She found a lot of interesting items there - old books, letters, tied together with discolored ribbon , photo album…Bridget didn't aware how much time she spent on the garret. But when she saw the darkened sky through the small window, she thought that her parents must be worried about her disappearance . They both were moody for few last weeks, and she didn't want to make them angry.
Bridget tried to go downstairs as quiet as she could, but when she passed the second floor, she suddenly felt somebody's hand grabbed her shoulder.
This was her father, but she'd never seen him like this. His eyes were furious and his face was garbled with a spiteful grimace.
WHY DO YOU SPY ON ME? - he yelled on her.
I…I didn't, - Bridget whispered, - I swear, I didn't…
Father was always strict with her, but now he looked so terrible, as if he's out of his mind.
He squeezed her shoulder again: Look on me, you, rotten child! If you'd ever spy on me - I 'LL KILL YOU!!!
Bridget stood frozen in horror, when she noticed a knife in his free hand. Now she believed he can kill her.
Instinctively she moved back, lost her balance and rolled down . Father looked as she landed, his face was emotionless. Then he slowly went downstairs and left.
Bridget waited few minutes, while the door closed behind him, and tried to get up. She felt a throbbing pain in her back, but walked to her room and locked the door.
Next morning Ms Filbern (she was Bridget governess) opened the door with her key.
Ms. Hunter, - she said, - there is no any reason to lock your door. Anyway, you need to dress and go visit your father. He 's waiting …
Bridget remembered his mad eyes and the knife in his hand…He was going to kill her yesterday, and she was sure, he will do it now…
I don't want, - she muttered, - I can't… You MUST, - Ms. Filbern insisted, - you must be obedient, young lady…
Bridget began to dress with trembling hands. She got up, but her legs didn't obey her, and she slumped on the floor..
Ms. Hunter, - Ms. Filbern said coldly, - these tricks wouldn't help you. Get up and follow me!
Bridget tried to get up again, but she couldn't. She couldn't even move her legs anymore…
Now the governess frightened and ran for Bridget's parents. They called for their family physician, and he told she broke her spine…
Since that day I'm sitting in this wheel-chair..- Bridget finished- but, please, don't tell anybody else, even Grandma…
Did you ever tried to talk with your Ma? - Michaela asked
I did once…But she didn't believe me. She said father never could do something like this…but I'd seen it! He tried to avoid me since this time, but I always was scared that he would do it again anytime.
Buddy, you're safe here, - Sully said with a great effort to stay calm. - You can live here as long as you want.
I'm worry for Ma, - Bridget sadly answered, - if she would stay with him …
Michaela and Sully look to each other in puzzlement… Cloud Dancing was right, - Michaela finally said, - the problem is not in your spine and legs…If you will find strength enough to overcome your fear, you'll have a chance.
But how I can do it? - Bridget desperately looked at her.
We'll help you, - Sully promised.
What do you think? - Sully asked Michaela later, - How about her chances?
I don't know. She went through the great fear, and that's why her legs don't obey her.
But, if her spine doesn't broken, she would recover with time…
Perhaps…There is no any statistic yet, but some physicians affirm that the next awful or shocking experience could fix this kind of psychological trauma. It's just a hypotheses, however.
But it's dangerous for her. If her father is crazy, she can't be safe anyway.
We need to talk with Bridget's mother. She is the only one who could explain all…
We gave Buddy our word, - Sully reminded , - If we wouldn't, I'd better return to England and kill him…But we can't break our promise.
Well…perhaps I'll try to ask her to allow me to talk with her mother, not now, just with time…
She can stay here as long as she wants, - Sully suggested, - I like to chat with her, and hope she also likes it…
Sully, - Michaela suddenly said, looking at him with concern, - seems, she…she loves you.
I'm glad to hear it. I love her too, as if she'd be my daughter…
But Michaela shook her head: No, it's not what I mean. Seems, her feeling to you is different…Do you remember Colleen, when she was about 14?
Sully looked at her helplessly : It's ridiculous…I'm her uncle.
You're her hero at first, - Michaela objected.
Sully sighed heavily: Oh, no…I don't want to push her away…
You don't need to push her away, but you must be careful with it, and try to talk with her in a right time…
Sully sighed again: Well… I'll try. But at first we need to help her to find her way again.
Buddy, can I leave you here alone for the short time?-
Michaela asked,- I need to visit a patient urgently, and Robert E. didn't repair our wagon yet. I thought Sully would be back by now, but he's late…
Don't worry, Dr. Mike, - Bridget answered, - sure, I'll stay here by myself. I'll write something in my diary.
Fine, - Michaela pleased, - Sully will be here very soon. Please tell him to take Katie from Grace and bathe her. I'll tell him…see you!
When Michaela left, Bridget tried to write to her diary, but wrote just a few lines. Then she began to think about that Dr. Mike told her some days ago.
"I can't walk because of my fear, - she told herself, - I can't move my legs while I'm scared, so I need to stop it. I don't want to be scared anymore! I don't want…"
The front door suddenly opened by the kicking of somebody's heavy boot, and two ruffians rushed into the homestead. One of them put his revolver near Bridget's head and yelled: Just a sound from you - and you're dead!
The second robber opened the wardrobes and threw all the clothes out of it.
Hey, what are you doing? - Bridget outraged ,but the first robber covered her mouth with his dirty palm: Shut up, or you'd feel sorry you're still alive!
She already feels sorry, Amos, - said the second nodding to her wheel chair He began to stuff their saddlebags., and didn't pay any attention on Bridget.
My…my uncle and brothers will be here very soon, - she said, - and then you'll spend the rest of your life in jail.
Amos grinned: We're not going to wait for them! He opened the door, but the second robber suddenly stopped him:
Hey, Amos - the girl! Kill her!
I never killed kids, Sam, -Amos muttered. He lingered, and Bridget dared to speak again:
If you'd try to kill me, they'll hear the gunshot, and find you…Live me be, and I'll say nothing about you…
We'll take her! - Sam decided.
Bridget didn't resist. While the robbers took the supplies, she had few seconds to write in her diary:
"I WAS KIDNAP. HELP…" - Amos returned, and Bridget closed her notebook and let it in her chair, silently praying that Sully would look into it…
The robber push his Colt to Bridget's ribs, and took her out of the chair…
Soon they left town, and rode west… After an hour of riding Bridget removed her ribbon and throw it on the ground while Amos didn't look at her. She hoped, it will help Sully and Wolf to find her…
Bridget didn't know, how long they were riding, it seemed to her, that Sully would never find her there. Finally, the robbers stopped and began to build the fire.
Amos released Bridget's hands and put her on the grass. They didn't pay much attention on her - she couldn't run away. The robbers ate, then sat on the log, and puffed their cigars.
What are you going to do now? - Amos asked, nodding to Bridget.
Kill her. - Sam answered - Or just leave here. The wolves and coyotes will do this job…
What if somebody will find her?- Amos objected
You're joking! They need to be damned Injun to find anybody in these woods!
("You don't know Sully" - Bridget thought vindictively . )
What if we take a ransom for her? - Amos offered
Sam just laughed: Just look at her. Nobody will pay for the cripple.
We can try, - Amos insisted, - We can kill her any time, if it doesn't work.
While they argued, Bridget crawled away a little. There was the reason - she noticed something moving through the bush.
She barely uttered the scream of joy, when she saw Sully and Wolf hidden there…Sully put his finger on his lips, Bridget nodded, and lifted two fingers, showing him there are two robbers.
Amos and Sam stopped arguing , and Bridget urgently returned to her place.
Where you're going? - they yelled at her.
I..I need…- she muttered, - please, would you carry me there, to this bush?
Amos unwillingly got up, and walked to her, while Sam put out the fire.
Turn away, please, - Bridget asked, when the robber carried her to the bush.- turn away, I'm ashamed…
Amos didn't realize any trick in her words, and obeyed. He couldn't even aware what happened, as Sully jumped on him from the bush. Within a minute the robber laid on the ground motionless. Wolf stood near, showing his teeth and growling softly.
Sully leaned to Bridget: Are you OK?- he asked with concern, momentarily losing his vigilance. He turned back as soon as he heard the moving behind him - but it was too late.
Sam pushed him down by his fist, but lost his balance and tumbled himself. They began to fight. Bridget watched their fighting, and it was clear for her that the robber will win this battle.
She saw that Sully was hurt, the was a wound on his forehead bleeding badly. The blood didn't allow him to see his rival clearly. Besides, Sam was bigger and stronger than Sully. Bridget crawled to them and grabbed Sam for his ankle. He threw her away as a feature.
As she landed, she suddenly noticed that she's laying right near Amos' horse, and there 's a rifle sticks up from the saddlebag. She sat up and tried to reach it, but she couldn't… Bridget looked at the fight again. She felt a touch of icy horror as she saw that Sam took the knife from his boot and lifted it…
Bridget didn't even aware how she jumped up on her feet, snatched away the rifle from the saddlebag, cocked a gun and shouted: Don't move - or I'll shoot you dead!
The robber turned away instinctively, and Sully momentarily used his linger. He grabbed the robber's hand and push him with all his strength. Sam lost his balance and slumped down. He hit his head upon the stone as he fell and stayed on the ground unconscious .
Sully stood up taking his breathe and then run to Bridget. She was still standing, holding a rifle.
Buddy! - Sully said quietly,- I can't believe…It's a miracle…You did it! You did it and save my life!
He hugged her tightly and caught her as she finally fell down - there was no much strength in her legs.
Now she understood what's happened, and suddenly began to cry. I don't know how I did it, - she muttered, - I was scared.. I was afraid he'll kill you.
Sully wiped the tears from her cheeks: Don't cry, Buddy. It happens - you'll walk again! Do you feel your legs?
She tried to move it. It was not easy, but she could do it. Then she felt something else - a pain in her ankle, where was a large bruise. Bridget had some bruises before, when she fell from her chair, but she didn't feel the pain . Now she enjoyed it…
Sully smiled at her, his blue eyes shined with joy: Fine! I'm very proud of you!
She leaned her head against his shoulder and thought she could stay like this forever…
But Sully stood up and said: Buddy, wait for few minutes, I need to tie up these guys, while they can't fight…I'll ask Daniel to put them to jail…
Bridget suddenly remembered that he was hurt, and look at him with concern: Sully, you're bleeding…
It's nothing, - he said, wiping the blood from his forehead, - just a scratch…
He tied up the robbers before they regained consciousness, and then put Bridget on the horse's back in front of him. Let's go home! We have a good news for them!
A few hours later they stopped to take some water. Bridget slumped to the creek, and filled the canteen.
When she returned, she saw Sully sitting on the log, his eyes closed, and his face unusually pale.
Sully, are you OK? - Bridget worried.
I'm fine, -he answered, - it's time to go.
He tried to stand up, but reached up his hands to his head and winced in pain.
You're not OK, - Bridget said, looking with sympathy, - Perhaps, you need some more time to rest…
No, - he protested, - It's just a headache, nothing serious. I want to be home before night.
Let me bandage your head, -she asked, - you're still bleeding.
Thank you, - he agreed, and she pulled off a piece of her petticoat and bandaged his head, trying to do it as gently as she could.
Then they moved again., and reached the town in gloaming. There was a small crowd near the sheriff's office, the townsfolk were going to form the searching group. Bridget noticed Dr. Mike and Grandma Katherine on the clinic porch.
Michaela was ready to join the searching group when she saw Sully and Bridget.
Praise the Lord, you're alive! - she and Mrs. Bray exclaimed at the same time , running toward them.
Buddy, - Michaela asked, - how are you? They didn't hurt you?
No, they didn't., - Bridget answered, - Sully rescued me.
Did you catch them? - Daniel asked Sully They are tethered to the tree in the woods near Cripple- Creek.
You can arrest them, seems, their faces are on the board near your office.
Good, thank you, - Daniel carefully took Bridget from the horse.
Michaela noticed Sully's bandaged head, and asked worryingly : Sully, you're hurt?
Nothing serious, - Sully answered. - Just a scratch. He was going to tell Michaela about Bridget, but suddenly felt a strong wave of dizziness as he dismounted. Unable to stand on his feet more, he sat on the clinic porch.
Sully! -Michaela asked with great concern, - What happened ? Let me check on you!
I'm OK, - he weakly protested, trying to stand up.
Don't try to stand up yourself, - Michaela said, - Matthew, please, help him . I need to check you at clinic…Daniel, would you please carry Buddy to the recovery room upstairs?
Bridget was worried about Sully, so she didn't even try to talk anybody about the great event that happened with her.
You're not "OK", Sully, - Michaela declared, - so you need to stay in bed about day or two.
But, Michaela…- he began.
You nearly collapsed on the porch, - she said, - and you're still bleeding. I need to stitch the wound and then watch on you about two days.
Why?
You may have the concussion, when you're hit your head. Your pupils are still normal, but I need to be sure absolutely. I remember what happened with Brian, and don't want the same with you.
You'd better look for Buddy, - he offered, - it was a miracle, that she jumped up on her feet…
Michaela stopped: WHAT? What did you say?
She stood up on her feet and took the robber's rifle. She saved my life.
Cloud Dancing was right, - she whispered, - she had another stress, and it healed her Certainly, I'll visit her as soon as I can, when I'll check you.
There's no need… - he protested again, but the piercing pain in his head forced him to moan.
I'll give you some laudanum from the pain, - Michaela said, - how much time passed since you're hit your head?
Five or six hours…
Good…Now you need some rest, after I'll finish to stitch your wound. Your head will bother you about two days more, but then you'll be better.
I'm still can't believe, she did that! - Sully said
So as I, - Michaela agreed, - Now I'm sure she will walk again!
Bridget was excited that she can move her legs again, but still was worried for Sully. Grandma Katherine cried and smiled at the same time, when she knew what's happened. Now she came to see Michaela and share with her these wonderful news, and Bridget couldn't wait her back.
So she was happy to see Colleen, the elder daughter of Dr. Mike and Sully, entering the room. Bridget never seen her before, she lived in Philadelphia with her husband, and they both owned a clinic there. Now they were waiting for their first child.
Hi, Bridget, - Colleen said, smiling, - Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too, - Bridget answered, - Do you know how's Sully.
Nothing serious. He just needs some rest, and Ma gave him a medicine against the pain. He told me what happened with you - congratulations!
Thank you. I'm still can't believe…it was so unexpectedly .
I'll help you with the exercises, - Colleen promised, - but afraid, I can't help much, 'cause the baby will be born very soon…I want 'Ma' take my child., so I'm here.
Do you want boy or girl? - Bridget asked
I want a little girl. I'd name her Charlotte, after my real Ma.
I thought, Dr. Mike is your Ma, - Bridget wondered.
She and Sully adopted us- me, Matthew and Brian - when our Ma died. But you're right, they 're the best parents in the world…Our biological father left us, when I was 12, and Sully was like a father for us even before Dr. Mike arrived here…
She paused, then added: But there was a time, when I was sweet on Sully. I was 14, almost like you. I've read the story, "Rocky Mountain Hero," and thought Mr. Colt , the main hero, looks just like Sully. I was so foolish, that I ran away to the abandoned mine that Sully would rescue me, like Mr. Colt his Caroline. It sounds funny now, but I was seriously fell in love there…But Sully was out of town, and he didn't receive my letter. While I'd waiting there, the avalanche began, and Sully needed really rescue me….I was just a kid, but he respected my feelings though… I was fool but Sully was so patient to explain me that I was wrong. It's fine, that he became my Pa. I love him very much, but it's a different kind of love…it's not…not something I invented for myself…
Bridget reddened, but didn't say a word…Fortunately, this moment Dr. Mike entered the room…
Oh, here you are, Colleen! Buddy, I'm sorry, I couldn't come earlier!
Dr. Mike, how is Sully? - Bridget asked worryingly, - Did he hurt badly?
I hope not. There is no any sign of skull trauma or concussion.
So can I see him…please.
I gave him laudanum against the pain, he's sleeping now. But tomorrow he will be happy to see you. Buddy, he told me about you. Cloud Dancing was right, and you'll walk again…surely!
I tried to stand up again, but I couldn't, - Bridget asked very upset, - Why ?
Your muscles were passive for a very long time, so you need to do some exercises every day . Sometimes it must be painful…You need to be patient, Buddy, and you'll do it.
I'll do it every day. I can bear the pain.
I know, - Michaela nodded. - You're very brave girl.
That's Sully. 'He' saved my life, - Bridget objected.
Sully just told me the same about you, -Michaela smiled, - I think, you both are distinguished.
Michaela and Colleen said her good-night and left. Bridget waited for a few minutes, then pushed herself from the bed to her chair. She rolled it from her room , then glanced around. There was silence everywhere, and Bridget struggled forward to Sully's room.
There was just one lamp, lighting dimly, and she waited near the door, looking on Sully, who slept peacefully in his bed. He looked still weak and pale, but there was no Dr.Mike near him - so, Bridget thought, his injures are not so bad.
Then she took a deep breath, and rolled her chair closer to his bed. She leaned to him, trying not utter any sound, and gently kissed his cheek. Sully didn't stir ,and Bridget lingered a little before she left his room. It was the moment she was dreaming about since she saw Sully first time and it happened. But Bridget was aware that something was changed. She still loved Sully, but it was a different kind of love Colleen was right, as if she read Bridget's thoughts.
Her feeling to Sully was great and deep but it looked not like in her favourite stories. Now she loves him as somebody who could take care of her protect her as if he was her fatherShe nearly burst into tears, when she remembered about her own father.
She returned to her room and climbed into bed. She thought that can't sleep this night, but fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.
Next morning Grandma Katherine took her to visit Sully. He looked much better, and was arguing with Michaela.
- I insist - she told him. - You need to stay in bed for today.
- But Michaela- he protested, - I'm fine. My head doesn't bother me.
- Doesn't bother at all ? - Michaela looked at him suspiciously.
- Well, perhaps a little, - Sully confessed.
- Do you feel any dizziness? - she asked.
- Almost not, - he answered.
- Good, - she said firmly.- You can leave the bed when you'll answer "absolutely not", not "almost".
- Michaela, - he protested again, - I can't stay in bed-
- ..the rest of my life, - she finished, - Sully, I'm talking just about one or two days! So, do you trust your doctor or not?
- Absolutely yes, - he smiled. - Morning, Mother, Buddy. How are you?
- I'm fine, - Bridget smiled in answer, - Nice to see that you're better.
- He needs some rest though, - Michaela said, - I need to help Andrew to prepare all the necessary items for Colleen+You can chat a little, then I'll bring your breakfast. What do you think about it?
- Sounds good, - Sully said, - we have a lot of things to talk about.
- If you need something - just call me, - Michaela told them, - I'll be downstairs.
Few minutes after Michaela and Mrs. Bray left, Colleen entered the room: - Morning, Sully, Bridget! Are you hungry? I've just passed the Grace's cafe, and saw her getting the pecan pie from the oven.
So I think -Oh! Oh, my God! - she suddenly put her palm on her belly, and her eyes widened, - I think I think, it's time- OH,MY GOD!!!
Sully jumped out of the bed, but sat back as the strong wave of dizziness pushed him.
- You don't need to do it, - Colleen protested, - I can do it by myself. Oh..
The dizziness passed, and Sully stood up again, and took Colleen downstairs.
- I'll be back very soon, - he promised to Bridget.
It seemed for her, he was waiting him back for many hours, but the clock showed her that just 10 minutes passed. Then he heard Michaela's voice downstairs: - Don't worry, Colleen, you'll be fine.
- Yes.. I know. I'm a doctor myself. Is it always so painful?
- Unfortunately, yes, - Dr.Mike answered, - the contractions will be stronger, but it means your baby will be born very soon+
- Michaela, - Andrew said, - I've read once it's better for some women not to lay when when they're in labor, but to sit or even stand.
- Well-Michaela answered, - it's not a bad idea. You can have any position you'd be better, Colleen.
- The Cheyenne woman often did it in a squat position, - Sully added.
Just now Michaela noticed him.
- Yes, Cloud Dancing told me once- she paused,- Sully, what are you doing here? You need to be upstairs, in bed. Bridget didn't hear his words, but she knew he's protesting, so
Michaela cut him off: - Thank you, Sully, but we don't need your midwife skills now. There are two three physicians around here, so you must go upstairs , Buddy's waiting for you.
Few minutes later Sully appeared. He looked very upset, but smiled to Bridget: - Sorry, I'm left you alone.
- Nothing, - she said, - Sully, what did Dr. Mike means "midwife skills". Did you seen it before?
- I'm not just "seen", - said Sully proudly, - that was 'me' who took Katie. We were alone in the woods, so I had no choice I never was so scared before and so happy though.
Bridget looked at him in great wonder. All the men she'd ever seen, never did things like that. However, she'd never seen anyone like Sully. Her father always said, that man who ever conceded with woman in argues, is not a real man. Sully often agreed with Dr. Mike when they argued he was happy that she's working at the clinic he often nursed Katie, or washed dishes, or even cooked meal (sometimes better than Dr.Mike) - but he's a real man. The best one she'd ever knew. "I 'll be the happiest girl in the world if he would be my father, - she thought again and sighed heavily.
- What, wrong, Buddy? - Sully asked.
- Nothing, - she said quickly.
He nodded: - Fine. What if I'll go back downstairs just for a minute?
- No, - Bridget objected, - Dr.Mike said you to stay in bed, and asked me don't let you get up.
- She'll not even notice me , - Sully said, - I'll be back just next minute.
Their dispute was broken by Brian who carried a full tray. - Morning, Pa, Buddy! Ma told me to bring you breakfast.
- How is Colleen? - both asked at the same time.
- Ma told everything is allright. The baby will be born very soon. But also she asked me to watch for you. I'll stay here.
- Well, - Sully said, - let's talk about something. Do you know that Buddy is writing stories - just like you?
- I don't know- Bridget said shyly, - perhaps it's much worse than yours.
- Can I read some? - Brian asked.
- Me too - Sully added.
- You can read some of mine while we'll read yours, - Brian suggested.
- It's really good! - Brian said , as he finished to read Bridget's notebook, - it's good Western! I'd never thought that girls could write something like that.
- Thank you, Brian, - Bridget said, - I'm enjoyed your stories also.
- So you, Buddy, can post your stories in the GAZETTE, - Sully offered
- It's a good idea, Pa! Buddy, can I send one of your stories to Denver together with mine? There will be a book "The young writers about Wild West", and the best of stories will be there.
- I'd be glad, - Bridget said quietly, _ Thank you.
They three jumped up when Michaela entered the room, carrying the baby: - Let me introduce you Ms Charlotte Cook+Colleen and Andrew want to baptize her as Charlotte Rebecca Cook. She's beautiful and healthy, isn't she? Sully, do you want to hold your granddaughter?
- Sure! - Sully said, taking the baby from Michaela's hands, - She's fine and looks like her Ma.
- You're right, Grandpa! - Michaela said teasingly.
- Grandpa? Hope, she'll call me just "Sully", - he said.
- She's so pretty! - Bridget noticed, - Sully's right, she looks like Colleen.
- How is Colleen? - Sully asked.
- Fine, She's resting now. Andrew is with her. He saw it many times, but when his own wife was in labor, he was almost in shock. He did all that needed though.
- Just like me, - Sully smiled at her.
Michaela took the baby from Sully, but Charlotte didn't like this. She cheeped, and her tiny face wrinkled.
- Look, - Michaela laughed, - Sully, it's a kind of mystic, how all the children love you, no matter what age they are.
- It's the greatest compliment for me, - he said proudly.
Bridget couldn't sleep this night. Almost all night she laid awake looking at the cellar. It was happened. she dreamed about it so many times, and now her dreams came true. She'll walk again so she needs to return home. But now she couldn't imagine how she'd live there, without her new kins. All the things in Hunter's house were up to Mr.Hunter moods, and it was the same in all the families Bridget ever knew. It was different here, in Colorado-Springs. They were good friends in this large family, and nobody was afraid of anyone. All the problems discussed with the whole family, and every opinion was respected - even little Katie's. One time Bridget heard how Sully begged Brian's pardon for raising voice on him without proper reason! She couldn't imagine something like this in her own family
Her father yelled on her and mother very often, , and even did not think to apologize.
Grandma Katherine also became different here. In England, it was always sad and quite. She wondered so much looking at her grandmother laughing joyfully, or merrily chatting with customers in Mr.Bray's Mercantile . Bridget likes Grandma husband also - he was sometimes grumpy, but kind man, and was very gentle and tender with his refined wife.
How she will live without them so far away, in England?! Then she thought about her mother and understood that she's missed her. Bridget found the matches and lighted the lamp. She took her crutches and walked slowly to the table. There was her notebook, the pen and the inkwell . She took the pen and wrote: "Dear Ma!"