𝘍𝘖𝘙𝘎𝘐𝘝𝘌𝘕𝘌𝘚𝘚 𝘈𝘕𝘋 𝘙𝘌𝘛𝘙𝘐𝘉𝘜𝘛𝘐𝘖𝘕 | ʀᴅʀ

Chapter Twenty-Three

Rosalie sputtered. "Dutch, I only know swear words in Spanish. I don't think that's going to help him. Besides, that little girl knew German! German and Spanish are not the same language last time I checked!" She argued, feeling as though she was being put on the spot here.

Rosalie had no idea how to speak Spanish. Sure, there were a few things Isabella taught her many years ago, but they were useless as far as it went trying to teach someone English! She taught Annie no problem because they already had a language in common. With Javier, they didn't share any of the same vocabulary—-at least, not really. She didn't think hijo de puta would be the best thing to say upon a first meeting.

"We don't want him around the women. At least, not alone. Not yet." Arthur said as he pat Copper's head. "We can't babysit him right now. Dutch has got this train robbery lined up and he needs us to check in on it."

Rosalie scoffed. "What, are you saying that I'm not a woman?"

Arthur threw his hand up. "C'mon now, you know that ain't what I meant. You're different from them—" He said, gesturing in the direction of the women's tents where Abigail and Karen were washing clothes.

"Different, because you don't see me as a woman!" Rosalie snapped.

Hosea and Dutch grimaced, exchanging a look as the two bickered. Javier looked as confused as ever, his gaze darting between Arthur and Rosalie, paying very close attention to the irritated expression she wore, her cheeks turning bright red from Arthur digging his fingers into her insecurities.

"That ain't what I said!" Arthur argued, his voice getting louder. Copper yipped.

Rosalie waved him off and tossed her cigarette to the ground, before squishing it under her boot. "No, no. I heard you loud and clear, Mr. Morgan. Don't you worry. I'll take care of Javier and do my womanly duties, as apparently I'm the only person who can do that, even though I'm not a woman in your eyes." She said bitterly, coming around the table to stand beside Javier, who was still silently watching the conversation, his eyes darting between the pair.

She looked at Javier and waved her hand, beckoning him to follow as she began to walk away. "Come on, Javier."

He didn't move, staring at her retreating figure, before glancing over at Dutch, seeming to be waiting for his encouragement, as he had little concept of what was going on right now, or even why Rosalie and Arthur were arguing. For all he knew, the pair were fighting because of something he did.

Dutch nodded and gestured in Rosalie's direction, who had stopped at Pearson's wagon and was filling a bucket of water along with grabbing a few medical supplies.

"Go on, son." He said.

"O-Okay. " Javier stuttered with a nod, getting to his feet and walking after her.

Mac rubbed the back of his neck as he watched Javier go. He looked over at Arthur with a grimace. "You always say jus' the right things to make her mad, don't you, friend?" He said, his brow inching into his hairline.

Arthur sighed and rested his elbow on the table, rubbing his brow bone as he tried to ward off an oncoming headache. "Dontchu' start with me too. I ain't in the mood for funny business no more."

Hosea patted Arthur on the back as he stood from the table. "Bickering like an old married couple, as per usual, Arthur! I would suggest though, that in the future, you don't berate her for her gender... she is a woman, you know."

"Bah, shuddup," Arthur grumbled, waving him off with the hand that wasn't still rubbing his forehead.

Dutch scoffed, watching Rosalie walk off with the bucket filled with soapy water, Javier following her. He crossed his arms and gave Arthur a disapproving look. "Now she's gonna be crabby all evening. Good going."