P. E. R. A.

Recap: Since meeting Jesse and the other guys she went to camp every year hoping he would go to camp but he would never show. So every year she invited Michael to go.
Four years later

I sat on Jolly as my partner entered the heeler's box. Every year since I started high school we've been going to nationals and getting in the top three. Michael a guy I met at school in ninth grade team roped with me.

Once he was in the box I glanced at the steer then ahead and back at it. "Ready?" Senior year nationals I was bound to win it. I called it and once I had a chance I looped its head.

Michael looped its heels and pulled it tight. "3.2 for Summerville high."
I gave Michael a high five as we left the ring. "Let's just hope that no one scores better than us." He told me.

"Agree." I replied. "Look it's ERA cowboys." Michael told me. I turned and saw Kollin and Nick Sartain walking along the arena. "Right we're in Okc and I totally forgot." I mumbled. "Hey Michael wanna meet Kollin?" I asked him.

He looked at me like I was crazy. I rode over to the two. "Looks like camp paid off." I said behind them. They both turned around and saw me. "If it isn't Bailey Willingham. The one that prevented a blue massacre." Kollin said.

"So what did you think of our ride?" I asked him. "Did pretty good. I'd say." Then Michael came up behind me. "Oh this is my high school partner." I told him. "Nice to know your still in it." Kollin told me.

"All the way to pros." I told him. "Attention team ropers please come out to the center of the ring." "Would you hold my horse?" I asked getting off Jolly. "No problem." Kollin told me.

Michael and I went out to the center and stood waiting. Once all the teams were there they started with the awards. "It's an honor to have a young woman in our presence that we hope will continue her career." Dad was sitting somewhere in the audience watching. Two years ago he finally realized that I had nothing to do with bull riding so he was now supporting me.

"Bailey Willingham would you come up here please." I walked up onto the trailer used as the stage. "We know how hard you worked these past years and for that the people at 'Rope Like a Girl' got you new gear for when you start your pro touring." 'Oh my flipping gee this can't be happening.'

The look on my face said it all. I was shocked. "You may go stand by your partner now." The guy said. I stepped off the trailer with help and walked back over to Michael. "Good job girl." He whispered. My face continued to hold a smile.

"Now for the awards. In third place, Cleora High, Oklahoma. Second place, Lone Grove High, Texas. Finally first place." The guy paused for a moment. Everyone held their breath. "Summerville High, Georgia." I jumped to give Michael a huge hug then we made our way up to the makeshift stage.

"Congratulations for the win." He said as we were handed out buckles. Then we stood next to the saddle and took pictures. Once they were taken we stepped off. Each of us will have a saddle to remember this by. Michael carried the saddle out of the ring. I went to get my horse.

"Congrats girl on the win." Kollin told me. "Thanks." I said getting Jolly. I walked with my horse back to the trailer. Michael put both winning saddles in the trailer.

I took my tack off Jolly and put it away. It was almost noon so Michael went to get us lunch. I stayed back to take care of the horses. Jolly untied himself again as I was brushing Michael's horse. "Jolly this is not the place to untie yourself." I said trying to catch him. Finally I stopped and stood there.

Third person view

As Bailey stood waiting on her horse. Jolly wondered over to Kollin's truck. Jesse sat in the back seat playing on his phone. He was having to travel with his dad until he found a partner to rope with.

Jolly knew Jesse was in the truck. Jesse put his phone down and jumped when he saw the horse looking at him through the window. He got out and got ahold of the lead still attached to it halter.

"Now you look familiar from somewhere don't you?" He told the horse. "Who's are you?" He asked the horse. His dad came up just as he turned around.
Bailey's POV
I started walking in the direction my horse trotted off to. "Jolly." I called his name. "Where could that trouble maker be? Ever since I met Jesse four years ago he's been trouble." I told myself.

I saw Kollin and Nick talking to a guy holding Jolly. "Good grief." I mumbled as I approached. "Thanks for catching my...." I stopped in my tracks. There holding my horse was him.

"No problem." He said looking up. His eyes caught mine in a dead stare. I snapped out of the trance and thanked him for holding my horse. I walked Jolly back to the trailer and tied him back up making sure he couldn't pull it loose.

"Don't try anything Jolly." I told my horse. I got a brush and started brushing Michael's horse. Jolly nipped at my butt. "Jolly. I would rather have Dally than you right now." I told him.

Michael came back with lunch and we ate before loading the horses up and heading home. "Man your ran into an old friend?" Mi said. "Yup. And he grew into his looks." I told him. "Good luck is all I can say."