III - You Can Talk to Me

The Grizzlies, USA

1899

It's been a rough couple of days. I would say me and Sadie have gotten closer. I can't help but notice that Mary-Beth keeps looking at me every time I sit with Sadie. Anyway, I stood outside with Javier. We talked for a bit and smoked but I eventually went inside where the other men were talking and drinking.

Micah: … Up with you boys, because I thought you liked action. A couple of days on the lam and you lot have all turned yellow. Apart from you, of course.

He gestured towards Lenny who sat at the end of one of the bunks. As I walked towards the furnace, I grabbed a bottle of whiskey from Micah.

Lenny: Shut up, Micah.

Micah: I ain't never seen so many long faces.

Javier barged into the room, as if he was running from something.

Bill: I guess… I guess folks miss them… that fell.

Micah: Well, when I fall, I don't want no fuss.

Arthur walked in and grabbed the whiskey from me and took a swig as he sat down on a chair. I stood next to the furnace and chuckled at Micah's words.

Jonah: When you fall, there'll be a party.

Everyone in the room laughed. Lenny slightly nudged Bill and they laughed again.

Bill: A party… probably.

Micah stood from his chair and slowly made his way towards Bill while looking at the rest of us laugh.

Micah: That funny, huh?

Bill: Sure.

Micah punched Bill right in the face. His hat went flying and as soon as he recovered he stood up, starting to go after Micah. Lenny, Arthur and I quickly got in front of Bill to stop him from attacking the blonde.

Micah: Maybe I don't feel like being laughed at by the likes of you three.

I hate Micah. At that moment, Dutch bursted into the room.

Dutch: Stop it! Now! You fools punching each other when Colm O'Driscoll's needing punching, hard.

Bill shrugged us off and we all straightened up. Arthur passed Dutch and waited for him outside.

Dutch: You wanna sit around waiting for him to come find us? All of you, we got work to do. Come on.

We all grabbed our things and followed Dutch out the door. He stopped to talk to Arthur while the rest of us walked towards our horses. I realized I forgot my revolver in the main building so I quickly informed the men to wait for me and ran into the building. It was mainly empty except for Mary-Beth, Abigail and Jack. Mary-Beth was teaching the young boy to read while Abigail occasionally helped him. I walked in and they looked at me. Abigail quietly spoke to Mary-Beth and got up. Jack stood with her and with a nod to Mary-Beth, she left the room, Jack in tow. I thought nothing of it and looked in the last place I saw the gun when I was cleaning it but it wasn't there.

Jonah: Mary-Beth? Do you know where my revolver went?

She looked up from the book and stood up.

Mary-Beth: Oh, Mrs. Adler took it to your room.

She seemed nervous about something. I shrugged it off. She was probably just on edge about what has been going on.

Jonah: Alright, thank you.

I was about to walk out when I felt her hand on my shoulder. I turned around and was immediately met by her lips on mine. My eyes widened and I almost immediately pushed her away. I tried to be gentle.

Mary-Beth: I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

I was still in shock. She kissed me? She actually kissed me? But I don't like her like that. I like Sadie.

Jonah: I- You- Why?

Mary-Beth: I- I've liked you for a long time, Jonah. I'm sorry.

She stuttered and tears began to fill her eyes. I couldn't help but blame myself. She liked me while I had feelings for a woman who probably isn't even remotely interested in me.

Jonah: No. I'm sorry. I just… I don't feel the same way. I'm sorry.

I quickly left the building and hurried to my shared room. I walked in to find Sadie sitting on the bed with a book in her hands. When she noticed I was there she closed the book and looked up at me.

Sadie: Hey.

Jonah: Uh… hey.

I quickly looked away from her and began the search for my gun. I failed to realize that she was the only person that knew where it was. When I finally realized this, I looked at her hesitantly. I was met with her confused eyes.

Jonah: Um… Where… Where did you p-put my uh... revolver?

Subtle, Jonah. Real subtle.

Sadie: I put it in the drawer. Are you okay?

I nodded and quickly grabbed my gun and put it in my holster. I was about halfway out the door when Sadie grabbed my hand to get my attention. Oh, not this again. Please God, not this again. I turned around hesitantly but nothing happened. She just looked at me for a second before speaking.

Sadie: You know you can talk to me, Jonah. I'll be here if you need to talk.

I was a bit surprised but nodded and left the room.

END OF CHAPTER 3 - You Can Talk to Me

Word Count: 933