Chapter 34:

                                    

                                          
Ashleigh's pov
                          
It was the morning of my birthday, but I didn't feel particularly excited. It less then a week before we flew back to Holloway. Eve and I had finished our assignments early, which meant we finished a couple weeks before other schools had closed. That meant, we had a head start to training for our competitions this summer.
                          
The sun was starting to rise in the horizon and the barn was dead quiet.
                          
I was well aware that the next few months would probably be the last time Eve and I hang out for a while. She'd be starting in Florida and I would be starting in Oregon after the holidays. While I felt sad, I tried my hardest not to dwell on it.
                          
Venus and Beauty were both going immensely well. Florence was behaving a little better and not acting like a complete mare. As for the girls, they've been MIA since tryouts. I didn't blame them with the upcoming sales, but it meant I'd most likely spend my birthday alone.
                          
Well, not completely.
                          
I grab a brush and flick it over Venus. The mare was relaxed, resting her head as I begin tacking her up. Once I tightened her girth, I grab my helmet and exchange her halter for a bridle. Instead of immediately walking to the arena, I take a moment to rest my head on her shoulder.
                          
"I'm going to miss this place... and Holloway..." I whisper.
                          
Venus stands still, as if understanding that I needed a moment.
                          
As soon as I stood back again, her intelligent eyes follow me. Venus, while usually calm, had always been curious and alert. I loved that about her. She was like a person, and knew what was going on around her.
                          
As I stare at my phone, Venus reaches forward and softly nudges my shoulder.
                          
"Should I tell her V?" I mumble, staring at a particular email.
                          
Her ears perk forward, listening intently.
                          
"I mean, there's no point really... My parents can't afford it" I sigh, turning off my phone.
                          
Shaking my head, I begin leading Venus outside, passing the indoor arena. For what ever reason, it was currently 'out of order'. That meant more time out in the sunshine, not that I'm complaining. I couldn't wait for the summertime again, it was my favourite time of the year.
                          
As we reach the outdoor arena, I line Venus up next to a mounting block and swing into the saddle. Once I'm settled, I squeeze my legs against her side and begin our warm up. Just like every other morning, I begin with allowing Venus to stretch and relax. Once her paces were smoother, we begin practicing our dressage.
                          
I didn't really have much planned today, besides a trail ride with Eve later this morning.
                          
Venus snorts as I begin asking her for half steps. We were beginning our next level in dressage, and while it was hard, I was thoroughly enjoying it. There was once a time where I didn't have an appreciation for dressage, but as times progressed, it's proven to be extremely rewarding.
                          
It's taken Venus and I, a long time to get where we are now. While it was easier with Beauty, who acted like he'd been an Olympian in his past life, training Venus was tricky. But I loved to teach, so her hard working attitude always made it worth my while.
                          
As we work on our half steps, I make sure not to overdo it and break the session up with other exercises. Especially in these early stages, I didn't want Venus to find discomfort in her work. If I pushed to hard, she would only go backwards.
                          
Picking up a canter, I check my position and work Venus down the long side. Another thing we've been working on was lead changes. While Venus could do them, there was room for improvement. Sometimes she would rush and become sticky, so it was vital that I set her up correctly.
                          
As we cross the diagonal, I collect her and just before H, complete the lead change. I smile happily and pat her neck, happy with her efforts. "I think that'll do us"
                          
We remain in the arena for a couple more minutes, allowing Venus to cool down.
                          
As I kick my feet out of the stirrups and dismount, I spot Eve fast approaching.
                          
"Happy birthday!" She sung, pulling me into a hug.
                          
Smiling, I murmur a thanks and begin walking Venus to the barn.
                          
I could tell something was weighing heavily on Eve's mind this morning.
                          
"So I've been thinking..." she starts.
                          
"Uh oh, that's not good" I joke, immediately receiving a jab to the ribs.
                          
Eve rolls her eyes. "I'm serious, I've been thinking about the scholarship"
                          
"What about it?" I ask, giving her a look.
                          
I don't think I am about to like what she's going to say.
                          
"What if I turn down the scholarship? I can always tell my parents that I didn't get it. That way it can go to you! You definitely would've been their next choice-" Eve starts to explain.
                          
Shaking my head, I try to control my annoyance. "You have got to be joking me? Did you seriously not tell your parents? Eve!"
                          
She sighs. "I don't want to go to EFA alone, it was our dream and I want to do it together. My parents can afford to pay for my tuition, so it'd work out perfectly"
                          
I shake my head furiously. "Seriously stop! If you were just going to give away the scholarship as charity, why did you even apply? Eve, I'm sick of it. You're family have given me plenty and for once, I want you to leave it alone. You're going to Florida because you're an exceptional rider, I'm going to Oregon because I need to make my own path"
                          
Eve looked shocked and hurt. "I never meant it like that Ash, it's just, we're a team. Why would you want to go to Oregon when we could find a way to both be in Florida? You're my best friend and you deserve it just as much as me"
                          
I take a deep breath. "Lets face it Eve, they chose you because you fit their category. You've got a rare talent with horses and a good family name... You'll fit in and I won't, it's just a fact... So call your parents and tell them about the scholarship"
                          
Eve looked disappointed and sighs. "Fine..."
                          
"Thank you! Now can we enjoy my birthday please?" I sigh, pushing Eve lightly.
                          
She sends me a small smile. "Okay"
                          
I knew my decision was right. I definitively didn't want Eve to find out about the EFA email. Although tryouts didn't land me the scholarship, I'd been offered a spot at the school. The only issue was that my parents didn't have the money. If I told her, I knew she'd try to pull something that could jeopardise her position.
                          
It was for the best.