To Tame her Heart

The outdoors

Zoe ran from the stables. She didn't mean to be there and interrupt Xander but she loved animals and when she couldn't sleep she found herself drawn to them and nature itself whenever possible. It always seemed to calm her down.  Zoe walked a little slower as she approached the cabin. All her friends were still asleep and she didn't want to wake them. When she opened the door she came face to face with Drake. " What are you doing up? Couldn't sleep either? " Drake was shirtless and half asleep . 

" Yeah , I went for a walk to clear my head " zoe told him pushing past and into the cabin.she walked to the kitchen and grabbed a coke from the surprisingly well stocked fridge. " I'm up so I might as well stay up!"  she  told him as he looked at her coke in hand slightly judgey. 

Zoe didn't like the fact that Drake knew her so well. They had been friends since the second grade and had almost went out in 8th grade . Zoe decided they we're better friends and that's the way it had been ever since. It didn't stop them from having several awkward exchanges. Zoe knew in her heart that Drake wanted more but he never pushed the issue. He was out of her view with always being surrounded by pretty girls, not that he seemed to notice . The only girl he saw when she was around was Zoe.

Drake's pov

I woke up because I had a bad feeling , I wasn't sure what it was. I walked to Zoe's room and the door was cracked. Arguing with myself I finally decided to see if she was sleeping. She wasn't. Her bed was empty. Walking down stairs I was listening for her or a tv. I heard neither. I went into the kitchen and Zoe was nowhere to be seen. Just then I heard footsteps outside. I walked towards the door only to have it open and come face to face with her. My heart skipped a beat. It always did when she was around.  He knew things were not going to change but wishing still occurred. 

" What are you doing , where did you go? Couldn't sleep again could you ?" I asked her . I wanted to shake her and ask her more questions but that obviously wasn't a good idea. 

" I went for a walk I didn't want to wake you or anyone else. "Zoe said .  Drake was curious but he left it alone and went back to bed. 

The next morning everyone is was in the kitchen. Sam was reading a book, Zoe and Nikki we're cooking breakfast. ( Both were in there pj's jamming out while cooking) the rest of the crew was speed out just chilling. 

Breakfast was amazing friend potatoes , chocolate chip pancakes and fluffy huge omlettes that they made to order. They tasted as amazing as they smelled. Who knew Nikki could cook? After breakfast everyone got dressed and headed to the barn . We were supposed to meet Xander and  Jake. 

When we got there I couldn't help but notice how Xander was staring at Zoe. Not that she noticed , she never does in these instances. I swear that girl is oblivious to how beautiful she really is. Man did my inner monologue sound lame.  We met up with the Ranch guys and they ran over the days plans. We were to do some horseback riding and have a picnic by a lake on the property. After that we were free to explore as long as we took a walkie talkie with us so we could be found if we got lost. We were split into two groups, half went with Jake and the other half with Xander. As luck would have it I ended up with Jake. So did Nikki and Sam. Everyone else was with Xander.

Third person pov

The group was learning really fast how to mount their horses and how to make them move to there desired pace. Xander worked with  each one in turns to  make sure they had it. While they were practicing the weather outside was peaceful. A gentle breeze and a warm sun were all they really needed to make it feel like home to all the teens. The sunshine made it not to hot but the perfect amount of sun and coolness. When everyone had the hang of the horses. Xander suggested they go for a ride on one of the trails. It was about five miles he informed them , just enough to get a great view of some of the Ranch . 

Following Xanders lead the crew set off at a gentle pace. Zoe couldn't help but notice how picturesque the Ranch was. She would have to take some time to herself later and take photos for her scrap book. While riding along the trail Xander pointed out several areas of interest to the group., A couple of ponds , a mountain range in the distance that was still on the Ranches land, several buildings and the orchards that contained numerous types of trees. All of this seemed to pail in comparison when they arrived at the picnic spot.

The lake and the trees around it looked like they were painted on a post card. Everything around them  felt familiar and inviting. The lake was crystal blue, you could almost see to the bottom. The fish in the lake were moving about   and even a turtle was spotted. 

There was a partial fenced in area where they let the horses we need to their hearts content. Not that they went to far. Most of them were well trained. Even Xanders horse midnight.  Shortly after they sat down Jake's group caught up and let their horses free to wonder. Everyone couldn't help but notice how clingy Drake had become to Zoe.more so than usual. Not that he had a reason. They all are with minimal noise and interuptions.  Zoe felt like it was nice, she missed the sounds that came from nature. She loved to go camping as a little girl but hadn't been for some time. No one really understood her need for the serenity that came from the outdoors. At least none of her friends that is.