Page 144 of Time To Learn

29

Kristian

It’s beena week since I was released from hospital, and after the maddening headache finally disappeared, I’ve been feeling stronger every day since.

I know I’m lucky to be alive—that Alex was there that day, and that he was quick to react.

Being in a near-fatal accident would make anyone reflect on their life—it’s definitely made me stop and take a good, long look at mine—and it all amounts to one thing.

Or, rather two things: Laura and Ailith.

These two girls are everything tome.

I want to give them the world.

Hearing Laura tell me she’s in love with me should have vanquished my fears, but the future still seems very unsure.

Where are we going?

“What are you staring at, Kristian?”

As if waking up from a trance, I jump at the sound of Ailith’s voice next tome.

I shrug lightly as I tear my eyes off Laura as she’s riding Thunder in the paddock, and smile up at her. Her head’s just above mine as she sits on the fence.

“Just admiring your mum, girlie.”

She tilts her head at me and bites her lowerlip.

“You looked so serious. Are you feelingokay?”

I place my arms on the fence and nudge her knee with my elbow.

“I’m fine,” I grin at her. “Having three women look after me for an entire week has done wonders.”

The frown clears from her eyes and she giggles atme.

I turn my head to Laura as she gallops past us. It’s not the first time I’ve seen her in the saddle and even to my untrained eyes, I can tell that she’s a natural. Her face is relaxed but focussed, her seat steady, and the way her body follows the movements of the once so fearful horse makes it look effortless, even when I know it can’t be. Thunder snorts, shaking his head, and if he wasn’t an animal, I would’ve sworn he’s grinning at me as Laura takes him past me and Ailith oncemore.

Stupid.

When she releases the reins and stretches both her arms out to the side, my heart skips a beat at the absolute trust she places on the horse.

“She’s good, isn’t she?” Ailith asks besideme.

I can’t tear my eyes away from the beauty in front of me, but Inod.

“I hope I’ll be just as good as she is when I get older.”

“I’m sure you will be,” I murmur softly.

The utter peacefulness of the silence between us makes warmth settle in mygut.

“Kristian…Can I ask you something?”

I glance up at Ailith.

“Of course. You can ask me anything.”