Desolate by A.M. Guilliams Read Free Book Online Page B

quicker I could go meet my horse.
    Two hours and about a thousand boxes later, the trailer was now all unpacked. The house, however, looked like a packing store had thrown up in it. Oh well, the more projects the better.
    “How about we go meet that horse you were telling me about?” I asked Clyde as I finished washing my hands. I grabbed a paper towel off the roll and dried them hoping he agreed.
    “Alright then. She was a little skittish yesterday so beware. We may have to work up to riding her since she hasn’t been ridden in a while. The owner was older and had her boarded for the past few months when his health declined. While she was taken care of, once she was moved she wouldn’t let anyone ride her. She’s almost three years old, and she’s a beauty,” he beamed as we walked out of the house toward the barn. The barn was a nice walk away from the house, but I welcomed it. Feeling the sunshine on my face helped me remain focused and stay in the moment.
    We slid the rickety doors open to the barn. I made a mental note to add that to my to-do list when I got back into the house.
    She was in the back stall closer to the back door of the barn. Her head peeked out of the stall to see what the commotion was all about. The closer we got the more excited I became, only I had to remind myself to rein it in. I didn’t want to scare the poor thing. She had to be frightened due to her new surroundings.
    I faced the stall and slowly reached out my hand, the back facing the horse. I was almost close enough to touch her, and she backed away making a loud squalling sound as she shook her head.
    “Hey. Easy girl. It’s okay, “I coaxed as I stood against the door of the stall. This time, when I reached my hand out, I didn’t try to touch her. Just let her see that I was there if she wanted to interact. A few moments passed, she walked up and nudged my hand with her nose, blowing out a huff of air. I didn’t make any sudden movements, though. I just let her continue to do her thing as I took in the beauty of her.
    Her color was a unique gray, almost white, with black undertones. Her mane, the purest of whites. But it was her eyes that pulled me in. They were the prettiest blue that I’d ever seen on a horse. As a matter of fact, I’d never seen a horse with blue eyes before. There was a deep-rooted sadness beneath them, though. I could tell the move was confusing for her, but I’d get her to come out of her shell. I’d get her to see that she could be happy in her new home.
    “You pick out a name yet?” Clyde asked from behind me, causing me to jump. I’d forgotten he was here. I was so focused on the horse that I hadn’t realized he still stood beside me.
    “Shadow. She’s beautiful, Clyde. Thank you for finding her for me,” I replied. The black undertones in her coat reminded me of a shadow lurking around the corner.
    She nudged my hand again when I said her name, causing Clyde and I to laugh. I guess she agreed on her name. I flipped my hand over and caressed her nose, my heart instantly warming at the sight of this beautiful animal and her willingness to trust. Maybe in time she could teach me how to do the same.

Chapter 7
    Weston
    “ W hat do you mean she’s fucking gone?” I screamed at my father as I ran my hands through my hair. There’s no way this is happening right now. I couldn’t do this on my own. Not when we had everything planned out to the tee on how our future was going to go.
    “She called me about an hour ago to come over and get Grace. I didn’t question it. I just came over the second she called. When I got here she had suitcases in her hands and handed me this letter. Told me it would explain everything to you.”
    I felt bad for yelling at him, but I just couldn’t believe that she’d run out on me. Not after everything I’d done for her. Not after I left everything behind so she could follow her dreams. We’d moved to Maryland because she could get a better job here than she