Please see warnings and disclaimers at beginning of the story
School was drawing nearer and neither True nor Rhianna savored the thought of being confined to the schoolhouse during their days. Rhianna started plotting ways to avoid what she considered to be an unnecessary incarceration. True told her she didn't have a snowball's chance in hell, but swore not to snitch if she managed to con her way out of it.
***
Rhianna was the epitome of politeness when Chris took her to meet with Ms. Willis two days prior to school beginning. It was explained that Rhianna had had private tutors mostly and had never attended a public school. They had a very pleasant interview and then Chris left the two together so that Ms Willis could test Rhianna to determine her level.
"Ms. Willis before we begin, may I tell you something, with all due respect?"
"Certainly."
"I do not believe that I am in need of any additional academic instruction. My training prior to coming here was very progressive and thorough. Please do not take offense, but I do not think that there is a great deal more for me to learn here. If the testing indicates that I am indeed beyond the level of this school, will you so inform my Uncle?"
The teacher smiled. "I am certain that whatever your level, we will be able to come up with something to challenge you here."
"I sincerely doubt that Ms. Willis and I feel it is my responsibility to inform you that if you think a bored True Tanner is an ungodly terror, you definitely do not want me in your classroom."
"Are you threatening me young lady?" the teacher demanded eyes flashing.
"Most certainly not. I am well aware that you are close friends with Mary Travis who is engaged to my uncle. I just wanted to be honest concerning this situation. If your testing indicates I have areas of need, I will of course be more than pleased to gracefully accept your tutelage. However, if the testing indicates that I am beyond the level of this school, I fully expect you to tell my uncle that with the recommendation that I not attend."
"Well, young lady, perhaps we should proceed with testing."
They did so and Rhianna was able to complete most tasks in record time and was smug in the knowledge that she had not missed a single question, including the verbal follow-up that Ms. Willis had insisted upon.
The blond was in high spirits at the supper table that evening. Ms. Willis had regretfully informed Chris that she was not confident that she had anything to offer Rhianna. Indeed, she thought the girl could hold her own in the university setting. As Mrs. Whitaker had bustled out to take a plate to an ailing neighbor after she served the evening meal, Chris shared the results of testing with all those gathered at the dinner table. Most were rather surprised, but one was nothing but angry.
"This is bullshit!" True exclaimed. "Ouch!" she yelped when her outburst earned a sharp slap to her leg from Vin. "You mean she don't even have to go to school? This is so unfair."
"Haven't decided yet exactly what we are going to do," Chris informed the disgruntled girl.
"I must say, though I am hardly surprised to find that you excel in the area of language arts or even arithmetic, I thought for sure that our history and government structure would be unknown to you," Ezra observed giving her a calculated look.
Rhianna met Ezra's curious gaze and then found the contents of her plate very interesting, meriting careful study. She had sincerely hoped that no one would pick up on the one flaw in her plan to avoid the drudgery of public education.
"That is curious," Josiah observed.
"There were history questions weren't there?" Nathan wanted to know.
"Yes sir."
"And ya didn't miss a single question – not one?" Buck wanted to know.
"No sir."
"Rhianna," Chris growled.
"Yes sir?" She asked meeting his fierce glare.
Chris stared her down for a full minute but when she didn't crack he continued, "How'd ya do it?"
"What?"
"Young lady, you know what I'm talking about and you had best start talkin'…now."
Rhianna cast a quick glance at True, imploring her for help. Her cousin had warned her back when she'd shared about her gift of healing to tell the seven men about her other gift. True shrugged, unable to think of anything to help her cousin.
"Well, I have been reading a great deal this summer," she started, trying to ignore Chris's angry glower. "I am very accomplished at remembering what I read." She could tell he wasn't buying it and was wondering how bad the punishment would be if she just stopped now and refused to offer anymore information.
True heaved a huge sigh, "Rhianna, just tell 'em."
After sharing a long look with True, the older girl nodded in resignation. Since Mrs. Whitaker was not present this evening, she supposed this was as good a time as any. She wasn't' really sure why she'd kept it secret this long, except out of habit. "I have another gift, other than healing," she stated quietly. She looked around at seven pair of expectant eyes. Well, she had their attention. "I can sense people. Their presence, their feelings, whether their lying or bluffing," with this she offered a wry grin as she looked at Ezra who winked at her. "Or sometimes what they are thinking."
The silence was deafening as those present tried to absorb the information.
"Thet's why ya always know when someone's comin' and who it is," Vin nodded having noticed this uncanny ability in the girl.
"Ya mean ya can tell what's in people's heads?" JD was incredulous
"Yes, but I do not read the thoughts of friends or family," Rhianna was quick to add, "At least not very often and never anything private or personal."
Ezra pulled out his deck of cards and shuffled dealing a card to everyone at the table except Rhianna. He picked his up, "What card do I have?"
"Queen of spades."
JD picked his up, "And me?"
"Ten of hearts."
Nathan lifted his and just looked at Rhianna.
She continued around the table, each person picking up the card and Rhianna telling him what he was holding until it got to Chris, who looked at her, eyes narrowed, not touching the card.
"So what am I thinking Rhianna?"
"I don't –"
"WHAT AM I THINKING?"
Tears sprung to her eyes, "I'm sorry. I know I should have told you. I KNOW you're disappointed. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. It's just that, in the past, when people have found out, they treat me differently. Don't want to be around me. True and Kieran were the exceptions," she hung her head, the tears leaking down onto her cheeks.
True started to get up and go to her cousin. She knew about the isolation the other girl had experienced since the age of five when this gift had emerged as well as the extent to which the clan had exploited it. Vin's hand on her arm stopped the younger girl. Worried for Rhianna, True tried to pull away with any angry glare for her brother, but he held tighter and shook his head, his eyes moving back to Chris.
"Rhianna," this was spoken gently but firmly and the girl had no choice but to meet Chris's eyes.
"Do you trust us? Do you trust me?"
"Yes sir."
"And do you really believe that any of us would treat you differently? That I would treat you differently?"
Rhianna's face colored in shame and she could no longer meet his intense gaze. "No sir."
"Look at me little girl," she obeyed. "DO I think differently of you?"
She shook her head, smiling shyly through her tears as she read the acceptance and tenderness in his thoughts and when he moved his chair back and opened his arms she gladly went to accept the comforting embrace. Chris pulled her onto his lap and kissed the top of her head, drying her tears and wondering what kind of hell Rhianna had experienced because of this so called "gift." After a few moments Chris could tell that the emotionally charged situation was wearing on Rhianna and decided to bring it to a close.
"Good. Glad we got that settled. So, this test today, you cheated?"
"No!"
The blond man arched his eyebrows. "So you knew the answers on yer own? You didn't go lookin' for them somewhere else, like in Ms. Willis's head?"
"Using my ability is like second nature. I used every means available to me to excel in the endeavor."
"You cheated."
Rhianna wanted to argue the point, but knew she would never win. She glared at the man.
"So tomorrow we will go and ask Ms Willis to give you another test, but this time I will sit there while you take it instead of Ms Willis."
"I would have done as well on much of it regardless."
"Okay, then you tell me which parts you should take over."
"Well, obviously history. I'm good in arithmetic, but not nearly as good as True. I can't do the complicated problems in my head. I found it more expedient to, ah," she cleared her throat and decided to just move on. "Vocabulary, spelling, and writing I did completely on my own and most of reading until she asked questions relating to literature that I had not read which seemed rather unfair anyway."
Chris nodded. "Anything else you think you should tell me."
Rhianna cleared her throat again, "I have a photographic memory so if she gives me the exact same written test I will be able to write down every answer that I did today."
"And do you have anymore "gifts" that you haven't told us about?" Chris wanted to know.
"No sir, that would be all, at least at present."
"If anything else comes up, I want to know about it first thing."
Rhianna nodded her head.
"I doubt that I need to tell you that this is one gift I do not want you using with any regularity."
"No, sir. I shield most of the time anyway. Hearing everyone's thoughts can drive one nearly insane. Sometimes, however, things come through regardless, particularly emotions or powerful thoughts."
"Do the best you can to allow people their privacy."
She nodded.
"Now go finish your food," he said, sending her off with a swat. "After we finish up here, you and I will go upstairs and discuss my views on cheating."
"But, I already explained-"
Chris held up his hand with a shake of his head and Rhianna decided it would be prudent not to argue any further at this point. The girl took her seat and let her breath out slowly. It felt as if a terrible weight had been lifted. She felt good, even if Chris was going to light a fire in her rear for cheating in a little while, he had accepted her, knowing full well what she could do. Looking around the table she allowed herself a brief reading of the men gathered. They all had. Oh there was confusion and a few other emotions, but these seven men still accepted her. She was family. She had people that cared about her and it felt very good. Her eyes met True's and they both smiled.
***
When Chris had approached Miss Willis about retesting Rhianna the young teacher had been confused. She saw no way that the girl could have cheated, but Mr. Larabee's stern demeanor kept her from asking too many questions. It was with incredulity that she informed him two hours later that the results had indeed come up quite differently.
"Young lady, I do not know how you managed to cheat on my initial examination, but I do not take kindly to cheating."
"Rhianna and I had a little talk about it. It won't happen again," Chris added with a stern look at the girl. "Isn't that right?"
"Yes, sir." Chris arched his eyebrow and cocked his head toward the teacher and Rhianna knew what was expected. "I apologize, Miss Willis, and assure you that it will not happen again."
"Very well," Miss Willis said with a smile. "Even with these new results, Rhianna's skills in most areas are far beyond those of the other children. I believe that I will be able to design a program of study that will challenge her but since she will be working above the level of most of the children, much of her work will have to be done independently. I am concerned that she will become disinterested and restless and having dealt with True when she was bored…" the teacher left the sentence hanging with a meaningful glance at Rhianna.
Oh Dear God! Rhianna thought. If she tells Chris what I said I won't sit comfortably for a month!
"I don't think she'll be giving you any problems," Chris stated giving Rhianna a pointed look.
"No, Ms. Willis I can guarantee you that I will work well independently and in no way disrupt your classroom."
"Though I am glad that you are so graciously accepting my tutelage," Lauren Willis started using Rhianna's own words and giving the girl a knowing smile, before turning to Chris, "I would like to make a proposal that might keep Rhianna more engaged in the learning process."
Chris nodded for the teacher to continue.
"I understand that Rhianna has been helping Mr. Jackson in the clinic and has shown an interest in medicine. I thought perhaps we might ask Mr. Jackson if Rhianna could continue working with him a few afternoons a week. I am sure there is much that she could learn from him."
Chris nodded, "I'm sure Nathan would be willing."
"Also, since I was reminded recently that a bored True Tanner is an ungodly terror, I have given some thought as to how I might keep her out of mischief. I came up with the plan of having her help me with the younger children's mathematics lessons. Now if Rhianna is amiable, I thought I might have her accept responsibility for working with the younger students in their reading lessons twice a week. This will give me more time to work with the older children and hopefully will keep the girls from getting overly bored."
Chris grinned, "I think you might be on to something."
"You are going to intentionally put True in a position to influence impressionable young minds?" Rhianna was aghast. "Do you have any idea what she might teach them? If she doesn't lose her temper and kill one of them that is?"
"I will supervise to make certain the lessons stay strictly in the realm of mathematics and I believe this might be a very good opportunity for True to learn some patience."
Rhianna shook her head, "It might also be an opportunity for you to decrease your class size."
"Would you be willing to assist me with the younger students?" Ms. Willis continued as if Rhianna hadn't spoken."
Recognizing the olive branch that Miss Willis was offering, Rhianna willingly seized hold of it. She had no desire for Chris to ever know she had tried intimidating the pretty, young teacher. Besides, Miss Willis had recommended the afternoons with Nathan and Rhianna owed her for that if nothing else.
"Certainly, ma'am."
"And to persuade True to do so as well?"
Rhianna rolled her eyes. Okay now this lady was pushing it. "I suppose I can try, but as I am sure you are well aware, True has a mind of her own."
"I think she'll agree," Chris stated knowingly. She would agree or not sit comfortably until she did if he knew Vin Tanner, which he did.
***
Mrs. Whittaker had prepared a special evening meal in celebration of the first day of school. Josiah had laughingly asked Ezra if he thought the celebration was for the girls, for the guardians, or for the woman herself who saw far more of the mischief makers during the summer days. Ezra, gold tooth flashing with a smile had answered that his money would be on the latter.
As the girls approached the table, True was in a fit of giggles, but the look on Rhianna's face would have scared a Comanche brave.
"Bee dty host Imshee! (Shut up, Brat)" she warned her cousin.
"You gonna make me?"
"I just might."
"Oh, I'm so scared."
"Girls settle down," Josiah ordered. "We have a special meal here, let's sit down and enjoy it."
The two did as they were told, True's blue eyes still sparkling with mischief and repressed laughter. The rest of the men showed up to take their seats and various conversations and friendly banter started all around.
"So, Trouble, ya were able ta keep outta mischief the first day of school?" Buck wanted to know.
"Yep!" True said proudly.
"No trouble with Jonathan?" Nathan wondered.
"Well, I didn't have any trouble with 'im."
Chris's head went up. He hadn't received any messages so he had assumed Rhianna had behaved. "You didn't get in a fight with Jonathon?" he wanted to know.
Before she could answer, True piped in, "Oh, no. He likes Rhianna. He likes her A LOT."
"True Tanner I swear to God if you do not shut up I will tear your tongue right out."
True just laughed hysterically and much to Rhianna's annoyance there were quite a few chuckles around the table.
"Honestly, True, I think I might have to shoot you."
Hearing Chris's favorite phrase roll off Rhianna's tongue, with exactly the same voice inflection as her guardian was too much for the rest of the group and gales of laughter filled the room.
"Ya, should a seen him," True gasped out. "Followed her around like a puppy dog. Tried to carry her books home. If she'd had her gun, think she might a shot HIM."
"True, this is not funny. He is an annoying boorish idiot."
"An' he thinks you are – and I quote, 'The purdiest thing this side of the Mississippi.'"
Rhianna's chair scraped loudly as she got up menacingly. True's hands went up in the air. "Alright, alright. I won't say another word."
The older girl sat back down, but cast one more glare at True who was still giggling. Honestly she should shoot True and then heal her so that she could shoot her again. Of course doing so would alert Chris to the fact that she had a gun. No that would never do. Well, there were other ways to get even with the little brat.
When it came time to serve the dessert, Rhianna was quick to offer to help. While doing so she "accidently" bumped into True forcing her face into the piece of chocolate cake that was being passed right in front of her.
"Rhianna Larabee!" True yelled, jumping to her feet. "You did that on purpose."
"Don't be ridiculous, True, you were just too busy giggling to pay attention to what was going on."
True's eyes narrowed as she picked up the piece of cake and threw it at Rhianna who of course anticipated the move and ducked so that the piece hit Vin square in the face. Both girls stopped and there was a moment of utter silence as Vin wiped the chocolate off of his face. Then True and Rhianna looked at each other and both burst out laughing.
"Oh, ya think, thet's funny do ya?" Vin ask threateningly. Soon the entire table was laughing hysterically, including Vin. "Hope ya realize, thet yer gonna have ta go take a bath after supper, Sunshine," he said with an evil grin.
"WHAT? Why? Just had one yesterday."
"Ya got choc'late in yer hair."
True wiped at the offending frosting. "It'll come out."
Vin just shook his head.
True turned back to Rhianna. "I'm gonna get you for this."
"Might I remind you that I am required to drink milk on a regular basis because of you."
After eying each other for a few seconds both girls broke out into smiles. It had been worth the teasing and the bath just to see the look on Vin's face when that cake hit. Some things just weren't worth staying riled over.
After a week of school, Rhianna had been able to convince Jonathon of the depths of her disregard for him. He then had to endure the teasing of the other children over having made such a fool of himself over her. Of course he was enough of a bully to force most into silence within the first couple of days. True being the exception but he was staying clear of the Tanner girl after that talk Chris had had with him before last summer.
The second week of school ended and True had actually managed to keep trouble to a minimum. She'd had no fights, at least none that got physical and the minor mischief she had gotten into had not resulted in any serious punishment. This was definitely a record!
Friday after school Rhianna was treating True, Billy, and Creed to a sarsaparilla at the store when Jonathon and a couple of his cronies showed up. He pushed his way through catching both Creed and True with his elbows which of course had True ready to smack him, but Rhianna pulled her back.
"Really, True, such a clumsy imbecile can hardly be blamed for his inability to comport himself like a civilized being."
Jonathon spun on her with a snarl, "Civilized! Like that bitch would know anything about civilized bein' raised by a filthy Injun."
"You son-of-a-" Once again Rhianna cut True off, actually taking hold of her shoulders and spinning her around in the other direction. Mrs. Potter was coming their way and True did not need adult witnesses. Though struggling, True wasn't really putting herself into the resistance, realizing that her cousin had her best interests in mind.
"Well, what would be your excuse then? I suppose you are just an uncouth cretin by nature? Are you an anomaly or is your whole family the same?" Rhianna tossed back at him as she continued propelling True out the door with the help of the two boys.
"If ya weren't so purdy, I'd show ya what I think of all yer fancy words," Jonathon said threateningly shaking his fist at the blond girl.
Rhianna tossed him a sly smile that was meant to be inviting before she disappeared out the door. The children crossed the street, True cussing a blue streak and giving vivid details of what she would like to do to the school bully. She shocked Billy so much with her tirade that he ended up with sarsaparilla coming out of his nose.
"Curse it all if that idiot boy didn't make me forget my new notebook. I'll just run back and get it real quick and catch up with all of you," Rhianna stated heading back to the store with a wave for her friends. An evil smile crossed her lips as she headed back to the store. True and she were not so very different that Rhianna would completely ignore a slight to her family.
An hour later found all the kids as well as Ezra, Josiah, and Buck enjoying a glass of lemonade on the porch of the boardinghouse. Vin approached, and anyone could see the storm clouds in his blue eyes. Most eyes went quickly to True, wondering what it was she'd done this time.
He stopped and folded his arms glaring at True. "Étónêsóotse? (What happened?)" He demanded in a deathly quiet voice.
True swallowed hard. "Whatcha mean? I ain't done nuthin."
"Then reckin' ya can tell me why Jonathon's face's all bruised and bloodied?"
"Vin, I didn't-"
"True, don't lie to me. Mz. Potter said he was givin' ya what for earlier."
"Vin, True is not responsible for Jonathon's current state of injury," sharp blue eyes turned to Rhianna. "I am."
"What happened?" he growled.
"I was taking a short cut through the alley to catch up with True and the boys and he and his friends cornered me and attempted to, let's see, how did he put it, oh yes 'steal a kiss.' So I took it upon myself to teach him one of Josiah's favorite lessons," here she paused with a smile for the large preacher. "Thou shalt not steal." Her green eyes sparkled as she continued. "Surely a young lady has the right to defend her honor when she is thus put upon by such vulgarity?" she looked inquiringly at the men lounging on the porch and then to Vin.
"Indubitably," Ezra answered with Josiah adding his nod, white teeth flashing in a contagious smile.
"Might just have ta find the kid myself and have a talk with him about how ta treat young ladies," Buck stated, never liking to hear of males at any age trying to take advantage of the gentler sex.
"Oh, I don't believe the young man in question will be attempting any such thing again. At least not around me."
Vin just shook his head. He couldn't fault the girl for defending herself and she hadn't used a weapon or caused any permanent damage. Chris wasn't going to be happy, but it didn't seem like this had been Rhianna's fault. The tracker was rather impressed that she was able to take on three of them and not come away with a scratch. Though it might bare some investigating. He had thought the other older girl didn't share her cousins advanced fighting skills.
"In fact, I don't believe the young oaf in question will be coming any nearer to me than he has to for quite sometime."
Vin's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"Before he ran off with his tail between his legs, I told him that if his little soldier ever came to attention in front of me again, I would tell my Uncle Chris who would undoubtedly shoot it off."
This was too much for the surrounding group and they all burst into laughter. Except for Billy who hadn't really followed other than she was going to have Chris shoot the older boy, which actually seemed quite likely to Billy if the gunfighter were to find out what the bully had been up to.