Chapter 2 Dr Mikes Lessons Continues
Disclaimer I do not own the characters in this story. I wish the people who did would use them and create new series.
After their forced hike into Hardy's Mill after losing the horses Sully decided that he couldn't allow Dr Mike to continue un educated with regards to bush craft. As he'd witnessed she had absolutely no
idea how to survive in the outdoors. They'd had a torrid experience out in the hills. Both of them had stepped up saving each other's lives. Now developing respect for each that only comes from shared
experiences that bring people closer together.
Now she was going further out of the town soliciting patients. She had told him of the naked old man and he was out raged. Telling her that he was going to accompany her in the future when she'd
go out visiting. Rather than have her deal with any more cranks.
Michaela was out raged that Sully thought she needed protecting just because she was a woman. Hadn't she showed him her resourcefulness already?
"Sully I am capable of looking after myself" she insisted.
"Dr Mike ya don't know when you'll need some help" he ground out.
"No no no!" she said adamantly "what would my patients think if they see you holding my hand?" she continued.
His irritation building Sully walked off hitting out at the picket fence near the meadow. Wolf knew to keep his distance at this moment.
"Why she's got ta be so darn stubborn?" he thought in frustration.
When he'd met her mother he'd got a glimpse of the type of back ground she had actually come from. Seeing Mrs Quinn's face when she had shared the waiting area with a huge pig at the clinic was
a classic. Then when she learnt that Dr Mike was actually treating another pig he chortled as he walked away quickly charging into a full out run before he roared with laughter falling on the
grass in the meadow at her shocked and surprise face.
He'd been witnessing Dr Mike's growth at housekeeping. But her cooking skills were really lacking still. The biscuits were still hard and the eggs were burnt each morning for breakfast.
Colleen reminding her to remove them a little earlier so they were not so chewy. When Dr Mike offers to make oatmeal that was always gluggy they all instantly refused.
The most frightening experience was when she became trapped by the rabid bear that had attacked and killed Mr Luke Silver. Sully was determined right after that he'd instruct Dr Mike with some
basic survival skills as soon as possible. So that evening he approached her again tentatively.
He thought "Goodness Dr Mike what next" He was going over and over in his mind trying to find the right way to get her to agree with his plans. He didn't want to be devious by just absconding with
her. It would be better having her agree without the usual *battle of wills* between them. They could both *stick their heels in the mud and not budge* as they could both have a *stubborn streak*
occasionally and the *battle of wills* would continue between them with neither willing to giving in.
"Are ya okay?" He asked looking at her still pale complexion she was still obviously in shock. Mc Call had decided to take his baby back and he knew that would hurt as she'd decided to keep him.
"I've been better" She replied quietly.
"Ya got a real shock that was a big bear, finding Luke like that wouldn't have helped either" He gently said as they sat down on the step he took her hands in his. They were icy cold.
"Yes it was" She agreed moving in closer to him as he rubbed her hands to bring some warmth back into them.
"If the kids hadn't talked me into findin ya what do you think would have happened?" he asked tenderly. Slowly placing his arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to him he felt her shudder.
"I shudder to think" She paused before responding remembering how she felt smelling the animals breath on her face as she slammed the door shut. How its strength and size made her feel weak and
insignificant.
"Got an idea" He ventured slowly.
"What?" She asked looking at him wondering what he was going to say.
"How bout I show ya some survival skills so ya 'ave some ideas Huh?" He sheepishly suggested.
"After today I think that would be a good idea?" She responded timidly.
"Ya would?" He asked surprised. He was questioning if he'd heard right. When did Dr Mike just agree to any of his ideas without a fight, she must have been real scared he thought.
"Yes I would Sully thank you" Shyly she replied.
"What for?" Feeling confused now he hesitantly asked.
"Coming to look for me, saving me" She replied then fell silent and placed her head in the cleft of his shoulder.
"Good" Was all he could get out at this moment. Smiling to himself snuggling in closer nothing more needed to be said now they'd discuss it all tomorrow. Let the battles begin he thought.
Next morning with a skip in his step he was at the homestead early to discuss his idea and set a firm commitment before she could change her mind and renege. He'd arrange for Robert E and Grace
to keep an eye on the children. He felt that Mathew and Colleen would be okay not being to sure of Brian after the two resent episodes of the poisoned water and the bear but he'd promise to take
him fishin when they got back. Trying to make a mental note of the thing he'd need to instruct her with.
"Mornin" he said with a quick knock at the door before entering the homestead.
"Good morning Sully" They all said in unison.
Sully immediately launched in. "Kid's I really need ya help here I wan' to take ya Ma out and teach her some basic skills that'll help her in case of an emergency"
"What kinda skills?" Brian asked.
"How to survive here in the Colorado Mountains skills like weather, trakin, stuff I teach ya when we're out. It's different to the city were she's grown up" Sully replied.
Eyes lighting up like beacons Brian eagerly volunteered. "Can I come, I can help?"
Sully quickly responded trying not to hurt the boy. "Na not this time Brian it's just going to be Dr Mike and me" He said.
Mathew coming to the rescue said."Brian it's real important Dr Mike learns from Sully ya know he's the best in the territory look what ya've learnt going out with im. His her friend and she needs ta
know and learn these things"
"Ya right Mathew" Brian conceded.
Michaela silent through this exchange looked at Sully with the question in her eyes just you and me? Swallowing hard the lump in her throat and aware of the up side down feeling of excitement
building in her stomach.
"Tell ya what Brian we'll go fishin when I get back." he volunteered. Immediately the boy smiled and threw himself at his mentor giving him a huge bear hug.
"All right Sully" he quickly replied happily.
Sully turned his attention to Dr Mike saying he wanted her to get together what she thought she should take. Mathew rolled his eyes and Sully catching the look grinned quickly looking away.
Both of them remembering the mountain of gear she'd packed for their excursion into the mill most of it abandoned out there still.
At the same time Michaela in a spin wanting to impress Sully with her acquired knowledge. Immediately thinking about what she *wouldn't* pack this time.
Sully informed her he'd be back and they'd be out for two days and a night they'd leave mid morning. Determined knowing she'd get cold feet and try to wriggle out of going. He decided to strike while
the iron was hot. Instantly Dr Mike went red as a beetroot. Glancing at the children they were all just nodding. They understood the vital need for their new Ma to acquire skills they all took for
granted having lived here for so long.
Returning to the cabin later Sully sat on the bed looking at the three piles Dr Mike had sorted on the floor. They were reduced from the one he'd witnessed before their last excursion. None of the
children had offered her any assistance since Sully had reinforced that she had to do this on her own or she'd never learn. Mathew was relieved to see she'd not put the cast iron pots in this time.
Nor a number of the heavier items. Michaela was frustrated as she *JUST KNEW* Sully would only have a canteen, bed roll and his red poncho. His tool kit would have his knife and tomahawk. Then
he'd have his pouch she wondered what treasures he carried in there. He was a man he didn't need the stuff a woman did. She chastised herself for suddenly going there.
She was going out with Sully for a night again. Memories crowded her about their last night when it was raining and they'd slept together and the warmth of his strong hand holding her flooding her
senses. Olive saying she couldn't think why he would be nervous going out with her conscious that this time he had suggested it. What had changed? She knew that things had since they'd come back
from the mill but it had been better just to shelve those thoughts. Now they crowded in as quick as lightening.
Now she looked at him in defiance willing him just to say one word her eyes narrowing and her jaw clenched. The Quinn Irish temper ready to be unleashed.
He waited patiently just watching he knew what she was thinking. Suddenly he realized that he really did know her, her thoughts and feelings. This was totally something he'd never experienced before
in his life certainly not with Abigail but he recognised it with his brother Cloud Dancing and Snow Bird. Totally stunned his face just changed as if he had been hit by a charging horse.
Dragging himself back into the present he gazed at the three piles on the floor in front of him.
"What ya got here?" he said his voice sounded strange.
Suddenly his voice jolted her back too. "Three piles" she replied defiantly.
"Can see that what for?" realizing that once again this was going to be extremely hard work.
"One for what I want, two for the things I'm not sure of and the third what I'm sure you won't let me take" she challenged.
Slowly he said. "Okay! which is which?"
"Isn't that obvious" she challenged again.
"Maybe but I want ya to tell me" was his answer becoming annoyed as he had wanted to be gone by now. He didn't want to play this game at the moment he thought with the realization of a few
moments ago still bombarding his mind. Like some super cosmic explosion.
"Okay this is the one I want" She indicated. Before he commented she began listing off the contents.
"2 Skirts one for each day
2 Peticoats one for each day
Bloomers 2 one for each day
2 camisoles one for each day" not game at this precise moment to even look in Sully's direction.
"Mmmmm" he moaned.
"Coffee pot.
Cup
Knife, fork and spoon.
Bowl and plate
Cast iron pot only a small one.
Bed roll. Blanket, flannelette sheet, pillow tied up".
"Okay" Sully said drawing in a long exasperated breath.
"Ya can take the bloomers and camisoles. The coffee pot the cup a spoon and the bed roll without the pillow out of that lot. Next?" He replied
Mouth opening and shutting Michaela couldn't reply.
Eventually more quietly she persisted.
"Soap" locking eyes in his direction both with the same memory."Don't keep usin that fancy soap if I can smell they will to" He'd said the last time.
"Mirror" and again they looked at each other remembering the rattle snake.
"Night dress" Sully looked up surprised
"Towel"
Medical bag" tapering off to a small voice.
"Well I'll let ya take ya teddy" grinning indicating her medical bag he said in an amused voice.
"Next" he said pointing to the next plie.
"Oh! Never mind" she snapped now highly irritated.
"Well ya can take some coffee might be nice in the mornin's" he said
"The canteen is a must continuing but that's it".
Michaela just plumped down on the bed nearly in tears.
"Put them in ya pack and lets go he said oh! by the way bring ya mirror and hair brush out of that pile never know may be handy if we see another rattler". He said more gently.
Making his way to the door he looked behind. Stopping he came back and knelt in front of her and explained they were not going on a holiday to some fancy hotel. This was to teach her to survive with
nothing just in case she was ever lost and on her own. He looked at her and she smiled and acknowledged he was right. Standing she began placing the items in the pack.
She was quickly ready taking the horses they headed towards the mountains. Finally Sully stopped and slid off his horse coming over he helped her dismount. He told her tethering them with some
food that Cloud Dancing would come and return them late tomorrow.
"Ya ready?" he asked tentatively as he offered his hand they began to walk up a slight incline.
Nodding she began to follow him as the path was too narrow for them to walk together. As she suspected he only carried his canteen, bed roll, and poncho, around his waist was his tool belt and over
his shoulder was the pouch. Her pack was much lighter than when they had gone to the mill. Now she was out in the wild with Sully she began to look around at the beautiful trees and views that
offered them to her. Suddenly Sully stopped in front of her. Not anticipating that she bumped into him with a humph. Putting his finger up to his lips he indicated that she look at her feet. She didn't
know what she was looking at. He remained stock still waiting then she heard it a rustle close by just in front of them from a bush emerged a deer and fawn. Her eyes widened in surprise. Smiling Sully
squatted down showing the hoof prints in the ground. Silently Sully indicated they'd leave the pair in peace and moved off again.
Coming to a clearing they stopped and Michaela was able to off load the pack and sit for a few minutes. Sully began to explain the different animals they may see in the area. Explaining that the tracks
are how they locate the different animals and birds. He stood and showed her a tree that had a nest. Pulling down the branch so she could see the nest with eggs in it.
"Ya can take the eggs if ya desperate at any time". He explained. "Been in that situation once wouldn't like to be there again". He continued.
Hesitantly she wondered where they would spend the night but before she could ask the question Sully was up and offering his hand to hoist her to her feet. He grabbed the pack and was headed off in
the same direction. Suddenly stopping again he pointed to some trees.
"Notice anything?" he asked.
Shaking her head she said "No"
"The lichen will always be on the North side of the trees" he said.
He placed a stick in the ground and at the end of the shadow he placed a small stone.
He then began to explain about the winds of the four directions. North, South, East and West that the Indians recognised them as sacred. They all represented different seasons of life and carried
different animal totems with them as well. That winds coming from a certain direction would be different. Those coming off Pikes Peak in winter would be freezing cold and possibly carry snow. Those
from the plains in summer would be hot and make the place uncomfortable. That over time she would be able to recognise which direction the wind was coming from and what weather it would bring.
He went and looked at the shadow the stick made now and placed another marker there. Over the two markers he placed a straight sick. Facing the markers and the shadow stick he explained the one
on the left was West The one on the right was East. The way he was facing was true North he explained. He indicated the trees nearby and he was facing North. Stating that at different times in the
year the sun rose and set in slightly different places. Michaela said she'd noticed that in the mornings were the sun shone through the windows. Sully nodded and smiled agreeing.
He looked up and there were wispy cloud high up in the sky. Over nearer the hills they were white and thicker. Indicating for Michaela to look up he explained the cloud were able to be read as well.
Had she ever watched them or noticed any different ones. She said she had. Dropping down with a stick he drew the different types and how they behaved. Telling her to be aware of the big black
clouds as they held either rain or snow.
Looking under the trees Sully spied some mushrooms. Collecting them and placing them in his bandana. Michaela watched as he found and harvested them. He'd spotted her watching so felt there
needn't be an explanation. Doing was better than talking he knew this. Silently he pointed under another tree and she scampered over. Looking up with a huge grin she came over took his bandana and
proceeded in harvesting those as well. The look on her face made him so proud. Michaela handed him back the harvested mushrooms as they began to move again. Explaining the differences between
the mushroom and toadstools which are poisonous.
He picked up her pack again and she took his roll and poncho slinging them over her shoulder. The closeness of these items made her aware that they smelt like him and she closed her eyes just
enjoying the aroma. Sully spied her and smiled and thought how he felt when he smelt her hair and the soaps he groused her about. They had that in common although he'd not mention it to her as he
didn't want to discourage her. He wondered if the scents had the same effect on her as it did to him.
Continuing on he noticed as the path widened and she fell in step with him. Stopping again he showed her berries and she skipped off and picking them as well. Looking at the glee in her face he
decided to stop. She couldn't resist the taste of the fruit. Offering Sully one as he leant in she whipped her fingers away and stuffed it in her mouth chuckling. Feeling sorry she offered him another
before she could repeat the same thing he grabbed her hand and placed the berry and her fingers in his mouth sucking the juice off them. Looking into her eyes with an intense gaze, there was a
sudden flash of electricity between them that was felt by both. Quickly they finished the fruit and moved off without a word only all these unexplained feelings bombarding them.
"Is it much further?" She enquired.
"Nah! Why are ya tired?" he looked at her concerned. Usually he was able to cover a lot more ground. They had when going to the mill as well but that had been due to the fact they'd not wanted to be
caught by Hardy's men.
"Just over the rise and down a little ya think ya'll be okay?" He replied.
"I'm okay I was just wondering where you were taking me that's all, imagine what Mother would say you whisking me out doors un chaperoned" She asked smiling as she had an image of her mother's
bright red face and blustering about family honour.
Sully suddenly concerned asked "Dr Mike ya trust me don' ya I'd do nuttin to hurt ya, ya no that don' ya?" Imploring her with his blue eyes that so attracted her.
"Yes of cause I trust you Sully you're the most trust worthy man I know" she said."Besides we have a debt on each other don't we?" She shyly answered. "I was only teasing"
Finally they came to a clearing that afforded the most spectacular view of a valley the colour hews of dark blue, and purple with the gradual folds in the hills making it look like a velvet skirt falling.
Then there was the sky the colour of Sully's eyes when he would look at her. Down on the floor of the valley a small river meandered along with little twists and turns of silver in the sun light. Not unlike a small strand of beautiful pearls.
Sucking in her breath Michaela just gazed in awe at the most amazing sight she'd ever seen in her life "Oh Sully". This was all she could say turning to him she threw her arms around his neck and
thanked him. Sully returned the hug and smiled he had thought she'd be pleased and was grateful the day was so perfect to afford the valley in its best light. He guided her to a large boulder for her to
sit on. Knowing that as the sun glided into evening the colour show was going to get better.
He set about setting up the camp for the night lighting a fire he caught a small rabbit and places it on a green stick to cook over the fire. He collected some green wild beans and placed them in large
leaves to steam near the coals. Using some water he collected the coffee pot and placed it so it would come to the boil for a coffee after dinner. Leaving the bed rolls purposely so Michaela could
choose how they would retire for the night.
Night was descending on the valley and the colours were fading into pastels of blue and mauve adding pink into the mix as well. Sully standing away behind watched the enthralled Michaela watching
the rapidly changing scene. Eventually he approached her and pulled her to her feet and turned her around to gaze at the setting sun gliding lower in the sky a huge orb of the finest golden colour with
shards of gold piecing the sky from its centre. She just opened her mouth to be seeing another incredible view. It was totally awe inspiring and she knew that Sully had purposely brought her out to
witness this spectacular scene. As the sun faded the clouds that had been red faded into pink as well with golden edges. A true gift from Mother Nature.
Finally the scene vanished within seconds and Sully invited her to the fire for the meal. He explained how he had caught the rabbit and prepared it. Also where to locate the beans and the larger leaves
and she knew about the mushrooms. Smirking he added he had personally picked the coffee beans and hoped she would enjoy them as he poured them each a cup. Michaela loved it when Sully let the
little boy out as it didn't occur often and it was a delight to witness. She chided him saying she wanted milk this time laughing. Settling they enjoyed the meal that had an aroma that induced the
mouth to water. Picking the rabbit up by the bones and eating it she marvelled that she had come a long way since meeting this incredible man enjoying his company and the meal.
After the meal Michaela rinsed the cups and used a cloth and washed her hands and face. Looking towards Sully who was still seated looking in the fire oblivious to what was happening she wondered
about sleeping.
"Sully" she quietly called there was no response so she called again a little louder this time he responded by looking up. "Were shall we sleep?" She shyly asked.
"It's a nice night and we've a fire if it cools too much" he replied.
"Yes but how should we sleep?" she changed the question this time.
Looking at her he said "that's up to ya I'll do whatever ya comfortable with" he continued his voice trailing off.
Now knowing the decision was totally hers she decided to take the plunge and placed the rolls beside each other next the fire. Looking at Sully who was watching her all the time to see what she'd do.
Awkwardly she said "Just like when we went to the mill" looking into his eyes reflecting the fire light. He responded with a slight nod.
A very short time later they lay on their backs looking at the bright stars appearing in the heavens above. Sully prompting Michaela to remember the lessons of the day. The compass and its four directions. He explained that there was a magnetic North and a true North. About the wind also their directions also the clouds and what was important to remember. The mushrooms and berries were they could be found. Then was her junk really needed?
Looking up and pulling her over so her head was cradled in his shoulder so they were looking at the same area of sky he pointed and identified the Dog Star the brightest star in the sky. She looked and glanced at him thinking there wasn't much he didn't know. Then he pointed up and identified the Big Dipper that looked like a wonky chair then the Little Dipper. Explaining that if she drew a line across the bottom of the chair legs to the last star on the Little Dipper that was the North Star and it pointed true North. She could see his arm in waving in the darkened sky but could recognise the stars he was showing her. He asked her to repeat the instructions and she successfully showed him and pointed out the North Star. He hugged her pleased with her explaining that if she knew North she should never get lost as Colorado Springs was in the North. The North Star was always used for navigation. Now she knew how to locate North in the day and on clear nights.
Soon the night enveloped them both Sully thrilled that their unique friendship continued to grow. He would never do anything to destroy the trust this woman had in him. He decided he could and would wait for forever if that was what it would take knowing that they would be together eventually. She sighed she had never had such a friend nor anyone who she completely trusted and it felt so good. She would continue to wait for forever if that was what it would take to be with this loving man. Cuddled up together they drifted off to sleep sharing the same dream of a special future and unique bond rare among most couples.
As soon as the sun was in the sky Sully was up. He waited for Michaela to wake as her sessions had not finished yet. Pleased with his pupil's progress though. Finally Michaels stirred and opened her eyes at the beginnings of a glorious day. Sully looked up when she sat up. The morning hews where pale blues and mauves with pink tinged fluffy clouds high in the sky a slither of yellow appeared just as the sun began to kiss the horizon.
"Mornin" Sully said coming over "How'd ya sleep?" he enquired smiling at her.
"Like a log" she replied. "Sully it's so peaceful and quiet out here and the views are amazing and the sun and the pictures it paints I wish I could have a home in a place like this someday with a view to wake up to and go to sleep seeing the sun. I'd like a log cabin big enough to be a true home for a family. Not just a house to be admired but a home with all the love in the world". she mused still taking in the brightening views.
Surprised at her comments and pleased that she had enjoyed this spot he dreamily replied "maybe ya will get ya dream one day Dr Mike". Recognising his own desires and dreams in her words.
"Now up ya get as ya have to get the breakfast" chuckling at her facial expression. "It aint a picnic ya know I cooked and collected the dinner last night member?"
Quickly Michaela threw the blanket back remembering where she had her head during the night. She used Sully's out stretched arm as she hate sleeping without a pillow. Sully's other arm had been around her waist she had felt warm and safe all night.
Walking towards him she squatted down and looked at the ashes from the fire the night before. Wondering how they get it started once again. Sully came over with two pieces of wood. One thick piece of wood with an indentation in the middle, the other thinner stick with a point at one end. He placed the thick piece on the ground and some leaves and grass nearby. Motioning Michaela over he showed her what to do.
Placing the other end in the hole he showed her how to roll it back and forth between his hands causing friction to induce smoke and a fire. Giving them both to her indicating that he wanted her to do it. She tried and wasn't able to get the momentum to start a fire. Sully went around behind her putting his arms around her placing his hands over hers and begins rubbing the upright stick quickly between their palms to create friction. After beginning three times they finely created smoke and a flame. Michaela added the leaves and grass and some dry wood chips. Finally adding the small wood fuzzed at the ends. Sully had used his knife to chip some of the wood back so the ends would ignite easier. Then a few sticks helping the wood catch well. This type of fire making Sully informed her it was called a drill type. Once again she hugged him because she was thrilled with her sense of achievement. Neither understanding she would be using this types of fire lighting years in the future when she climbed up Pikes Peak with other women from the town.
Sully put the last of the water from the canteens in the coffee pot to boil for a hot drink. Explaining to her that she should boil all water especially if she thought it was contaminated. Even water from the streams as sometimes it wasn't all that fresh either he explained and could caused illness.
Moving into the nearby forest they retrieved berries and Sully robbed a bee hive of some honey for breakfast. Using a smoking stick to subdue the bees while he collected the honey.
Sully was flicking his tomahawk around in his hand. The balance of the weapon was excellent and Robert E as always did an excellent job. Sully looked at Michaela and said life is a bit like this
tomahawk. To be able to live well one needs to be in balance. This tomahawk needs to be precisely balanced so I know where I throw it it'll do its job. Michaela watched as he kept spinning it in his
hand amazed that he could just throw and catch it with one hand. Thinking what he said she realised that it really did make perfect sense. Life did need to be in balance.
After breakfast of the honey and berries Michaela let her hair out. Sully had assisted her brush the tangles out before. He came over behind her and once again took the brush and pulled it gently
through her long hair. As always marvelling at its length and beautiful colour. Since the mill he had dreamt of performing this task again as it made him feel good. When the task was completed he
decided that it was time to move again. Heading them down towards the stream.
"The stream is just down there how dout we do a spot of fishin?" Sully suggested.
"I want to learn to fish". Michaela replies."Race you to the creek". She yells over her shoulder throwing the pack on the ground and taking off in the direction of the creek.
Stunned as usual when Michaela's playful side appears laughed and was off on hot pursuit.
Michaela sensed rather than heard Sully gaining on her even with her unfair advantage. Catching up he swept her up and continued with a gleeful glint in his eye.
Recognising she may be getting more than she bargained for squealed "Sully put me down"
"Why should I?" smirking playfully "Ya got ta give me a really good reason". He said maintaining his strong hold on her squirming figure.
"Because, because I'll give you something". She said trying to think of a bribe so's she'd not be dunked in the water as she was fully aware this was his intention of that she had no doubt.
"What? it'd better be good" He moaned as he placed her feet on the ground just at the streams bank. Both of them laughing and out of breath.
Turning now serious they intently looked into each other eyes drawing each other in, their hearts racing now she leant in and ever so softly brushed her lips on his cheek that had softened stubble on it.
Tingles raced up and down her spine at the contact.
Sully felt and saw the effect the small action had on her. Restraining himself from blowing all that had been achieved over the months reciprocated by brushing her cheek, more with his breath as his
lips were ever so gentle."Fair pay" he said with a hoarse voice.
Stepping back quickly feeling in his poach and producing string and a couple of fish hooks. He looked around retrieving a couple of stout poles to make fishing rods out of.
Michaela knew the effort it had taken Sully to move away as she felt the same. Watching him she admired the respect he so obviously had for her.
Sitting on the bank of the creek Sully was baiting a line. Michaela was squatting beside him digging with his tomahawk after worms. His knife blade was thrust into the bank in front of them.
Michaela had been tentatively adding worms into the tin cup in front of them.
She said sighing already tiring of the job "Don't we have enough?"
"Ya want to learn ta fish ya gota dig for worms" He said keeping a straight face.
"Ha! here's one" She said pulling a disgusted face as she thrust the wriggling worm at Sully to take.
"Half worms don't count" He relied trying hard to look un impressed.
"Why not?" she continued.
Trying hard not to dissolve into a fit of laughter he alleged "Fishin rules" Hoping she'd not ask whose rules.
Michaela looks at him exasperated.
"You know that worms are hermaphrodites?" she stated matter factorially.
"What's that mean?" He said glancing at her.
"They have both... they reproduce themselves by themselves..." Wondering how she got into this conversation. "They have both male and female parts together". Ploughing on now not sure how to
retreat she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
Silently enjoying himself. Sully not lifting a finger to help her out inquisitive as to how far she'd and dig herself in.
Continuing she said her voice drifting quieter "In one body all the parts"
Sully couldn't help himself and sniggered. "Don't sound like much fun"
Keeping ongoing she was saying. "It's very efficient from a scientific point of view". Full on blushing now she dropped her eyes to the ground.
"Hu Hu" Muttering nearly under his breath "Scientific" Throwing her line in before handing it to her saying "Fish around by that rock"
Without more he goes on with. "There's an old Indian Legend says that man and woman where once united four arms, four legs two backs. One day the Great Spirit he grew angry at this creature.
Took his tomahawk and cut it apart and since that day man and woman have tried to get back together again whenever they can" He smiles at Michaela both of them silently thinking.
To divert their thoughts Michaela brings up about Loren and Dorothy.
Sully responded that he'd noticed the way Loren looked at Dorothy.
Resuming Michaela asked. "Do you think it's possible for a man to love two women at the same time?"
"If you where one of the women would you want him too?" He responded looking at her wondering. Her eyes immediately told him her answer.
She looked at him thinking if you were the man *No* I'd not want to share you.
Later filling their canteens up with water from the stream. Sully explained they could bath in the stream. Michaela became extremely bashful and Sully did not pursue the subject to quell her fears
he just pointed out that they could bath in it any time.
They caught a couple of fish they decided to cook them for lunch. Michaela lit the fire with the same method Sully had taught her that morning. They placed the fish on a pole held up with two others
holding fish over the fire. They seasoned them with herbs they'd collected on the way to the stream. Seated on a log they ate the fish and Sully reminded Michaela about the various tracks they'd seen.
The deer, some birds, old bear tracks and Sully showed her where they'd left a sent on a tree. Also explaining generally they'd only be aggressive when they had cubs. They'd heard a mountain lion
that had made Michaela uneasy Sully assuring her it was going away from them. He demonstrated how to make snares to collect food.
From the sky came a bird call. "Look Dr Mike Red Tailed Hawks the big one is the male". He said.
She replied. "The smaller one is the female".
"Yep they mate for life ya no" They followed the dance the birds were doing in the sky with their eyes.
Sully's gaze fell on something gliding down to the earth near them. "Look Michaela they've gifted ya a golden feather" He pointed out that's really special he said it means you'll get a gift from Great
Spirit. He picked it up and gave it to her. She held the feather and moved it through the air feeling it resist the air more in one direction that the other. Wondering how it affected the birds in flight.
"Thank You Sully" was all she could say. Adding "by the way the answer was NO"
Immediately Sully knew what she was referring to and smiled.
"Okay let's start heading home as the children will be wondering where we are" Waiting and looking at her.
Looking around Michaela saw what he was waiting for and seeing a track heading North she said "This way, I have the best teacher in the territory" With a smile.
He patted her on the shoulder proud that she may manage for awhile on her own.
Descending down the path Michaela became aware of a change in the temperature. Suddenly there was a drop in temperature and the wind had increased. Looking up at the same time as Sully she
saw huge rolling black clouds descending down from the peak. It reminded her of waves on a beach in Boston.
"It's going to rain soon". She assumed.
"Yep we've got to hurry I'll take over now" He said pleased that she had recognised a few of the signs he'd spoken of previously.
Guiding them off the track and across the side of the hill they made it to a Lean-to. Next minute the rain commenced with lightening and the roar of thunder. The small space was warm and dry. The
fact that Sully knew it was here made Michaela aware that this must be one of the places that Sully occasionally used. The rain was coming down in torrents and making it impossible to speak. The
floor was elevated off the ground. There were skins on the raised flooring and the covering of branches and leaves kept it dry. Michaela looked around outside was a circle of stones that Sully had
taught her before it must have been his fire place. There wasn't much room in the shelter but it was dry and warm. The afternoon was getting late and Michaela began to worry about the children.
Sully saw her frettin and placed his hand on her shoulder. The noise lessened so they were able to finally speak normally instead of shouting.
"Stop frettin about the children they'll be safe". he reiterated as they'd spoken about being home before dark earlier.
"Yes I know but it still worries me". She stated.
Sully estimated that the storm would go well into the night turning to her he told her of his thoughts.
Noting the anxious look that swiftly crossed her face and then disappeared.
"Sorry we'll have ta camp the night as if we attempted to get home it would be too dangerous as the hills become rivers and slippery". Apologising as he looked at her in anticipation wondering what
her reaction would be. Nodding as she knew he was right she resigned herself to another night in close quarters with this man. She knew as usual she'd be safe although the thought excited her.
They settled in as the steady rain kept a constant tattoo on the ground outside. Sully moved to move outside to retrieve something to eat but Michaela put her hand out immediately stopping him. She
knew he'd get wet and cold as the chill factor in the wind was high, fearing he'd become ill. There was only one thing at the moment that was to remain dry and warm. They had water to drink.
Settling by lying down covering herself with their two blankets and the sheet she held up the corner inviting him to join her.
"We know that to share body warmth is important when the weather changes" She shyly said.
Settling for the night into each other embrace they talked about the shelters she could find or make.
"Caves and lean-tos" Smiling she ventured.
"Hollow logs and trees as well as remain on the side opposite the storm". Sully continued.
Talking well into the night they finally settled knowing these idyllic two days would end tomorrow when they got home. Although for now they'd enjoy the remainder of their time together.
*HOME* Sully thought I only wish someday. Michaela was visualising Sully's wish as well.
The End.
Dedicated to Maria and Sylvia for the idea.
I believe most of the information is accurate for the Northern Hemisphere.
I believe there may be a lot of Australian slang in here as well as sayings. Opps sorry.