Originally posted by lady_yuna
"Huh? I'm not as stiff as a doll and am no way as elegant as a flower. Anyways, Buddy I kinda got. . . this for you," she said bringing out a leather box. "It was my father's but I doubt he'll use it." Creaking open the box she showed a silver gun that was the new one on the market.
Buddy watched Little Ben Sisco stumble over himself as he went back to the store, then turned to Lily, and her gift.
"Well, Lily, thank you for the thought..." he began, looking at the shiny new revolver in the case. "That looks like a fine weapon, a Remington, yup, model 1858, brand new too... but, I can't rightly accept a gift, a gun, from the sheriff's collection, even if... especially if, it's coming from a rebellious little girl, trying to make a fuss!" he closed the lid of the leather-bound box, leaving the pistol secure inside the case.
"Whatever troubles you got between the good sheriff and yourself, I got enough troubles of my own with him... don't want to add the theft of his new gun to the top of the list... you keep it, and the offer to Li'l Ben stands for you too. Maybe I'll teach you how to shoot it?"
"I... I can't accept it..." Buddy refused. "I haven't worn my own guns for purt near 5 years, haven't fired a gun in near as long, ever since the war... I only wear the guns now because of.. well, because of Sarah, and what happened in Abilene."
Buddy has his own issues and unsettling memories.
"I appreciate the gesture, really I do." he continued, taking Lily by the hand. "I don't deserve the gift, though... I haven't done much of anything to have earned such a prize."
"You've saved me from the hanging for starters. Second you rescued Catori and me from the Rutherford ranch. Thrid you care about Catori you would do anything to help her. Fourth of all look at you you love to help people especially your Vaquero friend. Don't you deserve it?" asked Lily. "You do a lot for people but you don't realize it." She gave a sly smile then put the leather gun pouch into her saddle bag.
Buddy shrugged and smiled coolly as he mounted Twenty-Two.
"Like I said, aint done nothing much... regular hero stuff... just another day in the life o' Buddy Reno, renegade, rebel, and rogue..."
he laughed out loud and spurred Twenty-Two away from the store, and out of town. It was a long ride back to the Comanche camp, and Catori was in danger... oh, and she was sick with fever too, on top of the danger of Miko!! 😄
YA! YA! giddup boy! he never rode so hard so fast, not even during the war, when it was his own life at risk...
Buddy stood outside the tent, giving all the medicine and blankets and other supplies to Lily to tend to Catori and the healer, and her fiancee.
He had planned on keeping the rose to offer her himself, but it was accidentally tucked amongst the blankets, to be given by Lily...
hopefully, there wouldn't be much fuss over the gift... 😮 🙄 😕 😘
"Well, grew up a rich boy, but didn't want it. My dad died when i was young, my mom pushed me through school, and I got half way through law school when I dropped out to be a cowboy. I was never a pretty boy, always wanted the life on the west. I was happy with my life and job. I had a nack for the pistol, and taught myself how to shoot. It wasn't until I met Amber that I thought about settling down." Greg's face went solemn at the thought of his lost love.
"Met her in a small town like New Hope, about 5 years ago. Love at first sight. After a year, I preposed, and that was that. We had a piece of land ready, and farm house planned, everything. Thats when i got the call for the last cattle drive. She told me I shouldn't go, that we didn't need the money, we had enough, and she didn't want to be away from me again, but the call for one mroe adventure was to much." Greg paused. "When I get to my last town, there is a letter waiting for me, from her father telling me about her death." Greg blinked a tear back. "I rode as hard and as fast as I could back home." Greg stared out at the setting sun. "I buried her and then swore never to love another. No one could match her. She had a natural beauty. She was stubborn, and worked harder then most men i know, which is how i fell in love with her. After that, I found her killer, and murdered him. No one dared do anything about it. Once that was done, i started to wander. Gambling, drinking, going on every adventure possible, living life to the fullest. And now i have a couple accounts of theivery and murder. Not to mention the others i have gained on this trip." Greg looked up at Buddy and smiled and sad smile at the memories of his love. "Sorry, that was a bit long winded."
Miko walked out of the Tent. He had to stetch his legs. Tried as he might, he could not ignore Buddy. "What do you want? Is it not enough she risked her life for you. Is that not enough?" he asked Buddy.
************
Catori coughed. It could just barely be heard from outside the tent. She turned over trying to push the sheets away. The healer smiled. She walked out of the tent and over to Buddy and Miko.
Buddy looked at Miko coldly, blankly.
"I brought here back here, to you, so she could make her choice.
It IS HER choice, not yours or mine, or her father's or the Great Spirit's.
I thought it would be right if she died here, among her people, in her home... and, if she lives, she can make up her own mind where she wants to go, and who she wants to be with!!
That's all I have to say about the subject... go now! be with her while you can! She needs to know someone is there for her... I wish--"
he broke off before he said too much. "Just go to her, Miko..."
Meanwhile, in New Hope...
Word spread quickly about the fancy black carriage full of business men and Mexicans, and Li'l Bennett Sisco grew curious.,
"MA! MA!" he cried, and his mother came bustling in from the parlor in the rear.
"Heaven's child! What's all the fuss? I thought you pulled the candy shelf down on top of yourself again!" she was flustered.
"Aww Ma.. No!" he pouted. "I was just wondering if'n you might mind the store awhile? I got business to attend to across town... there's a neat carriage and team of 4 horses rode in this week, and I aim to wrangle us up some new customers!"
"OK dear..." his mother nodded, happy he had found something to drag him out of the store; Li'l Ben had done nothing but work the store after his Pa died; his studies were falling behind and he seemed to be growing up so fast. A little kid-mischief would keep him spry awhile longer, she hoped.
"YEAH!" Ben cheered. "Oh, and stay outta the penny-candy jar, Ma... those are for paying customers young lady, and you'll spoil your supper!"
She gaped and giggled as her 16-year old little man scampered out the front door and down the street.