Ben And Meg In The Wild West

Chapter 6

The glade was hidden in the forest. The powerful trees were so thick, that the sunlight had trouble reaching through. In the glade was a very big circle of stones and bones. Two men were fighting in it.

One of them where an Indian. He had just pants in leather on. His long black hair got caught at his slick body that was shining with sweat. His weapon was a long wooden stick.

The other man was white. His muscles played under the sunburned skin, which was also covered in sweat. The only piece of clouding he was wearing was also pair of pants. But he had problems with his weapon.

The Indian was extremely skilled and the white man had a lot of trouble to miss his swings. When the Indian for the tenth time knocked him to the ground, he screamed " E´ahoo".

Ben raised him self on his elbow and looked at Dancing Bear

"Don´t tell me to concentrate!" Ben said and rubbed his neck.

Dancing Bear laught at his white friend. He was just playing with him.

" You…not your self today!" Dancing Bear said in English and squatted down beside Ben.

Ben sat up. " I have just a lot on my mind, my friend"

Ben could see her in front of him. He felt her soft hair between his fingers. Her soft lips, and the warmth of her mouth. The beating of her heart.

He shook his head to get away from his vision.

" White friend, if your sprite is down. There is only two things: evil in your stomach or a woman" Dancing Bear said…

***

Maria watched Meg and Bette walk in the direction of the general store. Everywhere people stopped and Bette presented Meg to them. Everyone seamed so interested in the young woman. It made Maria sick! But the thing that was most disgusting- Ben Evans appeared to like her too. But that would not last long, she would make sure of that.

On safe distends Maria followed them.

In the general store, Bette meet some of her friends and after introducing Meg to them, Meg excused her self and went on her own expedition. She stooped among the fabrics and admired them. Maria saw her change.

" Miss Cummings?" she said and extended her hand.

Meg looked politely at her hand, then at the owner of it. But she did not return the handshake. She was raised not to do that.

"Yes I am. And you will be?" she said with a smile fixate into place.

Maria felt ashamed. How could she forget that in society you don´t shake hands especially not a lady?

" My name is Maria Torres. I was wondering if I could have a word with you?" she tried to fixated the same smile.

Meg studied the woman for a while. She could easy see what kind of woman she was.

" Certainly, Miss Torres" Meg said.

" Shall we take a walk?" Maria suggested.

Meg just smiled and walked out of the store. The started to walk on a small patch into the forest.

" You most really wonder what I want?" Maria said after a long time of silens.

" Yes, you are right. I do wonder." Meg stooped in her tracks and turned to face Maria.

" I don´t know how to tell you this, Miss Cummings?"

" Listen Miss Torres. If you have something on your heart that concerns me, I do prefer you tell me so!"

Maria tried to look as innocent as possible.

" I saw you and Mr Evans by the lake yesterday."

Meg got a stern look on her face, and her eyes went dark.

" You have nothing to do with that. Good day!" she turned to leave.

" No Wait!!" Maria ran after her and stooped Meg.

" Don´t misunderstand me, please!"

" My personal live is non of your concern. What do you want?"

" To tell you the truth." Maria lied.

" The truth about what?"

This is it, Maria thought. It was time!

" About Mr Evans…and other women in Springfield"

Maria saw how Meg´s expression changed.

" What…what do you mean by other women?"

" I really don´t want to tell you this, because you look so happy"

Meg had tears in her eyes. The nightmare was about to repeat it´s self.

" Please, just tell me!"

Maria could hardly keep the grin away. This was way too easy!

" Mr Evans is not a one woman man. He is involved with every woman in the saloon. And I do not have to tell you that he don´t take them out for dinner when he sees them"

Meg was silent. Maria continued her lies.

" I am not making this up. I know because I use to be one of them. I fell in love with him and I thought he loved me- only me. But I soon found out that all the other women was seeing him too."

Meg shook her head in silens. This was not happening. How could he do that too her? Their kiss had been so wonderful and he had been such a gentleman and stooped when it got to passionate. He had said that it would not have been fair to her if they went further. Ben had kissed her one more time then helped her on to her feet. And the whole way home he had held her hand.

 

Maria got the horrible picture in her head of Mr Evans and the fine lady by the lake. It was the first time Maria had seen Ben together with a woman. He had looked happy- it felt like nails on clipboard to say that, but it was true. Every woman in Springfield had a good eye to him. Some even went a bit further and flirted with him. But he had never shown an interested, until "Miss High and Mighty" came into town, Maria thought. What the hell does she have that I don´t? She asked her self. Maybe other men wanted a blushing bride, but not Ben! Maria knew all about Mr Evans life in London with poker, whiskey and women. Why he wanted " Miss poor little rich girl" was beyond her, but she would definitely put a stop to that!

" I think I would like to be left alone, Miss Torres" Meg finally said after a long time of silens.

" I am so sorry for being the bearer of terrible news" Maria said.

Inside she was dancing. She bought it!! Ben would soon be hers. She could hardly wait.

Meg started to walk further into the forest.

Annie Douglas, one of the saloon girls, walked up to Maria.

" Did you send the lady running?" Annie asked.

Maria smiled at her. " Oh yes, she will be running all the way back to Boston"

" Poor miss big city girl" Annie laughed.

" I’ll buy you a drink, Miss Douglas" Maria smiled and looked her arm with Annie.

" I thought you would never ask" Annie replied and they walked back to the saloon.

 

***

Ben sat up on his horse and Dancing Bear gave him the reins.

" You…go to her" Dancing Bear said.

" What if she doesn’t feel the same way?" Ben said.

Dancing Bear smiled for a long time. " Her first look…you know"

Ben looked down. Dancing Bear continued:

" Let your heart speak, white friend"

Ben smiled weakly.

" Well, it´s worth a try" Ben said and turned his horse.

Dancing Bear watch him ride out of the camp.

" May the spirits be with you my friend" he whispered in Cheyenne…

 

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