Chapter One
-Liz-
It was the start of the summer. School just ended meaning the rodeo season was just getting started. Everyone was hyped for all the festivals coming up. Barrel racers like me were excited to ride in the outside arenas under the hot sun and with the energy the spectators brought. I was sitting outside near Shadow’s stall watching the sun set and the moon rise. The Saturday sky was painted orange and pink. It was beautiful. I loved watching the sunsets. Once the sky got dark, I got up and walked in the barn. “Goodnight. See you tomorrow big boy,” I whispered to Shadow while passing my hand through his thick black mane. His dark coat was shining under the moonlight. He nickered like he was saying goodnight to me too. I smiled. I exited his stall, closed the door, and went home.
Outside the stars were shining brighter than ever. I stared at the sky for a bit before entering my house. When I’m looking at them, they lift some weight of my shoulders.
“Hey Liz! Dinner is ready,” said my mom.
I took off my dirty cowboy boots and said, “Hey mom!”
I sat at the table with my mom and dad. They talked about the news around our small town, their day, the price of hay and other normal adult things. I nodded along. I didn’t really listen, just got lost in my thoughts.
“Are you going line dancing tonight?” asked my dad.
“Yes. There is a line dance night at the rodeo grounds,” I answered, snapping back to reality.
My parents nodded and told me to not come back too late.
After dinner, I went to my room and changed outfits. I put on my red camisole, dark wash jeans, and my line dancing boots. I kept my makeup basic and light. I curled my long brown hair. I felt confident. I didn’t text any of my friends that I was going. It would be a surprise. When I was ready, I went downstairs to say “bye” to my parents before going out.
I got in my truck, started it, and drove to the rodeo grounds in town. I had just gotten my driver’s license and was really happy about it. We live almost ten minutes out of town. Our house is surrounded by fields and forest. I don’t mind not living in town, because it means it’s more peaceful. I rolled the windows down and let the fresh air hit my face and tangle through my hair.
It was 21:15 when I got there. I parked my truck, got out, and made my way to the dance floor. It was crowded. Cowboys and cowgirls everywhere, some were here to dance and others just to drink and party. It was the first party since last summer. A flash of excitement ran through my body. My friends ran to me the second they saw me.
“Hey Liz! I didn’t know you were coming!” declared Emma while hugging me.
“Sorry for not telling anyone. It was a last-minute decision,” I answered.
“It’s alright,” said Sadie.
“You saw the boys by the bar. We should go and ask their numbers! They are exactly your type,” exclaimed Emma while nudging me with her elbow.
I thought about the awkward talk it would mean. The forced smile. And the rejections I would probably get. I wasn’t that type of girl. I was confident but not as much as my friends.
“I’ll pass,” I said while shaking my head.
“Oh, okay!” said my friends at the same time.
The DJ announced the next dance, but I couldn’t hear a thing. The second I heard “Save a horse remix”, I ran to the dance floor. I danced my heart out. Out there, I wasn’t shy. I was loud, a ball of fire. While I was dancing, I didn’t overthink, didn’t care about others’ judgment and I could escape the pressure of being the perfect daughter, the one who always won and never messed up. I felt free. Every muscle of my body relaxed. I sang along with the songs until I lost my voice, laughed till my abs were sore, smiled till my cheeks burned and danced till my feet were too sore to even stand. I felt like I belonged there, on the dance floor.
A couple of songs later, I was sweating. I stepped away from the crowd to get some fresh air. I bumped into some people on my way and my cheeks got red while I whispered a small “Sorry.” I leaned against the wall and stared at the sky. I dreamed about this summer.
I didn’t know somewhere across town a boy was staring at the same sky as me.
I didn’t know him.
I didn’t know his problems.
I didn’t know what he would mean to me.
