Take a Back Road - Open

[Chasity Lauren Mirana]

Chasity’s slender frame leaned slightly forward in her passenger seat to let her dark eyes get a wider view of her new home. She would admit she was a little apprehensive about the move, but at the same time she was looking forward to the expansion of possible experiences. She could help the breaking of her lips to a small smile. As the truck rolled to a halt she detached her seatbelt and stepped out to get a panoramic view of her dorm building. She sound of her dad’s door latching close caused her to turn her body and attention to her father. His face resembled a slightly disgruntled man who was trying to hide his disapproval of her moving off the farm. Chasity ignored this look and pivoted in her brown Ariat boots to retrieve her suitcase and backpack from the bed of the truck. Her father reluctantly followed suit and grabbed a couple boxes.
After checking in and reciting her room number over and over in her head they came to her door. She fumbled with the keys and unlocked the door. Chasity eagerly set her stuff down inside the room and turned to her father who was starting to unpack.
Daddy, I’ll do that later. Don’t worry about it.
Her father seemed less than amuse at her enthusiastic attitude toward her new setting. He had much rather she stay on the farm and go to the local school. However, between Chasity and her mother, he had lost the ultimate vote. Chasity slowly walked up to him and hugged her father, assuring him that everything was going to be fine and that she would write and call a lot. Together they wondered back to the front of the building. After prolonging the minutes Chasity’s father finally crawled back into his pickup and was backtracking his drive out of there.
Chasity’s wavy brunette hair tickled her neck and shoulders dancing with a breeze that came from the east. A quick rotation gave her a 360 degree look of what was around her. Horses, Arenas, trailers, trucks, trails, and ultimately new people! She began fantasizing again about all the possibilities that were within reach again. New friends, boys, and all those experiences that she had only heard through the grapevine were now opportunities. The sliver of fear that was casted over it was nothing to keep her standing there in the driveway like a lost puppy. Chasity stuck her natural nails into her jean front pockets, bit her lower lip in excitement, twirled around and began walking aimlessly around the near campus – exploring for anything.

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

Outfit- www.polyvore.com/kate_in_western/set?id=43142272

Seeing the new students meandering around the campus always lightened Nora's heart. More students to train, and to send out with more knowledge of horses and skills to be better adults. She knew how hard it was for the parents to drop off their kids at a strange place for the first time, and then not see them for months till Christmas. It was all about the part of the learning experience, and it was like going off to summer camp for the first time. First you feel home sick, but then after you get comfortable you learn to relax and have fun.

Nora had gathered a few teachers, and several rising seniors to help get the freshman, and sophomores into their dormitories. It was also to help get the first time parents feel at ease that they were leaving their teenagers in capable hands, and to not worry. Some parents took it harder than others, and sometimes students even cried. For some this was their first time far from home. Nora could relate. Boarding school for two years. She held her clipboard close to her chest and looked down the names of the new freshman. She sent the gang off to find them and make them feel at home.

Nora wondered the campus and observed everyone walk around. She ran into a group of freshman and their parents, introduced herself, and started giving them a short tour of the outside of the building, and told them all about the riding facilities.

[Chasity Lauren Mirana]

During her exploring Chasity heard the slight sounds of voices around her. She spun around quickly to catch the fading glimpse of a group of varying age people entering a building. Her boot tips dug in the ground as she took off to catch up. Before getting too close and embarrassing herself, she slowed to a nimble walk and made herself a part of the group. The tour was interesting; she loved learning about her new environment. Brown eyes between strands of brunette hair eagerly jumped around, catching eye contact with many of the fellow group members. She couldn’t help but ‘label’ her co-members. She started mentally pinning them according to class ranks, riding styles, staff, etc. Chasity started thinking about herself. Of course she had riding experience – and was a pretty damn good western rider in her opinion. However, she started wondering how she would compete next to her fellow classmates who had probably grown up doing this stuff. Her playfulling judging eyes became slightly worried ones as she looked at her group members a little differently, a little concerned.
She tried to force these thoughts out of her mind, she was not here to fail or just be put down my assumptions. She wouldn’t easily be put on the low bracket. Chasity was always a fierce competitor in anything she did, she loved competition. That’s why she came here; so she could be better in competition. Chasity kept equal pace with the group, staying near the back but ears so tuned in she wasn’t missing a word of what the guide was saying.

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

Nora ran her fingers through her hair as she looked at the number of turnouts to come and bring their kids. Of course, parents were going to show tomorrow, but today was the real push to get all the students in their dorms. She took pride in everything about her school, it was her baby, and her pride and joy. She prided herself on their nationally ranked equestrian team and on their turnout rate to colleges. " Welcome to Roseland Riding Academy, I'm Nora Middleton, owner and operator of this facility, and on behalf of the riding instructors and faculty I want to welcome you all. I honestly hope that you all enjoy your stay here, and that you have a wonderful learning experience. If you all follow me, we will make our way to Hammond Hall," she smiled turning and leading the group up the hill.

The worst part was over! She gestured to parts of the campus and she gave the history of the place... of course leaving out the bit of her and Santiago. She doesn't want to bring her personal life into her professional. She looked to the back of the group and saw an old familiar face. It couldn't be Chasity!! She gave a little smile and looked back at the group. She and Chasity's family were friends. Her mom was an Olympic rider, and she taught Nora what she knows. After she sent the group off to enjoy lunch, she walked to Chasity. " Well well well, look what the wind blew in. Your dad said you'd be coming here. Let's see if you have what it takes," she smiled and hugged her.

[Chasity Lauren Mirana]

Chasity kept up and listened to all the informatics and history with interest. When the female came in front of the group to speak that little bug went on in Chasity’s head. She knew that she recognized the woman, just couldn’t quite place her. All the commotion had her head all jumbled up and the last thing she could recall were faces. Maybe if she could get a closer look. Then the group left out for lunch, and the woman was gone. A little disappointed Chasity shrugged and let out a small sigh with the depression of her shoulders.
It was then that the voice reverberated and Chasity turned her head a little too quickly that showed her excitement. The woman was closer and the familiarity hit Chasity like a brick. Of course, Nora! Chasity’s mother had told her about Nora and how wonderful she was. It was the only positive thing that her mother saw about her coming to the school. Like a watchful eye and a positive mentor, her mother only trusted the school because she knew Nora ran the place.
Chasity rolled her weight into the balls of her feet and gleefully hugged Nora back. She could barely contain the excitement boiling in her chest. Not only was she here, but she found someone she knew!
“Oh my God! It’s you. I’m so glad to see you Nor—I mean, Mrs. Middleton!”
Chasity gave a grin that conveyed nothing but excitement. Her weight shifted back unto her whole feet and then fiddled between the swaying weight. Chasity was this excited. Chasity’s eyebrows lowered and her eyes sparked a hint of challenge at Nora’s words. “I’m here to give it all I got, that’s for sure. ” Her eager grin turned into an accepting smirk. Her eyes only ventured from Nora as a group of girls walked by, they were the same class rank or older than Chasity, but they had their riding gear on. Chasity looked them up and down, excitement and apprehensiveness fading into her mind. She pushed it out again. “Yea, dad just dropped me off like ten minutes ago. I’ve been kind of wondering around. So, you gonna make me a nationalist?” Chasity laughed at her statement, but you could tell I her eyes it was a fond desire.

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

" Please, call me Nora. You've known me too long to be calling me Ms. Middleton. I've known you since you were in diapers you little punk. I remember when you rode your first pony. What was his name..... Butterball. A little palomino welsh pony, fat as a tick,"laughed Nora and put her arm around Chasity's neck and they walked around the campus. She remember when Chasity was first riding at a young age. Nora was just starting to compete in eventing, and Chasity's mom was the right person for the job. She pushed Nora till her back nearly gave out, and her legs were jello. She nearly quit several times, but Mrs. Mirana knew how to get her back on the horse. It was because of Chasity's mom that Nora got to the Olympics.

Now it was Nora's turn to pass on the torch to the young riders that pass through her gates. Parents knew that Nora was one of the best of the best, and she could understand a horse better than anyone. " You're a Mirana, I'm sure you won't disappoint me. I just have to make sure I keep you in line." Nora looked at the girls who passed by, and knew that Chasity was looking at them. Their clean cut breeches, their shined boots, and their official maroon polo RRA Equestrian Team shirts. The mark of a nationalist in the making. Nora smiled and said " Don't worry Chasity, you're in good hands. Now, tell me, who are you showing?"

[Chasity Lauren Mirana]

Chasity strolled easily with Nora, comfortable to have someone here that could keep her spirits up and maybe keep her from getting as homesick. She grinned and shook her head at the mention of Butterball, that darn pony. She couldn’t help but laugh audibly at the mention of the memories. The memories she still held in her mind. “That pony was the most stubborn thing! We had a love hate relationship.”
At the mention of her being a ‘Mirana’ Chasity smiled, but it was then faded out by doubt. Unlike her mother and Nora, Chasity had taken to the fast route. That was all she had recently competed in. Barrels, poles, and flags were the events that she had been racing in on the neighbor’s horse.
“Well, I kinda went dog-leg on you and mom. I like western speed! It’s such a thrill Nora! The pure thrill was nearly felt in her voice. Of course she loved western pleasure too, they just didn’t have any horses that were good at anymore – therefore Chasity had been riding a friend’s speed horses and the love affair began! Chasity leaned into Nora a little bit, still thankful to know someone and have and feel the support. And then the question was asked about what horse she would be riding, of course she didn’t bring any horses with her. The horses she had been riding was her friend’s and she couldn’t bring that mare with her. Chasity’s head hung, her eyes made and kept contact with the dull rocks beneath her boots. “I didn’t bring a horse. Mom’s old gelding is, well – old. And the horse’s I’ve been riding in the local rodeos are a friend’s. Momma has been talking about getting my own mare, but I haven’t seen the results of it yet.. A sigh was released, Chasity’s head still hanging, but feet keeping well-paced with Nora’s. She kept hoping her dad or mom would show up with a horse soon, but in the back of her mind she had her doubts – due to her dad disapproving of her move, and her mom wanting her to do Pleasure rather than Speed events.

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

Nora laughed remembering when Butterball threw Chasity to the ground and then took off across the ring. Little bastard broke Chasity's arm, and then her parents sold him. She and Chasity walked around the campus, and Nora helped her by carrying her bags, and Nora looked at her schedule. "Let's see... Birch for history. Horner for basic Biology, good luck. Briley for western pleasure, you'll love him. Everything else looks good. You'll learn a lot, and the library will become your best friend. And remember that I am here that if you need my help," she said and smiled as she fixed the weight of the duffle bag on her shoulder.

Western was not really Nora's thing. She was an English rider through and through. She liked to ride western for fun, but she had no desire to show in that field. " I think I'll stick to my English riding. I do ride western, but only for fun. Don't tell the English instructors that. Don't want to blow my rep," she laughed and they walked into the dorm where Chasity will be staying. " I think I can muster you up a horse to ride until you get one."

[Chasity Lauren Mirana]

Chasity had always been an average student at her traditional school. The wondering mind of a girl that would rather be on a horse was always her restraint. Perhaps now this more equestrian based school would give her the motivation to succeed in both areas. As of now Chasity had all the intentions of being the best, at least giving her best. Chasity relished in the memories of her first wild ride on ButterBall. She remembered how determined she was to get back on and ride it out. She remembered the difficulty riding with a castes arm the weeks after; Chasity was at it until
She conquered it though.
She listened as Nora reviewed her schedule; sounded all good. " Thanks. I promise I'm gonna give it my all. Thanks for helping me by the way."
She listened as Nora described her riding style. Chasity didn't know much about the English style. Her mother had started her in English saddle; but as the horse became old Chasity ventured to other pleasures. Chasity couldn't reign in her excitement at Nora's offer. Her lips parted wide and teeth were widely exposed. Her eyes sparkled as they paired with Nora's. An adolescence face quickly resemble a joyous child. "Oh! Really?!? That would be so awesome. I'll do whatever you want me to."
Chasity was a little more excited than she should have been, but everything was falling together amazingly well. She pulled her loose backpack on her shoulder with a simple shrug. "I'm so glad I'm here. So, do you live on here on campus?" Chasity kept even pace with Nora as they sauntered back toward the dorm. The last thing Chadity wanted to do was unpack and doctorate. She knew it had to be done at done point, but all she wanted to do now was mount up.

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

Nora looked at Chasity and smiled and teased her, " You know the rules I'm sure. Just don't dye your roommate's hair neon pink and I think you'll just fit in nicely here," she laughed at her thought and put her arm around Chasity's neck. " Anything for the daughter of my former trainer. We'll see if you have what it takes, if not then you will have to attend...public school," she said and acted dramatic at the words public school.

Nora started to think about who she would put Chasity on. She could put her on Fire and Flame,but she was still working on training him for Pre-Limb.She could put her on Sinatra, her baby. Sinatra was a good starter for some of her green riders. " Well, you remember Sinatra? He's my baby eventer, and he is not quite green. So he'll be good for someone like you. The question is do you think you'd want to ride English, or stay on with Western." This was so sneaky of Nora. She was trying to get Chasity to become an English rider, and become her prodigy since she has no children to do that.

Nora shook her head, " I actually used to live here on campus before I moved out to my own place about a mile from here. So if anyone needs me, I am not too far from campus," she said. " So, tell me, what else is new in your life? Any cute boys yet?"

[Chasity Lauren Mirana]

Chasity giggled at her mentor’s joke relating to miscellaneous activities with a roommate. Chasity didn’t know her roommate yet, or if she even had one. She was looking forward to having one in hopes that it would be a helpful relationship instead of a rivalry. Hair may be dyed pink if it was a rivalry. Chasity had a small wild spark in her that fueled ad supported most of her wild ideas and determination.
Chasity’s lip snarled at public school . She was already counting her blessings for being here. At the same time Chasity took Nora’s remark as a challenge. Her eyes snapped toward Nora and an accepting grin puled at her lips. “If I’m being taught by the best, I have no choice but to make it. Plus, mom wouldn’t take it too well if her daughter didn’t make it.” Chasity shrugged at the end of her statement. She knew her mom was routing for her, but at the same time pushing. Luckily, Chasity had her own passion for it so it wasn’t anything she resented.
Chasity listened to the option Nora presented her. Honestly, Chasity would have been happy with anything at this point. Even ButterBall. Then the question was posed; English or Western. Chasity pondered for a minute. She glanced down at her boots while thinking. Was the only reason she had set her sites on western was because that was what she had been with recently? She started on English and her mom had tried to teach her some; she just wasn’t very confident in it. Chasity’s bold and confident side took over her emotions. Suddenly she was seeing it as yet another challenge and wanting to take it on. “ I haven’t done English riding in a while. I would need a refresher. If I’m learning under you though, I guess it wouldn’t take too long to catch up and blow the competition away huh?” Chasity grinned as she spoke In her playful tone, looking back up at Nora. Chasity’s mother had told her many things about Nora. Her mother was quite proud of Nora and her abilities. She used to brag about how she had taught Nora, but in reality Nora was a quick learner and a genuine natural.
Chasity thought again for a moment, this time looking a little upward. “Dad kept me pretty busy on his farm. Since he never had any sons, I guess I just filled the position.” Chasity laughed a little then continued. “Na, no boyfriends. I spent all my extra time on a friend’s horse. But I have to admit, boys at the rodeos are awful cute!” Chasity even blushed a little bit as she grinned leaned into Nora’s embrace.

[Nora Elizabeth Middleton]

(( I'll start a new thread where it's Chasity's first lesson with Nora. Okay?))

[Chasity Lauren Mirana]

(( ok! Where?))