The Horse of the River. Sari Cooper

      Chapter 1

      Gillian stared out the window of her parents’ car at the groups of girls gathered around the bus. She didn’t know any of them. They were talking and laughing. A tall brown-haired girl got out of a car and ran to a group of three. She was greeted with hugs and squeals. Gillian’s heart pounded as she watched. She felt a bit dizzy. She looked around the car for a way to escape. The little voice in her head said, Why did we think this was a good idea?

      “I don’t think I can do this,” Gillian said. “Take me back home.”

      Her parents both watched her from the front seat, her mom concerned and her dad grinning slyly.

      Her dad opened his mouth to speak but her mom cut him off.

      “Okay,” her mom said.

      Gillian was caught off guard. “What?”

      Her mom said, “You’re probably right. They all look mean. You wouldn’t have any fun.”

      Gillian sighed and said, “I know what you’re trying to do.”

      Her mom said, “You’ve been excited about this camp for years. The brochure in your nightstand is falling apart. You love horses and riding more than any kid I know.”

      Gillian knew she was being stubborn but couldn’t help herself. “What if I’m not ready? You’re the one who signed me up. You didn’t even ask me.”

      “I’ve known riding was your thing since we came to watch you in that first horse show at Sunny Acres. Remember? Chico bit, um... Mango...?”

      “Rico bit Peach.” Gillian sighed.

      “Whatever,” her mom said. “Watching that horse take off running with you was terrifying but you didn’t even flinch. You hung on, regained control and finished the course. You flew over that little jump. No fear! Riding is where your heart is. Go. Commune with the horses and live in the woods. It’s going to be great.”

      Gillian looked at her dad, hoping she might get more sympathy from him.

      He looked at her mom as if asking for permission.

      Her mom sighed and shook her head wearily. “Fine, go ahead,” she said.

      Gillian’s dad turned back to Gillian and said, “I don’t really see what the problem is. Your excitement up to this point has been unbridled.”

      Gillian’s eyes widened. She groaned. “Oh no.”

      “Hoof you developed a sudden case of nerves?” her dad went on. “You’ve seemed pretty stable up to this point.”

      Gillian put her hands over her face. “Mom, help.”

      Her mom shrugged and gave her an apologetic half smile.

      “I hope you brought your jacket,” her dad continued. “I’ve heard it can get pretty colt up there when it’s time to hit the hay. Especially when it reins.”

      “Stop! Please! You win. I’m getting out of the car.”

      Gillian raced to unbuckle her seatbelt and jump out of the back seat before her dad could torture her with another terrible pun.

      But he threw in one more. “Glad to hear it. If we went home now you’d be saddled with regret.”

      She threw herself out of the car, but as she did so, she couldn’t keep from giggling. As bad as the puns were, she knew he was trying to ease her nerves and she was grateful.

      Her mom climbed out of the car, smirking, and walked around to the trunk. Her dad met them there, looking very proud of himself.

      “How long have you been working on all those jokes?” Gillian asked him.

      Her mom answered for him. “Far too long. He’s been trying them all out on me for weeks.”

      “I have a few more, if you still want to back out,” he said.

      “Nope,” Gillian said quickly, holding her hands up in surrender. “I’m good.”

      In truth, Gillian really was excited. This was her dream, after all. Four weeks at riding camp with kids who loved horses just like she did. But now that it was here it seemed so... real.

      Her dad lifted her duffle bag out of the trunk and started to walk toward the crowd at the bus.

      “Dad, wait!” Gillian hissed.

      He