Busted Gulch vol 6

A Meal and A Song (AmbergrisJane)

A Meal and A Song

Hooves thundered just before dawn,

AJ could guess what's going on.

Looking outside, his guess was right,

Marshall Order has just arrived.

His heart felt heavy, his hope worn thin,

Loren still can't remember him.

She forgot everything worth staying for,

He knew she'll go at her brother's word.

He knew how hard it must be for her,

Fear and confusion, unable to remember.

Letting her go home was all for the best,

To give her mind much needed rest.

Instead of sulking, he turned to work,

Muffins need baked; breads need proofed.

Rolled up his sleeves, worked out the flour,

Goods ready before the waking hours.

Gyn then arrived, but AJ's done everything,

Floors, windows, even the table setting.

Something's up, she knew from his face,

Loren was about to leave this place.

AJ went outside to sit at the porch,

He sat very still, deep in thought.

Gyn joined him as the sun began to rise,

She couldn't help but see the sadness in his eyes.

"Marshall's here?" Gyn inquired.

AJ nodded, "He's just arrived."

Gyn shook her head, "You're letting her go?"

AJ sighed, "That's the best thing to do."

Gyn found it hard to accept his decision,

But she knew it wasn't up for discussion.

"Go in, little sister, there's coffee in the pot,

Eat your breakfast while it's still hot."

AJ was alone when Loren approached,

She was uneasy, the familiarity lost.

He gave her a bow, bid her good morning,

"Is there anything I can do for you, Ms. Loren?"

"Um... thanks, AJ, for that basket of food,

Everything in it was really good.

I liked the brownies, but I guess you knew,

Thanks really, that's very nice of you."

"You know that's how we first met,

You came into the cafe looking upset,

When you saw those brownies on display,

You ordered a plate without delay."

AJ smiled warmly at the memory,

But saw that it made her uneasy,

He asked her instead if she's already eaten,

Asked her if she'd like to join Gyn.

She shook her head no,

She was waiting for her brother.

"He's with Ms Darkly with something to ask,

I think we're heading home after that task."

But AJ knew she was hungry,

He heard her stomach rumbling.

"Please, at least, let me cook for you.

You'll need a good hearty breakfast before you go."

She finally agreed and sat with Gyn,

Insisted waiting for her brother before they begin.

He served her coffee, and went to the kitchen,

"Just ask Gyn if you need anything."

AJ smiled as he began to cook,

Seeing and talking to her was all it took.

Though she was leaving, his hope was renewed,

It helped a lot in improving his mood.

As he made sweet and sour pork, AJ began to hum,

Pitching in the words to his favorite song.

Soon enough, he started to sing,

The song entitled "Angel", which Loren wrote for him.