogging toward her.
“What are you doing out here?” she demanded. He slipped his arm around her waist.
“I couldn’t sleep. What about you? You had a very busy day. Why are you still awake?”
“I don’t know. I guess I have a lot on my mind.”
“What’s bothering you?” She shrugged and stopped walking.
“I’m not really sure.” They were silent for a moment. Leah turned to look at the waves rolling in. Marco looked at her, tempted to reach out and touch her. Before he could Leah said, “Did you know that my parents haven’t called me once all summer? Not on my birthday, not even today. I wrote them and told them about the show, but they didn’t call.”
“Leah,” he murmured.
“I’ve never understood how they can just not care about me… but they don’t. I guess it’s that simple.”
“Nothing is that simple. Maybe they’re just selfish people Leah… they must be.” She looked at him.
“Why did they decide to have me if they didn’t want me?” she demanded. Marco frowned.
“How do you expect me to answer that? If I tell you that they do want you, you’ll just get angry. If I tell you they don’t, then I’ll hurt you. If I tell you the truth, which is that I don’t know, you’ll stay upset. I don’t know how to make you feel better.”
“Then don’t try. Just let me be upset.”
“No. It’s my job to make you feel better.” She smiled.
“Don’t worry so much about it. I’ll be fine.”
“You don’t look fine.”
“How do I look?” He smiled deviously.
“You look… dry.”
“What?” He picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder.
“You look dry. Don’t worry, I can fix it,” he promised.
“I like being dry!” she exclaimed.
“Any of your clothes you don’t want wet?” he asked as he waded into the surf.
“All of them!” He laughed.
“I highly doubt you want me to take all of your clothes off,” he said.
“My sweatshirt,” she muttered. Marco managed to get it off of her and toss it to dry land. When he was waist deep in the waves he put her down. Leah let out a little shriek of protest and tried to head toward the beach. Marco grabbed her elbow, pulled her close, and kissed her. Leah wrapped her arms around his neck and moved closer. Suddenly a large wave rolled in. It hit them and knocked them over. Leah came up sputtering.
“I knew I could fix your problem,” he said with a smile.
“Being dry wasn’t my problem,” she said, splashing him. He splashed back.
“Then I guess your problem now is that you’re wet,” he replied. Leah frowned.
“You’re really going to get it.” They began splashing each other, laughing and gasping for air. Marco grabbed her from behind and kissed her neck.
“Are you getting cold yet?” he asked.
“No thanks to you,” she muttered. Marco kept kissing her neck.
“Still cold?” he murmured after a moment. She smiled.
“I’m warming up.” He turned her around.
“I never want you to leave Leah,” he said seriously.
“I don’t want to go.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her. After a few moments he pulled away.
“We should get back to bed.” She nodded.
“Yeah. It’s kind of cold out.” They waded through the water and back toward their rooms. Marco walked Leah to her room.
“So you won’t catch a cold on me, will you?” he demanded, looking down at her wet clothes.
“I hope not. Thanks for everything tonight Marco, I really appreciate it.”
“You’re always thanking me.”
“That’s because you’re always doing things for me. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Leah finished folding her clean clothes and then began putting them in her open suitcase. She was leaving early two mornings later. A knock on the door made her jump.
“Who is it?” she called.
“Marco.” She took a deep breath and opened the door. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a navy blue hooded sweatshirt.
“Come on in,” she said. He walked past her and Leah closed the door.
“How’s it going?” he asked. She shrugged and went back to putting clothes in her suitcase.
“OK I guess… as good as it can be. Maybe it’s kind of hard because of all the stuff I’ve bought.” Marco smiled and sat down in the chair by her desk.
“Are you bringing back a lot of souvenirs?”
“Yeah. I bought a lot of clothes and I took a lot of pictures. I have my ribbon I won at the show… I’m leaving the trophy here, and I’ll probably win some more ribbons tomorrow at the Academy show.”
“You’ll win all the prizes,” he said. She smiled at him.
“You’ve got too much faith in me.”
“No, I just know you’re the best rider here.” Leah plopped down on the edge of the bed and pulled her hair out of its ponytail.
“I can’t believe that I’m leaving in two days,” she muttered.
“Neither can I.”
“It’ll be strange going back. I won’t know how to act around anyone.”
“You’ll act the same way you always have.”
“Maybe I don’t want to act like I always have.” Marco frowned.
“What did I say? I’ve up set you.” Leah shrugged and stood, raking her fingers through her hair.
“It isn’t you. I don’t know what it is. Maybe I just don’t want to go back there. I’m so sick of being the kid nobody wants. It’s like, if I go back it won’t be much different than if I stayed, except if I stayed here I’d be noticed.”
“Then why don’t you stay?” She looked at him for a long time.
“What would I do Marco? I don’t have any opportunities here.”
“You could ride for the school, teach for the school…You’d have me.” She sighed.
“You have nothing to do with why I’m going back.”
“I have everything to do with it… at least I thought I had something to do with it.”
“I didn’t mean it that way. I just meant that if you were the only factor I had to consider, then my decision would be simple. Unfortunately I have college to think about, and my friends.”
“I know. I’m sorry for getting on your case.”
“It’s OK.”
“Are you OK?” he asked. Leah forced a smile.
“I guess. I just feel like I’m trapped. I have to go back to Maine… I know I have to. I don’t want to though. I always feel like I’m doing things I don’t want to, like I have this responsibility to make everyone else happy. Now that I have somebody I want to make happy, I can’t do it.” She brushed tears away and let out a shaky breath. “It doesn’t seem fair. I can’t stay and make you happy. I can’t even stay to make me happy.”
“We all do things we don’t want to do Leah. This is just one of those things.” She shook her head and looked at him.
“No it’s not. Things like this aren’t suppose to happen. You’re not suppose to be sent away to learn to ride when you already know how. You’re not supposed to be sent to another country and find the one thing you’ve always been waiting for, just so you can leave in three months. Things like that aren’t suppose to happen.” Marco stood and went to her. He wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair.
“This is going to be OK.”
“No it’s not. This will never be OK, not if I have to leave you.”
Leah sat astride Ickirus the next morning, waiting for her turn in the equitation class.
“Are you nervous?” Marco asked. Leah shook her head.
“Not really.”
“You have nerves of steel,” he said with a smile. She smiled back.
“It’s something I’ve been working on for a long time.” Just then she was called into the ring. “I’ll be back.” She rode into the ring confidently. Marco watched with a smile on his face. She rode perfectly. When she rode out he patted her knee.
“You looked wonderful.”
“Thanks.”
“There you go saying thanks again. You don’t need to thank me for everything.” Her smile faded a bit.
“Yes I do.” Marco didn’t say anything right away. “I’d better keep him moving so he doesn’t get stiff,” she muttered.
“OK. I’ll be waiting here.” She nodded and rode away. Marco sighed and leaned against the fence, resting his head on his folded arms.
Leah put all of her new awards, including her trophy for Best Rider-Royal Academy, in her last suitcase and zipped it up. The walls were bare of pictures and prizes. There was one last outfit laid out, for the following day, along with her pajamas. With a sigh she grabbed her long sleeved Royal Academy shirt and walked out of the bedroom complex. She walked down the path to the barn and went in to check on Ickirus.
“How’s my boy tonight?” she asked. Ickirus gave a low nicker and nudged her shoulder. Leah smiled weakly. “This is the last night here gorgeous. You’ll be back in your own stall with all your old friends tomorrow night.”
“Leah is that you?” Leah turned and saw Luccia moving toward her.
“Hi.” Luccia stood next to her for a moment completely silent.
“Are you looking forward to going home?”
“I don’t know. I’m starting college in two weeks, so I won’t be there for long.”
“Oh.” They fell into a long silence.
“Do you want something?” Leah asked suddenly.
“I want you to know that I’d love for you to come back and teach for us. I think you’d bring something special to the system.”
“Are you just saying this because of my relationship with Marco?”
“Even if you weren’t involved with my brother, I’d be making this offer.”
“I’ll let you know when I’m done with college.”
“You come back anytime, college or no college.”
“Thank you.”
“Have you seen Marco yet tonight?”
“No. I’ve been finishing packing.”
“I saw him walking down to the beach a little while ago.”
“Really?”
“Yes. He was looking a little bit sad.”
“Oh.”
“Well, I have some work to do. I’ll see you tomorrow morning Leah.”
“Good night.” Leah watched Luccia walk away before turning and walking back outside.
Marco was sitting on the beach staring out at the waves as they rolled in. Leah walked toward him quietly. When she was directly behind him she crouched down and slid her hands over his shoulders.
“Are you OK?” she asked. He shook his head.
“Not really. How did you know I was here?”
“Luccia gave me a hint.”
“That figures.”
“Do you want me to leave you alone?” He looked at her and touched the side of her face.
“No. I never want you to leave.” Leah felt tears sting her eyes, and she let her head rest against his broad shoulder.
“I’m sorry.”
“I’m not. I’ll never be sorry for falling in love with you.”
“That’s not what I meant. I’m not sorry about us. I’m sorry I have to leave.”
“Me too.” He slid his arms around her and held her close.
“Your sister offered me a job.”
“That’s not a big surprise. You’re good with the horses, and you’re a good rider.”
“I know.” She sniffled a little and brushed tears away. “When I left home I didn’t want to come here. Now I don’t want to go back.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go. I know you do… I’m not trying to pressure you, but I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“I know. It doesn’t seem fair. I hate this so much.”
“The worst part is that we knew all along that we’d be sitting here doing this. We knew,” he said.
“Maybe that’s the best part. We got involved even though we knew we’d end up saying good bye. That’s how much we wanted each other. It didn’t matter that we’d eventually need to say good bye.” Marco looked at her for a moment and then kissed her. She slid her arms around his neck and moved closer.
“I’m going to miss you Leah,” he whispered. She swallowed hard.
“I could listen to you say my name forever.” He smiled.
“I could say it forever.”
“I have all the pictures of us together… I got doubles.”
“I want them. I want all of the doubles of you too.”
“What’ll you do with them?”
“Miss you.”
“You need pictures of me to miss me?”
“I’ll miss you no matter what. At least with pictures I’ll have you to look at every day.”
“You Italian boys are so romantic,” she kidded.
“Don’t you forget it.” She let her head rest against his shoulder again.
“Never.”
Leah carried the last of her bags down to the truck early the next morning. Marco was there, along with Luccia.
“Well Leah, I hope you’ll take my offer seriously,” Luccia said.
“I definitely will. Thanks for everything. I learned a lot this summer.”
“It was my pleasure. Keep in touch. Marco drive carefully and… take your time. There’s no need to hurry back.”
“Thanks Luccia.”
“Sure. Good bye Leah.”
“Bye.” They watched Luccia walk away.
“We should get going,” he said. She nodded.
“Yeah.” She got into the truck and Marco did the same. He started the truck and they drove to the airport in silence.
Leah sat waiting for her flight to be announced. Marco sat beside her holding her hand.
“Do you like flying?” he asked suddenly. She shrugged.
“I don’t mind it. It’s a long flight though.”
“You’ll sleep.” She nodded slowly.
“I guess so.” They fell into another long silence.
“When do college classes start?”
“Two weeks.”
“That’s good… you’ll have time to relax.” She looked at him.
“This small talk isn’t exactly working is it?” He smiled and shook his head.
“No, I guess not.”
“Oh… they just called my flight.” They both stood up. Marco handed her her knapsack.
“Here. There’s something in there for you. Wait until you get on the plane to find it.” She smiled weakly.
“OK. I’ll write to you. I’ll miss you.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly.
“I’ll miss you too.” He pulled away a little and looked down at her.
“Are you going to kiss me good bye?” He smiled, leaned down and kissed her. It went on for a long time, until Leah’s flight was called again. Leah pulled away with a shaky sigh.
“Take care of yourself Leah. Think about me.” She nodded and bit her bottom lip to keep from crying.
“I will… every day.” They stood looking at each other for a long moment.
“Go before I grab you and refuse to let you go,” he said. She turned and jogged down the tunnel. When she reached her seat she brushed tears from her face and opened her carry-on bag. Inside was a large black book. She opened it and smiled sadly. It was Marco’s sketchbook. On the first page was a note:
Leah, I want you to keep this until we are together again. I’ll have nothing worth drawing until then. Love, Marco.
Leah smiled and began flipping through the book, tears falling down her cheeks.
Sarah was at Leah’s house when she arrived home.
“I missed you so much!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Leah’s neck. Leah smiled weakly.
“I missed you too Sarah. Are my Mom and Dad here?” Sarah sat down on the arm of the couch and took a deep breath.
“They’re suppose to be back tonight.”
“Where’d they go this time?” Sarah shrugged.
“Someplace exotic I suppose. Your butler let me in and told me I could wait for you.”
“Oh. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Justin said he was going to come over sometime today too.”
“Is he going to bring his girlfriend?” Sarah shook her head slowly.
“They broke up three days ago. I guess she was sick of hearing your name.”
“Well, he’s going to be pretty disappointed.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m not going to get back together with him.”
“Why?” Leah smiled.
“I’ll show you why.” She reached into her back pack and took out the picture of her and Marco at the horse show. They were standing side by side smiling broadly. Sarah took the picture and her jaw dropped.
“This is the guy?” Leah nodded. “He’s the guy you mud wrestled with?”
“Yes.”
“Oh wow. Leah, he’s absolutely gorgeous. Were you two serious?” Leah took out two more pictures and handed them to Sarah. The first was of her and Marco kissing the day of the show. The second was of them dancing in front of the hotel.
“You tell me.”
“I think you were crazy to leave.”
“Yeah, especially considering they offered me a job.”
“What?”
“My riding instructor offered me a job.”
“Why didn’t you take it?”
“I want to go to college. Luccia said the position would be open whenever I wanted it.”
“I can’t believe you turned it down. Do you love him?”
“Yes, I think I do.”
“I told you that you’d meet someone fabulous.” Leah smiled and put her pictures back in her bag.
“He’s fabulous alright. He gave me his sketchbook because he said he wouldn’t have anything worth drawing until he saw me again.”
“Wow. That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard. Did you sleep with him?” Leah burst out laughing.
“No.”
“At lest you’ll have something to look forward to when you see him again.”
“You’re horrible!” Just then the doorbell rang. Moments later Justin walked into the living room. Sarah stood.
“Well, I suppose you’re tired Leah. I’d better be going.”
“I’ll call you Sarah.”
“You’d better. See you later.” After she was gone Justin moved toward her.
“I missed you Leah,” he murmured, reaching for her. She moved away from him.
“We’ve got some things to talk about.” He frowned.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing really. I just think we should stop seeing each other… for good.”
“Why?”
“Well… the fact that you dated Jackie Ramsey until three days ago and…” Justin cut her off.
“Hey, you agreed that we should see other people.” Leah sighed.
“You didn’t let me finish.”
“Go ahead.”
“You dated Jackie and I met someone in Italy.” His eyes darkened.
“Who?”
“A guy I really came to care about.”
“A guy you’re never going to see again.”
“Yes I will. I’m going back.”
“What? When?” he demanded.
“I’m not sure yet. It depends on how much I miss Marco.” Justin shook his head in disbelief.
“You’re willing to go all the way back to Italy just to be with some guy you barely know, for another two weeks?”
“They offered me a job.”
“This gets better and better. What does that make you if you go back and he pays you to stay?” Leah’s eyes darkened.
“That was uncalled for.”
“I’m sorry. I just don’t get this Leah.”
“What’s so hard to understand? I met someone while you were here screwing around with Jackie. At least I didn’t jump all over Marco the day I got there.”
“So it makes a difference when we started seeing one another?”
“I think so. You were with Jackie the day I left. That bothers me. I didn’t do anything with Marco until Sarah told me about you and Jackie.”
“When was that? A week later?”
“On my birthday.”
“Oh.”
“Anyway, I’m glad she told me because I liked Marco a lot. I love him.”
“And you don’t love me?”
“I loved you. It’s not the same. The way I love Marco is different than the way I loved you.”
“Loved?”
“Yes, loved. I can’t be in love with two people… especially not when I love him so much.”
“Well that’s just great Leah. You couldn’t have written and told me about that?”
“You didn’t write to tall me about your new love interest.”
“I didn’t love Jackie.”
“So she was just someone to keep you busy? That’s just great Justin.”
“It doesn’t matter. I love you.”
“I’m not going to apologize for this. I don’t need to. It was your idea to see other people. I didn’t want to when you suggested it, but it turned out to be for the best.”
“So that makes it OK?”
“Yes! God Justin, we both agreed to see other people and we did see other people. Now it’s time to let go of each other.” He frowned.
“If that’s the way you want it, fine,” he muttered, turning and stalking from the house. Leah sighed and carried her bag upstairs.
A month later Marco was riding Athena over a fairly simple jump course.
“You look good!” a voice called. He pulled up and looked over his shoulder. Leah was standing at the fence watching him, a smile on her face.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded.
“I got bored with college and cold weather,” she said simply. Marco dismounted and led Athena toward her.
“You were bored so you decided to fly to Italy?”
“Exactly. That and the fact that I missed you so much I couldn’t stand it.”
“Oh really?” she nodded.
“Yeah. I figured that I should come back and take Luccia up on her offer.”
“Did she know you were coming today?”
“She’s the one who picked me up at the airport.”
“I’ll kill her,” he muttered. Leah climbed under a rail in the fence and walked toward him.
“No you won’t.” He smiled.
“Probably not, considering she brought you back.” Leah put her arms around his waist and let her fingers play with the denim that made up his back pocket.
“I missed you… so much,” she whispered. Marco leaned down and kissed her.
“I missed you too.”
“I have your sketchbook.”
“Good, because now I have something to draw.” Leah smiled.
“Come on. I’ll help you put Athena away. After that you can help me unpack.”
“I guess that sounds good.” She took his hand as he began leading Athena from the ring.
“Think of it this way,” she began. “Once we’re done unpacking now we’ll never have to do anything with it again.”
“That’s a definite positive.”
“Then hurry up. We’ll be done sooner if we start now.”
“You’re a salve driver Leah.”
“You’ll get use to it. I’m going to be here for a long time.” They walked into the barn together, leaving the past behind for the future.
