Chapter 11

Colorado Springs

Thursday 4th December, 1873

Jake arrived at his new home-site to find Hank stretched out in the shade under a tree with his hat covering his face.

"Hey Hank" said Jake as he approached him.

"Hey Jake. You're late..." started Hank before he noticed the unusual expression on Jake's face"... Jake! What's happened ta ya! Ya seem as if you've won a whole round of poker"

"Oh much much better Hank! Teresa's pregnant" replied Jake.

"Really! Oh congratulations" shouted Hank, shaking Jake's hand"How did she discover it? Don't tell me she went to talk to Dr. Mike"

"Well, in fact she did. Neither I could believe it at first, but then she told me that they've finally made friends"

"Now this is another surprise"

"Oh, an' another one's comin'" said Jake.

"An' what is it"

"I'm quittin' buildin' the house alone... without Sully I mean."

"Ya asked him to help ya? Oh now you've finally come to your senses"

"Yes I asked him this mornin'. He said that durin' Christmas, he would be able ta help me. Great aint it"

"It sure is! I had come to tell ya that I could help ya no more! It's mad. We two know nothin' 'bout buildin'! It's better if Sully's here ta help us"

"You're right. So, we all leave for Christmas. But then we'll still need your help"

"Oh sure, I'm here" replied Hank mounting his horse"So, see ya in town. Give my congratulations to Teresa"

"Sure thing" replied Jake as Hank left the site.

Jake collected the tools and some material, so as not to leave it there for weeks, then he put all in his wagon. His wife had said, that since he was stopping the house-building for a while, he could start working full-time as a barber again, since he had nearly abandoned this work lately. Many clients would be happy. So he left happily for town. This was really a great day!

Boston

Friday 5th December, 1873

Karl Storm inserted the key in the door and went in.

"John! Are you there" he called.

"Hey Karl, I'm here in the kitchen" replied John Smith.

"Listen" started Karl as soon as he entered the kitchen"I have some great news for you"

"Really? Well, let's hear."

"You know that the 'Furniture Specialists' hold a party every year for their dependents"

"And so"

"Well, Byron Sully will surely be here for the party as their best worker ever"

"Now it's getting interesting" replied John"I could warn our dear Matthew using his father. Where's Philip"

"I don't know" replied Karl, as they heard the front door of the house close.

"Speak of the devil, and here he is" said John, as Philip entered the room.

"Hey guys" Philip greeted them.

"Philip, I need a favor" said John.

"Sure, ask away"

"Since you work at the post office at the station, you know when Byron Sully arrives don't you"

"Is Byron Sully coming here? My mother ordered a table made by him"

"That's not the point" said John irritated"I need you to tell me when he arrives here."

"Sure thing! And then what else" asked Philip.

"Well, I'd like you to tell me where he'll be staying while here."

"I think he'll be staying with Matthew and his grandmother" interjected Karl.

"Most probably but I need to make sure" replied John.

"Sure, leave it in my hands. As soon as he arrives I'll follow him, see where he goes, and come to tell you" replied Philip.

"Great! Thanks" replied John.

"He's Matthew's father no? What will you do to him" asked Philip.

"You'll kill him" asked Karl, a little afraid.

"Yes" replied John, with a determined look on his face.

Colorado Springs

Saturday 6th December, 1873

"So what do ya think 'bout it" she asked anxiously.

"Give me time to read it" he replied.

Dorothy and Cloud Dancing were seated on a log near his tepee. They were meeting there frequently in order for Dorothy to re-write her book about Cloud Dancing, and had become the greatest of friends. This time, after every chapter or so, Dorothy asked Cloud Dancing to read what she had written. She was still working on the 11th Chapter, and there was still a lot to come.

"It's good as usual" he replied after some time as he handed her back the manuscript.

"Oh thanks! But we're still way behind in the work! There's still much more ta be said" she replied.

"Is there a hurry" he asked concerned.

"Well, there is. What... what... if ya suddenly leave" she asked.

He looked at her in the eyes and grabs both of her hands in his.

"I'm not leaving, neither now, nor ever" he replied"what if you leave"

"I aint leaving! Why should I do that" she asked surprised and shocked at his question.

"What if your book is a success and you are offered a job in Denver"

"This didn't happen with the first book, why should it happen with my second"

"You can't know what the spirits hold in serve for you" he replied.

"You're right, an' that brings us back to my first statement, that we're behind in the work" she replied.

"Then let's hurry. So where were we" he asked as he positioned himself better on the log.

"The last thing ya told me was when ya went hunting for the first time at the age of twelve" she replied with paper and pencil ready in her hands.

"Oh yes! So, that day, my father took me with him..."

Michaela was at home laying out the table, when there was a knock on the door and Andrew entered.

"Good evening Michaela" said Andrew as he placed a box on the table.

"Horace told me to give you this box. I think it's the medicine" said Andrew.

"Oh thanks Andrew. I was getting worried" she replied as she put the box in the living room, near the fire.

She looked up and noticed Andrew looking out of the window... not exactly looking, but staring out of the window.

"Is something troubling you Andrew" she asked softly approaching him.

"No... I just miss Colleen" he replied looking at her.

"I know... she misses you too."

"How do you know"

"I can read it in between the lines in her letters."

"I knew she had to go to complete her studies, but this is taking too long"

"I understand, but remember, that she has to do this, and she's as patient as much as you are! She loves you with all her heart, and she's missing being here as much as you miss being there"

"I know, but it doesn't make things easier."

"Then, start counting the days she has till she returns... that helps! That's what I do for both Matthew and Colleen. I miss them both too much"

"I like this idea" replied Andrew, his face lighting up.

While he was saying that, Sully and Brian entered the house.

"Hi ma, hi Andrew" said Brian.

"Hi everyone. Ooh... it's pretty cold outside" shivered Sully.

"Dinner is ready" said Michaela as Brian and Andrew sat down, and Sully helped her put al the food on the table.

Once they started eating, Brian remembered he had to tell them something.

"Oh, I nearly forgot... today the applications for college arrived" he said.

"Really? Have ya decided to which ya'll go" asked Sully.

"Yeah! I'd like to go to Boston. I'm sure neither Mat nor grandma would mind me stayin' there" he replied.

"Now this is a great news" said Michaela joyfully.

"And have you decided what you'll do after college" asked Andrew.

"Oh sure! I'll join the Army" said Brian.

Michaela nearly choked in the water she was drinking, while both Sully and Andrew put their forks down.

"You'll WHAT" asked Michaela shocked.

"I'll join the army" repeated Brian.

"Are you mad" shouted Michaela rising from her chair.

Sully and Andrew remained silent.

"Of course I aint mad! Bein' in the army doesn't mean that I'll be goin' to war! I can be a trainer to new soldiers, or do paperwork, or even be a guard at the reservation! I just know that I've been thinkin' 'bout this for a long time" replied Brian also rising from his chair.

"He's right" interjected Sully softly.

"You agree with him don't you? Let's make this clear, you aren't going to kill yourself, and that's the end of the matter" replied Michaela her anger rising.

"No! It aint the end of the matter" replied Brian"I don't want to go to war, and if ya don't want to go to war, no-one forces ya! So there's no problem."

"He's right again" said Sully.

"You shut up" said Michaela to Sully, which left him with his mouth open.

"Now listen to me" said Sully to Michaela, also rising from his chair"he's your son as much as he is mine. I've been in the army, an' I know that he knows what he's sayin'. If he wants to be a trainer, or do paperwork, or a guard somewhere, he can do so! There are men who want to go an' die, an' others who have other plans in mind, like Brian."

Michaela was left speechless. She sat down and looked into Sully's eyes.

"You had already talked about this hadn't you" she asked.

"Yes we have" replied Sully as both him and Brian sat down.

"And you agree with him" asked Michaela.

"Yes Michaela, I do. You know that I'm always keeping the children away from danger, but since he doesn't want to go to war, there's no danger. He's free to choose his life" replied Sully.

"If you say so, I guess there's nothing I can do" replied Michaela as she rose from her chair and went upstairs.

"Ma.." started Brian, but was soon stopped by Sully.

"... leave her be" said Sully"I'll talk to her. Could ya please tidy up here"

"Sure, we'll tidy up" replied Andrew rising from his chair and starting to gather the plates.

"Thanks" replied Sully as he went upstairs.

As he entered the bedroom, he found Michaela on the bed, and she was crying.

"Michaela" started Sully, as he sat down beside her.

"Why are you letting him do so" she asked sobbing.

"I already told ya why. He can do what he wants after college, an' there's no danger in what he wants... besides, he could change his mind."

"But he said he has been thinking 'bout it for a long time"

"That's true, an' it is a long time."

"Since when then" she asked curiously.

"Since when we went to Washington."

"But that's a long time" she exclaimed, to which Sully laughed.

"But what has he said? 'I just know that I've been thinkin' 'bout this for a long time' or am I wrong" he replied.

"No... you're right. It's just that I fear I'll loose him."

"You won't loose him, it's a promise"

"How can you promise such a thing"

"I know Brian, and I know the army" he said as he pulled her towards him and they hugged tightly, as if they were never going to see each other again.

Boston

Monday 8th December, 1873

As Alex knocked on the door, the last person she was expecting, opened the door for her.

"Good mornin' Alex" he said as he appeared before her.

"Mat! But... you're on time! How come" she asked, very surprised.

"Well, I had many things ta think 'bout. Come on let's go" he said as he closed the door behind him.

On their way to University, Alex started talking as usual, but today, Matthew wasn't really listening to her, and soon she noticed this. So she stopped and faced him.

"Is something troubling you Mat? You're not the same today" she asked.

"Well, uhm... I have somethin' ta ask ya" he said as he stopped walking as well to look at her"would... would ya like to... uhm... go to dinner with me... let's say... Sunday night"

Alex was left speechless. This was the last thing she had expected him to ask her, knowing how shy he was.

"Mat! Now this is a surprise! I... I really don't know what to say"

"Well... just say yes"

"OK then! Sunday night! Wow... this is great" replied Alex very pleased, as they resumed walking"Where are you taking me"

"Oh, now that's a surprise. You'll see on Sunday. Uhm listen, another thing, I can't come to the Cafeteria today as usual 'cause I have some errands to run."

"Oh that's no problem Mat. We go there every day after lectures, what matters if we miss a day? And in any case, I have a lot to study! See you for lunch at the University's Cafeteria then" she replies as they come in front of the university.

"I can't either. I promised Tom to help him do some research during our break! I think you an' Mary will be alone today"

"Oh we won't mind that" she replied as they saw Mary and Tom heading towards them.

"Good morning" said Tom.

"Good morning" said Matthew and Alex together.

"Alex, I have a problem with a certain law, could you help me" asked Mary, as Tom and Matthew started a conversation on their own, leaving the girls out of it.

"Oh yes sure. Today during break-time we'll be alone" replied Alex"I have to tell you something very important. Mat..." started Alex again, but at that time the bell rang and they went in the building.

Lessons went perfectly well as usual. Alex took several notes while the professors spoke, and Matthew always found himself copying what she wrote. He was so lost just looking at her that he couldn't concentrate on what he should be writing, so after the lessons, she always lent him her notes. At break-time, the four friends got out of the lecture room.

"So, we're going to the library" said Tom to the girls.

"Okay! And we'll be at the cafeteria as usual" replied Mary.

"If you're ready before the bell goes, don't hesitate to join us" said Alex.

"With great pleasure. There was no need to tell us that", said Matthew.

"Oh yes! We'll be at the usual table" added Mary, as Matthew and Tom left the girls to go to the library.

"Come on! I have great news to tell you" said Mary as she pulled Alex behind her.

As they entered the Cafeteria the barman as usual greeted them.

"Hola Miss Parker, Miss Hunter. Cuatro coffees as siempre" he asked.

"Hello Carlos. No today just 2 coffees please" replied Alex as she and Mary headed to their usual table.

"Mr. Sully and Mr. Wilson no llegar today" asked again Carlos.

"No, they're not coming. They have some research to do, you know, the exams are round the corner" replied Alex as they sat down.

"Oh, buena suerte" said Carlos Lopez as he started preparing their coffee.

"Alex" started Mary as soon as they sat down"you remember that, we agreed to tell each other, when either Tom or Matthew made the first move? Well, Tom's made it"

"Matthew has too! Oh I'm so glad. I couldn't believe it. Sounds like a dream coming true" replied Alex.

"It sure does! How strange they decided to take the first step together."

"What did he tell you"

"He asked me if I would like to go to dinner with him on Thursday. And what did Matthew say"

"He asked me to go out with him Sunday night, but I don't know exactly where we're going. Oh, I wanted to laugh my heart out when I saw how red he had become to ask me! Uhm listen Mary... are you and Tom going for your usual cup of coffee in that Cafeteria today, after lectures"

"No. Tom said he had some important things to do, and so he couldn't go today. What matters after all, we go there every day! Oh I was going to forget! Tom suggested, that we could exchange Cafeterias one day. You know that we go to 'Karen's Cafeteria' and you go to 'Denise's Cafeteria' so as to have some privacy, but there are only two Cafeterias in town, and we would like to try yours! What do you think"

"Well, that's a nice idea! I'll talk to Mat about it ! I want to try their croissant, Tom says it's delicious"

"Oh, it sure is" said Mary, as Carlos brought them their coffees.

"Thanks Carlos" said Alex.

"De nada seƱoritas" said Carlos as he left the table.

"Oh, I simply love his Spanish" said Mary"uhm... why did you ask me if we were going for the coffee today Al"

"Oh! Could you do me a favor? You see, I need a new dress for the occasion, and I would like you to come with me so that I choose one, and since today we're both free, it's the best day"

"Oh yes sure! In this way I could choose a dress for myself"

"Great, it's settled then. Are you excited"

"Of course I am. I've never had a date before" replied Mary.

"I hope all goes well! I really like Mat" said Alex dreamingly.

"No, not 'like' him, but 'love' him. There's a difference my dear" pointed out Mary"What if he proposes"

Alex nearly choked in her coffee and she coughed a lot before she caught her breath back.

"What are you saying? Who said anything about marriage" asked Alex shocked.

"Well, I did! What would you answer if he proposes"

"But who said he's going to propose? Tom told you"

"No, I didn't know he had asked you out! But I feel like he's going to ask you! So, don't escape the question, what would you reply"

"I... I'd... well... I'd accept" replied Alex.

"Oh GREAT! He's the right one for you, I feel it. I hope he proposes after all"

"Yeah, me too" sighed Alex, but Mary stared at her.

"What's the matter" asked Alex, staring back at Mary.

"You're being contaminated! You said 'yeah'! Only Matthew says it" laughed Mary, just as the bell rang, announcing the end of the break.

"Oh, it's back to lectures" sighed Alex.

"Oh my? What's got into you? You usually LOVE lectures" replied Mary totally amazed.

"Oh well, I'm getting really fed up of them lately" replied Alex as she got out of the Cafeteria followed by Mary.

"Another contamination by our dear Matthew" said Mary to herself, not wanting Alex to hear her.

End of Chapter 11