It's All Or Nothin'
It's All Or Nothin' © Chey
The next morning came early to the riders who had managed very little sleep the night before. Lou was the first one out of the bunkhouse and to the house for a quick breakfast before her relay ride to Blue Creek. The day’s ride would be easy; it would be all of the thinking that would make things rough.
Life in Sweetwater would never be the same for Lou. She was living with a man she loved, however couldn’t seem to grasp a hold of.
Lou and Kid had been broken up for a while now, but every time a new woman
came into town, her emotions ran wild with thoughts of “What ifs?”.
She knew that the separation was for the best, but her feelings still consisted
of hurt and confusion. She still lay awake at night wondering if he was doing
the same. She’d peer over the side of the bunk maybe to catch a glimpse
of his insomnia, but her actions only made his snoring more prominent. But,
still, she’d memorized
everything about him. His soft eyelashes lay so perfectly upon his tanned face,
how he lay on his side with his hands cupped together, letting the Lord soak
in his daily sins. Lou knew that these memories would be important…that
they would have to last a lifetime.
Initially, she figured that Buck had the best chance with the Indian, because they seemed to have the most in common, or at least their culture was the most alike.
Even if this wasn’t the “one” for the Kid, he would surely find her, and then Lou would be back where she started. Many nights she contemplated leaving the station and moving a little further west, east, south, or even north. If she couldn’t continue on with the express, she could find another job; hell, at the really low times, her old job at the brothel was looking great. But, Sweetwater was her home, her family; she would survive the heartache, she had to.
The rest of the riders began to get ready for their daily chores and were listening to and repeating stories from the previous night’s events.
“So, Kid, I heard you come in very late last night,” Cody commented naggingly.
“Yeah, get lost on the way home?” Buck said that jokingly as he dodged to miss a pillow that was aimed his way. Instead, the pillow hit Noah right in the gut.
“Hope you didn’t try that move on her, Kid, she’s a lady, remember?” Noah responded.
“I drove her home, is all,” Kid defended himself.
“Well, Kid, if I were you that is all I would admit to, too. Especially by the look on Lou’s face this morning,” Ike signed.
“Lou and me, we’ve made our peace. We both know that it just wasn’t meant to be. Besides, not like I’m planning on marrying this girl,” Kid commented as he looked away to hide his true thoughts. Even though he’d only known Mana for less than a day, he truly felt connected to her. What would life be like, if he spent the rest of his with her?
“By the way, Kid,” Cody interrupted his thoughts, “noticed her eye color was a lot like yours. Maybe you’re the missing sibling,” he concluded.
All of the riders got a big chuckle out of this comment, as Kid stormed out of the bunkhouse and headed toward the stables. He found Katy peacefully snacking on hay in her stall. Kid startled her, but she was glad to see him. He saddled her up quickly, and was off into town, to meet up with Mana.
Rachel was quick to notice Kid’s disappearance from the station. Although it was his day off of rides, she had a lot of chores planned for the boy. Instead, she found Ike and Buck ready and able to start chopping the wood, and Cody had a hand in cleaning the stalls. In the mean time, they all complained about Kid’s absence, but they were ready for more stories when he returned.
Noah was resting for his ride that afternoon; Jimmy was still on his last ride, and Teaspoon was sitting comfortably in the chair of the local lawman in town, his own.
Kid entered Sweetwater and headed toward the Hotel. The desk clerk asked Kid if he could help the rider, and he responded with, “I’m looking for a guest. Her name is Mana.”
“Well, sonny, let me check my logs,” as he flipped through a book that lied on the desk. He found the unusual name, and directed the Kid to room 107.
After walking up the stairs, Kid found room 107 with a delicate piece of paper folded, and sticking between the door and its hinge. The note was addressed to Kid, so he opened it to read:
Kid,I had a great night last night. Thank you for the amazing ride home.
You inspire me:
On My way Home
On my way home
I glanced at your eyes,
And saw them glancing
Back at me.
A mysterious eye,
You held on me.
You seemed to hold
Nothing but curiosity.
Look further, I encourage you.On my way home,
I lost my step,
And you reached out and
Caught me with concern.
But, as you continued,
We both fell, you on top of me.
We lied there with anticipation,
But you picked me up,
And we continuedOn my way home
You challenged my
Shyness, as I did
Yours’.
We giggled and joked
About our awkward meeting.
It was nothing
Close to formality.
As we walked home
In peace.A connection was made
Between you and me.
We found a great
Place to be.
Because that night,
You cautiously
Kissed my hand
And we shared each other’s
Warmth,
On my way home.Meet me at the livery,
Mana
