People: Aaron Phillips, Melanie Mackenzie, Chantal LeBlanc and Charlie Burke Jr.
Place: Akita Rose Stables Training Barn & Track
Date: February 27, 2013 (February Week One)
disappointment.
it comes in all shapes and sizes.
Tired squealed in the driveway as the truck came barreling down towards the barn at a high speed. Aaron stepped out of the truck and slammed his door. Then, realizing that he still had his riding helmet in his hands he opened the door, chucked it in and slammed it again. He let out a breath and turned around to lean against the truck. He closed his eyes. What a disappointing weekend.
Another truck trekked down the driveway towards Aaron. He had a feeling he knew who it was but didn't even turn to look. He just wanted to sulk in his misery at the moment. He could still see the fury of their trainer as he slammed his fist against the side of the barn. "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED OUT THERE? DOES ANYONE AT THIS STABLE KNOW HOW TO RIDE? THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS EMBARRASSMENT SOME OF THOSE HORSES SHOULD HAVE NEVER LOST." He had stormed out in his fury and left the GHF track. All four jockeys, including Kirsten Jade, looked down at the ground ashamedly. Chantal had left in tears and Aaron had jumped in his truck and sped home. Charlie was right. There was no excuse for the poor show they all put in at the Unicorn Horn Cup.
Melanie jumped down from her truck and walked over to Aaron. She leaned back against the truck next to him and folded her arms. They stood in silence for a moment. Aaron sighed and looked up into the eyes of red-headed Melanie Mackenzie. "He is right you know..." Melanie nodded. "I know." Silence came between them again. Slowly Melanie whispered, "Let's go check on our son." Aaron nodded and grabbed Melanie's hand. Nothing cheered him up more than seeing his infant son.
THE NEXT MORNING.
Melanie hummed softly to herself as she grabbed her helmet, crop and exercise saddle from the tack room. She was in the best of moods. She smiled as she thought of last night. Aaron had grabbed her hand and they had walked back to the apartments together. Her skin still tickled with sensations as she thought of his soft, warm hands. One thing had led to another and well... Aaron had ended up staying the night. Melanie flushed. She had had a really great evening despite the disappointment with the Unicorn Horn Cup.
A shadow fell over her and she looked up into the eyes of Aaron. Her stomach did butterflies as she noticed how incredibly handsome he looked. "Hi", she whispered. Aaron gave a small smile. "Hi". He cleared his throat and turned to grab his stuff. "Look Mel... I don't want what happened last night to change anything. It was fun - don't get me wrong - but I just want to stay friends." Melanie froze and turned to Aaron. Red rose into her face as she realized his implications. "Excuse me? Friends? We have a son together for goodness sake!" Aaron turned to look at her and frowned. "Yes. We are friends who happen to share a son. It's nothing more than that Melanie." Melanie gaped at him and then spun on her heel and walked out of the tack room. She tried to control her emotions. She had really thought that this time... she sighed. She was such an idiot. Why was she so easily used?
Aaron watched Melanie leave and sighed. He knew that she would be upset. He mentally kicked himself, he should have talked to her after the morning workouts - now her riding would be affected. He grunted. Well she was a professional - she needed to learn to keep her emotions out of her riding. He grabbed his stuff and made his way over to the track where his first mount will be waiting.
...
Melanie accepted a leg up on the tall black colt and kicked him into action. Uni moved onto the track with ease, anxious for his morning workout. She spied Chantal already on the track with Mini Monstorm. The chestnut filly looked so minuscule compared to The Unicorn. Melanie grinned. Although Mouse was tiny she had very quick legs - now if only she can start winning. She patted the glossy neck of the Muffin Man son. Uni needed to get winning as well... He has not won any race since ARS has taken possession of the colt and Melanie felt like it was partly her fault. What was she doing wrong with him?
Chantal glanced quickly at Charlie standing at the rail. She held her breath. She was always so incredibly nervous around him and felt so inferior. It didn't help that she has been putting in poor rides lately and the trainer was exasperated with her. She was nervous. She needed to put in a good ride today. Mouse perked up her ears and waited for Chantal's next signal. She patted the chestnut filly and urged her into a gallop. She needed to bring in a win for Mouse - and soon.
The black colt flew around the turn as they headed for home. Melanie was totally focused on her tasks. Uni was moving much quicker than usual today and Melanie felt a rush of relief. Whatever had the colt down lately might just be turning around. Maybe he was finally getting settled in here at ARS. Melanie sure hoped so. He had big races to win.