Post by Midnightstar on Aug 23, 2008 19:50:29 GMT -5
HEART SPELL
Chapter 1
Morgan leaned forward, clutching to the stallions long black mane. Her golden-brown hair streamed out behind her and the wind whipped her face. The suns golden rays beamed down onto the girl and her horse making them shine with sunlight as they rode across the prairie. Frogs croaked and birds whistled a peaceful melody, perched in the branches of the lush trees bordering the right side of the field. Tall grasses rocked in the breeze, many stocks crushed as the stallion beat his hooves against their tender stems. Morgan inhaled a deep breath, the fresh scent of damp dirt and flowers rushing through her lungs. Her family’s ranch framed the distance, silhouetted against the grassy horizon. Clear, glimmering glass windows were implanted into each front-side of the house, and a deep brown shingle roof arched the top of the second story house. Morgan slowly slid off her horse and once feeling her feet touch the ground, she loosened her grip on the horses’ rough black mane. Releasing one hand from her hold, she unlatched the wooden gate, leading the stallion out of the pasture and onto a dirt area just in front of the ranch. A large red barn stood farther down at the right of the ranch house, with a 9 ft tall corral with thick, wooden bars. Closing the pastures latch, she continued to guide the black horse toward the barn. Horses neighed excitedly as the big black horse entered the barn, nickering loudly and fluttering his lips. He snorted as Morgan released him into his stall, stomping the straw bedded down onto the wooden floor. A bale of dry hay sat in one corner of the stall, a water trough at the other end. The stallion drank greedily from the metal container, drinking in great gulps. She smiled and slowly turned away, striding down the barn corridor. Jumping the two porch steps, she slid off her western riding boots as she pulled open the screen door and piled them untidily inside the doorway. She stopped and narrowed her eyes, hearing her dads voice, sounding as though he was talking on the phone. It wasn’t often he was on the phone at this time unless it was really important for he had to deliver hay, herd the cows to the bigger pasture, and exercises the horses. Most people who knew him knew what times to call. She bit her lip, walking into the living room. She was right-he was on the phone. She tried to listen to what he was saying but he just turned around and walked into the kitchen. She sighed and slumped onto the couch, rubbing her wrists. Nervousness pulsed through her as she sat frowning. More bills? Debt? She could just guess. Her family was running low on money at the time, and they always seemed to getting more debts. She tapped her finger nails against the side table next to the couch, the motion making a high, short tone. She rolled her eyes and stood up, walking over to the stairs and jogging up to the second floor. She swerved into her room, gazing out her window. Horses roamed the pastures, slowly galloping along the fields. The sun glowed brighter in the afternoon sky, brightening everything below its rays. It wasn’t the best time for it to be brightening the day; dreary gray clouds would suit the moment better. As she sat on her soft cushioned bed, she fumbled with her fingers, turning away from the window. Morgan waited for minutes in silence, standing one she didn’t hear any more voices. She quickly rose to her feet and ran down the stairs, sliding her hand down the wooden rail. Just as she reached the floor, she heard her dad shut the door.
“Great,” she said, rolling her eyes. Now she had to wait all the way until dinner to hear what had happened. She shrugged it off and pulled on her boots, deciding to check the chicken coop for eggs. Swinging open the door she walked outside, the glimmering sun making her auburn hair glow in the light. Flicking her long bangs out of her face she jogged into the coop, inspecting the nests. Two eggs. She grabbed the white oval objects, pushing the chickens to the side carefully. They squawked in protest, flapping their red wings in her face. Squinting, Morgan ignored them until she’d grabbed the eggs. Backing up, she turned around and walked out of the coop, making sure the latch was shut. Pulling her fingers through her long hair, she returned to the house and put the eggs into a used egg carton with another seven eggs. Closing the fridge, she stood still a moment, not sure what else too do. She’d already gone riding and cleaned out the stalls today, so there wasn’t any chores for her to do. Across the road from her ranch was a spaced spruce and oak forest with pinion pine, and deep into its branches was a wild horse herd Morgan often visited. She shook her head, deciding not to go. She meandered over to the couch and lay down, resting her hands underneath her head. Closing her eyes, sleep took hold of her.
“Morgan wake up,” a voice said, shaking her.
“Wha?” She asked, blinking open her eyes sleepily. Rubbing her hands against her eyes she stared forward. Her mother was standing above her, gazing down.
“Dinner’s ready,” her mother explained, her voice firm.
“Oh, alright,” Morgan answered, stretching and yawning. She jolted upward, remembering that she could ask her dad what had happened on the phone. With such a quick movement she stumbled, pulling herself upright. She strolled into the kitchen, energy slowly pulsing through her limbs. By the time she pulled out her chair and sat down, she was mostly awake. Her father was already sitting down and lifting his fork to his mouth. She couldn’t wait a moment longer.
“What happened on the phone?” Morgan asked, sitting tall.
“I’ll tell you after dinner.”
“I want to know now,” she answered stubbornly, crossing her arms determinedly. Her father sighed and laid his fork on his glass plate. Morgan turned her gaze toward her mother as she gave a encouraging look toward her father. He just returned a stare and after a moment turned away.
“Have you ever heard of the Jonas Brothers?” He asked. Morgan gave him a puzzled look. What would they have to do with this?
“Yeah, but what would those gas breathing city people have to do with this?” Morgan narrowed her eyes. She was never fond of those famous bands. They had no idea what work was. They always got the sweet life compared to ranch folk like herself.
“Well one of those gas breathers are spending the summer at this ranch,” he said, emphasizing gas breathers. Morgan stood in astonishment, her arms still crossed. Her eyes were wide with shock, and she just sat for moments, not breathing a word.
“Why the heck are you letting one of those freaks coming here?” She shouted, standing up, tipping over her chair making it crash to the floor.
“Morgan, you know we need the money. His brothers offered us fifteen-hundred dollars because he needed to get away from the city,” her mother explained gently. “Its only for two months.”
“Only two months? Are you nuts?”
“Oh, by the way, you’re going to be looking after him.”
“What!” She shouted, clenching her fists. “Ha! Yeah, I don’t think so!”
“We do. You’ll be eating worms for breakfast if you don’t listen young lady.” She groaned and stormed off to her room, thumping her feet hard as she ran up the door and slammed her door. Did she not get a say in this? This was the worst day ever! She flopped onto her bed, gritting her teeth and staring up to the ceiling angrily. Could this get any worse?