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.
Rachel was sitting on the porch waiting for Kid and Buck to arrive back at the way station smiling as she heard the sweet sounds of Kid's laughter floating to the house as they reined in. It was a sound she hadn't heard in almost two months and to her it could only mean that Kid had turned the corner in his recovery. She watched as Buck lifted his leg over Katy's neck and slid lithely to the ground. Kid's own dismount was not nearly as grateful and Buck was there to catch him but although he was shaking and leaning heavily on Katy he stood upright and on his own two feet. This time Buck knew that the exhilaration Kid was feeling would help to carry him over the shock that his words would cause.
'Kid have you noticed what you are doing?' Buck asked
'What?' he frowned a wide smile still on his face.
'Standing on your own' he smiled waiting for his revelation to sink in. He watched as Kid's frown turned into a look of incredulation and then a smile of joy. Buck continued to watch a little confused as Kid pushed Katy away and stood swaying slightly but definitely standing on his own
'Buck I want to try now' Kid poke and knowing what he wanted Buck advanced until he stood facing Kid
'Are you sure?' he asked looking deeply into Kid's eyes searching for an answer
Kid nodded his head and instantly placed his hands on Kid's hips to steady him. Kid placed his hands on Bucks shoulders and concentrated on moving his feet. At his first shuffling step each looked into the others face, their wyes covered with a suspicious sheen, wide smiles across their faces and he continued to move in tiny shuffling steps. Neither noticed Rachel at the porch railing tears of happiness streaming down her rosy cheeks or Teaspoon at the barn door his eyes glassed with tears a wide smile plastered across his face. The further he moved the heavier he leaned on Buck until by the time they made it to the bottom of the porch steps, it was only Buck's strength keeping them both upright and moving.
'Think you have had enough for one day muscles' Buck spoke the smile still in his voice
'I don't think I am up to stairs' Kid replied the sweat thick on his face from the exertions of the short walk
Buck slipped his arm behind Kid's knees and carried him up the stairs to deposit him on the porch swing. Rachel emerged from the house carrying two glasses of lemonade. She handed one to each of them and bent to place a kiss on their sweaty foreheads.
'I think it is time to call your wife home' Teaspoon spoke as he walked up the stairs and took Rachel in his arms.
'No I won't expect her to look after me like this. This is no better. I still can't support her. I can't work for our future.' He shook his head adamantly
'Jimmy, Jimmy' she held his arm 'Don't Jimmy it was my fault' she spoke at the furious Jimmy
'What did you tell her?' Jimmy spoke as he released Cody. He turned his back on Cody and Lou, not wanting them to see the fear on his face, when he heard what he was sure he was about to hear.
'Nothing Jimmy' he spoke knowing Jimmy's anger was out of concern for Kid's condition;
'It's just me Jimmy, I made Billy feel the baby and then I upset myself wishing that Kid were here.' Jimmy turned and folded her into his arms stroking her hair gently. Looking into Cody's face he tried to make a silent apology, Cody shrugged and Jimmy closed his eyes in frustration. The longer he spent here with Lou the harder it was not to fall further and further under her spell. Not a day passed without him wishing that the baby she carried was his own, that she was his wife or that they were indeed living here in domestic wedded bliss.
Cody watched his friends closely, quickly realising that Jimmy's attraction for their young friend was growing to almost out of control proportions yet again. Shaking his head he turned and walked back down to his horse and mounted up, somehow feeling unneeded.
'Where are you going Billy?' Lou asked softly pulling ut of Jimmy's embrace
'Back to Rock Creek' he spoke evenly
'Stay the night' Jimmy asked, hoping for a little added company.
'No, I'd better get back, Buck can't keep up with all the chores and looking after Kid too.' Cody spoke softly as he wheeled his horse and raised one hand in farewell as he rode off, wondering just who was going to be hurt when Kid was well again. He knew that none of them were in complete control of their emotions, but no matter what way this finished up, he couldn't help but think that someone would be hurt. He hated to think which of his friends it would be.
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