A/N: This is the first in a series of AU Pre-Express story involving Kid and Lou. I'll warn you now, this is not my normal cheesey story, but I'll make up for it in the next stories.
Chapter 1: May, 1855: St. Joe
"St. Joseph, Missouri!" the stage driver called out. "End of the line for this stage until morning," he said, getting down from the driver's seat and opening the door to the stage.
"Thank you," Jedadiah Smith said as he exited the stage after his younger brother, Ezekiel.
"The stage for Topeka won't be for a few more days," the driver informed them. "Do you boys have enough for a room and meals ‘til then?"
The youngest nodded. "Yes sir, our folks made sure we'd be taken care of until we got to our family."
The driver nodded. "Then I suggest the hotel right over there," he said pointing towards the hotel across the street. "The rooms are clean and the meals are decent. It's the safest place for two boys travelin' alone."
"Thank you, sir," Jedadiah said as he took the few belongings he and his brother had brought with them from Virginia. "Come on, Zeke, let's get goin'."
The brothers were able to get the last room in town. "You boys are lucky," the clerk told them after registering. "There's a fair comin' into town day after tomorrow, so rooms are hard to come by."
"We won't be any trouble," Jedadiah said. "We just need to wait a few days until the stage for Topeka comes through."
"You better not be," he said, handing the oldest a room key. "I normally don't rent rooms to youngins' on their own. Supper's at seven, breakfast starts at eight, both are included in what you paid. You're on your own for meals between then."
The boys nodded and then headed up the stairs to their room. After they settled in, Zeke stared out the window. He'd been cooped up in a stage for over two weeks and didn't want to spend such a beautiful spring day locked in a musty hotel room.
"Come on, Jed. Lemme go outside, please," he begged. "You know I don't like bein' in small places. I wanna go out after being on the stage for so long."
Jed shook his head. "You are such a kid," he teased his brother.
Zeke scowled. "You know I hate it when you call me that," he complained.
"You like bein' named after our pa? He's the reason we ain't at home with momma."
"I know," Zeke said hanging his head down. "I just hate it when you call me a kid. I'm twelve, not two."
Jed threw his pillow playfully at his brother. "Yeah, well you still look like you're two. Ain't no girl ever gonna look at you twice."
"Doritha does," he answered, sticking his tongue out.
Jed chuckled. "I wouldn't brag about that if I were you, little brother. You two were destined to be married anyways, so what's it matter?"
Zeke crossed the room and sat back down on the bed, looking at his older brother. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked curiously.
"Ma and Pa already have the two of you married off when both of you is old enough. They figured by marryin' you two, it would merge the two farms and be one of the biggest in Virginia."
Zeke nodded in understanding. "Guess that makes sense," he said quietly. He liked Doritha, always had. He figured that one day they would marry, but now that he knew it had been planned, it made him think twice.
Jed noticed his brother, who was normally full of excitement, had turned quiet at the news. He punched his brother on his shoulder. "I thought you knew." Zeke slowly shook his head. "Go on out and play. Get your mind off things. Just don't go gettin' into any trouble, understand?"
Zeke nodded and jumped off the bed. "Thanks, Jed. I'll be good, I promise."
Jed watched his brother leave the room quickly and chuckled. "I know you will. Never have to worry about the trouble you might get into," he said to himself before placing his hands behind his head and lying against the headboard to get some rest before going out and exploring as well.
Chapter 2
"Charlotte, I'm done with my work, I'm goin' outside, alright?"
Charlotte nodded as her friend poked her head into her room. "Don't stay out too late, honey," she started. "The stage rolled into town a little while ago, and you know that means a busy night for us girls. Lyle may want you to get up late to do some more laundry."
The young girl nodded. "I won't be gone long, I promise. I'm just headin' down to the General Store to get some candy."
Charlotte laughed as she watched her leave. "How she eats so many sweets and stays so thin, I'll never know," she said shaking her head.
Lou ran down the street not paying attention to where she was going. Normally she didn't as she made the trip every day, but today, she ran head on with someone coming out of the hotel.
"I'm so sorry," she apologized. "I wasn't..." She stopped when she looked up into the bluest eyes she'd ever seen.
Zeke hadn't been watching where he was going; he just wanted to get out in the open air as soon as possible. But he was surprised he had been careless enough to run into someone. He looked up when he heard her voice and just stared at the girl in front of him.
"No, it's my fault," he said, shaking his head. "I was in a hurry to get outside and wasn't payin' attention. I'm Ezekiel, but my friends call me Zeke," he said smiling.
Lou groaned at the introduction. Ezekiel sounded so exotic, unlike her name. She smiled as an idea popped into her head. "My friends call me Loulabelle," she said, liking the way the name sounded.
"Loulabelle," Zeke repeated. "It suits you," he said, smiling widely at her.
"Excuse me," someone said, pushing them out of the doorway of the hotel.
Lou chuckled. "I'm headin' down to the General Store, would you like to come with me?" she asked him shyly.
Zeke smiled and nodded. "Sure," he said as they started walking down the street. "I just got into town, so I don't know where things are."
"Oh, did you just move here?" she asked curiously.
Zeke shook his head. "My brother and I are goin' to spend the summer with our grandparents in Topeka. We're just here until the stage comes through. What about you?"
"I live here in town."
"By yourself?" He looked at her puzzled, trying to imagine what it was like for someone so young to live by herself.
Lou shook her head. "I live in a..." she stopped, suddenly ashamed of where she lived. "I live at a boarding house. I work in the laundry in exchange for room and board." She was relieved when they arrived at the General Store and he didn't ask any more questions.
Zeke laughed as he watched her head straight for the candy. He thought about the money in his pocket and realized as much as he wanted some, everything on the trip cost more than they had expected, and he knew Jed would get mad if he spent some of the little bit of money they had left on candy.
Lou noticed Zeke's hesitation and smiled. She'd been on her own for several months before Wicks had given her a job, so she knew what it was like to not have enough money. "What do you like?" she asked.
Zeke shook his head. "I'm not hungry, thanks," he said quietly as he eyed peppermint sticks.
Lou nodded and smiled as the store owner came over around the counter to help them. "What will it be today? The usual?" he asked her.
"Hmmm. No, I think this time, I'll take a big bag of peppermint sticks," she said, smiling over at Zeke. "It's big enough my new friend and I can split it."
"You ain't got to do that," he said, reaching into his pocket for some change.
Lou slapped his hand. "Don't worry about it," she said as she took enough money from her pocket and placed it on the counter.
"Thanks," he said as they walked back outside.
Lou sat down on the edge of the boardwalk and patted the space next her. She opened the bag of candy and handed him half as
Zeke sat down next to her. They ate the candy silently for a few minutes, just watching as the world went by around them. But for some reason, the world seemed only to exist around her and Zeke. Finally he spoke.
"So where are your ma and pa? Why ain't ya livin' with them?" Seeing her reaction to the question, Zeke wished he hadn't asked.
Lou hung her head down. "Pa ran off a few years back and Momma died not too long after," she said quietly. She had never talked about her family. "I was sent to an orphanage with my younger brother and sister. I ran off a little over a year ago, wanting to make a better life for us."
"But you're so young," he said in disbelief. "You're what ten or eleven?"
"Thirteen," she snapped. "I've always been small for my age."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry," he said, taking a bite of the candy. He couldn't imagine someone so young being on her own living such a hard life. He couldn't help but notice the differences between her and Doritha. Doritha's idea of a hard life was the ribbon in her hair not looking right.
But then again Loulabelle wasn't like any other girl he'd known. Doritha's long, blonde hair was always brushed neatly and her clothes were always spotless and the latest style. Loulabelle's dark brown hair was pulled back in messy braids and her calico dress was several sizes too big and it was obvious it had been patched up more than once. But to him, it didn't matter.
"How about you?" she asked. "What are your folks like?"
"Ain't much to say," he said lying. "Ma decided to send me and my brother to Topeka to visit her folks. We haven't seen them since they came out west when I was five." Not even Garth and Doritha, his best friends, knew why he and Jed were being sent away. It was bad enough they'd had to watch their Pa beat their mother, but when he turned on Zeke, it was too much. Lou knew there was more to the story, but let it drop. She knew what it was like to grow up in an abusive home and knew the signs. "So how long are you in town?"
Zeke shrugged. "A few days, I guess. But I like it here and it's so different from Virginia. Maybe one day when I'm older, I'll come back out on my own."
"What's Virginia like? I've never been outside Missouri."
Zeke told her about life in the south, and they got so lost in their own world, they didn't realize the time had passed them by.
"Zeke? Zeke where are you?"
Zeke groaned when he heard his brother calling for him. "That's my brother," he said standing up. He held out his hand to help her up.
"Thank you," Lou said as she stood. She felt a spark of electricity run through her as their hands touched and she shivered.
"Are you cold?" he asked as he noticed her shivering. When their hands touched, he felt something he'd never felt before and blushed. He started to remove his coat to put over her shoulders, but she stopped him.
"I'm fine, thanks. Didn't realize how late it is," she said as she watched the sun fading behind the mountains. "I need to get back to the house."
"Can I walk you there?" he asked not wanting to leave her.
Lou shook her head. "You better go meet with your brother. He seems to be lookin' for you and I don't want to get you in trouble."
Kid smiled. "It'd be worth it," he said causing her to giggle. "But you're right," he said looking towards his brother that was heading their way. "Will I see you again?"
Lou nodded. "I hope so. I had a lot of fun today."
"When?" he immediately asked.
Lou chuckled at his eagerness. "Well, tomorrow is Sunday so I won't be able to get off work until after lunch."
"That'll give Jed and I time to go to church in the morning. How about if we meet outside the hotel at one. Will that give you enough time to finish working?"
Lou nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said, smiling before turning and heading back to the saloon where she worked.
Zeke longed to follow her, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. "There you are!" Jed said. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
"Sorry, Jed. Guess my mind was on other things."
Jed chuckled as he watched his little brother watch a young girl walk down the street. He had lied when he said he'd been looking for his brother; he had seen him and his new friend from their room. "Did you kiss her?"
"Jed!" Zeke exclaimed, shaking his head. "We just met."
Jed laughed and rubbed the top of his brother's head. "I've said it before and I'll say it again. You are such a kid. Now come on. They're about to serve supper."
Zeke and Jed headed back towards their hotel, the thought of Loulabelle never leaving Zeke's mind.
Chapter 3
The next day, Zeke couldn't stop thinking about Loulabelle, even during church. There was something about her that he couldn't get out of his head. Jed had teased him endlessly after supper the night before but he just grinned.
When church was finally over, Zeke ran to the hotel and changed as quickly as possible in comfortable clothes. He wasn't sure what they would do today, and he didn't care. He just enjoyed spending time with her. A few minutes before one, he headed to the General Store to wait for her. At one o'clock sharp, he smiled as he watched her walk towards him carrying a basket.
"Here, let me take that," he said, reaching for the basket.
"Thanks," she said, smiling at him. All night she kept thinking about Zeke. Even after Wicks had awoken her at two in the morning to do laundry so the other girls could continue "working" through the night. Thinking of him made the job go quicker and she couldn't wait to see him again.
"What's in here?" he asked referring to the basket.
"I hope you don't mind, but I figured since it's such a nice warm day, we could go on a picnic. I know the perfect spot. It's not much, just some sandwiches and cookies, but I also made some lemonade for us to drink."
Zeke smiled and nodded. "I think it's a perfect idea. I just wish I had thought of it," he said, quietly looking at the ground.
The couple walked, both holding the basket between them, to the spot Lou had picked out. She came here often when she needed to get away and other than Charlotte, no one knew about this place and she was more than happy to share it with him.
"Wow," he said as they cleared the trees to a small meadow with a pond nearby. "This place is almost as beautiful as you," he said quickly without thinking. "I mean..."
He thinks I'm beautiful? She thought as she blushed and quickly looked away. No one but Momma has ever said that to me.
"Thanks," she said. "I often come here when I need to get away for awhile."
"I can see why," he said as he took the blanket out of the basket and spread it on the ground. He waited for her to sit down before he did, leaving the basket between them.
Lou immediately started digging through the basket and handed him his food. She hoped he liked it because she always had liked to cook but never thought she was any good at it. But since her mother had taught her how to bake, she knew at least the cookies would be edible.
"This is really good," he said, taking a bite out of the ham sandwich. "It tastes just like my ma's."
Lou blushed again at his compliment and they continued to make small talk while they finished eating. Zeke chuckled as he noticed some mustard on the corner of her mouth.
"What's so funny?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously.
"You have mustard on your mouth," he said, pointing to the area on his own mouth.
Lou wiped her mouth and smiled. "Did I get it?"
Zeke shook his head and reached into his pocket for a handkerchief to give her. She took it and wiped her mouth again. "You got it this time," he said, smiling as she handed it back to him. "It's a nice day," he continued. "Is it always this warm this early?"
Lou nodded. "It also turns cold real quick too, but you're right. It is a nice day out. Makes me want to go swimming," she said, smiling at him. "What do you say?"
Zeke shrugged. "I don't have anything to wear."
"You don't have to wear anything," she said quickly without thinking as she stood up. She realized how that sounded and looked at him. "I meant I usually just wear my underclothes," she said, starting to unbutton her dress. "You can do the same."
Zeke swallowed hard as she stepped out of her dress and stood before him in bloomers and an undershirt. He watched as she dove in the water and then turned to stare at him, still sitting on the blanket. Zeke immediately stood and started to remove his clothes, leaving only long john bottoms on. He dove in after her and when he surfaced, he immediately splashed her.
Lou giggled and started splashing him back. A water fight ensued and it wasn't long before they were dunking each other under the water. Zeke playfully dunked her and briefly held her under the water. He let go after a few seconds and grew worried when she didn't surface immediately.
"Loulabelle?" he called out. When she didn't answer he frantically began searching for her while calling out her name.
Lou heard Zeke calling her and quietly resurfaced behind him. "Looking for me?" she asked tapping his shoulder. As he spun around she giggled at his expression.
Zeke breathed a sigh of relief as he saw she was alright. "Don't scare me like that," he said.
"I'm sorry," she said, hanging her head down. "I didn't mean to scare you." Zeke suddenly noticed a tiny birthmark on her right collarbone, right beside the strap of her undershirt. His finger lightly traced it.
"That's cute," he said. "A little heart."
Lou looked down where his finger was sending sparks throughout her body and nodded. She blushed as he stared at her. She had always been self conscious of her body, and to have him staring at her so intently made her uncomfortable, so she crossed her arms across her flat chest.
Zeke lifted her face with his finger. All thoughts flew out of his mind as he got lost in her brown eyes. Lou looked into Zeke's blue eyes and got lost. Something about it felt so right and she had a sudden urge to kiss him.
Zeke had never felt like he was feeling when he looked at her. Something inside him started to stir, and he felt slightly ashamed, but didn't back away. He felt as if some magical force was pulling her towards him, and he leaned his head forward. He'd never kissed anyone before, and he prayed he wouldn't make a fool of himself.
Lou felt his forehead against hers, and she lifted her chin, anxious to experience her first kiss. She had just felt his lips brush against hers when she heard her name being called.
"Louise?" Charlotte called out. "Louise, where are you?"
Lou groaned and pulled back. "I need to go," she said, immediately swimming to the shore and hurriedly getting dressed before Charlotte found them.
"Wait!" he called out as he swam after her. By the time he reached the shore, she was already dressed. "Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked.
"Louise, there you are," Charlotte said, walking out to where Lou was gathering the items from their picnic. She watched as the young boy emerged from the water and smiled. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you," she said smiling.
The young couple both blushed and shyly looked at each other.
"Is there something you needed, Charlotte?" Lou asked.
Charlotte nodded. "Mary Elizabeth is too sick to work her shift. We need you to come back and work another shift."
Lou sadly nodded and turned to Zeke. "I gotta go," she said.
Zeke nodded. "Can we meet again tomorrow? Or do you have to work?"
Lou shook her head. "Mondays are my day off. I'm free all day," she said smiling at him.
"Meet at our usual spot around nine?" he questioned.
"I'll see you then," she said, before she turned and followed Charlotte back to the saloon, hoping Zeke didn't follow them.
Chapter 4
The next morning at breakfast, Zeke couldn't get his mind off Loulabelle. All night he had dreamed of that tiny birthmark and the fun they'd had in the creek. He was wondering what they might do today, when he and Jed were distracted by loud yelling coming from outside.
"Guess the fair's arrivin'," Jed said. He laughed as he watched his brother's face light up with excitement. "Guess you'll be takin' your girlfriend?" he teased.
"She ain't my girlfriend," Zeke protested. "We're just friends."
"Whatever you say, little brother." Jed was having too much fun teasing his brother.
"Besides, ain't got the money to take her," Zeke said, quietly looking down at his plate.
Jed reached into his pocket and pulled out a few bills. "I think we can manage this one time since it is for a special occasion."
Zeke's eyes grew huge as he watched his brother slide the bills across the table. "Ya sure?"
Jed nodded. "Just don't tell ma and pa, and don't spend it all, understand?"
"Thanks, Jed," he replied looking at the clock on the wall and noticing he had just enough time to change into nicer clothing. "I better get goin'. I wanna change clothes," he said, standing up and pushing his chair in. "Bye!" He stopped and grabbed the flower from the table before turning to run out of the dining room.
Jed shook his head. Good thing he's not older, Jed thought. He mighta been wantin' that money for something else.
Zeke ran upstairs to their room and quickly changed into his Sunday shirt and pants.
~~~ *~* ~~~
After breakfast, Lou ran upstairs to her room to get changed. She had heard the other girls talk about the fair that was due to arrive and knew she wanted to go with Zeke. All night she had dreamed of him; the sounds coming from the rooms around her enhanced those dreams, making her feel ashamed of the thoughts she was having.
You're just friends, she thought. He's leaving in a few days and you'll never see him again. Just enjoy the time you have with him.
"Louise," Charlotte said as she stuck her head around her young friend's door. "You better get goin', you don't want to be late."
Lou nodded as she finished tying the bows around her braids. She had chosen to wear one of her best dresses, one usually reserved for special occasions, and she couldn't wait to see Zeke again. "Thanks, Charlotte," Lou said, standing up and walking to the door.
Charlotte reached down into the top of her dress. "Here's some extra money," she said, handing her some bills. "Go have fun. And don't worry about work. It's your day off and if anyone is too sick, I'll cover for you."
Lou looked at her friend wide-eyed. "Thank you," Lou said before hugging her. She slipped the money in her pocket and ran downstairs and outside just as the fair was arriving. She hurried down to the General Store and smiled as she saw Zeke already waiting for her.
Zeke watched Loulabelle approach and couldn't hide the huge grin spreading across his face. She looked so plain and innocent but yet beautiful and elegant at the same time. "Wow," he said meeting her halfway. "You look..." He was too stunned to continue.
Lou blushed and giggled. "Thank you. You don't look half bad yourself."
"I was thinking..." they both started at the same time.
Zeke smiled. "Go ahead, ladies first."
"I was thinking since it's such a nice day, we can enjoy the fair. Is that okay with you?"
Zeke bit his lower lip to keep from laughing but stopped when he noticed the hurt look on her face. "I was thinking the same thing," he said. "Oh," he said, handing her the flower. "This is for you."
Lou took it and smiled. "It's beautiful, thank you." She reached up and tucked it into one of her braids.
"Not as beautiful as you," he said as they both blushed. He had to fight the urge to lean forward and experience the kiss they had missed the day before. "Shall we?"
Lou nodded and weaved her arm through his as they walked down the boardwalk to where the activity was starting.
By late afternoon, they had sampled all of the food, watched several shows, and just enjoyed being with each other. They took their supper and found some shade where they could sit and eat in private.
"Watching that horse show makes me long for my own horse," Lou sighed.
"You ride?" he asked.
"Not anymore. Not since my momma..." she said quietly, shaking her head. "Not since I was sent to the orphanage."
"I'm sorry," he said. "I've only been gone from home a few weeks, and already miss my horse. I can't imagine goin' that long without one."
Lou nibbled on her dinner roll and shrugged. "I've gotten used to it by now, but when I'm older, and get my brother and sister, I'll have my own horse again."
"There's none at the boardin' house you're stayin' at? None that you can ride?" Lou shook her head. "I'm sorry."
"Ain't your fault," she said, smiling at him.
The two finished their meal in silence, but both sneaking sly glances at the other and smiling and quickly looking away when they were caught.
"It's startin' to get dark," Zeke told her as he looked at the skies. "The fireworks should start soon after."
Lou nodded and then looked around for the nearest outhouse. "If you'll excuse me," she said standing up and blushing. "I'll meet you by the General Store in a little bit if that's alright?"
Zeke nodded and watched as she walked away. Deciding to go ahead and walk to their meeting place, he stopped at one of the booths set up.
"Win a prize, sonny! All ya gotta do is hit a bull's-eye. Think you can do it?" a barker asked as he noticed Zeke checking it out.
"All I gotta do is hit a bull's-eye and I get prize?" the barker nodded. "Sure, I'll give it a shot."
"Be a dollar. You know how to shoot?"
"Yes. sir," he answered putting his money on the table. "My pa taught me how."
The barker handed him the rifle. "Ya get three shots. Ya just gotta hit it once."
Zeke nodded and aimed the rifle and fired three times. When he was done, he stepped back and smiled.
"That's some fine shootin' son," he said as he brought the target to Zeke. "Never seen someone so young hit it three for three. Heck, ain't seen that many older men hit it either. You can choose anything on the table in the corner."
"Does it have to be one of those?" Zeke asked seeing the prize he wanted. "Can I have something from that table?" he said, pointing to where the smaller items were.
"If that's what you want, then sure. What'll it be?"
"The carvin' please." The barker shrugged but got the carving and handed it to him. "There ya go, son. Enjoy it."
"Oh, it ain't for me, it's for a friend," he said, putting it in his pocket and continuing on to the General Store. He smiled as he saw Loulabelle waiting for him. He had planned on waiting until later to give it to her, but decided against it.
"I got you somethin'," he said, reaching into his pocket. "I know it ain't the same as a real horse but." he handed her the carving.
Lou looked down at his hand and fought back the tears she felt forming. "It's perfect, thank you," she said, quickly kissing his cheek. "You've given me my own horse again, I'll never lose it."
Zeke blushed as they went behind the General Store. They sat under the stars waiting for the fireworks to begin. He was leaning back, propped up on his shoulders while she was sitting crossed legged. The day had been perfect for both of them and neither wanted it to end, even though it soon would.
Zeke also knew that he would soon be leaving, and they both knew they would most likely never see each other again. Zeke wasn't sure what he was feeling for her, but it was more than what he felt for Doritha.
Lou was worried about her feelings towards Zeke. The more time they spent together, the stronger they felt, but she knew he was leaving soon. She wished there was someone she could talk to about her feelings but Charlotte would just laugh at her and say love was for fools.
"Zeke, I wanted..." she started as she turned to look at him, but suddenly her lips were surrounding his.
Zeke had sat up to give her a kiss on the cheek, but was surprised as her lips covered his. My first kiss, he thought. Like her, it's perfect.
I never thought kissing him would be this perfect or feel so right, she thought; surprised they were still kissing, but not wanting to break away from him.
Neither was sure how long they stayed like that, but pulled apart when the fireworks started overhead. They went back to quietly sitting next to each other, and Zeke smiled as he felt her place her hand on top of his.
~~~ *~* ~~~
From his private balcony of his saloon, Lyle Wicks looked down at the festivities going on around town. Business had been good all day and he was happy, but something caught his attention and he smiled even bigger.
It looks like my little Louise is starting to show an interest in boys, he thought. Looks like it's time I taught her as long as she works for me, nothing is free!
Chapter 5
The news Zeke had been dreading since he met Loulabelle came the next morning at breakfast.
"You knew it was comin'," Jed said. "The stage leaves tomorrow morning."
"I know," Zeke said, looking down while he was pushing his food around on his plate.
"You really like her, don't you?" Jed asked. Zeke nodded. "Well, you can't stay here."
"I know, I just..." he said quietly. He finally looked at his brother, and Jed saw the sadness in his brother's eyes. "I just wish there was a way I could see her again."
"Maybe on our way home, we'll have to stay here again. You can see her then."
Zeke smiled at the thought. "You think so?"
"Just don't forget about Doritha. She may not be Loulabelle, but there's still obligations there."
Zeke nodded. But he knew in his heart, he'd never feel the same way towards Doritha as he did for Loulabelle. After finishing breakfast, he hurried down to the General Store, longing to spend as much time with her as possible before he had to leave.
Loulabelle was miserable. She had looked forward to spending the morning with Zeke again, but as she was leaving, she learned her schedule had been changed and she was working all day. As she approached their meeting place, her heart stopped as she saw the look on his face.
"You're leaving?" she sighed. Zeke looked at her and slowly nodded. "When?"
"Tomorrow morning, after breakfast," he said quietly. He heard sobs and looked at her; his heart broke as he saw the pain in her face. "Loulabelle, what's wrong? You don't have to work until this afternoon..."
Lou's sobs grew louder and she shook her head. "I just learned I have to work this morning now too."
"Oh," he said disappointed. He placed his finger under her chin and lifted her face to look at him. "Can you meet me tonight? We can watch the fireworks again, or just... I don't care what we do, I just want to spend time with you."
Lou knew sneaking out would be risky, but she didn't care. She knew the schedule well enough to know when it was safe.
"Meet me here at ten tonight. I know it's late but..."
Zeke shook his head. "Whatever time you want to meet, I'll be here waiting. I'll wait all night if I have too."
Loulabelle nodded. "I'll see you tonight," she said, kissing him on the cheek and then turning to head back to the saloon.
Zeke watched her walk away and had a strange feeling settle over him. Longing to follow her, he shook the feeling off and walked back towards the hotel.
~~~ *~* ~~~
The day seemed to drag on for Loulabelle. Every time she was close to finishing, her boss would give her something else to do.
By the time she finished close to ten, she was too tired to do anything. But the thought of seeing Zeke soon kept her going. She quickly changed out of her work clothes and was about to open the window when she heard the door open.
"Going somewhere, Louise?" Lyle Wicks asked as he entered the room and shut the door behind him. He crossed to the window and pulled her away.
"No, sir," she said, shaking her head and trying to think fast. "I was just tryin' to get some fresh air."
"Don't lie to me," he said as he slapped her across the face. She fell to the floor and huddled against the wall. "I saw you with your friend last night, Louise. It's time you learned you work for me," he said looking down at her. The fear in her eyes only increased his desire. "You're all grown up, Louise."
~~~ *~* ~~~
Zeke was waiting at the General Store since half past nine and by half past ten; he was a nervous wreck. He wished he'd followed her this morning, so he knew where to go to check on her. As much as he hated the thought, he'd rather have something have happened than to think she didn't want to meet him again.
He slid down the post in front of the General Store and sat against it. He'd told her he'd wait all night for her, and he would.
~~~ *~* ~~~
Jed smiled as he finished dressing. This wasn't the first time he'd visited a saloon, and he doubted it would be his last. But he'd never had a lady quite like Charlotte, and he was beginning to see why his brother was so taken with this town.
"Will I see you again?" Charlotte asked from the bed.
Jed shook his head. "Probably not, I'm leavin' in the mornin'. But if I'm ever back this way, I'll be sure to visit you again."
He slipped quietly out of the room and into the hall. He heard sobs coming from the room next door and looked in through the cracked door. Sitting on the bed with her face swollen and her dress torn, he watched Loulabelle for a few moments and then walked away. Poor Zeke. I bet he had no idea, he thought shaking his head. Looks like someone gotta a little too rough with her.
Jed left the saloon and as he headed to the hotel, he saw a figure slumped over the steps in front of the General Store. His heart broke as he realized it was his brother, and picked him up as if he were still a baby. Zeke mumbled something and Jed saw his tear stained cheeks, knowing his little brother was probably dreaming of the girl he'd fallen hard for.
~~~ *~* ~~~
Zeke woke the next morning, his heart heavy. He had no idea how he got back to the hotel or when; he just prayed Lou was alright. He quickly got out of bed and changed clothes. He ran down to the General Store and waited, hoping she would meet him.
Two hours later, Jed found him still waiting. "Come on, Zeke. The stage is waitin'."
Zeke shook his head, fighting back the tears. "She wouldn't leave without sayin' goodbye. I know she wouldn't." He followed Jed to the stage stop, but stood outside while the driver loaded everyone up.
"Time to board, sonny," the driver said putting his hand on the young boy's shoulder.
"A few more minutes?" he begged.
"Sorry, but I got a schedule to keep."
Zeke nodded and reluctantly allowed the driver to help him into the stage. Jed moved so Zeke could stare out the window as the town passed them by.
"Wait!" Zeke called out as they approached the saloon.
"Zeke, he can't stop. What is it?"
"That's Loulabelle's friend Charlotte gettin' into that buckboard. Maybe she knows where she is."
Jed's head snapped to attention at the name of Charlotte, and realized his brother didn't have a clue. "Zeke, that's the saloon where Charlotte and Loulabelle work," he explained without wanting to tell his brother what he had witnessed the night before.
Zeke's stomach knotted and in that instant he knew something had happened to Loulabelle. He begged the driver to stop, but as the stage pulled out of town, he knew he'd never forget her.
A/N: Big thanks to Mercy & Kathleen for Betaing this, as well as Snannon, Ellie and Hanny for encouraging me and convincing it needs more!