Chapter 6
Ariel
The next morning, Veronica gives me a rundown of what I’ll be doing on the ranch. She wants to put their ranch on the map, so she wants me to help with social media pages, and when I’m not doing that, I’ll be helping with the horses. She gave me a literal packet full of everything I’ll be helping with and step by step instructions.
Once I’m outside, I take a moment to breathe. The air smells different here. In the city, the air always smelt of weed, gas, and smoke. Here, the air smells fresh, like it’s not been polluted. I can smell all the grass, and all the flowers. The pine from the trees. It just smells so clear here. The sights aren’t bad either. In fact, it’s gorgeous here. The trees are different shades of green. There’s flowers all over of different colors, sizes, and shapes. The sky’s the brightest blue I’ve ever seen, and the pinks, reds, and oranges that make up the sunrise makes for the prettiest sights. It’s a work of art here. In this moment where it’s just me, the air, and the view I know I’m going to be okay. Maybe not today, or even a week from now, but one day I’ll be better than I’ve ever been.
Down at the barn, I watch the workers here do their jobs. Right now they’re bathing the horses, and getting them ready for the ranch to open. Some horses are having their manes un- braided, for the therapy sessions. I take pictures with the camera Veronica gave me. People need to see the care the horses are being treated with. If this ranch is going to be out on the map, people will dig into the treatment of the horses to make sure it’s a safe environment for horses and children alike.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I flinch, unable to control my reactions. “Fuck! Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Again. I just want to know what you’re doing.”
“The job I was assigned. Veronica asked me to help with the social media pages.”
“I’ve told her a million times that we don’t need a social media presence.” He grits out.
“Sounds like something you should talk to her about. I’m just going to take more pictures.” I say with a bite in my tone. I will not leave one asshole just to be near another one.
“Do you even have any experience in helping promote businesses?”
“I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, so I know a thing or two.” That shuts him up, and I walk towards the barn to talk to the workers. Another thing people are going to look for is a community. Helping them know the workers they’ll see and hope to form unlikely friendships with will help bring clientele. This isn’t just about customers, it’s about Racehorse owners feeling comfortable leaving their horses in Retirement Ranch’s hands.
When I enter the barn, I look around for the first time. It’s unlike any barn I’ve ever seen, which hasn’t been any, I’m basing this off one’s I’ve seen in movies. Each horse stall has a plaque on their stall doors. The plaque lists their name, and their accomplishments. Inside the stalls, there’s mini rose garlands, and newspaper clippings. “Those rose garlands are replaced weekly, and the newspaper clippings are stories about their wins.” Teddy says. I was so focused that I didn’t realize he had followed me in here. Luckily, I didn’t flinch this time. “Their past owners can’t give us their old trophies, for obvious reasons, so we had to find a way to make the horses feel special, and show off their careers.” Mesmerized. That’s the only way to describe how I feel. This barn is like an oasis for these horses. They are generally cared for.
“Where do they go after they die?” I ask.
“We take them to a horse cemetery behind the other barn. These horses have lived beautiful lives, their beautiful souls, and they deserve to have a beautiful resting place.”
“Can I go see it?”
“Of course, I can drive you down there tomorrow.” Drive because the other barn is far away. I’ve learned that the other barn is where they keep their sickly horses. Guests are still allowed to visit it, but most choose not to. Understandable because most bring their kids, and kids don’t need to witness that. They offer completely different therapy services with those horses. Guests get to just sit with them. It helps the horses feel less alone, and people like to talk to the horses and share some of the stuff they can’t tell those closest to them.
“Thank you.”
“Of course. I’m heading out to pick up some supplies, do you need anything?”
“No thank you. Actually, can I go with you? I’d like to see what things you get, so I can help out in the future.”
“Sure, will you be okay, just me and you?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine.” And oddly that was the truth. Despite his assholeness, I can feel that he’d never hurt me. The way, he left the bathroom earlier, and gave me space the couple hours that followed showed his caring side. Like what he does for the horses.
“Well, let’s go.”