SOMETIMES THE PAST COMES BACK...

NOT TO HAUNT YOU

by C.C.

CHAPTER 12

The three riders headed out towards their destination. Lou felt apprehensive about the next few days. One way or another her life would never be the same. Her hope was that Robert would easily hand her her freedom, but her fear - probably the more appropriate of the two emotions was that someone was gonna get hurt, maybe even killed. She tried not to think of what would happen to her if it was Kid who didn't make it. Oh she wished he had stayed back in Jackson Bluff. But she knew he was as pigheaded as she was and he was gonna come with them no matter what, she knew it would have been futile to argue with him. She prayed that God wouldn't take him from her.

Kid also lost in his thoughts, he knew the kind of man Robert was, he knew that even though he didn't love Lou he wouldn't just grant her a divorce, he wouldn't just let her be happy. Men like Robert enjoyed seeing people miserable, Kid knew Robert would love nothing more that to see Lou broken and unhappy for the rest of her life. He longed to make her smile, to hear her laugh or just have her look at him with the fire that used to light up her eyes. He had started to see it a little more frequently over the past few weeks and he definitely saw it yesterday when their passion got out of control. He wasn't sure how he was going to ensure that the future was meant for him and Lou to be together, but he was determined to try...or die trying.

Jimmy knew the danger of the situation they were headed for, but he also knew that Lou and Kid where intended to be together from the start. Everyone knew that. There had been a time that Jimmy thought he could love her and she him, but after the way Kid and Lou looked at each other there was no mistaken the deep love they held for each other. Yes, their relationship had been stormy at best, but when they were on again, they were definitely on again. The rest of the riders always made a lot of noise intentionally whenever the two were at the station at the same time. There was no telling where those two might end up, they never could keep their hands off each other. Jimmy suspected all the other riders were jealous, like him. But he finally realized his jealously didn't come from being envious of who Kid had, it was what they shared. He still didn't think he'd ever find what those two had.

No one believed it when Kid left, they all thought he rode out to let off steam, he'd be back in a day or two and they'd patch things up and the riders would be back to making lots of noise to avoid embarrassing situations. Well Kid didn't come back and Lou got married, then Kid got himself married. He still thought that it saddened them all, but they never really got a chance to talk about it. After the express was disbanded, they all went their separate ways. Jimmy hadn't heard from the Kid since he left and would periodically get letters from Lou. Although she never mentioned her situation, he could tell she was not happy, he even sensed more - he could sense from her writing that she was being mistreated. So Kid finally shows up - and because he still is that damn honest and honorable, he can't just take her and Seth and live happily ever after somewhere. No, Jimmy thought shaking his head, no, damn fool's probably going to get himself killed.

He was startled by Lou as Lightening approached him. "Jimmy, let's find a place to camp - I'm tired and hungry" she groaned. He didn't realized it but they been traveling all day and it was almost sunset. They all needed a break. Even though Kid was anxious to get as much ground under them as they could; he didn't want this to go on any longer than necessary, he had to admit his backside was aching and he could stand some food too.

They quickly made camp and with the little bit of sunshine left Jimmy was gonna try and hunt something down for the meal. He left Lou and Kid. "Kid" Lou quietly got his attention. "Mmh", he looked at her. "Kid, I need you to promise me something" she looked at him with her eyes that were windows to her heart. "Anything", he replied meaning every word. "You have to promise me that if something happens to me"....she paused "you know, if I don't make it out of this" he tried to interrupt her, to let her know he'd never let anything happen to her but she stopped him. "Promise me you'll take Seth, you won't let Robert have him, you'll promise me that, won't you" she pleaded with him. "I am not going to let anything happen to you, you understand?" he spoke sternly to her. "I will die before he lays even a finger on you again" he sighed heavily. Tears began to well in her eyes, "I know Kid and I believe you, but we.. we don't always control our own destinies", she tried to control her quivering voice "I pray that my destiny is to grow old with you, but there ain't no guarantees, you must promise me" her voice steadier and solemn, "or I swear I will ride out of here alone and do this myself." Kid decided he'd promise her, knowing full well she intended to do just as she had spoken. "I promise, as long as you promise me something" he scooted closer to her. "Promise that if we both get out of this alive" ...he hesitated. She peered at him, urging him to continue. "That you won't say no to me again" he finally finished his thought. He continued before he gave her a chance to answer, "I can't imagine my life without you, I'd rather die trying to have you for myself.... than live knowing you won't be mine." She sighed, how could he not know how she felt. She thought for sure, even if she'd not said it that she had shown it. Maybe the pain she caused years ago was still fresh to him, maybe he just had to be certain that she would not hurt him again.

"I'd never say no to you again Kid, I hope you know that I love you" her eyes piercing his soul. Kid could, just for a moment see that glitter he longed to give back to her. Knowing Robert had stolen some of her innocence and feistiness, his prayer was that one day he could return it to her. Seeing the look she gave him sent shivers down his spine. God, how he loved her. She kissed him on the cheek and he encircled her in his arms, he would keep his emotions in check for just a few more days, seeing the end of the tunnel made it a little easier, he just hoped there was light at the end of it.

Jimmy was successful and they ate a great meal of roasted rabbit. After excusing herself to make the call of nature Jimmy and Kid both extended their bedrolls, Kid unrolled Lou's and laid it next to his. Jimmy's eyebrows shot up - "you sure you can stand it Kid?" he questioned, he could not escape the emotional tension between the two. "Yeah" Kid chuckled, "I'm in control." Jimmy shrugged, not so sure.

Lou returned and smiled at the Kid when she saw the arrangement - she knew it'd be okay, Jimmy was just across the fire from them, she couldn't have him anyway. It would certainly help her to keep from attacking him. They slept, Lou nestled in his arms. However, their dreams that night filled with the dread of the unknown.

Jimmy watched the pair before he himself dozed off, wonder if they'll ever catch a break, wonder if they ever get to be truly happy? Soon the fired died down and the sounds of the crickets and soft breathing was in the air.

CHAPTER 1 - CHAPTER 2 - CHAPTER 3 - CHAPTER 4 - CHAPTER 5 - CHAPTER 6 - CHAPTER 7 - CHAPTER 8 -CHAPTER 9 - CHAPTER 10 - CHAPTER 11 - CHAPTER 12 - CHAPTER 13

TO BE CONTINUED...