Stranger in a strange place

[katerina]

It was about ten am when the large, clearly overly fancy trailer pulled up attached to an obviously expensive pick up. Kat looked disgusted with the situation as she stepped down out of the massive pickup, practically having to jump. This was her father’s idea of helping her, making them stand out even more. She flushed bright crimson as she hurried to the back of the trailer and opened it up. The man up front, assumedly her father did not move just glanced in his rear view mirror.

She grumbled as she took the lead and slowly got Strut out of the large trailer. She looked over the odd specimen of a horse and beamed. The large mare was bay with that massive blaze down her nose and her four white stockings. But that wasn’t what was shocking it was the black stripes that permeated her lighter coat making her color shocking, she was brindle. Katarina simply closed the trailer door and untied Strut as she watched the truck speed off with a shake of her head.

“Good thing he is gone anyways.” She muttered softly. “He doesn’t know the first thing about horses.” She was trying to gain some courage here but it wasn’t working. Tense shoulders showed she was uneasy and the light button up blouse she was wearing didn’t do much to hide that fact. She walked slowly through the stable hall and stopped where she had been told her stall would be. She stared blankly at the plaque on the front and then smiled. The title of her favorite song, and the name of the thoroughbred behind her, Stray Cat Strut, was scrawled in the usual stable print and slid into the holder.

Kat’s eyes turned to strut who was unusually alert, the long drive from Seattle hadn’t at all made the mare happy and she could see it. The large stripped neck was lifted high, making her tower over the shorter girl, and those dark ears were perked high in wait for something to happen. Strut didn’t look ready to bolt or panic it was just pure interest. “I know its not a private barn girl but they told me this was the best in town and I will be here every day. I am glad you will have some company actually.” She said softly as if trying to convince herself of the same thing at the same time but it appeared to not be working.

She blew a lock of crimson hair out of those shocking blue eyes and glanced about before opening the stable door and walking her inside. She saw the stall was stocked, her father had made sure to do that and she blushed in both embarrassment and fury for she had been intending to waist some time doing that. Sighing she unclipped the lead rope and hugged the mare. Strut complacently dropped her head and rested her head on Kat’s back, nibbling at her shirt absentmindedly. “We’ll do fine here won’t we girl. New place new friends right?” She sounded uncertain but left the stall and closed the door. She leaned on it though not wandering off any time soon for now she was left with nothing to do. Her father was gone, good riddance, but then again so was she.

[charlie]

Ian walked down the aisle with a 16hh dark bay thoroughbred following behind him. The horses name was Fallen Interlude. He was a champion jumper. Ian loved the horse. fallen was given to him by a friend as a birthday gift. I smiled as I watched the two come down the aisle towards me. They were a pefect pair always playing tricks on people. Fallen nibbled on the back of Ians shirt as Ian led him into the stall. I looked back to my horse though. He was a palomino QH who only won one competition before. He loved barrels but most of all loved being with me I could tell.

Ian came out of the stall and locked the door being him. Fallen poked out his head and watched as Ian came over to Triggers stall to talk to me. I was in the middle of grooming Trigger. I stroked the studs neck and kissed him on the nose talking to him softly. So new girl huh? he said in a low tone motioning to a girl with red hair walking a mare into a stall. I looked to her then back to Ian. Why do you care? your worse then a stud horse with a mare whos in heat, I said jokingly. It was true Ian always had an eye on ladies. He hasnt had a girlfriend in awhile and I was expecting him to have one pretty soon.

He watched the attractive girl. I shook my head and nudged him. Go talk to her, I said. Ian was very outgoing. I knew he would do it too. Shes busy with her horse I dont want to bother her, he said looking back to me. I chuckled. Oh you like her how sweet, I said joking with Ian. He pushed me playfully. I dont even know her, he said. Fine I'll talk to her you watch and see, he said walking away from me. He calmly walked up the the red head girl and smiled. Hey Im Ian nice to meet you, he said, his wales accent strong, holding out his hand.

[katerina]

Kat glanced down as she saw the pair enter admiring their horses. She could see the thoroughbred much better, he was just a part of a hand taller I assumed. The quarter horse was fantastic though, she had a soft spot for pallys then again the elegant bay caught her eye, she thought she had seen his picture in some magazine. Probably jumping since it was one of the few competitions she kept up with. Kat just couldn’t help herself. She loved the brindle in front of her though. The coat was too rare to call it a coincidence her parents chose those horses. It was luck at its finest and she considered Strut very lucky.

She watched them interact before a swift yank at a stray lock of hair, she hadn’t even realized Strut was nibbling, alerted to her horses want for attention. She chuckled and swatted her lightly on the cheek to cause her to stop. She was taken aback at that gentle welsh accent beside her, not having heard their conversation merely having seen them. She was caught off guard and couldn’t help it. Another tug on that strand of hair and she shooed her large horse away. “Quit it.” She muttered fearing all hope of some form of pride was gone.

She forced a small sheepish smile that reached into her eyes and made them laugh at her own foolishness at being caught off guard. She stared at him though for the boy was rather attractive, it made her a bit more off guard as she pushed herself from her casual leaning position on the stall door to stand up. “I am Katarina... but people call me Kat.” She extended a long slender fingered hand to him and gave a little grunt as a horse head pushed up beside her almost pushing her out of the way to look at him. Deep brown eyes scrutinizing him like a mother might, odd horse.

“And this is Strut.” She said a little annoyed by her horses pushiness some times. Oh Strut didn’t have a wild bone in her body but she was pushy, like an old friend who was over protective of someone much more naive. Kat forced that smile to remain despite the slight lowering of her head in embarrassment, making red hair fall hopelessly before those baby blues. “We’re sort of new in town, but I guess that bits obvious.”

Seeming to not know what else to say she fell silent and stared over his face again from his eyes to his dark hair before glancing over his shoulder to the girl wondering if they were related, friends, or dating. By her lack of presence at this first meeting she assumed one of the first two but she didn’t understand this sort of thing anyways. Her eyes flickered quickly back to him not wanting to seem rude. It just meant how she would behave towards him. How friendly was too friendly and what not. It didn’t mean she was going to flirt but back home even the smallest smile could start a war, this was the world of the rich and powerful though. The children were too used to getting anything they wanted.

[charlie]

Ian smiled as she said her name. Nice to meet you Kat, he said as he let her hand go from the hand shake. He thought her hands were soft unlike his that were rough from playing guitar. Theres nothing wrong with being new in town, he said. He smiled once again telling she was embarressed. Soon the horse made her presence known. Shes beauitful, said Ian as he heard the girl say her name. He reached out a softly stroked the horses face.

I smiled and took Trigger back into his stall. Trigger wasnt happy with me finishing his grooming early but he would get over it. I locked Trigger in his stall and ran to my cousin. I jumped on his back like a frog nearly knocking him into the giirl. I like to make my cousin look dumb sometimes but that was family. Ian hung onto me laughing. And this is my froggy cousin Charlie, he chuckled once more. I held out my hand still on Ians back. Nice to meet you, I said. I smiled. Lets go grab some grub, I said. I wanted to make it so Ian would invite this girl somewhere. Sure, he said and turned to Kat. Would you like to join us? asked Ian. He smiled and so did I hoping the girl would come.

[katerina]

Katarina glanced to the oddly striped horse, she was like some oddly reversed zebra being more tame then wild. She grinned sheepishly. “She was a gift from my parents. Bred far too well though, she is almost too good.” She snickered and watched as Strut breathed him in patiently then pressed her nose into his hand looking for attention.

When Kat was satisfied it was going well and Strut wasn’t going to cause any form of scene, she never did, she looked back. It was nice to be around other horse people, relaxing. She never could wait to get back to shows. “You sound like your not from around here either?” she asked hopefully the welsh accent sweet on the ears. Like most girls she liked accents, perhaps it was the mystery it brought along but it could be anything. She jumped back a little as she saw a shape lunging for him and before she could say anything there was a face peeking over his shoulder.

The introduction made her grin, some unspoken testament to some unseen victory, she had guessed right first. Those blue eyes danced with glee at her own private celebration. When one lived alone one found ways to amuse themselves without help. She looked a little shocked at the invitation and she glanced to Strut, the horse could live without her for a few hours. “That would be wonderful.” She said actually excited for the first time since they came to town.

Secretly she was glad they had not seen the trailer pull up or they probably would have dismissed her as so many did upon finding out her family had an excess of money. It meant little to her, she was glad to meet people at all. She looked a little uncertain suddenly though. “Umm what is there to eat in town. I have just been eating at home since I got here.” She looked a little embarrassed by admitting it and instantly her sharp eyes darkened. They seemed to change with the passing thoughts, not color but the intensity behind them.

Glancing to Charlie she realized Ian hadn’t told her, her own name. Kat grinned and extended her hand to Charlie, she was a friendly person and not going to turn down a chance for new acquaintances. “I am Kat. Pleasure to meet you both."

[charlie]

I stayed on Ians back listening to the words being exchanged. No Im actually from wales, said Ian answering her comment from before I jumped on Ians back. He smiled. Theres the diner, the soda shop or the mall, suggested Ian. I looked to the girl with my blue eyes. She seemed very nice but I could tell she was embarressed about being new here. I smiled at her reassuringly. I think the diner would be best, I said looking to Ian then back to Kat. You can get giant milkshakes there, I added licking my lips jokingly. Then off to the diner, said Ian walking out to the trucks.

I'll drive, I said getting off Ians back. I dug in my pocket for the keys and unlocked the door to my truck. Ian got in the back and let Kat sit in the front. I turned on my radio putting a CD in that my boyfriend gave me. I shuffled through the songs and found a song called "Earthquake". I pulled the truck out of its parking space and headed down the driveway. So Kat how long have you been in town? asked Ian sitting forward to talk to us. Its nice here I can assure that. People are real down to earth here, he said trying to make her feel welcomed.

I smiled. Hey maybe later we can go clubbing, I said. Ian agreed, Ya we can take you out have alittle party,. He hoped Kat would like the idea and would want to come. To be honest Ian thought Kat was very lovely. She had pretty eyes. He came back to reality though and waited for Kats answer.

[katerina]

Kat grinned a bit at the pair and gave Strut a little reassuring rub on the nose, the mare lipped at her hand slowly. “Don’t worry I will be back. Not leaving you here all alone for long.” She said with a kiss to her horse’s nose she turned and followed them out. “Wales? Wow bet that was nice. I have been to Ireland and England but never Wales. I like the other two though.” She admitted starting to relax. She was glad someone had opted to talk to her making her not have to be too outgoing. Hands fiddled with her crimson hair and she watched as Ian hopped into the back, she smiled again, a gentleman it seemed.

She clambered into the front seat and nodded. “Diner is fine.” She said softly not having eaten anywhere but one of the fancier restraints in town, she had a thing for a good old American burger though, a soft spot. She sunk down into the seat as she fastened her seatbelt and looked out the window. Those soft blues turned distant for a moment as she thought about her favorite little burger bar back home. A finger twirled around a lock of that striking hair and she looked a little sad. Tongue flicked at the stud in her lip, tongue having to snake over teeth then behind the lip making it bulge.

The question brought her attention back to the pair and she seemed to snap out of the memory induced trance. She shrugged. “Almost a week now. I got a job at the animal shelter as a volunteer but otherwise have nothing to do.” She released her hair and smiled a bit. Their idea of clubbing though was met with a bright smile that danced in those baby blues. “Oh I would like that. There is a club in town? I didn’t know. Man I guess there was something I could do at night after all.” She grinned slightly and nodded a bit. “Thanks for this. I appreciate the effort. It’s nice to see someone try and make nice.” She said with a chuckle.

[charlie]

Ian nodded to her comment. Yup dance club with a bar, he added. I smiled and shook my head at Ian. He always loved to drink. He wasnt an over drinker though. Which it made my job easier when it came to watching out for him. The dance club seemed like an awsome idea for tonight. I liked going out. I was thinking maybe Zach would come. I had to be careful though 'cause Ian doesnt like Zach to much.

I came back to the conversation. Pulling into the parking lot of the diner I quickly found a space right infront. I smiled thinking about how this place was where I had my first date with Zach. I came back quickly again and hopped out of the truck. Ian jumped out and helped Kat out of the truck. He smiled to her. I rolled my eyes before smiling. He finally found someone to be sweet to I thought. We all walked into the diner and found our own seats in a booth. Ian sat next to Kat and I sat alone on the other side of the table. So Kat how long have you been riding? i asked looking at the menu that was already on the table. Ian grabbed a menu but didnt look at it. He listened it Kat.

[katerina]

Kat enjoyed the ride just glad not to be alone any more. Five days cooped up in a manner alone and anyone would go crazy. There was just so much space and nothing in it at the same time. No matter how much stuff her parents would fill it with it would always seem too big for her. She glanced out the windows trying to see if she recognized any of the streets and a few she did but she tried to keep up with the conversation. She was, for the first time in a long time, quite happy.

She blinked and actually turned a little pink as Ian helped her out of the car, it shouldn’t be much it was the same thing the driver did every time her parents took her somewhere in one of the nicer cars. She wasn’t used to normal people being so courteous though and it caught her off guard. “Thanks Ian.” She sad, with a tiny half smile and then followed Charlie in. She tossed some red hair out of her eyes and looked around. When she slid to the inside of the booth she smiled as Ian was the one to take the seat next to her, she assumed it was intentional.

At the topic of how long she had been riding she shrugged. “Been riding since I was 5 compeeting since I was nine, nothing big just kids shows. Was leasing a horse back then until I got Stray Cat Strut that is.” She smiled as if it was a sweet memory. She looked back to them. “how about both of you? I mean to own your own horses it has to be a good long while.” She said knowing most people didn’t make the purchase of a horse until they knew it was a good

[charlie]

Ian liked cat and thought they had great chemistry. Ian and I both looked through the menus but our attention was mostly on Kat. I have been riding since I was 5 never competed though but I know how to do barrels, I said. I smiled to her. We have something in common, I said. Ian shook his head. I have been riding since I was 16 and I do jumping I competed only once made like 3rd place, he said. He made it sound like 3rd place was terrible.

The waitress soon came to our table. What do you want sweety she said to me. I'll take the chicken tenders with honey BBQ sauce, I answered to her. Ian was next. I'll take the classic hamburger with fries, he said. And a chocolate milk shake, he added. It was Kats turn. When she ordered the waitress walked away. I leaned on the table and looked to Ian. So clubbin tonight? I asked with a smile. Ian nodded. Ya Kat you have to come it will be great, said Ian smiling at her.

(I have a club post already if u want to respond to it)

[katerina]

Kat nodded as they spoke just listening the waitress interrupting her thought process. She listened to them order and grinned. “Wisconsin bbq burger” She said, it was a burger with onion straws, bbq, bacon, and a patty. She grinned glad they served her favorite here. She nodded at their comment. “I will need to swing by home but it will only take a minute… and er…” she suddenly looked nervous and turned her eyes as if thinking hard.

She had lost too many friends to her status before and wasn’t about to lose another. “I think it’s close enough I can walk from here so you guys don’t have to take the time to get me there and what not. We can meet back at the stables and you can pick me up there.” She forced herself to look back to them and she forced a smile trying to make it convincing she wasn’t hiding something. It was bad enough that her parents were never in but to take someone so new to her company made her wince in fear. Too many people saw her house and decided she was just another stuck up brat and turned tail and ran, she didn’t want that ever again.

[charlie]

ian and I both could tell she was hiding something. Seriously we can take you to your place, I said. I didnt care what this girls background was like I just knew she was a good person. Ya its ok we can take you, said Ian. I looked to Ian then back to Kat. We have to stop by our house too to change you can come with us, I said with a cheery voice. Silence fell over us and then the waitress brought us our food. Yes, I said as she set the milkshake down infront of me and Ian. I quickly grabbed a straw and stuck it in the cup taking a big sip.

Ian ate one of his fries. Hey thats mine, he said slightly laughing at my excitment over the milkshake. Ian placed his straw in the milkshake and took a big sip himself. He stirred the milkshake alittle then looked to Kat. You want some? he asked with a smile. He was really interested in this girl. He could help but look at her and just stare. He didnt know what was coming over him but he thought he may have a crush.

[katerina]

Kat winced at their friendly words and sighed wishing she could be rude, wishing for just a moment that she could somehow disappear but they had been good to hr so she might a well return the favor. “Well I live a bit out of the way…” She muttered softly but forced herself to continue. Her hands gripped the table as she took up her water. Slowly she drank it slowly trying to think of how to start. “I sort of live in… the nicer end of town… my family owns some New York modeling agency that is doing very well.

“needless to say I live well.” She said softly, if she was going to tell them something it might as well be everything. “You can come if you want but I can’t promise you will still like me.” She shrugged and looked away suddenly very, very self-conscious. She shifted in her seat. “One of those rich kids in those big manners.” She sounded a bit disgusted with her own life style.


(Sorry its short brain dead)

[charlie]

I smiled to her. I didnt mind that she lived somewhere in a rich place. Its ok I have a place back in wales that is big has stables and everything, said Ian. I was use to the whole rich kid thing because of Ian and his band being to so popular. Its ok we can take you I dont mind, I said. I wasnt going to let Kat win. I wouldnt mind seeing your place anyways, I said. I began to eat my chicken tenders. Ian too began to dig into his food. The waitress soon stopped by to check on us then walked away.

When we all finished our food Ian paid for it all. I rose from the booth taking one last sip from the milkshake then headed out to the car. So how did you like lunch? I asked Kat. It was good thanks, said Ian jokingly. I shook my head at him and then unlocked the truck jumping in. Ok so where too? Iasked turning on the radio again to my CD Zach gave me.

[katerina]

Kat was actually surprised by their reactions but slowly relaxed. She grabbed her burger and took to stuffing her face deciding it was a good idea to cover up her embarrassment for a moment. She slowly nodded knowing ace would be grateful for them not turning their noses too her. She finished the burger quickly packing it in for such a small person. She sucked down the drink and sighed happily. She was full and for now content. “Ok… but you guys have to promise… no gawking…” She said softly. She hoped desperately they were as at ease as they seemed.

“I rather people don’t know where I came from… when people know you have money they normally treat you differently.” She looked at her fries wistfully. “Anyways. How about this club? What’s the dress code?” She meant more of what did people wear to this one but it came out a bit too formally. “I mean… is it a rave, hip hop… ummm what should I expect?”