A Friend in Need Page 8

  “What’s up with you?” Finn asked Alice later.

  “Nothing,” she muttered, concentrating on her tack. She was getting ready to ride out with her mum, and Finn was over to see Ella. She wasn’t going to bring up his snowy ride with Hannah. After seeing the photo, she was convinced Finn had fallen for Hannah, and it would hurt too much to have it confirmed. Frowning, Finn took Ella off into the arena.

  Her mum led Lachlan out into the yard. With his shoulder-length mane and striking colouring against the snow, Alice felt a little tug of emotion. She could almost imagine the Highland back up in Scotland, bringing a stag down a snow-covered mountain. That’s what Alice loved about the native ponies: you could see the decades of history in them.

  Swinging herself up into the saddle, Josephine smiled, and for one second she looked like the teenager Alice had seen in the photos. Soon the ponies were really stepping out, sending up flurries of soft powder as they made their way through the farm.

  “Wonderful!” Josephine enthused, taking in the view as they reached the top of the paddocks. It all looked so perfect. But Alice felt very far from perfect. In fact, it felt as though with one problem solved another had been created. She had free rein to go for the showjumping team trials, but she hadn’t yet learnt to fully trust Secret, and now with Finn falling for Hannah … what else would go wrong?

  Chapter 17

  It was the day of Hannah’s party and the final jumping lesson before the trials. The morning dawned clear, sunny and beautiful. They had a busy day ahead, not least as they were taking three ponies over to Hilltops.

  Finn wanted Ella to have experience of schooling in an indoor arena, and so she was going to travel over with Secret and Lachlan. Secret would be taking part in the lesson and as Lachlan was very calm and steady, Josephine had suggested he go along as a companion for Ella. Josephine would collect the ponies and Alice later in the lorry, and bring them back to Park Farm so Alice could get ready for Hannah’s party.

  Her dress hung up in her window, the sequins catching the winter light. Alice had tried it on the night before, earning a little clap from her mum and dad as she twirled around. It was so unlike anything she’d ever worn, but she couldn’t wait to wear it.

  Alice’s mum had been right about taking Lachlan. The mild-mannered gelding stood patiently on the lorry as Ella nervously boarded, and with Lachlan snuffling her muzzle gently she relaxed as she was tied next to him. Secret bounded up the ramp as he always did, excited about going out.

  Hannah was waiting for them as they arrived.

  “Thanks for letting us do this, Hannah,” Finn said as they unloaded the ponies. Ella was wonderfully calm, a contrast to her arrival at Park Farm.

  “Oh, Finny!” Hannah put a hand on his arm. “After all the help you’ve given me, it’s the least I can do!” Then she glanced at Alice. “I can’t wait until our surprise later!” she said to Finn. “Will you be coming back after you’ve dropped your ponies off?”

  Finn nodded. “Yeah, we’ll need a bit of time to prepare. I’ll be straight back,” he said, and Hannah smiled adoringly at him.

  Alice frowned. “What are you doing?” she blurted out and Hannah giggled.

  “Oh!” she said. “I’m not giving anything away, but let’s just say our entrance will be amazing!”

  Alice turned to Finn once Hannah had waltzed off. “Are you going to the party with Hannah?” she asked quietly.

  “Well, sort of.” Finn looked guilty. “I mean, only because I’m helping her.”

  “I’m sure it’s gone beyond just doing a favour for your dad,” Alice snapped, unable to help herself. She didn’t care any more; how could he not realise how much Hannah liked him?

  “It’s not like that. I’ve just been helping her with her pony,” Finn said, but Alice pushed past him, taking Secret and leaving Finn with Ella and Lachlan. She felt very alone, and had a sudden sense of foreboding. Why did everything suddenly feel wrong?

  Things went from bad to worse once the lesson was underway. Alice, already on edge, was aware of Hannah behind her.

  “Let’s hope we don’t have to sit around for ages again,” she said loudly, overtaking Alice, who flushed as Secret jogged sideways.

  By the time it was Alice’s turn Secret was fizzing over with excitement, and she caught Hannah smirking as she trotted a circle ready for her first jump. Alice clutched nervously at the neck strap as Secret started to canter sideways. As he launched himself over the first three fences, Alice found herself left behind, clinging awkwardly on. By the last fence, she had just about managed to gain control and had one perfect jump, sailing over the filler like Secret had wings in his hooves. But Alice felt like it had been a disaster. She slowed Secret to a walk, leaning over and patting him so no one would see how upset she was. It was dark, she realised, like someone had pulled curtains around the arena.

  “Sometimes a bad practice before the real event is a good omen!” Angus said reassuringly, and Alice gave him a weak smile. Doing well at the trials felt like an almost impossible task, but she wanted a place so badly. She wanted her dream with Secret to come true.

  Riding back out, it took Alice several seconds to process why it was so dark. Snow was falling thick and fast, and the ground was already covered.

  She heard Hannah gasp next to her. “How romantic and perfect for my party!”

  “Not if no one can get there,” Amy said sensibly. “And how are we going to get our ponies home?”

  “Four-by-fours,” Hannah replied airily. “Everyone was on the road the other day!”

  But Alice knew it wouldn’t be that easy for her. With three ponies to collect, her mum would have to bring the lorry, and although they lived nearby, there was a steep hill that would prove almost impossible in the snow. Looking at her phone she saw she’d already missed several calls from her mum. Alice called her back immediately, and her mum answered on the first ring.

  “We can’t get the ponies home tonight, love,” she said at once. “I’ve already spoken to Hannah’s dad and they can stay in the spare stables. I’ll come over as soon as I can to collect you, but dad’s out in the four-by-four at the moment.”

  Finn, emerging from the second arena after schooling Ella, blinked away snowflakes from his dark eyelashes. Ella looks great, Alice thought briefly. Happy and relaxed with Lachlan by her side. Alice passed the phone over to him, and he nodded as her mum filled him in.

  “Finn!” Hannah came sauntering over, having put Barney away. “Isn’t this exciting?”

  “That’s not the word I’d use,” Finn answered bluntly.

  “If you’re worried about the horses, don’t be!” Hannah laughed. “Dad’s got loads of spare stables. They’ll be fine.”

  “But will Ella be OK?” Alice asked, remembering how Finn had been so against Ella being moved to the equestrian centre.

  Finn frowned again. “We have no choice. Hopefully if the gritters are out, the lorry can come tomorrow.”

  “But the party… All the noise, the lights.”

  “The stables are nowhere near the school,” Hannah said with a frown. “How do you think our ponies are going to cope? We’re not having fireworks or anything like that.”

  Finn looked at Alice and nodded. “Ella will have Secret and Lachlan with her. She’ll be fine, I’m sure.”

  But even so Alice heard worry in his voice.

  Chapter 18

  The snow carried on falling while Finn and Alice settled the horses in. Alice had to admit that although the yard was far busier than her mum’s, the stables were lovely, and the three Park Farm ponies had a block at the far end in the quietest spot. Ella immediately started munching at a hay net, taking her cue from Secret and Lachlan on either side of her.

  Alice’s mum rang with an update. “Dad’s still not home; he’s been delayed by the snow on the roads. I’m sorry, Al, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to get your dress to you in time.”

  Alice sighed. There goes my one chance to wear
the sequinned dress, she thought a little sadly. “It’s fine, Mum. I’ll stay here and keep an eye on the ponies.”

  A moment later Hannah appeared and pounced on Finn. “We need to be ready to go soon. Loads of people are still coming, so it’s all good!”

  Then she looked at Alice, her smile fading. “What about you?”

  “I’ll stay here until my mum comes to get me. I can’t get home to change,” Alice explained.

  Hannah grimaced. “Oh. What will you wear?”

  Alice glanced down at her outfit, her faithful navy jods with the seam going at the knee and a wool sweater that had been her dad’s until he’d accidentally shrunk it in the wash.

  “This, I guess, unless I borrow Secret’s rug,” she replied, unable to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.

  Hannah made a face. “Your jods?” she said, wrinkling her nose. “Well, your call, but maybe keep out of the way of the photographer.”

  “I intend to,” Alice muttered, still thinking of her sparkly dress hanging up at home.

  Hannah lost interest in her, rushing off to have her hair and make-up done, and so Alice sat in the café, watching as four-by-fours started to arrive. She had no idea where Finn was, so she had checked the ponies several times.

  As the music started to play and glossy teens wearing incredible winter-themed outfits spilled from vehicles, Alice examined her reflection in a knife. Her hair was pulled back into a top knot, her nose was reddened, her skin pale. I look dreadful, she thought miserably. Sipping on her third hot chocolate, she decided to sneak in and watch the start of the party. The hum of music made its way over from the largest indoor arena. It had started to snow again, the flakes dancing in the glow of the fairy lights strung up on the path towards the arena.

  Sliding in as inconspicuously as she could, Alice gave a gasp. The indoor arena had been completely transformed. The sand was covered in fake snow, ice sculptures towered up towards the ceiling, and glittering mirror balls hung from every beam. It looked like the sort of party you saw in magazines, Alice thought, and then remembered that it probably would be.

  “Alice!” It was Amy, waving madly, dragging Lola and a few other girls over to say hello. There was no escape now, but at least Amy was kind enough not to mention Alice’s non-outfit. Everyone else looked amazing, a blur of sequins and glitter and white fake fur, looking far older and more sophisticated than they did day to day.

  Alice spotted Jordan chatting with a girl near the chocolate fountain. He is quite handsome, she found herself thinking. But nothing like Finn. But where was Finn?

  Then the music changed, and an excited buzz filled the arena as a low drumbeat sounded. The lights blacked out and a single spotlight shone on the big double doors as dancers twirled around it.

  “This is it!” Alice heard Amy say in an excited voice. “Hannah’s big surprise!”

  The doors slid open and everyone gasped. Hannah was riding Barney, who had been transformed. He had glitter all over his coat, his mane was plaited up in silver ribbons and he had silver polish on his hooves. He looks like a Flying Fillies pony, Alice thought. But it was Hannah, riding bareback, who caught her eye. Dressed in the most amazing silver dress with a low-cut back, her long dark hair loosely curled and flowing over her shoulders, she looked breath-taking. It took Alice a second to realise Barney had another rider. Finn. All in black, his arms were wrapped round Hannah’s waist. As they reached the middle of the arena, Finn leapt off and then gestured at Barney, who lowered his head and front legs as though he was bowing. Alice recognised the bow as one of the tricks Finn used in his demonstrations. That must have been what he had been teaching Hannah and Barney.

  Reaching up to Hannah, who slid off as gracefully as a ballet dancer into Finn’s arms, the two waved to the crowd who broke into applause. Hannah snuggled up to Finn, who placed an arm round her shoulders and smiled down at her, and Alice’s vision was blurred by tears.

  Pushing her way past the crowds, Alice found a quiet corner, trying to compose herself. The chemistry between Finn and Hannah was only too obvious.

  A groom came to collect Barney, who looked thoroughly pleased with himself, as Hannah hugged her friends, her pretty face alight as she introduced Finn to everyone. He was surrounded by people, a novelty among the normal pony club crowd.

  A few minutes later Finn appeared behind Alice, and she hurriedly patted her eyes so he couldn’t tell she’d been crying.

  “Alice!” Finn sounded pleased to see her, but Alice just stared blankly at him.

  “What’s up?” Looking confused, Finn moved towards her and Alice folded her arms.

  “If you don’t know now, Finn, then you never will know!” Alice blurted out before she could stop herself.

  “What are you talking about?” Finn said as he followed Alice’s gaze to Hannah, who was surrounded by friends, every now and again tossing her glossy hair over her shoulder and gazing at Finn. A look of recognition dawned on Finn’s face.

  “Alice, are you mad about Hannah?”

  “Mad?” Alice gave a short laugh. “Why would I be mad? I can’t stop who you go out with.”

  Finn shook his head. “I know I’ve spent loads of time with her,” he said, “but it was all for today … for the party!”

  “It doesn’t seem that way to me!” Alice snapped. And with that she bolted, leaving behind the music, the lights and the glamour. The cold air hit her hot face with a rush, and reaching in her pocket for her phone she dialled home. It was still snowing, and Alice felt her tears mingle with the flakes.

  “Mum, is Dad back?” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “Please can you come and get me?”

  “Of course,” her mum answered. “He just got home at last. Give me fifteen minutes.”

  Taking a deep breath, Alice decided to go and wait with the three ponies instead. Lachlan, Secret and Ella were the only company she needed right now.

  As she crossed the yard, the music growing quieter, Alice sniffed. What a disastrous day. She felt as though she’d not only lost Finn, but her chance to gain a place in the showjumping team, after their bad performance in the lesson.

  As she rounded the corner to where the Park Farm ponies were, Alice frowned. There was a group of teens outside and panic among the ponies. Secret was standing rigid in his box, eyes searching, as Lachlan gave a startled whinny. Alice gasped. Ella’s door was open.

  Alice turned on the group furiously. “What happened? Where’s the grey pony?”

  A blond boy in a tuxedo shrugged. “We were only being nice,” he drawled. “We wanted to give the ponies a pat. The grey pony seemed a bit shy, so we opened her door to give her a polo, and she scarpered.”

  “What do you mean ‘she scarpered’?” Alice shouted, full of worry and anger.

  “Don’t get so stressy,” one of the girls snapped back. She had a faux-fur jacket flung over her shoulders and was wearing a white floor-length dress. “We’re not used to horses. Hannah said they were all friendly…”

  “You idiots! You stupid idiots!”

  Alice sprinted as fast as she could back to the arena. She needed help. She pushed open the door and shoved her way through the crowd until she reached Finn, who was with Hannah. She was standing close to him, nestled into his shoulder as she threw her head back, laughing at something. Alice didn’t care. She grabbed Finn’s arm and he gave her a look of surprise.

  “It’s Ella, she’s out,” she said in an urgent voice. Finn started to follow Alice, but Hannah pulled him back.

  “What’s the problem?” she said in a friendly voice, but her eyes were glinting dangerously. “If one of the ponies has got out, they’ll only be in a field. Alice can catch her. Help yourself to a feed scoop if you need it, Alice.” She waved a dismissive arm.

  Finn pulled his arm free. “You have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said to Hannah, who narrowed her eyes at his words. “I’m coming, Alice.” Taking her hand he pushed his way through the party and raced across the yard. T
he teenagers had left, but Lachlan and Secret were still pacing back and forth.

  “Right,” Finn said. “Hopefully she’s in a paddock. You go left, I’ll go right.”

  Both set off at a run. The snow was still falling, giving an air of serenity, the music from the party barely noticeable. Running around the track of the paddocks, calling desperately, Alice gave a start as she noticed hoof prints leading to an outer fence, beyond which lay a path to the downs, the route Alice was planning to take if she rode over in the summer. The prints had left long scrapes in the snow, as if whoever had left them had made several attempts to jump, veering off at the last second. But one set of prints led out over the other side. Ella must have jumped, and she was long gone, her prints disappearing off into the vast white unknown.

  Chapter 19

  Finn was pacing up and down on the phone to his dad as Alice’s mum’s car pulled into the yard. Alice quickly filled her mum in as Finn came over, looking grim.

  “Dad’s on his way,” he said, eyes searching the vast expanse of white land beyond the equestrian centre. His dark hair was flattened against his head, snowflakes catching his high cheekbones.

  “Ok, here’s what we’ll do,” Josephine said firmly. “I suggest Alice and I ride out on to the downs. Secret knows Ella, maybe if he whinnies, she’ll hear us.”

  “But I’ve only got Secret’s tack,” Alice said in a worried voice.

  “I’ll ride Lachlan in a head collar, and I’ll use a couple of lead ropes as reins,” her mum replied in a brisk business-like voice. “Finn, you look on the road with your dad as soon as he gets here. If you go out of here, turn left and left again, follow the road up a mile, there’s a five-bar gate from the downs on to the main road. Look for the horse sign. We’ll go up on horseback and try to cover as much ground as possible.”