Chapter 2: First Ride

I saw him hooking his horse to the rings. Apollo was so beautiful.
"Apollo is so beautiful, Troy," I said as I hooked Ex beside Apollo.
"Thanks, C'mere," He said as he opened the tack room door.
I patted Ex's neck and went in the tack room.
"Luke said I'd find it," I said.
"Find his name plate," he said as he picked up Apollo's tack.
There were so many saddles and stuff in there! I managed to find Ex's tack and picked it up.
"Alright, you got it?" he asked as he watched from the door.
It was very heavy.
"yeah," I said smiling at him.

Tacking up was actually pretty easy to me, and Excalibur didn't try to blow up his belly to make the saddle loose. We first walked them out of the stabbled and then got in the saddle. We went out towards a big meadow. I had never felt so alive before, being on Ex's back.
"So, tell me about yourself. I'm curious," he said.
"Well, I'm the middle Child. Luke and I have a younger brother, his name is Daniel. My dad only really likes me and my mom absolutely loves Daniel and I. But it's hard on Luke. We've lived in the city our whole lives but when Luke turned 18 he moved out and came here. He's very protective and, so am i, especially over Daniel. How about you?"
"I have a younger sister, her name is Connie and her fiance's name is Gary, he's an ass. I think she could've done way better but really, who am I to judge? Our father passed away a few years ago from cancer. I am now the man of the house and mom is sicly and still depressed. I help look after her,"
"I'm so sorry, do you guys live here on the farm?"
"no we live a few miles out, do you?"
"Yeah,"
"Oh that's cool, maybe you can show me sometime,"
"okay, so do you have anyone?"
"No," he chuckled, "I don't. You?"
"Not at the moment. Most guys I meet are assholes. You seem sweet though,"
"Thanks, so do you,"
I blushed and he smiled at me. I reached down and patted Excalibur's neck.

When the sun started setting we headed back to the stable.
"I'll beat ya there!" he said as he sped Apollo up until they were in a full out run.
I did the same with Excalibur. We finally caught up to them.
"Woohoo! Ride that horse girl!" he shouted over the roaring of hooves.
I laughed as I sped Excalibur up more. We beat them and had to ride past the stable to gradually  slow the horses back down to a halt.
"How about we just lead them the rest of the way? I'm sure they are tired now," He said to me.
"Okay," I said as I dismounted.
He dismounted as well.
"So, what time will you be here tomorrow?" I asked as we led the horses.
"10 a.m. Always ten. Will I see you?"
"you'll be seeing a lot of me actually,"
"oh really," he said jokingly as he smiled at me.
"Oh you hush," I said, blushing.
He chuckled.
"I'll hose him down for you and everything today. I want you to get settled in," he said as we stopped in front of the stables.
"Oh, okay. Uh.. Thanks Troy," I said as I handed him the reigns.
I turned to Excalibur. He was all sweaty. I scratched his cheek.
"I'll see you in the morning baby. Be good for Troy,"
He put his muzzle to my forehead and nickered softly.
"I love you too boy," I said as I kissed his nose.
He took a step back and I looked over at Troy.
"See ya in the morning," he said, smiling.
"Okay," I said as I started to walk to my place.

As soon as I walked in the door I sat down on the couch and let out a deep sigh. I thought about calling Daniel to see how his day went. I pulled out my cellphone and there was no service. I looked beside me and there was an old rotary phone.
"Wow," I said as I picked the phone up and began to dial his number.
"hello?" he sounded very confused.
"Daniel, it's Rosalie,"
"Oh hey sis, how did it go?"
"Amazing, I met this really amazing guy. We went riding together and got to know each other some. His name is Troy."
"Sounds great, he just better be good to you,"
That made me smile.
"So how did school go today?" I asked, still smiling.
I heard him sigh and pause. My smile quickly faded.
"Today they pushed my face into Seth's crotch and called us faggots. I don't get it, why do they think I'm gay? I'm not even a sissy,"
His voice started trembling. Tears started streaming down my own face.
"honey, I don't know. You're an amazing man. I wish I could be there with you right now like I always have. I'll always be your sister and remember, call anytime you nneed me. Expect a call from me every evening," I said.
"I love you Rosalie,"
"I love you too kiddo,"
We talked for about an hour and then we both had to go.
"Well I'm gonna let you get settled in and everything. Mom and Dad want me to go eat dinner," he said.
"oh hun,"
"I love ya sis,"
"I love you too, bye,"
"bye,"
When I sat the phone back on the hook I felt so lonely, after always having Daniel by my side like a puppy. I stood up and started unpacking all my things. I couldn't get Troy out of my head. His smile, his voice, his eyes, his laugh... Just everything about him seemed perfect to me.