For every boy and girl who can’t believe in themselves I believe in you KB For my Steamboat family the real cowboys AK
Chapter One Ella glanced once again at the map then at the upcoming intersection The green street sign read BRIDLEMILE RD Dad she cried You’re supposed to turn here Ella’s dad yanked the steering wheel to the right and the car’s tires growled over the gravel Could have said something sooner he said You’re driving so fast I didn’t even see the turn coming Don’t critique my driving You’re eleven Ella felt a wave of hot anger starting in her chest and working its way up her neck This always happened when they argued It made all her limbs tense and her mouth said things she regretted later 1
I get to critique your driving when you get lost and make me two hours late for camp said Ella as they roared up the gravel road The car passed under a giant iron archway reading QUARTZ CREEK RANCH but she barely noticed it she was glaring at her dad who sat crouched over the steering wheel equally furious It wouldn’t have been a problem if you hadn’t taken so long to get ready at Uncle Nate’s house Dad said as they rolled through the gate which someone had left open for them Ella wanted to throw something This was sup posed to be her trip but now Dad was ruining it like he ruined everything when his temper got hold of him They’d driven out from California and stayed with her uncle in Boulder just so her dad could see the ranch himself in person before he left her there for six weeks He wanted to make sure it was safe and vermin-free or something like that Then they’d say good-bye there were no letters or phone calls allowed until she flew home at the end of camp It’s your fault it took me so long to get ready Ella said as a big ranch-style house sailed by on their right You were the one who made me take out and repack my entire suitcase 2
