TWO LONELY PEOPLE (Part One)a

The idea for this story came from the song, "Two Less Lonely People" by Air Supply. As has happened so often, this story seemed to write itself. It is much longer than I intended, and it needed something more to be complete. So, I am writing it in two parts. So many thanks to my wonderful Beta, Dodge City Angel, for all her hard work, encouragement, and friendship.

,

REFERENCE: "Kite's Reward", Season One, Episode Eight

CHAPTER ONE

The stagecoach lurched to a stop, awakening the pretty young redhead with the deep blue eyes. Looking out the side window, all she saw was gray skies, dirty streets, and falling rain. The driver told the passengers to get something to eat before they continued on their journey.

As she slid off her seat, she looked at the muddy streets and watched the other passengers wade through the mud to a café across the way. Wrapping her cloak around her and lifting her skirts, the titian-haired beauty tried to decide what would be the best way to get across the street with the least damage to her clothing.

As she slogged to the other side of the street, she noticed her shoes were caked with mud. Tapping them on the side of the boardwalk, she heard her stomach rumble. It had been a long time between meals. The window of the eating place was steamed up and the young lady couldn't see whether it was full of people.

Walking carefully, she opened the door and the sounds of clanging utensils, conversations, and waiters taking orders filled her ears. She picked a small table near the back and ordered oatmeal and a cup of black coffee. It was important to be careful with what little money she had left.

As passengers were starting to head back to the stagecoach, a very tall, handsome young man came through the door. Many of the people in the restaurant smiled at him or greeted him. The shapely young female stopped eating, spoon in the air, as she stared at the good-looking stranger. There was certainly something about him that caught her attention. When she saw the size of the breakfast he ordered, she was even more amazed. Something - she wasn't sure what - made her look twice, and she was intrigued. However, she didn't want him to catch her eyes on him, especially since he wasn't paying any attention to her.

The driver came in, announcing that they would be leaving in about ten minutes. The redhead hesitated, arguing with herself about whether to stay in this dirty, dusty town or go on to an unknown destination. What she had not expected was the pull she felt toward this stranger.

In her profession, it didn't pay to get emotionally involved with men. After all, she was running away from an abusive situation. At the youthful age of 19, there had already been too many men in too many places. It was time to change her life. Once she was free of Abilene, she had decided it was time for a fresh start - if possible.

She stole a look at the tall stranger one more time. He had not glanced her way. He didn't even know she was alive. The young woman got up and headed over to the stage office. The driver was nervously pacing back and forth. Hurrying through the mud caused her ankle to twist. As she almost reached her destination, her leg went out from under her. A strong pair of hands reached out and pulled her back up. Out of breath, she looked into the kindest gray eyes. A gentle voice said, "Steady there, young lady."

"Thank you," she sighed, leaning against the older man.

As she began to limp away, the gentleman remarked, "I'm the town doctor. I think I better have a look at that ankle."

"Oh, I… " she began.

The physician took her arm firmly. "Just relax, miss. Here comes my friend Chester. He can help me get you into the stage office."

The gentleman called the young man over and they helped the redhead to a chair. "I'll miss my stage," she protested.

"Where are you going?" the doctor asked.

In a tremulous voice, she admitted, "I'm not sure." The doctor settled it for her. "Then you can stay here for a while until I'm sure your ankle is alright. You can see it's getting swollen and discolored."

He instructed Chester to tell the driver, Jim, to take her luggage off the stage. The young woman noticed the man named Chester walked with a limp, but he moved quickly. He was polite and had a kind face.

Placing her cases next to her, he said quietly, "Here's your things, ma'am. Ah'm Chester Goode. Ah work for the marshal. This here is Doc Adams. Dohn let him scare ya none."

"Chester," Doc remonstrated, "don't YOU scare this lovely young lady."

Looking slightly abashed, Chester replied, "Ah wasn't doin' nuthin', Doc. Ah was jus' tryin' ta help."

Ignoring him, Doc swiped his finger across his moustache and examined her ankle once more. "As you can see, it is getting even puffier." She winced when he put pressure on it. "Chester, I think we need to get this young woman over to Ma Smalley's."

"Ma Smalley's?" she asked, her eyes opening wide.

"It's a very nice boarding house and she'll take very good care of you. I'll get my buggy and we'll take you over there."

Pulling away, the young redhead asked, "Is she expensive?"

"Not Ma. She's a real nice lady," Chester added.

Driving up in his buggy, the medical man queried, "By the way, what is your name?"

Slightly flustered, the young woman apologetically replied, "I am so sorry, Doctor Adams. My name is Kitty... Kitty Russell."

"It's just plain Doc. Now let's get you settled so you can rest that ankle."

Reluctantly, Miss Russell allowed them to help her into the buggy. As they made their way to the boarding house, she looked around for the tall, handsome young man from the café. Sadly, he was nowhere in sight.