Palomino Pony On Parade

by Olivia Tuffin

  Georgia felt her hackles rise. By referring to Dan casually as her friend, Georgia felt as though she was dismissing what she and Dan had between them. Joss wasn’t to know, of course, that Dan and Georgia had a special friendship, but it made Georgia feel uneasy all the same. “He’s probably looking after the sheep, or helping his dad,” she said quietly.

  “Oh, right.” Joss tilted her head slightly. “You are so lucky,” she beamed. “Having such a good friend. Dan said you were like a little sister to him.”

  Joss’s words sounded innocent enough, but Georgia couldn’t help but feel taken aback. A sister? She thought there was a bit more to their friendship than that.

  Trying not to show her hurt, she smiled weakly. “Did he?” she replied, busying herself with hanging up the lead ropes. If that’s how Dan felt, then she couldn’t change that.

  “Oh yes,” Joss continued sweetly, seemingly unaware of the effect her words were having on Georgia. “He said it was so nice being good friends with a non-girly girl who loved getting mucky and doing all the dirty jobs!”

  Was that really how Dan saw her? Replaying Joss’s words over and over in her mind later that evening, Georgia studied her reflection in the hall mirror, next to the framed photo of her riding Lily at the Horse of the Year Show. As usual, her dark-blonde hair was tangled and windswept, and, looking carefully, Georgia noticed a streak of creosote across her forehead, from where she had been helping Melanie mend the paddock fencing earlier. Walking past and carrying an armful of clean washing, Mrs Black paused at the sight of her daughter’s serious expression.

  “All OK, sweetheart?” she asked, and Georgia nodded.

  “Mum?” she asked quizzically, and then paused, not sure how to phrase the question. “Do you think I’m a non-girly girl?”

  Mrs Black burst out laughing, kissing her daughter on her freckled forehead. “Well, you’re certainly not afraid to get your hands dirty, if that’s what you mean. But that’s part of your charm,” she smiled. “And anyway,” she said, gesturing towards the photo of the little palomino, “Lily wouldn’t want you any other way.”

  So her mum clearly thought it too. Georgia turned back to her reflection, drawing herself up tall. Still, Lily didn’t care what she looked like or how she acted. If all Dan saw her as was a little sister, then she would just have to live with that.

  “All OK?” Dan and Georgia had been working beside each other in silence for most of the next evening as they sorted the Redgrove ponies for the night, fluffing up the beds and topping up water buckets. Dan often came over to help and normally Georgia enjoyed his company. This time, Joss’s words were still ringing in her ears, and she couldn’t help but feel a little grumpy. She busied herself doing up the leg straps on Lily’s rug as he leaned on her stable door.

  “Fine,” she muttered, not looking at him.

  “You know, there’s a Pony Club party after the Mock Hunt,” Dan continued casually. “Will you be going?”

  Georgia had heard that there was a party and normally would have suggested that she and Dan go to the party together, but instead she decided to keep her cool. “I expect so,” she said airily. “I might ask Will if he wants to go with me and Em.”

  For a split second, Georgia saw a look of total confusion cross Dan’s face. Quickly, Georgia reached under Lily’s tummy to adjust her straps.

  “OK,” he said, drumming his fingers on the stable door. “That sounds like fun.”

  If Georgia had glanced up, she would have noticed the hurt in Dan’s eyes, but instead she concentrated hard on Lily’s rug, refusing to look at her friend.

  On the morning Lily was due to shoot her scene, Georgia felt as nervous as if she was competing in a big horse show. It was still pitch black outside and, drawing back her striped curtains, she stared out into the darkness, squinting as she watched the snowflakes curl and drift down on to the frozen lawn below the window.

  Georgia was grateful the filming was going to take place at Melanie’s yard so that they didn’t have to risk boxing Lily anywhere in this weather. And the producers had been in raptures over the bottom meadow at the yard, which bordered the small wood. It would look especially good in the snow, they had said.

  The bottom meadow was Georgia’s favourite place on the farm; it was where she had ridden Lily for the first time, and where she had gone when the pressure building up to the Horse of the Year Show was getting too much. It was a place that she liked to be if she just needed time to think.

  Since Joss’s meetings at Redgrove Farm, the emails to Melanie had been flying backward and forward from the film company. They wanted Lily in a simple snaffle and no saddle, which was fine – Lily was used to being schooled and ridden bareback. A bit trickier was the fact that Joss would be riding in a billowing hooded cape – something Georgia had been trying to work on in the few days she’d had to practise with Lily. She had improvised with an old picnic rug fastened around her neck, and crossed her fingers that Lily would be sensible enough to accept it. The first time she had tried, Lily had snorted and bolted forward a few steps in the school, much to the amusement of Emma, who was watching on the sides. But gradually she had accepted the long fabric and happily walked, trotted and cantered in the school with the makeshift cape trailing behind her.

  Quickly brushing her teeth and hair, Georgia dressed in her warmest clothes, pulling a fleecy headband over her ears. Her small room was full of mementos of Lily’s adventures, including photographs and rosettes from the Horse of the Year Show, which had centre place on her crowded bookshelf. She paused, just for a second, as she always did, gazing at the photo of Lily cantering in the arena at the Championships.

  Then, calling for Pip, she grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl before making her way outside. The air was strangely muffled as the snowflakes started to fall a little bit faster. At least the film company would get their snow now, and wouldn’t have to spray fake snow all over Melanie’s beautiful fields.

  Dan was waiting for her on the corner at the end of her lane, snowflakes melting in his sandy hair. He grinned when he saw Georgia.

  “All set?” he asked cheerfully, and Georgia nodded. It was quite romantic actually, walking to the yard in the snow with Dan beside her. Then she shook herself, remembering Dan had called her a “little sister”. Any possible romance between them was obviously just in Georgia’s head. As a result, she shrugged Dan’s arm away when he put it around her shoulders and he flashed her a confused look.

  There was no time to say anything though, as they had soon reached Redgrove. The yard was already alive with activity and light, despite the early start. There were trailers everywhere, flashier than the most luxurious horseboxes, and people milling around in long quilted jackets, clutching paper cups of coffee or shouting into little walkie-talkies.

  “Wow…” Georgia let out a low whistle. The film company must have set up overnight, because Redgrove had looked quite normal when she had left the yard the previous evening. The ponies, all still in their stables, were watching the proceedings with interest. Luckily, all four of them were used to big shows in indoor arenas, so they were completely unfazed by the lights and noise. Callie, once a top show pony, looked the least concerned. She was never worried, as long as she had food!

  “All right, my beauty?” Georgia called over to the little Exmoor.

  The pony stuck her head out over the door as Georgia opened the yard gates, her fluffy forelock full of hay, before grabbing another mouthful, her eyes bright and shiny. Georgia chuckled, patting Callie on her soft muzzle. Moving down the line of stables, greeting Wilson and Santa, Georgia reached Lily’s box. The little mare was gazing at the bustle of activity with soft amber eyes. Her beautiful cream mane and tail were full of shavings, which clung to her wool rug like snowflakes.

  Georgia had spent ages the day before washing her mane and tail with warm water, so all she needed to do was comb the shavings out with a soft body brush. Tying Lily up, she set to work and was soon engrossed in her groo
ming routine. Dan leaned over the stable door.

  “Exciting, isn’t it?” he grinned, brushing snowflakes off his damp hair.

  But before Georgia could reply, she was interrupted by a squeal.

  “Dan!”

  It was Joss, and she was right beside him, tucking herself under his arm, and gazing up at him adoringly. She was looking especially glamorous today, her hair set in elaborate curls. Georgia felt so scruffy in comparison. Glancing down at her jeans and quilted jacket – complete with slobber stain from Lily – she wished she had spent more time on her appearance.

  Dan smiled warmly. “Hey, Joss,” he said cheerfully. Georgia couldn’t help but notice that he was smiling at the actress with a big wide smile that was normally reserved for her.

  “Brrrrr,” Joss said in a tinkly voice, snuggling in closer. “Isn’t it cold! I hope you’re going to be around to watch me ride Lily later.” She looked up at Dan under her long eyelashes, and Georgia felt her stomach churn. Joss was really nice, pretty and practically famous, so how could Dan not fall for her. After acting like her best friend when she first met her, it was as if Georgia didn’t exist now. She glanced at Dan, hoping for one of his reassuring smiles but he was too busy laughing at something Joss said.

  Turning back to Lily, who snuffled into her hand, Georgia felt a hard lump of jealousy rise in her throat. Then, giving herself a mental shake, she reminded herself that she was better than that. Besides, it was only short term – once the scenes were filmed then it would just be her and Dan, and Lily, and Olympia, and Christmas to look forward to. But a niggling seed of doubt had set in now. Joss’s words kept running past her eyes, a friend, like a sister, and try as she might, Georgia just couldn’t forget them.

  “OK, everyone!” The producer, a tall dark-haired man in a baseball cap, called out, getting everyone to stop and tune in to what he was saying. His name was Brodie, and he was from America. Georgia had liked him straightaway when he’d first visited Redgrove. He had known exactly what colour Lily was, rather than just describing her as gold or biscuit-coloured, and after patting Lily for ages had confessed that he really missed ponies, having grown up on a ranch in Montana. That was why he had decided to make a film that had so many horses in it!

  Now Georgia pulled back Lily’s wool rug. Brodie let out a low whistle. “She’s looking beautiful,” he said admiringly, making Georgia think of Eric, Lily’s breeder, and how proud he would be if he could see his pony now. It was a world away from the wet mountainside where Georgia had first met Lily. Who’d have thought the little mare would go on to compete at the Horse of the Year Show, go to Olympia and star in a film? It seemed as though there was nothing Lily couldn’t do!

  Melanie, Simon and Sophie were already waiting down in the bottom meadow. There were swarms of people rushing about, and a few 4×4 vehicles parked around. The snow was still drifting down. In the eerie half-light of the morning the bottom meadow and woods looked fantastic, just right for the scene. Joss was playing the part of a fairy, and Lily was cast as a mystical pony. A woman with bright-red hair, who had introduced herself as the wardrobe lady, had given Georgia some fine silver glitter to rub into Lily’s mane and tail, which now glinted and sparkled against the snow. She did look magical, Georgia thought, crossing her fingers and hoping the glitter would wash out before Olympia. Giggling to herself, she imagined what Janey, the ultra-traditional instructor at the Round Barrow Pony Club, would say if she saw Lily now.

  Lily, walking quietly beside her, wrapped up in two rugs until the last moment, surveyed the scene quietly. There was no sign of Joss – or Dan for that matter, Georgia thought, looking around. He had disappeared. She placed a hand on the palomino’s neck, watching the snowflakes as they settled on her creamy mane. “Hope this is OK for you, girl,” she whispered. Even though she knew Joss was only walking on Lily, she still felt strange about someone else riding her. Melanie had assured her that it was only because she had done such a good job gaining Lily’s trust that someone else was now able to ride her, but even so.

  Lily shifted her weight to her other foot as Georgia wriggled her toes in her yard boots, wondering if they would ever feel warm again. All of a sudden Joss descended on her like a whirlwind, followed by Dan, grinning from ear to ear. Georgia couldn’t help but notice that he had completely changed outfits. He was even wearing a flat cap perched on his sandy hair.

  “Georgia, you’ll never guess what,” he said breathlessly, and without waiting for her answer, he whooped, “I’m in the film!”

  “W–what?” Georgia asked, confused, as Joss giggled.

  “Well, Brodie thought Dan looked perfect for the part of a stable hand,” Joss said. “So he’s decided to add him in! It’s all a bit last-minute. All he has to do is walk out with Lily, and then stop, while I ride on.” She placed a hand on Dan’s arm. “You’ll be perfect, I know!” Then, looking straight at Georgia with a little smile, she added, “I had a small say in the casting, as well.”

  Once again, Georgia felt the knot of jealousy, all too familiar now, form in her stomach, only this time it almost winded her. She should be really happy for Dan – it was a brilliant thing for him to do. But she wished Joss didn’t have to flirt with him so much, especially right in front of her!

  “That’s so cool, Dan,” she said, forcing a smile on her face, but Dan was already engrossed in a conversation with Joss and Brodie now, all in a little huddle together.

  Standing alone, Georgia suddenly wondered if it was too late to back out, but she knew, realistically, that it was too far down the line for that. Besides, this was a chance for Lily to shine. She gritted her teeth. They were ready to start filming, and Joss removed the long quilted jacket she had been wearing, revealing a silver cape studded with sparkling stones. She looked sensational, and Georgia had to admit it would look really striking against Lily’s cream coat. Glancing at Dan, she noticed him staring at Joss and her heart sank. He really liked her, it was obvious. And Joss really liked Dan. Georgia just couldn’t compete with her. Feeling tears prick the corners of her eyes, Georgia hated herself for caring so much.

  Calling Lily and Georgia forward, the director patted the little mare, who had been waiting so patiently as the snowflakes settled on her pale eyelashes, and explained what he wanted. One of the assistants carefully legged Joss up into the saddle. Georgia was relieved to see Lily stand stock-still while Joss rearranged her cape. All of Georgia’s hard work with the picnic rug had clearly paid off. Then all of a sudden Georgia was surrounded by people and swept to the side as Dan, Lily and Joss took centre-stage. The little mare glanced back at Georgia, as if to seek approval, and Georgia felt a lump rise in her throat. She clucked quietly under her breath, hoping Lily sensed her.

  “Right, everyone – action!” Brodie called, his Midwestern American twang cutting across the cold air.

  Dan took hold of Lily’s bridle, which was bedecked with crystals, and started to lead her forward. The little palomino walked obediently after him with Joss sitting bolt upright, a solemn expression on her pretty face. Reaching the edge of the wood, she halted Lily and to Georgia’s utter shock leaned forward and kissed Dan lightly on the cheek. He stood back, gave a little bow and watched the pair as they rode on, Lily’s hoof prints almost immediately covered by powder. Georgia was frozen to the spot. She felt winded all over again.

  Brodie gave a sideways glance at her and chuckled. “Now, Georgia, come on,” he said good-naturedly. “It’s only acting. I thought it would add to the scene, that’s all.”

  Georgia nodded miserably. What else could she do? Lily was on her way back now, but Brodie didn’t seem satisfied. “The light,” he said, peering through the cameraman’s lens. “Let’s shoot that a second time.” Georgia’s heart sank even further. She was going to have to watch the whole thing all over again!

  In the end, the scene had to be shot a further six times until Brodie was happy with the result. And each time Georgia felt her stomach turn as Joss turned to kiss Dan ano
ther six times. She couldn’t help but notice that Dan was avoiding her eye as she stood miserably by the fence. The only good bit about the whole thing was that Lily was behaving beautifully. Georgia had to admit that she and Joss did look fantastic. Now that she knew that Lily was OK with everything, she began to wish that the little mare might just spook a bit and unseat Joss. She wouldn’t look so perfect lying in the snow! No one else seemed to realise Georgia was upset; everyone was far too excited, even Sophie and Melanie, who normally noticed when Georgia was down. Will had joined her now, his sleek dark curls damp with snowflakes.

  “Wow,” he grinned, as Georgia started to lead Lily back to the stables. “Lucky Dan!” He wasn’t trying to upset Georgia, but even so she couldn’t help but glare at him a little bit.

  Picking up on her mood, Will quickly changed the subject. “Lily’s looking great, Georgia,” he said cheerfully. “A real film star!”

  “Isn’t she?” Nodding, Georgia took hold of Lily’s bridle. She could barely bring herself to look at Joss and Dan, who was trying to catch her eye. Quickly, she turned back to the stables as fast as she could before anyone could see her. In the safety of Lily’s stable, she closed the door behind her and then the tears really began to fall.