"Dr Mike? Want me to call the boys for supper?" Colleen wiped her hands in the dish cloth, Michaela setting the final plates on the table.
"I'll do it," Michaela dismissed the young girl's offer, setting the cutlery down and pacing across to the back door.
"Matthew, Brian? Supper!" She called flatly, Matthew appearing from the barn within seconds.
"Where's your brother?" Michaela queried, as Matthew slipped past her into the homestead.
"Thought he was out playing with Pup, he knew it was nearly time to come in though," Matthew paused, before taking his place at the table hungrily.
"Brian!" Michaela stepped out into the yard, scanning her surroundings against the fading evening light, unable to locate the young boy.
"Brian, where are you?" Michaela sighed, hearing a rustling in the nearby bushes, squinting to see Pup's head appear and start to run over to her.
"Where's Brian?" She frowned, the Wolf nuzzling her hand affectionately before whining lightly and running back in the direction he'd come from. Michaela followed.
"Brian, didn't you hear me? Supper," Michaela reiterated, the Wolf having led her to the boy sprawled on his back, hidden between several bushes.
"Ain't hungry," he replied, not even moving. His arms were crossed over his chest, staring up into the night sky, his expression blank.
"Come on, Brian," Michaela realized immediately he was just being difficult, however was not in the mood. Extending her hand down to help him up she repeated her instruction.
"Brian. Supper." Michaela's voice was harsher this time, the boy still not moving.
"Told ya, ain't hungry!" He rolled over onto his side, looking away from her.
Michaela looked back towards the house, tempted to just leave him there to sulk, however it was starting to get very cold, and the light had almost faded completely from the sky.
"Well, in any case, you can't stay out here. Come on." She bent down to grasp Brian's right hand, his arm lying above his head.
"Leave me alone!" He pulled away to sit upright, his legs crossed underneath him, quickly locating his pocketknife and stabbing lightly at the ground.
"Sweetheart please," Michaela exhaled, reluctantly joining him on the ground, knowing Brian didn't throw such a tantrum unless he felt it was warranted.
The two remained in silence for several moments, Michaela watching as the child destructively worked on creating a hole in the dirt in front of him.
"Brian, what's happened to make you this upset?" She raised an eyebrow, Brian stopping the digging whilst he contemplated his reply.
"You. You're angry at me and Sully. You're angry at everyone," he scowled at her, mouth drawn into a tight pout.
"I'm not angry, Brian. I'm just trying to, I guess I'm just working too hard." Michaela scrunched up her forehead, looking back towards the homestead, Brian feeling thoroughly confused by her response.
"So why'd you yell at me, then? You ain't never been that mean before," Brian dropped his head, resting his chin in his hand.
Michaela reached tentatively for his free hand, not knowing whether he was going to pull away or not.
"Sweetheart, it's just, you waking me up every time you have a bad dream, means I don't get any sleep," Michaela softened her voice, reflecting on her harshness with Brian the night before.
"But thought you said I could," Brian's confusion continued, feeling as though, once again, the rules were being changed on him.
"Well, that was before I realized it was going to become a regular occurrence. Brian, you're ten years old now. I think that's old enough to be able to get yourself back to sleep, don't you?" Michaela raised an eyebrow, the young boy cringing, however eventually shrugging lightly.
"Guess so. So if you ain't mad, why'd you start actin' so strange around Sully this afternoon, at the creek. When ya both came back, ya didn't say a word to him," Brian gently closed the pocketknife, returning it to his jacket.
"Because, Brian, that's between Sully and myself," Michaela cut the topic off sharply, glancing down subtly at her skinned palm.
The young child hung his head, looking eagerly for something to distract him, his stomach soon coming to mind.
"Supper, Ma." He bounded to his feet in a single motion, Michaela, still somewhat dazed from her reflections on the day, being pulled to her feet, trailing back along after the child.
"You ain't gonna be ridin' Flash anytime soon, are ya Ma?" Brian kept his hand gripped loosely in hers, as the pair crossed the yard towards the back door.
"Why not?" Michaela replied with acute speed, her tone extraordinarily sharp, her mind reeling at the child's intuitiveness.
"Well, was just, last night, dreamt you were ridin' and you were ridin' real fast and you tried to jump over this log, except Flash spooked and ya fell off," His voice slowed by the final portion of his sentence.
"And did I die again?" Michaela found herself subconsciously pondering the notion with remote relief.
"Nah but ya fell and got hurt, that's when I woke up," Brian reached for the handle of the back door, opening it considerately for his mother, who nodded in gratitude.
"What's for supper?" The boy continued, addressing everyone around the table at that point.
"Sit down and you'll find out. Honestly, was just about to send out a search party," Matthew's slightly humored tone dropped immediately on his final few words, Colleen throwing him a slightly mortified glare.
"Ah, here Brian, help yourself," Colleen shoved the bowl of potatoes under her younger brother's nose as he took his seat, Michaela sighing, joining the children at the table, barely even aware of the conversation that had taken place.
"Who's sayin' grace, Ma?" Brian placed the spoon back in the bowl beside him, reaching out his hand towards Michaela's for the blessing.
"You go ahead," she forced a small smile, Matthew still feeling slightly ashamed as he took her other hand, the four of them bowing their heads as Brian recited one of his well-rehearsed, slightly long-winded prayers.
~.~
X.O.X
Wednesday, 7th July, 1869
Three Days Later
X.O.X
~.~
"Just some coffee, thank-you Grace," Dorothy smiled, scanning the tables of the café for someone to sit with.
"Take a seat," Grace smiled, Dorothy taking a seat by herself, with a sigh, Grace quickly arriving with the pot of coffee.
"On your own? Not like you?" The Negro woman commented unemotionally, pouring the steaming liquid into the metal cup.
"No, I suppose not. Asked Michaela to join me, she weren't interested." Dorothy glanced back towards the Clinic, somewhat hoping her friend had changed her mind.
"Well, still quiet 'round here. I fancy gettin' off my feet for awhile," Grace smiled warmly, as she pulled a chair from the table and sat down.
"Good for you," Dorothy trailed off, shifting her attention to the cup of coffee held in her left hand.
"Somethin' troublin' ya?" Grace folded her arms on the edge of the table, noticing Dorothy's lifelessness.
"Oh, I don't know, guess I'm just worried 'bout Michaela. She don't usually turn me down for mornin' tea," Dorothy muttered, taking another sip of coffee.
"Well maybe she's busy?" Grace suggested, reaching for an empty cup and filling it with steaming hot coffee.
"No, was just over there. She ain't tending to anyone, just absorbed in a textbook, been actin' funny for a week or so now. Ever since that article arrived from Denver," Dorothy looked back towards the Clinic once again, her shoulders falling in confirmed dismay.
"Well, don't ya see? Poor thing's probably terrified her family's gonna find out 'bout what happened," Grace shook her head, convinced in the logic she was attempting to impart.
"That's exactly it; she didn't seem to care one bit about the article. Too busy pouring over work, just like today," Dorothy sighed, Grace smiled softly with a shrug of a single shoulder.
"Well 'least she's stayin' clear a Hank's, that's enough to put my mind at ease," Grace widened her eyes as a flash of relief swept across her face.
"What's that supposed to mean, Grace?" Dorothy frowned worriedly.
"Oh, nothin' I don't reckon, just, well, nothin'," Grace frowned awkwardly, looking down at her hands clasped in front of her.
"Grace, if I didn't know you better, I'd think you were keepin' something from me. If there's somethin' goin' on that I should know about," Dorothy squinted at her seriously, the reporter in her knowing when she was getting the brush-off.
"Well no. Ain't right; promised Dr Mike I wouldn't tell no-one," Grace pulled her jaw down tightly, feeling trapped between secrecy and concern.
"Grace, I'm Michaela's best friend. If something's happened, I've a right to know. I want to be able to help her as much as anyone," Dorothy watched Grace's eyes dart from side to side in contemplation, quickly ensuring they were alone before continuing.
"'Bout a month ago, Dr Mike had to treat one a Hank's girls. It really shook her up, I'd reckon, because Hank ended up dealing with it," Grace tried to search for the right words, Dorothy cutting her off in disbelief.
"Hank? Oh, you're not serious. Hank ain't exactly the talking type," Dorothy narrowed her eyes, Grace continuing.
"No, he didn't talk. He gave her, she drank too much whiskey." Grace dropped her eyes, Dorothy's mouth opening in a silent gasp.
"Grace, tell me you're," Dorothy pleaded.
"Look, she was real upset, can't say I blame her." Grace took a breath, about to continue when Dorothy cut her off.
"Heavens, I ain't blaming her, I'm just surprised. Was she all right?" Dorothy leaned closer towards Grace, her worried concern apparent.
"Not especially. I mean, Myra took her back to the Clinic, I sat with her for a few hours. She threw up, slept it off and she was fine, I guess. But the things she said Dorothy; ain't no-one got any idea what she really went through out there," Grace swallowed, remembering the terror she'd seen in Michaela's eyes.
"Well, we knew it was bad, Grace. Knew that two minutes after they'd got her back to town. What'd she say?" Dorothy's subtly having just been exceeded, undisguised curiosity taking its place.
"Nothin' I feel too comfortable repeating." Grace wiped a hand over her forehead, trying to convey the gist of Michaela's words. "That she couldn't fight because he had a knife at her throat, and that she was just a trophy for them. That she wanted to die, but she couldn't because of the children. I don't know how much of it was the whiskey talkin', but one thing came through, she was petrified. Feels like she ain't got no-one who's gonna understand that. I reckon she believes she shoulda died out there. So now she's stuck, feelin' guilty for survivin'." Grace looked across to Dorothy awaiting a response, however a figure moving towards her caught her attention.
"Morning, ladies," Jake smiled politely, pacing around the table to the empty chair on Dorothy's left, about to take a seat.
"This happens to be a private women's conversation, Jake Slicker. You were not invited," Grace's voice was low, she was not amused by his cheerfulness.
"I dunno, always thought I had a feminine side," Jake shrugged lightly, pleased when Dorothy gestured to the empty chair beside her, the redhead remaining silent, deep in thought.
"So, ah, what's this secret women's business all about," Jake fluttered his eyes, assuming it was clothing or the like.
"None a ya business, Jake. Coffee?" Grace pulled the chair back in frustration at the man's boldness.
"Please," he smiled in acceptance, turning to study Dorothy's distracted expression.
"A penny for your thoughts?" Jake waved his hand in front of her face, obtaining her attention in a moment.
"You wouldn't want them, trust me," Dorothy sighed, staring down at the cup of now cold coffee beside her left hand.
"You two ain't still goin' on about that article from Denver, are ya? Horace destroyed all the copies that arrived. Ain't no-one seen it but what, you, me, Horace?" Jake raised an eyebrow, enquiring as to whether or not that was the extent of the distribution.
"Michaela." Dorothy cupped her chin in her hand, Grace pouring Jake's coffee before returning to several other customers.
"You showed it to her? What'd you wanna do a fool thing like that for?" Jake's eyes scanned Dorothy's face frantically, shaking his head in utter bewilderment.
"Because it happened to concern her. Not that she cared," Dorothy replied, still trying to accept Grace's words from minutes earlier.
"You got a point there, too busy actin' like nothin's happened. Knew that auction thing was a bad idea." Jake sipped on his coffee, expecting Dorothy would catch on immediately to his meaning.
"Don't think it was such a bad idea, went off without a hitch. Really seemed to be enjoyin' herself too," Dorothy smiled, remembering just how romantic she and Sully had looked as they'd moved round the dance floor, believing for a moment that nothing had changed between them.
"Maybe she was enjoyin' herself a little too much, then. Think all that lovey-dovey stuff musta gone to her head," Jake swooned his head in imitation playfully, realizing from the confused look on Dorothy's face that she hadn't witnessed Michaela's collapse.
"Ya didn't see, did ya? Sully had to just about stop her hittin' the floor. Lucky she weren't still dancin' with Loren, all I can say. He wouldn't a known what to do," Jake watched his words sink in slowly, Dorothy's reply paced.
"You mean she passed out? When?" Dorothy wasn't able to determine which bothered her more; concern for her friend's health, or regret that she'd not witnessed it.
"Right near the end, after she danced with Sully. Went all pale, started sweatin' real bad, then down." Jake dipped his hand indicatively.
"She was all right?" Dorothy's eyebrows rose immediately.
"Fine, don't think anyone really noticed, 'cept Olive and I," Jake continued drinking his coffee, Dorothy gazing off into the distance, deep in thought.
~.~
X.O.X
Thursday, 8th July, 1869
One Day Later
X.O.X
~.~
"You sure you're feelin' all right, Dr Mike?" Colleen frowned, handing Michaela the newly washed plate from supper.
"No Colleen, I'm not, but I'd appreciate it if you'd stop asking," Michaela took the dish, drying it slowly, Brian pacing in frustration around the homestead, stomping his feet.
"Just, you didn't eat any supper and I was worried that," Michaela cut the young girl off abruptly.
"Colleen." she silenced her with a single strained word.
"Ma, when ya finished, can we play checkers?" The young boy, his hands entwined in his overalls pleaded, Matthew still outside finishing chores.
"No, Brian, it's late," Michaela sighed, willing herself to stop feeling tired, however not managing it.
"It ain't that late, only nine. One quick game, please?" he continued, pacing across to the shelves to the right of Colleen, pulling the checkers board out in manipulative hopefulness.
"I said no, Brian and I meant it!" Michaela placed the newly dried plate down on the bench a little too loudly.
Brian dropped the board to the floor in frustration.
"Pick it up, Brian," Colleen glared at him, Michaela still absorbed in her vocal outburst from moments earlier.
"No! It ain't fair!" He kicked the board away lightly, turning around to stomp wildly across the room, Michaela meeting him after several seconds, her hands grabbing his shoulders in fury.
"Life is not fair, Brian! Grow up!" Michaela felt her breath quicken, as her voice rose in both anger and volume with each word. Realizing she'd lost her temper with the small child, she paused, forcing her voice to soften, gesturing towards the children's sleeping area. "Just, go to bed," Michaela sighed wearily.
Colleen watched the display pan out before her, completely frozen, aware of nothing besides the water dripping from the plate she held in her hands, down her arms and onto the bench in front of her.
"Night," Brian muttered almost inaudibly, his chin trembling, eyes filled with tears as he slid slowly across the floorboards and onto his bed, the only sound to be heard was the scuffing of his shoes.
Michaela turned back to Colleen, the pair finished the dishes in complete silence, the young girl making her way to bed without a single word, Michaela doing likewise.
~.~
X.O.X
Friday, 9th July, 1869
One Day Later
X.O.X
~.~
Michaela rolled over onto her back, the morning sunlight streaming into her eyes, feeling as though she'd not slept a minute. Brushing her hair back with her right hand, Michaela rested her head in her hand, determining that, despite not feeling like it, she really did need to get up and begin the day. Pushing the patchwork quilt aside, Michaela pulled herself up into a sitting position, about to swing her legs to the side of the bed, when she froze suddenly. Her eyes opening fully, she glanced downwards, conflicting emotions of shock and relief flooding through her mind. Sliding from the bed to her feet, Michaela grabbed frantically for her dressing gown, throwing the quilt messily back over the bed, as she dashed across the homestead towards the back door, unaware of the coldness of the floorboards underneath her, as she slipped through the door and out into the yard.
Colleen, having opened her eyes only moments before, heard the sound of movement before she saw it, watching quietly as Michaela rushed past their beds and through the door. Frowning lightly, Colleen glanced across at the sleeping boy opposite her, trying to rationalize Michaela's turbulent behavior over the previous few weeks.
Colleen ensured Brian was still sleeping soundly, before creeping to the back door, opening it slowly just as Michaela disappeared into the outhouse. Remaining stationary in the ajar door, the young girl narrowed her eyes, her worry only increasing. Gently pushing the door closed once again, she made her bed, and dressed quickly for the day ahead; hoping that at least Brian's demanding behavior would have improved overnight.
~.~
X.O.X
~.~
"All ready, sweetheart?" Michaela smiled, squeezing Brian's shoulder as he finished the glass of milk in front of him.
"S'ppose so. Hey, Colleen? Didn't the Reverend say Steven's ma's gonna come fit us for our costumes, today?" Brian shoved the final mouthful of breakfast into his mouth, looking across at his sister, who was scraping the leftovers into a bowl for Pup.
"Yeah, thought so and Miss Dorothy's gonna have the script ready Monday too, so we can start rehearsing properly," she replied, looking strangely between Michaela and Brian, noticing her mother's polarized mood swing.
"And just who are you, then?" Michaela cupped her chin in her left hand watching the boy's face light up with interest.
"A guy and I have to kiss her," Brian chuckled with embarrassment, pointing to Colleen, who rolled her eyes, finding Brian's coyness quite cute.
"Only on the cheek, Brian," Colleen shook her head, Michaela raising an eyebrow, watching the children banter playfully.
"Nah and at the end, when we," Colleen gave him a mockingly serious glare, reminding him that the ending was a secret. Brian trailed off quickly, breaking out in a wide grin as he pushed his chair back and took his empty plate over to Colleen.
"Oh, you're not going to tell me?" Michaela dropped her head, pretending to be upset.
"You'll see Ma. It's a surprise!" Brian headed towards the back door, disappearing quickly to help his older brother prepare the wagon for the trip into town.
"Can't quite believe that's the same child as last night, somehow," Michaela raised her eyebrows in disbelief, finishing the cup of tea in front of her thoughtfully.
"And he ain't the only one. You've certainly woken up on the right side of the bed this morning," Colleen ventured, hoping Michaela would take the compliment warmly.
"Let's just say I'm feeling relieved," Michaela began removing the spare utensils and unused cups from the table, stacking them back on the shelf across the room, Colleen nodding in silent understanding, no further words needing to be spoken.
"So, ah, do ya know if Sully's comin' for supper tonight," Colleen asked, unable to hide her smile; a result of Michaela's good mood, as well as the remembrance of the pair of them dancing the afternoon of the auction.
"I suppose so. Seems to be a Friday night tradition, of sorts," Michaela scanned the room, spotting her medical bag on the mantelpiece over the fire.
"Yeah, and it really bothers you. Sure," Colleen flashed a cheeky grin in Michaela's direction, drying her hands and making her way towards the front door.
"Colleen," Michaela attempted to sound disapproving, however merely bursting into a slightly self-conscious chuckle, medical bag in hand, she followed Colleen through the front door, closing it behind them.
"All set?" Matthew asked, seated in the wagon, Brian by his side.
"I think so." Michaela settled into the wagon between the two boys. "Matthew, what have you got planned for today?" She took the reins.
"Gee-up," she encouraged, Bear moving forward obediently.
~.~
X.O.X
~.~
"Your arm looks fine, Louise. Does that hurt?" Michaela gently palpated the young child's lower arm, her fractured radius now appearing completely healed.
"Uh-uh," the four-year old girl replied with a bright smile, watching with intrigue as the Doctor moved her arm gently, rotating her hand delicately.
"Now?" Michaela repeated, the young girl's bubbly smile sufficing as response.
"Oh, thank-you so much, Dr Mike, we were just so worried, ya hear all sorts a stories 'bout deformities and children livin' in pain but she's good as new," Mrs. Harrison commented, Michaela quickly checking the girl's radial pulse, lifting her down from the examination table.
"She's a strong girl and you did the right thing bringing her to me straight after, was it the horse, Louise?" Michaela bent down to confirm the events leading up to the broken arm six weeks ago.
"Yeah, was just practicing ridin' Phantom and I couldn't reach the reins, that's when I slipped and 'oww'." She indicated towards her arm, her childlike exuberance being maintained throughout the story.
"'Oww' was right, sweetheart. You tell your mother if you arm starts hurting any more," Michaela led the girl by the hand to the door, Mrs. Harrison handing her the five dollar coin gratefully.
"I'll make sure she stays off that horse, too. Not until you're six, young lady," Louise's mother took the young girl's arm, leading her through the Clinic door out onto the porch.
"If there are any problems, don't hesitate to come see me again," Michaela returned the small girl's friendly wave, before retreating back inside, clearing up the remainder of the girl's sling and cast, about to check her appointment schedule when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Michaela glanced at the list in front of her, checking that she didn't have any appointments due for the rest of the day.
"Afternoon, Michaela," Dorothy entered the clinic, a slightly reserved smile on her face.
"Dorothy. Everything all right?" Michaela removed her apron, laying it gently across the examination table.
"Fine, wondering if you, ah, nothin'," Dorothy suddenly felt a nervous quietness fall over her.
"Afternoon tea?" Michaela raised an eyebrow suspiciously, a knowing smile appearing on her face.
"Only if you want to. Didn't want to disturb you. Just Loren got sick a me fussin' 'round the store, was gonna head over to Grace's," Dorothy rambled, realizing her double-talk was beginning to confuse even herself.
"Don't be silly, you're not a bother. I just saw my last patient; everything seems quiet here. I'd love to," Michaela crossed the room; Dorothy remaining perched uneasily against the door, Michaela's cheerfulness throwing her into uncertainty.
"You would? Michaela, are you all right? You seem, I mean, you look," Dorothy shrugged, realizing how petty her now unwarranted concern had been.
"Everything's fine. Let's go," Michaela rolled her eyes, slipping a hand around Dorothy's shoulders as they made their way out onto the porch, Michaela closed the door as the pair strolled side by side towards Grace's.
~.~
X.O.X
~.~
"Oh, Sully, that just looks absolutely magnificent!" Michaela exclaimed, as Matthew placed the freshly roasted turkey down on the edge of the table.
"You're welcome. Didn't think I was gonna have any luck but then, just appeared outa nowhere," Sully watched as Matthew carefully began slicing the meat and transferring it onto people's plates.
"Yeah, Sully, it's great," Brian reached eagerly for Colleen and Sully's hands, knowing that the sooner they started the blessing, the sooner they could eat.
"Thanks, Brian," Sully took his hand, the five of them lowering their heads, Colleen quickly taking care of grace, everyone hungrily beginning to devour their supper.
"So, what's happening tomorrow, Sully? Can we go swimmnin'?" Brian had become accustomed to their regular Saturday outings.
"No, Brian, need to speak to ya ma 'bout tomorrow," Sully met eyes with Michaela briefly, unsure as to w hether she still wanted to proceed with the meeting.
"You do?" Michaela frowned, something niggling at her, although unable to recall specific details, very unlike her.
"Later," Sully dismissed w ith a small smile, Michaela's jovial mood refreshing, however somewhat surprising.
"Aww, Sully, is it a surprise? I wanna know, please?" Brian begged, turning to Sully with his most pleading pout.
"Brian," Colleen warned, Michaela glancing at Sully indicating for him to discuss whatever it was he was planning freely, having absolutely no recollection of the week before.
"Well, thought I'd bring Cloud Dancin' and Snow Bird around, tomorrow afternoon. Could go fishing, or swimming, whatever someone wants," Sully had turned to Brian's expectant face at that point, only seeing Michaela drop her fork to her plate out of the corner of his eye. Nonetheless, Brian's excited giggle was no distraction however, and he turned back to her with a worried glance.
"You said you didn't mind," Sully spoke to Michaela.
Michaela cut him off instantly, Matthew and Colleen appearing visibly apprehensive.
"No, it's fine. I'd just forgotten." She slowly grasped the fork in her left hand once again, her mind clouding with emotion, her anxiety unwittingly building.
"Didn't think you sounded too sure last week, wanted to double check. You know you don't have to. They'll understand," Michaela had glanced from each of the children's faces as Sully spoke, Matthew and Colleen looking apprehensively supportive, Brian remaining naively enthusiastic.
"Sully, I said it's fine." Michaela's voice was resolute, everyone slowly absorbing themselves back in the food on their plates, Sully glancing across occasionally between mouthfuls, trying to meet Michaela's gaze.
~.~
X.O.X
~.~
"Am serious, Dr Mike, you're havin' second thoughts and it's cancelled," Sully had stepped out onto the front porch, the children busy inside, Matthew and Brian playing checkers, Colleen reading.
Michaela turned, looking around at the voice, staying seated quietly on the top step. Sully crossing the small distance to her side, taking a seat an appropriate distance from her.
"No I, I'm not having second thoughts by any means. I'd just forgotten." She shook her head lightly, surprised at the memory lapse.
"Well, you were pretty upset last week, ain't no problem, I'll go and," Sully was about to continue, Michaela and he both speaking simultaneously.
"I was just." She stopped, looking across at him, each breaking into an amused chuckle, Sully gesturing for her to continue.
"I wanted to apologize for last week. I know I've not been the best company recently," Michaela watched as Sully began studying her face again, his eyes moving slowly, not saying a word.
"What, what were you going to say?" Michaela swallowed uneasily in response to Sully's lingering stare, knowing he was only being himself, however starting to feel thoroughly uncomfortable.
"Well, what I was gonna say weren't what I am gonna say. What I am gonna say, is that I'm real proud a ya and I want you to know that. Cloud Dancin' and Snow Bird both just want you to be comfortable. Snow Bird's worried 'bout ya, she really looks up to you. Cloud Dancin' feels ashamed, feels responsible," Sully watched Michaela's face drop, as she looked away, realizing what they were both really talking about.
"I know but there's no reason, it wasn't like he was," Michaela let her eyes drop closed but fluttered them back open immediately when her consciousness was overcome by a flashback.
"He knows that but ya can't help it. You don't think I feel just as responsible?" Sully noticed the opportunity to broach the subject, sensing Michaela would be in a more receptive mood.
"Sully don't," Michaela looked across at Wolf, head on his paws, watching them from the grass.
"We need to talk about this." Sully saw his hand move automatically from his knee, about to reach for her, however quickly dropping it to the step, realizing he didn't want to push her again.
"Just not yet. I've missed the children, you. Please, I just want some time to enjoy that. I don't want to remember yet," she trailed off, drawing a strained breath.
"You ain't ever gonna forget, Michaela. Neither am I. it ain't about forgettin'. It's about being able to live in spite of rememberin'." He reached for her arm, expecting her to pull away. Slowly, their gazes moved from his fingers locked lightly around her small wrist, upwards, until they were facing each other, both their eyes filling with tears.
"When you're ready, Michaela, I'll be here," Sully released his grasp, Michaela let her eyelids close softly, hearing him stand and make his way back inside.
"Who's winnin'?" Sully folded his arms with a slightly forced smile, sitting on the edge of the bed behind Brian.
"Matthew. He jumped on me twice. Now I'm trapped," Brian raised his arms in playful defeat, Matthew chuckling devilishly, moving the checker piece one step forwards.
"You've thrashed me plenty a times, this is payback," Matthew responded, Brian moving his single remaining piece to the only available square.
"Sorry little brother," Matthew shrugged his shoulders, triumphantly carrying out the final jump, removing Brian's piece from the board.
"Aww, man," Brian hung his head, Sully patting his shoulder in condolence.
"You'll get him next time, 'sides, only a game," Sully managed to capture Brian's attention away from his recent 'tragedy', the small boy crossing his legs and changing the subject.
"Are Cloud Dancin' and Snow Bird really comin' over tomorrow? Did Ma say yes?" Brian diverted his focus swiftly to the new conversation, Matthew glaring doubtfully at Sully as he packed up the game.
"Yeah, she did. Thought we'd go down the creek, you can go swimmin', or just fish if you want?" Sully offered, starting to wonder just how the reunion would be carried out.
"Swimmin'! Ain't been swimmin' in ages," Brian's eagerness surfaced immediately, Colleen's attention being pulled from the book she was engrossed in.
"Dr Mike really said yes?" Colleen repeated, barely believing it.
Sully nodded, with a warm smile, Brian frowning as he slowly pieced all the information he'd be storing together.
"But the Indians hurt Ma. Ain't she mad at him? Ain't she scared a him?" Brian turned back to Sully, pulling himself forwards, splayed across the middle of the bed, head in his hands.
"No, Brian, you remember, it was the dog soldiers who hurt Dr Mike. Cloud Dancin' and Snow Bird feel bad about what's happened. So tomorrow, Brian, I'm gonna stay with Dr Mike, Cloud Dancin' and Snow Bird, we're all gonna talk for a bit. You and Colleen and Matthew can go swimmin'?" Sully offered, Matthew nodding supportively, indicating he would once again keep his siblings under his wing.
Brian nodded, understanding as much as was possible given his tender age.
"Sully? I don't gotta hate Cloud Dancin', do I?" The young boy looked up, his mind in conflict.
"No, Brian, 'course not. You just remember Cloud Dancin', Snow Bird, and the rest of the Cheyenne are still our friends." Sully reassured and rubbed the boy's back.
Colleen and Matthew exchanged not-so reassured expressions. This wasn't going to be easy.
~.~
X.O.X
Saturday, 10th July, 1869
One Day Later
X.O.X
~.~
"Perhaps this is not a wise decision?" Cloud Dancing, Sully and Snow Bird dismounted their horses still fifty or so yards from the homestead.
"No-one's sayin' this is gonna be easy but we have to try. Dr Mike assured me she's ready and just so long as we take things slowly, it'll be fine." Sully brushed the man's upper arm, seeing his mournful nervousness.
"He is right. We have not got the right to be afraid. We are not the ones with reason to feel fear," Snow Bird observed, she and Cloud Dancing noticing the homestead in the distance.
"The spirits have spoken of trouble. Of great pains to come. I fear this meeting is what they speak of," Cloud Dancing, Snow Bird and Sully watched as Michaela and the children appeared from behind the front door, each lining up along the porch railing, Brian spotting the approaching trio immediately, pointing eagerly.
"It will be all right. Come," Snow Bird reached for her husband's hand, continuing their slow walk along the path leading to the homestead.