>>---- rachel.

[Rachel Cooper]

It was nearly noon when she had arrived at Starbucks. She'd come on foot, as usual. She noticed the vacant parking lot spots -- and found all of them empty. That was odd. Her scarlet ballet flats scuffed the cement sidewalk, as her pace increased. The eighteen-year-old was in quite a hurry, her mouth almost watering as the glass doors of Starbucks swung open every few seconds. Wafting out was the delicious scent of coffee beans, not to mention freshly baked pastries right out of the oven. This place was heaven for a girl like her, after a hard day of bareback. Bella was very enthusiastic, but wasn't so willing all the time to train. Rachel Cooper couldn't blame the 1/3 hanoverian 2/3 thoroughbred horse. Tomorrow would be a hard-earned day off. If you knew Rachel, you would know she was always working hard. But right now was just the time for a little caramel macchiato. Rachel tugged at the off-white lace trimmed around the ends of her bright top, letting her wide hazel eyes blink at the advertisement posters splashed across every inch of brick. She raised a neatly trimmed eyebrow in curiosity, as her eyes layed on a couple sitting on a bench outside the coffee shop. Rachel didn't know people sat on those these days, or used them for any purpose. But as the door swung up once more, she found herself almost running to it, forgetting about the bench and wrapping a pale hand across the brass door knob.

Rachel felt adrift, passing quite easily through the small crowd that had formed in the square of the room. Of course, with her height and figure, she could of as easily passed through the cell bars in prison. But she wasn't so tiny -- she liked to think. Fiddling with the cocktail ring on her finger, her gaze meeting the menu board above the cashier. A grande Caramel Macchiato, just like she wanted. There was nothing new today. Rachel's hand slipped through the back pocket of her dark-washed denim skinny jeans, wrapping two fingers around a ten-dollar bill and pulling it out. Now leaving the ring alone and fiddling the bill instead, she patiently waited for her turn in line. Then she stepped up, looked confidently at the cashier, and slammed the bill onto the marble counter top, where a 'tips' jar lay a few inches away, as well as those plastic containers holding baked goods in their depths.

"A Grande Caramel Macchiato, please. Two shots of espresso," the words rolled off her tongue with ease, as she had rehearsed them in her mind first. Rachel always silently reviewed to herself what she was about to blab next. Her voice was soft, but driven. The cashier gave a nod, swiped the twenty from the counter, and fed it to the register while he quickly grabbed a cup from behind, and poured the ordered drink inside. As soon as the steaming coffee was placed before her, she grasped it and swiftly turned around, her eyes scanning the room intensely. With luck, a booth in the corner, a glinting glass window at it's right, was free. She tucked a loose lock of auburn-brown hair behind her ear, revealing a small black stud in it's place.

She bounced on her toes, making her way oncemore throughout the crowd before coming at a stop before the table. She sat down, sinking into the seat. There wasen't anyone she knew at Maybell yet, or so she thought. Rachel didn't take the time to give herself a little 'tour' around the Academy and meet her fellow peers. But that was quite alright. Living in denial, of course. Blinking, she looked out the window on her right. Nice weather today, it seemed. The bright, cloud-free sky showing no promise at all of rain. She toke a small sip from the Starbucks cup, allowing the warmth from the hot liquid rushing down her throat spread throughout her body.

[ooc; outfit in closet.]

[jumpergurl78]

Brittany was neew here to the academy; much like most of the students would be- so she wasn't feeling to out of place; she walked along the narrow concrete sidewalk in her white with pink straped; abercrombie flip-flops; as they smacked against the arches of her feet with each stride she took. This morning she had quite the craving for Starbucks; so she knew there was one in town and she had to head down there. Starbucks was a treat she offered herself every now and again- it definetly was a daily thing to her like it was for some teens.

The young teen continuted down the sidewalk; with a warm breeze flowing over her shoudlers and pushing her hair back behind her. Her hair today; straightened. For the first time in a long time; she actually really liked how it had turned out though. It was easier to maintain this way; so she was debating on weather to style her hair this way more often. A small headband was placed in her hair at the top on her head to hold back her short side swept bangs. Large black sunglasses shaded her bright green eyes from the mid morning sun, which still hung high in the sky.

She wasn't even around the corner to the door of Starbucks; when her nostrils were filled with the undescribed sweet smell of roasted coffee beans and other sweet treats; and she'd always recognize that smell anywhere. Vanilla Frappuccino rang through her head as she kept her easy pace as she rounded the corner of the downtown block.She always chose vanilla over any other flavor; it was just her preference over other things. She placed her hand on the heavy glass door as some exited the small corner shop; the tiny bell rung as she stepped inside cafe.

Brittany stood a few people back in line as she stared blankly up over at the options of drinks and treats to order; her mind was already set on what she would order she just looked off to pass the time for a few moments. She adjusted the hem of her yellow striped with white; fitted tee around her waist- and pulled her sunglasses off and rested them on top of her head. She blinked a moment at the light change inside the small cafe.

She was wearing a pair of skinny legged jeans; that hugged tightly to her legs and cut off just below her ankle bone. It was finally her turn to order and she spoke clearly and made eye contact with the cashier; and spoke- Can I have a vanilla frappuccino please, she said with a sweet smile lit upon her face. He clearly stated the price of the cold coffee drink; and she pulled a five dollar bill from her pocket- Brittany didn't carry purses that often- then handed the bill over the counter. He rang the bill through the machine and passed back a dollar and some odd change. She quickly tucked it into her jeans again, and held her cell-phone in her hand.

She stepped over and out of the line while she waited her drink; seconds later he brought it over to her and she smiled and thanked him then turned around to the busling cafe and scanned the room with her green eyes for a small table or a booth to seat herself at. Brittany's eyes spotted a booth towards the back of the large room; with a brown haired girl sitting alone- she looked around her age and wondered if she wouldn't mind some compay- maybe she went to the academy too? She slipped her way through the hoards of people and walked to the back- and stood beside the table and smiled down at the girl; Hey- I'm Brittany; You don't mind if I join you, do you? she said sweetly, and waited for her answer before she'd sit down. With her free hand outstretched towards the girl.

[Rachel Cooper]

She had been bored throughout the week which she had first arrived in Maybell. Her brother was off doing who-know's-what, dad spending all his energy and time in his business, and so far she had not met a single person in this dodgy town. Which was weird, since she was really outgoing most of the time. So these days, all she had for company was Bella. Sad, really. Her gaze never left the reflective window, as she admired her reflection slightly. Tucking another strand of hair behind her ear, she was suddenly interrupted from her thoughts completely by a female's voice.

Her hazel pools suddenly lifted themselves from their gaze and met another's. Hmm, she hadn't seen her around before. Which wasn't a shock, she hadn't seen most people around here. But she looked familiar. She probably toke a glance at her around town or something. However briefly their previous meeting was, this girl looked friendly. The corners of her chapsticked lips turned upward and formed a smile. "Hello," she greeted her, her voice adrift. "Of course not, go ahead," she replied sincerely. .

Rachel pressed the rim of her cup to her lips and toke another sip from her Macchiato, then set it back down onto the table. She wasn't paying much attention, but that was rather rude, so she fully snapped all of her attention on the girl standing before her. "Um. I'm Rachel," she spoke once more, her legs swinging as they barely scuffed the marble floors beneath her. She felt embarrassed doing so, never having gotten over the fact she was so short for a girl her age. So instead, she placed one leg over the other, tapping her finger nails against the warm cup.

It toke her a long silence to realize she had to say something, tucking a lock behind her ear and watching the girl before her. Hopefully she wouldn't scare this girl away, like she did to everyone. Rachel had a knack for saying embarrassing truths, but that was what made her Rachel. Shifting her eyes to glance around the store, she smiled. "So um, are you new around here?"

[jumpergurl78]

The young teen took a small sip for the rim of her cold iced coffee,as she waited momentarily for the girl to answer. Brittany had a small smile still lit upon her face;; as the girl spoke and introduced herself, It's nice to meet you. When she said that it was fine if she sat down; she nodded then pulled herself into the seat across from her, and adjusted the hem of her fitted tee around her waist wear it sat. Her green eyed gaze rested on the girl across from her; who was named Rachel. She was glad that she'd at least met one person.

Her drink sat on the table top in front of her; and with her small hands and unpolished fingernails- she picked up her cold vanilla drink, and brought it to her lips and took a long sip from it. It tasted so sweet; and so refreshing. As the girl asked her if she was new around here; she nodded and spoke- Yeah- I actually just got her a day or so ago- I'm liking it alot though; .. How 'bout you? She moved her long green eyed gaze to the table a second; before putting them back to Rachel- she hoped that these to would be able to be friends.

After a few more moments she decided to pick up a small conversation- and she asked; So I take it that you riding horses? she asked sweetly with a small smile. She figured most all of the girls here at Maybell rode- since is a largely populated equine community. Her on the hand; of course she rode. She'd even brought her mare; Avanti here to school with her. Her mare was her life; she made her whole- and they were like best friends.

So what grade are you in? she asked another time; to keep something going so there wouldn't be to many wierd ackward silences. Since the girl was young around her age or give or take a few years, it was obvious she probably went to the acadmey.

[Rachel Cooper]

rachel cooper ;

SHE FOUND A LONELY SOUND

She watched rather keenly as the girl sat down, uncrossing her legs as her eyes darted from Brittany to the window. But then she stopped admiring the weather, now that someone was actually trying to befriend her. "Same," she mumbled with a sincere smile. Tapping her fingernails on the carton cup oncemore, she listened as the girl spoke. "Oh, I guess it's ok. I haven't really given myself a tour yet.." she answered, with a small chuckle. She really didn't; so she wouldn't judge before she actually saw the place. However, the town wasen't so shabby as Rachel had thought. This place actually felt rather welcoming, now that she thought about it.

Humming slightly, she stopped once Brittany asked a question oncemore. With a small smile, she answered, "Yes, I do. It's a passion of mine," she answered, with a small nod. Rachel had been riding horses, been around them, since she was 12. It wasen't such a long time if you think about it, but for Rachel, it was. She had never stuck to anything for so long before. As the awkwardness melted away, Rachel started to feel rather comfterble around the girl sitting before her. She could see that in the future, they would be good friends. Or at least she hoped.

"I'm a senior. How 'bout you?" she responded, knowing that it would be impossible to believe. Judging her height, she would probably be considered a sophmore or so. Bu she was eighteen -- and grew rather annoyed when people thought otherwise and assumed so. However, she still wore a small on her face, wrapping a hand around her cup once more and taking another sip.

[jumpergurl78]

Brittany listened closely as Rachel spoke; she'd always been told she was a good listener and was good at helping people with their problems. As she said she also went to the academy and how she hadn't toured it yet; she nodded, and rested her eyes down on her cold frappuccino. She manuvered her fingers around the cup; and pulled it up and brought the cool drink to her lips and took a sip. The refreshing liquid rushing down her throat.

As Rachel answered that she rode horses to; and said it was a passion on hers, she knew they could become great friends. A bright smile came upon her face; I ride too; and that's exactley how it is with me. She was glad that she'd met someone who could appreciate horses as much as she did. Back at home; some kids rode- but they never got into it as much as Brittany had. Now did you bring your own horse? or are you going to lease one here? she asked, the thought lingering in her mind.

The girl sitting across from her; looked the same height as Brittany- herslef; she was only 5'3" ;; and the girl looked maybe a bit taller, or so. So the young blonde teen was presuming that her grade could be anywhere from sophmore to senior. Because Brittany herself was short and she was a junior. When Rachel told her she was a senior; she nodded with a smile and replied back with- I'm a junior this year. At least it was nice to meet some upperclassmen; she thought to herself for a moment. Brittany shifted her weight in her seat; and ran a few fingers through her; once in a lifetime striaght blonde hair. She was beginning to like her hair like this so much; she kept thinking she'd start doing this everyday now.

[Rachel Cooper]

Her face lit up somehow, as she heard the words ‘I ride too’. She didn’t know anybody around here rode horses, though there wore a fair few bit of stables and pastures. Rachel smiled faintly, drowning out the last few drops of coffee in her cup. She stood up, threw the cup into the garbage can in the corner, and came back, sinking into the warmth of the booth once more. “I brought my own horse, Bella,” she answered, the smile still etched onto her face completely. Bella had come a long way -- all the way from California to Montana. “How about you?” she asked in return, with a small nod.

Hearing she was a junior, she chuckled. You wouldn’t have believed it, she looked about her age. Shifting around in her seat, she started swinging her legs again. It was a habit. She blinked, snapping her full attention to Brittney, wondering what she should ask. Hmm. “So, where did you live before you came to Helena?” she asked curiously, then glanced to the door when the tiny silver bell rang once more, alerting Starbucks of a new customer. Sunshine poured in and she squinted slightly, placing her hands in her lap as she looked away and hummed a tune stuck in her head.

[jumpergurl78]

Brittany had her attention focused on Rachel;; as she twirling a small strand of blonde hair around her finger, then swiftly tucked it behind her left ear. She listened as the girl sitting before her answered that she'd had her own horse here too. Brittany still had a smile resting over her lips. She was so happy that she'd met someone who shared one of the same passions as she did.

When Rachel asked if the young blonde teen had brought her own horse or not, her smile grew. She never passed up the opprotunity to talk about her beloved horse. She nodded slightly; then responded with- Yeah; I brought my own horse too- Her name's Avanti. She moved her eyes to the window briefly as Rachel got up to throw out her empty drink. Brittany on the other hand still had about a fifth of her cool frappicino drink left. As Rachel returned;; Brittany rested her eyes back on the girl- and brought her attention back from day dreaming.

When Rachel came back; and asked Brittany where she lived before coming out here; she smoothly spoke- I used to live in Chicago, Illinois;; What about you? she said returning the question to her. After a few moments; Brittany tucked her left hand under her leg; and sat on her hand- it was just a silly little habit that she'd always done. Brittany decided to further their conversation about horses- obviously seeing that it was something that they both loved. She asked Rachel; So, whats Bella like? she asked sweetly- hoping that after she'd get the opprotunity to speak about Avanti- that horse was her pride and joy. She would spend almost every waking hour with her that she could get.

[Rachel Cooper]

Rachel fiddled with a piece of ripped off-white lace at the end of her top. Her style was very eccentric ; vintage, she prefered. All those stores such as Abercrombie, where everyone pretty much shopped at, just bored her. If you didn't know it by now, she stuck to being original. Watching Brittany curiously as she spoke, she softly smiled. Avanti. What a nice name. Chicago, she said? She had always wanted to there, regarding the windy weather. "California," she quickly said, forgetting that she had gone off daydreaming. "Santa Barbara," she added, with a nod. It had been a while since she thought about back home. Ah, she lived that place. With the beaches, and the pastures. This place definetly had better pastures, and stables, but one thing they lack is the beach. And as a true California girl, she can't help but miss the beach every now and then.

She blinked, a fragile sigh escaping her lips as she picked a piece of invisible lint off her top. Santa Barbara always brought memories of her mom. Even though she loved the place, there were too many memories lurking in each and every corner of the town.Tearing her mind away from her thoughts, she politely turned her attention back onto Brittany with a smile. "Oh, Bella?" her face lit up, and she stopped fiddling and let her hands fall onto the table. She tapped her fingernails and bit her lip. "She's my best friend, really," she smiled, knowing it sounded totally pathetic but she didn't mind. Rachel had gone through too much with Bella to speak of her as just another silly horse.

"What about Avanti?" she asked, her smile becoming brighter. It was funny how when she smiled, it rubbed off on people, making people smile in return. Everyone had that gift, probably, but Rachel was glad she was feeling elated. Her eyes darted to her watch, but she looked up at Brittany again. She would leave in a little bit, but she really wanted to talk with her new friend. Crossing her legs once more, she shifted in her seat and glanced out the window. The weather was still good. Maybe she'd go to the stables today with Andrew or something. She hadn't heard from him in a while.

[jumpergurl78]

Brittany sat there with her gaze upon Rachel's eyes;; making eye contact with her; She moved her vision from her to the window briefly just as a zooming car drove past on the busy downtown street. As she listened for a moment; of how Rachel said that she lived in California. She smiled and thought of her relatives- after rachel added another sentence she spoke; Ohh- awesome;; I have relatives that live out there. They Brittany's thoughts were of her relatives out there; and her two cousins- and how she barely ever saw them; except for at silly family reunions.

Brittany finished off the rest of her Vanilla drink; and played with the flimsy lid that rested over the cup. When she saw that Rachel wasn't about to speak or anything, the young blonde teen- took the opprotunity to get up and go throw her cup out. Brittany would probably get headed out soon- she need to go to her dorm; and meet her new roomates. She hoped though that her and Rachel would be able to hang out sometime again. Rachel seemed like a really nice girl;; and they had one amazing thing in common- horses. When she'd asked about Bella- she saw Rachel's face light up; and that only made her smile. She loved talk about horses; and she obviously could tell that the brunette did too.

As she told Brittany that Bella was her best friend; Brittany still kept her bright smile upon her face- she knew that exact feeling. She could tell Avanti anything- because she knew she couldn't spill her secrets or talk back to her- or say anything bad. And she knew that Avanti would always be there to listen to her no matter what.As she asked about Avanti; Brittany's eyes sparkled- she could tell her a whole novel about Avanti- but decided to save that for another time- and just give her the plain and simple run down of her for right now. Well; she's a seven year old, grey thoroughbred mare, and she's like a best friend to me too; she said smiling sweetly. Brittany adjusted the hem of her shirt around her waist; as she shifted in her seat. She then tucked a small blonde lock behind her ear and out of her eyes.

Brittany then scooted her self to the edge of the comfy starbucks booth; and looked over at Rachel; Well; It was really nice meeting you she said with a warm smile on her face; then added another sentence; But I've got to get going- I haven't even been to my dorm yet; .... But we should hang out again sometime soon; she spoke. About not being to her dorm was true; she had yet to even set foot in there. She'd been to the barn already- and not even her dorm; that must show the commitment she had to her lovely mare.