January 30

Rebound
*Author's note: Italics are Kay's words to Sage.

Miles Forthright asked Kay out on a date. I have to say he's very cute. When she told me his name, I thought, if that's his last name, he better be just that. Unfortunately, it didn't quite turn out that way.



"We met outside the bowling alley. Miles was sweet, actually, if a bit clumsy. I could tell he didn't have much experience."



"It was getting late, but he suggested a game of bowling. I said ok."



"Unfortunately, I spent most of my time on my bum, because the bowling ball was too heavy for my arm."



"It was near 3 am. I wanted to get something to eat, but Miles left abruptly! I kept saying, 'Miles, where are you going?' He didn't say anything, he just -- left. I shook my head, puzzled and confused. What have I got to do?"



Meanwhile, there are signs that Kay and I are mending our relationship. The day after that disastrous date was clear and sunny. All the ice and snow that surrounded the university was gone, replaced by green grass and leafy trees. Kay asked me to let off some steam by throwing the Frisbee in the yard. I said ok.



There were moments when it seemed just like old times. Laughter, smiles, and happiness. The way it used to be before all this happened.



Even saw Kay smiling again. I always liked her smile.

"Sage," Kay managed to utter, "I'm sorry for lashing out at you. I guess -- I guess things are changing so much. You know, with your mom coming to teach here, and Kyle in your life, I -- I kinda felt left out. I kinda felt like, you know, I don't belong in your world anymore."
"Kay, that's not true. That'll never be true."
"I guess I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself, with the whole thing with AJ falling apart in my face. I mean, I love him so much, I guess, I was just blind, or a little naïve in thinking we actually had a future together."
"So you're not going to leave college?"
Kay shook her head. "Oh, I'm leaving college. I'm going back to Appaloosa Plains, where I belong. I don't belong here, Sage. I belong with my horses. I belong with the equestrian team. I feel like, you know, I'm holding you back. I mean, you, this is your element. You love school and you love learning. You're so smart, you make A's without even trying. I mean, your mom, she's so brilliant, and she was a tomb raider and a ghost hunter. Your whole family is famous and accomplished. We're just horse people --"
"Horse people who were asked to breed for the Vanderburgs. The royal family of Hidden Springs. Who gets that honor? Only the best of the best! Heck, Princess Alexandra wants a stallion from you guys. Are you kidding?"
"That's not the point. We'll get the princess her stallion, but I have to go to Appaloosa to get the horses to breed so she could have the stallion. I'm out of place here, Sage. I have to go where I belong, and where I belong is in Appaloosa, with my horses. I'm sure Sun Dancer misses me a lot."