It's a Love Story

"Of course you can. We'll gradually work our way up to a gallop. It's easy," he soothed.

She nodded. "alright. Teach me."

He smiled and clicked his tounge, tapping Cloud's side twice gently with his heels. The horse started walking fast, almost trotting.

Lilli bit her lip and did the same thing, hoping that Splatter new what to do.

The horse did, and started following Cloud.

Mike smiled back at her.

Splatter followed right behind Cloud and Lilli smiled, holding on, terrified, but having fun.

Chad smiled and turned back to the front and jumped when he heard a gunshot.

The gun shot spooked Splatter and she reared up, making Lilli fall, then ran back home where she knew she was safe. Lilli had landed on her shoulder and back, landing hard. she yelled in pain and turned onto her side, holding her shoulder.

Mike jumped off of Cloud and ran to her. "Lilli! Are you okay," he asked, panicking.

She nodded from where she was still on the ground. She had a slight cut on her forehead and her back and shoulder screamed with pain, but she was okay.

"Can you stand," he asked, his hands hovering over her. He didn't want to hurt her.

she nodded, slowly sitting up but winced. "Ah... My shoulder..."

He frowned. "Let's get you up onto Cloud and I'll walk us back," he suggested, signing his horse to lay down. Cloud did, nickering gently.

she nodded. "My back hurts too..." she said, slowly getting on the horse.

"We'll get you taken care of," he told her gently and put her feet in the stirrups, then signed for Cloud to get up slowly. The horse did, moving carefully. "Let's go home, boy," Mike told him gently and started walking with Cloud following right behind him.

Lilli touched her cut and winced as it stung. "What happened? It all happened so fast..."

"Someone's huntin' out here. I'm gonna guess my cousins," he said. "I'm sorry - we'll get you fixed up in no time. Ma's a nurse."

She nodded, holding onto Cloud. "Is Splatter okay?"

He nodded. "I'm sure she's fine. She was just spooked. I didn't see any sign of a bullet, and there's no trace or smell of blood."

She nodded and held her shoulder. It throbbed and she was scared to move it. "Well, it's been an exciting day.. Can't wait to see what adventure the rest of this vacation will bring."

He frowned, feeling horrible. "We'll get you taken care of..." He finally reached the stables and had Cloud lay down in front of the house and led her inside. "Ma, Lilli got knocked off and fell on her shoulder. Can you look at her while I go find Splatter?"

Michelle came in hurriedly. "Yes, of course. Come on, sweetie. Let's get you fixed up," she said, ushering her into her bedroom and went to get her first aid kit.

Mike went out and mounted Cloud, ushering him into a trot to go find Splatter.

"There was a gun shot or something... Spooked Splatter and I fell off." she said, her voice thick as she tried not to break out into tears. "I landed on my back and shoulder."

Michelle clicked her tongue, shaking her head as she gingerly pulled her shirt up so she could see her shoulder, and gingerly poked it. "Those nephews of mine were probably hunting again. I'm gonna have a good talk with their Mama. I don't think you've broken anything, but you've certainly bruised it. We'll put some ice on it, for the swelling. Maybe a sling, just to be safe," she murmured and got out some disinfectant to take care of the scrapes.

She nodded, sighing. "thank you." she said softly. "Well, at least now I can get Mike to spoil me." she said, always looking on the birhgt side.

Michelle smiled at her. "Mikey was planning on spoiling you every day you were here, honey. Whether you're hurt or not. I bet he's real upset that you got hurt, especially on his watch. He'll try extra hard to make it up to you," she warned her with a soft chuckle.