August Story Contest

BLUEBELL
By microphone & black mist age 11

            Kate was engrossed in a horse book. She didn’t even look up when she heard a knock on her door. “Honey,” “Oh! Hi Mom!” She said as her mom opened the door. “Darling, we need to discuss something downstairs.” “Fine,” Kate sighed, put a bookmark in her book, and followed her Mom downstairs. “Kate, your father and I have been talking, and we’ve decided to try to buy a horse for you.” Kate stared. “The horse’s name is Peppermint’s Wild Ride. A lot of people call her Pepe for short.” Kate continued to stare, dumbfounded. “There are other possibilities, but we have to visit them.” “Sure,” said Kate.

            The next week Kate and her parents drove to Grange Farm. “In here is Daisy. Pure black Arabian filly, only three years old.” “She’s gorgeous, but too young.” “Alright, here’s Bluebell, blue roan, eight-year-old mare.” “She’s beautiful,” whispered Kate. “Well, there’s one more horse. This is Pirate.” Pirate was a dark bay. “Oh, Mom, I want both of them!” Exclaimed Kate. “Try riding them first.” Mr. Grange tacked Bluebell up first. Kate mounted and started her at a walk. She soon found that Bluebell would slip the reins through her hands, encouraging her to hold on tighter and tighten the reins every now and then. She urged her into a slow trot, but soon picked up the pace. Bluebell kept her head high with nose pointed in. A jump was set up in the middle of the ring. Kate kicked Bluebell into a canter and urged her forward, over the jump. “Wonderful!” exclaimed Mr. Grange, “You two match up like a pair of socks! Why don’t you try Pirate now?” Kate unwillingly dismounted. “Leave her tack on; you might want to ride her again.” Pirate was brought out, prancing. Kate mounted. She clicked to Pirate and he immediately started trotting. “Whoa!” yelled Kate, pulling on the reins. Pirate stopped. “I like Bluebell.” stated Kate, though her expression made that clear. “How much is Bluebell, Mr. Grange?” “She’s $1000, and I’ll even throw in the tack.” “Okay,” “Come this way please, and I’ll show you the paperwork.” They led Pirate away, leaving Kate with Bluebell.

            “Oh, beautiful, you’re going to be mine! I’ve missed you so much!” Kate threw her arms around her missing horse and hugged her tightly.

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            Kate came out of the tack-room, carrying a leather saddle. “Kate, I’m going to have to sell Bluebell.” “What?!” Kate stared. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have another horse I can sell.” ‘Yeah, and it just happens I was friendly with Bluebell,’ thought Kate. Kate ran down the line of stalls after dropping the saddle. She unbolted the yearlings stall door. “Oh, Bella! I’ll miss you so much!” Kate groomed her and let her out into the pasture before leaving. “What’s wrong, Kate?” “Rachael’s selling Bluebell!”

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            But now Kate was back with her beautiful horse. She was happy and content, and took great care of Bluebell….

THE END!!!!