I am so sorry about the delay it was difficult writing this chapter because it was just not coming easily, but I felt that it had to be written before the next one. The next chapter is going to come much sooner; I actually have had it planned out for a long time…I am going to be evil and say that it is a very important chapter…*cackles evilly* Yes I am a horrible author who feels a need to torture my readers somewhat. I truly am sorry about not getting this part out sooner. But along with an uncooperative muse work and real life have kept me REALLY busy.
Chapter 22: Lessons
"I just don't feel right, takin' the day off." Myra was nervously bouncing Hanna in her arms. "Yer payin' me ta take care of Hanna and other stuff… Why don't I take care of her while yer at the reservation?"
Michaela smiled at her friend over her shoulder as she packed the saddle bags. "You are not exactly taking the 'day off', Myra. You're taking lessons with Dorothy." She tightened Shadow's girth. "Besides, my friends there enjoy seeing her."
The petite woman bit her lip. "It just seems so strange t'me that yer friends with Indians."
The doctor sighed. "They are good people who have just as much right to medical assistance as the people of this town. Besides, Cloud Dancing, their medicine man, is teaching me their ways and they have proved very useful in several cases." She swung up into the saddle and then reached down to Myra for Hanna.
Myra helped Michaela settle Hanna in the sling that Cloud Dancing and Snow Bird had given her. She gathered the reins in her hands before looking back at the younger woman. "I'll be back in time for dinner. See you then."
"See ya, Dr. Mike." Myra stepped back as the doctor rode off. She waited until her friend was out of sight; then turned and headed toward the mercantile. She tripped on the top step and stumbled a bit; a hand caught her elbow and solicitously steadied her. She looked up to find Horace; she smiled gratefully. "Thank you."
He nodded. "You're welcome, Miss Myra."
She continued into the mercantile; Dorothy looked up from her desk and smiled when she saw the tiny woman. "Myra, wonderful." She set a few things aside and took out a book before she stood, reaching a hand in the young woman's direction. "We'll head back to my room and work from there."
Myra grasped the other woman's hand and followed her. "Thank you so much for doin' this, Miz Dorothy."
"Oh, it's entirely my pleasure, Myra," the older woman assured her.
Michaela was crouched with Cloud Dancing beside a boy who had a gash on his foot. The medicine man was showing her how one of his salves was made and used; he was bandaging the child's foot. When he finished they both rose; Cloud Dancing running a hand over the boy's head.
"So how is your new friend in town doing?" He asked as they stepped out of the teepee.
"Good. She is fitting in well actually and she's a great help with Hanna."
He nodded. "It is good that you have someone to live with. It is not good for people to be alone."
Michaela quirked an eyebrow. "I have Hanna."
Cloud Dancing raised and eyebrow of his own. "Yes, but she cannot speak yet or help you protect yourselves."
She smiled. "True. Myra is sweet and eager to learn and please. She's having reading lessons right now."
"This is good."
They came to stand next to Snow Bird, who was sewing something, Michaela was not sure what it was, with Hanna wiggling around on the blanket beside her. The doctor bent down and picked up the baby.
"I had best head home; I promised Myra I'd be in time for dinner."
Her two friends followed her over to her horse. "I'll return in three days."
Cloud Dancing wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders. "We look forward to seeing you soon."
Something in his eyes and tone made Michaela pause, but she shook it off and, after a last good bye rode home.
I'm sorry about it being so short but I really should have the next chapter up soon!