IT'S ALWAYS BEEN YOU

C.C.

Chapter 5

Kid decided to first come clean with Rachel, he'd need help anyway to pull off his plan. He tentatively approached her that evening while the others were finishing after dinner chores. "Rachel, can I talk to you?" Rachel eyed him, realizing he was very nervous. "What is it Kid, something the matter?" He sat at the table and sighed, "Well, I don't really know how to say this, so I'm just gonna spit it out." Rachel was visibly worried, she wondered what could be wrong. Their little family had actually been experiencing a few weeks of relative quietness. All the riders seeming to get along, which was unusual, since they fought like real brothers and sister, she thought. "Ah, well" he continued "You see.. Ah hem.. it's got to do with Lou and me." A smile formed on Rachel's face. Now I know what's got him so nervous, oh I'm gonna enjoy this, I'm gonna make him squirm "Lou?" Rachel questioned him trying to sound concerned, "is there something wrong with her, she okay?" "Oh yes, nothin like that. It's just that, well , you see we've been, Lou and me I mean ( just spit it out Kid)we've been a little more that friends lately"- he chanced a glance at her. He noticed the huge grin and was very confused. "What's so funny Rachel?" She realized she had been grinning at him and she wouldn't be able to make him squirm like she had hoped. "Kid, you two don't seriously think we haven't figured that out, do ya?" He was completely innocent, she couldn't believe it, he really didn't know how obvious their love for each other had become. She crossed to him and tousled his hair, "Oh Kid - you can't hide somethin like you and Lou have - Yeah, we've all know for a while, since the night of the Sadie Hawkins dance as a matter of fact. Forgive us Kid - we just kind of enjoyed watching the two of you find more and more ways to spend time alone" she chuckled. He didn't know whether to be mad or laugh. He decided to laugh, "hell, it must have been a heck of a show."

"Now that I know we've been made fools of, I'm gonna need your help. He glanced around to make sure they were alone. He began to explain his plan to her and she sat across from him, ready to help. "I'm gonna need you to help me buy a dress and all that women stuff first." What's your plan Kid?" "Lou and Buck are scheduled for the overnight run to Seneca Saturday, I'm gonna ask Buck to ask me to switch rides with him, but I'm gonna have him wait until Friday night or Saturday - to make it look more real. First I'm gonna try and get out of it, that'll make her real mad" - he grinned at Rachel- but I'll finally give in. Rachel's eyes were glittering with excitement as she watched Kid's face as his plan to surprise his love unfolded. He really loves her she thought, but she'd known that from the beginning - she knew Lou would finally figure it out. "Anyway, on Wednesday when I'm there on my regular run I'm gonna talk to the hotel owner and ask them to help. I'll leave the clothes and all there and ask them to have two rooms ready on Saturday afternoon and to set one up with a hot bubble bath and flowers, I'll have them lay the dress and stuff on the bed. I'll leave her a note and have her meet me in the lobby. Kid was so excited Rachel couldn't help but laugh. "I hope she knows what a lucky lady she is - you know you're something special Kid, Lord if I was only 10 years younger I'd give her a run for her money." Kid blushed at her comment, which only endeared him more to her. "She's the special one Rachel, she means everything to me" Rachel could tell that Kid meant what he said.

"Sure Kid we'll go over to the dress shop tomorrow, I'll make up some story about buying a dress for my niece and wantin a man's opinion. Rachel wanted to ask him a question but was afraid she'd embarrass him, but she really wanted to do, finally her curiosity get the better of her. "Kid if you don't mind me askin, why two rooms?" Kid shifted in his seat and looked a little uncomfortable. He wouldn't look at Rachel but began to reply, "Well, I don't want to rush her, I know one of her and Jimmy's problems was that he wanted things to go further than she did - I don't want her to feel like I'm pushin her. "Kid, she didn't love Jimmy, that's why she didn't want things to go there, take my advice- save the money, you're not gonna need the extra room", she teased him. Her amusement escalated as she saw the shade of red he had become.

Everything had gone so smoothly. Rachel helped with the dress. It was an emerald green silk dress with a moderately cut neckline which was lined with cream colored lace. There weren't any frills, Kid had never liked frills. They chose the gloves, shoes, necklace, earrings and even the soft white chemise to wear under the dress. Both he and Rachel were very satisfied with the purchase. As they were exiting the dress shop they were approached once again by Sarah Jenkins. Kid sighed and tried to leave the scene before she could start in on him. "Buying a gift for your 'girl'?, she spoke sarcastically. Eyeing Rachel - "You know he shouldn't take me so lightly - I usually get what I want!" She tossed her head and walked away. "Boy, isn't she pleasant" Rachel stated. "Lou's right", Kid sighed "She is a rich bitch". Rachel was surprised by Kid's statement. That girl must be a bad one, I've never heard Kid say anything bad about anyone, she thought.

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