DEBBIE CHAPTER 4
The following days passed in peace and after some rest, Buck resumed his runs. Debbie, when Buck was out, took the opportunity to write letters to her family and friends in Italy. She hadn't told her parents anything about Buck yet, but her friends were immediately informed of what was happening to her.
The next week, Debbie went to collect the bracelet she had ordered for Buck. Now she just had to choose the right time to give it to him.
The opportunity presented itself soon: Buck, determined to formalize their relationship, invited her to dinner in town.
One evening, while they were chatting on the veranda, where they often went to take refuge to be alone for a while, he surprised her by saying: "Debbie, we haven't had a chance to celebrate yet, yes, in short, the fact that we are together. Would you like to have dinner with me? " .
"Very gladly Mr. Cross" and kissed him. They stipulated that they would go out on Saturday night. When they told the boys, Cody, who had yet to digest the toad, joked and said: "Hey, Kid, Lou, beware these two are beating you on time. In a while we will see them with a ring on their finger ".
Buck and Debbie blushed but said nothing, they just exchanged a knowing look, remembering the words Buck had said to her on the day of the fight with the Lakota chief.
Debbie got Lou and Rachel to help her get ready. She put on a blue dress with a high collar and let her hair down, as Buck liked it. He showed up with the usual white shirt and black jacket for special occasions, with a bouquet of flowers that meant the official start of the courtship. He was embarrassed and excited because this would be their first outing as a couple and the city would understand how things were. He was afraid that some unpleasant episode might happen that would ruin the evening.
He gave the flowers to Debbie who thanked him, put them in a vase and then they came out under his arm. They tied their two horses to the gig and set off. Arriving in town, they entered the restaurant where Buck had reserved a table: he wanted to be sure he was welcome and not to let Debbie witness an unpleasant situation. The dinner went very well, they were treated like a normal couple of lovers and Buck began to relax when he saw that no one had anything to complain about and that the eyes of the other customers were not all on them. They laughed and joked all evening and then decided to take a walk before returning. Debbie knew this was the right time to give him her gift.
"Buck, I don't think I have yet thanked you enough for everything you did for me and for the words you said to me the other day"
"You don't have to thank me, anyone would have fought for you"
"I don't think so, anyway, here, take"
"What's this?"
"A gift to show you all my gratitude and my love"
"Thanks". He smiled and when he opened it he was very impressed. He recognized the bracelet-like invoice he had given Ike.
"How do you know…"
"You've been a good teacher and I often have interesting chats with Ike", she smiled. " Look inside"
"Our names"
"Yes, engraved so that they can no longer be erased"
"Thanks. I love you"
"I love you too, you don't know how much"
They kissed each other full of desire, then set off to go home.
Obviously the next day they had to satisfy the curiosity of the boys, Teaspoon and Rachel but they told the bare minimum.
Sometimes, when he could, Buck would drive her into town, so they took advantage of it to be together, and often when she went out, Debbie would find him arguing with some distinguished lords of the town. He was gradually gaining the trust and respect of most of the citizens and she was so happy for him, because she knew that this behavior would take a great weight from his heart. Buck became more and more confident in himself and in their relationship.
Soon he was able to prove what it was worth and how useful he was to the city.
For some time, the Sioux had attacked some convoys of goods destined for the city and the population was in turmoil because they feared that soon the provisions would not be sufficient. A general had been sent with the army from Fort Laramie to try to solve the problem, but when they saw the soldiers arrive, the Sioux were even more angry and had increased the raids.
Teaspoon talked about it with Buck one night: "Son, do you know anything about it? Why all of a sudden the Indians began to make raids, among other things increased by the arrival of the army "
"I don't know Teaspoon, but there is something that doesn't add up to me. The Sioux have not given us problems for years and all of a sudden they begin to attack, we need to understand why "
"Tomorrow there will be a town meeting, I want you to be by my side to understand how to move"
"I Agree"
The next day, the assembly was held as scheduled. Teaspoon took the floor and explained what Buck had told him. Someone tried as usual to rant against Buck, but this time he was not intimidated and offered himself as an explorer and mediator. Some citizens did not want to be represented by a half-breed, but Buck had been appreciated by many and this time several men supported him, among them the mayor.
"I have had the opportunity to discuss the Indian problem several times with Buck and I know that he is a boy of extreme sensitivity and diplomacy, an excellent mediator because he knows the rules of both peoples. On the other hand, if he were not a cultured and capable person, I believe that Miss Mariani, the teacher who educates our children, would not have become attached to him. I will give him all my support and I trust in him "
Debbie, who was present, felt her heart fill with joy; their relationship had been fully accepted and was a guarantee of respect for her man.
Hearing the words of the mayor, their representative, the citizens agreed to send Buck to the Sioux camp to understand what was happening.
Buck left immediately, not before Debbie had greeted him and kissed him in front of everyone, as if to state that she trusted him blindly. She whispered: "Be careful, I recommend my love"
"Don't worry, everything will be fine, I have friends in the camp and I'm in no danger"
"Ride safely and come back to me soon"
Buck left and arrived at the camp without problems. It was recognized and carried by the tribal chief.
"What brings you Kiowa brother here?", the man asked him.
"I learned about the raids your warriors are making on the caravans carrying foods in the city and I have come to understand what happens"
"Are you here to defend the white man?"
"No, to help you and them. You have lived in peace with the white man for years and now you behave like this, there is certainly something wrong "
"I know I can trust you. We are forced to make these raids because the white man has been violating the agreement signed with the Sioux for weeks. Every week we should have carts of food for our sustenance according to the pacts and so we should not make forays into the white man's territories. We resisted a few days, but now our children and our women are dying of hunger, we are forced to steal and attack the caravans to live. We sent our men to Fort Laramie to find out the reason for these delays but they were not received "
"I understand. If you could arrange a meeting with the army chiefs or those responsible for the agreement, would you be willing to negotiate? "
"Of course, war is not convenient for my tribe, it would only bring destruction and death"
"Okay, if you trust me, I'll take it upon myself to try to make you meet"
"Okay brother, we await your news within a few days"
Buck left for Sweetwater, but realizing he was very close to his brother's camp, he decided to take a quick detour. Red Bear was very happy to see him.
"How are you brother, the last time we saw each other you were bleeding after the fight with the Lakota leader. It was worth it?
"Oh yes brother. I love that woman and I didn't want to lose her for the world. You should know her better and you would notice her qualities. Thanks to her, they accept me more in the city and I finally found a balance "
"I'm happy for you, even if I don't understand how you can lose your head like this for a woman"
"You've probably never fallen in love"
"Leaders don't have time for love"
"It's a real shame because this is the only way to fully live"
"You made me curious, you know? I would like to meet her. Bring her here sometime "
"Are you serious?"
"Yes and to prove it to you I will give a gift for her. Some new prized robes have arrived for a White Eagle wedding party, do you remember her? I'll give you one as a gift for her "
"I remember White Eagle, she was a very sweet child. I thank you for the gift and also for the trust and love you show for me "
"You are always my brother, right?"
"Sure. I have to go now, I have an important mission to accomplish in the city. As soon as I can I will come with Debbie, if possible maybe also this Sunday "
"I'll wait for you when you want. Good luck brother "
"To you and thanks again"
Buck left very happy: even if he did not show it, he was very keen on his brother's judgment and approval.
While Buck was busy with these matters, after his departure Debbie returned home and explained to Rachel how things had gone. She was really happy for Buck and Rachel noticed a peculiar light in his eyes.
"You love that boy very much, don't you?"
"Yes, I would do anything to make him happy"
"Something tells me you will have a bright future together"
"I don't know how things will go, I just hope you're right. Our souls are in tune and merged together and I hope they never separate "
"Your souls?"
Debbie blushed. She didn't know if she could fully confide in Rachel but she decided she could trust her, she was a friend.
"Well, yes, we are very close"
"I'm happy for you, I understood that, you have a particular light in your eyes when you look at each other and only that particular complicity can make that light shine"
"He was very sweet and, well… it was their first experience for both of us. It's wonderful"
"The famous boots that dirty the sheets ..."
"But you…"
"Yes, I told you, that light comes only from that"
"I love you Rachel, you are like a sister to me"
"I want you too"
The two women embraced and then resumed their chores. In the afternoon, as usual, Debbie went to school and when she came out she saw Buck coming in the distance. She went to meet him, kissed him as soon as he got off his horse and asked him: "Was everything okay?"
"Yes, it is as I imagined, the army has cut off the food supplies to the Sioux"
"This explains their behavior. Let's go to Teaspoon "
"Here we go?"
"Sure, don't think you can cut me out of your life"
Buck smiled and kissed her. They went to Teaspoon's office and Buck explained the cause of the raids and that he had promised the Sioux chief an interview with the chief of the Fort Laramie soldiers.
"Damn, those damned soldiers, why the hell didn't they keep the pacts?" Teaspoon exclaimed.
"Because as usual they want to provoke a war to slaughter the Indians and take their lands, the same old story", Buck replied.
"Luckily I know Colonel Buxton in Fort Laramie. Go to rest and tell Noah that tomorrow morning we will leave for the fort and we will try to solve this situation too "
"Okay", Buck said.
Debbie hadn't taken well the news that Buck was leaving tomorrow, but she knew it was important to him, so she didn't say anything on the way back to the station.
"Debbie, I know you're not happy that I'm leaving again tomorrow, but I can't escape"
He read her in the soul.
"I know Buck, just be careful and come back safe and sound to me"
"Sure, also because we have a commitment on Sunday"
She looked at him with a raised eyebrow, curious.
"On the way back I stopped to say goodbye to my brother the Red Bear. We talked a little about you and he wants to get to know the woman who stole his little brother's heart better. Indeed, he gave me this gift for you ". Buck gave her the dress he had received from Red Bear.
Debbie had tears in her eyes.
"Thank you, he managed to say moved"
"Is it that bad?", Buck joked
"No, silly, I am moved by your brother's gesture and because it seems to me that I am becoming more and more part of your life"
"You are already part of my life and my soul, there is nothing that could bind us more, at least for now ..."
She dropped the subject and smiled.
When they got home, Buck informed the others of the situation and told Noah that the next day they had gone with Teaspoon to Fort Laramie.
Early in the morning the three men left. Debbie took advantage of the free time she had to write to her Italian family and friends. They were three girls from the north and one from central Italy she had met during a women's demonstration: women who wanted more rights. They immediately liked each other and stayed in touch. They knew all about their mutual life and had made Debbie swear to write about their new situation in America. Debbie had sent a few general letters, but now she felt it was time to inform her family and friends of her relationship with Buck. It took her all morning and then handed the letters to Ike who was leaving the next day.
The day passed quietly and the evening spent some time with Lou and Rachel chatting, even though her thoughts were on Buck away from her.
Meanwhile, the three men had reached Fort Laramie and managed to have an interview with Colonel Buxton. Buck had explained the situation to the man and he had promised that the next day he would investigate the troops to find out where the order to stop sending food to the Sioux came from. Buck, Noah, and Teaspoon settled down for the night and returned to Buxton the next morning. As promised, he had summoned all the troops to report and exposed what was happening. Obviously, no one confessed anything, but the colonel had noticed the concern of one of his subordinates. As soon as the soldiers were dismissed, he told Teaspoon who instructed Noah to follow the suspect. He and Buck would stay at the fort so as not to make anyone suspicious. Noah immediately set out on the trail of the soldier who, in fact, without being noticed, left the fort to reach a shady individual just outside the doors. Noah decided not to intervene immediately but to report the matter to Teaspoon and the colonel. The four men decided to set a trap for the soldier: they made themselves heard while they were discussing a new cargo bound for the Sioux camp, so that the traitor would report it to his contact, and in fact that same evening, the man sneaked away again out. This time he was followed by Teaspoon, Buck, Noah and the colonel who wanted to catch him in the act. After a long ride, the soldier stopped at a house in the woods, knocked and entered. The men secretly spied out the window and Noah recognized the morning man. At that point, the four broke into the house and disarmed the two men who tried to fight back and smeared Teaspoon. Making sure he was okay, the Colonel and Buck stopped the two guys while Noah helped Teaspoon. They tied them to a chair and forced them to confess. The man the soldier had met was a former soldier hunted by the army who wanted to take revenge on the Sioux who had him kicked out of his squadron and wanted a war to break out against them, to be massacred and driven from their land.
Having obtained the confession, the two men were led to the fort and imprisoned for trial and executed for treason.
Buck made arrangements with Colonel Buxton for a meeting with the Sioux chief to restore the pacts and offered to act as an intermediary. The colonel accepted and the next morning the two went to camp. The Sioux leader recognized Buck and agreed to talk to the colonel after Buck explained the deception of the traitor soldier. The agreement was restored and the Sioux swore that they would stop attacks on the food caravans bound for Sweetwater. The men shook hands and left.
As soon as we got back to Fort Laramie, Teaspoon asked Buck if he wanted to rest before leaving but he said no, he was too anxious to go home and see Debbie again.
Teaspoon nodded and smiled, exchanging a knowing look with Noah and the three set off at a gallop.
They arrived in Sweetwater in the evening. Debbie was sitting on the porch after dinner reading a bit, she wanted to be alone because she missed Buck a lot. When she saw the dust rise in the distance, she knew they were about to return and ran to meet the horses.
As soon as they arrived, Debbie greeted them and asked them if they were okay and if they had solved the problem.
Teaspoon told her: "Everything went well, don't worry, I only got a scratch on my shoulder, but your boyfriend is unharmed and has proved to be a very skilled mediator. You have chosen a good boy ".
"I know"
Buck blushed as he dismounted and hugged and kissed her. Noah and Teaspoon smiled.
"Leave the horses, I'll take care of it, come in so Rachel will warm up some of the leftover dinner, you will be hungry"
"We can't wait", Teaspoon and Noah said in chorus.
"I help her with the horses and join you", Buck said.
The two men exchanged a knowing look and set off. Buck took Debbie by the hand and helped her carry the horses into the stable. Once they had them settled, he took her in his arms and kissed her passionately, he didn't want to break away from her anymore.
"I missed you so much"
"You too and I was very worried. Are you sure everything went well? "
"Yes, don't worry, Tespoon will convene an assembly tomorrow and we will explain what happened". Buck then quickly informed her of the facts.
"How I would like to be alone with you tonight"
"I would like it too, but you know we can't"
"I know, but we will try to recover on Sunday ..."
She smiled, then they took hands and went to the bunkhouse where the other two were already eating.
When they were refreshed and washed, they all went to sleep.
The next morning, Teaspoon advised the mayor to call a town meeting to communicate the outcome of the expedition and Debbie wanted to go with them.
The mayor asked Buck to explain what happened and he reported the outcome of the expedition. When he finished, the mayor said: "Thank you Buck, you and your friends have done a great service to the Sweetwater community."
Then he turned to the assembly and said: "After Buck's speech and the role he played in this unpleasant situation, I think everyone has now understood how important this boy is to our community. Even those who were previously against his involvement have shown that Buck has always been loyal to us and that he cares about the good of the city like all of us. He proved to be a valuable explorer and mediator and I think I speak for everyone and say we would be honored if he were to continue to play this role for us. With his intervention he allowed us to avoid a terrible famine. It is for this reason, dear Buck, that I have decided to give you an award medal ".
The mayor took the medal and handed it to Buck who, extremely embarrassed, said: "Thank you, I don't know what to say, it's not necessary. I did what any citizen would have done "
"No Buck, and you know it, so please accept our thanks and this award"
"Sure, thanks to you and thanks to all of you".
The two men shook hands to the applause of the other citizens. Buck was very excited and embarrassed and Teaspoon gave him a friendly pat on the back, followed by all the other guys. Buck then joined Debbie who looked at him with pride and tears in her eyes.
"You are a hero now and you are all mine!", she told him. He smiled and took her hand.
The assembly was dissolved and everyone returned to their occupations.
That evening, Rachel and Debbie baked a cake to celebrate Buck's medal, who was increasingly embarrassed and incredulous.
When they were alone, in the evening, on the veranda, she said to him: "I am proud of you love", it was the first time she had called him that and he blushed, "you have shown the city how much you are worth and what a wonderful man you are. Do you still think that being with you could harm me? "
"I think my relationship with you has contributed a lot to what happened today and I will never stop asking myself what I did to deserve you"
"I have nothing to do with it, you simply showed what you are worth and what a correct person you are".
The two kissed and then said goodbye.