Chapter 3 (Lyla)

I miss Lexi. We’ve been best friends since we met, which would be about 8 years ago. Ever since we were paired together as partners in Sunday school, we are inseparable. Even as a 6 year old telling Lexi about Noah and the flood, I knew that no one would understand me better than her. Over the years, we’ve made so many dreams together. High school, college, and life on after, I knew Lexi would be in it. Except now one of her relatives died and she gets to live in a humongous mansion without me. Her relative was super rich and left a huge mansion to her parents in her will. Lexi’s parents decided that it would be best for them to sell their old home and move in because the mansion was paid off. Now all they have to pay are other bills like water and heat. This solution was much cheaper and more efficient. 
I pull out my phone to send Lexi a text, just as I slam the front door behind me. Truthfully, I now have to share a phone with my older sister, Sophie, now that we can’t afford two, but she doesn’t mind when I carry it around. Well at least she doesn’t say anything. Dad losing his job impacted all of us, but we’ve all tried to go about business as usual. Sophie never complains about anything and tries to be as helpful as possible. I know that’s what I should be like but sometimes she seems too perfect and it can get a little annoying. As I get my bike out of the garage Lexi answers hey! I miss you more than anything! The house is the biggest thing I’ve ever seen in my life and it feels so empty. Jamie hates it but Matt loves it. Idk about me yet. Text back!! 
I smile as I start pedaling. It always cheers me up to get a text from Lexi. I keep on biking until I get to my real home: the barn. Dad losing his job, maybe having to sell the house, Lexi moving, school being tough, it has all been too much for me and I’ve been escaping to the barn a lot. I’ve been around horses since I was 5 so when Dad told me we couldn't afford lessons anymore I almost lost it. I agreed with my coach to muck stalls, groom horses, and teach some lessons in exchange for hours in the saddle. Even though it takes about 30 minutes to get there with a bike, it means my parents won’t have to pay for gas. I’ve been a lot more fortunate. My 12 year old brother, Jason, had to quit soccer completely and he has no way of staying on the team. Soccer is his life and he’s been depressed ever since he had to quit. 
As I decide to start on the stalls first, I shoot a text back to Lexi. That sounds fun! Think of all the adventures we could have if I lived with you! Working, but call me later?  I decide she could use an update about my Dad, but realize there is nothing to say. Dad still has no job, and my family still acts like everything is fine. I wish I could be like my little brother, Luke. He’s 4 and oblivious of the world around him. All he cares about is being the center of attention and the next page in his coloring book. He doesn’t have to worry about mortgage, grades, or losing best friends. I wish life were still so simple.