Matilda "Tillie" Burton lives in Virginia City as a double duty farmer, visited by her friends The Cartwrights every so often, and classmates with Billy Burgess the school house's bad boy.
We got ready for the dance. I wore a white dress and bonnet. One of Ma's old clothes. I came out of my room.
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Billy was wearing a formal cowboy outfit. He looked so handsome.
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When Billy noticed me, he was shocked. His mouth was hanging open.
"Have mercy, what happened to Tomboy Tillie?"
"She decided to take a vacation for the night."
He smiled.
"You look beautiful."
"So do you."
"Ready?"
I nodded.
"Let's go."
We went to the dance, the room was huge, finger foods, entertainers, drinks. I saw the Cartwright's with their dates. Ben saw me.
"Excuse me," he said to his date.
She nodded as he walked to me.
"Tillie, is that you?"
"Yes Ben."
The rest of the Cartwright's walked to me, they were shocked, the look on Little Joe's face was priceless.
"What happened to Tillie? What have you done with Tillie, did you eat her up?" Hoss asked jokingly.
"It's me Hoss!"
They laughed.
We started dancing on in the center of the room.
The song was sad but the music had your feet tappin'! We all danced happily. I had a wonderful time dancing with Billy.
When the song was over, me and Billy went to the food and grabbed a bite to eat. Billy's Ma walked to him.
"Billy? Didn't expect you to be here."
"Hi Ma, I'm with my date. You remember Tillie?"
"Yes, you're supposed to be her farmhand. It was a job but she became your girlfriend. What's the matter with you?"
Billy looked mad.
"Ma, listen to me for once."
"I'm listening."
"If it weren't for your new husband I would still be livin' with you right now. I'm sick and tired of bein' unwanted! Ever since you remarried, it's like we stopped lovin' each other."
"Billy, I will always love you, you're my son."
"I refuse to believe that. Your husband does nothin' but hit me, far from discipline! You two made me the way I am. It's too late to say sorry, either divorce him and I'll forgive you or just walk away right now."
"My husband has been good to us but if you really feel that way about him..."
She sighed and walked away. Billy had the saddest look on his face.
"Tillie, we're leaving."
"Fine, got boring here anyway after we danced."
As soon as we went outside to the empty city, peace and quiet other than crickets chirpin', Billy broke down. He was crying.
"Let it out Billy, it's ok."
I hugged him. I can't believe his Ma did that to him! Billy calmed down and we went home.
Billy sat at the table, I squat by him and kissed him on the lips.
