Nothing In This World [OPEN]

[CHLOE ROSE SUMMERS]

So I was thinking to myself when you passed me by
“Here’s what I like”

A sigh escaped the lips of the girl as she walked down the path to the stables. She had only just arrived at this boarding school and had yet to figure out where her room was. Instinctively she came to the barn, where she knew Dakota was waiting for her. This dark bay gelding had saved her life, and he didn't even know it. So close to suicide and that horse had brought her out of it. Thank goodness, otherwise she wouldn't be walking around now.

Small arms pushed open the large stable doors. Instantly the smell enveloped her and a smile grew on her face. Boots clicked against the floor as she walked, swaying her hips in her usual fashion. On this day she wore a plaid skirt that hit about mid thigh. Black tights covered her legs up until her ankle books. Her shirt was long sleeved and black, the color dipping slightly low to show off just a classy amount of cleavage. She had always referred to this outfit as her 'boarding school' look. Her hair was sleek and straight, as she preferred it, and she carried nothing on her person but her phone, which hung in her hand.

The only problem was that she did not know which stall Dakota was in yet. She looked around quickly, making sure no one was watching her, and then proceeded to peer within each stall. Most of them were empty, which confused her. Wasn't this place suppose to be the best thing since sliced bread? Why weren't more people here? Why did it feel as if she was the only one at this school. True, she had arrived a little early because she just wanted to get away from the house, but she didn't think she was that early.

Finally she found him. He stuck his head out of his stall door when he saw her and she grinned again. "Hey pretty boy." she cooed to the gelding, stroking his forelock. He snorted in reply, getting snot all over her. "Eww." she giggled. "Thanks Kota." The bay gelding just peered back at her, his big, chocolate orbs gazing at her in innocence. Her heart seemed to melt at the look and she reached her hand, the opposite of the one that was holding her phone, into her skirt pocket and gave him a sugar cube. "That's my pretty boy."

And you were with somebody else but you can’t deny
That’s me in your eye

[ALEX JAMES DANIEL]

Alex hummed, wheelbarrow in hand. Sweet feed filled the wheelbarrow to the brim with a large feed scoop seating atop the holy grail of feed. The young Australian trailed down the centre aisle, making his way to the first stall of the barn. Alex abruptly parked the wheelbarrow in center of the surrounding four stalls before scooping up feed. His eyes landed on the pacy Thoroughbred gelding who was nickering incessantly at Alex while staring wild eyed at the bright red scoop. Alex chuckled and quickly dropped the feed into the feed bucket. He reached into the stall and gave the bay gelding a quick scratch behind the ears before feeding the other three horses who were also anxiously awaiting their lunch.

Alex wiped his drool covered hands on his mud stained jeans and continued his round for the afternoon. He began humming to himself as he rounded the corner to feed the last of the barn. He looked up, eyes landing on a blond who was gushing over what Alex assumed was her horse.

"Eww."Alex overheard the girl exclaim to her horse as he drooled on her. He smiled, heading over to feed the last of the horses. He decided to give the two more private time and tip toed over to his trio who were stalled across from the girl's horse.

With three quick flicks of his wrist, his three not so little pigs were happily chowing down. Alex hauled the wheelbarrow back into the storage room and slung two scoops into a purple bucket for the girl. He returned, hopeful he didn't disturb her and quietly sat the bucket as close to her as he could. Alex whirled around in his boots and crept into Kenya's stall, keeping an eye on the girl and her horse.

[CHLOE ROSE SUMMERS]

So I was thinking to myself when you passed me by
“Here’s what I like”

She heard him humming before she saw the boy, or more of a man she would say, and she was quite embarrassed over the fact that he had to have heard her cooing in the brute's ear. Cheeks flushed pink as he continued his way around to the other horses and she contemplated slipping straight into the stall to avoid having to converse with him. She heard the nickers of anticipation from the other residents of the barn and she cracked a smile while she continued to silently stroke her gelding. He swung his head and turned his butt towards her once he had gotten his treat and she was left leaning against the stall door, her arm supporting her head. Hair fell down into messy tousles over her arm and she sighed again. Stupid horse, she thought.

"Oh." Chloe said as he set the bucket next to her, as she nearly fell over in surprise. He seemed to come out of no where, this one, and it made her a little bit edgy. She loved to know who and where everyone was in the room. It made surprises not so surprising.

But she picked up the bucket and instantly the greedy gelding was back. She laughed and held the bucket away. "So now I'm your friend?." She questioned. With her words the gelding squealed with delight as he eyed the bucket hungrily. Chloe smiled, dumping the feed into the feed bucket and then turned around and looked for the boy...man. She eyed him, in a stall with a beautiful spotted horse. But the horse wasn't the only thing that was beautiful. She nearly lost her breath as she finally looked at the man and wow, had she wished she had done so sooner.

"Um, where do I put this bucket?" she questioned, walking towards the stall where he stood, her heels yet again clicking against the floor below.

And you were with somebody else but you can’t deny
That’s me in your eye

[ALEX JAMES DANIEL]

Alex lovingly stroked Kenya, toying with her short, uneven mane. He leaned into her hear, blowing raspberries. Kenya's head shot up from the feed bucket, wild eyed. Alex grinned and slipped a couple of gummy bears into her feed bucket before she could blink. They were her absolute favorite treat in the world.

Alex also found out that she liked cheeseburgers. It all happened so fast one day when Kenya nabbed the poor guy's lunch. Alex went off to grab a flake of hay and when he came back to her stall, there she was, basking in the fact that managed to nab something that he wanted. He dropped the hay, cursing under his breath at the mare, who underneath his anger was impressed that she was even eating such a thing. Her eyes lit up with joy, happily munching on the burger while knowing that Alex was secretly amazed. What did Alex do in that moment? He grabbed a handful of Kenya's favorite feed and let her sniff it. Immediately, the mare began drooling and pawing at the ground. Alex grinned, wagging his index finger at the mare,"Nah ah..Since you too my food....." He trailed off, tossing in a mouthful of the feed while staring hard at the mare. Kenya tossed her head, flabbergasted the her human did such a thing. He then proceeded to spit it all over the dusty, hay covered aisle before mouthing,"Don't mess with the bull." He stuck his tongue at Kenya and walked away. Ever since then, she hasn't bothered to mess with any food items that belong to him.

The young man eyed the stranger as she got up and approached him, questioning about the bucket. He smiled warmly,"Just sit it down 'love. I'll take care of it." He motioned to the floor and emerged from the stall. Alex ran a rough hand through his jet black hair before placing his hat back upon his head, shading his eyes, "I'm Alex by the way." He stated, giving her a quick wink that was followed by a cheeky grin.

[CHLOE ROSE SUMMERS]

So I was thinking to myself when you passed me by
“Here’s what I like”

She glanced in the direction where he motioned and wasn't sure exactly where he wanted it. So she simply set it next to the stall door, out of the way from the general traffic, but not directly in front of the stall door so he'd trip over it if he wasn't careful. She was a firm believer in keeping stables tidy, her room on the other hand.. well that was another story. Which reminded her, she had to go check out her room before too soon, hopefully this place was all it was cracked up to be and would offer quite lovely boarding rooms. Though, the stables looked very well taken care of, so she assumed the apartments were the same.

He put on a stupid hat and Chloe instantly hated it. She was never a huge hat person herself, but this gorgeous man was wearing something that nearly covered his eyes. It seemed to minimize the blueness of his eyes, something any girl could admire easily. Needless to say, the girl was disappointed when he placed the hat on his head, but she got over it when she realized he had referred to her as 'love'. And his accent couldn't be American, which made her like this person even more. American's were over rated, it was the gorgeous boys with accents that always caught her attention.

"Chloe Rose. Nice to meet you Alex." She grinned and even held out her hand. Chloe hated when people just introduced themselves, there had to be some kind of contact to almost make the exchange concrete. Plus, she wouldn't mind touching Alex. She knew his hands would be rough from working with horses. Calluses would line the hands of anyone who worked around a stable for a long time. Except Chloe, she rarely had to muck stalls or even feed for that matter. She was a spoiled rich girl, she didn't think she should have to.

And you were with somebody else but you can’t deny
That’s me in your eye

[ALEX JAMES DANIEL]

Alex watched the set down the feed bucket. He raised a brow,Shame she isn't older.Alex thought to himself, not realizing Chloe stuck her hand in his direction. Alex "ah'd" at the fact that he forgot to offer a hand shake to the young girl. He willingly stuck his hand out to his new acquaintance named Chloe. Alex smiled again before speaking,"I apologize. My hands feel a little rough. I forgot to use my moisture this morning." The young man joked, shooting miss Chloe another warm smile.

He reached for the feed bucket she sat down and motioned that he'd be back in a flash. Alex quickly sat the bucket back into the storage room before poking into the office to receive her horse's stall plaque. The plaque was a deep cherry wood covered with chrome and Chloe's horse's name lasered into it. Alex returned to Chloe, "I believe this is yours." He offered the plaque to her, "Just stick it on that nail hanging off of the stall door."

ooc;; sorry. crap post.

[CHLOE ROSE SUMMERS]

So I was thinking to myself when you passed me by
“Here’s what I like”

She had called it, mentally at least, that his hands would be rough. Twas true, and she could go on knowing that she was always right, once again. Though his hands were rough, she didn't mind the texture. She had often been fond of the stables boys back at her old stable and couldn't resist the gruff touch that thy often brought. But it had only ever been a handshake or a hug. She came off as a whore, but she was far from it.

"Oh me too." she joked back. Which wasnt true. She had to maintain a certain look, so a daily schedule was always a must. She had moisturized her hands and legs right after her morning shower, right before she came to this boarding school that she was actually starting to like.

"Awh, it's pretty." she said as she gently register the name plaque from Alex. She held it for a moment, examine it. When it fit her liking she turned and placed it in it's designated place. "Now everyone will know where the great Dakota sleeps." she paused a moment in reflection then turned back to Alex.

"If you don't mind me asking, how did you end up at Germara?"

And you were with somebody else but you can’t deny
That’s me in your eye

[ALEX JAMES DANIEL]

Alex rubbed his facial scruff, watching as Chloe admired her horse's name plate. "The whole wide world also gets to know where the three big pigs lay." He smiled, thumbing to appy and two other quarter horses who looked at Alex, shocked that he referred to them as pigs. Oh, Alex was in for it now. He just didn't know it yet. The three horses nickered softly to each other, sharing the plans of getting Alex from the saddle into a big ol' steamy pile.

"I don't mind at all. I'll tell you this, it's nothing fabulous or fascinating." Alex replied, wagging a finger at Chloe before beginning his not so glamorous tale. "Well, it all started off with me heading over here, to the states when I was nineteen. My father was one of Australia's top reiners and well, the opportunity arose for me to come to the states and make it big here. He taught me all there was to becoming successful. My father used a hybrid method of natural horsemanship along with traditional methods of training."Alex sighed, hoping that he was boring his new friend. He was sure she'd be more interested in talking about shopping than listen to his life story. "Anyways. I started traveling around the states and eventually came across a Parelli clinic where Pat and Linda were actually doing the clinic. Well, after their presentation, I asked to borrow a minute of their time by showing them my father's new approach to horsemanship. Long story short, they loved it. I ended up touring with them for about a year and landed in Ohio. I became a barn manager at one of the top Quarter Horse barns there and stayed there for five years." Alex threw his hands up into the air, "Then, one day I was looking around for jobs at some academies and saw that Gemara needed a reining instructor. I packed up my horses and headed down here after I received an e-mail from the dean." The scruffy man pretended to wipe sweat off of his brow and smiled at Chloe, shrugging. "Told ya it wasn't very interesting."

[CHLOE ROSE SUMMERS]

So I was thinking to myself when you passed me by
“Here’s what I like”

"Ah so you're an instructor." She replied simply. Inside she was screaming. Shit, shit shit. Her first day and she had been attempting to flirt with an instructor, it figured. Chloe could never just find a nice boy her age, nope, it always had to be the older boy..erm.. man, that she wanted. But her fantasy over Mr. Alex would have to come to an end at this point. It was good while it lasted at least.

"You have three horses here?" Chloe thought one was a handful, she couldn't imagine having three. Not to mention, Dakota was a particularly well behaved steed, what if the other ones didn't behave? She nearly cringed at the thought of having three ponies running laps around her as she tried to control the lot of them. At least she could stick with fully loving one horse, not multiple.

"So you toured with the Parelli's... worked at a top notch Quarter Horse stable.. and decided to come to Gemara?" She asked, posing the whole thing as more sarcastic than a question. Who in there right minds would give up all that, to be an instructor? And wait, if he was 19 when all this happened.. how old was he now? Perhaps he was still young enough to make stupid mistakes like that. Maybe he was only 21?

"I just don't see your logic." She laughed and put her hands on her hips, her elbows sticking sideways in a v-shape. This was what she considered a 'teen stance'. Or at least that was what her father referred to it as. He was always a strict man, never did like much of Chloe's mannerisms. In fact, he often stated that she had to have been raised in a barn. Which she wished she had been sometimes, but alas, she hadn't discovered her love of horses until just a few years ago.

And you were with somebody else but you can’t deny
That’s me in your eye

[ALEX JAMES DANIEL]

Alex nodded at her question of him being an instructor,"Right o'."His brows furrowed as she came to the conclusion that relationships weren't allowed between a staff member and student. Damn rules. He took his hat off his head, rubbing his eyebrows,"Well, I brought all three for lessons as well as for the WEG's."Alex began still frustrated that the school basically allows the students to run around dressed so...nicely. It was hard for them to resist. His lungs filled as he took a deep breath and held it. The young man was hopeful that a gorgeous staff member would come along to take his mind off of Chloe.

Alex once again nodded to all of the young girls questions about his life. He smirked as she questioned his logic,"Kentucky horse park and new faces." Plus, Alex had the opportunity to change a lot of students methods instead of just the few dozen that boarded and took lessons at the barn in Ohio. Not many people boarded due to their high price. Alex pursed his lips, twelve hundred was overly pricey. Most of the boarders were all brats and wouldn't listen to Alex. He'd much prefer to be around younger adults who had potential to make it to the top rather than arguing with ten year olds.

Kenya's nose stuck out between the bars of her stall as she began lipping at the back of Alex's shirt. He shoved a gummy bear in her direction and returned his gaze to Chloe, a smile on his face,"So, what brought you to Gemara?"

[CHLOE ROSE SUMMERS]

So I was thinking to myself when you passed me by
“Here’s what I like”

He seemed anxious, his hands rubbing his eyes. The tone of his voice had even changed to a little more angrier tone, but perhaps it was just frustration. Over what though? The only thing she had asked was if he was a staff member... which still wouldn't explain anything. But oh well, it wasn't like boys were easy to understand anyway. Truly, she knew she would never get them, but she knew how to manipulate them. Sex appeal was all that a girl needed to get what she wanted from a boy. Perhaps that was why she dressed the way she did. Plus, it always got the gossip train rolling. Never fail, dress provocatively, and the rumors will start flying.

"Oh duh." She giggled. "That would make sense." She wouldn't apologize for her stupidity though. It was very hard to make the girl say she was sorry for anything. She believed that she was always right, and apologizing made one seem weak. If it was anything she didn't want to be said about her at this knew school would be that she was weak. Chloe was anything but that anymore, her strong will could pull her through anything, she knew that know after the events of the last two years.

"Time to start rolling with a new crowd?" She laughed again, her hands instantly reaching for her hair as she stroked her fingers through it. Only a few tangles ever dared to be caught in between her fingers as she continued. This was a habit she had picked up a while ago, perhaps one that would portray shyness, but if it was one thing Chloe wasn't, it was shy.

Lips curled into a smile as he asked his question about her origins to bring her to this academy. "You'll probably never know." She smirked. Why ruin the mystery about her by telling about her past? It was boring anyway. The most exciting part was where she nearly committed suicide, but it wasn't exactly something you would tell someone the first day you met them. Perhaps some day she would tell someone at this academy, but it was unlikely. Just as unlikely as it was she would tell anyone very much about her past now that she was far away from it.

And you were with somebody else but you can’t deny
That’s me in your eye

[ALEX JAMES DANIEL]

Alex nodded, eyes finding themselves studying the young girl's body. He ruffled his hair with his rough hands, feebly attempting to distract himself while she rambled on. "New crowd. Yes."He stammered, turning to Kenya, attempting to find a distraction. Oh how he wanted to wrap Chloe is something less eye appealing. He laughed at himself, how pathetic was he? A deep, cooled breath escaped him as he smiled at Chloe, angst filled his eyes. Chloe is a student. Do not touch. Alex thought, beating himself up inside.

His mouth opened as she replied cooly to his question of how she came about to Gemara. The mysterious type. Great, more attributes to increase his attraction to her. His eyes rolled to the back of his, searching for something to do. A light bulb went off in the Aussie's head as a smile quickly expanded across his rugged face. Riding. He had a lesson with a student in less than thirty minutes. He was never more thankful for a lesson that now. Of course Chloe was more than welcome to ride as well. He just needed the distraction of a horse between his legs for the time being.

Alex's eyes wandered to the barn clock before speaking. "Chloe, dear. I hate to cut into our thrilling conversation but I've got a lesson soon. You're more than welcome to join in if you'd like."He offered, hoping she'd say yes. Alex whirled around on his heels, resting his head on his fist, eying the three horses of his. An "O" formed from his mouth as his eyes landed on his QH gelding, Maximillion. "Sorry mate', time to work." He shrugged, swinging the teal lead rope of his shoulder before stepping into the stall. Alex turned his head at his new crush, shooting her a wink once more before haltering up the gelding.

[MOLLIE ST. JAMES]

Mollie's hips swayed as she headed down the main aisle of the barn, lead rope and halter swinging behind her. The young girl's blond locks bounced with every soft, timid step she took. A glossy smile appeared on her face as her eyes landed on her beloved thoroughbred. Stormy, my baby!"Mollie quietly squealed, squeezing into his stall. The gelding eyed Mollie intently, acting as if he didn't know her. Mollie pouted, releasing the alfalfa cube that was halfway out of her pocket. Storm's pupils opened as his nostrils caught the scent of the treat that was hidden from his view. He pinned his eyes at Mollie, attempting to get her to think he was upset with her. Inside, he was laughing at that pitiful face that was once glowing with excitement. The gelding tossed his head, whinnying at her. He lipped her face, sneaking in a few quick licks. Mollie laughed,"You're ideas of playing scare me sometimes." The girl slipped the cube into his mouth before slipping his leather halter he got from the race track around his large head.

The sliding door opened slowly as Mollie slinked out first, followed by her tall, leggy boy. Her eyes landed on Alex and an unfamiliar face who she has yet to introduce herself to. Mollie enjoyed the private one on one time she received from Alex but it was obvious she would soon have to share her beloved trainer with others. Her heart sank; a frown forming on her face. To her, that meant less time for them to help Stormy transition from the racetrack to the western lifestyle. Mollie shyly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before approaching the girl and Alex. A weak smile appeared on her sunkist face as she greeted Alex. Her eyes landed on the girl,"I'm Mollie Saint James. It's a pleasure to meet you." She stated, words as soft as a down pillow. It was almost impossible for people to hear her sometimes. Once she warmed up to you, that completely changed. It was a challenge getting her to hush for a single second.

[CHLOE ROSE SUMMERS]

So I was thinking to myself when you passed me by
“Here’s what I like”

It was then that she noticed his roaming eyes. She felt beautiful being appraised by such a gorgeous man. Such a gorgeous older man, for that matter. She was a little better at keeping her thoughts to herself though. Her eyes stayed locked on his and fingers stopped twinning themselves in her hair. Arms crosses over small chest and she noticed he barely replied to her. She felt like he didn't care anymore and grew slightly angry.

To follow up every nonverbal cue he had given her, he seemed sarcastic in his speech. For some reason he wanted to get away from her it seemed like. Perhaps Alex was already bored of her. Dick. She thought to herself. Hell if he didn't want her here she'd just leave. She knew there were plenty of others boys roaming the city, even if there seemed to be none here yet. So why bother with one that didn't want to be around her.. or was an instructor...

"I'm going into the city soon anyways". She said, trying to sound like she had something better to do. Her lips pursed and then he winked at her. Heart thumped heavy in her chest as it happened and her scowl faded. She could be wrong, she'd been wrong before about her intuition on guys. Then she showed up.

So perhaps he wasn't bored of her and really did have a lesson going on. This was good news of course, but Chloe wasn't about to hang around like some groupie. Leave him wanting something more. Besides, this girl seemed like she was more into the horse stuff than Chloe ever would be. She might as well let the would be professionals have their chance at practicing.

"Chloe Rose.". She replied to the girl, not even looking at her but only looking at Alex. "I better be going... See you Alex". She said, pausing before she said his name. "Nice to meet you too, Mollie .". She said and then she strutted right out of the barn to her next unknown location.

And you were with somebody else but you can’t deny
That’s me in your eye

[ALEX JAMES DANIEL]

As the last buckle was strapped around the big Quarter Horse's head, Alex blinked with confusion at Chloe's reply. Ouch. He groaned softly, damn it was all that he could think for the moment. He knew he fucked up somewhere. Alex was completely unsure as to what it was he did though. He didn't want her to leave. Maybe it was for her best interest that they remain nothing more than friends. This girl had a whole life ahead of her and didn't need to waste her time on a guy like Alex who was probably destined to roam all over the world for the remainder of his life. She needed something stable. He sighed, eyes landing on the overly enthusiastic Mollie, "Hey missy." Alex bursted out as he exited the stall, muscular Quarter horse meandering slowly behind him. The horse let out a deep sigh, alerting Alex to his displeasure of having to do something other than eat. Alex elbowed the Vader before walking leading his horse to the cross ties. He looked back at Mollie, "Ready to get Storm to work?" Alex questioned, smiling back at her while watching Chloe disappear. A frown grew on his face before he turned to walk Vader.