DEBBIE CHAPTER 2
The next morning, everyone got up early and prepared the necessary items for the picnic. The women went to the church, where Debbie was introduced to the reverend and the ladies of the families in Sweetwater who would send their children to school. Afterwards, they left for the picnic, Rachel and Debbie in the wagon, and the others on horseback.
When they arrived, the boys began to horse around while Debbie and Rachel prepared the blankets and dishes for lunch. They all ate with great appetite, then decided to take a dip in the water.
"Come on, Debbie! Come with us too!", Cody begged her, but she refused, saying she didn't have the right clothing.
"This is not the first time we see a woman in long johns taking a bath, look at Rachel" , Jimmy pointed out.
But Debbie replied: "Yeah, but in Italy we don't use knickers, I wear another type of underclothing and I prefer it like this, I'd be embarrassed."
"Ooh-ooh!" the boys said in chorus.
Everyone laughed and dove into the river, except for Buck, who decided to stay with Debbie. He too felt a strange sensation in her company, something he had never felt before. He was a little afraid of it, but he didn't want to withdraw into himself as usual.
He asked her if she would like to continue learning Indian signs and she nodded in agreement. Some of the signs were simple, but others she didn't quite understand and Buck smiled, showing her how to position her hands.
The touch of his fingers on Debbie's hands startled him and she felt the same thing too. Debbie was realizing she was strongly attracted to Buck and was a little scared, because after all, she didn't know him well yet.
Buck had shown her a particular sign and she couldn't repeat it, so he positioned himself behind her, took her hands and showed her how. For a moment, their eyes met and they both felt a strong urge. Their mouths were slowly closing in, but suddenly, they heard Cody and Jimmy calling them. Debbie and Buck instinctively pulled away, both blushing. When the two boys arrived, Jimmy exclaimed: "Did we interrupt something?"
"No. Buck was just teaching me a few signs to use with Ike."
"Come on Buck, come into the water with us! Don't sit out like you normally do!"
Buck got up and walked towards the river, visibly annoyed. Rachel met him, saying: "Don't worry Buck, she knows how to choose, look!"
After having exchanged a few words with Jimmy and Cody, Debbie also joined the group, telling them she could at least get her feet wet in the river.
The day passed peacefully and in the evening everyone was happy again. After dinner, Debbie said she would go read on the porch for a while and then go to bed.
She would start her work the next day, and wanted to be well rested. As soon as Debbie left, Rachel said to Buck: "Buck, could you do me a favor and go to the house and light the fireplace? I forgot to put the wood in and I don't want Debbie and I to be in the cold."
"Sure Rachel, I'll go now."
"Thanks Buck."
As Debbie was reading, she saw Buck coming and felt that strange feeling in her stomach again.
"Rachel asked me to light the fireplace.
"Fireplace? Are you sure?"
"Yes, why?"
Debbie smiled, understanding that Rachel, having guessed everything, wanted to leave them alone for a while and resume the conversation that was interrupted in the afternoon at the river.
"Oh, nothing, you will understand when you enter."
Buck walked into the house, looking halfway surprised and amused: "I don't understand."
"Rachel must have been wrong."
Buck raised his eyebrow and then asked her: "What are you reading?"
"A book on the Greek world, I'm a great fan. It speaks of ancient myths, adventurous stories, strange and impossible loves ..."
"Interesting. Maybe you could lend it to me when you have finished reading it?"
"Sure, but I think I'll have to be the one to help you this time. It's in Italian."
Buck didn't know what to do, but didn't want to leave. He asked her: "Can I see?"
"Sure, sit down."
Debbie showed him the book and the pictures and began to explain some stories. She felt very hot despite the breeze blowing.
Buck put his hand on the book just as she turned the page and their hands touched. They felt the same shock of the afternoon, they looked at each other for a long moment and then he was about to kiss her when ...
"Buck! Come on! Come on! We need a person to play cards, Lou is tired."
They both couldn't believe it, Jimmy had interrupted them again.
Buck could not help but shout: "I'm coming!" and then said goodnight, looking at her shyly.
Debbie said goodnight and sighed. She was beginning to wonder if they would ever be able to kiss. On the other hand, she had plenty of time and didn't want to rush things too much. She only knew that she felt very attracted to that boy and that she had never felt such emotions for anyone else. She went to sleep excited and looking forward to the next day.
In the morning, Debbie got up and helped Rachel make breakfast, then while everyone ate, she gave Noah the letter for her parents. After setting the table, she did the laundry and once the chores were done, she told Rachel that she would go for a walk around the town to explore the place a bit.
"Be careful and don't go far, please!"
"Don't worry, I won't!"
Rachel went back into the house but it did not escape her that Buck had joined Debbie.
"Hi, are you going for a walk?"
"Yes, I want to see the sights of the town. Would you like to accompany me?"
"Gladly!"
They walked for a while without speaking, each a little embarrassed, both wondering if they would finally be able to exchange that kiss.
"Are you ready for today? Are you excited?", Buck said to break the silence.
"Yes, I'm excited, but also eager to start."
"You'll do good and everything will be fine, you'll see."
"Thanks, Buck!"
Silence fell between them again, walking until they came to a stream.
They sat on a rock and Debbie looked around in delight. The place was so beautiful. Her green eyes sparkled in the sunlight and Buck, when she didn't notice, couldn't stop staring at her.
"It's so beautiful here, it really feels like Heaven", she said.
"Aren't there places like this in Italy?"
"Oh sure, there are some very nice ones, but it also depends a lot on the people with whom they are observed."
She couldn't believe it, she had said it. This thought had sprung from her heart spontaneously and she hadn't been able to hold back.
He blushed and suddenly said: "So that's why this place is so charming."
Debbie's words had loosened his tongue, in other circumstances and with other people, he would never have uttered these words either.
The two looked at each other for a moment in the eyes and then, inevitably and magically, their faces approached and their mouths joined, finally the postponed kiss had been successful.
At first their lips only touched, but then the kiss became deeper and more passionate, lasting several seconds.
Debbie really felt like she was in Heaven and she wished that moment would never end.
When they parted, they looked at each other awkwardly and smiled.
"I can't believe no one interrupted us", Buck said, getting out of the embarrassment.
"Yeah", she said, kissing him again. They remained there for a while embracing each other without speaking and contemplating the landscape. He had sat behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her, and she had abandoned herself to that pleasant sensation.
They realized it was time to go. They reluctantly got up and walked away hand in hand.
"You know, I've never experienced such a strong sensation, it's the first time for me", he said suddenly.
"It's the same for me, but I like it. I'm happy."
"Me too, happier than I've ever been, and you are so beautiful."
"I don't believe you're telling the truth, but I will pretend to believe you."
"You are, at least for me."
They kissed again and slowly walked home.
Just before he arrived, Buck told her: "Saturday night, there will be a dance in town. Would you like, well, I mean, will you come with me? I mean, we will all go there of course, but I'd love to be your official escort."
"I'd be happy to go, thank you for asking. I'll be very honored. I'm only sorry that Cody will accompany me today and not you."
She said these last words, making Buck blush.
"Maybe tomorrow I could accompany you if you want."
"Sure, I'd be delighted."
"Then it's decided!"
Before turning to the house, they kissed again and then released their hands. They knew that for now it was best not to say anything to anyone and keep the feelings they were having to themselves.
Buck went into the stable to tidy up the horses, while Debbie went into the house to join Rachel before preparing lunch.
The woman asked her: "How was the walk? You didn't go very far, did you?"
"No, no. Not far at all. And as it turned out, I didn't have to go alone after all. Buck joined me, so I was safe, don't worry."
Debbie knew it was best not to lie to Rachel, as she most likely already knew something was up.
Rachel saw the particular light in the girl's eyes and guessed what had happened. She smiled to herself and said: "So it was a pleasant walk?"
"Yes, a lot, the places here are wonderful."
"The seats, huh?" Rachel smiled. Debbie blushed again and Rachel knew it was best not to tease her further.
"Come on, let's go and prepare lunch for those hungry wolves."
The two women laughed heartily.
When it was ready, Rachel sounded the dinner bell and everyone sat down at the table.
"So Debbie, how was your morning?" Jimmy asked.
"Oh well, thanks, I took a walk."
"You could have told me, I would have gladly accompanied you", the boy pointed out.
"Well, Buck actually accompanied me" and again a veil of blush rose to his cheeks. "Oh, Buck ..." Jimmy said mischievously.
"Yes, I didn't want to let her go alone", he almost seemed to justify himself.
"Well, today we will take a nice ride in the wagon just the two of us my dear and you'll get to hear about all my adventures", Cody pointed out.
"I have no doubts", she said very dryly.
After lunch and after setting the table, Debbie went into the house to prepare her things and change her clothes. For the first day, she decided to wear a lovely old pink dress, not very low on the breast, which was protected by a beige lace. She was very pretty and all the boys pointed this out to her.
"Thank you, you all flatter me!"
"Come on, let's go!" Cody said.
The two left and Buck felt his stomach tighten as he saw Debbie leave with his friend. But he remembered the morning they spent together and smiled.
On the way, Cody monopolized the conversation and really did nothing but recount his adventures. Debbie was bored as hell, but she knew she couldn't make him explicitly understand it, so she tried every now and then to interrupt the narrative of the cowboy's phantom exploits to take the opportunity to ask generic questions about the boys, but aimed at knowing something more about Buck.
They finally arrived and Cody dropped her off at the school, saying he would go to the saloon and then come back to pick her up.
Debbie was very excited. The ten children who from that day on would be her pupils entered the school. Part of the time was spent on introductions. She told the children her story and then she wanted each of them to tell her something to get to know them better. She was satisfied with this first lesson.
When she came out, she found Cody waiting for her. He took her over to the stables for her to choose her own personal horse. When she entered the stable, she saw a wonderful specimen with a white coat with a few gray spots on its back. As soon as she looked at him she knew he must be hers. She asked the price and agreed with the man. She was very happy and satisfied.
She tied the animal to the back of the wagon and the two headed home. This time Cody asked her a few questions about her and her family and the trip was much less boring than the outward journey.
Upon arriving at the station, Cody offered to help her with her horse, but Debbie thanked him and said it wouldn't be needed. Actually, she was hoping Buck would join her in the stable to spend a few moments with him.
He seemed to have read her mind because soon the door opened and he entered.
"Hi", he said to her.
She didn't turn around, but greeted him in return.
"How did it go today?" He asked as he approached her.
"Well, I would say very good. I met the children and we had a chat so I could get to know them. Then after school, I went to buy this marvel."
She proudly showed him her new horse.
"It's very nice, congratulations!"
"But he needs a name and I wanted to wait for you so we can decide it together." "Oh, thank you, you are very sweet."
She smiled, taking his hand as she pressed a little tighter against him.
"Did you have something in mind?" Buck asked.
"I don't know, a name that represents its majesty and speed."
"Then you could call it DIYAMI, in Kiowa it means 'eagle'."
"Diyami ...mmm ... Yes, I like it!"
"That's it," he said, stroking the animal.
"Now you have a name that suits you."
Debbie turned to Buck and looked at him. He couldn't help but kiss her and the kiss got deeper and more greedy.
He did not know where to put his hands, but all of a sudden he held her closer and began to caress her on the back and then lower and lower. He could not stop.
She pulled away and took his hands to push them away saying: "No, Buck, wait."
"I ... I'm sorry, I ... I didn't want to, that is, I wanted to but I'm going too fast, I'm sorry, really."
"No Buck, don't apologize. It's okay, you didn't do anything wrong. I wanted it too. I want it like I've never wanted anyone before, but I want our first time to be special and I don't want to have to do everything in a hurry for fear that someone will come in at any moment. I'm sorry."
"I'm the one who should be sorry. It's just that I've never felt such a strong feeling for anyone and I couldn't stop, I'm sorry."
"I repeat, you don't have to apologize. I'm happy with what you feel and know that that's the way it is for me too. We just have to wait for the right moment and opportunity to make everything perfect and unforgettable, okay?"
He nodded and Debbie kissed him tenderly.
"Now we better go, otherwise the others might think wrong and they would be right ...", she smiled.
He cracked a smile and they walked out.
"I have to go into the house for a moment, tell the others I'll be right there, please."
"OK, I'll see you in a bit."
Debbie walked into the house flushed. Was this really happening? She barely knew Buck. Was she ready to make love with him?
Yes, she was ready. In her heart, she knew that he was the right one. She had understood it since the night she spent on the prairie when he saved her. She was ready to begin her new life in all respects. She cooled down a bit and then joined the others in the bunkhouse, where Rachel had already prepared dinner.
While she was in the house freshening up, Buck entered the cabin door with a dejected face, so much so that Rachel asked him if he was all right. He nodded and then sat down in his seat.
Shortly after Debbie walked in, Rachel had asked: "Are you okay?" imagining that something had happened between the two.
"Yes, everything is fine, I've never been so happy in my entire life."
"Well, tell us how it went today!" Rachel said.
"I met the children at the school. We had a good time getting to know one another, but tomorrow will be the official day we start. Then I took Diyami with me."
"And who is Diyami?", asked Jimmy
"My horse. Buck helped me choose the name, it means EAGLE in Kiowa."
Ike gestured that it was a beautiful name. Debbie understood and thanked him with signs.
"Wow! You communicate well with Ike!", Kid exclaimed.
"I have an excellent teacher", she replied, flashing a beautiful complicit smile at Buck, who still seemed sorry for the episode that happened in the stable. That smile meant, 'It's okay, Buck, you've made me the happiest woman in the world'.
He smiled back, certainly more relieved now. Both Rachel and Lou noticed the gesture between the two.
"Well, then we can eat Rachel stew. I'm starving!" Cody exclaimed.
"We have no doubts Cody, please help yourself."
Everyone laughed and began to eat. After a while, Jimmy asked: "Debbie, tomorrow I could accompany you if you want, I have three days off."
"Thanks Jimmy, but tomorrow I'll go with Buck."
"Oh, okay, I didn't know, I'll wait my turn."
"Actually, on Wednesday, I thought I'd accompany her again, Jimmy", Cody remarked.
"Why? Did she ask you?" , countered Jimmy .
"Slowly, slowly, guys, I don't want discussions about who should accompany me. I also like to be independent."
"No, it's still early, I would advise you to be accompanied at least for this week", Buck intervened.
"Buck is right", Lou pointed out, "you have to learn the way and see how to avoid the dangers, but there is no need to argue."
"I bet it would end like this", Noah snapped.
Debbie didn't like this statement and decided to clarify; she had understood from day one that Noah had something against her and it was time to figure out what.
"Sorry Noah, what do you mean?", she asked.
"Since you arrived there has been a race to please you and it seems really absurd to me."
"Noah, I haven't asked anyone for anything and I'm certainly not here to be served. It was your idea both to host me here and to accompany me to work, so don't blame me."
"Sure, but you wallow in this situation. What woman doesn't like to make a lot of guys dizzy?"
"Not me, I assure you! I didn't ask for this attention and I'm certainly not the type of woman who likes to chirp with men. If I choose a man, it is because I have feelings for him, not out of vanity. "
This sentence was meant more to Buck than to him.
"You really don't know me yet. I asked all of you if you agreed with my stay here and you also said yes. If it's a problem, I can go and start the life I had planned. Just tell me."
"Oh, your character is finally out!"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I was fed up with only seeing your sweet and cute side. Now, you finally showed that you have character and can take people head on. I can accept you with sincerity now."
Debbie looked at him in shock and then said: "If you wanted to see every side of my character just ask. I'm glad to have enlightened you."
The boys and Teaspoon were petrified by Debbie and Noah's bickering. Rachel intervened: "Well, guys, don't you think it's appropriate to quiet your tone a bit?"
"Yes, excuse me all, but I don't want to be attacked and judged for what I am not. I am very happy to be here and I hope I have found a new family that I am really fond of. But if my presence here bothers or upsets someone's sensitivity, I'm ready to leave, even if reluctantly."
"I apologize too", Noah said ", I just wanted to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings between us. I'm sorry, Debbie, for treating you like this. You have earned my respect and I also welcome you. I hope that from now on we can get along."
"Yes. That would make me happy."
The two shook hands and the dinner went on serenely. After dinner, Debbie and Rachel spent some time with the boys and Debbie tried to talk a bit with Ike, helped by Buck and Lou, who didn't want to play cards with the others. Then they all went to sleep.
The next day, Debbie was excited because she would have Buck take her to town and she hoped to get to know him a little better.
In the morning, after having breakfast, she went to the stable to saddle Diyami. Lou joined her and offered to ride with her. Debbie was happy because she really wanted them to be friends.
During the walk, the two girls chatted a bit and told each other about their families, Lou told Debbie that she was orphaned and that she had a brother and sister in an orphanage and that she hoped one day to be able to take them with her. Debbie told her about her family and explained the reasons that led her to leave everything to move to America.
Debbie suddenly asked Lou: "Is this serious business between you and Kid?"
Lou blushed and was a little embarrassed, but decided that if she wanted to have a friendship with Debbie, she had to learn to confide in each other, so she replied: "I don't know, we tried to be together but it didn't work, but we do love and care for one another. We will see how things go in the future. But it seems to me that you are smitten with a certain young man ... "
Debbie also knew she had to trust: "Well, I like him and he makes me feel good. We'll see."
The two girls smiled and then began to go back because it was a little late.
Debbie went to help Rachel with lunch and Lou went into the stable to take care of the two horses. There she found Buck preparing the horses to hitch to the wagon for the afternoon.
"Hi Buck, are you getting ready for today?"
"Yup."
"You like her, don't you?"
"Excuse me?"
"Look, you don't have to be ashamed or embarrassed, it's a beautiful thing and honestly I've never seen your eyes shine like this."
"Well ... yes."
"In my opinion, you two make a beautiful couple."
"Lou, please don't…."
"Don't worry, I won't say anything."
"Thanks."
The two then headed to the bunkhouse.
After lunch, Debbie went to pack her things and when it was time she joined Buck in the wagon. She was nervous and excited, she wanted to be with him a bit alone but was afraid of not knowing what to say.
All worries vanished instantly because their conversation was spontaneous. Debbie told Buck about her life in Italy then Buck told her about his life among the Kiowa.
He then told her about the mission school and how he met Ike. He had opened the wings of his heart. Buck had never been able to tell any woman about his life in such detail. He had always been reserved and fearful of exposing his soul, but with Debbie it was different, he felt that she could understand every aspect of his heart and his life.
The chat was sometimes interrupted by a few tender kisses and the two could not be happier.
Debbie was very pleased with her lesson and on the way home she told Buck in detail what she had done in school with the children. Suddenly, she stopped talking about herself and exclaimed: "You must be bored to death hearing what I do at school."
"On the contrary, it's great to see the passion you put into your work. You are so sweet."
"Thanks!"
A passionate kiss followed.
"When are you going to tell the others that you will accompany me to the Saturday dance?"
"Why say it? Let's let them find out!"
The two smiled mischievously and then Debbie leaned against him until they got close to the station.
Debbie walked with him to take care of the wagon and then went inside to arrange her school things.
Buck entered the bunkhouse and was obviously bombarded with questions, but as shy as he was, he evaded all comments and requests.
The evening passed quietly and it was decided that the next day Jimmy would accompany Debbie into town. Buck had to go on a run that would make him be gone overnight.
The next day, Debbie was a little sad because she missed Buck a lot. She had sneaked a goodbye to him in the stable in the morning with the excuse of going to see her horse.
She didn't know she would miss him so much. She had very deep feelings for him and apparently it was reciprocated. When she thought of their kisses she felt a tingle in her belly that made her dream.
Jimmy's company in the afternoon was actually pleasant. He was not a boaster like Cody and they found themselves talking about this and that. He told her the reasons for his negative reputation. Debbie was very intrigued and almost felt tenderness for the young man that everyone feared, but in reality, he just wanted to have a normal life.
In the evening at dinner, it was decided that the next morning Teaspoon and the boys, except for Ike who was supposed to take over from Buck, would go and buy new horses.
Tomorrow was a new day, and she was excited for Buck to come home.