"He sure found a stubborn one." Richard entered the stable and found his horse unsaddled and watered. "Thanks, Chavez."
"Don't mention it." Chavez busied himself brushing his horse.
"Chavez, don't worry 'bout 'im. He'll act nice-like, I'll make sure of that." Dick said reassuringly.
Chavez sighed and shook his head. "Ignorant."
Just then, John entered.
"Howdy, Mr. Tunstall." Dick said.
"Hello, boys. Where's Stephen?" John looked around.
"He insisted on stayin' at the bunkhouse." Dick shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, we won't be too hard on him for now." John suggested. "Stephen and his brother were trying to steal a horse from out front of the bar. His brother was shot, and I got to Stephen just in the nick of time. He's probably very saddened right now, I think his brother was all he had."
Dick felt a pang of regret. "Poor kid."
"He's not going to be great to live with. Are you sure about this?" Chavez looked up from his horse.
"Now, Chavez, he'll be fine. There's not much I can do to change his attitude currently, but I'm sure he will grow more polite over time." John said.
Chavez looked back to his horse.
"Do you need any help with supper, Mr. Tunstall?" Dick asked.
"No, thank you Richard." John smiled. "But, when you're finished here, would you mind getting cleaned up and bringing Stephen to dinner? It will be ready shortly."
"Sure thing, Mr. Tunstall." Dick nodded.
"Alright. Don't bother getting changed, I doubt that Stephen has other clothes, we wouldn't want to make him feel out of place." John left the building.
"You done?" Dick turned to Chavez.
"Almost." Chavez said, although he was clearly finished. "Why don't you go get him. I'll be there in a minute."
"Chavez." Dick said and cocked his head to the side. "Come on, you've got to get used to eachother."
"Fine." Chavez closed the door to his horse's stall.
They left the stable and walked to the bunkhouse. Entering, they found Steve, his face still buried in his pillow.
"Steve?" Dick knocked on the wall.
"Uhh…" Steve bolted upright and wiped his eyes. It was unapparent that he was crying, thanks to the dirt smeared all over his face.
"We'll show you where to get cleaned up. It's time for supper." Dick motioned for him to follow them.
Steve rubbed his eyes some more and quietly followed the boys around to the back of the bunkhouse, where there was an outhouse, bucket, and tap. Dick filled the bucket with water and rinsed off his face and scrubbed his arms and hands. He then passed the bucket to Steve, who sloppily mimicked the actions. Dick made his way to the main house. Steve wiped his face dry on his shirt, and passed the bucket to Chavez. As they made eye contact for a split second, Chavez smiled. Steve didn't really dislike him, he had no reason to. He was brought up that way, and Chavez knew his opinion could be swayed with time.
Steve almost smiled back, and then switched it for a scowl. He spun around and followed Dick's path.
Chavez sighed and splashed the slightly murky water on his face.
"Mr. Tunstall, it smells real good." Dick said as he seated himself on the left side of a large wooden table.
John entered the dining room, taking his spot at the head of the table. "Let's hope it tastes as good." He smiled at Dick.
Steve entered the room, and sat down across from Dick.
"Where is Chavez?" John asked.
Steve shrugged as Chavez came into the room. He halted as he got to the table, and looked hesitantly at the seat next to Dick, then up at John. John nodded. Chavez and Steve both gave sighs of relief as Chavez lowered himself into the chair next to Dick. Steve reached for a bowl of mashed potatoes, and then pulled his hand back at a stern glance from Dick.
"Richard, would you?" John asked.
Dick nodded. Chavez, Dick, and John clasped their hands together in front of them and bowed their heads. "Lord, we thank you for the food you've gen'rously provided."
Steve rolled his eyes and reached for the potatoes again. He received a slight kick from Dick and irritably pulled his arm away and leant back in his chair.
"Thank you for our lives, and all o' the good things that you've given'…" Dick continued.
Steve yawned.
"Amen." Dick finished with a glare towards Steve.
"Can we eat now? I'm starvin'." Steve looked around.
"Stephen." John warned.
"…Please?" Steve reluctantly added.
"Yes." John finally said.
Once again, Steve reached for the potatoes. Chavez pulled them out of his reach, and gently passed them to Steve.
Steve breathed out impatiently and scooped a serving on to his plate.
"Thank you, Mr. Tunstall." Chavez said as he ladled soup into his bowl.
"Yes, Thanks." Dick added. They both looked expectantly at Steve.
Steve stared at them in disbelief, and then sighed. "Thank you." He said with annoyance in his voice, but it was apparent that he was actually grateful.