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.
The days flew by rapidly, Buck's strength improving a little more each day, each afternoon one of the boys carrying him carefully out on to the porch, bundled up in a thick quilt, Lou never far from his side. His hands still swollen and bruised, his fingers barely feeling his own. Lou much to his personal shame feeding him, holding the glass to his mouth to drink and even bathing him. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't remember anything clearly after his memory of seeing Kid onto his horse.
'Lou, I need to know what happened to me' he spoke gently knowing that this would upset her
'Buck, you're getting well again, can't you just let it go'
'Lou, I have so many jumbled images in my head, I need to know what happened' he spoke as she sat in front of him and took his hand in hers gently rubbing salve into the irritated skin on his hands and fingers, trying to delay her explanation as long as possible.
'The Indian scouts are the reason your hands and arms are hurting so badly. Jimmy and Cody had to watch as the six of them beat and kicked you, you tried to protect yourself from their abuse with your hands.' Lou ran her fingers along the still raw wound that ran from his temple to the back of his head.
'This happened when we were watching' tears welled in her eyes
'He shot me didn't he' Buck spoke flatly closing his eyes, still seeing the image in his mind that he thought he had dreamed. The searing burning pain in his head, blood blinding his sight as his head hit the ground. What happened next was as clear to him as if it was happening now. Opening his eyes he lifted his hand and clumsily cupped her face.
'You all thought I was dead didn't you?' he asked flatly watching as her bottom lip quivered and she nodded quickly.'You hugged me and rocked me in your arms, stroking my hair' his eyes glazed and sightless as he grasped snippets of his memories.
'How do you know that' she spoke gently pressing his hand to her face
'I don't know, I just remember it, almost like a dream' she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his lips.
'Buck I don't want to talk about this anymore. Please' she begged the pain of his almost death still to raw for her to speak out loud
Nodding his head he leaned back against the swing seat contented to know that he was beginning to sort out what the images floating around in his head meant.
"Lou can I have some time alone please' he asked gently
'I'll be inside if you need me' she spoke as she moved to the door and stepped through almost reluctant to leave him.
He wasn't sure what had happened to him but he knew now that he had seen everything that happened to him that day, almost as if he was watching from outside his body, he remembered somehow watching Teaspoon carry him home and leave him on the sofa, he remembered seeing the pain the other boys suffered at the thought of his death. He recalled seeing Red Bear and Soaring Eagle here chanting over him. He could almost smell the herbs that they had burnt over his body to coax him away from the spirit world. It was driving him crazy having these thoughts rambling through his mind but at least now they were starting to make some sense.
'Buck you ready to go back inside' Kid asked quietly
'I can walk you know' Buck spoke
'We know but you're not supposed to stress yourself, besides we are happy to help' he answered and watched the pained expression on Buck's face he continued.
'Are you alright?" he asked knowing that something was troubling him
'Kid I'm Sorry' Buck stated his obsidian eyes meeting the crystal blue of Kid's, suddenly needing to confess his feelings to Kid
'What for?' Kid frowned
'I haven't been truthful to you about my feelings for Lou'
"Buck I know' Kid stated 'They told me about everything that happened' Kid didn't want to upset Buck and was frankly embarrassed by the turn of the conversation.
'As soon as I am able, I will leave here' Buck stated not sure where he was going to go but knowing that Kid and Lou would not want him around both knowing how he felt
'Buck we're family you can't go anywhere, that would break Lou's heart. She does love you, you know' Kid spoke wisely
'I don't want to cause you any trouble, I've seen you and Jimmy fight and I don't want to lose our friendship' Buck nodded
'Forget it Buck, you are part of us' he answered him 'Truth be known everybody in the bunkhouse is a little in love with Lou, you're just the only one truthful enough to admit it. You aren't responsible for your feelings, it's Lou, she just inspires such love. Don't do anything to hurt her please' he spoke earnestly before he stood and lifted Buck carrying him inside to position him back in his cot. Buck knew he was a lucky man, not only had he survived what he knew should have been a fatal shooting, but he was also going to continue living amongst people that he loved and loved him in return.
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