Standing by the stables alone, contemplating how his life ended up the way it did, Steve patted the nearby horse's head. Movement caught his eye and he turned to see Chavez walking over. He nodded to the Mexican-Indian and then spat on the ground. "Damn good riding with you, Chavez." It was as much of an attempt to let bygones be bygones as Steve could muster.

Eyeing the dirty boy, Chavez nodded leaning against the wall near Steve. "Many nights, my friend... many nights I put a blade to your throat while you were sleeping. I'm glad I never killed you, Steve. You're all right." The dark haired boy offered a half smile and held his hand out.

It took Steve a moment to let Chavez's words sink in. Blinking he eyed the man, before shrugging. He took Chavez's hand into his own and shook it. "Yeah? You ain't so bad either." A crooked smile worked its way onto Steve's mouth and he nodded again to Chavez. Funny how life worked. He once considered Chavez a rival, now the half breed was a friend.

The two boys stood there as minutes passed on by. Both seemed content just to sit in each other's presence knowing their future remained dangerously unknown. Neither one admitted to the fear that gripped at their hearts or the comfort a friend held just standing side by side.

After nearly ten minutes had passed, Steve glanced at Chavez. The silence was starting to get to him and he began to feel awkward. He hated feeling awkward. It always made him ramble or blurt out things. "So... uh... I think there's something going on between Billy and Kris." And, he did it again. Blurting out the first thing on his mind.

Chavez startled at Steve's interruption of his peace and quiet. He then jerked his dark eyes on the dirty boy, "what? Why do you say that?"

Steve spat on the ground and shrugged, eyes going to the horse next to him. "I dunno. After I found them at the spring, they were acting strange." He then smirked remembering the best part, "and, Kris was only half dressed. She's got some damn nice legs-- Oooof." Steve felt the wind get knocked out of him after Chavez smacked him in the chest. "What the hell was that for?"

"Don't talk about her like that." Chavez practically growled.

"What? All I said was she has nice legs. Strong, muscled, good looking legs --" Steve grunted again at being smacked harder this time. "Will you stop doin' that." The dirty haired boy grumbled.

Chavez just glared at him before turning his eyes to the ground ahead of him. "I knew he went off to find her..." Chavez grumbled under his breath. "But why was she hardly dressed?"

"Took a bath. She was dripping wet." Steve clarified keeping a careful eye on Chavez to make sure he didn't get smacked again. "Figured when she heard me she high tailed it for a large tree and to get dressed? Maybe? I dunno. But Billy seemed a bit... strange, flustered? Not sure what they were up to before I got there."

"What makes you think they were up to anything?" Chavez queried still staring down at the dirt.

"You know, you all think I'm just some dumbass, but I see things." Steve said moving to scratch the horse's neck. "The ground was soaked through near where Billy was standing. Figure Kris must have been standing there long enough for it to get so wet." He glanced at Chavez and frowned a little seeing the hurt on the Mexican's face. "I ain't sure what they were doing, but when Kris came out from behind that tree she couldn't even look at Billy and her face was redder than a tomato."

"You think they... did something?" Chavez queried slowly, his voice soft and uncertain.

Steve's frown deepened as he watched Chavez's shoulder's slump. "I ain't sure. It just seemed very... suspicious how they was acting."

"I see..." Chavez breathed and pushed away from the wall. "I think I'm gonna go for a ride. Make sure no one is out there looking for us." He started for the stables to retrieve his horse and halted his step halfway. "Steve... thanks..." He then continued his trek inside.

The grungy boy spat on the ground and nodded to Chavez surprised at the concern he felt for the half breed. Minutes later Chavez raced out of the barn like his horse's ass was on fire. As he turned his head to follow his fellow Regulator's trail, he saw Charlie in the distance with a young Mexican woman on his arm. Surprise lit his eyes and he moved to follow them as quietly as he could. Steve's brows rose as his curly haired friend set a blanket on the ground for the woman and sat with her.

It wasn't very honorable to be spying on his friend, but Steve couldn't help it. He was curious as to Charlie's actions. He never knew the other boy was sweet on anyone. It was then he watched Charlie pull out a little box and offered it to the woman. "What the hell?!" Steve gasped and quickly moved away from the scene before he was caught. He didn't go far though. He was going to stalk his friend and be the first to tell everyone that Charlie had asked that pretty girl to marry him.

***

On the other side of the small fort town, Billy sat in a bath. His mind kept wandering to earlier that morning when he had played hide and seek with Kristal. And then it wandered even further back to the kiss. He couldn't get her lips pressed against his off his mind. He drew a drag of his cigar and sighed.

"You gonna ever stop daydreaming Billy?" Doc asked tapping his pencil on the pad of paper in his hand. "Or are you gonna tell me what you want written in this letter to the governor?"

The fellow blond's voice shook Billy out of his thoughts, but only momentarily. That green eyed blonde kept intruding in and it was hard to focus. "Yeah, yeah..." The boy took another drag of his cigar and slowly exhaled, "alright let's see. Dear governor Axe-tail."

A smirk appeared on Doc's face and he shook his head. "Axtell," he corrected, saying the governor's last name properly.

"Axtell," Billy repeated without missing a beat. "I have heard that you will give-" The blond paused and looked over at Doc. "What was it again?" He asked forgetting the reward amount that was attached to his bounty.

"Two hundred," Doc answered, not taking his eyes off the paper.

"Two hundred dollars for my head. Perhaps we should meet and talk. I am at the small town of Fort Sumner." Billy paused a moment to take another drag of the cigar and then continued. "Send three men and instruct them not to shoot as I am unarmed. In short, sir, I surrender."

Writing everything Billy had said down on the paper, Doc suddenly looked up at the blond in surprise. Was he seriously just going to give up like that? Giving up had never been an option for Billy before, so Doc was having a hard time grasping what the boy was saying.

Billy continued, unaware of Doc's thoughts or shocked stares. The wild boy stared off into the distance and added, "your obedient servant, William H. Bonney.

Shaking his head, Doc quickly jotted down Billy's words. Maybe there was something under the fellow blond's sleeve. Doc didn't know, but as he dotted the period, Billy lowered himself under water so he couldn't question him about it.

Seconds went by and Billy emerged from dunking himself underwater, hair now dripping wet. A smirk appeared on his face, his thoughts racing. The boy then added, "P.S. - I changed my mind. Kiss my ass!" With that, Billy broke into laughter.

There it was! He knew Billy wouldn't just surrender like that. Doc couldn't help it, he started to laugh too. He could imagine the look on the governors face would be full of shocked mortification. If only the governor would actually listen to them. He knew this whole letter to the prestigious man was pointless. If lawmen didn't care, what made them think that the governor would care?

Sobering, Doc grew quiet staring at the paper in his hand. "Think we're gonna make it outta this Billy?"

"Sure! We're too tough to be knocked down. They already took too much from us." The boy answered easily, confident that all would end well.

Billy's confidence did little to ease Doc's apprehension. "I guess... I just want a future...with Yen Sun. Ya know, settle down, maybe even have kids. It seems so far away, a dream, but lately its been weighing on me. Having a future with someone you love seems so much more important than all..." He waved his hand, motioning around them, "...this."

"I... I know what ya mean." Billy's words were faint. He was staring at the water now. His smile had disappeared and he appeared to be worried about something.

Shock edged Doc's eyes as he turned to Billy surprised at his agreement. "You do?" His brows creased, as realization dawned on him, "something happened didn't it? Between you and Kris. She's been acting weird around you since we left the springs."

"I.. uh..." The boy stammered unsure how to explain it without seeming like a jackass. "Well... Yeah. I guess ya could say that." Billy glanced at Doc who was staring at him so intently. He swallowed catching his friend's furtive stare. "I... uh... kissed her Doc..."

As soon as those words left Billy's mouth, Doc's eyes widened in surprise. He didn't know what to say at first. Surely his friend was joking because Doc was sure Billy would be dead otherwise. However, the guilty look on Billy's face said all it needed to him. "How the hell are you not dead?" Doc began before shaking his head. "Do you have a death wish, Billy?" He then paused and his eyes narrowed, "If you took advantage, like before..."

Billy quickly cut him off. "I didn't take advantage the first time, least not on purpose. That was... an accident and a mistake." Not that he didn't enjoy it then too. But this recent kiss... it was different, better. He paused a moment considering his words, before continuing, "this last time though..." He stopped again, recalling everything from memory. "She didn't get mad, she... didn't stop me, she didn't push me away... she didn't anything..." He shrugged, shaking his head in frustration. "She let it happen, Doc. I think..." Or maybe he was getting his hopes up, he couldn't be certain. "I think... she might have even kissed me back... A little."

The boy heaved a heavy sighed. "The more I think on it the more I can feel her lips moving gently, softly against mine." He sounded lost in the memory, happily recalling the moment.

"Again, how are you not dead?" Doc couldn't help the incredulous expression that shifted over his face.

The wild blond ignored Doc. "D' ya think that means she might... I dunno... like me a little?" A faint smile worked at his lips. "That maybe I got a chance?"

Doc's brows rose. "A chance?" He had a feeling that Billy had grown feelings for the blonde wildcat. Of course, he had wondered about it before, but now, this was different. Billy had a wistful expression on his smiling face. If Doc didn't know any better, he would say Billy was in love with Kristal. A shock of worry shot through him afraid his friend was getting in over his head. Kristal had said out right that she didn't believe in love.

"Billy... I think you need to take a step back here. You're talking about Kristal. She said she don't believe in love or anything like it." Doc was trying to help in offering some advice to his fellow blond. "And, I think you need to figure out your own feelings towards her before you try figuring out hers for you."

Shifting in the tub, Billy's brows furrowed before he took a thoughtful drag of his cigar. That was fair, Billy had to agree. What were his feelings towards her? Billy thought a moment. "Well... I think I like her. Hell, I think I more than like her." He then shook his head. "An' I ain't worried about her dislike of love. That can always change with time and the right person." Maybe he was being a little egotistical, but he didn't care.

The frown over Doc's face deepened. Billy was in over his head. Kristal wasn't one to toy with. "More than like her? Like love her?" Doc queried, both brows rising in surprise. He then couldn't help but add, "Billy, you better not toy with her heart. She already hates love, if her heart gets broken, I fear it might be hell to fix it, if it can even be fixed. The damage might not be able to be reversed where Kristal is concerned."

Now it was Billy's turn to furrow his brows as he contemplated Doc's words. "I wouldn't do that to her, Doc. 'Sides, I think I'd go to hell an' back for her... She... she deserves it." He shook his head, "after what that ma of hers has done to her, she deserves having someone who has her back, devoted to her."

However, the question of love threw Billy off guard. Was he in love? "Shit, I dunno. Maybe...? I just never saw her as the kind of gal for me. Ya know, she ain't exactly feminine... but... then again, she is... in ways that really matter..." He was thinking on the kiss again and how soft and innocent it felt. If he was honest, it was probably the best kiss he had ever had in his life. "She aint the kind of gal I normally find myself drawn to but... somehow I am drawn to her. She's got some kind of allure that attracts me... like a moth to a flame. So..." He paused thoughtfully, "...maybe she has become my kind of girl?" He sighed his frustration palpable as he ran his hands through his wet hair. "It's all so confusing."

Quietly Billy sat for moment, staring at the water, not caring that it was cooling by the minute. He then turned his eyes on Doc, blue gaze clear and sure. "All I know is... I want to make her mine and no one else's."

The statement was bold coming from Billy. He knew the boy was a ladies man. He had seen Billy flirt with women. Hell, when they'd go to town, or run the cattle for Tunstall, all of them would often visit a saloon with working women, while Kristal recuperated back at the house. Most of them would end up with a woman for the night, needing some company and to destress. Billy would be the first to go off with a woman every time. In fact every where they went, Billy had a fan faire of women vying for his attention. The boy was charming, Doc had to give him that, but...

"Did you notice the pretty Mexican senoritas trying to get your attention this morning?" When Billy looked at him with confusion, Doc added, in the hopes to jog Billy's memory, "before you went to find Kris. There were three ladies outside the main house."

"What ladies?" Billy was genuinely confused. He didn't remember seeing any ladies. He vaguely remembered politely greeting someone that morning, but he hadn't been paying too much attention to whether they were male or female.

Doc stared at Billy in astonishment. For Billy not to pay attention to the women was rare. Billy often went out of his way to greet and flirt with any pretty lady. But now he was so focused on Kristal that he didn't notice any one else? Maybe this wasn't some kind of quick fascination. "There were three women trying to get the attention of El Chivato."

"Huh... I didn't notice." The boy blinked seemingly surprised by his own actions. "I mean I remember greeting someone... but..." He shrugged as if it didn't truly matter to him. His thoughts had only been on Kristal and getting her to play hide and seek with him. Well that and the fact their exchanged kiss refused to leave his thoughts.

The other blond was still shaking his head amazed at Billy's actions. "I find it oddly interesting that you failed to notice anyone else because you were so caught up thinking about Kris. Kinda says something," Doc mused. Hell, it kinda said a lot, but Doc wasn't sure he wanted to encourage this possible infatuation or whatever the hell it was. Kristal was a force to be reckoned with and he didn't want either Billy or her to end up hurt.

"You think I'm hung up on her?" Billy queried thoughtfully trying to piece together his feelings.

Pressing his lips together, Doc shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe. I think you gotta search your feelings Billy. Figure it out. But I'd also be careful. If you try and pursue something too soon, it could end... very bad."

Billy was silent for a good minute or two. He already knew that. He had seen first hand how Kristal acted when any kind of mention of love or feelings were brought to her attention. She balked, became aloof, or ran. He needed to tread carefully where she was concerned. If he pushed too hard he could lose her for good, but if he didn't make a move he worried someone else might... and that someone might be Chavez.

"I have been doing an awful lot of that," Billy finally replied with a frustrated sigh. "Searchin' my feelings, thinking... mostly about her. I know she means a great deal to me. I just... I want to know her better. I wanna know what kinda music she likes, what her favorite holiday is, her favorite food... What she likes ta do for fun other than the little bit she's told me... I don't even know her birthday. Or if she's got a middle name. I wanna know the real Kristal an' not the mask she just lets us see."

Another sigh blew through his lips, his pent up frustration spilling over, "she still holds a lot back. I can tell. And it frustrates the hell outta me! By now, ya'd think she can trust us! I just want her to talk and give us a chance..."

The boy then remembered the image of her smiling earlier during the game. The pure light in her eyes, the soft but glee filled curl to her lips, and the glow on her face was nothing short of stunning. It knocked the wind right out of him all over again just like it had earlier. He had to admit, she had never looked more beautiful than she did in that moment. Maybe he was hung up on her. It just was weird because his heart was pounding at the thought of her and his stomach kept doing little flips. He had never felt that way about a girl before.

"I know I like her. I know I have feelings, Doc. I ain't sure if it's love or not... but..." Billy paused swallowing hard, another memory surfacing. The very one that had struck fear into his heart --- when she had given herself up to that Indian bastard and then fought him for them, for his and Doc's safety. "When she willingly sacrificed herself for us to that bastard renegade injun and then fought him for our safety and freedom, something shifted inside me. She's a hell of a woman and I cannot get her off my mind. Even when I sleep, I dream of her... I don't know what to do."

This was indeed more than Doc thought was possible from Billy. To him, it sounded like Billy did love Kristal. And that was what worried Doc. Not just for Billy's heart but for Kristal's as well. Sure the woman claimed she hated love. And if she stayed true to that, what would she do if Billy tried to change her mind and heart? Doc feared she'd run. Or worse try and harm Billy. "I'm not sure, Billy. Kristal is... well... she's a tough nut to crack. I'm worried about how this might go." When Billy flashed a concerned look towards Doc, the blond sighed. "I'm worried for you and for her."

"I ain't going to hurt her Doc. And I plan on being as careful as I can be. I know she's skittish as a newborn colt in matters like this. But, I can't just push my feelings aside... not without knowing... and trying..."

Billy almost sounded desperate. He sounded like a man in love. Which made Doc sigh. He was ever the romantic at heart. And he really would love to see it work out. Seeing Kristal bloom by falling in love would be, honestly amazing.

"Well," Doc began and then paused trying to think of how to help as well as whether, if he even should help. Ah, what the hell, maybe it would end well? Maybe? Hopefully. "If I were you, I'd see if she would spend some time with you. So you can talk. Get to know her better. Let her see the real you. Let her get to know you too. And give her the chance to hopefully open up without other people around. Maybe she'll talk more with just you?"

Nodding, Billy had to admit that seemed like a good idea. Every time they had been alone, she had opened up a little more, talked more. "Well I am takin' her on a date." Billy stated ignoring Doc's surprised stare. "She don't realize it's a date though..."

Confusion shifted over Docs features replacing his surprise. He needed more context. "And how did you happen to manage that?"

Billy only shrugged, a smile working its way back onto his face. "I won her in that game of hide and seek. We made a bet and she lost."

"Wait, Kristal bet you and lost?" That was a hell of a surprise. He had never known Kristal to make bets before. "Didn't think she was the gambling sort. What made her bet you to begin with?"

Billy smirked, "I don't think she is." His eyes lit up, remembering his own surprise. It had been one of those moments were he had looked at her with interest. "It was actually her idea. She offered to bet me."

"What?" The surprises just kept coming. Doc stared at Billy. "Does she know you're gambling man?"

"Not sure. But we only came up with the actual rewards this morning. She chose, of all things, chocolate."

"Well damn. And you bet to take her on a date and she was okay with it?"

Now Billy had the decency to look a little sheepish, "well, not exactly. I bet her that she'd go out to eat with me and she'd get a good hearty meal. Makin' it seem like I was concerned with her eatin' habits, which I am, but... I wanted to take her out, jus' me and her. Away for a little bit."

The poet blinked at Billy's underhanded bet. However, he did agree that the blonde wildcat didn't eat enough. "And she didn't suspect a thing?"

"Nope. Of course it helps that Chavez and I have been harkin' at her to eat all the time." Billy admitted, grinning. His plan had worked perfectly. "Now I just gotta plan it out. I already got a place in mind. It's a day and half ride. That should give us plenty of time to spend some quality time together don't you think?"

Doc merely sighed, "I guess, if she don't get wind of your plan and kill you first."

"She ain't gonna kill me. I think we're passed that point." Billy said and then bit the inside of his cheek. "I hope."

Without warning, Steve burst into the bathhouse interrupting anything else that was about to be said. In his shock, Billy stood up from the tub, half expecting there to be some kind of danger. Neither Billy or Doc were prepared for what Steve announced and they just stared at he dirty boy with gaping mouths.

"Charlie's getting married!"

***

Evening settled in at the Fort Sumner town and Kristal stood on the front porch leaning against a post a dark frown on her face. Chavez had said he would seek her out later and she couldn't find him anywhere. Her gaze stared out down the long drive way worried. Normally Chavez was one to keep his word. Sure it hadn't been a promise, but he had seemed like he wanted to talk to her about something important --- to show her something important. And now he was no where to be found.

Seeing Charlie and Steve walking by she hurried over to them, "wait a second boys!Either o' ya happen ta see Chavez anywhere?"

The now engaged Charlie, who had a constant smile on his face because Manuela had agreed to marry him, just shook his head. "No, haven't seen him all day. Though, I've kinda been preoccupied."

Kristal gave Charlie a smile, "I bet. Gettin' engaged will do that." She was grateful that Charlie had sought her out first to tell her. Only to then be jumped on by Steve who wanted to know what was going on. Once Charlie had told Steve he was getting married, the dirty boy had run off to tell everyone he knew... and didn't know.

Shaking her head at the memory, her eyes then turned on Steve and her frown returned. Steve refused to look her way. In fact, he was purposely staying slightly behind Charlie as if he were hiding from her. Kristal noticed and her eyes narrowied on the dirty boy. "Steve? Yer awful quiet. Ya know somethin' don't ya?"

"Why would I know anything?" Steve asked dumbly.

Green eyes darkened on him and she rounded Charlie to approach Steve. "'Cause I know ya ain't as dumb as ya make yerself out ta be. Now where is he?"

Blinking Steve eyed her in surprise. He had just told Chavez something similar earlier. It was honestly quite touching coming from her. "Why that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me, Kris." When she just placed her hands on her hips and glared at him, he stammered out, "Fine, he went scouting around. I think. He just needed space and air."

"What? Why? He said he wanted to talk." Kristal was dumbfounded. She stared at Steve knowing he knew more than he let on. "What else do you know, Steve?"

Shuffling his feet, he noticed Charlie had shifted to look at him too. Steve felt put on the spot. "Because! I told him what happened at the springs. Between you and Billy."

Shock shifted over Kristal and her heart sank. What did Steve see exactly? "An' what exactly was that?"

"That you were half naked an' drippin' wet an' awful close to Billy ta boot. That the two of you were actin' weird with your red faces and shit." Steve confessed exasperated spilling everything.

Closing her eyes, she let out a breath. He hadn't seen the kiss. He didn't tell Chavez about the kiss. And thankfully it didn't sound like Billy had said anything either. However, everything else must seem so damning... "I gotta talk ta him."

"Too late, Kris." Doc said coming from the house with a cigarette in his hand. "Chavez snuck in a few minutes ago and he's already in bed."

Frustration filled her as she tilted her gaze to the sky annoyed. She was annoyed with Steve, annoyed with Billy, and most of all annoyed with herself. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and turned to look at Charlie. His concerned look calmed down her irritation some and she gave him a small smile.

"Maybe try again tomorrow, Kris..." Charlie offered. To which Kristal just nodded. She didn't really have much of a choice.

Steve just cleared his throat not liking the sour mood, "hey, on the up side... we got a weddin' to plan."

***

The next morning Kristal awoke to a bustling Fort Sumner. If she wasn't so damn tired she might have been more in awe of how quick the community came together. It wasn't every day someone got married. Even though they had such a short time to plan, since the big day was the next afternoon, the whole town was preparing.

The community had come together swiftly, wanting to make the day truly special for the happy couple. And it needed to be done quickly because they only had a short time before Charlie would need to ride out. And Charlie definitely wanted time with Manuela after the wedding.

It was going to be a simple ceremony, prepared in the courtyard of the old fort town of Fort Sumner. The older ladies of the town had gone to work decorating for the wedding day which had Kristal marveling as she walked through town. She was once again in search of Chavez, but he was again nowhere to be found.

Passing a window of the Maxwell home, a head peeked out of a door behind her.

"Psst! Krisita!" A familiar voice called causing Kristal to pause. Manuela had already decided to call her by that moniker the day before when they had their heart to heart. "Krisita, por favor. Come!" She motioned to the blonde woman who just stood there staring at the bride to be curiously.

Finally, the blonde hurried over and Manuela pulled her unceremoniously into the room. There Kristal saw two other women, one she knew as Pete Maxwell's little sister. The other woman was stout and shorter than her, and not someone she had met before. Across the room, hanging up on a hook was a lovely white dress. Turning her gaze onto Manuela, Kristal's brow rose. "I'm assumin' ya needed me fer somethin' since ya were so quick ta pull me in here?"

The pretty Mexican woman eyed Kristal a little sheepishly. "Well..." Manuela was wringing her hands together nervously trying to find the right words to say.

"Yer not gettin' cold feet are ya?" Kristal queried her heart wrenching for Charlie, praying she was wrong.

"Que?" Confusion crossed Manuela's soft tanned face, "Oh no! Just all this wedding planning has me a little loco." The girl swirled her finger in circular motions to mimic her crazy day before waving her hand towards the egg shell colored dress. "My tia, she give me my abuelita's dress. It just needs to be altered. It too long. My Abuelita, she was taller than me."

"I cannot alter it, Manuela unless you put the dress on and stay still." The petite woman scolded while standing near the dress, hands on her plump hips She had similar features to Manuela, but with rounded cheeks.

"Sí. Lo siento, Ynez." Manuela was a bit scaterbrained it seemed and she turned to Kristal, holding her hand out as if to tell her to stay put. "Don't go anywhere, Krisita... I put this on and be right back." She retrieved her dress and then paused. "Oye, my mind, introductions! That is Ynez, she is mi prima. And that is Paulita, Pedro Maxwell's hermana and my childhood amiga." Once introducing everyone, she hurried behind a changing screen to pull on the wedding dress.

Turning to acknowledge both girls, Kristal nodded in greeting. The two of them appeared around her age, maybe a little younger, Kristal couldn't tell. "Pleasure ta meet'cha. I'm guessin' Manuela already told ya who I am."

The Maxwell sister nodded. "Kristal... or Krisita as Manuela calls you. You are amigos with Señor Charlie." The young woman then came a little closer, eyeing Kristal with great interest, "are you also amigos with Chivato?"

Blinking Kristal stepped back in surprise. The young woman was far too close for Kristal's liking. "I... uh... yeah, I am, I guess."

Paulita was about to ask her another question when Manuela brushed her aside, rounding the changing screen. "Cállate Paulita." The bride-to-be chastised before turning back to Kristal. "Lo siento, Krisita. She has crush on Billito. She knows him from when he work for Señor Maxwell. She not like him then, but now that he make name in the papers..." The woman shrugged and moved over to her cousin's side.

Manuela rolled her eyes giving the other girl a shake of her head. "... She know that he is said to be outlaw. Only her hermano not let her be with no white man or one with such a reputation as his, but Paulita not get it through her thick head," Manuela scolded.

"What's wrong with that? He is handsome, no? And what Pedro not know won't hurt him," Paulita said with a pout before turning back to Kristal. "If you his Amiga, would you ask him if he remembers me? I used to watch as he followed the vaqueros to work papa's cattle."

This was girl talk, Kristal assumed. And it made her feel out of place. She wasn't sure how to respond to any of them, least of all the Maxwell girl. Her gaze flickered over to Paulita and she frowned. She was pretty. Far prettier than her, or so Kristal thought. The girl wore a dress of red and yellow, the fabric costly. It sung of wealth. This girl came from a wealthy family. She didn't look like she wanted for anything and often got what she desired in one way or another.

Still, the girl's blatant fixation of Billy somewhat bothered her. Kristal had no idea why. But it left a sour taste in her mouth and her stomach felt odd. "I'm not sure I'm the one ya wanna be askin'. Billy an' I may be friends but we ain't..." She paused fiddling with the ends of her hair. "Well, we're not..."

How could she put this? "I don't talk to him much..." It was an effort to get out, but it was mostly the truth. She avoided Billy as much as she could, yet the boy always sought her out anyway. "We ain't really close..."

"Oh por favor senorita!" Paulita begged causing Manuela and even the quiet Ynez to roll their eyes. "I am dying to know if he remember me."

For some reason Kristal felt her stomach drop. How the hell had she been pushed into this situation? She didn't want to tell Billy anything. Mostly because that would mean seeking him out. The other part of her didn't like the idea for reasons she couldn't quite understand. It made her heart wrench and she didn't know why.

As Paulita batted those long dark lashes at her, Kristal's frown grew. How could she Tell Paulita no? Especially when she owed the Maxwells all her gratitude for allowing them to stay at their hacienda. They were getting free room and meals. Letting out a sigh, she relented."Tell ya what, I'll mention ya ta him. How's that?"

"I suppose that will have to suffice..." The girl did not sound convincing, if anything she sounded a little displeased. "You can also tell him I am not attached to anyone. And that I find him to be... muy guapo."

"Paulita!" Ynez chastised with wide eyes. "You are too forward!"

"Do not mind her Krisita." Manuela interrupted, coming over and grabbing her hand again. The young bride-to-be pulled her over to the mirror and stared at the blonde's reflection. "She go on and on about Chivato... you learn to ignore it."

"I heard that, Manuela. Don't be mean," Paulita mumbled under her breath.

The pretty bride-to-be rolled her eyes, ignoring the girl, and then turned away from the mirror to look Kristal in the eyes. "I want to ask you something. Something very important." She paused and bit her lip as if afraid to follow through with her question. She was afraid of how Kristal might react.

"Is somethin' wrong, Manuela?" Kristal asked pushing Paulita's smitten attitude out of her mind.

For the second time Kristal wondered if the woman was having second thoughts. But Manuela had already shot that down. So what else could it be?

"No! Nothing's wrong" Manuela quickly clarified with a wave of her hand. "I just worry is all..." Again she paused and then rambled out, "well... I was merely wondering... well... since you are one of señor Charlie's best friends... and you and I seem to be becoming amigas... Will you stand up with me, when I marry, mi amor?"

The blonde blinked. That had not been something she had thought Manuela would ask. She barely knew the woman. They had only met the day before. Granted, Manuela had made it her mission to seek her out last night after the proposal. The two had stayed up rather late the night before. After not being able to see Chavez, Kristal had run into Manuela and the girl asked her if they could talk for awhile. Their talk had lasted well into the night.

"Ya want me...? Why not yer cousin? Or uh... senorita Maxwell?" Kristal queried unable to keep herself from expressing her doubts. She was not one for fancy shindigs or parties. Plus didn't that mean she would need to wear a dress? That alone would be a hard no from her.

"Ynez is too shy. She too afraid to be in front of a lot of people. It make her sick. And Paulita afraid it will keep her from being married one day. Superstition drive that girl." The bride made a face at Paulita who shrugged back.

Manuela then linked her arm with Kristal's pulling her closer, and whispered in the blonde's ear."'Lita and I are amigas but we not so close... not like good amigas... not like I think you to be already."

Kristal sighed. Did that mean that her and Manuela were closer than her longtime friendship with Paulita? That was surprising but it also made Kristal feel kind of gratified. If she were being honest with herself, Manuela had quickly become a confidant. The woman was easy to talk to and she was an even better listener. A deep friendship could easily blossom between the two. Especially since Kristal already felt herself trusting the young señorita.

"You an' I we may not look alike, or dress alike, but we have similar heart." Manuela explained speaking from the heart. "We have like spirits. I would be forever honored and grateful if you would stand at my side when I marry Charlie. Por favor, mi Amiga? It would mean so much to me."

Opening her mouth to outright decline, Kristal immediately shut it. When she finally spoke up, she heard herself starting to give in but only if she didn't have to wear a dress. "I got nothin' ta wear. An' I ain't wearin' a dress. I don't do dresses, Manuela."

Manuela smiled, "I thought you might say that." Motioning to Ynez, the round girl came over with a tape measure. "She will take measurements and get you new clothes. They will be perfect for you, Krisita. And I promise... no dresses."

"Sí." Ynez's voice was soft as she spoke. "I have something already in mind. I just need to adjust and make it fit you perfectly. We not want it looking too big. You still should look like a woman, no?"

"Ynez is very good at sewing." Manuela smiled at Ynez praising her cousin's handiwork. "She can make new clothes too. Clothes that fit you, make you look like a woman should even when wearing pants and shirts." The woman was teasing her which was made evident by the added wink.

A smirk flickered at the edge of Kristal's face, "I think I look jus' fine thank ya kindly." She didn't mind playing along to Manuela's teasing.

"Oh you do, but Ynez can make you look even better." Manuela was grinning at her blonde friend.

"Fine... I can't say no ta knew clothes. Long as it ain't no dress or skirts..." Kristal wrinkled her nose at the mere idea. "This might come as a surprise, but I do like new clothes. Jus' nothin' flashy. I aint the sort that likes ta stand out."

The bride-to-be giggled, "so I've noticed. But if you are going to stand up with me, it might need to be a little... pretty, no?"

Ynez nodded in agreement. "Yes! It only right to look nice. And it will" Though she understood Kristal's dislike too. Approaching the blonde, Ynez measured Kristal's waist, arms, legs, and chest. Mentally, she stored the numbers and then moved over to her cousin to start tailoring the wedding dress.

Not about to be undone, Paulita approached Kristal. Even though she refused to stand up with Manuela she could still be a part of the wedding in some way. "If you are to stand up with Manuela, I can fix your hair."

"Why? 'Somethin' wrong with it?" Kristal queried, concern lighting her eyes.

"Lita, don't scare Krisita like that! " Manuela chastised.

A frown appeared on Paulita's pouty lips, "no! There nothing wrong. Lo siento... I just mean, I can put it up so it look even more bonita." Reaching out, she carefully curled a strand of Kristal's long locks around her finger. "As a young girl, I would always style the other niñas hair. Didn't I Manuela?"

The bride glanced over at the two and nodded. "Sí, she does a very good job." The bride to be easily agreed, knowing how talented Paulita was.

A sigh exited Kristal's lips. No one had ever touched her hair before... except White Dove. And that was only to mark her as one of the tribe.

"I suppose. If ya want. I ain't ever done much with it, except put it in a pony tail or braid." Kristal shook her head and looked over at herself in the mirror, watching the girl fiddle with her long blonde locks. "We got the rest o' today I guess. I ain't got no plans. Ya can start thinkin' what yer gonna do." Kristal said with a shrug.

"W-would you mind," Paulita started to ask and then paused a little hesitant. This blonde woman was kind of intimidating. "If I brush your hair and play with it? Might help give me ideas."

Paulita's request took Kristal by surprise, "play with it?" When Paulita nodded eagerly, Kristal took off her hat and hung it on the corner of a chair. "Well, I guess it wouldnt hurt..."

The girl squealed and motioned for Kristal to sit in a chair. Pulling a brush from a drawer, she began to gently work the bristles through the woman's long blonde hair.

"Your hair is lovely and long. Like golden water." Paulita breathed running her hand through Kristal's golden locks. "Has it always been this long?"

"I cut it once, when I was 8. Jus' a little above m' shoulders. Thought it'd make me seem more like a boy." Kristal admitted feeling a little awkward with Paulita brushing her hair. This was not a normal thing for her. She never had a mother who brushed her hair. Just Belle who yanked a brush through her hair and called it good.

"Why would you want to do that?" Ynez queried as she pinned part of the dress. "Your hair, it so pretty. Remind me of the sun."

Breathing a large sigh, Kristal almost shook her head and then stopped remembering Paulita was doing her hair. "Well, it was easier when I was a kid. Nobody bothered me as much thinking I was a boy."

"Didn't you want to be niña?" Paulita questioned, finding the blonde's thinking to be odd.

"Course I did. I just didn't want the boys teasing me for being a girl an' dressin' like I did. Plus the adults tended to ignore me as a boy... made it easier." Kristal explained with a half shrug. "Course my hair grew fast though. By the end of the year it was already at the middle of my back again. And Belle, m' ma... She forbid me to cut it again."

Ynez's eyes went wide, "you've never cut it since?"

Kristal chuckled, "I trim it here and there. But not as much anymore. I kinda like it now..."

This time it was Paulita who spoke up, "it muy bonita. It make you look more feminine than you do in those clothes."

"Paulita!" Manuela scolded catching onto the off handed insult.

"It's fine..." Kristal said with a wave of her hand, not caring if the woman didn't like how she dressed. "I know I ain't very feminine... never was. It didn't fit with my lifestyle and I've grown accustomed to it." Green eyes flickered to Paulita, "I'm happy bein' me though."

Paulita shrugged, as if she didn't care either way, "that is what matters then, no?" As she brushed the woman's hair, she hit a snag. Searching for it, Paulita's eyes widened. "What is this?"

Kristal's eyes lifted to the mirror and a faint smile appeared on her lips. "A totem, a mark of the Indian tribe I used to be a part of... that I belong to."

"You are part of an Indian tribe?" Paulita dropped her hair as if she was afraid to touch it again. "But you are white woman. Don't they kill or rape white women?"

The faint smile on Kristal's face disappeared, replaced by a frown. "Not all tribes are the same. I was partially raised by my tribe. I know the language and despite me being a woman and white skinned, they accepted me. It took a lot for me to prove my worth to them. And when I did, they gave me this."

"I think it's beautiful." Manuela said with a warm smile. "Do you wear it always?"

Kristal shrugged, "yeah... I only take it off when I bathe..." It was a piece of her but Paulita acted like it was offensive. "Would ya rather me not wear it?" If it offended them, maybe she shouldn't be in the wedding.

The weaving of the leather, beads, and feather were intricately woven into her hair. Every time she took it out and put it back in, it was a lengthy process. And each piece held a meaning, but she wasn't willing to share any of that with anyone.

"Well, I think you should take it out. People might get the wrong idea." The Maxwell girl looked at it like it was a snake about to bite her. "And it make it harder to do your hair." Paulita said, moving her arm forward to take it out with a look of disgust on her face.

Kristal's hand went around Paulita's wrist so fast, the girl gasped. The girls hand was forced to stop inches away from the ornamental hair totem. "I don't let anyone touch it, let alone take it off. Leave it alone. I'm allowin' ya to style my hair, but if it needs ta come out then I'm afraid that ain't happenin'."

"But..." Paulita began trying to talk sense into the blonde.

"It is fine, Lita," the bride to be intervened. "It make Krisita who she is. She not need to change that for my wedding or anyone else." Manuela told the Maxwell girl, her voice stern, standing up for her new amiga.

Relief filled Kristal. She didn't want to start any conflict, but the totem was a part of her. Sacred in her eyes and meaningful.

"I would love to hear more about this tribe you belong to sometime, Krisita." Manuela added, eager to learn more about her new friend.

"Maybe one of these days," Kristal told the girl with a hint of a smile on her face. "It's a long story an' not one I'm willin' ta share jus' yet."

"Fair enough." The bride to be nodded as she turned to the side at Ynez's behest.

Paulita rolled her eyes and moved back to the blondes hair. She didn't really want to touch the Indian totem, but she would force herself.

Sectioning off her hair, Paulita had grown tired of talking about Kristal and quickly switched the conversation to something more relevant, "I hope Chivato remember me. Maybe we go to the wedding together."

There it was again, that damned pang in her heart. Why did it happen every time Paulita mentioned Billy? Kristal almost wanted to search her feelings and figure out what the hell was going on with her but then decided not to. This was Billy... There was nothing there. He drove her crazy.

And yet the kiss they shared had warmed her very soul.

"Krisita?" Manuela's voice called out for the third time, concern on her face. "Are you alright? "

Jolted out of her thoughts, Kristal sighed. "Oh, sorry Manuela... Jus' thinkin'... What'd you say?" Kristal asked focusing her attention back to the women in the room.

"I asked..." Ynez began shyly, asserting that she was the one who had tried to get Kristal's attention at first. "Will you be taking any of those handsome niños with you to the wedding?" The plump girl blushed and hid her face behind Manuela's dress as if she were embarrassed by her own question.

"Um, no... It'll be jus' me." Kristal stated confused by the girls question.

"Oh..." The shy girl began softly. "So the other niños not have anyone they are going with?" Ynez queried, her voice gradually becoming softer and more quiet.

"No...? I don't think so." Kristal drawled slowly, her confusion growing. "They're all free I suppose."

"Oh! I so hope Billito will go with me then!" Paulita squealed, as she worked on Kristal's hair. "I don't know why he wouldn't. I hear he a ladies man... he can be my man."

"Paulita!" Both Manuela and Ynez cried out again in shock at their friends brazen words.

Kristal's brows furrowed, however, and she stared at the ground. This was getting ridiculous! Why did her heart wrench every time Paulita mentioned Billy? It made no sense to her.

"Are you okay, Krisita?" Manuela asked noticing her friends frown.

"I... uh... yeah. Jus' gettin' a bit of a headache." Kristal admitted, which wasn't a lie. Her head was starting to throb.

"Paulita! Stop pulling her hair so hard." Manuela called out to the girl styling Kristal's hair. "You're giving her a headache."

"Oh? Lo siento, Krisita... I not mean to hurt you... " Paulita began, pining another strand of Kristal's hair. "I am almost done anyway."

Closing her eyes, Kristal spoke up, remembering Ynez's question. The girl had asked for a reason. "Why were you askin' if the boys were goin' with anyone to the wedding?"

Again, Ynez grew shy and hid her face behind Manuela's dress. Only her eyes and the top of her head could be seen. "Well... I like the niño... the one that has lighter hair and eyes... He uh... I don't think he talk much." The young woman then blushed, " he spit a lot... Like alpaca."

That last piece of description had Kristal gaping at the girl. Was she serious? " Steve?! Ya like Steve?" That surprised the hell out of her. But to each their own, she supposed. "I'm pretty sure he don't have a girl an' I bet he'd love to go with ya Ynez. He's a little awkward though... Jus' so ya know. "

The plump, busty girl blinked and smiled. "Really?" The girl looked so happy to hear Kristal say that. "I am awkward too. It is okay."

Kristal chuckled a little seeing the girl's reaction. It was honestly kinda adorable and she had a feeling Steve would be flattered, "I know you're shy, but just go up to him an' ask. I bet he'll agree."

"I-I might then... Maybe... If I can work up the courage." The girl muttered as she pinned another part of Manuela's dress.

Kristal could understand Ynez's nervousness. Well, kinda. She had always been pretty bold in speaking her mind. But when it came to awkward feelings, it made things more difficult. She understood that part at least.

As Kristal waited for Paulita to finish her hair, her headache continued to grow more irritating, so she became quiet. All Kristal wanted to do was get out of there and maybe go lay down somewhere.

"And I am done!" Paulita said without warning with a bright grin on her pretty face. She was proud of her handiwork.

Turning to look at herself in the mirror, Kristal's brows lifted in surprise. Rows of small braids were twisted together and pulled back to form a longer braid that was curled into a low bun at the nape of her neck. Kristal didn't know what to say.

"The bun is low so you can still wear your hat, but you should feel cooler in the heat of the day too. I hope you like it." Paulita said admiring her own work. "I think it turn out quite well."

Manuela turned and a bright smile appeared on her lips. "What I tell you. Paulita is a wonder with hair. You look muy bonita, Krisita. Very much like... woman."

To the right of the bride to be, Ynez nodded, her cheeks still red from blushing before. "Muy bonita." The girls words could barely be heard on the other side of Manuela.

"Well, damn..." Kristal finally said and nodded. "Thank ya kindly, Senorita Maxwell. I appreciate it."

Paulita waved away her gratitude, "no need to thank me. Just be here early tomorrow. I have idea for your hair for the wedding. It will make you look lovely."

Retrieving her hat, Kristal started to place it on her head and stopped. Maybe she would leave it off for a while. "I'll remember. I should get going though." Her headache was still throbbing even after Paulita finished with her hair. It was becoming a nuisance.

"Aww, you not stay for lunch?" Manuela asked.

"I would love to, but I got some things I gotta do." Mostly she just wanted to lay down for a little bit in the hopes that her headache would go away. "I'll be back in the mornin'. I promise. Evenin' ladies."

Kristal nodded to the three women and exited the room to the walkway outside. The sun was high in the sky and bright. Taking a deep breath, Kristal hurried back to her room to rest in the hopes of getting rid of her headache.