One Step at a Time (Spongey & Fiesty & Mikey)

[maddie]

"Stop telling me how to drive!" Josh complained as he adjusted the rear view mirror of his old truck: one of the two cars he owned. His other car was a convertible cobra-mustang cross and it was back at home. He was met with laughs from the rest of the group who was riding in the bed of the pickup truck, enjoying the lack of seatbelts and the wind in their faces on this hot summer day. "Maybe if you drove right then we wouldn't have to" Megan smirked as she responded to Josh's whineing, looking at Luke, Sara, and Demi who were in the back of the truck with her. Sara smiled sweetly and leaned against the right side of the truck's bed. She rolled her eyes and sighed playfully. "Oh cut it out, Meg. He's doing the best he can according to the fact that he refused to take driver's ed" Sara grinned. Demi and Luke laughed and Megan yawned. Josh groaned. The rusty old red pickup truck eased up the gravel hill and pulled into an empty slot in the parking lot of Pinewood Stables. Luke jumped out over the side of the truck and Megan followed. Josh cut the ignition and got out of the driver's seat, then closed the door behind him and locked the truck, slipping his keys into his pocket. Sara and Demi, who were shorter than the other three, Slid over the side of the truck and rested one foot on the tire, then lowered themselves to the ground.

After the five of them had gotten out of the truck they started walking towards the stable's main door. A few horses were being exercised by the stable staff in the outside ring, and Demi jogged up to the list posted on the office door. "Okay, guys. It says that my horse Minnie is in the pasture along with Cobalt and Barbaro. Mira and Son are in stalls number seven and eight, Demi announced the locations of the group's horses. Luke, Megan, Josh, and Sara nodded. Then Luke spoke up. "Okay. So let's split up and go bring Barbaro, Minnie, and Cobalt inside the barn. Then we can groom our own horses and tack up. They've already been fed this morning, so after they're saddled and bridled let's bring them out to the pasture gate and we can all mount and go on a trail ride" Luke suggested. The rest of the group nodded and set off. Luke went outside to get his bay thoroughbred Barbaro, Demi went outside to get her mare Moonlight Minuet (Minnie), and Megan went outside with them to get her geilding Cobalt's Desire (Cobalt). Sara went to stall number eight to get her american paint horse Waiting for a Miracle (Mira) along with Josh who went to get Sunny Delight (Son).

Luke walked into the pasture with Megan and Demi. They all had halters and lead ropes. As soon as Demi walked into the pasture her sweet and gentle white arabian mare Minnie trotted up to her and nudged Demi. Demi giggled and stroked her seven year old beauty, then slipped her halter over her ears and muzzle, fastening the chin strap. The arabian snorted with pleasure when she realized that she was going to be ridden and eagerly followed Demi out of the pasture gate and into stall number one. After Demi unhooked the lead shank from Minnie's halter and rehooked her halter to the one in the stall, she left and got Minnie's grooming box and tack. After grooming, saddling, and bridling the gorgeous mare Demi led her out by holding the reins and waited for the others outside of the pasture.

Megan and Luke were still in the pasture and Sara and Josh were still inside the stables. Meg was laughing really hard at Luke who was standing in the middle of the pasture running a hand through his hair as he watched his galloping bay three year old thoroughbred champion Barbaro circle him continuously. Megan did a loud wolf whistle and Barbaro skidded to an immediate stop and pricked his ears, snorting and tossing his head. Luke rolled his eyes at Megan who looked smug standing over at the gate with her black thoroughbred geilding Cobalt already haltered and ready to go inside the barn. Luke silently put the halter on the now calmed down Barbaro and led him after Cobalt and Megan.

Soon afterwards Demi was standing with her white seven year old arabian mare Minnie, Megan was with her black four year old thoroughbred geilding Cobalt, Luke was with his bay three year old thoroughbred geilding Barbaro, Sara was with her brown and white paint five year old american paint horse mare Mira, and Josh was with his palomino seven year old palomino geilding Son. All of the horses were saddled and bridled and the group was mounted in the pasture, riding their horses around in circles to warm them up before the trail ride. Suddenly the group's horses ears pricked up and they all looked at the stable's entrance. That made Meg, Sara, Demi, Josh, and Luke look that way as well. The group perked up when they saw some other people entering the stables. "Who is it?" Megan smiled enthusiastically. Sara shrugged and so did the rest of them. They watched curiously as their horses continued to circle around.

[brigette]

Bridgette and Manda walked side by side. Gosh Amanda! Oh I missed you so much! I havn't seen you in ages! Bridgette stated to her friend Amanda. Amanda smiled gently. Bridgette! I'v missed you too! So, tell me, who is this lover you talk about so much?! Amanda stated excitedly.

Bridgette smiled again, and stopped. He is the hottest, most sweetest guy I'v ever met. His name is Marco. And he has the most greenest eyes I'v ever seen! Total hottie. And he got in a fight with my ex, Marcus, over me!

[/color] Bridgette said excitedly. Ohhh, he's a keeper. Amanda said.

Gordon walked along side the two girls, listening to the girls gossip about Bridgette's relationship. Gordon, honestly, had never been in a relationship. He didn't know how it felt to be loved. He had never loved before. He had been liked my a lot of girls, like Amanda, but other then that no.

Gordon smiled, happy to see his cousin Bridgette happy with her boyfriend. He just hoped this one wouldn't crush her like the other one did. He did sound like a nice guy. And pretty cute too. Gordon looked at Bridgette. Bridgette. Girl you know I love you. Like a cousin. And I don't want you hurt. So are you positive you are sure you want to date this Marco guy? Gordon asked her with ease.

Bridgette looked at him. Awww, Gordon. I love you too. And I'm positive. He said he would fight to the death for me. Isn't that so romantic?![/color] she said excitedly. Amanda looked at Gordon then her. You guys sound like a PERFECT couple! I have to meet him. Maybe he can hook me up. she said.

Or maybe not. Look at that cutie. Amanda said, pointing out the guy over there. She had seen him around. Named Luke. She smiled at him gently. Oh Amanda please. He is SO out of your league! Gordon stated. Oh he is not, Gordon.[/color] Bridgette said, taking up for Amanda. Yeah! What Bri said! Amanda stated back. Gordon rolled his eyes.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[gina]

today was a bright day, the sun shining, and one of gina's favorite geldings was in his stall and ready to go for a ride. gina stepped out of her BMW convertible, the black luster blinding. she walked towards the barn, a bit of flounce in her step. she was, excited. and to see that people were actually alive at pinewood, it was a good feeling. her eyes wandered from person to person, watching them continue on with their tasks with their horses. there were a few cute guys, which didn't phase her at all. besides, she had a boyfriend. she smiled a she thought of him. she couldn't wait til he visited the coming week. he would be there all week, staying with her in her house, and then leaving to go back to laguna.

gina shook the thought, she didn't want him to leave. she tugged her cyan lace camisole down, smoothing over her abdominal muscles and her sort-of-curvy hips. she wiped her hands on her dark wash skinny jeans, tucked into her favorite worn western boots. a pair of western spurs clanked on the back with each step she took. she looked up at the sky and stopped in mid-step, breathing in the blue skies and white cumulus clouds swimming across the galaxy. the air was fresh with morning dew, but the heat was dry. so a perfect match. a small breeze blew and danced with the tendrils of gina's chesnut hair. it was usually dark brown but in the summer it got very, very light. she had no idea why, most people would think she dyed it, but nope. natural causes.

she continued to walk, finally stepping into the shade of the barn. she smiled as she saw hank stick his painted head over the stall door. she chuckled at him as he whinnyed with grain in his mouth. it flew, of course. she looked at all of the people again; none of them were recognizable. but of course, gina really didn't know anyone yet, since she had just gotten here a few days ago. she loved it already though. the small town suburb feel was great. and she loved her house, especially the lake. she was thinking of having a fourth of july cookout if she met enough people to make it comfortable. there would be jetskis and tubing, hot dogs and hamburgers, all that jazz. and of course, fireworks in the middle of the night. especially reflecting off of the dark lake, it would be simply amazing.

she walked to his stall and scratched his forehead. she looked him over; he was still flawless. she smiled at him as his eyes twinkled. she grabbed his leather halter that hung from a hook and pulled open the stall door. gina stuck his massive head in the halter and fastened it. she brought him out and put him on the cross ties. she went into the tack room and grabbed a grooming bucket, and began to curry his body, flicking off the small tufts of hair that came up from the surface. she looked around at all of the people once more; there were so many people out today. she wondered why. but not that she could say that pinewood usually wasn't busy, she didn't have the right, since she's only been here for a couple days. she continued grooming, racking her mind for what she was actually going to do.

[ooc: grr, crappy post. O.o]

[wesson]

O U R  L I V E S  W O N ' T  F I L L  U P

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Tessa laughed - more like cackled, actually - triumphantly as she finally pulled the last slack of the girth out and tied it. Mako's Luminescene, Luminol, snorted in annoyance at being defeated, but didn't move from her spot. She was thin for a gypsy vanner, but not as small as a light mare, and her piebald coat was clean and soft. Her harks pinned as Tessa grabbed the reigns and swung herself into the black leather saddle, but once more she didn't try anything. Tessa was probably the only person on the earth that Luminol would let ride her, and one of the few she tolerated enough to not nip at. The mare shifted her feet, wanting to get moving already, but being buffeted in her attempts by the bit in her mouth. Tessa turned in her seat to look back at her riding partners and life long friends. Michael was sitting comfortably on the saddle of his towering friesian, Wesson, who was gnawing his bit anxiously as well, and watching Kaine struggle to get into the saddle of his almost completely black vanner, Heinous Crimes; Heinous for short.

[/size][/color]You really suck at that, y'know Kaine?[/i][/color] Tessa taunted, blue eyes twinkling mischeiviously. Kaine glared at her before once again attempting to get his foot in the stirrup. The tall teen had taken to riding quite well, and learned commands fast. It was probably a good thing that Heinous had been trained for so long before he got him though. The one thing he had troubles with, as getting into the saddle. After that it was smooth sailing. Michael sighed heavily, the only noise he had audibly made in some time and Kaine gave up, Fuck it,[/i][/color] he muttered and grabbed a nearby bucket, flipping it over and using it to step up and clamber onto Heinous, getting situated quickly in the familiar position. Tessa grinned, pulling on Luminol's reigns to turn her towards the door of the stable, Finally! Now let's get warmed up! Don't fall off this time, Kaine![/b][/i] she called over her shoulder before tapping the vanners sides, the mare rocketing into a sprint out of the stable. It was easy to direct Luminol at a run, considering she just wanted to move and didn't care where, and a moment later they shot through the gate of the huge pasture the riders used to warm up.

Mikey's eyes lingered on Kaine for another moment before he gently applied pressure to his own stallion and Wesson trotted off, followed closely by the other pair. His eyes followed Tessa as she raced Luminol into the pasture, but managed to avoid the other's quite easily and continued until she met the other side of the large feild, before swerving around and slowing to a canter. Mike kept Wesson at a trot, which was pleasantly smooth considering he was trained in dressage, like the other two. Kaine followed behind him, the tall teen taking the chance of looking out towards the other riders in the pasture, although he didn't recognize any of them. What's up with all these people around lately?[/i][/color] he asked, pulling up beside Mike as he fought Heinous to stay at the pace and not race off with his twin. Mike's eyes drifted from the path silently to look at the group before answering, We're not the only people who board here, you know.[/i][/color] Kaine scowled, [/size]That's not what I meant.[/i][/color] Michael smirked, but didn't look back, I know.[/i][/color]

---

H A L F  O F  T H E S E  P A G E S

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[maddie]

Luke smiled as he cantered around the pasture near the fence, his shaggy brown hair flying as he and Barbaro accelerated. Then Barbaro snorted and tossed his head, slowing down and then stopping stubbornly. He bobbed his head again, pawing the ground underneath him. Luke raised an eyebrow and then saw that Barbaro's ears were pricked and he was studying the other people and horses that he had seen a few minutes ago again. Once Luke had stopped, the others pulled in purposely beside Barbaro on their horses to see what Luke was looking at. Megan tilted her head to the side curiously and her long silky brown hair spilled down her shoulder. She looked at the group that had entered the stables. She saw three walking in currently. "Look, Sara! That guy's a hottie!" Meg grinned, pointing out a cute guy who was walking with two other girls. Sara blushed instantly.

"He is rather cute" Sara stammered shyly. Megan eyed her friend and Sara sighed, then grinned at Megan knowingly and Demi laughed. "Cute? Just cute? Come on, Sara! He deserves a better compliment than that!" Megan urged playfully. Sara glared at her teasingly and rolled her eyes, giggling. "Okay okay, you're right Meg. He's completely gorgeous" Sara smirked. Demi grinned toothily and Josh chuckled at the girl's conversation. Luke was checking out one of the girls though, and Demi caught his gaze. "Ooooh look at Luke, guys! It seems that he's looking at a special someone" Demi said in a singsongy tone. Sara grinned and Josh laughed at Luke. Megan followed his gaze and so did Josh. "Looks like it's that chick with the black hair that he's checking out" Josh grinned and Meg nodded.

Luke didn't take his eyes off the girl as he studied her. She looked familiar, and he was fairly sure that her name was Amanda. Hmmmm.....Amanda....he loved that name. It was actually his alltime favorite. Luke grinned as he replied to the others slowly and cautiously. "Yeah. She's gorgeous isn't she? A hottie for sure. I've seen her before, but never talked to her. I think her name's Amanda" Luke confessed with ease. Sara grinned and looked at Luke as he gazed admirably at the girl. "Okay Romeo, why don't you do meet your Juliet instead of staring at her? The horses are all warmed up. I'll come with you too" Sara grinned playfully. The others nodded and smiled at each other. Luke agreed and slid off Barbaro's back as did Sara. Megan stayed on and so did Josh. Demi dismounted too though, to stretch her legs.

The group that was leaving grabbed their horse's reins and led them out of the pasture gate, walking them into the stables. Luke and Sara smiled and waved at a girl they saw as they were passing by, then walked out of the front stable door and saw the three. Luke blushed and Sara did too, both pondering what to say. "Hey, I'm Luke. We saw you walking up to the stables from the pasture and we were wondering if you wanted to go on a trail ride with us?" Luke smiled handsomely, flashing his teeth. His tight shirt showed off his muscles. Sara smiled and nodded. "Yeah, definately. And I'm Sara. It would be cool if you could join us" she smiled sweetly. Luke admired Amanda again, but it wasn't really obvious that he was checking her out. Sara tried not to laugh and she blushed more, smiling at the cute guy she and Megan had been talking about. Mira pushed forward past Demi and nudged Gordon. Barbaro sniffed Amanda.

Demi, who had broken apart from Sara and Luke, had gone to say hello to the girl that she had seen earlier with her horse that they had passed while going to the pasture. "Hi, I'm Demi Lovato. I saw you earlier and I thought I might as well introduce myself. And this is my mare, Minnie" Demi held out her hand to shake the girl's and she admired the beautiful paint horse that was inside the stall that the girl was standing at. "My friends and I were just about to go on a trail ride, and we were wondering if you'd like to join us" Demi grinned hopefully, and happily. She smiled as Minnie stepped forward and nickered softly to the other horse.

Megan and Josh were left in the pasture when the rest of the group went into the stables. Suddenly, they heard the gate creak open and Josh and Megan turned their heads to see three new people enter and they smiled. Meg suggested that they introduce themselves, and Josh nodded in agreement. "Sounds good to me" He smiled. They watched as the skilled riders and their horses manuevered around the pasture, the girl rider out of the three was cantering and flying down the stretches. Megan smiled and rode up to her when she slowed down. "Hey, I'm Megan and that's Josh over there. You're an amazing rider, you know? Well we were going on a trail ride with our friends and we wanted to know if you wanted to come along after you warm up your horses?" she asked sweetly, smiling. Josh rode up to the guys. "Hey guys, I'm Josh and the girl over there is Megan. We were just about to go on a trail ride and we were wondering if you wanted to tag along with us and our friends?" he smiled calmly, relaxed and cool.

[brigette]

Bridgette looked at Amanda as the black-haired girl fidgetted in her spot, watching as Luke made his way over here, but with another girl. Gordon smiled gently, and so did Amanda. Bridgette merely stood there. She wasn't quite interested.

Hey. I'm Amanda. And yeah. We'd like to go on a trail ride with you guys. Right Bridgette and Gordon? She said, turning her gaze from Luke, to Bridgette, to Gordon, then back to Luke.Oh yeah! We'd love to! Plus, Amanda needs to make some new 'friends'.

[/color] Bridgette said, pushing Amanda closer to Luke.

Gordon nodded in return. Nice to meet you. I'm Gordon.[/color] Gordon said, looking at Sara with a gentle smile. Bridgette and Amanda looked over at him. ROMEO! Quit checking out Juliet and come back to reality for a change. Amanda teased to him.

Gordon blushed and looked at Amanda, who was a mere only about, 6 inches away from being in total contact with Luke. Gordon smiled evily, but shook it away. He wouldn't do that to her. Never. But Bridgette would.

Bridgette stepped forward. But instead of pushing Amanda, she walked over to Gordon. Don't Luke and Amanda make a adorable couple![/color] she said loudly. Amanda turned, her cheeks redder then ever. I heard that![/color] she exclaimed. Gordon and Bridgette smiled. Yeah. We wanted you too.[/color] Gordon said quietly. You guys are SO evil![/color] she said, crossing her arms.[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[gina]

gina looked up, hearing a sweet voice. a girl shorter than her with brown hair was talking to her. talking to her? wow. she smirked, watching her talk. oh, I'm gina. ummmm. she glanced at her gelding, studying his head, as if questioning him. what do you think buddy? she looked back at demi. this is hank. and sure, I'll come. she smiled curiously, wondering why this girl wanted her to come riding with them. maybe she just had a heart of gold. maybe she was.. a lesbian. she shook the thought. who knew.

gina walked around demi to the tack room and grabbed her work saddle and bridle. for a petite figure, she was pretty strong. she walked back to her horse and hefted the saddle on his back, but lowered it gently. she hung the bridle on a hook and went back to tightening the girth and looping it through itself. her gelding turned and looked at her, question in his eyes. what? she chuckled. she grabbed the bridle and slipped the halter off of his massive head and replaced it with her bridle. she draped the reins on his neck and patted his grey spot gently. she looked at demi. well I'm going to go ahead and hop on. she grabbed her gelding by the reins and looked around again.

she looked down the stable hall, seeing a group of five people who seemed to be conversing. there were two guys and three girls. none of them really looked familiar. she examined each of them as best as she could from the distance she was at. one of the boys has brownish blonde hair, and had decent looks. the girl standing in front of him had straight black hair. a girl standing next to him had long blonde hair. another guy, the better looking of the two from what she could see, had black hair as well. a girl standing next to him had blonde hair. she looked back at the boy with black hair, smirking at him. she turned to her horse and grasped the reins, mounting up. she positioned her reins in her hands and clicked her horse to walk on. she pushed him around the group, glancing at them with a smirk on her lips and a raised brow. she stopped outside, leaning down and gently patting hank on the shoulder. she waited for demi, wondering why she was waiting for someone she didn't even know.

[wesson]

Tessa felt Luminol's sides tense up as she finally slowed her down to a walk and she lifted a brow to look around. Spotting a female figure riding closer on her own black, what looked to be, thoroughbred. The teen listened intently to her and blushed a little at the compliment. No matter how outgoing she was, she still wasn't used to compliments, Thanks, I'm Tessa, and you're not too shabby yourself. Your...

[/i][/color] she leaned forward in the saddle to get a better look, boy there looks to be in great shape, too.[/i][/color] Luminol's harks swiveled backwards and she tossed her head, chomping at the bit in a bad-tempered way. Tessa gave a curt tug on her reigns and she stopped. The girl scowled at her mare for a moment, Moron,[/i][/color] she managed to hiss before turning back to the other, Uhm, sure. We'd love to go. Those losers need to meet some new friends anyways.[/i][/color] she added before looking across the pasture to her friends.

Michael's blue eyes watched as the riders in the middle of the pasture branched off from each other, his eyes following the girl headed towards Tessa. He was less interested in the people though, more watching how Luminol would react to the other horse - considering he was training the mare and all. He barely even noticed the other coming towards them until he spoke up, at which Mike turned his head quickly to meet his gaze. He didn't say anything though, deciding to let his louder friend do the talking. Instead inclining his head politely in greeting and diverting his gaze to avoid staring; which he commonly found himself doing unintentionally.

The taller boy slumped in his saddle with a sigh, already bored from the lack of talking that Mikey was doing at the moment. He hated silences, and began to fidget with a hem on his saddle. Of course this meant he was totally surprised when some random voice began to talk to him and in his effort to lift and turn his head he lost balance and nearly fell off of Heinous, who began to walk in calm circles in the direction that he was tilted. Kaine's wide eyes looked over to the new arrival and grinned as he managed to hoist himself back into the saddle and lifted his hand in a little, childish obviously, wave, Nice to meetcha, I'm Kaine and this is Mikey- Mike. Sure Mikey whatever you say.[/b][/i][/color] He winked at said boy when he was thrown an unimpressed look, Anyways, we'd love to join you on your little escapade.[/i][/color][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[brigette]

Aubree
Thank for the memories, even if they weren't so great

[/color]

It was perdy warm day. The sun glared down on Aubree's tanned skin, obviously they couldn't hurt her. Mainly because her skin was used to the harmful, but she put tanning lotion on earlier. It also consisted of sun block, so she didn't have to worry about getting burnt.

So looked around at the twelve people in the area. Most of the guys were cute, but they were flirting with the girls. As usual. She was a country girl, and ugly in her eyes at that. SHe knew at this place, getting a boyfriend wouldn't be easy.

Most weren't interested in girls like her, who showed cattle and had that country accent. Most liked either rap or hard rock, which she listened to rock occasionly, but mainly country. Most rock guys weren't interested in country girls.

She pushed her blonde hair out of her face, her birght green eyes that were constantly shimmering now showing more then before. Most had their horses and were with them. She hadn't got to her horse yet. She knew Zippidy would be very impatient right about now. The stag always was.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]