Chapter 51
Allison and Joshua came back after running a couple of laps. Sabrina, Brian, and Olivia were nowhere in sight, probably off horseback riding. The only one left was Lillian.
As they returned, Lillian approached them with a bright smile, “Wow, Allison, you look so cool on a horse! Can you teach me how to ride?”
Allison was a bit surprised. Didn’t Lillian just say she only wanted her brother to teach her?
“There’s an instructor over there,” Allison suggested. “I can call them over to teach you.”
Lillian pouted playfully, “But instructors make me nervous, and I don’t even know them. I’m scared they’ll scold me. You’re so nice, Allison. I know you wouldn’t do that, right?”
Allison wasn’t used to strangers being so close to her. She turned to Joshua, looking for his input.
Joshua met her gaze, asking, “Allie, would you be up for teaching her?”
He tossed the decision back to her. Allison thought it over. Lillian was Joshua’s sister, and eventually, she’d be her sister–in–law. While Lillian hadn’t been the friendliest at first, she had apologized. Right now, she seemed pretty friendly.
Allison, being naturally kind–hearted, didn’t see any bad intentions in Lillian and decided to go along with it. “Alright,” Allison said to Lillian, “I can show you some basics today, give you a feel for riding. Then, maybe in a few days, Joshua can sign you up for a proper class.”
“Really?” Lillian’s smile widened. “Thanks, Allie.”
The way she sweetly said “Allie” was quite charming. Allison felt a bit bashful, wondering if she had read too much into things earlier. Lillian didn’t seem to have any ill will.
Allison smiled back, “No problem.”
Lillian watched her, this girl who would be her sister–in–law. She couldn’t bear the thought of Joshua being with someone else.
Joshua, with a gentle tone, said, “Thanks, Allie.”
When he turned to Lillian, his warmth faded, replaced by his usual cool demeanor. “Listen to Allie, do what she says, and stay safe.”
“Got it.” Lillian replied with a seemingly obedient smile.
“Come with me,” Allison said, leading the horse as she turned around. Lillian followed.
“Alright, hop on the horse,” Allison instructed patiently. “Mount from the left, put your left foot in the stirrup and swing your right leg over.”
Allison steadied Lillian as she got on, “Careful.”
Though Lillian wasn’t dressed in riding gear, her sporty outfit worked just fine. Once she was settled on the horse, Allison led it at a gentl
The calm white horse walked slowly under her guidance.
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“Feeling okay up there?” Allison asked, looking up at Lillian.
With her back to Joshua, Lillian let her sweet demeanor drop. Her smile vanished, replaced by a cool look as she replied, “Yeah, I’m fine.”
Allison didn’t let Lillian’s change in attitude bother her.
