Andy Squared by Jennifer Lavoie

walked around the field at a slow, easy pace. Andrew relaxed and let his thoughts wander to the calm, early winter evening. The sun moved closer to the horizon as they rode, casting a calming light over everything.
    When they were about midway through the field, Cobalt broke into a run and Andrew gently pulled Magpie back with the reins to watch Ryder and his horse make a circuit of the field. When his friend joined them again, he was laughing and patting the horse’s neck. His cheeks were flushed from the wind and his hair fell in messy strands around his face.
    â€œThat was amazing,” Andrew admitted, staring at him with wide eyes.
    â€œYou’ll learn. We’ll go slowly. Cobalt knows me, and I know him. That’s important.”
    â€œYou make it look so easy.”
    â€œIt is, really. Once you’ve done it a few times it’s not bad.” Pulling back lightly on the reins, Ryder stopped, and Andrew stopped next to him. “I think we’ll stop for today. Don’t want you to get sore in the saddle.”
    â€œI’m fine, really,” Andrew insisted.
    â€œTrust me. It feels okay now, but after you’ve ridden for a few hours, you won’t be saying that. Let’s head back to the barn. I’ll show you how to groom Magpie.”
    The pair took the ride back to the barn just as slow and easygoing as the one out to the field. They joked about different things: school, girls, and their friends. A few times Ryder would bring Cobalt close and their legs would press together between the horses. Andrew felt that same strange heat from before fill him. He looked around, sheepishly, sure his face was red. He hoped he’d be able to pass it off as an effect from the cold air.
    â€œYou feeling okay?” Ryder asked after a few minutes of silence. Andrew simply nodded.
    Riding out here like this with Ryder…it felt good. He couldn’t do something like this with Charlie. And Andrea would never go for it. It wasn’t enough excitement for her.
    Andrew was about to voice these thoughts when they spotted someone waving and running toward them along the fence. It was Ryder’s uncle. He shouted and gestured toward the other field, separated from the one they were in by a low fence made out of short posts and bars. Inside that field a horse ran with its lead rope dangling from the halter. They could just make out his uncle’s shouts as they drew closer.
    â€œDante broke lose again!”
    Ryder groaned. “Stay here,” he instructed.
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    â€œGoing to get the damn horse back. Come on, Cobalt.”
    Andrew watched as horse and rider wheeled in a tight circle and Cobalt took off straight for the fence. As they approached it, Andrew realized they were going to run right into it if they didn’t turn or slow down. He’s going to kill himself! He wanted to call out to Ryder to be careful but knew the wind would suck his words away unheard. He cringed, wondering what the damage would be, and watched in amazement when the pair effortlessly jumped the fence, landed on the other side, and kept going. Andrew couldn’t believe they’d made that jump! Heart racing, he pressed a hand against his chest. Ryder’s uncle wheezed when he reached Andrew, struggling to catch his breath.
    â€œThat boy is a daredevil, I’ll tell you. Him and that horse. They make a great pair, though, wouldn’t you say?”
    â€œYeah,” Andrew agreed, in awe. He kept his gaze on Ryder and watched as he and his horse caught up with the one loose. Ryder reached out, stretching his long body over Cobalt’s neck, and grabbed hold of the other horse’s lead. “He makes it look so easy.”
    â€œHe’s been riding since he was a boy, and he’s had that horse for I think close to five, six years now. I couldn’t say no when he wanted to bring him along. I know what it’s like to have to get rid of a