01- Hickory Acres
Colleen Giran led one of her horses into the barn at Hickory Acres. She had just arrived, and was staying the entire summer to ride for the prestigious stable. Mr. Parker smiled at the almost sixteen year old girl, filling into step beside her.
“How was your flight Colleen?” he asked. She pulled her long hair off her neck.
“OK I guess. Jupiter got a little worked up, but Raven was ok,” she explained.
“Why did you bring two horses?” he questioned. She took a deep breath, unsure what she should say.
“Umm… I was in the middle of training her. I didn’t want to just leave her when we’ve done so much work. Everyone else around the farm at home is pretty busy, so she might’ve fallen behind.”
“Well that’s understandable. Is everything all set down here?” She nodded and gave Jupiter a final pat.
“Yup.”
“Great. Let’s get up to the house and have something to eat.” Colleen followed, terrified that she was going to mess up.
After dinner that night, Colleen was shown to her room on the second floor of the main farmhouse. It was a beautiful room that had a large picture window that looked out at the fields.
“I hope this will be alright,” Mrs. Parker said. Colleen nodded, smiling broadly.
“This is great. Can I put posters on the walls?” she asked. The attractive woman nodded.
“Sure, you can do whatever you like.”
“Thanks. The room is perfect,” she said.
“You’re welcome hon. Why don’t you get unpacked and then come downstairs? We’ll watch some movies with Jake.”
“Who’s Jake?” Colleen questioned. Mrs. Parker smiled and gave a little laugh.
“I thought you knew I had a son,” she replied. Colleen’s face lit up with understanding.
“He’s the one I met at the National last winter right?” she asked.
“That was likely Jake. He’s the one who pointed you out to us first.”
“Why did he point me out? Isn’t he pretty young too?” she asked, a frown on her pretty face.
“He’s seventeen, but he’s grown up knowing what we’re looking for. When he showed you to us we immediately knew you needed to come ride for us.” Colleen blushed.
“Thank you.”
“Anytime. Come on down when you’re done, and we’ll sit and chat.” Colleen nodded, watching as the door closed.
“Well that was perfect,” she muttered to herself, glancing in the mirror. With a sigh she began to unpack her things, wondering if coming to Hickory Acres had been such a good idea.
Early the next morning Colleen walked down to the barn, weaving her hair into a braid. She arrived at Raven’s stall just as she finished wrapping the rubber band around the end of the braid.
“Morning big guy,” she said, giving his neck a pat. She let herself into the stall and began to groom him.
“You’re up early,” a voice said. Colleen whirled and Raven’s head shot up. Jake Parker was standing at the stall door, resting his crossed arms on the top of it.
“Yeah, I guess. I just like having the quiet time to spend with my horses.”
“I remember that much from the National. You were there early the day I talked with you.”
“Yup. I’m pretty late today actually.”
“It’s only four thirty. That’s late?” She shrugged her shoulders, glancing away.
“I’ve been getting here at four lately…” she muttered, trailing off.
“You must really like your time with the horses,” he observed. She looked at him again, and saw that his face was concerned. She decided to just let the subject drop, and turned back to Raven. “Do you want to go out on a ride later? I could show you around the trails and stuff,” he offered.
“I don’t know. I’m probably going to be working on my jumping later. I haven’t done much work on it lately.”
“One hour won’t mess it up will it?” She looked at him seriously.
“I thought that I was coming here to become better… to work on my riding. Maybe I was wrong, but I don’t think so.” He shook his head slowly.
“Wow. Maybe we can talk later… I kind of like my head where it is.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she demanded.
“Well you just bit my head off. I don’t remember doing anything to make you angry, but maybe I’m wrong.” He turned and sauntered off, leaving Colleen to silently curse herself.
Mr. Parker watched Colleen ride around the ring taking jumps. There was sweat beading on her brow, covering the neck of her shirt and under her arms. They had been working since nine thirty that morning, and it was almost one. She had ridden five horses so far, and hadn’t taken a wrong step yet. Mr. Parker was waiting for some screw up, anything to shake her.
“Take them at a trot!” he called. She pulled the big horse back to a trot, tapping his shoulder with her crop when he protested. They took the jumps several more times before he motioned for her to come to the center. She trotted in, breathing heavily but smiling.
“Something the matter?” she asked. Mr. Parker shook his head, looking at her carefully.
“Nope. Go cool him out and put him away. Maybe next time you can ride your own horse,” he said. Colleen watched in awe as he walked away without a word of praise. She patted the horse’s neck and dismounted, running her stirrups up.
“Come on Jeopardy, let’s go,” she muttered. She led him from the ring, shaking her head in disbelief.
Jake and his best friend Brad Collier watched Colleen Giran. They were sitting in the loft on bales of hay that were positioned right by the loading door. Colleen was riding Raven in a pasture, up in her two-point. She was wearing breeches, high boots, and a white tank top.
“She’s hot Jake,” Brad said. Jake shrugged.
“She’s good looking, but she’s way too concerned with riding,” he muttered. Brad frowned.
“Isn’t she supposed to be? She cam here to win shows didn’t she?” Jake nodded slowly, watching as Colleen eased Raven back to a trot and began to post. Her form was flawless: heels down, head up, hands down… completely focused.
“Yeah, of course. She’s just too intense about it. There’s something going on with her that I can’ figure out.”
“Are you playing psychologist again Jake?” Brad joked. Jake punched his shoulder playfully.
“No. She’s just really… interesting. I’ve never known anyone like her.”
“Well that’s good to hear. So are you interested?” Jake grinned.
“You better believe it.”
“I bet you can’t get her to go out with you,” Brad said. Jake hesitated, not wanting to bet on Colleen Giran. “Come on Jake. If you think you can get her, then bet on it.”
“Fine. Fifty bucks says that I get her to go out with me by the time she leaves.”
“When’s that?” he asked. Jake shrugged.
“I’m not sure… I think the end of August.”
“Sounds good. If you don’t get her, I do.” Jake laughed and shook his head.
“If I can’t get her, nobody can,” he said, turning his attention back to the field.
Raven was winded the next afternoon when Colleen led him in from their workout. When she finished cooling and grooming him, she fed him a carrot and walked out of the stall. Someone grabbed her arm and led her down the aisle.
“Excuse me…”
“Quiet,” Jake said. She yanked her arm away, stopping in the middle of the aisle.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded, staring at him angrily.
“Taking you on a ride. Come on let’s go,” he said, reaching for her arm again. Colleen stepped back.
“Who do you think you are? You don’t have the right to drag me around,” she said.
“No, and you don’t have the right to treat me like crap. I guess we’re even. Come on, please come with me?” he asked. She sighed.
“You’re not going to leave me alone until I go are you?” she muttered. He grinned and nodded.
“You’ve finally caught on,” he said. She looked up at him, sighing deeply.
“Fine. My horse just got done with a tough workout, so I’ll have to ride another.”
“I’ve already got two waiting,” he said, leading her out into the Kentucky sunshine. Jeopardy and another horse were waiting. Colleen went to Jeopardy’s side, patting his shoulder.
“Hey big guy, how’ve you been?” she murmured. Jake watched silently, not believing what he was seeing. Colleen Giran actually knew how to speak civilly.
“I see you two already know each other,” he said. She glanced back at him, a smile on her face.
“Yeah, I rode him for your father the other day. Who’s the other horse?”
“He’s mine. His name is Snowball.” Colleen looked at the horse for a moment, a confused look on her face.
“He’s black,” she said simply. Jake laughed.
“You’re quick. We named him that because he seems to always do exactly what you don’t want him to do. He can be a big challenge to ride.”
“Could I try him sometime?” she asked. Jake smiled again.
“He’s free right now,” he replied. Colleen looked at him in awe.
“Are you serious?” she asked. He nodded and she went to Snowball’s side, swinging into the saddle. Jake mounted Jeopardy and waited for her to go. To his amazement Snowball did exactly as she asked.
“Trot boy,” she murmured, squeezing gently with her legs. The horse broke into an easy trot and she began to post. Jake followed on Jeopardy, watching her carefully.
“How’d you do that?” he demanded after they were partially up the lane. She just shrugged.
“I asked him to do it and he did it. Can we canter?”
“Sure. There are some natural obstacles along the trail, so we can just pop over them.”
“OK.” Suddenly Snowball broke into a canter, and Colleen glanced over her shoulder. Jake and Jeopardy were just starting. She grinned and went into her two-point. Jake sighed, knowing he’d have a tough time getting her mind off riding.
Colleen was sitting on the kitchen counter that night, talking with her mother.
“No, it’s great down here Ma’. I’m learning a lot… riding a lot of great horses. How’re things at home?”
“Fine. Seneca’s doing great in school, and Abby’s riding in her first show next weekend.”
“You’ll video tape it won’t you?”
“Of course. Abby wants us to keep you informed of everything,” Beth said with a laugh.
“Tell her I wish I could be there for it. I’ll send you guys tapes of my shows when we start in June. I’m showing in the Budweiser Upperville Classic on the ninth in Virginia.”
“That’s televised isn’t it?” her mother demanded excitedly. Colleen smiled.
“Yup. I’ll be doing some smaller shows before that one around Kentucky to get ready. Mr. Parker just keeps telling me what to do.”
“I’m thrilled for you sweetheart.” Colleen took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
“What about Daddy?” she asked quietly. There was silence on the other end of the line.
“Honey, he’s just as thrilled as I am,” Beth said softly.
“You don’t have to lie to me Mom. He’s still against this. It doesn’t matter… it wasn’t his life to decide what to do with.”
“He wasn’t trying to…” Colleen cut her off.
“Mom, I don’t want to get into what he was or wasn’t trying to do. He obviously wasn’t on my side. Give Chris my number here and tell him I sent his letter yesterday,” she said.
“Colleen you have to talk to your father sometime,” Beth said.
“When he decides that I’m good enough to show professionally, tell him to give me a call.” With those final words Colleen hung up the phone. Jake had just walked into the room and was looking at her with concerned eyes.
“Are you ok?” he asked. Colleen nodded quickly, jumping down from the counter and shoving past him. He sighed, leaning on the counter and listening as the front door slammed shut. After a moment he followed her.
He found her sitting in the corner of her horse’s stall. The big animal was nuzzling her shoulder, wondering what was wrong. Jake let himself in, crouching down beside her.
“Are you alright?” he asked quietly. Her gaze shot up, and she stood quickly. He watched silently as she turned and brushed tears away.
“I’m fine. Go away please,” she said. Jake sighed, standing and going to her side.
“Don’t lie Colleen. What’s the matter?” he asked. She turned and looked at him.
“Why do you care Jake? Don’t you have other things to do?” He shook his head.
“Not really. I’m just worried about you… I mean, you look like the world just ended.”
“It didn’t, but I wish it had.” She grabbed the saddle from the stall door and saddled Raven.
“Where are you going?” he asked, following her out of the stall. She put her helmet on and started to lead Raven down the aisle.
“Your father had me scheduled for a workout. I’ll see you later.” She went to the arena, not realizing Jake followed.
Mr. Parker set the jumps at four feet, and watched as Colleen urged Raven over them time and again.
“Take a turn through the middle and snake back around to number five!” he called. Colleen did it, shortening Raven’s stride so he could make the tight turn. Jake was sitting in the bleachers, watching her carefully. They had been at it for nearly two hours, and neither horse or rider seemed to be that winded. Colleen was sweating, mainly due to the heat. “Rest him for a minute!” Mr. Parker called. Colleen pulled up and let Raven walk on a free rein.
“How long are we going for?” she asked, wiping sweat from her face. Mr. Parker looked at her seriously.
“I don’t know, how long do you think you need?” he asked. Colleen eased Raven to a halt.
“You already know the answer to that,” she replied. He stared at her hard, searching her gaze.
“Do you too?” he asked. She nodded, staring back at him evenly. Jake watched the scene in silence.
“Of course I do. I probably know better than you do,” she replied finally.
“Do you know, or is someone else telling you?” Colleen didn’t answer, just asked Raven to walk on. “Let’s call it a day Colleen, you’ve done enough.”
“Can I work with my filly before dinner?” she asked. Mr. Parker sighed, but nodded anyway.
“Yes, just be on time,” he said. She nodded, dismounting and leading Raven from the ring. Jake came out of the shadows when she was gone.
“Hey Dad,” he said. His father walked toward him, a smile on his face.
“Hi son. She’s an interesting girl isn’t she?” Jake nodded slowly, glancing back in the direction Colleen had gone in.
“Yeah. You could’ve at least told her she’s doing a good job you know. Maybe she needs some big-shot trainer to tell her.”
“Well, I’m not some big-shot trainer. Her father is.”
“She’s Dominick Giran’s daughter?” he demanded. His father nodded.
“Yes, and Sam Giran’s granddaughter. His wife just died.”
“I read about that. Cotey Mallory was an amazing rider.”
“Maybe Colleen has to fill some bigger shoes than she’s ready for.” Jake nodded, and they walked from the arena together.
On the day of the Budweiser Upperville Classic, Colleen and Jake walked around the show grounds. They were each wearing beige breeches, black high boots, and had put sweatshirts on to keep out the chilly morning air.
“Are you getting nervous?” he asked her. She glanced at him and shook her head.
“Not really. I know I’m probably not going to place, but I’ll give it my best.”
“You’re the youngest rider here,” he said. She shrugged and stopped walking.
“What does age have to do with anything? My… my grandmother started doing shows when she was ten.”
“Nothing this big though?” he asked. She shook her head and continued walking.
“Nothing this big. Come on, I’m going to get something to eat before it’s time to tack up.”
“I can’t eat before I ride in a show,” he said. She laughed, shaking her head and grabbing his hand.
“You’ve finally got something wrong with you? I’m amazed. Come on, let’s go,” she said, pulling him along behind her.
Colleen, Jake, and Mr. Parker walked the jump course together. She listened as he told them what to do and how to do it. On the last four jumps Colleen interrupted.
“If we switched back around, we could do it faster,” she said. Mr. Parker looked her, surprised that she’d cut him off.
“If you do that you run the risk of approaching too quickly and having faults.”
“If you just shorten your strides, they should have enough time to collect and get over it,” she countered.
“I want you to do it how I told you,” he said sternly. Colleen nodded and followed as they started to walk again, already knowing that she would do it her own way.
Jake watched as Colleen rode into the ring, four riders after he had ridden. She saluted, then began. He and his father watched her form, both nodding as she did the first fourteen jumps.
“She’s doing great,” Jake said. His father nodded, glancing at his son.
“Yeah she is.” He looked back to the course, gasping when he saw what she was doing. She had reached the last four jumps and was cutting back around. “Damnit, I told her not to do that!” he exclaimed. Jake watched as she shortened Raven’s strides, collecting the big animal before the jump. They soared over it, then did the last combination perfectly. The audience erupted into applause, standing as she rode out of the ring. She dismounted, looking at Mr. Parker for a long moment.
“I’m going to go cool him off,’ she muttered when he didn’t say anything. Mr. Parker nodded, but was watching the next rider. Colleen sighed and led Raven away. Jake glared at his father and then jogged after her.
“Colleen wait up!” he called. She didn’t stop, and he had to jog to catch her. He caught her shoulder and was surprised to see that she was crying.
“Let go OK?” she asked. He shook his head, looking down at her seriously.
“What’s the matter? You have the top time with no faults,” he said. She shrugged and looked away.
“What does it matter? I did what I thought was best and it worked. Your father can’t even admit that I did a good job. Nobody can.” She pulled away and walked toward the barn.
The last rider rode confidently into the ring and Colleen began to hold her breath. So far only one rider had gone clear, so there would be a jump off. The last rider would decide if Colleen would have more competition.
“Relax, he’s not that great,” Jake assured her. She looked up at him and shook her head.
“That’s Michael Matz, Jake. He’s been in the Olympics too many times to count.”
“They U.S. doesn’t always win,” he said. She smiled, watching as Michael began. On the last four he attempted what she had, the only other rider to try. He didn’t manage to get his horse to collect in time, and the horse refused a jump. Michael circled back around and finished the course, but the refusal had cost him a place in the jump off. When he rode our of the ring he smiled at Colleen.
“You’ll have to try out for the team some day Miss Giran,” he said. Colleen smiled.
“Thank you,” she said. She took a deep breath and followed Katie Monahan Prudent onto the jump course. Mr. Parker went with her, pointing out trouble areas.
“You can take it how you feel is right. There are a couple choices on some of them, but I’m sure you already know that,” he said.
“You don’t need to be cynical. I did what I thought was right, and it got me this far. I was taught to ride the best I could, and I did. I’m sorry if you disapprove of my trying to win,” she said. He was silent for a long time.
“Listen Colleen you came here…” He was cut off by the announcer asking the riders to leave the course. He sighed as she turned on her heal and walked from the ring. She was riding second, so she stood at the fence with Raven, watching as Katie Prudent began. The woman tried several things colleen was planning on, and succeeded in knocking down a rail. Colleen took a deep breath and swung into her saddle.
“You don’t need to do what you’re planning on,” Jake said, looking up at her. She grinned.
“Sure I do, because I can do it,” she said, riding into the ring. She patted Raven’s neck, saluted, and began. There were ten jumps in the ring, all that had made up the original course. She had to jump them in a different order than the first round, and she had to remember which jumps had been omitted from the course. Colleen took the first two jumps and then began to speed Raven up. They took two short cuts that made the audience gasp, and on the very last jump she couldn’t slow Raven down. She let him take it at his own pace, keeping constant leg contact. He jumped at the right moment, and they raced forward to stop the time. The audience cheered, knowing she had won hands down. She patted Raven’s neck, letting him canter for a few minutes before riding out. Jake and Mr. Parker were waiting, Jake smiling. Mr. Parker was looking at her seriously.
“Colleen,” he began. Colleen held up her hand, shaking her head slowly.
“Don’t say it, I already know. I didn’t listen to a word you said,” she cut in. Mr. Parker shook his head.
“I was going to say congratulations,” he said with a smile. She grinned at him, then went back into the ring as the winners were called in.
Colleen took the phone from Jake that night, giving him a questioning look.
“It’s a guy,” he muttered. Colleen grinned, jumping onto the counter.
“Is that you Chris?” she asked.
“Yup. I saw you today, and you did great,” he said. She laughed.
“Mr. Parker was quite peeved when I snaked back on that one jump, but it paid off in the end.”
“It sure did. Everyone here is going nuts for you,” he replied. She smiled.
“Who’s everyone?” she asked. She heard a chorus of hellos and congratulations.
“Amy’s here, and Brandon, Seneca, Abby, your grandfathers and grandmother, and your mom.” Colleen’s heart sank.
“Daddy’s not there then?” she asked. There was no answer, and she let out a sigh.
“Colleen he had a lot to do at the barn,” Chris explained. She laughed softly.
“It’s no big deal… he didn’t want me to come here in the first place. I shouldn’t expect him to care how I do.”
“He’s proud of you,” Chris assured her.
“Does he even know that I won? Did anyone tell him yet?” she demanded.
“He hasn’t been up to the house yet,” he muttered.
“Don’t bother telling him, we both know he doesn’t care. He won’t care unless I’m doing what he wants me to do with my life. I’ll talk to you later Chris. Thanks for calling,” she muttered.
“Colleen, don’t hang up,” he began. Colleen hung up though, and jogged up the stairs. When she was in her room she sat down on the window seat, letting her head hit the wall.
“Nothing’s ever good enough,” she said quietly to herself, hugging a stuffed bear to her chest. With another sigh, she began to cry.
The next day Jake rode around the arena, taking jumps. He was riding Snowball, and the big gelding was actually behaving perfectly. A sudden noise made the animal run out on a jump. Jake stayed aboard though.
“What’s your problem Snowball?” he demanded.
“Probably me. I didn’t know anyone was in here,” Colleen said. Jake turned in the saddle. She was holding her young filly, watching him closely.
“That’s alright, I’m almost finished. Do you want to wait?” She shrugged.
“Might as well… she needs the work.” Jake nodded and began the course again. When he was done he watched as she led the filly into the ring. He went and put Snowball away, then came back. She was riding over low rails, talking softly to the animal. Jake watched her in awe as they went over all the fences, even though the filly was obviously green. Colleen pulled up after three times round, then put the filly through her paces.
“Good girl!” she exclaimed, patting the sleek golden neck. She dismounted and slipped the bridle off to give her a treat. After she was done she put the reins around the filly’s neck and led her from the ring.
“Do you want a lead?” Jake asked. Colleen glanced at him and shook her head.
“Nope. I’ll put her in cross ties in a minute. I want her to finish with the molasses cube I gave her.” Jake smiled, shaking his head slowly. He watched her walk away, wondering what made her tick.
That night Jake’s parents went out to dinner and a party, so he and Colleen were alone. He jogged up the stairs and went to her bedroom. He knocked, but received no answer.
“Colleen?” he called. When she didn’t answer, he opened the door. She was sitting on the window seat, a pair of headphones covering her ears, and a drawing pad in her lap. She was looking out the window, her eyes intense. A pencil was in her right hand, and it was moving rapidly. He walked closer, putting a hand on her shoulder. She jumped, then pulled the pad up to her chest.
“What’re you doing here?” she demanded, pushing the headphones off. He shrugged.
“I thought we could watch a movie or something,” he said. She swallowed hard.
“Maybe later. I’m busy,” she replied, looking out the window again.
“What’re you drawing?” he asked, reaching for the pad. She stood, closing it and tossing it on her bed.
“Nothing important.” He sighed and turned to leave. “I thought we were going to watch movies,” she said. He turned, looking at her critically.
“I thought you were busy,” he shot back. She smiled.
“I changed my mind.”
“Alright. Let’s go. I rented a couple, so you can pick what you want.” She nodded and followed him downstairs.
Jake sat on the couch behind Colleen, who was sitting on the floor. They were watching ‘A Few Good Men’. They had watched several movies over the course of the night, and Colleen had barely said three words. At that moment she was squeezing a blue rubber ball in her left hand, her face concentrated. Jake watched for a few moments.
“Why are you doing that?” he questioned. She glanced up, but kept squeezing.
“I hurt my arm very badly when I was little, so I squeeze the ball to keep it strong.”
“Aren’t you still just a little girl?” he asked. She shook her head slowly.
“I don’t think I am,” she replied uncertainly.
“So what do you think you are?” he asked. She shrugged, looking away from his probing stare.
“I don’t know. What do you mean by that?” she demanded, looking back up at him.
“I mean, what are you thinking? What’s going on in your head? What makes you have to win so damn badly?” he asked. She looked away again.
“Why are you asking?” she countered.
“I’m interested. You’ve got this way about you that confuses the hell out of everyone around you. One minute you’re all smiles, and the next you’re crying. You can carry on a perfectly friendly conversation with your horse, but when it comes to your own species you can’t handle it.”
“Boy, you’re awfully observant,” she muttered. Jake sighed, shaking his head.
“That’s what I mean. You just shut everyone out and push everyone away. I don’t understand why you do that.”
“Because nobody needs to know what makes me work. Everyone just passes judgment, and nobody has any right.”
“I’m not passing judgment, I’m just telling you what I see.” She looked at him seriously.
“Maybe I should tell you what I see then,” she said, her eyes angry.
“Go for it.”
“I see a guy who thinks he knows everything… that thinks he can do everything. I see a guy who tries to tell other people who they are and what they’re like, even though he doesn’t have a clue. I see a guy who has a perfect life, and doesn’t really know anything about anything,” she said, standing and starting from the room. Jake stood and went after her.
“Oh no, you’re not walking out on this,” he said, grabbing her shoulder and spinning her toward him. “First off, you’re totally off base. I don’t think I know everything, because I know that I don’t. I don’t think I can do everything, because I know I can’t. I’m not trying to tell you what you’re like, and I don’t have a perfect life. And you’re right… I don’t know anything about anything,” he said. She swallowed hard, looking up at him with big eyes.
“Then what are you doing right now?” she demanded. He shrugged and glanced away.
“What do you want me to be doing?” he asked. She shook her head in disbelief.
“You’re amazing. You go from putting me down to asking me…” He cut her off, pulling her closer and kissing her. Colleen pushed him away and took a step back.
“I wasn’t putting you down,” he said quietly. She didn’t look at him as she turned and walked toward the stairs. “Come on Colleen, don’t just walk away from this,” he said. Instead of answering she continued up the stairs.
Two weeks later Colleen was in Jeopardy’s stall. She was plaiting his tail for shipping. They were going to Lake Placid for the second Budweiser show that year. It would be held on the thirtieth, so they were arriving several days early.
“Colleen do you have shipping boots?” Mr. Parker asked. She glanced up and nodded.
“Yup. When is the trailer leaving?” she asked.
“In about an hour. Eager to get there?” She nodded, smiling quickly.
“I guess so. My parents are going to come, along with the rest of my family and friends.”
“That’s good. I’m going to go check on Jake and see how he’s doing with Snowball. He’s never been very good at plaiting tails or braiding manes.”
“If he can’t do it, I will,” she offered.
“Thanks Colleen.” She nodded and watched as he walked away.
“Well Jeopardy, what do you think?” she muttered, patting his neck and letting herself out of the stall. She walked down the aisle and said her goodbyes to Raven and Jupiter, then went to Snowball’s stall. Jake was struggling to do the big gelding’s tail, but couldn’t get his fingers to cooperate. “Do you want some help?” she asked. Jake looked up and frowned.
“So you’re talking to me now?” he muttered. She sighed and shook her head.
“Fine, do it yourself,” she replied, starting to walk away.
“Colleen wait!” he called. She stopped and turned to face him.
“What?”
“I could really use some help,” he said. She walked back to the stall and let herself in. She began to work quickly, and was soon done with Snowball’s mane and tail.
“There ya’ go,” she said, starting to walk from the stall. Jake grabbed her elbow and looked down at her seriously.
“Why are you treating me like this Colleen?” he asked. She shrugged, looking away.
“Like what?”
“Like I’m some sort of jerk for kissing you the other day. I’m not, and you know it.”
“I do?” she muttered, looking up at him defiantly. Jake sighed, backing her against the wall. He put one of his hands on the wall on either side of her head.
“Yeah, you do. You didn’t mind the fact that I was kissing you, you minded the fact that you liked it,” he said, leaning closer. Colleen took a deep breath and ducked under his arm.
“You don’t know anything Jake. I’ll see you later,” she said, letting herself out of the stall. He watched as she jogged down the aisle, long black hair flying behind her.
Beth and Chris were waiting when Colleen’s flight landed late that afternoon. She hugged her mother, then hugged Chris awkwardly.
“It’s good to see you,” he murmured, hanging on to her for a moment. She nodded and pulled away.
“You too.” She turned to her mother and asked, “Where’s Daddy?” Beth hesitated.
“He had to go down to the track and fill out some forms. He said he’d see you tomorrow.”
“He’s staying at the track until tomorrow?” she demanded. Beth shook her head.
“He’s going to help grandpa Giran later.”
“Grandpa isn’t helpless, Daddy just doesn’t…” She didn’t finish, because Jake and his father walked up.
“Hello Mrs. Giran, nice to see you again,” Mr. Parker said. Beth shook his hand and forced a smile.
“Wonderful to see you too. How’s Colleen been behaving herself?” Mr. Parker laughed.
“OK for the most part. It’s my son we have to worry about. I better go make sure the horses came off alright. I’ll meet you out front.” Beth nodded, watching as he left. Jake stayed behind, watching Colleen and Chris. They were standing together and talking in hushed tones.
“You must be Colleen’s mom,” Jake said to Beth. She nodded and smiled.
“Yes. You’re Jake right?” Jake nodded, watching Colleen out of the corner of his eye.
“Yup. It’s nice to meet you. I can see that Colleen gets her good looks from her mom.” Beth laughed.
“No, actually she gets that from her father.”
“Where’s he?” Beth didn’t answer right away, and there was no mistaking the sad look in her eye.
“He had some work to do at the track,” she explained. He nodded slowly.
“That’s too bad. I’m sure I’ll meet him at some point.” She smiled tightly.
“Probably. Colleen, Chris, are you ready?” she asked. They looked at her and nodded.
“Yeah, let’s get home,” Colleen replied. The Parkers were staying at her house until they went back to Kentucky, and Colleen was dreading it. Chris was planning on staying too, and Colleen knew she’d have two huge problems.
That night Colleen walked down the paths that ran beside the pastures. She looked out through the twilight, smiling at the yearlings. They were racing around, playing tag.
“I missed that smile,” a voice said. Colleen whirled, frowning when she saw Chris.
“What’re you doing here?” she asked. He sighed and walked closer.
“Why are you so mad at me?” he questioned. She didn’t answer right away, just looked out across the fields.
“Because of what you left me to deal with when I left. You can’t just kiss your best friend and then let her leave, Chris. It shouldn’t happen that way.”
“I told you that I wanted you to stay… I meant that,” he said defensively.
“You knew how guilty that would make me feel. I already had enough on my mind with Grandma’s dying, and the way Daddy was acting. I didn’t need you to tell me where I belonged too. Then on top of everything else you kiss me…” she trailed off with a sigh.
“Sorry for ruining everything,” he muttered. She laughed softly.
“You didn’t ruin everything Chris… just my state of mind,” she said, turning and walking away. Chris watched as she disappeared around a corner.
Dominick walked into the house late that night and went into the living room.
“Welcome home,” a voice said. Dominick let his eyes adjust to the darkness, and saw a form on the couch.
“Who’s there?” he asked. The form stood up, and he recognized the person immediately; it was Colleen. “What’re you doing awake so late Colleen?” he demanded.
“I was waiting for you. Since you won’t yell at me since everyone is asleep, I figured now would be a good time to talk to you.”
“I’m going to bed,” he muttered, turning to go.
“You’re not being fair,” she said. Dominick turned slowly, looking at her angrily.
“I’m not being fair? What about you? You’re the one who took off young lady, not me.”
“Yeah, you waited until I was gone to leave. Have a good night’s sleep,” she muttered. Dominick sighed and watched as she went out the front door.
Two days before the show Colleen, Mr. Parker and Jake drove to Lake Placid. When they got there, everyone was exhausted.
“I’m going to head to bed,” Colleen said. They were staying at a small bed and breakfast. Mr. Parker nodded and watched as she walked upstairs. Jake watched too, then started after her.
“Jacob, where are you…”
“I’ll be back in a minute Dad,” Jake muttered, jogging up the stairs. Colleen was just going into her room, so he pushed her in and closed the door behind them.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“Making it so you can’t run away from this conversation,’ he replied. Colleen sighed, moving toward him.
“Move, I need to go back down to the car for something,” she said. He laughed and shook his head.
“Bull. What’s your problem? I know that guy isn’t your boyfriend, and I know I didn’t do anything wrong. I’d really appreciate it if you’d tell me why you’re treating me like crap.”
“Because I don’t need you. Get out,” she said, hands on her slim hips. Jake stared at her incredulously.
“I never said that you needed me. I said that I needed you… there’s a difference.”
“Well you’ll have to get over it really quick. I can’t get involved with anyone right now.”
“Why not?” She walked to the window and looked out, her long black hair flowing over her shoulders.
“Because I have enough problems without a guy to mess things up,” she replied softly. Jake moved closer, not stopping until he was right beside her.
“Like what? What problems does princess Colleen Giran have? Maybe a bad hair day? Or her Daddy didn’t come meet her at the airport?” he murmured tauntingly. Colleen whirled, bringing her hand across his face.
“What the hell do you know?” she yelled, tears springing into her eyes. Jake put his hand on his cheek, not believing she’d hit him.
“That’s it isn’t it? You’re not fulfilling what he…” Colleen shoved him out of her way, going to the door. She opened it, looking at him with a red face.
“Get out,” she said.
“Colleen…” he began. She shook her head, looking away before saying anything.
“Get out. Just get out and leave me alone,” she whispered. Jake walked toward her, placing both hands on her shoulders and moving her back into the room. He closed the door and took her shoulders again.
“Do you want to tell me about it?” he asked, looking down at her seriously. She shook her head, and he could tell she was fighting hard to hold back tears.
“No. I want you to leave,” she muttered. Jake shook his head, brushing her hair from her face and smiling softly.
“Do you want to cry on my shoulder?”
“I’m not going to cry.” Jake decided not to argue that fact.
“Do you want to hit me again?” he joked. She didn’t laugh, just step closer and put her head on his shoulder. He felt her begin to shake with sobs, and he wrapped his arms around her. Her arms went around his waist, and she let him hold her tightly. He let his hand slide up her back and come to rest on the back of her head. “Shh… it’s going to be ok,” he whispered.
Colleen awoke the next morning and felt a heavy weight around her waist. She rolled over and bit back a yelp when she saw Jake asleep beside her. They both still had their shoes on, and were on top of the covers. With a sigh she let her head rest on his arm. She breathed in, not believing how good he smelled. She closed her eyes and slid her arm around his waist. He moved suddenly, stretching and yawning.
“Colleen are you awake?” he asked, putting his hand on her waist again. She nodded slowly and looked up at him.
“Yup. Sorry, I’m used to sleeping with my teddy bear,” she said, beginning to remove her arm from his waist. He put his hand over hers, looking at her seriously.
“Lucky bear,” he murmured. She dropped her gaze.
“We better get up… your father must be wondering where we are. It’s pretty late.” Jake looked at her for a moment before sitting up. Colleen got out of bed and went to the window. “About everything last night… forget it,’ she said, looking at him.
“Colleen, you can’t keep all that bottled…”
“I said forget about it! I was overtired, and I get that way when I need sleep. I’ll see you at the barn.” She walked out of the room quickly, not giving him a chance to respond.
On the day of the show Colleen’s family, minus her father, showed up to support her.
“I suppose Daddy had something very important to do at the farm or at the track?” she muttered. Beth sighed.
“Colleen, he told me what you said to him the other night. You were out of line.”
“Doesn’t he have the decency to at least give me a lecture in person?”
“Honey, he didn’t want to get you upset before a big show,” Beth replied. Colleen laughed bitterly.
“Well he’s a little to late for that. Tell Dad he can go to hell until he learns to accept this,” she said.
“Colleen!” Beth exclaimed. Colleen shook her head and walked away. Beth sighed, glancing at Seneca and Abby. The two children were staring in disbelief.
“Is Leen going to be alright Mom?” Seneca asked quietly. Beth nodded, watching Colleen weave her way through the crowds.
“I hope so sweetheart,” she murmured.
Colleen rode to a very respectable second place. Everyone hugged and congratulated her, even Jake; he had come in fifth.
“We’re going to stay at your house again tonight, and then we’ll head home tomorrow,” Mr. Parker explained. Colleen nodded.
“I’m going to head back and pack up,” she said. They all nodded and Jake followed.
“I’ll come with you!” he called. She stopped and waited, knowing he’d just catch up anyway.
When they got back to Kentucky, Brad was waiting on the front porch. Jake gave him a high five, then glanced at Colleen.
“Brad Collier, this is Colleen Giran,” he said. Colleen smiled and shook Brad’s hand.
“Nice to meet you. I’m going to go unpack, so I’ll see you later,” she said. She walked toward the front door, and Brad followed her with his eyes. She was wearing a pair of cut-offs and a white T-shirt.
“Any luck yet Jake?” he questioned. Jake sighed and shook his head slowly.
“I’m calling off the bet. Here’s our money,” he said, handing him a folded up bill. Brad laughed.
“It’s only been a month and you’re giving up?” Jake shook his head.
“I’m not giving up because I can’t get her Brad. I’m giving up because I don’t want to hurt her when I do,” he said. Brad watched as Jake disappeared into the house, closing the door behind himself.
Colleen was riding on the trails at a collected canter, popping over logs as she went. Jake watched her carefully, not noticing any flaw in her position or technique. As if sensing his presence, she pulled Jupiter up and looked around. He was sitting on Jeopardy on the other side of the fence.
“What’re you doing here?” she asked. He shrugged, walking Jeopardy closer.
“I saw you leaving, so I followed you. I like seeing you ride,” he said.
“I don’t know what’s so fascinating about it. You’ve seen plenty of people better than I am,” she muttered. Jake dismounted and opened the gate, leading Jeopardy through and closing it again.
“You should stop putting yourself down. I don’t know why you do it… you’re one of the best riders I’ve ever seen,” he told her sincerely. She looked away.
“Why are you saying this to me?” she demanded, looking back. Jake smiled up at her.
“I want you to smile a little more Colleen. You’ve smiled a total of twice since you got here, and it was so beautiful that I keep thinking about it.”
“That really isn’t an answer to my question,” she muttered, looking away again.
“Fine. I’m saying it because it’s the truth. Have you seen the articles in the papers about you? All the top sports reporters are saying that you’re the newest young start, that you’re taking the horse world by storm.”
“That’s just great, but the people that matter most don’t say a damn thing Jake. The people from Horse World can keep writing shining reviews, but it doesn’t matter to me.”
“Why not?”
“Because nobody really cares if I make it or not!” she exclaimed, staying with the dancing filly beneath her.
“Who doesn’t care?” he demanded.
“Have you ever heard the song ‘Perfect’, Jake?” she asked, tears filling her dark eyes.
“The one by Alanis Morissette?” he replied. She nodded, biting her bottom lip.
“Listen to it some time and think of me,” she said, She turned Jupiter and continued on her way down the path.
Two weeks after her second place at Lake Placid, Colleen was longing a young horse in the arena. Mr. Parker had asked her to work with the colt, and so far it was going perfectly.
“That’s a good boy!” she exclaimed, watching as the animal cantered around her. After a few more times she called, “Whoa Deacon!” The horse dropped back through his paces and she walked toward him slowly. Once at his side she patted his shoulder and murmured, “Good boy. That was excellent.” The colt began to itch his forehead on her side and Colleen laughed. “You’re going to knock me over big guy,” she said through giggles.
“Having fun?” a voice called. She turned, the smile still on her face. It faded when she saw Jake sitting in the bleachers.
“Yeah. I better get him back to his stall. Come on Deacon, let’s get you cooled down,” she said. The horse pranced beside her, eager to get back and eat. Jake followed, noticing that she was talking to the horse as they walked.
“What did I do this time?” he asked, leaning on the stall door. She didn’t look at him.
“Nothing. I’m just busy with Deacon. Your Dad asked me to work with him.”
“I know, I recommended you,” he said. She whirled on him, her eyes angry slits.
You told him to let me work with him? I can’t believe this!” Jake sighed.
“What’s the matter with that? I saw how well you were doing with your own filly, and I mentioned it to Dad.”
“So he did it just because you told him to? That figures,” she muttered. Jake sighed, raking his fingers through his hair.
“Well nobody else has had any luck with Deacon, so you must be pretty damn smart,” he said.
“Could you just leave me alone? I don’t want to be your cause.”
“You’re not my cause!” he exclaimed. She laughed bitterly, patting Deacon one final time before letting herself out of the stall. She was carrying all of the longing tack.
“Then what am I Jake?” she demanded, putting the equipment back in the tack room. Jake sighed, closing the tack room door and forcing her to sit on a bale of hay.
“Do you want to know what you are?” he asked seriously, looking at her with eyes that searched her own.
“I’d appreciate it,” she muttered, not knowing what else to say.
“You’re the girl who came to my parents’ farm to learn, when you already know everything.
“Jake don’t…” He cut her off.
“Let me finish. You’re the girl who as beaten me twice in a row, but a lot. You’re the girl I can’t get out of my head. You’re the reason I bought a sixteen dollar CD so I could listen to one song. You’re the girl I’m obsessed with.” She stared up at him, swallowing hard. “So you’re not going to yell at me? This is a first,” he said with a grin. Her gaze fell and he saw her shoulders rise and fall in a sigh. “What’d I say?” he asked. She shook her head, tossing her braid over her shoulder.
“Everything,” she replied. He frowned, not understanding what she meant. “Don’t worry about it… you won’t get it for awhile. Listen to the song Jake… then talk to me,” she murmured, standing and walking away.
Jake knocked on Colleen’s bedroom door that night and it opened. She looked at him for a long moment, then stepped aside so he could come in.
“What’s on your mind?” she asked. He looked at her seriously for a long time.
“You. I listened to the song all night, and I think I know what it means.”
“Do you really?” she murmured.
“Yeah.” She smiled, moving to the window and looking out.
“Well by all means, tell me.” Jake took a deep breath.
“I think it means that someone keeps telling you to do better and win and be perfect… then they say they’ll love you no matter what. Someone treats you like that, and I’m guessing it’s your father.” She didn’t look at him. “Colleen?” She looked up at him, tears falling slowly down her cheeks.
“I think you knew that before you listened to the song… and it was a waste of your money.”
“No it wasn’t,” he murmured. He put his arms around her and held her tightly. Colleen stepped closer, sliding her arms around his waist and crying softly.
Four days before the Equitana USA Horse Show jake, Colleen, and Brad were sitting on the front porch. Colleen was laughing at Brad because he had straws up his nose. Jake was sitting behind her and had one arm around her shoulders, and her arms were wrapped around his bent knee.
“You’re such a dork Brad,” Jake muttered. Colleen giggled.
“I’m a dork? If you had waited two more weeks you could’ve had an extra twenty bucks,” Brad said. Colleen stopped laughing and looked at Brad seriously.
“What do you mean by that?” she demanded. Brad took the straws out of his nose, glancing at Jake.
“Nothing… it’s just that Jake and I were going to see who could get you to go out with them first. But he…” Colleen cut him off, pulled away from Jake, and stood to glare at them both.
“I can’t believe you two! You’re both complete jerks!” She turned to Jake, her eyes filling with tears. “And you… I cannot believe I let you know so much about my life. I hate you!” she exclaimed, turning and jogging toward the barn. Jake stood, taking a moment to glare at Brad.
“I thought you’d told her already,” Brad muttered.
“Nope. Good going dummy, now she’s never going to speak to me again,” he said, jogging after Colleen.
“Welcome to Hickory Acres, land of happiness…” Brad muttered.
