Page 43 of Tainted Empire (Sins of Our Father)

Most of the animals are pissed because of the cold and some of our heaters went out in the barn, so we’ve had to make do until they are done being repaired. Earl and I figured out how to care for the new cows and he says they should be ready to mate by the end of the season, starting the new year off hopefully with a new product that can make us a larger profit.

It’s something to be excited about, but all week I’ve been depressed. Others have caught on, but I just blame it on being tired, which in turn has made them think that I shouldn't be working out in the fields as much. The garden is closed for the fall, only pumpkins and squash surviving until winter comes. Really all I am allowed to do is spend time with the horses, which I love. Bell and I have become close, but she’s too old to do anything other than walk and let me brush her.

I’m in the stables now, feeding our new horse, Stanley, some carrots when Rob walks in.

“Previous owners said he’s one of the best horses to ride. Super gentle with kids and inexperienced folk. Wanna give him a try?” he says, the fifth time this month he and Earl have tried to get me on a horse.

“Thanks, Rob, but I’m good,” I chuckle, petting Stanley on his long, brown face as he huffs a sound of enjoyment at me.

“I think he wants you to give it a try. He loves being with people. Just come with me on our walk and I’ll stay by you. It’s gonna get too cold here soon and the horses need socialization, especially the new ones,” he says, smiling at me as I sigh and throw my hands up.

“What the hell? Just don’t let go of him when I get on his back and don’t leave our sides,” I scold, staring him down as he smiles wide and nods.

“Let’s go, girly. Marley will have a field day when she hears about this,” he says as he lets Stanley out of his stall and walks him out of the stables.

“Speaking of which, how are you and her? She looked really pretty at the party the other day and you were blushing like a little boy,” I tease, and he smirks, blushing again like he did that night.

“We’re good, she’s just busy and I…well I don’t really know how to ask a girl on a date. I mean, I do, just not the ones that I really like. I don’t want to fuck it up. She’s a great woman,” he says, petting Stanley as we come to a stop.

“Maybe I can put in a good word for you?” I ask and he turns to me, the biggest smile plastered on his youthful face.

“Yeah, I’d like that a lot,” he says, adjusting the saddle onto Stanley’s back.

“All right, up you go, lady. It’s time you learn how to ride a damn horse.” He laughs and I tense as he helps me up onto Stanley, who is standing calm the entire time.

I get on top and situate myself, looking at the ground below me as Stanley grunts and my stomach drops.

“Rob, I don’t know about this-” I start, but he starts walking and ushers Stanley along with him as he holds onto his harness.

“Easy, boy, that’s right. You’re doing great!” he says as he and Stanley walk me around the field, my nerves disappearing the more we walk.

“I can’t believe I’m actually doing this,” I gasp, petting Stanley’s head as he gives me a grunt of approval.

“I say you look mighty fine on that horse, Miss Ali. Like a professional,” Rob says with a smile, and I laugh as we near one of the fenceline.

“I doubt that, but he is a good boy. Not going too fast and all that.” I say, riding smoothly as Stanley walks and demands more pets.

“Well, that’s about to change. Stanley, forward!” Rob shouts, startling me as he lets go of Stanley’s harness and the horse picks up speed and rides around the fenceline.

“God damnit, Rob! I’m gonna kill you!” I shout as I grip onto Stanley and hold on for dear life.

“Just take it easy and go with him, Ali. You have to be calm and just enjoy it!” Rob hollers as I steady my breath and hang tight to the galloping horse.

“Okay, I can do this. We can do this, Stanley. Just take it nice and slow,” I coax him, trying not to panic and startle him.

“Slow, boy!” I command and he listens immediately, slowing his pace and trotting around the field as I laugh in amazement.

“I can’t believe it! I’m riding a horse!” I shout and Rob laughs, cheering me on as Earl walks into view and joins him.

“Knew you could do it, Ali! When you’re ready, just tell him to halt,” Earl shouts, but I do the opposite and encourage Stanley to pick up the pace.

He gallops around, letting out loud sighs and happy sounds as I laugh and squeal like a little girl, wind blowing my hair back and kissing my face.

After a few more circles, I finally tell the horse to halt, and he slows to stop. Rob helps me down and Earl pulls me in for a long hug as I laugh up at the sky, feeling free for the first time in a while.

“Your daddy would be clapping right by us if he were here,” he whispers, and I nod as we pull away, knowing for certain that my dad would be over the moon if he saw this moment.

I help Rob walk Stanley back to the stables, feeling a burn at my back as I turn around and lock eyes with Hunter. He stands by the fence, puffing on a cigarette with jealousy-filled eyes before he stomps it out with his boot and turns to walk away.

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