Serpentine Stables

The little people on either side of your head

VEERAS' POV.
I look at my mom as a smile slips over her face.
She hugs me, and cries, "This is wonderful news!"

My dad gets the pappers next, but his eyes burn with distaste.
He hands them back and wanders away.
My mom fills out the forms before I told her I want to go.

I thank her, and hug her.

She kisses me on the head, and tells me, "We will always be there for you."
Then, she hops onto her Phoenix and rides off with dad following in his blue dodge.

I smile, and my friend high fives me.

Geode looks up at me, and then into the distance.
He asks, "You think I could... get a saddle maybe?"

I raise my eyebrows, and comment, "Bud, I'd love too, but there aren't anything your size."

He growls, "Oh yah?"
He begins to drag me off to a small store I never noticed.

It has the appeal of a small town convenience store, but it's a lot different inside.
It's a tack shop for trainers.

Geode asks the clerk, "Any saddles for early stage Silent Hearns?"
He puts a basic saddle on the counter.
The buckles are sturdy brass, and the pommel glistens like an opal.

The moody clerk growls, "Complementary of the stables."
I take it, and we leave the shop.
We walk back to the room with the black saddle.
It's small, almost too small to be called a saddle.

In the room, I grab the saddle and take the leash off Geode.
I place it in the right spot according to the diagram.
Geode grunts with apprehension.
He moves his wings back, and I strap the saddle on.

He takes flight, the saddle not slowing him one bit.

I let him get used to it.

A knock on the door makes me jump a bit, and I go to the door.

I put the golden chain on the door, and peek out.
The secretary?

I close the door, and remove the chain.
She informs me, "The Chief of Police is here for you. Bring your stuff, Veera."

Geode helps me pack.

My heart is in a swirl of happiness and glee.
My brain is trying to realize I'm the only person who wants a visit from the Chief of Police, but it's also being a giddy school girl.

I swirl around, and my smile touches my ears.

Geode is also happy, but his expressions are hard to read.

In minutes, we're packed and ready to go.
We say goodbye to Coco, who wishes me luck.

I grab Geodes' leash last secound, and shut the door.
I hand in my keys and my ID.

I run over to the Chief.
His expression isn't a joyful one.

Not even close.
He snaps, "In the cruser. Now Veera!"

My head begins to spin in confusion, and we get in the cruser.

Then, I notice a box of Kleenex.
What happened?

He slams the door as he gets in, and begins to drive.

Geode asks, sniffing the Kleenex from my lap, "What are these for?"

The Chief of Police pulls over, and turns to face me.
What happens next breaks me in half.
Literally.