Lonesome Dove

Night Rides

     I stood on the railin' as I watched Adam about to mount one of the unbroke horses. He was one of them tall cowboys. Black hair and black stubble, very handsome. He was my best guy friend, saved him from some Indians. Adam jumped up and the mare started to buck, trying anything to get Adam off.
     "Ride her cowboy!" I hollered, throwing my hat around. I heard Macy laugh behind me before joining me on the fence.
     "When's the weddin?" she asked, her blue eyes bright with joy.
     "There aint gonna be one. He's not one to settle down, he's a lot like Gus in that way." I said, keeping my eyes in Adam.
     "Hate to break it to ya, but we aint ever seen him spend no money on a whore. Y'all fancy each other so strongly." Macy answered. I still don't see why Adam would want a girl like me. I aint Nothin special. The horse finally calmed down and Adam hopped off, smilin at me. He came over and threw an arm around me.
     "Lets go get some supper, shall we?" we walked off and Macy started humming the wedding song before joining us.
     "Mad! Get on over here baby sister, I aint seen you all day!" Gus said as I walked up to the rest of the boys. He pulled me in a side hug and kissed the top of my head.
     "Hey Gus, probably aint seen me all day because you been buyin pokes from miss Lorena" I joked. Everyone laughed as we sat down and had snake stew.
     Everyone turned in for the night except for me. I had been lookin forward to a good sleep but Macy just wouldn't let me.
     "Hey, pssst." Macy whispered, nudging me. I pretended to be asleep so she would leave me alone. Until she spurred me in the side. I yelped and she hurried up and covered my mouth.
     "Shhhh, you'll wake everyone!" Macy hissed. I smacked her hand away from me and waited to see what needed my attention so badly. She sat Indian style beside me and said, "Remember Carson?"
"How could I not, youd give him free pokes if you was a whore" I said sleepily. Carson used to work with us and him and Macy had a thing goin on until he got into some trouble and Woodrow made him leave. Which devastated Macy.
     "Anyway. He's in Arkansas! He sent me a letter and wants us to go visit him! Lets go! Please!"
     "Arkansas? Why cant his dumbass come down here?" I asked. I liked Texas, Arkansas never tickled my fancy. But of course I ended up giving in and saddlin up Doc while Macy saddle Nano. Doc was my sorrel quarter horse. I would never give up on him, he's my buddy. Nano is Macys dark colored quarter horse. We filled up some canteens and stashed some food and we headed toward Arkansas without tellin anyone. We ran side by side until we were far enough away to walk our beasts.
     "This better be worth it." I mumbled. Macy smiled and bobbed her head side to side.
     "Oh, trust me. It will, sunshine."