Young Equestrian: Something in Common

By Angelique Simeone and Nefes Pirzada

Two friends. Four years. And an infinite amount of obstacles.

Lilians horse was dead. Katerinas horse had mysteriously disappeared. With their losses had gone a piece of their hearts.

One Letter. One letter had come in and changed both of their lives. The two girls were both accepted into the elite New York City Specialized Academy, but they didnt know each other until that moment when they rediscovered their pasts.

One Dream. One dream of reuniting with their horses was the only one thing that the two shared in common.

The journey travels from the rural countryside of Michigan to the bustling tempo and glamour of Manhattan. Join their odyssey of friendship, romance, and mystery and see if you too have something in common.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Sep 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466952416

Angelique Simeone

In spite of obtaining a lot of her pleasure in writing, Nefes loves horseback riding more than anything in the world. Her equestrian accomplishments including many 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons and medals developed greatly over the course of her nine year riding career. The idea for the novel Something in Common partly developed from her love of riding, and her memorable experiences doing so. Her musical talents including that of the piano, flute, and piccolo are also noteworthy. Nefes enjoys many hobbies additional to these such as playing tennis and dancing. She also loves doing many of these things, and more such as going to the nail salon and the mall, with her closest friend since second grade, co-author Angelique. Angelique is an avid writer. Ever since a very young age, writing fiction was more than just a hobby, instead it became a significant part of her life. She also enjoys the performing arts. Her love of the theater also was an inspiration for part of the novel. Studying the classical piano for over eight years, and performing at Carnegie Hall are two other noteworthy accomplishments of the co-author of Young Equestrian: Something in Common. Angelique loves to spend time with horses. In addition to performing and writing, Angelique enjoys playing tennis and other sports. Angelique loves participating in and doing these hobbies, especially with her closest friend, Nefes.

Book preview

YOUNG

EQUESTRIAN

Something in Common

NEFES PIRZADA

 ANGELIQUE SIMEONE

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©

Copyright 2012 Angelique Simeone and Nefes Pirzada.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, places, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously.

Back Cover Photo by Angelique Simeone

ISBN: 978-1-4669-5242-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4669-5241-6 (e)

Trafford rev. 10/10/2012

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Contents

Dedication

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

Kate

Lilian

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About the Authors

41260.jpg Dedication 42320.jpg

We are honored to dedicate this book to our 5th and 6th grade English teacher, Mrs. Barbara Thomas. Thank you Mrs. T, for helping us to fulfill our dream and also for your unwavering support.

We also dedicate this book to our wonderful families who encouraged and supported us through our whole journey; our parents, brothers, and other relatives. Thank you.

Lastly, we dedicate this book to all of our other teachers, and amazing friends who have supported us on this life-changing experience. Thank you.

41266.jpg Kate 42326.jpg

IT WAS THE PERFECT Sunday evening. The sun was shining, the birds chirping. A slight breeze rustled the air, making it comfortable and relaxing. Every now and then, a small chipmunk or squirrel would peek out of their tall, wooden homes to say hello, and then disappear to their own activities. The sky was sparkling, and cloudless. It was the perfect weather for plants to grow, and flourish. Tulips all around rustled their leaves, and danced in the sunlight. It was utterly silent, except for a small sound way down on the spongy, earth. A gleaming, white horse cantered around a spacious ring, touching the ground as if dancing. Her hooves did not have the slightest dirt on them, yet you could see that she had been there for quite some time. She was beautiful like untouched, gleaming snow on a cold, December morning. On her, was a young girl of about fourteen, her hair pulled back in braid, trailing behind her as she flew. Her posture and level was worthy of a blue ribbon at any show. She had warm, brown eyes, with a touch of nervousness. Anyone, even the most competitive, could tell they were the perfect pair.

I rode around the pasture, my face gleaming as Snowflake jumped over a small ground pole. I never jumped before a show, and I wasn’t going to stop that tradition today. We turned around once, and she transitioned to an energetic trot. Slowly, she came to a walk. All of our hard work paid off. I just knew we would do great at the Regionals tomorrow. My riding was excelling rapidly since I had made more time to practice on my schedule. Snowflake, my cream colored Arabian, was so stiff on her left side, so I have been practicing mostly on track left. My heart started to beat rapidly as I thought about the competition I would be going against tomorrow. Yet, something pulled my mind off of the show. I looked around at the beautiful Michigan land. This was my life, a place I would never want to leave. I had everything here.

What if I get a blue tomorrow? I thought, but I knew I was pushing my luck just a little too much. First place is my dream every time a show comes my way. I always got a blue at a regular show, but this was the Regionals I was thinking about. Much higher in rank. Snowflake stopped in the middle of the ring, and I hopped off. As I was about to lead her to the stables, the porch door opened, then closed. From it, a tired looking middle aged woman ascended toward me, in her hand, ice jingled in cool lemonade.

One of your best, hon! Mom said, swapping Snow for the lemonade.

Thanks, I whispered, gulping the cold liquid down. When she started to lead Snowflake to her stall, I started to protest, but she waved her hand dismissively.

You go take a shower, she said. You need it. You reek like horse manure!

Oh, thanks, Mom, I love you too! I laughed, making a mental note to return those shoes that I bought for her for being such a caring and encouraging Mom.

Once I got out, I ate my dinner, which was my favorite, chicken and jasmine rice, and went to check on Snow. Once I laid eyes on her, it took my breath away.

Maybe I’ll keep the shoes . . . my mind called. Mom really advanced in braiding horse’s hair, plus, she made Snow look even more beautiful than she already was.

Oh, Snow! I hugged her, while also stuffing a peppermint treat in her mouth.

My beautiful girl, see you tomorrow! I hugged her one last time, and then started walking to the house. People called us crazy for keeping a horse in our five-acre yard, but here in Michigan, anything can happen. As I climbed in bed, all my worries seemed to go away. I didn’t care about winning or losing. As long as I had my family and Snow, I was perfectly happy. The minute I closed my eyes, I was under the spell of sleeping. I did need it.

Kate, wake up! We’re going to be late for the show! My eyes slowly opened. A blurry figure stood beside me. Then it became clear. Oh, it’s only Mom with a worried look . . . worried! screamed the voice in my head. I flung the sheets off me and looked at the time. 4:33?!

Mom! Why this early! I whimpered looking at her right in the eyes. This early Kate because the show starts at 6:00 and it is in Detroit, she said calmly.

What?! I screamed! I got dressed as fast as I could, regretting that I forgot to set up the alarm. Mom had bought me a new pair of riding boots for the special occasion, and I wore an old pair of show breeches. I braided my hair as neatly and fast as I could and ran down to the stables. Snowflake was already up munching on some hay I had given her the night before. The moment she saw me, she walked over. I tacked her quickly, yet neatly, and walked over to our trailer. Mom was waiting for me with a banana and a glass of orange juice. My hands felt slippery and my stomach had a weird sensation while I fastened Snowflake inside the trailer. I checked her leg wraps once more, and then walked out. Mom came over to me and hugged me tight while stuffing a banana in my mouth.

I know you will do great, she said. I thought to myself about what she had just said, and then answered,

I better do great.

As I boarded the trailer, something glittered outside. I looked closely, and thinking that it was just the sun rising rapidly, I settled in.

Put on your seat belt hon, we are going to have to speed if you want to get there on time. As soon as I put on my seat belt, I felt the car jolt forward. The trees became a blur as we zoomed forward. Only a couple of cars were on the road at this time. The sky was a pinkish blue. My heart flipped inside me as I thought we might be late. We can’t be late, we just can’t. Not this time, I thought in my head. We passed six traffic lights without stopping once. I felt like I was going to explode. This was a once in a lifetime event for me, so if I did badly in this show, I would never get to compete in any high rank show again. But, if I did great in this show, I may even get a scholarship! That would be miraculous. It really would-

My thoughts were interrupted when the car came to a sudden stop. I looked out of the window and saw dozens of horses scattered along the huge field. I looked at the sky. It was a bluish purple. The sun was half up.

Come on Kate, unload Snowflake! You are going to be late for the show!! said Mom surprised that I didn’t move at all since the car had stopped. With those words, I jumped out of the car and opened the trailer door. Snowflake was waiting for me. She gave me a whinny of encouragement, and took a step closer to the exit of the trailer. I clipped the lead line onto her halter and walked over to the dozens of horses, trying to take calming breaths instead of shaky ones . . .

Katerina Danner! You are up! I repeat, Katerina Danner! That was my name. This was now my show. I walked into the arena, thinking I would faint from all the eyes staring down at me from the stands. Snowflake must have noticed my feelings, because she nudged me.

Okay, I can do this, I thought. But, could I? I pushed that dark cloud out of my head, and climbed on to the saddle. Snowflake felt tensed under me, so I tried to calm my jumpy nerves a notch. We trotted to the starting line. Cross Country, a type of course people who are showing take, is my strength. Cross Country includes jumping and cantering. Judges time you for how fast you complete the course without your horse spooking, or else you lose many points. I waited for the bell to ring, my stomach lurching like a tuna out of the water.

R-r-r-r-r-r-r-i-i-i-i-n-g!!!! the bell rang. Snowflake jumped into a canter. My hands started burning, my head aching. A jump was coming up.

One, two, yes! Snowflake didn’t even touch it. We turned a little left and up! Snowflake soared over it like it was a paper clip. Another rail with no problem at all. Ten seconds later, we were at the last rail.

One, two . . . I couldn’t believe it! 15 seconds, no rails nicked! I came to a stop, and looked around the ring, toward Mom. She was screaming from the stands jumping up and down. She was so happy!! As I walked to the sidelines where the others riders were waiting, the judges started to talk with one another. The board at the top of the ring lit up, and our names came into view. The board showed how many faults we had, and our time. No, no, no . . . impossible. My eyes started watering. O.M.G!!!!!! Sienna, one rider had 15.9 seconds. Lilian, another rider had 15.6 seconds, Rebecca had 17.8 seconds, Angelina had 16 seconds, Meghan had 32 seconds, and I, I had 15 seconds!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh!!!! Oh my gosh, I won!!!! I won!! I won!! I looked at the judges and gave them the ‘look who’s getting a blue ribbon and maybe even a scholarship’ face. The judges caught this and smiled. One of them came over with 3 ribbons, all a different color. Meghan was crying. It soon came to me that she must have competed in the Regionals for the first time today. Just like me. And she blew her chance to ever compete again. My heart was broken, so I tried to give her my, it’s okay smile. Thankfully, she gave me a weak smile back, but looked at Snowflake enviously, even, hungrily. She started to walk over, maybe to congratulate me, but I was wrong.

Hey, I’m Meghan Delhaney, and you are Kate Danner of . . . Brookwood Oaks, Michigan, correct? She looked at me, waiting for an answer. I wasn’t someone who was rude, so I just whispered, yes, but I knew something was fishy about her. I mean, the way she looked at Snow . . .

I got to go, um, good job at the show, I blurted out. With that, I walked away. There was DEFINITELY something wrong, and I didn’t want to get into it. The judges gave me the blue ribbon, which I pinned on Snowflake’s bridle. Then the judge took the speaker phone and said, 1st place Kate Danner, 2nd place Lilian Rose, 3rd place Sienna Marsh. Congrats to you all!!!

As I walked out of the ring 30 minutes later, I caught a glimpse of the same girl who won second in show jumping, now on her horse again showing in the Dressage ring. She looked so calm, and her moves so supple, that I knew she would be first place. As if on cue, the board lit up, and her face and name were at the top. But, wait, was it that girl . . . Meghan Delhaney again? Disqualified?! I scowled, yet there was really nothing I could do.

When I passed the excited Dressage show where that girl got a blue, something made a huge squishy suction on back of me. I didn’t mind, because it could’ve been another rider going home. When the people who were making it literally grabbed me, I suddenly minded. A lot. I was so startled that I wobbled and fell. I always fall whenever I’m scared. This time, I fell into a puddle of mud. My face was dripping as I got up and looked for the attacker.

"You know, jerks, I’m holding a . . . . My eyes shone like the stars when I noticed who it was . . . Mom and Dad!! DAD!! I never see him!

Dad!! Omygosh! You actually came to see my show! Omygosh! I was so happy and excited that I starting smiling like a five year old. Dad looked at me and laughed.

"Well, this show could decide your future. I had to be here. Wow, I know you will get into NYCSA for sure! They will think you are the picture perfect student! A straight ‘A’ student who horseback rides, has a horse, has a job record, perfect attendance, and a blue ribbon from the Regionals . . . ."

All of a sudden, I felt my heart sink so rapidly I thought I was going to faint.

NYCSA? Where did you get the idea that I wanted to go to NYCSA? That’s all the way in New York. Didn’t you only enroll me in high school in Michigan? I already got the welcome letter . . . .

Mom looked at me as if I was joking.

Of course you’re going to that school! But, only for a couple of weeks. If you get into NYCSA, wouldn’t you want to transfer there? I thought about what Mom said for a second. I always thought that I would go to that school in Michigan, where I live, with Bella and all my other friends. But, what if things changed?

I don’t know, I whispered, ashamed of myself for saying it. Dad looked at Mom and they seemed to agree on something. Then, Mom stepped forward and hugged me.

It’s your choice, she said, looking me in the eyes. "When the time comes, I know you will make the right