The Canterwood Crest Stable of Books

by Jessica Burkhart

  “You’re out, Andy,” Jasmine called.

  Andy grinned sheepishly. “First one out. Bummer,” he said.

  “Sorry,” I said, smiling at him.

  I mounted Charm and rode him back to the wall. Andy, grabbing the orange cone, led his horse to the side of the arena.

  Jasmine started the music, and Ben, Troy, Eric, and I trotted our horses while eyeing the cones. Again, Jasmine waited until I was farthest away from the cones before she pushed stop.

  I heeled Charm into a canter and we cut across the center of the arena. Ben started for the same cone, but his horse started cantering a half second later than Charm. I was out of the saddle before Charm came to a full stop.

  “Aw, man!” Ben said, shaking his head. But he smiled at me.

  I picked up the cone and handed it to him. “Almost,” I said. Ben rode over to join Andy.

  We started the next round and this time, I was prepared. Jasmine hit the button the second I was in the toughest position to reach a cone. But I’d anticipated her move and Charm and I flew toward the cone the second the music stopped, taking out Troy.

  “Awww,” Jasmine said. “Look at that. It’s Sasha and her boyfriend, Eric.”

  Eric and I looked at each other but didn’t acknowledge her comment.

  “I’m not going easy on you,” Eric teased in a whisper, “just because I like you.”

  I dropped my jaw in mock-surprise. “You’re not? Good. Then I won’t feel bad when Charm and I beat you.” I flipped my ponytail teasingly and rode Charm to the wall.

  “Do we even have to play this round?” Jas taunted. “We all know Eric will let her win. Obvi.”

  “Just start the music,” I said, sighing.

  Jasmine waited a few seconds before she hit play. Eric and I, now at opposite ends of the arena, trotted our horses. Both of us turned our heads to stare at the last cone. I shifted in the saddle, Charm tensing beneath me. He was ready to race to the cone the second the music stopped.

  We made another lap around the arena. I looked over at Eric—he had both eyes locked on the cone.

  The music stopped.

  “C’mon, Charm!” I said. I leaned to the right and he dug his hooves into the arena dirt and took off cantering. Eric and Luna left their side of the wall at the same time. Charm and Luna cantered for the cone—both horses knew it was a race!

  A couple of strides away from the cone, I kicked my feet out of the stirrups. I squeezed my knees to stay in the saddle when Charm jerked to a halt. I halted Charm in front of the cone and threw my leg over the saddle. Eric jumped off Luna’s back and we hit the ground at the same time. We lunged for the cone, but Eric’s stride was longer than mine. His boot toe touched the edge of the cone a half second before mine did.

  We looked up at each other and started laughing.

  “Oooh!” I said, grinning. “So close!”

  He winked at me. “Did you really think you had a chance?”

  Forgetting that Jasmine was watching, I hit his arm. “You’re lucky that your legs are longer.” I sniffed. “Otherwise, I totally would have won.”

  We smiled at each other and turned back to Troy, Ben, Andy, and Jasmine.

  “Sasha almost got you,” Andy said.

  Jasmine’s eyes shifted from me to Eric and then back again. Then she hopped off the table, brushing off her black breeches.

  “That was a total waste of time,” she huffed. “You’re all losers—you’re not even that competitive.” She stomped out of the arena.

  “What was that?” Ben asked.

  We all shrugged.

  “Did she think we were going to beat each other up or something?” Andy asked.

  “Guess so,” Troy said, laughing.

  But that hadn’t been it at all. Jasmine had wanted it to be Eric and me at the end. She’d waited for him to let me win so she could call him out on being nice to me. Jas didn’t know yet that Eric wasn’t the type of guy to lose on purpose.

  We all dismounted and led our horses out of the arena.

  “Library tonight?” Eric whispered to me.

  “Sure,” I said.

  I barely paid attention as I said good-bye to the other guys—I was already thinking about my time alone with Eric later.

  25

  IT’S YOUR REPORT CARD

  ERIC AND I FOUND A TABLE ON THE FOURTH floor of the library. No matter how many times I’d been there, the inside of Canterwood’s gorgeous library always took my breath away. All of the tables had dark mahogany wood and gold reading lamps adorned by forest green lampshades—Canterwood colors. The book collection was more impressive than anything I’d ever seen in my life.

  I took out my math homework and started the final five questions. Eric pulled out a worn copy of Watership Down, taking notes while he read. We studied for half an hour and stopped only to ask each other questions every so often. The tables around us slowly filled with students.

  I had to get everything done tonight. Monday mornings were too rushed to finish weekend homework.

  “Can we sit?” someone asked me.

  I looked up at Heather. She, Julia, and Alison had their arms filled with books.

  “Uh,” I said, pausing.

  “Hello,” Heather said. “Holding heavy books.”

  “Umm, sure,” I said. Eric and I pushed our extra books between us to make room for the Trio.

  “We wouldn’t have even asked,” Alison said. “But every other table was full.”

  The girls sat down, and for the first time in a while, I noticed that Julia and Alison looked tired. Their usually perfect lip gloss was absent, there were circles under Julia’s eyes, and Alison had a zit on her chin. I’d never seen either of them ever looking less than perfect.

  Heather pulled out a book and started reading. I tried to concentrate on my homework, but I couldn’t help watching Julia and Alison. Julia had her phone flipped open, texting. Alison, leaning over, peered at Julia’s screen before pulling out her own BlackBerry.

  “Omigod,” Alison whispered. “Did she really just say that?”

  Julia nodded. “She totally did!”

  Heather glared in their direction. “Excuse me? Not wanting to flunk my class, thank you.”

  “Sorry,” the girls whispered. They reluctantly took out their history books and bent over them.

  We studied for a few minutes before Julia’s phone buzzed. Heather shot her a look—daring Julia to check the message.

  Julia ignored the phone for a couple of minutes, but soon she couldn’t take it. Her fingers crept across the table and closed over her phone. She looked up at Heather, who just stared—her icy eyes narrowed, unmoving.

  “Sorry, sorry!” Julia said. “I just can’t focus!”

  Alison looked up from her book and took out her own phone. “I can’t either!”

  Heather slammed her palms on top of her book. Everyone at the table—even Eric and me—jumped. “Don’t come whining to me when you flunk your classes. I won’t care!”

  “We’ll study later,” Julia said. “Promise.”

  I couldn’t spend another second watching Julia and Alison text.

  “Ready to go?” I asked Eric.

  “Definitely,” he said.

  We packed our books and got up from the table. I turned to Julia and Alison.

  “You guys do remember that we need good grades to make the YENT, right?” I asked them.

  Julia rolled her eyes. “Yes, Mom. We know.”

  “Fine,” I said. “It’s your report card.”

  Heather’s mouth tightened. She flicked her eyes in a look-over-there gesture. When I did, I saw Jasmine walking toward us.

  She stopped by our table and smoothed the thin blue sweater she wore over a white collared shirt. She smirked at Julia and Alison.

  “Still sucking at history?” Jas asked.

  “Hardly,” Julia snapped. She closed her book. “We’re so ready for the test. You?”

  Jasmine tossed her wavy hair. “I th
ink you’ve seen enough of my A’s to know I am. You two, however…” She shook her head. “You’ll need a miracle to pass the test.”

  “Like you should talk,” Heather said. “You didn’t pass the advanced team test.”

  Jasmine just glared before she walked away.

  “Omigod,” Julia hissed. “She is the biggest—”

  “I know!” Alison whisper-yelled. “She needs to get over herself.”

  “I’m not even worried about the stupid test,” Julia said. She picked up her BlackBerry and started texting again.

  My eyes connected with Heather’s for a second. We both had to be thinking the same thing: Sure, Julia and Alison were delusional about studying, but our biggest problem? Jasmine.

  26

  HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO

  SO GLAD WK IS 1/2 OVER. I SENT THE MESSAGE to Eric on my way to the stable after my last class.

  Me 2, he wrote back.

  My phone buzzed again. This time it was from Callie. Guess what?!?!

  What?? I typed back.

  I can ride Jack 2day!!!!

  OMG!! C u in indr arena!!:)

  At the stable, I hurried through grooming and tacking up Charm. I was thrilled for Callie. She’d been so worried about Jack from the second he’d injured his hoof. Now maybe she’d stop feeling guilty.

  “You get to practice with Jack again,” I told Charm. “Isn’t that great?”

  Charm blinked at me, rubbing his muzzle against my arm.

  I put on my helmet and we walked to the indoor arena. Inside, Callie was walking Jack in lazy circles. He moved easily—not showing any signs of the injury.

  “Yay!” I squealed.

  “I know!” Callie grinned. “I missed him sooo much.” She leaned forward to hug his neck.

  “Jack’s going to be stronger than ever.” Jack, seeming to hear me, tossed his head and snorted. Charm sensed Jack’s enthusiasm and pranced in place.

  “Aww,” I said, patting Charm’s neck.

  “They missed practicing together,” Callie said.

  I nodded. “Totally. Are you jumping or sticking to flatwork?”

  “Flatwork only,” Callie said. “I want to see how he moves for a couple more days.”

  “Good idea,” I said. “I’ll keep an eye on him too, but I’m sure he’s going to be fine.”

  We walked Charm and Jack to the wall, then urged the horses into a trot. I watched Callie post. Her back was straight without being stiff. Her hands rested comfortably over Jack’s neck. She looked flawless, as if she’d been riding Jack all along. As Charm and I passed the window, I got a glimpse of my own reflection in the big window. I looked too ramrod straight and my heels had crept up.

  No, I wasn’t going to do that again. No way would I spend an entire lesson comparing my riding skills to Callie’s. Charm and Jack made a few circles before we changed directions. But we when passed each other, I felt Callie’s eyes on me. She was sizing me up too!

  “Jack seems to be moving fine,” I said. “How does he feel?”

  “Like he never got hurt,” Callie said. “I’m so happy!”

  We both looked up when Eric walked into the arena.

  “Hi,” I said, with a glance at Callie.

  “Hey, Eric,” Callie said.

  Eric walked over and stopped between our horses. He patted Charm, then rubbed Jack’s neck. Charm loved Eric, and he nudged his arm when Eric patted Jack for too long.

  “Charm!” I said, laughing.

  “Just can’t ignore you, huh, boy?” Eric teased. He stroked Charm’s face with his left hand and scratched Jack’s forehead with his right.

  Callie and I giggled.

  “Do you mind if I ride Luna in here?” Eric asked. “I was going to take her to the outdoor arena, but it’s sort of rainy.”

  “Fine with me,” I said. Callie nodded in agreement.

  “Be back in a sec,” Eric said.

  He returned a few minutes later with Luna. We spaced out in the arena and did our own exercises. In the far right corner, Callie walked, trotted, and halted Jack—working him on transitions. Eric, in the middle, did the spiral exercise I’d told him about. He had no problem maneuvering through the spiral at a walk, and Luna seemed to like the exercise.

  I focused on my posture. Charm was in great shape, but I felt stiff. I did a few new leg and arm stretches that I’d read about the night before in Young Rider. After half an hour, I felt soreness start to creep into my arms and legs—time to stop.

  I rode Charm into the center of the arena, and a few seconds later, Callie and Eric joined me.

  “Are we good, or what?” Callie joked, as we brought the horses to a halt.

  “We’re definitely awesome,” I said.

  Eric smiled. “Want to take a few jumps?”

  “Sure!” I said. Charm struck the ground with his foreleg—he was ready!

  “I’m out,” Callie said. “But I’ll watch you guys.”

  “Okay,” Eric said. “Sash, want to try those three verticals?”

  I nodded, pushing down my helmet. “Let’s do it.”

  We started toward the jumps when Callie called out, “Hey!”

  Eric and I looked over to see Callie riding Jack over to Jacob.

  “What are you doing here?” Callie asked him. She stopped Jack a few feet away from Jacob, who stood in the middle of the arena, looking unsure where to go. He swallowed and took a step back.

  “Just came to see you ride,” Jacob said. “I wanted to be sure Jack was okay.”

  Jacob smiled at Callie but gave Eric a stony glare.

  What was Jacob’s deal?

  “Jack did great,” Callie told Jacob. “But I’m done. Sasha and Eric are jumping and I was just staying to watch. But we can head out and go somewhere else if you want.”

  Jacob shook his head. “It’s fine. I’ll watch too.”

  Callie paused for a moment. “Um, okay.” She dismounted and led Jack over to the wall. Jacob followed her and didn’t look at Eric or me.

  This was weird! Jacob. Eric. Callie. Me. Together!

  “I’ll jump first,” I said, trotting Charm forward. My midweek cookie break was going to be ridiculously necessary after this.

  Charm was ready the second I pointed him at the course. He surged forward to the first three-foot vertical and soared over it.

  “Easy,” I whispered, tightening the reins. He shook his head as I eased him into a slower canter, but I held him back anyway. No way was he going to gallop. He listened to my command but swished his tail in annoyance. We got through the rest of the course cleanly. I circled him twice in progressively smaller circles to calm him down before riding him back to Eric and Callie.

  “Your turn,” I told Eric.

  “Good job,” Eric said. “You always rock at jumping.”

  He stroked Luna’s neck before letting her go toward the course. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the jumps, and he relaxed his body. I knew he was going to go all out to prove to Jacob that riding was a sport. I crossed my fingers, hoping he would have a perfect ride.

  Eric and Luna reached the first jump. Luna tucked her knees under her chest and leaped over the blue and white rails. She landed, barely making a sound, and cantered toward the next jump.

  “Two more,” I whispered.

  Eric let Luna out a notch and rode her through the turn. He straightened her before the second vertical. Her green leg wraps flashed as she cantered to the jump. She lifted into the air, missing the top rail by inches.

  “C’mon, c’mon,” I muttered. Jacob, his eyes following Eric and Luna, couldn’t stop watching. He’d never seen Eric ride. I’d known for a while that Eric was a star jumper, but Jacob hadn’t. And Jacob didn’t even need to know much about riding to be able to tell that Eric had ridden well.

  Luna, relaxed and on the bit, launched into the air and propelled herself over the last jump. She landed gracefully, accepting a neck pat from Eric.

  “All right!” I cheered.

 
; Eric could totally rub this in Jacob’s face. But he wasn’t that kind of guy. He didn’t even need to say anything to Jacob. The argument about whether or not riding was a sport had died the second Eric had finished the course.

  “Seriously, great ride,” I said. Charm, reaching forward, touched his muzzle to Luna’s.

  Callie nodded. “Yeah, nice one.”

  “Thanks,” Eric said. He dismounted and ran up the stirrups. Jacob, now surrounded by three horses, took a step back. I could tell he wanted out of there, but he wasn’t going to admit it.

  “See?” I asked, looking at Jacob. “I tried to tell you that Eric was great.”

  Jacob blinked. “Yeah,” he said slowly. “Good ride.”

  “Thanks,” Eric said, gracious as usual.

  “Weeelll,” Callie said. “We’re gonna head out. See you guys later.”

  Jacob nodded at us before following a safe distance behind Callie and Jack.

  When Callie, Jack, and Jacob left the arena, I turned to Eric. He smiled at me and I got that floaty, tingly I-really-like-you feeling I’d been getting a lot lately.

  “You were amazing,” I said. “Jacob will never make another comment about riding again.”

  Eric stepped closer to me, and my ears thudded. “He better not. Or I really will put him on a horse.”

  We grinned at each other and Eric took my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. For once, I didn’t care who saw us. I was just happy, in that moment, to be there with Eric.

  Paige and I found an empty booth at the Sweet Shoppe. She shrugged off her raincoat and sat across from me. I’d texted her to meet me at the Sweet Shoppe—I needed to vent to someone about Jacob showing up at the stable. Funny, the first person I’d normally speed dial would have been Callie. But we just weren’t there yet.

  “I think I’d go into sugar withdrawal without our Sweet Shoppe,” I said.

  “That Callie and Jacob thing must have been so intense,” Paige said, handing me a triple fudge brownie. “You deserve, like, everything in here.”

  “Agreed,” I said, taking a giant bite of brownie. “Jacob was so weird. I really don’t know why he even came to the stable.”