Post by sandymarek on Apr 13, 2014 10:54:26 GMT -4
Acceptance and Resentments (Story 7)
While the family has now accepted Heath into the family and look for ways to help him with his adjustment, the attention being given starts taking its toll on Eugene who is feeling left out and pushed aside.
Part 7-1
In the study Gene is seated by himself moping when Audra walking in says “Hi Gene” to which he replies “Hi” not too enthused.
Noticing his elbow on the arm of the chair and his hand holding up his head looking downward, “What’s with you?” Audra asks.
“Nothing” Gene snaps when Victoria walks in greeting both Audra and Gene to which they both respond “Hi Mother” with a nonchalant tone coming from Gene.
Noticing “What’s the matter with you, young man” Victoria wanted to know when he answers “Nothing” in a low disgusted tone.
“It has to be something” Victoria states “If you’re in here talking like that, now what is it?” to which Gene says “Jarrod and Nick.”
“What about them?” Victoria wanted to know.
“They’re upstairs in Nick’s room” Gene explains “But don’t want me in there with them.”
“They must have their reasons,” Victoria asks, “Did they say anything?”
“They said they had to talk to Heath for a few minutes” Gene mentions “And closed the door.”
“Well then,” Victoria says, “That’s your answer.”
“But,” Gene states, “I’m their brother too.”
“They know that” Victoria reminds him “But they must’ve felt it was necessary to talk to Heath alone and probably didn’t think you should be there listening to it.”
“It’s still not fair,” Gene says.
“Not everything in this world is fair Gene” Victoria tells him “And there will be many times that you will be doing things with your brothers, it’s just right now they don’t feel you should be up there with them so you have to learn to respect their reasoning.”
Seconds later, after changing his clothes Heath exits his room and as he is walking down the stairs he is met and greeted by Jarrod saying, “Well Brother Heath, you made it.”
“I did,” Heath answers.
“I have something for you” Jarrod tells him “Won’t you go into the study and take a seat, I’ll be right there with it.”
Replying “Sure Jar-rod” Heath heads for the study while Jarrod goes back into the kitchen.
Upon walking in, Heath is greeted by both Victoria and Audra. After returning the greeting Audra offers him a seat next to her on the couch in which he accepts.
Upon his taking the seat “Heath,” Victoria says “Jarrod told me about the Dopps kit he bought for you.”
“Jarrod bought Heath something?” Gene wanted to know lifting his head a bit.
“Yes,” Victoria answers, “A Dopps kit.”
“What is a Dopps kit?” Gene inquires to which Audra also asks, “Yeah, what is one? I don’t think I ever heard of one before,” curiously.
“It’s a bag or a type of kit” Victoria explains “That is given to a young man when he reaches a certain age. Your father gave both Jarrod and Nick each one when they each became a man and Jarrod figured that since your father isn’t here that Heath should have one, so he got him one today while he was in town.”
“What a nice idea,” Audra then asks, “What’s in a Dopps’ kit?”
“Grooming tools” Victoria notes “That is used by the men such as combs, scissors, nail file and shaving items; things like that.”
“Heath,” Audra then says, “Perhaps you could show me it later.”
“I’d like that,” Heath answers.
In the kitchen Jarrod hears footsteps coming down the stairwell and says without looking, “Nick, come into the kitchen.”
Doing so “What is it” Nick asks and upon seeing the glasses on a tray “And what do you have there?”
“Drinks, I made” Jarrod answers, “I want Heath to try it and see if he will like it.”
Looking at them, “Interesting,” Nick comments, “Looks like the Strawberry Marguerita Heath had at Harry’s.”
“Well Brother Nick,” Jarrod smiling says, “That is what it is. Or I hope a close resemblance to it as I could get. I spent a few minutes trying to get it right.”
“We will soon find out,” Nick notes.
Jarrod then asks Nick to give him a hand with carrying the glasses into the study in which he dutifully complies. Leading the way in “Heath” Jarrod says “I have something for you.”
Surprised “For me?” Heath asks with Jarrod replying, “For you. Here, take one.”
As he is taking the offered glass, “What does it remind you of?” Nick inquires.
“The,” Heath answers, “Strawberry Margarita I had today at Harry’s Saloon.”
“Well Brother Heath,” Jarrod quickly says, “That is what it is. Try it and let me know how you like it.”
As Heath is placing the rim of the glass to his lips Jarrod and Nick pass out the rest of the glasses to each member of the family gathered. After taking the last glasses for themselves they place the empty trays on the desk and as each one follows Heath’s lead “Well Heath” Jarrod asks, “What do you think?”
Taking a sip of it, “Good Jarrod,” Heath replies.
“You’re not just saying it,” Jarrod asks as he takes a seat alongside of Victoria.
“Saying it?” Heath mimics.
“Yes,” Jarrod reiterates, “Do you really like it?”
“I do, yes,” Heath answers, “Tastes good Jar-rod.”
Turning his attention to the rest of the family, Jarrod asks the same question to which Audra responds, “Good.”
“It is Jarrod” Nick answers “Almost the way Harry made it.”
“Mmm, Jarrod” Gene comments “This is good; much better than earlier when I first tried it.”
“You really think so?” Jarrod wanted to know with Gene replying, “I do.”
“Jarrod,” Victoria answers, “It is good; very tasty. Try yours.”
After trying his own, “Mmm, not bad” Jarrod comments.
“Jarrod,” Gene asks, “Do you think I could have another one?”
“Sorry Gene” Victoria quickly answers “One is your limit, the same goes for you Audra. I don’t need either one of you going around the house being drunk.”
“Oh Mother,” Gene argues, “We wouldn’t get drunk.”
“I’m not taking any chances Gene” Victoria tells him “They are still drinks with alcohol in them. You could have one, but that is it. Dinner will be ready shortly and I don’t want either of you coming to the table, drunk or tipsy.”
“Darn!” Gene exclaims.
“Mother” Jarrod says “How do you like how Heath’s face looks? I had him shave.”
“Very nice,” Victoria replies.
Just then Silas comes into the study and informs them dinner is ready.
Holding his arm out to Victoria and after taking it, Jarrod escorts her into the dining room. Watching him, Heath gets up and holds his arm out to Audra who upon taking it, smiles and replies, “Thank you Heath.”
Walking in the dining room Jarrod helps Victoria into her seat and Heath doing what Jarrod is doing does the same for Audra. As Jarrod pushes Victoria’s chair in, Heath pushes Audra’s chair in. Noticing but not sure what to make of it, Jarrod quietly lets out a little chuckle and a little shake of his head before going over to his chair.
In the middle of the table there is a large salad bowl and condiments, such as vinegar and oil cruets closest to Jarrod’s side and ketchup and mustard closest to Victoria’s side.
As Jarrod is taking his seat Heath continues observing him. Gene takes his set to Victoria’s left and Nick takes his seat on Jarrod’s right. As Heath is standing to the left of Jarrod, “Heath,” Victoria tells him, “Take a seat.”
Replying “Yes um” Heath nervously moves into his chair “Heath” Jarrod says to him “Remember what we told you. You don’t have to wait until we tell you to sit. Just sit, alright?”
Nodding his head, “I remember,” Heath replies.
“The same goes for when we start eating” Nick adds “You don’t have to wait until you’re told to eat. After we’ve said grace, just pick up your fork or spoon whichever you want to start with and just start eating.”
“I’ll try,” Heath answers.
Just then Silas comes in with baked potatoes on a plate. After placing them in the middle of the table he walks out to retrieve the roast he just finished carving. In between Audra begins picking up the bowl with the salad in it. Once she fixes her plate she passes it to Heath who after fixes his passes it to Jarrod who in turn passes it to Gene who then passes it to Victoria. Picking up the roast Nick is first and after fixing his plate, he passes it to Jarrod who in turn passes it to Heath and so on. Silas then walks in with a bowl of beets. After placing them on the table he once again leaves. They each help themselves starting with Gene this time. Watching as they each take a potato, Heath carefully looks about and slowly, but cautiously does the same.
As he places it in his plate, Audra clapping him on the back says “Good going, Heath!” with Nick smiling replying “Heath, that’s a start.”
Bashfully looking down at his plate “Aw Heath” Jarrod says “Don’t be bashful” patting him on the back “This is what we want, you doing things for yourself.”
“Come on, let’s say grace” Victoria cuts in with and after everyone bows their head she says grace.
After replying, “Amen,” everyone around the table does the same.
As everyone begins picking up their condiment they want to use and add to their dinner, Heath observing Jarrod grabbing the oil cruet and sprinkling a little on his salad, slowly goes after it once he puts it back down. After adding it to his own salad, he then goes after the vinegar cruet once Jarrod finishes with that.
Mentally watching it “Ah ha” Nick says inside his head to himself “So you’ve selected Jarrod.”
Next observing Jarrod picking up his fork and knife, Heath does what he does and after looking at Nick for a moment who nods his head proceeds to do as Jarrod does and as he is cutting his roast, so does Heath. Once Jarrod finishes and starts eating, so does Heath.
Not sure of what is going on and observing Heath doing what he’s doing “Is there something going on” Jarrod “That I should be made aware of?”
Shaking his head “No,” Nick answers, “But I’ll tell you about it later, big brother.”
“Ah-ha,” Jarrod replies.
Smiling and pleased, “You’re doing it Heath,” Nick says, “Keep going.”
As Heath looks to each one around the table before he continues eating, “How’s the dinner Heath?” Victoria starting off the conversation asks.
Swallowing a small bite “Good…Mother” Heath glancing up at her answers.
Part 7-2
“For dessert,” she tells him, “We’re having cake; I understand that you like cake.”
“I do Ma’am,” Heath replies, “I mean Mother.”
“I also understand you like chocolate cake,” Victoria adds.
“I do,” Heath admits.
“I’ll be sure to make one” she says “The next time we’re having one for dessert.”
“Heath” Nick adds “Also likes chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.”
“Peanut butter frosting” Victoria says, “I never had that kind before.”
“Aunt Rachel,” Heath replies, “Made it some times.”
“I’ll have to see if I could find a recipe” Victoria says “To make it. Would you like that?”
“I would,” Heath replies.
“It does sound good” comes from Audra “Yes it does; I wouldn’t mind trying a piece myself” comes from Gene and Jarrod.
“Maybe by the time you get back” Victoria brings up “From your little venture out, I’ll find someone who has a recipe to make it from. Until then you just might have to settle for chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.”
“That will be fine,” Heath answers, “I like all cakes.”
“Get back,” Gene asks, “Back from where?”
“Pine Lake,” Nick mentions.
Glancing over at Nick “When you going there?” Gene wanted to know.
“Tomorrow,” Nick states, “After we’ve finished working.”
“Who’s going?” Gene inquires.
“Jarrod, Heath and myself,” Nick replies.
“How come this is the first I’ve heard of it?” Gene asks.
“Because Brother Gene” Jarrod joins in with “We only decided on it this morning. It came up all of a sudden.”
“Could I come?” Gene asks
“Not this time Gene,” Jarrod answers.
“Perhaps the next time,” Nick tells him, “You could come with us.”
“Why can’t I?” Gene whining asks.
“You have school,” Jarrod tells him.
“Are you going to play any poker?” Gene curiously wanted to know.
“We might,” Nick replies.
“If you do,” Gene brings up, “Didn’t you say I could watch when you played?”
“We did” Nick answers “But it will just have to wait this time. This trip is just going to be Jarrod, Heath and me. I know you don’t like it but that’s just how it’s going to be. Sorry!”
“But I won’t get a chance to see him beat you” Gene going on says “Or you beat him. I wanted to watch.”
“Sorry Gene” Jarrod adding his voice to Nick tells him “You’re not coming with us.”
“Now stop your whining, Gene” Nick says “It’s just going to be the three of us and that’s it. The next time we decide to go up there you could come then; end of discussion.”
“Darn!” Pouting “It’s just not fair” Gene replies “There are times when I just hate going to school.”
“Whether you hate it or like it” Jarrod points out “You’re still going. You’ve already missed Monday and Tuesday.”
“Gene,” Victoria repeats, “Many things in this word are not fair.”
“Heath” Gene says “Sometimes you should be so lucky” glancing over at him “You never had to worry about going to school.”
“Guess not,” Heath replies.
“Why don’t we go onto something else?” Victoria suggests.
Replying “Good idea” Nick turns and says to Heath “Heath, why don’t you tell them what you did today?”
“Yes Heath,” Audra encourages, “I’d like to hear.”
“Went to North Pasture,” Heath begins, “Put up fence.”
“Not that Heath,” Nick cutting him off says, “When we went into town.”
“Went to town” Heath mentions “Walked down street. Went and showed Nick which hotel I stayed at and brought Audra to. Went to Jarrod’s office, then went to saloon had drink and nuts.”
“Is that it?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Picked up slats for fence” Heath adds “And rode back. Is that good?” he looks to Nick as he asks.
“That’s just fine Heath” Victoria praising him replies “Sounds like you had a wonderful day out.”
“I did,” Heath admits.
“Tell them,” Nick encourages, “What you did with Bobby after I left you flat.”
With a wryly smile, “Left you flat?” Jarrod asks as he looks to Nick.
“You remember” Nick says “While you were traveling to Bill’s, I left Heath flat. Heath told me that Bobby told him that.”
“Sure glad,” Jarrod reminds him, “You’re doing much better now.”
“I am too,” Nick states.
“Did I do wrong?” Heath wanted to know.
“No Heath” Nick tells him “You’re doing just fine. You just come straight out with things. I like that.”
“So Heath,” Victoria says, “Tell us what you did with Bobby?”
“Went riding around” Heath mentions “Showed me some back hills, saw a stream. Walked around water, it was cold at first. Saw fish…frog…turtle…toad.”
“Did you like doing that Heath?” Victoria asks.
“I did,” Heath admits.
“Maybe,” Jarrod suggests, “We’ll do some of that up at the lake tomorrow.”
“I’d like that Jarrod,” Heath replies.
“Heath” Audra says “Maybe when you return, we could do some of that too.”
“I’d like that Audra,” Heath informs her.
“Gene” Nick asks noticing him being quiet “How come you’re not saying anything?”
Shrugging and sulking, “No reason,” Gene answers.
“Gene,” Jarrod asks, “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” Gene replies.
Cutting in, “Leave him alone,” Victoria tells them.
After several minutes of eating in silence Silas walks in and after asking if anyone wants seconds to whom they all either shake their heads or reply “No thank you” he is asked to bring in the cake that has been made. Removing some of the finished dishes from the table he dutifully complies.
Nick then says, “Heath?”
“Yes Nick?” Heath replies.
“How would you like to try shooting pool tonight?” Nick suggests “I’ll show you how.”
Shrugging his shoulders, “If you like,” Heath replies.
“I like” Nick then says “However if you don’t like it or if you want to stop just let me know, okay? And we will and perhaps we could go onto something else.”
“Sure,” Heath replies.
“Jarrod” Nick then asks “Would you care to join us? Or is your arm still a little sore yet?”
“No” Jarrod mentions “It’s still a little sore but I’ll see what I could do. If it gets too much, I’ll stop.”
“Could I play?” Gene wanted to know.
“We’ll see,” Jarrod then asks, “Don’t you have some homework still left to do?”
“I do,” Gene admits.
“Then you work on that first,” Jarrod tells him.
As Silas comes in with six pieces of the cake Victoria informs Gene and Audra that they are to finish unpacking once they’ve finished their dinner. Walking over to the table Silas begins distributing the cake starting with Gene and going around the table until he gets to Audra who gets to be last. After thanking him, he then asks, “Would you care for any beverages?”
While Jarrod, Nick and Gene all answer “Coffee” Victoria and Audra reply “Tea.”
Not getting a response from Heath “Mr. Heath” Silas inquires “What about you?”
“Well,” Heath replies.
“Go on Heath,” Jarrod encourages, “Tell him what you would like?”
Glancing over at Jarrod, then at Nick who nods his head, Heath closes his eyes and answers, “I think I like to have tea.”
“Then,” Silas says, “Tea it is.”
“So,” Nick asks, “You like tea?”
“I do,” Heath admits.
“Which do you like better?” Nick wanted to know.
“I like both,” Heath replies.
“Well” Nick says “That is as good an answer as any; it’s also part of making decisions for yourself. Deciding or choosing what you want, even if it’s something small as preferring to have a cup of tea over a cup of coffee, whatever you decide to have is fine.”
“Indeed yes,” Victoria adds, “Heath, you could have anything you like. You don’t ever have to eat or drink something if you don’t want or don’t like.”
Jarrod replies, “Right.”
As everyone begins diving into their piece of cake they have in front of them Victoria asks “Well, how does everyone like it?” everyone except Heath responds “Good.”
Turning her attention to Heath, “Heath,” she says, “How you do you like it?”
“Real good,” Heath tells her, “I like cake.”
As everyone continues eating they notice Heath is moving the frosting off of the cake, “Heath” Victoria curiously asks “How come you’re not eating the frosting?”
“I like,” he answers, “After finishing the cake.”
“I,” Audra brings up, “Remember you doing that on Saturday.”
Nick adds, “You did that also at lunch time and last night.”
“Heath,” Victoria asks, “You don’t like the frosting?”
“No,” Heath replies, “I do.”
“Would you like more,” she asks, “Frosting?”
“If it’s okay,” Heath answers.
“It’s more than okay.” Victoria tells him.
Just then Silas returns with three cups of tea. After serving Victoria, Audra and Heath, Silas grabs a few more dishes and goes back to the kitchen with them.
“Heath,” Nick offers, “Would you like any milk or sugar with that?”
“I would” Heath answers. Getting up and retrieving the sugar bowl Nick places them in front of him. Silas then returns with the cups of coffee for Jarrod, Nick and Gene.
After placing the milk pitcher on the table, “Will there be anything else?” Silas asks.
“Yes,” Victoria replies, “Would you mind bringing in some more frosting?”
Puzzled, “Just the frosting, Mrs. Barkley?” Silas asks.
“Yes,” Victoria reiterates, “Put it in a dish or a cup and give it to Heath.”
Complying “Yes Mrs. Barkley” Silas replies “Coming right up” and upon exiting the room he takes a few more dishes with him.
Meanwhile everyone takes their turn in fixing their coffee and tea the way they like them to be. Watching as Heath sips his tea after pouring sugar and milk into it, “You really like sugar and milk in your tea?” Nick wanted to know.
“I do,” Heath admits.
“You also like it in your coffee too?” Nick surmises.
“I like it both ways,” Heath mentions.
“Which way would you prefer?” Nick inquires.
“Not sure” Heath says “With sugar and milk perhaps, but both ways are okay too.”
Seconds later Silas returns with a dish of frosting and after placing it before Heath, “Mr. Heath,” Silas asks, “How’s that?”
With a small smile on his face, “Good,” Heath replies.
“Would there be anything else?” Silas wanted to know.
“No” Victoria replies “I think we have everything now; thank you Silas,” and once again as he walks out he takes a few more finished dishes with him.
As the family continues enjoying their cake and drink they watch in enjoyment as Heath, after finishing his piece begins eating the frosting he has in front of him.
“You,” Jarrod asks, “Really are enjoying that, huh?”
“I am, yes.” Heath answers proudly, “Best part of the cake.”
“I bet” Nick says “You wouldn’t mind if we had just the frosting without the cake.”
“No” Heath states “Frosting very good…not mind at all.”
“Heath” Audra asks “When your mama or Aunt Rachel made a cake, did you ever get to lick the bowl; from either the batter of the cake or the frosting?”
“Some” Heath answers “Not too often.”
Upon finishing their cake Victoria suggest they move to the study with Jarrod replying, “Why not, lovely lady?”
Getting up, Heath follows what Jarrod is doing and while Gene and Audra head off to their rooms to do their homework the others cross to the study. Quickly grabbing Nick’s arm “Nick” Jarrod says “I like to have a word with you. Mother, Heath, we’ll be right there.”
While Heath stops abruptly Victoria says “Come on, Heath” and obediently he follows her into the study.
Part 7-3
Meanwhile, being pulled aside Nick replies “Sure” to Jarrod “What is it?”
“Would you mind” Jarrod asks as they enter the gunroom “Telling me what that was all about?”
“You mean,” Nick inquires, “Heath doing what you’re doing?”
“Yes,” Jarrod replies.
“You do” Nick reminds him “Remember the game of shadow we played as a kid. I use to do what you did or you did what I did and Gene use to do what Audra did.”
“Of course I remember it” Jarrod states “I remember it use to drive me crazy, it also drove you crazy and it drove Audra crazy.”
“It did” Nick says “And for us it was a game, for Heath, well, I told it to him at lunchtime and thought it would be a good way to help him with doing things on his own. I mean if he used the game of shadow and did whatever one of us he chooses did, then that might help.”
“Hey,” thinking better of it, “That was an idea,” Jarrod notes.
“And” Nick continues “So far it’s working. For some reason, he chose you and he did so, all on his own.”
“Well,” Jarrod says, “Right now, I’m all for anything that will work.”
“I did tell him” Nick brings up “He could choose me if he wanted, but for some reason he chose you and right now I am glad he chose you and didn’t choose Gene. Gene, for some reason is not too happy with any of us.”
“Agreed” Jarrod says “But he’ll get over it and he has to learn he can’t have everything his own way.”
“I know” Nick then says “Come on; let’s go see what we could do with getting Heath to learn how to play pool.”
Exclaiming “Right” Jarrod and Nick exit the gunroom and enter the study.
While Audra and Gene are both up in their rooms working on their homework Heath is learning about the card game of solitaire courtesy of Victoria. When Nick and Jarrod walk in he is then introduced to the game of pool. From there they explain everything about the game to him with Jarrod also using the game as a teaching tool giving him a test on the various different colored balls as well as the shape of the triangle etc.
Observing “Jarrod” Victoria says “You’re using the game as a teaching exercise.”
“Yes,” Jarrod replies, “I figured the best way to find out what he knows is by us incorporating the two together.”
“Good thinking,” Victoria comments.
After a couple minutes into explaining the game to him, they have him test out the cue stick. At first he has a problem with holding it but then once he finally gets the hang of it, he manages to hit the balls very softly.
“Heath,” Jarrod says, “Try hitting it a little harder.”
Nervously doing so, the white ball after hitting it goes up onto the top of the table and then onto the floor. Letting out a little chuckle “Not bad Heath” Nick says retrieving the ball and placing it back on the table “But let’s try it again, only this time when you try hitting it, have it stay on the table.”
“I’ll try,” Heath informs him.
“Heath” Jarrod says “Take it easy” placing his hand on his back “This is only a game. We are only showing you how to play it.”
After practicing a few more times Heath manages to hit and slide the white ball across the ball and upon hitting the other colored balls “Much better” Nick comments to him.
After coaxing him for a few minutes and as he is getting the hang of it they decide to start a game, with them just randomly sending the colored balls into the pockets and counting them up as a score.
As the game plays out and it becomes Heath’s turn both Nick and Jarrod continue encouraging him as well as giving him pointers along the way as he needs it. After a few minutes into hitting the balls into the pockets Heath is amazed at the progress he is making and upon noticing, “See Heath,” Jarrod says, “That is how the game is played.”
Heath then asks, “What happens if the white ball goes in with them?”
“If that happens,” Jarrod replies “We call that scratching and you lose your turn.”
“However,” Nick mentions, “You are getting the hang of it.”
They continue taking their turns until all the balls have been cleared off the table. Once they’ve finished they tally up how many balls they got into their respective pockets.
Counting them up “You got six” Jarrod announces “Heath got four and I got five. So I guess that makes you the winner” looking over at Nick.
Grinning from ear to ear, “Hey,” Nick retorts, “What-a-you know?”
“What now?” Heath wanted to know.
As Nick asks if they would like to play another game Jarrod answers “I think just the one is enough for me tonight Nick” moving his left arm around a bit “My arm is a little sore” placing the cue stick back on the rack “Perhaps next time.”
“Heath,” Nick asks, “What about you? Want to play another game?”
“Yeah okay,” Heath replies.
Resuming the game as they had before they continue counting whatever colored balls go inside the pockets. Jarrod, meanwhile offers to rack them up and upon deciding who should go first Heath suggests Nick should and as he starts off he turns and says, “Oh by the way, this is called breaking.”
After they continue until the game is finished and once they begin tallying up the colored balls “Well” Victoria asks “Who won?” Audra walks in and says “Who’s winning?”
“Nick won the first game,” Jarrod mentions.
“Did you finish your homework?” Victoria asks of her who replies “I did, Mother.”
“What about your suitcase?” Victoria then inquires to which she responds “All done.”
“What about Gene?” Victoria then wanted to know.
“He’s still doing his” Audra notes “He had more than me. Are you playing solitaire?”
“Do you want to play?” Victoria asks.
Replying “I’ll just watch for now” Audra takes a seat and watches both Victoria who is playing solitaire and Jarrod counting up the balls to see who won the pool game. Tallying up, “Let’s see,” Jarrod says, “Nick got in 9 and Heath got in 6, so that makes Nick the winner.”
Cheerfully Nick asks if Heath wants to play again or go onto something else. At first Heath is hesitant about responding until Nick says, “Heath, we could stop. We don’t have to play this anymore if you don’t want to.”
Thinking about it Heath carefully answers, “Think want to stop.”
Then asking what he wants to play Heath comes out with checkers.
“Okay,” Nick says, “Checkers it is then.”
Looking over at Jarrod Heath watches as he takes a seat and upon following his lead he takes an empty seat in the chair that is across from Nick. Jarrod lets out a little chuckle amused at Heath doing what he is doing.
“What is this Jarrod?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Tell you later, Mother,” Jarrod replies.
While Victoria continues playing solitaire, Heath starts playing a round of checkers. In between both Audra and Jarrod watch the games.
After grabbing the checkers Nick informs Heath that he could go first and asks which color he wants. Upon choosing red and after all the checkers have been properly set up Heath begins. The game continues until all the checkers have been removed. As Heath is declared the winner, “You really are good at this Heath,” Nick comments, “How did you get so good at this?”
Shrugging, “Just watching,” Heath answers.
Going onto a second game, after fixing up the checkers Heath suggests Nick go first this time in which he graciously accepts. The game resumes once again with them taking turns and all the checkers have been removed from the board. In between Nick studying the board and determining which checker to move Heath slowly becomes fascinated with the solitaire card game Victoria is engaged in.
Finally making his move Nick notices Heath’s mind elsewhere and calls out to him whom at first doesn’t respond. Softly blowing at him while calling out to him gets him out of his mesmerized state “Huh?” Heath answers.
“The game,” Nick says, “It’s your turn,” and as Audra and Jarrod observe Heath with Nick let out little giggles. Heath responds, “Sorry.”
“Heath,” Victoria offers, “Would you like to try it?”
“The game” Nick says “Heath, it’s your turn” and as Audra and Jarrod observe Heath with Nick they let out little giggles, Heath replies, “Sorry.”
“Heath,” Victoria offers, “Would you like to try it?”
“I like to” Heath replies “Not now, no, maybe next” thinking of the word he wants to use “Time.”
“Then” Victoria says “Next time it is” and resumes her game.
After finishing Victoria, Jarrod and Audra get in a round of gin. In between Nick and Heath continue the checker game. After Nick finally wins they go onto another round. In between Heath’s eyes begin to close.
Noticing “Heath” Nick insists “I think we should stop. Why don’t you go upstairs and change for bed?”
Opening his eyes “Okay” Heath answers and as he gets up and crosses to the doorway he bids the family goodnight. Watching as he goes up the stairs “I’ll come and check on you in a little bit,” Nick informs him.
“Nick,” Victoria noticing asks, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Nick answers, “It’s just Heath I’m worried about.”
“Why?” Victoria wanted to know.
“We still have a long way to go with him,” Nick mentions.
“Nick,” Victoria says, “He is still new here.”
“I know that,” Nick replies.
“I,” Jarrod joins in with, “Think we’ve made some progress with him today.”
“We did,” Nick then brings up, “Are you aware that he has nightmares?”
“He has nightmares Nick?” Audra joining in asks.
“Yes,” Nick replies.
“What kind of nightmares?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Not sure” Nick answers “Bobby mentioned it to me earlier. He’s been having them while sleeping outside in the barn.”
“I sure” Audra says “Hope he doesn’t go off and sleep out in the barn again tonight.”
“I’ll be doing my best tonight,” Nick notes, “To make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“What are you going to do Nick?” Jarrod wanted to know, “Wait for him to get up and go out the door?”
Seriously, “I am,” Nick answers.
“Nick” Victoria says “Please be careful. We have to want him to sleep up there not force him. He lived a very sheltered life and had a lot of bad things happen to him.”
“I’m aware of that,” Nick replies.
“I wonder what kind of bad things happened to him,” Audra ponders.
“I don’t know dear” Victoria states “Only Heath knows. Don’t forget that box that both you and Gene mentioned he was in. If he’s made to stay in his room he might think of it as some kind of prison. I don’t want him to think he is in one.”
“Mother,” Nick vows, “I will be careful. I have some ideas that might work and I won’t do anything that will make him think he has to stay in there.”
“Do you want some help,” Jarrod offers, “With whatever you are planning or doing with him?”
“Not yet,” Nick replies, “Remember he works better one on one. You may be needed when the nightmares occur; depending just how bad they really are.”
“I’ll be ready,” Jarrod says.
Just then as Gene enters the study he announces, “Well, I’m all finished.”
“You did all your homework?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Unpacked too” Gene then says “I saw Heath go off to his room. Will he be coming back down?”
“No,” Nick answers, “He’s getting ready for bed.”
“So,” Gene asks, “What are we playing?”
After informing him they are in the midst of playing gin and just finished a round of checkers Gene asks if they shot some pool with Nick responding “We did two games.”
“Who won?” Gene wanted to know with Jarrod answering, “Nick won both.”
Gene then asks if anyone would like to shoot some pool Nick responds “Not tonight” with Jarrod replying “No. One game was my limit and I’m in the middle of this game right now.”
“How about a game of checkers?” Gene then asks.
Replying again “Not tonight” Nick getting up says “I think I will be turning in now too.”
Following his lead “I think I will be doing the same” Audra tells Gene “You could finish my hand for me Gene.”
After exchanging goodnights Audra and Nick head up the stairs to their rooms, Jarrod says to Gene, “Gene, would you like to finish out Audra’s hand?”
Replying “I suppose,” Gene grabs one of the empty chairs and picks up the hand Audra had and finishes the game out with Jarrod and Victoria.
Upstairs Audra is standing outside Heath’s door and after knocking says, “Heath, it’s me. May I come in?”
Replying “Come in” Heath is seated on the edge of the bed with his boots off when she walks in and says “I won’t stay long. Just came in to see the kit Jarrod bought for you, you said you’d show it to me.”
“Oh sure,” Heath gets up and grabs it off the dresser says, “Here it is.”
After taking it and going through it “Very nice Heath” Audra comments once she’s satisfied with what it has “I’ll let you finish getting changed for bed. Goodnight Heath, see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight Audra,” Heath reciprocates, “See you in the morning.”
Before going out the door she gives Heath a huge hug and kiss on the cheek, “I love you brother,” she tells him.
Not knowing what to make of it, Heath just looks at her and watches as she goes out the door. Placing the kit back on the dresser, he resumes undressing starting with his shirt.
Part 7-4
Downstairs finishing the card game Gene gets up and bids Victoria and Jarrod goodnight who in turn reciprocate.
After he leaves the room and goes up the stairs “I’ll sure say one thing about Nick,” Jarrod says.
“What’s that?” Victoria wanted to know.
“He definitely came around,” Jarrod quips, “And now he is like a mother hen to Heath.”
“True” Victoria then says “But I rather see him more like a mother hen than the way he was acting. Today was a joy for a change. The table was peaceful as we ate and Heath actually started talking some.”
“But only when we asked him something” Jarrod states “He didn’t volunteer anything without us first posing the question.”
“It’s going to take time Jarrod” Victoria explains “He led a world that only he knows. Fitting into our world won’t be that easy for him. But I think we’ve made excellent progress for one full day.”
“I’m hoping,” Jarrod says, “the trip to Pine Lake will be a success.”
“I think it will” Victoria notes “It’ll just be the three of you so that will give you a chance to talk and by doing so he just might open up more.”
“That’s what I am counting on,” Jarrod says, “Nick came up with an idea that may help him with doing things on his own.”
“What’s that?” Victoria asks.
“The game of shadow,” Jarrod answers.
“Shadow” Victoria says “I remember that game, I played it myself when I was a young girl.”
“We’ve all played it” Jarrod points out “I think everyone has at least once in their life except Heath and perhaps others out there like him.”
“And Nick thought of it,” Victoria wanted to know.
“Yes” Jarrod replies “And after explaining how it’s played he selected me to use as the one to play it out with.”
“That’s why he was doing what you’re doing,” Victoria says.
“Exactly,” Jarrod replies.
“How do you feel about that?” Victoria curious wanted to know.
“Honestly” Jarrod admits “I am flattered. I am surprised that he didn’t choose Nick but that’s okay. Whatever works for him in loosening up and doing what he needs to do by himself, I am all for it.”
“I am too,” Victoria replies.
“And so far,” Jarrod points out, “It does seem to be working.”
“Nick does have a great mind when he wants to use it,” Victoria notes.
“True” Jarrod deciding to turn in gets up and after bidding Victoria goodnight, he
crosses to the door and says “I wonder what Brother Nick has in store for Heath to help get him to sleep in his room tonight.”
“Not sure” Victoria surmises “But I’m sure we will all find out once it occurs. If Heath does have nightmares I think we all need to be prepared for them as well.”
“I will be” Jarrod says “And we’ll just have to take each thing as they come up. We’ll do what we have to, to help him” and then heads up the stairs.
Upstairs standing outside Heath’s door “Heath” Nick calls out after knocking “Could I come in?”
Replying “Come in” Heath is seated on the edge of the bed changed into his nightclothes as Nick walks in and closes the door behind him.
Noticing his other clothes on the bed and his boots on the floor next to him, “How you doing?” Nick wanted to know.
“Fine,” Heath replies.
“At least” Nick notes “You’re dressed for bed. Remember what we did last night?”
“I do,” Heath answers.
“Well” Nick suggests “How about we do it again? First” removing them “Let me take these off the bed and take your boots and place them here in the closet.”
After finishing “Now” Nick then asks “Would you get up for a minute?” getting up Heath watches as he opens up the covers and says “Get in under the covers.”
Doing as instructed, Heath climbs into bed and gets under the covers. After tucking him in and sitting on the edge of the bed Nick starts off with “Heath, if you should need me for anything my room is just across the hall. You could either come right in or yell out and I will come running in here. But you should be fine. So” getting up he then says “How about you try falling asleep okay?”
Heath replies “Okay” and as Nick moves towards the door he bids Heath a goodnight and then after showing a little smile, grabs the doorknob and says “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Reciprocating “See you in the morning” Heath watches as Nick leaves the room and closes the door behind him. He then lies there looking up at the ceiling.
Coming down the hallway “How is he Nick” Victoria asks.
“So far, so good,” Nick says, “But I’ll be waiting.”
“You still think,” Victoria inquires, “He will try going out to the barn?”
“I do, yes” Nick answers “But don’t worry; I assure you I won’t do anything that makes him think he’s inside of some kind of prison. I just want to see if I could get him to stay in here and then go from there.”
“I’ll leave it at that then” Victoria notes “You seem to know what you want to do with him so I won’t interfere. Let me just say goodnight to him and just maybe if he gets more of that around here that too will ease his being here.”
“One could never know,” Nick shrugs.
Noticing a troubled look on his face, “Nick,” Victoria asks, “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Nick replies.
“You don’t sound it,” Victoria inquires, “What’s wrong?”
Gnawing on his lower lip “Don’t know” Nick says “Heath” putting his hands in the back pockets of his pants.
“What about him?” Victoria asks.
Taking his fist and running it into his hands “I am so upset with myself” Nick confides.
“Why?” Victoria asks.
“When he first came” Nick says, “I wanted so much to have him work and work until he couldn’t take it anymore.”
“I remember,” Victoria answers.
Letting out a deep sigh “Do you know” He says “That he worked in a mine when he was just six years old?”
“No, I didn’t” Victoria admits “I heard him mentioning working in a mine but it never occurred to me that he worked in one when he was that young.”
“Well, he did” Nick says “His uncle had him do it. He was a charge boy, throwing charges into it. A six-year old kid! He said he had to do it. His uncle had him doing that instead of attending school. That is why he doesn’t know as much as he does or should.”
“You found out all that today?” Victoria wanted to know.
“On the way to town” Nick states “I was asking him questions and that is what came out. I feel so bad for him. That boy worked probably all his life, thanks to that no good uncle of his. Sunday, when Bobby took him out for a couple hours that was probably the most fun he endured in his lifetime.”
“Nick” Victoria says “You took him out today while you were working, he seemed to enjoy that.”
“I know,” Nick sighs.
“And he will be spending the next couple days” Victoria adds “With just you and Jarrod up at Pine Lake. I’m sure he will like that.”
“Well” Nick says “I am going to make certain he does. I want that boy to have some fun in his life. That uncle” clucking “I just wonder how he could do the things he did to him without any kind of remorse.”
“I don’t know” Victoria replies “Only he knows. But from talking to Heath, he sure doesn’t like him much and from the things I’ve heard from you and him of how he grew up it does explains some of the reasons why.”
“It does and I don’t blame him” Nick then asks “But how could an uncle down right hate his own nephew?”
“Don’t know” Victoria says “Fortunately for us we weren’t brought up that way.”
Nick adds “Heath was telling me that his uncle would’ve liked it if he got himself killed.”
“Killed?” Victoria mimics.
“Yes” Nick angrily replies “That is just how much he hated him. You talk about someone hating, it’s him” letting out a heavy sigh “That no good uncle. I just hope I never lay eyes on him for he will be one sorry uncle. He’d be wishing he never had a nephew.”
“Nick” Victoria then says “Don’t keep letting it eat at you. Heath is here now and whatever happened before happened. We can’t change what already took place. All we could do now is be there for him, love him and just do what we are doing to help him become a real part of this here family.”
“I know” Nick replies “But it just kills me to think he had to grow up like that and we still don’t know all there is to know about him.”
“You will” Victoria notes “And you did get the ball rolling. He has begun opening up; just keep doing what you’re doing and let the answers come from him naturally and freely. He will and right now that is the best you could do.”
“I know” Nick says “I just want him to have more fun in his life and less of work. I know this is a working ranch but I don’t want him thinking that is all there is for him to be doing all the time. I will do what was suggested about cutting his hours so that he could learn the schooling he needs from you and all of us.”
“I think the schooling” Victoria states “Will definitely help in ways you can’t imagine. He’ll be able to interact with each one of us, one on one, which I truly believe he needs to help him feel more comfortable around all of us. The more we do with him both individually and as a family will help him come around and understand the love that goes behind it, as well.”
Raising an eyebrow “Perhaps” Nick then says “Well, goodnight Mother” giving her a kiss goodnight.
Reciprocating “Good night Nick” she replies and watches as he goes into his room. After he closes the door she continues on across the hall and upon knocking at the door calls out, “Heath” before opening the door.
Replying “Yes um” as she enters the room she tells him “I just wanted to come by and say goodnight to you.”
As Heath bids her goodnight she goes over to him and after giving him a kiss on the forehead and brushing his hair back with her hand she smiles down at him as she tucks the covers in and says “Goodnight Heath, everything is going to be just fine.”
Heath watches as she turns back around and leaves the room, closing the door behind her. Minutes later he lies there listening and waiting for the house to come to a complete quiet.
Nick, meanwhile in his room across the hall changes into his nightshirt and quietly peeks through the door watching and waiting for Heath to come out.
Heath meanwhile goes from looking about the room to the ceiling to the window until he’s certain that everyone has finally turned in and once he believes it’s safe to get up he carefully moves towards the doorway and heads down the hallway.
Upon reaching the top landing and as he places his foot on the fourth step down he hears “Heath” and quickly jumps as he is taken back to see Nick standing there in the doorway of his room.
Staring up at Nick with his eyes and mouth both opened wide, Heath watches as he comes out of the room asking “We’re you planning on going out to the barn to sleep?” still not saying anything Heath continues to stand still and watches as Nick puts a lamp in the hallway on.
“Come with me” Nick says and as he motions with the fingers on his right hand Heath does as instructed and goes back up the steps. Nick, who places his hands around his shoulders “Let’s see if I could get you to start sleeping in your own room” and leads him back to his room “I did tell you that I will be working with you and if it’s possible, I want to see you sleeping in here rather than outside in the barn. You have a nice warm bed, now why would you want to even go out there to sleep, huh?” as he closes the door behind him.
“Now first,” Nick says, “Up on the bed.”
Doing as instructed Heath quietly gets up on the bed “Now Heath” Nick brings up as he looks down at his empty feet “Didn’t I tell you that if you were gonna be going outside to make certain you had socks on your feet?”
“You did,” Heath admits.
“Then,” Nick asks, “Where are they?”
“In the drawer there,” Heath mentions.
“Well” Nick says “Hopefully you will stay in your bed all night and won’t have any need for them until morning when you get dressed. Now” as he moves towards the doorway “Stay put; I’ll be right back.”
While Nick exits the room Heath remains where he is, seconds later Nick returns carrying a cold glass of water “Here” he says “Drink this.”
Taking the glass Heath does as instructed and drinks the water down.
Replying “I’ll take that” Nick takes the glass and then says “Now; lie down.”
Doing as instructed Heath gets underneath the covers and places his head on the pillow. Placing the empty glass on the nightstand “Next” Nick says “We are going to try getting you to stay here in your bed without you’re having to go outside to sleep” sitting alongside of him on the edge of the bed “Let me see what you told me” thinking for a moment Nick brings up “You didn’t like sleeping inside the hotel because something about the windows being closed and the doors being closed bother you, right?”
Heath not saying anything nervously takes the fingers of one hand and constantly plays with the fingers on the other hand as he looks to Nick and then upon slowly nodding his head “Okay Heath” Nick getting up off the bed says “Let’s see what happens if I open this here window for you just a tad” doing so “That way you won’t be completely closed in” Heath continues watching him “Let’s see how that works.”
Returning to the edge of the bed “Now how about I sit alongside of you here” Nick says “And see what happens; so far, so good.”
While sitting beside him as he looks up at him “Now Heath” Nick continues “If at any time you should fall asleep and I should go to my room, I will leave the door slightly open, just like I did with the window so that you won’t feel like you’re being closed in, alright?”
Nodding his head, “Uh-huh,” Heath answers.
“Did you ever sleep in a bed like this back home in Strawberry?” Nick wanted to know.
“Uh-uh,” Heath answers, “It was a bed, but not like this at all.”
“You didn’t sleep in one like it at your Uncle’s,” Nick mentions, “I’m sure.”
“No,” Heath replies.
“It’s okay Heath” Nick says “Perhaps one day when you feel comfortable with me you could tell me what took place, I am here to listen. I know that I could never change what did happen but maybe by you’re talking about it, will help you just to get it out of your system. And whatever you do tell me if you don’t want anyone else to know, just tell me and I will just let it stay between you and me. That is also part of being friends and brothers, sharing and confiding in one another and keeping the secret or the information just between them or in our case, us.”
“I’d like that Nick,” Heath answers.
“Me too; before we continue” Nick asks “Do you mind me being here with you?”
Shaking his head, “Uh-uh,” Heath replies, “You being here is fine, Nick.”
“Just checking” Nick then says “How about if I try telling you a story? That sometimes helps with falling asleep.”
“Kay,” Heath replies.
Part 7-5
“Normally” Nick brings up “I could read you a book but right now the only story books that we have Jarrod has and I don’t want to have to wake him to get them. Did your Mama ever tell you stories to get you to fall asleep?”
“She did,” Heath admits.
“Okay” Nick thinking of a story comes up with “Once upon a time there was this little boy named Heath and he didn’t know that he had a big brother named Nick or a big brother named Jarrod; he also didn’t know that he had a little brother named Eugene or a little sister named Audra. He once lived in a faraway mining town called Strawberry and there he was all alone. Didn’t know that he had any other family except what was there. But then suddenly one day, he would grow up and would, when he was ready to venture across the hills of Northern California to find a town called Stockton and learn that he had more family than just what he had in Strawberry.”
Pausing and looking down at Heath who continues listening “He learned that he had a father” Nick goes on to say “But he only learned of him a short time ago after his own mother died. But then he arrives in Stockton and meets this Old Nick on the bridge and at first everything was going fine but then something happened when he came to this house looking for a job. Big Bad Nick didn’t know what to make of this Heath who after confronted said that he was his Father’s son, it through this Old Nick’s mind into a tizzy.”
“It’s not that he didn’t believe him but in his mind he thought that maybe he worked for the railroad or was a spy or something” Nick mentions “But then it took him awhile to realize that what he was thinking, wasn’t what little Old Heath came here for. He came here to find a family and a home. He came here to find out about his father’s family, to find out about them, to find out about this old house they live here in and what they were like” Heath begins closing his eyes but then reopens them as he continues listening to Nick talking.
“But at first” Nick continues “He didn’t know how to fit in and didn’t know what to do. Big bad Nick didn’t help matters much; he wouldn’t let him feel at ease here. Big bad Nick didn’t realize that all little Heath wanted was a family and someone to care about him. It took big bad Nick a little while to see and understand that but he must know now that Old Nick would never hurt him, all he is trying to do now is be the best friend and best big brother he could possibly be.”
“However” Nick mentions “The only challenge he might have to endure is to compete with big brother Jarrod for that spot, because he too is the bigger, older brother to Heath. But that suits him just fine. He could live with that. And as much as he didn’t admit it before he likes having Heath for a friend. Nick had many friends growing up and still has some good friends that are around but many of them now have either started having families of their own, homes of their own and for some just not around here anymore. So having to find a new friend to be with, he likes it that he has this newer younger brother Heath to be friends with; gives him someone to hang around with, someone to share and confide things in.”
“And it does make it easier” Nick notes “That he is a member of this here family; makes it so much easier to have a friend that he could hang around with that is so much closer to home. Now, Jarrod is a good friend too and as much as he is a good big brother, he too has dreams of moving away from here one day. He already had his law practice down in San Francisco and one day he will make
that his home as well. So, once again Heath pops up.”
Watching as Heath continues closing his eyes “Sharing a friendship with him will open up all kinds of new doors for them together” Nick continues “As time goes on, they will probably be doing all sorts of things together. Right now they have just began working side by side and as Heath is more familiar with the town and the ranch, he will be doing all so much more” Heath continues keeping his eyes closed.
“Nick likes it” he continues rambling on “That they could go into town together, pick up supplies when needed, perhaps meet some girls, attend dances and other activities that may come up such as the fairs and maybe when they do, maybe we could team up in some the events that should come up. There will be long cattle drives coming up and going out of town to bid on horses and anything else that needs a trip away from here. And Nick would like it that Heath could accompany him when he does go. Would you like that?” Nick asks but then looking over he sees that Heath’s eyes are closed.
Calling out to him a couple of times in a very low but audible voice Nick doesn’t get any response. Smiling, Nick quietly and carefully moves off the bed. Seeing Heath is still asleep, he says “Goodnight Heath” as he tucks him back in and carefully exits the room.
Walking out he remembers to leave the door slightly opened and going into his room he quietly closes the door, but not completely and after climbing into his bed he closes his eyes and falls asleep.
Thursday, January 26, 1871
Roughly, it’s a little before midnight when Heath begins stirring about in his bed.
Tears going down his face, he calls out loudly as he pushes the blankets off of him with his feet “No! No! No!” moving his head from side to side “It’s dark! Mama! Mama! Mama!” he repeatedly calls out.
From Nick’s bed he awakens to hearing the loud noise coming from Heath’s room. Quickly jumping out of his bed he runs across the hall.
Heath, dropping to the floor with his eyes wide opened looks around the dark room. When Nick enters the room he sees him on all fours and not knowing what to make of it calls out to him aghast.
Heath in his sleep like state looks up at Nick standing there but not registering him starts yelling “Stay back! Get away from me! Where am I? Why am I here?” as he continues looking about.
Nick calling out to him again slowly and carefully moves towards him.
Heath begins taking his right arm and right leg and begins clawing and kicking wildly at Nick as he tries to approach him. Nick quickly stopping in his tracks looks at Heath who has tears going down his cheeks with his eyes wide opened and yelling out “Stay back! Keep away from me!” while glancing around the dark room “Where is Mama? Why won’t she come? It’s dark! Don’t like it here! Don’t like it down here!”
As Nick slowly moving towards him again Heath begins moving backwards and as he tries to keep him from coming near him, uses his arm and leg while swatting him away. Nick calls out, “Heath, it’s me boy! It’s Nick!”
Shaking his head “Uh-uh” Heath says “Not! Can’t get out!” and as he continues moving backwards he stops when his back is against the wall.
Looking at the wall on each side of him “Trapped” he blurts out “No way out” with tears going down his cheeks still, his eyes are wide-opened looking at Nick standing there. Heath drawing his knees upwards and as he wraps his arms around them Nick watches in perplex amazement.
“Heath,” Nick then says to him, “I am not going to hurt you.”
Shakingly Heath repeatedly cries out “Liar! All lies! Can’t get out! Mama, why? Why am I here?”
Continuing to approach him “Heath” Nick repeats “It’s Nick! Come on boy, I am not going to hurt you.”
“Lies!” Heath continues repeating, “It hurts! Stay back! Get away from me! Stop!” as he resumes clawing at Nick with his hand and kicking at him with his leg.
Just then Jarrod enters the room. Seeing Nick moving towards Heath who is on the floor against the wall, he calls out to Nick but then as Heath glances up at Jarrod, Heath yells out, “Stay back! Keep away from me.”
As Nick continues slowly moving towards him “Don’t do that Heath” he tells him “Just trying to help you” getting down on one knee, he begins crawling over to him and as he starts reaching for his clawing hand; Heath shaking his head yells “Not help!” with tears still going down his cheeks “Keep away! Stay back! Stop! Stop!” he continues repeatedly saying as he continues trying to push Nick’s hand away from him.
“No Heath,” Nick continues replying and as he continues reaching and grabbing for his left hand with his right, he carefully moves towards him and at first wipes the tears going down the left side of his cheek with his right hand.
“Is he awake, Nick?” Jarrod inquires.
“No” Nick answers and following Nick’s lead Jarrod gets down on the floor and slowly moves towards the two of them.
Placing his hand on his back “Its okay, Heath” with his left Nick soothingly tells Heath who is no longer clawing at him “No! Get away from me! Stop! Let me go! Let me go!”
“Thatta boy” Nick soothingly says as he is carefully grabbing hold of his arm with his right “Not going to let you go Heath! Come on Heath! That’s it! Come on boy! It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s Nick. I am not going to hurt you!” as he draws him into his arms.
“Mama, where are you?” Heath calls out as he looks about for her while being drawn into Nick’s arms “Mama! Why? Why must I be here? Don’t like it here; dark!”
Carefully easing Heath’s head onto his shoulders “That’s it Heath” Nick says “Come to Nick” taking his hand he begins running it up and down his back in a circular motion as he continues sobbing heavily while in his sleeplike state “Not going to let anyone hurt you” talking softly all the while to him.
As Jarrod gets down on one knee and joins them, he runs his hand up and down the side of Heath’s cheek, while brushing his hair along the way as Nick continues talking softly to Heath “I’m here Heath. I’m right here with you and so is Jarrod.”
“Have you tried waking him yet?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Not yet” Nick suggests “Put a lamp on” and upon nodding his head Jarrod immediately gets a lamp in the room turned on and then returning to them “Heath” he then joins in with “Talk to us.”
While Nick continues holding him in his arms “Want Mama” Heath says to Jarrod as he is moving towards him “Don’t take Mama away from me! Mama! Mama!”
Talking softly “Where are you, Heath” Jarrod asks, “Where are you?” carefully running the back of his hand up and down his tearful cheeks.
Still crying “Don’t want to be here,” Heath mumbles “Why must I be here?”
Continuing to comfort him “Its okay boy” Nick tells him “You’re safe! No one is going to hurt you.”
“Where is here, Heath?” Jarrod asks again.
“Don’t like dark,” Heath replies, “Dark down here.”
“Heath,” Nick tells him, “It’s not dark anymore.”
“Heath,” Jarrod inquires, “Where is it dark?”
“Hotel” Heath mumbles “Can’t get out. No way out. Must stay put! Mama, why don’t you come? Mama don’t like it here.”
“Why can’t you get out?” Nick asks softly while continuing to run his hand up and down his back.
“Trapped” Heath responds “Dark! Locked! No way out! Won’t let me out! Must stay! Must stay ‘til say otherwise.”
“Who said,” Jarrod wanted to know, “To stay put ‘til otherwise?”
“Uncle” Heath answers “Must stay! Said no good! I no good! I child of devil! This is where my kind belongs. Can’t see! Can’t move! No one hears me! Can’t...”
“Why can’t they?” Nick asks.
“Can’t talk” Heath responds “Mama! I want Mama! Mama why can’t I be with you? Why must I be here?”
Entering the room next, “What’s going on?” Gene wanted to know.
“Stay back!” Heath yells again as both Gene and Audra who has now walked in approach” Don’t come near me! Let me go! Won’t tell you anything”
“Stay back,” Jarrod tells them.
Tying the belt to her robe “Is Heath awake?” as she looks at him.
“No,” Jarrod replies, “He’s asleep.”
“Stop!” Heath continues crying and yelling as he looks at Audra and Gene standing there, “Mama! Come, please come, I be good! Don’t like it here!”
“Is he having a nightmare?” Audra wanted to know.
“Yes” comes from Nick and “He is” coming from Jarrod.
“How come his eyes are opened?” Gene inquires.
“Sometimes that happens” Jarrod says “Why don’t the two of you go back to bed, we’re handling it.” They continue to stay and watch.
“Let me try to wake him,” Jarrod suggests.
Replying “Go ahead” Nick then says “Sh boy, sh” as he continues rocking him in his arms.
“No! No! No!” Heath continues repeating, “Mama, where are you? Mama, need you. Don’t like it here. I be good. Won’t be bad. Mama, please come. Why won’t Mama come? Why I here?”
Shaking him gently Jarrod begins calling out to Heath. Just then Victoria enters the room and as she is tying the belt to her robe she asks, “Is he alright?”
“He will be,” Nick answers.
“No! No! No!” Heath repeats again “Can’t get out! I be good! Mama! Why won’t Mama come? Why Mama I stay here?”
“Where do you suppose he is?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Not sure” Nick suggests “Probably that box he mentioned. He keeps saying dark, can’t get out, can’t move and he keeps wanting his mama.”
“Poor Heath” Victoria says sympathetically “That uncle. I would like to know what he did to him and for just how long it went on.”
“Only Heath knows,” Jarrod points out, “And he won’t tell us much.”
“Maybe he will,” Victoria surmises, “Once he gets use to being around us.”
“Come on Heath, wake up,” Nick quietly calls out to him.
“Mama,” Heath continues, “No, Mama! Mama!”
“I’ll be right back,” Victoria says as she exits the room.
“What could we do for him?” Audra wanted to know.
“Just what we are doing,” Nick tells her.
Seconds later, Victoria returns with a wet washcloth “Here” she says “Let’s wipe him down a bit, maybe that will help.”
As Jarrod takes it from her, Heath seeing his hand move towards his face yells out “Keep away! Stop! Let me go!” as he tries to pull away from Nick holding him.
“Sh, Heath, sh” Nick talking softly to him says “Its okay” rocking him in his arms “It’s okay.”
“It’s alright, Heath” Jarrod joins in with “Everything is fine” as he moves his hand towards his face “No one is going to hurt you” washing it down he asks “Heath, why are you there?”
“Why it dark?” Heath continues saying “Can’t see! No way out!”
“Jarrod,” Victoria suggests, “Why don’t you try shaking him a little?”
“I tried that,” Jarrod replies.
“Try it again,” Victoria urges.
Gently shaking him again Jarrod once again calls out to him, “Heath! Heath, come on Heath, wake up, it’s Jarrod.”
“Heath,” Nick joining in says, “Heath, come on, Heath, wake up boy!”
Just then slowly coming out of his trance like state he calls out first to Jarrod as he sees him there and then acknowledges Nick who is still holding and cradling him in his arms.
“Let me go make him some hot chocolate” Victoria says “Maybe that will help him. Audra, Gene, come with me.”
“That might help” Nick admits and as Victoria walks out of the room, Gene and Audra go with her.
“You okay Heath,” Jarrod asks, “You were having a nightmare.”
“That why you here” Heath wanted to know “I wake you,” pulling out of Nick’s arms, wiping the tears from his eyes.
“It’s alright Heath” Nick replies “We want to be here with you when you need us.”
“Yes” Jarrod adds “That’s part of being family, being wakened up and being there when one has one.”
Helping him with wiping the tears from his cheeks,” Do you know what happened?” Nick asks.
Nodding his head, “Couldn’t get out,” Heath says, “Was dark.”
“Is that” Nick inquires “Some of what you mean when don’t like being closed in? You don’t like the windows or doors closed?” as Heath nods his head “You also kept saying you wanted your mama” he brings up.
“I did,” Heath replies, “She wouldn’t come.”
“Audra and Gene,” Jarrod mentions, “Were telling us about a box you were in. Is that where your uncle had you sleep?”
“He did,” Heath replies.
“Did your mother,” Jarrod asks, “Know that he put you there?”
“Not sure,” Heath replies, “Don’t think so. Not many know.”
“You said something about it being locked,” Nick asks, “Did he lock you in it?”
“He did,” Heath answers, “Had to stay there, ‘til he let me out. He would then open it and say come on, get out.”
“You also,” Nick says, “Kept saying something about being a child of the devil. Did your uncle say that to you?”
“He did,” Heath answers.
“Heath,” Jarrod inquires, “How often do you have them, the nightmares?”
“Don’t know,” Heath shrugs.
“You would have them,” Nick points out, “While sleeping out in the barn, huh?” while holding Heath’s right hand with his left.
As Heath nods his head “Come on Heath” Nick then says “Let’s help you over to the bed, okay?” Both Jarrod and Nick help him up on his feet.
“That’s it,” Jarrod adds, “Sit right here on the bed,” in between assisting him.
tbc
While the family has now accepted Heath into the family and look for ways to help him with his adjustment, the attention being given starts taking its toll on Eugene who is feeling left out and pushed aside.
Part 7-1
In the study Gene is seated by himself moping when Audra walking in says “Hi Gene” to which he replies “Hi” not too enthused.
Noticing his elbow on the arm of the chair and his hand holding up his head looking downward, “What’s with you?” Audra asks.
“Nothing” Gene snaps when Victoria walks in greeting both Audra and Gene to which they both respond “Hi Mother” with a nonchalant tone coming from Gene.
Noticing “What’s the matter with you, young man” Victoria wanted to know when he answers “Nothing” in a low disgusted tone.
“It has to be something” Victoria states “If you’re in here talking like that, now what is it?” to which Gene says “Jarrod and Nick.”
“What about them?” Victoria wanted to know.
“They’re upstairs in Nick’s room” Gene explains “But don’t want me in there with them.”
“They must have their reasons,” Victoria asks, “Did they say anything?”
“They said they had to talk to Heath for a few minutes” Gene mentions “And closed the door.”
“Well then,” Victoria says, “That’s your answer.”
“But,” Gene states, “I’m their brother too.”
“They know that” Victoria reminds him “But they must’ve felt it was necessary to talk to Heath alone and probably didn’t think you should be there listening to it.”
“It’s still not fair,” Gene says.
“Not everything in this world is fair Gene” Victoria tells him “And there will be many times that you will be doing things with your brothers, it’s just right now they don’t feel you should be up there with them so you have to learn to respect their reasoning.”
Seconds later, after changing his clothes Heath exits his room and as he is walking down the stairs he is met and greeted by Jarrod saying, “Well Brother Heath, you made it.”
“I did,” Heath answers.
“I have something for you” Jarrod tells him “Won’t you go into the study and take a seat, I’ll be right there with it.”
Replying “Sure Jar-rod” Heath heads for the study while Jarrod goes back into the kitchen.
Upon walking in, Heath is greeted by both Victoria and Audra. After returning the greeting Audra offers him a seat next to her on the couch in which he accepts.
Upon his taking the seat “Heath,” Victoria says “Jarrod told me about the Dopps kit he bought for you.”
“Jarrod bought Heath something?” Gene wanted to know lifting his head a bit.
“Yes,” Victoria answers, “A Dopps kit.”
“What is a Dopps kit?” Gene inquires to which Audra also asks, “Yeah, what is one? I don’t think I ever heard of one before,” curiously.
“It’s a bag or a type of kit” Victoria explains “That is given to a young man when he reaches a certain age. Your father gave both Jarrod and Nick each one when they each became a man and Jarrod figured that since your father isn’t here that Heath should have one, so he got him one today while he was in town.”
“What a nice idea,” Audra then asks, “What’s in a Dopps’ kit?”
“Grooming tools” Victoria notes “That is used by the men such as combs, scissors, nail file and shaving items; things like that.”
“Heath,” Audra then says, “Perhaps you could show me it later.”
“I’d like that,” Heath answers.
In the kitchen Jarrod hears footsteps coming down the stairwell and says without looking, “Nick, come into the kitchen.”
Doing so “What is it” Nick asks and upon seeing the glasses on a tray “And what do you have there?”
“Drinks, I made” Jarrod answers, “I want Heath to try it and see if he will like it.”
Looking at them, “Interesting,” Nick comments, “Looks like the Strawberry Marguerita Heath had at Harry’s.”
“Well Brother Nick,” Jarrod smiling says, “That is what it is. Or I hope a close resemblance to it as I could get. I spent a few minutes trying to get it right.”
“We will soon find out,” Nick notes.
Jarrod then asks Nick to give him a hand with carrying the glasses into the study in which he dutifully complies. Leading the way in “Heath” Jarrod says “I have something for you.”
Surprised “For me?” Heath asks with Jarrod replying, “For you. Here, take one.”
As he is taking the offered glass, “What does it remind you of?” Nick inquires.
“The,” Heath answers, “Strawberry Margarita I had today at Harry’s Saloon.”
“Well Brother Heath,” Jarrod quickly says, “That is what it is. Try it and let me know how you like it.”
As Heath is placing the rim of the glass to his lips Jarrod and Nick pass out the rest of the glasses to each member of the family gathered. After taking the last glasses for themselves they place the empty trays on the desk and as each one follows Heath’s lead “Well Heath” Jarrod asks, “What do you think?”
Taking a sip of it, “Good Jarrod,” Heath replies.
“You’re not just saying it,” Jarrod asks as he takes a seat alongside of Victoria.
“Saying it?” Heath mimics.
“Yes,” Jarrod reiterates, “Do you really like it?”
“I do, yes,” Heath answers, “Tastes good Jar-rod.”
Turning his attention to the rest of the family, Jarrod asks the same question to which Audra responds, “Good.”
“It is Jarrod” Nick answers “Almost the way Harry made it.”
“Mmm, Jarrod” Gene comments “This is good; much better than earlier when I first tried it.”
“You really think so?” Jarrod wanted to know with Gene replying, “I do.”
“Jarrod,” Victoria answers, “It is good; very tasty. Try yours.”
After trying his own, “Mmm, not bad” Jarrod comments.
“Jarrod,” Gene asks, “Do you think I could have another one?”
“Sorry Gene” Victoria quickly answers “One is your limit, the same goes for you Audra. I don’t need either one of you going around the house being drunk.”
“Oh Mother,” Gene argues, “We wouldn’t get drunk.”
“I’m not taking any chances Gene” Victoria tells him “They are still drinks with alcohol in them. You could have one, but that is it. Dinner will be ready shortly and I don’t want either of you coming to the table, drunk or tipsy.”
“Darn!” Gene exclaims.
“Mother” Jarrod says “How do you like how Heath’s face looks? I had him shave.”
“Very nice,” Victoria replies.
Just then Silas comes into the study and informs them dinner is ready.
Holding his arm out to Victoria and after taking it, Jarrod escorts her into the dining room. Watching him, Heath gets up and holds his arm out to Audra who upon taking it, smiles and replies, “Thank you Heath.”
Walking in the dining room Jarrod helps Victoria into her seat and Heath doing what Jarrod is doing does the same for Audra. As Jarrod pushes Victoria’s chair in, Heath pushes Audra’s chair in. Noticing but not sure what to make of it, Jarrod quietly lets out a little chuckle and a little shake of his head before going over to his chair.
In the middle of the table there is a large salad bowl and condiments, such as vinegar and oil cruets closest to Jarrod’s side and ketchup and mustard closest to Victoria’s side.
As Jarrod is taking his seat Heath continues observing him. Gene takes his set to Victoria’s left and Nick takes his seat on Jarrod’s right. As Heath is standing to the left of Jarrod, “Heath,” Victoria tells him, “Take a seat.”
Replying “Yes um” Heath nervously moves into his chair “Heath” Jarrod says to him “Remember what we told you. You don’t have to wait until we tell you to sit. Just sit, alright?”
Nodding his head, “I remember,” Heath replies.
“The same goes for when we start eating” Nick adds “You don’t have to wait until you’re told to eat. After we’ve said grace, just pick up your fork or spoon whichever you want to start with and just start eating.”
“I’ll try,” Heath answers.
Just then Silas comes in with baked potatoes on a plate. After placing them in the middle of the table he walks out to retrieve the roast he just finished carving. In between Audra begins picking up the bowl with the salad in it. Once she fixes her plate she passes it to Heath who after fixes his passes it to Jarrod who in turn passes it to Gene who then passes it to Victoria. Picking up the roast Nick is first and after fixing his plate, he passes it to Jarrod who in turn passes it to Heath and so on. Silas then walks in with a bowl of beets. After placing them on the table he once again leaves. They each help themselves starting with Gene this time. Watching as they each take a potato, Heath carefully looks about and slowly, but cautiously does the same.
As he places it in his plate, Audra clapping him on the back says “Good going, Heath!” with Nick smiling replying “Heath, that’s a start.”
Bashfully looking down at his plate “Aw Heath” Jarrod says “Don’t be bashful” patting him on the back “This is what we want, you doing things for yourself.”
“Come on, let’s say grace” Victoria cuts in with and after everyone bows their head she says grace.
After replying, “Amen,” everyone around the table does the same.
As everyone begins picking up their condiment they want to use and add to their dinner, Heath observing Jarrod grabbing the oil cruet and sprinkling a little on his salad, slowly goes after it once he puts it back down. After adding it to his own salad, he then goes after the vinegar cruet once Jarrod finishes with that.
Mentally watching it “Ah ha” Nick says inside his head to himself “So you’ve selected Jarrod.”
Next observing Jarrod picking up his fork and knife, Heath does what he does and after looking at Nick for a moment who nods his head proceeds to do as Jarrod does and as he is cutting his roast, so does Heath. Once Jarrod finishes and starts eating, so does Heath.
Not sure of what is going on and observing Heath doing what he’s doing “Is there something going on” Jarrod “That I should be made aware of?”
Shaking his head “No,” Nick answers, “But I’ll tell you about it later, big brother.”
“Ah-ha,” Jarrod replies.
Smiling and pleased, “You’re doing it Heath,” Nick says, “Keep going.”
As Heath looks to each one around the table before he continues eating, “How’s the dinner Heath?” Victoria starting off the conversation asks.
Swallowing a small bite “Good…Mother” Heath glancing up at her answers.
Part 7-2
“For dessert,” she tells him, “We’re having cake; I understand that you like cake.”
“I do Ma’am,” Heath replies, “I mean Mother.”
“I also understand you like chocolate cake,” Victoria adds.
“I do,” Heath admits.
“I’ll be sure to make one” she says “The next time we’re having one for dessert.”
“Heath” Nick adds “Also likes chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.”
“Peanut butter frosting” Victoria says, “I never had that kind before.”
“Aunt Rachel,” Heath replies, “Made it some times.”
“I’ll have to see if I could find a recipe” Victoria says “To make it. Would you like that?”
“I would,” Heath replies.
“It does sound good” comes from Audra “Yes it does; I wouldn’t mind trying a piece myself” comes from Gene and Jarrod.
“Maybe by the time you get back” Victoria brings up “From your little venture out, I’ll find someone who has a recipe to make it from. Until then you just might have to settle for chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.”
“That will be fine,” Heath answers, “I like all cakes.”
“Get back,” Gene asks, “Back from where?”
“Pine Lake,” Nick mentions.
Glancing over at Nick “When you going there?” Gene wanted to know.
“Tomorrow,” Nick states, “After we’ve finished working.”
“Who’s going?” Gene inquires.
“Jarrod, Heath and myself,” Nick replies.
“How come this is the first I’ve heard of it?” Gene asks.
“Because Brother Gene” Jarrod joins in with “We only decided on it this morning. It came up all of a sudden.”
“Could I come?” Gene asks
“Not this time Gene,” Jarrod answers.
“Perhaps the next time,” Nick tells him, “You could come with us.”
“Why can’t I?” Gene whining asks.
“You have school,” Jarrod tells him.
“Are you going to play any poker?” Gene curiously wanted to know.
“We might,” Nick replies.
“If you do,” Gene brings up, “Didn’t you say I could watch when you played?”
“We did” Nick answers “But it will just have to wait this time. This trip is just going to be Jarrod, Heath and me. I know you don’t like it but that’s just how it’s going to be. Sorry!”
“But I won’t get a chance to see him beat you” Gene going on says “Or you beat him. I wanted to watch.”
“Sorry Gene” Jarrod adding his voice to Nick tells him “You’re not coming with us.”
“Now stop your whining, Gene” Nick says “It’s just going to be the three of us and that’s it. The next time we decide to go up there you could come then; end of discussion.”
“Darn!” Pouting “It’s just not fair” Gene replies “There are times when I just hate going to school.”
“Whether you hate it or like it” Jarrod points out “You’re still going. You’ve already missed Monday and Tuesday.”
“Gene,” Victoria repeats, “Many things in this word are not fair.”
“Heath” Gene says “Sometimes you should be so lucky” glancing over at him “You never had to worry about going to school.”
“Guess not,” Heath replies.
“Why don’t we go onto something else?” Victoria suggests.
Replying “Good idea” Nick turns and says to Heath “Heath, why don’t you tell them what you did today?”
“Yes Heath,” Audra encourages, “I’d like to hear.”
“Went to North Pasture,” Heath begins, “Put up fence.”
“Not that Heath,” Nick cutting him off says, “When we went into town.”
“Went to town” Heath mentions “Walked down street. Went and showed Nick which hotel I stayed at and brought Audra to. Went to Jarrod’s office, then went to saloon had drink and nuts.”
“Is that it?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Picked up slats for fence” Heath adds “And rode back. Is that good?” he looks to Nick as he asks.
“That’s just fine Heath” Victoria praising him replies “Sounds like you had a wonderful day out.”
“I did,” Heath admits.
“Tell them,” Nick encourages, “What you did with Bobby after I left you flat.”
With a wryly smile, “Left you flat?” Jarrod asks as he looks to Nick.
“You remember” Nick says “While you were traveling to Bill’s, I left Heath flat. Heath told me that Bobby told him that.”
“Sure glad,” Jarrod reminds him, “You’re doing much better now.”
“I am too,” Nick states.
“Did I do wrong?” Heath wanted to know.
“No Heath” Nick tells him “You’re doing just fine. You just come straight out with things. I like that.”
“So Heath,” Victoria says, “Tell us what you did with Bobby?”
“Went riding around” Heath mentions “Showed me some back hills, saw a stream. Walked around water, it was cold at first. Saw fish…frog…turtle…toad.”
“Did you like doing that Heath?” Victoria asks.
“I did,” Heath admits.
“Maybe,” Jarrod suggests, “We’ll do some of that up at the lake tomorrow.”
“I’d like that Jarrod,” Heath replies.
“Heath” Audra says “Maybe when you return, we could do some of that too.”
“I’d like that Audra,” Heath informs her.
“Gene” Nick asks noticing him being quiet “How come you’re not saying anything?”
Shrugging and sulking, “No reason,” Gene answers.
“Gene,” Jarrod asks, “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” Gene replies.
Cutting in, “Leave him alone,” Victoria tells them.
After several minutes of eating in silence Silas walks in and after asking if anyone wants seconds to whom they all either shake their heads or reply “No thank you” he is asked to bring in the cake that has been made. Removing some of the finished dishes from the table he dutifully complies.
Nick then says, “Heath?”
“Yes Nick?” Heath replies.
“How would you like to try shooting pool tonight?” Nick suggests “I’ll show you how.”
Shrugging his shoulders, “If you like,” Heath replies.
“I like” Nick then says “However if you don’t like it or if you want to stop just let me know, okay? And we will and perhaps we could go onto something else.”
“Sure,” Heath replies.
“Jarrod” Nick then asks “Would you care to join us? Or is your arm still a little sore yet?”
“No” Jarrod mentions “It’s still a little sore but I’ll see what I could do. If it gets too much, I’ll stop.”
“Could I play?” Gene wanted to know.
“We’ll see,” Jarrod then asks, “Don’t you have some homework still left to do?”
“I do,” Gene admits.
“Then you work on that first,” Jarrod tells him.
As Silas comes in with six pieces of the cake Victoria informs Gene and Audra that they are to finish unpacking once they’ve finished their dinner. Walking over to the table Silas begins distributing the cake starting with Gene and going around the table until he gets to Audra who gets to be last. After thanking him, he then asks, “Would you care for any beverages?”
While Jarrod, Nick and Gene all answer “Coffee” Victoria and Audra reply “Tea.”
Not getting a response from Heath “Mr. Heath” Silas inquires “What about you?”
“Well,” Heath replies.
“Go on Heath,” Jarrod encourages, “Tell him what you would like?”
Glancing over at Jarrod, then at Nick who nods his head, Heath closes his eyes and answers, “I think I like to have tea.”
“Then,” Silas says, “Tea it is.”
“So,” Nick asks, “You like tea?”
“I do,” Heath admits.
“Which do you like better?” Nick wanted to know.
“I like both,” Heath replies.
“Well” Nick says “That is as good an answer as any; it’s also part of making decisions for yourself. Deciding or choosing what you want, even if it’s something small as preferring to have a cup of tea over a cup of coffee, whatever you decide to have is fine.”
“Indeed yes,” Victoria adds, “Heath, you could have anything you like. You don’t ever have to eat or drink something if you don’t want or don’t like.”
Jarrod replies, “Right.”
As everyone begins diving into their piece of cake they have in front of them Victoria asks “Well, how does everyone like it?” everyone except Heath responds “Good.”
Turning her attention to Heath, “Heath,” she says, “How you do you like it?”
“Real good,” Heath tells her, “I like cake.”
As everyone continues eating they notice Heath is moving the frosting off of the cake, “Heath” Victoria curiously asks “How come you’re not eating the frosting?”
“I like,” he answers, “After finishing the cake.”
“I,” Audra brings up, “Remember you doing that on Saturday.”
Nick adds, “You did that also at lunch time and last night.”
“Heath,” Victoria asks, “You don’t like the frosting?”
“No,” Heath replies, “I do.”
“Would you like more,” she asks, “Frosting?”
“If it’s okay,” Heath answers.
“It’s more than okay.” Victoria tells him.
Just then Silas returns with three cups of tea. After serving Victoria, Audra and Heath, Silas grabs a few more dishes and goes back to the kitchen with them.
“Heath,” Nick offers, “Would you like any milk or sugar with that?”
“I would” Heath answers. Getting up and retrieving the sugar bowl Nick places them in front of him. Silas then returns with the cups of coffee for Jarrod, Nick and Gene.
After placing the milk pitcher on the table, “Will there be anything else?” Silas asks.
“Yes,” Victoria replies, “Would you mind bringing in some more frosting?”
Puzzled, “Just the frosting, Mrs. Barkley?” Silas asks.
“Yes,” Victoria reiterates, “Put it in a dish or a cup and give it to Heath.”
Complying “Yes Mrs. Barkley” Silas replies “Coming right up” and upon exiting the room he takes a few more dishes with him.
Meanwhile everyone takes their turn in fixing their coffee and tea the way they like them to be. Watching as Heath sips his tea after pouring sugar and milk into it, “You really like sugar and milk in your tea?” Nick wanted to know.
“I do,” Heath admits.
“You also like it in your coffee too?” Nick surmises.
“I like it both ways,” Heath mentions.
“Which way would you prefer?” Nick inquires.
“Not sure” Heath says “With sugar and milk perhaps, but both ways are okay too.”
Seconds later Silas returns with a dish of frosting and after placing it before Heath, “Mr. Heath,” Silas asks, “How’s that?”
With a small smile on his face, “Good,” Heath replies.
“Would there be anything else?” Silas wanted to know.
“No” Victoria replies “I think we have everything now; thank you Silas,” and once again as he walks out he takes a few more finished dishes with him.
As the family continues enjoying their cake and drink they watch in enjoyment as Heath, after finishing his piece begins eating the frosting he has in front of him.
“You,” Jarrod asks, “Really are enjoying that, huh?”
“I am, yes.” Heath answers proudly, “Best part of the cake.”
“I bet” Nick says “You wouldn’t mind if we had just the frosting without the cake.”
“No” Heath states “Frosting very good…not mind at all.”
“Heath” Audra asks “When your mama or Aunt Rachel made a cake, did you ever get to lick the bowl; from either the batter of the cake or the frosting?”
“Some” Heath answers “Not too often.”
Upon finishing their cake Victoria suggest they move to the study with Jarrod replying, “Why not, lovely lady?”
Getting up, Heath follows what Jarrod is doing and while Gene and Audra head off to their rooms to do their homework the others cross to the study. Quickly grabbing Nick’s arm “Nick” Jarrod says “I like to have a word with you. Mother, Heath, we’ll be right there.”
While Heath stops abruptly Victoria says “Come on, Heath” and obediently he follows her into the study.
Part 7-3
Meanwhile, being pulled aside Nick replies “Sure” to Jarrod “What is it?”
“Would you mind” Jarrod asks as they enter the gunroom “Telling me what that was all about?”
“You mean,” Nick inquires, “Heath doing what you’re doing?”
“Yes,” Jarrod replies.
“You do” Nick reminds him “Remember the game of shadow we played as a kid. I use to do what you did or you did what I did and Gene use to do what Audra did.”
“Of course I remember it” Jarrod states “I remember it use to drive me crazy, it also drove you crazy and it drove Audra crazy.”
“It did” Nick says “And for us it was a game, for Heath, well, I told it to him at lunchtime and thought it would be a good way to help him with doing things on his own. I mean if he used the game of shadow and did whatever one of us he chooses did, then that might help.”
“Hey,” thinking better of it, “That was an idea,” Jarrod notes.
“And” Nick continues “So far it’s working. For some reason, he chose you and he did so, all on his own.”
“Well,” Jarrod says, “Right now, I’m all for anything that will work.”
“I did tell him” Nick brings up “He could choose me if he wanted, but for some reason he chose you and right now I am glad he chose you and didn’t choose Gene. Gene, for some reason is not too happy with any of us.”
“Agreed” Jarrod says “But he’ll get over it and he has to learn he can’t have everything his own way.”
“I know” Nick then says “Come on; let’s go see what we could do with getting Heath to learn how to play pool.”
Exclaiming “Right” Jarrod and Nick exit the gunroom and enter the study.
While Audra and Gene are both up in their rooms working on their homework Heath is learning about the card game of solitaire courtesy of Victoria. When Nick and Jarrod walk in he is then introduced to the game of pool. From there they explain everything about the game to him with Jarrod also using the game as a teaching tool giving him a test on the various different colored balls as well as the shape of the triangle etc.
Observing “Jarrod” Victoria says “You’re using the game as a teaching exercise.”
“Yes,” Jarrod replies, “I figured the best way to find out what he knows is by us incorporating the two together.”
“Good thinking,” Victoria comments.
After a couple minutes into explaining the game to him, they have him test out the cue stick. At first he has a problem with holding it but then once he finally gets the hang of it, he manages to hit the balls very softly.
“Heath,” Jarrod says, “Try hitting it a little harder.”
Nervously doing so, the white ball after hitting it goes up onto the top of the table and then onto the floor. Letting out a little chuckle “Not bad Heath” Nick says retrieving the ball and placing it back on the table “But let’s try it again, only this time when you try hitting it, have it stay on the table.”
“I’ll try,” Heath informs him.
“Heath” Jarrod says “Take it easy” placing his hand on his back “This is only a game. We are only showing you how to play it.”
After practicing a few more times Heath manages to hit and slide the white ball across the ball and upon hitting the other colored balls “Much better” Nick comments to him.
After coaxing him for a few minutes and as he is getting the hang of it they decide to start a game, with them just randomly sending the colored balls into the pockets and counting them up as a score.
As the game plays out and it becomes Heath’s turn both Nick and Jarrod continue encouraging him as well as giving him pointers along the way as he needs it. After a few minutes into hitting the balls into the pockets Heath is amazed at the progress he is making and upon noticing, “See Heath,” Jarrod says, “That is how the game is played.”
Heath then asks, “What happens if the white ball goes in with them?”
“If that happens,” Jarrod replies “We call that scratching and you lose your turn.”
“However,” Nick mentions, “You are getting the hang of it.”
They continue taking their turns until all the balls have been cleared off the table. Once they’ve finished they tally up how many balls they got into their respective pockets.
Counting them up “You got six” Jarrod announces “Heath got four and I got five. So I guess that makes you the winner” looking over at Nick.
Grinning from ear to ear, “Hey,” Nick retorts, “What-a-you know?”
“What now?” Heath wanted to know.
As Nick asks if they would like to play another game Jarrod answers “I think just the one is enough for me tonight Nick” moving his left arm around a bit “My arm is a little sore” placing the cue stick back on the rack “Perhaps next time.”
“Heath,” Nick asks, “What about you? Want to play another game?”
“Yeah okay,” Heath replies.
Resuming the game as they had before they continue counting whatever colored balls go inside the pockets. Jarrod, meanwhile offers to rack them up and upon deciding who should go first Heath suggests Nick should and as he starts off he turns and says, “Oh by the way, this is called breaking.”
After they continue until the game is finished and once they begin tallying up the colored balls “Well” Victoria asks “Who won?” Audra walks in and says “Who’s winning?”
“Nick won the first game,” Jarrod mentions.
“Did you finish your homework?” Victoria asks of her who replies “I did, Mother.”
“What about your suitcase?” Victoria then inquires to which she responds “All done.”
“What about Gene?” Victoria then wanted to know.
“He’s still doing his” Audra notes “He had more than me. Are you playing solitaire?”
“Do you want to play?” Victoria asks.
Replying “I’ll just watch for now” Audra takes a seat and watches both Victoria who is playing solitaire and Jarrod counting up the balls to see who won the pool game. Tallying up, “Let’s see,” Jarrod says, “Nick got in 9 and Heath got in 6, so that makes Nick the winner.”
Cheerfully Nick asks if Heath wants to play again or go onto something else. At first Heath is hesitant about responding until Nick says, “Heath, we could stop. We don’t have to play this anymore if you don’t want to.”
Thinking about it Heath carefully answers, “Think want to stop.”
Then asking what he wants to play Heath comes out with checkers.
“Okay,” Nick says, “Checkers it is then.”
Looking over at Jarrod Heath watches as he takes a seat and upon following his lead he takes an empty seat in the chair that is across from Nick. Jarrod lets out a little chuckle amused at Heath doing what he is doing.
“What is this Jarrod?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Tell you later, Mother,” Jarrod replies.
While Victoria continues playing solitaire, Heath starts playing a round of checkers. In between both Audra and Jarrod watch the games.
After grabbing the checkers Nick informs Heath that he could go first and asks which color he wants. Upon choosing red and after all the checkers have been properly set up Heath begins. The game continues until all the checkers have been removed. As Heath is declared the winner, “You really are good at this Heath,” Nick comments, “How did you get so good at this?”
Shrugging, “Just watching,” Heath answers.
Going onto a second game, after fixing up the checkers Heath suggests Nick go first this time in which he graciously accepts. The game resumes once again with them taking turns and all the checkers have been removed from the board. In between Nick studying the board and determining which checker to move Heath slowly becomes fascinated with the solitaire card game Victoria is engaged in.
Finally making his move Nick notices Heath’s mind elsewhere and calls out to him whom at first doesn’t respond. Softly blowing at him while calling out to him gets him out of his mesmerized state “Huh?” Heath answers.
“The game,” Nick says, “It’s your turn,” and as Audra and Jarrod observe Heath with Nick let out little giggles. Heath responds, “Sorry.”
“Heath,” Victoria offers, “Would you like to try it?”
“The game” Nick says “Heath, it’s your turn” and as Audra and Jarrod observe Heath with Nick they let out little giggles, Heath replies, “Sorry.”
“Heath,” Victoria offers, “Would you like to try it?”
“I like to” Heath replies “Not now, no, maybe next” thinking of the word he wants to use “Time.”
“Then” Victoria says “Next time it is” and resumes her game.
After finishing Victoria, Jarrod and Audra get in a round of gin. In between Nick and Heath continue the checker game. After Nick finally wins they go onto another round. In between Heath’s eyes begin to close.
Noticing “Heath” Nick insists “I think we should stop. Why don’t you go upstairs and change for bed?”
Opening his eyes “Okay” Heath answers and as he gets up and crosses to the doorway he bids the family goodnight. Watching as he goes up the stairs “I’ll come and check on you in a little bit,” Nick informs him.
“Nick,” Victoria noticing asks, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Nick answers, “It’s just Heath I’m worried about.”
“Why?” Victoria wanted to know.
“We still have a long way to go with him,” Nick mentions.
“Nick,” Victoria says, “He is still new here.”
“I know that,” Nick replies.
“I,” Jarrod joins in with, “Think we’ve made some progress with him today.”
“We did,” Nick then brings up, “Are you aware that he has nightmares?”
“He has nightmares Nick?” Audra joining in asks.
“Yes,” Nick replies.
“What kind of nightmares?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Not sure” Nick answers “Bobby mentioned it to me earlier. He’s been having them while sleeping outside in the barn.”
“I sure” Audra says “Hope he doesn’t go off and sleep out in the barn again tonight.”
“I’ll be doing my best tonight,” Nick notes, “To make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“What are you going to do Nick?” Jarrod wanted to know, “Wait for him to get up and go out the door?”
Seriously, “I am,” Nick answers.
“Nick” Victoria says “Please be careful. We have to want him to sleep up there not force him. He lived a very sheltered life and had a lot of bad things happen to him.”
“I’m aware of that,” Nick replies.
“I wonder what kind of bad things happened to him,” Audra ponders.
“I don’t know dear” Victoria states “Only Heath knows. Don’t forget that box that both you and Gene mentioned he was in. If he’s made to stay in his room he might think of it as some kind of prison. I don’t want him to think he is in one.”
“Mother,” Nick vows, “I will be careful. I have some ideas that might work and I won’t do anything that will make him think he has to stay in there.”
“Do you want some help,” Jarrod offers, “With whatever you are planning or doing with him?”
“Not yet,” Nick replies, “Remember he works better one on one. You may be needed when the nightmares occur; depending just how bad they really are.”
“I’ll be ready,” Jarrod says.
Just then as Gene enters the study he announces, “Well, I’m all finished.”
“You did all your homework?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Unpacked too” Gene then says “I saw Heath go off to his room. Will he be coming back down?”
“No,” Nick answers, “He’s getting ready for bed.”
“So,” Gene asks, “What are we playing?”
After informing him they are in the midst of playing gin and just finished a round of checkers Gene asks if they shot some pool with Nick responding “We did two games.”
“Who won?” Gene wanted to know with Jarrod answering, “Nick won both.”
Gene then asks if anyone would like to shoot some pool Nick responds “Not tonight” with Jarrod replying “No. One game was my limit and I’m in the middle of this game right now.”
“How about a game of checkers?” Gene then asks.
Replying again “Not tonight” Nick getting up says “I think I will be turning in now too.”
Following his lead “I think I will be doing the same” Audra tells Gene “You could finish my hand for me Gene.”
After exchanging goodnights Audra and Nick head up the stairs to their rooms, Jarrod says to Gene, “Gene, would you like to finish out Audra’s hand?”
Replying “I suppose,” Gene grabs one of the empty chairs and picks up the hand Audra had and finishes the game out with Jarrod and Victoria.
Upstairs Audra is standing outside Heath’s door and after knocking says, “Heath, it’s me. May I come in?”
Replying “Come in” Heath is seated on the edge of the bed with his boots off when she walks in and says “I won’t stay long. Just came in to see the kit Jarrod bought for you, you said you’d show it to me.”
“Oh sure,” Heath gets up and grabs it off the dresser says, “Here it is.”
After taking it and going through it “Very nice Heath” Audra comments once she’s satisfied with what it has “I’ll let you finish getting changed for bed. Goodnight Heath, see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight Audra,” Heath reciprocates, “See you in the morning.”
Before going out the door she gives Heath a huge hug and kiss on the cheek, “I love you brother,” she tells him.
Not knowing what to make of it, Heath just looks at her and watches as she goes out the door. Placing the kit back on the dresser, he resumes undressing starting with his shirt.
Part 7-4
Downstairs finishing the card game Gene gets up and bids Victoria and Jarrod goodnight who in turn reciprocate.
After he leaves the room and goes up the stairs “I’ll sure say one thing about Nick,” Jarrod says.
“What’s that?” Victoria wanted to know.
“He definitely came around,” Jarrod quips, “And now he is like a mother hen to Heath.”
“True” Victoria then says “But I rather see him more like a mother hen than the way he was acting. Today was a joy for a change. The table was peaceful as we ate and Heath actually started talking some.”
“But only when we asked him something” Jarrod states “He didn’t volunteer anything without us first posing the question.”
“It’s going to take time Jarrod” Victoria explains “He led a world that only he knows. Fitting into our world won’t be that easy for him. But I think we’ve made excellent progress for one full day.”
“I’m hoping,” Jarrod says, “the trip to Pine Lake will be a success.”
“I think it will” Victoria notes “It’ll just be the three of you so that will give you a chance to talk and by doing so he just might open up more.”
“That’s what I am counting on,” Jarrod says, “Nick came up with an idea that may help him with doing things on his own.”
“What’s that?” Victoria asks.
“The game of shadow,” Jarrod answers.
“Shadow” Victoria says “I remember that game, I played it myself when I was a young girl.”
“We’ve all played it” Jarrod points out “I think everyone has at least once in their life except Heath and perhaps others out there like him.”
“And Nick thought of it,” Victoria wanted to know.
“Yes” Jarrod replies “And after explaining how it’s played he selected me to use as the one to play it out with.”
“That’s why he was doing what you’re doing,” Victoria says.
“Exactly,” Jarrod replies.
“How do you feel about that?” Victoria curious wanted to know.
“Honestly” Jarrod admits “I am flattered. I am surprised that he didn’t choose Nick but that’s okay. Whatever works for him in loosening up and doing what he needs to do by himself, I am all for it.”
“I am too,” Victoria replies.
“And so far,” Jarrod points out, “It does seem to be working.”
“Nick does have a great mind when he wants to use it,” Victoria notes.
“True” Jarrod deciding to turn in gets up and after bidding Victoria goodnight, he
crosses to the door and says “I wonder what Brother Nick has in store for Heath to help get him to sleep in his room tonight.”
“Not sure” Victoria surmises “But I’m sure we will all find out once it occurs. If Heath does have nightmares I think we all need to be prepared for them as well.”
“I will be” Jarrod says “And we’ll just have to take each thing as they come up. We’ll do what we have to, to help him” and then heads up the stairs.
Upstairs standing outside Heath’s door “Heath” Nick calls out after knocking “Could I come in?”
Replying “Come in” Heath is seated on the edge of the bed changed into his nightclothes as Nick walks in and closes the door behind him.
Noticing his other clothes on the bed and his boots on the floor next to him, “How you doing?” Nick wanted to know.
“Fine,” Heath replies.
“At least” Nick notes “You’re dressed for bed. Remember what we did last night?”
“I do,” Heath answers.
“Well” Nick suggests “How about we do it again? First” removing them “Let me take these off the bed and take your boots and place them here in the closet.”
After finishing “Now” Nick then asks “Would you get up for a minute?” getting up Heath watches as he opens up the covers and says “Get in under the covers.”
Doing as instructed, Heath climbs into bed and gets under the covers. After tucking him in and sitting on the edge of the bed Nick starts off with “Heath, if you should need me for anything my room is just across the hall. You could either come right in or yell out and I will come running in here. But you should be fine. So” getting up he then says “How about you try falling asleep okay?”
Heath replies “Okay” and as Nick moves towards the door he bids Heath a goodnight and then after showing a little smile, grabs the doorknob and says “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Reciprocating “See you in the morning” Heath watches as Nick leaves the room and closes the door behind him. He then lies there looking up at the ceiling.
Coming down the hallway “How is he Nick” Victoria asks.
“So far, so good,” Nick says, “But I’ll be waiting.”
“You still think,” Victoria inquires, “He will try going out to the barn?”
“I do, yes” Nick answers “But don’t worry; I assure you I won’t do anything that makes him think he’s inside of some kind of prison. I just want to see if I could get him to stay in here and then go from there.”
“I’ll leave it at that then” Victoria notes “You seem to know what you want to do with him so I won’t interfere. Let me just say goodnight to him and just maybe if he gets more of that around here that too will ease his being here.”
“One could never know,” Nick shrugs.
Noticing a troubled look on his face, “Nick,” Victoria asks, “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Nick replies.
“You don’t sound it,” Victoria inquires, “What’s wrong?”
Gnawing on his lower lip “Don’t know” Nick says “Heath” putting his hands in the back pockets of his pants.
“What about him?” Victoria asks.
Taking his fist and running it into his hands “I am so upset with myself” Nick confides.
“Why?” Victoria asks.
“When he first came” Nick says, “I wanted so much to have him work and work until he couldn’t take it anymore.”
“I remember,” Victoria answers.
Letting out a deep sigh “Do you know” He says “That he worked in a mine when he was just six years old?”
“No, I didn’t” Victoria admits “I heard him mentioning working in a mine but it never occurred to me that he worked in one when he was that young.”
“Well, he did” Nick says “His uncle had him do it. He was a charge boy, throwing charges into it. A six-year old kid! He said he had to do it. His uncle had him doing that instead of attending school. That is why he doesn’t know as much as he does or should.”
“You found out all that today?” Victoria wanted to know.
“On the way to town” Nick states “I was asking him questions and that is what came out. I feel so bad for him. That boy worked probably all his life, thanks to that no good uncle of his. Sunday, when Bobby took him out for a couple hours that was probably the most fun he endured in his lifetime.”
“Nick” Victoria says “You took him out today while you were working, he seemed to enjoy that.”
“I know,” Nick sighs.
“And he will be spending the next couple days” Victoria adds “With just you and Jarrod up at Pine Lake. I’m sure he will like that.”
“Well” Nick says “I am going to make certain he does. I want that boy to have some fun in his life. That uncle” clucking “I just wonder how he could do the things he did to him without any kind of remorse.”
“I don’t know” Victoria replies “Only he knows. But from talking to Heath, he sure doesn’t like him much and from the things I’ve heard from you and him of how he grew up it does explains some of the reasons why.”
“It does and I don’t blame him” Nick then asks “But how could an uncle down right hate his own nephew?”
“Don’t know” Victoria says “Fortunately for us we weren’t brought up that way.”
Nick adds “Heath was telling me that his uncle would’ve liked it if he got himself killed.”
“Killed?” Victoria mimics.
“Yes” Nick angrily replies “That is just how much he hated him. You talk about someone hating, it’s him” letting out a heavy sigh “That no good uncle. I just hope I never lay eyes on him for he will be one sorry uncle. He’d be wishing he never had a nephew.”
“Nick” Victoria then says “Don’t keep letting it eat at you. Heath is here now and whatever happened before happened. We can’t change what already took place. All we could do now is be there for him, love him and just do what we are doing to help him become a real part of this here family.”
“I know” Nick replies “But it just kills me to think he had to grow up like that and we still don’t know all there is to know about him.”
“You will” Victoria notes “And you did get the ball rolling. He has begun opening up; just keep doing what you’re doing and let the answers come from him naturally and freely. He will and right now that is the best you could do.”
“I know” Nick says “I just want him to have more fun in his life and less of work. I know this is a working ranch but I don’t want him thinking that is all there is for him to be doing all the time. I will do what was suggested about cutting his hours so that he could learn the schooling he needs from you and all of us.”
“I think the schooling” Victoria states “Will definitely help in ways you can’t imagine. He’ll be able to interact with each one of us, one on one, which I truly believe he needs to help him feel more comfortable around all of us. The more we do with him both individually and as a family will help him come around and understand the love that goes behind it, as well.”
Raising an eyebrow “Perhaps” Nick then says “Well, goodnight Mother” giving her a kiss goodnight.
Reciprocating “Good night Nick” she replies and watches as he goes into his room. After he closes the door she continues on across the hall and upon knocking at the door calls out, “Heath” before opening the door.
Replying “Yes um” as she enters the room she tells him “I just wanted to come by and say goodnight to you.”
As Heath bids her goodnight she goes over to him and after giving him a kiss on the forehead and brushing his hair back with her hand she smiles down at him as she tucks the covers in and says “Goodnight Heath, everything is going to be just fine.”
Heath watches as she turns back around and leaves the room, closing the door behind her. Minutes later he lies there listening and waiting for the house to come to a complete quiet.
Nick, meanwhile in his room across the hall changes into his nightshirt and quietly peeks through the door watching and waiting for Heath to come out.
Heath meanwhile goes from looking about the room to the ceiling to the window until he’s certain that everyone has finally turned in and once he believes it’s safe to get up he carefully moves towards the doorway and heads down the hallway.
Upon reaching the top landing and as he places his foot on the fourth step down he hears “Heath” and quickly jumps as he is taken back to see Nick standing there in the doorway of his room.
Staring up at Nick with his eyes and mouth both opened wide, Heath watches as he comes out of the room asking “We’re you planning on going out to the barn to sleep?” still not saying anything Heath continues to stand still and watches as Nick puts a lamp in the hallway on.
“Come with me” Nick says and as he motions with the fingers on his right hand Heath does as instructed and goes back up the steps. Nick, who places his hands around his shoulders “Let’s see if I could get you to start sleeping in your own room” and leads him back to his room “I did tell you that I will be working with you and if it’s possible, I want to see you sleeping in here rather than outside in the barn. You have a nice warm bed, now why would you want to even go out there to sleep, huh?” as he closes the door behind him.
“Now first,” Nick says, “Up on the bed.”
Doing as instructed Heath quietly gets up on the bed “Now Heath” Nick brings up as he looks down at his empty feet “Didn’t I tell you that if you were gonna be going outside to make certain you had socks on your feet?”
“You did,” Heath admits.
“Then,” Nick asks, “Where are they?”
“In the drawer there,” Heath mentions.
“Well” Nick says “Hopefully you will stay in your bed all night and won’t have any need for them until morning when you get dressed. Now” as he moves towards the doorway “Stay put; I’ll be right back.”
While Nick exits the room Heath remains where he is, seconds later Nick returns carrying a cold glass of water “Here” he says “Drink this.”
Taking the glass Heath does as instructed and drinks the water down.
Replying “I’ll take that” Nick takes the glass and then says “Now; lie down.”
Doing as instructed Heath gets underneath the covers and places his head on the pillow. Placing the empty glass on the nightstand “Next” Nick says “We are going to try getting you to stay here in your bed without you’re having to go outside to sleep” sitting alongside of him on the edge of the bed “Let me see what you told me” thinking for a moment Nick brings up “You didn’t like sleeping inside the hotel because something about the windows being closed and the doors being closed bother you, right?”
Heath not saying anything nervously takes the fingers of one hand and constantly plays with the fingers on the other hand as he looks to Nick and then upon slowly nodding his head “Okay Heath” Nick getting up off the bed says “Let’s see what happens if I open this here window for you just a tad” doing so “That way you won’t be completely closed in” Heath continues watching him “Let’s see how that works.”
Returning to the edge of the bed “Now how about I sit alongside of you here” Nick says “And see what happens; so far, so good.”
While sitting beside him as he looks up at him “Now Heath” Nick continues “If at any time you should fall asleep and I should go to my room, I will leave the door slightly open, just like I did with the window so that you won’t feel like you’re being closed in, alright?”
Nodding his head, “Uh-huh,” Heath answers.
“Did you ever sleep in a bed like this back home in Strawberry?” Nick wanted to know.
“Uh-uh,” Heath answers, “It was a bed, but not like this at all.”
“You didn’t sleep in one like it at your Uncle’s,” Nick mentions, “I’m sure.”
“No,” Heath replies.
“It’s okay Heath” Nick says “Perhaps one day when you feel comfortable with me you could tell me what took place, I am here to listen. I know that I could never change what did happen but maybe by you’re talking about it, will help you just to get it out of your system. And whatever you do tell me if you don’t want anyone else to know, just tell me and I will just let it stay between you and me. That is also part of being friends and brothers, sharing and confiding in one another and keeping the secret or the information just between them or in our case, us.”
“I’d like that Nick,” Heath answers.
“Me too; before we continue” Nick asks “Do you mind me being here with you?”
Shaking his head, “Uh-uh,” Heath replies, “You being here is fine, Nick.”
“Just checking” Nick then says “How about if I try telling you a story? That sometimes helps with falling asleep.”
“Kay,” Heath replies.
Part 7-5
“Normally” Nick brings up “I could read you a book but right now the only story books that we have Jarrod has and I don’t want to have to wake him to get them. Did your Mama ever tell you stories to get you to fall asleep?”
“She did,” Heath admits.
“Okay” Nick thinking of a story comes up with “Once upon a time there was this little boy named Heath and he didn’t know that he had a big brother named Nick or a big brother named Jarrod; he also didn’t know that he had a little brother named Eugene or a little sister named Audra. He once lived in a faraway mining town called Strawberry and there he was all alone. Didn’t know that he had any other family except what was there. But then suddenly one day, he would grow up and would, when he was ready to venture across the hills of Northern California to find a town called Stockton and learn that he had more family than just what he had in Strawberry.”
Pausing and looking down at Heath who continues listening “He learned that he had a father” Nick goes on to say “But he only learned of him a short time ago after his own mother died. But then he arrives in Stockton and meets this Old Nick on the bridge and at first everything was going fine but then something happened when he came to this house looking for a job. Big Bad Nick didn’t know what to make of this Heath who after confronted said that he was his Father’s son, it through this Old Nick’s mind into a tizzy.”
“It’s not that he didn’t believe him but in his mind he thought that maybe he worked for the railroad or was a spy or something” Nick mentions “But then it took him awhile to realize that what he was thinking, wasn’t what little Old Heath came here for. He came here to find a family and a home. He came here to find out about his father’s family, to find out about them, to find out about this old house they live here in and what they were like” Heath begins closing his eyes but then reopens them as he continues listening to Nick talking.
“But at first” Nick continues “He didn’t know how to fit in and didn’t know what to do. Big bad Nick didn’t help matters much; he wouldn’t let him feel at ease here. Big bad Nick didn’t realize that all little Heath wanted was a family and someone to care about him. It took big bad Nick a little while to see and understand that but he must know now that Old Nick would never hurt him, all he is trying to do now is be the best friend and best big brother he could possibly be.”
“However” Nick mentions “The only challenge he might have to endure is to compete with big brother Jarrod for that spot, because he too is the bigger, older brother to Heath. But that suits him just fine. He could live with that. And as much as he didn’t admit it before he likes having Heath for a friend. Nick had many friends growing up and still has some good friends that are around but many of them now have either started having families of their own, homes of their own and for some just not around here anymore. So having to find a new friend to be with, he likes it that he has this newer younger brother Heath to be friends with; gives him someone to hang around with, someone to share and confide things in.”
“And it does make it easier” Nick notes “That he is a member of this here family; makes it so much easier to have a friend that he could hang around with that is so much closer to home. Now, Jarrod is a good friend too and as much as he is a good big brother, he too has dreams of moving away from here one day. He already had his law practice down in San Francisco and one day he will make
that his home as well. So, once again Heath pops up.”
Watching as Heath continues closing his eyes “Sharing a friendship with him will open up all kinds of new doors for them together” Nick continues “As time goes on, they will probably be doing all sorts of things together. Right now they have just began working side by side and as Heath is more familiar with the town and the ranch, he will be doing all so much more” Heath continues keeping his eyes closed.
“Nick likes it” he continues rambling on “That they could go into town together, pick up supplies when needed, perhaps meet some girls, attend dances and other activities that may come up such as the fairs and maybe when they do, maybe we could team up in some the events that should come up. There will be long cattle drives coming up and going out of town to bid on horses and anything else that needs a trip away from here. And Nick would like it that Heath could accompany him when he does go. Would you like that?” Nick asks but then looking over he sees that Heath’s eyes are closed.
Calling out to him a couple of times in a very low but audible voice Nick doesn’t get any response. Smiling, Nick quietly and carefully moves off the bed. Seeing Heath is still asleep, he says “Goodnight Heath” as he tucks him back in and carefully exits the room.
Walking out he remembers to leave the door slightly opened and going into his room he quietly closes the door, but not completely and after climbing into his bed he closes his eyes and falls asleep.
Thursday, January 26, 1871
Roughly, it’s a little before midnight when Heath begins stirring about in his bed.
Tears going down his face, he calls out loudly as he pushes the blankets off of him with his feet “No! No! No!” moving his head from side to side “It’s dark! Mama! Mama! Mama!” he repeatedly calls out.
From Nick’s bed he awakens to hearing the loud noise coming from Heath’s room. Quickly jumping out of his bed he runs across the hall.
Heath, dropping to the floor with his eyes wide opened looks around the dark room. When Nick enters the room he sees him on all fours and not knowing what to make of it calls out to him aghast.
Heath in his sleep like state looks up at Nick standing there but not registering him starts yelling “Stay back! Get away from me! Where am I? Why am I here?” as he continues looking about.
Nick calling out to him again slowly and carefully moves towards him.
Heath begins taking his right arm and right leg and begins clawing and kicking wildly at Nick as he tries to approach him. Nick quickly stopping in his tracks looks at Heath who has tears going down his cheeks with his eyes wide opened and yelling out “Stay back! Keep away from me!” while glancing around the dark room “Where is Mama? Why won’t she come? It’s dark! Don’t like it here! Don’t like it down here!”
As Nick slowly moving towards him again Heath begins moving backwards and as he tries to keep him from coming near him, uses his arm and leg while swatting him away. Nick calls out, “Heath, it’s me boy! It’s Nick!”
Shaking his head “Uh-uh” Heath says “Not! Can’t get out!” and as he continues moving backwards he stops when his back is against the wall.
Looking at the wall on each side of him “Trapped” he blurts out “No way out” with tears going down his cheeks still, his eyes are wide-opened looking at Nick standing there. Heath drawing his knees upwards and as he wraps his arms around them Nick watches in perplex amazement.
“Heath,” Nick then says to him, “I am not going to hurt you.”
Shakingly Heath repeatedly cries out “Liar! All lies! Can’t get out! Mama, why? Why am I here?”
Continuing to approach him “Heath” Nick repeats “It’s Nick! Come on boy, I am not going to hurt you.”
“Lies!” Heath continues repeating, “It hurts! Stay back! Get away from me! Stop!” as he resumes clawing at Nick with his hand and kicking at him with his leg.
Just then Jarrod enters the room. Seeing Nick moving towards Heath who is on the floor against the wall, he calls out to Nick but then as Heath glances up at Jarrod, Heath yells out, “Stay back! Keep away from me.”
As Nick continues slowly moving towards him “Don’t do that Heath” he tells him “Just trying to help you” getting down on one knee, he begins crawling over to him and as he starts reaching for his clawing hand; Heath shaking his head yells “Not help!” with tears still going down his cheeks “Keep away! Stay back! Stop! Stop!” he continues repeatedly saying as he continues trying to push Nick’s hand away from him.
“No Heath,” Nick continues replying and as he continues reaching and grabbing for his left hand with his right, he carefully moves towards him and at first wipes the tears going down the left side of his cheek with his right hand.
“Is he awake, Nick?” Jarrod inquires.
“No” Nick answers and following Nick’s lead Jarrod gets down on the floor and slowly moves towards the two of them.
Placing his hand on his back “Its okay, Heath” with his left Nick soothingly tells Heath who is no longer clawing at him “No! Get away from me! Stop! Let me go! Let me go!”
“Thatta boy” Nick soothingly says as he is carefully grabbing hold of his arm with his right “Not going to let you go Heath! Come on Heath! That’s it! Come on boy! It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s Nick. I am not going to hurt you!” as he draws him into his arms.
“Mama, where are you?” Heath calls out as he looks about for her while being drawn into Nick’s arms “Mama! Why? Why must I be here? Don’t like it here; dark!”
Carefully easing Heath’s head onto his shoulders “That’s it Heath” Nick says “Come to Nick” taking his hand he begins running it up and down his back in a circular motion as he continues sobbing heavily while in his sleeplike state “Not going to let anyone hurt you” talking softly all the while to him.
As Jarrod gets down on one knee and joins them, he runs his hand up and down the side of Heath’s cheek, while brushing his hair along the way as Nick continues talking softly to Heath “I’m here Heath. I’m right here with you and so is Jarrod.”
“Have you tried waking him yet?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Not yet” Nick suggests “Put a lamp on” and upon nodding his head Jarrod immediately gets a lamp in the room turned on and then returning to them “Heath” he then joins in with “Talk to us.”
While Nick continues holding him in his arms “Want Mama” Heath says to Jarrod as he is moving towards him “Don’t take Mama away from me! Mama! Mama!”
Talking softly “Where are you, Heath” Jarrod asks, “Where are you?” carefully running the back of his hand up and down his tearful cheeks.
Still crying “Don’t want to be here,” Heath mumbles “Why must I be here?”
Continuing to comfort him “Its okay boy” Nick tells him “You’re safe! No one is going to hurt you.”
“Where is here, Heath?” Jarrod asks again.
“Don’t like dark,” Heath replies, “Dark down here.”
“Heath,” Nick tells him, “It’s not dark anymore.”
“Heath,” Jarrod inquires, “Where is it dark?”
“Hotel” Heath mumbles “Can’t get out. No way out. Must stay put! Mama, why don’t you come? Mama don’t like it here.”
“Why can’t you get out?” Nick asks softly while continuing to run his hand up and down his back.
“Trapped” Heath responds “Dark! Locked! No way out! Won’t let me out! Must stay! Must stay ‘til say otherwise.”
“Who said,” Jarrod wanted to know, “To stay put ‘til otherwise?”
“Uncle” Heath answers “Must stay! Said no good! I no good! I child of devil! This is where my kind belongs. Can’t see! Can’t move! No one hears me! Can’t...”
“Why can’t they?” Nick asks.
“Can’t talk” Heath responds “Mama! I want Mama! Mama why can’t I be with you? Why must I be here?”
Entering the room next, “What’s going on?” Gene wanted to know.
“Stay back!” Heath yells again as both Gene and Audra who has now walked in approach” Don’t come near me! Let me go! Won’t tell you anything”
“Stay back,” Jarrod tells them.
Tying the belt to her robe “Is Heath awake?” as she looks at him.
“No,” Jarrod replies, “He’s asleep.”
“Stop!” Heath continues crying and yelling as he looks at Audra and Gene standing there, “Mama! Come, please come, I be good! Don’t like it here!”
“Is he having a nightmare?” Audra wanted to know.
“Yes” comes from Nick and “He is” coming from Jarrod.
“How come his eyes are opened?” Gene inquires.
“Sometimes that happens” Jarrod says “Why don’t the two of you go back to bed, we’re handling it.” They continue to stay and watch.
“Let me try to wake him,” Jarrod suggests.
Replying “Go ahead” Nick then says “Sh boy, sh” as he continues rocking him in his arms.
“No! No! No!” Heath continues repeating, “Mama, where are you? Mama, need you. Don’t like it here. I be good. Won’t be bad. Mama, please come. Why won’t Mama come? Why I here?”
Shaking him gently Jarrod begins calling out to Heath. Just then Victoria enters the room and as she is tying the belt to her robe she asks, “Is he alright?”
“He will be,” Nick answers.
“No! No! No!” Heath repeats again “Can’t get out! I be good! Mama! Why won’t Mama come? Why Mama I stay here?”
“Where do you suppose he is?” Victoria wanted to know.
“Not sure” Nick suggests “Probably that box he mentioned. He keeps saying dark, can’t get out, can’t move and he keeps wanting his mama.”
“Poor Heath” Victoria says sympathetically “That uncle. I would like to know what he did to him and for just how long it went on.”
“Only Heath knows,” Jarrod points out, “And he won’t tell us much.”
“Maybe he will,” Victoria surmises, “Once he gets use to being around us.”
“Come on Heath, wake up,” Nick quietly calls out to him.
“Mama,” Heath continues, “No, Mama! Mama!”
“I’ll be right back,” Victoria says as she exits the room.
“What could we do for him?” Audra wanted to know.
“Just what we are doing,” Nick tells her.
Seconds later, Victoria returns with a wet washcloth “Here” she says “Let’s wipe him down a bit, maybe that will help.”
As Jarrod takes it from her, Heath seeing his hand move towards his face yells out “Keep away! Stop! Let me go!” as he tries to pull away from Nick holding him.
“Sh, Heath, sh” Nick talking softly to him says “Its okay” rocking him in his arms “It’s okay.”
“It’s alright, Heath” Jarrod joins in with “Everything is fine” as he moves his hand towards his face “No one is going to hurt you” washing it down he asks “Heath, why are you there?”
“Why it dark?” Heath continues saying “Can’t see! No way out!”
“Jarrod,” Victoria suggests, “Why don’t you try shaking him a little?”
“I tried that,” Jarrod replies.
“Try it again,” Victoria urges.
Gently shaking him again Jarrod once again calls out to him, “Heath! Heath, come on Heath, wake up, it’s Jarrod.”
“Heath,” Nick joining in says, “Heath, come on, Heath, wake up boy!”
Just then slowly coming out of his trance like state he calls out first to Jarrod as he sees him there and then acknowledges Nick who is still holding and cradling him in his arms.
“Let me go make him some hot chocolate” Victoria says “Maybe that will help him. Audra, Gene, come with me.”
“That might help” Nick admits and as Victoria walks out of the room, Gene and Audra go with her.
“You okay Heath,” Jarrod asks, “You were having a nightmare.”
“That why you here” Heath wanted to know “I wake you,” pulling out of Nick’s arms, wiping the tears from his eyes.
“It’s alright Heath” Nick replies “We want to be here with you when you need us.”
“Yes” Jarrod adds “That’s part of being family, being wakened up and being there when one has one.”
Helping him with wiping the tears from his cheeks,” Do you know what happened?” Nick asks.
Nodding his head, “Couldn’t get out,” Heath says, “Was dark.”
“Is that” Nick inquires “Some of what you mean when don’t like being closed in? You don’t like the windows or doors closed?” as Heath nods his head “You also kept saying you wanted your mama” he brings up.
“I did,” Heath replies, “She wouldn’t come.”
“Audra and Gene,” Jarrod mentions, “Were telling us about a box you were in. Is that where your uncle had you sleep?”
“He did,” Heath replies.
“Did your mother,” Jarrod asks, “Know that he put you there?”
“Not sure,” Heath replies, “Don’t think so. Not many know.”
“You said something about it being locked,” Nick asks, “Did he lock you in it?”
“He did,” Heath answers, “Had to stay there, ‘til he let me out. He would then open it and say come on, get out.”
“You also,” Nick says, “Kept saying something about being a child of the devil. Did your uncle say that to you?”
“He did,” Heath answers.
“Heath,” Jarrod inquires, “How often do you have them, the nightmares?”
“Don’t know,” Heath shrugs.
“You would have them,” Nick points out, “While sleeping out in the barn, huh?” while holding Heath’s right hand with his left.
As Heath nods his head “Come on Heath” Nick then says “Let’s help you over to the bed, okay?” Both Jarrod and Nick help him up on his feet.
“That’s it,” Jarrod adds, “Sit right here on the bed,” in between assisting him.
tbc
