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
CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREE *A letter to my late Grandmother*"Hailey..." Her grandmother, Claire Jordan sat on the balcony in her house when they came for a visit. Janice was obediently seated at her feet as she listened to her Grandmother's stories. The sun had completely receded and the spectrum of light was spread so the violet wavelengths filtered through all of the moisture and turned the sky to purple.Janice was barely six. Her grandfather, Walter Jordan had died when she was barely six months at age 105. He lived fucking long. While her Grandmother did not leave long to make it for her seventh birthday. Traditionally, her parents visit her house twice a year. The beautiful countryside of Edinburgh. Her Grandmother was an avid storyteller and she feds her with a lot of intriguing bedtime stories. Most times, she ends up awake almost all through the night instead of falling asleep. so it was one of those occasions that she had called this familiar name, Hailey. But this time
CHAPTER EIGHTY-FOUR *They have been too cryptic lately*"I will name her ... Hailey!" she announced with her chin lifted in confidence. She is not confused anymore. She knows what she needs to do now. HAILEY is the suitable name for this Filly. All thanks to Grandma! The crowd broke into a frenzy of excitement as they cheered. Her parents ran to her and hauled her into their arms, raining kisses on her hair. "You finally named her! I'm so proud of you!" Her mother said breezily, Kissing her cheeks sweetly. "Congratulations kiddo! You're now officially a horse owner! A full-fledged Jordan. However...." She quirked an eyebrow at him Inquisitively. What now? She had named the Filly as he wished, now what? She puffed out an exasperated deep breath, her hands on her waist. "Now what Dad? What more do you want?" she asked warily. He chuckled. " Don't get the wrong idea. You're Jordan through and through love. However, you will have to complete the ritual." Dilated hazel eyes bored