A Night to Remember, A Night to Forget

Lou the name brought Rue pain

His sister gone, buried, realization dawns

Rue pushed her own feelings aside

"I'm sorry your sister died.

I'm the one who brought her home."

"What? How did she die?"

"Not much is known.

Just what is written in the paper

She was involved in some kidnapping caper

Having to do with a Judge whose name

is, I believe, Domain.

She was shot, along with a Pearce Wade

When she tried to come to his aide.

He was to testify against Domain

In order to clear Lou's name.

I'm sorry, I really don't know more."

Jacob swore, he tried to get out of bed

But was hampered by his spinning head

"Please Jacob, stay. I can't let you

wander out there this way."

"Josie will be worried if I don't return."

He tried again his stomach churned

Rue grabbed a pen and paper, she wrote a note.

"I'll inform her you're with me

and you don't wish her to worry.

She can meet us for breakfast

after you've slept the night

And I know for certain

You're doing alright."

Rue opened the door and called for Jujube

"What do you need, Ruechari?"

"I need this note taken

to one Josie Craven.

You'll find her at the circus

Thanks for doing me this service."

Jujube nodded, took the note leaving them alone

Rue turned to Jacob having a mission of her own.

"Rue why are you doing this?"

"You've taken one too many hits.

Lay back, let me heal you."

"Why bother, Rue?

What do you care?

Why bother with me?

Just move on Ruechari."

"Just shut up and let me do what I do."

Her hands touched his chest

And he felt something surge through.

His rib ached. One must be bruised or broken,

Who knew?

His hand covered hers and her eyes met his.

Too hard to ignore him when connected like this.

She felt his pain tear at her heart.

She finally understood what kept them apart.

"Just relax," she laid him back, "I'll take care of you.

When I've finished I swear you'll be like new."

"Rue?"

"Please Jacob, don't fight.

Just surrender to my care tonight."

It couldn't work unless he agreed.

He didn't say a word but she felt him concede.

As she worked on healing him he fell asleep

A vigil over him she did keep.

He woke in the morning, he saw her there

Asleep slumped over in a chair

He couldn't figure her out, why did she care?

He touched his face. The cut? There was nothing there.

He felt as fit as can be

He looked back upon Rue and wondered

How did she do this to me?

Then he remembered about the legend

of the Shaman of the West

There was a whole lot more to her, he guessed.

Well, he couldn't leave her there

Looking so uncomfortable in that chair.

He lifted her into the air.

He couldn't help the slight grin

When she snuggled in

He laid her down on the bed

Wondering, How do I get you out of my head?

A question for another time

He had other things on his mind

He needed to find out more about Lou

He opened the door, there stood Josie

Arms folded, and Ronan too.

"I was told this one belongs to you."

Jacob stepped out into the hall,

"I thought Rue sent you a note."

"I was worried about you is all."

"I'm fine, see and Ruechari..."

"She's fine too, and no longer a worry for you."

Ronan stepped past him through the door.

"Not anymore."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"It means it's time to move on

You and your sister can have flat cakes

On the house, before you get gone.

You don't need to worry about Ruechari

You can just leave her to me."

"And what if I said, No."

"In front of your sister you really want to give it a go?"

Both Ronan and Jacob knew

Jacob would not have backed down

If his sister wasn't around.

It didn't matter

he had other business to attend here in town.

He looked past Ronan.

Saw Rue lying on the bed.

His heart still filled with dread.

"Tell Rue I said Thank you."

"Yeah, sure kid. I'll let her know."

Ronan shut the door.

"What's with you and that Indian gal anyway?"

"Never you mind. Come on, Josie.

Let's go. This way."