Chapter 1:Her Dad

It was one sunny day on the Ranch. It was a perfect day for milking the cows. Zoe’s Dad had 70 cows on the farm. 38 of them were milk cows, then the other 32 cows were beef. Zoe didn’t really like having all of the animals because she didn’t get attention from her dad.

Her Dad also has race horses on the farm, and goats, chickens, sheep, and pigs. They also have a few barn cats and dogs. Zoe wasn't really a farm girl, more like a city girl, but her parents got divorced. Her dad lives in the country, and her mom lives in the city. Zoe never goes to see her mom because her mom thinks it’s best for her in the country. Zoe thinks it’s just an excuse. Zoe doesn’t think her mom likes her much, but she tries not to think that. Zoe's Dad walked in her room and said “ Come on get your butt outside!” Zoe said “ DAD you know I'm not a country girl, I’m a city girl.’’ Her Dad said “Well it’s about time you become one. Come on get outside and help milk the cows.” Then her Dad walked away. Zoe rolled out of bed and called her mom. “Ring, ring.” “Hello?” Her mom answered. Zoe said “Mom, Dad doesn't understand that I’m a city girl.” 

 Her mom said “Well sweetie he didn't understand why I am a city girl. Then we were always fighting. And now we're divorced.” Zoe said,  “That Isn’t any advice.” Her mom said “Look what I’m trying to say is just deal with it because if he gets mad at you, there will be no place for you to go.” Zoe said “Wait I could go with you!” Her mom said “Look I have to go, bye.” Zoe said “Wait!”  “Beep, beep.” Zoe’s mom hung up. Zoe’s Dad came in and said “Come on! Let’s go! Get your butt outside!” Zoe threw down her phone. Her Dad said “Don’t break that because I’m not buying you a new one.” Zoe said “I know.” Then her Dad grabbed her arm and drug her outside. They started milking cows at 10am, and didn’t stop till 10pm.

Next morning her Dad woke her up at 5am. When Zoe woke up she said “Dad why so early!” Her Dad said “You got off light. I woke up at 3am to do our animals.” Zoe got out of bed and got dressed and ate breakfast. Zoe said “Why did you wake me up?” Her Dad said “To watch our race horse race for the last time until she has her baby.” So they were at the race track waiting for the race to start. The horses came out and got into their gates. Zoe’s Dad said “Her name is Clue. And she is number 5.” 

Zoe said “Ok.” The horse racer judge said “3, 2, 1, GO!” They all took off out of the gate. Her Dad was looking through the binoculars. Zoe was looking very carefully. Her Dad screamed “YES!!! GO GO GO!!!!!!”  Then there was silence. Zoe could hear the hoofbeats against the ground. “Thud, thud” That is the moment that Zoe felt like she was in love with horses. Her Dad screamed “Yes!!!!” Clue won the race! 

They all celebrated and headed back to the ranch. When they were at the ranch Zoe said “Dad can I ride Clue?” Zoe’s Dad looked at her and said “I never ever thought that I would hear you say that, but yes you can.” Zoe hopped on Clue and galloped around because she learned how to ride when she was 5.

                                                   Chapter 2:The Foal

One week went by and Clue still didn’t have her foal. Zoe and her Dad were taken a trail ride to get their mind off of Clue’s foal.  Zoe was riding a retired race horse, and her Dad was riding the Dad of the foal. Zoe said “Will Clue be ok?” Her Dad said “I don’t know, but when we get back a vet is coming. I just really hope I don’t lose Clue over this.” Zoe said “Yeah that would be bad.” 

Ring, Ring!” “Hello?” Zoe’s Dad answered “Hello is this Mr. Mark?” Zoe’s Dad's name was also Mr. Mark. Mr. Mark said “Oh you are the vet Mrs. Megan right?” Mrs. Megan said “Yes I am, and I’ll be there in about 5 minutes.” Mr. Mark said “Ok bye.” “Beep beep.” They ended the call. Mr. Mark said “We have to be back in 5 minutes for the vet.” So they took off galloping.

When they got back they untacked the horses and went to Clue. The vet was there waiting for them. Mrs. Megan said “I'm going to have a look now.” So she started looking at Clue. Mrs. Megan said “Oh no.” Mr. Mark said “What?!” Mrs. Megan said “It looks like Clue’s foal is backwards.” Zoe said, "What does that mean?” Mrs. Megan said “The foal is facing the wrong way. So she can’t have it.” Zoe said “So she’s going to die!?” Mrs. Megan said “It’s up to you. We can do surgery or not do surgery.” Zoe said “Please do surgery Dad! Please!!!!!” Mr. Mark said “Yes, Please do the surgery Mrs. Megan.” Mrs. Megan said “Ok I’ll get started.” So she called her crew and started the surgery. Days later Mr. Mark came into Zoe's room and said “Do you want to meet the new horse?” Zoe was confused for a second, but then it hit her.

Zoe said “SHE HAD HER FOAL!!!!!!??????” Her Dad said “Yep!” Zoe got out of bed, and ran to Clue’s stall, but saw no foal. Zoe said “Where is the foal?” Mr. Mark said “Mrs. Megan is on her way here.” When she arrived she hopped out of the van and said “I have bad news.” Mr. Mark said “What?” Mrs. Megan said “You know how you wanted this to be a race horse?” Mr. Mark said “Yeah???” Mrs. Megan said “Well the foal was born with an eye disease .” Mr. Mark was in shock when he saw the palomino  foal with clouded eyes.

Mrs. Megan said “ The foal looks healthy, but just is blind. Let me take a look at Clue here.” So Mrs. Megan started to examine the horse. Mrs. Megan was feeling around her body to see if there was anything wrong. Mrs. Megan put on a serious face and said “ Clue has gotten an infection.” Mr. Mark said “What do you mean?” Mrs. Megan said “Usually when a mare is going to have a foal you need a clean space for them, and clue is laying in poop instead of nice soft bedding.” Mr. Mark said “Well what are you going to do?” Mrs. Megan said “This is serious! We need to take her to the horse hospital immediately!” Mr. Mark was frantic. He shoved Clue to get her up, and asked “What about her foal?” Mrs. Megan said “Yes I’ll take him and look after him. I’ll even give him his milk if that’s ok with you.” Mr. Mark said “Yep that would be great.” So they carefully picked up the colt(colt means a baby horse that’s a boy) and placed him in the trailer next to Clue. 

Then Mrs. Megan drove off “Boom boom!” 

Zoe said “What's happening!?” Mr. Mark said “Nothing sweetie. How about you go start making dinner?” Zoe said “Ok Dad.” Then Zoe walked up to the house to make dinner. Zoe turned on the stove to start boiling water. While Zoe waited for the water to boil, she called her mom. “Ring Ring!” “Hello?” Zoe said “Hi Mom!” 

Zoe's mom said “What do you need Zoe?” Zoe said “Mom something weird is happening.” Zoe’s mom said “What?” Zoe said “The good news is that Clue had her foal, but the bad news is Clue is in ruff shape. I think she is going to be fine, but Dad won’t tell me what’s actually wrong.” Zoe’s mom said “Well I don’t know what to tell you.” Mr. Mark came inside the house and said “ZOE!!!!!! What are you doing!!?” Zoe said “Waiting for the water to boil!” Mr. Mark said “It’s been boiling! There is water all over the counter top! Get out here and clean it up!” 

Zoe’s mom said “Well Zoe you better go clean that water up. Bye sweetie.” Zoe said “Bye Mom!” Zoe actually felt like her mom liked her. Zoe then ran out to the kitchen. Mr. Mark threw a rag to her to clean up the water. Zoe started to clean it up. Mr. Mark said “What were you doing in there?’’ Zoe said “ I was calling mom.’’ Mr. Mark said “I know you want to live with her, but  you just can't! Sorry but that’s the truth.” Zoe rolled her eyes, and stomped to her room.

                                                    Chapter 3: For Sale

The next day Zoe woke up and looked on her phone. Zoe gasped at what she saw. Zoe saw a post about a newborn foal for sale! It was blind, a palomino, and a colt! Zoe jumped out of her bed, and ran into the kitchen. Zoe couldn't find her dad anywhere in the house. So she slipped on her muck-boots, and ran out to the barn.

She saw her Dad standing out in the driveway talking to a man. She ran to him and said “Dad!!!!!” Mr. Mark said “What do you want Zoe? I’m busy talking to somebody right now.” Zoe said “Is this Clue’s foal???!!!!” Mr. Mark said “Yes it is.” Zoe said “ Why are you selling the colt?!” Mr. Mark said “Well we raise racehorses, and there is no way a blind foal can turn into a racehorse. He is basically junk. And actually this young man right here is interested in him, so shew.” Zoe said  “No Dad! Please don’t sell that foal! He’s special! I know he is! I can feel it!” Mr. Mark said “No we're selling him.” Zoe said “Please Dad!” Mr. Mark said “This isn’t out for  discussion Zoe! Do you understand?!” Zoe said “Yes Dad I understand.” Mr. Mark said “Now go to the house and start making pancakes for breakfast.” Zoe said “Ok.” Then she started crying and ran off.  

The dude that Mr. Mark was talking to, said “I don’t really need that foal if your daughter is really in love with it.” Mr. Mark said “No take it. She doesn't even like horses really.” The guy said “Are you sure?’’ Mr. Mak said “Yes, I am.” So the guy handed him $100 bill. Then he got in his truck and drove away.

While Zoe was waiting for the pancake mix to bake, she logged on to her phone, and saw on the post, that it said SOLD. Zoe looked at it in pain, with tears building up in her eyes. Mr. Mark stood in the driveway looking at the picture of the foal online. That’s when he realized he made a huge mistake.

He quickly looked up "Online for horses for sale" Then he found one, and ran into the house. Zoe was sitting at the kitchen table with tears in her eyes.Mr.Mark said “So….uh…….why are you so down?” Zoe quickly put away the tears in her eyes, and put on an angry face, and said “YOU KNOW WHY!!!!” Then she got tears in her eyes again, and got up from the table, and ran into her room, and slammed the door shut. Mr. Mark sighed, and walked to her room. He knocked on the door, and said “ZOE!!! Come out of your room right now!” Zoe screamed “No!!!!” Mr. Mark said  “Zoe! Right NOW!!!!” Zoe got up from her bed, and opened the door. Zoe was crying. Zoe said, “What do you want?” Mr. Mark said “I want to make you happier about the foal.” Zoe said “And you think yelling at me is gonna make me happy?” 

Mr. Mark said “I didn’t mean to yell, Zoe. Please just trust me and look at this.” Zoe nodded her head. Mr. Mark said “Look, go on here and find a horse you want, I’ll buy it for you.” Zoe said “I don’t want a horse! I wanted a foal so I could train him all by myself!” Then Zoe slammed the door shut again.Then Mr. Mark tried a foal, but that didn’t work. Then he tried a blind foal, but that didn’t work either.

Zoe said  “Stop Dad!!! I wanted that foal!!!! Not any other ones!” So Mr. Mark got to work and called the dude that bought the foal. The dude’s name was Josh. So Mr. Mark called Josh and said “Josh I know I said that my daughter would get over the foal, but she hasn't, and our connection is falling apart. So is there any way you can let me have that foal back?” Josh said “Ummmm???” Mr. Mark said  “I totally understand if you don’t want to, but I’ll also give you 1,000$ for it.” Josh was silent for a moment with the huge offer. Josh said “Well I don’t know. My daughter is blind, so I thought it would work out because she is blind, and so is the foal.” Mr. Mark had to think of something to say.

Then the light bulb in his head turned on. Mr. Mark could say that his daughter was blind to! So he was gonna do just that. Mr. Mark said “Well see, the thing is my daughter is blind to.” Josh said “No that is impossible, because she ran out to you when I was here just fine.” Mr. Mark said “I bought special glasses for blind people.” Josh said “That’s  not real!” Mr. Mark said “Yes they are. She can see really well now. Like she was never blind.” Josh said “How much money are they?” Mr. Mark said “Oh around like 1,000,000$” Josh said “Don’t mean to be rude, but it doesn’t look like you can afford that!” Mr. Mark said “ Well I found them on the road, so they weren’t expensive. I will drop the price for you to 10,000$” Josh said “No that’s way too much!” Mr. Mark said “I’ll make one more offer. Ready?” Josh said “Yes, what is it?” Mr. Mark said “You can have them for free, but I get that foal for free. A trade.” Josh thought with his ear to the phone, and said “I-I don’t really know.”

Mr. Mark said “Come on Josh! This is a once and a lifetime kind-of trade. So what do you say?” Josh said “Ok! Yes I’ll trade you the horse for the special glasses” Mr. Mark did a silent cheer and said “YES!” Mr. Mark said, “Meet me here in 1 hour, ok?’’ Josh said “Sounds good!”  “BEEP, BEEP!!!” They hang up the phone. Mr. Mark ran inside as fast as he could to tell Zoe the good news. 

Mr. Mark said “ZOE!!!!” Zoe jumped up and said “What!!!???Is someone hurt? WHAT!” Mr. Mark said “ I got the blind foal back! Well we are gonna get him tonight.”  Zoe said “What we are?” Mr. Mark said “But I said  you were blind and you had special glasses that let you see. So he said his daughter was also blind so I said I will give you glasses for free if you trade me the foal. So long story short, we are getting the foal back tonight!” Zoe said “Wow Dad! That's quite the story! Thank you!” Then Zoe ran and hugged her Dad. Mr. Mark said “Ok we have to fake that you are blind, so put on these glasses and run around when he’s here.

Then when we trade I take the glasses off of you, and then you act like you can’t see. Ok?” Zoe said “Ok! I knew I was gonna get that foal back, but I never pictured it as me faking being blind!” So Josh pulled in the driveway and beeped. Mr. Mark put the glasses on Zoe and said “Ok come out with me, this should be easy, if you don’t mess up.” Zoe said “Dad if anything you are going to mess up, not me!” Mr. Mark opened the door and walked outside, Zoe followed. Mr. Mark said “Hello, ready to trade?” Josh said “Heck yeah!!!!” So they opened up the trailer and brought out the blind foal. Zoe ran up to the foal, and hugged him tightly. Mr. Mark took off Zoe’s glasses, and handed them to Josh. Zoe then acted like she could not see. 

Josh said “We are going to Mexico to live there. Sadly we will never be back. But at least my daughter will have her glasses!” Josh went to the car and drove away. Zoe then stopped acting like she could not see. Mr. Mark said “YES! We got the foal back!” Zoe said “I’m surprised that your idea actually worked!” Mr. Mark said “See I’m very smart!” Zoe and Mr. Mark both laughed. Zoe got the foal in his stall for the night, and couldn’t wait for the morning to start training him.  

                                                      Chapter 4: Family Drama 

Zoe woke up at 3am the next morning. She got out of her bed and went into the kitchen. Mr. Mark said, “What the heck are you doing up this early!?’’ Zoe said “To start training the foal, DUH!” Mr. Mark said “Sweetie, you can’t go out there this early. He’s still sleeping, and so should you!” Zoe said “Well I’m so excited!” Mr. Mark said “I know, but wait till at least 4am.” Zoe said “Ok Dad.” Then Zoe started to walk back to her room, but Mr. Mark said “No you don’t! You're up so you're helping me with the chores! By the time we finish the chores, you can start to train the foal.”

Zoe said “Yeah but!!!” Mr. Mark said “Yeah-buts live in the woods.’’ Zoe rolled her eyes and got dressed. Then she headed outside. Zoe let all the animals out, gave them water, hay, and cleaned their stalls. By the time Zoe got all that done, it was 4:01. Zoe looked at her watch and said “YES!!!!! DAD IT’S 4:01!! YESSS!!” Mr. Mark said “Why are you so happy about 4:01? What are you getting 10 billion horses? 

Zoe said “It was because you said I could be done and start working with the foal at this time.” Mr. Mark said “Ok go ahead and start working with him." Zoe then took off to the barn.  Zoe first put the halter on the foal. He didn’t care, then she clipped a lead rope to the halter. He also didn’t care. That was the easiest step though. Then Zoe tried tugging on the rope to make him go forward. The foal planted his feet to the ground, and just stretched his head and neck outward. Zoe said to herself “This is going to be a lot harder than I thought!” Mr. Mark came around the corner, and said “If you're gonna be working with that stubborn animal, I would recommend giving him a name.” 

 Zoe said “Your right Dad. I’ll name him…….hmmm….umm….. Pegasus!” Mr. Mark said “Great, but interesting. You better get back to it, you got a lot of training ahead of you!” Then Mr. Mark walked away. Zoe kept on trying to make him walk, but he just wouldn’t. Zoe diccied to give him a little break. Zoe headed up to the house. When Zoe walked in Mr. Mark said “How was tranning with Pegasus?” Zoe said “Not the best, he wouldn’t walk, but I’ll try again later. I’m gonna go make a plan on working with him.”

Mr. Mark said “Ok great! I’ll call you out when breakfast is ready.” Zoe said “Ok.” then headed to her room. Zoe started to work on her planner for Pegasus. After like 30 mins, Mr. Mark said “BREAKFAST IS READY!!!” Zoe said “OK! BE OUT IN A MINUTE!” Zoe then put down her pencil and went to the kitchen. When Zoe saw the food, her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped to the floor. Zoe said “What is all of this food for? We just  have me and you!” 

 Mr. Mark said “Your Mom is coming.” Zoe said “What! Why?” Mr. Mark said “Supposedly because she misses us, but I doubt that is true.” Zoe was standing in shock when the doorbell rang. Mr. Mark said “Up! Your Mom is her, PLEASE just try to be nice.’’ Mr. Mark opened the door and said “Hello.” Zoe’s Mom came in, and tried to hug her, but Zoe refused to.

 They all sat down. Then when they finished eating Zoe’s Mom said “So I heard about the foal your training, Pegasus. I would like to go out and see him.”

Zoe said “Come.” So they put their shoes on and walked out to the barn. Zoe said “I’m going to make him into a race horse!!!” Zoe’s mom said “You really think that's gonna happen!? They are just dreams! YOUR STUPID SILLY DREAMS ARE NEVER EVER COMING TRUE!” She then walked to the house and slammed the door shut    Zoe was in disbelief. Zoe knew it was too weird that her mom just showed up one day. Zoe then decided to run inside after her Mom.

When Zoe opened the door, and peeked her head through, she saw her mom in tears and her Dad standing there looking angry. Zoe said “What Dad?” Mr. Mark said “You are being really mean to your mother, young lady! You even made her cry. I can’t believe the things you’ve said to her! You're grounded!” Zoe said “Dad!!!! She's lying! Please let me explain!” Mr. Mark said “GO TO YOUR ROOM OR I’LL SELL THAT STUPID FOAL!” Zoe started to cry, but she wanted to continue training Pegasus. So she went to her room. Zoe looked at a picture of her and her mom, and dad. She thought back on all the happy memories, but now was the worst time in her life. She was actually happy her parents got divorced. Zoe hated her mom. Her mom was like a nightmare, always acting like a kid, trying to get all the attention to herself. 

Zoe’s Mom was never the nicest to her. Zoe actually thought of her mom as a BIG bully, well to her at least! Zoe then scribbled out her mom in the family photo. Then she peeked her head out of the door a little. She was sus of them, they have been acting too strange with each other. Zoe’s mom said to her dad “Well I have to go get the groceries, so see you later!” Then Zoe’s mom hugged him! Zoe slammed the door shut, and started gagging.

Zoe could not believe her eyes. Then she heard footsteps coming towards her room. Zoe quickly jumped up on her bed, and grabbed a book to pretend like she wasn’t watching. Mr. Mark opened her door and walked in. Zoe said “ A knock on the door would be nice!” Mr. Mark said “Oh come on Zoe! You really think I’m that dumb!” Zoe said “What?” Mr. Mark said “You know what!” Zoe said “No really I don’t.” Zoe actually didn’t know which thing he was talking about. Mr. Mark said “I saw your little head peeking out of that door.” Zoe’s face turned red, then she said “No I didn’t.” Mr. Mark said “Zoe tell the truth right now or I will take that STUPID foal away like I said.” Zoe said “Fine I did, and more importantly why did you hug sadie!?” (sadie was her moms real name) Mr. Mark made his eyebrows tall, sharp, and mean looking.

Then he said “You are being really bad today! First you saw your mom and looked at her like she was a blobfish, next you say terrible things to her, then lastly you called her by her real name! You are in huge trouble!” Zoe said “Dad please let me finish saying what I was saying! Please!?” Mr. Mark said “Yes, I guess.” Then Zoe was starting to talk when Mr. Mark yelled  “Wait a minute! What is this!?” 

                                  Blobfish

Zoe’s dad then picked up the photo of her,  her dad, and mother. Mr.Mark said “Why did you cross out your mothers face!?” Zoe said “She isn’t a part of this family.” Mr. Mark said “YOU  ANNOYING LITTLE KID! I’m going out to dinner with your mother when she gets back from shopping. You are staying home and doing the laundry, dishes, cleaning, and writing a 3,000 word essay!” Zoe said “Dad please no!” Mr. Mark said “Do it or, let me just say you don’t want to know what is gonna happen.” The Mr. Mark turned and walked away. Zoe then bursts into tears. Realizing what her dad called her, an annoying little kid. The time passed by quickly and then Zoe heard “I’m leaving!” Zoe got up and walked out of her room. She saw her dad and mom standing there all dressed up. Zoe said “Ok.” Mr. Mark said “Don’t forget everything you have to do.” Zoe said “Ok I will complete all of it when you leave.”

Mr. Mark said “Also don’t try and go outside, because I have security cameras all over the property.” Zoe said “Wouldn’t have tried to go out anyway.” Mr. Mark said “I don’t care.” Then he walked out of the door. Zoe did all the things he wanted her to do.

Then she planned on sneaking past the cameras to the barn, but first she looked outside to make her plan on how she would do it, and she was very happy she did. She saw her dad and mom walking up to the house. Zoe wondered what had happened because they were smiling, laughing, and all the other weird things. Zoe acted like she wasn’t watching them, so she started to walk to her room while they were opening the door. 

Mr. Mark said “Zoe, come back, we have some very exciting news for you!” Zoe then turned back around and said “Just finished everything. What is the exciting thing?” Mr. Mark said “You might want to sit down.” Zoe was getting annoyed with all of this so she freaked out, and said “JUST TELL ME DAD!” Mr. Mark said “Well someone is not happy!” Zoe said “How could you expect me to be! You took away my horse, you made me do a bunch of chores, made me write a 3,000 word essay, even though mom should have, and lastly you brought mom back! Or should I say SADIE!”

Mr. Mark said “Why should your mother have to have written that?” Zoe said “ Just meet me in my room at 10pm ok?’’ Mr. Mark said “Will you be happy then?” Zoe said “Yes.” Mr. Mark said “Ok now time for the good news! WERE GETTING MARRIED!!!........AGAIN!” Zoe felt her heart sink inside of her. Mr. Mark said “So what do you think about that?” Zoe saw that her dad was starting to be nice to her again, so she didn’t say anything yet. So Zoe just shrugged her shoulders. Later that night at 10pm Zoe’s dad came into her room and asked her what she wanted. Zoe said “Dad please believe me, mom was the one who said all those mean things to me. I didn’t say them to her.” Mr. Mark said “How am I supposed to know if that is true?” Zoe said “I’ll take my poopy phone and put it in my pocket recording, then I’ll come back in and play it to you.” Mr. Mark said “ Ok I guess you can do that tomorrow.” Zoe said “thank you dad!”

Then Zoe hugged Her dad, that was the first time she felt like he was her dad in a long time. Then Mr. Mark walked out of her room. Zoe then went to sleep and couldn’t wait to expose her mom in the morning. CA-CA-DOODLE-DOO-CA-Ca-DOODLE-DOO! Zoe opened her eyes, getting a fast feeling that power has gone through her body. Zoe then sprang out of her bed, threw on some clothes, then ran out to the kitchen. Zoe saw her mom sitting down at the kitchen table. Zoe grabbed her phone while her mom wasn’t looking, and shoved it in her back pocket.

Finally  Zoe’s mom picked her head up and said “Where do you think you’re running off to?” Zoe said “The barn?” With a sassy attitude. Zoe’s mom said “Not without permission.” Zoe said “My Dad said I could.” Zoe’s mom said “I guess.” So Zoe then opened up the door, and ran out to the barn. While Zoe was waiting for her mom to come out, she decided to do all the chores. Then she heard footsteps from behind her. Zoe looked back to see her mom walking towards her. So Zoe quickly pulled out her phone and hit the record button. Then she slid it back into her pocket. Zoe’s mom said “How do you feel about me and your dad getting married?” Zoe said “I don’t know.” Zoe’s mom said “Well I hope you feel terrible! I want you to cry every single night! Also I would not have even said yes, but I did to ruin your life! Haha. Bye LOSER!” Zoe put on an expression like she was sad, even though she was happier than ever on the inside. 

 Zoe’s mom then walked to the house. Zoe grabbed her phone, stopped recording, and then listened to it, and it was perfect! It had word for word on there! Zoe then ran back inside and shouted “DAD,COME HERE!!!” Mr. Mark came out, then Zoe pulled out her phone from her pocket, and hit play. Mr. Mark heard every single thing her mom said. Zoe’s mom’s face turned bright red. Mr. Mark said “Zoe please go to your room for a little bit.” Zoe said “Ok dad.” So she did, she shut her door and heard the loud screaming still. About 1 hour later Zoe came out of her room, Mr. Mark said “Sorry I didn’t believe you honey. And don’t listen when I called you annoying. I was just upset because my friend stopped being my friend, but now I realized why would I need a wife, or a friend when I have an amazing daughter!”

Zoe then said “Thanks dad!” Mr. Mark said “Don’t thank me! I’m just spitting out facts! Also thank you Zoe for AGAIN showing me how much of a terrible woman she is. Well, we're divorced now!” Zoe said “ Oh and I also did all of the chores.” Mr. Mark said “Who I really do have a golden daughter. I know exactly how I’m gonna repay you!” Zoe said “What?” Mr. Mark said “Well first thing is get working with Pegasus!” Zoe said “Thanks Dad!” Mr. Mark said “Also ... .um…I guess a NEW PHONE!” 

 Zoe said “OMG!! Thanks DAD!!!” Zoe then hugged her dad as tight as she could. Zoe knew her dad did love her a lot!, because he would never ever! Get someone a phone. So Zoe was really happy. They spent the rest of the day and night making things together, and spending time with each other

                                           Chapter 5: Good Rides And Bad Rides

Zoe went out 1 month later after her parents divorce. In that 1 month she trained Pegasus to put on a halter, lead, lunge, and get tacked up. She also has been going to school, and making new friends. Her bff’s name was cape. It is a little strange, but she is nice. Cape was a horse girl too, but didn’t plan on becoming a race horse girl. Capes dream job was becoming a professional cross country rider. Cape has never been in an actual cross country event, but she has been training for 3 years now, and today was her first event, so of course Zoe is going to  see it. Cape was coming over for the day, because her cross country event wasn’t till 3pm. 

Cape boarded her horse at Zoe’s farm, so it was pretty nice, but Cape didn’t always come there, because her family pays them to clean his stall and take care of him. Cape came out to the barn to look at her beautiful dapple gray. It was a gelding standing at 16.2 hands high. He was like out of a magazine!, but it doesn't matter how pretty your horse is in cross country, that's how hunters are, but Cape doesn’t want to do hunters. Cape said “So Zoe, aren't you getting on Pegasus for the first time ever today?” 

Zoe said “Yep! And I’m scared!” Cape said “I would be to, but I’m a scaredy cat! You are much more brave than me! Like what do you have to be scared of!?” Zoe said “Me getting on him, and then he bucks me off!” Cape said “don’t worry! Pegasus trusts you! Remember he’s blind! Just trust him like he trusts you!” Zoe said “How do you know if he trusts me?” Cape said “He wouldn’t let you tack him up if he didn’t trust you! Or let you do anything with him.” Zoe said “I guess.” Cape said “Ok, now less talking and more riding!” So Zoe got out Pegasus and tacked him up. Pegasus was now 3 years old standing at 15.1 hands. Pegasus was smaller than a normal race horse, but if Seabiscuit could do it at his height, so could Pegasus. Zoe then finished, and took him out to the arena. Cape followed behind Zoe. 

Zoe got out there, and Cape closed the gait. Mr. Mark came out running after them. Zoe said “Is something wrong?” Mr. Mark said “No, I just wanted to see you get on for the first time.” Zoe said “Ok, but do you think I can do it dad?” Mr. Mark said “Of course sweetie! You can do anything if you put your mind to it! Now hop up on that beast!” Zoe said “DAD! He’s not a beast!” Zoe said “Um could one of you hold Pegasus?” Mr. Mark said “I will, I don’t want your friend hurt for her big day!” Cape said “Thanks.” So Mr. Mark went out into the arena, and held onto Pegasus bridle. Zoe put 1 foot in the stirrup, and threw her leg over. Pegasus didn’t even budge! Mr. Mark said “Put your other foot in the stirrup, and hold onto the reins! I’m going to get a picture!”

Zoe said “Ok dad!” So Zoe did. She felt very proud of herself, but even more proud of Pegasus. Until she wasn’t. Mr. Mark said “I’m going to video you on him.” Right when Mr. Mark put it on record, Pegasus took off at a gallop, bucking, kicking, rearing, and smashing into the fence! Mr. Mark said “ZOE HOLD ON!” Mr. Mark then ran out in the arena and when Pegasus was running by, Mr. Mark snatched his rein.Then Zoe got back sitting in the saddle. Cape rushed out into the arena and said “What happened!?” Zoe said “I thought he trusted me!? HUH!? Just another one of your STUPID lies!”

Zoe then hopped off Pegasus, and smashed into Cape, then ran inside crying. Mr. Mark said “I’m so sorry Cape, I don’t know why she's like this! I’m going to go talk to her! Do you mind just throwing him in his stall?” Cape said “No.” So Mr. Mark ran to the house while Cape put Pegasus back into his stall. Cape then went into her horses stall, Storm, Storm was her horses name. Cape sat down next to him and started crying. Mr. Mark went into Zoe’s room and said “Why did you do that to Cape?’’ Zoe said “I don’t know I just didn’t expect Pegasus to do that. So instead of taking my anger out on him, I took it out on her. I’m sorry dad.” Mr. Mark said “Don’t say sorry to me! I bet she would like a sorry!”

Zoe said “Yeah, I’ll go out now and tell her.” So Zoe got up and ran outside. Zoe didn’t see Cape anywhere so she yelled “CAPE! CAPE! WHERE ARE YOU!?” Cape said “Here.” Zoe looked in Storm’s stall and saw the tears dripping down her face. Zoe said “Sorry Cape I really am. I was just mad, and instead of taking my anger out on him, I took it out on you. Please forgive me, and if you don’t, I understand.” Cape said “I forgive you."

 Zoe said “I think I want to try again.” Cape said “Ok, also a little tip is when you went to turn your head you pulled on the reins really hard, and then he started to take off bucking, you will see it in the video.” Zoe said “Wow thanks Cape. This time I will really make sure to not pull on the reins.” Cape said “No you have to pull on them a little to ride him, but don’t pull on them hard.” Zoe said “Ok.” So Zoe pulled Pegasus out of his stall, and started to head into the arena. Cape closed the gait, and then said “I’ll record so we can show your dad, also remember not to pull on the reins hard!” Zoe said “Thanks, and got it! Here I go! 1, 2, ...... 3!” Zoe swung her leg up and over Pegasus. She was riding him! He was doing great, but she didn’t pull on the reins this time, well hard! 

Zoe reached down carefully, not letting her guard down, and petted Pegasus on the side of his neck. Cape said “Great now kick him very slightly in his side! Also make the clucking sounds!” Zoe carefully kicked Pegasus in his sides, and clucked. At first Pegasus was confused on what she wanted so he just picked his head up. Zoe decided to say go forward to him “Come on walk forward buddy.” Pegasus might be blind, but he isn’t death! Pegasus carefully moved his legs 1 by 1 forward. He walked a little ways then Zoe pulled back and said “Stop.” At the same time. Pegasus listened. Then he let out a sigh of relief.

Cape said “Great job Zoe!” Zoe said “I’ll do it again!” So Zoe said “Walk.” At the same time of kicking him in his sides lightly. Pegasus started to walk around the arena. Zoe said “Right.” While pulling on the right rein. Then she did the same thing, but turning left. After that she did the same thing but asked for the trot. He did it! Then Cape said “Ok I would stop there, you don’t want to push it!” Zoe said “Ok yeah I agree.” So Zoe hopped off of Pegasus and untacked him, then put him in his stall for the rest of the day. Cape said “Oh don’t forget the treats!” Zoe said “Oh yeah, I did forget because I’m so excited to show my dad! Also just because he did so well!” Cape said “Yeah he did!” So Zoe went and fed Pegasus his treats, then bolted to the house.”

Mr. Mark said “Woah! What's the rush?” Zoe said “Dad, look at the videos of me and Pegasus!” Mr. Mark said “So you went back out and rode him didn’t you?” Zoe said “Yes. Anyway, just look!” Zoe threw the phone at him, and said “Sorry for throwing the phone at you, I’m just excited! Also hit play!” Mr. Mark grabbed a hold of the phone, and hit play. He watched all of the different videos, then he said “Great job! I have a better video though!” Zoe looked confused, but watched the video anyway. Zoe said “Dad this isn’t funny! I could have gotten really hurt!” Mr. Mark said “I know, but you didn’t, so that's why it is super funny!” Cape started laughing. Zoe said “Since when have you been here?”