Reckless Hearts

Chapter 11

When you awoke the following day, it was well past dawn. You were thankful that you didn't have a throbbing headache, despite all the alcohol you'd consumed. You were even more thankful, because the pain in your arm, was now only a slight ache.

You pushed the blanket aside, and saw your boots, which had been tidily put in the corner, next to the chest. Your face flushed slightly, as you remembered being too drunk to walk back here. That wasn't the reason for your slight embarrassment. Being put to bed, by Dutch, was. You didn't doubt, that everyone saw you. The best that you could do today, was pretend you didn't remember. Or maybe no one would mention it. You could only hope. More than that, you hoped Molly O'Shea hadn't seen it. Otherwise another scene, would likely ensue.

You opened the tent flap, and looked out. There wasn't a lot going on at first glance, so you walked out. You noticed that the stew pot, was bubbling away. Suddenly feeling hungry, you headed in that direction.

When you got there, you realised, serving yourself up a helping with only one hand, would be no mean feat.

You grabbed a bowl from the pile. You were trying to decide how best to fill it, when you heard footsteps behind you.

"You look like you could use some help?" the man stated.

You turned around. You'd seen him around the camp, but didn't know who he was.

You raised your eyebrows, the man was huge, with a dark complexion.

"Thank you," you said, handing him the empty bowl. "I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are."

"Charles," he grunted, as he handed you back the full bowl.

"I'm..." You started, but he stopped you mid sentence. "I know who you are." he hesitated, "you should probably still be resting."

You hummed, and turned away. Heading towards and empty table. If one more person, told you to rest, you were probably gonna scream.

As you sat there eating your stew, you saw Karen, Tilly and Mary-Beth heading over.

You smiled. They always seemed to cheer you up. The way they gossiped amongst themselves.

"Mornin' ladies," you smirked.

They all sat down, staring at you.

"What's the matter," you quipped, "never seen a girl with a broken arm!"

Karen rolled her eyes, "don't play coy with us Missy, spill the beans."

You frowned, "Seriously, I don't know what your talking about!"

"Only everything! You ride out with Micah, he comes back alone, then Dutch rushes out on his own, brings you back, carries you to his tent, then carries you into yours, and stays with you nearly all night!" Mary-Beth blurted, almost out of breath.

"Not to mention, comes back in the mornin', then Molly has a go at him, then at you!" Tilly added.

"And then, Dutch carries your drunken self to bed last night!" Karen concluded.

You sighed. "Doesn't sound too good when you put it like that."

Karen leant closer, "Have you and Dutch got a thing goin' on? Is that why Molly is so pissed with you?"

"No!" You exclaimed. "I haven't got a 'thing' going on with anyone." you added.

Tilly smiled, "You're so pretty, all the boys want a thing with you, I've heard 'em talking!"