It was a miracle, that I had managed to keep it together for the entire ride to Arcadia. Fidgeting in my seat, I was relieved when Carter turned to a cobbled road, and Pathfinder Farm came into view. The three large stables and two large paddocks were the first things that caught my eye.
As we approached, the silky silver-white coat of a horse prancing in one of the paddocks completely captivated my attention.
The horse was breathtakingly stunning, with its shimmering coat, and long mane, very regal looking.
Needless to say that Enid was also enamoured with the horse immediately, as she gasped and pointed babbling, saying that she would love to ride that one at first, but she quickly changed her mind and said she wanted to take it home.
" And keep it where?" Mason asked in mirth, as he climbed out of the car, and I watched Enid run towards the paddock and climb the fence trying to gain the horse's attention.
" She is lost," Thaddeus chuckled, as he looked around and waited for Will to pull next to us with the horse box.
" Good morning. I'm glad you all could make it. It is such a lovely day," A woman in her late forties approached us wearing a checkered shirt, jeans and wellies.
" Good morning, Aurora. Thank you for having us. I know you're busy. We will try to stay out of your feet," Mason said as he reached out to shake her hand, smiling.
" No trouble at all. Please make yourselves at home. If you need anything, I'll be around and so is Nathan. At the moment he is with the vet for the annual checkup, but he is almost done. We have set up some finger sandwiches and refreshments on the front porch. Don't be shy," Aurora's cordiality and her easygoing personality made me feel welcomed.
" Thank you, Aurora. We appreciate it, " Thaddeus chimed in, as he stepped forward, and wrapped his arm around Will's shoulders, smiling.
" Can I ride that horse? Can I? Can I ?" Enid appeared out of nowhere pointing at the horse trotting in the paddock, excited like a five-year-old.
" Nooo," Aurora drawled," Zola isn't broken yet. Will find you another one," Aurora candidly said, patting Enid on her shoulder, with a warm smile.
Pouting, Enid nodded and glanced at the horse over her shoulder before shrugging.
" If you need me I'll be over there," Enid said as she hurriedly made her way towards the closest stable.
Will sighed, " Now that everyone has calmed down. I would like to see the horse we spoke about," She said as she closed the distance between her and Aurora.
I turned on my heels, curious about Zola and slowly drifted from the group, making my way towards the paddock.
As I climbed on the fence, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a packet of mints. I hadn't had breakfast, and I was hungry. And watched the horse, run around in circles at a steady pace, ignoring mine and everyone else's presence.
After a good while, I popped another mint in my mouth, fiddling with the packet, and for some strange reason, Zola's interest was piqued.
Braying, she dropped her pace to a slow canter as she turned the bend, right before she reached me.
" You're gorgeous, " I whispered when she nuzzled my hand, snorting.
" Do you like mints?" I asked since she wouldn't stop nibbling at my closed fist, heavily breathing.
Opening my hand, I pulled a mint out of the packet and placed it under her nose. It didn't take long for Zola to snatch it away from hand, and snicker.
The feel of her wet nose, made me giggle and forget for a few moments about all of my troubles. I had never ridden a horse before, but at that moment, I desperately wanted to. To run free, to feel the wind against my skin and forget about everything, forget about him.
Since I had nothing to lose, I gripped the horse's mane, and slipped on its back, as slowly as I could.
I took a deep breath when Zola loudly neighed, and began trotting the ground beneath her feet. When she jumped on her hind leg I gripped her mane with both my hands.
" Lily," I heard Mason as Zola lowered herself on her front legs, and began running towards the fence as fast as the wind.
" Holy Ghost, " I screamed when Zola leapt over the fence and galloped on the open field.
Terrified and excited, I hugged the horse's neck as she sped through the field. I wanted her to never stop. I needed it, more than I thought I did. Everything faded into nothingness, and I became one with Zola. We both craved freedom.
At the low rumble rolling in the sky, I opened my eyes and saw a flash of light cresting the sky. Carter was right. Niat Valley had its meteorological system.
When another rumble followed, I felt Zola gallop faster, and shortly after the sky lit up, a bolt of light hit the tree that we were approaching, making Zola stop abruptly and rise on her hind legs.
I hit the floor with a loud thud and watched Zola disappear over the hill. Groaning in pain, I watched the first drop of rainfall out of the sky and hit my forehead.
" Great. Just what I needed," I said as I pushed myself up to stand. I had no idea how I had managed to get away unscathed after being thrown off the horse, but I was grateful.
" Lily," I turned around at the distant voice and saw Mason appear from behind the hill.
" Even better," I looked up at the sky raising my hands in frustration. Why? Out of all the people living on a farm, he was the one looking for me.
I made my way towards the nearest tree, plopped myself at its root, and watched as it poured down, biblically.
I let out a heavy breath when Mason tugged on the reins and halted under the tree.
" Thank god, " He panted as he jumped off the horse, looking around.
"Where is Zola?" He asked as he tied the horse to the tree.
" I don't know. She threw me off when the lightning hit the tree," I grumbled, hugging my knees to my chest.
" Are you hurt?" He shrugged his ridding jacket off and hung it on the branch.
" No, " I grumbled as I kept my eyes on the heavy curtain of rain, and felt every raindrop hit my body as it trickled through the branches.
" We are going to wait here until it stops," He said as he plopped himself next to me.
" Fantastic," I sarcastically replied and shrunk myself even further, uneasy at the minute distance between us.
" You shouldn't have gotten on the horse," He casually noted, heaving a heavy sigh.
" You don't say," I mockingly replied, and that was met with a throaty groan on his part.