Sorry this took so long! Also, I went back and redid the last part of Chapter 11. It was brought to my attention that Abigail was being portrayed in a way I didn't like. So I changed the part between her and Eames a bit. You should go back and read it before this :)

December 4th, 1871

Ariadne had been shocked to see Abigail calling for her. Out of anyone she had met in town, Abigail was the last person she expected to want to see her. She had suggested that they go to the school tomorrow and set up the classroom. It was a welcomed idea.

Ariadne had been hopelessly overwhelmed at the school. She needed to let Dom know if there was anything that they needed so he could order it. That is, if it was in the small budget she had.

But how could she know what she needed?! She had never done anything more than tutor and help the kids in the orphanage. Mrs. Ellis could be the perfect person to help Ariadne with plans and guidance but so far she had not wanted anything to do with it. Not that she had been mean, but firmly told Ariadne that she was retired and needed to focus on things aside from the school.

So Ariadne had jumped at the chance to go with Abigail. Aside from Dom and Mal, Eames and Regina, Ariadne hadn't really made any friends in Juniper Springs. Well, no. Arthur could now be added to that list. In any case, Ariadne hoped that maybe this connection with Abigail could lead to meeting more new people.

They met up at 9:30 that morning and set out towards the school. It was only about a fifteen minute walk, but the sun was trapped behind the clouds and the air felt frigid as Ariadne tightened her grip on her coat. As she and Abigail talked, they could see their breath as clear as if it had been cigarette smoke. At least the streets were dry. Every time it had snowed, Ariadne had spent twice as long trying to get anywhere because she had to avoid the mud. She was accustomed to New York, where the streets were paved and all you had to worry about were puddles. It was so much more extensive in Juniper Springs. Luckily today it was just cold. Dry but COLD.

The school was located a few blocks down the same street that the boarding house was located on. They walked past the general store and the barber but then there was nothing. If you looked for it, you could see the school house sitting out in the distance. It was surrounded by nothing for several miles. Ariadne looked forward to spring, when the wild grass would start to grow and the students could play outside during recess.

"So have you seen your student list yet?" Abigail asked. After exchanging pleasantries they had fallen into a semi-awkward silence. She was attempting to remedy that and the students were the first thing she could think of.

"Yes, and it is terrifying! Did you know that I have three students who are sixteen!? That's only a few years younger than I am." Ariadne looked at her and for the first time, Abigail wondered how this young woman was going to teach all those students. She needs someone's help Abigail thought.

"I'm sure you'll be fine. If you need any help or…" Abigail hadn't even finished her sentence before Ariadne started nodding her head.

"Please! Oh Abigail, that would be so wonderful! I'm sure I will get the hang of things, but I'm nervous about figuring out lessons and knowing everyone's levels and everything."

"Well they all have their standards books right?" Ariadne nodded "I'm pretty sure there is a test in the back for each subject. I would just start with that. If they pass that test then they can move up to the next level, but if not then you know where to begin."

"Abigail, you don't even know how much of a relief it is to hear you say that. Of course there are tests! I have seen them before; I don't know why I didn't think of that!" Ariadne rambled on is a fast and high pitched voice. Abigail hadn't realized how much stress she had over this job.

"Ariadne," The younger woman looked up and Abigail said, "You'll do great. You've already met a lot of the kids, and they all love you… Don't worry so much!"

The teacher smiled and replied, "You're right I guess. I just… Well I want everything to go perfectly! I don't like letting people down, and I just hope I can do this…"

Abigail knew there was nothing else she could say on the matter so she shrugged her shoulders and wrapped her arms around her middle. "Brrr! Its so cold today!" They had just turned the corner and only had about thirty paces left until they reached the building.

"Well come on then!" Ariadne said as she started running. Not to be outdone, Abigail laughed and started after her.

Like two school girls they darted towards the building and out of the cold.

After making a fire and working out the details of her first couple lessons and testing, Ariadne and Abigail had moved several desks in front of the fireplace and were eating the lunch of bread and cheese that they had brought with them. They had also used the fire to heat up water and were enjoying hot tea with their meals.

Despite the bitter welcome that Ariadne had received from Abigail, she found herself laughing and joking with her. They were going to be great friends, that much was evident.

"So I have a question, and I hope you don't think me impertinent for asking." Ariadne said, her heart pounding gently in her chest. Abigail looked over from her seat and replied.

"Of course not, what did you need to ask?"

"I just was surprised when you asked to join me today. I never felt that you cared much for me until yesterday. I was wondering if something had changed or if it was all in my head." Just the idea of asking someone such a personal question was making Ariadne's cheeks deep red and she was so nervous. It was quite out of character to go looking for trouble and she hoped this wasn't a question that might cause angst with her new friend.

Abigail looked a bit stunned at the question but not angry or offended. "I have a confession to make Ariadne and I hope that you can forgive me…"

Ariadne had no idea what she could possibly be referring to. What could she say? It didn't make sense. They made eye contact and Ariadne nodded to encourage her to keep speaking.

"So I heard you at the welcoming party talking about your new friend Eames and how he had come for dinner and helped you by driving you into town and how close you were already! It had only been a few days!" Abigail was rambling and her face had turned dark red. She was clearly embarrassed but Ariadne didn't understand. What does Eames have to do with Abigail demeanor towards me?

Abigail stopped speaking and looked at her. "You have no idea what I'm talking about do you?"

Ariadne laughed and said, "I have to admit I am confused… I don't see the connection."

"You see… Well, it's not like it's an official relationship or anything… Not anything in fact.. But… Eames and I, well that is I hope…" Abigail didn't seem to know how to say whatever it was she was trying to say. All at once though, it clicked. Ariadne gasped and stared, mouth agape.

"Wait… You mean romantically! You and Eames!? And that means you thought… He… And I? Oh my goodness! No!" Abigail couldn't possibly be redder and it had nothing to do with the heat from the fire.

"It's just! I mean, you are this pretty little thing and its exciting having the new teacher in town and then all of the sudden the two of you are friends and he's coming over for dinner… I just was jealous I suppose."

Ariadne started to laugh. She couldn't help it. The absurdity of the whole thing just was too much. Eames and I… Oh heavens no… Just no! Ariadne was just in shock over it. It was concerning that people might perceive their relationship that way though. She didn't even know what to say.

"You really think I'm pretty?" She said with a grin.

Abigail looked at her and smiled "Oh you! Of course I do!"

Ariadne laughed, "But seriously, I'm so sorry to confuse you. No, he is like an older brother. It's really nothing more than friendship I can assure you. I just feel bad that you thought it in the first place."

"Oh I feel so childish, Ariadne. I've been thinking about it and I feel as though I fell for him a long time ago. I've never had anyone try and steal his affections. I didn't even realize how upset I would be." Abigail was looking down closely examining the wood grain in her desk and avoiding eye contact.

"I don't understand though. You have known each other for years. Have you always felt this way? I think you two would be wonderful together." Ariadne didn't want to say it out loud but why hadn't anything come to pass yet? What were they waiting for?

"Theres something you have to understand about it. I was engaged once." Abigail looked at Ariadne to see her eyes wide in surprise. She chuckled at the look. "When I still lived in Denver. I was engaged to be married to the Mayor's son, Trenton. How I loved him, my world revolved around him. I never in a million years could have predicted that he would break my heart, humiliate me, shame my family and put father's job in jeopardy. It was awful. And all because of a stupid misunderstanding! I just find it very hard to put my faith in men after that."

Out of everything Ariadne could have expected to hear, this was not even close to what she had thought. Engaged? And what could possibly have happened… Wow… What a life she has had!

"Abigail. I don't pretend to understand what it feels like to have my heart broken. I've never been in love, but I do know that Eames is a good man. If he cares for you and you care for him then why should you keep yourself from him?

Abigail laughed and shook her head. "Well it just seems silly when you put it like that." Ariadne smiled at her new friend, happy that she trusted her enough to tell her this. "Please don't tell anyone though. No one here knows about Trenton outside of my family."

"Your secret is safe with me. On one condition though…" Abigail raised her eyebrows in concern, "you have to give it a chance with Eames. He needs a woman in his life." She said with a grin.

"Ok fine." Abigail said with a smile.

After their lunch they continued to work in the school room. They had come up with a list of items that Ariadne would need before the semester started and Abigail could tell the teacher's mood towards school had improved immensly. She also noticed how smart and knowledgeable Ariadne was in regards to the economy and government issues. Abigail had always been interested in the topics as well. She had even attended several suffrage movement meetings with her aunt in Denver when they had lived there. Part of her had always wanted to become active in politics…

"You know Ariadne; you would make a great politician. You know so much about the important things. I think you'd do great." Abigail said.

Ariadne laughed. "I suppose the fact that I'm a woman means nothing to you. Should I cut my hair and borrow some of Roy's trousers from the laundry first?"

"You do know we have the right to vote in Wyoming right?" Abigail said.

"What?! Since when?" Ariadne looked at her in shock.

"For the last two years. Last year they even elected several women into positions of power in Laramie."

"I… Wow. That's wonderful, I had no idea." Ariadne was smiling and continued. "I've always wondered what it would be like to be able to vote. And to have a say in who runs this country. How exciting!"

"Did you know very much about this state before you moved here?" Abigail asked with a laugh.

"I knew nothing!" Ariadne said laughing as well. "Well no, I guess I knew that Wyoming was just a territory. But I thought it had to be a state for people to vote?" Ariadne questioned.

"No, not for statewide elections. It's quite exciting!" Abigail said, wishing, not for the first time, she lived in a bigger city where politics were more prevalent.

"Is that the same everywhere out west? Can women vote in Colorado then too? And do you think we should go before it starts gettin dark?" Ariadne said as she stood up, stretching her legs. Abigail nodded and they both moved towards their coats and scarves. It was getting overcast and they needed to get home in case it started to snow again.

"Just Wyoming and Utah," Abigail said as she shrugged on her coat. "Would you come with me to a suffrage meeting in Cheyenne or Laramie? If they have any soon?"

Ariadne smiled and nodded. "I'd love to! That sounds fun."

With that the ladies put out the fire and left the school house. They walked home arm in arm and Abigail realized she needed to thank Eames for talking some sense into her about that ridiculous attitude she had towards Ariadne. Maybe Ariadne was right about trusting him... She thought.

Again, sorry it took so long for this chapter! I also updated the character list and it is now complete! I put Ariadne's class roster on there… Not that it's important to the story but once she starts teaching it might be nice to reference! :)

Ill update soon I promise! Comment and review if you so desire!