Hadassah / Chapter One

Hey everyone, I know I said I'll post a chapter next Friday, but I felt bad for not writing 

any story today, so here you go, presenting, Hadassah!!

C H A P T E R   1— C H E S N U T   M A R E   &   T H E   T A L K

Hadassah brushed the mare’s soft coat. It was smooth with the color of chestnut. That was Hadassah’s favorite color for a horse. Hadassah wanted her own horse one day. But she knew her parents would never allow her. She knew they had enough money and space, but for some reason Hadassah felt her parents didn’t want her to be happy. A beautiful chestnut mare was just what she wanted more than anything else in her life. Not to breed for financial reasons, or bring it to carnivals and fairs to win ribbons—but just to have as a friend. A friend to talk to when no one else is around. A friend to go to, when her parents seem like she’s in their way. 

Hadassah picked up an empty bucket that sat on the ground and filled it up with water from the well. She attached the bucket to the rope that was wrapped around the arch of the well, and lured it up After the water seeped into the bucket, she pulled up the rope and detached it from the bucket. She picked it up and headed back to the little stable. She poured the cool water into the trough. The mare neighed happily and dipped its nose into the medal tub. Hadassah sighed. “I wish you were mine.” She whispered under her breath. She knew she could never get the mare, even if she was allowed. The mare wasn’t for sale. 

She was owned by a man named Harris Heartwell. He owned a tackle shop near Hadassah’s house and after saving up for years and years, he bought a stable and a horse. That horse was Hadassah’s best friend. One day, Harris wanted to get many horses and open up his own ranch. He wanted it so bad, he lived in a tiny house with a few acres of farm. He could’ve bought a fancy house with a hundred acres, but instead he chose to live simply and buy a small place to live. When Hadassah was older, she wanted to do the same.

Hadassah blinked back to real life. Her father was calling her. 

“Hadassah! Come inside! We’ve got to talk to you!” Hadassah sighed. “I’m sorry, girl. I’ve gotta go.” Her arms left the mare’s warm head and Hadassah walked back to the house. The reason her and her family were at Harris’ home, was because he was off on a road trip with his wife and two kids. The Rudders were looking after his farm and caring for his horse. 

Often Hadassah thought about Harris and his family. She wished so dearly that she could be part of those trips they took. The laughter they shared, the joy that filled their home. Hadassah was lonely with no siblings and no friends, but the chestnut mare. Her parents were always on business meetings and having important phone calls. Hadassah was always left out. Whenever she went someplace social or in public, (which took place very rarely) she was always just there. But she was never actually a part of anything. But Hadassah accepted it and chose to be friends with the characters in the books she read, and the animals she knew and loved.

After walking for a moment, she reached the little brown cabin and rambled up the wooden steps that lead to the front door. She stepped inside and saw her parents standing there, waiting for her. Her Mother was sitting on the old ragged armchair and Father was standing behind it, placing his hands on Mother’s shoulders. 

“You called for me?” Hadassah said after an awkward moment of silence. Father cleared his throat. 

“Hadassah. I’m afraid we have to go on a business trip again.” Father got to the direct point. “We may be gone for quite some time. The meeting takes place in Iowa.” 

Though Hadassah wasn’t very close with her parents, she still missed them when they went away. She just thought maybe they didn’t miss her.

Hadassah looked down. “Again?” She said quietly. 

“Again.” Father answered. Mother chimed in. 

“But we have a surprise for you. Instead of staying here all by yourself, your uncle Henry has willingly accepted to take you in! You’ll finally get to meet your cousin!” Mother was happier than usual. Hadassah was confused. 

“What cousin? What uncle? You never mentioned me having other relatives! Why didn’t I know? I’m fine here, I don’t need to leave and stay with people I’ve never even met!” She was angry now, her face hot and red. 

Mother came over and gave her an empty hug. “Look. Their house is just a day away. You can get there through a taxi. The expenses are all paid. You’ll be leaving in two days, so make sure you’re all packed. Ok?” 

Hadassah was almost shocked at how her mother completely ignored what she had said. 

Hadassah just nodded and stood there silent.

 Father said one last thing before they went back to their day. But all he said was, “We’ll miss you darling.”