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 IX
Charlie Simmons sat on a covered grain barrel in Mr. Tompkin's store engrossed in his latest reading project, "Robinson Crusoe" He had been reading the novel only two days and couldn't put the intriguing story down. His spectacled eyes moved from one end of the page to the next, the movements unbroken as he read along. Not even the familiar call of his mother could break the boy from the spellbinding book.
"Charlie Simmons! My word! I've called on you three times." his mother said exasperatedly, standing now before him.
"Sorry Mother." he responded, his eyes not leaving the book.
"Charles Henry Simmons, you put that book down and you look at your mother when she speaks to you." she huffed.
He obeyed at once. "Sorry Mother." he apologized, settling the opened book on his lap.
"Get your things and come on. We need to head over to the dress shop right away. It's getting late."
"Awww Mother!" he whined. "Must I go? Can I just stay here and finish reading?"
"It's all right with me Mrs. Simmons." cried Tompkins from behind the counter as he overheard this conversation. He recalled also being a young boy, dreading the times when his mother made him go to the dress shop with her. The insufferable teasing he'd had to endure at school for days on end was nothing a boy could easily forget if any of his friends caught him entering or exiting there. Talk about cruel and unusual punishment!
"The boy can stay as long as he stays out of my way." he demanded gruffly, hiding his true feelings behind his offer.
"Well...if it isn't too much trouble." Tompkins assured her it wouldn't be as long as he stayed put and she agreed to let him remain. Charlie smiled contentedly. She warned him to be on his best behavior. She'd return in half an hour.
As Charlie's mother exited, Buck and Charlotte entered the small establishment.
"Well hello Ms. Charlotte." greeted Tompkins at seeing the Mayor's daughter. She donned a smile which slowly disappeared once she'd noticed that the store owner had completely ignored Buck. Her eyes showed utter disapproval at his obvious rudeness in not greeting Buck. Seeing her displeasure, he immediately extended a welcome to the Indian.
Buck had been down this road with Tompkins far too many times to recount and just didn't feel like dealing with it today. When Tompkins decided to greet him, Buck rolled his eyes at the insincere gesture and told Charlotte he'd get the few items on his list; afterwards, he'd wait for her outside. She nodded.
Charlotte was not pleased to say the least. She waited for Buck to go about his business before she spoke her mind. "I am shocked at your impudent behavior Mr. Tompkins." she said in a half-lowered voice as she stepped up closer to the counter. "As a man of position in this town, I would expect you would set a proper example in this community."
Tompkins became defensive. There wasn't anyway, anyone was going to tell him how he needed to comport himself! "Ms. Charlotte, I don't tell you your business, please don't tell me how to run mine!" he responded with a pointed finger. Charlotte could see the prejudice so clearly in his eyes.
"Well someone obviously needs to," she retorted.
Buck interrupted. "Charlotte. May I have a word with you? Outside?"
Charlotte looked over her shoulder at Buck. He didn't look very happy but Charlotte didn't care. She was in the heat of battle with Tompkins and didn't want to leave until she'd made her point. Seeing his scowl deepen, she granted his request reluctantly, turning aside with a grunt at Tompkins' prejudice and Buck's stubbornness.
The altercation did not go unnoticed by young Charlie Simmons as he peeked over the top edge of his book. Intrigued by the scenario, his eyes followed Buck and Charlotte's exit, seeing them stop directly in front of the store window. They exchanged a few words, Buck walked away and Charlotte called his name as she followed.
It made his young heart sad to see such close mindedness especially from adults. He shook his head. He knew he would never grow up to be that way. He would make sure of it. He had to change things. Life was too short, days too precious to live in hate.
"Buck! Will you stop and listen to me?!" Charlotte called out, walking rapidly behind the speedy rider. He didn't. He continued on to the livery stable as she pursued him, picking up her skirts to finally run after him. "Why are you sore at me?"
He stopped on a dime, turning in her direction. His dark eyes blazed in anger. His brow crinkled tightly.
"Charlotte, I told you before, I don't need you to fight my battles for me!" he shouted.
His tone of voice caught the attention of a few passersby. Charlotte's face reddened at the attention and she sought to calm him down. "Darling, calm down please." she said, soothingly caressing his arm. "We can talk about this..."
"You don't listen Charlotte!" he spat, tearing his arm away from her caress. Buck soon noticed the unwanted attention they began to get also. He lowered his voice. "I don't need you to stick up for me. Tompkins is only one of a hundred people in this damn town that I have to deal with! I don't need this Charlotte."
"Well damn it Buck! Somebody's gotta stand up to their prejudices. You obviously won't."
"I fight my battles my own way Charlotte not the white..." he stopped, realizing what he was about to say.
"Go ahead, say it Buck." she scowled. "The white man's way." she emphasized. Charlotte was hurt. All she was trying to do was help.
"Is that all I've become to you? Just a color?" she asked. He could see the pain in her eyes as the tears began to pool in them. He gave no response.
"Damn you." she said softly. Charlotte turned from his presence, picking up her skirt again and ran off into the busy mainstreet.
"Charlotte!" he called for her. "I didn't..." But she didn't turn back to hear him. She kept running off until she disappeared into the crowd.
The small four passenger coach pulled into the Vieux Carre- Old Square, at around one o'clock in the afternoon. The conversation on the trip there centered mainly on the riders fairly new experience, riding the newest in railway transportation, the steam engine. They still were besides themselves at the fabulous speed of the traveling machine. They guessed it would take them twice as long to cover the area one of these beasts could in one day. It was an exciting thing but also a troubling thought. They knew that one day, probably sooner than they'd like, these monsters would begin to track their way out West. Their way of life as they now knew it would be just another phase written in the history books.
Heads peeked out of all sides of the coach, eyes bulged in amazement at the booming Metropolis. Victoria donned a huge smile as she scooted over to Jimmy's window, both looking out into the unique cobblestoned streets of New Orleans. "Oh Jimmy!" she exclaimed of the familiar yet so foreign environment around her. She hadn't realized how much slower the pace of life she now had chosen to live back in Rock Creek differed from the bustling city. Yet, it all seemed to come back to her, just like fitting into a comfortable pair of old shoes and boy, did they feel good.
The four friends received their luggage and were soon entering the lobby of one of the town's hotels. It was a bit fancy, not the fanciest of the bunch but according to the coach driver, was one of the most affordable right now. With the annual festival in town, rooming was scarce.
This city had a certain feel to it. With its intricately hammered iron balconies lining every building, to the quaint feel of a park within a city and the sounds of loud whistles coming from the Mississippi, they were in a world unlike any other. The people were different. Fine ladies dressed in their fancy dresses strolled along, parasols in hand to block their faired skins from the sun up above, to the colorful vendors on the streets with their artfully decorated carts. It had a touch all of its own making.
They entered the carpeted hotel lobby and were greeted at once by the huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling and a smiling concierge, the small plaque stationed on his very neat countertop said him to be. He adjusted his spectacles as they neared the counter, and straightened the cravat tucked behind his black coat.
"Monsieurs, Mademoiselles, Welcome." he greeted with a slight bow, a distinct french accent coming forth. They returned the greeting. He discerned they were not city folk, though they were dressed rather nicely, their unusual accents gave the fact away, although the one young woman in their midsts, seemed more at ease than the rest and her manner was telling enough that she was somewhat different from her companions. Just another mental note being jotted down. It was his job to remember the small details of his guests. It only served to serve them better.
"First visit with us?" he inquired.
"Yes." answered Kid for the group.
"Well Monsieurs, we have two wonderful suites available, both with a wonderful view of the river and our marvelous sunsets of course. There is an adjoining door connecting the suites, each with a private bath, a very large bed, which I might add are our very own King Louis XIV replicas, your own private balcony and a breathtaking view of the jewels of the Mississippi, the steamships."
Victoria's eyes sparkled as she heard the description of the rooms. She knew it was way more than what they could afford but she couldn't help herself.
"Sounds ex..." Lou began to note, that dirty word marking the value of the room about to leap from her mouth but quickness of thought mingled with excitement, was cut off by Victoria's voice.
"We'll take them."
The other three looked at her in disbelief. They had agreed before hand on what they could afford and this they knew was way beyond their means. "Excuse us one minute." Jimmy interceded, pulling Victoria by the hand over to the other side of the lobby. Kid and Lou joined them also.
"Victoria, what are you thinking?" asked Jimmy.
"We can't afford that." Kid said with a scowl.
"I can. Look I know we agreed to keep a low profile but think about it." she paused. "This is the perfect coverup. People of means don't come in search of a treasure. We'd be less suspicious if we pretend we're people of status."
"Well you may fall into that category but we sure don't." added Lou.
"Anyone can!" she said in a lowered tone. "Look, it's all a show. We can pull this off. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. We'd attract less suspicions if we just play along. Don't you see? They'd think we're loaded and if per chance we do come under suspicion, which I highly doubt, there's only one question to ask...why?"
"Why?" asked Lou.
"Yes." she whispered. "You've got to know the people here. They see money, they're not going to think that you'd be so beneath your status to go on a gold hunt yourself. This city is crawling with aristocrats, old money. We have to play the game so as to go undetected. We know why we're here. There's no reason to give anyone else a clue."
"And what are we supposed to say?" asked Kid, somewhat annoyed.
"You're here on business. They love to hear that. A business trip with your lovely fiancees." she smiled. "It's perfect. Do you realize how many doors will be open to us? It could make things ten times easier. Think about it."
"I hate to say it but it makes total sense." Jimmy said.
"Well thanks for the vote of confidence Hickok." she hit his stomach softly.
Kid shook his head. "Okay. If everyone else is in on this I guess I am too. Lou?"
"Count me in."
"Good." Victoria shone in excitement. "Now let's go back and take care of business boys."
They returned to the concierge who donned a puzzled look behind his spectacled face.
"Is there a problem Monsieur? Are the rooms not adequate?"
"Well not exactly." chimed in Kid. "See, we've heard so much about the establishment down the street but unfortunately they have no vacancies. Are you up to their quality of service? If not, we'll just have to find another hotel that can care for the needs of our fine women." Kid played the part with utter perfection.
The concierge's face fell in worry. He quickly assured them that this hotel would make sure their stay was as pleasant as possible. Anything they needed, no matter what hour of the day or night, he'd see to it that they'd have it at once, "Rapidement!" he exclaimed, snapping his fingers.
Jimmy smiled. "That's what we like to hear." He dug into his pocket, then slapping a few bills into the concierge's hand said, "Show us to our rooms."
The girls were totally amazed at how fast they took to playing the high society roles. They looked at each other with cocked eyebrows, their facial expressions telling the other that same thoughts were shared.
The Concierge himself began to second guess his own intial observation. He almost felt compelled to apologize to the group but swallowed the apology instead. The last thing he sought to do was to ruin the reputation of the young establishment and his own by an asenine and premature assumption.
He snapped his fingers loud and called on one of the bellboys to take the luggage to the assigned rooms. The boys agreed to come back and pay for the rooms once the ladies had had a chance to inspect them as to suitability. The concierge of course wouldn't disagree otherwise. These people had money and he was there to wait on them in whichever way necessary.
"Oh would you look at this view!" cried Lou from the balcony.
Victoria threw her handbag on the bed, scurrying over to Lou's side as she stepped through the huge opened doors. What she saw took her breath away. A majestic view of the great Mississippi river adorned with some of the most beautiful riverboats she'd ever seen. Her eyes widened along with her smile as she took in the panoramic view.
"It's perfect." she whispered.
"Kid! Jimmy!" called Louise enthusiastically. "Come!"
The boys had been busy listening to the bellboy list a few of the activities that he thought would be of interest to them while they visited. The upcoming fall festival was always a big event as were the leisure cruises up the Mississippi on any one of the luxury filled riverboats. The parties, too numerous to count were always an added feature of the riverboat owners, anything to get who was who on board theirs was the goal. Of course the annual poker tournaments was something not to be missed. If not a player, it provided a person with great entertainment. The boys thanked the young man for his help as the other two bellboys finished settling the luggage in their respective rooms. Kid handed him a tip and with a bow of his head the young fellow left them, closing the door behind them. The boys hearing they were being beckoned once more, soon joined their ladies on the balcony.
Kid's eyes sparkled as he admired the view. He took hold of Louise from behind, wrapping his arms around her like a blanket. "Can you believe we're actually in New Orleans Kid?!" she cried, looking up into his soulful blue eyes. Kid kissed the side of her head. "I'm standing here and I still can't." he grinned.
"Jimmy?" Lou asked, her head turning to see him snuggled with Victoria.
He shook his head. "If I weren't standing here, I wouldn't believe it myself." He felt Victoria sigh against his chest. "What?" he asked kissing the top of her head.
"I was just thinking how perfect everything is right now. I've never felt happier." she confessed, snuggling tighter against him.
"I can say it's something my eyes will never forget." added Lou.
"Wait 'til tonight! The river takes on a new kind of life in the evening. All the boats are lit then, shining like a jewel on the water. It's amazing."
"We were told that there'll be a parade of the boats during the fall festival this year. First one ever." informed Kid.
The girls smiled at each other, the excitement written on their faces. "Jimmy, we must ride on one before we go." voiced Victoria.
"It wouldn't be a trip to New Orleans if we didn't." he agreed.
"Come on Victoria, let's go look at the rooms!" incited Louise. Victoria agreed at once, stepping out of Jimmy's embrace. The two riders shook their heads at the girls.
"Ahh...Dinner's at six!" cried Kid as the girls zoomed back into the rooms.
"Are you sure we'll be able to keep up with those two?" quipped Jimmy.
Kid snickered. "When have we ever?"
The empty scotch glass trickled with the sounds of pouring liquor. Smoke filled the small, dimly lit room as a man sat on a leather chair. He took a full drag of the fine cigar, smoke rings floating into the air. With cigar and scotch in one hand, he brought the drink to his mouth, wetting his lips as the smooth taste flowed down to his stomach.
"Mmm...nothing like a good scotch." he said to himself. He felt well satisfied for now. He had a plan. It was already in the works. He foresaw great things. Things that would make him the happiest man on earth. Glory, riches, revenge. A wicked smile crossed his lips, his thoughts bringing heartfelt pleasure.
The door to the room opened. Several hobbled steps walked over to the window, pulling the drapes back. "How can you stand sitting in this darkness?!" came the question, the voice asking it mildly irritated.
"I happen to like it. Helps me to think." responded his counterpart, his eyes unwavering.
"Well, you're gonna need a lot more than that if you want to pull this off."
"I'm taking that things didn't go so well?" he asked calmly.
"Hmph...Carson Moore would rather die than to give up ownership of that vessel."
"I know." the gruff voice replied.
"So why bother? He's not selling!" The man paused, his ambitious manner tainting his next words. "I want that boat. It'd be a great asset to my holdings." noted Mr. Webb.
"Don't worry yourself. Things have a way of working themselves out."
"Really? How do you know for sure?" he asked.
"Come now Mr. Webb," he said taking a stand by the large window, "you're a business man. Patience. All you need is patience. Soon enough the cards will fall into play. You will have the Southern Belle, I guarantee it."
Mr. Webb neared the man, taking a stand by the window of his office. They could see the Mississippi afar off in the distance. The smoke of a steamboat clearly ascending the heavens as it sailed on the water.
"And what is in it for you Mr. McBride?"
He clenched the cigar between his teeth. His dark eyes following the steamboat he'd make sure to bring to ruin. A wicked smile crossed his lips. He removed the cigar from his mouth, his eyes meeting those of Mr. Webb. "Let's just say, a pot of gold."
Louise and Victoria had taken off to the city's square, their hearts and minds focused on one sole purpose...shopping! They didn't have to look far for their eyes were soon inundated with a gammut of dress shops, haberdasheries, a remarkable shop specializing in foreign attire and too many restaurants to keep count of.
The strategy they had come with to New Orleans had taken a drastic turn. Instead of the foursome with little means in search of a treasure, they were now hoping to pass as well-to-do visitors in a city booming with success.
With this new plan in play, the girls sought to find clothing and the like that would make their image that of which they now pretended. The girls ventured to many of the shops that lined the bustling street. It was the most fun Louise had ever had. Getting just a glimpse into a life of priviledge was exciting enough for her. To have the carefree feeling that anything you desired could easily be yours, anything you wished, granted. It was almost more than she could comprehend. She'd always had to watch every penny, every nickel and dime, saving to purchase the one thing she'd always wanted, a home of her own. Now that dream was shared by Kid and she wished just for once that the life she so desperately sought would become a reality. Finding this money would sure make things a lot easier for herself and Kid. They'd be able to get married soon, buy the land of their choice, build their home and finally get her brother Jeremiah, and her sister Teresa away from that orphanage.
Sometimes she looked at her friend feeling a bit jealous of how easily things had just fallen in place for her. But Lou knew that wasn't all true. Though Victoria had money, was raised in a priviledged society and donned all the manners of a lady, Louise knew life hadn't been a ball for her either. Victoria had almost lost her life because of her wealth, because of who she was. She had suffered humiliation the likes that no woman on earth should succumb to. Betrayal from a man who would be her husband and loss of family that had brought her to them in the end. Louise certainly didn't envy her for those things but she did come to admire the woman's strength for not crumbling at all the pitfalls she'd taken. They were good friends, but more like sisters now.
Lou was having the best time of her life and Victoria's excitability increased her own. They had stopped off at a quaint little restaurant, giving themselves time to take in the sights of the busy square. They sat by a large window as they ate, still not believing that they were actually in New Orleans.
"I can't tell you how much fun I had today Victoria." Lou said, after she wiped her mouth with her cloth napkin. A piece of apple pie a la mode was brought to her for dessert. Victoria settled for the cheesecake which brought a huge smile to her face once she'd taken a bite of the delicacy.
"To think Lou, this is only the beginning."
"I'm scared to think about it. I'm sure you're right and all, you know, pretending to be rich, I mean you're not but we are...but Kid and I have a wedding to plan. We can't afford..." Victoria interrupted.
"Lou, we're in this together...all of us. It's my way of helping, to make sure that you three get your dream. There isn't much else I can do...please let me do this for you. The money, it doesn't matter to me. What's important is your happiness. That's what matters to me." Victoria said softly, taking a hold of Lou's hand. They smiled at each other, no further words needed to be spoken. Their eyes turned back towards the people outside and then back to dessert.
Charlotte opened the door to her house, her face streaming with tears. She still couldn't believe how Buck had treated her. When she'd asked him if all she had become to him was just a color and he didn't respond, just looked at her with his dark eyes, she could see that indeed that's what she had become. It felt like a knife had been plunged in her chest and she had to get out of there. Had their relationship not meant anything?
Running up the stairs to her room, her cries became audible through the house. "Charlotte?" called Mrs. Wilson, who had been busy in the living parlour with her latest needlework project. She had just caught a glimpse of Charlotte as she rushed by the door, her eyeglasses sitting on the edge of her nose. She heard the thud of hurried footsteps up the stairs and then the rocking slam of Charlotte's bedroom door.
Mrs. Wilson set her work aside, her eyes shot in worry as she now stood by the bottom of the stairs calling her daughter. There was no answer. Mrs. Wilson took her spectacles off her face, letting them dangle off the chain that held them around her neck. Her daughter had never been one to let things of any nature unduly affect her to the point of distress. Mrs. Wilson knew that something terrible must've happened for Charlotte to react in this manner. She went to see what it was.
"Charlotte?" she called softly, opening the door to Charlotte's bedroom.
The hushed sounds of crying filled her room. Charlotte lay on her finely dressed bed, her face burried in her pillow. The look of a concerned mother soon draped over Mrs. Wilson's face as she took a seat on the edge of her daughter's bed. She touched Charlotte's beautiful sandy blonde hair, trying to soothe her daughter's pain and her own anxiety.
"What's wrong honey?"
Charlotte sniffed. She hadn't even realized her mother had entered her room. Charlotte turned her head away to one side, not wanting her mother to see what a crying fool she was. "Nothing." the sound of the words betrayed her instead.
"Nothing doesn't make you bawl like this honey. Come on. We've always been able to talk. What is it?" her mother's voice comfortingly asked.
Charlotte turned to face her mother. Her eyes were bloodshot red and her nose looked like a cherry instead. She took her handkerchief and wiped her dripping nose.
"I hate men!"
"Oh you don't mean that." smiled her mother.
"Yes I do! They're asses!" she exclaimed.
"Well I won't argue with that."
A small laugh came out of Charlotte. It always amazed her how her mother could always see the lighter side of things. Nothing was so dreary in life that one couldn't find something to smile about she often told her.
"Tell me, what happened?" asked her mother, stroking her hair.
"Buck is an idiot!"
"Now you know you really don't mean that."
"Yes I do! I hate him!"
"No, you love him, that's why you're here crying your pretty little eyes out."
Charlotte burried her head into the pillow once again. She pounded it out of frustration. "You're right! I love him so much I want to kill him!"
"Now that's the spirit. When you love someone that much that you'd kill them well I'd say you've made it."
"Made it? Made what?" asked Charlotte puzzled. What in the world was her mother talking about. She DID want to kill Buck. She was so angry with him.
Mrs. Wilson smiled at her daughter, a glint in her eye. "That you've made that commitment in your heart. You may not know it yet Charlotte, but in here," she pointed to her heart, "you've made the decision that that man is who you want to spend the rest of your days with. That no matter what happens, good or bad, that he's the one you want to be with every step of the way."
"I don't know mother. Buck...Buck sees us as two different people."
"What do you mean?"
"You know how things are mother." Charlotte sat up on the bed. "People look at Buck as if he weren't a human being. All they see is that he's Indian. They don't know him, yet they judge him from what they see. But I know him. He's caring, and kind. He's really smart, and spiritual. I love everything about him but I'm not sure if he feels the same way about me."
"Now why would you say that Charlotte?"
Charlotte went on to relate all that happened with Tompkins and how she'd stood up for Buck and how Buck got mad at her and then she started crying again when she detailed how he hadn't answered her question about color.
Mrs. Wilson took her daughter in her arms, rocking her back and forth, seeking to ease the pain that enveloped her child.
"He hates me mother...because I'm white."
"Listen to me Charlotte." her mother addressed, looking her straight in the eyes. "Buck does NOT hate you. I see the way he looks at you and I know he's mad about you. Times are difficult for everyone Charlotte. Tempers flare. People say things or maybe don't say the right things at times. Don't fault Buck. Put yourself in his place. He's a strong man...a proud man. You need to let him handle this his own way. It's the only way a man like him can feel that he's still in control of the situation."
"But I didn't mean any harm. I was just trying to help."
"I know you were dear, and Buck does too. But you need to understand that a man is a man no matter what color they come in. God gave them a sense that they're the protectors, not the ones to be protected. You have to give a man that. It makes them who they are. It's a way they show their love. You understand?"
"I guess. I don't know. This is all so confusing. I'm just hurting mother. I thought we were beyond color in our relationship. I was mistaken."
Mrs. Wilson sighed. 'Young minds at times don't see the scope of things.' she thought. "Listen to me, things will work out. They always do. You take your time, think about what we talked about. Don't be hasty Charlotte. Hasty decisions makes a fool's regret. Remember that. Both of you will come to the right. You'll see."
Charlotte felt her mother's kiss on the top of her head and then she was gone. She curled herself up in the bed, a pillow tight against her chest. She loved Buck more than she herself had realized until now. God she missed him more than ever. But the way she saw it, he was the one at fault. How could he treat her like that? Then her mother's words rung clearly in her head, 'Hasty decisions makes a fool's regret.' She needed time, time to think things through. Some choices in time were not easily made. And this one surely wouldn't be.
