New Home, New Life (Laramie FanFic)

Chapter 3

Slim led the way home from the pasture, with Andy and Jess riding behind. He glanced back and caught a glimpse of Jess' head slowly dropping, but the boy quickly snapped awake.

Slim called, "Whoa Amigo" and turned his horse around; walking Amigo alongside Jess' horse, "Jess?"

"What is it Slim?" Andy turned in the saddle.

"Jess is nearly asleep, I think."

Jess rubbed his eye, "Can I have a drink of one of your canteens?"

Slim started to hand his water over but then stopped, "Can you wait?"

"I'm really thirsty."

Slim grabbed Jess' canteen and shook it, "It's empty." Startled he handed over his canteen.

Jess took the needed drink and then gave it back.

"What did you do with all your water, Jess?"

"Horse needed some."

"The horse could've waited." Slim put the strap around the saddle horn.

Andy grew tired of waiting and interjected, "Let's go, Slim, please?"

Slim shook his head, "let's go."

Jonesy greeted the three sweaty riders with a wave from the porch.

"Hey, Jonesy." Slim ginned.

Jonesy looked up from his work and hurried over to help Andy down.

"I can get off him, Jonesy." Andy held onto the horn and threw his leg over before sliding down with a grin.

Jonesy shook his head and led the way inside.

"Where's ma, Jonesy?" Slim asked.

"She's out at the neighbours, checking up on the misses who is expecting a baby sometime soon."

"Okay. At least she won't be worried."

"Worried 'bout what?" Jonesy slid his hands in his pockets.

"Jess bein' the way he is."

"Tired? That's normal, when you're working out there, like you are. Did he drink anything?"

"Maybe one or two sips...he said his horse was thirsty, so I think he gave all the water in the canteen to him." Slim rolled his eyes.

"What's wrong with giving a thirsty animal water?"Jess leaned his head on his fist and frowned.

The older man chuckled. "Well I'll be back with something for you three."

Jonesy brought out three glasses of water and three sandwiches, and sat them on the table so that each boy could take one.

"Thanks Jonesy," Andy beamed, and grabbed the glass instantly.

"You're welcome. Once you're finished you can start your chores, a'right?"

Andy's shoulders sagged and he nodded as he wiped his mouth.

"I'm going to head back now; pa wanted me to make sure they got home. Thanks for the drink." Slim put his hat back on after finishing his drink and started heading for the door.

"You doing a full day, Slim?"

"I want to learn everything Pa does. I got to if I'm gonna be a rancher like him."

Jonesy smiled and nodded, "Your pa worked hard to get this ranch started, and it still is starting, so you do a good job and make it a success."

"It'll be the biggest in Wyoming!"