Chapter 61
Rosie
It's sunset when I leave the main house with a lighter heart and a strong desire to see Alex and clear things up once and for all. The day spent with Aunt Tina and the others has done me an incredible amount of good, temporarily pushing away the dark thoughts that had been plaguing me.
Suddenly, I realize I haven't checked my phone for hours. I pull it out of my pocket, and my heart races when I see a series of messages from Alex.
The first ones are casual, attempts at light conversation:
Alex ??: Tempest is being particularly stubborn today... reminds me of you
Alex ??: Hope you're enjoying your day.
But as I scroll down, I notice a change in tone.
Alex ??: I miss you, hope we can talk soon.
Alex ??: I'm really sorry about how things turned out.
Alex ??: I'm afraid I've ruined everything between us, please tell me we can fix things.
A wave of conflicting emotions overwhelms me. Guilt mingles with tenderness as I realize how much my reaction has shaken Alex. I'm sorry for overreacting. His concern is palpable through those messages, and I know all too well his kind and caring heart.
I bite my lip, thinking about how he's always been there for me, how hard he's tried to help and protect me. Yes, perhaps his approach wasn't the best, but his intentions were pure. I can't leave him in uncertainty for another minute.
I start walking toward the cabin, sure to find him there after his day of work and training. But as I advance, something catches my attention: a horse, outside the fence, trotting away. I don't know if it's the only one, and I can't recognize which horse it is from this distance.
"What's going on?" I mutter to myself, changing direction. How did it escape? I approach quickly, but the horse is already too far to reach on foot. I know many horses are in athletic preparation for upcoming competitions. Alex recently told me about all the extra work he's been doing. And I also know that at this hour, all horses should be in their enclosure.
I don't know what's happening, but something's wrong.
Without thinking twice, I run to the nearest stable. Remembering my riding lessons, I quickly saddle a horse and mount, trying to put everything I've learned into practice.
While spurring the horse in pursuit, I pull out my phone and dial Alex's number with trembling fingers. "Come on, answer," I whisper, keeping my eyes fixed on the runaway ahead of me.
The phone rings once, twice, three times. No answer. I leave a hurried voice message: "Alex, it's me. I'm fine, but there's a horse outside the fence. I'm trying to catch it. If you hear this, come help me. I'm heading toward the woods east of the ranch."
I end the call and focus on the chase. The wind whips my face as I gallop, my heart racing with adrenaline and worry.