Jolene

Chapter 8 The Frontier

"I'm so glad to be getting off this coach!" Jolene said quietly to her sister as the coach pulled up to the Frontier Inn, "I'm exhausted, sore as hell and I need a bath!"

"It wasn't so bad."

"You slept the entire time Gabby, and ate."

"Are we in time for lunch?" Jolene laughed then hugged her sister.

"Yes, and I've been told this inn has naturally heated warm baths."

"I'm going to soak for the rest of the day!" Gabby said. Jolene carried her sister into the inn then to their room after registering as Tiger and sister. Then after fitting her braces they walked to the dining room and sat for lunch. "I'm so hungry Jo."

"Eddie told me about a sandwich they serve here. I think you'll love it."

"What's in it?"

"It's huge. It has a ton of corned beef, pickled cabbage, that cheese with holes in that you love and a tasty dressing, and a huge pickle."

"Can I have fries too?"

"Eat the sandwich first, if you still hungry...yes." Jolene ordered lunch and was surprised as Gabby ate her sandwich and half an order of fries. "Let's go to our room and rest. I want to check the eggs. Then we can visit the baths." They walked to their room and Jolene opened the large suitcase and held the egg in her hand.

"It's glowing Jo. Is it on fire?"

"Yes but it doesn't burn. Look at all the different colors swirling on the egg."

"It's so pretty. Are you going to touch the other eggs now?"

"Yes," Jolene began removing the eggs from the boxes touching each."

"These three are so tiny!"

"They must be for a smaller dragon," Jolene replied. "Our first egg will hatch tomorrow."

"How do you know?"

"The dragon told me. After our bath I will purchase some meat strips. Would you like to help me feed the dragon?"

"Yes! Can I help name them?" Jolene nodded.

They undressed and covered with a long thick terry cloth robe. "The baths are just down the hall, I'll carry you."

"I don't want anyone to see my ugly legs Jo."

"I've seen them and there is nothing ugly about you."

"What if somebody says...?"

"I'll bite them." Jolene's statement caused Gabby to giggle and she allowed her sister to carry her into the baths.

"I'm in heaven!" Gabby whispered. "This feels so good."

"Exercise your legs in the pool. I'll help you bend them."

"Do you think I'll ever walk without my crutches or run?"

"I will never give up on you." They remained in the hot pool until it was nearly dinner time. The after drying off Jolene carried her sister back to her room and helped her dress for dinner. Gabby wanted to walk to the table so Jolene applied her braces and they walked to the table. After the meal Jolene went to the kitchen and purchased a bowl of meat strips. Her request causing the kitchen staff to look at her oddly. Jolene carried the bowl to their room and returned with the wheeled fiddle and Gabby's drums. They spent the evening singing with the inn's patrons and staff as well as dancing. It was very late when they finally got to bed.