Chapter 32:

                                    

                                          
Ashleigh's pov
                          
"What's taking them so long?" Eve asks, her face clearly expressing her nerves.
                          
I had passed the point of nervous that I was surprisingly calm. "Relax, I'm sure they'll be here shortly"
                          
All the riders who trialled for the EFA scholarship had now gathered into one of the JOPS meeting rooms. There was an anxious cloud gathering over everyone's heads. The scouts and EFA's main coach were due to arrive any moment.
                          
The main topic of who would be chosen, circled the room. That was, if anyone was chosen. Elliot Falls Academy had the reputation of being very selective. They've already had multiple tryouts this year, and are yet to award anyone with their equestrian based scholarship.
                          
I had already prepared myself for all the possibilities. Truth be told, anything that happened today would be okay. I'd either start senior year with Eve like planned, go home, or attend EFA on a scholarship. No matter the outcome, I was still excited. Things weren't so bleak anymore.
                          
"There!" Eve states, clutching my hand as the door opens.
                          
The EFA scouts walk in and Eve squeezes my hand with an unbearable amount of force. I almost wince but bare the pain, knowing that Eve was freaking out. Usually it would be me to have a massive overreaction, but as soon as we sat down, the tables had turned.
                          
The room was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.
                          
I took a deep breath, still holding Eve's hand. I was glad the two of us were best friends. Without Eve, I don't know where I'd be. I may have never gotten to become the rider I was today. I owed it all to the Holloway family for getting me to this level.
                          
As the scouts take a seat, only one remains standing. If I remembered correctly, it was EFA's head coach, Mr Reynolds. Everyone remains silent.
                          
"Hello everyone... First and foremost, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Lockheart family for their wonderful hospitality this week. The clinics hosted to my students have been extremely helpful and have left a long lasting impression. But of course, that's not what all of you are here for. The JOPS grounds also played host to the Elliot Falls Academy tryouts..."
                          
Mr Reynolds slowly opens an envelope and unfolds the letter.
                          
"There were a lot of wonderful riders, and I'm happy to announce that someone today will indeed be recieving a scholarship to attend Elliot Falls Academy" the coach pauses and glances up.
                          
"That student is... Evelyn Holloway... Congratulations!"
                          
Many gasps and claps were heard throughout the room, and I excitedly spin to face Eve. She was still silent and looked to be off in a different universe. Releasing her hand, I swing my arm around her shoulder.
                          
"You did it Eve! You got the scholarship" I state, excited for my friend.
                          
She shakes her head in disbelief before finally speaking up. "I don't know what to say!"
                          
I laugh. "It doesn't matter, you did it!"
                          
As the crowd begins to quieten down, Mr Reynolds swaps places with another teacher. The lady smiles at the group, less intimidating than the head coach.
                          
"I must say, a congratulations is in order for everyone. Evelyn wasn't the only one who left a lasting impression on us. There were many phenomenal riders out there who are going to be incredible competitors... So congradulations to everyone. Now, if you'd all like join me for a celebratory lunch" the lady hints.
                          
Soon enough the crowd of competitors disperse with many congratulating Eve.
                          
As the room emptied, Evelyn slowly stood and grabbed my hand again. "Am I hallucinating? It can't be true... I actually got in?"
                          
I pat Evelyn on the back. "Yes! You did! Now own it girl"
                          
She smiles. "Thanks Ash, now I heard there was a lunch somewhere. You can't tell me it hasn't crossed your mind"
                          
I grin. "Maybe a couple times"
                          
As we link arms and begin following the rest of the group, the twins call after us.
                          
"Evelyn, the scouts were asking for you. They wanted to give you some forms and run over a couple of things. Will you follow us?" Jewel said.
                          
Eve nods and glances at me.
                          
"Go ahead, I'll catch up with you later" I smile.
                          
She hesitates but is dragged off with the girls. The door closes and I slowly turn around. By now, almost everyone had gone to the celebratory lunch. I sigh and put my hands in my pockets before walking in the direction of Florence's stall. The chestnut mare had been acting like a tyrant lately so I planned on keeping a close eye on her.
                          
As I drag my feet to her temporary stable, I release a sigh. I really was happy for Eve, but there were some mixed emotions. I'd be a liar if I didn't say I was disappointed in myself. In saying that, this was Evelyn's day and I wanted to celebrate with her. Out of everyone I knew, she deserved it the most.
                          
Peaking into Florences stall, she gives me the side eye before slowly coming to greet me. Once I'd given her a sufficient amount of cuddling time, I moved onto Venus and Beauty. They were in a different part of the barn since Flo was now in a maternity stall. My guess it that she was probably wrecking her own from all the pent up energy.
                          
Eventually I sit down on a bucket next to Beauty's stall. The gelding reaches down and I can feel his breath on my head. Looking up at him, I gently rub his nose before he returns to eating hay. When he moves away, I rest my head on my hands, glancing down the empty isle.
                          
Now that Eve was going to EFA, I would be moving back to my parents. I wouldn't have my best friend with me, but I still had my family and horses.
                          
The fresh start meant there were new adventures coming into both of our lives. It was exciting, but also meant that we were going our own seperate ways. And it was those thoughts that saddened me.
                          
Would I end up losing my best friend?