It was in front of us - Micah Bell

Texas Feud

Thunder. It was one of the things keeping Micah awake. The other being that you weren't beside him and probably in your own bed crying. Multiple times he'd considered marching over there to check on you, but stopped himself as he figured you'd need the space.

Despite that, the harsh rain and thunder was really irritating and caused him to pull himself from his bedroll. He reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a pre rolled cigarette. Swiftly, he pulled the drapes of his tent open slightly to stand against the pole and light his cigarette. He was topless yet had a pair of old trousers on. They were baggy an worn out. Several seems had split yet if you looked close enough you could see where you'd used what sewing skills you had to fix them as best you could.

Overlooking the camp, not leaning too far out so not to let any rain drip on him, he witnessed the eerily quiet atmosphere of the camp. It was never this quiet, always some chatter or someone yelling or telling stories. It was odd.

Catching his eye, Micah saw how a small figure was sat on the edge of the pontoon overlooking the lake. After not much debate, he knew it was you. Grumbling at the fact he knew he was about to get extremely wet, Micah threw on a shirt and jacket over his shoulder ready to give to you. Without question, he stepped out of the shelter of his tent and headed across camp to you. His cigarette was put out by the rain quickly so he threw it to the ground.

As he approached from behind at his usual slow and sluggish pace, he noticed how you were wearing just a blue frilly tank top. One of the straps had slipped off your shoulder and, it's usual light blue was soaked to match the colours of the cloud ridden sky and your trousers seemed suctioned to your legs.

Planting himself a few feet behind you, being careful not to startle you, though you were too numb from cold to feel much.

"Standing in the corner, reading a bill, up stepped the sheriff from Thomasville...He said 'Miss is your name Brown? Remember the night you shot Sadie down?..." Micah heard you sing weakly and breathily.

"Nice little tune there darlin' where'd ya hear that one?" Micah asked from behind, catching your attention yet your head didn't spin around in shock as you'd think it would.

"My pa. Sang a lot of stuff to us as kids. This one always stuck with me though..." You explained, your voice sounding frail and gentle. As Micah came closer he saw how your skin glistened as the rainwater covered it. Raindrops ran down your face and arms yet your lack of reaction indicated you really didn't care.
Your hair was soaked and although your tone seemed pained, there was a faint smile on your little face.

Gently, Micah placed his coat over your delicate shoulders and with a grumble, crouched himself down and settled himself next to you, overhanging his legs over the edge of the pontoon whilst you kept your legs up me knees to your chest.

"Why you sat out here? You'll catch something you know..." Micah harped you almost in a fatherly tone.

"...perhaps..." you sighed. Completely empty.

Micah's head turned to look at your face. He saw not only the rain drops fall from your eyes, but tears also.

"Hey, come on now. Don't talk like that." Micah grumbled sharply as he wrapped an arm around your shoulders and pulled you closer to him, rubbing your upper arm with his palm.

"...I'm terrified Micah..." You whimpered, your voice croaking with sadness.

"We all got demons darlin'... what's eatin' away at ya?" Micah asked softly.

"Colm."
"Colm?"
"Yes...I'm scared he's gunna get to people that I care about. Like you, Kieran and people here." You admitted your fear.

"Well, you guys are with us now, and that ain't gunna happen. Dutch will see through that you and the rest of us stay safe...got that?" Micah reassured you, sharking you slightly.