Halloween Rodeo

Warm days had fled and the crisp autumn temperatures brought colored leaves and chilly mornings. Carved pumpkins, scary decorations, and fall colors were put out adding a splash of life and fun to the brown yards around town. Teri and Rodrigo were excited for the upcoming Halloween festivities and had spent hours working on their costumes. Well, mostly Teri’s costume as it required the most work to bring together. Every weekend and some weekdays for the last month had been spent working hard on their costumes. They finished everything up the day before Halloween and were ecstatic about going to school to show off their hard work. Teri had turned her wheelchair into a raging rodeo bull complete with some stuffed pants and cowboy boots down each side to make it look like she was riding the bull. Rodrigo had dressed as a rodeo clown so they could be a matching pair. Halloween day they rode together to school, both chatting excitedly about their outfits and all the fun-filled activities their teacher and the school had planned for the day.

When they arrived, Landrom, the big bully, instantly began criticizing their costumes. Pointing at Teri, he cackled, “You riding a bull! Like that will ever happen!”

Teri came right back with, “You an Iron Man, like that would ever happen!”

Landrom opened his mouth to retort, but he had nothing. He turned his attention to Rodrigo instead, “Ha, you are a big clown that fits you perfectly. You should wear that everyday!”

Others standing around snickered at the comment, giving Landrom a boost of confidence. He was about to snap out another insult when Rodrigo quipped, “Heck yeah, I’d represent a rodeo clown any day. They are the bravest ones at the rodeo. They intentionally go out and try to lure the bulls to them, keeping the riders safe. And, they help make everyone happy.”

Landrom trying to keep the upper hand mumbled as he walked off, “Clowns are stupid.”

Teri and Rodrigo had a blast with all the fun activities at school. The day was even better knowing that Teri had permission to go to Rodrigo’s after school to play then go trick-or-treating with him.

She waited outside while he ran into the house to let his mom know they were home and to grab a few snacks. Then they hurried out to their favorite spot to play. The old barn was filled with magical moments and adventures, and they were sure today would be no exception. As they rushed in the door a beam of sunlight crossed their eyes; to their surprise, instead of walking into the normal barn with wooden walls and old broken down animal stalls filled with aged hay, they found themselves in a rodeo arena.

A bright sun beat down on them, the heat causing droplets of sweat to roll down their faces. Rodrigo stood in the arena next to a large barrel, the energy from the crowd pulsing through him. He heard the speakers crackle slightly all around then a loud voice announced, “Ladies and gentlemen we are in for a treat tonight! Terrific Teri is getting set up in the chute and man does she put on a show! Speaking of putting on a show, she drew Show Stopper tonight and I heard he was already in an ornery mood. Let’s hope he doesn’t ring true to his name.”

Rodrigo’s heart started to pound hard; he looked around spotting Teri getting set up in the chute. “Oh my, oh my,” he repeated in his mind, along with sending out prayer after prayer that she would be fine.

Teri realized she was moving about on a large animal with coarse black hair, and it did not seem pleased to have her on its back. She looked around and saw she was surrounded by a metal fence with several cowboys standing on the outside of it asking if she was ready to go.

Her eyes bulged big, her heart began racing, and her breathing was short and unsteady. One of the cowboys put his hand on her back saying, “You got this Teri take a deep breath, keep your arm up, and go show them what you can do!”

She followed his advice and took a few deep breaths, her nostrils filled with the smell of sweat, dust, and manure.

The announcer was talking again, “Looks like she is having a little trouble getting set up in there. Let’s all give a big shout to show our support.”

The already excited crowd burst into applause and wild shouts.

“Oh I think we can do better than that folks. Hey, Rodrigo, let's see if you can help motivate them.”

Rodrigo recognized his que and pulled out some handkerchiefs, putting one in each hand he began to flap them up and down as he turned in a circle to include everyone. As he did the crowd began to grow louder and louder until a thunderous cry could be heard a few blocks away.

The cowboy that helped Teri to relax asked again if she was ready, she took one more deep breath before raising her free hand and nodding yes.

“That is more like it folks, and it looks like you helped out. She seems to be ready to go.... yes there's the official nod.” The announcer cried out.

Suddenly, the chute swung open and the bull stormed out bucking and twisting every which way. Teri felt like a rag doll getting tossed and flung about.

“You can bet this will be the longest 8 seconds of her life, at least she hopes it will be a full 8. Boy oh boy Show Stopper is taking her on a crazy ride.”

Rodrigo watched in amazed horror expecting Teri to be thrown off at any moment. He mentally prepared himself as he moved away from the little protection the barrel offered and closer to the bull so he could get and keep his attention if Teri did fly off. Staring at the massive beast of pure muscle with his horns thrashing about and his hooves pounding the ground, the only thing that kept him from rushing for the fence and safety on the other side was the thought of being there to help Teri.

Time seemed to stand still for Teri despite the fact that everything was spinning and a great blur. The urge to puke washed over her and some of the nasty bile started up her throat; she forced it down telling herself, “You can do this!” The bull seemed to hear her thoughts and objected as he began bucking and twisting harder than ever.

“Wow-wee folks Show Stopper found a boost of energy, but Teri is holding strong, just a few seconds left, can she do it?” The announcer roared.

Rodrigo and Teri were both startled and relieved when they heard a loud horn blast across the arena indicating she had made it the full 8 seconds. Two cowboys rode up on either side of the bull, one reached over and released the flank strap while the other helped Teri free her hand and pulled her to his horse. Teri couldn’t believe she had done it, she was full of adrenaline, taking off her hat she threw it hard howling like a wolf during a full moon as she did. The crowds were on their feet, yells of excitement and rumbling applause reached Teri’s ears making her smile widen even more.

Rodrigo was ecstatic jumping, shouting, and pumping his fists in the air when he realized the bull was charging right for him. He made a beeline for his barrel and jumped inside just in time.

The announcer thundered out, “Looks like Show Stopper still wants to put on a show for us. Watch out Rodrigo!”

Rodrigo kept all his limbs tucked inside pushing his back against the padding as he felt himself fly through the air then get rolled over and over again. It might have been a fun ride if he was not terrified of the reason he was receiving it. Once he finally stopped moving physically his head still spun.

“Give us a sign you're ok in there Rodrigo. Looks like Show Stopper is heading out to take a break.”

Rodrigo stuck a hand out and the audience started to cheer.

“I did tell you all we were in for a treat tonight and that has certainly been true, this one is going in the books!” The announcer proclaimed as Rodrigo crawled out of the barrel. He was still spinning a little and decided to exaggerate it to give the crowd a laugh or two. He even pretended to trip over his barrel doing a nice summersault on the other side before coming up to bow. The people loved it, laughing and cheering while he pretended to stumble this way and that getting his barrel back in place.

The next rider was almost ready to go so he took a final bow and got into position to help if needed.

Rodrigo worked wonders and took a few hard hits from some bulls while he ran in to protect those who were thrown off. Teri sat on the sideline still shocked at her own ride and totally enthralled watching Rodrigo work his magic, both in protecting thrown riders and keeping the crowds rolling in laughter.

By the end of the rodeo they couldn’t decide if they were too exhausted to do anything more than fall into bed or if they were too excited to even fall asleep. A wave of fresh energy came as visions of their Halloween bags full of candy popped into their minds. The thought of trick-or-treating pushed them out of the barn door. One thing they knew for certain, as they headed off for loads of candy and frightening fun, the barn had not failed them on another fantastic adventure. They felt that they could face any obstacle now, and they could hardly wait to find out what amazing experience would be encountered next time they came to the magical barn.

For more adventures of Teri and Rodrigo check this story out.

To read about the start of their adventures together check this story out!