Love's Wild Journey

A big shindig was planned for tonight, the last night the large group of people would be here at the ranch, and those with musical instruments were already strumming and testing. Supper was good and hearty, as usual, but Janie still wasn’t feeling well. Most of the food still didn’t taste the best and she knew she should be eating more. Something was nagging in the back of her mind, but she just couldn’t figure out what it was. It bothered her when her mind seemed foggy, she prided herself of quick thinking.

 Going back to the barn to get chores done Janie thought dancing would be fun, and oh how she wanted too. She missed the party’s and fun they used to have back in the old days before they headed west. She thought it would be presumptuous to consider going, even though it would be fun. She didn’t think she could go out among all of those people, strangers, besides her heart hurt and was heavy with sorrow. How will I ever find fun and happiness again? How can I face all of these people, who think nothing of having fun? They probably all know what happened to me. It’s so embarrassing to have everyone look at me and wonder.

She stayed at the barn and corrals taking extra care of the horses, she’d brushed every one till they shone. Janie liked to see sleek, shiny horses. Hearing the music and laughter, she really wanted to be a part of all this but she’d never go on her own. Now she wouldn’t even go with her dad. She’d sneak off later and maybe get some cake or something. Maybe some punch, too.

Janie looked up as Clint stepped into the corral. His, “Hi!” sent shivers down her spine as she smiled up at him.  “What are you up to? You got any plans for tonight?” While looking the girl over a generous smile formed on his sun, bronzed face.

“Not too much,” she answered rather dryly even though she had a smile for this man. She didn’t want him to know how much she wanted to be with him. She couldn’t seem too eager, good girls would never be too eager. It wasn’t right. Her reverie slowed down her attention span when she thought, I am a good girl.

 Returning her smile, “Do you want to go with me?” Clint asked as he motioned towards the sounds that made their way to them.

Looking down at herself, all she saw was dust and dirt from a day outside mingling with animals, as she tried to dust her clothes off. “I’m not cleaned up,” Janie commented, figuring that would be the end of it.

“I’ll get you some water,” Clint said as he bolted out of the corral and headed to the house for some warm water. In a jiffy he was back with a pan of nice warm water, washcloth and towels. He offered them to her along with a smile. It seemed he walked around with a silly grin or a smile all the time now.

It surprised her when he returned so quickly and she said, “Thanks,” as she smiled at this handsome hunk standing inside the door. Her heart was a flutter as she stood and looked at the grinning fellow, and she got a shock as he placed the little metal pan into her hands. Her little scream caused them to smile at each other.

“Did that hurt?”

Her smile continued, and she nodded a no, her short kinky hair flying.

“I’ll be back in a little bit and be your escort, okay?” Before she could answer, he shut the door and dashed off. Setting the pan down, she climbed up into the wagon, and searched for something special to wear. The warm water felt good, though she wished she could have taken a tub bath instead, but heating all that water was a lot of work. She had to rinse her hair with cold water and she shivered, even though it was a hundred degrees out. She smelled good because of the nice soap and toilet water she had used. Her hair hadn’t grown very much yet, but she could feel a little curl and figured it looked nice, realizing there wasn’t much she could do about it until it grew out some. She put on a light green dress that brought out the green in her eyes. It had lace on the sleeves and bodice, and Janie felt real pretty as she picked up the hand knit shawl and opened the door.

Clint had arrived already and was watching the goings on. Janie was taken aback, as she looked up at the handsome, dark haired man, leaning against the hitch rail. He was dressed all in black, the pants and vest, fancy white shirt with a silver bolo tie. Setting everything off was a belt with silver concho’s, shiny black boots, and a smart new hat. Hearing the door open, he turned to see the girl, smiling at what she saw. He was very pleased at what he saw too.

“Wow!” Clint commented. “I get to escort the prettiest girl here. Come on Miss.” Janie beamed at the compliment. They really made a striking couple and everyone had to look at them as they crossed the ranch yard. Clint was oblivious to the young ladies who were watching him, envious of the girl who finally was able to get him. Most of them had tried before to corner him, but were unsuccessful in getting Clint to take an interest in them. They were getting closer to all of the activities and the musicians. Plenty of couples were already swinging around in the dirt having fun. The laughter mixing with squeals, and the music added to the party atmosphere. Everyone knew that this would be the last party for a while.

 Slowing down, Janie said, “I don’t know if I can dance in front of everyone Clint, I just can’t.” The nervousness was taking over her and she was frightened. Janie didn’t know why, or what to do about it. She just couldn’t present herself in front of everyone. The fear took over and her mind demanded. What am I doing with Clint? I’m not good enough for the likes of him? She stopped, as if her legs were made of iron or lead.