DIFFERENT WORLDS

C.C.

~CHAPTER 17~

Thursday Morning

Morning came much too soon and brought with it the feeling of dread again threatening to ruin their happiness. Not too much was communicated between the two. Each trying to keep their own fears and emotions in check.

They left Wesley, Lou looking back at the hotel silently storing the memories of the last three nights in her heart. She smiled as she replayed some of the images in her mind. Louise Jacobs, she had to laugh at herself, who’d have believed that you’d end up married to a cowboy!, she watched Kid who was a few feet in front of her, and loving every minute of it, she smiled.

It was a few hours later as they neared their destination. As they got to the outskirts of Sweetwater they met Stan and Bob as Kid had arranged the previous Sunday night, which now seemed a life time ago. They reluctantly parted, not much said between them; weary of Stan and Bob’s ears. Kid headed back to the station with Lightening in tow.

Louise had piled her purchases into the buckboard and after Kid helped her up watched him as he mounted Katy and took Lightening’s reins to head back to the station. She told herself she could handle this, come on Louise dig deep, it’s there, you know you can find the courage. As she saw his image disappear over the horizon she found it , for him, she thought, I’d do anything.

She unloaded her purchases and thanked the two men, grateful that they didn’t ask questions or pry. She rushed to the room to change out of her riding clothes. Reluctantly she dressed in one of her eastern style dresses and headed toward the bank. She felt awkward in her layers, she smiled at the irony. She realized she needed to see Stephen soon to calm her nerves, she needed to be sure that she didn’t have
“I just married Kid Jacobs” painted on her forehead. Not really sure how blind Stephen would have to be not to notice her happiness, happiness that had nothing to do with him. She prayed that she’d have the strength to pull off one more act, one more role she’d have to
play. And after that she thought with contentment, after that no more acts ever again. Just Louise..... Lou, she thought of Kid’s pet name for her; just Lou Jacobs, she sighed. If I can just pull this off she reminded herself.

Stephen pretended to have missed her greatly. She could see right through him, he however was not gifted with the same insight and didn’t notice anything different about her. She was grateful for his non-recognition, realizing that it had much more to do with his own selfishness then in her acting abilities.

The reunion only lasted a few moments, much to Louise’s relief. Stephen had to get back to work, she was tired and only wanted to get back to the room. She agreed to meet him in the hotel lobby for supper.

For now, she’d go back to her room and nap, dream and reminisce over the past few days.

Dinner that night was an uneventful affair. Stephen questioning her regarding her trip, but not really listening to the lies she replied with. His mind was on the Saturday, then finally the next Saturday when he would be an even richer man. He made an effort to look like he had been listening to her, but Louise could tell what his mind was on. She didn’t really care, she jabbered on, the lies becoming more and more
elaborate.

Immediately after dinner she excused herself saying she was tired from the traveling and headed to her room. Not looking forward to the evening alone. Funny she thought, I feel like he’s been by my side when I wake up my whole life, she sighed as she looked at the lonely bed.

Kid returned to the station, the boys relentless in their badgering him regarding his whereabouts over the last few days. None of them really surprised by his quietness on the subject. They were all used to his protectiveness regarding his private life. When they all first got to know each other most of them originally mistook him as aloof, but quickly realized he was fearlessly protective of his personal life. So
other than ribbing him, just trying to rile him up they didn’t really expect him to tell them.

Jimmy however was quiet, this peaked Rachel’s interest. He was usually the one giving the Kid the hardest time. She watched the two riders closely, trying to figure them out. She sighed to herself, Kid would come to her if and when he needed her advice. She didn’t make a habit of butting into their business. She watched with amusement as Kid calmly and patiently took their ribbings.

He politely excused himself after the meal and approached Rachel when the others were out of earshot. “Rachel” he addressed her quietly “please trust me, tomorrow you’ll know everything, but... tonight.... well I’ll be stayin’ in town tonight, be back before the sun’s up, I promise. I won’t neglect my chores” he addressed her worried look without her having to say anything.

“Okay Kid, I have to trust you know what you’re doin’, just hope you ain’t in any trouble” her voice telling him she was there for him if he needed her.

“I appreciate it Rachel, it ain’t nothin’ I can’t handle” and smiled at her.

Damn, I’d love to know what that boys up to, she thought, her brow furrowing as he left the bunkhouse.

Kid had not planned to go into town tonight, he thought he’d be able to sleep in the bunkhouse as he had forever before the past Monday, but since he left her earlier today and after enduring the punishment from the other riders, he needed her, just to see her. To feel the comfort her presence brought to him.

She was surprised by the knock, Stephen had just completed his nightly ritual and beggin’ and being abruptly sent away. She was exasperated at his second attempt. “What is it now!?” she answered the knock rudely.

“Is that anyway to speak to your adoring husband” Kid whispered close to the door, realizing she thought he was Stephen.

She immediately swung the door open, flooded with relief. She hadn’t been entirely sure how she’d get through the night alone. He quickly shut the door behind him and was almost knocked off his feet as she threw herself into his arms.

“Oh Kid, I’m so glad to see you” she gushed.

Apologetically he looked at her “I tried Lou, I really did, but I just couldn’t stay at the station” he hugged her tightly. “I’ll leave even before it gets light, I just needed you.”

She smiled and wriggled from his embrace to look up at him. “Oh I’m so glad you came, I was feeling so lonely” she sighed. “Stephen’s been an absolute pest, doesn’t pay me a bit of attention, thankfully (she added to be certain Kid knew she didn’t care about that), but then as soon as I get up here, he comes knocking and begging. Honestly, men...." she looked at him teasingly.

“Oh no you don’t, you’d better not try and put me in the same category as that weasel” he bent low and kissed her neck “now Mrs. Jacobs, where was that we left off last night” his voice sending shivers down her spine.

She giggled with delight, ready to take up right where they and ended last night.

Kid kissed her tenderly before leaving just before dawn. “I’ll see you in a few hours, trust me” his eyes twinkling, “Teaspoon and Rachel will help us figure out the right thing to do. We can handle this, I love you” and he was gone before nosy eyes had time to wake.