Bloodstone Read online

  At least not until I knew what to do next.

  Puzzle Piece 35:

  Horseback Riding

  Horses frighten me,

  I can’t sit on their saddle,

  I’d rather play drums,

  Then I’m in my element,

  It is all about control.

  The sound of my mobile phone ringing startled me from my slumber. The captivating tone of Ryder’s voice snapped me awake in an instant, sending a tingle of fear down my spine. He didn’t bother making conversation, and there were no apologies for his behaviour from the other day. In fact, he didn’t mention our last meeting. Instead, Ryder asked to speak to Jade. I glanced over at her sleeping form and was about to hang up when Jade stirred.

  ‘Who’s that?’ she mumbled, mouthing the words, her blurry eyes half shut.

  ‘Ryder,’ I whispered, wishing I hadn’t.

  She threw off her covers, jumped out of bed, and grabbed my phone in one swift movement.

  Anger bubbled up inside of me. I couldn’t believe her. Jade knew I’d just broken up with Ryder, and there she was talking to him like they were long-lost lovers. I shot her a nasty look, but she didn’t notice.

  Fuming, I tried to listen. It sounded like Ryder phoned to ask Jade out for the day. I thought for a minute about what the spirit had said and made my decision. There was no way I would abandon her to Ryder’s strange clutches, so I motioned to Jade that I wanted to come too. I wasn’t sure whether I could stomach seeing him again, but I had to find out what or who Ryder was. In my estimation, the only way to do that involved muscling in on his invitation too.

  Ilaria and Joselyn had already awakened and were busy getting dressed. Jade put the phone on speaker so I could hear. Kyle was coming too. At least that proposed one positive development amongst a bunch of negatives. Ryder sounded keen about going horseback riding. I felt apprehensive because the last time I’d gone riding, I’d sprained my ankle. A sprained ankle seemed nothing compared to the possible threat from Ryder in his worse form.

  The more I thought about the outing, the more I wasn’t about to let anything bad happen. For protection I would bring my red jade crystal. Leanne’s words flooded my brain: ‘It is the most passionate and stimulating of the Jade stones. It will urge you to go beyond your comfort zone, to be courageous.’ The red jade crystal would act as a confidence booster and would help me to get over my fear of horseback riding. I hoped the passion bit wouldn’t backfire and apply to Jade and Ryder!

  When the conversation was over, I packed my sleepover bag and hugged Ilaria and Joselyn. Jade crept back into bed and didn’t look like she was in a hurry to go anywhere. Typical Jade. One moment she talked, the next she slept, and then she woke up leapfrogging to the next potential boyfriend. Whatever she did or didn’t do, I had to go home, unpack, and get ready to meet Jade, Kyle, and Ryder. I said my goodbyes and ran all the way home.

  In no time I’d washed, changed into jeans, and pulled on my favourite tee-shirt. I even painted my nails with a two-toned black and white mosaic polish. Then it hit me, and I sat there wondering what I was doing. I never wore nail polish. I used the polish to doodle a black tattoo pattern on a piece of white scrap paper. My thoughts jostled around in my brain. Was I acting recklessly? Should I go? Would it be wise? I sighed, already knowing the answers to my questions. I had no choice now. I couldn’t leave Jade alone with Ryder.

  When I arrived at Jade’s house, she greeted me with a fresh face bursting with energy. Knowing Jade, she must have whizzed about like a mad thing to get ready in record time. She wore her burgundy riding pants, which clung to her skin like a spray tan. Her dark hair gleamed, tied up in a high ponytail. In comparison, I felt tired and washed out, and wondered how Jade always managed to perfect perfection. What was her secret? Maybe she wore a mask of skilfully applied make-up to hide her flaws.

  Unfortunately, Ryder and Kyle arrived late. It was a little after twelve o’clock before Ryder walked through the door closely followed by Kyle. They both looked flustered. ‘Hi, sorry we’re late, an unfortunate traffic jam held us up,’ apologised Ryder, as if nothing had happened, and everything was just as before.

  ‘Yeah, this old lady blocked the road. She stared at her steering wheel in total confusion like she’d forgotten how to drive her car,’ explained Kyle.

  ‘We thought we were going to be stuck there all day. Finally, one of the drivers did an awkward manoeuvre to shove past her. We managed to squeeze through a gap in the traffic and be on our way. Luckily nobody’s cars were damaged,’ said Ryder, shaking his head.

  ‘I wonder what she could have been thinking of? Perhaps she got old lady brain freeze or something,’ said Jade, laughing.

  ‘It was a case of temporary brain freeze. She came out of her confusion and pulled off after everyone overtook her,’ said Kyle, his face creasing with amusement.

  Ryder nodded. ‘We thought we would never get here.’

  ‘Well, I’m glad you made it, Ryder,’ replied Jade, glancing flirtatiously as she took a strand of her long, jet black hair, and twisted it through her fingertips.

  I choked on my spit. I wanted to smack Jade for acting this way, but that wasn’t possible. No such luck! The best I could hope for was to divert her attention elsewhere.

  ‘Jade, this is Ryder’s friend, Kyle,’ I said, watching her response.

  Jade merely glanced at Kyle. She played with her hair and managed a brief, disinterested, ‘Hi.’

  Jade pointed us toward the field where the horses were grazing but spent most of her time talking to Ryder as if he was the only person in her field of vision. ‘C’mon. Let’s go, shall we? Come and meet Oscar and the other horses, they’re all friendly.’

  I gulped. I followed, but my legs weren’t in happy horse mode.

  ‘You’ve ridden before, Ryder?’ Jade asked, her voice carrying as they walked ahead of Kyle and me. I kept my ear trained on their conversation.

  ‘Yeah, I used to go bareback riding as a child, although it’s been some time since I’ve been on a horse,’ Ryder replied, adding, ‘Kyle hasn’t been riding before. He’s nervous about it.’

  Jade turned around and glanced at us as if she’d forgotten that Kyle and I were following behind.

  ‘Sorry, guys. You’ll be fine. This way,’ she said, with a half-hearted smile. She led us toward a field of green grass and few trees.

  Jade whispered to Ryder, but I made out what she said. ‘Sounds like Amelina.’

  ‘What sounds like me?’ I asked.

  ‘Both you and Kyle are frightened of horses.’ I rolled my eyes and peeked under my eyelashes at Kyle.

  ‘No denying that. But I’m sure we’ll survive,’ answered Kyle shyly, catching my glance.

  ‘Hope you don’t fall off again, Amelina, like you did last time,’ said Jade as she stifled a giggle.

  ‘No way. I’ll be all right if I ride Oscar,’ I answered, feeling stressed and irritated by Jade’s lack of support. As usual, Jade seemed to be doing her best to make me look like an idiot.

  So much for the circle of trust! Why wasn’t it working? Had Ryder manipulated its power somehow?

  I reached into my pocket, feeling for the red jade crystal. I needed help, some way to anxiety proof myself from the growing fear that blossomed within me about falling off my horse. I observed Jade coyly glancing over at Ryder. Typical, I thought. The passion part was working for Jade and Ryder, and I was the one carrying the stone. This wasn’t good news. I noticed how Jade’s eyes lingered on Ryder’s rippling muscles enclosed in his signature tight black tee-shirt and jeans. My anxiety increased with each step I took towards the field and the horses.

  Once there, Ryder made his way straight over to Oscar. His face lit up as he stroked the horse’s coat. ‘What a horse. He’s such a handsome devil. I have to ride him, Jade.’

  I knew from experience there was no way to resist his charms when he spoke with such a compelling voice. My heart sank. I knew Jade would give in and sure enough;
she buckled. Jade turned toward me with a determined expression on her face. ‘Hope you don’t mind, Amelina. It would be best if Ryder rode Oscar. You should try Otto.’

  I felt my face warming, but it wasn’t a mild heat. In fact, my anger exploded into a full-scale irritation. ‘You know I prefer to ride Oscar, Jade; I feel more comfortable with him.’

  ‘Change is good, Amelina. Otto’s gentle too.’

  ‘Don’t you remember that I fell off Otto last time?’

  ‘That’s because you didn’t handle him right. He’s as gentle as can be. Much more considerate than most humans I know.’

  I realised from the expression on Jade’s face that she wasn’t about to change her mind, not without a battle.

  Jade adopted a nostalgic expression and said, ‘Horses are such majestic animals, so proud and powerful.’

  I watched Ryder’s look of undisguised admiration for Jade blossom on his face. An unpleasant stirring of fear stabbed at my heart.

  ‘Which horse shall I ride, Jade?’ asked Kyle, breaking the tension.

  ‘Share Otto with Amelina, he’s a treasure,’ said Jade distractedly. She flashed a conspiratorial smile at Ryder.

  ‘How can we share him, Jade? Shall I ride side saddle and Kyle ride behind me?’ My irritation continued rising.

  ‘Sounds fun,’ said Jade with a giggle.

  ‘We’ll take turns. Otto looks quite high-spirited. Are you sure it’s a good idea?’ asked Kyle, his face paling with anxiety.

  ‘He’s a darling, don’t worry,’ replied Jade unconvincingly, her eyes locked on Ryder.

  ‘We’re all going to ride together, aren’t we?’ I asked, my voice squeaking with a high-pitched anxiety I couldn’t hide.

  ‘We’ll see,’ said Jade. ‘It might be better if Ryder and I go off together, as we’re more experienced.’ Jade smiled a wicked grin, and Ryder smirked, taking in her words and implied meaning.

  I didn’t want Jade to go off with Ryder alone, but what could I do? Jade wasn’t about to believe anything I said. There was no point wasting my words. Instead, I called on the power of the crystal to protect us. But it didn’t seem to work as it should. I couldn’t feel it glowing as strongly in my pocket. Something dampened down the power of the crystal. I knew it was Ryder’s influence.

  Jade chose her favourite horse, Maximillian, a black beauty with a gleaming coat. Jade and Ryder saddled up without mishap. Her horse had a dignified air about him, and one glance at him told me all I needed to know. Maximillian only allowed the best riders to grace his saddle. Oscar carried Ryder with a practiced grace all his own.

  The pair started off at a canter, but after a short while, Jade set Maximillian at a gallop. Ryder struggled at first but somehow kept up. Kyle and I stood next to Otto chatting, but neither of us made a move to mount him. Soon Jade and Ryder were specks in the distance, and Kyle and Otto were my only company.

  We struggled to get Otto to move from his spot in the field. The horse balked and wouldn’t budge. Kyle grabbed his harness and pulled, but he kept on objecting to everything we suggested with a sharp neigh of retort. Finally, Kyle saddled him and swung up into the saddle. He coaxed Otto into a short canter, but the horse wanted nothing to do with it. Kyle dismounted gingerly. He brushed off his trousers and said, ‘I hope you don’t mind me slagging off your friend, but I think Jade should have stayed and helped us.’

  ‘Yeah, she shouldn’t have gone off like that,’ I said.

  ‘Are you okay, Amelina, you seem on edge?’ asked Kyle, looking concerned.

  ‘Ryder makes me nervous,’ I answered.

  ‘I heard things didn’t go well the last time you met up?’ said Kyle.

  ‘No, they didn’t; in fact, he, um… spooked me. I’m surprised he told you.’

  ‘Spooked? It’s that black, green eye thing. It makes him seem kind of creepy sometimes!’ replied Kyle.

  ‘Perhaps,’ I replied, not wanting to say any more. ‘Horses aren’t my favourite way to travel!’ I turned and watched Otto grazing in the field.

  ‘I prefer to have my two feet planted on the ground, Amelina. Besides, I don’t believe Otto is as gentle as Jade said.’

  ‘No, he’s a temperamental beast. I don’t think horseback riding’s my thing either.’ Otto decided to agree with me and pronounced his verdict with a loud whinny.

  Kyle laughed. ‘See, even Otto agrees we’re one horseback riding fail! I’m more into music, and so are you. I’ve heard your YouTube video and all about your amazing live drumming.’

  ‘Oh, right. Did Ryder say that?’

  ‘Yep.’

  I frowned. ‘I’m a much better drummer than horseback rider, that’s for sure.’ We both laughed at the same time.

  ‘It would be amazing to hear you play, Amelina.’

  I was touched by Kyle’s compliment. ‘Great. My drum kit’s over in the shed. Let’s go.’

  ‘Sounds good. Let’s return Otto’s gear to the horse shed.’

  ‘Fantastic idea,’ I said with a relieved laugh. After unsaddling Otto and returning him to his paddock, I led the way to the shed. Kyle put the gear away, and I set up my drum kit and picked up my drumsticks.

  Kyle looked thoughtful. ‘What an awesome kit. I wish I’d had the chance to play the drums.’

  ‘Here’s your chance! You’re more than welcome to have a go after I play Rock Crystal.’ I perched on the edge of my chair, ready to play. I felt more comfortable than I had around the horses. I warmed up and then I thrashed those drums, taking out my frustration and fear for my friend’s wellbeing on my poor, unfortunate, drum kit. After I played Rock Crystal the first time, I took a deep breath and played the song once more. The second time, my playing became calmer and not so angst-filled. Finished, I handed the sticks over to Kyle.

  ‘That was crazy, Amelina.’ Kyle picked up the sticks but paused, unsure of what to do next.

  ‘Kyle, just let the rhythm flow out of you, uninterrupted. It’s easy, much easier than riding a horse!’ I grinned a smile of encouragement, knowing once he played he wouldn’t want to stop.

  Kyle smiled back and followed my advice. As he began to play, a lovely, charismatic smile lit up his face. At that moment, I knew Kyle seemed a perfect choice for a best friend.

  I glanced at the clock. It was now a good half an hour since I’d last seen Jade and Ryder. I hoped that they would return soon. With each passing moment, I feared for Jade’s wellbeing. I couldn’t shake this uneasy feeling, and it plagued me. A queasy anxiety settled in my stomach. My uncertainty grew with each passing moment. The ticking clock grew louder, echoing until I almost didn’t hear the sound of their approaching steps.

  The door opened, and in walked Jade and Ryder, both of them appearing like two models for the outdoorsy, windswept catalogue. Jade’s skin glowed, making her seem even more lovely than usual. Her eyes sparkled, and Ryder’s gaze fixed on her in an admiring way. I didn’t like this turn of events one bit. Jade was preparing to cross a dangerous line, and she didn’t even know it.

  ‘Jade’s such a gifted rider. You can see Maximillian adores being ridden by her,’ enthused Ryder.

  Then as an afterthought, he said, ‘Sorry we left you behind. We got carried away. But I’m glad you and Kyle got to know each other better.’

  I glanced sharply at Ryder’s profile. What a strange remark to make. Once again, I received the clear message that Ryder was pushing me to spend more time with Kyle. Being with Kyle was more preferable to being alone with him. Ryder had moved on to his next unsuspecting female, his next potential conquest, Jade. My fear grew that she would fall under his spell more than I had, and where that would lead, I didn’t want to imagine.

  ‘That’s okay,’ I replied, trying to act casual, shrugging my shoulders like I had not a care in the world. ‘Kyle’s great company. I’ve been showing him my drumming skills. He wanted to have a go.’

  ‘That’s great. Glad you enjoyed the music,’ replied Jade, oblivious to my upset. She only had eyes for Ryde
r.

  ‘Amelina’s incredible on the drums,’ said Kyle, trying his best to make me feel better.

  Ryder didn’t respond. Instead, he changed the topic of conversation. ‘Hey, you’ll never guess what happened. After Jade had dismounted, she tripped over a stone and hurt her leg.’

  ‘Oh, I hardly did a thing, Ryder; it was just a scrape,’ said Jade, blushing.

  ‘It was not,’ said Ryder, putting his arm around Jade. He pulled her towards him in a protective hug, all the while staring at me. His black eye seemed to grow darker, murkier, and more probing.

  I knew then Ryder exalted in playing games. It wasn’t nice, and it had evolved into a downright nasty scheme. Jade had only scraped her leg this time, but was it a warning or a threat? My fear escalated that he could do much worse next time. How could Jade be so easily led? Why hadn’t she listened to the spirit’s warning? It struck me that Joselyn had been right all along. A hint of cruelty lingered in his behaviour below the surface of his perfect good looks.

  Later, while the boys were preoccupied having a session on the drums, I confronted her. ‘What’s going on, Jade?’

  ‘What d’you mean?’

  ‘You and Ryder are cosy.’ I stood in front of her so she couldn’t get away and would have to answer my questions.

  ‘The two of us get on so well together. I’m sorry, Amelina, I know you liked him, but he just sees you as a friend.’

  ‘Come on Jade, you know I don’t like him that way anymore. He’s dangerous.’

  ‘Dangerous? It was just an innocent kiss, one that he regrets,’ said Jade.

  My face buckled under a layer of hurt. I couldn’t believe Ryder had spoken to Jade about the kiss. My anger flared. ‘Never mind the kiss; why don’t you listen, Jade? I’ve warned you that he isn’t to be trusted. When I was alone with him, I felt like I had no control over my body, like he manipulated me.’