IT'S ALWAYS BEEN YOU

C.C.

Chapter 4

They had gotten through that first night without any of the boys figuring out the truth behind their little walk that night several weeks ago. Though they found it harder and harder to pretend they were succeeding in keeping their relationship a secret. Every once in a while they managed a few moments alone around the station, but they'd usually end up telling Rachel or Teaspoon that they were running errands or something then they'd meet at "their" tree and get reacquainted. They were still only at the petting stage but for now it was all they needed. Kid loved holding her, smelling her, just knowing she belonged to him. He didn't care if nobody else knew it, all that mattered was that she knew it. Lou however still struggled with the attention Kid attracted in Sweetwater. She tried not to be jealous, she knew how deep Kid's feelings for her were, but it was just something she couldn't help. "Kid, when you go to other towns when you're on your runs, do girls fall all over you like they do here?" she asked one afternoon they had managed to sneak away. "Awe, come on Lou, let's not talk about it, you know I don't pay them no attention." "Come on Kid, I just need to know what my competition is" she retorted. "Lou," he leaned in close and spoke in a soft husky voice that succeeded in turning her inside out, "You know you ain't got no competition, you are the most beautiful girl in the world and all I need, I wouldn't chance losing you for nothin! Besides, I like you on your toes." He smiled his best smile and kissed the tip of her nose. She rewarded him with the soft sexy giggle she reserved just for him. "Seriously, how long do you think we'll need to pretend we aren't together Kid?" I know I can't flaunt you in front of the ladies of this town (God knows I'd love to!) But I'd sure like to be able to feel comfortable being with you and acting ourselves at the station. "I know Lou, I've been thinking about it a lot lately, I need to talk to Jimmy. I know you don't think it'll matter to him, but believe me if nothin else his pride'll be hurt. He may not be in love with you like I am, but he's gonna think maybe he did something wrong to lose you. Please give me a little more time and let me break it to 'em my way, okay?" "Alright", she sighed and fell back into his embrace. They spent a few more precious moments together before mounting and riding back to the station in different directions.

A few days later all the boys and Rachel headed into town for a shopping trip. Immediately upon dismounting Katy Kid was approached by Sarah Jenkins, dressed in a fancy pink dress with too many frills (Kid thought), her blonde hair hanging in ringlets clear down to her waist. "Well, hello Kid", she used what she considered her most enticing voice. Actually Kid found it to be very annoying, like fingernails on a chalkboard. He glanced around and noticed Lou had taken note of the situation. Sarah was not to be thwarted, "Kid, I'll not take no for an answer again, my mother and father will be expecting you for dinner Friday evening around 7:00, see you then", she batted her eyelashes at him. Lou approached the pair, feeling very un-lady like standing next to this girl in all her frills. Kid rubbed the back of his neck and began to fumble with the rawhide string hanging from his hat (Lou noted that Kid had not removed his hat for Sarah, and Kid always removed his hat for a lady - she relaxed a little knowing she didn't have anything to worry about when it came to this girl) "Well, ah Sarah again I'll have to say thanks but no thanks, I've got plans. She was becoming angrier by the second, "I will not take no for an answer. (drawing attention from the other riders and some of the townsfolk) What is the matter with you, don't you know any boy in this town would jump at an invitation to dine with me and my parents. My father is the mayor you know!, she was almost yelling at him. Kid remained calm and glanced at Lou for support which she gave him with her smile. "Look Sarah, I appreciate your interest, but I can't really, I'm sorry". Kid pleaded with Lou with his eyes to help him.

Lou cleared her throat and crossed her arms in her best "boy" stance and lowered her voice. "Kid why don't you let Sarah here in on your secret." She watched with amusement as Kid's eyes grew big as saucers. "What are you talking 'bout, Lou" he stammered. "You know" she teased and loved every minute of it "that you got a girl." Kid almost fell over at her statement. Sarah's eyes grew wide, "What's he talking about" she glared at Kid, "I know everything that goes on in this town, you're not seeing anybody around here!" (You don't know everything he thought wryly, eyeing the tiny rider at his side). "Well, she ain't from this town" Lou replied. Sarah was glaring at her now. (boy, if looks could kill, I'd be 6 feet under) Kid stammered trying to figure out what to say. "Yeah, that's right, I just didn't want a lot of people knowing about her. She's kind of shy, and not very pretty", he teased Lou even though it stayed between them. "If the other riders knew about her I'd never hear the end of it. Now I hope you understand why I haven't been able to accept any of your invitations." "Well, if your ashamed of her, it doesn't sound like there's much reason to keep seeing her, you deserve a well-bred women of high class, not some little nobody you won't even tell your friends about. Kid really didn't like the way the conversation had turned, afraid Lou's feelings were going to get hurt. "I'm not ashamed of her Sarah", he replied harshly, "she means everything to me, come on Lou, let's go." He turned to go, Sarah grabbed his arm, "you'll regret this Kid - you'll see."

They didn't say anything for a few minutes, "I hate her" Lou finally broke the silence. "She's a spoiled little rich bitch." Kid was taken back by the venom in her statement. "Why Louise McCloud I do believe you are jealous", he taunted her. Lou didn't find his words very funny. He could see in her face she was not amused. "Come on Lou - you know me well enough to know even if I didn't love you more than anything I'd never consider being with her. She's everything in a women I don't want and you, you are everything I do want!" "Then why are we still hiding from Rachel and Teaspoon and the boys? I'm getting tired of all this sneaking around. I want to be able to be with you at least in our home and not be afraid I might slip up or look at you in a way that gives us up" she sighed heavily. "I know Lou" Kid was formulating a plan as they headed toward the general store. The giggles and stares directed toward the Kid as he passed by did not go unnoticed by Louise. Wonder what the other boys thinks about all the attention he gets from those girls...

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12