First Love Bites the Bullet
Disclaimer: A cute short story. Enjoy.
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After pulling on her socks, she grabbed her boots. Standing, she stomped down just like she had watched her father do for years. A grin broke out on her face at the soft jangling of the newly attached spurs. She loved the happy sound they made as she strode around the room. Returning her features to a more serious set, she gave herself a once over in the mirror. Her light blue eyes sparkled with happiness. The solid feel of boots on her feet made her feel stronger, taller; although she was taller than most girls her age.
Her hair was mussed. She ran a hand through the blonde locks, pushing it backward. She stared at her image as the unruly curls sprang back naturally. She growled.
Today was important. It was the day of all days. Today was the showdown. She clipped the six-shooter gun belt around her waist and frowned at the loud ominous `click'.
The guns felt heavy but comfortable. She ran her hands over the ivory butts and then gave a quick practice draw. Her fingers found the triggers in seconds. She looked at herself once more in the mirror. The light seemed to dim from her eyes when she realized today she might die. Her guns slid back into the holster, silently, soberly.
Reaching over, she grasped the hat that hung from the bedpost. With a slight tuck here and there, her curling hair was wrangled beneath the shaped felt. As she looked in the mirror, she thought vainly, “Yes, I look good in a hat.” The corner of her impish pink lips gave a twitch upward at the thought. A full-blown smile rose as she let the swiftly running stream of ideas she'd been thinking lately rise once again. “Am I good look'en enough to catch that young school teacher’s eye? Will she even be out watching today? Gosh, she is really pretty.”
Dana struggled with the growing feelings inside. She liked the way this girl looked at her. She liked the way she felt when they looked at each other. Maybe it was silly, but, what if it wasn’t? Not really in the mood to get unfocussed before a big fight, she grabbed the last item of her wardrobe and flung the duster over her shoulders. Internally, she felt a moment of fear wondering if all good cowboys really do get the girl in the end.
Her boots made a clink with each step as she walked down the hall and out through the side door. Her horse, Beauty, was right where she had left him tied to the rail, waiting patiently. She let her eyes rise upward toward the hot sun then back down. It was almost time.
Untying the stallion, she hooked her foot in the stirrup and lifted herself onto the horse’s back. A soft `snicker' was her welcome. She patted his stiff hair and mentally promised a good rub down if she was still around later.
As she rode around the small shack she called home, the buildings parted to show the main street of the town. Walking slowly, she eyed the buildings suspiciously. She avoided the main thoroughfare and rode along beside the pedestrian paths.
The tiny hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as, almost simultaneously, she saw the two people she sought. The young school teacher was sitting on her porch across the empty street enjoying the day. Dana tried not to stare and found herself grinning anyway. Her grin faded when the tall figure of her enemy stepped out directly into her path.
She reigned in her horse and gave the evil cowboy a glare.
"Get down off that horse you skunk smell'n cheater!" Her enemy yelled, calling her out. She had known this would happen when she beat the scoundrel at cards the previous night. Sliding off the horse, she walked him over to a rail and tied him up. Patting him, she gave a sideways glace at the school teacher and noted she was watching with interest.
Now was the time. Turning, she gave the nasty cowboy her biggest frown.
`Nobody calls me a skunk smell'n cheater. Them's fight'n words."
Dana watched as her enemy moved into the position of a shoot out. The jacket was thrown back over one hip to reveal a gun. Dana winced knowing she might have to kill or be killed. She growled low and mean, like a lion ready to pounce.
Stomping over to her own shootout position, she dramatically tossed her duster back behind her gun.
"This town aint big enough for the both of us," Dana yelled and the enemy nodded and growled back.
The tense atmosphere became almost unbearable until Dana saw the first motion from her enemy’s hands. She quickly drew, aimed, and fired. The puffy cloud of smoke cleared to show the enemy clutching her stomach. There was an awkward lurch to the right…then the left….then a beseeching hand forward toward Dana along with an agonized groan. Dana frowned down at the wretched creature she had just shot.
"I'm dying! Get the preacher! Give me last rites!"
Dana saw the young school teacher across the way gasp in horror. Quickly, she moved a few steps forward to whisper a message to the enemy.
"Go ahead and die, Mama. Katie is getting upset. She might think you're really hurt."
Dana's mother bit her lip to stifle the smile and suddenly slumped into final death. Dana was about to turn and get her horse when her mother suddenly whispered.
"I'll make you two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Just yell when you want me to set them up on the back porch."
"You're the best, Mama." Dana grabbed her stick pony Beauty and straddled it, galloping next door to Katie's, her new boots clip-clopping almost like horse hooves. She was grinning the entire way.
The End
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