Stacy wasn't sure what hit her first, the gust of dirt in her face, or the instant shot of heat in her face as she stepped off of the stage. The coach driver handed her the small bag she was traveling with, and bid her a good day with a tilt of his hat.
She walked towards the hotel dodging wagons as she crossed the street. So this is Rock Creek. What a wonderful town. Stacy smiled as she watched some children run past her playfully chasing each other. Guess I'll clean up and figure out where the Pony Express station is.
"Come on Cody, just hand me the stupid hammer!" Noah barked to the young man that was standing over him with a devilish smirk on his face.
He tucked his thumbs in his belt. "I accept bribes." Cody replied matter-of-factly.
Noah, who was holding up the wooden support to the bunkhouse stairs cast an angry glance over his shoulder. "Yeah, and you'll be accepting a lot more if you don't get over here and help me!"
Kid who had been inside the bunkhouse came out at the arousing commotion. "Cody, can't you do anything to help around here?"
Cody shrugged. "Well yeah, I could...."
Rolling his eyes, Kid went over and retrieved the hammer for Noah. Giving it to him, he proceeded towards town. As he was walking, a young woman stopped him. "Excuse me. I hate to trouble you, but I'm new here and I was wondering if you could tell me where the Pony Express riders are?"
Kid was somewhat caught off guard. He wrinkled his brow. "Um, well actually I'm one of the riders. Can I help you?"
She smiled and her hazel blue eyes sparkled. Finally, after all these years, she'd caught up with her friend. "I'm looking for Louise McCloud. I was told she worked at the Rock Creek station."
He was at a loss for words. Obviously she knew where Lou worked, but dare he reveal her alternate identity? Just as he was about to come up with some reason why he couldn't answer that, Lou came up behind him. "I'm Lou McCloud, can I help you with something?"
Stacy was sure that her mouth had just dropped open. There before her was the girl that she had once known as Louise, dressed like a man....and surprisingly playing the part very well. "Louise! My word! I don't believe it."
Lou eyed her curiously. "I'm sorry, have we met?" She had no idea who this woman before her was. Still, there was something about the auburn haired girl before her that was quite familiar.
With a slight grin, Stacy reached out to grab her hand. "Louise, it's me...Stacy, Stacy Nelson!"
Once it hit her, Lou didn't hesitate, but warmly embraced her friend. "Oh Stacy! I thought I'd never see you again!" After a few moments, they pulled away, looking at each other and sharing a mirrored smile. Then Lou realized that Kid had been watching the whole scene.
"Stacy, I'd like you to meet my fellow rider, Kid." She motioned towards him and he extended his hand.
"I'm always happy to meet a friend of Lou's." The first thing Stacy noticed was the sincerity in his eyes. My dear friend has done quite well for herself!
Stacy returned the greeting. "The pleasure is mine, Kid." She paused for a movement. It was awkward for all of them to stand there. Lou couldn't believe that her friend was now in front of her. It had seemed like ages since they had last been together.
Lou took her arm and they began to walk back towards the station. Just out of curiosity, Kid followed them, forgetting the errand that Rachel had asked him to do. "Well do you have a place to stay?" Lou asked.
"Oh, yes, I checked in to the hotel this morning." Stacy wanted to pour her heart out to Lou right after they met, but she couldn't bear to tell her all that had gone on in her life. Not yet anyway, it was going to have to wait until they could be alone. Still, it was eating away at her, but somehow she managed to paste the smile on her face.
Stacy was so deep in thought that she didn't hear Lou talk to her all the way back. Obviously Lou was glad to see her old friend, but Kid was the only one to notice the distracted look in Stacy's eyes. She's probably just had a long trip. I just sure hope this friend ain't like the last friend Lou had visit. But at least she didn't meet her in the same place she met Charlotte. Resolving himself to just wait and see, he cast the remaining thoughts aside and focused on the pleasant laughter between the two united friends.
On to Chapter Two