If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
___________________________
When they finally arrived at the camp, it was exactly as Arthur had predicted. The air was filled with laughter, music, and the smell of food cooking over the fire. The gang members were bustling about, their faces lit up with smiles and relief. Sean's return had clearly lifted everyone's spirits, and the atmosphere was one of joy and companionship.
Arthur was happy to see this as the gang needed such good news and atmosphere since they had just been hit with bad news after bad news before, and looks like after getting down from Colter and camped at Horseshoe Overlook, the situation turned around and good things was coming.
As for Caleb, he just saw this as something that uplift the spirit and hope of the gang, because he knew from the game more will come and he was in a dilemma, whether to save or kill Micah when he was put in jail on Strawberry after killing a person, and it was Lenny who bring the news and with him not present, it meant it hadn't happen yet.
As he was thinking so, he saw Arthur dismounted and hitching his horse to the post near the camp's entrance. Caleb followed suit, securing Morgan beside Arthur's horse. As they entered the camp, they were immediately greeted by the sight of Dutch striding toward them, a cigar in his hand and a broad smile on his face.
"Arthur! Oh, Arthur!" Dutch called out, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "There you are!"
Arthur turned to face Dutch, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You seem in a good mood, Dutch."
Dutch chuckled, taking a puff of his cigar. "I am, son, I am. Let's have some fun tonight. Let's enjoy ourselves."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "We having a party?"
Dutch's smile widened. "Maybe, just a little one. Oh, and Caleb, son," he added, turning to the young man, "thank you for your help today. You're more than welcome to join the festivities. We'll save the serious talk for tomorrow."
Caleb tipped his hat politely. "Thank you, Mr. Van der Linde. I'm happy to join in the celebration. And of course, we can talk whenever you're ready."
Dutch clapped Caleb on the shoulder, clearly pleased with his response. "Good man, good son. Now, let's make the most of tonight!" With that, Dutch turned and raised his voice, addressing the entire camp. "Mr. Macguire is back! So, come on... let's have ourselves a party!"
The camp erupted in cheers and applause, the energy palpable as the gang members began to gather around the fire. Arthur and Caleb made their way to the round table between Dutch's tent and Pearson's wagon, where several members of the gang were already seated. Uncle was lounging on a crate with a beer in hand, Javier was tuning his guitar, and Karen sat nearby, also holding a beer.
Sean, already visibly drunk, had dragged a small wooden box over to the table and climbed onto it, much to Karen's amusement. "Oh, no speeches, please!" Karen called out, though her tone was playful.
Sean, undeterred, raised his bottle of beer and declared, "But... I'm back home now! So everything's going to be okay! Uncle Sean is back!" He took a swig from the bottle before continuing. "And don't you worry, Miss Grimshaw, you old crone, I'll keep them girls in line. If I have to whip 'em, I will!"
The camp erupted in laughter, the girls teased him shouting let's see if you dare, and Sean, encouraged by the reaction, went on. "And don't you worry, Mr. Pearson, you drunk old shit bag. It'll be nothing but the finest game in the pot now that Dead Eye Macguire's back!"
He laughed heartily before adding, "And don't worry about nothing, Miss Grimshaw... we'll have this camp running like clockwork... I love you bastards... have fun. Have lots of fun!"
With that, Sean stepped down from the box, and the girls, Karen and Tilly, cheered loudly while the others clapped or cheer in their own way. "Yeah, Sean!" Karen shouted, raising her beer in a toast.
As Sean approached the round table, Karen teased, "Uh oh, here comes trouble."
Javier, strumming his guitar, added with a smirk, "I just can't get rid of you, can I?"
Sean grinned and took a seat on a small barrel. "Mind if I join you fine folks?" he asked, his tone dripping with mock formality. Then, spotting Arthur and Caleb, he raised his bottle and shouted, "Aha! Here come the two heroes of the hour who came to save the young, dashing me!"
The group laughed, and Arthur shook his head, though he couldn't hide a small smile. "You're insufferable, Sean."
Caleb, meanwhile, standing beside Arthur, accepting a beer from Karen. "Thanks," he said, raising the bottle in a silent toast to everyone there.
As the night wore on, the party grew livelier. Javier played his guitar, his fingers dancing over the strings as he led the group in song. Karen and Sean singing together, their laughter ringing out across the camp.
Even Miss Grimshaw, despite her earlier protests, seemed to be enjoying herself, sipping on a glass of whiskey and exchanging stories with Reverend Swanson.
Caleb found himself caught up in the festivities, the warmth of the fire and the camaraderie of the gang making him feel more at home than he had in a long time. He chatted with Arthur, Javier, and even Sean, who, despite his drunken antics, had a way of making everyone feel included.
At one point, Arthur leaned over to Caleb and said, "You know, for a newcomer, you've fit in pretty well. The gang's taken a liking to you."
Caleb smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Thanks, Arthur. That means a lot."
Caleb left the round table and began to wander around the camp, taking in the lively atmosphere. The sound of laughter, music, and the crackling fire filled the air, and for a moment, he allowed himself to simply enjoy the moment. As he walked, he heard the faint sound of a phonograph playing from inside Dutch's tent. Curious, he made his way over around the tent.
There, he saw Dutch and Molly engaged in a simple ballroom dance, their movements graceful and synchronized. Molly laughed happily as they twirled around in place in front of Dutch'd tent, her joy evident.
Caleb couldn't help but smile at the sight. Standing just beside the tent, watching with a hint of envy, was Mary-Beth. Her eyes were fixed on the dancing couple, and Caleb could see the longing in her expression.
Caleb remembered from the game that Mary-Beth had a love for dancing and had even asked Arthur to dance with her during the camp's celebrating Sean's return, which was now.
Seeing her now, he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. Her auburn hair caught the firelight, and her gentle features were even more striking in person than they had been in the game twice not thrice time.
This was the first time Caleb had truly taken the time to appreciate her beauty, as his earlier interactions when he meet her at Valentine for the first time with Uncle, Arthur, Tilly, and Karen, he was more focused on making a good impression on Arthur, as he was the only way to put his foot in inside the Van der Linde gang.
Feeling a surge of confidence, Caleb approached Mary-Beth with a warm smile. "Hello, Miss Mary-Beth," he said, his tone friendly. "Why do you look a bit glum?"
Mary-Beth, startled by his sudden appearance, turned to face him. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she returned his smile. "Oh, Mr. Thorne, you surprised me there! No, I'm not glum. It's just... I love dancing, but I haven't had a partner to dance with tonight."
Caleb's heart skipped a beat. This was his chance. "Well then," he said theatrically, offering his hand to her, "I offer myself as your dance partner, Miss Mary-Beth."
Mary-Beth giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "Oh my, that's very kind of you, Mr. Thorne. You can call me Mary-Beth or Miss Gaskill, if you prefer. But tell me, do you know how to dance?"
Caleb chuckled, his expression sheepish. "I'd love to say yes, but let's just say my skills are... nonexistent. However, for you, Miss Gaskill, I'd be willing to learn. And what better way to learn than from you who love to dance?"
Mary-Beth's face turned a deeper shade of red at his flattering words. She giggled again, clearly charmed by his sincerity. "You have a way with words, Mr. Thorne. I'd be happy to teach you how to dance!"
With that, she took his hand, and the two of them joined Dutch and Molly, standing several steps beside them so as to not bump into them.
The phonograph's melody filled the air as Caleb and Mary-Beth began to dance. At first, Caleb's movements were awkward and hesitant, but Mary-Beth was a patient and encouraging teacher. She guided him through the steps, her hands gentle but firm as she corrected his posture and timing.
As they danced, Caleb found himself relaxing. Mary-Beth's laughter was infectious as she was happy to be dancing, and her presence put him at ease. "You're a quick learner, Caleb," she said with a smile after a few minutes. "Look at you, dancing like an expert already!"
Caleb laughed, his confidence growing with each step. "When I have such a beautiful and kind teacher as you, Miss Gaskill, it's hard not to improve hoping to impress you. I hope I'm not embarrassing myself too much."
Mary-Beth's cheeks flushed again, but she didn't look away. "Not at all. You're doing wonderfully."
Encouraged by her words, Caleb decided to take a risk. As the music swelled, he twirled Mary-Beth, causing her to laugh in delight, and they continue to dance while having happy conversation.
The tension between them grew, a pleasant and unexpected connection forming as they moved and talked together. Caleb was surprised by how quickly he had bonded with Mary-Beth, as he have never bonded so easily and fast with someone before.
It wasn't just her beauty that drew him in which was the first reason as to why he decide to approach her, it was her kindness, her warmth, and the way she made him feel at ease.
As the dance continued, Caleb twirled Mary-Beth once more before pulling her close and dipping her dramatically. Mary-Beth gasped in surprise before bursting into laughter. "You're getting pretty good, Caleb!" she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Caleb grinned, helping her back to her feet. "Thank you, Mary-Beth. I couldn't have done it without you."
The two of them ended the dance with a bow and a curtsy, both laughing as they caught their breath. Mary-Beth thanked Caleb, her voice warm and sincere. "Well, thank you, Mr. Thorne, for the wonderful dance. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
Caleb tipped his hat, his smile genuine. "Thank you as well, Miss Gaskill, for the dance and the lesson. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher."
At that moment, Dutch, who had been dancing with Molly, chimed in with a grin. "Why, great dancing, Caleb and Mary-Beth! The two of you almost outshone me and Miss O'Shea."
Molly laughed, playfully swatting Dutch's arm. "Oh, don't be silly, Dutch. They were wonderful, weren't they?"
Mary-Beth blushed at the praise, while Caleb chuckled modestly. "Thank you, Mr. Van der Linde. We were just following your lead."
As the music continued to play, Caleb and Mary-Beth stepped out of the way, leaving Dutch and Molly to their dance. The two of them walked back toward the campfire, where the rest of the gang was still celebrating. The night was alive with laughter, music, and the warmth of camaraderie.
As they reached the fire, Mary-Beth turned to Caleb with a smile. "Thank you again for the dance, Caleb. It was... lovely."
Caleb returned her smile, his heart swelling with affection. "The pleasure was mine, Mary-Beth. I hope we can dance again sometime." And Mary-Beth's eyes sparkled with warmth as she heard what Caleb have just said. "I'd like that, Caleb. I will hold your promise."
________________________________
Name:Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 6/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 6/10
- Charm: 5/10
- Luck: 5/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 1)
- Rifle (Lvl 1)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 2)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 1)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 1)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 1)
- Poker (Lvl 1)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 1)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 1)
Money: 155 dollars and 41 cents
Bank: 40 dollars, 2 gold bars, and a large bag of jewelry