Busted Gulch vol 7

Confessions (Ruechari)

Confessions

With Billy's decision to go after Rue

Left me with little to do.

I decided to head back to town

And noticed the fire had died down.

It looked like it was nearly out

But I couldn't find Brody or Buck about.

3Gun said Bruce was found

He was buried underground

I couldn't help but smirk and stare.

"Ummm... you have some pink lipstick,"

I pointed to his cheek, "right there."

He grumbled and wiped it with his sleeve

I took that as my cue to leave.

I went to Doc's to see if I could help

When I got there I didn't know how I felt

Buck was nearly hugged by some girl

Seems there was a mystery to unfurl

Buck said, "No. That he had someone."

I could feel his eyes one me,

And was nearly undone.

"Buck, that's Shamus McGinty's wife!"

Her eyes were wide.

Guess I should intervene

Though it would sting my pride.

I hear her say, "She's ... a woman like me?"

Buck's surprise was easy to see.

I half thought to walk away.

But instead

Chose to stay.

"You two seem awful close?

Is she a friend?"

"This is Annie,

She's a... friend

of Bruce."

He did amend.

"How can you be so sure?

Do you even know who she's here for?"

"I am here for Bruce,"

Annie said to me.

I stared at her but

Said, "I see."

"So who's the better kisser, Buck or Bruce?"

It was time for a moment of truth.

"I really can't say."

"Have you kissed her?"

I looked Buck's way.

"I um... yes."

It was no more than I already guessed.

So, I say with a hurtful grin,

"Then I would hazard a guess

You're actually in love with THIS twin."

"Good luck you two

Figuring this out.

She's a great girl

I have no doubt."

I walked away

But Buck had more to say.

"She is but I care about you."

"That may change now that she's here.

She just scared and confused."

"She's in love with my brother!"

"That's what she may think

but it's you that kissed her

Not the other."

I shrug.

"Perhaps it's for the best

that this ends

There's no more need for pretend."

"Pretend? I don't have feelings for Annie.

How much clearer can I be?"

"It doesn't matter. I have to go."

He spun me around and said, "No!

Argh! What I do I have to do

To get through to you!"

He kisses me hard.

"Damn it, Lou! I'm in love with you!"

I blink. 

It was something I wished

I could believe.

But the truth was

he didn't know me.

However he did insist

But I wondered if this ideal of his

Even exists.

"That may be how you feel,

But it can't possibly be real."

The confusion made my head ache

It was too much to take.

"Please, let me go."