Best Enemies

by Jessica Burkhart

  Holding back a laugh, Paige pulled her red hair into a ponytail and picked up clothes as she walked across the room. “Turn on your laptop,” she said. “You have to feel confident. If none of these clothes work, we’ll find you something that does.”

  “And that’s why you’re my favorite roommate,” I said.

  “I’m your only roommate,” Paige pointed out.

  She helped me hang up my clothes while the computer started. We put it on the center of my bed and sat crosslegged in front of it.

  Paige took over the mouse. “Definitely a blue shirt,” she said. “You look good in blue.”

  She clicked through Express’s website and with expertise that only comes from being a Manhattan shopper, she quickly selected a floaty knee-length black skirt, black kitten heels, and a baby-blue top with three-quarter sleeves.

  “Like?” she asked as we reviewed the items in my cart.

  “Love,” I said. “You totally saved my date.”

  Paige nodded. “Obviously. Since Eric only likes you for your clothes.”

  I hopped off the bed and grabbed my “emergencies only” credit card from my desk drawer.

  “My date’s tomorrow,” I said.

  “Overnight shipping is the only option or the clothes won’t be here in time. This qualifies as emergency, right?”

  Paige nodded. “Duh.”

  I clicked the order button and crossed my fingers that Mom and Dad would agree on the emergency status. I shut off my laptop and walked to the door.

  “I owe you popcorn and soda,” I said. “Be right back.”

  “’Kay,” Paige said. She barely looked up from rearranging the clothes she’d hung back up in my closet. That was my Paige.

  In the common room I grabbed a bag of kettle corn and popped it into the microwave. Popcorn was pretty much the only thing Paige trusted me to make. I’d only ruined it once when I’d hit twenty-two minutes instead of two, left the common room, and forgotten to come back. Luckily, Livvie—our dorm monitor—had noticed my mistake before the bag caught fire. But the entire dorm had smelled like burned popcorn for weeks.

  I waited for the popcorn and looked up when the door opened. Jasmine stepped inside, looking like she was going on a date tonight in an off-the-shoulder black shirt and vintage-looking jeans. She stared at me.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Oh, just got an e-mail from Mr. Conner,” she said, grabbing a ginger ale from the fridge. “Eric and I are testing next week. On Sunday.”

  “Good luck,” I said. “I know Eric’s going to be practicing nonstop.”

  Jas hopped onto the counter and looked at me. “What’s it like going out with Intermediate Eric?”

  “Stop calling him that,” I said. “’Cuz then I have to keep reminding you that you’re intermediate too.”

  “Till next week,” Jas said. “But your boyfriend doesn’t belong on the advanced team and you know it.”

  The microwave timer beeped. “Whatever,” I said. “We’ll see who makes it and who doesn’t.”

  I turned away from her, opened the microwave, and retrieved my popcorn. I poured it into a bowl and headed out of the room.

  “You’re the one who needs luck,” Jasmine called. “You’re totally delusional about your chances at the YENT.”

  I slammed the door behind me before she could say another word.

  She was wrong. My chances were as good as anyone’s— and I was going to make sure it stayed that way.

  5

  AQUAPHOBIA

  ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON I WAS IN MY FAVORITE place in the world—Charm’s saddle. The April air was warm and the sun beamed down on Callie, Heather, and me. The recent rain had made the grass lush and I knew Charm was eyeing every clump of clover. Mr. Conner had taken us to the outdoor cross-country course—my and Charm’s favorite.

  Mr. Conner gathered us around him. “We’re going to do the modified version of the course,” he said. “Take your horse over the path you walked yesterday. I’ll be waiting at the other side of the woods. Heather will go first. Sasha, count to one hundred before you start.” I nodded. “Callie, please do the same after Sasha.”

  Heather, Callie, and I traded smiles. Today was going to be fun! Mr. Conner hadn’t brought up Heather skipping out on the last lesson and she had shown up today with her game face on.

  “I’m going to take a shortcut to the other side. Remember that if something happens, another rider will be just behind you. Callie, if we don’t see you a couple of minutes after Sasha finishes, I’ll find you on the course, okay?”

  “Okay,” Callie said.

  “Heather, you may go when you’re ready,” Mr. Conner said. He started across the field.

  Heather turned Aristocrat toward the course, then looked over at me. “Oh, don’t look so smug, Silver,” she said, rolling her eyes. “You’re not the only one who can do cross-country.”

  Callie and I made well, excuse me faces at Heather behind her back when she turned around. She pushed her black helmet down on her head and settled into the saddle. She heeled Aristocrat forward and the dark chestnut leaped into a collected canter.

  Heather’s gold-blond hair streamed out behind her as Aristocrat’s hooves churned up the grass and they darted away. Aristocrat jumped the low stone wall and they disappeared into the woods.

  “She’s good,” I said. “Unfortunately.”

  Callie nodded. “Very unfortunate.”

  I brushed a blade of grass off the sleeve of my plumcolored jacket. “You getting nervous about the YENT?” I asked.

  “Yeah,” Callie said. “But we still have, what, five weeks? We can practice all the time.”

  “Totally,” I said. “We’ll be ready.”

  Relief washed over me that we were friends again. I’d missed her more than I’d even realized.

  “Okay,” Callie said. “You can probably go now.”

  “Wish me luck!” I tensed in the saddle, shoving down my heels and adjusting my grip on Charm’s reins. I’d picked the ones with rubber grips for today.

  “Gooo, Sasha!” Callie cheered, doing an awkward dance in the saddle.

  I tossed a grin over my shoulder at her as I urged Charm into a trot. Three strides later, he broke into a canter and I focused on the stone wall.

  At the just the right moment he lifted into the air and I gripped with my knees to stay in the saddle. He landed easily on the other side and we cantered the last few yards of open field as the course shifted into the woods. I slowed Charm as my eyes adjusted to the darker lighting. The trees cast strange shadows over the woods and a light wind blew through the leaves.

  We cantered a few more strides before we approached a three-foot log pile. Three, two, and up! I chanted in my head. Charm snapped his knees beneath him and lifted into the air. He cleared the logs with ease, pointing his ears forward when we landed—his attention drifting.

  “Hey, pay attention,” I said, doing a half halt. Charm, listening, flicked both ears back to me.

  We cantered down the dirt path that twisted through the woods. Charm leaped a few fallen trees that had been laid purposely across our path. The woods got more dense and I slowed him to a fast trot. Uh-oh. We were about to approach the creek.

  At this part of the course we were supposed to trot down the creek’s bank, splash through the water and climb up the other side. But last week, Charm had developed a random creek phobia. He wanted to try and leap the span of the creek to avoid the water. But most sections were too wide for that.

  I leaned back in the saddle as we started down the incline. I tightened my knees on the saddle and focused on not tipping forward over Charm’s neck. Charm’s ears flicked back and forth as we approached the creek. Clear water rushed over the creek bed and a few pebbles sparkled as sunlight peeked through the canopy of trees.

  “C’mon,” I said. “You’ve got it, boy.”

  But Charm’s stride slowed with every step. He leaned back, digging his heels into the soft dirt before the cre
ek. I gritted my teeth, urging him forward with my hands and seat, but he sidestepped instead of going forward.

  I pressed my boot heels against his sides and sat deep in the saddle. Beneath me, Charm fought my hands and legs—intent on not getting in the water. I turned him away from the creek and, snorting with relief, he started to scramble back up the bank. But I pulled hard on the left rein, turning him back toward the water.

  “Charm, come on,” I said, squeezing my legs tighter against his sides. He sidestepped again, his front hooves just inches from the water. For a second, I thought he was going to rock back on his haunches and try to jump, but the creek was too wide. Charm stood, trembling, and I did the worst thing possible: I gave up.

  I sat back in the saddle and relaxed my exhausted arms and legs. I moved Charm to the side of the creek and off the course.

  “You can’t keep doing this,” I said. “You have to go in the water. I know you hate it all of the sudden, and I’m sorry, but we’ll be disqualified if you pull this in competition. You used to love water.”

  Charm flicked an ear back at my voice and lowered his head. I looked up when I heard hoofbeats in the woods. Jack trotted down the path and Callie’s eyes flickered in my direction.

  “What happened?” she asked, urging Jack over to Charm and me.

  I shook my head. “Charm won’t go through the creek. Can we follow you across?”

  “Sure thing,” Callie said. “Let’s start from back there.” She pointed a gloved hand toward the top of the gentle slope.

  We guided Charm and Jack away from the creek. Charm seemed calmed by Jack’s presence.

  “I wish he hadn’t suddenly developed this weird water problem now,” I said. “Not so close to the YENT.”

  Callie looked over and locked eyes with me. “Don’t worry. We’ll fix it,” she promised. “I’ll help.”

  “Thanks, Callie.” We turned the horses to face the creek.

  “I’ll go first,” Callie said. “Keep Charm behind us. He’ll follow Jack right over.”

  I nodded, gripping the reins tighter.

  Callie trotted Jack forward and I started Charm behind him. Charm, eager to stay with Jack, followed him down the bank without hesitation.

  “Keep him moving,” Callie called over her shoulder.

  “Got it!” I said.

  Jack stepped into the creek, water splashing over his royal blue leg wraps. He trotted quickly through the creek. Charm, hesitating, looked at Jack and started to weave at the creek’s edge.

  “No, go, ” I said, keeping my voice firm and low.

  Charm shuddered, then leaped into the water. He took bounding strides forward and I almost lost my stirrups—his long stride caught me off guard. He followed Jack out of the creek and the horses climbed the bank, stepping in hoof prints that had to be Aristocrat’s.

  “He did it!” Callie cheered. We pulled the horses side by side.

  I shook my head. “But did you see how he did it? And I wouldn’t have even gotten him over if you hadn’t been here with Jack.”

  “Sash, it happens. You have time to work with him before the YENT. I’ll come out here with you whenever you want to practice and I know Eric will too.”

  I gave her a small smile. “You’re right. I know you’re right.”

  “Let’s finish this,” Callie said. “We should just stick together now. Mr. Conner will understand.”

  I waved my hand in a you-go-ahead gesture. “We’ll follow you.”

  Callie urged Jack into a canter and Charm and I shot off after them. We finished the rest of the course within minutes.

  Back at the stable Callie and I cooled Jack and Charm and crosstied them next to each other. I’d missed hanging out with her at the stable. Callie was my fave person to share horsey gossip with.

  “And you told them what?” Callie asked, giggling.

  “Just that Eric had a girlfriend and they were happy together,” I said.

  Callie’s shoulders shook with laughter. “They had no clue you were the girlfriend?”

  “Nope,” I said. “None.”

  I’d just told Callie about the beginner and intermediate riders I’d heard a few weeks ago talking about the gorgeous new guy on their riding team. A guy they all wanted, especially one girl—Rachel. I’d thought the conversation was cute and funny until they said Eric’s name. I wanted to burst into the room and tell them he was taken, but our relationship had been a secret then.

  “When they see you with him,” Callie said, “it’ll be awesome.”

  “Totally.”

  We laughed and both looked up when we heard hoofbeats. Eric stopped Luna in front of us.

  “Getting ready for a lesson?” I asked.

  “I hope you wore Mr. Conner down a little before I go in.”

  “No way,” Callie said. “He’ll be turning up the pressure on your group—especially since you and Jas are testing.”

  “I’m kind of jealous that you get to test in a week,” I said. “Callie and I have to wait forever.”

  Eric nodded. “But you’ll have more time to practice.” Eric looked as if he wanted to say something else, but stopped short. His warm gaze changed to a stony glare.

  I turned and saw Jacob walking down the aisle toward us, careful not to get too close to any of the horses.

  “Hey,” Callie said when she saw him. “What are you doing here?”

  Jacob, keeping a safe distance from Charm, Luna, and Jack, shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Thought I’d pick you up and see if you were up for a trip to the Sweet Shoppe.”

  “Sounds good,” Callie said. “I’m done here. Let me just put Jack back in his stall.”

  Callie unclipped the crossties and led Jack down the aisle. Jacob looked after her, but stayed where he was. A couple of students had the aisle blocked with horses and Jacob would have to get within inches of one to follow Callie. I wished horses didn’t scare him so much.

  “So,” I said, trying to fill the awkward silence.

  “So,” Jacob said.

  “I hear they have really yummy new lemon poppyseed cake at the Sweet Shoppe,” I said lamely.

  “Yeah?” Jacob smiled.

  Eric let Luna stretch her neck toward Jacob. Jacob swallowed but didn’t move.

  “So,” Jacob said. “What are you up to this weekend?”

  “Well,” I started, trying to suppress my giddy expression. “Eric and I are going to the movies tomorrow.”

  “On our first official date,” Eric finished for me.

  Jacob’s green eyes flickered to me before settling on Eric. “Yeah? What a coincidence. I’m taking Callie too. We’ll probably see two movies.”

  Eric shrugged. “Wow, two movies. That keeps you from having to, I don’t know, talk at all, right?”

  “Guys… ,” I started.

  “Whatever, man. I hope you at least pay for Sasha’s ticket. I always pay for Callie.”

  Before Eric could respond, Callie walked over and stood by Jacob.

  “Ready?” she asked, her eyes darting between Jacob and me.

  Jacob nodded. “Let’s go.”

  “See you at film class,” I said to Jacob, thinking that maybe if I stayed calm and friendly, it would make things less weird.

  But he just gave me a quick nod.

  “Text you later,” Callie said.

  When Jacob and Callie disappeared down the aisle, I stepped closer to Eric. “You don’t have to be mad at Jacob,” I said. “You know I don’t like him anymore.”

  “I know, but I’ll never be friends with that guy,” Eric said. “Not after the way he treated you.”

  I reached out and squeezed Eric’s hand. It was strong and warm, enveloping my own. Even though I hated when Eric and Jacob fought, I had to admit—it felt nice to have someone feeling protective of me.

  6

  OH YEAH, NOT WEIRD AT ALL

  I HURRIED DOWN THE RED-CARPETED AISLE in the theater and placed my paper on Mr. Ramirez’s desk. Then I
sat in my assigned seat next to Jacob. Film was one of my favorite classes, but it was weird now that Jacob and I weren’t together. At least the semester was almost over.

  Jacob sat next to me. He leaned forward in his seat and rifled through his backpack, then sat back up and looked straight ahead. But the next thing I knew, he was back in the bag and shuffling through papers.

  “Everything… okay?” I asked.

  “Fine.” Jacob looked at me, his shaggy, sandy brown hair falling over one eye. “Why?”

  “Just wondering.”

  He shifted in his seat and kicked over his book bag. A black notebook slid out of the bag toward my feet. I leaned down and picked it up, holding it out to him.

  “Thanks,” he muttered, not looking at me.

  Okaaay.

  “Jacob, are you mad at me?” I asked.

  He turned, looking me in the eyes for the first time since the stable. “No,” he said. “Sorry. Just… something going on with a friend.”

  I played with the cap on my pen. “Oh. Okay. ’Cause things don’t have to be weird between us. Callie and I are friends again. If you and Eric could just not do… that, then things would be easier.”

  Jacob just sat there. That was one thing he and Eric would agree on—they’d never be friends. I knew why Eric held a grudge against Jacob. But what was Jacob’s deal?

  Not knowing what else to do, I shuffled through my lip gloss bag and finally settled on a bubblegum-flavored gloss with a high shine-factor. Mr. Ramirez, frowning, was still pressing buttons on the projector.

  “So… ,” Jacob said a couple of minutes later. “Doing anything tonight?”

  “Just watching Teen Cuisine with Paige. A new episode airs tonight.”

  Jacob nodded—his shoulders relaxing a little. We started talking about Teen Cuisine and soon, Jacob was laughing at a story Paige had told me about the director’s hideous pink and green polka dotted tie. I crossed my fingers that things would keep getting better between us.

  When I got back to my room, my phone rang.

  “Guess what I overheard?” Callie asked the second I answered.

  “Tell me!” I dropped my bag on the floor and sat at the edge of my bed.