Pony Tales and Secrets

Pony Tales and Secrets

By Christine M. Wang

Naomi has just got a job of a groom at Mount Kept Stables! But then she realizes that being a groom and trying to be an equestrian horse rider are two very difficult things to handle at the same time!

Meanwhile, there is an International Cross-country Course at London! Though, only the best of the best riders can get chosen to get through…could Naomi survive through all the tests?

Chapter One

Naomi hunched her bag over her shoulder and walked through the Willow Hall Riding Center gates. It was a beautiful Saturday morning and Naomi was getting ready to Pony Club.
"Hey! Naomi!" shouted Naomi's best friend, Carrie shouted. Carrie was riding around the paddock with her pretty Friesian horse, Black Jack. Naomi grinned to see that Black Jack was looking over his shoulders, trying to take a nip of his old dressage saddle. Naomi quickly grabbed her riding helmet and waved to Carrie. "You should be really thinking about getting a new dressage saddle," she objected. Carrie shrugged and continued trotting Black Jack up and down the paddock. "Steady, boy," she cooed him as Black Jack started to shake his head furiously.

Naomi started to slip her helmet on when her riding instructor, Fiona came to greet with her. "Hello, Naomi. How are you?" she asked cheerfully. You can tell Fiona has been working out with sweat. She came to the stables at exactly six in the morning to train several horses. "I'm great, thanks. What horse shall I ride today?" Naomi thought that Fiona looked glamorous in tea green jodhpurs and buttoned tee-shirt with white laces and her blonde hair tied up in a high pony tail. Fiona went to the service desk near the kiosk. She looked at the list then frowned. "It said you were going to ride Jelly Bean," she started.

"Really?! That's excellent! I like riding Jelly Bean I've ridden him of like two times and I really miss him and-"

At mid-sentence, Fiona stopped her in tracks. "But you have been assisted to work at Mount Kept Stables for a fortnight. You will pack your bags and leave to Mount Kept at exactly eight," Fiona finished with a dramatic hump.

Naomi was more shocked then a magpie finding no blue pieces in their nest! Mount Kept was a famous racing, dressage and showjumping stable in the whole Australia! Naomi have always dreamt of working and riding there but today-just finding out that now when she really wanted to ride Jellybean was a huge surprise. Naomi swallowed the excited lump in her throat. "Really? Cool! Who's taking me?" she asked, excited, hearing the hoof noises and whinnies of the horses nearby the horse floats.

Fiona smiled. "I'm pretty sure your mum knows by now since I got a via. Email from her this morning about letting you go to Mount Kept to work for two weeks. You will get paid your salary which is fifty bucks a day. You will be working as a groom there," Fiona grinned as she saw Naomi jumping up and down. "Omigod this is fabulous news!" Naomi gasped. Then she fell to silence. "But Mount Kept is really far away, isn't it?" she whispered. Fiona nodded. "I'll be driving you there! You'll also get a chance to compete in the International Events which falls at the last day of the fortnight!" Naomi started to laugh. This was so much out of the blue! "That's excellent, Fiona but…The International Cross-Country Events are really…well…competitive and you know I don't really like events like this." Naomi mumbled with joy.

And if she wasn't quite right she saw her instructor flinch. Do instructors flinch like that? Thought Naomi silently. "What time is it?" Naomi opened her mouth before Fiona could.

"It's six thirty. Awfully early, I suppose. You should go have a hack on Jellybean for an hour and thirty minutes then pack your bags and leave Willow Hall Road and make our way to Mount Kept!" Fiona stated. But Naomi was just staring at the blonde-headed trainer with surprise. "But…"

"No buts! No stammers either! Off you go! I'll give you a whistle when it's time to pack!" Fiona gave Naomi a little push. Naomi couldn't believe it. It seemed like luck. No more than luck…happiness…it was…

"Naomi!" Carrie dismounted Black Jack and ran up to Naomi. "What's up?" Carrie asked, flipping her red hair back. Naomi gave Carrie a tiny smile but didn't say anything. She was just too shocked to. She just pushed her way out of Carrie's reach and started walking towards the horse floats to get Jellybean out and start tacking up. She was all in for luck.

Chapter Two

Naomi started trotting Jellybean all the way about the hill. The fine chestnut mare was about 16.1 hands Paint Horse who was excellent in dressage and trot. But Naomi thought that Jellybean needed to excel in a few other things. Once they got top of the hill after a never-ending trot, she patted Jellybeans mane and smiled. "So, boy? Are you ready for a nice cooling canter?" she cooed softly. Then, as if Jellybean could understand what Naomi was saying, the Paint horse started cantering down the hill like mad. When they got to the end of the hill, Naomi dismounted to have a drink from Jellybean's saddle bag. But instead, feeling the red lump in her throat she collapsed into a fit of sobs and hugged Jellybean's mean and started crying. "Jellybean!" she wept. "I'm going to miss you for two weeks!" Jellybean started to nuzzle and nicker in her dark hair as if to say, "Don't worry. We will see eachother again,"

Naomi wiped her eyes with her sleeve then check her watch. It was seven thirty. "We'd better be going boy," she whispered and mounted on the Paint horse and started to walk casually up the hill then down so they can reach the stables in time. During the way Naomi sighed. She wished she could bring Jellybean with her to Mount Kept. It would feel so good as them two will never part again. However, Naomi knew that her career as a professional rider was way more important than worrying about love between her and the horses. So she decided to suck it up and be the fourteen year old she really was! By the time Jellybean and Naomi reached the stables, Fiona was waiting for Naomi by the kiosk. She mouthed to Naomi as she dismounted, Hurry up! Naomi had no choice but to quickly take off her helmet and boots in her bag next to Fiona. And there was no time to say goodbye to Jellybean. Instead, Jellybean was taken aback by one of the head-grooms of Willow Hall Stables. Naomi gave a little wave to Jellybean as he trotted back into his horse float. Then she sighed as she got into Fiona's car. It was going to be a very long week without her precious Paint horse.

Chapter Three

"So, are you ready to start working at Mount Kept stables?" a woman with light ginger hair and a soft spot of freckles came out from the horse floats to greet Fiona. Before Naomi could request Fiona butted in. "Goodmorning Mrs. Jacques," Fiona greeted in a polite and strategic voice. "I'm Fiona Mascot. Remember me, madam? I competed against you in the Badminton trials a few years ago?" Fiona continued but the woman cut her off. "I'm sorry," she snapped briskly. "I'm Vivian Jacques. I suggest you call me Vivian or your 'star-rider' will lose her job once and of all!" then, Vivian Jacques stomped off to go to the stalls to see the horses in a huff. Naomi was surprised that the manager of Mount Kept was so…so…rude.

"Whoa," exclaimed Naomi, watching Vivian Jacques stomp back into the stables. "What's about with her?" Fiona sighed and started to explain quietly. "A few years ago I was competing in the Badminton trials. I was competing against Vivian, for my luck I beat her with my horse, Goldilocks at the water jumps. Vivian was furious! She wouldn't speak to me at all." The story went on about how Vivian was jealous of Fiona's raw talent. But finally they both separated after a few months to work at different stables. Naomi nodded after the story. It made sense. No wonder why Vivian was all in a huff when she saw Fiona. As far as Naomi could see, Vivian was now happily talking to another resident of Mount Kept and stroking a horse, gleefully. "C'mon Naomi," gestured Fiona. "Let's go register you in so you can get your salary,"

Naomi was officially confused and puzzled. "What? My salary? But I haven't even started working!" she stammered as they went to the queue. Fiona nodded, running her slim fingers in her long blonde hair. "It's because at Mount Kept, you get paid when you come to register the salary and then it just becomes normal," Fiona explained patiently. Naomi was shocked. "Whoa! That's really…strange?" she said nervously, just in case Vivian overheard, who was at the service desk, registering everyone in for the job. "There are a lot of people wanting to be a groom here," Naomi shivered. "It's going to be really fussy,"

"Nope," Fiona cut her off. "Some are here to register for a job and salary. But some are coming here to register to compete in the International Cross-country Contest next Friday!" Then, Naomi started goggling at her riding instructor. "So…then…what are we here to register?" she asked, terrified and faintly. Fiona gave Naomi a tiny smile. "We are registering you for your groom job-and your competition. Yes, Naomi-you are ready. Ready to compete in the International Cross-Country Event,"

Chapter Four

"Next!" snapped Vivian, thumping her black inky pen on the bamboo desk. Naomi felt homesick even though they are still in the same country and not overseas. Fiona walked casually up towards Vivian's desk while Naomi just slumped, shifting from foot-to-foot, and hands in her pink jacket pockets.

"Naomi Withers. Gash Number seven, please." Fiona told Vivian the details. Vivian frowned and stared at the computer screen for several minutes.

"He-llo?" Fiona gestured, tapping her foot lightly on the steel ground.

Vivian's frown went deeper. "Naomi Withers? Ha, ha! She's only fourteen-the first youngest rider to compete in the International Cross-Country Events. Are you sure she's ready, Fiona?" Vivian said darkly and coldly.

Fiona smoothed her hair back and gave Vivian a cold smile. "Thanks but maybe we didn't come here for Aunty Jacques Life-For-Time advice." Fiona stated through gritted teeth. For the first time the ginger-hair manager didn't bite back but got to work immendiantly. She gave Fiona the ticket and said, "Well Fiona Mascot. Good luck with Naomi Withers, fourteen eh?"

Fiona ignored Vivian and left the registration room and Naomi followed with discipline.

"So now I'm the youngest rider to compete?" Naomi asked when they went to the horse floats. Fiona nodded and went to a Dutch stall door to unlock it with the keys Vivian gave her.

"But Fiona, that's crazy! I can't compete with people that are, like two times older than me with more experience! This is insane!" Naomi shrieked dramatically. Though Fiona stopped Naomi's squeaks. "Naomi, you have to! The prize to the winner who wins this event gets $100, 000."

"And is that all you care about, Fiona? Money?" Naomi demanded with accusing eyes to her trainer.

"No, Naomi. It's more than that. Look, it's just that if you win this competition and get the prize money, if you were generous enough you probably would donate some money for Willow Hall Stables to make it a better place!" explained Fiona in a tense tone. Naomi scratched her head thoughtfully. "True, very true Fiona," she answered in a light voice. "Um, but we have a serious problem…" stated Naomi.

"I don't have a horse to ride in the competition! You see, without Jellybean I can't even do cross-country! Jellybean's dressage is so good, and his showjumping is getting there and he is so fast and sensible…" Naomi pattered on.

But Fiona had had it. "Hoi, Naomi," she put a hand up. "Enough about Jellybean. And since we are on the subject of horses, you can see that I am opening a stall of a mysterious horse that you might be riding for the event!" finally, she unlocked the Dutch stall and Naomi saw it. Her horse she will be riding for the next couple of weeks.

Chapter Five

The dark bay horse with a white strip down the forehead was about 15.3 hands tall and finely built except there were a few slumps over the shoulders. She had white stockings and she was merely pretty. But, as Naomi saw the way the mare was built, she started to object with Fiona.

"I refuse! I refuse!" yelled Naomi, stomping her foot each time she finished the word, 'refuse'. Fiona stopped stroking the mare's forehead and was shocked about how Naomi acted just then.

"Oh, Naomi-don't be silly! This horse is a strong and fine built mare. She has excelled showjumping and, look she even has white stockings on her legs! She's very fascinating and great with cross-country. She's been rated 3.5 stars when I searched online for the horses-you're lucky Naomi. Some of the other horses were rated 2 or 1 stars." Fiona fought back to the feral girl. Suddenly, Vivian Jacques came running into the stall, looking quite flushed.

"What on Earth is going on? Fiona Mascot?" Vivian glared at Fiona. Oh-o, thought Naomi. This ain't gonna be good. But Fiona wasn't defending by Vivian's rudeness. She was used to it. "Hello, Vivian. We will be in the arena in five minutes. Naomi will tack up and get ready to train before she starts working as a groom," Fiona said to the ginger-hair manager. Vivian shrugged and glared at Naomi. Then, heel first; she slumped away in a puff and huff, as usual. When she was gone, Fiona got quickly to work to console Naomi. "Naomi," she instructed. "Tack up this horse. You have to make sure that you get a cross-country saddle, bridle and bit. You must get the correct tack!" then, as if she never met Naomi, she walked out of the stall and gave Naomi a quick goodbye. "I'm going to get a drink. Promise I'll be back in an hour and by that time; you'll be working as a groom. Good luck in your first cross-country class at Mount Kept Stables!"

Chapter Six

Naomi found her mare's cross-country tack easily. Still, she was pretty pissed off that she didn't get a chance to know her horses' name. But she figured the mare was called Starvia-as it said at the end of the cross-country saddle. She tacked up as quickly as possible and mounted on Starvia and clucked her to the arena where all the other competitors were waiting. Naomi took a deep breath when she found out who the trainer was. It was Vivian Jacques.

"So today we are going to learn the basics of cross-country. Can someone tell me what the two basics of cross-country are?" Vivian asked stiffly. Hands shot up in air, people sitting still on their fidgitive horses, listening to Vivian's long speech about cross-country's "basics". Vivian chose Naomi's hand, since Naomi was the first to put up her hand.

"Dressage, jumping and racing?" Naomi mumbled the answer. Clearly, Vivian had lost it. "Speak up, young lady! Not even a giant could hear you!" Vivian snapped angrily. No one dared to even flinch on their saddles. Not even Naomi, who was the general target. Still, she didn't even dare to clear her throat. So she practically yelled to Vivian, "Dressage, jumping and racing!!" Of course, Vivian took that as a defendant compliment. She scowled at Naomi. "Correct-but incorrect. Racing isn't technically one. You need to have good gallop but it's not necessary. Now, since we are all competing against other riders from all around the world, who are talented, I want to get all of you perfect! So, Katie Plums please take Jimmy in the center of the arena and warm up and start jumping these fences. Now!" Vivian's voice is like a whip crack. Katie was a small, sparrow-like girl. She had pale skin and dark wavy hair and she was wearing cream jods and a shiny white riding helmet. Her hair was tied in a tight ponytail. She was looking nervous. Her horse, Jimmy was a strawberry roan Thoroughbred with fine white markings. Katie started to warm up Jimmy naturally, which Vivian got sick of.

"Hoi, Katie! Don't you dare do your version of warming up Jimmy! I want you to do MY version of the warm up! Don't collect him up! Use the whip!" Vivian screeched. Obediently, Katie lifted up her whip while Jimmy was in a collected trot and wham! The whip hit Jimmy harshly and Naomi could not believe it. As soon as that disaster struck, Jimmy went bonkers. He bolted and bolted and started to whinny. Vivian took hold of Jimmy's bit and thrust it in the thin air. All of the other riders were too terrified to move. Katie had slipped off her saddle.

Chapter Seven

"You foolish girl!" Vivian thwacked Katie's whip against her boot. "You didn't do it properly! You should've hit harder. You're worthless! I'm not sure why Avery let you in this International Cross-Country event when you are completely not ready!! Hmph!"

Katie was on the sandy ground and tears were flowing down her eyes. Vivian stood up against her and started to thwack Katie with a whip. How cruel! How inhumane to whip a girl with a cross-country crop when she has just fallen off a horse! Naomi thought, flinching in her saddle. Vivian was not only a rude trainer but a violent and inhumane one! After a few thwacks of Katie, Vivian started to huff. She helped Katie up and pushed her hard out of the arena with Jimmy. "Out you go! To the office! You know where it is! And take Jimmy back to his stall! Now! Shoo!" Vivian made signals with her hands. Once poor Katie and Jimmy were out, Vivian took her attention back to the rest of the class with five words: "Never disappoint me with that crap again." Everyone remained silence.

"Now, Naomi and Starvia, come in the middle of the arena and start warming Starvia up! Use the cross-country crop! Then, jump these fences! Now! Hurry up!" Vivian scowled. Once Naomi and Starvia were in the middle of the arena, Vivian started to scowl, "Let's see what you got, you teenager!"

At first Naomi was scared to do the warm-up since Vivian was very much bad tempered and had thwacked one of the riders with a crop! But Naomi knew that she had to think and be a good rider. She started to round the dark bay mare with long white stockings in the arena. She made Starvia trot around the arena. Then, after two laps she signaled Starvia to canter a figure eight. Naomi held her breath just in case Vivian started shouting at her to use the crop. But Vivian didn't. That was a good sign, Naomi thought as she finished galloping Starvia in circles. Once she finished the warm-up Vivian still remained silent, watching. The other riders were watching as well. She took a very short brief halt on Starvia then started cantering towards the first three short fences. It was no problem. Naomi had jumped short fences like these three before. Starvia seemed to jump like a complete superstar. It was terrific, as Naomi thought. After the first few fences, Vivian didn't say anything. She just gave a tiny nod at Naomi and clapped her on. "Go put Starvia back into his stall. You'll need a break. Plus, go check out on Katie. I'll call you when you need to come back," said Vivian in a cold tone. Naomi did as she said and rounded Starvia up to put back into her stall.

Chapter Eight

Naomi met Katie Plums at Mount Kept Stables office. Katie was looking quite depressed. Her face was ghostly and paler.

"Hey," Naomi smiled at Katie. The dark brown-hair and pale skinned girl was lying down on an uncomfortable-looking bed with a hospital sheet. The girl did not smile back. Ick, thought Naomi.

"I'm one of the worst riders Vivian has ever known," Katie sighed. She sat up from the bed and placed an ice-pack on her forehead. "Jimmy and I have worked so hard to get into the International Cross-country Events but now we don't have a chance," Katie's clipped English accent had fooled Naomi completely from the start. "Where do you come from?" Naomi sat down next to her on the look-a-like hospital bed with white hospital sheet covers.

"I'm come from England," Katie replied with no tense of change in her voice. Suddenly Naomi all knew where it were coming from…obviously…

"Well," Naomi smiled, standing up from the hospital look-a-like bed. "We'd better be going back to class. Vivian is now selecting the riders who can go through to the International Cross-country Event."

Chapter Nine

Naomi couldn't believe it! She made it in! She was going to compete in the International Cross-Country Event. She saw the list. It went:

Students Who Have Been Chosen to Compete in The International Cross-country Events:

1. Sam Cornfield

2. Elaine Dickinson

3. Kissy Tang

4. Naomi Withers

Naomi had noted proudly that since the list was in alphabetical order, Naomi's name came last. "At least I got in," Naomi was telling Fiona who just came back from the Milkshake Shop down the street. Fiona had brought over a mango, strawberry and banana milkshake for Naomi.

"Yep, and I'm really proud of you," said Fiona, slurping a mango milkshake. They were sitting down at a barbeque area that Mount Kept had bought for the land. "This barbeque area of Mount Kept is amazing. I'm going to stay here all afternoon," Naomi sighed.

"No, remember you have a job as a groom at Mount Kept Stables. If you want to take your career seriously you'd better sharpen up your act, Naomi. No more Disney Land or Barbie World or those pesky My Little Pony stunts." Fiona reminded her. Suddenly Naomi felt a sharp pang down her throat. Of course! She had forgotten all about her job as a groom! "Sorry Fiona, I forgot completely about my job! When do I start?" asked Naomi.

Fiona frowned. "Six o' clock in the morning tomorrow is your first shift to clean the stalls and muck out the horses. Then, you will finish your shift at exactly eight o' clock. You will have fifteen minutes break then at eight fifteen you'd better be ready for Vivian Jacques class." She explained.

Naomi opened her mouth to protest that the timetable she had been given was ridiculous but Fiona cut her off short.

"After Vivian Jacque's cross-country class which takes two hours it will be ten fifteen. You will have a short fifteen minute break which you will get to do whatever you like-take horses out for a hack, a trot etc. etc. then, after that fifteen minutes it will be eleven you'd better get back on the saddle for another Vivian Jacques cross-country class which takes two hours again. After those two hours it will be one o' clock you will have only four minutes of break then get back to mucking, washing, feeding and grooming the horses until five o'clock. After five you get to do anything you like. Get the routine and the math?" Fiona finally finished with a triumph look on her face.

Naomi groaned. The schedule was too much to think about. Maybe getting hired as a groom at Mount Kept was a really, really, really bad idea, thought Naomi. She slammed her milkshake down and protested to Fiona. "I need to go back to the motel," she said.

"Why of course," said Fiona.

Chapter Ten

She shifted through the gate. She had Starvia's stall key safely in her pocket. The first shift had been a disaster. The horses here at Mount Kept not only were feral, but completely insane when a groom is around! A pesky little pony called Pelvin had practically stomped on Naomi's foot with a big fat hoof when she was mucking out the manure Pelvin made. It had been horribly and pretty ugly sight. Now it was her second shift. Through Vivian's class she must say that she had done excellent with her new mare, Starvia. Starvia might look slumpy but she was certainly a good cross-country mare. Though, Katie was struggling. She didn't get in the International Cross-Country Event at all and even Vivian dissed her out at class. It was almost like, thought Naomi as she pushed the Dutch stall door open. That Vivian was talking behind a rider's back. While Naomi was curry-combing Starvia she started to think about the riders who are competing in the International Cross-country Events. Many were from different countries but Naomi tried not to think that. She decided to think about the ones in Vivian Jacques class. Sam Cornfield was a tall boy with red hair and freckles and pale green eyes. His pony, Kittishfifty was an excellent dapple grey Arabian stallion that always stood proud and trotted like a pro and jumped the fences with no mistake.

Elaine Dickinson was a girl that came from Ireland who had brunette hair and lovely blue eyes and tanned skin with her horse, Number Forty Five. It was a pretty strange name for a horse but today after Vivian's lesson Elaine and Naomi got caught up in a conversation.

"Why is your horse called Number Forty Five? It's quite strange if you ask me," Naomi had said briefly.

"I named him it because my lucky number is forty five plus, it just seems to suit him." Protested Elaine. Overall, Number Forty Five was a palomino Quarter Horse that was brilliant at galloping and racing. Though, the elegant dressage just did not seem to fit Number Forty Five. When Naomi was grooming Number Forty Five, he even tried to produce more and more manure even though Naomi just cleaned his stall! He even stamps his hooves on the poo! It was sickening sight and Naomi could've vomited but she had to clean his hooves again for the third time of the day.

Kissy Tang was Vietnamese and an Oxford-trained student. She was born in Australia but her family came from Vietnam. She came to Mount Kept to compete in the International Cross-Country Events. Like Naomi, she didn't have enough money to bring their own horses to Mount Kept so borrowed a school horse from Mount Kept: Mackerel. Mackerel was an 18.1 hands grey shire gelding. His racing was good but his jumps seem heavy and his dressage was far from, 'elegant'. And if Naomi couldn't be more wrong she had sworn that she saw Mackerel pooping in the dressage ring. So guess what? Since Naomi was the groom for that shift she had to clean it. Then Naomi thought Kissy and Mackerel could never win the International Cross-country Events.

Chapter Eleven

"Naomi! Wait up!"

It was a brisk clear morning and Naomi was having a trot with Starvia all over Mount Kept Stables trails. It was five o'clock in the morning and Naomi's shift started at seven. It was usually at six but since it was Saturday, she had to start her first shift at seven so the rest of the hours before Naomi wanted to keep to herself. Naomi spun around in her saddle but she didn't stop trotting. It was Kissy. Kissy Tang.

"Hey, Kissy." Said Naomi as Kissy catched up on her trot. Naomi put her head straight forward and concentrated more on her trot with Starvia than her greetings with Kissy.

"I overheard you yesterday. I mean, you were talking to Katie in the Rider's Lounge. You know Katie, right? Katie? Katie Plums?" Kissy said, making her shire gelding Mackerel keep up with Naomi.

"Yeah I do know Katie," answered Naomi thoughtlessly.

"Yeah? Well I heard you two talking about me in the Rider's Lounge. You said to her that it's okay if she didn't get in the International Cross-country Event since you didn't think I would win it either, since Mackerel is so not good." Exclaimed Kissy, still calm. Naomi made Starvia slow down into a walk and so did Kissy and Mackerel. It's like playing the game 'Copy Cat', thought Naomi. Except the game of Kissy and I's 'Copy Cat' version is on horses.

"Yeah? Well, it's true, you know. I mean, look at Mackerel. Look at his dressage. It stinks. Plus, he's so fat and heavy you don't even know…" explained Naomi confidently, still slowing down the walk on Starvia.

"That I don't even know what?" Kissy pulled Mackerel down into a halt but not Naomi. Kissy was really upset. Though it wasn't Naomi's time to care for her. She kept making Starvia to walk over to the bush-lands. Naomi didn't look back. She just answered stiffly, "You don't even know he is such a loser horse. A fat one. I don't know why Vivian even let you in the International Cross-country Events when you're riding a horse that weighs, like, a hundred pounds. And believe me I know because I'm a groom I took care of Mackerel hundreds of times this week, Kissy. Sorry Kissy you're just no good like your horse." Naomi ended her long paragraph with a triumph kick against Starvia's rib to make her canter over to the grasslands. The sounds only drained down of Kissy's cries.

Chapter Twelve

Back at Mount Kept Stables was a usual busy. There was no time for talk or even gossip. Vivian was a strict trainer and there was no fooling around at all.

"Sam! Make Kittishfifty move faster in his trot! C'mon!"

"Elaina! Watch that bogey-fence over there! The cross-country trials are going to have, it believe me!"

"Kissy, Mackerel's dressage is disgraceful! Shape him up!"

"Naomi! Don't get nervous and don't stress! When you get nervous or stress, the horse will connect with you and you might be flying off the saddle!!"

Days have gone by and finally, it was the day of the International Cross-Country Events.

Chapter Thirteen

"Good luck, Naomi!" whispered Katie and Fiona as they watch Naomi mount on Starvia. The day had finally arrived and Naomi was stressing. She was too scared. The bogey-fence-a two meter fence (It was taller than her!!) blocked with flowers and more was lying after three jumps of easy fences. Naomi never had aced that fence during practice. But she knew she could do it with Starvia to ride. Naomi got in line. She was wearing bright cream jodhpurs and a tea green buttoned collar shirt and a black riding helmet. She had a number pined on the back of her shirt which wrote: 4 because Naomi was the fourth rider to compete! She knew that there were many other riders from different countries so it didn't really matter what number she wore since they would be all riding together. Naomi scanned through the crowd of riders on horses. There were people from Germany, France, England, Ireland, China, Russia and Israel and many more countries came here to compete. To get their hands on the $100, 000 grand slam prize money.

"Ready…" the steward hollered through the noisy quarrel-like through the crowd.

"Set…"

"GO!!"

The crowd cheered and the riders all kicked on their horses, urging them to get to the first few fences. Naomi kicked and kicked on Starvia. She dared not to use the crop. Not until the bogey-fence arrived. Naomi did the first few fences quite well until there was a water-jump. Naomi's stomach tightened. They had never practiced water-jumps in Vivian's classes! There were loads of people ahead of her and behind her. She was surprised that one rider ahead of her was Kissy. She and Mackerel aced all of the water-jumps. Naomi, on the other hand had to stumble and actually whip Starvia to get the water-jumps clear. Now Naomi felt sick with guilt. Not only, but she went through Vivian's routine in her head. Heels down, backs straight, crops high. Don't get nervous! If you stress or get nervous the horse will sense it a go bonkers! More and more jumps were coming through. How long did the showjumping circuit go for? More jumps were coming through!! Naomi dare not to sigh. She was focused. She was so focused she didn't even realized that she was ahead of all the riders! Finally, the showjumping circuit was over and the dressage one came. All the riders pulled their horses into a walk to get some breath. Naomi saw that she was ahead of all of them! Wow! Amazing!

"Naomi Withers first place in the showjumping circuit. Mary Ma second place in the showjumping circuit. Jilling Wang third place in the showjumping circuit." The steward spoke into the microphone. The crowd cheered.

Dressage was next and it started. Naomi thought it was going quite well. Starvia was trotting really excellent. She was glad she had practiced trotting on the trails yesterday and galloping the day before. It had finally brung Starvia to her senses.

"Hayley Thomas first place in the dressage circuit. Kissy Tang second place in the dressage circuit. Lola Dung third place in the dressage circuit," the steward spoke into the microphone.

Naomi took her breath and looked around. She had come 5^th in the dressage circuit. She was surprised Kissy came second. Suddenly, remembering how she hurt Kissy's feelings the other day made Naomi feel guilty and terribly wrong. But there was no time to think. The racing circuit was up!

The racing circuit had started and all horses were galloping their hearts out. Naomi wasn't whipping Starvia until they had to technically sprint to the finish line. It kept going. Suddenly, Naomi felt a push on her shoulder. She looked to her right and it was Kissy Tang! Kissy had just tried to push Naomi off Starvia! "Hey!!" Naomi grumbled, still trying to keep her balance. Kissy ignored her and tried to push Naomi again off the saddle. Naomi tried to make Starvia gallop to the other side but another rider was next to her. She was trapped by to horses and riders. Again, Kissy pushed Naomi. But this time hard. Very hard. Naomi started slipping off her saddle. It somehow felt like her stirrup was lose but it wasn't. Lucky it wasn't! Naomi's foot was still secure in the stirrups so she swung back up on the saddle. Kissy and many other riders were ahead of her! Naomi didn't look back if she was the last one. She kicked and kicked Starvia and even whipped her a little. Starvia galloped forward, puffing. After that it was all over.

The results of the International Cross-Country Event was hanging up on the green boards. Everyone was allowed to look at it. Loads of people were pushing to see their names. Naomi saw her name…first!

"Omigod! I won! Fiona! Mum! Katie! Vivian! I won! I won the prize money, didn't I?" shrieked Naomi. She was so happy, she could hardly breathe! She had won! She had won $100, 000 dollars. Looking through the other riders from Vivian Jacque's class, Sam came 16^th, Elaine came 13^thand Kissy, surprisingly came 7^th. Quickly, Naomi pushed through the crowd. Not to find Fiona. Or Mum. Or Katie. Or even Vivian. Kissy.

"Kissy!" called Naomi. Kissy grouched. Kissy was over near the toilets, possibly waiting for someone.

"I'm really, really sorry I hurt your feelings that day! Please, I didn't mean it! I was just….so mean! Please, please forgive me!" she begged Kissy. For a spilt second she even thought about going down on her knees and begging.

Kissy nodded. "I forgive you. Can you forgive me for pushing you off your saddle during the race?" she asked. Naomi nodded. "Yep! So friends?"

Kissy reached out to hug her. "Friends forever!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Days That Were Just Plain

The Days That Were Just Plain-

Journal

By Christine Kat Wang

November

Tuesday

In case you're wondering why I am in the dumb school play is NOT that I wanted to join but because Mum said so. She said that it was perfect to learn some things later and on in life. I practically begged mom not to sign me up because the school play is going to have LOT'S of singing and dancing which was totally not my thing. I don't do performing arts. Dad tried to talk me out of it. But again, mom actually won the fight. So practicing singing and dancing was all for today.

We started we warm ups. It was just boring ole' stretches we all do. Arden Gilbert was standing in the front row, dancing like anything. I don't like Arden Gilbert very much. She was basically a show off and she is completely dumb when it comes to common sense. She was flicking her red hair everywhere and GET THIS: I am in the SECOND ROW, behind Arden, next to my best friend, Jasmine. I have been Jasmine's friend since the start of year five since Fiona Mitchels, Nadia Harden and Sophie Rash basically ditched me in the spot ESPCEIALLY since they are ALL playing footy with the stupid, moronic boys at lunch. Whoever plays with them, simply become just like the boys: Stupid, dorky and totally pathetic. Anyway, Mrs. Vase is arranging a solo dance for Arden. Arden is SO happy, she is actually flicking her hair in people's eyes and mouth. Great. Just great. I have to sing and dance to this stupid song, 'Best of Both World's' but the most gayish singer, Hannah Montana. It SO not me or Jasmine. We move our bums and hips a lot in this stupid dance. We all have to sing each a solo. As if I will be doing that. It's bad enough to be behind Arden, getting itchy eyes from her long, prickly hair. But Mrs. Vase said I couldn't look for any more excuses because NO ONE will be getting kicked out. I sang my line as quiet as possible so no one will hear. Mrs. Vase stopped the music and glared dangerously at me. Then, she told everyone to shut up and go to the back of the room and I had to stand in the front of the class, getting told of by Mrs. Vase. "You better get your act, Carrie," she snapped wildly. "Sing it or bite it, it's up to you but don't expect me to get you an F for your report because you're walking right down the path!" screeched Mrs. Vase.

When it was lunch, Jasmine and I went to the canteen to buy some ice blocks queue. "I didn't want to be in this dance! It was my mum! She told me to sign up! And now Mrs. Vase is chewing me off?"

Jasmine obviously liked the whole dance just because it's by Hannah Montana. Arden and Lyra, another girl who likes dancing and singing and spotlight were behind us and hearing me. Arden was worse. She came up to me and did another hair flick. It speard along my face. I heard Lyra giggling. Those girls were both in the stupid CA spa thingie and Choir. We went to the tree and sat under it. Suddenly, Noah and Vikki, two annoying girls who I don't really want around came chanting to us. "D'you have any money?!" Vikki squawked, grabbing Noah's arm wildly and laughing. Jasmine liked hanging out with Noah and Vikki so they all three ended up going away from the tree and away from me to share Jasmine's money, ditching me of course. Who'd be bothered to hang out with them? Is it because Noah is in CA spa and Choir as well? Or is it because Vikki and do cartwheels and flips? I got horse-riding and no one thinks that it's special. Cross everything. Who cares if someone has a voice like a canary like Vikki? Who cares if Noah is a great dancer like Arden? Doesn't anyone think that riding can have some privileges? Anyway, I ended up walking around the playground, pretending to be interested in something. Jasmine is obviously wiping Noah and Vikki's bums all day. I guess I could play with the Sophie group. But they are playing footy or something with the boys. Oh, maybe I can play with Sally… but I realized she hadn't had a shower in days and her hair smells funny. Cross everything.

Wednesday

I have a brother named Joe who is twice as annoying as anything. Today, he totally messed with my deodorant. I have to find a way to pay him back for that. Yesterday, I slept at 11:30pm so I guess that's pretty late and I slept in, making my brown hair getting bed heads. Last night I was SO sure I set my alarm at 7:30am. But Joe somehow turned my alarm off. It was totally evil for him to do so. So, I had mum barging into my room, waving her arms about and screaming and squawking yelling that she had slept in too, and we were late for school. I told her Joe had something to do with it. He had messed with my deodorant and set my alarm clock off. Not to mention he 'accidently-on-purpose' spilt orange juice all over my homework. Mum said she'll chew him out one day. One day? So I'd obviously got told off by Ms. Smith today.

Jasmine is still jack-hanging out with Noah and Vikki, totally ignoring me. It was so unfair. There seems to be a magnet where Jasmine and Vikki lure together. No, Jasmine goes to Vikki. Today at lunch, Jasmine and Vikki stood in front of me while I was sitting down, slurping my slushee when they went hand by hand, giggling away from me. It was like they wanted me to see them ditching me. And they skipped off, giggling. I guess the only way is to make a NEW best friend. The only person I know is Jade Russell, I mean, she is my back-up friend. Jade lives on a farm, where I want to visit but can't. She is quite slim and fat, her black hair in a plait and tanned skin all smooth. It seems a bore, hanging out with her. All she wants to talk about is how her chickens got their own private pens. I had enough so I told Jade that I was going to the loo. I met Vikki and Jasmine on the way. They giggled and they were both eating ice blocks from Jasmine's money. Nice catch, I thought to myself. Then, they were about to go away when I didn't allow them to. I asked them why did they ditch me and why did Jasmine really ditch me for some geek. But I guess Vikki must've heard and looked really upset and strolled away quickly. Jasmine groaned and looked at me. "Uhhhhhh! You had to wreck it, didn't you?! We weren't ditching you! Now, you made Vikki angry and now she going to go all…" Jasmine said, annoyed about me. Suddenly, the bell went and Jasmine pushed past me rushly.

Thursday

The problem with Jasmine and I are seriously going high. This morning in LFTT, Jasmine, who was sitting next to me, marched up to Ms. Smith's desk and ask-

'Could I sit next to Vikki, since she has an empty seat next to her?'

And guess what? Ms. Smith said-

"Yes!"

This is totally unfair because that means Vikki, Noah and Jasmine will be altogether. After all, Noah is next to Vikki and Jasmine is going to be next to Vikki. So, without saying another word to me, Jasmine packed up her books and stuff and went to sit next to Vikki. They even did secret handshakes they made up. Like, whatever. Mum rang the school office and said that I forgot my LUNCH AT HOME!!! So, for all the embarrassment, mum had to drive to school, march into the classroom and say-

'Honey, you forgot your lunch,'

 

Saturday

I had nothing to do in the morning so I decided to ring up Jasmine. Until I remembered about the fight but that totally BLOWN IT because I just realized that AFTER the phone call. Jasmine seemed to go all crazy on the phone. She asked why I phoned her and all that stuff. Also, Vikki and Noah are at her house, playing games like Secret Pals. That totally bites because that's OUR secret game; now the word's speard and now it's THEIR secret game that it was supposed to be only Jasmine and I's. I felt anger flush through me until Joe called from upstairs. He yelled that an email that was supposed to be mine had popped up on his account and told me to get off the ruddy phone and answer my ruddy well email. I was too upset to say anything. All I did was frown and slam the phone shut without saying good-bye to Jasmine and stormed upstairs. I felt like crying. It was just so mean about what they did. And why did they? It didn't make sense. I went to Joe's room where his computer was. He was on the seat, staring at the unknown email. I rubbed my eyes from my tears and looked at the screen. It was from Jasmine, Vikki and Noah.

Monday

This is horrible. I feel so miserable. Mum cheered me up for a while and made me strawberry and vanilla cupcakes and took me and Joe to an ice-cream. It was so mean to get that stupid email from THEM. Vikki, Jasmine and Noah.

Dear Carrie,

We know that you are very upset that we 'ditched' you. We didn't. We wanted to have some fun. Cool fun. Want to join OUR SECRET CLUB? Shhhh! Don't tell anyone: The Secret Friends are in order. Don't tell anyone! If you like to join, please tell JASMINE. Only. Please. If you're mad, please go shove heaps of horse manure.

Now, this totally sucks. I don't want to be in their own little private stupid club fun. Today, in the morning, I had the perfect plan. I really wanted everything to go back to normal so, during math; I got out my notebook and wrote something on it…

Dear The Secret Friend Girls,

Sure, I'll LOVE to join you're puking club. It'll be SO cool! Thanks so much for inviting me. You are so the BEST! Thanks for making my day so cool. From, The Totally Awesome CARRIE!

Then, I ripped it out of my notebook, folded it and told Jade, who was sitting across me to pass it on to Vikki, Jasmine and Noah. Put I WAS writing in pencil and forgot to rub out 'puking'. Great, Jade had already passed it to NOAH; not Jasmine! Then, as I was concentrating on the sums on the board, I realized the email: Give it to Jasmine only. Oh no! Icky Jade has given it to Noah. Great plan, I thought to myself. Very great. I AM angry. Angry at Jasmine. How could she ditch me like that? Then, that phrase flashed through me like thunderbolt: If you are angry, go shove up heaps of horse manure.

Well, I guess I am angry. OK, I am VERY MAD! How could they say (Type.) that?

Am writing this during history class. Feel bored because Miss. Smith is going in and out of the classroom, finding and getting things, so this journal is going to come in handy. It is JUST after lunch and something so horrible has happened. Fortunately, Jasmine, Vikki and Noah could spell out the 'puking' word that I had crossed out. So, when I was lining up in the canteen queue to get my water bottle drink, I didn't realize they were right behind me. But, Jasmine was. When I finally got my water bottle, I opened the lid, when Jasmine said, "Hey, look over there," it was the usual friendly voice I have heard until Vikki and Noah came along. I turned around, bottle still grasping in my hand, when SPLASH! Jasmine pushed the bottle toward my face and the water all splashed on my face. Vikki and Noah were laughing and whispered something to eachother with Jasmine and they all went skipping, arm by arm, hand by hand in the girl's toilet. They didn't mention anything about the club… until homeroom. When we were lining up, waiting for Miss. Smith to come by, Vikki came up to me and giggled. "Is your face dry? I hope so, cos' you looked like a drowned rat beforehand!" she said in a mocking voice. I swallowed hard, trying not to cry. Then, Noah came along and pulled Vikki's hair playfully. "Oh, don't get upset. It's NO OFFENSE!" Noah shrieked as Jasmine joined them. I knew that it was offensive. Jasmine doesn't look at me. She just looks at Noah and Vikki, laughing and joking along. Then, they all looked at eachother, then at me. Then, Jasmine nodded at Vikki and Noah and they all cheered, "YOU'RE NOT IN THE C-LUB! YOU'RE NOT IN THE CL-UB!"

I feel like pulling their hair off. Especially Jasmine's. Why was she so mean to me all of a sudden? I couldn't speak because then, Mrs. Smith had come by.

Tonight at home, things got better. Joe got grounded for messing with my deodorant. I'm in some hot water with mum but luckily, she forgot about it. I did something that really irritated her. She was cooking vegetables in the kitchen when I asked her a math question I didn't understand, she looked at my book for ONE SECOND SPLIT and FIZZ! Some water had popped into her eyes. Luckily, it wasn't seriously but my mum really told me off.

December

Thursday

The school's play is coming along at Friday. You see, Jasmine and I hadn't been speaking to eachother for a MONTH already so I guess I'm fine without her. The best thing about being in primary school is that no one takes much notice of you as you have no one to play with, or just a loner. I'm glad I'm not in middle school yet.

We did our school practice today. The dance and song is getting worse and worse by second. Worst of all, Mrs. Vase arranged our costumes. My one is totally stupid; an up-to-my-long-legs blue dress with purple frills. Not exactly 'poppy' for a pop song, right? When it was my part to sing, I didn't want to get chewed out by Mrs. Vase and I sang. Jasmine, who is dancing next to me, is taking no notice of me, anyway. The worst thing about MY costume is that it doesn't stand out from the crowd. Everyone else is wearing jeans or cool shorts or track pants or whatever and I'm here in a 13^th century dress. I don't think Mrs. Vase likes me at all. And worse, Everytime I move my feet, like today when my group of singers and I went on stage, since I was the ONLY ONE wearing a stupid long, super LONG dress, I tripped over Lily Mac, who tripped over her high heeled boots who tripped over Amie Ly, who tripped over Rakia Mystic, who needed to get an ice-pack from the office because she has 'scraped' her leg on the carpet, which the rest of us kids thought that that was impossible, scraping your leg on SOFT carpet. I could hear the giggles of Vikki, Noah and Jasmine. I tried to ignore them but it was really hard. After the practices I told Mrs. Vase that the dress was impossible to dance with. She obviously said I had to deal with it. Great. The dance is tomorrow and I had to face social embarrassment.

Friday

Today's dance was REALLY BAD. The show was supposed to start at 6:30pm but Erin Macoy had stage fright straight away. So the show started at 7:00pm. Everything s tarted badly. I tripped over my own dress WITH STUPID HIGH HEELS THAT MRS. VASE ARRANGED!!! Oh, and guess what? Joe was in the back rows, taking pictures to one particular person. Yup, you said it- Me. He took a picture of me tripping over the dress, and half way during the song, the same thing happened like yesterday. I tripped over Lily and Lily tripped over…

And Joe had taken a snap of it. When I realized how many humiliating photos he had taken, I didn't sing so Amine Ly had to do it for me. When we went back to the dance, I tripped over Arden, which closed the whole show down. Now, Arden is so angry at me because she 'thinks I have spoiled her red carpet walk downs and autographs from the audience.' also, I had a painful sting in my eye as I tripped over Arden. Yes, her red hair is as prickly as Cactus. Mum was not impressed, either. I told her that the dress and high heeled shoes were all Miss. Vase's idea. That simply did the trick. I am not signing into the next summer play.

Saturday

Did masses of homework and went to Jasmine's to explain. She was completely avoiding me. When I was near her house, I looked up the window and saw her upstairs near the window, playing Secret Pals with Vikki and Noah. The 'Secret Friend's Club' has obviously made a vital: Their meeting place is at Jasmine's house on Saturday. I felt really left out, but not as upset as last month because I am really used to this now. I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. Jasmine's sister, Janine had answered it. I really liked Janine. She was a complete bigger version of Jasmine. Long, golden blonde hair and chubby and bubbly expression. She seemed pleased to see me and called Jasmine down to see me. Jasmine made her entrance downstairs, when she saw me, my whole world flipped. She folded her arms and frowned. "You know, that dance yesterday was rubbish. You've completely ruined it for everyone!" she screamed when we were upstairs in her room. Vikki and Noah were there, teasing me. I thought I rather just go home but Noah added, "She's not part of our club, so why is she in here?"

So Jasmine had to hush me out so we could chew on eachother outside her bedroom. She says that I ruin everything. Like, being mean to Vikki and ruining class dances and plays. I told her that she ditched me for Vikki and Noah. But Jasmine shot back that she was 'just trying to make new friends' and said something that made my stomach go totally sick-

"You don't belong here, Carrie Parker! Not in my house! So I don't know why you're in my house right now cos' you shouldn't be. What a country hick
like you belong with US?"

I had felt tears blubbering in my eyes, praying them to not come out. Soon, Vikki and Noah heard and joined Jasmine too. They kept calling me names like 'country hick scrubbing horse manure' and 'loser of Loserville' and loner and stuff like that. Luckily, Jasmine's mum hadn't heard. So, I didn't like crying in other people's houses so I quickly grabbed my coat without saying anything to Janine on the way out of the door. When I got home, I punched my face in my pillow and sobbed. It was totally stupid about how that called me country hick. I don't live in a small country house ANYMORE or on a farm anymore with heaps of sheep and cattle or horses to clean every day. But I have to admit, I WAS born in a farm. But it's still not fair because I'm not completely dumb to be called country HICK. I have just realized that they weren't my friends anymore or even my true friends. Jasmine wasn't. She was just a ditcher and complete backstabber.

Tuesday

It has been a while since I haven't wrote in this book. Jasmine is totally off the hook. She is still not speaking to me which was totally unfair. SHE'S the one who called me country HICK and SHE'S the one who basically caused this whole problem herself. Last night after my swimming lessons, I tore up the 'Best Friends' card Jasmine gave me for my birthday this year in August and threw it away in the compost bins. And, I threw away the genie necklace she gave me two years ago AND I drew ugly pictures of her with Vikki and Noah in the Indian notebook she gave me. I hated her so much. We were really close friends until she backstabbed me on the spot.

Mum and dad are having relaxation at home. They are SO lucky. Juice, a swimming pool and a canopy shed with a garden swinger while Joe and I have to suffer from school. I got a D^t for my math assement so mum made Miss. Smith give me double the math homework as usual.

I have managed to make a friend and I guess it IS a friend I could trust- Jade. Yes, chicken crazy but at least she is a good friend. We are having a sleepover at hers tomorrow. While, Jasmine is still ignoring me, I guess that's the best for her to do. After all, I didn't need a long best friend in my life anymore. I didn't need Jasmine. Who cares about country HICK and loner and loser? Everyone won't care. Except for some people who are real and as if they were never. I just hope that everything will be alright by then!

The end

 

 

Enchanted Diaries

Enchanted Diaries_ a Mix of Things.

Dear diary,

My name is Ana Smith and I am a witch. Yes, I know what you are thinking: ugly pimpled faced, crooked white puffy hair, or just the same witch that rides on broom sticks, cursing people. No, I am just an ordinary witch. No pimples, no pointed nose or yellow teeth. I have a friend named Elizabeth Montgomery (not the star that stars in 'Bewitched'.) and she is a witch. And another friend named Bertha who is not a witch. Bertha does not know that we are witches but me and Lizzy (Short for Elizabeth.) are planning to tell her. Her are my entries for this year.

Dear diary, March 1^st.

Today is the day we are supposed to start school. Mrs. Hush gave us masses of homework we got to complete. I hated Mrs. Hush, but not as hated as Lizzy. Lizzy even more hates Mrs. Hush. We call her Hush Baby in private. Hush Baby thinks Lizzy is a bad girl in class. Lizzy loves to play tricks on people and I know what you are thinking. Yes; you are correct: nasty magic tricks. Here are a few of them made by Lizzy last year:

• In year three, when Ms. Mickey was telling her off because she poked her tongue out at a boy named Lan Ginger, Lizzy hid her finger behind her back, so no one was watching-except for me, she twirled her finger three times, reciting: nasty ploy, ginger jail, make Mickey step into heels and burp three times plus more.
  

  That spell was trouble. A lot. Then, Ms. Mickey fell down, flat on her bum, and then burped three times. The whole class laughed. Except for some sensible girls who helped her up.
  

• When the Get Fit teacher was hanging from the monkey bars, Lizzy made worms come out of her butt. EW. I can't even talk about it!
  
• Lizzy made one of the year sixes chock, using a spell I have never heard of.
  
• Last one because I am wasting my time of last year's things: Lizzy made Jimmy's handwriting look messy so he lost his pen license.
  

  
   

  Dear Diary, March 2^nd,
  

  What a start to the second day of school! At lunch, Lizzy and I told Bertha our secret. Bertha was shocked, she dropped her sandwich and her mouth was wide open. Then she said, "I don't believe yous." Lizzy wanted to prove to her that we were really wizards and magical people, so Lizzy said, "Fine, don't trust us? I'll make Jimmy's pencil covered in grease at class." This was trouble. I quickly jumped in. "Lizzy is also part mermaid. But in the tradition, they called it merfish." Bertha said, "Swear that you did not lie?" she sighed when she said that. We swore and told Bertha some spells. We told her some rainbow spells, water ones and fire ones. Bertha was amazed. Then I told her about Magic Land. "We meet there every night in Magic Land." I exclaimed. "How do you enter?" I gave a stern look and said that only people who have magic can enter in. Then Lizzy told her right now there are always yearly sales at the Magic Store. Then told her about the pet shops where they sell unicorns and cats and rats and even owls. She was amazed again and asked if we have any pets. I told her yes that I had two pets: one cat and one unicorn. I described it proudly. It went like this:
  

  Me: the unicorn is named Charlie and he is black all over with blue tail and mane and hooves. Once he got kidnapped.
  

  Lizzy: why don't I know about this?!
  

  Me: shush, Lizzy! Can't you see that I am exclaiming?
  

  Bertha: tell me about the kidnap! (Whines.)
  

  Me: the goblins took him and sold him to an evil owner. I'd lost him for five days. But then I got him back.
  

  
   

  Dear diary, March 4^th,
  

  I went to Magic Land with Aunt Mia (Witch, too.), since I am only living in Australia for half the year and going back to USA in summer holidays to see my real mom, dad, sister Fiona and the rest of my Magical Family and visiting my boyfriend. (Jokes.) Lizzy is the same. Lizzy slept over this night. I'm writing in bed, using my normal magic: sunlight, moonlight or even natural light. We went to Magic Land together with Aunt Mia after school for some shopping. (Aunt Mia wanted to buy some Miracle Candles and Vanishing Perfume.) Usually Aunt Mia does not let us go to Magic Land After 8 cos' that's when we gotta go to sleep whereas tomorrow is a school day but she didn't say it today so Lizzy suggests we could go. Lizzy and I are only beginner wizards. You can go to Magic School when you are over 15. We have to get our wands at our stage. Lizzy says it's best to go tonight because that's when the wands are on sale. When we entered the shop, heaps of kids at our age were there, fighting for the best wands. Most kids were using their Natural magic (Like my one is Light.), trying to aim for the best wands. So Pulley, the shop keeper, tried to calm them down. Pulley was a nice man. When the hassle was done, Lizzy and I went through to the wand shelf. Most wands were gone but some were available. I glanced at one, right at the top shelf. It was a rather 30cm wand and had magical colorful lava and glitter inside. It was like it is saying, "Pick me!" but I looked at the other wands. They were all different sizes and colors. I asked Pulley, "How much is that Lava Wand?" When I asked that question, Lizzy glanced up and spied on the lava wand. Then said, "Ana; I like this wand. It suits me better don't you think?" she pointed at another wand on the middle shelf. That wand was pale blue and had symbols on it. I shrugged and asked a question again. Pulley said it was 13 coins. I only had 10 coins. 2 coins short. Damn! I said that I was 2 coins short. You see, you will not get how we use the money in Magic Land. 1 coin = a penny. If you say Australia it = only 10c. The Symbol Wand that Lizzy wanted was 20 coins! And Lizzy had 50 coins from her rich Uncle who works at the Magic Land Museum. Pulley said sorry but he needed the exact price. Lizzy quickly paid 20 coins for the Symbol Wand so she has 30 coins left and she was such a good friend she gave me 2 coins and one extra. So I bought that lava wand. Pulley said it was getting late and the Adult Ceremony is nearly on. 'Adult Ceremony' is a ceremony for adults every second day at midnight. No kids allowed. We waved good bye to Pulley, took our wands and we summoned away back to home.
  

  
   

  Dear diary, March 5^th,
  

  Bertha wanted to come along to Magic Land as well. Lizzy said no because Bertha didn't have magic and it is the law to let someone enter Magic Land who doesn't have magic. Class time and morning was fine until… Lizzy and I found out that Bertha told our secret to a swarm of people!!! Some friend! I hated her! Lizzy says that Bertha told her little sister, Jennifer and Jennifer told lots of other kids in her grade and different grades!!!!!!! I was shocked. Surprised. Lizzy said we could have revenge. But I was too shocked to even twitch or recite a spell! How could she?? Why could she??? Gr! This afternoon, I went over to Lizzy's so we can help each other out for some homework. After we finished homework, we went through Maries' book of spells (Marie is 15 and is Lizzy's sister and goes to Magic School.) There were at least 35 spells. They were all grouped in columns. We found a good page saying, 'It's Pay Back Time.' We read about making peoples hairs fall out or getting people's grades going down but there was one thing that interest Lizzy and I a lot. It was called, 'Use your Wand.' I said, "We should try our new wands. Especially for the revenge." Lizzy says we gotta practice before we do anything wrong. So, we summoned to Magic Land and got back our wands we've hidden at Lizzy's Uncle's Museum. When I heard the doorbell ring it was Aunt Mia coming to pick me up. I said, "Let's meet at Magic Land tomorrow. That's when Aunt Mia sleeps over at her friend's house." I said.
  

  
   

  Dear diary, March 6^th,
  

  Today is a Saturday so more time at Magic Land-Hurray! So, this morning, Aunt Mia took me and Lizzy to the Magic Land's Clothe Shops. Then, she went to her friend's house and let us exploring with our new wands. We decided before we do something to Bertha, which should not be serious we got to tell her first. So we typed her an email: Bertha, Why did you tell that awful sister of yours? Why? You have betrayed us as being BFF's. Me & Lizzy are totally not you friend's anymore, so you can hang out with the little kid's! And don't bother emailing Lizzy! She knew first! Yours untruly, Ana and Lizzy.
  

  We all thought it was a good letter. ML's laptop systems don't send stuff to the normal world straight away so had to wait until tomorrow. After that, we went to visit 'Magic Land's Star Shop' that sold cheap things. Guess what? Lizzy had 27 coins to spend and I had 1 coin. What a rip out! Only dumb pencils were worth 1 coin and erases. Lizzy said she can't give anyone money unless they trade her. That's her uncles' rules. I traded her for a pink ring on my finger that Bertha gave me when we were at preschool. It was a little rude but I did not care. She gave me 5 coins. This meant I had 6 coins. Lizzy bought 2 magical liquid papers that disappear the mistake which cost only 3 coins. Then, with her other 21 coins, she spent it on a 8 coin book about science and tech. I laughed when she bought it. She asked, "What?" I said that it was funny imagining her learning about granites. I only had 6 coins so I am going to spend it wisely so I bought a magic nail polish colored blue jelly bean which cost me 2 coins. We left that shop and went to the pet store to see the pets we can buy. But then we had to leave because Aunt Mia had to go back.
  

  
   

  Dear diary, March 7^th,
  

  The next day Bertha did read that email and she was surprise. She stomped right onto us and recess and asked, "How dare you!" she was carrying a piece of paper that I think it was a copy of the email. I gulped. But Lizzy said, "How dare you! You know you aren't allowed to spit out secrets, you blabber mouth!" Bertha just said, "Well watch me!" and stomped to Hush Baby and gave her the copy of emails to read. Lizzy nudged me and raised an eyebrow. I knew Lizzy will get in big trouble from her mum, aunt and dad and so will I but I pointed out it wasn't a big email. The convoy went like this:
  

  Lizzy: oh-o. We're in trouble.
  

  Me: oh, shush! It's not a big deal! We just said we don't want to be friends with her and is that a big issue? No!
  

  Lizzy: But Bertha is telling every single bit and maybe some lies. I'm scared.
  

  Me: (Roll eyes.) c'mon! It's not black mail or murder mail or whatever? Did we put on: 'we are going to get you for this' on our email-no. So-
  

  I got distracted by Hush Baby calling my name and Lizzy's too. We jogged to her. Hush Baby asked if we had send the emails and showed us the copy. I nodded but said, "Mrs. Hush, it was because she told our secret and we were too shy to tell her in person so we did it as an email." Hush asked why did we write, 'That awful sister of yours', referring to Jennifer. Lizzy was way too afraid to say anything so I said mostly everything. "Because she told Jennifer. After all, we didn't type up the word 'Jennifer'; that will be rude, we just said sister." Hush Baby got Lizzy and I in detention all through the day.
  

  
   

  Dear diary, March 8^th,
  

  
  I want to go back to the USA!!! No agreements. I just can't seem to control my troubles. Here are a few troubles:
  

• Bertha. Yes, Bertha. I want to be friends with her again and so does Lizzy. But how? She gives each and every person in the class greetings and smiles but all we get are the dirty looks and eye-rolls.
  
• Hush Baby thinks I'm the worst person in the class along with Lizzy all because of a stupid email. I want to start this thing all over again if this is a life of a wizard.
  
• My lies. I don't mean to say them, but I wanted Bertha to understand about; Magic Land and its shops. Like, that fib, that I have a pet unicorn named Charlie, it really isn't true except in real life but Bella, and my cat also is magical.
  
• Lizzy is my only best friend in the whole school and I really think we are the only people in the school who have magic.
  
• Goblins. We just hate them. When I went to swing on ML's Magic Swings, a goblin named Glossy chucked banana peels and grease on my head and somehow the swings magic got out of control and had gone crazy.
  

  Cannot go to Magic Land ever again with Lizzy!
  

  
   

  Dear diary, March 8^th,
  

  Meet a vampire on the way to Magic Land by myself when I went north. I had forgotten that it's dangerous to go north where most vampires are. I did not get bitten, though I talked my way out sweetly. The convoy went like this:
  

Vampire: Not so fast, little girl, where are you going.

Me: uh... um… I was- excuse me, I see some other mortals at the top of that Content Mountain. There seem to be heaps of them and they're ready to be your dinner.

Vampire: Lunchie! (Disappears in a cloud of black smoke.)

I felt guilty for the troop on the Content Mountains. It was true that I did think that I'd trick the vampire but instead I gave it to eat lots of innocence. There was still two more innocence screaming as that vampire was sharping its teeth to eat them. I knew I had to do something. But why didn't they use their magic? If they were mortals, they could not enter magic land and they wouldn't get their selves into all this mess. I had to think fast. After all, I made them into this mess. I climbed on top of the Content Mountains. (Almost cut a knee.) And was puffing when I got to the top. (Asthma attack.) When I got to the top, vampire was ready, when I yelled out to the 2 girls, "Why don't you use your magic?" When the girls didn't answer that vampire knew it was me and said, "You!" I smiled weakly and said hi and then ran all the way from the mountain. (Seemed to tumble and roll and got headache.) Never saw vampire again.

Dear diary, March 9^th,

Bertha is now our friend with me and Lizzy. I don't know how it happened but it sure did! I wasn't ready to tell her I'd fibbed about the unicorn. Then it'll wreck friend ships with me and Lizzy that'll get into Bertha. This is how it is today:

When I tell Bertha that I'd lied in private.

She will tell Lizzy and will never trust me and Lizzy about being witches and BFF's.

So, that means, Bertha will never ever trust me or Lizzy.

Then Lizzy will never trust me or be my friend.

Bertha will not trust me or Lizzy about being witches and then Lizzy will break up our friendship all because of me not wanting Bertha to trust us. Ditto.

Dear diary, March 10^th,

OK, this is how it is today! I will not put it in list. Well, I told Bertha that I fibbed in the loo's and before she can yell, I used a spell to zip her lips so she can't say anything then locked her in the loo's and I came out just like this: Sunlight Travel Light, take me to where what I say what I might! As simple as that and went to go over with Lizzy. We went to a hollow tree next to a small lake. You can only have a Lake Pass to sit near the lake. I and Lizzy were the only ones. I told Lizzy. Zipped her and used a bubble spell to make her pop inside a bubble and pushed her inside the lake, making sure the duty teacher didn't see and make sure she can breathe. What did I do next? I went and hung out with Mike Peterson and Jade Fargo, the two boys who always play battles. Mike told me to mind his lunch and Jade said I can be the Referee and gave me a piece of paper of rules. I did not know what a referee was, but then Andy Martha came and then had a fight with the other 2. Got annoyed. Went to see Bertha. She was strangling. Unzipped her lips and unlocked her. She was crying and ran out of the loo. Went to see Lizzy. Bend over the lake but fell in it instead. Landed on Lizzy. She said, "What the…" the duty teacher came. Yelled at us for playing in the water. Lizzy said she'll never ever speak to me again for 3000 things: Fibbing to her, pushing her in the water and making a bubble and locking Bertha up in the loo so now Bertha's not me or Lizzy's friend. I said it was only 3 things in detention time. Lizzy just said, "3 times equals too many." So know I have no friends!

Dear diary, March 11^th,

I have too many troubles. Number 1, my friends. They'll never trust me or each other. Number 2, I am a victim of a vampire. Yes, I know scary and spooky but I am annoyed. A vampire came up to my house and I used sunlight hands so the vampire named Savage would go away, but she just said, "I'll be back!" I wasn't scared like you would think I would be. I was annoyed. I miss my friends. Especially Lizzy. Now I can't borrow money or go with her to Magic Land. I texted Lizzy: y r u mad?

Lizzy: u knows! Lying, pushing me in wter. N breaking FS's wif me n bertha.

Bertha: (sending to my phone number only.) I hate u n Lizzy evn more. I just know tht u 2 plan it!

Me: sorry!!!! Please 4give me! I beg bof of u.

That was the end of the texting. But then Lizzy phoned me and said she forgave me but it was my last chance. I said thank you and hung up. 5 minutes later Bertha phoned me and said sorry for being a bad-tempered cow. One problem: solved. And so is that vampire problem: Savage didn't come tonight. So I'm glad!

Dear diary, March 11^th,

OK, this is how it is, this week!

Bertha likes Mike.

Andy likes Lizzy.

Lizzy likes Timin.

Mike likes me.

Jade likes Bertha.

I like Jade.

Anything else???? No, I hate romantic stuff. Yuk. All the pashing and heart-beating. The convoy went like this at school in the morning:

Bertha: we should be honest with each other.

Lizzy: yeah, like say who we really like!

Bertha: I really like Mike.

Me: (Jumping in.) well, sorry, but Mike likes me!

Bertha: well you do not like him so you don't have to go to the movies with him or whatever!

Lizzy: Ana can't make Mike like you, Bertha.

Bertha: she could if she can stop hair-flicking him.

Me: am not! Though I like Jade, so there!

End of convoy. We all asked the boys that we liked so we can go to the movies with them. But we first asked the boys that we liked and they all said no. So then, I asked Mike, he said yes, Lizzy asked Andy, he said yes and Bertha asked Jade and he said yes. We are all going to the movies tomorrow night.

Dear diary, March 12^th,

We entered the movies. I was worried. "What if three show up and Mike doesn't?" I asked. "We'll just see what happens." Said Lizzy. She said if it does happen, she'll make Mike show up by using a spell she'd learnt from her rich granddad in Magic Land. Today was the worst day of this month so far. A Monday. Damn! We went to the movies. Found out that I just had a 5 dollar note. Bertha said, "They can buy the tickets and we can buy the drinks, after all, that's fair." I liked the idea. We bought drinks and popcorn. Problems solved, now where to sit? We sat fairly in the middle. Bertha was next to me with Jade. I asked her, "What to do if they want to pash?" Bertha shrugged and dogged into a bag of popcorn and ate a mouth full like a hippopotamus carrying a baby. Half way around the movie, Mike was smiling. Then, trouble arrived. I saw my younger sister in the USA. Ally. What was she doing here? She was supposed to be in the USA with mum! "Ally," I whispered to Lizzy. "Oh-o. This is not going good." She smiled to Ally who frowned back grimly. Oh no! What Ally going to do? Oh no! I hope she doesn't tell my mother about what me, Bertha and Jade were up to. Disaster struck. Jade started jumping and fluffing on her seat. And I felt every part of me stricken. I felt like the whole world has turned upside down and inside out. It was like in the Nibbler. Everything seemed to turn upside down and inside out. I really do hope that Ally does not tell. And I really do hope that no one tells, in the matter of fact. I'd be dead meat. Dead meat. PLAIN DEAD MEAT!! Mark suddenly itches away from me. Why? Because I have been panicking, that's why. Have you ever panicked before? Believe me it's not a good feeling. Anyway, what happened next was that I felt a sharp jab in the ribs. I was dreaming. I gasped open. It was my mum. My real mum. Jabbing me. "You're late for school," she scolded. I was sweating. So, all I dreamt was all just a dream! This was real!

The end.

 

 

 

    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horse Trail Business

Horse Trail Business

By Christine Wang

"Hey, I thought Sarah told us to be at Trail A, not Meadow 5." Cassie said quietly. That's when Lesa realizes, they're lost…

Two groups that are enemies, lost together when Lesa realizes, Heidi, the leader of the mean, spoilt group has lead, Elsa, Lisa and Cassie who are the nice group and Jade, Sam and Helen into grave danger…

Chapter 1

"Alright, kids," called Sarah, Willow Halls stable manager and riding teacher. "Instead of a lesson, as a treat, we'll be going on a trail ride!"

Everyone broke down into an exciting chatter. Trail rides were everyones favorites. "So, let's go," Sarah clicked her fingers and everyone ran to find their horses. Cassie however was not excited when she saw the group she was going to be trailing with. It was Heidi, Jade, Sam and Helen, the spoilt, rich mean people in the stables that hated Cassie. Luckily, Cassie had her best friend Lesa with her. It seemed more exciting now. Cassie went to tack up her horse, Minverse, who was a lovely grey horse and dark coal eyes. "Whoa, boy," cooed Cassie gently as she placed down the saddle. Lesa was already tacked up, with her bay mount called Ginger. "It's been ages since Sarah lets us go on a trail ride instead of a lesson," Lesa was saying to Cassie as she mounted on Ginger. Suddenly, Heidi and her gang strolled up to them, leading their horses. Heidi smirked. Her horse, which was a lovely chestnut called Moon had been tacked up so tightly that he had tears in his eyes. "Well, isn't it Cassandra and Lesa. Trail rides, huh?" Helen, who was leading a palomino called Welsh giggled with Sam, who was on Jingle and Jade who was leading Daisy. "Um, Heidi, shouldn't you untack Moon for a little bit because you're squeezing him to death or is he a lemon and you're going to make lemonade?" asked Lesa smartly as she defended herself and her friend. Cassie giggled and Sam and Helen tried not to laugh as Heidi gave them harsh stares. "C'mon guys! Sarah's waiting!" called a girl called Fiona outside the barn. Everyone rushed to get out. Finally. A proper trail ride.

Cassie and Lesa groaned as they knew what was happening. They were with Heidi's mean group on the trail ride. Heidi was leading them. "Remember, it's Trail A, no other trails or meadows without permission!" warned Sarah, as the groups went to explore on horse-back. Lesa nodded and went on. "Ur, Heidi, do you know where you're going or do I need to be the leader?" teased Lesa from behind. Heidi made a halt and Moon snorted anxiously. "Shut up, you stupid mule!" yelled Heidi as Moon was about to buck her off. Then, she stopped the group and twisted around in her saddle. "Very funny, loser." She smirked and led the group to another trail. After five minutes of trail riding, Cassie was humiliated. Minverse's girth hadn't been tight enough so Cassie fell sideways, in a swing. Heidi's and the rest of the snobs laughed as Cassie fell and hit the dirt ground. "Well, you better hurry up, or we'll be leaving without you!" Jade mocked. Heidi tugged on the reins and led the group more forward. Lesa defended Cassie. "Don't laugh at her! It's so not funny!" cried Lesa. When Cassie was back on Minverse, Lesa mounted off Ginger and helped Cassie make the girth tight.

Chapter 2

"Heidi, I'm getting this strange feeling about this trail. Wasn't an old log in the corner of that tree?"

Cassie wasn't so sure if they were on the right trail. The mist was curling upon them and it was dull and the wind was making weird ghostly noises. Heidi groaned and said, "Stop complaining, loser. I'm always right." Boasted Heidi. "Don't listen," hissed Lesa as she made Ginger trot over to Cassie. But Cassie got mad enough so she went in front of Helen then Sam then Jade, then Heidi. "Hey!" growled Heidi but she did not defend. She just followed Cassie and Minverse. Suddenly, they passed a sign that said: MEADOW 5. Cassie flinched in her saddle. Wasn't it supposed to be Trail A? "Hey, I thought Sarah told us to be at Trail A, not Meadow 5." Cassie said quietly. That's when Lesa realizes, they're lost. Heidi now pushed past Cassie and still went in line. "Who cares, stupid? At least we have a trail." Growled Heidi in rage. Lesa wasn't so sure, either. "Maybe we should go back," she said quietly. "You know, just in case something happens."

Cassie couldn't agree more. "Yeah, we should." Suddenly, HOOOOWWLL! A howling sound came near. "You-you don't think there are any wolves here around you, don't you think?" shivered Helen, going into a halt. Heidi grumbled in rage again when… woof! Woof! Woof! Cassie quickly spun around in her saddle. There it was: A pack of wolves. Oh God, She thought. They were growling and woofing and coming closer to the riders and the horses. When Heidi saw, she screamed. "WOLF!"

Minverse stepped back and back as the wolf came closer. The group all looked in eachother. They all knew what to do, except for Heidi, of course, worrying about dog slobber might get on to her new riding jacket. Lesa got out a carrot from her riding pocket and threw it over far away. The wolves obviously thought that it was rabbit meat and ran toward it. "Run!" yelled Lesa and they all galloped away on their horses from the wolves as far as they can. "Phew! Have we lost them?" asked Jade cautiously, looking from left to right. Cassie nodded; sweat prickling from her back and forehead. It was scary. She had never seen a real wolf trying to attack her. Heidi checked her nails then grumbled. "I've got dirt in them; stable hands never do their job on cleaning the tack!" she cried. Lesa and Cassie grinned. Cassie retied her hardhat and took a breath. That was very close! "We could've been dead meat!" said Cassie. Everyone nodded. Suddenly, out of the blue…

Chapter 3

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" A tribe of dangerous Ealdor's men were charging at the girls. They were carrying sticks and stones. Ealdor's men lived near the trails. They were dangerous and spiteful. Everyone screamed, but Heidi felled down as Moon gave a mad bolt. "Heidi!" Helen's voice came charging as they galloped. Luckily, Heidi mounted back on Moon, enough time to canter away. This is bad, thought Cassie as a stick hit her head. They men were running towards them, trying to kill the girls by throwing sticks and stones! Lesa was galloping on Ginger like mad. She didn't even touch a stick or stone!

Luckily, Ealdor's men gave up and ran home. Cassie swiped bits of sweat from her forehead. "That was so close!" cried Sam. "And dangerous!" added Helen. "Great, look at my leather jacket-it's new and a stick went in and look it's ripped!" shrieked Heidi. Lesa sighed. "Let's head back to the stables. Cassie was right-we should've gone back to the barn otherwise, we wouldn't have seen wolves or Ealdor's men." Lesa pointed out, glaring at Heidi the same time. Then, Heidi yowled with pain and fell purposely onto the ground. "My ankle! Those stupid men! That stone hit my ankle so I think I steered too hard in the stirrups and my ankle's twisted!" Heidi yowled. "Look, Sarah's here!" cried Jade, pointing. Sarah was there, alone. "Girls, why are you on this meadow? Didn't I tell you to go on Trail A?" snapped Sarah. Everyone all looked at Heidi, who was on the ground weeping. "Let's go back to the stables." Said Sarah.

"You sprained it."

"I know. Can I ride again?"

"Yes and no."

Heidi was on the lounge with Dr Dan checking her up. Cassie shook her head and told Sarah and Dr Dan everything. Including the wolves and Ealdor's men. Sarah couldn't be more shocked. "At least you're safe, girls. Next time, never go to a Meadow without an adult, OK? Before, I warned you that there are many dangers in that meadow." Said Sarah. Cassie and Lesa nodded then giggled. "Boy is this day over!" jolted Lesa. Cassie rolled her eyes. "Boy am I glad!"