* I want to thank all the ones I've chatted with for encouraging me to sit down and write this story. It is based on an actual event that took place in my own life three years ago. While I did write poetry at the time to help deal with it I never really sat down and 'got it all out'. Thanks to my Beta Reader too—though all mistakes are still my own.

Always in My Heart

CHAPTER FIVE

SCENE EIGHT

The wind was beginning to pick up its speed as Jarrod rode up to the Barlow place; he had papers for the elderly Mr. Barlow. He was surprised to see the young woman Gene had been talking to in town sweeping the front porch. Once he'd stopped his horse in front of the porch Amanda stopped sweeping, "May I help you, sir?"

It was all Jarrod could do not to start demanding some answers. As it was he smiled politely and said, "My name is Jarrod Barkley. I need to talk to Mister Barlow and then, if I may, I would like to talk to you also."

Gene's oldest brother, the lawyer! Amanda stiffened then slowly put the broom against the outside wall, "Come on in, I'll get my great uncle."

Great uncle? Guess he knew what she was doing there. Dismounting his horse, and tying it to the hitching post out front, Jarrod walked up the stairs and through the open door. The elderly Mr. Barlow was just coming into the front room.

"I didn't expect to see you out here today." Mr. Barlow smiled and shook Jarrod's hand.

Jarrod smiled, "I figured you'd want these papers as soon as possible and, since I was out and about anyway, I decided to bring them to you. You can look them over and get back with me later. Is there a chance I can talk to your great niece also? I have a few questions for her." That was the main reason for his ride anyway…hoping to find the young lady as he'd been unsuccessful in doing so while in town.

Mr. Barlow's eyebrows raised in surprise, "Why? What has she done?" Knowing she'd been quite a handful at one time he feared that maybe, just maybe, she'd gone back to her old ways. Then again, she wasn't dressing like it.

"Nothing," Jarrod smiled 'but she knows something I'm sure of it' he thought before continuing, "I was just hoping she could answer a few questions I have."

Still unsure what to think of his request, the old man turned and went into the kitchen where he'd last seen his great niece. She wasn't there. He looked in both the second bedroom and the wash room. "Sorry, Mr. Barkley," Mr. Barlow walked back into the front room, "It seems like she must have left the house through my back door. She's not here anymore."

That pushed Jarrod's curiosity level from one to ten in a split second, "That's alright, I'll catch her later." He picked up the hat he'd laid on the table and walked out the door.

SCENE NINE

Gene was lying almost totally immersed in the small creek; he was hot and the cold water felt good. He about jumped out of his skin when Amanda walked up and said, "Good thing you don't believe in skinny dipping." Okay, he probably did, but at least she was glad he wasn't doing it this time.

"Da..." he bit his tongue and started over, "You could at least give a body a warning!" He rolled around onto his stomach and leaned up on his arms.

Amanda sat down as close to the creek as she could-without getting wet- "How was I to know you were down here? Your brother was at my Great Uncle Peter's awhile ago," she answered as she kept her eyes on the opposite shore. If she'd taken the time she'd have seen the concern that appeared in his eyes.

"What did he want?" Gene asked after a few moments of silence.

"Had some legal papers to give to him as far as I could tell; probably that old will he keeps on saying he needs to make up, but," she turned her head and looked at Gene, "He wanted to talk to me too only I took off as soon as I got my uncle for him. How come I get the feeling you haven't told your family a thing?"

Pointing to the bushes that were set not too far from where he was he shook his head, "Please, get my pants and shirt for me."

Her eyes began dancing, "If you're lucky." She was retrieving the pants before he could say or do anything. Laying them within reach she then walked away and kept her back turned. She wasn't sure how long she stood there, but soon enough he was beside her.

"So?" She looked at him.

"So what?" He turned and looked at her as if to say 'What do you want me to say?'

"Your family," her eyebrows went up in disbelief, "what have you told them?"

"Nothing I didn't have to." He began walking away from the creek. He didn't want to fight with her or anyone else for that matter.

"Listen to me, Eugene Barkley!" Amanda was furious at the spot she found herself in and she did not try to hide it either, "I promised to say nothing to anybody because I figured you'd talked to your own kin! Are you going to stand there and tell me you expect me to keep my mouth shut around them too?"

Gene stopped abruptly in his tracks and stood for what felt like a good five minutes; in all reality it was probably less than two, before he turned and started speaking, "You didn't agree with Sarah's grandfather, but you refused to speak badly against him. You said his decisions were his own to make. Does that philosophy apply only to those who are over a certain age or what?" Before she could answer he'd mounted his horse and ridden away.

Frustrated and angry she went back to the creek and began throwing rocks and tiny pebbles into it. It was the only thing she could think to do; well, the only thing that wouldn't do anybody any physical damage that is.