𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 | 𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐑 𝐗 𝐎𝐂

𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

TWELVE YEARS AGO.
19 years old.

Arthur had just picked up Sean and I from the jailhouse. We were posted up outside of town selling fake tonic. Sheriff Miller caught on an hour in.

We made good money, though. We had given young Tilly the money and sent her back to camp to ask for help. She did just that.

"Now, you two..." Dutch approached us with a smile. "The potential in you two."

I smiled proudly.

"Sean and Rosa. The deceitful duo." Dutch chuckled. "You two... you've made me proud today. The money... the money is good."

"Aye, well, Rosa came up with the idea." Sean said and I laughed. "We both worked hard. Together." I nodded. "I can't take all the credit."

But I gladly would.

"You two certainly are special." Dutch laughed. "Young love is a beautiful thing."

I looked over at Sean with furrowed brows. He did the same. We were both confused with Dutches words. I looked back at Dutch. "We're not-"

"Sure, kids." Dutch said and Sean looked at him even more confused. "No, really, sir. We're not together."

Honestly, I had a huge secret. I did like someone, but it wasn't Sean. It wasn't even a boy. I had been seeing this woman in the city. Her name was Margaret. She had me wrapped around her finger. We only had a few secret meetings together.

"You two... you two made us a lot of money today. Feel free to celebrate." Dutch gave me a pat on the back. "I'm very proud of you two."

I smiled. That's all I wanted. All I wanted was his approval.

"Thank you, Dutch." I nodded and walked away. I walked over to the alcohol where I took a beer. I began walking over to my tent when Miss Grimshaw approached me in a rush.

"Miss Juarez! I understand you've been out getting money, but that doesn't mean you can't help around with chores." Grimshaw began and I rolled my eyes. "I'm trying to-"

"Did you just roll your eyes at me?!" Miss Grimshaw laughed. "Well, i'll be. What happened to that sweet girl, Rosa? The girl I helped raise. She never complained or-"

"I never complained because I never knew the words to do so." I told Miss Grimshaw coldly. "I will do it later." I walked away and whispered. "Always nagging."

I heard Miss Grimshaw be taken aback, then I heard Arthur. "I'll handle it."

God, couldn't they just leave me alone? I brought them money and they still complained. I'm always doing something wrong it seems

I sat down on a crate by my tent and took out a cigarette. Arthur joined me. He sat down next to me.

"Why you been acting up lately?" Arthur asked. "It cause of Sean?"

"What?" I laughed a little. "No."

"Rosa, look, i'll support you no matter what, but Sean ain't exactly the best choice for a partner. I mean, if you find him charming..." Arthur chuckled. "that's fine, but I think you'd be the first."

I sighed. I was so tired of people pushing this onto me. "I don't like Sean, Arthur." I told him. "I don't." I put the cigarette away.

"Is it Marston?" Arthur asked.

John had left. He had left at the beginning of the year. Only god knows where he went.

But I didn't feel too hurt about it. In fact, I enjoyed his absence. It made Dutch pay more attention to me. Though, a part of me knew that when John came back... Dutch would start caring less about me and more about him.