Silent Heart : Chapter Three : [ Mila Wakes Up]

'' Hey , Buck , how'd your run go'' ? ; Kid said when he saw Buck walk through the bunk-house door. Hey , Kid , it went pretty good , ; Buck replied as he sat down next to Kid and Lou. Did you have any trouble on your run , Buck ? ; Lou asked , smiling at her friend. Not that I could'nt handle , Lou , ; Buck replied , returning her smile. But when I got to the Rock Creek road , I found a girl , ; Buck said. Where did she come from , Buck ? ; Kid asked. I don't know , Kid , I just found her wandering around out there , ; Buck said. Who is she , Buck ? ; Cody asked from across the table. Well , all I know about her so far is that her name is Mila , and she's probably half - Lakota , Cody , ; Buck replied.

Where is she now , Buck ? ; Lou asked curiously. Rachel's taking care of her now , Lou , ; Buck replied as he ate. Was she hurt , Buck ? ; Kid asked. No , but she was pretty bruised up , and her dress was torn , Kid , ; Buck replied. Who would do somethin' like that , Buck ? ; Kid asked. I don't know , but it was someone very bad , Kid, ; Buck replied. I just hope she'll tell me what happened , so I can figure out how to help her , ; Buck added softly.

I'm sure you'll be able to help her , Buck , ; Lou said kindly , smiling at her friend. Yeah , you're good at helpin' folks , Buck , ; Kid said with a friendly grin. Even when they resist your help , Buck , ; Cody said from his corner. Thanks , you two , ; Buck said , smiling at his two friends.

And what about me , Buck ? ; Lou said , giving Buck a playful smile.

Thanks , Lou , ; Buck replied , smiling back at her. It's good to see that smile of yours again , Buck , ; Lou said , giving her friend a reassuring smile.

We've all sure missed it around here , ; Lou added. It's good to see you back to yourself again , Buck , ; Kid said , giving Buck a friendly smile.

Yeah , Buck , we've sure missed your company around here , ; Cody said , giving Buck a playful grin. Thanks , you three , ; Buck said , smiling warmly at his friends. '' I see Rachel coming this way , Buck '' , ; Lou said when she saw her through the window. Okay , thanks , Lou , ; Buck said as he got up.

Hi , Rachel , ; Lou said , smiling at her good friend. Hi , Louise , ; Rachel replied , returning her smile. How's your house-guest doing ? ; Lou asked. Mila's doing fine so far , Lou , ; Rachel replied. In fact , that's why I'm here , Buck , ; Rachel said when she saw him. Is Mila awake yet , Rachel ? ; Buck asked softly.

Yes , she just woke up , and she wants to see you , Buck , ; Rachel replied. I'm on my way , Rachel , ; Buck said as he got his hat.

You go on in , I'll be right behind you , Buck ! ; Rachel called out as Buck left. I have'nt seen him move that fast in a good long while , Rachel ! ; Lou exclaimed happily. Me neither , Lou ! ; Rachel laughed.

I'd better get over there in case Buck needs my help , Lou , ; Rachel said as she got ready to leave. I'll come too , Rachel , ; Teaspoon said as he got up.

Alright , but you just wait outside , Teaspoon , ; Rachel said.

See you later , Rachel ! ; Lou called out as she and Teaspoon left.

Let us know how Mila's doing ! ; Kid and Cody both said.

Don't worry , I will , boys , ; Rachel said as she shut the door.