Wish

Though Eric was concerned to hear that Stacy had been unconscious, he was glad that she seemed to be feeling better now. Going to respond, he stops as she continues. 

Her apology comes as a surprise, though his expression still didn't change much. She... hadn't really been angry with him? Then why had she said those things? Why had she called him stupid and deliberately taken a stab at his intellect? Who else had she been mad at, and why? 

He really wasn't sure how to feel. He wanted to forgive her. He wanted to just forget the whole thing. But he still couldn't deny the lingering sting that he still felt inside. It wasn't just his pride that had been bruised. Whether she knew it or not, she'd attacked his feelings and they were still a bit tender. 

Sighing, Eric takes his bandanna out of his back pocket and licks it before reaching out and rubbing some blood off her forehead to look at the cut better. It didn't look too awful deep. "You're welcome." 

Putting his hand under her chin, he tilts her head back a little more and looks at her eyes, moving a finger back and forth to check and see how her vision tracked. She appeared to be fine. Just a little shaken. For a moment though, his fingers remain under her chin and he studies her eyes for longer than need be. She was telling the truth. There was genuine remorse there. But why then had she said those mean things? 

Backing away, he doesn't respond to her apology, but turns to the saddlebags again for the walkie-talkie. "Mick, Sparky - I found her. She's alright. Four-wheeler's gonna need some work, but Stacy's okay." 

This time it was Sparky who responds. "Nice work. You need help?" 

"Naw. I'll bring her back. Head back to the ranch and be sure to tell Ashlee her mom's okay. I'll see you there." Tucking away the walkie-talkie once more, Eric tucks his bandanna back into his pocket and reaches out to guide Stacy nearer Static. He knew she'd never ridden before, but this was their only way home - he was not going to walk all the way back to the ranch, especially when it was starting to get dark. 

Giving Stacy a once-over, he takes a couple moments to adjust both stirrups to a shorter length before patting the saddle seat. "Come on. Left foot in the stirrup and swing yourself up." He wasn't going to take no for an answer.

Helping her with a little boost, he holds Static steady, waiting until Stacy looked halfway balanced. Without warning, He grabs hold of the saddle and swings up behind her in one motion. Adjusting his weight over Static's hindquarters, it wasn't the most comfortable seat, but it would do. 

Slipping one arm around Stacy's waist to hold her steady, his other hand remains on the reins. A little nudge with his legs and Static starts forward at an easy walk. 

Keeping Stacy tucked closely to him, Eric can't help but wish there had been no argument at all. Maybe then this evening would be much different. Maybe then, his arm wouldn't be around her only to help her balance... or was there more to it now anyway? 

He swallows hard, feeling his pride beginning to slip. Guiding Static along the path, he finally sighs. The silence was murder. "I'm sorry too." It was a late response to her apology, but he meant it. "I shouldn't have acted like I did. I just..." Did he dare open himself up again? No... no, not yet. "I was upset," he ends lamely.