Jealousy by Jessica Burkhart Page A

stressing over that. But it’s nothing. Bri and Taylor are friends. They hung out all the time, and I know they text. I’m sure Bri just asked Taylor to actually ‘call her’ last night, and he didn’t for some reason.”
    Slowly Lexa nodded. “Oh. I didn’t know they were friend-friends. I’m so sorry! I feel really dumb right now.”
    â€œHey, don’t,” I said. “I meant it—I’m sorry you got worried. You’re such a good friend that you were looking out for me. It’s not as though I talk about Bri and Taylor’s friendship for you to have known that they are close. Please don’t feel silly about anything.”
    Lexa smiled. “Okay. Thanks, Laur. I’ve learned my lesson about reading other people’s texts. It’ll never happen again.”
    I bumped Lexa’s arm with my elbow. “Never say never.I can’t promise I won’t read texts if I somehow stumble onto Lacey’s phone.”
    Lexa and I started laughing and went back to grooming our horses. Within minutes just being in Whisper’s presence made me forget about everything else going on in my life. It was my horse and me.

WHOSE GUT TO TRUST?
    MY INSTINCT THAT WE WOULD BE JUMPING today was right on. Mr. Conner, Mike, and Doug added the last few oxers to a moderately difficult course in the largest outdoor arena while Drew, Cole, Lexa, Clare, and I warmed up our horses.
    Whisper seemed happy to be out of the stable. I felt a little guilty that I hadn’t spent nearly the amount of time with her as I normally did, but last week had been insane. I’d barely had time to brush my teeth. I looked down from Whisper’s saddle at her shiny gray coat and felt all the more gracious toward Mike and Doug for grooming her when I couldn’t and for keeping her company.
    â€œAll right, class,” Mr. Conner called. “Line up in front of me, please.”
    We guided our horses to a stop in front of Mr. Conner. Whisper chewed her snaffle bit, ready to get out of line and start jumping.
    â€œEach of you will take the course that has been set up for you. After your ride your classmates and I will critique your form.”
    Clare and I exchanged eek! glances.
    â€œAnd to keep you informed, I will be away this weekend. I’ll be traveling with the eighth-grade advanced team to an out-of-state show. So, if you need to reach me for any urgent reason that cannot wait, my cell number is in the student directory. I’ll send you all an e-mail with my number just in case you can’t find your directory.”
    A year ago I never thought I’d think it, but now I couldn’t wait until I was one of the riders traveling out of town. I knew Sasha was on the eighth-grade advanced team, and I wondered how she’d do. Likely there would be a bunch of blue ribbons coming home with her. I’d have to wish her luck (in my head) later.
    â€œLauren, I’d like to see you and Whisper up first,” Mr. Conner said. “Please dismount, walk the course to get a feel for the distance, and then give it a try. There aren’t any switchbacks or anything tricky. Instead I added morecombinations, and there are more jumps than most of your previous courses.”
    Following Mr. Conner’s instructions, I dismounted and handed Whisper’s reins to Lexa. While I walked the course, Mr. Conner talked to everyone about the importance of walking a course and how to get the most of it.
    When I felt satisfied that I knew how many strides I’d be asking for between jumps, I rejoined the group, took Whisper’s reins, and remounted. This course was longer than usual, with fourteen jumps, but I felt that Whisper and I could handle it. All we could do was our best.
    â€œWhenever you’re ready,” Mr. Conner said.
    I took a breath and turned Whisper away from the other horses and riders. Mr. Conner guided them out of the arena, and I halted