DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. This Story is created for entertainment purposes only, no infringement intended. Not to be copied without permission from the author.
Dinner that evening although a joyous occasion was still a strained affair. When Cody had ridden back into the waystation, he had been quite and for Cody almost introverted, his eyes never quite meeting his friends. None of them knew quite what to make of Cody’s silence even when he had been troubled by Hezekiah’s death he had not been like this.
When Rachel had announced that Supper was ready Buck had carried Bernie across to the Bunkhouse, his joy at her return obvious even to the casual observer, his loving gaze barely left hers, his hand often straying to touch her as if he thought she was an apparition and would disappear if he didn’t touch her. The love they shared wrapping around them both, seemingly enfolding them both in their own little cocoon of love.
Ettienne seemed to be relishing his newfound friends and kept up a steady flow of questions about the work of the pony express. Eager to learn as much as he could about his new job he asked a dozen questions every time he received an answer the words only raised more questions in his mind. A mind hungry for details of his new life. He could feel the tension in the air but was unwilling to let it spoil their meal.
Isabelle was almost as quiet as Cody, her face pale, her hands trembling, her beautiful eyes liquid with tears, she wanted so badly to accept the friendship and more from the handsome blonde man who sat opposite her but she had seen first hand the pain and destruction that her old boss was capable of and refused to subject someone that she knew she liked more than was wise.
The others ate silently torn between their joy for Buck and Bernie and their pain for Cody, but even so at the end of the meal Teaspoon asked for them all to remain at the table. Rachel collected up the dishes and then resumed her seat at the table, eager to hear what Teaspoon had to say.
“Bernie I just want, well we just want to tell you that we are glad you are back, we have missed you. And we welcome your friends to our little family. Where is young Jasper?”
None were prepared for the tears that sprang to Bernie’s eyes at the mention of her brothers name.
“I haven’t seen him since my wedding day” Bernie murmured as Buck folded her into his tight embrace trying to soothe her pain. “Jefferson didn’t think it was a good idea for me to see any of my friends and family. He said we needed to start our life together fresh.” She laughed ironically to herself “That of course meant my friends and family not his” her tears streamed down her cheeks “I miss Jasper so badly” she clasped Bucks hand close and sank into his arms.
“Teaspoon what are we going to do about Eccles?” Jimmy asked quietly breaking the mournful silence that had fallen over the room.
“Nothing we can do son”
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