IT'S ALWAYS BEEN YOU

C.C.

Chapter 8

After getting out of the bath there was a knock on the door. Oh no she thought, not yet Kid.

"Who is it?" she answered the knock. "It's Mrs. Clark, the owner. "Oh" Lou replied "what can I do for you?", she cracked the door. "Well honey I wanted to see if you needed anything?" Lou opened the door to allow her to enter, "Uh, well yes, I'd like that if you don't mind. Do you think you could do anything with my hair, it's kind of an awkward length and I'm not sure I can do anything with it. Excited, the older women's mind began to click, "Oh yes, you get your dress on I'll be back in a few minutes."

Mrs. Clark returned and helped Lou get her auburn hair turned into a beautiful french twist. She also brought with her a little make up to just emphasize her beauty. "You know you won't be able to fool people much longer with your disguise" she replied while smoothing a little blush on her cheek bones. Lou was taken by surprise at her comments, "what do you mean" she questioned as innocently as she could muster. "Well I ain't the smartest women in the world, but it don't take to many smarts to recognize you as the little pony express rider that always stays here. I always wondered why you'd stay here instead of the waystation, guess I know now." Lou sighed and Mrs. Clark could tell that she was uncomfortable. "Now don't you worry none, I won't give your little secret away, I'm just tellin ya you won't be able to fool people to much longer, your much to pretty." She finished applying the little bit of makeup and looked at Lou "You sure are a beauty" she stated appreciatetively. Lou blushed at her compliment. After all of the primping Mrs. Clark eyed Lou closely, sure that the end result was complete perfection. "It's almost 7:00 miss, I wouldn't keep him waiting too long, he's a pretty amazing young man. Lou turned to look at the sweet women who had helped her so much, "believe me, I wasn't always aware of it, but I know what he is and I plan on keepin' him!"

Mrs. Clark left and Lou peered at herself in the mirror, she never really thought of herself as beautiful but the reflection in the mirror told her otherwise and she was pleased. She had just enough color on her eyes and her lips to accent the color of her dress and her dress was a wonderful compliment to her auburn hair. She finished her outfit by slipping the gloves the Kid had given her on. With one last glance in the mirror she turned and headed to the lobby; her stomach full of butterflies. She knew after tonight her life would never be the same.

Kid had made his way to the lobby a little before 7:00. He wanted to be sure that he didn't make her wait. He looked very handsome, dressed in his Sunday best, his curly hair smoothed back, except for a few stray strands which hung around his face. His eyes shone with excitement. He was approached by a girl in the lobby, his back to the stairway. He tried politely to excuse himself from the conversation the girl was earnestly trying to have with him when a hush fell over the lobby. Kid noticed several eyes staring at the staircase, he slowly turned only to encounter the most beautiful site he'd ever seen. His mouth dropped as his eyes raked in every inch of her. Everything around him ceased to exist, he started towards her - all he could think about was touching her - he realized he hadn't breathed since the moment she had descended the stairs. Breathe Kid breathe. He exhaled slowly, "Lou", he spoke with a low husky voice, full of emotion and took her by the hand. "What are you looking at" she grinned at him. "You, you are so beautiful" was all he could muster. "Thank you", she didn't shy away from his compliment this time. Kid was entranced so Lou took his arm, "I think this is how it works" she teased him. He shook his head slightly, trying to get a grip on himself. She peered into his eyes, "I think you're right Kid, looks like tonight will be a special night." She lead him out of the hotel since the Kid hadn't taken his eyes off of her since she came down the stairs. "Kid, I don't really know where I'm going", she stated when they reached the street outside of the hotel. "Oh" he realized he had been mesmerized and had not been paying any attention to anything but her. Again he shook his head slightly, but this time he took his eyes off of her for a moment, now I can think straight, he thought. He escorted her to the finest restaurant in town and with the arrangements he had made earlier they were immediately seated.

After dinner they made their way to the main street of town, which was close to being deserted. "That was the best meal I ever had" she stated. "Uh huh," he replied absently, his eyes once again drawn to her and her only. He was overcome with the need to hold her - he glanced quickly around and noticed only a few people meandering in the street. He took her into his arms and kissed her deeply, she was completely taken by surprise but enjoyed the openness - it felt so good to be with him in public. After a moment he pulled away from the kiss and rested his forehead gently on hers; "don't think I didn't notice all those men looking at you tonight young lady" Lou looked surprised by his comment, she hadn't really noticed anybody but Kid. "Can't say I blame 'em, I'm just afraid for my life", he joked with her. "Well" she replied archly "now maybe you know how I feel every time I walk through town with you!"

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