SOMETIMES THE PAST COMES BACK...

NOT TO HAUNT YOU

by C.C.

CHAPTER 6

After breakfast the next morning Lou approached Kid. "You know, last time I got a letter from Jimmy he was Sheriff of a little town up in Wyoming territory, we're heading in that direction, aren't we? she questioned. He confirmed her statement with a nod. "I think the name of the town was something like Jackson Ridge or Jackson Bluff, that's it, yeah it's Jackson Bluff.

"Yeah, Kid replied, we shouldn't be too far from Wyoming Territory. Next town we come to we'll stop and ask around. "I'll bet if "Wild Bill Hickock" is a sheriff around these parts, everbody'll know about it", he grinned at her.

Kid's guess was right and Lou also happened to be right about the name of the town. They were told they were only about a day and a half ride from there. Neither of them were sure what they would do once they got there but both felt relieved knowing they at least had a plan now.

With some of the pressure lifted, after the nightly rituals, instead of Lou falling asleep and Kid watching them sleep they both felt like talking. They hadn't had much of a chance to talk so far this trip. Sitting across from him peering through the fire "Kid", she spoke to get his attention. "Yeah, Lou", he looked at her. Feeling a little uncomfortable, but wanting to get this off her chest she continued "you know you ain't said much to me about Robert. I know you must have some feelings about it, about him, about me for letting myself get into that situation" she chanced to look directly at him for the first time since he first arrived.

"Lou" he responded feeling overwhelmed by her piercing eyes. "I'd really rather not talk about it - if I hadn't left, If I had only waited for you, you never would have been in that situation. It's all my fault and it brings up too many feelings of regret, feelings I don't want to deal with right now" he broke the gaze.

Shocked by the realization that he actually blamed himself for her situation she quickly tried to come up with the right words. "It wasn't your fault Kid, you asked me two times to marry you, I turned you down. I knew that the last time I turned you down hurt you bad, I had wished in my heart that you would wait until I was ready, ready to give up riding. But I knew you were hurt too badly - It's my fault for not telling you then how I really felt, for not at least telling you how much I loved you and for not stopping you from leaving me..." her voice cracking and tears beginning to flow. "Lou" Kid began to scoot closer to her bedroll, "I knew we loved each other, I just didn't think it was meant to be, that's why I left." He cradled her in his arms knowing she needed to be comforted, he wondered how long it had been since she had truly been comforted by a man. Lou couldn't remember ever feeling so protected. She never wanted to move again. They slept the night, Seth encircled by Lou who was encircled by Kid. It was the most peaceful and restful night of sleep they had gotten in months.

CHAPTER 1 - CHAPTER 2 - CHAPTER 3 - CHAPTER 4 - CHAPTER 5 - CHAPTER 6 - CHAPTER 7

TO BE CONTINUED...