How To Save A Life - Chapter Four
Title: How To Save A Life
Chapter: 4/?
Pairing: Miley/Demi
Rating: R (Mature Content - Not Graphic)
Disclaimer: I don’t own any of these people. Did this happen in real life? Well, is Miley immortal and over 100 years old? Didn’t think so.
Word Count: 900
Summary: Demi is a carefree saloon girl whose dreams never included anyone but herself. She didn’t think she would ever love somebody else until she met a strong-willed and reserved cattle rancher who seemed to only live for her family.
Author's Note: This is an AU story that takes place in the 19th Century American Old West. Just a crazy idea I had one day. Although, if you’ve read any of my other stories you know that pretty much all of them are rather… unusual. Anyway, I’ll try to update it weekly. And thanks to biohazardnerd for being such an awesome beta! ILY! <3
By the time the sun went down and businesses closed for the day, The White Horse was already serving some of its usual costumers. Joe was playing one of his upbeat songs and gambling tables were starting to form. Demi was sitting gloomily at the bar while the other girls were working the room. As the song came to an end Joe got up and made his way to the bar for some water. Gin, actually.
“Hey, gorgeous,” he greeted as he wrapped his arm around Demi’s waists. “What’s up with you today?”
Demi’s only response was a mumbled “Nothing.”
“Come on doll, you’ve been sitting here, brooding by yourself since you came down. You know, Boss doesn’t like when his girls sit by themselves.”
“I don’t give a damn about that. If you only came here to bother me about Boss and the house rules you can turn around and go back to your stupid piano!” Demi said heatedly.
“Dems, you know it’s not like that,” Joe started as he took a seat beside her. “I care about you.”
Demi knew it was true. Joe had been looking after her since she stepped foot in the saloon for the first time, and she loved him for it. He was like the older brother she never had. Demi imagined Joe must have cared for Nick like he cares for her now.
“I know. It’s just… I had a really bad day,” she said and looked intently at the wine swirling inside her glass as she played with it.
“What happened? Did someone mess with you when you went out this afternoon?” he asked protectively. “Who was it?”
“No one messed with me, Joe.”
“Are you sure? Because I could-”
“Joe,” she interrupted. “No one messed with me. I promise,” Demi assured with a weak smile.
“Okay, then what happened?” he asked her with worry.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” she said firmly as she took a sip of her wine.
Joe understood. “Okay, but you know where to find me if you want to talk.” He got up. “You’re an amazing girl, Demi. If whatever is bothering you is fixable and worth it, give it a try. There’s nothing you can’t do when you set your mind on it. I know you well enough to know that’s true,” he offered and, after getting his drink, walked back to the stage.
Demi started to think that maybe he was right.
As the night came to an end Demi had made her decision. She would not give up on Miley. So what if she made a terrible first impression on the girl? She could change it. If the rancher girl still didn’t like her, Demi could change too. All she needed was a second chance.
She approached Joe after closing time, when he was putting away his music sheets. “Where can I find Miley?” she asked bluntly.
“Okay,” Joe looked at her as if she had lost her mind. “You could go to the Cyrus Ranch. It’s just outside town-”
“Other than that,” she interrupted. She figured it wouldn’t go too well with the girl if she showed up on her doorsteps out of nowhere.
“Hmm… I don’t know when she comes to town. She used to bring her little sister to school during the day but ever since the schoolhouse burned down and they decided that building a new one would be a waste of money, she’s been teaching her at home, I think. She doesn’t have a schedule, really. Most of the times I see her around she’s meeting with cattle buyers or shopping for supplies.”
“Think harder! She must have a schedule!” Demi said, frustrated.
Joe wanted to ask her why it was so important, but the determined look on Demi’s face made him rethink that. Then he remembered. “The church!” He announced excitedly. After mentally congratulating himself for a moment, he looked back at Demi and the annoyed look she was giving him made Joe realize he should elaborate his answer before she slapped it out of him. “She goes to church every Sunday morning. You’re certain to find her there.”
Demi smiled happily and wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug. “Thank you!” she said before going up to her room. She purposely ignored Joe’s shouting asking why she wanted to know about Miley as she walked up the stairs.
Sunday couldn’t come soon enough.