Goddard's Home for Troubled Teens

Val

We finish that stall and we move to the last.

Ryder

I lead the horse out and repeat the same process.

Val

I start cleaning, sighing.

Ryder

I do the same and sigh, "Do you want to go riding after this?"

Val

I nod, "Sure."

Ryder

I nod back and slip into silence again.

Val

I finish, sweating.

Ryder

I take the wheelbarrow out and take her shovel for her, hanging it up with mine. Taking my jacket off, I hesitate before taking my shirt off and wiping my face with it. The tattoo of a flaming bird shows on my bicep, and I don't attempt to hide it.

Val

He takes his shirt off and I see the tattoo, "That's cool," I tell him.

Ryder

I glance at her and then back to the tattoo, shrugging again, "I guess."

Val

On of, sighing.

Ryder

I glance at the house and look back at her, "Let's change before we go riding. I don't necessarily want to do it shirtless, not that I have anything to be ashamed of...but you know."

Val

I look down at myself, "I don't need to change. You can though."

Ryder

I nod and head back to the house. Once in my room, I slip a shirt on but leave my jacket. I head back to the stables and take a saddle, walking out to one of the horses.

Val

Already on a horse when he gets out, I wait for him.