Tyson threw himself on Jimmy’s bunk and pulled over the covers. He was feeling totally exhausted from his latest run. It had been his longest ride so far, and he was beginning to wonder why Simon and Joshua seemed to be handling it better than him. Tyson turned his attention to the opening door and listened as two sets of footsteps entered.

"I’ll help you set the table, Rachel," The rider he recognized as Lou spoke.

"All right, and you’re going to be more civil to him today, aren’t you," Rachel asked.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," Lou answered defensively.

Tyson smiled as he imagined Lou’s shackles rising, he knew exactly who Rachel meant him.

Ever since Tyson had arrived, everyone had been nice and friendly, all except Lou. He couldn’t work out what Lou’s problem was with him. Especially as Lou was nice to the others who had switched places.

"Oh Lou, you know exactly! What is with you? He’s a nice charming young man," Rachel argued.

"You just hit the nail on the head Rachel. He’s a real charmer. But I don’t trust him," Lou said as Tyson heard the door slam.

Tyson lay on the bunk, wondering if he should reveal himself when he felt someone standing beside him. "All right, you can come out now," Rachel pulled back the bed covers to reveal Tyson underneath.

He sat up rubbing his tired shoulders, "I don’t understand any of this Rachel. It just doesn’t make sense. How can Lou hate me when he’s never even said a word to me? I just can’t think of what I’ve done.

Rachel sat down beside him on the bunk, "Don’t worry about Lou. It’s just . . . it’s hard to explain that’s all. Anyway, get cleaned up as I’m serving up soon, and I could use a hand setting the table."

Tyson was sitting down at the long trestle table as Rachel rang the supper bell. The others started coming in and seating themselves and it soon became evident that they were all avoiding the space beside Tyson. He raised his eyebrows as everyone squashed themselves in the opposite side.

"Gee, do I smell or something?" He grinned as he watched the jostling opposite him

"Oh no, it’s just, well we’re testing how many we can fit on one bench that’s all," Buck answered with a twinkle in his eye.

"Ahuh!" Tyson didn’t believe them at all.

The door opened again, the latecomer took in the scene and glared about her. "What’s going on?"

Tyson felt uncomfortable as the riders shrugged and mumbled to each other.

"Well, come on Lou, sit down, aren’t you hungry?" Rachel asked her, knowing that she had been complaining of her empty stomach earlier.

Lou sat down beside Tyson. Her eyes were fixed on Ike who just happened to be sitting opposite her.

Rachel served up and took her seat. Tyson couldn’t help grinning as he watched those on the other side of the table push and shove each other.

"Can you pass me the potatoes?" Tyson asked as everyone turned their attentions to Lou.

Tyson asked again, as she continued to ignore him "Can you pass the potatoes, Lou?"

"Lou!" Noah called out as Ike gave her a kick under the table.

Lou picked up the potatoes and slammed the dish in front of him.

Tyson shook his head and turned to Lou, "What is with you?" He asked angrily.

Lou turned to him fuming, "It’s what’s with you, not me!"

Tyson rolled his eyes, "How the hell am I supposed to know if you’ve never even talked to me!"

"I’m talking to you now aren’t I," Lou shot him a glaring look.

"No I’d call that shouting actually," Tyson yelled back.

Tyson shrugged his shoulders and turned to Rachel, "I’m sorry Rachel, your food is divine. It’s just a shame I can’t say the same about the company. I’m going to the Silver Spoon to eat."