Who said anything about easy?

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle sighed, and led the big chestnut gelding into the pasture. He unclipped Wonder's lead and closed the gate. Kyle wanted to spend some time alone with his horse, he hadn't had much time since the accident. Sure it was only minor, at least for Aren, Kyle had to get a few check ups at the doctor's to make sure his wounds were healing properly. Kyle shook off the thoughts when his horse nudged him, nickering for treats. He laughed quietly and patted Wonder's nose. The gelding always knew how to bring Kyle out of la la land.

Kyle pulled out a peppermint candy and gave it to Wonder, who then promptly tossed his head. It wasn't his favorite treat but it was something. Wonder pawed the ground and kicked up his heels, glad to be out under the sun without a saddle. Kyle wasn't planning on riding anytime soon. He liked riding Wonder, but he just felt different. Kyle just needed some time to settle in before he thought of riding. He sighed again running his fingers through his hair, and watched Wonder gallop to the other end of the pasture and back. Wonder skidded to a stop in front of Kyle and blew hot air in his face before nudging him again. He patted the gelding absentmindedly and wondered if was the only one at the stables now. He hadn't seen anyone when he walked in. Kyle kinda missed being home, even with step loser. That was saying something, he needed to let go of home because his mom changed and step loser made it obvious he didn't want Kyle there. Though a lingering longing was always at the back of his mind, wishing to return to the way things were. Jonathan was always good to his mom and him. Kyle wanted to just wake up one day and find that his dad was home and would welcome him with open arms.

[Aren Haight]

Aren clucked to her horse, Kaitou, as she led her to the mare's and gelding's pasture. Her troop of ducks were safely at home so that they wouldn't go spooking other horses. She opened and closed the gate quickly. She led her mare over to a fence and climbed onto her back. The lead rope was her rein, not that it mattered. The girl leaned forward, her eyes sparkling, and she kicked lightly with her heels. Kaitou whinnied and shot off across the green grass. Aren was laughing delightedly as the two raced around, sometimes another horse would race alongside them but they would mostly stay eating the grass. The two were really enjoying themselves, the day was bright and warm and the wind felt good on the girl's face. Kaitou was just happy to be riding somewhere other than an arena.

The excited horse gave a playful little buck and slowed down to a trot. Aren was laughing as she wrapped her arms around the mare's warm neck. She didn't have any of her riding things on, just a t-shirt and jeans. She was barefoot, her boots were on the other side of the pasture fence. Today she didn't want to train, just relax and have a little bit of fun. Kaitou shot off without a warning, but Aren knew her horse too well to be unprepared. She hadn't put her braid in today, so her wild long blond hair streamed out behind her. The two looked so happy it as like a fantasy almost. As Kaitou raced among the other horses, the girl lost her grip on the horse's neck and slipped off. She fell with a thud onto the grass. It was a moment before her horse noticed the lack of weight and trotted back over to her.

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle hadn't recognized the rider or horse but he'd seen the girl fall. He hopped lightly on Wonder who promptly trotted over to the fallen rider. Kyle's face fell when he saw Aren laying on the ground with the horse standing over her. He didn't think she would have fallen so easily, then again given the circumstances it was pretty easy considering what she was wearing. Kyle slid off of Wonder, in mid trot and knelt beside Aren. How ironic it seemed to be his turn to help her. He shrugged off the thought and focused on Aren. Hey, You alright Aren? Kyle was soon feeling a bit shaken, his horse had came to hover over him.

Kyle couldn't help but have tinge of worry in his voice and eyes. He didn't want to be the one to take Aren to that wretched place but he would if she needed it. Kyle looked at her mare who was also fairly worried about her owner. It was kinda sweet really. Sweet, god was he turning soft? No, he wouldn't show his true emotions to anyone, just allow his eyes to show a contradicting emotion. Kyle pulled a random smiley face sticker off his shirt, wondering how on earth it got there. That didn't matter, all that mattered was Aren. He was nudged by Wonder who stomped his foot, he didn't like this situation any more than Kyle did. Kyle was practically on edge hoping Aren was okay. He hadn't felt like that in forever, and it was sorta nice. Kyle was at least glad he could feel something, though numb was relaxing too.

[Aren Haight]

Aren groaned and opened her eyes. She hated falling off at top speed, it hurt much more than when she was trotting or something much slower. Her eyes widened when she saw Kyle, Wonder and Kaitou hovering over her. Uh I'm fine, thanks for asking, she lied as she grabbed Kaitou's lead rope to help herself into a sitting position. Her back and sides hurt like hell, and she was trembling slightly, but it wasn't like she was going to let herself appear hurt. It just wasn't in her nature to do that. Her voice sounded shaky, but she couldn't let herself be worried over. Her mare could tell she was hurt and she nuzzled her owner. The girl rubbed her horse's head and struggled to stand up. She felt like she had broken every freaking bone in her body.

Aren wanted nothing more than to lay down on her nice soft bed but knew she couldn't, not now. She got a better grip on her horse's mane as she tried to stand, though she only fell back down again. She huffed she her long bangs fell into her face. She blew them out of her eyes and felt Kaitou sniff at her hair. She had to smile slightly because it tickled a little, plus she knew her mare would try to eat her hair, which was always pretty funny, even though it could hurt once in a while. If she so much as stepped in a hair styling place she was like a patient in need of emergency care, they always took her in with no questions asked.

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle frowned, it was obvious that Aren was hurt. For god sakes the girl could barely sit upright. As for standing, it seemed impossible at the moment. The question running through his mind though was should he help her or let her do it herself? He already knew the answer to that, at least the old him would so he would and should do that right? Kyle walked past Wonder and the mare, picking Aren up, almost like a child. He didn't let her go in case she fell again. Kyle was just trying to be helpful and hoped she wouldn't freak out. He was almost wondering if she had some sort of head injury that could affect her motor function. Kyle knew some first aid and a vast medical knowledge but only from tv shows. Kyle wouldn't have known about his condition or cared about it much.

He knew he should but always being the type to worry more about the people around him than himself. Kyle hadn't met anyone like him yet.  He realized he probably wouldn't and that seemed to calm him. Kyle didn't like an idea of commitment unless he truly felt differently. He was a type to be friends, and found it hard to have relationships with people. Kyle had a lack of trust for the human race, which made everything harder for him. He saw the world as a cold place that would walk over you if you didn't keep up. Kyle knew most people sure enough did... but why was he thinking about this now? Aren was hurt and here he was dawdling about himself. He needed to learn a few things. Kyle sighed. Your not fine. You can't even stand up alone Aren.

[Aren Haight]

Aren gritted her teeth against the pain. No matter how she fell she always landed on the same damn spot on her side. She was just lucky she hadn't broken her hip yet, but luck could only go so far. I'm fine, really. I just have to walk it off is all, she said, passing it off like she would any other fall. Normally she would be back on her horse by now, working out the pain. But she had never been hurt this seriously before, she'd always been able to get up and walk right after an accident. She was kind of worried, but didn't show it. Her mare snorted and laid her ears back, sensing her master's pain like it was her own. Aren bit her lip, she hadn't done anything and yet she was already practically hurting someone else. She reached out and patted her horse's muzzle to reassure her that she was going to be just fine.

As for her injuries, she really didn't think anyone else should be worried about them. They were not serious enough to be looked at by a doctor or anything like that. She knew she'd be able to stand up fine after a little bit on her horse. It was what she always did when she was hurt, kind of like Equine Therapy. She knew she'd have one hell of a bruise on her side but at the moment she didn't care. She was more worried about her horse than herself. Kaitou could've tripped on her lead rope or something. How could be so careless? If only she had hung on more tightly, she could've avoided all of this.

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle was growing frustrated with the girl and her lack of caring about her injuries. Fine, if she wanted to play it off he'd go along with it. He wasn't Aren so why try and help when she clearly didn't want it? Kyle simply let go of her arm taking a step away. Alright then. Prove it. He crossed his arms with a blank look on his face, he wasn't going to show weakness. At least to him it would be weakness. Kyle watched her waiting for her to move or try that is. He wasn't all that pleased that her mare was making it known she was unhappy. Kyle didn't need another accident, at least not by a horse this time. His eyes had also grown blank, hiding it perfectly for once.

Wonder seemed to notice the weird change in atmosphere. He tossed his head uncomfortably. It was almost as if there were slivers in his halter and it was scratching him. Wonder took this and shuddered slightly, Kyle wasn't himself and he didn't want to be around him. His horse took off running to the other end of the pasture, joining the mares and other geldings. Kyle looked at his horse and scoffed slightly, always one to run away from a problem. Almost like Kyle not quite. Though for some reason he couldn't get a grip on his attitude, such a haunting quality he seemed to retain. His mother often stared at him when this happened with no clue where he seemed to get it from. Kyle couldn't shake it, Aren was hiding something but he knew he wouldn't find out. He stood there still watching her.

[Aren Haight]

Aren, always one to prove herself, took a deep breath and walked the few steps to her own horse quickly. The pain was unbearable and she yelped and fell to her knees. Her side felt like it was on fire and she clutched at it, frustrated. The one time she fell while somebody was watching and she had to actually be in pain. What was up with that? Kaitou snorted and shifted her hooves, unused to seeing her master in such physical pain. Usally it was just mental pain with her. The tried to suck in a big breath but even that hurt. Maybe walking wasn't such a good idea. She wanted to do something but everything just hurt to freaking much. She wondered if she had pulled a muscle or, like, cracked something. She growled in frustration and pushed the hair out of her face with her free hand. She couldn't deny that she was in pain now. So much for walking it off.

Kaitou pranced anxiously and nudged the girl on the ground. I'm not fine this time, girl. she said truthfully. It wasn't like she could hide anything from her mare anyways, she was just too smart. Aren looked up and managed a small pained smile for her mare and rubbed her chestnut head. She wasn't going to try getting up again now, she didn't even know if she could. Today just wasn't her day, it seemed. Usually she was stubborn and wouldn't admit to this kind of pain, but really she didn't have a choice now. She was in pain in front of someone who did the same thing she did, didn't let others worry about themselves. Even when she was in front of her best friend she couldn't hide anything, she knew her too well.

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle made an odd sound, seeing someone falling to their knees always hurt him for some reason. He didn't care anymore if she freaked out or not, walking over to her and picking her up. Kyle ironically was carrying her like a groom would carry a bride. He rolled his eyes at the image that was placed. I don't care how much you hit me, I'm taking you back to the main house thing. He, seemed to brush off the girl who suddenly appeared. We're fine. and with that promptly left. Kyle was being stubborn and began walking toward the gate, something was obviously wrong with Aren, to the point where she couldn't walk let alone stand. He easily opened the gate carrying her with one hand, Kyle was big enough to be able to do this. He almost growled when he saw her mare following, as well as wonder. Kyle could understand her mare but not Wonder.

Kyle walked up the trodden path, the small hill that separated the stables from the main building. Obviously the main building would have first aid supplies though he would let her do it herself. Kyle wasn't a doctor and knew it just be awkward. The path seemed to shorten under his quick frantic strides to the point of where he seemed to float quickly up to the doors. Kyle again opened the door easily with one hand, entering the lounge and placing Aren on the couch. Now stay here while I see if I can find something He began to nose around in the various rooms, happy to see one in the bathroom. Kyle brought the box out promptly, only to find it filled with toilet paper. He made a weird face and then one of defeat... Tossing the box aside he looked at Aren.

[Aren Haight]

The expression on Kaitou's face when Aren had to be carried out broke the girl's heart. She hated seeing her mare's eyes so concerned. It was exactly the thing she had wanted to prevent. She was losing her control over her emotions again. She sighed, not too thrilled about having to be carried out of the pasture. She did admit to having the urge to kick Kyle, but she resisted. She felt kind of embarrassed. The girl felt a breeze on her feet and remembered that she was barefoot. She looked at her feet, which seemed to be fine. They probably wouldn't be so fine and dandy if she had landed on them like she was supposed to. The healthy appearance of her feet seemed to mock her, and the thought of being delusional crossed her mind. If her feet were people she'd strangle them, and the randomness of it all was enough to make her laugh, though she had enough sanity to resist.

The lounge couch was big and comfortable, making Aren wonder why she didn't just sleep here. She sighed and lifted up her shirt slightly when Kyle was gone. She peered at her side and had to look away. A few scrapes and a really ugly bruise. There was smaller bruises on her arms and on her other side. Geez what the hell had she gotten herself into? Now she was really regretting not hanging on to her Kaitou tighter while she galloped. It was like Riding 101, always be prepared. She was extremely lucky she didn't have any head damage, except for her headache. She pulled her shirt down and pushed and struggled and eventually managed to sit up, though her legs felt like jello.

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle hadn't objected when her leg tensed as though she could actually kick him. Though she thankfully resisted and he could already tell she was hiding something. Kyle rolled his eyes, a lot of good that stupid first aid box did me. He rested his head on his hand, which was resting on his leg. Kyle was sitting on the coffee table looking at her, she obviously looked annoyed and tired. He even found himself questioning her sanity, as she seemed to lose a slight grip. So, tell me honestly. Whats wrong? Kyle stared at her with the same blank expression and eyes. He didn't allow her to see through this act. Kyle was one of the best and was doing a show right now.

He glanced out the window, hoping to see some form of life but it appeared as though these two were the only ones here at the stables. Kyle was starting to get slightly annoyed with all the bull crap today. Not that it was Aren's fault she fell, but the horses were acting loopy and he was tired. Kyle hadn't slept right since the accident, reoccuring nightmares often visited him. Kyle felt as though he were being a total ass to her, great friend making skills there. He practically began talking to himself under his breath. Kyle again glanced out the window, expecting someone to roll in the drive either on horseback or by car. Neither of which happened and he sighed again. Kyle now had his face covered, he had a pounding headache and the bright daylight wasn't helping much.

[Aren Haight]

I hurt like hell all over and there are some pretty ugly bruises on my hip. It probably just hurts so damn much because I always fall on my hip, she said honestly. The blank expression on Kyle's face was kind of creepy, but she didn't let that show. The pain was frustrating her, no matter how much she tried to block it out. She felt like she was going to go insane, if she wasn't already. She took calm breathes and rested her head on the back of the couch. The lounge felt warm to her, she wondered if that was a bad sign. Hopefully she didn't need to be hospitalized, because that would really suck. Speaking of hospitals...Hey, did you take those antibiotics today? she asked.

Aren wanted to go out and show Kaitou that she was fine, but she was tired of lying to herself. She wasn't fine, she hurt too much to be fine. Her facade snapped and she squeezed her eyes shut. She could feel a mental breakdown coming on, but she fought against it with all she had. The headache didn't ease her struggle. She clenched her hands into fists and remembered to breathe. She wasn't going to pass out if she could help it. Tears welled behind her eyelids, and she feared that if she opened them she'd open herself up and just become the messed up person that she really was. She swallowed the tears back and fought for control. She wondered if this was how Kyle had felt like yesterday.

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle was thrown off guard by her question and he choked slightly. No, I haven't taken them today. He looked away briefly only to see her sitting there with her eyes shut, obviously trying to fight something. Kyle couldn't help it, he was hugging Aren, knowing all to well what she was feeling. He blinked and was still mentally slapping himself, she would probably freak out and push him away. Don't cry... Kyle said quietly, not knowing if he'd handle it well if she did. Even he hadn't done that in forever, not since dad died. He did eventually realize he was still hugging Aren, but didn't know if he should stop or not. Kyle felt bad, almost as if this were his fault.

Oh man, now look what I did. She's on the verge of breaking down in tears and I can't stop thinking about stupid things. Things like oh hey my dad died, i haven't cried in forever. And Oh, hey i'm still hugging this girl who just became my friend, should i let her go or not? I sound like a friggen creeper. The tirade hadn't ended, as he continued to mentally slap himself. Then the one thing that was like a slap to the face. "What if I made her cry?" He had the nagging feeling at the back of his mind, this was his doings. Kyle obviously hated doing that, but seemed to do it alot. He also realized he was on his knees hugging a girl with clenched fists. It was the perfect scene, where someone could walk in and pepper spray him.

[Aren Haight]

Aren was surprised that Kyle was actually hugging her, which was weird cause no guy had actually ever hugged her before. She felt like she was on the edge of her sanity though and she opened her eyes and wiped away the tears that were starting to fall. She wanted them to stop, but they wouldn't. At least Kyle was trying to help her. She sucked in a shaky breath and wiped away the last of the tears that had started to fall, for now, at least. Sorry you have to see me like this, she said trying to make light of the subject, but failing. She realized she had started to tremble again. Why, she didn't know. At least she was starting to gain her control back. It wasn't a complete breakdown, which was good. It was more like a mini breakdown, a little too much stress or something.

For the first time since she had turned 17, she wanted her parents. She couldn't remember their faces, couldn't remember if her mom had ever really loved her dad. She couldn't even remember if they had ever said they had loved her. The tears welled up again, and she covered her face with her hands. The torturous thoughts kept coming, though. All the times she had cried herself to sleep at night, waiting for her parents to get home, wondering if they ever would come home. She still wondered the same exact thoughts to this day. Most people didn't realize how fragile they could be until they were forced to remember all the bad things about their past.

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle blinked and moved so that she was on his lap. He again was mentally slapping himself, and would welcome her to slap him. Kyle seemed to just sit there, so out of place. He felt so out of place but for some reason, felt as though he couldn't be anywhere else. Kyle sighed softly, he hated seeing anyone like this. Aren whats wrong? He completely ignored her statement, what did it matter to him? Kyle had been through alot too. She probably had, who hasn't? He wished he could do more than blatantly sit there, hugging her. How weird was that? almost too weird for him.

Kyle blinked again, he felt like he couldn't breathe, but it wasn't asthma.  He sometimes felt random anxiety for things that were out of place. Kyle frowned, this was like a living hell. He was living through it for maybe the third time in his life. Kyle let his thoughts wander to his pets, Dixie, Wonder, and of course bob. Who was bob? Kyle had named his pet goldfish bob, though unable to bring him with still had him at home. At least he hoped he did. Then there was Storm, that horse was brilliant. He was a black, good mannered stud his father had bred. Kyle fell in love with the big stallion, who happened to be the sire of his foal. Though his horse's name was combined of his mother and father. Though storm's full registered name was "When the storm hits" and his Dam was "one last time." Kyle managed to come up with "One hit Wonder" for his own gelding. The horse looked nothing like either. His mother white and father black, it made not sense genetically.