04- Best Friends
Colleen Giran led Mr. Parker’s horse Quantum Leap into the arena. Rain was pounding on the roof and thunder was booming. The big horse danced to the side, clearly displeased with the situation.
“Relax big guy, it’s just a storm,” she said, patting his silvery neck gently. They were in Lexington at the Man ‘O War Barn. It was November first, and they had until the thirtieth to perfect their form.
“This is almost like the course you’ll be working over in the exhibition Colleen,” her instructor, Susan, explained. She nodded and swung into the saddle.
“Alright. I’ll warm up for awhile and then get going,” she replied. Susan watched her carefully as she took the time to warm Quantum up completely. After about twenty minutes she began to canter and aimed toward the first jump. They went over every jump with ease, clearing everything. Colleen smiled when they cleared the last one, patting the animal’s neck. “Good boy,” she said.
“That looked spectacular,” Susan said. Colleen smiled and dismounted.
“Thanks. Do you want me to work with Snowball now?” Susan nodded and gave Quantum a pat.
“Sure. It never hurts to work with him, given his propensity to mess around.” Colleen laughed.
“I’ll cool him out then get Snowball ready.” Susan nodded and watched as the girl led Quantum from the ring.
Colleen sat to Snowball’s even trot, keeping steady pressure on the reins while increasing the pressure on his sides to get him to extend. They completed a perfect twenty meter circle and moved on.
“Canter!” Susan called. Colleen moved her outside leg back slight, and tightened her inside rein. Snowball broke into a smooth canter and Colleen rocked to the easy gait. “Collect!” Susan directed. Colleen gave the signal and Snowball collected his gait instantly. They went around several times before Susan called, “Prepare for piaffe!” Colleen pulled back into a trot and moved into passage. After she completed passage she asked for a piaffe. They trotted in place for a few moments and then went forward. “Let’s call it a day, he looks done!” Colleen eased to a walk and let him move around on a free rein.
“How did it look?” Colleen asked when she rode over and dismounted. Susan smiled, putting an arm around her shoulder.
“Great. Anyone who arrives for the exhibition will be very pleased,” Susan assured her. Colleen smiled.
“Are we going to work on the track now or are we saving it until tomorrow?”
“We’ll work out there tomorrow when it’s had a chance to dry up a bit. You have a visitor,” she replied, taking Snowball’s reins and leading him away.
“What visitor? I’m not expecting anyone!” she called. Susan shrugged, disappearing around a corner. Colleen took her helmet off and went to her room to see who was.
Colleen walked into her bedroom, smiling when she saw Jake standing by the window.
“Hey there stranger,’ she murmured, putting her arms around his waist. Jake turned, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tightly.
“How’re things with this gig?” he asked, kissing her forehead.
“Alright. How’re things at the funny farm?” she joked. He chuckled.
“Crazy as usual. Dad keeps complaining that he can’t get anything accomplished with you here. He says that Jeopardy is going to be set back by months.” Colleen shook her head slowly.
“He knows better. Jeopardy isn’t in any danger of losing ground. I’ll be back soon anyhow.”
“Not soon enough. I miss you Colleen Giran,” he murmured.
“I know, I miss you too. College starts soon.”
“You’re going to Lexington aren’t you?” he asked, kissing her neck.
“Yup. It’s the only place close enough, and they said they understand the showing circuit. I guess they’ll give me lectures on tape when I’m gone so I can keep up.”
“That’s what they did for me. Are you excited about the exhibition?”
“Yeah, I can’t wait. I’m working with such awesome horses. They have this one cross-country horse that’s totally amazing; he just flies over jumps Jake… soars.”
“Jeopardy does too,” Jake said defensively. Colleen touched the side of his handsome face.
“I know that. I’m just saying that this horse is good. What’s the matter?”
“I didn’t come with great news,” he muttered.
“What’s wrong?”
“Your Mom is sick… she’s in the hospital,” he said. Colleen pulled away from him.
“Why didn’t you tell me that in the first place?” she demanded. He sighed, taking her shoulders with a firm grip.
“Because your father wants you to stay here. She may not be out for a couple weeks, and you’ll miss your performance.”
“I don’t give a damn about the performance. My mother is in the hospital… that’s more important.”
“Your father told me to keep you here if I had to tie you to a horse.”
“I’ll ride home. What’s the matter with my Mom?”
“Her bad leg is acting up, or something like that. They aren’t sure what’s going on yet.”
“Wonderful. I can’t just sit here and do nothing,” she muttered.
“Yes you can. Let your family take care of her. You just concentrate on being your absolute best for the demonstration.” She sighed.
“I guess you’re right. Have I gotten any mail?” He nodded and handed her the small pile.
“Yup. I need to get back to the farm, but I’ll call you tonight.” She smiled, closing her eyes when he leaned down and kissed her.
“Alright. I’ll talk to you later.” She watched as he left, then began flipping through the mail. She stopped at handwriting she recognized. With a deep sigh she opened it and began to read:
colleen,
I got your letter but I don’t know if I can come. There’s a lot going on with college applications. It’d be dumb to put my college stuff on hold when we can ‘talk’ on the phone. I don’t know what you want from me anymore colleen. All I know is what I want, and you already know. I’ll spare you the repetition. If I do decide to come, I’ll let you know so you can warn your sweetie-pie jake. Anyway, that’s basically it until you decide to tell me the truth about what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours. I don’t want to fight anymore either colleen, but I’m not going to come all the way to Kentucky just to have you tell me the same old lies. It’s getting old real quick.
In case you didn’t know, Stacey was killed in a riding accident, Brandon broke his leg, and abby has a boyfriend. Maybe you should call her sometime… she misses you a lot. Phones were invented for a reason.
CHRIS
Colleen frowned, slamming the letter down on her desk. She rubbed her hand across her face roughly, wondering what she was going to do.
Interplanetary Confusion kicked into gear on the far turn and Colleen moved up along his muscular neck. They were on the training oval two weeks later, moving at a tremendous speed. She went under the wire and stood in her stirrups, pulling the big thoroughbred back through his paces. She glanced at the fence, smiling at Susan and at Jeffery Matthews. Jeffrery, or Jeff as he insisted everyone call him, was the head manager of the Man ‘O War barn.
“How was that?” Colleen asked, brushing hair from her face. Susan glanced at Jeff and winked.
“It could’ve been better, but for now it’ll do,” he said, trying to keep a straight face.
“Come on! Tell me the truth!” she exclaimed, dismounting and patting Confusion’s neck.
“You made a good round, better than most of my jockeys. Why didn’t you become a jockey?” he demanded, putting his arm around her shoulders.
“That’s what my father keeps asking. I just don’t like it as much as jumping and dressage. Am I off for the day?”
“Yup. You’re free to do whatever you like,” he replied. She grinned up at him, unclipping her helmet and holding it under her arm.
“Thanks Jeff, I’ll be here bright and early tomorrow,” she assured him.
“Take the day off Colleen. Go do something fun for a change.” She laughed.
“Riding is fun,” she called over her shoulder. Jeff shook his head, glancing at Susan.
“She’s a workaholic,” he muttered. Susan shook her head slowly and watched as Colleen disappeared into the barn.
“There’s something more than that. Her boss at Hickory called and told me how she acted at the farm. She’s always on a horse, always saying that there’s something she could improve on. She doesn’t think she’s as good as she could be.”
“She’s the best I’ve ever seen, and she’s only seventeen!” Jeff exclaimed.
“I know that, you know that… half the world knows that. Unfortunately the one person that matters doesn’t.”
“Who’s that?”
“Colleen.”
Chris pulled into the driveway, his mind made up. He was in Kentucky, at Hickory Acres. He glanced toward one of the fields and frowned. Colleen’s boyfriend was riding toward the fence, curious at the new arrival. With a heavy sigh Chris got out of the car and walked toward the fence.
“What are you doing here?” Jake demanded. The horse beneath him looked vaguely familiar, but Chris wasn’t sure how he knew him.
“I’m looking for Colleen,” he said, leaning against the fence.
“She’s at the Man ‘O War barn. I thought you’d know that,” Jake muttered.
“I thought she was still living here. I sent her a letter.”
“I bring her mail every week. What do you want with Colleen?”
“I need to talk to her about some things,” Chris said, glancing away. Jake frowned.
“What things? You better not upset her… she has a lot on her mind as it is,” he warned.
“This is between me and Colleen. Thanks for letting me know where she is,” he said, turning to leave. Jake dismounted quickly and caught Chris’ shoulder.
“Don’t do anything you’re going to regret buddy,” he muttered, his eyes holding a warning.
“You better not do anything you will. Get your damn hands off of me,” Chris said, his voice soft and eerily controlled. Jake thought about it for a moment before letting go. Chris straightened his polo shirt, got into his car, and drove away.
Colleen was urging Quantum over a huge oxer, her face set and determined. Chris stood at the wall, watching with admiration in his eyes. A woman walked up and touched his shoulder.
“Can I help you?” she asked. Chris shook his head and flashed a smile.
“Colleen is a friend of mine. We’ve known each other since kindergarten,” he explained.
“You could be lying,” she muttered.
“I promise I’m not. Wait til she rides over, she’ll know me. If she doesn’t you can toss me out. Just let me watch her ride… I haven’t seen her in the saddle in a long time.”
“Don’t you watch TV?”
“It’s different watching her live and in person,” he replied. Colleen finished the course and rode to the wall, her eyes getting wide when she saw Chris.
“What’re you doing here Chris?” she asked, trying to hide her surprise and annoyance.
“”I came to visit you and to find a good hotel before your demonstration,” he replied, his eyes asking her to hold off until they were alone.
“Great. I’m going to go take care of Quantum. Stay right here,” she ordered, dismounting and leading the big horse toward his stall. Chris leaned against the wall, knowing that there was no turning back.
Colleen led Chris into one of the pastures and into the woods. She followed a path that only she could see, and they were soon at a small pond. Chris sat down beside a tree and Colleen sat next to him.
“I thought you were going to tell me if you were coming so I could tell Jake,” she said, breaking the silence.
“Love boy knows I’m here. I stopped by Hickory Acres before coming here.”
“Don’t start in on Jake. You didn’t say anything horrible di you?” she demanded.
“So what if I did? He’s a jerk Colleen. He deserves everything he gets.”
“Shut up! You don’t know anything about him. If it wasn’t for the fact that he’s my boyfriend, you’d probably like him just fine.”
“What’s that suppose to mean?”
“You’re jealous! Jake has what you want.”
“Well at least I’m being honest about everything. I want you and Jake has you… and I hate that. Why don’t you start telling the truth?”
“You already know the truth. I told you that you should have told me long before I left. Then maybe things would’ve been different. I like Jake, a lot. I won’t give him up because you don’t like what I have with him.”
“Well I’m in love with you,” he muttered, “Doesn’t that mean anything?” She was silent for a long time.
“Why do you do that? It’s not fair.”
“I know. I know what unfair feels like… so does your entire family.”
“You’re worse than my father was. You want me to succeed if I do it the way you want me to.”
“I want you to succeed with me by your side. That’s my only condition.”
“Don’t complicate your life or mine by falling in love with me,” she said.
“Too late. You’re too good for Jake Parker.”
“Since when are you an expert on who’s good enough for me? I suppose that you’re right on my level,” she said, standing. Chris stood too, grabbing her shoulders.
“No, I’m just a teeny, tiny bit above you,” he said, grinning at her. She couldn’t help but smile.
“Chris, you’re a bonehead,” she muttered. He nodded, touching the side of her face gently.
“I know, but I wish you could get past that. You got past it with Jake,” he murmured.
“Jake isn’t a…” Chris cut her off, settling his lips over hers. Colleen pushed him away after a few moments, staring at him hard.
“Yes he is. Maybe you don’t want to admit it because you don’t want to be wrong, but he is. I’ll see you around.” He started to walk back the way they had come, but Colleen caught his elbow.
“You can’t keep doing that to me. You told me once that I was running away form things, but you’re the one that’s running away. You’re just playing games.”
“I’m not playing anything anymore. I kissed you because I want more. Jake Parker isn’t good enough for you, nobody is.”
“Except you?” she shot back.
“Except me.”
“You’re so shallow,” she muttered.
“That’s me. I’ll see you around Colleen.” He pulled his elbow out of her grasp and walked away.
Colleen listened in awe. She was on the phone with Mr. Parker, and couldn’t quite comprehend what he was saying.
“Could you repeat that?” she whispered. Mr. Parker laughed.
“I said that I found another rider to add to our team. Chris Lavery came and rode for me a couple days ago, and I liked what I saw.”
“You hired Chris? Oh goodness,” she murmured, letting out a big breath.
“Are you alright Colleen?”
“Yeah. Does Jake know yet?”
“Not yet. I’ll be telling him at dinner.”
“Be prepared for the worst Mr. Parker, it might not go well.”
“Is there something going on that I don’t know about?” Colleen hesitated.
“Chris is my best friend. He and Jake don’t get along too well.”
“They’re going to have to work it out, because I was very impressed with Chris. He’s a beautiful rider Colleen.”
“Yes he is. Just be ready for some friction between the two of them.”
“Thanks for the warning. I’ll talk to you soon Colleen,” he said.
“Alright. I’ll see you for the exhibition in two weeks.”
“Keep up the good work. Goodnight Colleen.”
“Goodnight,” she said, hanging up and closing her eyes. She flopped back onto her bed, sighing deeply. Jake was going to flip out.
Jeff watched Colleen as she did a complicated dressage test, then clapped when she finished. It was the week before the performance, and she was starting to get a bit nervous. She knew in her heart that she would be fine, but it was the first time she would be a featured rider.
“Wonderful Colleen. Jake is waiting for you in the office and he doesn’t look happy,” Jeff said. Jake had visited her at least a dozen times in the span of one week. He was upset about Chris being at Hickory Acres, and wanted her to convince him to leave.
“Great. I’ll take care of Snowball and then go talk to him,” she said, dismounting. Jeff patted her shoulder.
“You need all the practice time you can get now Colleen. Tell Jake to lay off for awhile.”
“I know Jeff, it isn’t that simple though,” she muttered. Jeff sighed, watching as she scuffed away.
Jake was pacing back and forth when Colleen walked into the office, closing the door behind herself. He whirled, an angry frown on his handsome face.
“You have to talk him into leaving,” he said, his eyes burning into hers. Colleen sighed.
“I don’t dictate what Chris does. I can’t make him do anything,” she explained, sitting down on the edge of the desk.
“You could if you wanted him to leave,” he said, moving closer.
“I like having Chris around, he’s a good friend,” she said, turning away from his angry stare. Jake grabbed her upper arm roughly, causing her to wince.
“Chris is in love with you Colleen, and he’s messing things up,” he said.
“You’re the one messing things up. Let me go, you’re hurting me,” she said, looking at him with frightened yes.
“I’m messing things up? I think you’re in love with him too! Why don’t you just dump me? It’s what you want!” he yelled.
“No it isn’t! You’re my boyfriend and that’s what I want!”
“It helps in the job field doesn’t it?” he demanded sarcastically. She brought her free hand across his face.
“What the hell has gotten into you?” she yelled. Jake shoved her away, knocking her over the desk.
“Get rid of Chris,” he said, a warning in his voice. Colleen sat where she was, watching as he walked out. When the door slammed she let out the breath that she’d been holding, squeezing her hands shut so they’d stop shaking.
On the day of the demonstration it was raining. Colleen groomed Snowball carefully and patted his shoulder.
“We’re going to go out there and show everyone how great we are,’ she murmured.
“Can we come in?” a voice asked. Colleen turned, smiling when she saw her parents.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, hugging both of them. They smiled at her.
“I didn’t think I’d be able to come,” her mother said, leaning heavily on her crutches.
“I’m so happy you could. I have to finish grooming him, so I’ll see you after I ride.”
“Good luck sweetheart. What happened to your wrist?” Dominick asked. Colleen glanced nervously at the deep purple bruise.
“Umm… I got it caught in my reins and Confusion dragged me a bit before I could get it free,” she stuttered, hating to lie. Jake had really done it, but he had apologized.
“Oh. Are you sure you’re ok to ride today?” he asked.
“I’ll be fine Daddy. Go get good seats, I want you to see everything perfectly.” They nodded and walked out. Just as she was about to walk out, Jake arrived. She backed up instantly, leaning against Snowball.
“Hey, how’re you?” he asked, putting his arms around her in a tight hug.
“Fine. I thought you weren’t going to come back and make me nervous,” she said, forcing a smile.
“I changed my mind. I just thought I’d wish you luck, and tell you that I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks,” she said, kissing him quickly. Jake took her wrist in his hands, looking down at it for a long time. “I got dragged,” she told him, knowing he was wondering if she’d said anything to anyone.
“Oh, are you alright?” he asked, sincerely concerned.
“Yeah, but if that horse ever…” She was cut off by Chris arriving at the stall door. She smiled, pulling out of Jake’s grasp. It had tightened somewhat, so she cringed.
“Hey Colleen, what’s up?” Chris asked, glancing back and forth between the two of them.
“Nothing. I was just going to take Snowball to the ring and get started. I want you two to do something for me today,” she said, looking at Jake.
“What’s that?” they asked at the same time. She took a deep breath.
“I want you to behave, just for one day. Just be civil toward each other for today… I have enough on my mind without you two going at it.”
“Alright,” Chris said. Jake merely nodded, and Colleen frowned at him. He pretended not to notice, but his eyes flashed at her. They both walked out and Colleen frowned.
Snowball was oblivious to the weather, and did a marvelous job at their dressage routine. The audience applauded wildly as she rode out and gave a salute. When she reached the aisle Jeff and Sue were waiting.
“That was great,” Sue said, holding the horse so she could dismount. Colleen smiled, patting Snowball’s shoulder.
“Thanks, he was awesome. What are we doing next?” she asked, running her stirrups up the leathers.
“I thought we’d get jumping out of the way. Quantum isn’t fond of the weather, so we may as well get it over with. You can have twenty minutes to calm him down and get yourself set.”
“Thanks. I’ll take care of Snowball first.” She led the big, black gelding to his stall, praising him all the way.
Quantum pranced uneasily in the stall as she groomed him. She put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
“Relax big guy, it’ll be alright. It’s just a little…” The stall door banging cut her off. She whirled, frowning when she saw Jake. “I have to be in the ring in fifteen minutes,” she said, turning back to Quantum. She felt his hand clamp on her shoulder, then suddenly she was facing him.
“Why don’t you just dump me?” he demanded, his grip tightening. Her knees began to buckle under the pressure of his hand, but she looked back at him evenly.
“Because I don’t want to. You’re my boyfriend, and I love you,” she replied, her voice shaking slightly.
“Bullshit. You want Chris,” he said, shoving her into the stall wall. She whimpered slightly, not wanting to draw attention to the stall by screaming. Jake came toward her slowly, but a noise made him stop. He turned, frowning when he saw Chris. “Great. I can’t even talk to you without him interrupting,” he muttered. Chris was looking at Colleen hard, his eyes questioning her.
“I need to get to the ring guys. I’ll talk to you later Chris. Goodbye Jake,” she said. Jake latched onto her arm, making her wince. Chris let himself into the stall, stepping closer.
“You’re hurting her Jake,” Chris said, a warning in his voice. Jake didn’t look at him.
“It’s none of your business preppy, get lost,” Jake said. Chris grabbed Jake’s shoulder.
“Let her go,” he ordered. Jake shoved her away, sending her sprawling on the ground, and then stormed out of the stall. Chris knelt by her, taking her shoulders gently. “Are you alright?” he demanded. She nodded.
“I’m fine. I have to be in the ring in two minutes, so I’ll talk to you later,” she promised.
“Maybe you shouldn’t ride. I don’t want you to get hurt,” he said. She stood, brushing off her breeches and jacket.
“I’m fine, relax.” She grabbed Quantum’s reins and led him toward the ring. Chris followed with a sigh, going back to his seat.
Colleen rode into the ring, still shaken from the incident in Quantum’s stall. Apparently the big stallion was too, because he reared several times before he would move forward.
“Easy boy, it’s alright,” she whispered. He didn’t flick his ears back as he continued to dance around. Colleen tapped his shoulder with her whip, squeezing with her legs. Quantum exploded into a canter, flying toward the first jump. She managed to collect him and they cleared. They moved through the course at a fast pace, and on landing after the last jump the audience cheered. Quantum threw his head and reared up again. Colleen forced her heels down further and tapped his shoulder again. “Come on Quantum, let’s get you back to your stall,” she whispered. They pranced out of the ring and she dismounted quickly. Sue and Jeff looked at her for a long moment.
“Are you up to riding Confusion?” they asked in the same voice. For the first time in her life, Colleen hesitated.
“I think so. Give me a minute to collect my thoughts. If I’m not up to it, I’ll let you know.”
“Alright,” Sue said. Colleen led Quantum back to his stall, rubbing his shoulder and trying to get hold of herself.
Colleen decided that she was ready to ride Confusion, and was given a leg into the tiny racing saddle. Several other riders were going to do the mock race with her, some good jockeys. A pace rider took her reins and led her and Confusion on to the sloppy track. They trotted and cantered before being loaded into the fourth position. There were only five horses in the small field, so she had one of the worst positions. The bell rang and Confusion darted out, running on the outside. Mud flew up in her face and Colleen couldn’t help but smile. They flew along the outside, passing all the horses. She went up farther along his sleek neck, and they soared around the turn. They kept going faster, beating all the horses by several lengths. The audience roared when they went by, and Colleen stood in her stirrups. She waved to the crowd, smiling broadly. Suddenly her left stirrup gave way and her smile faded. The audience gasped as she began to fall. Confusion felt her position change and he stopped dead in his tracks. She hit her head on his shoulder then fell in front of the oncoming horses. With a scream she managed to hit Confusion with her whip. A hoof hit her shoulder, then another hit her side. Confusion pulled her out of the way before the rest of the field reached them. Sue, Jeff, Jake, Chris, and her parents raced onto the track, along with the rest of the jockeys. Colleen was laying on her back, staying completely still just as her father had taught her.
“Colleen are you alright?” Jeff demanded. She took a deep breath, then nodded.
“I think so. I got kicked twice before Confusion pulled me out of the way.” Everyone let out a sigh of relief.
“As long as you’re sure,” Sue said, a tone of worry in her voice.
“Yeah, I’m sure. Help me up will ya? Put me back up,” she said. Jeff hesitated, but helped her back up. The audience went wild, along with everyone on the track. Colleen looked at Jake and saw the guilty look in his eyes. With a sigh she trotted off the track, posting as best she could.
Chris helped Colleen up the stairs to her bedroom that night. They were back at Hickory Acres.
“You shouldn’t have told everyone that you’re fine. You aren’t fine,” he muttered.
“Would you stop it already? I’m fine!” she exclaimed, giving him an exasperated look. Chris frowned at her, helping her take her boots off.
“At least I care. Where is lover boy anyhow?” he demanded. She glared at him.
“Don’t start. He went out with some friends I guess. He couldn’t’ do much for me anyway.”
“He could be here for you. That was a pretty nasty fall. You realize, don’t you, that your stirrups were cut?”
“Yeah, I know. I wish I knew who did it,” she muttered, not looking at him.
“Me too. I’d kill them,” he agreed. Colleen let out a shaky breath, then looked at him again.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were going to get a job here? Did you think I’d try to stop you?”
“I know you would’ve. I’m not stupid Colleen.”
“Neither am I. You didn’t take the job because you needed it, or because you wanted to ride on the circuit.”
“Then why don’t you tell me why I took it,” he challenged. Colleen stared up at him for a long time, noticing the strand of sandy blonde hair that fell across his forehead.
“You wanted to cause trouble between me and Jake. You were jealous, and you wanted to break us up.”
“Wrong. I wanted the job. I was interested… maybe I got sick of watching you do all the great stuff.”
“That’s bull and you know it. Just because Jake and I have a good relationship…”
“OK, now you’re the one lying. If you had a good relationship he’d trust you.”
“He trusts me!” she exclaimed. Chris gave her a withering look, shaking his head.
“I know what he thinks of me being here, and he doesn’t trust the situation. I also saw what happened in that stall today. He was hurting you.”
“No he wasn’t. We were just fooling around, that’s all,” she lied. He smiled a little.
“You’re an awful liar. If I find out he touches you again, I’ll break his legs,” he promised.
“Chris he wasn’t…” Chris pulled her closer, so their lips were almost touching.
“I’ll kiss you if I have to Colleen. If that’s what it’s going to take to get you to stop lying, that’s what I’ll do,” he whispered.
“I’m sure I’m forcing you Chris,” she said, her eyelashes hiding what she was thinking. His breath was tickling her lips.
“Force me,’ he said quietly, his hands framing her face. Colleen drew in a shuddering breath.
“Chris, don’t,” she whispered. He smiled, resting his head against her forehead.
“I haven’t done anything yet… you’ll know when I do. Force me,” he said again.
“Chris I don’t want…” He cut her off, pulling her into the kiss she was trying to avoid. Colleen put her hands on his trim waist, moving closer. Chris kissed harder, running his fingers through the French braid her hair was in. Soon they were on the bed and Colleen pushed her away.
“What’s the matter?” Chris demanded. She sighed softly, looking away from him.
“I still have a boyfriend. That hasn’t changed in the past five minutes.”
“It should have. You don’t want to be with him anymore. You’re with him because of your job.” She brought her hand across his face, hard.
“So now you’re calling me a whore?” she demanded angrily.
“That’s not what I said! I said that you’re staying with him because you don’t want to lose your job.”
“Same difference. Get the hell out. I hope Jake kicks the crap out of you soon.” Chris rolled off of her.
“Like he was getting ready to do to you this afternoon? I highly doubt I’ll ever let that happen like you do.”
“He wasn’t beating me up!” she argued, standing with a grimace. He shook his head.
“What would you call it?” he asked. She didn’t answer, so he turned and walked out.
Jake helped Colleen carry all her things up to her bedroom a week later. They were both silent. Once in her room he closed the door and looked at her.
“I saw you kissing Chris,” he said, looking at her angrily. Colleen’s gaze shot up and she shook her head.
“I didn’t kiss Chris, he…” Jake cut her off, shoving her hard. She stumbled to the floor.
“Yes you did! I stood there and watched you, so don’t lie to me!” he yelled.
“I didn’t kiss anybody Damnit!” she exclaimed. Jake yanked her back to her feet, then brought the back of his hand across her cheekbone. Colleen whimpered and fell to the ground again. She was up before he could get to her again, shoving him backwards. “Get the hell out of my room!” she yelled, feeling tears begin to fall down her swollen cheek.
“Colleen, I’m sorry,” he said, reaching for her. She moved away.
“Get out! Just leave me alone and don’t touch me again.” Jake clenched his fists.
“I knew you liked him. All the time we were going out I knew you liked him. You just used me to forget him, but it didn’t work,” he said, taking a menacing step toward her. Colleen backed away, running into the door before too long.
“I didn’t use anyone! I did like you… but I don’t anymore.”
“Why? Because Chris is here? Do you want to admit that you were kissing him that day?” he demanded.
“I wasn’t kissing him! He was kissing me!” she retorted. Jake grabbed her shoulders and shook her.
“But you weren’t trying to stop him, were you?” he demanded. Colleen screamed as he slammed her against the door. She managed to turn the doorknob and run toward the stairs. She could hear someone knocking on the front door, but forgot about it soon enough. Jake collided with her, knocking her forward. She tumbled down the stairs with him on top of her. She screamed again as he let his fist come across her jaw. The front door burst open, and Colleen saw Chris running toward them. He pulled Jake off, throwing him to the ground. Jake jumped back up, jumping on Chris.
“Call the police!” Chris yelled, grunting as Jake punched him in the stomach. Colleen screamed, dragging herself to the kitchen and pulling the phone down.
Mr. Parker sat down next to Colleen in the hospital, his face drawn and worried. The doctor was sewing up a gash above her eye, and she was grimacing.
“Sorry kiddo, but I’m almost done,” he said. She nodded slightly.
“It’s alright. Where’s Chris?” she asked. The doctor glanced at Mr. Parker.
“He’s being treated in another room. You can see him shortly.”
“OK.” She took a deep breath and cast a sidelong glance at Mr. Parker. “It was Jake… he’s been doing this for awhile, but I didn’t tell anyone.”
“Chris already told me Colleen. I want you to press charges,” he said, looking away from the bruised and bloodied girl. Colleen gasped.
“Are you sure?” she demanded. He nodded, looking at her with caring eyes.
“What he did was wrong. He needs help, and I want to make sure he gets it. I want you to press charges.”
“OK. Do I still have a job?” she asked, biting back tears.
“Of course you do. It’ll be awhile before you can ride again I’m guessing.”
“Quite awhile. You sprained your ankle and broke two fingers when you fell down the stairs. You also cracked three ribs and the gash above your eye needs some time to heal,” the doctor said.
“How long?” she asked sullenly. The doctor thought for a minute, adding things up in his head.
“Six to eight weeks. Go to your regular doctor in a month. If he says it’s alright you can probably do some light work then. I’ll put an air cast on your ankle.”
“I don’t need crutches?” she asked.
“Nope, not this time. I checked your elbow, and it looks fine. No sign of tears,” he said. Colleen sighed with relief.
“Can I see Chris now?” she asked when he was done with the air cast, putting splints on her fingers, and taping her ribs.
“Yes. Mr. Parker, you know where he is.” Mr. Parker nodded and helped Colleen off the table. She grimaced again, leaning on him for a moment.
“Do you need a wheelchair?” She shook her head and smiled up at him.
“I’m fine. I just want to get to Chris,” she said. Mr. Parker nodded slowly, leading her to another room.
“He’s quite a sight,” he said quietly. Colleen continued to walk, gasping when she saw her friend.
“Oh my God. Chris?” she whispered. Chris managed to turn toward her. His face was still bloody and bruises were already beginning to appear.
“Believe it or not, I look better than he does,” he said, trying to smile. Colleen took another step forward, frowning as pain shot through her side. Chris looked at her with concerned yes. “You’re not doing so hot are you?” he asked. Colleen smiled and shook her head.
“You should talk. Forget about me for once in your stupid life and concentrate on yourself. You look like you just served a tour of war duty.”
“Gee thanks,” he muttered. Colleen glanced at Mr. Parker over her shoulder, and he took the hint and left.
“Listen, I’m sorry,’ she said, bowing her head. Chris moved his hand slowly, until it covered hers.
“If it hadn’t happened, you’d be dead,” he replied. She nodded.
“I suppose you’re right. I’m going to press charges, Mr. Parker told me to. We both still have a job… if that’s any consolation.”
“Yeah. How are you really? How bad did he hurt you this time?”
“Cracked ribs, broken fingers, sprained ankle,” she said. He frowned.
“I should’ve killed him,” he muttered. Colleen touched his shoulder.
“Don’t say that. Everything will heal… I’m not dead.”
“You could’ve been. What about your elbow? Is it ok?”
“The doctor said it looks fine. No tearing of the tendons… perfect. He got everything else though, so I guess we’re even.”
“Bullshit. He’s a bastard for doing this to you.”
“I know. My parents are on their way down… Mr. Parker told them we had an accident.”
“This wasn’t an accident,” he retorted. She sighed, turning at the sound of someone entering the room. Her parents had entered.
“Oh my God,” Beth and Dominick said in one voice. Colleen went into their arms willingly, beginning to cry. Chris watched with sad eyes; her parents were there but his were not.
Several months later Colleen and Chris rode through the fields at Hickory Acres. Chris had been laid up longer than she had been, but they were both back in the saddle. Colleen glanced over at her friend, sighing softly.
“How’s your knee?” she asked. He chuckled, looking at her with serious eyes.
“Same as usual. It hurts, but not as bad as it did when he broke it,” he explained. She nodded, turning her attention back to Jupiter. “Colleen, what’s going to happen now?”
“What do you mean?” she questioned, pulling up.
“What’s going to happen between us? I told you how I felt… and I meant it. You can’t honestly say that you want to be with Jake Parker anymore.”
“No, I can’t say that. I can say I’m not ready for a relationship yet.”
“Then what are you ready for Colleen?” he demanded, his tone low and defeated.
“I’m ready for you to be my best friend.”
