A NEW LOVE 

Ronan had spent the morning watching over Rue. 

She was in a deep sleep. 

He hadn't seen her this worn out since 

her vigil over Billy she did keep. 

"What did that kid do to you?"

He sat by her bed in a chair

Brushed back her hair. 

He wished to stay

With her all-day

But he had a job to do. 

"I'll check back in on you, Rue." 

He had several times. 

Later in the day

In the lobby of the hotel

Ronan couldn't believe the tale 

Strop and Harriet had to tell 

"My memory loss is gone we found the cure!" 

Ronan looked unsure. 

"Be happy Brother, finally I am set free. 

I have a new love, my grief is gone. 

You and I. We can move on." 

 "Move on?" 

 "You're not my keeper anymore. 

There's nothing stopping you and Rue. 

You know what you want to do."  

"I think I missed my chance 

she found Jacob some circus fancy pants." 

 "Men" Harriet sighed. 

"Just go tell her how you feel 

don't make it a big deal." 

 "You're right." 

Smiled Ronan and gave Harriet an embrace.

"There's no time to waste."

He rushed the stairs 

 Three at a time 

 Towards her room  

Deep breath 

 All set 

 Do or die 

 He knocked 

 But no reply 

"She's not there." 

 Jujube from behind did he appear. 

"Where?" 

"You know she was in Jacob's room all night." 

Jujube grinned. 

 "Maybe she's out with her Mister Right.

If you know what's good for Rue. 

 Time to be on your way. 

Only hurting her if you stay." 

"It's up to her to decide. 

Ain't sneaking away to hide!" 

"Of course, she will let you stay. 

 It will tear her up every day. 

 But you know that outlaw. 

 Hurting folks is all your good for." 

"I'm going to her!" 

Jujube stepped in his way 

 "One dead wife not enough for you. 

Your gonna ruin Rue too! 

Jujube barely saw the punch 

 His jaw felt the crunch 

 He tumbled slipping down the stairs 

 Rolling 

 Crashing 

 Landing 

 into tables and chairs 

Ronan in shock stood frozen 

Jujube cursed him where he laid 

Strop and Harriet ran to Jujube's aide  

"What did you do!" 

 Strop asked his brother 

 "I - I- didn't mean to-"

"YOU NEVER DO," said a sullen Rue. 

She paid him no care

just past him on the stair 

 He knew there was nothing he could say or do 

 Her indifference cut him in two 

"And to think I was almost worried about you." 

Whispered Jacob in O'Boyle's ear.

Joining Rue down the stairs

"Legs broke" 

Strop spoke 

 Jujube rolled in pain 

 Cursing O'Boyle again 

 "Get the Doctor!" Rue order 

O'Boyle watched Jacob 

place his hand on her shoulder 

She glared at Ronan.

"What are you waiting for!" 

Ronan ran down the stairs out the hotel door 

"Christ, I can't do this anymore!"

He barely noticed Miss Serena Blue 

bidding him a howdy doo. 

So consumed with self-blame 

 He barely heard her call his name 

It wasn't until she smiled 

his heart was moved 

That sweet smile he 

loved loved loved.