Her Pa was in the courthouse before she got there. Not seeing or talking to him in days made the girl sad. His chooses were usually poor these days and Maria was content being out of reach of his repercussions for now at least. Bill did not even make eye contact with his only kin.

"Can you keep an eye on the young ones in the back?" Maria smiled of course. Lavicy was near the front with her husband and Maria turned to the back. The only seat being next to William.

"You boys best behavior. She said sitting down. "That right youngins don't want to embarrass our Kin" "why I was speaking to y'all" she laughed. The group cracked a few smiles. She was not known as the most talking person. "What a sassy mouth you got girl"

They were all settled in he some justice of the peace court room waiting for this to be over. It was filled to the brim with McCoy and Hatfield dressed in their Sunday's best.

Maria was wearing a fading pale blue dress and the shall Lavicy had given her on her Name Day. Sitting next to her was William and his Uncle Jim and in front was Robert E who looked bored. Maria knew once any Hatfield child that got bored mischief came real fast.

"so hows the eye doing?" Jim asked will. he look a bit upset about the topic brought up.

"It's gone milky" Maria knew already since she has been the only one will would let do it. "..capped over" s

he placed her hand lightly on his elbow in comfort.

"let me see it. Come on now let me see it" William's protests went unheard as Jim pulled up the white covering. The light still bothered him but he didn't have to have the eye covered much longer. maria wondered if he was going to wear a patch, she hoped not. William was always so handsome she couldn't stand to see him hide his face.

"i'm gonna call you cap for now on Cap the Captain... You like that?"Jim pressed him.

" Yeah yeah Uncle Jim" Maria sat there quietly, guessing now she have to call William, Cap now.

After the scuffle in the courthouse Maria was standing outside with Lavicy and Cap. Her heart still pumping hard from the intense conflict that took place moments ago. she could still feel Cap's strong hand pulling her behind him when guns were being drawn and cocked all around. "lets go to Miss. Goman's shop. " the thought made maria giddy.

she was visibly hopping in her spot she couldn't wait to see all the pretty ribbons and pattern fabrics on display. she'd been planning what style dress she was going to purchase.

"Come Will you can escort maria and myself, you need a new shirt anyhow." Cap rolled his eyes but in good nature.

"Mother its Cap now." with that they made their way over. once inside Cap could see that Maria was excited to look around and knew that he was going to buy her something, with or without her knowing. "Good afternoon Mrs. Hatfield" smiled the very overdressed shop owner.

Maria could just see dollar signs flashing in her appraising stare. She received a cold translucent look from the owner, must be because of her outdated and faded fashion. " Our little Maria here got one of your premium Dress Certificate." the forced smile came on 's face.

maria was in the bow section at that point , running her finger over a beautiful black silk bow. Not seeing any fabric or dress that caught her attention. Silently deciding to herself to save the Certificate for another day.

Maria went home with the Hatfield clan. When she left the dress shop sadly with no purchases. everything being priced more than her measly saving.

Her poppy was outside making a fool of himself. Fueled by cheap whisky at the local pub. she was now sitting on the pouch in the moonlight.

The house had been quiet for awhile but sleep wasn't coming. the door creaked open behind her but she knew who ever it was meant no harm. Cap flopped himself down next to her.

Maria's eye showed surprise cap was the last person she thought would want to spend alone time with her.

"You okay? why you up this late, girl?" an unwanted blush rose to her cheeks,

"Just looking at the moon and stars. i can't sleep i just have a weird feeling in my belly." cap put his arm around the chilled girl. The other hand went into his pocket and pulled something out.

"I'm sure its because all the commotion that happened in i saw you looking at this today you deserve something nice"

He handed over the black bow from the store. Maria's heart just about stopped at the sight. It was beautiful and all her's now.

"now how bout i help you forget about those bad feeling."

With that he pulled maria's lips to his. she froze this was the second time he kissed her. His soft bandage brushed her forehead. Not knowing what to do she just relaxed into to the handsome teen's arms.

His hands were sliding up and down back and sides. movement inside the house made the to jump apart. "Go on to bed before we get caught. Don't let those bad feelings get to you."

Smiling she stood up "Fine, as long as you take that bandage off tomorrow."