Post by sandymarek on Apr 9, 2014 21:24:12 GMT -4
<p>
As it approaches a little past 4:30 pm Nick returns to the North Pasture where the hands are quietly and skillfully working side by side putting the new fence up “I’ve returned,” Nick asks “How’s it going?”
“We got quite a bit done, Nick,” Ron mentions.
“Yes” Nick replies “I see that” as he looks at the progress in it “Has Heath awakened at all” he then asks glancing over at him still asleep underneath the tree. “Not yet,” Bobby says.
“Did he have any nightmares?” Nick wanted to know.
“No,” Bobby answers as Nick resumes working.
<p>
Twenty minutes later Heath opens his eyes. Noticing Davy informs Nick who quickly stops what he’s doing and walks over to him asking “Hey sleepyhead, you doing okay?” Heath answers, “Fine Nick.”
Nick asks, “How was your nap?”
Heath replies, “Okay.” Nick asks, “Do you want some more sleep?”
Shaking his head, “No,” Heath answers “Had enough.”
“Okay,” Nick says, “Come on.”
As Heath gets up on his feet Nick assists him with taking the blanket and folding it up. Placing it back of the wagon he and Heath return to their work. Grabbing a hammer, a couple of slats and nails, they begin pounding boards into the posts.
<p>
Back at the house Jarrod after finishing work on the three fishing poles, gets up and grabs the three different bottles he bought from Harry and exits the room.
<p.
As he is coming down the stairs, “How’s it coming?” Victoria asks of him as she is busy tossing a salad and Silas is busy getting the rest of the dinner ready.
“It’s coming along fine” Jarrod informs her “Just finished getting the fishing poles ready.”
Noticing the bottles in Jarrod’s hands “Mr. Jarrod” Silas inquires “What you have there?” Showing them “This is a bottle of Tequila, a bottle of Cointreau and a bottle of lime juice” he mentions. Victoria asks, “Where did you get them from?”
“From Harry’s Saloon,” Jarrod mentions, “When we were there earlier.”
“What is their purpose” Victoria asks “What you plan on doing with them?”
Showing a crooked smile, “Going to make a margarita with them,” he answers.
“A margarita” Victoria asks, “Who’s having the margarita?”
Placing the bottles on the counter, “Heath will be,” Jarrod announces.
“He likes margaritas?” she wanted to know.
“Yes” Jarrod explains “We found out he doesn’t like the drinks we’ve been having so I thought I’d try making this for him” as he begins retrieving items from the ice box, such as the ice, orange juice, strawberries, and then the bowl of sugar.
“He doesn’t like the drinks we’ve been having?” Victoria asks.
“No,” Jarrod answers, “And he’s only been drinking them because when I handed him one each time I would say drink.”
“That explains,” Victoria notes, “His drinking what he doesn’t like.”
“Yes,” Jarrod says, “Hopefully when we take him up to Pine Lake we’ll be able to get him to open up more and find out what he does like and doesn’t not to mention doing things on his own.”
“You sure do have your work cut out for you,” Victoria surmises.
“We do,” Jarrod says, “But we’ll take each item slowly. Heath had practically an entire life where he had to live that way so it just might take some time.”
“You’re right about that Mr. Jarrod,” Silas joins in, “Would you like me to work on the margarita with you?” as he checks on the roast in the oven.
“No thank you Silas,” Jarrod mentions, “I want to learn how to do it. Once I get the hang of it, maybe we’ll take this up to the cabin.”
“So I take it” Victoria says “The three of you will be doing some drinking up there.”
“Perhaps,” Jarrod admits, “Just a little. We won’t drink too much. We just want to show Heath a good time.”
Replying “Very well Jarrod, I’ll leave it at that” Victoria noticing the time excuses herself from the kitchen and goes up the back stairwell leaving Jarrod with working on making the margarita using the fruit presser and crushing the ice while Silas grabs the plates and heads for the dining room.
<p>
Returning from her ride out and upon walking into the kitchen Audra asks of Jarrod what he’s doing to which he responds, “Crushing ice.”
As she asks why he goes to explain about making the margarita for Heath to which she replies “Don’t think I ever had one before.”
Jarrod says, “No, I’m sure you haven’t. This is my first time making it. But, seeing he likes them I thought I’d try making him something he liked to drink.”
“What a nice idea.” Audra admits.
“But before,” Jarrod says, “I present it to him I first need to try to make it. Heath had on this morning at Harry’s and I want to make sure it tastes like that one did or at least close to it. So right now I am experimenting with it.”
“So,” Audra asks, “What could I do to help?”
“For starters,” he suggests, “How about if you get out the glasses?”
“How many?” Audra asks.
“Six,” Jarrod answers.
<p>
While Audra gets out six drinking glasses Jarrod works on pureeing the strawberries with the ice and then mixing them up with the sugar that he just added. After Audra has the glasses Jarrod asks of her to hand him the orange juice which she does graciously.
Audra then asks, “What else does it use?”
“Lime juice,” Jarrod answers, “The tequila and the Cointreau, I have right here.”
<p>
Coming back down the steps minutes later Victoria asks, “How’s it coming,” as she looks at Jarrod adding the other ingredients answering, “It’s coming.”
Catching sight of Audra she asks “Where’s Gene?” Audra answers “Still out.”
Victoria then says, “Why don’t you go upstairs and get washed for dinner?”
<p>
Replying, “Okay,” Audra heads up the back stairwell while Victoria continues to watch him mixing all the ingredients together in between her getting the frosting ready and Silas preparing dinner.
<p>
Seconds later Gene walks into the kitchen and upon seeing Jarrod, Victoria and Silas all hard at work, “Mmm,” he comments, “That looks good” regarding the cake being frosted.
“We’ll be having this later,” Victoria notes, “How was your ride?”
“Went fine,” Gene then asks, “Jarrod, what are you making?”
“Strawberry margaritas,” Jarrod tells him.
“Mmm,” Gene comments, “Never had one. Are they any good?”
“Want to try a little?” Jarrod offers as he finishes Gene answers, “Sure, okay.”
Handing him a small glassful “Well” Jarrod asks as he tries it and responds, “Not bad. Could I have another?”
“Perhaps afterwards,” Victoria jumps in, “Dinner will be ready shortly. Why don’t you see if your sister is finished using the bathroom then you go and get washed?”
Replying, “Yeah okay,” Gene heads up the steps.
“Mother,” Jarrod asks, “Do you want to try a glass?”
Replying, “Sure,” Victoria takes the glass and upon sampling it, “Mmm, good. It’s a little strong though.”
“Do you think there’s,” Jarrod wanted to know, “Too much tequila or Cointreau in it?” Victoria answers, “Not sure; never had one before. It’s not bad, almost like a strawberry drink.”
“Maybe,” Jarrod asks, “It needs more sugar and strawberries?”
“You could try it,” Victoria suggests.
Getting out more sugar and strawberries, he adds them to the ice crusher. Once they are pureed enough he mixes them in with the rest of the drink. Handing her another small glassful “How about now” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Not bad,” Victoria replies, “Still a little strong. Try a little more.”
Doing as suggests he blends a few more strawberries and sugar. Once they’ve been pureed enough he adds them to the pitcher. Upon handing her one more glass, “How about now?” he wanted to know.
“Much better,” Victoria answers.
“Do you think Heath will like it?” Jarrod inquires.
“Not sure,” Victoria replies, “You’re the one who mentioned he likes Strawberry Margaritas. So if he likes them, then he should. Try it,” she encourages.
Watching Jarrod try a small glassful “Well” Victoria asks “How do you like it?”
Sipping it and puckering up, “I like it,” Jarrod admits, “But I wonder if I should add more sugar in it or perhaps a little more orange juice.”
“Why don’t you leave it the way it is” Victoria urges “and let Heath try it?’
“Good idea,” Jarrod replies, “I’ll leave it the way it is.” Just then as Silas enters the room Jarrod offers him to try it which he graciously accepts. Upon taking the glass and trying it, “Let me know what you think,” he suggests.
Drinking it, “Mmm,” enjoying it, “Very good,” Silas comments.
“Do you think it needs anything?” Jarrod inquires, “Sugar? Strawberries?”
“No,” Silas notes “Think its juz fine the way it is, Mr. Jarrod. I think Mr. Heath will enjoy it.” Victoria says, “I think he will too.”
<p>
Up at the North Pasture still working hard at putting the new fence up Nick realizing what time it is decides it’s time to call it a day and as everyone stops what they are doing and pitches in with hitching up the team to the wagon, saddling the horses and placing all the materials and tools into the back.
Once Ron and Bobby have climbed into the driver’s box of the wagon, Nick, Heath, Chad and Davy mount their horses and riding side-by-side all head in the direction of the bunkhouse with Ron doing the steering of the wagon.
<p>
Back at the house as Audra is in the kitchen watching Victoria ice the cake she mentions, “Mother, too bad that wasn’t chocolate.”
“Why is that?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Because,” Audra replies, “Heath likes chocolate.”
Victoria asks, “He does?”
“Uh-huh,” Audra answers.
“Did he tell you that?” Victoria inquires.
“He did,” Audra mentions, “On Saturday.”
“Well,” Victoria says, “I guess I’ll be sure to have a chocolate cake baked every now and then. I’d like Heath to be able to enjoy things he likes just as anyone else here does.”
“Me too,” Audra then says, “Mother, I am so happy about Nick and Heath now. I hated the way Nick was treating him before.”
“I did too,” Victoria admits, “But luckily that is all behind us now and we could start working on being one family again.”
Nodding her head, “Yes,” Audra states, “Thank goodness.”
<p>
Arriving outside the barn with the men, “Heath,” Nick suggests, “Why don’t you go inside the house while I take care of Gal for you?”
“I do it,” Heath tells him.
“Heath,” Nick says, “Part of being brothers and friends is being able to help one another and doing things for each other. As a brother, as a friend,” placing his hand on his shoulder “Let me do this for you. You could go in the house and get ready for dinner. I will be there shortly.”
Exhaling heavily, “Don’t know Nick,” Heath replies.
“Well I do,” Nick insists, “Please Heath, let me do this for you.” Studying him for a moment or so, “Okay Nick,” Heath replies, “I’ll let you.”
Smiling, “Good boy,” Nick says as he gently hits him on the shoulder.
<p>
As Heath heads for the house, Nick goes inside the barn with both Gal and Coco in tow. After placing Gal in her stall and Nick is tending to Coco, Bobby and Ron show up with the wagon. As they are entering Nick has Ron leaving so that he could talk with Bobby alone.
<p>
After Ron leaves Bobby asks, “What is it Nick?”
“Help me with unhitching the wagon,” Nick says, “I’d like to ask you a few questions regarding Heath while you’re doing that.”
Doing as instructed, “Sure,” Bobby inquires, “What would you like to know?” as Nick assists him with putting everything where it needs to go.
“First,” Nick brings up, “I understand you were the first to notice his sleeping in the barn.”
“I learned about it on Saturday morning,” Bobby notes.
“How did you find out?” Nick wanted to know.
“I noticed him leaving the barn” Bobby says “And going towards the house early in the morning. I then came by on Saturday night after returning from town and saw him sleeping in there. I brought out a blanket for him so he didn’t catch cold.”
“So, that explains how the blanket got there.” Nick then asks, “How come you didn’t say anything?”
“I did mention it to Duke,” Bobby answers, “But I didn’t know how to tell you about it. You weren’t exactly being easy to talk to when Heath first came.”
“How come you didn’t tell either Mother or Jarrod?” Nick asks.
“I thought about it” Bobby replies “And even though I did tell Duke, I wasn’t sure if I should tell anybody else or not. I didn’t like his sleeping in the barn but spending the past few days with him I’ve sort of got to know him and from what I could see is he didn’t exactly have an easy life. And I didn’t want your mother or Jarrod or anybody else making him have to go in the house to sleep. I mean he has to want to, you know?”
Nodding his head, “I know,” Nick then says, “I am just beginning to learn that about him. What about the nightmares? How did you know about them?”
“Saturday night” Bobby explains “When he was sleeping I saw him having one. I managed to wake him and stay with him until he fell back to sleep. That’s when I went inside to get him the blanket. He also had one on Monday while we were finishing the work on the bridge.”
“I see,” Nick replies.
“Did he tell you what we did on Sunday together?” Bobby wanted to know.
“He did,” Nick mentions, “He also mentioned that you said I left him flat.”
Swallowing hard “He told you that” Bobby asks.
“He did,” Nick replies, “And it’s alright I did leave him flat. He also told me about your riding around, going into the water and holding some of the little animals you came across.”
“He seemed to enjoy that,” Bobby confides, “I don’t think he’s ever did that before.”
“I’m learning that too,” Nick notes, “And we’ll be doing some of that with him.”
“He’d like that,” Bobby admits, “He didn’t get to do too much of that when he lived in Strawberry.”
“I’m aware of that too,” Nick then asks, “What happened the night that Barrett left him alone on the West Ridge?”
“Well,” Bobby says, “I think you already found out about Sam and Austin not showing up.”
“I did,” Nick replies, “Could you tell me anything more? How you knew they didn’t show up and how you knew Heath was up there by himself?”
“I went to check on him before turning in” Bobby states “And didn’t see him in the barn sleeping or his horse either. But I did see Barrett asleep and didn’t see Sam or Austin at anytime not even during the day, not even their horses. I then got up early Monday morning I think around 3 and went to check the barn again. I still didn’t see Heath or his horse so when Mike and Hank woke up I mentioned it briefly to them because Duke wasn’t here yet. He was still in town with Jenny. I thought maybe I was mistaken but they said they’d go and check it out and sure enough they found Heath was up there all night by himself.”
“I do want to thank you for doing that,” Nick says.
“No problem” Bobby replies “I like Heath and I didn’t want anyone making a fool out of him or pulling a fast one over him. I guess some of the men figured that you didn’t care much about him and weren’t paying much attention to what was going on and seeing Heath doesn’t talk much they thought they could get away with it.”
“Heath is lucky to have a friend like you,” Nick states, “He likes you too.”
“The feelings mutual,” Bobby admits.
“There is something else you mentioned about his not doing anything on his own,” Nick asks, “How did you know?”
“I was watching him,” Bobby mentions, “We’ve been working together since last Thursday and I spent time with him both on Saturday and Sunday. I noticed that he never did anything unless someone said to do it. He never would speak unless someone asked him something. I think none of you saw it because you weren’t looking for it. Duke started noticing it but as an outsider I was able to pick up on it a lot quicker just by watching him. And sometimes an outsider could see something more than someone closer to the situation at hand can.”
“You’re right about that,” Nick then says, “And I just wanted to thank you once again for being there for him.”
“Once again,” Bobby mentions, “No problem. As I said I like his being here.”
<p>
Upon coming up the walk Heath is greeted and welcomed by Silas who opens the door for him.
<p>
As he returns the greeting and responds with calling him sir, “Heath,” Silas replies, “No more sirs here. Just call me Silas.”
“Si-las,” Heath reiterates. Silas says, “That’s much better.”
Just then entering the room from the direction of the kitchen Victoria is next to welcome and greet Heath who replies, “Hello, um, Mo-ther.”
Smiling “Oh Heath” Victoria says as she takes her right hand and places it on his left cheek “You have no idea on how happy I am to hear you say that. I love hearing you call me that.”
“Mother,” Heath says with Victoria asking, “Yes Heath?”
“I like it that you like it,” Heath informs her.
“Well” Victoria says “I like it very much. You don’t have to be nervous or worried about anything here. We are your family. You belong here with us, okay?”
“Yes Mother.” Heath answers. As she asks how his day went he responds “Fine.”
“Did you enjoy your lunch?” she wanted to know. Heath replies “I did.”
“I understand you liked the cake,” she notes.
Once again he replies, “I did, yes.”
“We’ll be having another one for dessert tonight,” she tells him, “But from here on out don’t you ever go without anything to eat. All the food in this house belongs to you too, any time, alright?”
“Okay,” he replies, “Yes Ma’am, I mean Mother, sorry.”
“It’s alright Heath,” she assures him, “It’s going to take some time before we all get use to all the adjustments being made around here. You take your time; we’re not in any hurry. Everything will fall into place soon enough, you’ll see.”
Victoria then brings up, “I understand you will be going up to the cabin with Jarrod and Nick tomorrow.”
“Yes um,” Heath answers.
“How do you feel about that?” she wanted to know.
“Not sure,” Heath admits, “Not do this before; this is all new to me.”
“I know it is,” she then asks, “Where is Nick?”
“Putting wagon, Gal and Coco inside the barn” Heath says “He said he’ll be in shortly.”
“I understand you skinned your knees last night” she mentions.
“I did,” Heath admits.
“Would you mind letting me see them?” she asks of him, “Could you lift your pants up a bit, please?”
Replying “Yes Mother” Heath does as instructed and upon lifting his pant legs she takes a better look at them. Gently placing her fingers on each of them she asks “Does that hurt?” Watching as he flinches slightly “No Ma’am” he answers “I mean Mother.”
Upon inspecting them, “Looks like Nick did a good job with cleaning them,” Victoria mentions, “Heath, you must be more careful out there.”
“Yes um,” Heath replies, “Sorry.”
“It’s alright Heath,” Victoria tells him, “I just wanted to see how they looked.”
As Heath is lowering the cuffs to his pants Jarrod comes up to the top landing and says, “Ah ha, I thought I heard you come in. How was it out there?”
Glancing up at him as he comes down the stairs, “Fine Jarrod,” Heath replies.
“Heath,” Jarrod mentions, “I heard some of what was being said and you are going do just fine. Nick and I will both be with you.”
“I know,” Heath confides, “Just never did any of this before.”
“Heath,” Victoria joins in with, “There will be a lot of things happening that you were never able to do before.”
“Mother’s right Heath” Jarrod says “Whatever seems natural to us will be new to you. How about if you come up the stairs with me, let me show you my room and while we’re at it I will show you what I am getting ready for our outing tomorrow?”
Replying “Yeah okay, Jarrod” Heath follows Jarrod up the stairs and as Victoria heads back to the kitchen she has a very pleasing smile on her face.
<p>
Standing outside his doorway, “Heath,” Jarrod goes on to say, “This is my bedroom. Won’t you please come in?”
Replying, “Yes Jarrod,” Heath follows him into his room. As Jarrod asks what he thinks about his room Heath standing near the doorway glancing about answers, “Not bad.”
“See the fishing pole here,” Jarrod says showing him it. Heath replies, “I do.”
Handing it to him, “This one’s Gene’s,” Jarrod mentions, “But you may use it, okay?” Replying, “Okay,” Heath takes it from him.
After Jarrod tells him to try it out, Heath plays with the reel and upon turning it around and around, “Nice,” Heath comments.
“And here,” Jarrod says, “Something else for you,” handing him an authentic leather zippered black bag to which he asks, “What is it?”
“It’s what’s called a Dopp kit” Jarrod explains “It has many things in there for a young man, such as yourself. I got it for you when we were in town. It has a razor, shaving items, a toothbrush, toothpowder, a comb, and a few other essential things I thought you could use. Father bought each one of us one when we turned into a man and I thought you should have one too.”
“I don’t take charity,” Heath states.
“Heath, it’s not charity. It’s a gift from me to you.” Jarrod says “And didn’t we tell you anything we give or buy you, you could consider them as atonements, things we owed to you for not being here all the years growing up?”
“You did,” Heath admits.
“Well this is some of what this is” Jarrod says “Something we owed to you. You did say you wanted a piece of it all.”
“I did,” Heath sheepishly replies.
“Well,” Jarrod says, “A piece of it all means what it says, receiving all what is owed to you whether it’s in way of money or material items; if you were a small boy coming here, Mother and Father and sometimes Nick and myself would be buying and giving you things just for the sake of giving. You understand?”
“Trying to,” Heath states.
“If Father was here now,” Jarrod points out, “He’d be giving you one of these too because he gave one to each of us as we reached a certain age. When Gene gets to be a little older and starts to shave he will be given one too. So, how about if you keep working on trying to understand and while you’re at it why don’t you take it to the bathroom and do a little shaving and wash up before dinner time. I think you could use it, okay?”
Replying “Okay” Heath takes the bag and goes to the bathroom closing the door behind him.
<p>
Downstairs walking in the front door Nick calls out, “Mother,” who comes out from the kitchen and says, “Hi Nick.”
“Where’s Heath?” Nick asks.
“Upstairs with Jarrod” Victoria mentions, “Why don’t you go upstairs and get ready for dinner, it will be ready soon.”
<p>
Replying “Yeah okay” Nick goes up the stairs while Victoria returns to the kitchen.
<p>
Catching sight of Jarrod standing outside the bathroom, “Hi Jarrod,” Nick asks, “What are you doing?” who responds, “Waiting for Heath to come out.”
“Does he need you standing watch?” Nick wanted to know. Jarrod says, “Funny Nick.”
“Well,” Nick inquires, “Why are you standing outside here? He is a big boy. Don’t you think he could handle using the bathroom without you here?”
“I bought him one of those Dopp kits,” Jarrod informs him, “And gave him some shaving equipment. I thought he could use a shave.”
“A nice idea” Nick says “I remember Father buying us each one as we got older.”
“That’s why I did it” Jarrod notes “I figured there’s no better time than now to get him one.”
“Good thinking on your part,” Nick says, “And you’re right he could, but he still doesn’t need you outside here waiting for him to come out.”
“True,” Jarrod replies, “I just thought I’d do it anyway.”
Just then as Heath comes out of the bathroom he sees both Jarrod and Nick standing there and is a little taken back.
“Well,” Jarrod says, “Let’s take a look at you.”
Grabbing hold of his face with his hand and inspecting it “Much better, Heath” Jarrod asks “How does it feel?” feeling the skin from around the chin to his mouth with his fingers and palm of his right hand to which Heath replies “Fine.”
“Well it looks fine,” Jarrod comments, “And feels fine.”
Being next to inspect his face, “I have to agree” Nick says “You look much better now.”
Just then observing Heath’s features turn downcast “Heath,” Jarrod asks “Are you okay?” Heath answers, “Fine Jarrod.”
“You don’t sound it” Jarrod says “Talk to us. What are you thinking?” as Heath continues looking down at the floor “Heath,” Nick asks “What are you thinking about?”
Shrugging his shoulders and then swallowing hard “Don’t know” Heath says “Thought…” Nick pushes the question “Thought what Heath?” shrugging again “Thought maybe um…” stopping in mid sentence, looking first at Nick and then at Jarrod “Um, um…” Heath says.
“You thought maybe I” Jarrod answering “Brought you up here for something else?”
Grimacing “At first I did” Heath sheepishly admits “When asked to go to your room, thought differently than what you really wanted me to go in there for,” glancing at Jarrod “And then when I first saw you both here, as I came out.”
Exchanging similar concerned glances “Heath” Nick says “We need to talk. Come with me.”
<p>
Replying “Yes Nick” Heath goes with both Nick and Jarrod down the hall to his bedroom.
<p>
Standing outside his door “Go in Heath” Nick tells him who does as instructed.
<p>
Coming down the hall “Hey,” Gene asks “What’s going on?” Nick replies “Nothing Gene.”
“Why are you all going into your bedroom?” Gene wanted to know.
“We have to talk with Heath for a few minutes,” Jarrod informs him.
“What about?” Gene curiously asks.
“Never mind Gene” Jarrod tells him “Go downstairs, we’ll be there shortly.”
“Why can’t I come and hear what is going on?” Gene insists.
“It’s not for you to be listening to,” Nick says, “Now go downstairs, Gene.”
“I” Gene replies, “Always miss out on what’s going on. Heath is my brother too.”
Nick says “Yes he is, but for right now we need to talk with him alone” closing the door behind him he tells him “Bye Gene” who walks away disappointed and saddened.
<p>
Gathered in the room together, “Heath,” Nick says, “Come and sit on the bed.”
Replying, “Yes Nick,” Heath does as instructed and takes a seat on the edge of the bed. Sitting alongside of him Nick places his left knee slightly higher than the right one on the edge of the mattress while Heath’s feet are both firmly on the floor staring down at the floor.
Grabbing a chair Jarrod pulls it up alongside of the bed facing both Nick and Heath. Taking hold of Heath’s right hand with his left Nick says, “Heath, didn’t I tell you that we would never do anything to you, not for any reason?”
Heath answers, “You did.”
Taking hold of his chin with his hand lifting it up a bit “Then why,” Nick asks, “Why would you even think thoughts like that, hmm?”
Shrugging “Don’t know” Heath replies “Usually when asked to come to a room always happened” looking up at Nick for a second then at Jarrod before turning his gaze to the floor again.
Nick asks, “The hitting? The whipping?”
Keeping his gaze to the floor “Yes” Heath nodding his head answers quietly.
“Heath,” Jarrod tells him, “Nick and I would never, ever do anything to you. Not now, not ever. We don’t work that way. I just brought you up to my room, to show you it and to show you the fishing equipment I have ready for our little trip tomorrow. That’s all,” taking hold of his left hand into his right.
“I know that now,” Heath skiddishly replies, “Sorry, I thought differently. I know now I was wrong.”
Taking Heath’s right hand and rubbing the thumb over the back of it continuously “Heath” Nick says “You have to stop thinking thoughts like that around here. As we’ve both been telling you, no one in this house will ever hurt you. We are your family, we are your brothers and we are also your friends. You gotta start understanding and truly believing that. I don’t want you to keep thinking anything else of us. We don’t work that way. Not now, not ever.”
“Sometimes” Nick then mentions, “I may do a lot of yelling as you already know, but I’ve been doing that a long time; however I will try to do not as much of it around you. I know that it bothers you and you don’t like it, but that is as bad as I get, nothing more. IF someone should mess with you or any body else in this family or if I should see someone hurting another when they shouldn’t be then I will take actions against them who are responsible but that is and will be the only time Heath. Otherwise, I don’t hurt anybody and I certainly would never ever intentionally hurt you. I would never ever hit you, nor would anyone else here. You got that?”
“I do now,” Heath sheepishly responds, “Sorry I thought that.”
“Forget it Heath,” Nick tells him, “But I’ll say one thing though.”
“What’s that Nick?” Heath wanted to know.
“I’m glad you did ask though,” Nick says.
“You are?” Heath asks, perplexed.
“Yes,” Nick replies, “And do you want to know why?”
Shaking his head, “No,” Heath asks, “Why?”
“Because,” Nick explains, “I like it that you are telling us what is on your mind. You’re asking us a question. Remember at lunch I told you if you had something on your mind no matter what it’s about to ask anyway?”
“I do,” Heath replies.
“This is what I’m talking about,” Nick says, “We want to know what is going on inside your head,” taking his left pointer finger and touching the right side of Heath’s head, “This is the only way you’ll get your answers.”
“Nick’s right Heath,” Jarrod joins in with, “Remember, we can’t read your mind. However, you could come and talk with us anytime, about anything, even something like this. We are here to listen to you. We don’t know what you want or need unless you tell us. So, what you did just now is good. We want to hear what you have to say and very pleased that you brought it up to our attention.”
“Right,” Nick says, “But you must understand and get it through your thick head Heath, that we won’t do anything to you, and you have to believe it as well.”
“I’m trying,” Heath admits.
Patting him on the shoulder, “Good boy,” Nick tells him.
“I know you are,” Jarrod then says, “Heath, dinner will be ready soon. Why don’t you finish getting changed for dinner and I’ll meet you both downstairs, okay?”
“Okay,” Heath and Nick both reply. Watching as Jarrod gets up, Heath gets up.
<p.
As Jarrod and Heath are heading for the door, “Heath,” Nick says, “Hold up for a moment,” as Jarrod continues on Heath asks, “What is it Nick?”
“I want to know,” Nick says, “What do you think of my room?
Scanning the room from the doorway “Nice,” Heath replies.
Taking hold of the doorknob “Well, this door here” showing him “Is open to you anytime of the day or night” Nick informs him “If I am in here” placing his right hand on Heath’s left upper arm “And you should want me for anything, I am here. You just walk right in. If you would rather knock at the door, you could do that as well. But you don’t have to. Okay?” Heath replies, “Okay Nick.”
“And don’t be afraid to take chances” Nick encourages “You won’t know how it will turn out unless you try it. It may be wrong, but then again, it may be right. You won’t know it until you do it.”
“I’ll try,” Heath says.
“Good” Nick tells him “Heath, why don’t you take this bag Jarrod gave to you and put it in your room on your dresser or something and then go do what he said; change for dinner. Mother likes it when we come to the table clean and not smelling like we’ve been out in the pastures all day. I will be doing the same. Alright?”
Replying, “Alright Nick,” Heath walks out and while he goes across the hall to his room Nick goes down the hallway to the bathroom taking his turn in using it.
End of Story 6
Look to the Continuation under subtitle Acceptance and Resentments
As it approaches a little past 4:30 pm Nick returns to the North Pasture where the hands are quietly and skillfully working side by side putting the new fence up “I’ve returned,” Nick asks “How’s it going?”
“We got quite a bit done, Nick,” Ron mentions.
“Yes” Nick replies “I see that” as he looks at the progress in it “Has Heath awakened at all” he then asks glancing over at him still asleep underneath the tree. “Not yet,” Bobby says.
“Did he have any nightmares?” Nick wanted to know.
“No,” Bobby answers as Nick resumes working.
<p>
Twenty minutes later Heath opens his eyes. Noticing Davy informs Nick who quickly stops what he’s doing and walks over to him asking “Hey sleepyhead, you doing okay?” Heath answers, “Fine Nick.”
Nick asks, “How was your nap?”
Heath replies, “Okay.” Nick asks, “Do you want some more sleep?”
Shaking his head, “No,” Heath answers “Had enough.”
“Okay,” Nick says, “Come on.”
As Heath gets up on his feet Nick assists him with taking the blanket and folding it up. Placing it back of the wagon he and Heath return to their work. Grabbing a hammer, a couple of slats and nails, they begin pounding boards into the posts.
<p>
Back at the house Jarrod after finishing work on the three fishing poles, gets up and grabs the three different bottles he bought from Harry and exits the room.
<p.
As he is coming down the stairs, “How’s it coming?” Victoria asks of him as she is busy tossing a salad and Silas is busy getting the rest of the dinner ready.
“It’s coming along fine” Jarrod informs her “Just finished getting the fishing poles ready.”
Noticing the bottles in Jarrod’s hands “Mr. Jarrod” Silas inquires “What you have there?” Showing them “This is a bottle of Tequila, a bottle of Cointreau and a bottle of lime juice” he mentions. Victoria asks, “Where did you get them from?”
“From Harry’s Saloon,” Jarrod mentions, “When we were there earlier.”
“What is their purpose” Victoria asks “What you plan on doing with them?”
Showing a crooked smile, “Going to make a margarita with them,” he answers.
“A margarita” Victoria asks, “Who’s having the margarita?”
Placing the bottles on the counter, “Heath will be,” Jarrod announces.
“He likes margaritas?” she wanted to know.
“Yes” Jarrod explains “We found out he doesn’t like the drinks we’ve been having so I thought I’d try making this for him” as he begins retrieving items from the ice box, such as the ice, orange juice, strawberries, and then the bowl of sugar.
“He doesn’t like the drinks we’ve been having?” Victoria asks.
“No,” Jarrod answers, “And he’s only been drinking them because when I handed him one each time I would say drink.”
“That explains,” Victoria notes, “His drinking what he doesn’t like.”
“Yes,” Jarrod says, “Hopefully when we take him up to Pine Lake we’ll be able to get him to open up more and find out what he does like and doesn’t not to mention doing things on his own.”
“You sure do have your work cut out for you,” Victoria surmises.
“We do,” Jarrod says, “But we’ll take each item slowly. Heath had practically an entire life where he had to live that way so it just might take some time.”
“You’re right about that Mr. Jarrod,” Silas joins in, “Would you like me to work on the margarita with you?” as he checks on the roast in the oven.
“No thank you Silas,” Jarrod mentions, “I want to learn how to do it. Once I get the hang of it, maybe we’ll take this up to the cabin.”
“So I take it” Victoria says “The three of you will be doing some drinking up there.”
“Perhaps,” Jarrod admits, “Just a little. We won’t drink too much. We just want to show Heath a good time.”
Replying “Very well Jarrod, I’ll leave it at that” Victoria noticing the time excuses herself from the kitchen and goes up the back stairwell leaving Jarrod with working on making the margarita using the fruit presser and crushing the ice while Silas grabs the plates and heads for the dining room.
<p>
Returning from her ride out and upon walking into the kitchen Audra asks of Jarrod what he’s doing to which he responds, “Crushing ice.”
As she asks why he goes to explain about making the margarita for Heath to which she replies “Don’t think I ever had one before.”
Jarrod says, “No, I’m sure you haven’t. This is my first time making it. But, seeing he likes them I thought I’d try making him something he liked to drink.”
“What a nice idea.” Audra admits.
“But before,” Jarrod says, “I present it to him I first need to try to make it. Heath had on this morning at Harry’s and I want to make sure it tastes like that one did or at least close to it. So right now I am experimenting with it.”
“So,” Audra asks, “What could I do to help?”
“For starters,” he suggests, “How about if you get out the glasses?”
“How many?” Audra asks.
“Six,” Jarrod answers.
<p>
While Audra gets out six drinking glasses Jarrod works on pureeing the strawberries with the ice and then mixing them up with the sugar that he just added. After Audra has the glasses Jarrod asks of her to hand him the orange juice which she does graciously.
Audra then asks, “What else does it use?”
“Lime juice,” Jarrod answers, “The tequila and the Cointreau, I have right here.”
<p>
Coming back down the steps minutes later Victoria asks, “How’s it coming,” as she looks at Jarrod adding the other ingredients answering, “It’s coming.”
Catching sight of Audra she asks “Where’s Gene?” Audra answers “Still out.”
Victoria then says, “Why don’t you go upstairs and get washed for dinner?”
<p>
Replying, “Okay,” Audra heads up the back stairwell while Victoria continues to watch him mixing all the ingredients together in between her getting the frosting ready and Silas preparing dinner.
<p>
Seconds later Gene walks into the kitchen and upon seeing Jarrod, Victoria and Silas all hard at work, “Mmm,” he comments, “That looks good” regarding the cake being frosted.
“We’ll be having this later,” Victoria notes, “How was your ride?”
“Went fine,” Gene then asks, “Jarrod, what are you making?”
“Strawberry margaritas,” Jarrod tells him.
“Mmm,” Gene comments, “Never had one. Are they any good?”
“Want to try a little?” Jarrod offers as he finishes Gene answers, “Sure, okay.”
Handing him a small glassful “Well” Jarrod asks as he tries it and responds, “Not bad. Could I have another?”
“Perhaps afterwards,” Victoria jumps in, “Dinner will be ready shortly. Why don’t you see if your sister is finished using the bathroom then you go and get washed?”
Replying, “Yeah okay,” Gene heads up the steps.
“Mother,” Jarrod asks, “Do you want to try a glass?”
Replying, “Sure,” Victoria takes the glass and upon sampling it, “Mmm, good. It’s a little strong though.”
“Do you think there’s,” Jarrod wanted to know, “Too much tequila or Cointreau in it?” Victoria answers, “Not sure; never had one before. It’s not bad, almost like a strawberry drink.”
“Maybe,” Jarrod asks, “It needs more sugar and strawberries?”
“You could try it,” Victoria suggests.
Getting out more sugar and strawberries, he adds them to the ice crusher. Once they are pureed enough he mixes them in with the rest of the drink. Handing her another small glassful “How about now” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Not bad,” Victoria replies, “Still a little strong. Try a little more.”
Doing as suggests he blends a few more strawberries and sugar. Once they’ve been pureed enough he adds them to the pitcher. Upon handing her one more glass, “How about now?” he wanted to know.
“Much better,” Victoria answers.
“Do you think Heath will like it?” Jarrod inquires.
“Not sure,” Victoria replies, “You’re the one who mentioned he likes Strawberry Margaritas. So if he likes them, then he should. Try it,” she encourages.
Watching Jarrod try a small glassful “Well” Victoria asks “How do you like it?”
Sipping it and puckering up, “I like it,” Jarrod admits, “But I wonder if I should add more sugar in it or perhaps a little more orange juice.”
“Why don’t you leave it the way it is” Victoria urges “and let Heath try it?’
“Good idea,” Jarrod replies, “I’ll leave it the way it is.” Just then as Silas enters the room Jarrod offers him to try it which he graciously accepts. Upon taking the glass and trying it, “Let me know what you think,” he suggests.
Drinking it, “Mmm,” enjoying it, “Very good,” Silas comments.
“Do you think it needs anything?” Jarrod inquires, “Sugar? Strawberries?”
“No,” Silas notes “Think its juz fine the way it is, Mr. Jarrod. I think Mr. Heath will enjoy it.” Victoria says, “I think he will too.”
<p>
Up at the North Pasture still working hard at putting the new fence up Nick realizing what time it is decides it’s time to call it a day and as everyone stops what they are doing and pitches in with hitching up the team to the wagon, saddling the horses and placing all the materials and tools into the back.
Once Ron and Bobby have climbed into the driver’s box of the wagon, Nick, Heath, Chad and Davy mount their horses and riding side-by-side all head in the direction of the bunkhouse with Ron doing the steering of the wagon.
<p>
Back at the house as Audra is in the kitchen watching Victoria ice the cake she mentions, “Mother, too bad that wasn’t chocolate.”
“Why is that?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Because,” Audra replies, “Heath likes chocolate.”
Victoria asks, “He does?”
“Uh-huh,” Audra answers.
“Did he tell you that?” Victoria inquires.
“He did,” Audra mentions, “On Saturday.”
“Well,” Victoria says, “I guess I’ll be sure to have a chocolate cake baked every now and then. I’d like Heath to be able to enjoy things he likes just as anyone else here does.”
“Me too,” Audra then says, “Mother, I am so happy about Nick and Heath now. I hated the way Nick was treating him before.”
“I did too,” Victoria admits, “But luckily that is all behind us now and we could start working on being one family again.”
Nodding her head, “Yes,” Audra states, “Thank goodness.”
<p>
Arriving outside the barn with the men, “Heath,” Nick suggests, “Why don’t you go inside the house while I take care of Gal for you?”
“I do it,” Heath tells him.
“Heath,” Nick says, “Part of being brothers and friends is being able to help one another and doing things for each other. As a brother, as a friend,” placing his hand on his shoulder “Let me do this for you. You could go in the house and get ready for dinner. I will be there shortly.”
Exhaling heavily, “Don’t know Nick,” Heath replies.
“Well I do,” Nick insists, “Please Heath, let me do this for you.” Studying him for a moment or so, “Okay Nick,” Heath replies, “I’ll let you.”
Smiling, “Good boy,” Nick says as he gently hits him on the shoulder.
<p>
As Heath heads for the house, Nick goes inside the barn with both Gal and Coco in tow. After placing Gal in her stall and Nick is tending to Coco, Bobby and Ron show up with the wagon. As they are entering Nick has Ron leaving so that he could talk with Bobby alone.
<p>
After Ron leaves Bobby asks, “What is it Nick?”
“Help me with unhitching the wagon,” Nick says, “I’d like to ask you a few questions regarding Heath while you’re doing that.”
Doing as instructed, “Sure,” Bobby inquires, “What would you like to know?” as Nick assists him with putting everything where it needs to go.
“First,” Nick brings up, “I understand you were the first to notice his sleeping in the barn.”
“I learned about it on Saturday morning,” Bobby notes.
“How did you find out?” Nick wanted to know.
“I noticed him leaving the barn” Bobby says “And going towards the house early in the morning. I then came by on Saturday night after returning from town and saw him sleeping in there. I brought out a blanket for him so he didn’t catch cold.”
“So, that explains how the blanket got there.” Nick then asks, “How come you didn’t say anything?”
“I did mention it to Duke,” Bobby answers, “But I didn’t know how to tell you about it. You weren’t exactly being easy to talk to when Heath first came.”
“How come you didn’t tell either Mother or Jarrod?” Nick asks.
“I thought about it” Bobby replies “And even though I did tell Duke, I wasn’t sure if I should tell anybody else or not. I didn’t like his sleeping in the barn but spending the past few days with him I’ve sort of got to know him and from what I could see is he didn’t exactly have an easy life. And I didn’t want your mother or Jarrod or anybody else making him have to go in the house to sleep. I mean he has to want to, you know?”
Nodding his head, “I know,” Nick then says, “I am just beginning to learn that about him. What about the nightmares? How did you know about them?”
“Saturday night” Bobby explains “When he was sleeping I saw him having one. I managed to wake him and stay with him until he fell back to sleep. That’s when I went inside to get him the blanket. He also had one on Monday while we were finishing the work on the bridge.”
“I see,” Nick replies.
“Did he tell you what we did on Sunday together?” Bobby wanted to know.
“He did,” Nick mentions, “He also mentioned that you said I left him flat.”
Swallowing hard “He told you that” Bobby asks.
“He did,” Nick replies, “And it’s alright I did leave him flat. He also told me about your riding around, going into the water and holding some of the little animals you came across.”
“He seemed to enjoy that,” Bobby confides, “I don’t think he’s ever did that before.”
“I’m learning that too,” Nick notes, “And we’ll be doing some of that with him.”
“He’d like that,” Bobby admits, “He didn’t get to do too much of that when he lived in Strawberry.”
“I’m aware of that too,” Nick then asks, “What happened the night that Barrett left him alone on the West Ridge?”
“Well,” Bobby says, “I think you already found out about Sam and Austin not showing up.”
“I did,” Nick replies, “Could you tell me anything more? How you knew they didn’t show up and how you knew Heath was up there by himself?”
“I went to check on him before turning in” Bobby states “And didn’t see him in the barn sleeping or his horse either. But I did see Barrett asleep and didn’t see Sam or Austin at anytime not even during the day, not even their horses. I then got up early Monday morning I think around 3 and went to check the barn again. I still didn’t see Heath or his horse so when Mike and Hank woke up I mentioned it briefly to them because Duke wasn’t here yet. He was still in town with Jenny. I thought maybe I was mistaken but they said they’d go and check it out and sure enough they found Heath was up there all night by himself.”
“I do want to thank you for doing that,” Nick says.
“No problem” Bobby replies “I like Heath and I didn’t want anyone making a fool out of him or pulling a fast one over him. I guess some of the men figured that you didn’t care much about him and weren’t paying much attention to what was going on and seeing Heath doesn’t talk much they thought they could get away with it.”
“Heath is lucky to have a friend like you,” Nick states, “He likes you too.”
“The feelings mutual,” Bobby admits.
“There is something else you mentioned about his not doing anything on his own,” Nick asks, “How did you know?”
“I was watching him,” Bobby mentions, “We’ve been working together since last Thursday and I spent time with him both on Saturday and Sunday. I noticed that he never did anything unless someone said to do it. He never would speak unless someone asked him something. I think none of you saw it because you weren’t looking for it. Duke started noticing it but as an outsider I was able to pick up on it a lot quicker just by watching him. And sometimes an outsider could see something more than someone closer to the situation at hand can.”
“You’re right about that,” Nick then says, “And I just wanted to thank you once again for being there for him.”
“Once again,” Bobby mentions, “No problem. As I said I like his being here.”
<p>
Upon coming up the walk Heath is greeted and welcomed by Silas who opens the door for him.
<p>
As he returns the greeting and responds with calling him sir, “Heath,” Silas replies, “No more sirs here. Just call me Silas.”
“Si-las,” Heath reiterates. Silas says, “That’s much better.”
Just then entering the room from the direction of the kitchen Victoria is next to welcome and greet Heath who replies, “Hello, um, Mo-ther.”
Smiling “Oh Heath” Victoria says as she takes her right hand and places it on his left cheek “You have no idea on how happy I am to hear you say that. I love hearing you call me that.”
“Mother,” Heath says with Victoria asking, “Yes Heath?”
“I like it that you like it,” Heath informs her.
“Well” Victoria says “I like it very much. You don’t have to be nervous or worried about anything here. We are your family. You belong here with us, okay?”
“Yes Mother.” Heath answers. As she asks how his day went he responds “Fine.”
“Did you enjoy your lunch?” she wanted to know. Heath replies “I did.”
“I understand you liked the cake,” she notes.
Once again he replies, “I did, yes.”
“We’ll be having another one for dessert tonight,” she tells him, “But from here on out don’t you ever go without anything to eat. All the food in this house belongs to you too, any time, alright?”
“Okay,” he replies, “Yes Ma’am, I mean Mother, sorry.”
“It’s alright Heath,” she assures him, “It’s going to take some time before we all get use to all the adjustments being made around here. You take your time; we’re not in any hurry. Everything will fall into place soon enough, you’ll see.”
Victoria then brings up, “I understand you will be going up to the cabin with Jarrod and Nick tomorrow.”
“Yes um,” Heath answers.
“How do you feel about that?” she wanted to know.
“Not sure,” Heath admits, “Not do this before; this is all new to me.”
“I know it is,” she then asks, “Where is Nick?”
“Putting wagon, Gal and Coco inside the barn” Heath says “He said he’ll be in shortly.”
“I understand you skinned your knees last night” she mentions.
“I did,” Heath admits.
“Would you mind letting me see them?” she asks of him, “Could you lift your pants up a bit, please?”
Replying “Yes Mother” Heath does as instructed and upon lifting his pant legs she takes a better look at them. Gently placing her fingers on each of them she asks “Does that hurt?” Watching as he flinches slightly “No Ma’am” he answers “I mean Mother.”
Upon inspecting them, “Looks like Nick did a good job with cleaning them,” Victoria mentions, “Heath, you must be more careful out there.”
“Yes um,” Heath replies, “Sorry.”
“It’s alright Heath,” Victoria tells him, “I just wanted to see how they looked.”
As Heath is lowering the cuffs to his pants Jarrod comes up to the top landing and says, “Ah ha, I thought I heard you come in. How was it out there?”
Glancing up at him as he comes down the stairs, “Fine Jarrod,” Heath replies.
“Heath,” Jarrod mentions, “I heard some of what was being said and you are going do just fine. Nick and I will both be with you.”
“I know,” Heath confides, “Just never did any of this before.”
“Heath,” Victoria joins in with, “There will be a lot of things happening that you were never able to do before.”
“Mother’s right Heath” Jarrod says “Whatever seems natural to us will be new to you. How about if you come up the stairs with me, let me show you my room and while we’re at it I will show you what I am getting ready for our outing tomorrow?”
Replying “Yeah okay, Jarrod” Heath follows Jarrod up the stairs and as Victoria heads back to the kitchen she has a very pleasing smile on her face.
<p>
Standing outside his doorway, “Heath,” Jarrod goes on to say, “This is my bedroom. Won’t you please come in?”
Replying, “Yes Jarrod,” Heath follows him into his room. As Jarrod asks what he thinks about his room Heath standing near the doorway glancing about answers, “Not bad.”
“See the fishing pole here,” Jarrod says showing him it. Heath replies, “I do.”
Handing it to him, “This one’s Gene’s,” Jarrod mentions, “But you may use it, okay?” Replying, “Okay,” Heath takes it from him.
After Jarrod tells him to try it out, Heath plays with the reel and upon turning it around and around, “Nice,” Heath comments.
“And here,” Jarrod says, “Something else for you,” handing him an authentic leather zippered black bag to which he asks, “What is it?”
“It’s what’s called a Dopp kit” Jarrod explains “It has many things in there for a young man, such as yourself. I got it for you when we were in town. It has a razor, shaving items, a toothbrush, toothpowder, a comb, and a few other essential things I thought you could use. Father bought each one of us one when we turned into a man and I thought you should have one too.”
“I don’t take charity,” Heath states.
“Heath, it’s not charity. It’s a gift from me to you.” Jarrod says “And didn’t we tell you anything we give or buy you, you could consider them as atonements, things we owed to you for not being here all the years growing up?”
“You did,” Heath admits.
“Well this is some of what this is” Jarrod says “Something we owed to you. You did say you wanted a piece of it all.”
“I did,” Heath sheepishly replies.
“Well,” Jarrod says, “A piece of it all means what it says, receiving all what is owed to you whether it’s in way of money or material items; if you were a small boy coming here, Mother and Father and sometimes Nick and myself would be buying and giving you things just for the sake of giving. You understand?”
“Trying to,” Heath states.
“If Father was here now,” Jarrod points out, “He’d be giving you one of these too because he gave one to each of us as we reached a certain age. When Gene gets to be a little older and starts to shave he will be given one too. So, how about if you keep working on trying to understand and while you’re at it why don’t you take it to the bathroom and do a little shaving and wash up before dinner time. I think you could use it, okay?”
Replying “Okay” Heath takes the bag and goes to the bathroom closing the door behind him.
<p>
Downstairs walking in the front door Nick calls out, “Mother,” who comes out from the kitchen and says, “Hi Nick.”
“Where’s Heath?” Nick asks.
“Upstairs with Jarrod” Victoria mentions, “Why don’t you go upstairs and get ready for dinner, it will be ready soon.”
<p>
Replying “Yeah okay” Nick goes up the stairs while Victoria returns to the kitchen.
<p>
Catching sight of Jarrod standing outside the bathroom, “Hi Jarrod,” Nick asks, “What are you doing?” who responds, “Waiting for Heath to come out.”
“Does he need you standing watch?” Nick wanted to know. Jarrod says, “Funny Nick.”
“Well,” Nick inquires, “Why are you standing outside here? He is a big boy. Don’t you think he could handle using the bathroom without you here?”
“I bought him one of those Dopp kits,” Jarrod informs him, “And gave him some shaving equipment. I thought he could use a shave.”
“A nice idea” Nick says “I remember Father buying us each one as we got older.”
“That’s why I did it” Jarrod notes “I figured there’s no better time than now to get him one.”
“Good thinking on your part,” Nick says, “And you’re right he could, but he still doesn’t need you outside here waiting for him to come out.”
“True,” Jarrod replies, “I just thought I’d do it anyway.”
Just then as Heath comes out of the bathroom he sees both Jarrod and Nick standing there and is a little taken back.
“Well,” Jarrod says, “Let’s take a look at you.”
Grabbing hold of his face with his hand and inspecting it “Much better, Heath” Jarrod asks “How does it feel?” feeling the skin from around the chin to his mouth with his fingers and palm of his right hand to which Heath replies “Fine.”
“Well it looks fine,” Jarrod comments, “And feels fine.”
Being next to inspect his face, “I have to agree” Nick says “You look much better now.”
Just then observing Heath’s features turn downcast “Heath,” Jarrod asks “Are you okay?” Heath answers, “Fine Jarrod.”
“You don’t sound it” Jarrod says “Talk to us. What are you thinking?” as Heath continues looking down at the floor “Heath,” Nick asks “What are you thinking about?”
Shrugging his shoulders and then swallowing hard “Don’t know” Heath says “Thought…” Nick pushes the question “Thought what Heath?” shrugging again “Thought maybe um…” stopping in mid sentence, looking first at Nick and then at Jarrod “Um, um…” Heath says.
“You thought maybe I” Jarrod answering “Brought you up here for something else?”
Grimacing “At first I did” Heath sheepishly admits “When asked to go to your room, thought differently than what you really wanted me to go in there for,” glancing at Jarrod “And then when I first saw you both here, as I came out.”
Exchanging similar concerned glances “Heath” Nick says “We need to talk. Come with me.”
<p>
Replying “Yes Nick” Heath goes with both Nick and Jarrod down the hall to his bedroom.
<p>
Standing outside his door “Go in Heath” Nick tells him who does as instructed.
<p>
Coming down the hall “Hey,” Gene asks “What’s going on?” Nick replies “Nothing Gene.”
“Why are you all going into your bedroom?” Gene wanted to know.
“We have to talk with Heath for a few minutes,” Jarrod informs him.
“What about?” Gene curiously asks.
“Never mind Gene” Jarrod tells him “Go downstairs, we’ll be there shortly.”
“Why can’t I come and hear what is going on?” Gene insists.
“It’s not for you to be listening to,” Nick says, “Now go downstairs, Gene.”
“I” Gene replies, “Always miss out on what’s going on. Heath is my brother too.”
Nick says “Yes he is, but for right now we need to talk with him alone” closing the door behind him he tells him “Bye Gene” who walks away disappointed and saddened.
<p>
Gathered in the room together, “Heath,” Nick says, “Come and sit on the bed.”
Replying, “Yes Nick,” Heath does as instructed and takes a seat on the edge of the bed. Sitting alongside of him Nick places his left knee slightly higher than the right one on the edge of the mattress while Heath’s feet are both firmly on the floor staring down at the floor.
Grabbing a chair Jarrod pulls it up alongside of the bed facing both Nick and Heath. Taking hold of Heath’s right hand with his left Nick says, “Heath, didn’t I tell you that we would never do anything to you, not for any reason?”
Heath answers, “You did.”
Taking hold of his chin with his hand lifting it up a bit “Then why,” Nick asks, “Why would you even think thoughts like that, hmm?”
Shrugging “Don’t know” Heath replies “Usually when asked to come to a room always happened” looking up at Nick for a second then at Jarrod before turning his gaze to the floor again.
Nick asks, “The hitting? The whipping?”
Keeping his gaze to the floor “Yes” Heath nodding his head answers quietly.
“Heath,” Jarrod tells him, “Nick and I would never, ever do anything to you. Not now, not ever. We don’t work that way. I just brought you up to my room, to show you it and to show you the fishing equipment I have ready for our little trip tomorrow. That’s all,” taking hold of his left hand into his right.
“I know that now,” Heath skiddishly replies, “Sorry, I thought differently. I know now I was wrong.”
Taking Heath’s right hand and rubbing the thumb over the back of it continuously “Heath” Nick says “You have to stop thinking thoughts like that around here. As we’ve both been telling you, no one in this house will ever hurt you. We are your family, we are your brothers and we are also your friends. You gotta start understanding and truly believing that. I don’t want you to keep thinking anything else of us. We don’t work that way. Not now, not ever.”
“Sometimes” Nick then mentions, “I may do a lot of yelling as you already know, but I’ve been doing that a long time; however I will try to do not as much of it around you. I know that it bothers you and you don’t like it, but that is as bad as I get, nothing more. IF someone should mess with you or any body else in this family or if I should see someone hurting another when they shouldn’t be then I will take actions against them who are responsible but that is and will be the only time Heath. Otherwise, I don’t hurt anybody and I certainly would never ever intentionally hurt you. I would never ever hit you, nor would anyone else here. You got that?”
“I do now,” Heath sheepishly responds, “Sorry I thought that.”
“Forget it Heath,” Nick tells him, “But I’ll say one thing though.”
“What’s that Nick?” Heath wanted to know.
“I’m glad you did ask though,” Nick says.
“You are?” Heath asks, perplexed.
“Yes,” Nick replies, “And do you want to know why?”
Shaking his head, “No,” Heath asks, “Why?”
“Because,” Nick explains, “I like it that you are telling us what is on your mind. You’re asking us a question. Remember at lunch I told you if you had something on your mind no matter what it’s about to ask anyway?”
“I do,” Heath replies.
“This is what I’m talking about,” Nick says, “We want to know what is going on inside your head,” taking his left pointer finger and touching the right side of Heath’s head, “This is the only way you’ll get your answers.”
“Nick’s right Heath,” Jarrod joins in with, “Remember, we can’t read your mind. However, you could come and talk with us anytime, about anything, even something like this. We are here to listen to you. We don’t know what you want or need unless you tell us. So, what you did just now is good. We want to hear what you have to say and very pleased that you brought it up to our attention.”
“Right,” Nick says, “But you must understand and get it through your thick head Heath, that we won’t do anything to you, and you have to believe it as well.”
“I’m trying,” Heath admits.
Patting him on the shoulder, “Good boy,” Nick tells him.
“I know you are,” Jarrod then says, “Heath, dinner will be ready soon. Why don’t you finish getting changed for dinner and I’ll meet you both downstairs, okay?”
“Okay,” Heath and Nick both reply. Watching as Jarrod gets up, Heath gets up.
<p.
As Jarrod and Heath are heading for the door, “Heath,” Nick says, “Hold up for a moment,” as Jarrod continues on Heath asks, “What is it Nick?”
“I want to know,” Nick says, “What do you think of my room?
Scanning the room from the doorway “Nice,” Heath replies.
Taking hold of the doorknob “Well, this door here” showing him “Is open to you anytime of the day or night” Nick informs him “If I am in here” placing his right hand on Heath’s left upper arm “And you should want me for anything, I am here. You just walk right in. If you would rather knock at the door, you could do that as well. But you don’t have to. Okay?” Heath replies, “Okay Nick.”
“And don’t be afraid to take chances” Nick encourages “You won’t know how it will turn out unless you try it. It may be wrong, but then again, it may be right. You won’t know it until you do it.”
“I’ll try,” Heath says.
“Good” Nick tells him “Heath, why don’t you take this bag Jarrod gave to you and put it in your room on your dresser or something and then go do what he said; change for dinner. Mother likes it when we come to the table clean and not smelling like we’ve been out in the pastures all day. I will be doing the same. Alright?”
Replying, “Alright Nick,” Heath walks out and while he goes across the hall to his room Nick goes down the hallway to the bathroom taking his turn in using it.
End of Story 6
Look to the Continuation under subtitle Acceptance and Resentments
