The Last Love Of Arthur Morgan

Resurface

November 1897

Lorna and Arthur were enjoying some stew with everyone crowded around the fireplace in the small cabin. Dutch and Molly excused themselves early for a few reasons, none of which Arthur wanted entertain. Word spread quickly throughout the group of Lorna and Arthur's....relationship, though some had already suspected it. Sadie was particularly happy for Lorna - she also won fifty bucks from Charles.

Hosea and Dutch planned for the group to stay and wait out the winter then trying Valentine again, though they may have to leave sooner since the O'Driscoll's somehow found them. They haven't quite found their camp yet, but soon it would be nearly impossible to hide any longer, since they seemed to be the only inhabitants other than the O'Driscoll's and the wildlife.

After supper, everyone retreated back to their own cabins, while Arthur and Lorna retreated to their room. Abigail had grown worried over John's whereabouts and it was beginning to stress Arthur out, stress him out enough that he was planning to leave and go find him in the morning. He didn't know where the hell the dumbass went, so he wasn't exactly sure where to go look. Charles said he'd go out scouting in the morning, maybe he'd have better luck - in fact, he hoped he had better luck finding him. Arthur wasn't much of a tracker.

Lorna had fallen fast asleep, but Arthur was wide awake sketching in his journal. He couldn't even think about sleep, so he was spending time with the only thing that understood him.

Cant find John. Abigail thinks he ran off again, but I think he's in trouble. The idiot knows what'll happen if he runs off again, knows what Dutch'll do to him, not to mention me! Hope he ain't in too much trouble though, that's the last thing we need.

Me and Lorna finally consummated whatever the hell kinda relationship this is. I'd forgotten how good it felt to be inside a woman. Didnt last as long as I'd hoped I would, but it's been a while, cant expect my stamina to be dynamite.

He glanced over at Lorna as she stirred in her sleep. He faintly smiled.

She's a good girl, probably too good for me. I know I say it a lot but its the truth. I probably got myself in a world of trouble though, cause good people dont last long in a world with the likes of us.

Not quite sure how Marybeth hung on so long, but then again, she's done some pretty shady things before joining with us - but she's still good people.

I dont like feeling these things. Vulnerability and giddiness. I'm 34 not 16. Plus that shit gets people in trouble, dead or worse, left with broken hearts.

Looking forward to leaving the mountain, ain't made for the brutality that winter has to offer up here. I'd much prefer to be out west, in the sunshine of California. Dutch on the other hand, he has other plans - said something about Tahiti. Dont even know where the hell Tahiti is.

Oh well, guess it's better than the damn cold and mud - shit infested towns we keep finding.

Maybe one day I'll get out, maybe Lorna will too. Maybe we'll get out together...?

Arthur sighed and laid his head back on the bed, feeling frustrated and anxious. He was worried about John, but also worried that maybe Abigail was right, and he really did run off again.

...

Arthur suddenly felt something tickling his cheek, his eyes shot open and he glanced around, realizing that he'd fallen asleep on the floor propped up against the bed.