A Love brighter than the moon

Two hearts that meet by chance

The day was a totally a normal day. The blonde captain of the athletics team was preparing herself for a new day of hard training. She had finished training in the Royal Athletics Academy. The last words her coach said still rang in her ears. Every day she opened her e-mail, waiting for the big news to come.

So, as her daily habit, she opened her laptop. She started going through the mail with her usual eagerness. Then she saw a mail that had an e-mail address that she knew quite well. Her bright green eyes gave the letter a look of hope, fear and worry. She opened the letter and started reading slowly. Her eyes widening with every word she read.

Dear Sandy Rockwell

 This letter is sent to you after the analysis of your records in the time you spent in the Academy. An essential thing that we should do after seeing your remarkable talent is to consider the possibility that you join the Royal Athletic Team.

  However, we have to put you in a two month training period. The training will be at the Royal Athletics Team training camp. You will have full accommodations, and would have the same training that the rest of the team members had to see if you’re really fitting for the job.

    Your training starts next week. We expect you to be at the camp doors at 9:00 AM. Being late for that time will be considered as a full decline for the job. We really hope that you accept this offer. And we really anticipate that you’d be up to our expectations.

                Sincerely,

                          Helen Hasenov, captain of the Royal Athletic Team.

Sandy stared at the screen for a while in a state of total shock. She was still trying to comprehend the words written in front of her, convincing herself that this was solid reality. After she recovered from her astonishment, which took quite some time, she gave a loud cry of joy as she leaped a few feet from the ground. She flew to her best friend’s house in top speed, slamming the door open as usual. A scene that distracted her brunette, egghead friend Jenny, making her drop the stack of books she was holding in her hands.

“JENAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY.” Sandy yelled in a very enthusiastic way.

“Hey Sandy, what is it?” Jenny said as she picked up the books she had dropped.

“The Royal Team sent me an e-mail this morning.” Sandy said, still really excited.

“Well,” Jenny said, realizing the reason for Sandy’s excitement. She knew too well how bad her friend was longing for this opportunity. “What was in it?”

“They sent me a joining offer.”

“REALLY?”

“That's what the e-mail said. But I need to spend a two month training period before becoming an official member.”

“That’s wonderful. I'm really happy for you.”

“Thanks Jen.”

“So, when will you go?"

“They expect me to be there next week.”

“That's amazing. I must tell all the girls about this wonderful news.” Twilight said as she fetched her phone and started texting all her friend the same text.

“Meet me and Sandy in the café in an hour. We’ve got some news for you.” Jenny said as she was texting. “Aaaaaaaaand sent.”

“What's that all about?” Rainbow said.

“All the girls must know about the news, and you’re going to tell them yourself.” Jenny said.

An hour later, the whole pack was at The Sweet Apple Cafe. So, making long story short, Sandy briefed the girls about the big news and they were all excited for her. Some of them were, apparently, more excited than the others.  

Before anyone could realize it, the day of departure had come. All the girls came to say farewell to their friend before she left for her destination. As much as they were all excited for her, they were also a tad sad for her being away for such a long time.

“We’re going to really miss you darling.” Becky said in her usual dramatic way.

“Ya’ll do just fine.” Matelda Said. “Ya just go and show ‘em what ya’re made of.”

“Don't forget to text me okay. I’ll miss YAAAAA.” Olivia said in the middle of a hysterical crying.

“We all wish you the best, and will miss you greatly.” Winry said.

“Thank you guys,” Sandy said as she hugged all her friends. “I really appreciate it.”

“We all know you'll do your best.” Jenny said.

“I hope so. Well, I gotta go now. Don' wanna be late on my first day.”

They all gave Rainbow a big hug as she put on her bag on her back. And she ran to the train yelling her last goodbyes to her friends before the train leaved for its destination. The girls stood still for a while on the platform with a little smile which had the mixed feelings of excitement, sadness and hope for her to achieve what she wanted.

The thoughts in the blond head of the athletic girl were racing fast. She is already missing her friends. But she is as excited about this opportunity as a little girl in a candy shop. She just can't wait to fly side by side with her idols. Not just that, she would also fulfill her dream as an official member of the R.A.T. A dream she had since she started doing athletics. Before she even realized it, she was already at the station. After a short taxi drive she was already in front of the R.A.T headquarters. With Captain Helen Hasenov and the rest of the team members waiting for her.

“Right on time,” Helen said in her usual professional tone. “That’s a very good first impression.”

“Hey Helen,” Rainbow said, trying her best to look cool and not burst in a squeak of enthusiasm. “I just didn’t want you to think I declined your offer.”

“Well then, I welcome you for the second time Sandy Rockwell, this time in the R.A.T headquarters. We’re really pleased to see you here. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to the rest of the team.”

Helen led her to the rest of the team members, who were standing in a straight line.

“Randy Sweetwork.” Helen started. Randy replied with a simple nod. Rainbow did the same. And it was much the same for the rest as Helen continued. “John Browsworth, Mark Featherly, Michel Featherly, Selena Helsinki and Mary Jackson.”

“Well, I don’t mean to interrupt you.” Jenny said. “But where's Scott Barzen?”

“Barzen had a terrible accident which forced him to retire.” Helen explained. “And that's why we considered you as the finest person to take his place.”

“I'm really sorry to hear that.” Sandy said. “And I assure you that I won't let you down.”

“We're sure of that.” Helen said. “You should go and get some rest. The next training session will start in three hours.”

“Thanks Helen.” Sandy said as she headed to her room.

“Oh, and by the way.” Helen said, grabbing Sandy’s attention. “Inside the training, it’s Captain Hasenov. Got that, Rockwell.”

“Got it Captain.” Said Sandy before dismissing herself once more.

After having some sleep. Sadny woke up to the noise of her alarm. Slowly opening her eyes, she got out of her bed and took a quick shower. Then she opened the wardrobe to find her new R.A.T uniform waiting for her. She stood for a while, admiring the suit for a while before she took it in her hands. She gave out a few squeaks of excitement as she wore the uniform, still not really believing that she was wearing the uniform of her dreams. Then she went to the mirror hanging on the opposite wall. She stared in her image for a while. Still not believing what had happened in the past several hours.

“I can't believe it.” She said to herself. “My dream came true at last. Look at me. I'm wearing the outfit of the Royal Athletic Team. And going to run and train with them. This is AWESOME.”

She looked at the clock on her wall. “Well, this is it.” She said as she went through the door. She looked at the clear sky, took a deep breath of the fresh warm air. Then she ran off as fast as she could.

“Precise timing, as always.” Helen said to Sandy as she arrived.

“Well, I'm trying.” Sandy said with a little smile.

Helen gave Sandy a nod, then she yelled to the rest of the team. “Alright team. Gather up right now.”

The other members obeyed quickly. They stood straight in one line in front of the two girls. Sandy, astonished with how quick, precise, and disciplined the ponies were, joined with the others at the terminal left side of the line.

“Firstly, we would like to welcome new Rockwell to her first training session with a little warm up of 100 laps. READY. GO.”

They all started together in a single motion and started lapping the training course together with the same speed. Sandy, however, had some problems maintaining her speed to stay in the line. But she managed it at the twentieth lap. Even though she couldn’t get her legs to go as she always does, she felt really excited running with them that she didn't feel that the 100 laps finish and ran an extra half lap by mistake. Realizing that she was running alone, and after being called multiple times by Helen, she quickly joined the others with a little blush in her face.

The rest of the session passed like minutes for Sandy. They went on a few rounds on the rails. Then they started some acrobatic coordination exercises where Sandy made some mistakes. Which was acceptable by Helen as she knew that Sandy wasn't really familiar with the routine yet. Helen gave her a lot of advises, which came from her in the form of harsh commands. Sandy, with all the grace and dignity, took the advices by making faces to Helen from her back that let out some laughs from the rest of the team.

After the training, they headed to the cafeteria to dine. They talked about the routine. Some of them mentioned some suggestions of new tricks or to adjust the existing pattern. Sandy gave some comments and suggestions here and there. Some gained the laughing of the team with some jokes and little laughs. But one team member, Randy Sweetwork, gave Sandy a different look than the others. He gave her a look of strange attention, which flew directly over Sandy’s. After a short time, they all headed out to hit the hay and prepare for the next day.

Before going to her room, however, Sandy went for a walk under the moonlight. Which was a glamorous full moon that it completely illuminated the sky, completing the sweet sight with those little clouds that made it look like a beautiful painting. This night which reminded her of nights in her hometown made her thoughts drift to her friends. Even though she only left them for hours. She missed them very much. And she didn't know how she would complete the next couple of months without them. But her thoughts were cut by the sound of footsteps behind her.

“Sandy.” a sound said, making the blondie look over her head.

“Captain Hasenov!” Sandy exclaimed. “Hey.”

“We’re of duty, Helen is fine. Can I join you for a while?”  Sandy replied with a nod as Helen stood beside her.

“I thought you would be in your room by now, you made a huge effort today.”

“Nah, it was nothing. I make more effort in my usual training.”

“Well, that’s good to hear, because today was just a little warm up.”

“And I'm ready. No need to worry about that.” Sandy said with a little grin.

“That’s the spirit.”

The two girls walked for a while then Helen said. “Listen, I wanted to apologize for giving you a hard time at training.”

“No need, I made mistakes and I came here to learn. Also you did that with all the team.”

“Well, I just wanted you to know that I'm not always like that. And I want you to think of me as your friend. Not your captain.”

“Okay.” Rainbow said, feeling a bit relaxed, but she couldn’t relieve the anxiety that she was feeling.

“So, I was thinking about your suggestions at dinner.”

“It was just a silly suggestion.”

“No, I think it's brilliant. But won't it be difficult to make such a move?”

“Not if you adjust the jumping pad spring so it makes a 35 degree jump, with the right positioning of the jump it will be a piece of cake. It just needs a little precision.”

Helen started calculated the possibilities of what the little girl said. “Well, well. You're absolutely right. This is genius. A bit risky, but genius”

Sandy just looked at the ground as she scratched the back of her head. “It's just basic mechanics, nothing much.”

“I've seen your school reports. You aced in Mechanics and physics as well as pure Mathematics and Biology.”

“Who? Me? Nonononono, There must be a mistake. I'm only an athlete. I’m not an egghead.”

“But these reports came straight from your high school, this can't be........ Oh! Now I get it.”

“Get what?” Sandy said, raising her eyebrow.

“You don't want anybody to know about your grades so they don’t think of you as an egghead.”

“Okay, okay, you got me. But could you please not tell anybody else, please?”

“Don't worry, it’s going to be our little secret.”

“Thanks.” Sandy said as she gave a simple sight of relief. “Well, I must go sleep.”

“Me too, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I know. Well, Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Helen Said, then she turned once more. “Oh! One more thing.”

“What is it?”

“If you want to start making faces to me, don’t do it behind my back.”

“What the?”

“Did you think that I wouldn’t know?”

“Okay, you got me again. I’m really sorry captain” Sandy said, blushing.

“I’ll let you off this time.” Helen said as she departed from the girl.

A week had passed, every day was the same as the one before. Breakfast, then training, then lunch, then training, then dinner, then a good chatting with the team, then heading to bed, it was a single routine that each member of the R.A.T go through daily.

However, things had changed between Sandy and Randy. They started talking more. Spending some private time together and having long nice chats. Also they trained together more than once, which made him know the young blondie more.

One day after dinner. Randy decided to collect his courage, and went to Sandy and walked next to her.

“Hey Sandy, good job today.”

“Gee, thanks. You were awesome Randy, as always.”

“Thanks.”

A moment of awkward silence had passed and was cut out by Randy saying, “So, What you’ll you do now?”

“Nothing much, I'll just go for little walk as always.”

“Mind if I joined you?”

“No, not at all”

Randy nodded and stepped next to her, they started walking when he started speaking, trying his best to fill the moments of silence.

“I must really congratulate you on the new stunt you added to the routine.” Randy said. “It's brilliant and will give a great credit to the team.”

“Oh, stop it. It's nothing really.” Sandy said as she was trying to hide a blush. “You mastered it as if you were doing it your entire life.”

“Yeah, it needs some precision, but easy to handle.”

“Yeah, you're right.” Sandy said while looking in the sky.

“Whatcha thinking about?”

“I really miss the girls back there in my hometown.”

“You seem to be really close from the way to spoke about them to me, I mean, to us.”

“Well, they're really more than sisters to me. They're always there when I need help. We had the biggest of laughs. And we shared the greatest of adventures. We got together through the toughest moments as well as the best moments.”

"Yeah, I know that feeling."

“Did you also part from your friends?”

“I almost parted from them a couple of years ago. I had an accident which tore out the calf muscles of my right leg. The doctors said I might not be able to run again. It didn't bother me much that I wouldn't be able to run. As what really made me frustrated and miserable is the possibility of me parting away from this team.”

“Aha, so your friends are this team.”

“This team is my whole life. They’re basically my family.”

“And love.”

“What do you mean?” Randy said, looking confused.

“Well, I've noticed how close you and Helen are. So I thought there was something going on between you two.”

“What?” Randy said with a little giggle. “No, you got it all wrong.  Helen is my best friend. We have nothing but very strong friendship between us.”

“Oh!” Sandy said, mentally face palming herself. “I must have jumped into conclusions, sorry Randy.”

“Nah, it’s alright. A lot of people actually have the same thoughts when they see me and Hel, so we got used to it.”

“So you're not upset or something.”

“Nan, it’s cool.” Said Randy, remaining silent for a little bit. Then he said. “So, what about you? Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Nah,” Sandy said. “I'm not really into this whole romantic stuff.”

“So you've never had a lover before?”

“Well, of course not, I dated some guys back when I was in high school. All didn't up well.”

“Why?”

“Most of the guys I dated were scumbags. They only cared about being with me for their social image, and sometimes getting me to bed.”

“I see. And now you're free I suppose.”

“Yeah, I am.” She said with a strange look on her face. “Why are you asking me these questions anyway?”

“Nothing really? I just wanted to know more about my new teammate, that's all.”

“Okay. ~”

With this word the two athletes reached Sandy's room. They looked at each other's for a moment. They looked straight in each other’s eyes. They said nothing, like they were trying to read each other's minds.

“Well,” Said Sandy. “I think I should go.”

“Right.” Randy said, still looking into her eyes.

“Well. See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, Good night.”

“Good night.” Sandy said as she closed the door of her room.

She went to her room. And sat there for a while thinking about this Randy and that strange conversation they just had. A lot of things had occurred to her mind. But she still couldn't get to the obvious fact that he might have some feelings for her. Or maybe she knew but didn't want to think about it. She kept thinking until she got worn out and got driven to a good sleep.

Another couple of weeks had passed. Things had never been the same since that night when Randy and Sandy had their little chat. Randy tried a lot to get Sandy’s attention. Sandy, on the other hand, started to realize that Randy had feelings for her. She may not be the romantic type, but she is also not dumb. So, she decided to let everything take its course and not to rush anything.

The days had passed as Randy tried to get as close as possible to Sandy. She found it rather cute that he gave her that much attention. She also thought about how charming he was when he gave a wink or a compliment. Also how he got angry if any guy on the tame gave her more than a simple greeting. But these things made her resolve her own side or the relationship, and she had a good idea about how she was feeling about Randy.

Then, one night, everything had changed. The starting was at the time when Sandy was just having her usual chat with Helen after having dinner.

“So, don’t you think that you’re giving the guy a little bit of a hard time?” Helen said

“No I don’t.” Sandy said, giggling a little. “And I’ll keep it like this until he comes clean to me.”

“But, didn’t you tell me that you like him too?”

“I may have the hots for him. But it’s better if he comes to me.”

“I don't really get your point.”

“It's a matter of pride. If he really likes me, he should come and tell me straight to my face.”

“What if he didn't? You know how shy Randy is.”

She was right. Randy is one of the best in the team and had balls of steel when it comes to dangerous stunts. But when it comes to romance he is as shy as a little guy who was asking the crush of his life out for the first time ever.

“He just needs a little push that's all. I'm sure he will come eventually.”

“Umm. H-hey ladies.” Randy said as he passed in front of them.

“Hey Rands.” Helen Said and Sandy replied with a simple nod.

“C-can I speak to Sandy privately for a moment?” Randy said. With a face that had more red than brown in it.

“Why do you want to speak to her privately?” Helen said with a little grin.

“I just want to say something to her.” Randy said, his face turning violet with embarrassment.

“Sure, we'll talk later Sandy.” Helen said with a wink.

“Sure thing,” Sandy said. “Bye.”

“Bye.” Said Helen, then she stopped by her best friend to whispered in his ears. “Good luck, charmer.” Then she took her leave.

“So,” Said Sandy. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Well, I ah... I....” Randy said, trying to form words. But he was in an overdrive of thoughts. “Way to go, Mr. Smooth. You will make her think you’re an idiot.”

“You what?” Sandy said, trying to maintain a steady compose and not fall on the ground, rolling in laughter.

“We’ve known each other for about a month now, right?”

“Yeah, about a month. It was an awesome month.”

“Mmhm, and we had some fun times together.”

“That’s true. We’ve became really good friends in this time.”

“That’s true, but I err-“

“Come on, dude. You look like you’ve just got down from a 200 laps run.”

“I- I just don’t know how exactly to say this.”

“Then I’ll go until you get your mind straight.”

“No, please. I may not get this chance again.”

“I don’t get you.”

“Well, maybe the action will speak better than words.”

“What actions? You’re speaking weird stuff tonight.”

Randy then looked deep into her eyes, admiring those blue eyes of hers. He got closer to her face, so close they could feel the warmth of each other's breaths. They stayed in silence for a while, just swimming in each other's eyes. Then suddenly, Randy made his move and rushed with his lips into Sandy's with a deep kiss.

Sandy’s eyes stayed wide open for a while. She knew that he would attempt something to show her his affection. But she couldn’t predict such a bold move from such a shy personality. Nevertheless, she was happy that her guy came clear, even in such a strange way.  She eventually melted in the kiss, wrapped her arms around him. They stayed like that until their call for air overcame them. Then they slowly parted, still holding each other with both their arms.

“Well, I guess that was rude of me.”

Sandy giggled a bit and said. “Well, it was a very bold move.”

“So, what do you say?”

“Wasn’t it obvious?”

“I was just making sure.”

They shared a little giggle that turned into another deep kiss. Then they stayed on the ground, looking at the moon. They admired the beauty and the shine of it. They also looked at each other again deeply into each other's eyes.

“I was afraid that you'll never come.” Sandy said in a very soft voice.

“Well, you know how shy I am.”

“Too shy that I thought you didn’t like me.”

“Well, who said that I like you?”

“What?”

“I love you, Sandy.”

“Oh! You made my heart stop for a sec.”

Randy giggled and said. “I thought you weren’t into romantic stuff.”

“I’d be into anything for you, Randy.”

They looked again at the sky. The moon shone brighter than ever that night. Everything looked so beautiful right now. The stars looked as if they were celebrating this young couple's love. As if God had heard them and seen what happened and wanted to make the whole night the best night for them.

“Sandy?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you remember that night two weeks ago?”

“When you asked me if I'm free?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t forget it even if I wanted.”

“That night I was planning to confess my love to you. But I didn't have the courage. So, after you went to your room. I just kept cursing myself the whole night. But I realized that I really loved you. That wasn't just my imagination.”

“You know, I was afraid that you would be like the other jerks I used to date, that you wanted me only because of my looks. But now I’m sure that you’re the only guy that has seen the real me. I'm sure now that you're the one that I can open my heart to.”

“You don’t have to fear anymore.”

“I know, as long as I’m with you. I won’t fear a thing.”

Sandy rested her head on Randy’s chest. As he wrapped his arm around her and started stroking her golden hair. They stayed without a word, for they didn’t need words to speak. They both felt that they were born again. They felt like the whole universe has melted into nothing. They felt that the only existence was each other. They felt that as long as they had each other, nothing else in the world mattered.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I must come back and read. Remember write in paragraph. The story will scare people away with the length. Combine thoughts and activities together. Thank you for sharing the story. I like the characters and the storyline.
Coyote