DIFFERENT WORLDS

C.C.

~CHAPTER 8~

Louise had thought about not attending the dance. She didn’t feel like dancing or being social. And she especially didn’t want to see Kid. But Stephen had insisted, it was more of an obligation to attend than an invitation. They had to set an example, represent the bank well.

She sighed, realizing she wouldn’t be able to get out of it. She chose one of her least fancier party dresses. She realized she had come to hate frills and layers, funny she thought, she was changing so much.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror and was pleased. She hoped Stephen wouldn’t have any rude comments about her, seemed like all he did anymore was insult, try to make her question and doubt herself.

Well, he didn’t even comment good or bad regarding her appearance, in fact he barely acknowledged her. Engrossed in a conversation with his father regarding business. She sighed and tried to convince herself that it didn’t matter.

The family approached the church, the rude comments from Mrs. Richardson regarding the girls and their dresses and the plainness of the hall really irritated Louise. She wanted to ask her what she had expected to find when they got out her, if she didn’t like it out her....why not go back east..Mr. Richard’s could certainly find a job in Boston. It confused her that this family lived here and seemed to hate it.

Louise was aware of the appreciative looks she got from several of the men and boys at the dance. It made her feel better... so what if Stephen doesn’t notice, at least somebody does , she reassured herself.

She was not prepared as she noticed Kid and Hannah dancing. He was smiling and she was looking happy. Louise felt a slight tug on her heard. She wished he’d look at her like that again, he had on several occasions, during their riding lessons.

She really just wanted to leave however, she was quickly approached by Cody, she had met him once or twice when she was at the station.

“May I have the pleasure of this dance Miss Louise?” he tried to charm her.

She had to laugh at his attempt, trying to be so proper.

“Why sure Mr. Cody, I’d be honored.”

Stephen didn’t even notice, Louise was aware of his complete disregard for her. Though it didn’t hurt her, it did irritate her, how dare he, she thought.

After the waltz she thanked him and asked if he’d like some punch. He agreed and they approached the refreshment table. Louise noticed Kid pouring two glasses of punch. She wanted to turn back, not ready to confront him yet, but she was too late. Cody broke the silence “Hey Kid, look who I found”.

Kid turned from the punch bowl and saw Louise. She looked stunning and he stared for a long moment....

“Kid” Cody waved his hand in front of Kid’s face.

“Oh....Huh” he was embarrassed.

“Oh, hey Cody, Louise” he nodded to her. “You look lovely.” He tried to recover from his temporary loss of control.

She smiled and inwardly rejoiced at his reaction to her, so he isn’t really mad at me, just wish I knew what his problem was.“Kid, hope Hannah won’t mind if I steal you for at least one dance,” she said and grinned at him.

“Oh I’m sure she’d be happy to have a break” he responded.

“Fine, I’ll find you then,” she gazed directly at him.

Cody watched the exchange between the two, his curiosity peaked. What’s goin’ on with those two? He was going to ask the Kid when they got home.

Several men had asked Louise to dance and Stephen didn’t seem to care. He hadn’t even once asked her to dance, it irritated her.

She finally had a free moment and noticed Kid was free too.

She approached him and asked him to dance. Hannah was surprised....She wasn’t used to women asking men, either was Louise really.

Kid agreed and they moved on to the dance floor.

He placed his hand on her small waist and took her other hand in his free hand. His mama had taught him how to dance at a young age and he was extremely grateful for that; especially right at this moment.

Louise blushed as he looked into her eyes, she almost shuddered at the intensity she saw there. She felt like he could look directly into her heart and that he knew her feelings.

Just as she was going to say something Stephen tapped Kid on the shoulder. “Mind if a cut in my good man,” he interrupted rudely.

Confused, Kid backed away and Stephen quickly took Louise possessively into his arms.

Lou looked at Kid apologetically.

He wandered back to find Hannah. Wonder what that was all about? Kid had noticed Louise dance with just about every man at the dance and Stephen didn’t pay a bit of attention, but only seconds after their dance began he cut in. What’s that all about, he silently wondered.

Louise was obviously upset with him. “What was that Stephen?” she asked curtly. “You haven’t asked me to dance all night and then you rudely cut in while I’m dancing with Kid...we had just started.”

“Just realized I hadn’t asked you all night and I was feeling bad about it” he lied. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize you had just begun.”

Louise knew he was lying, she wasn’t going to let him get away with it. “That’s not true Stephen and you know it, what’s your problem?” she continued in an irritated tone.

“Not that I have to explain anything to you Louise....” he was speaking to her like she was a child “But that boy has feelings for you and I don’t like it.”

She was surprised, Stephen had never once shown any jealously at all. She often thought she could kiss another man right in front of him and he wouldn’t notice or care if he did. Why does he care bout Kid so much, she wondered.

“Don’t be ridiculous Stephen, we are just friends,” she tried to release herself from his embrace, feeling like she was suffocating.

He lowered his voice and spoke threateningly to her. “You are to stay away from him, do you understand me?” his tone telling her this was not a request but a requirement.

She was so angry with him. How dare he, she thought. He can’t control me like that.... but she quickly realized that soon they’d be married and he would have her under his control. Realizing she was going to have to agree with him to get out of his physical hold on her she glared at him “Yes sir.... I understand,” she answered.

“That’s my girl,” he let her loose and she left the dance.