A/N - Chapter 4! Woo ~ Thank you so much to everyone who has read and alerted or favourited this story, and a MASSIVE thank you to all my reviewers: TannerBananer, Shadow knight1121 and Hobbitchik! I just love getting feedback! (expecially when it's positive, it makes me feel so inspired!) This chapter is kind of long, (the longest so far I think) and it kind of explores Jack's and Eva's relationship a little bit more. I think they fit together pretty well, don't you think? :) And don't worry, Jack hasn't left forever! He shall be back! :) Please enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I do not, nor will I ever own Red Dead Redemption or anything related to it. This fanfiction is purely fan made and I only own characters and places that are new. I apologise if any of this material offends any one. I assure you I don't mean to offend in any way, shape or form. This story will contain coarse language and graphic violence.
Chapter 4 – Cattle rustlers and horse washing.
A loud yawn escaped my pale lips as I woke up the next morning. The sun was just peeking over the southern hills and was leaking into Bonnie's spare room. I stretched and sat up, rubbing my hazel eyes. Last night had past quick, with me and Jack finding no coyotes. We had spent our time talking, discovering more about each other. I yawned again and began dressing into my clothes for the day, making sure to grab my weapons before leaving the room. As I walked downstairs I found the house empty. "Huh? Must be outside," I said to myself. I walked out the front doors and onto Bonnie's shaded front porch. I scanned the ranch and spotted a gathering of people not too far from me, Bonnie being one of them. "Ah, there you are," I said, walking over to the group. As I drew closer their previously distant conversation became more understandable. "What're we gonna do? This is our livelihood at stake!" one man cried, throwing his hands up.
Bonnie sighed, "I know Amos, I know. We're just gonna have to look for them and hope they haven't gotten too far." Bonnie sounded extremely stressed and worried, causing me to become worried as well. "What's going on?" I asked, walking up to the group. Everyone turned to look at me but Bonnie explained.
"It's the cattle, we left them out at pasture during the night and some cattle rustlers came and stole a few of them," she explained. I gasped.
"But I thought we had ranch hands lookin' after them?" I said. Mr MacFarlane spoke this time.
"They were taken by surprised and shot at, luckily no one was killed but they've all got serious wounds," he said, sounding just as stressed as Bonnie. I nodded slowly before frowning at the ground. "We gonna go search for them?" I asked, finally looking up after a moment's silence. Bonnie nodded.
"It seems it's the only thing we can do." Bonnie's father nodded his head and clapped his hands.
"Well then, let's saddle up and search the area. Bonnie and I will take Hennigan's stead; Amos, you take the other ranch hands and get out towards Armadillo and check around there. Jack, you and Miss White head out towards thieves' landing," Mr MacFarlane ordered, taking charge. Everyone nodded and immediately marched off to their horses. I looked for Jack and found him mounting his horse. "Hang on, let me get Dash," I said before running off towards the stables. A soon as I got near I spotted Dash hitched to a post near the corral, tacked up and ready to go. I shrugged and wrote it off as everyone preparing to search for the cattle. I quickly mounted and grabbed the reins, before spurring his sides. "Ya!" I shouted and we cantered out of the ranch, alongside Jack. I allowed Jack to go first due to me having no idea where Thieves' Landing was. "Jack, how long is Thieves' Landing away?" I asked as we moved into a gallop, sprinting in and out of the morning sun. "Not too far, should be there in about ten to twenty minutes. Jus' keep an eye out for cattle," he said, spurring his horse to go faster.
"Will do."
As we moved further away from the ranch, I noticed we took a left fork in the road, and the ground became wetter and the area darker and marshy. We moved fast, both of us keeping a sharp eye out for any signs of cattle. I kept my eyes scanning the distance, looking through the trees but finding no signs of Bonnie's cows. I sighed and looked down at the blurred path. I patted Dash on his neck, but widened my eyes as I spotted something. "Whoa. Hang on a sec'," I said, pulling back on Dash's reins and slowing him to a stop. Jack also halted his horse.
"Slow down now," he said to his horse before turning back and looking at me. "What'd ya find?" I pointed to the floor.
"Tracks." In the water soaked ground was obvious cattle tracks, their split hooves leaving deep indentations in the mud. Jack peered at them before dismounting and bending down to get a closer look. "Looks like we're on the right track. They're fresh too; not covered up by horses." Jack stood up again. "Let's keep going; they can't be far ahead." I nodded and quickly adjusted my bun. Several strands of hair had slipped loose from the force of galloping. "Sure." Jack mounted his horse and spurred it.
"Let's go!" he shouted to the horse, causing it to neigh and gallop off. I spurred Dash and followed closely to Jack.
We passed few people on our way to Thieves' Landing, only a few sketchy looking men trotting past. We moved deeper and deeper into the marsh and eventually hit wooded bridges. In the distance a town loomed, appearing out of the haze that seemed to continually envelop the area in a suffocating blanket. Jack and I slowed to a walk as we arrived at the town. "Let's hitch our horses and check the area," Jack suggested as we walked towards the saloon. Outside were several posts for hitching so we dismounted and left our horses there. I felt nervous about leaving Dash but reminded myself this was all for Bonnie. The town was relatively small and smelt strongly of alcohol and stagnant water. It was a disgusting combination, much worse than cow manure. I scrunched my nose slightly and followed after Jack. "Keep close; this place aint the most innocent of towns," Jack said, moving slightly closer to me. I nodded and darted my eyes around, glancing back at Dash every now and again. "Sure, don't worry about me wandering off," I commented, glaring at a drunken man lying in a heap on the side of the path. Jack and I walked around the back, near pens holding several pigs. We could see no sign of the cattle. I sighed and edged closer to Jack, feeling unsettled. "I can't see any cattle," I said. Jack sighed as well.
"Me neither." Suddenly, a distinct sound of cattle cut through the fog, followed by a gravelly voice. Jack and I looked at each other. "I think we found our cattle," smirked Jack. We both immediately headed towards the noise. We emerged through the mist and saw a small poorly constructed pen holding eight of Bonnie's cattle. "Quick, behind here," Jack said, gently grabbing my arm and pulling me down behind a few wooden crates. We peeked over the edge and watched as around six men stood near the pen talking. I glanced at Jack. "What're we gonna do?" I whispered. Jack smiled. "Well, how about we split them, three each?" he suggested. A smiled spread across my face.
"Sounds fair." Jack nodded and reached behind him and pulled out his rifle. I raised my body slightly, ready to move to a better position but was stopped when a firm hand gripped my wrist. I stopped and looked back at Jack questioningly. "Be careful, don't get yourself killed," he said, giving me a serious look. I smiled slyly.
"Trust me, I'll be fine," I said confidently before walking along (using the crates as cover) to the other side where I picked three targets. I pulled out my Henry Repeater and aimed it at the head of the first target. My finger was poised over the trigger and I counted down the seconds. Suddenly, a man's head burst with blood and a thundering shot rang through the air, signifying Jack had shot his first target. I smiled and pulled the trigger, sending a bullet straight into the man's brain. He coughed and gasped before collapsing, dead. The other men spun round in confusion, looking for the attackers, but Jack and I polished them off, one by one. I shot my last target and stood up, walking from my cover. The cows were mooing in their pen but settled down a little as the firing stopped. Jack also walked over and together we looked down at the bodies. "That was pretty good," Jack complimented. I grinned.
"Not too bad yourself, Jack," I replied. I turned to the cattle. "Now, let's get them home."
Jack and I whistled for our mounts (Jack insisted that I tried it for Dash, and it worked) and then proceeded to herd the cattle out of Thieves landing. We worked hard to get the cattle home as quick as we could, to put Bonnie's mind to rest. Not too far from Thieves' Landing I turned to Jack, "You know, we should do things like this more often!"
"Things like what?" he asked. I shrugged.
"I don't know; anything like this. Shootin' outlaws and what not," I said, waving my hand in the air. Jack nodded and smiled.
"I guess. That sounds fun." Jack and I smiled at each other before a gun shot rang through the air and a bullet whizzed past my right arm.
"Whoa!" I shouted as Dash neighed and bucked a little.
Jack glanced back and growled, "It's some more of those damn cattle rustlers." I also looked back and saw around five men on horseback chasing after us. I sighed and glanced at Jack.
"Looks like we're gonna have to take them out," I said. Jack nodded and pulled out his rifle.
"Just try to keep the cattle together," he said, as he spun the top half of his body around and pointed his rifle at the oncoming men.
"Where'd ya think ya going!" a man shouted behind us. Jack growled before firing his gun and shooting him square in the chest. The man's horse neighed and bucked before stopping and falling away into the misty distance. The other men shouted and fired their guns at us, missing by bear inches. The cattle mooed and fanned out, running off into the trees and off the trail. I gritted my teeth. "Damn it! You idiots are costing us time!" I shouted, turning around in the saddle and pulling out my Henry Repeater. I quickly shot at two men, hitting them and sending them tumbling off their horses. Two bullets flew past me, one just grazing my left arm deep enough to draw blood. I grunted a little as the cut stung and shot down another man. Jack quickly shot down the last of the men and soon enough we were left alone with the cattle disappeared.
We slowed and stopped our horses and gathered our wits. "Damn, we lost the cattle," Jack said. "We better go round them up before they get too far." I nodded and glanced at my cut. I looked at the red stain surrounding it and sighed. I turned back to Jack to see him looking at me with mild concern. "You okay?" he asked. I shrugged.
"I'm fine, just a graze." Jack nodded slowly, giving me an unsure look before turning his horse.
"Well, let's go round up the cattle." Jack spurred his horse and moved off into the woods. "Yah!" I also turned Dash and clicked my tongue.
"Come on." Dash quickly caught up with Jack's horse and now the two of us were galloping through the mist, weaving in and out of trees like eagles in flight. In the distance I could spot a cow shaped silhouette. "Look, there's one," I said pointing. Jack spurred his horse faster and circled around the cow. The cow mooed and trotted slightly towards me. I halted Dash and kept the cow in place. "Wait here, I'll go round up the rest," Jack said, before turning and cantering off into the mist. I patted Dash on his neck and waited patiently for Jack to return. A few minutes later Jack emerged back through the mist along with seven cows. I smiled and waved. "You found the rest of the cattle then?" I asked, giving him a wide grin. He tipped his hat, smiling.
"Yes ma'am, I found them."
"Well, let's get them home."
When me and Jack finally arrived back at the ranch with the cattle we were bombarded by ranch hands. "Steer the cattle this way!"
"Where'd ya find 'em?"
"Good ol' Jack Marston, saves the day again!"
"The new girl as well! Well I'll be!"
"Wait till Bonnie here's about this."
"I already heard about it!" Bonnie said, striding over to Jack and me as we dismounted by the cattle pen. "Well, Eva and Jack, you two did it. Ya saved the ranch." I grinned and bowed.
"You're welcome Miss MacFarlane," I said cheekily. Bonnie scowled and batted her hand at me. She turned to Jack.
"And you, you're jus' like ya father; good with cows and a gun."Jack tipped his hat.
"Why thank you ma'am." Bonnie sighed.
"Not you as well. I thought I told you to call me Bonnie!" she cried. "I'm starting to feel ganged up on." I giggled.
"We would never do such a thing," I said, giving her an innocent look. Bonnie sighed and waved us over as she walked away back to the house.
"Well, let's go get us a nice cold drink. You two deserve it." Bonnie walked back into the house while I and Jack led our horses to the nearest hitching post. It wasn't far away.
"Well, that was fun," I said, hitching Dash, Jack chuckled.
"It sure was." I giggled and went to walk past him put his arm shot out like lightning and gently grabbed my left arm.
"Hang on. You're bleeding," he said, frowning at the blood patch. I looked at it and shrugged with my right arm.
"It's okay, it doesn't hurt much." Jack pulled my arm closer and inspected the small wound. My crimson blood had dried to a brown colour put it still stung. Jack let go of my arm and allowed the two of us to walk towards Bonnie's house. "You better get that bandaged by a doctor later," he said. I laughed.
"Relax, I'm not gonna die."
I thanked Bonnie as she handed me the ice cold drink. The midday sun was now burning and high in the sky and I welcomed the rest and drink. "So, you two run into any trouble?" Mr MacFarlane asked, setting down his drink. I glanced at Jack and we both shrugged. "Nothing we couldn't handle," I said. He nodded but had a knowing smile on his face. Bonnie sighed and sat down.
"It's getting harder and harder out here," she began. "What with all the cattle rustlers and gangs around. Thank you, you two. Without you our ranch would be finished."
"Yes, thank you." Mr MacFarlane spoke softly and nodded slowly, his tired eyes glassy as he was lost in his own mind. I waved a hand dismissively as I took a sip.
"Nonsense, I enjoyed it," I said, laughing mentally to myself. Jack also nodded.
"Eva's quite good with a gun," he commented, giving me a smile. Mr MacFarlane seemed to be pulled out of his reverie by this information.
"Oh, is she now?" he said, giving me a calculating look. I nodded sheepishly.
"Yes, sir. So I've been told." He rubbed his bearded chin thoughtfully.
"How do ya feel about hunting?" he asked. I grinned.
"I love it, sir. Gets your heart pumpin', that's for sure." He chuckled slightly before nodding to himself and sitting back in his chair. Bonnie spoke up,
"I told you my Pa was a hunting enthusiast, that and lassoing horses." I giggled and swallowed the rest of my drink. We all sat in silence for a few minutes.
"So, what now?" I asked. Bonnie looked at me quizzically.
"We got the rest of the day, what needs to be done?" Bonnie smiled and stood up, putting her class down on the small table.
"Well, how about I take ya to met Duke and see if he has any horses for ya to wash?" Bonnie asked, already walking towards the door. I grinned and followed her eagerly. I paused at the door and glanced back at the two men left sitting down. "See you men later," I said, giving Jack a cheeky smile and walking out the house.
Bonnie and I were now walking towards the blacksmiths, near the corral, and the strong smell of smoke reached my nostrils. "So, d'ya think he'll let me have some for Dash?" I asked as we walked closer. Bonnie shrugged, "I do not know. You'll have to ask him." We walked to the open blacksmiths and walked in, Bonnie briefly knocking on the wood. A man, who was hammering hot metal into the shape of horse shoes, looked up at me and Bonnie as we entered. He nodded curtly before setting aside his work and striding over to us. "Afternoon Miss MacFarlane," he said in a deep voice as he rubbed sweat from his forehead. Bonnie smiled and nodded. "Afternoon Duke, this here is Eva White. Eva, this is Duke Bolden." I smiled and shook Duke's outstretched hand. His hands were like shovels and warm from the metal. Duke was a tall man, with deep brown eyes and dusty brown hair. He was slender and had a welcoming smile. "Nice to meet ya, Miss White," he said, smiling. I nodded my head politely. "You too, Mr Bolden." Bonnie laid a hand on my shoulder.
"We were wondering if you have any jobs spare for Eva? Especially anything in the direction of horse washing," she asked, giving me a sly smile. Duke paused for thought before running a hand through his choppy black hair. "Well, I got some horses out back that need washin', if that's what you're after?" he said, giving me a handsome smile. I grinned.
"I would love to. Bonnie told me all about your famous shampoo." A dark blush faintly spread across Duke's cheeks and he cleared his throat.
"Well, I don't know about famous." Bonnie and I grinned at each other as Duke gathered himself. "Well, come with me then, and I'll show ya to the horses." Bonnie nodded and said goodbye as Duke lead me out the open back of the blacksmiths. Outside in the corral were around five horses. Duke motioned towards them as we walked in. "These horses need to be washed, the dust is a real problem to get out of their coat, jus' to warn ya," Duke gave me a small smile. "All the stuff ya'll need we will take with us. My shampoo works in the same way as normal shampoo, so don't worry about that. We'll be going down to the creek to wash 'em, since water's short. Is that okay?" I grinned and nodded but paused.
"How we gonna get them all down there?" I asked, cocking my head to the side slightly. Duke chuckled.
"Well, you have your horse, I can ride one of the ones we need to wash; we ride them down to the creek, and wash 'em there. I reckon we could take two each?" Duke explained, giving me a smile. I nodded and saluted. "Yes sir." Duke rolled his eyes but smiled and walked out into the pen. The five horses were quietly grazing.
"So, you wanna go get ya horse while I lasso these ones," Duke suggested, motioning towards the stables. I nodded and walked away to fetch Dash. I walked into the stable and found Dash chomping on the remaining wisps of hay in his hay net. I cooed and rubbed his muzzle as he came over to greet me. "Wanna go out boy?" I asked, gazing into his coal black eyes. His snorted and I grinned. A few minutes later I was mounted on Dash and exited the stables. I found Duke waiting outside, mounted bareback on a blanket appaloosa. In his hands he held four ropes, each one leading to a lassoed horse. Duke nodded as I approached. "Here, you take these two." He handed me two horses. "Now we'll jus' ride on down to one the shallow crossings at Montana Ford," Duke explained as he gently spurred the appaloosa. We walked the horses to the gate where a ranch hand opened it for us. We nodded our thanks and moved along the main path running through the ranch. We walked out of the ranch where we then moved into a slow canter, moving through the trees towards Montana Ford.
"So, how come your at the ranch, if ya don't mind my asking," Duke said after a few moments of riding in silence. I smiled.
"That's okay, you can ask. My father has run into a little tough business and so he wanted me to come here, were I could be free from it all," I explained, sighing a little. Duke nodded slowly, a small frown spreading over his brow. "You okay?" he asked. I shook my head and smiled.
"Yes, yes, I am fine," I smiled. Duke nodded and slowed as we arrived at Montana Ford.
"Ya ready to wash these horses?" Duke asked, dismounting his horse. I grinned and dismounted Dash, leaving him in the shade of a tree, allowing him to peacefully graze. I lead the other two lassoed horses over to the water's edge. "Let's get washing," I said, smiling as Duke walked forward, bringing the horses under the tree and letting go of two of them, taking the appaloosa he rode down to the water's edge. He brought the horse close, stopped then took off his boots and socks and rolled up his trouser legs. He then waded into the water till it was only just near his knees and held the horse steady. He talked to the horse to reassure it and began to scoop water onto its back. After doing this he reached into his satchel and pulled out a clear glass bottle. I watched as he wet then horse more then proceeded to pull the stopper out of the bottle. A sweet scent wafted from the bottle and reached my nose. I inhaled deeply and grinned. "That smells wonderful!" I said, walking one horse closer to the water. Duke chuckled. "Well, thank you Miss, I'm glad my horse shampoo smells good," he said. I laughed and pulled my own boots and socks off. I then rolled my jean legs up, like Duke. I then quickly waded into the water, leading the horse in. I patted its neck gently, reassuring it that it would be safe. The horse nickered and bent its head down and began to take a drink. I rolled my eyes but smiled and began to wet the horse. Its coat was a rich bay colour and went even darker in the water. I then turned to Duke, once my horse was wet enough for the shampoo. I turned around and saw the appaloosa he had was now richly lathered in pearly white foam. I laughed at the sight of the horse. "I'm ready for shampoo," I said. Duke nodded and handed me the bottle of shampoo. "Thank you." I took it and emptied some of it onto my hand then stuck the bottle in-between my knees. I then rubbed my hands over the horse's back, working the shampoo into lather. "Good boy, you're okay. Stay still now," I cooed as the horse fidgeted slightly. Soon the horse was fully lathered and the foam had turned a shade darker from all the dust and dirt from the horse's coat. "Let's get ya rinsed, eh boy?" I said rubbing the bay's muzzle.
"Miss, could I have the shampoo?" Duke asked. I turned around and passed it to him. He stuck it in his satchel and led the newly washed appaloosa out of the water. I turned back to the bay. I scooped up water and thoroughly washed all the shampoo out. The bay was now looking much cleaner. I smiled at my work and led the horse out of the water. It shook as it reached dry land and walked a little ways to graze on the fresh grass. I approached a strawberry roan mare and grabbed her lasso. "Come on, girl," I said encouragingly leading her to the water. She snorted and pulled backwards, shying away from the water. I clicked my tongue. "Come on, jus' walk in, you're okay," I said. Eventually the mare trudged into the water, looking rather fed up. I giggled. "Only for a few minutes, then you can go graze," I said. I repeated the process with the mare and soon she was a glowing strawberry roan.
As I finished with her I turned to Duke. "Well, one more left," I said, motioning towards the chestnut stallion rolling in the dirt. Duke laughed.
"At least he's doing that before we wash him, right Miss?" he said, chuckling. I laughed and shook my head.
"Please, call me Eva." Duke bowed his head.
"If that is all right with you, Eva," he said, smiling. "Ya'll can call me Duke then," he added. I grinned.
"Well, let's get washing this last horse," I said motioning to the stallion. Duke shook his head.
"There's another horse," he said, a large knowing grin on his face. I cocked my head to the side.
"Pardon?"
"Your horse; he needs a washin' too," Duke said. His face suddenly dropped. "Oh, no, I didn't mean to offend ya Eva, I jus' meant it in a nice way..." he stammered. I laughed at his panic and waved him off. "I know what ya meant, and are you sure? Your shampoo is special and I don't want to waste it on Dot Dot Dash," I said, motioning to my horse who was currently rubbing his rear on the thick tree trunk. Duke laughed a deep throaty laugh at my horse. "Well, as special as my shampoo is I'm sure it's good enough for your horse, there." I smiled and called Dash over. He neighed and trotted over to me where I affectionately rubbed his cheek. "You want a wash?" I asked him. I got no answer but a snort so I took this as a 'yes'. "Come on then," I said as I took his saddle off and lead him to the water. Dash swished his white tail and bolted for the water eagerly, dragging me along behind him. "Damn it horse! Slow down!" I cried. Dash plunged into the water, deep enough that the water came up to my waist. "Ahh! You stupid horse! I'm all wet!" I cried, throwing my hands up in the air. From the dry shore Duke burst into laughter.
"Now that is a special horse," he gasped in-between fits of laughter. I scowled but found it slightly humorous as well.
"Well, I'm glad ya find it funny," I pouted, folding my arms across my chest. Dash waded over and rubbed his nose against my cheek. I scowled but my gaze softened as I looked at my horse of five years. "Aw, who am I kiddin'? I can't stay mad at you, no matter how stupid you are sometimes," I sighed, scratching behind his ears. He nickered softly and leant into my palm. I smiled and patted his neck. "Let's get you washed."
After washing Dash and the chestnut Duke and I mounted the horses and rode back to the ranch. Dash was still slightly wet and kept shaking, sending tiny droplets of water spraying over me. As refreshing as it was in the hot setting sun it was still irritating. Soon we arrived back at the ranch and took the horses back to the corral. "Thank you Eva, for helping me this afternoon," Duke said, bowing his head to me. I nodded back. "It's nothin'. I enjoyed washing the horses, well, for the most part," I said, motioning to my still wet trousers. Duke chuckled.
"Well, you take care now; I'll take Dash to his stall. You go in and get out those wet clothes before ya catch a cold." I raised an eyebrow.
"A cold? In this heat, now I don't think so. And here I thought you were smart, Mr Bolden," I said playfully. Duke chuckled and took Dash's reins as I dismounted.
"You keep saying that, Miss White. Goo'night." Duke bowed his head one last time before leading Dash away.
"Good night," I called. I turned and trudged to Bonnie's house, my wet clothes becoming uncomfortable. A few people greeted me as I walked past, especially Dallas and Charlie. Dallas waved enthusiastically in the air and called my name. "Hello, young Miss!" I giggled and waved back.
"Hello, Dallas." He pointed questioningly at my wet jeans while Charlie barked and trotted over to me. I waved my hand dismissively. "It's a long story." I bent down and fussed Charlie as he came over. "Hello boy. How ya been? We'll have to another night watch some time," I said to the collie He barked and wagged his tail. I waved good bye and carried on to Bonnie's house where I walked up the steps to the porch and into the house. I walked in and was greeted by the sound of laughter coming from the kitchen. I walked in and smiled. "I'm back." Bonnie turned and grinned.
"Ah, Eva, I was starting to think you'd got lost," she said while tending to food on the stove. I laughed sheepishly.
"It took a little longer than expected," I said. Mr MacFarlane, who was sat at the wooden table, stroked his grey beard.
"May I ask why you are soaked, Miss White?" I giggled.
"When I was washing my horse he got a little excited and went in too deep." Bonnie giggled and Mr MacFarlane chuckled.
"Well, I reckon you should head on upstairs and change then come back down for dinner," Bonnie said, smiling. "Jack should be here soon as well," she added. I nodded and left the kitchen. On my way out I met Jack as he walked in through the front doors. "Oh, hello Jack," I greeted, smiling. He smiled and nodded back.
"Hello, Eva." He paused as he looked at my wet clothes. "Why is your butt all wet?" he asked, standing with his hands on his hips. I laughed.
"I was washin' some horses and when I washed Dash he got excited and went in deep," I explained. Jack nodded and chuckled.
"Now that sounds like a mighty fine tale I wouldn't mind hearin'," he said.
I grinned, "Well, maybe I'll tell you once I've changed. These clothes are awful uncomfortable wet." Jack nodded and waved.
"Well, I'll let you get along with that. See ya in the kitchen," he said as I began walking up the stairs.
I walked back down the stairs, now changed into a long skirt. I very rarely wore skirts (due to my work and being almost constantly on a horse) but they were useful for just wearing around the home. I walked into the kitchen and was greeted by a brilliant smell. My mouth began to water instantly. "My, this smells good," I said, as I took a spare seat at the table. Bonnie turned around and began to lay the plates of food onto the table. The plates were filled with vegetables, from Bonnie's garden, as well as beef, taken from one of the cows on the ranch. "Thank you, Miss," Jack said politely as the plate was laid down in front of him. "Thank you Bonnie," I also said. Bonnie took a seat at the table and we all dug in.
"So, Jack, you headin' off to Armadillo tomorrow?" Bonnie asked a little into the meal. Jack nodded.
"Yes ma'am," he answered. Bonnie sighed.
"I thought I told ya to call me Bonnie." She sighed with defeat. "Never mind," she said, stabbing a carrot chunk. I looked up from my own food.
"You're leaving tomorrow?" I asked. He nodded. I saddened a little. "All ready? Oh, well... have fun..," I finished awkwardly. I blushed and looked back down at my food, trying to hide my red tinted cheeks. Bonnie giggled slightly from beside me and I shot her a look. Jack chuckled. "I didn't know you'll miss me so much," Jack said playfully. I blushed a little more. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon," he said, giving me a smile. I nodded and stared back down at my plate, finishing the rest of the meal in near silence. After the meal Bonnie and her father gathered up the plates as Jack said goodnight. "Goodnight everyone, I might see ya tomorrow morning, might not," he said as he began to back slowly out the room. He tipped his hat. "Thank you, for all the hospitality." Bonnie waved her hand dismissively. "That's okay. You're welcome back to the ranch anytime." Jack nodded and bowed slightly before walking out of the room, and out of the house. Bonnie watched him leave before glancing at me. Suddenly, she grabbed a few spare carrots she had on her counter and shoved them into my hand. "Here, take these to Dash, they're a treat for him," she said, pushing me out the room. I was confused and my legs were working slowly. "O-OK... Thank you, I guess." Bonnie smiled and left me standing near the front door as she went back to the kitchen. I glanced down at the carrots before walking out the front door. As I walked out Jack, who was now at the end of Bonnie's small front yard, turned around and spotted me. "Eva, what're you doing out here?" he asked. I held up my right hand which had the carrots. "Going to give Dash a few carrots, apparently," I answered unsurely. He looked at me a few moments before nodding slowly.
"Okay, wanna walk there then?" he asked, pointing towards the stables. I nodded.
"Yes, yes." I quickly jogged from the porch and fell into stride next to Jack as we walked right, deeper into the ranch. It was silent for a few moments before I began to speak. "So, what do you think you'll be up to next?" I asked.
"Well, I'll probably run a few errands, hunt a few outlaws maybe," he answered. I nodded.
"Sounds fun," I said, kicking up a little dust as we walked. Jack shrugged.
"I guess." I looked down at the two carrots in my hands. I held one of them out towards Jack.
"Here, you can give one to your horse. Can't have Dash having too many treats now can we?" I said jokingly.
Jack chuckled, "I guess not. Thanks." He took the carrot and walked right, towards his cabin.
"See ya tomorrow, hopefully. If not, then thank you, for doing that night watch with me and... stuff," I said, rocking forwards and backwards on my heels. Jack nodded and smiled.
"That's okay, I enjoyed it. See ya tomorrow morning'," he said before he turned and walked towards his cabin. I smiled and walked along towards where Dash was.
The next morning I awoke twenty minutes early but still got changed and ready for the day. I put my hair up in its usual bun and walked downstairs; all of this was done in less than ten minutes. I sighed as Bonnie wasn't up yet so I did the only thing I could think of. I went to see Jack. On my way to his cabin I mentally scowled. Since when do I always want to talk to Jack? I've only known him for three days! I shook my head and cleared my thoughts. As I turned the corner to Jack's cabin I saw him walking outside, stretching, already dressed in his usual attire. "Good morning," I greeted, smiling. Jack yawned before waving at me as I stopped in front of him. "Good morning. You're out here early," he said, raising a brow. I shrugged and grinned.
"I woke up early, then thought I'd come see you, before you go." Jack nodded and began to stroke his golden horse.
"You know, I think he appreciated the carrot," he said. I giggled.
"Oh, did he know?" I said, smiling. Jack nodded and grinned back.
"Yep, told me so himself." I laughed at Jack before walking in front of his horse, and gazing into his white striped face.
"Did you enjoy the carrot? Is it 'cause Jack don't ever give 'em to you?" I asked the horse, shooting Jack cheeky grins. He laughed and shoved me ever so lightly on my left shoulder.
"Hey, I'll have you know I give my horse treats all the time." Jack paused, looking at my arm. "How's your arm?" he asked. I looked at my left arm, as if I could assess it through my clothing.
"It's okay, it's not stiff or anything. It was only a graze," I said, moving my arm around to emphasis my point. Jack nodded.
"Well, I'll trust you." Jack yawned again before adjusting his satchel. "I better get going," he said. I pouted.
"Aw, and leave me on this ranch all alone? With nothing to do?" Jack chuckled.
"Well, you got Bonnie ain't ya?" he said. "And you got plenty to do."
"Yeah, but nothing exciting. I've spent my whole life on a ranch, it'd be nice to do something else for a change, that's all," I explained, shrugging. I sighed before un-hitching Jack's horse. I handed him the reins. "Here, but you'd better check in with Bonnie before ya go, or she'll have your head for not sayin' a proper good bye." Jack chuckled.
"I bet she would; she'd mount it on the wall over the fireplace." Jack mounted his horse as I began walking back towards the house. Jack followed me on his horse. As we approached the house Bonnie came out from the front doors, dressed for the day. "Morning Bonnie," I called. Jack did the same. Bonnie walked over and calmly patted Jack's horse.
"Now off then?" she asked. Jack nodded. "Well, you be careful now, and come back soon."
"Yeah, come back soon!" I added, grinning. Bonnie glanced and me and playfully rolled her eyes. I childishly stuck my tongue out.
"Well, good bye Jack Marston," Bonnie said, releasing his horse. Jack spurred its sides.
"Good bye Miss MacFarlane. Good bye Eva." I smiled and waved at him as his horse cantered off.
"Bye!" I called. Jack waved back whilst glancing back. Bonnie frowned suddenly then shouted at Jack's retreating figure.
"I told ya to call me Bonnie!" As Jack disappeared from view I turned to Bonnie.
"So, what jobs is there for us today?" I asked. She sighed.
"Jus' the usual. Got some cows that need milking and that, but I wanna get them done quick, there's a storm rolling in." I glanced up to the sky and for the first time noticed the black clouds approaching in the far distance.