Run Shine Run (Rachel)

[Connor Anderson]

December 28th

Connor wasn't often in the student lounge, mostly because he was usually either doing schoolwork, working out at the gym, or volunteering at Lahja's.  Today, however, was special.  He had a few hours grace before he was due at the farm, and he was using it wisely.

His older brother was racing one of their up and coming stars of the farm today, and he was going to watch it.  His iPad was already humming along as he watched the live stream of the race before Curtis'.  He wasn't as interested in it as he normally was, simply because he was getting antsy.  He wanted to see Curtis, but he also wanted to see Shine Strong.  The three year old black colt was one of their most promising, and he was eager to see how the horse was getting along.  Last time he'd seen him he'd been trucking along in lower class races.  Today, however, he was running a stakes race, and he was excited.

Plus, if he won, it would be one more race towards his brother becoming a full jockey.  

He was trying not to take up too much room on the couch, his feet tucked under him to make himself as small as possible.  Difficult when you were growing and seemed to have limbs as long as your body, but he tried.  

As the race finished, the cameras turned their attention to the stables as the next field of horses finished prepping and tacking up.  As it panned around, he recognized his family's stable colors, and the big black colt.  A fond smile crossed his face as he watched his brother talking to Strong.  The colt looked good, and Curtis looked good.  Maybe they had a shot.

[Rachel Kells]

Since coming to the institute Rachel had made sure that she could watch the races. Her mom sometimes showed up and she would search for her when she did. Since her mom was traveling a lot and her dad wasn’t there anymore Rachel was more inclined to look for her mom. Even with her mom’s call she still had to stay at Hammel.

At least there was a race today. If nothing else she would get to see a race and look at the winners. Just because she grew up in the city didn’t mean she hadn’t ever mucked out a stall before or ridden. Riding was fun and Rachel was glad that she could use the television to watch the professionals. They were on a whole different level then her and she was more then happy to gawk and root for some of them.

After putting on her hat she made her way down to the student lounge, knowing that since Hammel was basically deserted(it being so close to Christmas and all) that she could watch it there.

Rachel was a tiny bit disappointed that there was someone else there but put on a smile anyway, walking up to them with joy as she saw the race on television. She sat herself down, and kept her eyes focused on the horses, some of them showing great promise. Looking over at the boy opposite her She gave a small smile and waved. “Do you mind if I watch with you? My mom said she was going to be working staff here.”

She hoped she could stay, she didn’t want to be in the way, but she didn’t want to miss her mom either. Rachel kept her boots off the couch, but still relaxed a bit once she saw that the boy was genuinely interested in the race. “I’m Rachel, sorry to disturb you.”

[Connor Anderson]

Connor had a near-ritual when Curtis was going to race. Though he wasn’t hugely religious, he still said a little prayer before each race he ran to keep him safe. It was silly, but it had gotten to the point that he was worried if he didn’t say it, something would happen. Track accidents were common, and he didn’t want his older brother caught up in one. But Shine Strong was a good colt. He wouldn’t act up. ... At least that was what he was going to tell himself.

He was still sulking slightly about not going home for Christmas, but his mother had assured him that he wouldn’t be missing much. Still. His first Christmas away from home, and he was feeling a little lonely about it. Perhaps he’d go find Charlie if she hadn’t gone home for a few days. For sure he would be picking up extra shifts at Lajha’s farm. If he couldn’t be around his own horse, he’d make do with hers.

And by watching races.

He almost missed the girl that came into the room, his focus on the black colt until the camera panned away. Only then did he hear her greeting. He smiled for her and waved back. “No, that’s fine.” He perked a little. “Your mom works at the track? My parents should be there too.” And if Shine Strong won, he’d see them more than a simple pan of the camera.

“You’re not disturbing me,” he assured. “I don’t mind the company.” As the horses began to pony to the track, his attention wavered again back to the screen. Grinning, he pointed to the black colt that was third in the post parade. “See the black one? That’s Shine Strong. My parents own him. He’s amazing.” And would hopefully win. “My brother’s riding him.” As they passed him to go onto the fourth horse, he looked back at Rachel. “What does your mom do?”