The Curse

Part 1

Lou sat on the front porch, lost in thought. If she had been aware of the banter between the boys in the bunkhouse behind her, she would have felt relief that they weren't including her in their teasing. Instead, Lou was remembering back several years, recalling when she was only twelve, still at the orphanage in St. Joseph.

"Sister Mary Catherine, I don't think I can help with chores today," Louise explained, blushing and shuffling her feet. Her gingham dress was worn and faded from repetitive washings, her black shoes scuffed and her auburn hair was in a plait down her back. As usual, several wisps had escaped around her face. Otherwise, Louise McCloud was clean and tidy. Her voice and features were sorrowful as she stood before the nun.

"Why Louise, you never shirk your chores. A working soul is a happy soul," the firm, but kind woman in the black habit reminded the child. The surprise was fairly evident in her voice and her words.

Louise hazarded a glance up at the woman, searching her eyes. "Sister," Louise paused, afraid to voice the fear, "I think I'm dying."

"Child," the nun exclaimed, bending to her knees in front of Louise, "what is wrong?" The Sister placed her hand on the young girl's forehead, checking for fever.

Louise stifled a cry behind her own fist. "I don't have no fever," she gulped. "Will you take care of Jeremiah and Theresa if I die?"

"Then what is it?" Sister Mary Catherine asked, ignoring Louise's request. "You must tell me."

Recognizing the voice of authority, Lou's deep brown eyes stared into those of her favorite Sister in the orphanage. "I'm bleeding," Lou said tearfully, her voice barely a whisper.

"Bleeding?" breathed the Sister, looking for a wound.

Louise shook her head. She placed her palm on her cheek and looked around before she spoke. Seeing no one else near, the already embarrassed Louise hiccuped. "When I went to the privy, I was bleeding. Down there," Louise confessed, her small finger pointing toward her feet.

Understanding dawned on the nun's features and her brow, previously knitted in worry, changed to an arch of compassion.

"Louise dear, you aren't dying," Sister Mary Catherine said, giving Louise a smile of assurance.

She wrapped an arm around Lou's shoulders and hugged her close. Then, taking Louise's small hand into her own, she led her outside. "Let's go for a walk; it's time for us to have a talk."

Lou, so completely wrapped up in the memory, didn't hear the commotion behind her as Jimmy and Cody scuffled onto the porch. Lou only became aware when Cody fell onto her, knocking her off the edge to the dirt below.

"Get off me," Lou yelled. "What do you think you're doin'?"

"Awww Lou, we're just funnin'. Didn't mean to fall on you," Cody got up, laughing. He offered Lou a hand, but she ignored him. She cast an irritated look in his direction as she stood and took off for the barn in a huff.

"What's eating her?" Cody asked, baffled.

"Don't know," Jimmy shrugged, but concern was evident on his face. "Hey Kid," he yelled into the open door.

"What is it Jimmy?" Kid asked, walking to the door, his arm leaning on the frame. "You need help setting Cody straight?"

"Something's wrong with Lou," Jimmy stated. "Ya'll fighting?"

Remembering Redfern, Kid almost blushed as he shook his head negatively. "Nope, we're getting along just fine."

"Well something's bugging her. She ain't got no sense of humor at all right now," offered Cody.

"Not everyone finds you as amusing as you find yourself," grinned Kid, teasing the blonde rider.

"I'm telling you Kid, something ain't right with Lou," Jimmy repeated.

"Where'd she go?" asked Kid, growing troubled.

Cody motioned to the barn and Kid nodded, stepping off the porch.

Kid entered the building, the smell of horses strong around him, but didn't see any sign of Lou. "Lou, you in here?" At no answer, Kid listened a moment. "Lou, I hear you breathing, I know you're in here. Why won't you answer me?"

"I don't feel like talking Kid," Lou said, her voice muffled from the hayloft above.

Kid headed for the ladder, becoming more worried by the moment. "What do you mean you don't want to talk to me? You know I love you and if something is bothering you…"

Lou didn't give him a chance to finish, but instead threw some hay at him. "Go away I told you," she nearly shouted.

Kid stood on the ladder a moment, watching Lou. The hurt in his eyes made Lou's heart ache. With a deep breath, she considered her words. "I'm sorry Kid. I ain't mad at you none, but I just don't feel like talking about what's bothering me yet."

Nodding, Kid looked at her. He loved this woman and didn't like seeing her upset. "Will you talk to me about it when you're ready?"

"Oh Kid," Lou sighed at his thoughtfulness. "I love you. It's not that I don't trust you."

"I'll go and let you think on it Lou, but maybe you shouldn't worry about it, whatever it is," Kid

suggested. It was hard for him not to push her for more information.

Lou offered him a small smile before he climbed back down to the floor of the barn. She pulled her knees into her chest and rested her forehead on her arms. Everyday, she kept hoping that there would be nothing to worry about, but everyday the curse was late, the more upset Lou had become. After four days, Lou was at a complete loss; she didn't know what to do or how she was going to tell Kid. She felt as cursed as Eve.

Part 2

Rachel called everyone in for dinner, and the general mood was light. Cody and Ike started throwing food, but like Emma had before her, Rachel soon put a stop to it. Lou sat staring at her plate, her appetite completely absent.

Beside her, Kid leaned over to her ear. "You'll always be the smallest around here if you don't eat," he teased.

"I'm likely to always be the smallest anyway," hissed Lou.

Kid was worried. It had been a couple of days since he'd found Lou fretting in the barn and she still seemed to be irritable. He was beginning to fret that she regretted their "dance," maybe even their relationship.

"Lou, we need to talk after supper," Kid suggested, his tone serious.

Lou nodded, still staring at her plate. She kept her hands folded in her lap for a moment, before she lifted her fork and began to push the food around her plate.

The couple were unaware that Rachel had watched them talk quietly. Rachel had noticed Lou wasn't acting herself, and decided that she might have to broach a discussion with the young woman.

Before Kid could get Lou's attention away from prying eyes after dinner, Rachel's voice claimed the young woman. "Lou, I need you over at the house after we get this mess cleaned up," Rachel stated.

Relief was evident in Lou's brown eyes as she began helping Rachel clear the table. 'I don't know what Rachel wants,' thought Lou, 'but at least I can put off telling Kid. And what are you going to tell him anyway?' Lou's mind argued with itself.

The cleaning was finished quickly and Lou walked silently beside Rachel to the house. Rachel pulled her shawl tighter around her as the brisk air of the night covered her arms with chill bumps. Lou seemed oblivious to the cool weather.

When they walked up the steps, Rachel put her hand on Lou's arm. "Lou, I know I ain't Emma, but you and me, we've grown close haven't we?"

Lou nodded, puzzled at what point Rachel was trying to make.

"If something were bothering you, you know you can talk to me don't you?" Rachel asked.

Sighing, Lou nodded once more. "It's obvious ain't it?" Lou admitted.

Rachel wrapped an arm around Lou's shoulders, guiding her into the house. "Let's talk."

Sitting on the couch, the two women looked at one another; Rachel's smile offered kindness while Lou's worries created lines on her forehead.
"I figured I oughta talk to Kid first, but now I ain't so sure," confessed Lou.

Rachel felt an ache in her stomach. Instinctively, she knew at those words what was plaguing Lou. "How late are you?" Rachel asked bluntly.

Lou's eyes widened as she visibly jerked at the question. "Wha- what?" stammered Lou. "How did you know?"
"If a young girl is in love with a boy, and they've been, ummmm…," Rachel paused for the right word.

"I know what you're saying," Lou sighed.

"Well, if that same girl suddenly gets all upset and worried, then that usually means one thing," Rachel finished.

"My curse ain't been late in five years," said Lou in a rush, tears forming in her eyes. "How do I tell Kid he's going to have a kid?"

Even concerned, Rachel had to bite back a smile at the irony of that question. "You can't know for sure yet," Rachel consoled her.

Lou stood and began pacing the room. "I don't know if I want to marry the Kid; I don't even know if he'd want to marry me. I've got a brother and sister to worry about already. How can I be a mommy? " The words flowed from Lou's mouth in a rush. Her chest was heaving and she was barely holding back a flood of tears.

Rachel moved beside Lou and held her to her chest, like a mother holding a child. "Shhh," Rachel soothed. "It's going to be all right."

Perhaps it was Rachel's maternal action, but Lou broke down, the tears clinging to her eyelashes turning into a sob. Rachel stroked her hair as she cried.

Finally, Lou began to hiccup. She took deep breaths, trying to calm down and regain control.

"Rachel, I love Kid, but I'm not ready to, to…"

Rachel clucked her tongue. "You ain't ready for all the responsibilities that go along with fooling around," Rachel surmised.

Lou eyed her guiltily, stepping back. "I don't feel guilty for what we did," asserted Lou.

"Didn't say you should," replied Rachel. She wasn't judging the young couple. "Alls I'm saying is if you two gonna do that, then you better be ready to face the consequences. You have to be careful; it may already be too late."

Tears welled up in Lou's eyes again at that frank statement. "I have to tell him, but what if he gets mad at me?"

Rachel had to laugh at that. "That don't sound like the Kid I know. 'Sides, it takes two people last time I checked."

Lou blushed at the memory of her and Kid together, sharing a bed as well as their bodies. More than that, they had shared their hearts. Deep down, Lou realized that Kid wouldn't blame her, yet they had only just moved their relationship to a new level -- Lou didn't feel ready to move it to the next. Without a doubt, Lou felt committed to Kid, but a child was a completely different involvement as well as huge responsibility.

"Lou," asked Rachel softly, "do you feel hungrier than usual or do you feel sick to your stomach? Are you more tired than normal?"

"I haven't had much of an appetite," acknowledged Lou, "but other than that, I feel fine."

"The loss of appetite could just be from worry," explained Rachel, trying to ease Lou's fears. "Don't borrow trouble; wait and see. Meanwhile, you oughta tell Kid what's troubling you. You shouldn't be going through this alone."

Lou nodded, knowing Rachel was right. "I'll tell him tonight, before I go to sleep."

Part 3

By the time Lou returned to the bunkhouse, the boys were all in bed sleeping. Lou crept in, moving towards Kid's bunk.

"Kid," she whispered, "you asleep yet?"

Kid stretched his arms above him and then held them out to Lou. "Was waiting on you," he smiled sleepily.

Lou moved into his arms, grateful the others were not awake. She needed the secure feeling of being in Kid's arms; Lou immediately felt comforted in his strong embrace.

"We need to talk. Want to go for a walk?" Lou spoke quietly, her head against his chest. As she listened to his heartbeat, Lou began to feel calmer with each moment.

Kid nodded, kissing her tenderly on the top of the head. Slowly, the couple rose. Lou noted that Kid was still dressed, so she knew he had indeed been waiting on her to return.

While Kid pulled on his boots, Lou used the opportunity to study him in the moonlit room. He was solid - not only his body, but also his character. Kid carried himself with confidence, but somehow possessed a boyish charm that captivated Lou completely. She couldn't deny her attraction to him. Truth be told, Louise McCloud did indeed want to spend her life with this man called Kid, but Lou wasn't ready to settle down just yet. Unfortunately, it seemed that circumstances might soon dictate otherwise, removing that decision from her grasp.
They walked away from the way station, into the quiet darkness of the night. The couple was silent and solemn, each enjoying the opportunity to be near the other and also, completely alone. Kid had his arm casually around Lou's tiny waist, and Lou found herself leaning into him.

Kid's deep timbre interrupted the silence. "Lou, what's been bothering you?" She didn't answer immediately and his deepest fears rose to the surface. "Do you regret what we did together?"

Lou stopped; she turned toward him and placed her palms on each side of Kid's face. Staring into his blue eyes, she shook her head emphatically. "Never Kid. No matter what, know that I love you and will never regret sharing that love with you."

Kid let out a deep sigh, the worry pent up within him expelled. "God Lou, I love you too. I know we shouldna probably done it, but I can't regret it either."

Lou bit her lip, her hands still cradling Kid's head. She swallowed hard, her throat convulsing. "Kid, I've been real worried about somethin'," Lou acknowledged. "I just didn't know how to tell you and I didn't wanna tell you if I didn't have to."

The look that crossed Kid's features was one of shock and concern. "Lou, I want you to always talk to me, about anything that bothers you. We shouldn't have secrets between us, especially now."

Again, Lou swallowed as she moved her hands to his arms. Never one to beat around the bush, Lou plunged in. "Kid, I'm late."

Kid stared at her blankly, his words perplexed. "Late for what? Were you supposed to go somewhere?"

Lou shook her head, somewhat frustrated. "My curse Kid; I'm late for my curse," she lamented.

Disbelief followed by understanding fell over Kid's features. Lou watched all manner of emotions play across his tan face, but was relieved that anger was not one of them. "Oh Lou, why didn't you tell me? I should have been going through this with you."

Guilt hit Lou in the gut. How could she tell Kid she had doubted his reaction and had even expected his possible rejection or blame? And how could she tell him she didn't want his baby, at least not yet?

"We could get married," Kid stated unequivocally; the solution was simple.

Lou shook her head. "We shouldn't get married just 'cause I'm late."

"What if you're carrying our baby Lou? Don't you think we should get married then?" Kid asked surprised.

"You shouldn't marry me just 'cause you had to," Lou asserted. Until then, Lou hadn't even realized how important it was that Kid want to marry her for herself alone.

"Lou, honey, don't you know I want to marry you anyway?"

"It's too soon," reasoned Lou. "Besides, right now, we're just borrowing trouble," Lou echoed Rachel's words.

Kid pulled her close to him; he kissed her cheek softly. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together," he stated firmly, but his voice was kind and sincere. Kid cradled Lou protectively.

Together, arm in arm, they walked back to the bunkhouse. For several hours, Lou lay next to Kid on his bunk, each relishing the warmth of the other. Near daybreak, before the other boys woke up, Lou crawled into her own cot above Kid's. She carried the warmth they shared within her heart, even with the distance between them.

Too soon, the next day began. If the other riders noticed the lack of sleep on Kid and Lou's faces, they didn't comment. Lou struggled to wake up as slipped her clothes over her long johns.

She edged out the door while the other boys exchanged plans for the day. Kid noticed her absence immediately, but began to dress for breakfast.

Abruptly, Lou rushed back in, leaned down and planted a sound kiss on Kid's dumbfounded and open lips. The smack of the hearty kiss was loud enough that the boys turned and watched, surprise evident on each of their faces; Lou's smile following the kiss was joyous, almost celebratory. The other riders were completely baffled.

Kid registered the relief in Lou's posture and demeanor. The anxiety from the last week was now completely absent from her face and bearing.

"Everything is just fine Kid," she exclaimed, oblivious to the stares of their roommates.

Instantly Kid knew what Lou was saying; the curse had arrived. He knew he should be feeling the same relief as Lou, but instead he was filled with a bittersweet sadness. That awareness jolted Kid. Although he knew he wanted to eventually marry Lou, the knowledge that he felt such keen disappointment that she wasn't pregnant after all was galvanizing indeed. Kid was already cognizant of just how much he loved this woman. Kid wanted a child with Lou, and these events made him realize that he was actually ready to share that responsibility with her now.

Even more disconcerting was the clear evidence that Lou was not ready to be a parent; in fact, she was thrilled to no longer be "late." The curse, as Lou called it, took on a whole new meaning for Kid. He almost felt cursed that she wasn't expecting their child. The machinations of his mind were moving quickly; he knew that if Lou became pregnant, she'd marry him, but he loved her far too much to "force" her into a situation she wasn't yet prepared for.

"Kid, are you listening to me?" Lou's plaintive voice broke into Kid's thoughts.

"I'm here Lou," Kid smiled into her eyes. He didn't care who was watching as he pulled her into his lap for a hug.

By this time, the other riders had lost interest in the couple. Whatever had been bothering Lou was obviously resolved. Lou, suddenly embarrassed, hopped up from Kid's lap. He grinned at her and Lou's heart melted a bit more. Just when Lou thought she couldn't love him more, she found that she did; her love for Kid increased almost daily.

Lou was determined to be more careful in the future; she didn't intend to halt the physical aspect of their relationship, but she wanted to avoid a repeat of this situation. Subconsciously, Lou began putting up a few defenses, barricading her heart from moving too fast. Meanwhile, Kid resolved to watch out for Lou even more than he had thus far. Lou was delicate in ways she didn't imagine and he wanted to protect her -- she was the future mother of his children.

"The curse" had made them realize different things about their relationship, yet both were certain they wanted to spend a lifetime with the other. The future lay ahead of them while the present brought disparate goals and motives, putting Kid and Lou on a collision course. Only time would decide if the couple would find middle ground, but for now, both felt certain and steadfast in their love.

THE END