Emily | Tim

Emily struggled her way up the steps, one leg after the other, hardly able to balance without the railing. She pulled through, though, with the slightest bit of discomfort. She didn't say anything, but was actually quite proud of her progress with walking. A few months back it would have hardly been possible for her to stand, let alone conquer driving or stairs.

She unlocked her car, a small silver vehicle that was always parked in the same spot in the driveway. Always. She then slid into the driver's seat, turning it on. Everything about her car was pristine, she was the kind of person who spent hours cleaning and organizing or it bothered her. One of the affects of her OCD, obviously.

She waited patiently for Tim to put his seatbelt on before pulling out, not willing to risk anyone's safety. Somehow she was actually still quite good as a driver, despite being impossibly terrified without the actual feeling of having her foot on the pedal.

"So, I'm taking full custody of Camden, he comes up here in two weeks. I won a court battle while you were gone, things went really south with Riley and Emma. It just seemed like the right thing to do..."

Somehow she was looking for support from him, especially being the first time she'd told someone. It felt good to get it off her chest, since it was a huge responsibilty. After taking a deep breath, she revealed the other big piece of news. "Also, you should know that the reason me and Wyatt broke things off was because he proposed. I told him I wasn't ready."

Her voice was now sadder, more hidden by professionalism, but sadder. She had tried to be emotionless in delivering the news, but it was obvious by the pain in her eyes that this was something that had broken her. She was kind of mad at Wyatt for forcing her to make that kind of decision in her current mental state, but more hurt that they couldn't even remain friends. He was still reeling and she knew he'd be back, but that seemed even scarier.

Heather Proudstorm | 20 | Eventing | Espresso Silhouette "Mystery" and Open | School Horse: WO Descendants Of Khan "Khan" | M: Jackson, Open

-Heather turned her head to look at Jackson, feeling her hand being held so gently in both of his while listening to his words then she shifted her eyes towards the ground to try to hide any pain that would show from them- "I...I still miss him, Jackson. Everything feels so different without him here and yet, I feel like apart of me has left with him. I wish I should have stayed there with him but he was acting like his normal self while hiding it so well..."

-The brunette started to feel some tears starting to run down her face, revealing how much pain she had felt since Prince's death, she took it hard, a lot harder than her father's unexpected death. Even when she started to open up more to Jacks, her voice sounded shakey with a hint of sadness that's mixed into it. As much as she would love to wish that it was all just a bad nightmare, she knew that it wasn't a nightmare, it was just the harsh reality that took her dearest companion far from her reach-

Kierstan | Chandler, Chee

Kierstan gave a big, beaming reply at her answer. "Books! I love books!" Enthusiastically, he gestured forward. "Lead the way." He then turned his attention to subtle people watching, and the occasional ramble. "I think I saw a coffee shop across the street, maybe we can go in there after and see how much their coffee tastes like burnt rubber."

Chandler chuckled, "that sounds really fun, coffee snob."

"Well, what do you drink?"

"Pretty much caffinated milk, or like coffee with ice cream in it. But honestly, anything to get me through the day."

He scoffed, teasingly saying, "the travesty. That's exactly why you don't have a preference."

Chandler giggled, a sweet melodic sound. It was obvious, just by her perfect laugh, that she had an amazing singing voice. "I do have a preference on something," she replied, giggling before she'd even delivered her joke. "I like my coffee like I like my men: rich and Columbian."

Kierstan couldn't help giving her a look of absolute disgust, before chuckling too. "You're stupid."

"And you're a coffee snob."

Gold, Rishy. Pure gold :D It sums up my family so well lol

Cheikhou Aidara | 22 | Kierstan Chandler

Chei chuckled at their banter, shaking her head mirthfully. "Burnt rubber?" she commented, eyebrows raised. "I hope you're not implying American coffee is bad. I took a barista course here, hey!" She jostled against them in a friendly way, stepping off her narrow perch on the sidewalk.

"You're both idiots. Arabica is clearly the best blend, anyone can see that...not to mention it's the most common in DRC. There's a farm near the city I'm from, divine beans! You can buy them raw there too, delicious. Pure as it gets."

She stepped into the bookshop, the soft aroma of old books and and ink pleasantly comforting. She immediately slipped into the non-fiction section, her eyes scanning the shelves with practised speed. Cheikhou was clearly an experienced book-hunter, and, just as clearly, was looking for nothing in particular. She paused at a few books, caught by the authors or titles, but ended up only picking out a couple.

"Yes..." The single word was drawn out, her eyes alight with excitement. Cradling the book in her hands, she quickly added it to her surprisingly small stack, consisting of only three books so far. So far. She had been very restrained for her standards, as she usually came away with at least nine books from what she deemed 'good hobbit holes'.

Joining the other two, she paid for her collection at the till quickly, sliding them into a fabric bag she had brought, just for something like this. "Find anything?" she asked, interested, glancing at first Chandler, then Kierstan. Chei could barely hide her fizzling happiness; partly at the bill and partly at the books she had found.

(I have eaten and am now refueled.Be ready for the rambles Lol)

Samantha Starr / Mickey / M: Laurence,Simon,Marley,Open.

Incredibly pleased with herself was the only way Sam could feel as he finally mustered up the word amazing.It was more so how he said her name that caught her attention,Finding herself grinning slightly in his direction at the sound of his snicker.It was Childish,Cute even.

"I -Erm. -.."

The air from her lungs was seemingly ripped away as his eyes locked onto hers,thoughts whiring around endlessly around her head as her body froze up.His gaze,although she hadnt seen it completely until now, seemed different to what she remembered - perhaps what she imagined.But with a slight eyebrow twitch she glanced away in a deeply confused manner,allowing her gaze to retrain on the view ahead of them.

- - -

"What's the Story with that then?"

She asked gently,having watched him fiddle with the ring for a good few moments as he sat in thought.Part of her couldnt help but wonder what was on his mind,wonder if she should act like most social people and probe him for it.But that wasnt her nature,asking slightly touchy questions was her forte however.Sam shifted her weight slightly enough to briefly nudge his shoulder with hers,laughing gently as it was enough to wake him from his daze,

"Do I bore you that muc-."

The strawberry-blonde sat up a little straighter,her amuzed yet tender expression that had been watching his face becoming a little cooler as her gaze shifted to behind them.Sam offered a simple,almost sarcastic wave to Simon - the Raven-Haired man pointing them out to his companion.What was her name?She descided she didnt really care in this moment,her eyes flitting back to Laurence and trying to hide the disappointment in her features,

"Seems it may be time to go.."

Her lips curved into a falsely made up smile,Elegantly standing up and brushing down her jacket a touch distastefully.She offered no other words,simply waiting for him to move as her defensive walls began to effectively heighten again.

Timothy Blue / CEI / DewDay / M: Emily

It was hard for him to disguise the impressed look across his face as he watched Emily make her way up the stairs,although not perfect her walking had improved so much since the last time He'd seen her.It was even harder when she started driving,his eyes a mix of awe and shock.

He did have to wait for a few moments to speak after she revealed her news,the second feeling like a hit to the stomach.Was she serious?Tim muffled a snigger,very nearly saying something before hearing her words in his head.He didnt want to be at odds with her all the time either.

"Thats great Em.I mean not - Great but..Camden will be at home here I'm sure.I wish i had a place to go like this when my parents split - He'll never have a problem of an untidy room anyways.."

He offered a meek smirk,guesturing to how overly clean the car was.Tim avoided saying anything on the second matter at all,although his physical reaction as it came from her mouth said enough.

"So - Where're We going?It best be toy shopping?.."

Ooh, this builds tension. I like it :D I'm gonna combine all my peoples so we can get rolling, 'cause now I have some jamming ideas for bonfire Laurence drama.

Everybody | Everybody

Kierstan too had bought a total of four books, the subjects completely obscure and as diverse in nature as the seasons. "Yeah, I found some really good ones. The Psychology of Serial Killers, Haunted Virginia, How to Optimize Your Teaching Performance, and Christianity for Dummies. How 'bout you, lightweight coffee drinker?"

Crossing her arms, she gave him an incredulous smile before replying, "I found a couple, but nothing worth spending money on, ya know? I could go to a library and borrow them for free. Which, by the way, I want to do in the next few days if you wanna tag along..."

Just as they were leaving the bookstore, Chandler caught eyes with Simon from across the street, and realized suddenly that it must be time to go. "Look, guys, there's the other group. I wonder where Sam and whats-his-name are?"

Following them but making little effort to 'chase' them, mainly for the sake of Chandler's large ego, the two groups made their way to the van, before spotting the remaining pair down further, sitting in a field of wildflowers together.

Chandler looked between Kierstan and Chi, saying, "so, does anyone know what the story is with them? Like, I'm half convinced they're dating. Look at them. Can we ask? We should ask."

"We should ask my a**," Kierstan said with a dignified chuckle. "If you asked my brother what was going on in his personal life he'd take a riding crop and slap you across the face with it."

"So, he is your brother?"

"Who? Laurence? Nah. Tristan is my big brother, he teaches the prissy disciplines. Hunters and Eq. You'll know him when you see him, he radiates a special kind of energy."

"Oh," Chandler said quietly, still keeping her eyes on Laurence and Sam as they noticed Simon and Marley.

...

Laurence was just about to reply to Sam's question when she drew attention to the pair behind them. Saved by the bell, he thought, feeling rather grateful. If he had opened his mouth, he would have spilled everything. Which was becoming more necessary by the second, but his worst nightmare was doing it in front of two other students. It would have been completely uncomfortable for all parties, even more so than it would already be. The reaction he thought most realistic was Sam freaking out, telling Kholo, and getting him fired. Yet, that seemed worse than witholding the truth from her. He didn't know anymore. Any of it.

Getting up with a reluctant sigh, he made eye contact with Sam once more before turning 'authority mode' on.

"Hey guys, how was your afternoon? Hey Chandler, and friends," he waved up the hill, after directing the first question at Simon and Marley. "How was church?"

Chandler simply gave two thumbs up, knowing it wasn't worth yelling down the hill. As the group once again assembled as a whole, she beamed, "oh my gosh, it was amazing. I mean, it's literally a converted walmart super center. I couldn't even believe it! I'm going back there in an hour or two to help them install the laminate. I'm so hype."

Still radiating that amazing glow, she'd forgotten all about the hurt she'd felt because of Simon. If she hadn't had his number for a very distinct and still-necessary reason, she'd have already deleted it. She was feeling confident again, feeling herself. Everything was going to be more than okay here--it was going to be amazing.

As Laurence counted everyone again, he stepped into the driver's seat and turned the van on, headed back towards home. In his phone was an unsent text message to Sam, saying; I need to talk to you when we get home. Unsent because, no matter how many outcomes he imagined would result from this, they all ended with him jobless and his reputation ruined. He needed a surefire sign that his feelings were mutual, or just for his feelings to bubble over, which would possibly happen eventually.

Emily | Eventing | Tim

Emily calmly replied, "I didn't know your parents split. I'm sorry. Was it messy like mine was?"

She kept looking at him out of the corner of her eye whilst still watching the road extremely carefully, trying to decipher his body language. Was he expectant that that was gonna happen? Relieved? Disappointed?

Finally, she turned off of the main road into a small, well-paved driveway. A new-looking house sat in the front of a circular driveway, well hidden by the woods and forests covering the long drive in.

"This," she gestured, "is why I gave notice. I can't keep Camden in a little dorm with me forever, and it was just time to move out on my own. Too many bad memories at White Oaks. But," she promised, "I'll still be there at least once a week to keep an eye on Noah and Magik. I made a formal lease agreement last week." She gave a self-assured smile, saying, "I'm taking a break from horses for a while. Not seeing them, not coming to visit my friends at the barn, but it's not realistic to be where I want to be with my riding career, so I'm going to work on my art instead. I did this once before with skating, I can do it again. It's time for a fresh start."

Putting the car in park, she said, "do you want to come in and take a look around? I designed the whole house by myself. Not completely Emily-proof yet, but my walking is getting so much better..."

Im going to do the same to help hurry it along,Im damn excited now Oh my Gosh x3 )

My Town Pair / Group

Sam had repeatedly adjusted her bag strap as she waited for him to get up,seeing the instant flick back to his mechanical ways as they neared the group.It gave her a gut-wrenching feeling,but at the same time filled her with satisfaction at the knowledge that all of what she had seen was simply a game,simply a show he'd put on.As she had guessed right at the start - oblivious to how wrong she was in seeing the worst of him.Her steps slowed as they got closer,letting him greet the group whilst she admired anything but.

"A converted Walmart.Sounds very..Religious."

The young woman offered sarcastically,raising an eyebrow in a touchy manner before making her way back onto the bus and into her seat without another word,clearly ticked off over something.She planned to speak to,or think about no-one on the journey back - expression and posture clearly showing this.

Simon had also kept marginally silent,trying his best the whole time to mentally persuade Chandler to take notice of him.The young man had an overwhelming urge to speak to her,determine if she recognised him at all.It was a long shot he recognised,but figured it was possibly worth it.Definately worth it if he managed to get a conversation from her over it.

Despite his attempts,He didnt manage to do so ,partly convinced she was now avoiding looking in his general area.Simon didnt know if it was just his interpretation that made it look that way,and as he re-took his seat that was what debate was occuring in his head.

"You like you had a good time, Heh?"

He asked Sam rather tentatively,as if knowing perfectly that he was walking on glass.She took a few moments,turning to glance momentarily to the driver seat before back to Simon was a slight smile,

"It was okay I guess."

She couldnt help but giggle just a little,knowing he had no idea what had happened over the last hour or so.But to anyone else it looked like she was laughing at his words,like she was almost fawning over him.Which wasnt too hard to believe with how most of the women in the town had reacted to Simon's presence.The pair settled into light conversation as the van started and began to move.

Jackson|18|Grace/Brave|M: Heather

Jacks brought a hand up to Heather's face, wiping one of the tears away. "It'll be ok. It'll pass... eventually. I know how bad it feels and trust me. It'll be ok." Planting a kiss on Heather's head he pulled her in for a hug, letting her have a shoulder to cry on. "You know, my favorite horse passed a few years ago. I thought I'd never be able to heal. But I moved on, and I found Grace." He looked at the dapple mare pointedly. "She needed me and I needed her."

Standing up, he pulled Heather with him, still hugging her. "It seems we have an event tonight, though much more informal than yesterday. Bonfires are always fun." Leading her back to the horses he untied Grace and mounted up, nodding as Heather did the same. "I think a movie till the bonfire sounds like a good idea, yeah?"

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(Aspy, I'm gonna let you do what you want with that ending, but this is all for Jacks until the bonfire)