Element, Part 1 by CM Doporto Page B

to
stay out too long so she intended to enjoy every minute of it.
    “How large is the ranch? Does it go all the way to the
lake?” She raised her sunglasses to get a better view.
    “It’s five hundred acres and no, it doesn’t go to the lake.
We have a stream that goes through the property, which probably feeds off of
the lake.”
    “I bet that’s pretty. I’ve always wanted to live by the
water. I guess that’s why I like going to my aunt’s condo in Austin. It
overlooks Lady Bird Lake. It’s really gorgeous.”
    “I bet it is. Have you ever been to Lake Travis?”
    “No, I haven’t.” She shifted her weight, trying to get
comfortable on the hard leather saddle.
    “You’d like it. The water is really clear for a lake.”
    “Then we should go sometime,” Natalie responded.
    They rode side by side crossing the land, laughing and
talking along the way. She found herself opening up more to him because he
seemed understanding about many things. Even though she wasn’t ready to share
everything, he gave her a sense of security that continued to build on the
level of trust she needed from him.
    The more they chatted, the more they discovered all the
common interests they shared like going to the movies, the beach, swimming, and
of course horseback riding. Never in a million years did she ever think he
would be attracted to her. For one, she didn’t even seem like his type. He was
more of a country guy where she was more of a science nerd.  He loved to talk
and socialize and she preferred to keep to herself. Regardless, the attraction
between them electrified her soul and it made her want to know everything about
him and more.
    “Gee, everything is so dry.” Natalie observed the sparse
layer of green grass they traveled through. 
    “I know. We need rain badly. My parents said it’s been
really dry here. We’ve even lost some cattle. Based on the weather reports, I
doubt they’ll be lifting the watering ban anytime soon.”
    “That’s horrible.  I didn’t realize there were water
restrictions in place. I guess I’ve been so busy with school, I haven’t paid
much attention to what’s going on up here. Now that you mention it, my parent’s
yard isn’t that green either.”
    He led the way down a small hill. “This pond used to be
bigger. It’s practically dried up now.”
    “I guess this global warming is becoming more of a
problem.”  Natalie noticed the cracked mud where water once reached.
    “Yeah, you haven’t seen the reports about it being a worldwide
issue?”
    “No, I haven’t. I know the news said Austin’s been dryer and
hotter than usual and some crops had been affected. I didn’t realize it
affected the whole world. Since I’m majoring in biomedical science and not
environmental science, I haven’t kept up with the findings. I mean, don’t get
me wrong, it concerns me.”
    “Oh, I understand. I hope I didn’t insult your knowledge so
please—”
    “No, it’s okay. You’re just more in tune with it because of
the ranch.”
    “Yeah, you’re probably right. My parents really wanted me to
study agriculture so I could help my brother when they get older.”
    “So why don’t you?”
    “It’s not what I wanna do. Don’t get me wrong, I love the ranch
but I’d rather be with people instead of animals.” He urged his horse to pick
up the pace and so did she.
    “I understand. So, what’s your major?”
    Ryan lifted his cowboy hat and wiped his forehead again with
a handkerchief. “I’m a business and marketing major”.
    Her horse drifted closer to his, allowing her to watch his
every move closely. “That’s cool. What department will you be interning at?”
    He glanced over at her and she watched his eyes traveled up
and down. He was definitely checking her out. She wondered what he thought
about the way she dressed. She hoped the jeans and bedazzled t-shirt her mom
picked out for her made her look cute instead of nerdy. As for the boots, her
toes hurt and she