By Lisa
Chapter IV
As the next week passed, Buck visited everyday. Sarah had been intensely distant the first few days, but as she saw more of him, she found herself not only enjoying the time they spent together but also joining in his conversations. The talks they had were mostly about his past. However, she added any facts that she could remember about her own as well. They also spoke of the changes that had swept the country in the last five years that Sarah had forgotten, they spoke of the war and how it was resolved.
As Buck strolled from the Marshal's office to the clinic he thought about how in the last week he had told Sarah more about himself than anyone ever knew. The only other who knew as much about him was Ike. Suddenly he remembered the man from town, he hoped Jimmy had left well enough alone. Then again, he thought, it's Jimmy.
Sarah had regained most if not all of her strength in the past few days. Yesterday, Doc Evans had said that she'd be able to leave within the next day or two, but then where would she go? She wouldn't think of that now, Buck had said he'd come today at three and it was five minutes to. Sarah was grateful to the Doc. who found suitable clothing for her to wear. Today Buck had promised that he would tell her about his time as a Pony Express rider, and all about his friends.
Sarah waited patiently for Buck in the recovery room, at three o'clock he walked in, he was most definitely prompt she thought with a smile. After their usual "how are you feeling today?" and "how's the weather?" pleasantries, Sarah made herself comfortable to hear Buck's tales.
"Sarah, I've been wanting to ask you something for a while now and I need you to give me a straight answer."
Sarah sat up taller and nodded, "Of course."
"Good, do you remember the night we first met?" again she nodded, "well, do you remember that you told me you knew that the Kiowa were good people?"
Sarah thought a second, trying to figure out where this was headed. "Yes, I remember."
"How did you know?" at her confused look he added, "I mean how did you know I was Kiowa."
"I don't know how I knew that you were Kiowa, maybe I had heard from someone when I came through this area that they were the people of this land, and I just assumed it. But I know that Kiowa, and generally Indians are good people because I've had dealings with them all my life, well minus the last five years, I think."
Buck was surprised, "Your father let you near Indians?"
"Yes, we all were used to having them around." at his startled expression she continued, "my father was a half breed Buck. I know what you must go through because my father lived his life the same way-." she said sadly.
"Sarah if you don't want to talk about your family I'd understand-" Buck began.
"No, it's alright. My father's life was a hard one, he was half Apache, and half Mexican, which made him twice as unfavorable as I think people believe you to be."
"But he found your mother-"
"Yes, he said she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, and he knew he was gonna marry her from the first moment he saw her."
"And your mother?"
"Oh, she had eyes only for him. Well, long story short, they fell in love and decided to marry. He was just starting the ranch and thought he could provide for her so he asked for her hand, well I'm sure you can guess what happened."
"Her family objected." He stated matter-of-factly.
"Yep, my grandfather said no daughter of his would marry someone who was unclean and a savage. Mama was Irish by birth, and grandpapa wanted her to marry a fellow countryman that he had chosen. Well mama married Miguel, my papa anyway, and eventually grandpapa came around to her way of thinking and learned to love papa too. I've learned through the experiences of my family and that's why I harbor no prejudices toward Indians, or anyone for that matter."
Buck sat silently for a few moments, he knew that everything he had told her about his life, including Eagle Feather and Kathleen, she would understand. Probably better than anyone else could, even Ike, she even had some Indian blood in her too. He looked into those electric gray eyes, "You are an amazing young woman Sarah." He was rewarded with a blush.
Jimmy was glad to get off the homestead, Rachel was going crazy planning her wedding and nothing he or Teaspoon did was good enough for her. She wanted it to be as perfect as can be and with only three weeks until the big day there wasn't enough time in the day for everything to be done. Well, he thought as he pulled out a chair to sit in front of the Marshal's office, at least Kid, Lou, Emma and Sam would soon be here. And he was sure Cody wouldn't be far behind, they had just received word that he would be coming for the wedding. Just like old times, Hickok thought, and with all of them here it would be easy to find out what those men were up to.
It had been roughly two weeks since they had shown up in town, so they weren't just passing through. They hadn't looked for work, but they didn't look as if they had a lot of money. The rumors in town were varied, one said they were waiting for family, another that they were bounty hunters for hire. The one that Jimmy thought suited them best was the one that said they were running away from someone, or the law.
Jimmy had kept close watch, they would gamble or exercise their horses during the days, and disappear from the public's eyes at night. One of these nights when the house was full and Rachel wouldn't miss him, he would wait and follow them to see where, or to who they were headed to. Just a couple of days more, he thought, and smiled.
Doctor Jeremiah Evans looked in silence at the two young people sitting in his recovery room. Even if Buck hadn't realized it yet, he knew they're healing each other. It wasn't long before Sarah noticed him in the doorway, she smiled and Buck rose from his chair beside the small bed and held out his hand. Doc walked over to him and shook it.
"So how's my patient feeling today?"
"Fine I guess." she answered.
"Sarah, I was wondering if I could borrow Buck for a second. There's something I need help with and Jack seems to have run off again."
Sarah nodded, and Buck followed the older man downstairs to his examining room.
"Okay Doc what did you want to say that couldn't have been said upstairs?"
"Am I that predictable?"
"Yep, I'm sure even Sarah suspects something's wrong."
Doc Evans took a deep breath, "I can't keep her here anymore Buck, I want the room empty for someone who may desperately need it."
Buck was stunned, "What about her? Where would she go? Is she well enough to leave?"
"Buck, I can understand what you must think of me right now. But I did not sign on to be her keeper, just her doctor. I've done my part, there's nothing else for me to do." he pleaded.
Buck had to think, and fast. There was no way he could face her and tell her she was being thrown out into the street with no place to for her to stay. Then it hit him, there was one place, and he knew they would never turn her away. This might just work he thought. When he turned back to the Doc, he had a wide grin. Buck told Doc of his plan, and Evans had to give it to him the idea was a good one.
When Buck left to go and tell Sarah, the Doc let his smile appear, these two are meant to be, and anything he could do to give them the extra push he would. This however was a bigger push than he thought. I hope this works out, he thought, they both deserve some happiness in their lives.
Buck ran upstairs and told Sarah to pack her things. At her confused look, Buck explained she would be staying at the old Way Station with him and his adopted family.
"Buck, I can't just go with you. They aren't even expecting me."
"Don't worry about it, you've really got no other choice. Doc wants the room in case another patient needs it, and I can't just let you go into the street."
"I guess if Doc says I'm well enough." she shrugged, "I just don't feel right. I mean I don't really know where to go after here, that is, I couldn't possibly stay with you too long."
Buck hadn't thought of how long she would be able to stay, he explained that the wedding was only three weeks away and Rachel could use and would appreciate some help around the house that wasn't male, so she had at least that long to get in touch with her grandfather. Sarah finally agreed. Doc Evans offered her the use of his carpet bags to take her newly acquired clothes. Sarah packed while Buck left to get his horse.
When all were ready Sarah said her good-bye's to both Doc and young Jack, she followed Buck out of the clinic and into the sun for the first time in almost two weeks. Buck took her bag and as he secured it to his horse Doc promised to come down and check on her in the next couple of days. Sarah nodded and turned to mount the horse which she did with no assistance and one handed.
"Trick rider" Buck whispered to Doc when he saw the amazed look on the older man's face. Buck then mounted in back of her.
As the two rode out of town toward the way station they raised many eyebrows. Sarah noticed this and held her head higher, she would show them, they may have reservations about Buck and others like him but she would show them all. She was not ashamed of him.
Buck noticed her posture change and told her the reason the people were staring was because she was a stranger in town.
"You mean it's not because of you?"
Buck laughed and shook his head, "No folks around here are pretty used to me. But Teaspoon and I agreed to keep you a secret until we figured out what happened to you. So people are just trying to figure out how you and I know each other. Thanks anyway though."
"For what?" Sarah asked.
"For trying to defend me in your own way."
"You're welcome, I guess."
Thomas came out of the saloon to see what had worked John up, he caught sight of the beautiful young woman that only weeks ago he and others had left for dead. She looked straight at him, Thomas waited for the flash of recognition and the scream that would go with it. It never came, Sarah looked at the other people in the street. He couldn't believe it, she was alive!
Chapter V
Jeremy had been fuming for at least fifteen minutes "How!!!" he bellowed, "How could she have been alive all this time and we not know about it?" Jeremy looked around at his men, the men that had followed him countless times. This wasn't a good time for any of this, they were getting ready to execute their plan to rob the bank before moving on. "Tommy boy, explain it to me, how did you not know?"
Thomas hated being put on the spot, it was bad enough he had come during the day, which didn't please Jeremy too much to start off with, but then to be the one to tell him what he saw was even worse. Tom inhaled deeply "No one in town knew, it seems the Indian and the Marshal kept her a secret, I think there's something else going on, she looked straight at me and it was like she didn't know me."
Jeremy flinched at the word Marshal. He didn't think it could get worse after hearing that Rock Creek not only had a law man, but one that was supposedly the only survivor of the battle at the Alamo. But now he had to deal with Sarah, "Are you telling me she didn't recognize you?"
"No, it was more like she had never seen me before. Like I was just another face in the crowd."
Jeremy thought a second, "This could work Tommy boy, I want her back! I miss the little woman. Lord knows I can't eat any more of Jed's cooking." He gestured to another man in the corner, Thomas dreaded what was coming next. "You my friend are gonna get her and bring her back to me."
Thomas said a silent prayer for Sarah's safety and his sanity as Jeremy told him what he had to do.
Sarah smiled at Buck as he reached up to help her off his mount, but she couldn't help the trembling coursing through her. Buck took her hand and led her to the door, what he saw stopped him in his tracks. Sitting around and smiling was his family! Kid, Lou, Sam, Emma and their children. And if Buck looked shocked, the rest were completely astounded to see Buck come in holding the hand of a very beautiful young woman.
Teaspoon was the first to approach the two young people, he gave Sarah a big smile that put her at ease. "Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes, hello Sarah."
Sarah nodded to her host, "Mr. Hunter, it's nice to see you again."
"Well now young lady there's no need to be so formal with me" Teaspoon whispered to her as he took her hand in his and led her into the room. "Everyone, may I introduce Miss Sarah Morales, Sarah this is everyone." he swept his hand around to include everybody in the room. Sarah smiled demurely, "Nice to meet you" she whispered.
One by one everyone came up to introduce themselves, as they did Buck and Teaspoon went out to the corral. "So you want to explain what she's doin' here with you?" Teaspoon asked as one eyebrow shot up.
Buck explained what had happened at the clinic, and the position the Doc had put him in, he had almost finish explaining when Rachel joined them.
"She's a very nice young lady Buck" she said as she put her arm around him, "How long does she need to stay for?
Buck's eyebrows shot up, "Did she tell you she needed a place to stay?"
Rachel shook her head, "No she didn't, I just figured you wouldn't bring her here for just a visit." she shot a look to her future husband, "so, how long can I look forward to getting her help?"
"Well, I told her she could stay and help out until the wedding. I figured that three weeks should be enough time to get in touch with her grandfather and make some type of arrangement to see her safely back home."
Rachel nodded, "Good I could use someone's help who doesn't have to worry about her children, husband-" she chanced a sideways look at Buck, "- or beau"
Buck began to deny the suggestion that he was her beau but found that he couldn't get the words out, instead it sounded as if he had a huge stuttering problem.
Teaspoon and Rachel both laughed cheerfully, "That's okay Buck, Rachel was only teasing she knows you two are just friends and nothing more." Teaspoon said between chuckles. Buck only glared at the two of them, it upset him that the two most important people in his life couldn't approach the idea that he and Sarah could be more than friends. The trouble was he was beginning to have feelings for her, and he was having doubts about what he could offer her too, sadly Buck turned to the couple, "I guess I'll tell her the good news. Rachel, where do I put her bag?" he asked.
"Follow me." Rachel said, and both men followed her into the house.
"I really don't feel right about this Rachel," Sarah began, "I mean, Lou has a baby, and Emma has four children, it just doesn't seem fair to have them share a room."
Rachel had been listening to her objections as she put the younger woman's clothes away, "Nonsense, both Emma and Lou agreed that you should have your own room because you are healing. Besides, Emma's children will stay in the bunkhouse with the men, while Emma helps Lou with the baby."
Sarah smiled at the notion of Lou, who had been described as a scrawny looking boy. She couldn't imagine the young woman she had met earlier today could have ever gotten away with the charade. Lou had hair that went halfway down her back, and it seemed that motherhood had filled in whatever curves she had been lacking in the past. Rachel left her to get settled telling her dinner would be ready in about an hour and to rest.
Once alone, Sarah thought about the others. Kid, who had been superficially wounded in the war and who doted on his wife and child, and who laughed warmly with Buck. Emma and Sam, who she found out were trying to help solve the mystery of her appearance. Then there was Teaspoon and Rachel who welcomed her with open arms into their home, and Buck, she couldn't forget Buck who took her into his confidence and made her feel like a real friend. That was her last thought before she drifted off to sleep.
The dream was explicit in it's reality, the man had been screaming at her and beating her, he wanted something from her. Sarah tried to hear what it was, but there was no sound, she tried to see his face, but he had no face, there was only pain, the pain that came with each blow, and the smell of liquor. She was terrified, where were Buck and her friends? Why weren't they here to help her? Sarah began to scream.
The scream penetrated the silence in the house, Rachel was setting the table for dinner while everyone was outside talking and playing with the children. Rachel ran upstairs to Sarah's room, and opened the door. Sarah was having a nightmare, she was sweating and moaning. Rachel walked up to the bed and shook the girl.
"Sarah . . . please, wake up honey. You're having a nightmare sweetie" she shook her again more forcefully while speaking to her soothingly.
Finally, Sarah woke, "No! Leave me alone! Please don't hurt me anymore!" she screamed and pulled away from Rachel.
Rachel was shocked to see the wild look in Sarah's eyes, she was still experiencing the dream. Rachel ran to the window and called for Buck. Buck seeing from where she was calling was immediately frightened and ran inside the house with Teaspoon and Kid following. Rachel seeing that Buck was on his way turned back to the girl.
Rachel walked slowly towards the bed with her arms out to her side. "Sarah honey, it's me Rachel you're in my house and you're safe."
Sarah finally seemed to realize where she was. "Rachel?" she said meekly. Just then Buck and the others came bounding into the room.
"Rachel what's wrong!" He asked while he looked around the room, his eyes fell onto Sarah and saw the state she was in.
The look he gave her brought tears to Sarah's eyes, and she couldn't stop the sobs that began to shake her body. Rachel motioned for the men to leave, and when Buck began to protest she stopped him with one of her looks.
After the door was closed, Rachel put her arms around the younger woman. "Are you okay?" she asked after Sarah had composed herself. Sarah nodded, "Would you like to talk about the dream?"
"I d-d-don't remember w-w-what it was about. Oh! The other's all saw me like this, what must they think of me?"
"That was my fault Sarah," Rachel began, "You were screaming, and I wasn't sure what to do. When I saw you I panicked and called for Buck, I didn't realize Kid and Teaspoon would rush up too. I'm sorry."
"No Rachel, I'm pretty sure if I reacted that way the dream had to be about what happened to me, I just wish I could remember."
"Give it time precious, it'll come back to you, just be patient." then sitting her up straight she said, "You've got five minutes until dinner so clean up okay."
"Oh, Rachel I can't go downstairs and face them, I just can't" she pleaded.
"You're a lot stronger than you realize Sarah, after all you've been through you're still living. You have a purpose in your life, and I will not let you hide from any of it, now get ready. Teaspoon hates to be kept waiting."
Sarah nodded her agreement and Rachel turned to the door, as she opened it she could barely hear Sarah remark "You are a lot like my mother Rachel, thank you." This time Rachel could barely keep a tear from sliding down her face. "You're welcome honey." she whispered as she closed the door behind her.
TO BE CONTINUED...Chapter VI
Copyright 1998-This work is not to be reproduced without the permission of the author
The Way Station
Campfire Tales
