Free Best Enemies (Canterwood Crest) by Jessica Burkhart

called.
    Within strides, Eric pulled Luna to a smooth stop.
    “He’s got this,” Nicole whispered to me. I nodded, never taking my eyes off Eric.
    Mr. Conner put Eric through several more exercises before he raised his hand. “Walk, please,” Mr. Conner called.
    Eric slowed Luna and patted her shoulder. When Mr. Conner looked at his clipboard, I waved at Eric and gave him a thumbs up. He’d aced the flatwork part of the test.
    “I’d like you to take Luna over those four jumps,” Mr. Conner said, pointing to the opposite end of the arena. “You may start whenever you’re ready.”
    I took a deep breath, but knew I didn’t have to worry about Eric’s jumping unless something crazy happened. He was the best jumper at school.
    Eric walked Luna for a few more seconds before asking her to trot. He circled her twice and then urged her into a canter. Luna’s red leg wraps flashed as she cantered, shaking her head playfully. Eric settled her and then set her up in front of the first red and white vertical.
    I counted strides in my head and whispered, “Now!” at the same second Eric lifted in the saddle. Luna rose over the jump and landed cleanly on the other side. She cantered for eight strides before reaching the oxer. She gathered herself and jumped over the spread, her back hooves inches away from the rails.
    “Two more,” I whispered.
    “He’s got it,” Ben said behind me.
    Luna’s speed increased a notch and Eric guided her to the combination. Eric only had two strides from the first jump of the combo to gather Luna and get her over the next jump. Combos were tricky.
    Luna reached the first jump of the combination, with white rails that were about three and a half feet high, and leaped into the air. Eric was ready the second they were on the ground. He rose in the saddle at the right moment and Luna jumped the second half of the combination. I held my breath as she seemed to suspend in the air and I almost squeezed my eyes shut. But she landed on the other side,not even coming close to knocking the rail. The tense look on Eric’s face vanished. He rubbed Luna’s neck.
    That had been a great ride! Eric couldn’t have done any better.
    Rachel and her friends clapped silently with their fingertips.
    Mr. Conner wrote something on his clipboard. “Please dismount,” he told Eric. Eric did and took off his helmet.
    Mike came into the arena and took Luna from Eric. Mr. Conner motioned to Jasmine, who had appeared in the entrance. She walked over to stand beside Eric.
    “Thank you for those excellent rides,” Mr. Conner said. “You both impressed me with how much you’ve practiced since I scheduled your testing. I have no doubt that you’re dedicated riders and I’m lucky to have you both in my stable.”
    I was so proud of Eric. He deserved to hear that— he’d been working nonstop since the testing had been scheduled.
    “I don’t need time to think about my decision,” Mr. Conner continued. “You both have great potential and would make excellent additions to the advanced team. I’d like to welcome you with my congratulations.”
    I clapped my hand over my mouth to stop from shouting. Mr. Conner turned, looking up at the skybox. “You can cheer now,” he said, shaking his head.
    Eric laughed and smiled up at us.
    Ben, Nicole, and I started clapping and cheering.
    “Congratulations,” Eric said, turning to Jasmine.
    She stared at him, then seemed to remember that Mr. Conner was standing feet away. “You too,” she said sweetly.
    “Jasmine,” Mr. Conner said. “I’m pleased that I was able to advance you this time. Keep up the work you’re doing on becoming a softer rider.”
    Jasmine nodded and tucked a lock of wavy hair behind her ear. “I will, Mr. Conner.”
    “Good,” Mr. Conner said. “I’ll see both of you at seven tomorrow morning for practice. If you’re interested in celebrating, there will be a cake at the Sweet Shoppe at two.” He turned to the skybox and tilted his