Disclaimer: Credit for characters and dialogue goes to their respective creators.
Author's Note: I am not a native Spanish speaker.
----- Scene endings and beginnings.
--- Different scenes but all within the same time-frame.
John had taken Billy into town for clothes, New Year's clothes, he did that for all of the new family members. We would be showing off our "fancy" clothes, as Steve put it, at the annual New Year Festival.
When Tulio and I first came to America, we ended up leaving behind most of our material possessions we had been sent with. When we landed in Lincoln, all we had were a few extra changes of clothes and what was on our backs. John bought us new clothes before we started working at the ranch, and then again at the end of the year, I insisted it was too much. But that first year Tulio used his savings to buy me an authentic Spanish gown. A simple red one, nothing too fancy, but very elegant. I treasured that dress, it was only worn twice a year.
I smiled at my reflection, I looked a lot like my brother Tulio, though I had long hair and a couple other things. Glancing once more at my reflection, I grabbed my brother's coat and made my way out of the house, noting John was still in his office.
The boys were all outside watching Chavez throw his knives at a small target, the water bucket. I walked past Jay and stood next to Dick. Shots rang out from above after Chavez threw his last knife, Dick pushed me behind him and pulled his gun. It was only Billy on the roof.
"Great shot, Billy!" I yelled sarcastically, he had shot a hundred holes in the water bucket. Billy just laughed and John hurried out of the house.
"Regulators!" he spotted Billy and smiled, "Let's dance!"
---
The dancing began as soon as we arrived in town. I loved the festival for three reasons: I loved to dance, it marked my birthday, and having fun helped with the stress. I was having the time of my life.
The first half of the party I danced with Billy, Charley, Doc and John. Steve wasn't too keen, and I didn't know Jay very well. So after my dances, I sat on the side with a mug of beer.
I watched the boys. Billy was dancing with one of the local ladies, Doc was dancing with an unfamiliar China girl, Charley was surrounded by women, Steve and Jay were watching me, John was standing back admiring his boys, Dick was sitting next to me and Chavez was no where to be seen.
"Hey, Dick? Want to dance?" I asked.
"Not particularly."
"Why not?"
He turned to look at me, "Because."
"Oh." I cracked my knuckles, "Is there a reason, or do you just want me to dance with Steve?"
Dick sighed heavily and stood, holding out a hand, "Happy birthday."
I smiled, "Thank you."
All through the somewhat fast paced dance, Dick kept a straight face, until I stumbled over my own feet. That got a smile and a laugh.
"Out of the way!" our dance stopped to notice Charley and a rather large man in a spat. I let go of Dick so he could help if needed, and followed him. Charley and the man exchanged a few words before the first punch came. Charley won the fight quickly, though the look John gave was disapproving.
"Happy New Year!"
Guns fired and we all cheered. I received a chorus of "Happy Birthday" from the boys and John, and was smothered by hugs. I laughed so much that night.
Chavez finally showed himself and asked me to dance, I accepted. The music was fast and we stepped on each other's feet, but it didn't matter, we were having fun. After our dance we took a walk around the outskirts of the party. In the dark we kissed relentlessly, we were both a little more than drunk.
-----
On our way home free-range pheasants were spotted, the drunken singing ended abruptly with the sounds of pistols, shouting and horse hooves. Billy looked back at John, John reassured him and Billy galloped off to play.
John and I watched the boys from the buckboard,
"You know, I'll always be around to help, John. These boys have become my life."
"I know you will, and that is why I love you. Samantha McMalley, your heart is the biggest of everyone I've known."
And we sat there, for what seemed and eternity, watching our boys.
---
Billy's turned out to be an okay kid. He got on my nerves a little, I think he's plum crazy. But Samantha likes him, so he must be all right.
There was nothing more sobering than the sound of a gun shot. Especially when it isn't your's.
I was afraid to turn around, to see who it was, but I did. John had been shot off the wagon, and Sam was next. There was another shot and she fell.
Chavez and Billy started toward the commotion, "No, there are too many! Get out of here!" I yelled. Only the charging Murphy men moved those two.
All I could think about was saving our asses and if John and Sam were really dead. They couldn't be.
-----
"John...?" my voice was hoarse. I crawled slowly over to my father figure.
"Take care of our boys..." he whispered.
"John?" my voice cracked. He didn't answer.
The pain was unbearable. I didn't think I would live through it. I pulled my brother's coat tight and waited for the pain to fade, but it didn't and I drifted off into darkness.