June 1997
The next morning at the Station Stacy was kneeling at the front of her desk, changing the schedule around for the day. Hearing the door to the Station open, Stacy assumed it was just Billy coming in from his morning inspection.
"Sorry Billy, but could I bother you to do me a favour?" Stacy asked.
"Stacy, nothing that you ask me could ever be a bother." The reply was in the form of a deep, southern drawl.
Stacy's deep brown eyes widened in shock. She turned around, hair whipping around her face, to view the owner of the voice. Tall and handsome, Ned Kincaid, stood smiling at the top of the steps. He stepped forward as Stacy slowly rose to her feet.
"Ned? But that's impossible! What are you doing here?" She asked with genuine shock in her voice.
"It wasn't easy, but I made it back to you." He said softly, while gently taking her hand in his. "I searched far and wide for someone with the same magic as Mr. Conductor so that I could return. Once I finally tracked down such a person and convinced him to give me a wishing star, I wished that I could come back to this time. This time, I won't be disappearing at the end of the day." He said solemnly.
She looked down at her hand that was currently being held. "I just… I'm in shock, Ned. I don't know what to say. I thought you were gone forever." She said softly.
"Forever is a long time to spend without you." He said tenderly. He began to lower his head to meet her lips. Closing her eyes she began to lean forward until the image of a certain someone sprang unbidden into her mind.
Pulling back abruptly, she took a step back. Ned looked at her with a mixture of surprise and concern.
Shaking her head she said, "No, I'm sorry. I just can't."
"I'm sorry Stacy but what's wrong? I don't understand." He asked gently.
"It's just that…. Well, it's complicated right now." She said truthfully, hugging her arms around her chest.
For a moment he didn't speak and Stacy was worried that she had hurt him. Finally he spoke up. "Well, I'm a patient man. I waited a long time and I'd be willing to wait a lifetime for you. If things ain't right, right now then I'll help make them better. But I do want you to know where I'll be. I'm staying at a ranch just outside the main part of town. I'll be doing some work there to earn my keep."
She flushed at the sound of the affection in his voice. "I'm flattered that you did all this for me, to say the least." Was all she could manage.
"Do you think I could see you again soon? I'd love to cook you a real cowboy dinner. Over a campfire and all."
She didn't realize she had spoken until she heard the words come out of her mouth. "Yes, that'll be nice."
At that moment, Schemer and Billy walked into the Station. Wearing a smile only seconds prior, Schemer's face fell immediately as he saw the sight in front of him. Stacy's hands held in his hands. They were oblivious to everything around them except each other. Billy had been looking at Schemer, who had been talking about the date last night, and watched as his face plummeted. He followed Schemer's gaze to what was disturbing him and felt his heart sink a little bit into his stomach.
"Shit... Sorry Schemer, I was rooting for you." He thought to himself.
Schemer left without another glance back, which is when Stacy noticed their presence.
Once Upon a Dream - Lana Del Ray
