I feel free when I roman ride. The wind in my hair, the thrill of being on top of two galloping horses. The clapping and cheering for my ride. The feeling of I’ll be somewhere else in a few days. Thirty states every summer, I am never home. I travel with my parents, horses and dog. No siblings, no friends, no boyfriend. I am free as a bird, homeschooled and happy. Then it all changed in an instant.  
“Ava, we have to tell you something.” Mom says in the truck. “What is it? Is it that we are going to Nebraska, because I have never been to that state I can’t wait-” Mom cuts me off. “No, that is not it.” dad finishes for her, “We are dropping you off at your grandmas for the summer. Your mom and I are going on a five-month cruise. That means, no travel roman riding for a few months. There is a local rodeo...” I drown out everything. My life is changing, no freedom of rodeos and thrills. No on the road trips. I am going to my grandma’s house for the summer. “She lives in California, so there isn’t a lot of room to ride. The closest place is the barn four miles away. That is where Chip and Dale will live. Your dog, Red, will live with you and grandma. You will have so much fun in the city.” Mom says.  
When we get to grandma’s I say goodbye to my horses and watch as mom and dad pull away. Red starts to bark, running off and chasing a bird. “Hello there.” An old lady says. “Are you just going to stand there, or are you coming in?” I call for red, my great Dane/Pitbull (Pane), and go into her house. “You can call me grandma Faith. Don’t worry, the barn is just over the hill. The city of Paradise is where I go every day. You can come and check it out with me later, the beach allows dogs.” I look at Grandma and smile, “That sounds fun, but can I bring Red?” She nods, “Yes, he may have to be in the backseat, he is very tall.” grandma pets Red and he licks her hand. “and friendly.” she laughs.  
I dress in shorts and a T-shirt with the city of Dallas on it. I leave my blonde hair down and throw on sandles. “Wow, your hair goes down all the way to your behind!” Grandma laughs. I grab Red’s leash and snatch it on, Grandma walking out the door, me following. The car ride is short, I take pictures to send to mom and dad, and Red sticks his head out the window. “We can meet at the tall pine trees in three hours. How does that sound?” I nod, “See you in three hours then.” I take Red and we walk down the streets. I had towards the beach, and people stare. Three girls my age walk up to me. “Hey that is a cute dog. What is her name?” They ask. “His name is Red, and he is a Pane. Pitbull, Dane.” They pet him, and Red licks their hands. “Want to go down to the beach with us? I am Samantha, this is Regan, and the one with the curly black hair, is April.” They ask. “Sure, I have’nt been to the ocean in a long time.” I walk with the girls and they take me to the beach. On the beach is a set up volleyball court and guys playing, no shirt. “Hey watch out.” A guy says. The ball flies over the net, heading towards me. I spike the ball, sending it over to the other side and the other players can’t get it, sending it flying into the water. Red runs to get the ball and brings It back in his mouth. “Sorry.” I say. I take Red and head down to the water.  
“Why do you have to be sorry. You won the game for us.” A guy says, no shirt. Tan and tall, perfect teeth and gorgeous blue eyes. “I’m Kyle.” He says. “Ava, and this is Red.” Red barks and chases some birds in the water. “Do you want to hang out? Go see a movie, walk down the pier, grab a bite to eat?” I smile. “Sure, that would be fun. Let me talk to my grandma and then you can pick me up at four? Can Red come? He is my best friend and I go everywhere with him.” Kyle smiles, “Yes, Red can come. See you then. I have to go back to playing the game. One more match.” Then he leaves. I am left alone, and I walk down the beach, picking up shells and rocks. Red runs into the water, chasing birds. “Hey, no dogs on the beach!” Someone yells. “That is not what the sign says.” I yell back, pointing to the sign. “Get off the beach, before we call the police.” The man yells back. “By the way you look, if you called the police, you would be the ones getting into trouble, not me.” That was a good burn, but I also made a bad decision. I fought back, hard, but with nothing to save me if they came after me. “You watch yourself.” He says. Red barks and growls. I pull on his leash, and we walk to the tall palm trees.  
Grandma says yes, so I get ready, wearing a t-shirt and shorts. I braid my hair and put on lip gloss. I stand outside the house and wait for hours, until the sun sets. “I am so sorry, but I don’t think he is coming. Do you want some ice cream?” Grandma asks. “Yes, I want some! Ice cream makes everything feel better.” I get up and walk inside, Red still laying on the porch. 
The next day I walk to the barn to visit Chip and Dale. “hello boys, want to go for a ride?” they nod their head up and down, as if they were saying yes. I bring them out to the flat grassland behind the barn and close to Grandma’s house. “Maybe she will come out and watch.” I say. I get up and we begin to walk around, trotting, then galloping in sync. “Wow, Ava, you are amazing. How is that possible?” Grandma asks. “Practice, falls, and hard work. I have been roman riding like this for years, but we jump and sometimes, I even let go like this.” I let go of the reins, Chip and Dale on their own, me on their backs. I slow them to a stop and hop down, petting their heads. “Good boys.” I say. “I am going into the city. Want to come, or stay here?” I think for a minute. “I want to go down to the pier if that is okay.” Grandma smiles, “Take Red with you. I am glad you have a dog like him to keep you safe.”  
Down at the pier, I grab an ice cream cone and walk to the edge, watching the water. I want to swim, but don’t have a bathing suit on. “Hey girlfriend!” Samantha says. “How was your date with Kyle?” I shrug, “He never showed up.” Samantha pat my back, “Let me teach you how to surf. We will have a blast, and I promise, you will feel better. Also, guys like girls who can surf.” I smile, “Okay, do you want to walk me home, so I can grab my bathing suit?”  
“Grandma, I am going swimming with Samantha. I will be back in a few hours.” I tell Grandma. She walks around the corner, “Oh, Sammy. I have missed you so much, how are your parents? And your brother?” They talk for a few minutes while I change into a bikini and put on sunscreen. “Grandma, can you watch Red for me while I am gone?” Grandma nods, and we take off, running for the beach. When we get to the beach, Samantha gets me a board, and we paddle out. Luckily, I learned how to surf, last time I went to the ocean. “Hey, just paddle out and watch me.” Samantha says. Then I see the guy who yelled at me for taking Red on the beach. “It’s you again.” He says. “Nice to see you again.” I say. “Hey, she is learning to surf, leave her alone Greg.” Samantha says. I see a wave and paddle to it. I turn and catch the wave, turning and spraying Greg in the face. “Look at her go! Woah, she can surf.” Samantha yells. I find the inner wave and disappear into the wave. I come out on the other side and dive into the water. I paddle back over to Samantha and everyone claps. “What else can you do?” She asks. “Beach volleyball, surf... Anything else? Hey, a bunch of us are going to a rodeo Saturday, want to come?” I smile, “I think I can. I have to check with my grandma, but if I can, I will meet you guys there.”  
“Hey, grandma, can I ride in the rodeo on Saturday? I haven’t been to a rodeo in weeks, and Chip and Dale are ready.” I ask. “Sure, but I am inviting myself and Red, okay?” I laugh, “Of course you can come.” I say.  
Saturday rolls around and I get dressed. I wear blue and black and gold, my colors. I ready Chip and Dale, their long black hair curly and their hoof hair brushed. Since they are Frisian horses, their black coats need to be washed every day, in order to shine. “Ready to ride today?” I ask. They neigh and I laugh. “Okay then, let’s go show off.” I lead them into the trailer and Grandma drives us to the rodeo.  
I don’t see any of my friends there, but I do sign in and the gate man cheers. “I have always wanted to watch you perform. It is so amazing. Do you need jumps set up, or streamers, or music?” I nod, “Yes, I will need two jumps and some streamers. No music, but I would like someone to announce me please.” The gate man signs me in, and I walk my horses to the arena fence. “Ava?” Someone asks. “Oh, hey girls, I tried to call you, but my phone died.” April pets Dale and says, “You ride? Wait, are you the girl, who used to compete around the country bareback on two horses?” I nod and she squeals, spooking Dale. “Sorry, it's just you are famous girl.” I laugh, “Okay, well I am up in a few minutes.  
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Welcome to Paradise Rodeo grounds. I am proud to welcome Ava on Chip and Dale into the arena!” Everyone claps and cheers and I push them into a gallop. The thrill and freedom return. “Look at them go, here they are approaching the jump.” I let go of the reins and Dale and Chip jump, while I balance on their backs, completely free. “Wow, that was amazing.” April says. “Thanks, it felt good to ride like that again.” I pet my horses and Grandma walks over with Red. “I have to go into the city for a while. I can come pick the horses up later if you want to hang out with your friends.” I reply, “No, I will ride them home. It isn’t that far, and besides, I want to ride for a while. See you later for dinner.” I take off on Dale, leading Chip behind me, with Red on his back. “See you guys later.” I say.  
I stay off the roads, but out of driveways and in the grass. I love the sound of Chip and Dales hooves clopping on the pavement. Thankfully there is a sidewalk, so we can stay out of the grass as much as possible. “Have you seen Kyle, we can’t find him.” Someone says. I slow my horses, “He was supposed to take me out on a date, but that was three days ago. I thought he did that on purpose, but no one has seen him in days.” The guys look at me. “Can you help us find him?” I look at Red and he barks, “Um, I can’t. I am headed home and, well, I guess I can, but only for a few hours.” One of the guys take Chip, “Hey what are you doing?” I yell. “Reax, I will ride him, and you will ride that one. Someone will take that dog and we will search.” I feel anger pushing through my skin. “No, you will not. That is my horse, and Red is my dog.” I take Chip back and Red jumps on his back. “Goodbye, have fun looking yourself.” I leave, heading towards the barn. Samantha is there, crying. “He is gone, he is gone.” She says. “Who is gone?” I ask. “He is in the hospital. He was hit by a car, trying to go on a date with you!” She screams, getting up and pulling her hair. “It is all your fault. You hurt him, you didn’t even bother! I wish you never would have come here!” 
Grandma walks out saying, “I’ll put the horses away, go!” I hop off, whistling for Red and take off down the hill to find the hospital. I run, down the side walk, lungs burning and out of breath. I run into someone and fall, hitting the ground hard. “Hey, are you okay? Why are you running? Where are you going?” He is tall and skinny with big shoulders. “Where is the hospital?” I ask, tears streaming down my face. I am out of breath, and unable to stand. “End of this road.” He helps me to my feet, and I fall into him. “Red.” I say, calling Red’s name. “How did you know my name?” The guy asks. “I don’t. That is my dog’s name. Sorry.” I point to Red, who is licking my hand. “Woah, he is a big dog. Looks like a Pitbull. But also, a Dane. Is he a Pane?” I laugh, “Yes. Now I have to go. Thanks Red.” I take off, running down the side walk, once again. 
The door is shut, but there are people waiting outside. “Who are you?” A woman asks. “I am Kyle’s friend. He was supposed to go out on a date with me, but then he never showed up. I came to see if he is okay. But clearly not, so I am going to go. When he wakes up, please tell him Ava is sorry.” I turn to leave. “Honey, he is awake.” I tear up and wipe them fast. “Go on in.” I walk in the room, seeing Kyle all bandaged up. “Hello, there Ava.” He says. He sits up and I see how bruised his face has become. “I would have called, but I was at the rodeo, then my phone died, I had no idea until today. I am so sorry, I thought you ditched the date.” Kyle rolls his eyes, “I was looking forward to going on that date, but some guy ran out into the middle of the road and he made me slam on the brakes. Then a truck hit me, and I was unable to get out of the car. I should have had someone tell you. I am so sorry. You don’t suppose we redue that date? Maybe to the beach, beach volleyball one on one.”  
The next Monday, Kyle was out of the hospital, and I was the first he visited. “Hey, do you want to go to the ocean?” He asks. “Sure, let me tell Grandma and then get changed. I smell like horse crap.” I reply. “Grandma, Kyle is taking me to the ocean. I will be back for dinner.” I hear no response, so I head to my room. I put my bikini under my clothes and braid my hair. Red comes with us to the ocean. “It is so pretty here.” I say. “Yep, thanks guys.” Kyle says. He throws a ball up and down. “Volleyball?” He asks. “Yes, I would love to play against you.” I laugh. Red chases birds, while we hit the ball to each other, me winning. “Four-two.” and then “Twelve-six.” I win by spiking the ball over the net, the ball flying over Kyle’s head. “Yes, I win!” I shout. Kyle grabs the ball and hits it, I catch it and he rolls his eyes. Kyle runs and picks me up, tossing me over his shoulder and running for the water. 
Kyle drops me into the water, laughing and crying. I am crying because I feel more freedom than I have felt ever before, even throughout Roman Riding. I swim in the water, away from Kyle. I come up, Kyle isn’t anywhere to be found. Then I feel a brush of something against me. I freeze in my spot and look around. I can’t see anything in the clear water, but I am still scared. Then I see Kyle swim under me, no shirt and a dark tan. I dive under and swim side by side, until we can’t breathe. We come up, laughing, and Red barks at the shore. We swim back, drying off and Kyle buys ice cream for the both of us. We sit on the sand, Red chasing the birds, while we watch the sun set. “How was that for a redue date?” Kyle asks. “It was perfect. I enjoyed every minute of it.”  
Kyle walks me home and kisses me goodnight. “See you tomorrow.” I say. I go inside, and Grandma sits me on the couch. “What is it?” I ask. “I am sorry I didn’t respond, I was in the shower. I need to talk to you. The summer is ending, and I got a call from your mother. She is coming to pick you and Red and the horses up in a week. Ava, I am so sorry, but you need to end things before they get to serious.” I rush to my room and cry myself to sleep.  
The next day, Kyle takes me to a light house, and we sit on the rocks, listening to the waves crash. Just me and him, Red at home. “What are you thinking about?” Kyle asks. “Being free.” I say. “What do you mean by free?” Kyle looks at me, brushing my hair from my face. The wind blows it back. “I have seen the country, I have ridden everywhere, and felt free. I used to not have friends, no boyfriend, and pretty much no life. I love horses, I always have, and always will. I love to travel, or did, but this is the first place that has felt like home to me. I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to get back on the road. I don’t want o to go anywhere. This is home. I feel free, I don’t feel trapped, let alone praised by everyone. I feel at home, I feel like I don’t want to leave, ever.” I hope he got that, I don’t want to tell him I am leaving. “What does that mean? Don’t you live here?” He doesn’t get it. “I don’t live here. I never have actually been home. I live on the road, sleep in hotels. I want to live here, but my parents are on a cruise. They are coming to get me in a week.” Kyle looks away. “Just like that, no wonder you have never had friends, let alone a boyfriend. You leave. You leave everyone and everything behind, while what? You are on your way to fam and fortune, but as long as you feel you are happy?” Kyle gets up. “Where are you going?” I ask. “Might as well be the one ending it, that way, it hurts less when you leave me.” Then he leaves.  
“How was your date?” Grandma asks. I head to my room, slamming the door shut. The next day, mom and dad arrive to pick me up. “The rodeo is close, but only by a few hours in the car. We are so happy to see you again. It has been a whole two months. "Mom says. I grab my bags and say goodbye to Grandma and get in the car. I stare out the windows, as we drive downtown. I see Kyle and Samantha walking on the sidewalk. Samantha looks, but Kyle does not. She waves bye and texts, “You better visit me.” I text her back, “I will, I promise.”  
“Honey, get ready, we are here.” Mom says. I ready the horses. I dress in blue and gold, used to be my colors and head towards the arena. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Ava on Chip and Dale.” I run them into the arena and put on a fake smile. I no longer feel free, no longer happy. I am sad and angry, and don’t want to be here. I don’t even see the jump. I fall, land on my head, pain searing into every bone. Everything stops moving and becomes blurry. My eyesight fades in and out, then all at once. It has gone black, and the last thing I think about is Kyle. 
I wake up inside the car, layed out on the backseat. “Where are we going?” I ask, sitting up. “Oh, good you are awake. We are going to Indiana, for another rodeo.” I feel like puking. “No.” I say. “What?” dad asks. “No, I am not going. I am done. I want to go home.” I say. “Honey, home is where the heart is, and your heart is in the car, roman riding at rodeos and with us.” I shake my head. “No, mom. That is your heart. My heart is in Paradise, California. I want to go home, be with my friends, and be with my boyfriend. I want to be free and let loose, like any other teenager in the world. I am done.” I say.  
We drive back to Paradise, them dropping me off and disappearing. “See you in a few months then.” They say. Grandma hugs me at the door. “I knew it. I just knew it. You know, you have changed. From the first time you stepped on this doorstep, to this day. I am proud of you Ava. And so is someone else.” Grandma points to the door and Kyle appears. I run and trip up the stairs, scraping my legs and hands on the porch. Blood rushes out of the open skin and tears over flow. Kyle opens the door and kneels, kissing me. “I am so sorry.” I say, not sobbing quite yet. “Honey, oh Ava, let’s get you cleaned up.” Grandma says. “I didn’t see the porch steps.” I say. “I was too happy to see Kyle.” Kyle laughs and I wipe my tears. 
Three weeks later... 
I walk down the beach hand and hand with Kyle, Red chasing seagulls in the water. The wind blows my hair around and I smell the salt of the ocean. He takes me to the rocks, and I hear the ocean hammering against the rocks. “This is truly freedom in Paradise.” I say. 

The End.