05- Olympic Games
Twenty-two year old Cotey Mallory sat calmly in her saddle. She and Maiden were in Montana, riding in Olympic training sessions. It was a warm June day. She smiled as Maiden danced to the side when another horse and rider trotted by.
“Easy girl,” she murmured. After another moment she signaled maiden to trot and went around the ring twice. After they had had a chance to look at the jumps, she asked for a canter. They went over all of the jumps with ease, and she could hear clapping from the stands. She glanced up and smiled when she saw Sam waving to her. She grinned and went back to the rail to dismount. “Good girl Maiden,” she crooned. The mare stood quietly and gave a deep sigh as Cotey loosened the girl. Sam walked up and smiled at her.
“That looked great. How’s you’re shoulder?” Cotey sighed. Sam was constantly worrying about her shoulder.
“It’s fine. Stop being such a worrywart.” Sam laughed.
“OK, ok. Jason and Carrie are waiting for us outside, so let’s go.” Cotey nodded and handed her reins to one of the waiting stable hands before walking from the arena.
Later that day Cotey and Carrie were sitting in their hotel room, both talking about the flight to Ireland that Saturday. Cotey had made the final group of riders going to the games, and everyone was excited.
“I don’t know how you can stand it Cotey. I’m already dying of excitement,” Carrie rambled. Cotey shook her head and stood up, running a brush through her long hair.
“I’m just nervous about the whole thing. I mean, I am going to the Olympics and I’ll probably even ride. That’s a huge deal.” Only five people rode in the games, and six had made the final cut.
“Is your cousin Matt going to come?” Carrie asked.
“He’s doing a seminar that week… wants to come but he can’t.”
“Why don’t we just not worry tonight? You don’t have practice tomorrow and we leave the day after. Let’s just relax.” Cotey nodded, kicking off her sneakers. They called room service, and totally forgot about their plans with Sam and Jason.
A knock on the door woke both girls up. It was late, almost 1am. Cotey got to the door first, opening it to find a very angry Sam and Jason standing in the hallway.
“Hey, what’s up?” she asked. He walked into the room huffily.
“You two didn’t show up at the movies,” he explained. Jason nodded, looking accusingly at Carrie. Both girls looked at them sheepishly.
“I’m really sorry Jas. I was trying to get Cotey to relax and we forgot about the movies.”
“Next time I forget about a date you’ll have to believe my excuse,” Jason muttered. Carrie sighed.
“Can’t you just accept the fact that I forgot? I’m only human.” Cotey nodded.
“Yeah, come on guys. We forgot. I’m so stressed out with going to Ireland and all that. I just wasn’t thinking. It’s kind of like when you raced Sam. You always use to forget things and I forgave you.” Sam nodded and kissed her forehead.
“We’ll see you guys in the morning. You don’t have practice right?”
“Nope,” she said.
“Then we can do something tomorrow. Come on Jas,” he said. Jason kissed Carrie quickly and then followed Sam from the room. Cotey and Carrie glanced at one another.
“Well that was fun,” Cotey muttered. Carrie gave her friend a hug and then they went back to bed.
Cotey woke up early the next morning, wanting to exercise Maiden. She got dressed and went down to the barn. Maiden had already been fed, and tossed her head and pawed at the ground as Cotey tacked up. When they got out to the ring Cotey saw Alexander Bradfield, the head coach, standing in the center of the ring. She swung into Maiden’s saddle and moved into the ring. Alexander smiled at her.
“Morning Cotey. Out early today, aren’t you?” he asked.
“Not really. I’m use to riding at about this time.”
“You’ll fit in well in Ireland,” he said.
“Why’s that?”
“Our training sessions begin at four thirty every morning while we’re there,” he said.
“Mornings are the best time,” she said.
“For a lot of things,” he said sarcastically. Cotey felt her face growing warm.
“Riding, I meant riding,” she muttered. After an awkward pause she said, “I’ve gotta get her worked out Mr. Bradfield.”
“Alright. And call me Alex, everyone does.”
“OK. Bye Alex.” She asked Maiden to trot, and they moved forward at an easy sitting trot. Cotey went around the ring and could see Alex standing by the rail watching her. She drew in a deep breath and asked for a canter. Maiden could feel her rider’s tension, and reared up. “Easy girl,” she murmured. Maiden tossed her head again, but began to canter. She worked over ground poles for awhile, switching between trotting and cantering. They worked for almost an hour before Cotey noticed Sam, Carrie, and Jason standing at the rail. She trotted over and smiled down at them.
“Hey guys. I’ll cool her out and get her straightened away, and then I’ll be right with you.”
“Ok C, we’ll be right here,” Sam said. She dismounted and led Maiden to her stall. When she got back she smiled at Sam.
“So what’s on the agenda for today?” she asked.
“We’re going to go down and watch the little kids jump. Mr. Bradfield said he’d like you to help out, so we said we’d bring you down.” Cotey forced a smile.
“That’s fine, but next time could you ask me about it?” she said.
“Sure. Let’s get down there, he said the kids were eager to meet you.”
“Great. Twenty-two years old and I’ll be hanging around little munchkins,” she murmured.
“You should talk,” he kidded. Cotey was only about 4 feet 6 inches tall, which came in handy when she was racing.
“Oh be quiet. My height helps me in what I do,” she muttered.
“Could you guys go on ahead? I want to talk to Cotey,” Sam said.
“Sure,” they said in unison, walking off. Cotey looked at him with confused eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
“I should be asking you that question. Why don’t you want to work with the kids? Usually you like that kind of stuff.”
“I don’t know… I just don’t like being volunteered for things,” she said. He nodded.
“Fair enough. Let’s just spend a little while there then?” She nodded and they continued to walk to the lower ring.
Later that afternoon Cotey and Sam were in his room talking about their lesson with the kids.
“They were pretty good. I mean, that five year old? She can already jump,” Sam was saying. Cotey wasn’t paying attention; she was thinking about some of the things Alex had said to her. Suddenly she felt Sam’s hand on her shoulder.
“What?” she asked.
“You ok?” he questioned, looking at her with concerned eyes.
“”Yeah, why?”
“You were just about a million miles away. Are you sure you’re ok?”
“Yes. God, just leave it alone. I’m leaving for the Olympics tomorrow… sorry if I’m a little preoccupied. Just give me some room to breathe!” she exclaimed.
“Hey, calm down! You don’t need to get so defensive.” She pulled away angrily and stood up.
“Don’t tell me what I need to do Sam. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” She started for the door, but Sam caught her arm.
“Will you talk to me and tell me what’s wrong? I’m worried. I thought you’d be excited before we flew to Ireland and instead you’re flipping out on me.” She let him pull her into his chest.
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just nervous,” she said. He kissed her forehead.
“Alright. Why don’t you go to your room and get some sleep,” he said. She nodded and started to pull away, but Sam held on to her for a moment longer.
“Are you mad at me?” he asked. She shook her head and managed a small smile.
“No, I’m just nervous.”
“OK. Can I have a kiss?” he murmured. She smiled and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. After a moment she stepped away.
“I’ll see you in the morning. Remember, three thirty.” He nodded and smiled, but his eyes were still dark with concern as he watched her walk out of the room.
The next morning the team drove to the airport, trailering all the horses with them. Cotey was still on edge, and her friends noticed. So did Alexander Bradfield. She found herself in one of the horse trailers with him, as they each collected gear.
“So Cotey, what’s wrong? You seem rather tight this morning.” He said the last part teasingly, putting his hand on her shoulder. She shrugged it away.
“I’m just a little nervous… I’ll be fine.” He nodded and smiled.
“You already look fine. Very fine as a matter of fact,” he murmured, letting his eyes run over her. Cotey turned and began walking down the ramp, and felt Alex’s hand brush across her butt. She turned sharply.
“Keep your hands off of me!” she exclaimed. He frowned.
“You want to ride, don’t you Cotey?” he asked. She swallowed hard and nodded. “Then I wouldn’t yell things like that.” Cotey frowned up at him.
“You can threaten me all you want, but next time you lay a hand on me, you’ll pull back a bloody stump.” Alex frowned.
“Really Miss Mallory, I wouldn’t write checks that you can’t cash,” he retorted.
“Ask the guy who raped me about how much karate I know. He can tell you all about it.” Cotey immediately regretted her words as a smile spread across his face.
“So you were raped? Well isn’t that interesting?” There was a long moment of silence. “You should hurry along. I’m sure your boyfriend is waiting. I’ll see you later… and I do hope you’re looking forward to it as much as I am.” She turned away and hurried down the ramp, her hands shaking.
“Hey C! Where are you going?” Jason called to her, grabbing her shoulder. She shook it off and turned angrily.
“Leave me alone! I’m going to check on Maiden.” Jason frowned, his eyes holding confusion and a little hurt.
“Sorry. I just wanted to let you know Sam is looking for you.” Cotey sighed and touched his arm.
“I’m sorry Jason. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” He smiled and put his arm around her shoulder.
“It’s ok. Are you alright though? You don’t usually jump on people like that.” She sighed, wanting to tell him everything, but remembering what Alex had said.
“I’m ok… just a little nervous.”
“Alright. I’ll let Sam know I found you.”
“Thanks,” she replied, watching as Jason jogged off. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Alex smiling in triumph.
On the plane Sam smiled at her.
“You seem to be in a better mood,” he observed. She nodded, glancing up toward Maiden.
“I am. She’s doing well so far,” she murmured, motioning toward the mare. After a moment she asked, “Sam how long have we been together?”
“I thought you’d be the first to know that,” he kidded. She smiled and he continued, “Going on five years now… almost like being married.” She smiled a little.
“I could tell you anything, couldn’t I?” she asked. Concern crossed his face.
“Of course you could. You’re alright aren’t you?”
“Yeah. I was just wondering.” They were silent again. “How much longer until we get there?”
“A couple hours, why?” he asked.
“Just hoping Maiden won’t spaz out on me. She’s done that before.” He gave her hand a squeeze.
“She’ll be fine. Just take a breath and relax.” She smiled and returned to reading her book.
After several weeks of grueling practice, the final team was chosen. Cotey made the cut, after Alex made perfectly clear that he expected her to continue her silence about his comments. On the first day of the games, Cotey was in the barn looking for her tack.
“Hey Cotey, do you know where the first riders go?” a voice called. She shrugged.
“No clue! This place is a madhouse!” she returned. The rider smiled and jogged off. Cotey looked around again, and spotted her saddle and bridle on a sawhorse. She grabbed and then jogged to Maiden’s stall. The mare nickered when she saw her rider. “Hey girl. Only dressage today,” she murmured. When she was tacked up, she led her down to the ring.
“How’re you doing?” Sam asked as they stood watching the current competitor.
“I’m alright. Give me a leg up.” He did as she asked. The rider in the ring was doing extremely well, and Cotey knew she had to up the ante. The rider came out and wished her luck. “Thanks. Nice ride.” The man smiled and Cotey went into the ring. She ran the test through her head as she completed it, telling herself the next move silently. Maiden moved beautifully, seeming to remember the test from practices. When she came to a halt in the center, the audience erupted in applause. She left the ring, leaning forward to pat Maiden’s neck. Her friends were waiting.
“That was beautiful Cotey,” Carrie said excitedly. Cotey dismounted and hugged them all.
“Really, how’d I do?” she murmured. This time Alex answered.
“Great! You gave the team first I think. I’m quite happy with your performance,” he said. Sam smiled at her, and turned to say something to Jason. He didn’t hear Alex whisper, “I’ll have to come up with a special way to reward you.” Cotey frowned.
“I’m going to take Maiden up to the barn. I’ll meet you guys there,” she murmured, clucking her tongue and leading the mare to the barn.
At precisely four the next morning, Cotey’s alarm went off. She got up and dressed quickly, wanting to get to the barn and warm Maiden up. When she reached the stables, Maiden had already been fed and her tack was waiting. Cotey tacked up and went to the jumping arena. Alex was standing in the center of the neighboring ring, calling instructions to a teammate. He looked up and smiled as she entered the ring. She moved around, raising the jumps to a medium height and then swung into her saddle. Maiden pranced as Cotey got herself situated.
“Come on girl, let’s put in a good workout. We’ve got some cross country later on,” she murmured. A small audience had formed at the fence to watch her work with the rambunctious mare. After trotting for almost ten minutes, Cotey picked up a relaxed canter. When they had gone around several times, Cotey collected the mare, went into her half seat, and aimed for the first jump. They soared over jump after jump with breathtaking ease. When she finished, the group at the fence clapped loudly. She smiled at them as she eased Maiden to a trot and then to a walk. She let her walk on a free rein, glancing again to the fence. She saw Sam and Alex talking to each other, and she frowned. When she was sure Maiden was cool, she went to the fence and dismounted. “What did you think Sam?” she asked.
“I thought you did great. So did Alex. He thinks you have major potential for winning today. Another individual gold! Isn’t that great?” She nodded, thinking to herself that anything Alex said was better left unheard.
“Yeah, that’s great. I’m going to go get her groomed up and settled in, and then I’ll meet you for breakfast.” Sam nodded and gave her a kiss, and she walked toward Maiden’s stall. Alex followed.
“Cotey, that was an especially good round this morning,” he said. She glanced toward him as she bent to loosen Maiden’s girth.
“Thanks. I’m sure there’s a reason you’re making such a big deal out of it though,” she muttered.
“Of course there is… but I’ll save that for later.” She sighed and removed the saddle, putting it over the stall door. “And Cotey? Remember not to say anything to anyone… about this problem you seem to have with me and how much I enjoy having you here,” he murmured, his hand moving to rest on her hand. She nodded mutely, moving back. Neither one of them realized that Jason was in the next stall over, and had heard every word.
Later that day Cotey was sitting in the saddle, waiting her turn on the cross country course. The buzzer rang suddenly and Maiden jumped forward. Cotey went into a concentrated two-point and the raced along, clearing every jump with ease. The cleared the last jump, a huge wood pile, and raced up the path toward the finish. Everyone on the sidelines was cheering as they raced in and dismounted, removing her tack and going to the scales.
“You’ve made the weight Miss Mallory,” the woman said. Cotey smiled and went out to where her teammates and friends were standing.
“You did so well!” Sam exclaimed, practically yelling over the crowd. He picked her up and hugged her tightly.
“Where’s Jason?” she demanded, glancing around.
“I think he’s on the phone calling people, letting them know his best friend just won the Olympics for the United States,” he explained. She laughed, pulling away from him.
“But I didn’t…” Alex cut her off, just as Jason walked back into the crowd behind them.
“You definitely put us in an amazing position!” he exclaimed, giving her a seemingly friendly hug. Nobody could see that one of his hands slid to her breeches, rubbing over her rear end… nobody except Jason. She pulled away and forced a smile.
“Let’s get Maiden up to the barn so she can have a rest. She deserves it,” she said. Sam put his arm around her waist and they walked off.
That evening Cotey sat in Sam and Jason’s room with the two guys. Jason had asked them to come, saying it was important.
“So Jas, what’s on your mind?” Sam asked, sitting down next to Cotey. Jason hesitated for a moment.
“Well, this has to do with Cotey… and Alex I guess,” he explained. Cotey knew immediately what it was all about.
“Jason, could I see you in the hall for a minute?” she asked. Sam frowned as Jason nodded. Once they were in the hallway and the door was closed, Cotey led him down the hall quite a ways and looked up at Jason seriously.
“What?” he asked.
“If you know what I think you know, keep your mouth shut!” Jason raked his fingers through his sandy brown hair.
“Cotey, what he’s doing is wrong. If you let it keep happening then it will just get worse.”
“Jason just please don’t say anything right now. Wait until things are over tomorrow.”
“Cotey…” he began. She put her hands on his shoulders and looked at him with frantic eyes.
“If you say anything now, I won’t be able to ride tomorrow.” Jason’s eyes flashed angrily.
“He threatened you?” he demanded.
“I guess you could say that,” she muttered. “Please don’t say anything? Please.”
“I can’t promise you that. Let’s just tell Sam… he should at least know.”
“No! He’ll just get mad and go talk to Alex. Then I won’t get to ride. Please just wait! What’s one more day? I can handle this for one more day. Then we can catch him in his own game.”
“Cotey,” he said, trailing off.
“I need to finish this Jason. I need to know that I’m here because I’m a good rider, and not just because Alex liked the way I look.” Jason sighed.
“OK. I’ll keep quiet until tomorrow. Let’s get back in there and make up something so Sam doesn’t get too worried.” They went back into the room, only to find that Sam was gone.
Cotey jogged into the barn, glancing around frantically. She spotted Sam stalking toward Alex’s office, and she sighed.
“Sam wait!” she called, running toward him. She caught up and grabbed his arm, stepping in front of him. “Please don’t do this! I want to finish. I just want to finish. One more day, that’s it,” she begged in a whisper.
“Cotey, I’m not going to stand by and let this jerk sexually harass you,” he returned angrily. He tried to step by her, but she put her hands on his arms, shaking her head.
“I am begging you to just leave this alone until tomorrow. After I ride… then he’ll get what’s coming to him. I have a good idea.”
“Nothing you can do to him is nearly as good as what I have in mind,” he muttered, cracking his knuckles.
“I will never forgive you if you go in there and do something stupid. This is my decision. We will take care of him, my way, tomorrow.” He looked down at her, and she could see his hesitation. After a few moments he sighed.
“OK. We’ll do this your way,” he muttered, putting his arms around her and hugging her. She let out the breath she’d been holding.
“Let’s get out of here,” she said, taking his hand and leading him back toward their rooms.
Cotey awoke at four thirty the next morning. She got dressed and went downstairs. Sam was waiting for her and they went to get breakfast.
“You sleep OK?” he asked. She nodded, smoothing her hands over her breeches to make sure there were no bunches or wrinkles.
“Yeah. Guess what place I drew for jumping?” she asked. He shrugged.
“Beats me.”
“Second! Isn’t that horrible? I can’t believe Alex decided to put me up that early,” she muttered.
“Yeah, that’s weird.” They ate in silence for the rest of the meal, each thinking. “Let’s get down to the barn,” he said suddenly. She smiled.
“OK,” she said. The got up and walked out.
At three that afternoon, Cotey sat astride Maiden. The first rider was going through the course, and was doing nicely. They moved on to a rather large plank jump and they had a knockdown. Cotey breathed a sigh of relief as she trotted into the ring. They began and Cotey fell into a state of deep concentration. They flew over all the jumps without problems, but when they landed after the last jump the audience cheered. Maiden lost her balance and stumbled badly. Cotey almost lost her balance, but she held on and got her back under control. She pulled up and dismounted, running her hands over Maiden’s left foreleg, groaning when she felt it warm to the touch. She ran up her stirrups and led the already limping mare from the ring.
“What happened?” Sam demanded when she walked out.
“Stumbled on the last landing… I think she just got ahead of herself. Let’s get her iced.” He nodded and they walked back up to the barn.
Later that night Cotey stood in Maiden’s stall. Alex walked up and let himself in.
“How’s she doing?” he asked.
“She’s ok. I won’t be able to rider her in the award ceremony tomorrow. I can ride Jackie’s horse though since she didn’t compete.” He nodded and they were silent for a long moment.
“You know, I didn’t expect you to keep your mouth shut about all that’s happened here. I guess you want me as much as I want you,” he said, moving closer. Cotey swallowed hard.
“I just wanted to ride. I didn’t like you… I still don’t.”
“I did have the upper hand didn’t I? That threat not to ride is a powerful tool. It got you to keep your mouth shut.”
“Yes, it did, but I guess I don’t have to keep quiet any longer.” A frown appeared on his face.
“Oh, you’ll keep quiet. I’m not going to get kicked out of the USETA because of some kid,” he said, grabbing her wrist.
“How old do you think I am?” she asked, trying to hide the fact that he was hurting her. He had grabbed her right arm, and pain was radiating up to her shoulder.
“Eighteen, maybe nineteen,” he murmured.
“Guess again. I’m almost twenty-three. I’ll have my degree in Veterinary Medicine soon.” He shrugged a bit.
“Well then I guess I don’t need to feel as guilty,” he said. He was still twisting her wrist… her whole arm violently, and a tear slipped down her face.
“You’re hurting me,” she said loudly. The stall door opened suddenly and two grooms, Sam, and Jason came in. They pulled Alex away from her and Sam hugged her.
“You ok?” he asked.
“No… I think he screwed up my shoulder again.” Sam glanced at one of the grooms.
“Go call the doctor,” he murmured, taking off his jacket and draping it around her shoulders.
“Did you guys get everything?” she asked. Jason smiled at her and held up his video camera.
“Every last word,” he said. She smiled and breathed a sigh of relief, leaning against Sam as they walked from the stall.
Then next day Cotey used a mounting block to mount Maiden. Her shoulder was sprained, but the doctor had given her permission to ride in the award ceremony. The vet had told her that Maiden could be ridden for the short time it would take to go through the ceremony. They walked around the grassy field, and then to the three Olympic podiums. She was helped down, and then she climbed to the tallest column. The United States had taken the gold medal. Cotey looked around at the audience, feeling a deep sense of pride as they placed the medal around her neck. Even as they did, she knew that she would never try for the Olympics again.
Two days later the four friends arrived home. Before going to bed, Cotey went down to the barn.
“Hey girl, how’re you doing?” she murmured. Maiden tossed her head and Cotey patted her shoulder. “I don’t like being laid up either,” she said.
Maiden huffed a warm breath in her hand and Cotey said, “We’ll both be back in awhile. Racing season is soon, so you’ll have a big rest.” She gave the horse’s shoulder another pat before leaving, thinking already that it was going to be a long season.
