She's a Firecracker ( Briley--private)

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

Outfit- www.polyvore.com/barn/set?id=19750811

Standing in the center of the ring was the headmistress of RRA, and she loved her job. Though some days were worse than others, she still managed to come out with a smile. She had lived her dream, no she was living her dream, and that was owning her own barn and teaching others how to ride. She lived another dream of hers when she competed in the olympics on Arlo. She sometimes got tired of getting up every morning at 5:30 and dragging herself from her feather down comforter, but it was all worth it at the end of the day. Covered in dirt and smelling of fresh hay. She would come home to Chance and cook dinner. Though she wished she had an actual human to cook for.

" Hands up Allisa, remember the box technique I taught you. Pretend you are carrying a small present, don't break the present Allisa. You have the posture of a ballerina, now get your hands to do the same thing," she said and gave her an encouraging smile as she watched her little niece. She loved it when she would come and spend the day with her. Her older brother was out of the country and Allisa insisted and begged to go and spend that time with her awesome aunt Nora. The little girl slowed the large horse down and made him halt. She let out a sigh and hung her head, " I'll never be good as you aunt Nora, I'm like a sack of potatoes and I can never get it right." Nora shook her head and slowly approached her. She looked up at her and patted her leg. " You think I picked up on all my techniques right off the bat? It took me years to perfect what I do. You just been riding for a month, and look how far along you come," she said and gave her an encouraging smile. " Now, let's do that again," she said and patted the girl's leg. She watched her trot off and try again.

[Briley Cole Ferris]

It was a hot day, the sun was sitting high in the sky, there were no clouds to be seen. I can't forget to mention, there was no wind stirring up the horses' manes and ruffling the grass. All was quiet, I was sitting on a hay bale leaning up against the rough lumber of the barn. My hat was pulled down over my eyes and a piece of straw was stuck in my mouth. I chewed on the piece of straw thoughtfully. School was going on right now, I didn't have a class at this very hour..... All was calm, too calm, there was no one around. I pulled my hat off of my head, revealing ruffled, dirty blond hair. I jumped up off the hay bales, the heels of my dirty, brown cowboy boots clacked against the floor.

I headed out into the hallway and whistled softly, my large gray gelding poked his head out and nickered lowly to me. I cooed to him softly as I walked towards him, "Hey boy." I reached my rough hand out towards his nose, he stuck his soft nose to my hand. I stroked him softly, and he nickered to me. I laughed a bit as he playfully pushed my nose away and put his face right next to mine.

He always wanted attention.

I started scratching him between his ears and asked, "Wanna go for a ride boy?" He started nodding his head and I laughed a gruff laugh before unlatching the stall door and leading him out. He was a handsome light gray, Oldenburg crossed with Quarter Horse gelding. He was also sweet, just adding to his features. I had clipped the lead rope that I had in hand to his halter that always stayed on him. He walked out slowly and easy, taking his time to be careful. Such a careful old thing. I tied him in the cross ties and jogged over to the tack room, where I got some brushes and his tack. He wasn't very dirty, nothing a quick brushing wouldn't help.

I ran a curry comb over his body, carefully brushing away all the dirt and dust from his body. He stood still the whole time, never moving a muscle. When I was done, I placed his maroon saddle blanket and plain black tack upon him. I then swung myself upon his back and guided him out of the barn. He poked along, gravels of the gravel road crunching beneath his hooves. I clucked to him softly. The gelding was quick to react, as usual. He was a good cow horse, he was a good horse overall. I smiled a bit as we trotted towards the arena where Nora was teaching one of her students. Today, I would be social and pay her a visit.

I clucked to the gelding a bit louder and he was eager to respond, shifting into a lope that rocked me easily in the saddle he automatically slowed as we came closer to the arena. It was a covered arena, I really couldn't see Nora or anyone else. I just assumed that's where she'd be at, at this very moment. We eased along, entering the arena carefully. Yeah, just as I figured, Nora was there, with her niece. I rode up to the fence of the arena, at one of the openings. I smirked a bit before announcing my arrival. "Looking good!"

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

" That's right Alissa, elbows at a slight 90 degree angle, hands closed, and go along with his neck. Feel the beat as he bounces. Up, down, up down," called Nora and smiled. She was so proud of her niece for sticking to her lessons, and also for not giving her lip about being told what to do. Alissa was only 5, and she was as happy as a clam on a horse. She always insisted on riding Arlo, he was like a big teddy bear to her, and she always wanted to give him a treat. " Now, when you feel ready ,without giving yourself away I want to close your legs on him, and ask for a canter. Just a few strides," she said slowly. She could tell Alissa was nervous. She had never centered before, but she knew that she was in capable hooves on Arlo. " Canter Arlo," she squeaked, and gave him a little tap. Arlo shook his head and picked up a slow, but steady canter. That's her boy!

" Look aunty Nora, I'm doing it! I'm doing it!," she cheered and kept going. Nora nodded and smiled, " See, I told you you could do it! We'll have you at the grand pris in no time," she said when she heard hoof sounds and looked over. She saw it was Briley and she smiled and looked back at Alissa. " Bring him back down to a trot and then ask him to W-A-L-K and then you are finished," she said and stuffed her gloves in her back pocket. Alissa stopped Arlo and jumped off. Nora smiled when she heard Briley and she acted flattered," Who's looking good? I know you cannot be complimenting me," she laughed and walked over to get Arlo.

[Briley Cole Ferris]

My dark blue eyes followed every movement the young girl and the large horse made. What a match they were, the girl was so tiny and the horse was so large, it was quiet the scene to see.

Or, atleast I thought so.

I leaned forward on my horse, placing my elbow on my horn and propping my head upon my hand. I allowed my other hand to dangle freely around the grey horse's neck. I ran my fingers through his silver mane, I followed the pair carefully. Taking in every bounce the girl made, every stride the horse took. I chimed in with Nora a bit, my southern drawl voice was loud and echoed throughout the arena, "Tighten up your reins, his strides are getting loose and sloppy." I figured that I would help Nora out a bit, the girl was doing good for such a young age, but she could still use a few tips. Even though she probably didn't want to hear tips coming from a Western Pleasure teacher.

I straightened my posture up a bit as Nora finally called it quits, I pulled my reins around the horn of my saddle and slid off of Sandy. The stallion stood quietly, like a picture, holding his head high, with his ears pricked. He was watching the other horse with interest, who knew what he was thinking. Surely it was nothing bad, for the stallion never caused any trouble. But hey, people and animals alike can surprise you. I stroked the geldings thick, toned neck and placed my arms atop the top board of the arena fence. Nora was walking out to retrieve the large horse and small gal.

I gave a gruff chuckle as she asked me if I was complimenting her, I shrugged my large shoulders, letting them rise and fall with my laugh, "Ha, Nora, you always look good, I don't have to compliment you!" I joked with her, trying to be a bit flirtatious, even though I failed miserably. I rubbed my hands together, opening the gate for the three. "Umm.... Nora, do you have any plans for this evening?" I stuck my hands in my pockets and rocked back and forth on my heels. If she had plans that was okay, if she didn't that was okay. It was worth a shot.

I failed miserably at relationships.

Damn.

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

" Oh, so you were complimenting Alissa. My word Briley, she's only 5! You know what would happen if I told her father? He's in the military," said Nora and laughed. She put her arm around Alissa and stroked her hair, " Alissa, this is my good friend Mr. Briley," she said and smiled as she looked at Briley. " Nice to meet you Mr. Briley," she said and looked up at him with her bright blue eyes. She wasn't shy around strangers, she was just like her aunt. Nora patted Arlo's neck, and whispered in Alissa ear to go and put Arlo in his stall. The little girl was more than capable of handling a horse of Arlo's size. He wouldn't hurt a fly.

She stood there facing Briley and turned her gloves around in her hands nervously. She liked Briley...a lot, but was she willing to give her heart again like she did 10 years ago? Maybe, but he would have to work at winning her heart. She bit her lip nervously when he asked her if she had any plans. If she had plans she would have forgotten them once he opened his mouth. She snapped out of it. " I don't actually, just going to have a quiet night with Alissa and Chance at home. Would you like to join us for dinner?"

[Briley Cole Ferris]

I laughed a bit, Nora knew that I was complimenting Alissa on her riding. Not the way she looked, I was not a pervert, not in the least way. If someone called me a pervert, child molester, or anything of that sort, they would be lying. If I do say so myself, I am a nice, humble man who wouldn't bother a fly.

Some people may beg to disagree, but I felt strongly that I was a good man.

I rolled my broad shoulders once more, leaning against Sandy, I had my back up against him now and was propped up on him. One arm stretched out over his saddle, but my eyes were glued upon Nora. Sandy was standing so still, and I was hardly paying any attention to him. He bent his large neck around, and pressed his large head up against my shoulder, trying to get attention. I outstretched one large hand and stroked his nose, tearing my eyes away from the attractive brunette. I couldn't just leave my horse to stand there by himself, without me saying one word to him.

I patted him on his large haunches and my ocean blue eyes wandered back to Nora. "I know he is!! And her dad knows that I wouldn't hurt his daughter!" I looked over at the small girl as she told me hello. I took my hat off and swung it to the side, sort of a country courtesy. "Howdy miss Alissa." I dropped my hat back on my head and gave her a large, southern, crooked boy grin. I clutched my hands around Sandy's reins and pulled them from over his head, he dropped his large head and let me do as I pleased. Only giving me one soft snort, I clucked at him and turned him around. Alissa and her horse were now leaving the arena, leaving me and Nora to talk by ourselves.

I wrinkled my eyebrows together as she bit her lip, I knew she was getting nervous.

Was she about to turn me down?

Or what?

I looked down at the ground, scuffing one of my dirty boots across the dirt floor. I lifted my head, eyes sparkling as she started to speak up.

So, she wasn't going to turn me down!

Yes!

"Well, i'd hate to intrude on you guys.... But, if it wouldn't be too much to ask, I would love to!" I smiled at her before mounting upon Sandy. I outstretched my hand to her before asking, "Shall we join Alissa down at the barn?" I was waiting for her to take my hand, so I could help her upon behind me. We could ride double down to the barn, I would give her a taste of Quarter Horse medicine.

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

" Would I ask you to join us if you were intruding? Besides, Chance misses you, and plus, you have not tried my home cooking yet, you chickened out last time when I asked you over for the barn Christmas party. You owe me," said Nora and smiled as she watched Alissa walk away. A little girl and a big horse, it was a picture perfect moment. Too bad her dad couldn't see her ride in person. He was fighting overseas in Iraq, and always requested video of his little princess riding. After Alissa's mother died, it was just him and his little girl, but he knew he could count on Nora to step in as a mother.

Nora watched him get up on his mount and then he outstretched his hand for her to join him. She stood there and hesitated. Ever fiber of her wanted to jump on up and wrap her arms around him, but her heart was taking a back seat on this. She swallowed a lump in her throat and slowly reached up and grasped his hand. His strong grip held her small hand, and she hoisted herself up and swung up behind him. She gently wrapped her arm around his mid-section and replied " Let's go cowboy," and gave him a small smile as they walked back to the barn.

[Briley Cole Ferris]

I shook my head a bit, a smile plastered upon my lips that were a bit crusty, like most cowboys. Needless to say, I didn't care about my appearance, I just let the horses run loose. Now, if my hair started to get long I would go to the barber shop and have them trim it up for me. But that was about it. Most people were all like "Oh my gosh, my lips are chapped" or some stupid crap like that!

Nope, not me.

"I guess not.... I've missed Chance as well, I might bring Carlisle over. I'm excited to try you're home cooking. It's been a while since I've had a good home cooked meal. Though, i've not missed a meal. I guess i'll join you then. But, you know that i'm not a partyer." I chuckled, Carlisle was in need of a doggie playmate, I was in need of some company myself. This would be a good chance to get my social muse flowing again.

A dog was no fun to talk to.

I knew Nora wanted to take my hand and climb on behind me like a wild woman. Everyone wanted to run free like a mustang every now and then. I pulled her on behind me, she was a light woman, not heavy at all and easy to pull up. I smiled as she wrapped her arms around me and I pulled her closer. "Let's go, wild woman!" I clucked to my horse, I knew she was expecting a calm walk back to the barn. I was going to give her something to remember. "Yah!" I bore one heel into the side of my grey gelding and we fled off. We came thundering out of the barn, his long legs pulled us effortlessly at top speed down the gravel road.

Gravels flew high up into the air, being launched by the hooves of my thundering horse. It wouldn't take us but a fraction of a second to get back to the barn.

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

Nora held onto him as his gelding took off. She gripped his shirt and could slightly feel his hard stomach. He must work out. She was not expecting the horse to take off like that. She slightly screamed and buried her face into his back and gripped tightly. " Not funny Briley," she said and held close. After a while, she got used to it, but it just surprised her at how the gelding took off like that. What other surprises was he going to pull out of his cowboy hat?

They reached the barn, she was still clutching his shirt, but she released the pressure once they slowed down. She looked up and saw little Alissa standing there holding Arlo by the reins. She had that look of puzzlement. What was Aunt Nora clutching this strange man so close? Nora waited for Briley to get off, and as if out of a fairy tale he hoisted her down, and never took his eyes off of her for one second. Her heart danced and did flip flops, and her chest rose. She rested her hands on his shoulders and their faces were almost touching. Whoa baby! She felt his warm breath on her face, and she carefully took a step back and bumped into Sandy. Nora cleared her throat, and stepped away from Briely's embrace slowly and went over to Alissa. She took the reins of Arlo and lead him to the nearest crossties. " Go get your step stool, and you can brush his mane alright," she smiled and watched the child dash down the aisle. She looked back at Briley and she smiled, but she was trembling inside. She hadn't felt that way in years.

[Briley Cole Ferris]

I laughed as she clung onto my shirt, fingernails piercing my skin, it was kind of funny really.... Apparently she had never had fun before. Well, that was all about to change. If she started hanging out with me, she would learn to be a cowgirl. That was for sure. Whenever she screamed, I just laughed, the heels of my boots shoving into Sandy's stomach once more. The handsome gray pulled us even faster, his muscles rippling beneath his clean coat. His long, wavy mane blowing in the wind as we raced along. Sweat was starting to pour from his pores and change his light gray coat to a dark gray color. So, I pulled back on the reins and cooed to the gelding, "easy boy, take your time." And whenever Nora said that this wasn't funny, I just chuckled at her and said, "Actually, it is kind of funny."

Because, truthfully, it was, I was laughing.

When we reached a barn, we loped a circle around the barn before finally entering the barn. I pulled back on the reins and the gelding responded eagerly, going from a lope to a trot, and from a trot to a walk. We poked along into the barn, Sandy's hooves clip clopping against the concrete flooring. I pulled Sandy to a stop and dismounted, sliding easily off of the side of him. Then, I reached both hands up to help Nora down. My hands fit easily on her hips and lifted her down. Whenever she placed her hands on my shoulders, I took a step back, being that close to her caused my heart to lurch inside of my chest.

I couldn't handle being that close.

"Ugh, there you go ma'am." I said in a shaky voice, I would have to go soon. I pulled the reins from around Sandy's head and started leading him down the hall. I stopped at the end, turned to Nora and tipped my hat to her before saying, "I'll be seeing you girls tonight, now I must go and prepare for my Western Pleasure class." I tugged at the reins and told Sandy, "C'mon." We started walking from the barn to the other barn, where Sandy was staying. When we got to the barn, I unsaddled him after tying him in the cross ties. Then I brushed him with a curry comb, sprayed him with a water hose quickly and placed him in his stall. After putting him in his stall, I threw a little bit of extra grain in there and then hurried off to the arena.

Let's do this!

ooc: I think we can end this thread and start on the other thread!