Page 98 of Pride High 2: Orange

“You guys are so cool,” Silvia breathed, remembering how meaningful such things were to her.

She brought the gift back to Santa, who presented it to the girl. Silvia watched her hop off his lap and take it to a young couple who seemed anxious. They helped her unwrap the gift, the little girl jumping around in joy when seeing the doll. Silvia turned around to wipe at her eyes.

“I’m okay,” she said when Keisha noticed. “It brought back happy memories, that’s all.”

They returned to duty, remaining alert for the next wish, which didn’t leave much opportunity to socialize. Although they managed.

“I’m really glad you’re here,” Keisha said at one point.

“So am I,” Silvia said. And she felt it to her core. She almost wanted Keisha to challenge her again, to ask what she wanted out of life aside from merely surviving, because this might be it. She continued to help in any way she could. When the sun began to set, people returned to their homes and the farm grew quiet.

“That’s enough for today,” Keisha said as they stepped outside and stretched in the evening air. “The rest can wait. I need to tuck my baby in for the night.”

“I understand. I’m a teen mother too. I had triplets last fall.” Silvia felt confident about the joke, certain they weren’t about to tuck a human baby into bed. Mindy would have mentioned that to her ages ago. And yet…

“That’s such a relief,” Keisha said. “I normally don’t tell anyone because people can be so judgmental. Nobody at schools knows. The girl you saw singing earlier? That’s not my sister.”

“Oh!” Silvia said. “That’s… That’s so nice! I don’tactuallyhave kids of my own—”

“I know that, you dweeb,” Keisha said, pushing her playfully. “Neither do I.”

“You’re the worst,” Silvia said with a smile. “And for the record, I’ve never seen such a weird farm.” They were walking toward what sure looked like a stable, although she tried to contain herself, since it might only be for the reindeer. “I’m starting to think you don’t grow frozen peas here at all.”

Keisha smiled. “We have fields aplenty, believe me. My parents are full of ideas though. They’re both entrepreneurs. If you ask me, that’s the reason they had so many kids. Free labor to enact all their crazy schemes. Which is important, because most of those schemes don’t make money.”

Silvia’s pulse picked up as they reached the stable. As they went inside, the scent of hay filled her nose. Then she saw the rows of stalls, most of them with a muzzle sticking out.

“You have horses!” Silvia cried in delight. “I shouldn’t have stopped believing in Santa Claus.”

“Is this what you wished for?” Keisha asked with a smile.

“Every day of my life,” Silvia replied. And it was damn near the truth!

“Come meet Chestnut. It’s not the most original name, but I was a kid when I named her. It refers to—”

“The color of her coat,” Silvia said, gasping when she saw the reddish-brown mane, which hung over dark eyes filled with gentle intelligence. “Please tell me I can brush her.”

“Of course! We have to get her settled in for the night. She’s had a long day, running all those hayrides.” Keisha opened the door to the stall. “Come meet her first.”

Silvia’s face probably resembled Omar’s the first time he saw her boobs. And she didn’t care, because she definitely wanted to get her hands all over that noble beast.

“Do you have experience with horses?” Keisha asked before cooing softly and stroking Chestnut’s cheek.

“I took a few lessons when I was a kid.” She knew to stand at the horse’s side, instead of in front of it, which she did. Although it took all of her self-discipline to keep her hands to herself. “It’s very nice to meet you, Chestnut,” she said. “You’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.”

“Did you hear that? Silvia thinks you’re beautiful.”

The horse whinnied in response, nearly sending Silvia to her knees. “I love her,” she said. “I really do.”

Keisha smiled. “Would you like to touch her?”

“Yes!”

“Go ahead. Nice and slow.”

Silvia reached for the neck, wanting the run her fingers through the mane, until she saw Keisha tense.

“The shoulder is the best place to start,” she explained. “You’re still getting to know each other.”