Chosen Read Free Page B

been living in Union, Connecticut long, but since I’d been here, Briar Creek had become my oasis. It had given me what I’d needed—an escape and time offfrom competition. It had also taught me how to really love horses again.
    Kim had played a huge role in the way I felt about Briar Creek. She was one of the best instructors I’d ever had. The most exciting part about Kim was that she’d taught the stable’s star, Sasha Silver, all she’d needed to know to leave Briar Creek and get into Canterwood Crest Academy.
    Kim, familiar with the process because of Sasha, had helped me with my application. I’d sent transcripts from Yates, a DVD I’d made of myself riding, and two letters of recommendation—one from Kim and the other from my French II teacher.
    I asked Kim to tell me everything she knew about the equestrian team at Canterwood. Kim told me everything, especially about how tough the instructor, Mr. Conner, was on his students.
    The biggest shock had been when Kim told me that I’d been here when Sasha had come to visit one day. Sasha Silver had been on the grounds and I hadn’t even known it. I wondered if she’d seen me.
    That’s why I’d been checking the mailbox every day since January fourth. Every day since I’d applied to Canterwood Crest.
    Briar Creek was so different from Canterwood. Kimwas the only instructor here and there were riders of every level and age. A few adult riders schooled young horses in the metal, orange round pens that Kim had spaced out on the grassy sides of the drive.
    A college-age girl smiled down at me from her black-and-white Appaloosa as she headed out for the trails. That’s where I wished I was going—anywhere but Kim’s office to talk.
    It couldn’t be good and my gut felt knotted. Maybe Kim wanted to take back her recommendation letter.
    I untacked, groomed, fed, and watered Cricket, then led her into her stall. She took a dainty sip of water before turning around in the deep sawdust to grab a bite of hay.
    Reluctant to leave her, I walked down the quiet aisle to Kim’s office. I wished that Ana or Brielle could come in with me. I reached Kim’s office and tapped my fingers against her half-open door.
    â€œCome in,” she said.
    I smiled as best I could and sat in the chair across from her. Behind Kim, photos and paintings of her beloved horses covered the reddish-brown walls. Her tiny office had a cluttered desk, an overflowing metal file cabinet, and multicolored ribbons strung along the wall. There was a shelf of trophies and the biggest one wasn’t hard tomiss. Its shiny gold gleamed, and the name etched on to the plaque was familiar to everyone here— Sasha Silver .
    â€œLauren, don’t look so down,” Kim said, smiling at me.
    â€œI’m sorry about the jump,” I said. “It’s not going to happen every time.”
    Kim folded her hands into a steeple on her desk. “Of course it’s not—you’re a good jumper. And I’m not upset with you. But I want to talk to you for a second about something else.” She paused. “About Canterwood.”
    The words sent my heartbeat into overdrive. I nodded.
    â€œAs I’ve said many times before, I believe you’re a perfect candidate for the school. But Lauren, I can tell as decision time gets closer that your nerves are affecting your ride.”
    I lowered my head. She was right.
    â€œWe are so privileged to have you here at Briar Creek,” Kim said. “It’s been an honor to have you as a student. But when I first found out that you were coming, we talked. And you told me you’d come for one reason. . . .”
    I swallowed, not wanting to think about it.
    Kim stared at me expectantly, waiting for me to continue her thought.
    â€œI came to get away from being Lauren Towers,” I said. “The nationally ranked junior dressage champion. I cameto learn what