Riches to Revolvers | rdr2 | Wattys2019

Haunting Past

Sarah looked onto the horizon, a path up ahead that lead into the green forest. She didn't know where the gang had ended up now. Beaver Hollow.

As she and Sadie rode up, the camp was chaotic. Things were threw on the ground, the women arguing. There were dead bodies lying about. Sarah didn't know if Sadie's judgment was right.

Arthur camp barreling out of the cave nearby. "Arthur! I've got Sarah!"  Sadie dismounted, helping Sarah down as well.

Arthur smoothed his dirty blonde hair that has grown quite a bit, to his shoulders. His beard is full and he looked...down right awful.

"Sarah." He smiled.

She smiled as well. "Hello Arthur. I've heard you've been through it." She looked sad for him and he shook it off.

"Naw. It wasn't good but I handled it."

Sarah nodded. "I'm sure you did. Erm...can we talk?"

"Of course."

He led her to the secluded area near the camp, it overlooked a large creek. They both sat on a nearby log.

The dark of the night and the water running loudly below set for a relaxing night.

She turned to Arthur, looking down at his hands. "I don't know how to say this...but I'm pregnant. And it's yours." She looked up to  see his reaction. His face was stone.

"Well..that's quite a.." He stopped himself, shaking his head. "I'm sorry." He nodded, his face dirk clear of any emotion.

She looked down, sadness filled her. "I am too."

"Dutch..wanted me to.. pursue you. I didn't want to ruin you. Dammit." He cursed, standing suddenly. "I had a son..he died in a real bad way. And so did his mother. Bunch of robbers I guessed." He went quiet. He walked to the edge of the hill, leaning on a small tree.

Sarah stood, walking slowly close behind him. "I'm sorry..Arthur. I'll leave as soon as I can." She turned to leave him but he stopped her.

"No.. you..stay here. Do not speak a word of this to anyone else. I won't have you ending up like.. never mind."

He walked off, leaving her speechless and scared. She didn't dare chase after him. But this awful feeling in her gut almost made her ill.

She walked to the tent she was sleeping in for the night. Her heart was broken, her life was a spiral and jumble of hurt and confusion.

She drifted off to sleep to the crackling of the fire, low laughter and small talk near by comforted her slightly. She prayed and Arthur was her last thought.