Chapter Seven

My mother’s bellowing from the bottom of the stairs for me to wake up came all too soon.  As much as I would have liked to lay in bed for a while longer and fantasize that Kenton was in bed snuggling me, I had responsibilities to tend to.  The horses would be expecting their morning feed and fresh water. I could be a few minutes late, but not a few hours.

I dragged myself out of bed and splashed cold water on my face to help rouse my body. The minty toothpaste that I used to brush the night scum from my teeth did wonders to help me feel fresh and functional.  I quickly ran a brush through my wavy locks and pulled them into a smooth pony tail.   Although, I doubted that it would stay smooth for long, at least it would start out that way.

“Did I hear you up in the middle of the night?” mom asked as I entered the kitchen.

“I couldn’t sleep, so I had a snack,” I said, quietly.

“Outside?”