Lost sight, not heart

[Anthony Lovasz]

Anthony could tell that Alex didn't really believe him when he said it was okay to cry. She needed to though, she needed to know that there was nothing at all wrong with crying, it was a natural response to pain and sorrow, there was nothing wrong with that. When finally a tiny trail of water appeared on her cheek, Alex looked like she was embarrassed about it and tried to cover it up. When her apology was uttered, Anthony's arm drifted up to her head and he her head in towards him so that her face was hidden against his chest. Obviously to her, crying was a weakness, and he knew it was difficult to have weaknesses revealed.

With his other hand he pulled her closer still so that she was right up against him and there was no space between them, the way it should have been. Her hands grasped his shirt as she wrapped him in a hug, tears still falling. All of this was so familiar, it had happened once before, though the crying came for a totally different reason. Anthony's mind drifted slowly back to that day on the side of the road after the Santa Anita with Tristanne.

They were driving home from the track after the Santa Anita, Anthony still bleeding, struggling to breathe, and fighting the pain to the best of his ability. Tristanne was driving, and he could tell she was nervous, worried sick about him. She asked question after question of him, obviously starting to enter a state of panic. She pulled the car over, got out and sat on the side of the road crying. He got out of the can and took a seat beside her, wrapping his arms about her comfortingly. He'd told her many things to try to get her to calm down, and it had eventually worked, though it took a lot of convincing. One of the things he had told her was that he couldn't live without her. She was dead now, and he was still alive. But the thing was, for about two or three months after her death, he really hadn't lived. He'd been overcome by grief, and completely withdrew from the world. The pain was too much to bear.

Depression became the story of his life. The racing world forgot him, and he faded from the scene of everything. He found King though, on that retired racehorse rescue ranch, and for some reason or another, they'd connected. He asked the owners about him, and they agreed to sell the big horse to him. They'd heard about him years ago in an article someone had written about "The Jockey With No Whip." It had told the story of his being discovered in Mexico and how he had refused to carry a whip even on the trainer's demand. He'd lost that mount, but through his refusal, and blatant unwavering stand on his beliefs, he'd gained many more.

Through that article alone, the owners had a feeling that Anthony was the right person for the horse, and that belief was finalized when he walked out into the pasture, haltered the blind horse, and lead him into a trailer. Never in all their time of owning him had anyone been able to walk up to him so easily and trailer him without a fight. They were a match made in heaven, and they weren't going to attempt to keep them apart. King's Last Stand, blind racehorse, belonged in the care of Anthony Lovasz, the jockey with no whip.

Anthony's thoughts returned to Alex and the present, she meant just as much and probably more to him than the racehorse did. He loved King and wouldn't trade him for anything, but every man needs human companionship, preferably in the form of a woman. Alex was that and more for him. She was his perfect match made in heaven, trying to deny that would be like those owners denying him the purchase of King. There was no way he would do that. I love you Alex, He said softly, putting his arms around her middle and wrapping her in a hug again, don't you ever forget that.

[Alex Lovasz]

He pulled her closer and the tears flowed even more, if thats possible. She flet like a waterfall and hated it. She never wanted to feel like this again it made her sick. She promised herself 3 years ago she would never let it happen again and now that she could all she could her was her fathers voice, gruff and stern, "What are you crying about!? Stop your whinning! if your gunna make it in this world you've gotta toughen up!" She furrowed her brow trying to forget the past and how life was growning up with her father. Things had been hard but she learned to cope she learned to not cry and keep a strong face making sure the world never saw her weaknesses. It wasn't easy at first but after a while it bacame her. She became a strong person who never let anything show except that fact that she could handle anything. Even when dating she never cried over being dumped or whatever even though half the time she was the one dumping. But that day at Belmont, the day of her first race, that was when she cried. She cried for hours before finally being able to pull herself together. And after seeing that dissapointed look on her fathers face she told herself not to let it happen again. And now here she was balling her eyes out yet again. She was so mad at herself and could only think of how disapointed her father would be if he saw her. That day was the worst day in her entire life and till this day she still had nightmares about it. She tried to forget and move on but it wouldn't leave her alone it haunted her. But now having Loco she didn't have enough time to think about it during the day and riding him brought her so much joy. And for the most part she did well at forgetting all about it. But she still had those nights where she would wake up soaked in sweet from reliving it over again.


She gripped his shirt and held him as close as she could get. He was the only one she had that she could trust. He and Loco where the only ones that could make her smile like she used to before the accident. Care free and leanient. hearing his words of love she couldn't help but let a few more tears slide and close her eyes. "I won't forget. Not now not ever" Now that she felt she cried a river and took a deep breath and pulled back just so she could look at his face. Unlike most people her eyes were not red from crying her blue eyes stood out even more it seemed, if its possible. If only she was able to explain the main reason she was upset and crying. Sure it was mostly because of what had just happened but it was so much more then that. it was the day at Belmont, the countless times her father had told her to toughen up and stop crying, the fact that she so despiratly didn't want to cry. It frusterated her so much she wished she could just punch something. That was her angry side. Not a lot of guys could handle that side of her. It was hard to see this petit beautiful blue eyed blonde haired women lash out at you in fury. Though she was pretty sure she could never do that to him because she loved him to much but one way or another he would see that side of her. It was another one of her multipue personalities.

His words were something she loved to hear. No matter what they said. He just had a way with her. He could make her smile when she was mad or sad with out even trying. She looked into his chocolaty brown eyes. For the first time since she had met him she couldn't bring herslef to smile. Nothing was happening she wanted to to make things less upsetting but it just wouldn't come. "I love you so much" The words seemed to choose themselves and flow out of her mouth invauluntary. She meant every bit of it though and she knew he knew she loved him. If he didn't he was just plain stupid and as blind as his horse. She placed her hands gently on his cheeks and after a moment she slowly leaned in to kiss him. She loved him more then she ever thought she could love someone. She loved him more then racing more then Loco. Course this was a different love. This was love between a man and a woman something no creature or object could ever attain. She was even sure no other person was able to experience this passion that she had for him.

She never wanted to lose him. If some other girl tried to steal him away she was pretty sure she'd claw her eyes out and takle her to the ground beating the crap out of her. Not that Anthony knew that. But if he truly loved another girl more then her and was happy with her she would be a good friend and hide the pain she'd be going through. But at the moment she wasn't worried about that because he loved her now and she wanted to remember every moment she had with him. Soaking it all up. She never wanted to be apart fromnhim. Then it hit her they said they loved one another and only known each other two weeks....Yet had never actually been on a date. Noth that that mattered any it ws just an interesting fact. She didn't care if the ever went out so long as she got to spend time with him and the horses. And, despite the insedent today, the track.

[Anthony Lovasz]

Anthony let his grip on her loosen as she seemed to calm down more. He didn't let go, but he wasn't holding her quite as tightly as he had been before. He was really worn out from everything that had happened today. After all, he had only just been released from the hospital about two or three hours ago. Then he'd come straight to the stable, then he'd gone and walked out to the track, and just seeing the track had pretty much drained him, and he was going to have to walk back to the stable from the track. He knew he would make it here just fine, but as soon as he got home he was going to crash.

His whole body was telling him he was an idiot and that he had strained himself too much, and he was trying to ignore it. That was no easy task, considering that everything was starting to ache and throb. He had definitely just been in a pretty bad accident. It wasn't unbearable, and he was starting to get used to it again. After all, this was his third career threatening accident, so he wasn't too concerned about the pain. He should be used to being in pain by now, considering he'd spent about half of his racing career in some sort of pain.

We should probably head back. He said reluctantly, knowing that quite a bit of time had passed since they'd left and it was nearing feeding time. He wasn't worried about King, the horse was patient about his food and didn't mind waiting. He was just slightly worried about Loco. He knew the horse was not patient at all, and there wasn't very much grass within his reach from where he was tied. He didn't want the horse to be angry while they were walking back, otherwise, he might very well get killed before they got back.

Plus, he had to drive home. Drive? Yes Drive. He'd broken his left leg, his right leg was still perfectly functioning so driving was acceptable. He didn't want to fall asleep while driving and get in another accident. That was the last thing he needed. Not to mention the fact that he needed to let the dog out. He'd been paying the neighbor kid to take care of him up until today, so the poor beast had been locked up all day. Not an easy thing for such a high energy animal. Which reminded him, Alex probably didn't even know he had a dog. He'd never mentioned him before the accident, and after the accident he'd been so busy trying to resist the pain and the drugs that he hadn't ever really thought about it.

His hand slipped down to hers as he pushed himself up to a standing position, still balancing himself on only one leg. With his free hand he grabbed his crutches, putting his weight partly on his arm to relieve some of the strain. Being a jockey, obviously, his arms were pretty darn strong since he mainly used his arms to hold the horse back. It came in pretty helpful when he had an injury to a leg. As much as he hated the crutches, they were helpful, he couldn't deny that. He could deal with them if they were the only way he could get around.

[Sam Lettington]

He loosened his grip slightly still held her. She was exhausted and as she pulled back she looked down at his cast and cringed. She was now even more mad at herself for totally forgetting. He was probably so exhausted and sore and in so much pain. How could she have forgotten about that. He had just gotten in an accident two weeks ago and this was his first time to the track since then and then all this happened and now she was keeping him here and it was getting late. She felt horrible prtetty much wanted to slap herself. She did so mentally. She could only imagine how much pain he was in.

"Yeah you're right. Its getting late." She responded. Almost unwillingly. She hated how everytime she was with him and the moment was perfect, the horse called her away. She loved Loco more then anyother horse, and she loved racing more then anyother career or sport. But Anthony ugh, he was just a different kind of love. A love that she felt she couldn't leave. She never wanted to leave him ever and she was pretty sure she never would. Even if he grew tired of her she would still be there as a friend for her to rely on. Though she was pretty sure he loved her just the same that she loved him if not more. She smirked and let out a sigh they needed to get back.

She had to tend to Loco's needs and if they didn't he'd get pissed and pretty much through a temper tantruam like a little kid. He pretty much was a head strong 4 year old in a 2 year old horses's body. Which made for a very bad combination but if you could channel his energy into something good like racing around the track he could turn into a magnificant horse. It was ahard task but Alex was ready for the challenge or at least she thought she was. Loco was just too smart sometimes and just when she thought he was the perfect gentleman he would turn on her and go.. Loco. He was very unpredictable but she would manage and show the world that he could be a great runner despite the odds.

His hand dropped to her hand as he stood up and she followed his movement and stood up as well. She smiled and moved over to Loco. She quickly put the saddle pad and saddle on and loosely put the cinch on. Tight enough so the saddle wouldn't slip under his belly but not too tight. He plopped the helmet on her head and unhooked him from the tree. They made their way over to Anthony her blue eyes gleaming in the sun the liquid from crying made them look even more beautiful. They all once again amde their way back down the trail toward the barn. She felt somewhat guilty for asking Anthony to come out here and watch her when he had to walk the trail in crutches. But she was still glad he came and made her feel better.

Loco walked briskly but still obediantly beside Alex. It was nice out and even though the horse was in a hurry to get home he was still walking nicely. She was happy with that and looked admiringly up at him. Shed got into thinking abbout their mad dash around the track and couldn't help but smile. "You know you have to admit once i got back on and got him going in a straight line he was booking it around the track." She smiled and laughed a little then looked over to Anthony. She didn't like focusing on the fact that she could have really injured herself. And even though her left leg had a shooting pain going up and down it and her right shoulder was throbbing she still continued down the trail. And she had a scrape on her down her arm that looked like someone tried to skin her but she barely noticed it. And tried to hide the rest of her pain. She hoped it was working even though there was a slight limp in her step. But looking over at Anthony she wished it was her in the cast not him so that he could get out there and ride King like he so despiratly wanted. She knew even if he didn't say it.

They rounded a turn and the barn came into view. She smirked slightly and looked over the pretty stable. There was a bunch of people busling about to bring the horses in from pasture and to feed others. She spotted her car and Anthony's as well and suddenly remembered he still had to drive home. She wasn't sure where he lived but she knew he had to be tired and she didn't want him falling asleep on the way home. "If you want i can feed King so you can head home and get some rest." She looked over at him and waited his response. She knew she needed to get home to the to dogs that were probably tearing the yard to shreads but she didn't mind staying a minute or so longer. Not for King anyways.

[Anthony Lovasz]

Anthony let go of Alex's hand as she went to go get Loco, he was going to keep a fair amount of space between himself and Loco. If he wasn't on these blasted crutches, he wouldn't have worried about it so much, but since his movements were quite impaired, he wasn't going to risk it. Sure, Loco was being good now, but he'd learned the hard way that Loco couldn't be trusted. Although he wasn't going to say anything about it, he did have a slight scar on his arm from that horse. Luckily enough for him, the brace he almost always wore these days covered it up so it wouldn't be noticed. Not that he really needed to worry about it. He had enough other scars from horses that it sort of blended in.

He'd make a good racer if you could teach him a few more manners. Anthony commented as they walked towards the stable. I doubt his gate attendant would be too pleased if Loco tried to kill him while you waited for the start. Hardly a minute later, the barns came into view, a welcome sight. Not only did that mean that he didn't have much farther to walk, but it also meant that it wouldn't be much longer before he could get home. Most other people would probably be thinking that they couldn't wait to get home so they could take their pain meds, but that thought never crossed his mind. He couldn't take any, and even if he could, he probably wouldn't. He could bear the pain, he didn't need drugs polluting his body.

He switched his attention back to her as he heard her voice again, this time suggesting that she feed King for him. That's alright. He replied. I've been away long enough, I think he'd appreciate it if I did it. Okay, so he just wanted to spend as much time as possible with the horse, but it was still partly true. King had been so happy to see him when he'd come down the aisle that he'd nearly broken out of his stall just to get to him. King was so different from when Anthony had seen him before the accident, but it was a good different. He had a feeling that even if King's sight wasn't getting better he could possibly get him back into racing. Of course, he'd have to prove that King could run without being able to see, he'd have to get someone to sign as owner, and he'd also have to get someone to sign as trainer. If he could show everyone what King could do first though, he didn't doubt that there would be plenty of people who would be willing to put their names on him.

When they reached the barn, King must have heard them or somehow sensed that it was them because his half white face popped out of his stall and one of his bellowing whinnies echoed through the stable. Anthony stopped to get him food before greeting him so that he wouldn't have to walk back again. When he put the food in the stall though, King completely ignored it and thrust his head into Anthony's chest and sighed contentedly as if he couldn't get enough of touching him. Call it strange, but the only way King had been able to "see" for the past while was through touching Anthony, so naturally, it was a comforting thing to him.

The tall thoroughbred lifted his head after a few moments, and lipped at Anthony's shirt sleeve, grabbing it carefully between his teeth and tugging on it lightly. There was no denying that he was a very happy horse at the moment, and Anthony's smile was enough proof that he couldn't be any more happy to be here and not in the hospital. He hated that place with its sterilized white walls and sterilized beds and sterilized everything. He could swear that they even dumped their disgusting sterilizer in their food...it was really the only logical explanation for how incredibly disgusting it tasted.

Anyway, he was just glad to be back where there weren't stupid doctors and nurses panicking every time he had started having a withdrawal, just the always calm Alex, where there weren't any obnoxious machines beeping continuously, just the constant and steady sounds of horses, where there was no intercom to call all doctors to floor three room 306 for a code blue on some suicidal maniac who'd been there for a week already, nothing but the peace and quiet of the stables or of home. This was his life, this was where he was supposed to be, this was where he was born to be, this was the one place where he was comfortable, this was the one and only place where he could ever look back to and say "that is where my life really began. That is where I met the only girl who I could ever say was more important to me than my life because she is my life, my whole existence, my love."

[Alex Lovasz]

She didn't really respond to what he said just thought it over. It was true she would have to work on manners but she had a feeling that if she could get him locked on something like running the rest would just fall into place and if it didn't... well she had her ways of getting him to cooperate. Nothing abusive of course but she was the human mind you, she was smarter. She could get him to do whatever so long as it was just her and there was no one else around. But even then he could get difficult. She wasn't sure he just needed to trust her and for some reason he wouldn't... Well he did but not fully he still felt he needed to do it all himself. It was rather frusterating dealing with that but this was Alex and she never backed down from a challenge and this was no exception. She would do whatever it took to get him in the right mind.

He denied her just like she thought he would she sighed in a laughing type of way and continued to walk down. Anthony stopped to grab food for King and she kept going down to the very very very end where Loco's stall was. She lead him in and unclipped him. She passed Anthony and King on her way to get Loco's feed. She smiled at them King was like a big puppy dog he would do anything just to be with Anthony she felt slightly guitly for stealing him away from the massive horse. She snatched up the feed and walked back to Loco. After setting it in there she leaned on the half door and watched him attack the food. Her face fully concerned in watching him. She couldn't figure out how to get him to behave. Sure he'd been through a lot in his past and had been abused and acting viscous was in his blood but she needed a break through.

She decided to stay there and think for a moment before heading out and she didn't want to interupt King and Anthony's bonding time. So she continued to think and lean up against the door. Maybe she just needed to spend more personal time with the horse. She needed him to get over his issue with men. Especially the one he had with Anthony it was like the were mortal enemies or something. Loco definatly had it out for him ever since the first day she met him. And now.... it seemed better he hadn't tried anything yet but she still had to keep her guard up. But first she needed him to trust her enough so that he bahaved around her. But she had no clue how to get that to happen. he was too head strong.... Just like her... Infact he was exactly like her except in a horses body. She smiled but it faded into the concerned look it held before. Would she ever get him to behave and run like she knew he could.

After a little bit Loco lifted his head and looked at Alex as if he was asking "What did i do?" He stuck his nose out to sniff her but then went back to munching on his dinner. He was such a gorgeous horse which had gotten both of them into trouble before because people didn't think twice about his temperment. Just oh wow what a pretty horse and they would walk over and try to pet him. Then he would lash out and snap or kick or whatever. And they would run away crying or mumbling. But Alex never apologized. Why should she they should have asked before walking up to a strange horse and petting him. It made her laugh sometimes but in others she knew how dangerous he could be. Not towards her though. he never tried to hurt her. Well except for earlier on the track but that wasn't his fault he just spooked. She stepped into the stall and latched the door behind her. Then jumped up onto the half and sat down facing the inside of the stall. He reminded her of the old gelding at the farm except he wasn't like loco he was just grouchy from old age. Loco was just.... well she didn't know but she would find out.

She loved that she was into racing and that she had Loco he challenged her and she liked that. But she loved even more that Anthony, the man she loved, also loved racing and had a horse as well. Course she had to admit she was a bit jealous that KIng was so.... Puppy dogish and Loco was... well Loco was like a little demon. It was hard at times but she knew she could handle it. King and Anthony had such a great bond and she admired that and wished one day she could get Loco to that point. To the point of being a normal horse. If there was such a thing as normal horses. But so long as she had Anthony, someone who understood what she was going through and that she could talk to about it and he would understand it all. She just wished she had more time to be with him. But the majority of her time she was at home working out or at the stable working with Loco. So if she was lucky she would be able to bump into him at the barn. Or maybe they would start spending more time with him.

[Anthony Lovasz]

There is nothing quite like being released, from anything...even if it meant going through something unpleasant to get there. For Anthony, even though he had to go back to the hospital, he was getting the stupid cast off. It had only been a week since he'd been out of the hospital, but it felt like two million years. The doctor had been skeptical of the minimum time of wearing the cast and warned him that it would be painful to walk on for a while and advised him against riding. Ha! What kind of cruel joke was that? As if there was any way he would be staying off the back of a horse any longer than he had to. No, as soon as he got back to the stable he would be riding. The doctor had easily recognized Anthony's hostility towards him and this place, and knew that the jockey wasn't going to be taking his advice. Still, as a doctor, he had the responsibility to make sure he didn't kill himself. He'd called the girl who had been at the hospital with him when he had been injured. He had gotten her answering machine and left a message, warning her that Anthony no longer had the cast and that he was likely going to be riding that very day. He also mentioned the fact that the leg was barely healed and that if he wasn't careful he could re-break it.

Anthony didn't care. Four o' clock that afternoon he was at the stable, putting the saddle on the back of the tall thoroughbred. Three weeks away had been the hardest thing he'd ever done in his life. He really hoped Alex was around the stable somewhere. Even just saddling King he was starting to get slightly nervous. He'd had so much bad luck on the track lately. He really would like to have Alex there to force him to go out there if he got cold feet about it once he got out there. King didn't seem to catch onto Anthony's nervousness, he was just happy to have Anthony back. Add getting saddled up for the first time in three weeks to the picture, and he was one excited horse.

He danced in place while Anthony brushed him out like he did every time before riding. The thoroughbred had a beautiful build and his sleek coat was evidence of extremely good health. The only indication that he'd been in an accident a month ago was a scar on his left shoulder where he'd gone through the rail. Otherwise, he looked perfect, and certainly not blind. Anthony was quite convinced by now that King was starting to regain sight though. He'd seen his eyes shift several times, he'd seen the pupil grow and shrink. It had never done that in all the time he'd had him, it had to be a good sign. He wasn't going to take King to the vet though, they'd both had enough with doctors.

When he was satisfied that he had gotten as much dirt out of the horse's pelt as was possible he lifted the saddle pad onto his back followed by the silk navy blue blanket with his name embroidered into it, and on top of it all the light weight black leather exercise saddle. He cinched the saddle up tight, slipped the breast strap on, and proceeded to the bridle. It wasn't anything fancy, just a regular d-ring snaffle. He occasionally added the bar bit, but only when he was going to be holding him back, today they were going to run though, so there was no need for it. King took the bit without incident, and they were ready to go.

As the two walked down the aisle, Anthony continued to look for Alex, every step he took he was getting more and more anxious about going out there. If she was there, or if he even just saw her, he was convinced he could do it. If he didn't though, he wasn't so sure. He hated being nervous about the track. That oval was his life, almost all of his memories were out there, he couldn't give up on it, he couldn't give up on King, he couldn't let Alex down, and he couldn't let himself down. He had to get back out there, he just had to.

[Alex Lovasz]

Alex as usual didn't pick up her phone. it was funny ever since she moved here she never picked up her phone part of the whole horse only life. Course that flew out the window when she met Anthony but that was a whole different story. The phone buzzed in her bedroom and she was getting dressed in her walk in closet. She had a jean skirt on and a flowy green shirt and cowboy boots she just wanted to go down to the barn and let Loco out and maybe hang out and do nothin down there. She walked back into the bedroom and picked up her phone it was the hospital and she remembered that today was the day Anthony got his cast off she sighed and shook her head as she listened to the message. The doctor was asking for her assistance in keeping him off of king.... Like that was going to happen there was nothing that was going to stop him from getting on king. Infact he probably went straight there from the doctors.

She ran down the stairs and snatched up her keys on the table in the entry way, leaving the dogs trailing behind her. She Jumped into her porsche and sped down the drive to the barn. If she was right Anthony was already there getting King ready. She was nervous for him and anxious. So many things could go wrong and even though she didn't think it was safe she knew he wanted her support and she would be there for him despite her nerves. She turned up the gravel drive and put it in park. She walked up and looked down the aisle. She stopped and put her hands on her hips staring down the aisle at Anthony and King heading her way. She looked at him from under her sunglasses with a dead straight look on her face. She was right he was heading out to the track. Of course, she knew him all to well for only know him 3 weeks.

"Where do you think your going?...." She asked totally serious as if she was mad at him. Which was true she was. "With out me? She said and a wide smile spread over face. As she let her laughter fill the air. As she did Loco stuck his head out of the stall and whinnied. She looked at him but wasn't going to go over to him he would just have to wait till they got back. She stood there sporting her jean skirt and cowboy boots along with a light tan cowboy hat on her head. Her blonde hair hung over her shoulders and she couldn't help but smile at how happy King and Anthony looked. They were so cute. "You weren't plaining on going to the track with out me were you?" She asked and with another laugh.

It seemed like just the other day they were doing the exact same thing. Except that was before the accident and this was after. She looked King up and down he looked so profesional like he was ready for a race. She bet he could blow the crowd away if they would just let him race. She thought about it though. He needed someone to sign as owner and then a trainer and then he needed to have him checked by a vet to prove he could race even thought he is/was blind. She didn't think he was anymore. She didn't think he ever was when he had Anthony because Anthony was his eyes. She was so happy that he could get back on the track but as the girl it was her job to worry and she was worrying enough for the whole world. Her stomach was in knotts. She just wanted him to get it over with now.

After her incedent last week she still had a huge scar on her arm and her shoulder had a massive bruise on it. All that you could see with the shirt she was wearing. But even though it stood out a lot against the green and her pail skin she didn't care. She didn't mind that it looked like she had been in a fight with someone. It didn't help that last night Loco had rammed his nose into her eye and she now had a black eye. But it was like a new look for her. It amused her. Course she didn't let Loco get away with it. So far he had caused her a ton of bruises but no injuries thank God. But he had learned to run better and would now wait for a signal before darting out. It took pretty much all week training twice a day but he picked it up. Her arms were sore from holding him back though and most the time felt like they were going to fall off. But all in all she was holding it together.

[Anthony Lovasz]

Anthony looked up as he saw Alex coming towards him, thank God she was here. Just seeing her was all he needed. He smiled as she spoke, she knew exactly where he was going, and she probably also knew that if she hadn't showed up he would have gone to the track without her. Whether or not he'd have been able to actually go out on the track without her though, that was a whole different story. He wasn't a patient person, she knew that as well, and waiting was not his forte. He was almost never more than five minutes early for anything except races, and he could not just hang around and do nothing while waiting for something. Oh no, he always had to have some sort of busy work otherwise he'd go insane. He was lucky he only had to wait a week after getting out of the hospital, he was running out of things to do at home.

Instead of answering her question, his smile widened, and he threw his arms around her in a hug, careful to avoid her bruised shoulder. He knew the meaning of pain, especially shoulder pain. He still couldn't raise his right arm above shoulder height without feeling like someone had just shot him with a shotgun, the barrel pressed right up against him. It was painful, he knew that. Although, his pain was caused by some poorly trained doctor's error, hers was caused by a crazy horse that spooked on the track and almost threw her. He forced that thought from his head, no, he had to focus on good things on the track or he'd never get out there.

I would never plan on going anywhere without you, He replied after a minute as he released her from his embrace, But you know me, I don't last long waiting... He paused for a second or two, then seemed to have a thought and continued, and before you say anything, I would have called you, but I don't have a phone. He had one at home, yes, but he never thought that far ahead of things. and believe it or not, he actually didn't have a cell phone. He actually hated the things. He'd had one once, when he'd first moved up here, but man alive, it about drove him insane. He didn't want some obnoxious ringtone, or even a regular ring coming from his pocket, and the vibrating....oh no, he couldn't handle that. Plus, he saw no reason to have a phone that he carried with him. If it was all that important they could leave a message at his home number and he would get back to them.

In the process of throwing his arms around Alex, he'd let King's reins drop so that the simply hung from his bridle and he was free to move about if he chose to. He seemed to get jealous of all the attention that was currently not focused on him, and he maneuvered his massive body so that he formed a triangle with the two, and thrust his head in between them. He didn't knock into either of them, but he did sort of, kinda, maybe, a little bit push them apart. Alex was the only other person besides Anthony on this earth who he would ever do that to. If Anthony was talking to anyone else, the horse would have stood behind his rider as if to hide behind him. He was a strange horse, but his personality was a great deal of fun, especially now that he was so friendly instead of spooky and almost dangerous.

Anthony took a step back and looked Alex over. She looked pretty hot in that outfit, he wasn't going to lie. I was wondering, He said after a moment of silence had passed, Is it at all possible for you to not look gorgeous? I mean, really, first I fell in love with you when you'd been up all night worrying about me, then I couldn't keep my eyes off you when you'd almost fallen off Loco, and now... He paused and shrugged as if at a loss for words. ...now you're all banged up from that horse of yours, and I still think you're the best looking human out there. Yeah, it was flattery, but there was absolutely nothing wrong with completely true and honest flattery when two people are in love.

[Alex Lovasz]

She laughed as he embraced her in a hug. She hugged him back and she was thankful he had good memory and didn't crush her shoulder in the process. She loved it when he held her it was so comforting and soothing. But this time for some reason was way better then all the rest. Maybe it was because it was a happy hug. He was practically glowing in his happiness he couldn't hid it if her tried. There was no denying his boyish glee. He was like a little kid who just got an ice cream cone even thought it was all over their face and clothes they were still as happy as can be thats what it was like. She hardly noticed the pain in her shoulder at the moment and her leg still felt strained but it was fading quickly her shoulder was a different story but having Anthony to distract her held a lot. And the scrape on her arm only burn when ever it was touched with a good amount of pressure. Other then that and her hidden black eye she was fine.

She smiled and felt a warm sensation in her cheeks when he replied to her. Then he released her and she looked him up and down to make sure he was ok. He contined she she giggled it was true he wasn't good at waiting for anything. But then her eyes widened, course he couldn't see them, and let her mouth drop open. "How Can You Not Have a Phone!?!" She was shocked. She had gone her whole life with a ohone and didn't know what she would do without one. "Thats it as soon as your finished on the track i'm taking you into town and we're getting you one. And don't try and say their annoying and you don't like them or whatever your getting one and thats that" he may be impatient but she was as stubborn as a mule. Yes she hated her phone but not because of technology but because her mother or father or brother a whomever called all the time and it buzzed non stop. But it came in handy when working with people that lived you know states away from you with out it and her laptop she would be avery poor..

Next thing she knew Kings head was inbetween her and Anthony and she giggled again. He like Loco got a little jealous of the attention they lacked whenever Alex and Anthony were together it was funny the way King delt with it but Loco was pretty bratty about it. She stroked the big horse's head and smiled at him she loved his gorgeous face. She could just squeeze him, she didn't of course. But she could have. He unlike Loco would have probably been ok with that but a few weeks ago she wasn't so sure. He was a basket case back then but ever since the accident he has been a total puppy dog. Which got her to thinking maybe thats what loco needed. Course she hoped not because she really didn't want to go crashing through the rail and break her leg just to get the horse to be nice. She shook that thought out of the way it was a lot of apain to go through for both her Anthony and Loco just to get him to behave.

He stepped back and she felt his gaze on her but she avoided it. She slipped her sunglasses onto her cowboy hat so she could look at King. But then Anthony started to talk. She turned her attention to him but continued to stroke the Thoroughbreds face. He started then paused then continued. She thingyed her head to the side she held a smiled and her cheeks got warm again. She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Oh stop" She said and turned her head away. He shrugged as if he couldn't desribe how she looked. But when he continued it was funny. Very true though she was all banged up but wasn't that all aprat of horse ownership no matter what style you rode. "I may be banged up but i can still look good when i want to." She said slightly thingyy. She winked at him " You ain't half bad yourself cowboy" She spoke with a little bit of coutry twang to her voice. She gave King one last pat then moved to Anthony's side and put her arm around his waist. This was it... Show Time.

[Anthony Lovasz]

Anthony just shook his head when she said she was going to make him get a phone. Like that would happen. He didn't talk to enough people to need one anyway so there was no point in paying for something he didn't need. Besides, he had a feeling she would probably forget about it later. The home phone was good enough for him...although, he had to admit, there was one phone call that he had received that he actually liked, one that he actually wanted to hear, one that actually didn't irritate him to death. He would tell her about that one later though, after the ride. He hoped she would react positively...to both things he had to tell her.

If all went as planned, today would be the second best day of his life...the first being meeting Alex, even if he did get in an accident in that same day. Anyway, he had plans, and if she didn't too...well she would when he asked her. To be perfectly honest, this would be his first time actually asking this sort of question. With Tristanne, they had been best friends for five years before they started going out so everything just fell into place, with Alex, it was quite a bit more different in these situations though. It made no difference to him though, he loved her so he didn't have any sort of problems with this.

Well then, He said to her comment about looking good, You just keep right on wanting to look good. I'm fine with it. He paused again, which he seemed to do a lot, then went on. 'Course even if you stopped looking good, which I'm guessing isn't possible, I would still love you. At her next comment he could only laugh. Cowboy huh? He could honestly say he'd never used a western saddle in his life, and he'd never done anything with cattle in his life. He was about as far from being a cowboy and still doing stuff with horses.

Cowboy huh? When did this charming development come along? I must've missed it. He said as he ran his hand down King's neck and then let it fall to the reins. Besides, who's wearing the hat here? He asked of course still in a completely non serious way as he started forwards. The longer he put this off, the harder it was going to be. The last thing he needed was to let more anxiety build up before getting there. Although he had to admit, this conversation was doing quite well at making him forget everything that had happened to him.

When he took a stop forwards though, he was reminded. Like the doctor had said, it still hurt to walk on the formerly broken leg, but that was not going to stop him. He just winced and bore it. There was nothing else he could do except take pain meds...except, oh wait, he couldn't do that unless he had some sort of creepy kill me but wait until I've suffered more than all the victims of torture in the history of the world have suffered death wish, which he most certainly did not have, not even anything close to that, more along the lines of a if you kill me right now when I've never been more happy with an amazing horse and perfect girl, I will come back to haunt you to the point that you will commit suicide sort of wish.

[Alex Lovasz]

It was beyond her imagination that he didn't have a cell phone. How could he live. Course for her life was different if she went wiht out a phone a whole famr and several different companies would crumble. Then again he didn't know that... Infact she pretty much had a whole life inside that tiny device that niether he nor anyone else in pinewood knew about. She was a very smart person and was in charge of a lot of stuff not just Loco. Though being in charge of Loco was enough all on its own. She was racer/trainer Alex during the day and All business woman at night. She liked what she did though and being good at it helped. She made a lot of money and she was proud to be standing on her own two feet with out needing her parents support or anyone elses for that matter.

She smiled as they walked out of the barn and up the trail with her arm around him still. "Even if i became fat and all i wanted to do was eat krispy cream donuts?" Laughed as she joked with him. She loved being so comfortable around him most guys weren't like him she guess she was just lucky that way. It was nice knowing that he loved her for who she was and didn't want her to stand back from what she wanted to do like all the others. She was surprised he hadn't made fun of the shiner that was on her eye but then again maybe he had been to busy flattering her to notice. She was pretty sure she had fallen even more in love with him then when she first had. If it was possible.

He laughed when she called him cowboy. Sure she was pretty sure he had no clue what a western saddle was let alone a horn but she would just have to teach him the best bonding moments were taking your huge thoroughbred out on trail. And she of all people would know she had stolen many of the prized winners to take them out for a joyride. She laughed when he replied. "hmmmm...." She looked up at her hat and a sheepish grin on her face. "I guess that would be me." She laughed and reached up taking it off her head and placing it on his. "There." She couldn't help but giggle. He looked very silly in a bunch of english racing clothes with a girls cowboy hat on. Today was so perfect and she just hoped it stayed that way. She was trying to distract herself, from thinking about him going out there with a still partly broken leg, by talking and laughing with him. It was working so far... Until now of course.

She shoved the thoughts away and continued to walk up the trail with him and King. Her mind trailed back to the few days ago when she had let Loco out to the pasture and she met Cassie and her adorable little filly. She hadn't stopped thinking about the little foal since then and how she missed raising the crop every year at her familys farm. So she was pretty sure even though she was swamped with Loco and work that she was going to get one of her own. "I'm gunna go look at a thoroughbred colt this weekend" Yeah so she was a little more then pretty sure... She was positive. She had checked out his papers and he has a lot of good runners in his back ground and he was a good looking double registered colt. Well at least from the photo's and video. Sure he was pricey that was for sure but she wasn't going to let a little thing like money effect her decision. She kind of figured it would catch him by surprise it was rather random but she would have to tell him sooner or later so why not right then.

It was a nice day out the sun was shinning and there was a slight breeze nothing strong though. Perfect for riding but today she had planned to give Loco the afternoon off. She had ridden him that morning and he did... ok. But they had worked twice a day for two weeks now and well.... She needed a break. Besides she wasn't going to miss this. Not in a million years. She still clung to his waist, she liked it there and so long as he didn't mind it wasn't as if she was restricting his movements and she made sure she wasn't putting any pressure on his leg. Infact she was doing her best to put less pressure on it. She had a feeling todays ride was going to be great King seemed alert but relaxed. Out of the two she was more worried about Anthony... But she knew she was the one who was the most nervous and she wasn't even riding.

[Anthony Lovasz]

Anthony laughed as she transferred the hat to his head. He in turn flipped it over onto King's head, where is settled between his ears. He snorted, but ignored if for the most part. Humans, the things they did when they were around each other. Yeah, Anthony was always good humored, but not like this. Whenever Alex was around he seemed much more happy, which was a thing to behold since he was a generally happy person to begin with. It was sort of like the transformation of a depressed person to a normal person...only starting at a higher level.

He was taken slightly by surprise with what she said, but he wasn't taken aback at all by it. He was a horseman he knew what it was like to be obsessed with horses. He'd better not be crazy... Anthony said, I don't think I could handle two horses trying to eat me at every given chance. Okay, so it was a joke, but at the same time it was true. He didn't want to be dodging hooves and teeth and whatever else every which way he turned. He'd had enough of that when King was a less intense version of Loco and he had to admit, he was quite liking the break from it.

The track was now in view, and all the nerves he'd managed to suppress through their conversation came racing out like 20 horses out of the gate in the Derby. It hit him pretty hard, but he kept right on walking. If he stopped, he'd never start again, and there was no way he could live with himself if he let that happen. He was going to get out there and ride this horse if it was the last thing he did. Letting all of them down was not an option for him, he absolutely had to go through with it. If it didn't work, then it didn't work, but there was no sense in giving up before even trying.

He reached up and took Alex's hat off King's head and set it back on hers, Looks best on you. He said, continuing the conversation which, surprisingly, worked like he was hoping and almost instantly calmed his nerves a bit. He could honestly say he had never, in his whole life, been like this before a race, and this was just a workout. Of course, he'd never been going through drug withdrawals and extreme pain like this before a race either, so there was reason behind his fear. It wasn't irrational, but in his opinion, rationality was no excuse for not riding and racing. He had the horse, he had the girl, all he needed to do was to conjure up the guts, get out there and just do it.

[Alex Lovasz]

She laughed when he put the hat on King. It seemed she was doing a lot of laughing that day. She was always happy around Anthony, She could get dead serious as soon as someone from work called but now was a different story. She always found a way to laugh around him they just clicked. Course in this case she was also trying to avoid thinking about him getting on king and racing around the track with a leg that has not fully healed from being broken the last time he was on the track. But she wasn't going to let him not go out there despite the sickening feeling she had in her stomach. But so far the day had been perfect and she wasn't going to let anything ruin it. So if she had to she would shove him on that horse and give him a kick start. She wouldn't let him give up on himself or King. The race track was his life and hers and with out it... Well lets just say it wouldn't be very good.

She pulled away and stopped. "Are you sayin my horse is Crazy!? I can't believe this!" She pretended to be mad at him. But like that could ever really happen. She smiled and laughed. "Your wrong about that one he isn't crazy...." She got serious as she said it then let a pause come. "He's phsyco!" She smiled and ran up to be beside him again. She loved joking around with him it was fun. Plus it was easing the up and coming tension of the track. "No i'm looking for the total oppisite of Loco don't worry." Even though he sounded like he was joking she knew it was true and she completely agreed. One Crazy horse was enough for her. If she got another Loco she'd pass out. It would just be too much on her plate to deal with. But from what the owner said over the phone he was a perfect angel. But of course she learned never to take the owner seriously when they talked about the behavior because they always bragged. So tomorrow was saturday and she planned on going out to see him. Right after she worked Loco. And they had agreed if the meeting went well she would take him home that day. Yes you could say she was moving a bit fast. But what didn't she do fast. She bought Loco fast, rode him fast, raced, fell in love with Anthony fast it would just be one more thing on the list.

The track came into view and she saw Anthony tense up slightly. She reached over and placed her hand in his. He was going to do fine he was a natural and King and him had a stronger bond then she ever seen with any horse and rider. They were a talented extraordinary team and she could already see them racing against other horses and winning despite all the odds. Now she was still nervous mind you and almost wished she could close her eyes and it all be a dream but she knew it was for the best that he got out there now. Failer wasn't a word in her vocabulary. Even though she wouldn't think he was she knew he wouldn't be the same person with out racing so she would make sure he didn't give up on himself. She wouldn't lt him disapoint himself or King. She would love him no matter what he chose to do course she would force him to choose the track so it didn't matter.

He placed that hat back on her head she she rolled her eyes up to look at it. A smile reformed on her face. She loved him so much and if she could she would take all his pain and worry on herself just so he wouldn't have to have it. They walked to the track and the huge oval came into full view. The inside rail was no longer broken and there wasn't any blood on it. She had been up there enough times with Loco to train that one time she decided as a gift she would clean the wood and fix the fence. She squeezed his hand a little and watched his face to see how he would react. She thought it might be a little easier to get back on if he didn't have to see the spot where they crashed through while he was doing so. Besides she didn't like looking at it either.

[Anthony Lovasz]

Anthony wrapped his hand around hers, her support meant the world to him and without it he would be completely helpless to do anything. He would be in worse condition than when he had the cast, or when Tristanne had died, he would basically be a dead man forced to continue living in a shell of a body, it would be just one more curse added to his life, except that one, he knew he couldn't beat, he knew he couldn't survive. If he didn't have her, he would probably have turned around by then and gone back to the stable, failing miserably, both himself and King and the rest of the world.

Anthony was quite relieved to see the rail repaired, he wasn't sure he could have gone past that spot out there without having a heart attack, which would make King freak again and this time they would probably both end up dead. He mentally kicked himself for even thinking that, he was not helping himself. Anyway, with the blood and shattered wood gone the accident seemed much more distant, a passing thing that had happened a long long time ago. The memories and images of the accident didn't come so easily now, and he felt slightly more confident about getting out there.

He turned towards Alex, letting the reins fall from his hand again, and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close to him. He kissed her gently for a moment, so in love with her he could hardly contain himself. To an outside observer it would look like the most random thing in the world, and perhaps even a bit desperate, but to him, it was much the same as when King pressed his muzzle against Anthony's shoulder. It was a confidence thing, a trust thing, a love thing. He couldn't help but face the fact that he could die out there, and if he did, he wanted to go, leaving the memory of his love fresh in her mind. He was pretty sure this would become a regular thing before any and every race he rode in. But he was getting ahead of himself, there was still a lot to do before any races would see his name.

Don't wish me luck this time, He said, pulling away from her with a smile, he was going to do this, It didn't work out so well last time. That said, he released her entirely, slid the gate open, lead King and closed it behind him. He fastened the helmet strap, then hoisted himself up onto King's back. He looked back at her as he started the horse forward at a walk for the first few strides, then turned his focus on the horse as he picked up a smooth trot. They were headed for the first turn. They passed the spot on the rail that they'd gone through without incident, increasing Anthony's confidence.

Halfway through the first turn he asked for a canter and that was what he got. King was exceedingly willing today. Whaddya say old man? He asked the horse after they had cantered the remainder of the track, the whole track sound good to you? Of course the horse didn't respond verbally, but when Anthony gave him his more rein, he got his answer. King bounded forwards in enthusiastic leaps. Anthony could feel the gears shifting beneath him as the big horse's muscles rippled and his hooves churned up the track. He didn't want to just give the King the bit and let him run full gallop down the track, he would wait until the stretch to do that so he wouldn't hurt himself on the turn.

King was slightly less willing to listen now, he wanted to run, and he wanted to run like he had never stopped. This of course, meant that Anthony would have to hold him back. Pain rippled through him from his leg as they started to near that spot right past the gate where it had all gone down. At this speed, and with the pain, anxiety started to build in him. As it did so, King's stride faltered. He didn't falter, but his stride did. He was slowing down, and it looked like he was going to try to go to the outside. He was picking up on Anthony's concern and he didn't want to go by whatever it was that was making him worry.

Come on Lovasz, he thought to himself, stop being such a fool, nothing's going to happen. You're not going to let this ruin your life. King caught his determination as well, and his stride resumed. Anthony wasn't quite paying enough attention to what King was doing, and before he knew it, he had given the thoroughbred his head. King was all to happy to "oblige" and leapt forwards again. Oh well, too late now, besides they'd run like this many times before. Anthony just settled in and let King do his thing. The pair raced past "the spot on the rail" without even so much as flinching, and charged down the track. Anthony too him out mid track for the turn to make it easier on his inside legs and then brought him back in for the stretch.

Once the track ahead of them was straight, he actually encouraged him to give more, and he did. It was just like every other work they had. The stretch was where it really truly mattered. The stretch was where winners and losers were determined. This was where he gave it his all. The last gear turned over and he raced past the would be finish line with impressive gusto. Seeming to know that the end had passed, King slowed on command, a light canter to the turn, then come back the other way on the outside at a prancing walk, just like they always did. Now that he wasn't so concentrated on the horse, Anthony was starting to really feel that pain the doctor had warned him about if he rode. So maybe they did know something, but he still didn't like them. He probably could have predicted pain without the doctor.

He brought King to a standstill near where Alex was standing and dismounted so that he landed on the other side of the rail. Once again, he threw his arms around Alex. Never again would the track hold a fear for him, no longer would he have to worry about going out there. With her help, he had done it. Knowing that she was there had driven him to ride, to not give up just because of a little fear. He was now quite convinced that with her, he could do anything he put his mind to.