Chapter 6: Howdy Elliot!
Bunkerville was really small. There were some tiny shops and a few old houses. A bit behind the village was a large field. There were tends and a stage. "I think we should buy something that makes us look like cowboys" J.D said to Turk. The four men disappeared in a small boutique. Carla and Elliot sat down on a table and ordered something to drink. A middle-aged woman came to them. "So what can I bring you?" she asked. "Do you have Coke?" Elliot wanted to know. "Sure. You're not from here right? You look like strangers and your clothes are so…" "Modern?" finished Carla. "Yeah, we're from Los Angeles and are on a journey but it seems that for one reason we won't ever arrive in Fort Collins. Now the bus driver stopped here at this Country- Festival." "Poor kids. This is one of the most famous festivals in the whole USA. Many people are coming once a year to join our big party. There is lovely music and a rodeo competition you'll like it I'm sure." The woman left them. "Rodeo! I love it! Do you think I would have any chance to win?" Elliot asked Carla. "I don't know, is it that what you learn in Connecticut?" "We will see, I'll go now and buy me a nice Cowgril outfit and this evening I'm gonna show you my talent." Elliot stood up and felt in a big puddle. She was covered with slobber. "Gosh!" she walked away. Ten minutes later came Turk, J.D, Janitor and Ted. They were wearing lather clothes and Ted even bought a new necktie. They looked great. J.D had brown pants and Turk the same one in beige. Janitor had a hat on and a blade of grass between his thefts. "Perry would like it to be now here with us" said J.D. He missed his Mentor although Dr. Cox wasn't at all pleasured when J.D was around. They sat down with Carla and looked at the many attractions. The waitress was right. There were a lot of people. The most had to be real farmers because, how they heard, they were talking about fields, horses, vegetables and how expensive the rise was. At the same time Elliot was searching for a nice white jacket and white lather jeans. In the shop were she was, were some old ladies. They were sitting on rockers and were knitting. "Excuse me, do you have a white outfit, which I could wear for my rodeo fight this evening?" she asked. One of the ladies stood up. "You and rodeo? Are you kidding me? What wants a stick like you on a big bull?" she seemed rude. Elliot wanted to answer but the lady continued." Listen, Goldy, it's hard for real cowboys to compete but you have no chance! Give it up!" "Do we know us?" Elliot got angry. "No, but you're just a Uptown girl, who thinks she's brilliant! Hey was a joke! My name is Lissy! We have to treat every newcomer like this. It shows that we're hard! Okey so you would like a white outfit? More casual or glamorous?" she wanted to know. "Glamorous! We like that!" answered Elliot. Lissy went upstairs and came down with the most beautiful jeans and jacket Elliot had ever seen. "It's the best we have and very expensive, but as a little welcome in Bankersville gift, here you are!" She gave Elliot the clothes. Elliot tried them and they were perfect. "Good luck this evening!" "I'm Elliot!" "Elliot how?" "Reid" "Was your grandmothers name Mathilda?" "Yes, why" The woman took a photo book from a cupboard. "Is that her?" she asked. On the picture were two girls sitting on horses. One of the girls recognised Elliot was her grandma. "She lived here?" "Yes. She was the best rodeo girl this village had. Then she moved to Connecticut and we never saw her again. You're her grandchild that's why we're sure that you'll succeed at the competition!" Elliot was happy she left the store and went back to her friends. She told them the whole story. They were convinced this evening she will win against everyone.
It was time. The cowboys were ready to fight. Elliot was still calm. Janitor and Turk went with her to the queue. "Do you really think I should go?" she was a bit insecure. "You're a strong woman you can do that!" said the Janitor. Behind them was a tall man. "You loosers wanna have a ride?" he laughed and split on the floor. "No, Geek, that's only me!" replied Elliot. "Elliot stop yelling like you're a world champion!" said Turk. They arrived at the fence. "Show them who you are!" "I'll try" First there were a lot poor guys who haven't got a chance against the bull. They felt down one after another. Then it was Elliot's turn. She walked on the field. The bull was sneezing and she got nervous. She bestrode the bull and then he started to jump wildly for a long time. Elliot pulled her hands on the bull's hair. She was strong; Carla and J.D were standing on the table and shouting "Go Elliot! Go Elliot!" but then she felt down too. The bench shouted: "4 minutes 56! We have a winner!" Everyone clapped their hands. Elliot was excited. "We knew it! You're like Mathilda" said Lissy. Elliot looked at her and smiled. Then the six guys went to a tent to celebrate the victory. Country music was playing and J.D and Turk decided to go to the stage. To the others surprise they were awesome. Turk was a hilarious dancer. They went left and right and between the difficult steps they even made jumps. The people were yelling and laughing it was just cool. Janitor and Ted won teddybears for Elliot and Carla and Turk a medal for the best performance.
They had a nice evening.