CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE *She has the generational Jordan's blood coursing through her veins for fuck's sake! *In a swift and efficient grip, he held her waist and mounted her unto the saddle of the horse. The horse snorted softly, wagging her tail. Her breath hitched in her throat as she held unto the reins with all her might. Drake noticing her discomfort whispered to her, "Are you okay?" She swallowed thickly and nodded, her hands still clutching the reins. What is this sudden fear gripping her? Is her Childhood trauma coming back to hunt her again? No! Today was supposed to be a challenge and not fear. She already vowed that she would own up to the task and ride a horse by herself today. Nothing is going to stop her now! Not even her past! Besides, Drake is right here by herself. No harm will come to her. A warm hand clasped hers and she jolted in alarm, almost tripping off the horse. Instantly, Drake's strong hands on her waist steadied her on the horse. She looked do
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX *Blame it on sex deprivation! *They kicked the horses into a slow gait as they cantered down the hilly path overlooking the small waterfall. The beautiful brightly-colored prunus Kanzan trees swayed in the late afternoon, glowing with splendor. The late afternoon breeze wafted over them. Her Dad, Mr. Jordan was ahead of them. She turned to steal a glance at Drake. He was so relaxed on a horse as they rode at a sauntering pace. He was an expert as he held on to the horse's reins with just one powerful hand. Very attractive and charming as he let his free hand run through his messy sandy hair. Sturdy biceps curved beneath the cotton shirt. As he raised his hand, letting it comb through his hair, his sweaty armpit soaking his shirt around that area, escaped into her view before it disappeared from her line of sight as he dropped his hand again. It was not only the armpit areas. The skin on the back of his neck glistened in sweat too. Damn! The sweat ma
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN *Why are these men trying so hard to prevent her from having a good time?*What the hell is she suggesting? Don't tell me she wants to venture for a steady lope with the mare? Which, as a matter of possibility will expose him to the risk of losing his job as Mr Jordan rightly stated earlier. And losing his job is not an option right now. A whole lot that mattered to him is banking on this. His family. His late father. Even his mother. Ah, of course, he suspected this after all. It's been ages, so it is expected that she would want to plunge into doing daredevil fits with the horse for the sake of making up for the long lost time. Hopefully, this will enable the opportunity for her childhood trauma to fizzle out gradually. He sucked in the late afternoon humid air into his nostrils and released them. "But it can be dangerous riding that fast with your mare. Besides, you still need some time to get used to it. This is for the best for now." He heard her
CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT *Her eighteenth birthday party*Hailey's flying lead change was seamless and she instantly flipped to the opposite lead, snorting in delight. They moved smoothly and speedily. The wind beat so mercilessly against her face and hair that her bun came undone and as a result, thick strands of rich blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders and teased her face as the wind blew against it, blurring her vision. Shit! Hailey is taking a full bolt and the path they descended unto was rather rocky and uneven, causing her to jerk violently on the horse. She clutched the reins with her all the strength she could muster, fearing for her life and in that instance, her childhood trauma came creeping up on her again. Her heart thumped so loudly against her ribcage that she had to part her mouth to accommodate faster pants. She did not have the strength and stamina to check if she was being followed or trailed by Drake or her father. Her mare took off at an alarming speed.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE *The mystery birthday present*"Jordan! It was supposed to be a secret you loose mouth!" she hissed, poking him playfully at his side. She cleared her throat loudly, smiling awkwardly at Janice. "Don't mind your father. Now get some rest. Your big day is here. Love you bye!" She blew her kisses and nudged Jordan out of Janice's bedroom and closed the door behind him. Janice sighed deeply, wondering what her parents got her this time. She eased herself into the bed, resting her body lazily on it and kept pondering on what they could possibly have bought for her this time. There's nothing they cannot get her. So long as the money is available, they are more than willing to splurge on her. What is the ideal present for an eighteen years old girl though? Designer clothes, shoes and bags? Certainly not because she already got tons of them. A car? Nope. Mum had insisted it was still early for her. So what could it be? Exasperated she sighed deeply. I
CHAPTER EIGHTY *The Classical Uncle Francis*As if they already knew she was coming, because when she approached the garden, thunderous applause filled the air then followed by the blasting of party horns. "Happy birthday, Janice!!!!" they all chorused at the top of their voices. Her mother and father were already there with balloons and party horns in their hands. They pulled her into their arms for a bear hug, kissing her hair and face rather violently. They were filled with joy and their faces said pretty much. When she pulled back from the rather tight embrace that was almost choking her, she couldn't help but feel the heaviness in her throat as she beheld the unshed tears welling up in their eyes as they looked lovingly at her. Her heart sank. They deserve so much and yet she was rather unappreciative of the sacrifices they made for her sake. She turned to allow her eyes to dart over the place. The decorations were in order and were done with sheer concentration and ca
CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE *The Big Reveal! *She walked toward the artfully carved sculptor of herself slowly. The crowd suddenly grew quiet as they watched her draw closer to the statute. Gingerly, she traced her finger across the nape of the statute. It was oddly her other self eerily staring back at her. The statue was herself dressed like a Princess in classical times. She looked like a Greek princess. She marvelled at the sight of the statue with dewy eyes. She whipped around with a glum look on her face. "I don't love this." she declared. The audience gasped in shock. Her parents were not spared. In fact, they looked like they have seen a ghost. She swallowed. "Instead, I freaking love it!!!!" she gushed, giggling loudly. The crowd was stunned at first but gasped in delight at her sudden change of mood. They all cheered. Her parents puffed out a deep breath, the tension visibly leaving their stiffened shoulders. They were relieved as they lurched towards her with outst
CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO *Naming your horse gives it its uniqueness*"Oh my God Dad!" Janice cried exuberantly. "this is unbelievable! I wasn't expecting this at all." She clamped a hand over her mouth as admired the beautiful Filly. (a young female horse)The Cleveland Bay Horse stood elegantly as it neighed softly and flipped her honey-coloured curls. Her father bought her a horse! She could hardly believe her eyes.For the first time, he got her the very gift she could cherish no flamboyant flashy and expensive stuff. This horse is going to be her ride or die. At last, she could practice horse riding with this and hopefully catch up to her father. As if she can. She gingerly closed the gap between her and the filly. Tentatively, she stretched a shaky hand over the Filly and stroked its curls gently. Her lips broke into a wide grin as she scrutinized the young horse with curiosity and wonderment. Her parents were very pleased to see her reaction to the big reveal. They were e