"Lena, who is she? Why do I feel like she bears a resemblance to your mom?"
"Nope, I think she kinda looks like your dad."
"There's a hint of your big brother in her eyes and brows."
These comments made Lena's expression turn sour. She didn't plan on revealing Josefina's identity when she brought her along today.
"Oh, come on, what are you all talking about? This is Josefina, and she's like a sister to me. I wanted you guys to meet her so we can all hang out together."
Lena beamed at Josefina. "Josie, these four are my best buds. You've met Sylvie before. That's Nola, the second daughter of the Terry family, and over there's Alma, the third daughter of the Donald family."
Sylvie had been quiet, but her eyes lit up when she saw Josefina, making a beeline straight for her. "Josefina, I didn't expect to see you here today."
At Sylvie's words, Nola and Alma exchanged glances. "Sylvie, you know her?"
Sylvie piped up. "She's the heroine I told you about. If it weren't for her, I'd have been toast."
Nola and Alma were taken aback, not expecting Josefina to be so skilled. Even so, their gazes toward Josefina were laced with disdain. In their eyes, Josefina's background didn't warrant her presence among them.
Lena quickly chimed in, "Let's go for a ride. It's not too hot yet, and we can still take a lap around."
Throughout, Josefina hadn't had a chance to get a word in. She couldn't be bothered to explain. Her main reason for coming today was to see what Lena was up to anyway.
Josefina, sporting a sunhat, headed out with the others to pick horses.
Lena approached Josefina, "Josie, you should ride this one. It's really gentle. Since you haven't ridden before, I'll have the coach guide you."
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