Summary:  The story of a girl who is getting tired of the same things and wants a change.  But will she change her mind at the end?

Rated: K+ (1,180 words)

 

A Girl’s Story

It started early in the morning. I ate my breakfast just like I always do and then I got ready for the day. It was going to be a long one. I had to go to town to meet a friend. Then I was going over to the Ponderosa to see Adam. Then we would do whatever it is we do and then finally I would go home. Adam said he wanted to visit the lakeside and I could only shake my head. I know what that means!

The trip to town was pleasant enough. I did not say much. Most of the time I spent admiring the scenery. The scenery was always beautiful. Even in the harshest winter the scenery was beautiful. It’s amazing how that always works out.

The town loomed up before me. Why is it the town always looms before me? I mean really, couldn’t it just appear? Oh well. I got off the wagon and entered my friend’s house. She was there as usual. She always was there. Sometimes she was glad to see me. Today she was furious. She had those days.

I sat down on the chair and tried to figure out what her problem was. Why did I always have to figure out what her problem was? I mean seriously why does she have to be so secretive? Couldn’t she just tell me what’s wrong with her instead of staring at me and refusing to talk? Anyway, I wormed it out of her…Boy another thing I hate! Worming it out of someone! Really!! It seems she is jealous because she learned that Adam Cartwright is planning to ask me to the dance and she was hoping to go. Is that all?? Dancing with Adam is really no dreamy thing. I’ve done it before hundreds of times and I am still not impressed.

“Look, Nicole,” I try to comfort the crushed girl. “I would let you dance with Adam but he is my boyfriend.” My boyfriend HA! He is my boyfriend in every episode. I really wish I could be Ben’s girlfriend or Hoss’ but I guess that would not be right. I mean I am supposed to be about 20 or 22 and Ben is old enough to be my father. As for Hoss, well, he really is not the romantic type. Anyway, Nicole does not want to hear what I have to say. She never wants to. She just wants Adam. I’d like to tell her to just take him already but for some reason I cannot. So instead I toss my brown curls, or is it blonde today, and head towards the door. I always have some smart remark as I leave and this is no exception. “Maybe if you tried harder you could get him.” Then I stalk to my wagon.

Well, so much for that visit. The first part of my day is shot. Which can mean only one thing. I have to go see Adam sooner. I have nothing else to do and if I do not show up he will get suspicious. Especially if he finds out I am just hanging around Virginia City. I guess I could go buy a new dress. Especially if Adam does plan to ask me to the dance, which he has not done yet.

The dress store is always a sweet smelling place. I like it the best. I start to look at all of the material and then the lady comes over to help me. “What color would you like?” she asks.

“Pink.” I say.

“Blue!” I think. I want the color blue. Why do I always get pink or red or brown or black or yellow or purple? Why not blue? Surely the curse does not exist. And even if it does I am willing to do it to get rid of Adam.

But the lady pulls out her pink material and I have to choose one. Do I want lace or ribbons? Do I want buttons or bows? Really, I don’t care. I’m never going to see the dress again anyway. But I still have time to kill so I take my time debating over the material. The lady is starting to get upset. She wishes I would leave. But then she does not have to meet Adam Cartwright.

So I finally choose the patterns and accessories and leave. I am going to be late for my date with Adam. I probably should rush to the Ponderosa but I take it easy. Why rush into it? I ask myself. We’ll just spend the whole day talking.

When I finally reach the Ponderosa I stop the wagon outside the house. Little Joe is waiting on the porch. He hurries towards me. Gosh, I never realized how good-looking he was. “Adam’s waiting for you inside!” he called as I threw him the reins. “He was afraid you forgot.”

“Forgot.” I called back. “No I did not forget.” I was so punctual last time was it wrong to be a little late now?

He was waiting inside all right. He was leaning against the sofa, his arms crossed over his chest. He only said one thing to me. “You’re late.”

“I know.” I answered and my heart leapt. Were we about to have a fight?

No such luck. He just came over and put his hand on my arm. “Come on. Let’s go. I want to ask you a question.”

I submitted to him. I always did. Even in the ones rated not for children I submitted. Gee! You’d think I did not have a mind of my own!

He decided to take the wagon. We were closer that way. He took the reins and I sat next to him. He wrapped his arms around me and drew me to him. Just once, I mean just once, I wish he would keep his hands off me!

The river was beautiful. We sat on the bank among a field of flowers. Just us. He made me a chain of flowers and hung it around my neck. He told me how beautiful I was. Well naturally. I was perfect in every way. I had to be. Adam could not love an imperfect woman.

He took my hand in his. “Would you do me a favor?” he asked.

I looked at him. He wanted me to do him a favor? That could mean only one thing. Mama, draw the blinds!

He did not want what I thought though. But I was not disappointed. He sat next to me, holding my hand, and then he asked me, “Will you be my wife?”

I looked at him for a minute. My heart started to melt. He was so tall, so handsome. I had to smile. My lips closed over his. I did not need to answer. He knew. Of course, I would be his wife.

 

THE END