Chapter 9 - Sold!

That evening, Libby went to her father to ask him about a pony one last time.  "I've already given you my answer, Libby," he told her.  "We'll talk about it when you're older and that's final."

Libby gave up.  She hoped to ride Ginger at least one more time before she was sold.  She promised herself that she would try not to think about that.  She would focus on her upcoming birthday party this weekend instead.  But still, daydreams and wishes for a pony of her own kept creeping into her thoughts.
 
 

It was Saturday.  Today was her birthday.  She was ten years old now.  It was funny, but being ten years old didn't feel any different than being nine.  She would have her riding lesson in the morning followed by her birthday party at the neighborhood clubhouse. 

Libby jumped out of the car and ran toward the barn to see if Ginger was still there so she could ride her in her lesson today.  She didn't see Ginger anywhere, but she was a few minutes early.  Perhaps she hadn't been brought in from the pasture yet.  She went into the office to ask Miss Lee. 

Miss Lee was doing some paper work and looked up when she saw Libby.  "Where's Ginger?" Libby asked.  "I was hoping to ride her again today."

"I know you were," she explained, "But Ginger Snap has been sold.  I'm sorry Libby."

Libby turned away to hide her disappointment.  Something didn't seem quite right.  Perhaps Miss Lee was just playing a little trick on her, and Ginger really hadn't been sold.  But as she turned around, she noticed the bulletin board on the wall.  The card with Ginger's picture on it had been marked "SOLD" with a red magic marker. 

It was true.  Libby was devastated.  She plopped down on the couch and began to cry.  "What a horrible way to start out a birthday," she thought
"Did you sell her to Monica?" she asked 

"No," replied Miss Lee.  "We sold her to another family.  Monica is not ready for her own pony.  She needs to learn more responsibility first."
"But how could that Ginger have been sold to another family already?"  Libby wondered.  There just hadn't been enough time.  Well, at least Monica didn't get her.  She couldn't hold back the tears.

Miss Lee tried to comfort her.  "Why don't you ride McCloud today, Libby?  He's a little spirited, but he's a wonderful jumper.  Your brother had a little trouble with him, but I'll bet you can handle him beautifully."
Libby choked back the tears and agreed.  "OK," she replied wiping the tears from her cheek.

She mounted up and went to join the others already waiting in the lesson paddock.  Her friends Christy and Amy were happy to see her, but they seemed unconcerned at her sadness about Ginger being sold.  They were more excited about her party that afternoon.

Lauren was there on Lady and was a little more sympathetic.  "It will be OK," she said trying to make Libby feel better.  But seeing Lauren on her very own pony only made Libby feel worse.

At least Monica wasn't adding to her pain.  Monica was riding Cracker-Jack today.  She tried her hardest to be pleasant.  "Happy birthday, Libby" she told her.  "Thanks" Libby replied, but she didn't feel very happy.  She was never going to see Ginger again.
 
 

The girls warmed up their horses and took them through their paces: walk, trot, and canter.  First in one direction, and then the next. Then Miss Lee had them practice their jumping position over a low pole.

McCloud was behaving himself that day, and he was a nice horse, but it just wasn't the same as riding Ginger.  On Ginger she felt like she could do anything, and she wasn't afraid at all.  But McCloud was such a nervous horse that he made Libby feel nervous too.  Libby felt like she had to always be on her guard in case he spooked.  She couldn't relax and enjoy herself the way she did on Ginger Snap.  It just wasn't the same, and it never would be. 

After the lesson was over, her friends waved good bye on their way home.  "See you in a little while, Libby!" they shouted from their cars as they pulled out of the stable driveway.

Libby's mom finally arrived to pick her up.  "Hurry Libby.  I'm running late.  There are still a few things to get ready before your party.  How was your riding lesson?"  Libby just stared out the window of their van.  She didn't even notice the strange grin in her mother's expression. 
 

go to Chapter 10  -  The Birthday Party