Best Worst Night Ever

With a bounce in his step, and a grin too Jacob went back to the gala after leaving Rue. The night was undeniably a success. Had turned out better than he could ever guess.

Folks danced and were merry well into the night. No signs of trouble or fights. Goodwill, love, and cheer, did appear to be in the air.

Jacob couldn't help but think he felt happy and he'd little to drink. This feeling was hard to achieve so naturally, and he knew it was because of Ruechari.

His heart was still pounding and his palms sweaty too, and deny it as he may, he knew, he was no doubt in love with Rue. Blamed it on the atmosphere or season too, but he knew that wasn't entirely true.

Even Petra noticed his mood much improved. He asked her to dance to a lively tune.

"So I take it things went well with Rue?"

Jacob grinned, "True. Thank you."

After the dance, they took a rest, to grab a drink, and catch their breath for a moment or two.

"Jacob, you love Rue. The look on your face says you do."

From his mouth water did spew and he coughed too.

Petra giggled and patted his back, as far as she was concerned that answered that.

"Rue is amazing, beautiful. Smart as hell, intriguing too. I have strong feelings for her no doubt. But too soon to call it love, still figuring things out."

Petra giggled again as his ears turned red, then gave him a pat on the head.

"Oh Jacob, you're not that good at lying. I can tell by the way you talk about Rue. That grin on your face too. There is nothing wrong with admitting it. No need to make a fuss."

Jacob sighed, "Is it really that obvious?"

Petra giggled again and nodded with a grin before she went off to request a song from Loren.

Later though, Petra wasn't so happy with Jake, claimed he was making a big mistake. By wanting to get tangled up in the affairs of her kin after he met her father Barton.

Jacob finally got to meet the patriarch of the Denver clan and began to have a chat with the man about a job to make a quick buck or two. His pockets were getting empty and bills were coming due.

Denver claimed Jake would have to prove his loyalty and trustworthiness too, to the Denver family before tasked with a job making big money.

Jacob agreed to continue this chat another day, for now, he tucked Denver's offer away.

Josie was busy with Gyn and a gaggle of other children. They took a ride on Lady and Knight outside. It was quite a cute sight.

Serena Blue was no longer in the town hall. He missed out on their dance, but he wasn't disappointed at all.

He cut in on a dance with Bella, then Annie though Bart and Brody didn't seem too pleased. He didn't dare try his luck with CG. Besides she and the Sheriff looked rather cozy.

But nothing would bring him down tonight. Things were looking up alright. He'd brought some joy and happiness to Rue. Earned himself a kiss from her, too. 

So, his joyful mood carried through. And when he noticed Mary Sue, looking rather lonely and blue, he decided to go give her some company.

In BG she had no family. A young widow boarding at the hotel. He danced with her earlier but had not treated her well. He sat and chatted with her a spell.

With cheeks, so rosy, Josie came skipping over them, announced she was sleeping over at Gyn's. So tonight it would just be him.

She gave him a peck on the cheek. Promised to do her chores without complaining all week. She ran off quickly to find her friend. 

With that Jhonny, from across the hall watching them. Jake knew a lovesick puppy when he saw one alright. He'd deal with that another night.

Perhaps it was the winemaking Mary Sue bolder, as she placed a hand upon Jacob's shoulder. She leaned in close as she spoke. 

"I don't want you to get the wrong idea about me. I usually don't do this, but I'm feeling so lonely. Tonight if you want some company, you know where to find me. Its been a year since I lost my Ace. Or perhaps I can come to your place?"

Jacob didn't want to make her uneasy or to feel bad. Not too long ago, without a doubt, to her room, he would go. He gave her a laugh and a smile,

"Yeah for me too it's been a while. You're a great girl Mary Sue, but I must be honest with you. I'm seeing... I'm in love with another."

She gave a sad smile as got to her feet. No doubt ready to retreat. "She's a lucky girl then. I wish you both the best."

"I'm the lucky one," Jacob couldn't resist, "But I'm sure you'll find someone meant for you too. You're a real catch Mary Sue."

"I should go get some rest." Soon after he bid Mary Sue farewell.

He said bye to the rest of his friends as well before he headed back to the hotel. He grabbed Rue a bouquet of wildflowers on the way. He wasn't sure she liked flowers, but he'd try it anyway.

He knew he should leave the flowers by her door, and go straight to his room, but it was half-past ten, and he wanted to say goodnight to Rue.

He knocked on her door and waited a bit. Only then did he start to regret it. The last thing he wanted to do, was wake up Rue.

He heard footsteps coming down the hall. It was Jujube he saw.

"Ruechari is in Tent City. She'll be there all night long with Billy."

Jacob tried to hide his dismay. "Why?" 

"That you will have to ask of Rue. It's not for me to say."

Jacob nodded his head and thanked Jujube. Went back to his room feeling uneasy. He was sure there was a reasonable explanation for this but the more he pondered it, the more he got pissed.

He paced his room angrily. Ruechari had said she wasn't going to see Billy but he had seen her face when Billy gave her his gift and he got even more pissed.

They had a history and Billy knew her well. "Knew her well... they could both go to hell!"

Had Rue been playing him? Stringing him along like a puppet on a string? He was angry at her and it really did sting.

He laughed at himself  "Jacob you fool. You should have seen this coming alright." He rummaged under his bed, where his booze was tucked tight. Hidden from Josie's sight.

He scolded himself as he drank and paced the room. This was his fault for getting close to Rue. If he hadn't let her get under his skin, it wouldn't be getting to him.

His chest wouldn't feel so tight. His eyes wouldn't be burning alright. He reached under his bed and grabbed the box. He had put on a lock on it. Josie liked to snoop and he had something to hide as he reached inside. And withdrew the piece of parchment, the song he'd been writing for Rue.

He'd been working on it as a surprise. Hours he'd spent getting it just right. He took a long drag from the bottle before he threw the song into the flames. Watched the fire burn it away.

When it was nothing but ash, and his bottle drained, he considered to the flute, doing the same. But he couldn't bring himself to, burn the beautiful flute given by Rue. Even if it had been a lie. He combed his hair, adjusted his suit and tie.

He grabbed the flowers where he'd thrown them in the bin put a smile on his face again. Down the hall to the room on the end. Would she let him in?

He was relieved when Mary Sue opened the door to him.

He handed her the flowers, "Come on in."

Jacob didn't need to be told twice. Time to salvage the night. Time to forget Rue. Remove the images from his head, of her and Billy in bed.