Choices

Written by Wendy

Disclaimer: This story is in no way meant to infringe on the rights of the creator of the series The Young Riders, Ed Spielman and Ogiens/Kane. All other characters belong to the author. Copyright 2000

When Rachel entered the bunkhouse a couple of hours later, Lou was still fast asleep on her bunk. Rachel tiptoed lightly across the room so as not to awaken the female rider and stopped a few inches from Lou's bunk. Rachel smiled softly as she gazed at the sleeping form of the female rider. Even in her sleep, Lou wore a troubled expression on her face. Lou had been so troubled lately. So filled with pain over the strain in her relationship with Kid. She wished that there was more she could do to ease Lou's pain, other than listening when Lou needed to talk, but knew that there wasn't. She knew that the only other person that could possibly do something to ease Lou's pain was Kid, and she wasn't so sure right now that Kid had Lou's best interests at heart. Kid seemed more concerned right now in besting Jimmy, than in wanting what was best for Lou.

(I swear if those boys do anything else to make Lou leave, I will personally see to making their lives a living hell!) Rachel vowed as she stepped away from Lou's bunk and went over to the sink.

As quietly as she could, she withdrew some potatoes from the barrel beside the stove and began peeling them. She would make mashed potatoes tonight to go with the roast she had set to roasting earlier in the oven of her house. She would have one of the boys carry it over to the bunkhouse as soon as it was ready, along with the rest of the peach cobbler she had made. Even though she had made the dessert two days earlier, she knew that everyone would welcome the dessert again. 'Sides the dessert was a favorite of Lou's and she had missed out on the last cobbler she had made.

Even if there wasn't anything she could do to ease Lou's emotional hunger she knew she could do something about Lou's physical one. Lou was tiny enough as it was, but the past few months had taken their toll on her physically, as well as mentally. Rachel couldn't remember when it was that she had last seen Lou eat more than a few bites of something, since she and Kid had broken up. She knew all too well how difficult it was to eat when you were upset, but she was concerned about Lou's health. That was what had troubled her so much the other morning, when she had asked Lou if she was sick, because of how awful the female rider had looked. She hadn't quite believed the answer Lou had given her, but hadn't wanted to pressure her about it.

Besides, just the face that she had asked the question, had only brought more pain and anger Lou's way. She really wished that she could get through to Kid and Jimmy and make them see how much their foolishness was affecting Lou. She thought she had the other morning, but after what had happened yesterday, she knew that it was going to take something much more painful to make them realize how stupid and immature they were both being. She only hoped that it didn't come at Lou's expense.

Chapter 18

Send Wendy FEEDBACK

Return to The Wild West Book Store

HOME