Choices In Time
Author's
Note: "Choices In Time" is a sequel to "A Time For Love".
It is recommended if the reader is not familiar with the storyline and characters
therein it would be beneficial to read the first installment. This piece has been
renamed from it's former title "Choices". Please let me know what you
think. I enjoy any feedback from you readers!
Chapter X
As Victoria and Louise enjoyed the many stimulating sights of New Orleans, they continued from one shop to the next this time in search of attire for the boys. The task was a bit more challenging than expected but finally, they were able to obtain several pieces of fine looking clothing. "Have these sent to this hotel." Victoria requested from the shop owner, writing the name of their hotel down. He obliged at once, thanking the fine ladies for their business and hoped they'd come back again.
"He was rather helpful don't you think?" said Victoria.
"As much money as you spent in there...hmph, who wouldn't be?!" teased Lou.
They laughed and giggled as they left the last shop, pleased with their purchases, wondering what the boys were going to think about all of this!
The playful sounds of carnival music caught the girls' interest, and in a couple of minutes they stood in the midst of a small crowd, finding delight in a group of street acrobats as they performed mind-boggling acts. The two friends watched along with other grateful spectators, smiling broadly, clapping along to the pleasure of the performers.
"Amazing aren't they?!" startled a male voice between the two ladies. The girls looked, one to her right, the other to her left but the gentleman's eyes remained fixed on the acrobats, his dark eyes glistening with delight.
"Bravo!" he cheered, drawing the attention of the ladies back to the show once again. The girls clapped along with the crowd though they'd missed the daredevil act.
"Pardon my forwardness dear ladies but can I presume you are visitors to our fine city?" he asked, looking down at the two women as the crowd began to disperse.
Victoria turned towards him saying, "You presume correctly."
"Yes, it's our first day here." added Louise.
He noticed Lou's unusual accent, noting she was not city bred unlike her companion. Instead of asking where they heralded from he flirted, "Why I would guess so. I would've remembered two beautiful ladies such as yourselves no doubt."
Victoria cocked an eyebrow at Lou. "A charmer."
"Indeed." came Lou's lady-like response. The notation brought a handsome smile to the stranger's face.
"Please do forgive my rudeness. Let me introduce myself. My name is Carson Moore." he smiled, extending his hand. "And you are?..." he asked after kissing Victoria's hand.
"Taken." she replied wryly.
"Victoria!" Lou nudged.
"Victoria. What a beautiful name." he noted, brushing her sarcasm aside just as quickly as she dispensed it, then turning to Lou asked, "And Ms?..."
"Louise." she said, as he did the same to her hand. He looked up to meet Louise's soft eyes. "Another beauty of a name."
Victoria looked at Lou from behind the stranger with a wry grin. She erased the smirk off her face once he turned back from Lou. "It's an unfortunate thing your escorts are not here. I would've liked to have met such fortunate gentlemen."
"Oh...well, we're here on business." Victoria defended.
Carson lifted his chin as he took a deep breath then sighed out loud. "Too bad. There's too much out here to miss, too much to enjoy rather than being stuck in boring business meetings don't you think?"
"Certainly." Victoria nodded.
He smiled down at Victoria. He found her to be a most interesting young woman. She wasn't taken by his dapper style and that was a rarity for Carson. He decided to take his leave then, tipping his hat to them. "I do hope we run into each other again dear ladies. It's been my pleasure."
They returned his politeness with a nod of their own. They watched as he took two steps away, suddenly turning back towards them.
"Just a word of advice, speaking from experience. Tell those two gents of yours that too much work and not enough play makes Jack a very dull boy." he winked with a sly grin. "Good day." he saluted and disappeared down the street.
Victoria stood there in disbelief. "I tell you Lou, some things just never change. Can you believe that? What a scoundrel!"
Lou shrugged. "I thought he was kinda nice."
"Ugh!" Victoria rolled her eyes. "Let's go back to the hotel Louise." she started walking off.
"Well he was!" exclaimed Lou, following behind.
Buck sat at the table in the bunkhouse, his soul troubled over the skirmish he'd had earlier with Charlotte. It wasn't like him to act out in such a way, especially not towards her. He wasn't being fair to her. His pride had overridden his sense of judgment.
"Charlotte." he moaned. Of all the people besides his Express family, she'd been the one who'd taken much hassle from certain ones in the community due to their relationship. She was a strong-willed woman, he loved her for that. It didn't matter to her what people said, what they thought. Their love was pure and that's the way she offered it to him. No strings attached. No falsity. How could he now take such a treasure for granted?
"What is wrong with me?" he scolded himself, rubbing a hand over his face.
Too many issues, that was the problem. He was half-indian, half-white, choosing to live among those that hated only what they saw on the outside. He'd tried to belong. He'd tried to be a part of them but somehow his good intentions just were never enough. They would turn to him for help and in their next breath blamed him if trouble came calling. Hypocrites! He couldn't stand it anymore.
But Charlotte, sweet Charlotte. How could he have hurt her so? He loved her. It didn't matter that she was white and not a Kiowa woman. He loved her beauty within. The way she laughed, her giving spirit, her strong-headedness. The way she made him feel whenever they made love; so at peace, nothing else mattered. He couldn't throw that away.
Rachel entered the bunkhouse drawing his immediate attention.
"Well? What happened?" he questioned anxiously as he rose to his feet.
Rachel shook her head as she sat at the table. "She doesn't want to talk to you Buck. I'm sorry."
"Well, did-did you tell her what I said?"
"Every word. But, it's not that easy Buck. You hurt her." Rachel lamented.
"Don't you think I know that?!" he cried. His frustration began to mount. "But how the hell am I supposed to tell her that when she won't speak to me?!"
"I don't have an answer." she paused. "Time. Just give her a little time. Maybe tomorrow will be different." Rachel advised.
Buck's brow wrinkled. "Tomorrow. That's all I ever get around here!" he shouted. "Maybe tomorrow Buck, the attitudes will change. Maybe tomorrow it will be different. Maybe tomorrow the cows will come home!" he pounded his fist into the table.
"Buck!" Rachel stood, meeting his dark glare. "I don't know what has gotten into you lately but it has got to stop." she scolded.
The problem was that Buck couldn't stop. He had had it.
"You know what's wrong Rachel?" he asked with a milder yet forceful tone. "I'm tired. I'm sick of people looking at me funny everytime I walk down the streets. I'm tired of people pulling their children aside because they see an Indian coming their way. I'm tired Rachel. I made the choice to live among whites because I thought it'd be easier than living among my Kiowa brothers. Maybe I made the wrong choice."
"How can you say that? You've got friends that would die for you, a family that loves you here. And Charlotte. You would've never found her unless you were here where you belong."
Buck's eyes looked into Rachel's softer, green gaze. "I don't belong anywhere Rachel."
"Damn it Buck! You're feeling sorry for yourself." She was upset then calmed herself down. "If you want to do that...I'm sorry for you."
"What choice do I have left Rachel?!" he growled.
Rachel rested her hands on the table, leaning towards him. Her eyes connected with his once more. She wanted him to really listen to what she was now going to say.
"We all have choices to make in this world Buck. Some good, some bad. But the good ones we do make, we better be thankful for those. No one said life was a piece of cake. Nothing is easy. We better fight for every ounce of happiness we've got or we might as well roll over and die if we dare take one false step. If you want to wallow in self-pity...that is your choice. I choose not to stand around and watch you do it and neither will Charlotte." With such striking, sobering words Rachel picked up her handbag and headed out of the bunkhouse.
Rachel's words rung clearly in Buck's head though he tried to shut them out. He didn't need a lecture for crying out loud. He'd gotten his share of those too. Yet, deep down he knew he didn't regret coming to work for the Express. He didn't regret the friendships he'd made here; friends that were more like his own family. Did he regret loving Charlotte? Of course not.
One important decision, one choice he'd made long ago with Ike had snowballed into many wonderful things. He had to admit, though the choice to live in the white man's world had brought many blessings, it had also brought its share of pain. Would he allow the painful memories, the prejudices of people, the ignorance that dwelt in them to dampen the happiness he'd found in the life he'd chosen to live? Exhausted from his swirling thoughts, Buck laid down on his bunk and soon fell asleep. Maybe tomorrow the answer would come.
Jimmy leaned against the frame of the balcony door to his room looking out unto the sparkling ships on the mighty Mississippi. He wondered what it would be like to live like that? In wealth, being able to cater to Victoria the way he knew she should be. Only time would tell he guessed.
"You keep staring out there like that, you may just get your wish Jimmy." teased Kid, noticing his best friend's hypnotic trance. Jimmy sighed turning towards his companion who was busy tying the tie he'd wear for dinner tonight.
"You look good Kid."
"Thanks. Hope Lou approves."
"Handsome devil like yourself? You'll sweep her off her feet easy."
Kid just smiled, still fiddling with the bothersome necktie. "You don't look so bad yourself." He looked into the mirror and not finding the tie-job adequate, loosened it yet again, another attempt to give.
The golden coin lay on one of the nightstands, Jimmy picking it up. "So...tomorrow we head out to find the maker of these fine pieces." the coin laid on his open palm.
"I just hope he's still alive or this little treasure hunt will come to a mighty quick end." Kid huffed, still struggling with his tie.
"You ever wondered what it would be like to have so much money?"
"I've been thinking all kinds of things lately to tell you the truth Jimmy."
Jimmy walked over to the opened balcony door, his eyes focused on what the world outside, a world they had never dreamt of having entrance to but now was so close he could taste it, could offer.
"Can you just imagine," Jimmy began, hearing Kid's footsteps stop next to him, "sailing on something like that? Being able to walk in there and order anything off the menu you want. Being able to walk into a store and just buy that brand new saddle right off the rack, not having to count your pennies. Or to buy Lou whatever she desires."
"I know how you feel Jimmy but you gotta remember, we gotta get there first." Kid reminded, drawing Jimmy's attention away from the mesmerizing scene before them.
"Shoo Kid. What's the fun in the hunt if you can't fantasize a bit?" Jimmy followed Kid back inside.
"Well that's all fine and dandy but we better get going 'fore those ladies we usually fantasize about kill us both for not being ready."
Jimmy noticing Kid was still having problems with his tie, turned his friend around and saved him from futher aggravation, tying it for him. Finally, they were ready and off they went to the girls' room.
The knock was heard and the door opened to reaveal a smiling Victoria. She invited them in. Kid passed her into the room. When Victoria's eyes fell on Jimmy, a broad smile eminated from her face. She loved it when he got all dressed up. He looked so debonaire. "Nice fit." she noted regarding the outfits the girls had bought earlier that day. Jimmy was equally pleased with her appearance. The off-the-shoulder gown she wore pulled his eyes to her delicate neck, smooth shoulders and chest. He swallowed hard at how beautiful she always looked. Her figure so formed and feminine. Victoria's heart fluttered every time he looked at her as he did just then. As if no futher words needed to be spoken, her small hand cradled his face as her lips gently met his. The kiss was sensual and soft, sending shivers throught them both. Louise interrupted this lover's greeting noting the hour was getting late and certain reservations had to be kept. Victoria hating to break, grabbed her shawl and off they went for an evening of discovery and romance.
The four good friends laughed, telling old stories as well as new, enjoying themselves heartily at dinner. They stepped out into the rather balmy New Orleans evening as the street band played a soulful rendition of "My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean" Hearing the tune, the two boys broke out into a maddening serenade of their ladies, kneeling before the two blushing young women and drawing the attention of the small crowd gathered around.
"Bring back, bring back
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, bring back
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me."
The smiles on the women was telling, spread as it was from one ear to the next being mercilessly embarrassed by this show of admiration. The crowd applauded the courageous act of the two young men afterwards, their bows curtailed as they were drug by the hands into the darkness of night.
Walking a little ways ahead, they were awed by all the goings on on the mainstreet; jugglers, magicians, clowns, contortionists, even a violin player whose sound was soothing as they found a nice grassy area around the river more enjoyable. They sat down, listening to the soft music in the background, Victoria nestled in Jimmy's arms. Kid stepped over to Jimmy whispering something in his ear and soon left with Lou who simply waved her fingers good-bye to her friend.
Jimmy and Victoria stood as she inquired where those two were off to? Jimmy smiled, cocking a brow. Wrapping her in his arms again he said, "Well, let's just say that Lou doesn't want you waiting up for her tonight."
Victoria pulled slightly back. "Oh really?" she smiled. "And where may I ask are you going to sleep tonight?" her eyes shone into his.
Jimmy let go of his hold on her, walking over to a neighboring bench. He frowned at it, his hands soon pushed down on the hard surface as Victoria watched him intently. He sighed loudly. "I dunno...this bench here looks pretty comfortable huh Vic?" She giggled, walking over to him. "Well if you'd rather..." she trailed off. Jimmy smiled slightly, was it an invitation? He pulled her to him, his strong arms laid so protectively around her waist. Victoria gasped for the electricity between them was stunning. He looked deeply into her eyes as if he could read her every thought. She was frightened.
"I love you Victoria." he told her again but she never tired hearing him say it. "I want to give you the world...you don't know how badly."
Victoria caressed his face with her hand. Looking up to him she softly reiterated, "I don't want the world Jimmy." Her next words made the hairs on the back of his neck rise as she whispered in his ear, "I want you...all I want is you." she had spoken it seductively as she slowly joined his soft, pleading mouth with hers. It was a full, lover's kiss, Jimmy pulling her body, pressing her against his own, his hand soon cradling her caramel face.
The spell was soon broken when the cracking noises of fireworks shot up in the air. They turned to admire the show, wrapped in an endearing embrace. It was so beautiful as the colors sparkled against the black canopy of the evening sky, the twinkling glitters falling gently to the waters below. Victoria beamed as the show continued, the sight of the fireworks blending so energetically with the riverboats below. The sight was breathtaking. Jimmy found happiness being with her but as he stood there taking in this awesome display, vowed to himself, someday he would give her the world.
