From afar, Megan watched the seven kids hanging on the fence. Animated talk swirled around like leaves looking for a place to land. Though excited to spend the day with them, Colby consumed her thoughts. His defiant stare reminded her of a young boy trying to prove himself a man instead of showing actual hatred. She had to find a way to break through his wall, but it seemed near impossible. "This is just like searching for Jill in the thunderstorm last summer. I led the rescue operation and despite setbacks and me being scared beyond belief, we found her, safe and unscathed. Do I still have that strength to help Colby? What if he doesn't want to be found?" With a deep breath, she joined the gang.
"Hey, troops. What would you like to do today?"
"Swim, jump, ride, fish," they blurted out.
"Whoa!" I knew better than to ask, she thought. She escaped for a moment to call in her reinforcements. Charlie took his group fishing, Faith took her group swimming, and Megan stayed with Mike who wanted to practice jumping. Christa stayed too, a peaked interest in her eyes.
Johnny, a former equestrian turned ranch hand, joined them. He was in his mid-forties, still in physical peak condition, and he loved horses. After changing the saddle, he held onto the bridle. Christa placed her hand on the saddle and put a foot in the stirrup. Once mounted, she gulped. Megan held her breath, awaiting Christa's next move. While Johnny talked with her, giving her a few pointers, she listened whole-heartedly. Her gaze never left his face.
She tried different gaits and then readied the horse to jump gates. Mike watched her jump. His dazzling smile warmed Megan's heart, leaving her to wonder about love and relationships. "Why does Colby captivate me? Am I really interested in pursuing a relationship with him?" A smile fell upon her face and lifted her spirits.
"She's good," Mike said nodding towards the arena. Gold speckles reflected in his brown eyes.
"Yes, she is," Megan said. Natural talent, a high level of energy, and determination kept the young girl striving to improve while enjoying herself.
Glancing at Mike, Megan saw wide-open eyes and enthusiasm. What is it like to have butterflies in your stomach? How does it feel when that special someone looks at you and your knees go weak? What is it like to hold his hand and feel warmth radiate into your soul? Clay had drawn her in; keeping her enticed enough to make every day decisions and actions impossible. Though she knew her future did not belong with Clay, his power kept her stuck in his web. Eventually the spell broke giving her total control to move forward with her plans.