Filly in Training

[Joey Flamick]

The yearling black and white pinto trotted at the end of the lead rope as he guided the horse around the ring. He spoke softly eyes bright and smile kind as he exercised the young filly. She was not a fan of the saddle so he was trying to get her used to the weight on her back gradually. The heavy blanket on her back was at least staying on today. Yesterday she kept bucking or yanking it off with her teeth. Today he'd used straps and had to wait for her to stop bucking to start the exercises. He didn't want to rush her into saddle riding but she was getting close to the right age.

Slowing her down he started reeling her in closer to him but she flipped her head angrily twisting to try and bite at the rope. She certainly was a feisty one, and not a big fan of people which was why he liked to train her without other riders around. He let her trot back out but not as far as before continuing to speak to her wanting her to get used to his voice. "Mom told me that she's going to be baking pies today. If she has any apples left I'll bring them for you tomorrow. She makes the best apple pies. Lots of crumbly goodness on top. It's like an apple pie mixed with an apple cobbler."

Again he started bringing her in all the while chattering softly on about pies. "But her apple pies aren't my favorite she makes this peanut butter pie that makes me drool. I could eat pie all day. If she didn't already run a business I'd told her she should open a pie shop. Because everyone likes pie." Yanking on the rope she nickered at him and he chuckled letting her just trot in a circle rather than bringing her any closer. "I think you'd love her pies too. I see that look in your eye. You want pie." Flicking her tail she tossed her head letting out what liked to call horsey laughter. She was a beautiful filly just a little rough around the edges.

[Alexandra Lawson]

Alex didn't usually find herself wandering around campus much. On the rare occasions in which she did, the times she ended up near the stables were even more scarce. There wasn't much in the way of horse riding, breeding, racing, or anything to do with equines back home where she grew up. Sports were the 'big 3' of football, baseball and basketball with her usually partaking by virtue of being a cheerleader. Likewise, her family wasn't the horse owning or riding type. They were relocated yuppies from the Bay Area who tended to stay away from large animals with trampling hooves.

Still, it was a nice day and Alex, restless as ever, had, in fact, managed to meander close enough to the stables to pick out the unmistakable form of the tall, well built young man chatting happily with the horse. A smile touched her features as she made her way across the field, approaching Joey and his equine companion at an angle in hopes of being seen well before she could get close enough to startle either of them. "Hey!" She said, waving both hands above her head in order to get Joey's attention. Her arms then folded across her chest as she offered him a playful smirk. "We still haven't gotten to that movie we talked about."

[Joey Flamick]

"Not sure how good pie would be for a horse but how bad could freshly picked apples be for you?" Clicking his tongue a few times he shook the rope a tad urging the horse to go a smidgen faster. He wanted to make sure all of the horses under his care got appropriate exercise even in stables. Not all of the horses got ridden everyday, so he tried to make sure everyone got out for at least a little while.

Movement caught his eye and he glanced over attention split from the horse for only a moment. Seeing that they were getting company he eased back a bit letting the horse set her own pace. Mouth wide in his own smile Joey slowly made his way toward the horse. Not wanting to split his attention overly much he figured it would be best to just unleash her as it were.

Once the filly was disconnected from the leads he took a few steps back letting her meander about the arena. "Hey, you! Long time no see!" Joey kept a careful eye on the young mare while heading over toward Alex. "Did you ever pick a movie for us?" On the word you he pointed at her raising his eyebrows. Happy as always to run into a new friend he was a bit distracted because of the not entirely trained feisty filly.

[Alexandra Lawson]

And just like that the sly smirk melted away from Alex's face and she stared blankly at Joey as he drew closer. In one fell swoop he'd turned her own sarcastic words back at her. She offered a sheepish smile and shrug, her eyes locked upon Joey for the time being. "Well, uh, I haven't yet, no." She said, bringing her hands together so she could fidget nervously. She'd been busy as of late with prom, starting her summer job and... other things that dealt with certain male members of the student body. In truth, the whole plan had slipped her mind until she happened upon Joey again.

"Okay, how about we set a day and just go see what's playing in own?" She offered, her eyes brightening as she peered up to him. Good lord was he tall, she silently mused. granted, there were few people she didn't look up to as someone who just barely cleared five feet in height. "Are you doing anything..." She paused a moment in an attempt to remember if she had any upcoming plans. It was summer so she didn't need to worry about school, though she did now have a work schedule to plan around. "Thursday?" She finished, tilting her head curiously.

[Joey Flamick]

Seeing what he saw as a smile disappear he frowned, but smiled again as a small one returned. "Oh, well that's okay! They always seem to be making movies so there's plenty to chose from!" Once he'd reached her he turned so he could watch both the horse and the cute girl. Though he didn't want to be rude by not giving Alex his full attention she did walk in on a training session.

"Picking a day sounds fine by me." He worked at his parent's stables but they were pretty lenient on his schedule. His friends kept him pretty busy, but he liked hopping from one activity to another. Keeping his friends happy was a big thing for him and since Alex was now one of his friends making her happy was important. And he loved movies so it was all good.

As she drew out her question he watched the black and white beauty prancing about the arena. He didn't like the name Calypso that they'd given her he seemed more like a Sweetie Belle or something. Like from that pony TV show. "Thursday! When on Thursday?" Things tended to work better if his plans happened in the afternoon so he could get chores done at the stables. But he could take one morning off for Alex for sure!

[Alexandra Lawson]

"Especially now that summer's here." Alex pointed out with a nod. "I like our chances of finding something good." She, too, turned her eyes out to look over the riding area and the horse that was moving about. She studied the animal for a moment, marveling at how much larger they always seemed in person. It was easy to forgot just how big those things were. As if standing next to Joey, who towered over her wasn't enough to make Alex feel tiny, being anywhere near a creature that often weighed well over a thousand pounds only drove that point home all the more.

After a long moment, Alex turned her eyes back toward Joey. "Um... let's say four?" She offered, peering up to him. "That way we have enough time to pick whatever we want." It sounded a good plan to her and she gave another, curt nod to emphasize this. "And if we're early, we can always just grab something to eat beforehand."

[Joey Flamick]

A slow nod moved his head as he gazed at the filly who was tossing her mane prancing about the arena. She seemed to be getting antsy in the closed in area. "Summer and Christmas, best times to go and try a good movie to watch. Unless you like horror movies then your best bet is probably Halloween time." Again with the slow nod he gave a sharp whistle to get the young horse's attention away from the gate that lead out.

Attention back to the cute girl beside him rather than the cute girl prancing about he smiled widely. "Four's good. If we're lucky they might even let us use matinee prices." Joey tilted his head a little as a thought occurred to him. "Though if we go that early it could mean for a late dinner depending on how long the movie was...though if we eat a lot of popcorn and candy might not be hungry for dinner." Musing for he looked down to his movie buddy for inspiration.

"What do you think? Did you wanna go to a late dinner too? Or just stuff ourselves with junk food." Both sounded fun but the latter sounded the funner option. "Since I know how much you love chocolate." With that he gave her a knowing wink chuckling a little.

[Alexandra Lawson]

"Which I do." Alex answered with a short nod when Joey mentioned horror movies. In spite of her usually cheery, bright disposition, Alex was right at home watching just about anything that promised at least campy scares. She had a moderately impressive collection of such movies stashed away in her dorm room for a rainy day. "But we can watch whatever." She said, turning her eyes out toward the horse as Joey let out a whistle.

"How about we figure it out when get there?" Alex said after a moment of deliberation. Her gaze shifted from the horse back to the much taller Joey and she peered up to him curiously. "No reason we have to plan every detail. We should just go with whatever and see how the night goes." Which seemed sound advice though the short girl rarely ever followed it herself. Letting out a sheepish grin, Alex gave a shrug. "Guilty as charged." Though who didn't enjoy themselves some chocolate now and again? To not just seemed un-American.

"So." Alex's hands found their way into the pockets of her shorts as she turned to look out over the stables. She spent precious little time on this side of the Academy property. This was usually the stomping ground for a certain evil blonde girl who seemed to take endless pleasure in torturing Alex. The last thing Alex wanted was a chance encounter with the bully. Being on the cheer squad with her was bad enough. "Do you work out here in the stable or are you just volunteering?"

[Joey Flamick]

Not many girls he'd met actually liked horror movies. Most were like 'Eww too much blood.' Or 'Eeek! Too scary!' But really that's what's made horror movies so fun. He might not be so into the big gory movies but he did like settling in on a dark stormy night with a horror movie to watch. Even better if he had a girl that cuddled up with him. Nothing better than a girl burying her face in your arm making you feel all big and brave. While you secretly clench a pillow in total terror. "Well, come Halloween time we should have a horror marathon! That'd be awesome."

Her go with the flow idea sounded like the best option. Plus it gave more room for them to just have fun and be spontaneous. The had a day and time so whatever was showing around that time would certainly narrow down the choices. Depending if they were willing to wait for a later show or not. Joey of course smiled at her 'confession' of the chocolate. "I have a huge sweet tooth too so no worry. You're not the only guilt party here."

The plan all set he let his attention drift back to the filly who was nosing the dirt near the gate. At her question he shifted his gaze down to her. "I'm in the horsey club. I come down here a lot. Grew up with horses." He rocked on his heels a bit eyebrows raising. "What brings you down to this neck of the school? Do you like to ride?" Not that he'd noticed her but then again they could of just come at different times.

[Alexandra Lawson]

Nothing that Joey mentioned was met with anything less than an enthusiastic nod from Alex. So many people, even those her age, walked around like they were jaded adults with no joy or zest for life but not Joey. He, much like her, seemed to be able to take pleasure in the little things. She felt when she got to the point where she became incapable of getting that certain childlike love and appreciation for the things in her life that would probably mark the beginning of a downward spiral into a mind-numbingly boring existence. "Definitely." She agreed with a curt nod. "I wonder if anyone does any haunted houses or anything for Halloween around here." She mused curiously. This would, of course, be the first year since arriving at the Academy where she would be allowed to leave the campus as she pleased.

Joey's simplistic answer garnered a half smile. Turning her eyes from the tall, young man to the nearby horse, Alex shook her head. "Me? No. I've never ridden a horse." That wasn't really something middle class families in California did often. "I usually avoid this side of campus." She admitted with a shrug. "I was just taking a walk." Her head tilted curiously before her gaze returned to Joey. "What were you doing before I showed up?" She asked. "Can I help out?"

[Joey Flamick]

Unless some completely horrible happened Joey would probably stay this way until the day he died. He saw no reason to live otherwise. "I think the school does something I know some of the clubs do stuff. My family does a haunted hay ride and maze." At least they tended to he was pretty sure they would this year too. Mostly it was just little kids and their parents that came not so much teenagers.

"You've never ridden? But, but why?" He gawked at her the very idea not even registering in his mind. "Why do you avoid it?" Was there something bad on this side of the campus? Maybe something scared her out here? If she was afraid of horses it didn't make sense for her to come to the stables. Musing on all the reasons why she wouldn't come out here he almost missed her next set of questions.

Joey held up the guide rope and gestured toward the filly. "She has some major people issues. Trying to train her so she doesn't spook." Tilting his head he considered her offer and then moved his gaze to the frisky filly. "You can try she might take to pretty girls better than big burly men." He gave her a large smile and a quick wink.

[Alexandra Lawson]

Alex peered up to Joey as he spoke. The moment he began speaking of his family's haunted house, though, something began needling in the back of Alex's mind. Her brow furrowed as she carefully mulled over the idea that was slowly gaining traction. After a moment's deliberation, Alex couldn't help but cautiously venture forth. "You guys don't, uh, ever need any... help with that haunted house thing, do you?" She asked. It was no secret Halloween was, without question, her favorite holiday. There was something about everyone celebrating the dark and macabre she just loved.

Alex frowned for two reasons. The first being her simple lack of experience with horses, even though she'd never been around them much while the second being the actual reason she tended to avoid the stables. This wasn't Alex's stomping grounds by any stretch of the imagination but she did know who's it was. The terrifying Ellen Banks was a common sight to be seen in the stables making it a place Alex would remain as far from as humanly possible. "I never was around horses growing up or anything, I guess." She offered, silently hoping Joey didn't catch that she had completely glossed over the reasons she rarely dared to venture anywhere near the stables.

"Woah, wait. Me?" Alex turned her gaze from Joey to the horse in question. She didn't know the first thing about dealing with horses. What could she possibly do that Joey hadn't tried already? At least if he angered or spooked the animal he looked like he wasn't in as much danger of being trampled like Alex, and her diminutive frame would be. "Uhhhhh." Yet again the gears in Alex's mind started working. "Okay." She said finally, nodding her head although she had no idea why she was agreeing to it. "What do I do?"

[Joey Flamick]

At her slow hesitant question he peered down at her curious to her hesitation. "Yeees, we dooo. Whhhy?" He drew out each word wondering if she knew someone who needed work or if she knew a kid from the school that'd be perfect for the job. There were some powers that would suit a haunted house just fine. Before Vinni got all mad at their dad she used to help out and scared the crap out of people. Poor Joey always felt bad for making the little kiddies cry so tended to drive the tractor anymore.

He started heading toward the filly figuring they could get her back to her paddock if nothing else. "Ah, that makes sense. I never spent much time near tennis courts growing up, so I guess I don't go over there either." Joey shrugged not needing any other explanation. The large animals can intimidate those who weren't used to them, especially feisty ones like the beauty in the ring with them.

"Yeah, you. You aren't spazzy and are tiny. Not too scary." The grin spread again as he dug his hand into his pockets. "Here just hold this out and talk softly." He gave her a carrot the long stalk vegetable was safer than sugar cubes and apples. The number of times his fingers had gotten bit did not sit well. Not with easily spooked untrained filly. He held out his hand motioning for her to do the same. "Come here Calypso. Come here girl. Eaaasy Caly-girl."

[Alexandra Lawson]

For just a moment Alex was going to point out that 'spaz' happened to have been one of her nicknames back home when she was younger and she wasn't quite sure, even years later, that she'd outgrown the moniker. Still, she understood what Joey was talking about. At least now she was in a much calmer state than usual. Her eyes turned to the large animal and widened. There was no way she was going to tame that thing. It would surely kick, bite, stomp or whatever horses did when someone they didn't want something getting too close.

Regardless of her apprehension, Alex found herself taking the carrot from Joey and nodding slowly. She'd turned, her gaze following as the much larger young man started moving forward. Only when coaxed did her feet move and she slowly started along the same path as Joey. She cast him a nervous glance, silently hoping for some sort of assurance that she wasn't tempting fate and wouldn't end up with a hoof print on her forehead. "Hey there." She said, her tone softening along with Joey's. "Hey girl. Easy..." Slowly she crept forward, the carrot outstretched like it was some magic token that would prevent the inevitable, equine beating she was sure to take.

[Joey Flamick]

Calypso's ears went flat against her skull as they started toward her and Joey froze arm going out to stop Alex. "I don't think she likes me much." The horse's nose flared then her ears perked attention solely on Alex now. Frowning he stared at the horse then smiled. "I think she wants the carrot."

He lowered his arm slowly giving the cute girl a smile. "I think I'll have to ask one of the girl trainers to take over. Caly has a thing in for it against guys." Motioning for her to go forward again he hoped he hadn't scared her off or anything. Just like any animal if the filly chose to like Alex there wasn't much they could do about it. Animals choose the people not the other way around.

Nostrils flaring again the painted filly stamped her front hoof making a small whinny, but not moving much other than that. But at least her ears were still perked high eyes bright and focused on the carrot.