DIFFERENT
WORLDS
by
C.C.
~CHAPTER 1~
A few days had passed and Kid just couldn’t get his mind off the girl from the stagecoach. He just couldn’t understand his fascination with her, he didn’t usually go head of heels so fast. He prided himself on being level-headed and making slow, smart choices. But for some reason this girl occupied his thoughts.
The sheriff
of Sweetwater had just polished off the lunch plate the pony express riders
had brought to him from the station. Patting his bulging belly, Teaspoon stood
to stretch, “Well Kid, Jimmy what’d ya say we make the rounds? Walk
some of Rachel’s good cooking
off.”
Jimmy and Kid chuckled at the grizzled older man and followed him out to door.
There was no mistaken that Kid had been searching the street for a glimpse of his ‘dream’ girl. As they were heading back to the office the family from the stagecoach emerged from the hotel, the trio almost bumping into the plump lady.
“Oh excuse me, ma’am” Kid blushed and then noticed the girl looking at him with amusement.
Teaspoon shook the gentleman’s hand and introduced the family to the riders. “Kid, Jimmy I’d like you to meet Sweetwater’s newest family. This is the Richardson’s, Richard and Anne, Richard here is the new bank president.” Kid and Jimmy acknowledged the couple. “And” Teaspoon continued “their son Stephen and his lovely bride-to-be Miss Louise McCloud.”
Kid felt his stomach churn at hearing that she was engaged. He internally scolded himself, don’t be ridiculous Kid, you don’t know nothin’ about her. She’s just another pretty face and you know it!
Jimmy tipped
his hat to Louise but Kid just couldn’t find himself quickly enough and
Louise spoke first as she extended her hand.
“I’m Jimmy, nice to meet ya ma’am.”
“Pleasure’s mine,” she assured him, turning her attention to
Kid.
“So that must mean you’re Kid?” she questioned.
He took her outstretched hand. “Yes ma’am, that’s right” he returned.
“Funny name, is it your real name?” she inquired.
“Oh no, just folks been callin’ me that for so long - just kinda seems natural” he released her hand and she immediately took hold of Stephen’s arm.
Teaspoon continued. “These are two of my pony express riders, two of the best” he beamed with pride.
Stephen almost laughed at Teaspoons pride.
“Pony Express riders you say?” he spoke diminutively. “Guess that’s about all a young fellow can do out in these parts without an education.”
Both riders were insulted by his crude comments but didn’t show it.
Kid commented, “Well, if you grow up lovin’ horses and lovin’ to ride don’t see there’s a better way to make a livin’, if you’ll excuse us. It was nice to meet you all” his eyes lingered on Louise for just a moment longer.
The threesome
turned to go, “Ain’t he a son-of-a-bitch” Jimmy stated flatly.
Kid just shook his head, should have known she’d be one of those high-society
snobby types he thought.
Louise went back to her room after meeting the express riders. Something that
the one called Kid said got to her.
“Guess if you grow up lovin’ horses and lovin’ to ride, don’t see there’s a better way to make a livin’.” Louise wondered what it would feel like to be able to do what you really wanted to do.
She had always been forced to play a part. The young daughter of a rich businessman of Boston, the lady she was expected to be becoming a nuisance to her.
She’d love nothing better that to wear one of the plain skirts she noticed most of the women out here wore, she had even seen some women in trousers. Oh, she thought how I’d love to not have to wear all of these layers and make sure every word I utter is proper.
She sighed
as she approached the window to watch the people of Sweetwater. She saw Kid
and Jimmy mount their horses. She noticed Kid pet his horse lovingly then
it appeared that he whispered in the horses ear, Lou laughed. She watched
as they rode expertly out of
town - a longing to be free steadily growing within her.
