Unfriendly Competition by Jessica Burkhart Page B

bends in the trail, we exited the woods. Mike slowed Willow to a trot. The mare, winded, shook out her mane and pranced for a few strides as he slowed her.
    â€œWe’ll trot back across the field for half of the ride back and walk the final leg to the stable,” Mike said. “How do you and your horses feel?”
    â€œI’m great and so is Aristocrat,” Heather said.
    â€œSame here,” Brit said. She gave Apollo rein to stretch his neck. The gray gelding’s coat had darkened from sweat—just like the rest of the horses—but none of them looked too tired.
    I ran a hand along Charm’s neck, paying attention to his gait. I hadn’t felt him take a single misstep, but I wanted to make sure he was okay. Each of Charm’s hooves felt as if it touched the ground with the same force, and I didn’t feel him favoring any of his legs. I’d walk him out for any possible soreness tomorrow morning. Charm was in great shape, though, and I didn’t expect him to have any problems.
    The five of us went back to the stable, discussing our rides with Mike. Mr. Conner had trained him well, and I just knew that one day, Mike would be teaching advanced and YENT classes.
    I made sure Charm was cool and shiny before I left him in his stall. There was one thing left to do before I went back to Orchard. I took a turn down the side hallway and stopped in front of Mr. Conner’s dark office. The poster board Nicole had put up was almost full with notes and signatures of all different colors of pens and markers. Nicole, smart girl, had put a can of a dozen pens and markers for everyone to use.
    I looked through them and picked up a navy blue glitter pen. There was a tiny open space near the bottom left corner. I uncapped the pen and turningsideways a bit, I didn’t need a moment to think about the message I wanted to write.
    Mr. Conner—I’m sorry you got hurt, but know that if nothing else, it made a group of riders into a team. ~Sasha

10
    LEGENDARY FOR . . . CANTERWOOD?
    WHEN BRIT AND I GOT BACK TO OUR ROOM, we showered and sat together on the floor, a sparkly metallic folder spread open in front of us.
    â€œJulia and Alison should be here in a few minutes,” Brit said. “Then we’ll have everything set for Heather’s real party.”
    â€œI’m so glad we’re doing it for her,” I said. “She’s acting like she’s not upset or nervous about her mom coming, but she is. Wait until you meet Mrs. Fox. You won’t believe how awful she really is.”
    Brit frowned. “That’s rough. And you said her dad’s horrible, too, isn’t he?”
    â€œUnfortunately. He’s a total stage parent. All he wants Heather to do is practice. It’s the only thing hewants her to excel at. But, also like Mr. Fox, he’s not coming to her party.”
    â€œ What? ” Brit’s mouth opened a little. “He’s not coming to his daughter’s thirteenth birthday party? Not even to see her?”
    â€œNope. Heather told me. She’s glad he’s not coming, but she’s still hurt at the same time.”
    â€œWell, we’re going to give her an amazing movie party. It’ll make her forget all about her parents.”
    Someone knocked on our door and I stood up, opening the door for Julia and Alison.
    â€œHey,” they both said. They were both dressed in cropped pajama pants, Havaianas, and VS Pink hoodies.
    â€œC’mon in,” Brit said, waving them over.
    We all sat down next to Brit.
    â€œHow did you sneak away from Heather?” I asked. “She always knows everything. ”
    Alison laughed. “True. Originally, we were going to tell her we were going to study at the library, hoping she wouldn’t want to go. But we got sooo lucky because Troy called and they’ll be on the phone for, like, ever.”
    That made everyone grin.
    â€œPerfect,” I said.