Free High Hurdles Collection Two by Lauraine Snelling Page A

times in her life DJ was grateful to see an empty driveway. The house would be quiet. But when she looked in the mirror, she was glad her mother wasn’t there for another reason. One look at her daughter’s white face and black-circled eyes and there would be no time at the Academy.
    Maybe I ought to start wearing makeup , DJ thought as she changed into her work jeans and sweat shirt. That would at least hide the circles . She glanced toward the bed. If only she dared crawl into it for even fifteen minutes.
    Instead, she slipped on her shoes and stopped at the refrigerator for an apple and a juice box, something new at their house. The boys liked juice boxes. DJ and Gran had been too ecologically conscious to want such things in the house.
    At least they could recycle the soda cans.
    She rolled her bike out of the garage and glanced up at the sky. Could rain, but then, maybe not. Ordering her legs and mind to get together, she pedaled down the street to Amy’s and waved from the street.
    Amy stuck her head out the door. “Gotta get my bike.”
    DJ leaned her forehead on her hands at the center of the handlebars. She’d never tried sleeping on a bike before. But now even that might help. You’d think you’d be getting stronger, not weaker , the inner voice taunted her.
    â€œHey, DJ, wake up. Time to go to work.” Amy pedaled down the slanted drive and turned to head for the hill without stopping.
    DJ pedaled after her. At the stop sign, just like yesterday, she had to pause for her breath to catch up with her. She’d left it somewhere around Amy’s house.
    Mrs. Johnson already had Patches out on the walker and was visiting with Bunny, otherwise known as Mrs. Lamond Ellsindorf, so DJ went on to Major’s stall. During the short walk to the outside roof-only stalls, she played with the recurring questions about Bunny. Something about the woman bothered not only DJ but the other student workers, as well. No one could figure the newcomer out. Fit in she didn’t.
    DJ opened the web gate and entered Major’s stall. “Clean already, boy. We got a good grandpa, huh?”
    Major nodded and nosed her pockets for the treats. Ranger nickered, poking his nose over the highest bar, begging, too. She gave them each a carrot chunk, then using both brush-filled hands, gave Major a lightning-fast but thorough grooming. After brushing shavings out of his tail, she declared him ready for a ride. She and Major would have their own lesson— in jumping for a change—after her session with Mrs. Johnson.
    â€œFeels like years since we jumped, doesn’t it, fella?”
    Major lipped another carrot off her palm and munched in her ear. She bent over and ran her hands down his front legs, feeling for the hot spot that had been there for so long now. Nothing.
    â€œI’ll tack him up now if you are ready for us.” Mrs. Johnson and Patches stopped in the aisle.
    â€œSure enough.” DJ straightened and gave the woman a quick smile. “Remember, it may still take some time to loosen him up.”
    â€œI’m not so concerned about loosening him up as calming him down. He’s such a show-off.” She dug in her pocket for a piece of horse cookie, Patches’ favorite treat. As he munched, she stroked his nose, talking nonsense with him.
    DJ smiled again. Women sure were suckers for their horses, herself included. In a couple of minutes, she headed for the arena, meeting Mrs. Johnson leading Patches. “If you want to mount up, I’ll handle the gate.”
    â€œThank you, dear. I wasn’t going to attempt that yet.”
    â€œHe’s getting there. He just doesn’t like to be rushed into new things. Takes his time getting used to them.” DJ swung the gate open, and Patches backed away. “Keep a firm hand on those reins and use your legs. Once he knows for sure you plan on being the boss, he’ll knock it off.” DJ felt like