PT.17

My Family, My Choice!

Just before dawn, a light stream of sunlight was seeping through the window. Matt had already been awake, just watching Kitty sleep. The beam of light was now dancing across her amber-copper curls that were spread out over her shoulders. He didn't want to move as not to wake her. One arm was across his chest and one leg over his. He missed this feeling, so a few more minutes couldn't hurt.

Then she began to stir, rubbing her cheek against his chest. In her usual deep sultry voice she said, "Ummm, good morning, Cowboy."

He turned, gently kissing the top of her head. "Good morning, Honey."

"Boy, was I tired." She said, followed by a giggle.

'Yes, you were. You were out like a light, but you needed it. And we have a long trip back home starting today."

There was silence. Then, "Oh no. Matt, I can't go home." She sat up looking at him.

With a puzzled look. "Kitty…?"

"Matt, I can't."

"Kitty, why not?"

"Matt, I have to go to New Orleans."

"Why on earth do you have to go there?"

"Matt, you don't understand?" Now she was becoming angry.

"No, you're right, Kit. I don't understand."

"I have to help her, Matt. Don't you see? I have to help her." Now she was up and out of the bed and pacing the room.

"Kitty. Slow down here. What are you talking about? You've been through an awful ordeal and you really need to just get home and relax."

"UGH! Don't you get it? Matt, she's in danger."

"Who's in danger, Kit?" Now he was trying to stop her from pacing so he could make sense of her ramblings.

"Aunt Constance! She's an old woman, Matt. She's depending on me. I can't let her down."

"Kitty, we can contact the authorities…"

"Oh, no. No! Look, Matt Dillon, if you want to go back to Dodge, you go right ahead. I'm going to New Orleans! And I'm leaving today!" She stormed into the water room and slammed the door.

Matt rolled his eyes, talking to himself, "I guess I messed that up." He got up and was standing outside the door. "Kit, look, I'm sorry. Open the door, will ya? Can we talk about this?"

She yelled back, "If that translates into, so you can tell me what to do, forget it!"

"No, Kit. Please come out. Ok, we'll go."

She opened the door. "Don't do me any favors. I can handle this myself."

Without thinking, he blurted out, "Yeah, you did a real good job so far."

"UGH!" She picked up a vase and threw it at him.

He ducked just in time. "Hey! That almost hit me."

"It was supposed to!"

He grabbed her by the shoulders. "Now wait a minute. Calm down here. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. Let's start over? Ok, let's go make arrangements to go to New Orleans."

"I said you don't have to."

"No, I want to. Kit, Honey, please? We'll see what we can find out." He pulled her close.

At first she didn't want to give in, but then she slid her arms around his waist. "Alright. Cowboy?"

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry I threw the vase at you."

He lifted her chin up to look at her. "It's ok. I deserved it."

After telling Doc what they planned to do, they went to the café for breakfast. The threesome were eating when Dan entered. "Good morning, Dan." Matt said.

"Well, good morning, Matt, Miss Russell, Doc. How are you feeling this morning, Miss Russell?"

"Oh, fine. Thank you, Sheriff."

"Dan, please."

"Dan."

"Just thought I'd get something quick before heading back to Broken Arrow."

"Join us?"

"Sure. Thanks, Matt, Miss Russell."

"Oh, Kitty, please."

"Ok, Kitty. I just want to thank you both for all you've done to help, with everything that has happened. I know this wasn't easy, especially for you, Miss Kitty."

"Dan, I was happy to help. I know what it meant to Joe and the other ranchers."

"Miss Kitty, I do wish you the best."

"Thank you, very much."

"And a safe trip home."

"You as well."

Then Matt said, "Oh, we'll be going to New Orleans. Kitty has unfinished business there."

"Well, then good luck."

"Thank you, Dan."

"I guess I should be going. Hope to meet you all again someday." And he left.

Then Doc said, "My train should be leaving soon as well."

"Well then let's walk you over there, ok?"

Matt and Kitty walked Doc to the depot. With tears in her eyes, she hugged Doc. 'You get home safe, you hear me, Curly? Then she whispered in his ear. "I love you, you know."

Hugging her tight, "You bet I do! And I'd better see you two, real soon."

"You will, Curly."

He and Matt shook hands. "You take care of my girl, you hear me?" Doc teased.

"Your girl, huh?"

"You bet."

"I will, I promise. See you soon, Doc. Safe trip."

They waved as the train pulled out and eventually got smaller and smaller in the distance.

TBC