|Chapter 1|

“Thank you, you’re a great audience!” ThunderHawk bows to his screaming fans.

“Ladies and gentlemen… Thunder…” Suddenly the announcer gets cut off, he speaks again. But in a totally different voice…
“GET UP JOSH!! DON’T MAKE ME USE BRUTE FORCE!” It’s the sound of a high pitched girls’ voice. Everything begins to fade away instantly…


“Josh!” The sound of my annoying little sister Livi wakes me from my dream. I blink and stare at my lightly tanned skinned little sister; she waves her hand in front of my face and then grabs a tuft of my hair.
“Wake up already!” She begs, whining.
“Olivia, get OUT!” I snarled, shoving her away, she dodged me and skipped out of my reach daintily.
“Mom says to go do your chores!” She shouted as she danced down the hall in her bright pink clothes and cowgirl hat.
I groaned and rolled onto my back staring up at my dull blue ceiling, I was lucky enough to share a room with my brother that’s never around.
Of course he’s probably out with his friends; he left last night with no notion of coming back till today. And who knows when that will happen…
I sighed and blew my bangs out of my face with my breath, I quickly got up and slipped on some jeans and throwing on a button up shirt, I pulled my boots on and yawned, stretching my arms out, I scratched my head and sleepily walked down the stairs.
“Hey sunshine…” My brother Jamie mocked. I glared at him relaxing on the couch watching TV.
“Why aren’t YOU doing YOUR chores?” I snapped, grabbing the milk jug from the fridge and a box of cereal from the cupboard.
“Because I’M 20 years old, and you’re 17…” He grinned, completely pulling the “I’m older than you” excuse.
“Shut up Jamie…” I growled, I went quickly to the door and shoved my white cowboy hat on my head, brushing my black hair out of my face.
My hair was completely straight and smooth, and went almost down to my shoulders.
I didn’t even want to bother to ask where Troy was, I didn’t give a crap where that jerk was. Ever since he came into this house 5 months ago all he’s been is MEAN, none of my siblings seem to care though… they all like him.
Besides my older sister Charlotte, Charlotte seems to agree with me. But then she could just be comforting me… she’s about 19, and Riley is my older brother that’s never here, he just turned 19 last month.
Troy has been no help at all; he barely acts fatherly in my opinion. Fathers’ don’t just spoil their children, and that’s one thing my dad rarely did; spoil us…
Ever since Troy has married my mother… he’s corrupted my little sisters’ attitudes. They have everything they could want; he always gives them whatever they ask for, just because he is a million dollar money maker…
Troy has no discipline in his system whatsoever.
I groaned and walked towards the barn, I was constantly daydreaming… all about my dream future. That probably will never going to happen; I can’t leave my mom as soon as I graduate.
That’s basically telling her I hate guts…
So much is on my mind right now its not even funny, I hate Troy, I love my mom, and I’m annoyed with my irresponsible brothers. The only one that actually IS responsible besides me is Charlotte.
“Hey sleepyhead, come help me with the feed!” Charlotte called to me from the hay loft, grumbling I walked slowly into the barn.
I began helping her with the feed for the horses; I grabbed two armfuls of hay and dumped them into Lizzy and Bryce’s stalls. Charlotte handled the grain for them all, 40 horses is a lot of feeding… trust me. I do it every morning, no wonder I’m not fat like most American kids that eat junk food every day for meals.
I don’t think I’ve gone out to eat before my 16th birthday, and I still haven’t.
Finally I made it to my horses’ stall, my gorgeous dark bay gelding Brego… just like from the movie “Lord of the rings”.
I’ve had him for at least 5 or 6 years, even back in Washington we had a horse ranch. Back when my family was actually… unbroken and happy.
He’s still pretty young; I wanna say he’s about 9 or so. I dumped hay into his stall and watched him grab a big mouthful greedily; he’s still a big baby, just like when I got him for my 11th birthday.
Brego is the best horse ever; I would hate to have something happen to him. He’s the only one besides Charlotte that I can tell things too with no trouble…
He understands what I feel like when I want to go out for a hack, for example, a week or so ago… I felt tired but I wanted a good gallop he seemed to be more eager to get out on the trail and go for a gallop.
He always nuzzles me when I’m feeling depressed, I love Brego a lot, I don’t know what I’d do if he suddenly had to be put down or just died. But he shouldn’t… he’s not that old, yet…
“Josh, we still have chores…” Charlotte interrupted my daydream. I sighed and continued feeding the rest of the horses; luckily we have lessons here every day practically except for the weekends. Plus stable hands that start work around 12.
Our only dedicated stable hands are two young bachelors sleeping in our bunk house, currently they’re both off taking a vacation.
Billy and Evan, the only other members of the family that seem to know what Troy is up to, but they aren’t going to try and butt in on our family business because they aren’t biologically related to us Karson’s.
Billy and Evan actually have a horse each, they normally board it here at our stables and work it off, but they took their geldings Sorrento and Vego with them on their trip to Nashville Tennessee.
They should actually be returning today, I’m pretty sure that I’m going to go and pick them up.
“Ok, that’s all of them…” Charlotte sighed, pulling her dark hair back into a pony tail, out of my sisters she looks the most like mom.
“Thanks for helping me Josh,” Charlotte smiled.
“No problem Char, I have nothing better to do…” I adjusted my hat on my head.
“Stop being so glum Joshua,” Char nudged me playfully.
I gave her a cold glare in return, she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms and looked at me ashamed just like mom used to do when I was around 9.
Suddenly she smiled, I immediately became worried. That smile boded no good… every time she got that look she was going to make me do something.
“Not again…” I groaned, she smiled broadly and grabbed my arm.
“We’re going for a hack, go on go get Brego’s things!” She grinned, and then dashed off out of the barn towards the house to inform mom of our plan.
I stared at the shut door for a moment; I chuckled to myself shaking my head. I strolled to the tack room and grabbed Brego’s brush bucket in one hand and grabbed his western bridle, and his western saddle, I know western saddles are quite heavy but I’m somehow strong enough to carry it with one arm.
I honestly prefer western, it’s really fun. I’m not an English guy, but I will admit that I AM pretty good at it. I’ve done horse shows in the past, including dressage.
But that’s only because I love the competition, but honestly what I really love is galloping on the open fields of my thousand acre ranch.
My family is extremely blessed to have gotten such a wonderful home, but we bought this long ago like I said… when my family was actually together. I have no clue where my dad is, all I know is that I really miss him…
I’ve called him a few times, but recently… he hasn’t been returning my calls. It really sucks; he’s the one that taught me so much to be strong in my faith in God.
One verse in particular stuck in my head ever since I was 4 years old; Philippians 4:13. It’s the greatest verse; I try to go to church often with my sisters. But lately it’s just been me and Char.
I strongly believe in the words of that verse, it’s kept me on my feet my whole life, especially the year before my parents separated. I knew they were going to do it soon, they fought quite a bit.
Finally mom just went on vacation to Vegas, and suddenly came back married to some strange man named Troy Warren. It’s sad, I know. I’m really disappointed in my mother, she used to be the strongest Christian woman I know, and she constantly quoted things from the Bible when I said bad things towards my siblings.
Now… all she does is talk about how much she loves Troy. One thing is for sure, she’s not the mother that held me when I cried because of a bad dream when I was a kid.
It hurts me to know that she’s changed so much, the one woman that taught me how to treat girls properly is now married to a non-religious man that only cares about money, and spoiling his step kids…
Brego greeted me by sniffing my face, I smiled and patted his back, and I began brushing him from head to tail. Charlotte soon began getting one of her favored horses, Tatiana, ready. One reason she loves that horse so much, is because her middle name is Tatiana, I think it’s my great-great grandmothers’ first name on my dad’s side or something.
Just as I was tightening Brego’s synch Charlotte was suddenly holding the reins of the gorgeous mouse gray Thoroughbred mare Tatiana in front of Brego’s stall.
“I’ll meet you out by the trail entrance, hurry up ok?” Her brown eyes twinkled and then she walked off, Tatiana’s hoof beats faded away as I continued saddling Brego.
Finally I was ready; I led him out of the barn and quickly stuck my foot into the stirrup and swung myself over his back. Brego is a very tall horse, he’s about 16 hands tall and he’s built quite well. His muscles on his legs are quite prominent…
But anyone that’s intimidated by him would feel quite stupid after they got to know him; he’s the kindest horse ever. And for such a big horse as he is, his canter and gallop are great. His trot is too, but its pretty normal… he’s not too bumpy.
I kicked Brego’s sides and he broke into a quick jog, I trotted past Char who quickly saw me and urged Tatiana into a trot to catch up to me.
I slowed Brego to a walk and let him take in the misty morning air, his hooves lightly brushed against the green and brown grass.
Yep, it’s almost the start of the school year yet again. I’ll be graduating soon… I’ve got a dream job just like everyone else, but I don’t think I’m going to get it.
Troy wants me to go to college for 6 years to become a stupid stuck up lawyer like him; I do NOT look good in a tux! I hate those awful excuses for clothes.
“Hey, are we going to have some fun or what?” Char pushed my head playfully.
I glared at her and shoved her hat in front of her face. “Stop being like that Josh!” She snapped.
“The least you can do is act like you are enjoying this…” She glared back at me, but immediately she became happy again.
Soon we approached the clearing, and Charlotte smiled in contentment at the beautiful rising sun sent beams of light all across our land through the clouds.
“Shall we?” She smiled; I couldn’t hold my smile back. I grinned broadly and tipped my hat.
“Ladies first…” I taunted, she glared at me playfully.
“All right, fine. You’re going to be sorry though!” She clicked her tongue and squeezed Tatiana’s sides. She broke into a trot, Charlotte soon urged her into a canter and she began getting farther away.
I smiled as her tan skin glistened in the sunlight.
I waited a few more seconds and then I quickly urged Brego into a canter, he snorted and began cantering.
“Come on Brego…” I whispered as I leaned forward.
He shook his mane and burst into a full gallop, as Brego and I galloped past Charlotte I turned back and grinned triumphantly as she stared at me completely surprised.
I slowed to a canter and let Charlotte catch up; I enjoyed the brightening sky and the warmth that the sun brought. I knew Char was proud of herself; she managed to make me happy.
She has said it was her “job” to keep her little brother happy.
“So when are you going to go back to Denver University?” I asked, as we began heading back towards the house after we’d ridden for about 20 minutes.
“Not sure, probably once the summer is over…” She brushed her bangs out of her face. “That’s when the school is starting back up; hopefully I’ll graduate within the next couple of years with my veterinary Bachelors degree… and then I’ll take classes for a few more years in between looking for a job to earn my masters.” She smiled in contentment.
“Sounds like a plan sis…” I smiled back, and turned my eyes to focus on the trail, my smile faded and I began to think about MY dream. No one was reprimanding Charlotte to do what she didn’t want to do; she’s always wanted to become a vet…
Ever since she turned 10 years old, her dream was to become a vet and work with animals. The one thing she loves doing…
And yet, I was being pushed to become a lawyer. The last thing I’d ever want to be, I know it makes good money and all… but I’d rather not help people solve things like that.
I just don’t feel that God is pulling me in that direction, I’ve prayed about it a lot in the past year or so… I’ve got my heart set on singing and owning a ranch in Cheyenne Wyoming.
I know for a fact that-that has been my dream since I was a toddler; I’ve loved horses all my life. I’ve been riding ever since I could practically walk.
And I loved performing for my family my favorite songs, and around my preteen years I began writing my own songs and I took guitar lessons.
My mom and dad know of my talent, my parents encouraged me in every way possible to keep doing my passion. But I don’t think they know at all that I love singing so much that I want to make a career out of it…
Dad wouldn’t mind, he’d be happy for me. Mom… I’m not to sure, she’s changed so much and I don’t know how she’d take it. Especially Riley’s deep secret that he has a girlfriend, and he’s in deep with her… yes I read his text messages.
I’m awful that way; I was curious and annoying at that age. But Riley has been dating that girl for three years straight now; I’ve seen how they act around each other. Especially when Riley was going to the same school as me, plus his text messages…
If you ask me I don’t think he’s saved… I know that’s harsh but he’s just as bad as kids that don’t know God.
And mom doesn’t have a clue, let alone dad. Riley’s been good at keeping it a secret, why haven’t I told mom or dad you ask?
In the past I was just afraid, but now I know that mom and dad can’t do a thing to keep him from doing what he does, big fat reason number 1 is because he’s 19 and an adult.
Riley is the worst student, he’s flunked his senior year for 2 years now and he’s failed. This is his last year to get his grades up-which I will say he hasn’t done so- or he has to drop out. He’s going to be 20 in the next year…
It’s disgusting to be honest; at least Jamie graduated High school. He’s still a slob and inconsiderate of others, and he actually has a good supportive job. But he’s still a jerk…
The only reason mom is letting him stay is because he is paying mom rent about $1,500 a month, because he actually uses the horses believe it or not.
Mom makes him do chores sometimes, but recently she’s slacked on that. I feel like buying a black whip and using it on Jamie like he is a stupid cow that’s disobeying me to get him to help out on this place that he’s mooching off of…
All he does is lye around on his butt all day when he’s not working and watch TV and text his friends and girlfriend. Oh yeah, and he disappears every once in a while to go hang out with his girlfriend.
So… obviously I’m the only REAL man in the house now, literally. Everything went to hell when dad left… Jamie and Riley weren’t ever like this, well Riley was… sometimes. But he didn’t flunk school thankfully.
Finally we got back, I un-tacked Brego and let him loose in the paddock, I let about 12 other horses out in the same pasture with help from Charlotte.
Usually we let them roam our land with out supervision but mom wants us to wait until Billy and Evan get back to do that.
I went back inside with Charlotte to grab something to eat and see if its time to go and fetch Billy and Evan from the airport.
Mom was cooking pancakes it looked like in the kitchen when we came inside; I came up behind her and kissed her head.
She turned her head and smiled at me, her short hair covering almost all of her tan face.
“Have a good ride sweetheart?” She asked, opening one arm for a hug, I accepted.
“Yeah, pretty good… I’m thinking about entering a show with Brego in about a month…” I replied opening the fridge and grabbing some Shasta cola.
“Sounds exciting,” Her voice didn’t have much enthusiasm in it, not that it ever did anymore… the only time that it actually had enthusiasm is when that jerk of a step-father is in her presence.
I popped the soda can open and sat down at the kitchen table and watched my two little sisters Olivia and Katie play Barbie’s in their gigantic Barbie house that Troy bought them.
“Josh, could you please go pick up Billy and Evan now?” Mom asked looking at me pleadingly.
“Sure, I’ll be back in a bit… wanna come Char?” I grabbed my jacket off the hook by the door on my way out.
Charlotte bit her lip. “Are you sure you don’t need any help cooking lunch or something?” She asked hesitantly.
“I’m fine Char; go with your brother…” She gestured towards the door, Char smiled, clearly thankful to go to town with me. She jumped up from the couch and danced to mom and pecked her on the cheek and then rushed to me…
As soon as we were out the door I grinned.
“Shot gun!” Charlotte glared at me, clearly annoyed that I always got to it first before her. But the rules with the “shot gun game”, you couldn’t shout it until you saw the vehicle.
“You always get it!” She growled.
“Oh you’ll survive Char; you’ll be driving your car all over once you go back to school…” I smiled, I made sure the horse trailer was hitched to the back of our family’s big blue dodge pickup truck and then I got in the drivers seat.
I buckled and started the truck up, it rumbled as I shifted the gears into reverse.
Finally I began the beautiful drive down to the city; I rolled my window down and flipped on the radio which it immediately tuned into KLOVE radio station.
I smiled as the sound of “Born again” By Third Day filled my ears…
My all time favorite song, the Lord is good…
About 10 minutes later we were in the city, and driving through traffic which took about another boring 10 minutes.
Eventually we made it to the airport; I parked the truck in the animal pick up parking and began searching for Billy and Evan.
“Hey, is that them?” Char pointed to a chestnut and appaloosa horse standing with 3 guys. Two of them looked extremely familiar…
Suddenly one of them looked at us, he waved and immediately I knew it was Billy.
Char nearly ran into Billy’s arms as he had a big grin on his face, his emerald green eyes twinkled when Char fell into his arms.
He swung her around in a circle and she laughed.
“Glad your back Billy!” She hugged him.
Evan laughed and opened his arms for a hug from her, she gave him one and then Evan turned to me.
“I think you’ve grown Josh…” Evan’s eyes got big. I looked at him for a moment, and then I let out a guffaw.
I actually was looking down at him very slightly! Last time I saw him we were about the same height.
“Maybe, glad your back guys…” I chuckled, I gave Evan a hug and then he tackled me ruffling my hair. I wrestled with him briefly, but Billy separated us.
“Enough you two, Sorrento and Vego I think would like to be in green pastures instead of this pavement…” Billy grabbed both of our hair; he was somewhat older than Evan. By one year, he’s exactly 20 years old.
And as you just found out, Billy has a crush on Charlotte. It’s quite obvious; they act like they’re dating… which they aren’t. I think Billy is too afraid too, plus he knows our family is going through hard times right now…
We got the horses into the trailer and headed back up to our humble little home; “Lilac Hollow”.
“So what did we miss eh Josh?” Billy grinned; I looked at him beside me briefly with a smile.
“Nothing really… I’m thinking about entering a barrel race next month.” I announced.
“Really Josh? Need any tips or something?” Evan offered politely, I chuckled as I drove with one hand hanging out the window.
“No I’m good Evan, I’m not to sure if I want to… either way I want to get Brego training again, I haven’t been riding him a lot lately and he’s getting lazy.” A car zipped by.
“I know what you mean, I’m going to give Vego a nice long break in the pastures… he deserves it after that long stuffy plane ride…” Evan chuckled.
“I would want the open air too…” I commented.
We didn’t talk anymore after that; we arrived just then at our house. I parked and turned the truck off; I got out and stood by prepared to help Billy and Evan if they needed it.
Billy and Evan got both horses out successfully with out my help or Charlotte, but suddenly a sound caught my attention… the sound of a rumbling sports car engine.
My heart skipped a beat, my eyes shot towards the driveway as the sound became prominently louder, the jerk is back and he was coming fast… to fast…


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