by Leesa Birch
Her nephew, Lewis, walked by with a plate of pancakes. I took one and carefully made my way over to the girl. The girl grunted and backed away into the corner. I sat down in front of her. At five feet eight I must have looked like a giant to her.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, I held out the warm food. She looked at it but didn’t move. I tore a piece off and threw it by her feet. “Ivy, she’s not a dog,” Agatha insisted. Dog or not, the principle proved sound when making friends. The girl scooted forward slightly and grabbed the pancake. She ate it quite forcefully, who knew when they’d last fed her at the carnival. I held out the other piece, not moving. She checked that the other two people in the room weren’t moving either, then ran forward, snatched the food and took it back to the corner.
“It’s a start, Ivy; Lewis, do you want to try? Perhaps we could fetch her a bowl of water. Not sure she knows what to do with a cup besides throw it. Ivy, would you come with me? We need to talk.” That sounded serious.
I followed Agatha into her small office behind the front desk and sat down.
“I couldn’t just leave her there, Agatha; I know what it’s like being caged like that.”
She held up her hands in defence. “It’s not about the girl, Ivy, I’ve been talking to Sylvia.”
I put my head in my hands, how could she tell on me like that? Agatha closed the door so no one could hear. She lifted my chin until I looked her in the eyes.
“She needed to speak to someone, Ivy, don’t be mad at her.” She made herself comfortable opposite me.
“You know it’s not allowed, right?” I didn’t say a word. “No Lake Dweller has ever had the notion to do it. I don’t envy you having to make this kind of decision. You could face a lot of trouble from the council.” I leant back in my chair; I was too tired to deal with this.
“Who else knows?” I asked Agatha.
She put her hand on my knee reassuringly. “I guess Blake might possibly know. I won’t say anything. You should have come to me, Ivy. I can see that it’s bothering you. My advice: if you do decide to do it, sneak off - don’t tell the council.” She giggled excitedly. “I know what others might say, but if I was two hundred or so years younger, I’d have made a play for him myself.” With that she stood up and left.
I needed to go and see Kane. Maybe it was warmer down where he was. I told Agatha that I’d be gone for a few days and went back to my cabin to pack.
Gary gave me a ride to the station and I caught the midday train. Many hours later I stepped off the train into warmer weather. Breathing it in, I looked around to find someone who could give me a lift. After speaking to an old timer who had worked the station most of his life, he told me about a delivery that was heading that way. It was just being offloaded from the train as we spoke.
“Hi there,” I said, “That nice old man said you could give me a ride to Nash’s Ranch. Is that okay? I can pay you if you...”
The man unloading cut me off. “That’s alright, missy, I don’t need your money, pleasure to be of service. I’m Nash.” Oh, the owner. I held out my hand and he shook it hard. I introduced myself and waited for him to finish unloading.
“So, you’re one of those British girls? How d’ya like it over here?”
Nash pulled out of the station with me in the passenger seat. He was a big man, tall and broad. He wore a beard most men would be impressed with. He had a glint in his eye and weathered skin.
“Well the weather’s better mostly. People are friendly and you have some beautiful country out here.” It wasn’t far to the ranch from the station, which was helpful as I had used up all my small talk.
The truck pulled off down a dirt track and carried on through a large sign with his name on it.
As the truck pulled up, a skinny man came running up to the truck. “Nash, you gotta stop ‘em, they’re really going at it this time.” Nash swore and climbed out of the van. The skinny guy tilted his hat towards me then followed after his boss. I climbed out and followed.
Nash headed towards a large barn; other men were standing around outside. They dispersed when they saw him coming. Nash swung the huge doors open easily. Two guys were fighting on the floor. I put my hand to my mouth when I realised it was Kane and Blake. Nash waded in, grabbing Kane off Blake.
“Here, look what I found at the train station,” he said, pushing Kane in my general direction whilst helping Blake off the floor.
They both looked shocked to see me. Then Blake dusted himself off and walked out of the barn “Ivy,” was all he said. I looked at Kane as Nash followed Blake out.
“What was all that about?” I asked, still shocked to see them brawling like that. “It’s nothing, Ivy. What are you doing here? Are you in some kinda trouble?” “Nothing, Kane, really. Look at your face.” I stepped towards him as he felt his jaw. “I’m fine, better having you here.” He leant in to kiss me but the pain in his chin stopped him. “Actually, could you take a look at this for me, so I can give my girl a real welcome.”
Shifting my eyes and touching his face carefully, I healed more than a cracked jaw.
He didn’t wait for me to finish before properly welcoming me. His lips, so warm against mine - I was almost buzzing when he let go of me. Looking up at him, his eyes were as black as mine felt.
A noise from the corner startled me. “It’s alright sweetheart, just a horse,” he laughed, “I forgot how much of a city girl you are. Let’s get you settled in.” Kane walked me across to the main house. He didn’t stay there, of course; he slept in the lodgings with the other cow hands.
“Maybe I should go and see if your brother’s okay. Sylvia will be annoyed if he goes back to the lake damaged.” Kane kissed me on the forehead and smiled. “Fine, but he may not want your help. Don’t take offence, Ivy, it’s just the way he is.”
Nash strode into the room where we were, eyeing up Kane. “Blake left. Now I don’t know what’s gotten into you boys, but settle it. Ma’am,” he nodded to me before going about his business. I turned to Kane. “How long have you been fighting? Was it because of what you asked me? I know others think it’s obscene. Does he feel the same way? Say something, Kane.”
“It’s not about that, Ivy; it’s just a brother thing, nothing for you to worry about.” I couldn’t get any more out of him on the matter, so I settled my things in my room. I wasn’t sure what I should do while Kane was working. I would probably get in the way if I helped. I don’t know anything about ranches and I tended to spook horses. I guessed I made them nervous.
I went for a walk in the afternoon to see the ranch for myself and keep out of the way. The weather was still a little cold but the sun’s rays were warm on my skin. I could see Kane on a horse in the distance. I think he was rounding up cows. I sat on the fence and watched him ride to and fro, handling the horse masterfully; it was something to see.
After Kane and two other guys on horses had finished what they were doing, he rode down to the fence I was sat upon. I climbed down and moved back a few paces. “Enjoy the view, Ivy?” Kane held out his hand. I stepped back.
“That’s not such a good idea; I tend to make horses nervous.” Gripping the horse hard with his thighs, Kane tried to move it closer. The horse was having none of it. “Really, I wouldn’t. It’s either a Lake Dweller thing, or I make the horse nervous because I’m a little awkward.” I said.
Kane gripped the animal tighter with his legs but the horse reared. Kane held firm until it settled down. He moved the horse back a little. “Maybe we should walk back.” Kane dismounted the horse and gave it a push. The horse wandered back up to where the other two guys were.
Taking my hand, we walked across an open field. Kane wanted to show me something before we headed in. He seemed more relaxed than earlier. “It’s just over that hill, Ivy.” The hill wasn’t as close as it seemed. The wide openness of this countryside seemed to bear no end.
As we reached the top, Kane climbed halfway over the wooden fence. “Coming?” He held out his hand to me
offering help.
“I think I can manage a fence,” I scoffed. As he stepped off the other side, he caught himself on something. I heard a ripping sound. “I really hope that was your jeans,” I said, as I - more carefully than he - climbed over without issue.
“I caught my pants on that nail. Ripped me a big hole too.” He stood, holding the back pocket that used to be attached to him. I couldn’t help but giggle. “It’s not funny, Ivy,” he said seriously. Kane tried to hold close the large tear over his bottom.
“Don’t be silly, let me see. You might have torn some skin and that nail is rusty.” I removed my glove and slid my hand into the opening, straight onto his hot, smooth skin. I shifted my eyes to check for a scratch.
“Don’t you own any underwear, Kane?” I asked, as I went to remove my hand. He stopped me, holding me tight. The black leather gloves he was wearing creaked as he tightened his grip. Dark eyes looked down upon me.
“You know I don’t,” he said in his deep southern accent. I had trouble concentrating. He cupped the back of my neck with one hand. The smell of the leather glove was strong as he kissed me, his lips swelling as he became more aroused. He pushed me against the fence, his body followed; I couldn’t breathe as all my senses heightened too quickly.
“Wait,” I said shakily. I looked deep into the darkness of his eyes. “I will marry you, Kane. I don’t care what the council say.” I felt almost relieved saying it out loud. He didn’t relinquish his hold on me at all. He stood there, simmering, for the longest moment. Then he smiled almost wickedly before scooping me up into his arms and spinning me around.
“So, what was it you wanted to show me?” I asked looking down at him. “Oh, just this.” Lowering my body down on his, Kane tucked my hair behind my ear, pulled me in close and kissed me long and slow.
After walking me back to the ranch and making me dinner, Kane had to work. I spent the evening in my room, pacing. Did I make the right decision? I shook my head, of course I did. It felt right, even though if the Council ever found out we’d be in trouble. Was it too soon to mention the happy family dream to Kane? He’d seemed so happy earlier and we hadn’t discussed kids yet. Maybe once the lakes were fixed, I was fixed and everything was back to normal. I almost laughed at the thought of normality. I snuggled into bed, playing with an invisible ring on my finger.
I woke up in the dark, shivering. I tried to turn on the lamp but I couldn’t feel my hands. Tucking them under my arms, I almost squealed at how cold they were. I pushed the light on with my elbow and looked in the mirror; my lips were white and my skin nearly blue. There was no bath tub in here to help me, so as soon as my fingers started to tingle, I grabbed a blanket and went to find Kane.
Tiptoeing around in the darkness without a torch wasn’t the best plan I’d had. I made it outside the main house and started to shake in the night air as I headed towards the staff housing.
Opening the creaky wooden door, I stumbled inside. There were two rows of beds, one down each side - almost a dormitory, just full of sleeping cowboys. “Kane,” I whispered. The man to my right murmured. I took a closer look. It wasn’t Kane. I moved along, down the room, carefully checking the sleeping men.
“Ivy, is that you?” I turned as a small light came on further down. I shuffled towards the light, trying not to trip on my blanket.
Kane looked up at me standing at the base of his bed. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up, whispering, “What are you doing out here?”
I stepped closer into the light by his side. “Sorry, I’m really cold and I didn’t know what to do.” The last part came out a little loud as I was having trouble stopping my teeth from chattering. I shivered as the blanket slipped off my shoulder.
“Jesus, Ivy, you’re blue!” Kane sounded as he held the light out to me. Putting the light down, he held open his blankets to me. He didn’t have to ask me twice. I dropped the cold one I was wrapped in and squeezed myself into the single bed in front of him.
He covered me over, trying not to gasp as he held himself against my back. He rubbed every inch of me until I stopped shivering, then a little more.
I was alone when I woke up. I stretched in the warm blankets, looking around. How everyone had got up, made their bunks and left without waking me was a mystery. My nostrils tingled at the smell of coffee nearby. A large mug with steam emanating from it, was sitting on the nightstand with a note attached to it. ‘Mornin’ Ivy. Thought you could use this. Hope you slept as well as I did. Love, Kane xx’
Taking in the strong roasted aroma, I drank the coffee and wondered how I would get back to the main house without being seen.
After I finished chewing my lip with thought, I wrapped myself back up in my blanket and sneaked outside.
The morning breeze was fresh, a little too fresh. I pulled my blanket in tighter and walked towards the main house.
Some of the road dust blew straight at my face. “Damn it!” I muttered as the dirt went in my eye. Standing there, rubbing my eyes, I heard a commotion coming from behind me. I turned, blinking, but still couldn’t see much.
“Look out, lady!” Someone cried. My vision blurred back into partial sight as a large animal came into view. I threw up my arms but too late as I was knocked to the ground and dragged along. Hitting every bump, I screamed as my shoulder bent backwards. I rolled to a stop as the animal kept going. Coughing up dust, through watery eyes a man appeared over me.
“You alright, missy?” he asked. I was too stunned to answer. “Make room now. What happened? Somebody fetch Kane!” There was no mistaking the beard, it was Nash. And there was me lying in the dirt in my pyjamas.
“Maybe I should take you to a hospital, I don’t think your arm should be facing that way.” I struggled to sit up and yelped. “No hospital, please,” I begged.
Blake showed up first, shaking his head and smiling at me. “Trust you to get hit by a runaway cow, Ivy. And why are you in your nightwear?” He looked about the gathering men for an answer. They all mumbled, shaking their heads. Blake knelt down beside me to take a closer look at me. I squirmed as the pain ran up my arm.
Kane’s horse slowed to a stop as he jumped down and made his way through the men. He looked at me, then at Blake. “Dislocated shoulder, Kane, you know what we have to do.”
Running his hand through his hair with frustration, he knelt down beside me. “We need to pop your shoulder back in, Ivy. It’s gonna really hurt.”
He brushed my hair from my face as Blake covered me over with a clean blanket. Blake held my hand as Kane sat holding my injured arm. I took a few deep breaths in anticipation. Nothing happened. I looked up at Kane; he was facing Blake.
“You’re gonna have to do this, Blake, I can’t.” He shook his head and stood up, backing away. Blake stood with his hands on his hips about to tear into his brother. Kane held up his hands.
“I just can’t do it, Blake, I can’t hurt her.” Sad eyes looked down at me. Blake seemed frustrated.
“Hey!” I yelled from the floor. “Now is not the time to be girly about this! Someone is going to have to put my shoulder right because I’m not going back to the hospital!” The last part came out more scared than angry.
“Fine,” said Blake, through gritted teeth.
He knelt down by my bad arm, while Kane held me as still as he could. Blake didn’t even give me a chance to breathe in. He yanked my arm roughly, then pushed hard. Had I breathed in, I would’ve screamed. Tears formed then rolled off my cheeks as I struggled to control my breathing. Some of the more squeamish men ‘ooed’ loudly as my bones cracked then they suddenly went about their business.
Blake placed my arm across my chest as Kane lifted me off the floor and headed towards the house. Sitting me on the table, Kane shook his head at me. “Thanks for the coffee,” I said, smiling, trying to break the tension. Blake returned with the first aid kit, put it on the table next to me and left the room.
As Kane wrapped my arm in a sling, other pains slowly surfaced. Knees, elbows, ribs, he
ad, the list went on. Kane wiped some dirt from my face with a warm, wet cloth.
“I need to check your legs, Ivy.” He motioned to the blood that was soaking through the material. I nodded carefully. He pulled up a chair in front of me as some of the workers arrived for coffee and stayed to watch.
Kane cleared his throat as he slid his hands up my pyjama leg, moving the material with it. His hands were warm and tender. I immediately looked to the floor, knowing full well I couldn’t control my eyes when he touched me that way. Noticing my reaction, Kane stood with my leg still in his hands.
“You guys seen enough?” he almost growled at them. Needless to say, they left pretty quickly.
I looked up into barely-controlled blue eyes and smiled, “You done with that?” Kane looked at the leg he was holding and his smile widened.
“No,” he said as he pulled me to the edge of the table. Serious déjà vu was interrupted as I clenched my teeth with agony. I let out a whimper as he knocked my shoulder. He pulled back away from me, apologising. Stupid shoulder.