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!
"Good Morning class."
"Good Morning Miss Dunne." clamoured the room full of children.
Rachel responded with her usual bright smile turning to the lesson for the morning. History again. A cloud of "Aaaawww Geeeezzz..." came from the children when she instructed them to open up their history books. "Page 78 please." She was tickled to see the excitement they portrayed towards their history lessons. Rachel chuckled to herself as she began instructing.
"Well boys and girls..."
"Uhmm...excuse me for the interruption."
"Buck?...What are you doing here?" her look was quizzical. The rustling sound of pages turning came to a successive halt. All young eyes focused on the two adults in the room. The dark haired, stately Indian man that now stood a step inside the entrance drew curious eyes. Soft whispers began to be exchanged between some.
Rachel cleared her throat. "Manners children."
Buck stepped further into the small schoolhouse. Rachel met him half-way. "Is everything all right?" she asked concerned, her voice low.
He nodded. "Everything is fine but I heard something about a group of children that wanted to learn about Kiowa culture?" his dark eyes peeking over her shoulder.
Rachel felt the pride of a mother, that moment in time when a dear child makes the right decision, the worthwhile choice. She gave him a warm smile, a welcoming hand resting on his shoulder.
"Then you've come to the right place."
They looked at each other. No words needed to be exchanged. It was all said in their eyes. One hopeful, the other understanding. Both caring.
Rachel guided him to her desk, and Buck stood there, feeling a little weary but he would make himself do this, not only for the children or Rachel or even Charlotte. He needed to do this for Buck. Rachel went ahead introducing him as one of her dearest friends, Buck Cross. She had each of the children stand and introduce themselves. He smiled at each of them, though a couple off hand gave him a not so friendly stare and at a stern look from Rachel, had to pronounce their names clearly without the rude slurs.
After the rounds of introductions were all over with the young inquisitiveness of the children could no longer be contained.
"Are you a real Indian?" asked a young boy named Matt.
"Of course he is stupid." frowned Joshua, making the others giggle.
"Well...I ain't never seen a real Indian this close before." he stretched his neck, his eyes roaming the tall figure in the front of the class.
Charlie frowned, looking back at Matt. "His name is Buck...do you mind?"
"All right. Settle down children." she quited them. Turning back to Buck, "We're glad to have you with us Buck. Now as you know, we've been trying to learn about Kiowa, Arahapo, Cheyenne and Sioux Indian cultures but as you can see, our resources are limited so we'd welcome anything you'd be willing to share with us."
Buck scanned the young, impressionable faces before him. So many thoughts swirling in those young heads. He wondered, what they thought of him, of his people? His mind tuned back to Rachel's voice as she finished her sentence. Buck nodded and with a smile said, "I'd be happy to."
Rachel returned the smile. "How about then, we start with some questions? Anyone?" she opened the floor to the class. A dozen fluttering hands were raised anxiously in the air, enthusiastic eyes peering from curious minds filled with a 1,001 questions and then some...
"Is it true that a Chief can have more than one wife?"
"Why do warriors paint their horses?"
"What do the feathers in your hair mean?"
"How do you hunt for buffalo?"
"Why do you...?"
Rachel giggled. "Hold on children." she interjected, putting a halt to the barage of inquiries thrown at Buck who stood there in awe of the curiosity of the little ones.
"One question at a time please."
"Rachel...if I may?" he requested and she nodded.
"First off; one very important rule that you must learn about my people is that names are very important to us."
"Why?" asked one.
"Because our name speaks for us. It tells of the person we are inside, the person we strive to be. So, our names become one with us."
Matt's face contorted as he thought. "I have a name but...I don't know what it means." Many heads shook in agreement as a light murmur filtered through the small room.
Buck walked to the middle of the class as bodies turned in his direction, following his every move. "Then you must choose a name with meaning."
"How do you do that?" Amanda wanted to know.
"If you had all been born in a Kiowa village, your father and mother would choose a name for you in the same way your parents have done for you. But, since you were born in a different culture, you must look inside yourself, look to the great spirits to show you. Then and only then will you find a name that tells your story."
"What is your Indian name?" asked another.
"I'm called Running Buck."
"Why?"
"Because I was the fastest runner in my village and strong like a male deer, a buck."
The children "Aaah'ed" in comprehension.
Buck strolled over to Charlie Simmons, who sat tall and proud. He looked down at his young spectacled friend. "Now little owl would be a good name for you."
A series of childish giggles came forth. Buck smiled while Charlie frowned over his shoulder at the giggling parties. "You've been blessed by the great spirit with wisdom beyond your youth. It is a good name."
Charlie sat up proudly, the name he'd been given finding a measure of satisfaction in him. "It is a good name." he agreed.
And so it began. The children in Ms. Dunne's class took a quick liking to the young Kiowa. There were still hard reservations among a couple but a bridge, a healing was in the making. The children began to adopt a Kiowa name all of their own and enthusiasm couldn't have been greater. Rachel stood back proudly, watching Buck interact with them. They were so fresh and pure, so full of life and vitality. They wanted to be a part of his world and on Buck's half, he slowly began to open the door.
Now, through a simple act of just choosing a name, the students at the Rock Creek school, discovered a new world. A world they were all anxious to learn about, a world secluded to them no longer.
For his part, Buck felt oddly strange. There was a sense of satisfaction and contentment that washed over him as they children adopted their Indian name. For some unknown reason he felt he had made the right choice as he heard each child choose a suitable name for himself. He didn't know them yet; it would take days, and for some, just as long to choose a name, he laughed within himself. Yet, he could see a sense of pride written in young eyes as they called to each other by their Kiowa names.
Buck felt Rachel's hands squeeze his shoulders. His eyes met hers, both sharing a smile but more than that, a mission...a goal...a bond.
Louise and Victoria sat at a fine table in one of New Orleans best restaurants. Draped in white linen, the tables were beautifully adorned with the most exquisite centerpieces Lou had ever seen. Sweet smelling fresh roses, reds, whites, pinks, and what seemed like a soft tone of orange, had been craftily arranged in circular garlands, with a lighted candle smack in the middle. It looked more like a table set for two lovers instead of two best friends but it was lovely nonetheless. Lou eyed the silverware before her. It was real silver she noted and exclaimed in low voice to Victoria who smiled at her friend's shocked expression. The plates weren't just plates but fine hand painted china and the wine glasses weren't just any wine glasses but fine laden crystal. Lou felt a bit uncomfortable watching all those fancy people, in their fancy get-ups, eating their fancy dinners in this fancy restaurant, knowing well enough she was nothing like them. Their world was as foreign to her as hers was to them. Victoria calmed Lou's nerves and reservations telling her these people were no different from her. The men still had to put their pants on one leg at a time and these god-forsaken corsets, were just as tight on those women as they were on their own bodies. Lou chuckled a bit, relieved, the images blazing past her and she guessed she'd never really thought of them like that. "Yeap, just people, like me."
"Dining alone?" asked the manly voice. This momentary spat of reasoning suddenly fell by the wayside when once again the two girls caught the eye of Carson Moore. He'd noticed them as he was engaged in conversation with some prominent gentlemen and forsaking the more tedious business, made an extra effort to break from his company and followed to greet them.
Their eyes all met, two pairs of lovely eyes gazed at the dapperly, handsome gent. He stood charming, dressed as a gentleman was expected to dress. "Mademoiselles." he bowed his head slightly. A second of hesitation was masked by a hello and how do you do, senses soon regained. He cocked a brow, noting the obvious. "No escorts tonight?"
"Unfortunately they're..."
"Busy." he interrupted Victoria. The ladies nodded. He clasped his hands behind his back, his eyes not failing to venture from one to the other. He smiled and there was a certain glint in his eyes that made Victoria frown inwardly. "I must say, as a host to our fine city what sort of gentleman would I be if I allowed such lovely company to dine alone tonight? Would you care to join my table?"
Lou reserved to say nothing, and allowed Victoria to handle the uncomfortable situation. "Are you always the galant gentleman to the rescue?"
"Galant?" he smiled, "I don't know; I'd rather think myself resourceful."
She gave Lou a sideways glance as the waiter excused to pour the wine that had been previously ordered. Dealing with men like Carson Moore throughout her life had been enough for Victoria. So, when gentle souls like her brother's best friend Robert and now her Express family had found a place in her life, it was so unreal to her. She loved their simplicity of life, the outlook they had. The fear of not making a mistake and the relief of no impressions having to be upheld were a healing. Carson Moore was everything she wanted to forget, another reminder of what she'd left behind. For the time being, necessity was laid upon her to dwell within it again, just long enough to reach a goal and once their success would come to fruition, life back in Rock Creek is all she longed for.
Their conversation turned to the subject of the riverboats. Carson had inquired if they'd gotten an opportunity to board any of the vessels in which the girls confirmed, "No."
"Well then, I wouldn't do you justice if I didn't extend an invitation to visit my fine establishment." he said proudly.
"And that would be..." inserted Louise.
"Only the finest vessel on the Mississippi, The Southern Belle." He sure was a man that prided himself in his possession and it came across clearly in his words.
Victoria's brows raised, impressed. "You own The Southern Belle?"
"She is my pride and joy."
"I've heard nothing but the most worthy of praises." her tone lightened with a slight air of excitability. He bowed, thanking her. She quickly reserved to a more business-like manner saying, "Don't thank me Mr. Moore. Afterall, I've only heard, not actually seen."
He liked her forwardness; a woman not afraid to speak what was on her mind, and most honestly also. "Then I'll have to make sure your doubts are dispelled. Would you like to arrange a visit? Perhaps after dinner?" She declined politely. The day had been a long one. "Very well, but do keep the invitation in mind, I would love to give you the tour personally."
Lou thought and then mumbled as she sipped her wine, "I bet." Victoria's eyes saucered, embarrassed. She thanked him for the invitation, saying they would keep it in mind. He was satisfied enough with the mild concession, soon leaving their company.
"Lou!" Victoria scolded, her voice audible to only the two of them. "I can't believe you said that!"
"Come on!" she replied in similar tone. "The man was offering himself to you like roasted poultry!"
"Me?! You mean us!"
Lou's head shook. "Ohhhh nooo." she smiled, teasing. "I would love to give you the tour...personally? God Victoria, how obvious was that?"
"Well he wouldn't have come over if you hadn't given him our names in the first place...Lou-iiise." Two seconds of silence stopped the teasing banter and they couldn't help but now laugh.
"One good thing," added Lou, "I'm glad the boys weren't around to see that." Lou had to tease again.
"Could you just imagine?"
They really didn't want to, knowing how jealous their beaus could get and so they agreed not to mention it at all.
The return to New Orleans was met by the following afternoon, the boys eager to see the girls. Spending a sleepless night away, they hoped all was well with their loved ones. As it is with men, usually tending to worry about their women while away, it was no different for these two. A strange city with strangers surrounding them was not the boys' idea of taking Teaspoon's words to heart; 'take care of his girls', he had told them. They found relief once in their arms and kisses, their anxieties slowly washed away.
The latest progress report was then shared.
"So after all of that he doesn't have it?" Louise asked a bit exasperated, referring to the second piece of the map.
"No," replied Kid, "but he knows where it is."
The next inquiry came from Victoria. "And...where is it?"
"It's hidden on one of the riverboats." Jimmy informed.
"What? Are you certain?" Victoria asked successively.
Louise shifted in her seat, her mouth falling to the floor at the thought! "Do you know how many boats there are on that river?! At least 10 the last we took count!" she cried.
Kid scowled mildly at their reactions. "Don't worry. We know which one it's on." Then he uttered the name. "The Southern Belle."
A pair of eyes shot wide, another mouth fell open in disbelief. The expressions didn't go unnoticed. "Is there a problem?" asked Jimmy with a light wrinkle in his brow.
"No...no problem..." covered Lou.
"Ahhh...it's just, well, she's the most popular vessel on the waters and...how do you propose we get on board?" voiced Victoria, trying her best to back Louise.
"Gambling." Jimmy said at once, confidently.
"What do you mean gambling?" Lou thrust her hands on her hips.
"There's a big gambling tournament starting tonight...that is our ticket in." Kid asserted. "The owner a...Carson...god I forget his name."
"Moore?"
Jimmy turned to Victoria. "Yeah, Moore. You know him Vic?"
"Not really." she side stepped. "I've read of him in some journals. Very successful man."
"Whatever the case, we're on that boat tonight." came the decision from Jimmy.
"And what clue do we have to go on?" asked Lou.
The riddle was related conjuring puzzled looks before the silence was broken.
"Are you kidding me? What are we going to do? We don't even know what to look for." the scowl on Lou's brow spoke what she felt.
Victoria agreed. "It could be anything. A painting, a sculpture, a book. Do you understand how huge that boat is? It'll be like looking for a needle in a haystack."
The girls confidence was shot low while the boys seemed undeterred. "Well we won't know unless we give it a try right?" Jimmy encouraged, his eyes determined. "We've come this far. It would be stupid to turn back now and just give up. And I as hell am not, and I know Kid here is with me all the way."
"So...what's
it gonna be?"
