Strain

Chapter 4

Chapter4

All week I've been avoiding him. All week it worked. There was always someone I could push towards him and I could leave. But now I was alone with him. My father and mother left to York Town for business. My brothers left to Gettysburg with a couple of their friends to have a bachelor party. And Lady Temple left to who knows where.
Now we sat at the kitchen table in silence. For breakfast chef Shirley cooked some eggs, bacon, and oatmeal. since it was just us she didn't bother for a big meal nor did I mind. My appetite was killed just sitting here.
I pushed my oatmeal back and forth on my plate. It unveiled the hidden berries within it. I pretended the bowl of oatmeal was more interesting then conversing with the mysterious stranger in front of me.
"You've been avoiding me all week why is that?" his husky voice startled me and I sat back.
"I don't understand what you're saying." I said nonchalant.
"You haven't said a word to me since the first time we met."
Well maybe because you went and judge me. You gave me weird looks and now you're acting like nothing. "Does it bother you?" I asked instead of what I really wanted to say.
"It does not. It's simply disrespectful. I'm sure your parents showed you respect. But they did let you wonder off and not teach you a thing. They let you rotten like a bad apple." he gave me an icy glare.
I could feel my face get hot. Anger boiled inside me like hot lava. And I was the volcano about to burn the guy right across from me. I stood up and walked around the table. I raised my fist and I made contact with his jaw. My fingers popped with the force.
"I'll let you know you bastard that my parents raised me the right way! Do not ever disrespect them in any manner what so ever. May I remind you this is their house. Unlike you, I know not to disrespect your host. You think you're superior to others just like every damn bastard in the world. So you leave me and my parents alone. My parents are different from your self caring sons of whores. And if you don't like the way we are you can pack your pretty bags and leave."
His jaw was starting to swell. It had taken a light purple shade. His lip was bleeding a deep scarlet. His face was stricken with shock. He reached up and touched is lip. He look at the blood as if he had never seen it.
I wasn't about to discover what his next move was or what he was going to say. I wasn't at the least bit interested. I turned around and stalked out of the room shoving past one of the maids. Who was probably there to pry on our fight.
I started to stalk towards the stairs but there was a knock on the door. I waited quietly for someone to come open it but no one did. I walked towards the heavy mahogany door and pried it open.
"Hey I heard you needed company."
John was standing in front of me. His blond hair glistened in the sun and his eyes were a deep blue. His lean body towered over me. His muscles rippled through his shirt. He was terribly handsome and very good looking.
Why didn't I ever see that before. Maybe because you shouldn't be thinking like that about your best friend's brother.
I could feel my face flush as he smiled at me and I couldn't help but smile back.
"Yeah it's pretty boring in here. Come on in." I grabbed his hand and led him inside. Mr. Obnoxious came out of the dinning room. John saw his face.
"Max! What happened to your face?" John asked him. Max tools one look at me and then John understood. "A tough one isn't she and that's why I love her." John put his arm around me and pulled me close to him. I hugged him tightly. That seemed to anger Max even more so I didn't let go of John. I didn't want to let go of him anyways.
We walked over to the a guest room and Max followed. Does he purposely annoy me?
"What do you want to do today?" John asked me.
"I've been in the mood for horse back riding. I want to get out of this house. Why didn't you go to the bachelor party anyways?" I asked.
"I hate Michael and I really don't think I can stand being in the same room as him. And horse back riding sounds great. Do you want to come?" John asked Max.
Please say no please say no.
"Yeah I've been meaning to do that but haven't had the time to."
Can't he find his own fun? I stood up and walked upstairs. I shut my door and I let out a frustrated grunt. I waved my hands fiercely at no where in particular and everything on the tables, walls, and bookshelves fell to the ground. My mirror fell to the ground and it shattered to a million pieces. The bookshelves crashed to the ground and my books scattered around. Pages from my books fell.
I held my breath hoping everything was just a delusion and it would just go back to it's normalcy. But nothing went back to it's place. Everything stayed where it was.
I walked over to one of the books and waved at them but they didn't no move as they did before. They simply stayed there. I looked over at the window to see if it was open. Maybe the wind pushed it down. That is the only reason for this to happen. My things can't just move by themselves. If they were, I think I would have figured that out by now. But the window was closed.
There was a soft knock at the door, startling me from my thought.
"Hey are you in there? Why are you taking so long? We are only going on a horse ride. We aren't going to stay." John taunted me.
"I'm almost done give me a second!" I yelled at him. I rushed and put on my riding pants. I put on some long leather black boots and a buttoned up shirt. I grabbed my sun hat and rushed out. I glanced one last time at my room before I went out.
As I closed the door and turned to run into the hallway I collided into something hard. I could feel myself falling forward along the with object in front of me. I grasped onto it realizing it wasn't an object but a person. I closed my eyes getting ready for the collision of bodies. Then we fell with a loud thump knocking the air out of me.
I could feel his warm breath against my ear making me feel emotions I never felt before. I momentarily paused to relish in the feeling. I slowly raised my head and opened my eyes. Before me was John. Our faces were just inches away from one another. My lips lingered over his and our eyes locked. There was a hint of desire in his eyes and I felt as if mine reflected the same. My body was perfectly intertwined with his. His hands were on my sides lifting me up slightly, placing my hips against his. I held my breath in anticipation. He closed his eyes and he lifted is head. I closed mine and bent forward towards him....
There was a grunt; I jumped off John and fell to the wooden floor. I looked up and so did John. Max was standing in front of us. I could see a hint of anger in his eyes but it disappeared as soon as I saw it. I scooted closer to John making sure our hands touched. I wanted to let him know this wasn't over. It wasn't like I was doing anything wrong. John sat up and wrapped his arms around my waist. He quickly recovered from being discovered.
"Are you ready? I know Esmeralda and I are." the way John said my name, sent chills down my spine. I couldn't help but smile.
"Uh yeah I'm ready." Max said.
I stood up and helped John up.
I said "race you."
I started running down the stairs. I heard a grunt behind me as John or Max shoved passed a servant on his way to one of the bedrooms. I turned around and Max was catching up to me. I picked up my pace a little. I turned around and he was right behind me. Then he was right next to me. I gave everything I had and picked up my pace faster. This time I left him and he no longer was beside me. In return my lungs began to burn. I swung the doors open to outside and ran to the barn. I saw the barn doors and opened them. I ran inside and stopped. I leaned against the wall and bent down to catch my breath. I could hear their footsteps close by and I tried to recover as quickly as possible. I stood up and smirked at them as I saw their shadows enter the barn first. Max and John stumbled in after. I started walking over to one of the stables as if I wasn't dying.
Silver was a mustang. He was white all over and didn't have one single dark spot. What stood out the most from him was his light silver hair.
I petted Silver and I snuggled my face with his. In return he cuddled his nose again my neck. I smiled and I looked over at him. He licked my cheek and I kissed his nose.
John came in with the saddle. He started putting it on. Silver sensed John and he turned around. Silver stood on his hind legs. He let out a snort and kicked his front legs towards John. John started backing up and he fell to the floor. I busted out laughing and Silver got back to the ground.
"What got into him!" John asked. He was still breathless from the attack. I couldn't stop laughing. I really didn't know what got into him but it was the most funniest thing he has done to John. Usually there were snorts and I promised threats but this was by far something else.
"Usually male horses who feel someone else is taking away their woman, they become defensive." Max said stopping me from laughing. I stared at him and then John and I busted out laughing.
"I assure you Silver has nothing to worry about." I said between gasps and tears. John was on his knees holding his stomach. Max turned bright red with embarrassment.
John stopped laughing and still smiling, he put the saddle. He strapped it down and he put on a blanket.
"I could have done that myself you know?" I said.
"I know but I wanted to be nice." John said not looking directly at me.
"Oh my god! Did I hear that right? Can you repeat that please? I didn't quiet here." I mocked John.
"I think you're deaf. I told your brother to tell your parents to take you to a doctor. But they never listen to me." John said. He had one of his special smirks. The kind that makes you melt when you see in and all you want to do is stare at it.
"Well are we going to go ride or what?" I said and rolled my eyes.
John said "give me a second to prepare mine. "
"All right"
I mounted on my horse in one swift jump. I fixed myself on Silver and I petted him on the head.
"All right boy let's go." I said kicking him slightly on the side. He snorted in response and he started walking out of the stables.
I went out the barn and Max was already out side waiting. I lifted my head a little and hoped I show as much pride as I wish I had. Max looked at me and shook his he's in disapproval.
You bastard if you catch me one day on a bad day. You will regret everything.
John came out and said "You two are awfully quiet."
"Well there isn't much to socialize about. I bet he wouldn't like to hear about petty coats and such. Unless...." I said letting silence fill in the end of my sentence.
"What are you trying to say?" Max said in an irritated voice. John was trying to hide his smile but failed at it.
"Race you to death drop!" I said to John. I kicked Silver and we were off like a bullet.
I could feel the rush of adrenaline pump through my veins. My hair flew all over my face. The trees, plants, and the plantation were all just a blur. The cool air smacked my face burning my cheeks with the impact. Every second Silver picked up speed, faster and faster he went. It seemed like I was going faster than time. Faster than the day. It felt like I was flying. I could hear the thump of the hooves against the ground. I could hear the snorts of Silver coming out loud.
I turned around and saw Max and John catching up quick. Max was ahead of John and John was falling quickly behind.
I looked forward and saw the cut in the earth. The cut has been there since I can remember. We called it Death Drop Jr. because it was small. It was a small valley about 17ft high and 5ftwide. I've always jumped the valley because I was the only one who dared to.
I kicked Silver so he could pick up speed. I knew we needed the right amount of speed or than we would fail and fall in. We were so close now I could feel the adrenaline pump up again and faster than before. Then there was a lump on the ground and it was moving towards us. From afar it looked like a branch but I knew all too well it wasn't. From that second I knew I was going to get hurt and there was no stopping it. Regardless I still tried to stop the coming accident and I pulled on the rein and hoped it wasn't late. Silver saw the snake as well and tried to stop but it was too late. We skidded across the ground and all at once we fell in the valley.
The dirt and some large rocks rumpled down with us. I could here a snap but I didn't know where it was coming from. Then there was another and another and finally it stopped.
My whole body hurt. I could feel bruises and scratches. I pried my eyes opened and saw as the dust started to settle down. I tried to lift my body up but something was holding me against the valley wall. I looked around to find the source and my leg was between a bolder. I couldn't feel my foot but I knew it was there and intact. Silver snorted under me, supporting me up.
I twisted around and silver had a deep cut on his side. It was gushing blood. It was too much blood to be possible. One of his ankles was twisted and broken. I knew it was his end but I didn't want to accept it. I couldn't accept it. Out of all the times we have done this why today?
"Oh god Silver. I'm so sorry. Please hang in there boy. I'll save you. I don't know how but I will. Don't give up." I begged to Silver.
"OH MY GOD Esmeralda! Hang in there we've got you." John yelled. As they stood over the edge more pebbles and dust fell in.
"John, Silver is hurt! Hurry we need to help him! Please hurry!" I yelled desperately at John.
"We're going to get you out first and then we will work on Silver." Max said.
"No. I'm fine but Silver needs our help now!"
"Dammit! Where is the rope. Esmeralda? John is going to go get rope and help, hang in there. I'm coming down." Max yelled.
I looked over at Silver and his breathing was slow. I laid my head on his side. His heart beat was slowing down to an unsteady pase. Please Silver hang in there. We are going to get out of here and we will wait till you get fixed. Then we will start riding again. But please Silver hang in there please. I can help you. I know I can but how.
I could feel a hidden power in every pore of my body. It was restlessly moving, fighting to get out. Instinctively I closed my eyes and concentrated. I thought of Silver getting better and how he swiftly moved freely around the plantation. I imagined his beautiful body moving like a blur and his hair flying in the wind. I thought about his beauty and grace. Then I felt a power that was hidden. It glowed brightly and it twisted within me. I willed it forward and it came as I asked. It slowly seemed out of my hands like a white smoke.
I opened my eyes and my skin was glowing a blinding white light. I touched Silver's side and I sent my power through him. His cut started healing slowly until there was only a pink line. I could feel his life coming back, strong and steady. Once he was healed I took my hand away and he slowly stood up. I then looked at the bolder and pushed it with the hand I used to heal Silver. I rolled off easily as if it were a feather. I rolled my ankle to check for injuries; before standing up. There was a pop and it fixed instantly. I looked at my arms and I didn't have a single scratch. I looked as if I never got hurt or fell inside a valley. The only evidence left behind by the accident was the dust that coated my body.
My power then left as soon as it came. It left me with an empty feeling. I felt like I was missing a part of my soul.
I looked up and Max was staring at me. By the look in his eyes I knew he saw what I did. His eyes shown wonder, relief, joy, and pride. But for what? Why would he feel that about me? Shouldn't he be showing disgust instead? Shouldn't he be running toward the hills and telling everyone what I did? Shouldn't he be claiming that I'm a witch?
I heard the horses in the distance. Fear swept all over my body. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't do anything but run but I wasn't going to. I'm going to accept what is coming for me and not let anyone see my fear.
"Hurry I think they are okay!" Max yelled. He pretended as if what he saw never happened. Relief washed over me for a second but for how long will he pretend.
John came running on the side. Relief and something else shone in his eyes. They threw the rope down and I tied it around Silver. I made sure the rope was tapped around his body firmly.
"All right boy you have to try to climb this. I know you can. Now go." I slapped him on the side and he started running up. I could hear the grunts of the men who were trying to pull Silver up. Finally after almost an hour they got him up. John peered from the edge and threw down the rope.
"Now it's your turn. Do you need some one to help you?" he asked sympathetically. I shook my head and got the rope. I started climbing upwards. Max and John where pulling me up. I slipped on some dirt and fell into Max's arms.
"I won't tell anyone." he whispered in my ear. It was so low that I could have imagined it. But if it wasn't for his warm breath tickling my ear I wouldn't have believed it. He helped me up and John came toward me.
"Thank god your okay! If I had lost you I would have been very devastated! Please don't scare me like that again!Do you know what your brothers and parents would have done to me if something really bad did happen to you?" John asked me. He yanked me towards him and hugged me tightly. I tried to pull away but he wouldn't let go. So I stayed until he let me go.
"John I'm fine okay? Nothing horrible happened to me. But I'm glad your worried. It means you have other feelings other than annoyance meanness and arrogance." I said flicking of each of his characteristics with my fingers.
"And you're a little dare devil, ignorant, brat." John said back. He started to relax seeing that the danger passed.
"You take that back."
"Well you take back what you said. What Happened to Silver? Why does he have blood all over himself." John asked worried. He started walking towards silver. I turned around.
"Oh it's the snake'sblood. Don't worry about it. I already checked him up and down," I said. John looked at me for a moment, skeptically. I hopped I didn't look as nervous as I felt.
"Fine but let's go now. You can go get cleaned up and we can find something else to do. And I think you will be needing a break from riding." John said.
I nodded and we started walking. I was walking alongside of Silver and John was walking with his horse.
Max rode besides me and said "Here let me take you home you seem like you're very tired. John can take your horse to the barn." I looked at John. He looked disappointed for a moment but he still nodded. I gave Max my hand and he pulled me up.
We galloped towards home in silence.
"Meet me at the willow tree at sun down." Max said before he left to leave his horse.
Why would he need me? And why didn't he tell anybody what I did?
I walked inside and went to my room. I shut the door behind me still hoping all that happened today was a dream but my stuff was still on the floor and I was still covered in blood.