Post by sandymarek on Jan 12, 2016 6:34:35 GMT -4
Story 8-The Long Weekend Part 2
While Nick is getting Coco saddled “Mr. Barkley” Barrett walks in and says “Nick, I like to talk to you for a minute if I may before you go.”
“Sure,” Nick asks, “What is it?”
“Um” clearing his throat “Um” Barrett says “Did your brother Heath, tell you what happened on Sunday when we were working on the West Ridge together?”
“He told me some of it,” Nick states.
“Did he mention that he saved my life?” Barrett brings up.
“Saved your life?” Nick replies in surprise “No, he didn’t tell me that. What happened? How is it he saved your life?”
“A snake came by” Barrett informs him “A couple cows broke through a portion of the fence; because of it they got away. Now we managed to get them all back and they were all accounted for but Heath shot the snake and managed to kill it. Your new brother is a good shot.”
“Thank you for telling me that,” Nick then asks, “But why didn’t you tell me any of this sooner?” raising his voice slightly, “You should’ve came and told me this when it first happened.”
“I should have,” Barrett swallowing admits, “But I was trying to think of how to do it. I didn’t know how to talk to you. I know I left Heath alone up there when Sam and Austin didn’t show up. I should’ve stayed. I realize that now.”
“Yes” Nick states “You should’ve stayed, you also should’ve came and told me” exhaling heavily “I will overlook it this time. I do understand now why you didn’t. But this sort of thing better not” emphasizing the word ‘not’ very strongly “ever happen again. And I will make sure none of the men ever pull a stunt like they did again. But if it does I do expect you to remain at your post with whomever you’re assigned with until you have been relieved. I want to make certain the cattle are safe and protected at all times. Do I make myself clear?” raising his voice again slightly.
“Yes Mr. Barkley,” Barrett replies, “I mean Nick and I will.”
“I do want to thank you however” Nick says “For coming clean and telling me though.”
“I feel somewhat guilty for what I did,” Barrett replies.
Exhaling heavily “Well, just let it go this time” Nick says “But just remember there better not be a next time.”
“There won’t,” Barrett vows, “How are you and Heath getting along now?”
“Much better now,” Nick says, “Well, I’ll talk to you again when I get back, have a good day.”
Exiting the barn together Nick heads for the house while Barrett goes back inside the bunkhouse.
Part 8-5
As Nick comes in the front door Victoria asks, “Are you all done, Nick?”
“Just about” Nick admits “Just a couple of minor things to do upstairs and then we’ll be off. Excuse me” he says to her as he quickly heads upstairs.
Going down the hall to Jarrod’s bedroom Nick seeing Heath on the bed quickly comes inside and says, “Heath, will you come with me for a second?”
Not sure how to respond, “Go ahead Heath,” Jarrod tells him.
Getting up Heath goes down the hall with Nick. As they go into Nick’s bedroom Gene walking in says, “Hi Nick, what’s going on?”
Nick and then asks, “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” Nick replies, “I need you to leave.”
“Can’t I stay?” Gene whining asks.
“Not this time,” Nick nudging him out of the room says, “I need to talk to Heath alone.”
As Nick is closing the door behind him “This is so unfair” Gene replies “You and Jarrod are always leaving me out. Heath is my brother too. Why can’t I stay?”
“Because I have to talk with him alone and yes” Nick mentions “Heath is your brother too.”
Stomping his feet as he angrily treads down the hallway “Darn!” he says as the door shuts behind him.
Turning to Heath Nick says, “Heath, take a seat we need to have a talk.”
Replying, “Yes Nick,” Heath sits down.
Sitting alongside of him, “First,” Nick asks, “How did Mother like the outfit you are wearing?”
“She liked it,” Heath answers.
Replying “Mother has good taste” Nick then goes on to say after sitting there for a moment or two in silence, “Heath, I don’t know how to say this except straight out.”
“I don’t understand,” Heath replies.
“I know,” Nick then says, “Heath,” letting out a little sigh, “Why didn’t you tell me about the snake that you and Barrett ran into while working on the West Ridge on Sunday?”
Grimacing, “Not ask me,” Heath replies.
Exhaling heavily “Heath,” Nick goes on to say “How am I to ask you something I didn’t know about to ask?” gnawing on his lower lip “Heath, I can’t read your mind; I am not a psychic. Many times I could think of what I want to ask you but not all the time. I know some of what I am saying may be a little overwhelming for you.”
Watching as Heath is taking in the information but not responding Nick continues “However try to remember what Jarrod and I have told you that we don’t always know what is going on inside your head; your mind. The same goes for other things like when a snake should appear or the cattle break through the fence or even if it’s something rather small or minor such as you falling down and skinning your knees or hitting your thumb with the hammer. You have to level with us, tell me (pointing to himself), tell Jarrod, tell Mother, tell somebody, anybody when things like that happen. Now Barrett just came and told me about what happened and that was 4 days ago, if he hadn’t, I would never have known and I do need to know.”
Stopping once again to study Heath’s face Nick then resumes “I realize a lot of what happened over the course of the past week was my own fault. If I had been running this ranch the way I should’ve a lot of what did happen such as the stunt Austin and Sam pulled would never have happened, you would never have been left alone up on the West Ridge all night by yourself, Wheeler and Deak would never have gotten away with what they did and you would not have been so tired that resulted in you falling into the creek, you also wouldn’t have been working so hard.”
“The men” Nick continues “Also wouldn’t have been afraid to come to me with their issues. But due to my poor handling of everything those things did occur and I take running this ranch very highly and anything going wrong I take the blame as well as the responsibility. So, it’s important I know what is going on at all times. I need to know that all the men who work for me including you are safe and especially you; you’re my brother and that is very important to me” Nick once again stops and watches as Heath looks away and then back at him.
“This morning at breakfast” Nick goes on to say “Mother mentioned something about your being here has helped me in ways that you could not have imagined and you want to know something” raising an eyebrow “She’s right. Father passed away six months ago and even though we have all been functioning and handling it to the best of our abilities and getting on with our lives, it took me a little longer to accept. I was living but I wasn’t myself. I became very angry, very bitter and very hostile over his dying and everything that I was doing was clouding up my judgment, no one was able to come and talk to me. Every time they did or tried I would snap at them but then something happened. Do you know what that was?” Nick asks of Heath who is listening and looking at him intently not knowing what to say.
Quietly Heath asks “What Nick?”
“You” Nick says “You arrived. You came here and even though I did give you a hard time and took a lot of my anger and frustration out on you at first, you did wake me up. You brought me out of the mood that I’ve been in for so long. Now I don’t know if you fully understand what I am saying and in some ways I don’t either. But I just need you to know and hear it from me that I am glad you are here, as a brother, as a friend and as one of my workers. And I just hope that in the future, you are able to come to me and talk to me about anything and everything that includes when things happen, especially when I am not even made aware of them. Okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
“There is one other reason” Nick says “I brought you into my room. Do you know what that is?”
Shaking his head “Uh-uh” he replies.
“Today is payday for the men” Nick says “That means you get paid for the work you did. Normally I pay the men on Fridays but seeing we will be gone for the next couple of days I decided to pay the men today and right now you’re one of my men. Here!” handing him a wad of dollar bills from his pocket. As Heath carefully takes them from him Nick asks, “What are you going to do with them?”
Shrugging his shoulders, “Not know,” Heath replies.
“What did you do with your earnings from the other ranches you worked at?” Nick wanted to know.
Showing him the money from his pocket “This is what I had from jobs I did” Heath says “Wanted it for Mama.”
Taking it from him “This is what you have from the jobs you held?” Nick asks surprised.
“It is,” Heath replies.
Counting it “There’s fifty-two dollars here” Nick states “You wanted your mama to have this?”
“I did” Heath replies “Wanted her to have this so she could be happy and leave Strawberry.”
“Could I ask why you didn’t give it to her” Nick wanted to know “If that is what you wanted to do with it?”
“Didn’t see her” Heath answers “Meant to, but didn’t happen” swallowing hard “Came home” and then stops suddenly.
“Heath,” Nick asks, “Where were you?”
Shrugging his shoulders, “Working,” Heath answers.
“Heath,” Nick says, “Help me out here. Talk to me; you left Strawberry, while your mama was still alive?”
“I did,” Heath answers.
“You don’t know where it is you went?” Nick asks.
Shaking his head “No” Heath quietly answers “Rode around until job came up.”
“You mentioned Corning when you first came,” Nick states.
“That’s where I was,” Heath says, “When I,” then stopping.
“When you learned about your mother,” Nick surmising answers.
Nodding his head, “Yes,” Heath quietly says.
“Heath,” Nick asks, “How did you know about your mother if you didn’t know where you were?”
Shrugging his shoulders “Don’t know” Heath says “Got a wire that said come home, urgent and so I went.”
“That’s interesting” Nick comments “We’ll have to work on that one later. You really hated Strawberry huh?”
“I did,” Heath answers.
“Perhaps one day” Nick mentions “You’ll tell me more about it but I won’t press you for it right now alright?”
“Alright,” Heath replies.
“Heath,” Nick asks, “What did you do with all your money; did you give it all to your mama?”
“What I could,” Heath admits.
“But what about what you couldn’t?” Nick says “You have fifty-two dollars here.”
“Not had any of it,” Heath mentions.
“How could that be?” Nick wanted to know. Watching at Heath looking towards the floor then shrugging his shoulders, Nick then says “Gene was telling us a little about you’re not having any money. He said you would play cards for it.”
“I did,” Heath admits sheepishly, “When had to and needed money.”
“What happened to the money you earned from all the jobs you worked at?” Nick asks.
Quietly looking towards the floor he mumbles, “Given to uncle.”
“But you did the work,” Nick says.
“That’s now how it works,” Heath replies.
“Explain it to me,” Nick tells him.
“I work,” Heath explains, “They give money to Uncle.”
“You do the work,” Nick reiterates, “And whoever you worked for paid your uncle for the job you did?”
“They did,” Heath states.
“You know what your uncle did Heath?” Nick says.
“What?” Heath asks.
“He” Nick says “Stole your money. When you worked the employers should have paid you for the work not him. He didn’t do any of the work.”
“He had me do it” Heath mentions “He set up the job, have me work and he get paid.”
“You know how much I hate that uncle of yours?” Nick says “I better not run into him ever I could tell you that” then looking down at the $52.00 he asks “Tell me something, how come he didn’t get this money from you?”
“Didn’t see him,” Heath answers, “Not know I have it.”
“Well good” Nick tells him “You take this money” handing him his wages “And you keep it. Come on, let’s go see Jarrod, it’s almost time for us to be going.”
As they get up off the bed and move towards the door Heath says, “Nick!”
“Yes,” Nick replies.
“I’m starting to like you,” Heath states.
Smiling and pleased, “Well,” Nick answers, “I like you,” squeezing his left shoulder, “And more than just like, I like you a lot.”
Returning the smile “I like you too a lot” Heath states as they exit the room together.
Going down the hall Nick asks of Jarrod still in his room, “Are we ready to go?”
“Just about,” Jarrod answers, “Just waiting on you.”
“Why don’t you and Heath head down and I’ll be right with you,” Nick says.
“Yeah okay,” Jarrod replies.
After Nick goes out the door Jarrod has Heath helping him with bringing down the bedrolls and two of the fishing poles, Audra coming by also assists with carrying down the tackle box and one of the fishing rods.
As they are reaching the bottom step, Victoria coming out of the study asks, “Are you all set?”
“We are Mother,” Jarrod informs her.
“Do you have everything?” Victoria wanted to know.
“I believe so,” Jarrod says, “Tell Nick to bring the food with him when he comes down.”
Replying “I will” Victoria giving Heath a kiss on the cheek, “Heath, have a safe trip out there.”
“Yes Mother” Heath replies.
After a couple goodbye kisses Jarrod, Heath and Audra head out the door with the items they have in their hands.
Going inside the barn the three of them go and get the horses ready for their trip.
Seconds later as Nick is coming down the steps, Victoria coming over to him asks, “You ready?”
“I believe so,” Nick replies.
“Did you forget anything?” Victoria asks.
“I don’t think so,” Nick answers, “Jarrod did most of the packing and he is good about making sure we had everything. However, if we don’t have something we’ll just have to make do.”
“Jarrod wants you to bring the food,” Victoria informs him.
Glancing over at Gene just sitting and sulking over by the fireplace Nick says to him, “Gene, come give me a hand. Take this,” referring to the bedroll.
Replying, “Aye, aye sir,” Gene quickly gets up off the chair, takes the bedroll from him and goes out the door with him.
Calling out after him but as he continues going, “What’s with him?” Nick asks.
“Never mind him,” Victoria says, “He’s just sore because he can’t go with you up to the cabin and you wouldn’t let him up in your room earlier.”
“I had to talk to Heath” Nick says “Some of what I am talking to him about is just between him and I.”
“You don’t have to justify your reasons to me” Victoria notes “Right now he feels left out but it will pass. Go on. Have a good time out there,” giving him a kiss goodbye.
Upon thanking her Nick grabs the food basket and heads on out.
Part 8-6
As he is coming up to meet them the horses have all been brought out into the open and all the equipment they are taking with them has been safely placed and tied down with Jarrod, Audra and Heath now standing near the paddock casually watching as the black stallion is running and moving about from one side to the other wildly but happily.
“Heath” Audra asks “Is that the horse you were showing Chrissy on Saturday?”
“Yes,” Heath replies.
Catching sight of Nick approaching “Well Nick” Jarrod quickly says “You made it.”
“I told you I would only be a minute or two” Nick then asks “Are we ready?”
“As soon as we get the basket situated” Jarrod says “We could go” as he quickly gives him a hand with securing it down safely on one of the horse so that it doesn’t fall off. Watching the proceedings “I wish I could go” Gene sulkily brings up.
“Now Gene” Jarrod tells him “We’ve been over it and over it already. You can’t go and that is all there is to it.”
“Gene,” Nick adds, “Stop brooding.”
“I’m not brooding,” Gene states.
“Well then” Nick says “Stop acting like you are” raising his voice “We said you can’t go and that is the end of it. You could come with us some other time, just not right now.”
“Drats!” Gene sulkily mumbles.
Observing Heath looking at the black stallion running about in the paddock, “you like him Heath?” Audra asks of him.
“I do,” Heath replies, “Yes.”
Watching as Heath is holding his hand out to the stallion as it comes towards him Nick says, “Be careful there Heath, he isn’t broken in yet.”
“It’s alright Nick,” Heath replies, “He won’t hurt me. Watch!”
As he extends his hand out the horse at first stops and studies Heath from afar and then carefully and slowly he moves towards him. A couple seconds later he comes up to him and allows him to pet his forehead.
Watching from the doorway of the bunkhouse “Well, I’ll be” Barrett quietly says to himself.
“Will you look at that” comes from Jarrod “That horse seems to have taken a shine to Heath.”
“He did say he has a way with horses” Audra says “Isn’t that right Heath?”
“I do,” Heath admits, “They understand me and I understand them.”
“There is a certain look you have” Jarrod points out “When that horse comes over to you. We haven’t been able to touch him at all.”
“I like him,” Heath states.
“He must like you as well,” Jarrod says, “He came right over to you.”
“Heath” Nick brings up, “When we get back and finish working on the fence maybe you would like working on breaking him in. Would you like that?”
“I would yes, Nick” Heath replies hopeful “Very much so.”
“Then” Nick says “Once we get back we will work on it. Besides I want to see how good you are in breaking them in or gentling as you call it. If this little sneak preview is any indication of how well you could do it then this may just be another one of those secret talents that you may possess.”
Baffled “Possess?” Heath asks.
“Yes” Nick reiterates “Something that you hold; a secret talent is something that you have. A gift; something special” trying to think of the right word to use.
“I’d like that,” Heath answers.
“Well,” Jarrod says, “I am also looking forward to you doing that.”
“Me too” comes from Audra “It’ll be like watching our very own show. I sure hope when you do it, you’ll do it when I am home from school.”
“We’ll see about that Missy,” Nick says to her.
“We better get going,” Jarrod then brings up.
After giving Audra a kiss goodbye they mount up. Glancing over at Gene still brooding “Are you sure” Heath asks, “Gene can’t come? He really wants to.”
“He’s not coming,” Nick says, “He just has to get over it.”
“Gene” Jarrod adds “Can’t always have everything his own way. He has to learn when we say no, we say it for a reason and if we say no, then its no.”
Turning to Gene “Gene” Jarrod instructs him “Keep an eye on the ranch while we’re gone. You’re the man here now.”
Replying “Yeah sure” Gene watches as they ride off and upon kicking at the dirt Audra brings up, “You didn’t say bye to them.”
“They didn’t want me to go,” he mumbles.
“So what” Audra says, “You have school tomorrow. They said you could go with them another time.”
Replying “Sure whatever” Gene walks away and while he continues kicking at the small pebbles in the dirt Audra goes towards the house.
While Audra is headed up the walk Gene goes towards the barn and is met by both Barrett and Oscar who watching in the background come over to him calling out, “Gene, Gene, wait up.”
Turning around, “What is it?” Gene asks of them.
“What’s the matter Gene,” Oscar asks.
“Nothing,” Gene snaps, “Nothing at all.”
“Aw,” egging him on, “You look sore about something,” Oscar states.
Kicking the dirt at his feet, “I am,” Gene replies.
“What is it?” Oscar asks “One feels better when they get off whatever is on their chest.”
“I wanted to go with them” Gene says “He’s my brother too; I don’t see why they wouldn’t take me. I would only be missing one day of school, that wouldn’t be too much of a big deal.”
“And they said no?” Oscar asks with Gene answering loudly and angrily, “Yeah!”
“Have there been any other unusual events that have been going on with the newest brother that you’ve noticed?” Oscar wanted to know.
“As a matter of fact,” Gene notes, “There is.”
“Like what?” Oscar insists, “Tell us.”
“Jarrod and Nick” Gene brings up “Have private conversations without me. They go into Nick’s room and I ask if I could come in, they say no, go downstairs and close the door.”
“Anything else?” Oscar egging him on asks.
“They loaned Heath my fishing rod,” Gene says, “And my bedroll.”
“Do you know what’s happening here?” Oscar mentions.
“No,” Gene inquires, “What?”
Scratching the bottom of his chin with the fingers of his right hand, “That new brother of yours,” Oscar says, “He is your new brother right?”
“He is,” Gene states.
“Your brothers Jarrod and Nick” Oscar notes, “Have taken a shine to him. Do you know what’s going to happen now that he’s here?” with a wicked grin.
“What?” Gene asks.
“They are going to forget all about you” Oscar says “Find that you have no place in their lives and simply leave you out. And they will start giving him things of yours and including him while excluding you. They will be leaving you out in the cold.”
“You really think so?” Gene listening asks.
“I know the signs” Oscar states, “I’ve seen them before. Just keep watching you will see what I am saying to be true.”
“I hope you’re not right about what you said Oscar,” Gene says.
“Just watch Gene” Oscar replies “Let me know if I’m right. I will leave you alone now, I said enough” walking away they leave Gene going inside the barn who starts beating up the haystack as he thinks over what Oscar just fed him.
As Oscar is approaching the door of the bunkhouse “Oscar” Barrett says, “Have you lost your mind or something? Are you that stupid?”
Dumbfounded, “What are you talking about?” Oscar asks innocently.
“What you just fed him” Barrett notes “Don’t you know anything about him? That boy will blab and you just said all that stuff to him just now.”
“I know what I’m doing,” Oscar says.
“I think you lost your mind Oscar” Barrett brings up “If Nick finds out what you just did you’re going to get it.”
“What did I do?” Oscar asks innocently.
“You put ideas into that boy’s head Oscar,” Barrett notes.
“So” Oscar says “I thought you wanted to see that bastard brother make tracks.”
Shaking his head “You’re making a big mistake with that” Barrett tells him “I may have wanted him to leave but I am not a fool neither. Nick pays real good here and you won’t find the pay we get here anywhere else in Stockton and if and when Nick finds out what you did or are about to do, you’ll be the one making tracks and packing not him.”
“What are you talking about?” Oscar asks again.
“Are you that stupid Oscar?” Barrett brings up “Open your eyes, take a good hard look! You feeding all that stuff to Gene to get him sent packing is a big mistake. Haven’t you seen the way Nick has taken to him? When he finds out what you did there will be fireworks around here and it ain’t even July. Get this through your head Oscar! Nick likes him here, Nick isn’t going to be too happy when he finds out that he is gone from here. He’ll come down so hard on you, you will be seeing stars. Now, don’t say I didn’t warn you because, you have been!” he then resumes walking.
While Oscar and Barrett go back inside the bunkhouse Gene continues taking out his anger and frustration out on the haystack and throwing other things around the barn. When he finishes he leaves and goes back inside the house.
As he comes through the front door, “Gene,” Victoria asks, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine Mother,” Gene answers.
“Why don’t you go and get cleaned up for dinner” Victoria insists “It will be ready in a little bit.”
Replying, “Sure,” Gene goes up the stairs.
Coming into the room noticing, “Mother,” Audra states, “I think he’s sore because he couldn’t go with them.”
“I know he is” Victoria notes “But he can’t have his way all the time. School must come first and his job is to go to it and get an education. Why don’t you go upstairs and get ready for dinner, it will be ready shortly.”
Replying, “Sure Mother,” Audra then heads up the stairs.
On route to Pine Lake Heath rides between Jarrod and Nick and while admiring the scenery they pass as they move away from the valley Nick asks of him, “How do you like it so far?”
Replying “I like it fine Nick” Heath continues looking about.
Making small talk while they travel Nick asks Heath how long he had Gal to which he responds, “Don’t know. Mama gave her to me.”
“Did she give her to you when you were real small,” Nick inquires, “Or when you were bigger like now?”
“Bigger,” Heath mentions, “Closer to how I am now.”
Gnawing on his lower lip, “Okay,” Nick says, “I was thinking. Right now, it’s just a thought but want you to think about it okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
Joining in “Nick” Jarrod says “Why don’t you tell Heath what you are talking about? I don’t think he knows” turning to Heath he asks, “Do you?”
“He said he was thinking” Heath reiterates “He wants me to think about what he is thinking about.”
Letting out a chuckle, “See Nick?” Jarrod says.
“Okay, okay,” Nick retorts, “So I forgot the small detail.”
“Yes,” Jarrod states, “The small detail.”
“Your horse there Gal” Nick says “Looks like she’s getting up there in age and I was thinking maybe it’s time for you to have another one that is much younger.”
Patting her on the side, “She’s fine,” Heath answers.
“I’m sure she is” Nick notes “But the black stallion we saw you with, I was thinking when you break him in completely, maybe you’d like to have him. You already said you liked him and he likes you too.”
“I do Nick,” Heath states.
“Then he’s yours,” Nick says, “Once he’s broken in he will be your horse.”
“That is a great idea,” Jarrod chimes in with.
Gleaming, “I don’t know what to say Nick except,” Heath says, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcomed,” Nick responds.
Smirking “Every once in a while Nick” Jarrod notes “You do come out with a good idea.”
Giving him a look “You’re so funny Jarrod” Nick retorts “Sometimes it’s scary” as they continue riding side by side.
Back at the house Victoria is having dinner with Audra and Gene on each side of her. Glancing about Audra says “I haven’t seen this table with just us in quite some time,” while eating.
“I know” Victoria notes “But they could use the outing and Heath will benefit from it.”
After eating for a couple minutes in silence Audra says “Mother, we were watching Heath with the stallion that’s over in the paddock.”
“What about him?” Victoria asks.
“Heath” Audra notes “Was able to get him to come over to him and he even managed to pet him.”
“He did mention,” Victoria mentions, “He knows about horses.”
“I know” Audra states “But if he could do it as well as what we just saw and it was hardly anything, it was the most amazing thing. He just held his hand out to him and he came right over to him. You had to see it” beaming with delight “It was the most wonderful thing I ever seen and for Heath, he had such a look, it was just something special, I just can’t describe it.”
“You’re doing just fine dear” Victoria then turns and says, “And Gene, what about you? How come you’re not saying anything tonight?”
Brooding, “Don’t feel like it,” Gene replies.
“Gene” Victoria says “I know you’re upset about not being able to go with them but you can’t always do what you want.”
“But I wanted to see him play cards” Gene states “I wanted to go fishing with them.”
“Yes I know” Victoria says “There will be other trips for you to go out with them on, just not this one.”
Part 8-7
Arriving up at Pine Lake and upon reaching the paddock to the cabin, “Here we are Heath,” Nick announces, “This here is Pine Lake.”
Taking in the scenery from atop of Gal, “Nice,” Heath comments.
As they dismount “Heath” Jarrod suggests “Why don’t you take your bedroll and saddlebag inside the cabin?”
Replying “Yeah okay” Heath does as instructed and takes his bedroll and saddlebag inside the cabin. Once he’s out of ear reach Jarrod turns and says “Nick, I need to talk to you.”
“What is it?” Nick asks while removing his bedroll off of Coco.
“I was waiting for us to be alone,” Jarrod states.
“Were alone” Nick says, “What is it?”
“You still have to be careful with what you say to Heath,” Jarrod mentions, “You may be confusing him.”
“What are you talking about,” Nick inquires, “How am I confusing him?”
“You told him you wanted him to make choices for himself,” Jarrod reiterates.
“I know that,” Nick replies.
“But when we left the ranch” Jarrod brings up “You kept saying when we get back and finish working on the fence maybe he would like working on breaking in the stallion.”
“Yeah so?” Nick asks baffled.
“How is he supposed to be making choices for himself” Jarrod notes “If you keep telling him instead of sitting down with him and asking him if he wants to work on the fence or if he rather work on breaking in the stallion or maybe he’d like to do something else? By not sitting down with him you’re not giving him options.”
“I get what you are saying” Nick admits “And you’re right I do lose my patience at times too.”
“Maybe a good way to go with it Nick” Jarrod suggests “Is just let him decide on his own what to do, I mean no one tells us what to do and yet we know what we have to do. Let him work up his own schedule and just go with it. Seeing he never had a chance to do much of that on his own before it may take a while for him to get used to it but I think once he realizes he is free, he will do it and I think he’ll like making decisions for himself.”
Raising an eyebrow “You’re probably right” Nick says “I will sit down and have a talk with him.”
“Good!” Jarrod then brings up, “Oh, another thing to bring up.”
“What’s that?” Nick wanted to know.
“Heath” Jarrod mentions “Still gets a little jumpy around you when you yell.”
Mystified “When have I yelled?” Nick wanted to know.
“This morning at breakfast” Jarrod brings up “When you were telling us that story and you were doing the ending. I didn’t say anything but I did notice it bothered him; he jumped as you yelled.”
“I wasn’t aware of that,” Nick says.
“I know” Jarrod replies “Which is why I thought I’d let you know. He does seem to be more at ease with you now but just keep in mind that it’s only been two days since he’s seen the new you. Up until then he saw you as someone else.”
Shaking his head “I know” Nick says “He saw me as some ruthless, vicious I don’t know someone who would” swallowing hard then stops.
“Right,” Jarrod admits.
“I don’t ever want him seeing me as that,” Nick mentions, “Jarrod?”
“Yes Nick?” Jarrod replies.
“I am trying so hard” Nick brings up “To do what I think Father would want me to do, I mean in way of handling things with him.”
“You’re doing a fine job Nick” Jarrod says, “You’re doing all the right things.”
“What if I do the wrong things with him” Nick asks “I mean what if I make a mistake in way I handle a situation.”
“Then you make a mistake” Jarrod says “You’re only human Nick, no one can fault you for that, you’re not perfect and you’re not god. You’re just a man trying to do what is right and Father would be very proud of the job you are doing.”
“You really think so?” Nick inquires.
“I do” Jarrod mentions “It’s a big responsibility and for Heath he has to learn to accept you as who you are and he will in time and I think he would like you being honest and real to him not trying to be something or someone who you aren’t. For right now just tone down or ease off of the yelling that you do.”
Letting out a deep sigh, “I’ll do my best,” Nick vows, “Come on, let’s go in.”
Replying “That’s all you could do” Jarrod then says “Wait” as Nick is heading for the doorway.
“What’s the matter?” Nick asks.
“I have one more thing to bring up,” Jarrod says.
“What’s that?” Nick wanted to know.
“Deak and Wheeler” Jarrod mentions, “I would like to learn more about his working for them.”
“So would I” Nick says “But let’s see what your investigation comes out with first, if it doesn’t tell us anything then maybe I will do one of my own.”
“We may need to keep a closer watch on Heath” Jarrod suggests “For a while.”
“I didn’t tell you,” Nick says.
“Tell me what?” Jarrod asks.
“I sent them packing this morning,” Nick mentions.
Surprised, “You did?” Jarrod says.
“Yes” Nick replies, “With Duke right beside me I gave them their pays and hung around until they packed their gear and rode off.”
Seconds later while removing their belongings from their horses, “I wonder where Heath is,” Jarrod asks.
“Probably inside” Nick notes “We told him to take the bedroll and saddlebag inside, we didn’t tell him to come back out.”
Chuckling “True” Jarrod says “Not only does Heath have a lot to learn so do we.”
“So true,” Nick then replies, “Come on,” as they take their belongings inside.
Walking inside they see Heath standing there holding his bedroll and saddlebag over his shoulder.
“Heath,” Jarrod says, “You could put them down.”
“Right here okay?” Heath asks where he’s standing.
“Right there” Jarrod informs him “Is just fine” and after he places them on the floor Nick and Jarrod do likewise right next to Heath’s.
“Heath” Nick then says “Why don’t you come with me?”
Replying, “Sure Nick,” Heath follows him outside.
Outside Nick has Heath carrying the three fishing poles and tackle box while he carries the food basket; going back inside Heath is instructed to place the items he has in his hands near the wall in which he quickly complies.
Placing the food basket on the table nearest the kitchen, “Jarrod,” Nick quickly says, “Why don’t you start getting dinner ready?”
Coming over to him “Why am I to get it ready Nick?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Because,” Nick quickly replies, “You are so much better at it than me.”
“Uh-huh” Jarrod says “Well tell you what, I’ll do it tonight but you do it tomorrow night.”
“Fair enough,” Nick answers.
“And seeing I am the one elected to do it tonight,” Jarrod suggests, “Why don’t you go and gather up the firewood and at the same time get the fireplace going.”
“Sure thing,” Nick then turns and has Heath going with him outside to collect the firewood while Jarrod proceeds with making dinner.
Opening up the food basket Jarrod removes the prepared fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn and the biscuits and then works on getting the wood burning stove warmed up. After doing that he puts the cold items away that he has in the food basket and then proceeds on placing the other items on the counter, next he unrolls his bed roll and takes out the liquor bottles and begins working on making the margaritas from the written instructions he received from Harry.
After retrieving the wood they could possibly carry in their hands Nick and Heath return to the cabin and deposit them nearest the fireplace.
“Heath” Nick then says “Why don’t you put your hat” which he is still wearing “On that hat rack there?”
Replying “Sure thing” Heath quickly places his hat next to Jarrod’s and Nick’s.
While he is doing that Jarrod is working on the drinks he’s preparing announcing, “Dinner will be ready momentarily.”
Replying “Be right with you” Nick is about to get the fire going and then thinking better of it turns and says, “Heath you know how to get a fire going?”
“I do,” Heath replies.
“Would you mind doing it then?” Nick asks.
Replying “No” Heath begins working on getting the fire built while Nick undoes the bedrolls putting everything where it needs to go. Coming across the Dopps’ kit “Jarrod, you brought along Heath’s Dopps’ kit?” he asks.
“I thought he could use it,” Jarrod notes.
“I’ll put it in the bathroom for him,” Nick says.
While Nick resumes putting everything where it needs to go he places a deck of cards on a table and going over to Heath he asks, “Heath, how is it coming along?”
“Done Nick,” Heath answers.
Inspecting it, “Ah yes,” Nick replies, “It is. You didn’t take long to do that at all. You’ve done this kind of thing before have you?”
“I have,” Heath admits.
“It shows,” Nick then says, “Why don’t you come with me?”
Going with Nick Heath is given a tour of the cabin starting off with the two bedrooms in which each has a cot, a dresser and nightstand and then off to the bathroom which is adjacent to the second bedroom, “As you could see it has the latest of everything we need. I put your kit right here for you to use” Nick then says, “How about if you go first? And then when you come out I will go in and then we will have some dinner.”
Replying “Okay” Heath goes in and closes the door behind him. Going into the kitchen Nick checks on Jarrod. Asking if he needs help with anything Jarrod suggests he set the table in which he answers “I could handle that” and proceeds in setting it.
In between Jarrod making coffee Nick is taking out the butter, ketchup, sugar bowl and milk pitcher and placing them in the center of the table.
Minutes later Heath comes out of the bathroom announcing, “I am done Nick, you may use it now.”
“Thank you Heath,” Nick says, “I’ll be right out; give me a minute or two.”
“Just two?” Jarrod quips.
Not responding Nick gives him a side look and then goes into the bedroom which occupies the bathroom.
As Heath is walking towards the kitchen, “Well Heath,” Jarrod asks, “Are you ready for dinner?”
“I am Jarrod,” Heath answers, “Ready.”
“Why don’t you go on over to the table and take a seat?” Jarrod suggests.
Replying “I could do that” Heath glances over at the table and asks “Any place, alright?”
“Anyplace is fine,” Jarrod says, “You pick it out and sit.”
Studying the three places he chooses the head and sits.
Watching as he takes his seat, “Do you like fried chicken?” Jarrod asks.
“I do,” Heath replies, “Yes.”
“That is what we’re having,” Jarrod notes, “Courtesy of Mother and Silas. I hope you don’t mind us having coffee; I just made it.”
“Not at all,” Heath states.
“We also have,” Jarrod showing him, “Milk and sugar for it.”
“Thank you,” Heath says.
“I also made us margaritas,” Jarrod mentions, “I thought we could have them while playing cards. Will that be alright?”
Replying, “It is,” Heath waits patiently as Jarrod begins putting the dinner on the table.
Back at the ranch Audra and Gene are up in their rooms working on homework while Victoria is down in the parlor knitting.
Coming into the room, “Well, Miz Barkley,” Silas brings up, “It’s been some time since I’ve seen you knitting anything.”
“It has been awhile I admit” Victoria says “How do you think they’re doing up there in the cabin?”
“Just fine” Silas states “It is a long ride up there so they just may have arrived. Could I get you anything?”
“No,” she replies, “I have everything I need; thank you.” Silas walks out.
Part 8-8
Up at the cabin the brothers have fixed their plates and begun eating. As Jarrod is eating Heath continues to follow what he’s doing and in between are observed by both Jarrod and Nick who quietly exchange grins.
Making small talk, “How is it Heath?” Nick wanted to know.
As he is savoring the fried chicken and biscuit, “Good Nick,” Heath responds.
“Did your mama ever make it for you?” Jarrod inquires.
“No,” Heath replies, “Hannah did and Aunt Rachel.”
“Do you like popcorn,” Jarrod asks, “Or roasted marshmallows?”
Shaking his head, “Not had it before,” Heath replies.
“Then” Nick says “You’re in for a treat Heath. We’ll work on it right after we finish here.”
“We’ll also,” Jarrod adds, “Play a little cards.”
After eating for a couple of seconds in quite enjoying their meal Nick then asks, “Heath, do you like to cook?”
“I do,” Heath replies.
“Do you know how to cook anything?” Jarrod asks.
“Some,” Heath answers.
“What kinds of foods do you know how to cook?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Eggs,” Heath answers, “Beans, fish, rabbit stew and potatoes and eggs.”
“Is that it?” Nick inquires.
“It is,” Heath mentions, “I could make toast and coffee.”
“I take it” Nick notes “You probably didn’t get many opportunities to do much cooking.”
Heath not answering Jarrod immediately pats him on the forearm saying “That’s alright Heath, maybe we’ll see if we could get you to learn how to cook other foods while we’re up here and then when we get back Mother and Silas could help you as well. Would you like that?”
“I would,” Heath admits.
They continue on a few more minutes in silence while they eat their mashed potatoes and corn. As Jarrod is placing butter on his potatoes and corn so does Heath observing. Jarrod quietly lets out a chuckle followed by Nick.
“You like butter do you Heath?” Jarrod asks as he glances over at him.
“I do” Heath replies as they once again eat in silence enjoying their meal. As Jarrod takes a sip of his coffee so does Heath. Each time Nick lets out a silent chuckle and shakes his head watching in amusement as he takes a sip of his.
“After we finish this” Jarrod says “Mother packed cake for our dessert. She also packed a little bowl with frosting in it. Would you like it with your cake?”
“I would,” Heath answers.
“Heath” Nick then brings up “Seeing we only have the 2 bedrooms, I thought we could take turns and until we are able to get a third bedroom added on one of us will sleep out here on the bed roll and the other two will occupy the cots. How’s that sound to you?”
“Fine,” Heath replies.
“And seeing this is your first night up here with us,” Nick asks, “How about you decide where you want to sleep? Do you want one of the bedrooms or would you prefer sleeping out here?”
“Not matter,” Heath shrugs.
“Yes it matters” Nick says “Choices, remember? Decide what would you like?”
Not knowing what to do Heath begins toying with his food while lost in thought. Observing, “Go on Heath,” Jarrod says, “It’s alright. You do have to make choices for yourself. Now is as good as any.”
Glancing first at Jarrod and then at Nick and constantly going back and forth thinking and thinking he finally answers “I guess” talking very low “I’ll sleep out here” swallowing hard “You two can use the cots.”
“You see” Nick patting him on the shoulder says “That wasn’t so hard to do.”
“Heath” Jarrod brings up “Tomorrow we will do a lot more but for tonight we will keep it simple is that alright with you?”
“It is,” Heath replies.
“Maybe we’ll do a little hiking and walking around the stream without our boots and socks, how does that sound?” Nick asks with Heath replying, “Sounds good Nick.”
“If there is something you would like to do that neither of us brought us just feel free to let us know okay?” Nick asks.
“Okay,” Heath replies.
“And seeing we’re on a little vacation up here” Nick brings up “We don’t have to get up so early in the morning, you could sleep a little longer and wake up when you’re ready to.”
“I wake when it’s light,” Heath reminds him.
“I know” Nick says, “But you don’t have to Heath, if you should have one of your nightmares, we’ll both be on hand to help you with them, okay?”
“Okay,” Heath nodding his head replies.
Patting his forearm “Heath” Jarrod says “Relax. We’re just up here to have a good time nothing more. This is something Father did with each of us and seeing he’s not here we have decided to do this for you. This way you could learn about us and we could learn about you; it’s what we call bonding.”
“Right” Nick then suggests “Now why don’t we finish up here so we could get in a little round of cards; I am curious to see how good you are.”
After resuming the rest of their dinner Jarrod is the first to finish and quietly says, “Let me take these,” getting up, “And put them into the sink,” and moving towards the sink.
As he is placing them in the basin, “Are you ready for the cake?” Jarrod asks with Heath replying, “I am.”
Bringing over three pieces of cake Jarrod places one in front of Heath, then Nick and finally where he is sitting. Then grabbing another small container “And here” Jarrod says “Is the extra frosting for you Heath” as he places it before him.
Taking his seat he then begins eating his piece of cake with Nick eating his and Heath waiting until Nick nudges him and says, “Don’t eat it all at once Heath, just a little for tonight and then you could save some for tomorrow and Saturday night, alright?”
Replying “Alright” Heath then asks “Would you like some?” as he grabbing his spoon.
Declining “No, no, thank you Heath” Nick says “I will settle for what I have on the cake.”
“I have enough myself” Jarrod states “It’s for you, but thank you for asking.”
Replying, “Sure,” Heath takes a spoonful and places it in his mouth.
Watching in amusement, “So,” Nick asks, “You really like that frosting, huh?”
“I do, yes,” Heath replies.
Smiling, “I know,” Nick says, “It’s the best part of the cake.”
“It is,” Heath states.
“Well,” Nick says, “Enjoy it, that’s why it’s here.”
Eating the cake Heath does as he did before eats all around the frosting saving it for the end.
Getting up Nick asks both Jarrod and Heath if they would like another cup of coffee in which they both they say would.
Grabbing the coffee pot Nick pours Heath, then Jarrod and then himself a refill. After adding milk and sugar to his and upon sipping it “Good, coffee” he comments in which Jarrod replies, “Thank you, Heath.”
As they finish their cake and coffee Nick has Jarrod cleaning the table and washing the dishes while he and Heath work on popping the popcorn.
In between Jarrod removing dishes from the table “Tomorrow Nick” Jarrod says “I hope you don’t mind that when you make dinner you will be doing the cleaning afterwards.”
Replying “I guess that’s fair” Nick then says “Come on Heath; let’s help him clear the table.”
“That is so kind of you Nick,” Jarrod quibbles.
“I try to be,” Nick comments.
Getting up both Nick and Heath help Jarrod with clearing the table. While Jarrod continues with washing the dishes, Nick gets out the jar of popcorn and going over to the fireplace he grabs the popper and asks of Heath, “Do you want us to put butter on it and salt?”
“If you like,” Heath answers.
“I like,” Nick says, “We’ll do it this way tonight and if you don’t like, let me know and tomorrow we’ll make it the way you like, okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
“How about if you go get the butter and salt?” Nick asks.
Replying “Sure” Heath grabs the salt shaker and the butter off the counter and brings it back to Nick, “Here.”
Thanking him Nick opens up the jar and places a good amount of kernels into the popper adding the butter and salt then closing the lid he begins demonstrating how the popper works over the open fire.
Minutes later Nick asks of Heath, “Do you think you could handle it?”
Nodding his head, “I could,” Heath answers as he continues watching him.
“Here” Nick then says “Take over” and upon switching places Heath begins popping the corn while Nick watches to make sure he’s doing it right. Once he’s convinced he decides to start roasting the marshmallows while Jarrod continues with the clean-up.
After going outside and coming back in again Nick has three long sticks in his hands, the marshmallows which he places one on the end of each stick and going over to the fireplace where Heath is still popping the corn begins roasting the marshmallows. In between “Heath” Nick says “Watch how I roast marshmallows.”
As Nick begins roasting the marshmallows Heath keeps his attention on him moving the stick and constantly turning them until each side is lightly browned. Noticing the corn has stopped popping Nick informs Heath and suggests that he place them in a bowl.
Replying “Okay Nick” Heath goes to retrieve the bowl. In between Nick asks, “Were you watching how I roasted the marshmallows?”
“I was,” Heath answers.
Upon finishing the last of the dishes and drying them Jarrod quickly grabs a bowl and hands it to Heath who thanks him. Opening up the popper Heath places the popcorn into the bowl and then places it on the table. Jarrod takes the popper from him and works on getting it cleaned out.
Walking the roasted marshmallows over to Heath Nick hands him one and then hands one to Jarrod and finally taking the last one for himself. As Heath is trying it Nick says, “Heath let me know how you like it.”
Enjoying it “Mmm” Heath replies “Good Nick” as he continues finishing it off the stick.
Chewing his marshmallow, “I figured you would like it,” Nick states.
“Never had it before,” Heath says.
“Well tonight you did” Nick then asks “Are you ready for some poker?”
Quickly taking a seat at the table, “I am,” Heath immediately says.
Raising an eyebrow, “I guess you are,” Nick retorts.
Suppressing a smile “I’ll be right there boys” Jarrod quips as he finishes cleaning up the kitchen.
Handing the deck of cards to Heath, “Heath,” Nick says, “Why don’t you start mixing up the cards and we’ll join you shortly.”
Replying, “I could do that,” Heath takes the deck and begins shuffling them.
Nick feeling somewhat guilty goes into the kitchen and as he helps Jarrod with the cleaning he announces, “He’s ready.”
Glancing over at Heath shuffling the cards “I see that” Jarrod smiling retorts.
Once they finish they dry their hands and as Nick takes two of the prepared glasses over to the table Jarrod carries his. Placing one down in front of Heath he asks, “For me?”
“For you,” Nick replies.
“We play for money?” Heath then asks.
“Yes,” Nick answers, “Unless you don’t want to.”
“I play for money,” Heath states.
Replying “Okay” Nick then informs Jarrod, “We’re playing for money.”
Playfully slapping him on the back of his shoulders “Sit down Nick” Jarrod tells him.
Watching as Heath takes out his money from his pocket “Now Heath” Nick says “We don’t want to take all your money, so don’t use it all.”
“I won’t,” Heath assures him.
As they take their seats around the table Nick asks Heath if he tried the popcorn yet. Answering “No” Nick says “Well try it” upon doing so Heath responds “Good” enjoying the buttery taste.
Jarrod then asks “How’s the margarita?” to Heath who replies “Good Jarrod” after taking a sip of it.
“Is it too strong?” Jarrod wanted to know “Or does it taste the way Harry made it or the way I made it last night?”
Enjoying the taste “No, it just fine” Heath says “Taste the way it should.”
“When you get done,” Jarrod offers, “Would you like another?”
“No,” Heath replies, “This is enough.”
“I have to second that Jarrod” Nick joins in “Mother doesn’t want us to drink too much and I promised her I would make sure of that.”
“How about if we start the game then,” Jarrod insists.
“That we could do,” Nick says.
Back at the house Audra and Gene are engaged in a game of checkers while Victoria is working on her knitting. Noticing the time “I think it’s time the two of you turned in, you could resume that tomorrow” she says.
Quickly stopping, they both give her a goodnight kiss and head up the stairs to their rooms.
At the cabin in Pine Lake watching in amazement as Heath is winning many of the hands in between them drinking their margaritas and munching on the popcorn, “You really do know how to play,” Nick mentions.
Replying “I do” Heath takes another handful of popcorn and sips it down with his drink.
“You’re very good Heath,” Jarrod praising him says.
As Heath lays down his hand which consists of four 5’s and is sweeping in another win, Nick lays down a hand of three jacks and two aces while Jarrod after displaying, a Queen, a 9, and an 8 of diamonds along with an ace of clubs says to Nick “Now Nick, you were saying something about him not using all his money?” with a sideward grin.
In astonished amazement “I can’t get over at how good he really is” Nick then turns to Heath and says “Heath, you’re good at this.”
Praising him “Heath” Jarrod tells him “You’re more than good, you’re very good.”
“Yes,” Nick adding his voice to Jarrod’s says, “You are.”
Looking at the both of them, “Thank you,” Heath bashfully replies.
“Nick,” Jarrod then says, “It’s your deal.”
Sweeping up the cards Nick begins shuffling them while at the same time tosses a dollar into the middle. Jarrod and Heath also toss in a dollar.
Part 8-9
“You know Heath,” Nick brings up, “I’ve noticed something about you.”
“What’s that Nick?” Heath wanted to know.
“Whatever you put your mind to doing” Nick points out “Whether it’s building a fence, a fire for the fireplace, stacking sacks of grain, this here game of poker, even the little bit of the show you gave to us with the stallion, you seem to do well.”
“Yes” Jarrod adding his voice to Nick’s says “I must agree with Nick. And I’ve noticed that on things you don’t know how to do, you seem to pick up rather quickly in learning how to do. You have a great mind, Heath.”
Listening Heath quietly looks to Nick and then to Jarrod as they keep talking, just then he hears, “You know what that means Heath?” from Nick.
“What?” Heath asks.
“That means” Nick brings up “If we were to home teach you the school lessons that you never were taught, you could probably pick up on them quite fast and it won’t take you too long to learn them.”
“I don’t understand,” Heath says.
“What Nick is trying to tell you” Jarrod reiterates “Is that the little reading you were doing in my office could be improved if you would let us help you. The family was talking and we want to help you with learning what you never had the opportunity to do as a youngster, as a small boy. If you let us, we could help you read better, you could learn how to tell time and whatever else it is you don’t.”
“If you’re willing to let us help you Heath” Nick adds “During the day while we’re working for a short time, you could stop and go back to the house and Mother and Jarrod when he’s home, will help you learn the things you don’t. I will also help you and so will Audra and Gene as well as Silas and Duke” listening quietly Heath looks from one to the other and then back down at his hands Nick asks, “Well, what do you say?”
Shrugging his shoulders, “Don’t know,” Heath answers, “I got by.”
“Yes, you did,” Nick stresses, “But we want you to get more than just by.”
“We want you to” Jarrod joins in with, “Improve on your reading skills and help with getting your speech improved.”
“And Heath” Nick adds “It may not be for too long. It all depends on you. But from what I got out of you the past couple days something tells me that you didn’t get to go to school for too long and you do need to learn.”
“So Heath,” Jarrod asks, “Will you let us help you with learning?”
“Yes” Nick joins in with “Will you? We want to help you and we could if you just let us.”
Glancing from one to the other as they continue talking and after thinking it over in his head, “Okay,” Heath replies, “I’ll do it.”
Grinning and playfully hitting him on the side of the arm “Good boy” Nick says “Now let’s get back to the game.”
Resuming the card game Heath once again rakes in the money that he just won from the middle “Heath” Nick then brings up “I know you are very good at this but could you tell us how or where you learned to play so well?”
“War,” Heath answers.
“War” comes from Jarrod and Nick who stop completely in what they are doing and upon exchanging similar puzzling glances “What war were you in?”
“Civil,” Heath states.
“You were in the civil war?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“I was,” Heath states.
“When did you serve in the war?” Nick inquires.
“63,” Heath answers, “65.”
“Heath, what were you doing in the war?” Jarrod curiously asks.
“Fighting,” Heath replies.
“I know that” Jarrod reiterates “I mean how old were you when you signed up; served, enlisted?”
“Eighteen,” Heath replies.
“Eighteen,” Nick and Jarrod ask at the same time.
Listening to the age in Heath with his brow furrowed and lost in thought while thinking inside his head “You were” Nick asks “Eighteen when you signed up?
“I was eighteen,” Heath mentions, “When I was enlisted there.”
“In ’63?” Nick asks with Heath answering, “In ’63.”
“Heath,” Nick brings up, “You were there in 63 and 65 right?”
With his brow furrowed in thought “I was,” Heath states.
“What happened to 64?” Nick wanted to know with Heath shrugging his shoulders replying, “Not know.”
“Heath” Nick asks “Did you serve in ’64 or did you go home at the end of 63 and go back in 65?”
“No,” Heath states, “Was there ‘til it over.”
“You said you worked for the Wheelers when you were eighteen?” Nick brings up.
“I was,” Heath states.
“Then how is it,” Nick asks, “You fought in the war while working for them?”
Getting nervous and tensing up “Didn’t” Heath replies “Fought in war; worked for them.”
Trying to make sense of what Heath is saying “So” Nick says “You fought in the war, then went working for the Wheelers after it was over with.”
“Some,” Heath replies.
“You also said,” Nick brings up, “You were 18 when you were a marshal-in-training?”
“I was,” Heath replies.
“But Heath,” Nick says, “How is it that you could be 18, working for the Wheelers, working as a marshal-in-training and fighting in the war?”
“Not know,” Heath shrugging his shoulders quietly answers, “Just is.”
“Heath” Nick continues, “If you were eighteen in the war back in ’63 do you know what that means?”
“No,” Heath replies.
“That means” Nick informs him “You would be twenty-six now; you said you were twenty-four now.”
“I am,” Heath says with assurance.
“Then” Nick asks “How is it you are twenty-four now and eighteen at that time?”
Shrugging his shoulders “Not know” Heath replies “Just am; only tell what I know.”
“I know that” Nick says “But Heath, do you realize that if you were eighteen at that time, back in ’63, then you would be twenty-six now and that if you were you would be the same age as me. And I know you can’t be the same age as me, also Father didn’t own the mine in Strawberry at that time. He bought it twenty-four years ago.”
“I am twenty-four,” Heath answers again.
“Heath,” Jarrod joins in with, “Are you really twenty-four?”
“I am,” Heath adamantly replies.
“How is that possible?” Nick wanted to know.
Looking down at the table, “Not know,” Heath quietly states.
“Easy Heath” Nick says “We’re only trying to learn about you, try to get a better understanding of it all,” patting him gently on the forearm.
“Heath” Jarrod points out “Listening to you, you seem to be stuck on eighteen. You were eighteen while being in the war and you were eighteen while working for the Wheelers.”
“I was eighteen,” Heath replies.
“You were also eighteen” Jarrod says “While you were a marshal-in-training.”
“I was,” Heath answers.
“When you turned eighteen” Jarrod asks “Did you celebrate it? Have a party?”
“No,” Heath answers.
“Why Heath?” Jarrod inquires.
Shrugging his shoulders, “Not know,” Heath replies, “Just didn’t.”
“How about when you turned twenty-four” Jarrod asks “Did you celebrate that? Have a party to celebrate your birthday?”
“No,” Heath replies.
“How come?” Jarrod wanted to know with Heath answering, “Not know.”
“Heath” Jarrod brings up “When was the last time you and your mama celebrated your birthday?”
“Um” Heath states “Six” with Jarrod and Nick listening and look to each other quietly while in astonished amazement.
“Heath” Nick joins in with “That was the last time your mama celebrated your birthday?”
“It was,” Heath answers.
“How come?” Nick wanted to know with Heath replying “Not know; guess no need, don’t need any.”
“Was that your mother’s choosing?” Jarrod asks.
“Choosing?” Heath mimics.
“Yes” Jarrod reiterates “Was it your mother who decided that you didn’t need to celebrate a birthday?”
“Not know,” Heath explains, “Not asked.”
“What about your uncle?” Jarrod asks, “Did he ever celebrate your birthdays with you?”
“No,” Heath answers.
“Heath,” Nick asks, “Did you celebrate your birthday when you were five?”
“I did,” Heath replies.
“How about when you were four?” Nick asks.
“I did,” Heath states.
“Would you remember if you had one” Nick inquires “When you were three?”
“Think,” Heath replies.
“What about when you were seven?” Nick asks while holding up seven fingers.
Shaking his head “No,” Heath answers.
“So” Nick says “The last time your mother celebrated a birthday with you was when you were six.”
“It was,” Heath replies, “Had one at 14, but not with her.”
“You had a birthday at 14?” Nick mimics.
“I did,” Heath replies.
“But not with her?” Jarrod joining in asks.
“No,” Heath replies.
“Who did you have it with?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Sheriff Hawkins and his wife Eleanor,” Heath mentions.
“Who are they?” Jarrod asks.
“A sheriff and his wife” Heath informs Jarrod “That I stayed with for a while.”
“And,” Jarrod inquires, “They gave you a party?”
“They did,” Heath mentions.
“Did you have the party in Strawberry?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“No,” Heath replies, “With Sheriff Hawkins where I stayed.”
“They don’t live in Strawberry?” Jarrod asks with Heath replying, “No.”
“Tell us about it Heath,” Jarrod says.
“Not much to tell” Heath explains “One day walking in, Sheriff Hawkins and Eleanor said Happy Birthday Heath and had cake on table. Said know what today is, said no. They say it’s your birthday. You’re fourteen now, blow out the candles and make a wish.”
“They said make a wish?” Jarrod asks.
“They did,” Heath replies.
“What did you wish for?” Jarrod inquires.
“Mama to come,” Heath quietly answers, “But didn’t happen.”
Placing his hand on top of Heath’s, “Sorry Heath,” Jarrod says.
Shrugging “It’s okay” Heath replies “Not much you could do.”
“Let’s go onto something else” Nick urges and upon changing the question he asks “How about the ones you had when you were in Strawberry, was your uncle there when you celebrated them?”
“He not come,” Heath replies.
“When did your uncle come?” Nick wanted to know, “Or was he there since you were born?”
“He came not know exactly,” Heath stated.
“Did he come before you started school?” Nick asks.
“He did,” Heath replies.
“Was he there when you celebrated your number six birthday?” Nick queries with Heath replying, “He was.”
“Was he there when you celebrated your number five birthday?” Nick asks.
“No,” Heath replies.
“So he came there” Nick surmises “Sometime between the time you went from being five and six,” with Heath nodding his head. Nick then asks, “When you had these birthday parties who was there with you?”
“Mama,” Heath answers, “Aunt Rachel and Hannah.”
“That’s it?” Nick asks.
“All was there,” Heath answers.
“No kids came to it?” Nick asks with Heath replying, “No.”
“What did you have when you had these parties?” Nick inquires.
“Cake,” Heath answers.
“Chocolate with peanut butter frosting?” Nick inquires.
“Uh-huh,” Heath replies.
“Any gifts,” Nick asks, “Things to open?”
Heath replies, “No.”
“How come?” Jarrod asks with Heath answering, “Can’t afford any; didn’t need any.”
“Did Sheriff Hawkins and his wife Eleanor,” Nick wanted to know, “Give you gifts or just the cake?”
“They did,” Heath replies, “Said open, I did.”
“What did they give you?” Nick asks.
“Gave me this knife” showing them under his pants “Told always keep with me,” Heath answers.
Nick taking it and looking at it comments “It’s very nice Heath” running his fingers along the side of the blade carefully “He has good taste” notes as he passes it off to Jarrod who also admires it and says “Sheriff Hawkins gave you a nice gift” looking at the handle “It has an H on the handle” he adds.
Handing it back to him Jarrod asks, “Do you always carry it on you?”
“I do,” taking it back, “Always,” Heath states.
TBC
While Nick is getting Coco saddled “Mr. Barkley” Barrett walks in and says “Nick, I like to talk to you for a minute if I may before you go.”
“Sure,” Nick asks, “What is it?”
“Um” clearing his throat “Um” Barrett says “Did your brother Heath, tell you what happened on Sunday when we were working on the West Ridge together?”
“He told me some of it,” Nick states.
“Did he mention that he saved my life?” Barrett brings up.
“Saved your life?” Nick replies in surprise “No, he didn’t tell me that. What happened? How is it he saved your life?”
“A snake came by” Barrett informs him “A couple cows broke through a portion of the fence; because of it they got away. Now we managed to get them all back and they were all accounted for but Heath shot the snake and managed to kill it. Your new brother is a good shot.”
“Thank you for telling me that,” Nick then asks, “But why didn’t you tell me any of this sooner?” raising his voice slightly, “You should’ve came and told me this when it first happened.”
“I should have,” Barrett swallowing admits, “But I was trying to think of how to do it. I didn’t know how to talk to you. I know I left Heath alone up there when Sam and Austin didn’t show up. I should’ve stayed. I realize that now.”
“Yes” Nick states “You should’ve stayed, you also should’ve came and told me” exhaling heavily “I will overlook it this time. I do understand now why you didn’t. But this sort of thing better not” emphasizing the word ‘not’ very strongly “ever happen again. And I will make sure none of the men ever pull a stunt like they did again. But if it does I do expect you to remain at your post with whomever you’re assigned with until you have been relieved. I want to make certain the cattle are safe and protected at all times. Do I make myself clear?” raising his voice again slightly.
“Yes Mr. Barkley,” Barrett replies, “I mean Nick and I will.”
“I do want to thank you however” Nick says “For coming clean and telling me though.”
“I feel somewhat guilty for what I did,” Barrett replies.
Exhaling heavily “Well, just let it go this time” Nick says “But just remember there better not be a next time.”
“There won’t,” Barrett vows, “How are you and Heath getting along now?”
“Much better now,” Nick says, “Well, I’ll talk to you again when I get back, have a good day.”
Exiting the barn together Nick heads for the house while Barrett goes back inside the bunkhouse.
Part 8-5
As Nick comes in the front door Victoria asks, “Are you all done, Nick?”
“Just about” Nick admits “Just a couple of minor things to do upstairs and then we’ll be off. Excuse me” he says to her as he quickly heads upstairs.
Going down the hall to Jarrod’s bedroom Nick seeing Heath on the bed quickly comes inside and says, “Heath, will you come with me for a second?”
Not sure how to respond, “Go ahead Heath,” Jarrod tells him.
Getting up Heath goes down the hall with Nick. As they go into Nick’s bedroom Gene walking in says, “Hi Nick, what’s going on?”
Nick and then asks, “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” Nick replies, “I need you to leave.”
“Can’t I stay?” Gene whining asks.
“Not this time,” Nick nudging him out of the room says, “I need to talk to Heath alone.”
As Nick is closing the door behind him “This is so unfair” Gene replies “You and Jarrod are always leaving me out. Heath is my brother too. Why can’t I stay?”
“Because I have to talk with him alone and yes” Nick mentions “Heath is your brother too.”
Stomping his feet as he angrily treads down the hallway “Darn!” he says as the door shuts behind him.
Turning to Heath Nick says, “Heath, take a seat we need to have a talk.”
Replying, “Yes Nick,” Heath sits down.
Sitting alongside of him, “First,” Nick asks, “How did Mother like the outfit you are wearing?”
“She liked it,” Heath answers.
Replying “Mother has good taste” Nick then goes on to say after sitting there for a moment or two in silence, “Heath, I don’t know how to say this except straight out.”
“I don’t understand,” Heath replies.
“I know,” Nick then says, “Heath,” letting out a little sigh, “Why didn’t you tell me about the snake that you and Barrett ran into while working on the West Ridge on Sunday?”
Grimacing, “Not ask me,” Heath replies.
Exhaling heavily “Heath,” Nick goes on to say “How am I to ask you something I didn’t know about to ask?” gnawing on his lower lip “Heath, I can’t read your mind; I am not a psychic. Many times I could think of what I want to ask you but not all the time. I know some of what I am saying may be a little overwhelming for you.”
Watching as Heath is taking in the information but not responding Nick continues “However try to remember what Jarrod and I have told you that we don’t always know what is going on inside your head; your mind. The same goes for other things like when a snake should appear or the cattle break through the fence or even if it’s something rather small or minor such as you falling down and skinning your knees or hitting your thumb with the hammer. You have to level with us, tell me (pointing to himself), tell Jarrod, tell Mother, tell somebody, anybody when things like that happen. Now Barrett just came and told me about what happened and that was 4 days ago, if he hadn’t, I would never have known and I do need to know.”
Stopping once again to study Heath’s face Nick then resumes “I realize a lot of what happened over the course of the past week was my own fault. If I had been running this ranch the way I should’ve a lot of what did happen such as the stunt Austin and Sam pulled would never have happened, you would never have been left alone up on the West Ridge all night by yourself, Wheeler and Deak would never have gotten away with what they did and you would not have been so tired that resulted in you falling into the creek, you also wouldn’t have been working so hard.”
“The men” Nick continues “Also wouldn’t have been afraid to come to me with their issues. But due to my poor handling of everything those things did occur and I take running this ranch very highly and anything going wrong I take the blame as well as the responsibility. So, it’s important I know what is going on at all times. I need to know that all the men who work for me including you are safe and especially you; you’re my brother and that is very important to me” Nick once again stops and watches as Heath looks away and then back at him.
“This morning at breakfast” Nick goes on to say “Mother mentioned something about your being here has helped me in ways that you could not have imagined and you want to know something” raising an eyebrow “She’s right. Father passed away six months ago and even though we have all been functioning and handling it to the best of our abilities and getting on with our lives, it took me a little longer to accept. I was living but I wasn’t myself. I became very angry, very bitter and very hostile over his dying and everything that I was doing was clouding up my judgment, no one was able to come and talk to me. Every time they did or tried I would snap at them but then something happened. Do you know what that was?” Nick asks of Heath who is listening and looking at him intently not knowing what to say.
Quietly Heath asks “What Nick?”
“You” Nick says “You arrived. You came here and even though I did give you a hard time and took a lot of my anger and frustration out on you at first, you did wake me up. You brought me out of the mood that I’ve been in for so long. Now I don’t know if you fully understand what I am saying and in some ways I don’t either. But I just need you to know and hear it from me that I am glad you are here, as a brother, as a friend and as one of my workers. And I just hope that in the future, you are able to come to me and talk to me about anything and everything that includes when things happen, especially when I am not even made aware of them. Okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
“There is one other reason” Nick says “I brought you into my room. Do you know what that is?”
Shaking his head “Uh-uh” he replies.
“Today is payday for the men” Nick says “That means you get paid for the work you did. Normally I pay the men on Fridays but seeing we will be gone for the next couple of days I decided to pay the men today and right now you’re one of my men. Here!” handing him a wad of dollar bills from his pocket. As Heath carefully takes them from him Nick asks, “What are you going to do with them?”
Shrugging his shoulders, “Not know,” Heath replies.
“What did you do with your earnings from the other ranches you worked at?” Nick wanted to know.
Showing him the money from his pocket “This is what I had from jobs I did” Heath says “Wanted it for Mama.”
Taking it from him “This is what you have from the jobs you held?” Nick asks surprised.
“It is,” Heath replies.
Counting it “There’s fifty-two dollars here” Nick states “You wanted your mama to have this?”
“I did” Heath replies “Wanted her to have this so she could be happy and leave Strawberry.”
“Could I ask why you didn’t give it to her” Nick wanted to know “If that is what you wanted to do with it?”
“Didn’t see her” Heath answers “Meant to, but didn’t happen” swallowing hard “Came home” and then stops suddenly.
“Heath,” Nick asks, “Where were you?”
Shrugging his shoulders, “Working,” Heath answers.
“Heath,” Nick says, “Help me out here. Talk to me; you left Strawberry, while your mama was still alive?”
“I did,” Heath answers.
“You don’t know where it is you went?” Nick asks.
Shaking his head “No” Heath quietly answers “Rode around until job came up.”
“You mentioned Corning when you first came,” Nick states.
“That’s where I was,” Heath says, “When I,” then stopping.
“When you learned about your mother,” Nick surmising answers.
Nodding his head, “Yes,” Heath quietly says.
“Heath,” Nick asks, “How did you know about your mother if you didn’t know where you were?”
Shrugging his shoulders “Don’t know” Heath says “Got a wire that said come home, urgent and so I went.”
“That’s interesting” Nick comments “We’ll have to work on that one later. You really hated Strawberry huh?”
“I did,” Heath answers.
“Perhaps one day” Nick mentions “You’ll tell me more about it but I won’t press you for it right now alright?”
“Alright,” Heath replies.
“Heath,” Nick asks, “What did you do with all your money; did you give it all to your mama?”
“What I could,” Heath admits.
“But what about what you couldn’t?” Nick says “You have fifty-two dollars here.”
“Not had any of it,” Heath mentions.
“How could that be?” Nick wanted to know. Watching at Heath looking towards the floor then shrugging his shoulders, Nick then says “Gene was telling us a little about you’re not having any money. He said you would play cards for it.”
“I did,” Heath admits sheepishly, “When had to and needed money.”
“What happened to the money you earned from all the jobs you worked at?” Nick asks.
Quietly looking towards the floor he mumbles, “Given to uncle.”
“But you did the work,” Nick says.
“That’s now how it works,” Heath replies.
“Explain it to me,” Nick tells him.
“I work,” Heath explains, “They give money to Uncle.”
“You do the work,” Nick reiterates, “And whoever you worked for paid your uncle for the job you did?”
“They did,” Heath states.
“You know what your uncle did Heath?” Nick says.
“What?” Heath asks.
“He” Nick says “Stole your money. When you worked the employers should have paid you for the work not him. He didn’t do any of the work.”
“He had me do it” Heath mentions “He set up the job, have me work and he get paid.”
“You know how much I hate that uncle of yours?” Nick says “I better not run into him ever I could tell you that” then looking down at the $52.00 he asks “Tell me something, how come he didn’t get this money from you?”
“Didn’t see him,” Heath answers, “Not know I have it.”
“Well good” Nick tells him “You take this money” handing him his wages “And you keep it. Come on, let’s go see Jarrod, it’s almost time for us to be going.”
As they get up off the bed and move towards the door Heath says, “Nick!”
“Yes,” Nick replies.
“I’m starting to like you,” Heath states.
Smiling and pleased, “Well,” Nick answers, “I like you,” squeezing his left shoulder, “And more than just like, I like you a lot.”
Returning the smile “I like you too a lot” Heath states as they exit the room together.
Going down the hall Nick asks of Jarrod still in his room, “Are we ready to go?”
“Just about,” Jarrod answers, “Just waiting on you.”
“Why don’t you and Heath head down and I’ll be right with you,” Nick says.
“Yeah okay,” Jarrod replies.
After Nick goes out the door Jarrod has Heath helping him with bringing down the bedrolls and two of the fishing poles, Audra coming by also assists with carrying down the tackle box and one of the fishing rods.
As they are reaching the bottom step, Victoria coming out of the study asks, “Are you all set?”
“We are Mother,” Jarrod informs her.
“Do you have everything?” Victoria wanted to know.
“I believe so,” Jarrod says, “Tell Nick to bring the food with him when he comes down.”
Replying “I will” Victoria giving Heath a kiss on the cheek, “Heath, have a safe trip out there.”
“Yes Mother” Heath replies.
After a couple goodbye kisses Jarrod, Heath and Audra head out the door with the items they have in their hands.
Going inside the barn the three of them go and get the horses ready for their trip.
Seconds later as Nick is coming down the steps, Victoria coming over to him asks, “You ready?”
“I believe so,” Nick replies.
“Did you forget anything?” Victoria asks.
“I don’t think so,” Nick answers, “Jarrod did most of the packing and he is good about making sure we had everything. However, if we don’t have something we’ll just have to make do.”
“Jarrod wants you to bring the food,” Victoria informs him.
Glancing over at Gene just sitting and sulking over by the fireplace Nick says to him, “Gene, come give me a hand. Take this,” referring to the bedroll.
Replying, “Aye, aye sir,” Gene quickly gets up off the chair, takes the bedroll from him and goes out the door with him.
Calling out after him but as he continues going, “What’s with him?” Nick asks.
“Never mind him,” Victoria says, “He’s just sore because he can’t go with you up to the cabin and you wouldn’t let him up in your room earlier.”
“I had to talk to Heath” Nick says “Some of what I am talking to him about is just between him and I.”
“You don’t have to justify your reasons to me” Victoria notes “Right now he feels left out but it will pass. Go on. Have a good time out there,” giving him a kiss goodbye.
Upon thanking her Nick grabs the food basket and heads on out.
Part 8-6
As he is coming up to meet them the horses have all been brought out into the open and all the equipment they are taking with them has been safely placed and tied down with Jarrod, Audra and Heath now standing near the paddock casually watching as the black stallion is running and moving about from one side to the other wildly but happily.
“Heath” Audra asks “Is that the horse you were showing Chrissy on Saturday?”
“Yes,” Heath replies.
Catching sight of Nick approaching “Well Nick” Jarrod quickly says “You made it.”
“I told you I would only be a minute or two” Nick then asks “Are we ready?”
“As soon as we get the basket situated” Jarrod says “We could go” as he quickly gives him a hand with securing it down safely on one of the horse so that it doesn’t fall off. Watching the proceedings “I wish I could go” Gene sulkily brings up.
“Now Gene” Jarrod tells him “We’ve been over it and over it already. You can’t go and that is all there is to it.”
“Gene,” Nick adds, “Stop brooding.”
“I’m not brooding,” Gene states.
“Well then” Nick says “Stop acting like you are” raising his voice “We said you can’t go and that is the end of it. You could come with us some other time, just not right now.”
“Drats!” Gene sulkily mumbles.
Observing Heath looking at the black stallion running about in the paddock, “you like him Heath?” Audra asks of him.
“I do,” Heath replies, “Yes.”
Watching as Heath is holding his hand out to the stallion as it comes towards him Nick says, “Be careful there Heath, he isn’t broken in yet.”
“It’s alright Nick,” Heath replies, “He won’t hurt me. Watch!”
As he extends his hand out the horse at first stops and studies Heath from afar and then carefully and slowly he moves towards him. A couple seconds later he comes up to him and allows him to pet his forehead.
Watching from the doorway of the bunkhouse “Well, I’ll be” Barrett quietly says to himself.
“Will you look at that” comes from Jarrod “That horse seems to have taken a shine to Heath.”
“He did say he has a way with horses” Audra says “Isn’t that right Heath?”
“I do,” Heath admits, “They understand me and I understand them.”
“There is a certain look you have” Jarrod points out “When that horse comes over to you. We haven’t been able to touch him at all.”
“I like him,” Heath states.
“He must like you as well,” Jarrod says, “He came right over to you.”
“Heath” Nick brings up, “When we get back and finish working on the fence maybe you would like working on breaking him in. Would you like that?”
“I would yes, Nick” Heath replies hopeful “Very much so.”
“Then” Nick says “Once we get back we will work on it. Besides I want to see how good you are in breaking them in or gentling as you call it. If this little sneak preview is any indication of how well you could do it then this may just be another one of those secret talents that you may possess.”
Baffled “Possess?” Heath asks.
“Yes” Nick reiterates “Something that you hold; a secret talent is something that you have. A gift; something special” trying to think of the right word to use.
“I’d like that,” Heath answers.
“Well,” Jarrod says, “I am also looking forward to you doing that.”
“Me too” comes from Audra “It’ll be like watching our very own show. I sure hope when you do it, you’ll do it when I am home from school.”
“We’ll see about that Missy,” Nick says to her.
“We better get going,” Jarrod then brings up.
After giving Audra a kiss goodbye they mount up. Glancing over at Gene still brooding “Are you sure” Heath asks, “Gene can’t come? He really wants to.”
“He’s not coming,” Nick says, “He just has to get over it.”
“Gene” Jarrod adds “Can’t always have everything his own way. He has to learn when we say no, we say it for a reason and if we say no, then its no.”
Turning to Gene “Gene” Jarrod instructs him “Keep an eye on the ranch while we’re gone. You’re the man here now.”
Replying “Yeah sure” Gene watches as they ride off and upon kicking at the dirt Audra brings up, “You didn’t say bye to them.”
“They didn’t want me to go,” he mumbles.
“So what” Audra says, “You have school tomorrow. They said you could go with them another time.”
Replying “Sure whatever” Gene walks away and while he continues kicking at the small pebbles in the dirt Audra goes towards the house.
While Audra is headed up the walk Gene goes towards the barn and is met by both Barrett and Oscar who watching in the background come over to him calling out, “Gene, Gene, wait up.”
Turning around, “What is it?” Gene asks of them.
“What’s the matter Gene,” Oscar asks.
“Nothing,” Gene snaps, “Nothing at all.”
“Aw,” egging him on, “You look sore about something,” Oscar states.
Kicking the dirt at his feet, “I am,” Gene replies.
“What is it?” Oscar asks “One feels better when they get off whatever is on their chest.”
“I wanted to go with them” Gene says “He’s my brother too; I don’t see why they wouldn’t take me. I would only be missing one day of school, that wouldn’t be too much of a big deal.”
“And they said no?” Oscar asks with Gene answering loudly and angrily, “Yeah!”
“Have there been any other unusual events that have been going on with the newest brother that you’ve noticed?” Oscar wanted to know.
“As a matter of fact,” Gene notes, “There is.”
“Like what?” Oscar insists, “Tell us.”
“Jarrod and Nick” Gene brings up “Have private conversations without me. They go into Nick’s room and I ask if I could come in, they say no, go downstairs and close the door.”
“Anything else?” Oscar egging him on asks.
“They loaned Heath my fishing rod,” Gene says, “And my bedroll.”
“Do you know what’s happening here?” Oscar mentions.
“No,” Gene inquires, “What?”
Scratching the bottom of his chin with the fingers of his right hand, “That new brother of yours,” Oscar says, “He is your new brother right?”
“He is,” Gene states.
“Your brothers Jarrod and Nick” Oscar notes, “Have taken a shine to him. Do you know what’s going to happen now that he’s here?” with a wicked grin.
“What?” Gene asks.
“They are going to forget all about you” Oscar says “Find that you have no place in their lives and simply leave you out. And they will start giving him things of yours and including him while excluding you. They will be leaving you out in the cold.”
“You really think so?” Gene listening asks.
“I know the signs” Oscar states, “I’ve seen them before. Just keep watching you will see what I am saying to be true.”
“I hope you’re not right about what you said Oscar,” Gene says.
“Just watch Gene” Oscar replies “Let me know if I’m right. I will leave you alone now, I said enough” walking away they leave Gene going inside the barn who starts beating up the haystack as he thinks over what Oscar just fed him.
As Oscar is approaching the door of the bunkhouse “Oscar” Barrett says, “Have you lost your mind or something? Are you that stupid?”
Dumbfounded, “What are you talking about?” Oscar asks innocently.
“What you just fed him” Barrett notes “Don’t you know anything about him? That boy will blab and you just said all that stuff to him just now.”
“I know what I’m doing,” Oscar says.
“I think you lost your mind Oscar” Barrett brings up “If Nick finds out what you just did you’re going to get it.”
“What did I do?” Oscar asks innocently.
“You put ideas into that boy’s head Oscar,” Barrett notes.
“So” Oscar says “I thought you wanted to see that bastard brother make tracks.”
Shaking his head “You’re making a big mistake with that” Barrett tells him “I may have wanted him to leave but I am not a fool neither. Nick pays real good here and you won’t find the pay we get here anywhere else in Stockton and if and when Nick finds out what you did or are about to do, you’ll be the one making tracks and packing not him.”
“What are you talking about?” Oscar asks again.
“Are you that stupid Oscar?” Barrett brings up “Open your eyes, take a good hard look! You feeding all that stuff to Gene to get him sent packing is a big mistake. Haven’t you seen the way Nick has taken to him? When he finds out what you did there will be fireworks around here and it ain’t even July. Get this through your head Oscar! Nick likes him here, Nick isn’t going to be too happy when he finds out that he is gone from here. He’ll come down so hard on you, you will be seeing stars. Now, don’t say I didn’t warn you because, you have been!” he then resumes walking.
While Oscar and Barrett go back inside the bunkhouse Gene continues taking out his anger and frustration out on the haystack and throwing other things around the barn. When he finishes he leaves and goes back inside the house.
As he comes through the front door, “Gene,” Victoria asks, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine Mother,” Gene answers.
“Why don’t you go and get cleaned up for dinner” Victoria insists “It will be ready in a little bit.”
Replying, “Sure,” Gene goes up the stairs.
Coming into the room noticing, “Mother,” Audra states, “I think he’s sore because he couldn’t go with them.”
“I know he is” Victoria notes “But he can’t have his way all the time. School must come first and his job is to go to it and get an education. Why don’t you go upstairs and get ready for dinner, it will be ready shortly.”
Replying, “Sure Mother,” Audra then heads up the stairs.
On route to Pine Lake Heath rides between Jarrod and Nick and while admiring the scenery they pass as they move away from the valley Nick asks of him, “How do you like it so far?”
Replying “I like it fine Nick” Heath continues looking about.
Making small talk while they travel Nick asks Heath how long he had Gal to which he responds, “Don’t know. Mama gave her to me.”
“Did she give her to you when you were real small,” Nick inquires, “Or when you were bigger like now?”
“Bigger,” Heath mentions, “Closer to how I am now.”
Gnawing on his lower lip, “Okay,” Nick says, “I was thinking. Right now, it’s just a thought but want you to think about it okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
Joining in “Nick” Jarrod says “Why don’t you tell Heath what you are talking about? I don’t think he knows” turning to Heath he asks, “Do you?”
“He said he was thinking” Heath reiterates “He wants me to think about what he is thinking about.”
Letting out a chuckle, “See Nick?” Jarrod says.
“Okay, okay,” Nick retorts, “So I forgot the small detail.”
“Yes,” Jarrod states, “The small detail.”
“Your horse there Gal” Nick says “Looks like she’s getting up there in age and I was thinking maybe it’s time for you to have another one that is much younger.”
Patting her on the side, “She’s fine,” Heath answers.
“I’m sure she is” Nick notes “But the black stallion we saw you with, I was thinking when you break him in completely, maybe you’d like to have him. You already said you liked him and he likes you too.”
“I do Nick,” Heath states.
“Then he’s yours,” Nick says, “Once he’s broken in he will be your horse.”
“That is a great idea,” Jarrod chimes in with.
Gleaming, “I don’t know what to say Nick except,” Heath says, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcomed,” Nick responds.
Smirking “Every once in a while Nick” Jarrod notes “You do come out with a good idea.”
Giving him a look “You’re so funny Jarrod” Nick retorts “Sometimes it’s scary” as they continue riding side by side.
Back at the house Victoria is having dinner with Audra and Gene on each side of her. Glancing about Audra says “I haven’t seen this table with just us in quite some time,” while eating.
“I know” Victoria notes “But they could use the outing and Heath will benefit from it.”
After eating for a couple minutes in silence Audra says “Mother, we were watching Heath with the stallion that’s over in the paddock.”
“What about him?” Victoria asks.
“Heath” Audra notes “Was able to get him to come over to him and he even managed to pet him.”
“He did mention,” Victoria mentions, “He knows about horses.”
“I know” Audra states “But if he could do it as well as what we just saw and it was hardly anything, it was the most amazing thing. He just held his hand out to him and he came right over to him. You had to see it” beaming with delight “It was the most wonderful thing I ever seen and for Heath, he had such a look, it was just something special, I just can’t describe it.”
“You’re doing just fine dear” Victoria then turns and says, “And Gene, what about you? How come you’re not saying anything tonight?”
Brooding, “Don’t feel like it,” Gene replies.
“Gene” Victoria says “I know you’re upset about not being able to go with them but you can’t always do what you want.”
“But I wanted to see him play cards” Gene states “I wanted to go fishing with them.”
“Yes I know” Victoria says “There will be other trips for you to go out with them on, just not this one.”
Part 8-7
Arriving up at Pine Lake and upon reaching the paddock to the cabin, “Here we are Heath,” Nick announces, “This here is Pine Lake.”
Taking in the scenery from atop of Gal, “Nice,” Heath comments.
As they dismount “Heath” Jarrod suggests “Why don’t you take your bedroll and saddlebag inside the cabin?”
Replying “Yeah okay” Heath does as instructed and takes his bedroll and saddlebag inside the cabin. Once he’s out of ear reach Jarrod turns and says “Nick, I need to talk to you.”
“What is it?” Nick asks while removing his bedroll off of Coco.
“I was waiting for us to be alone,” Jarrod states.
“Were alone” Nick says, “What is it?”
“You still have to be careful with what you say to Heath,” Jarrod mentions, “You may be confusing him.”
“What are you talking about,” Nick inquires, “How am I confusing him?”
“You told him you wanted him to make choices for himself,” Jarrod reiterates.
“I know that,” Nick replies.
“But when we left the ranch” Jarrod brings up “You kept saying when we get back and finish working on the fence maybe he would like working on breaking in the stallion.”
“Yeah so?” Nick asks baffled.
“How is he supposed to be making choices for himself” Jarrod notes “If you keep telling him instead of sitting down with him and asking him if he wants to work on the fence or if he rather work on breaking in the stallion or maybe he’d like to do something else? By not sitting down with him you’re not giving him options.”
“I get what you are saying” Nick admits “And you’re right I do lose my patience at times too.”
“Maybe a good way to go with it Nick” Jarrod suggests “Is just let him decide on his own what to do, I mean no one tells us what to do and yet we know what we have to do. Let him work up his own schedule and just go with it. Seeing he never had a chance to do much of that on his own before it may take a while for him to get used to it but I think once he realizes he is free, he will do it and I think he’ll like making decisions for himself.”
Raising an eyebrow “You’re probably right” Nick says “I will sit down and have a talk with him.”
“Good!” Jarrod then brings up, “Oh, another thing to bring up.”
“What’s that?” Nick wanted to know.
“Heath” Jarrod mentions “Still gets a little jumpy around you when you yell.”
Mystified “When have I yelled?” Nick wanted to know.
“This morning at breakfast” Jarrod brings up “When you were telling us that story and you were doing the ending. I didn’t say anything but I did notice it bothered him; he jumped as you yelled.”
“I wasn’t aware of that,” Nick says.
“I know” Jarrod replies “Which is why I thought I’d let you know. He does seem to be more at ease with you now but just keep in mind that it’s only been two days since he’s seen the new you. Up until then he saw you as someone else.”
Shaking his head “I know” Nick says “He saw me as some ruthless, vicious I don’t know someone who would” swallowing hard then stops.
“Right,” Jarrod admits.
“I don’t ever want him seeing me as that,” Nick mentions, “Jarrod?”
“Yes Nick?” Jarrod replies.
“I am trying so hard” Nick brings up “To do what I think Father would want me to do, I mean in way of handling things with him.”
“You’re doing a fine job Nick” Jarrod says, “You’re doing all the right things.”
“What if I do the wrong things with him” Nick asks “I mean what if I make a mistake in way I handle a situation.”
“Then you make a mistake” Jarrod says “You’re only human Nick, no one can fault you for that, you’re not perfect and you’re not god. You’re just a man trying to do what is right and Father would be very proud of the job you are doing.”
“You really think so?” Nick inquires.
“I do” Jarrod mentions “It’s a big responsibility and for Heath he has to learn to accept you as who you are and he will in time and I think he would like you being honest and real to him not trying to be something or someone who you aren’t. For right now just tone down or ease off of the yelling that you do.”
Letting out a deep sigh, “I’ll do my best,” Nick vows, “Come on, let’s go in.”
Replying “That’s all you could do” Jarrod then says “Wait” as Nick is heading for the doorway.
“What’s the matter?” Nick asks.
“I have one more thing to bring up,” Jarrod says.
“What’s that?” Nick wanted to know.
“Deak and Wheeler” Jarrod mentions, “I would like to learn more about his working for them.”
“So would I” Nick says “But let’s see what your investigation comes out with first, if it doesn’t tell us anything then maybe I will do one of my own.”
“We may need to keep a closer watch on Heath” Jarrod suggests “For a while.”
“I didn’t tell you,” Nick says.
“Tell me what?” Jarrod asks.
“I sent them packing this morning,” Nick mentions.
Surprised, “You did?” Jarrod says.
“Yes” Nick replies, “With Duke right beside me I gave them their pays and hung around until they packed their gear and rode off.”
Seconds later while removing their belongings from their horses, “I wonder where Heath is,” Jarrod asks.
“Probably inside” Nick notes “We told him to take the bedroll and saddlebag inside, we didn’t tell him to come back out.”
Chuckling “True” Jarrod says “Not only does Heath have a lot to learn so do we.”
“So true,” Nick then replies, “Come on,” as they take their belongings inside.
Walking inside they see Heath standing there holding his bedroll and saddlebag over his shoulder.
“Heath,” Jarrod says, “You could put them down.”
“Right here okay?” Heath asks where he’s standing.
“Right there” Jarrod informs him “Is just fine” and after he places them on the floor Nick and Jarrod do likewise right next to Heath’s.
“Heath” Nick then says “Why don’t you come with me?”
Replying, “Sure Nick,” Heath follows him outside.
Outside Nick has Heath carrying the three fishing poles and tackle box while he carries the food basket; going back inside Heath is instructed to place the items he has in his hands near the wall in which he quickly complies.
Placing the food basket on the table nearest the kitchen, “Jarrod,” Nick quickly says, “Why don’t you start getting dinner ready?”
Coming over to him “Why am I to get it ready Nick?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Because,” Nick quickly replies, “You are so much better at it than me.”
“Uh-huh” Jarrod says “Well tell you what, I’ll do it tonight but you do it tomorrow night.”
“Fair enough,” Nick answers.
“And seeing I am the one elected to do it tonight,” Jarrod suggests, “Why don’t you go and gather up the firewood and at the same time get the fireplace going.”
“Sure thing,” Nick then turns and has Heath going with him outside to collect the firewood while Jarrod proceeds with making dinner.
Opening up the food basket Jarrod removes the prepared fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn and the biscuits and then works on getting the wood burning stove warmed up. After doing that he puts the cold items away that he has in the food basket and then proceeds on placing the other items on the counter, next he unrolls his bed roll and takes out the liquor bottles and begins working on making the margaritas from the written instructions he received from Harry.
After retrieving the wood they could possibly carry in their hands Nick and Heath return to the cabin and deposit them nearest the fireplace.
“Heath” Nick then says “Why don’t you put your hat” which he is still wearing “On that hat rack there?”
Replying “Sure thing” Heath quickly places his hat next to Jarrod’s and Nick’s.
While he is doing that Jarrod is working on the drinks he’s preparing announcing, “Dinner will be ready momentarily.”
Replying “Be right with you” Nick is about to get the fire going and then thinking better of it turns and says, “Heath you know how to get a fire going?”
“I do,” Heath replies.
“Would you mind doing it then?” Nick asks.
Replying “No” Heath begins working on getting the fire built while Nick undoes the bedrolls putting everything where it needs to go. Coming across the Dopps’ kit “Jarrod, you brought along Heath’s Dopps’ kit?” he asks.
“I thought he could use it,” Jarrod notes.
“I’ll put it in the bathroom for him,” Nick says.
While Nick resumes putting everything where it needs to go he places a deck of cards on a table and going over to Heath he asks, “Heath, how is it coming along?”
“Done Nick,” Heath answers.
Inspecting it, “Ah yes,” Nick replies, “It is. You didn’t take long to do that at all. You’ve done this kind of thing before have you?”
“I have,” Heath admits.
“It shows,” Nick then says, “Why don’t you come with me?”
Going with Nick Heath is given a tour of the cabin starting off with the two bedrooms in which each has a cot, a dresser and nightstand and then off to the bathroom which is adjacent to the second bedroom, “As you could see it has the latest of everything we need. I put your kit right here for you to use” Nick then says, “How about if you go first? And then when you come out I will go in and then we will have some dinner.”
Replying “Okay” Heath goes in and closes the door behind him. Going into the kitchen Nick checks on Jarrod. Asking if he needs help with anything Jarrod suggests he set the table in which he answers “I could handle that” and proceeds in setting it.
In between Jarrod making coffee Nick is taking out the butter, ketchup, sugar bowl and milk pitcher and placing them in the center of the table.
Minutes later Heath comes out of the bathroom announcing, “I am done Nick, you may use it now.”
“Thank you Heath,” Nick says, “I’ll be right out; give me a minute or two.”
“Just two?” Jarrod quips.
Not responding Nick gives him a side look and then goes into the bedroom which occupies the bathroom.
As Heath is walking towards the kitchen, “Well Heath,” Jarrod asks, “Are you ready for dinner?”
“I am Jarrod,” Heath answers, “Ready.”
“Why don’t you go on over to the table and take a seat?” Jarrod suggests.
Replying “I could do that” Heath glances over at the table and asks “Any place, alright?”
“Anyplace is fine,” Jarrod says, “You pick it out and sit.”
Studying the three places he chooses the head and sits.
Watching as he takes his seat, “Do you like fried chicken?” Jarrod asks.
“I do,” Heath replies, “Yes.”
“That is what we’re having,” Jarrod notes, “Courtesy of Mother and Silas. I hope you don’t mind us having coffee; I just made it.”
“Not at all,” Heath states.
“We also have,” Jarrod showing him, “Milk and sugar for it.”
“Thank you,” Heath says.
“I also made us margaritas,” Jarrod mentions, “I thought we could have them while playing cards. Will that be alright?”
Replying, “It is,” Heath waits patiently as Jarrod begins putting the dinner on the table.
Back at the ranch Audra and Gene are up in their rooms working on homework while Victoria is down in the parlor knitting.
Coming into the room, “Well, Miz Barkley,” Silas brings up, “It’s been some time since I’ve seen you knitting anything.”
“It has been awhile I admit” Victoria says “How do you think they’re doing up there in the cabin?”
“Just fine” Silas states “It is a long ride up there so they just may have arrived. Could I get you anything?”
“No,” she replies, “I have everything I need; thank you.” Silas walks out.
Part 8-8
Up at the cabin the brothers have fixed their plates and begun eating. As Jarrod is eating Heath continues to follow what he’s doing and in between are observed by both Jarrod and Nick who quietly exchange grins.
Making small talk, “How is it Heath?” Nick wanted to know.
As he is savoring the fried chicken and biscuit, “Good Nick,” Heath responds.
“Did your mama ever make it for you?” Jarrod inquires.
“No,” Heath replies, “Hannah did and Aunt Rachel.”
“Do you like popcorn,” Jarrod asks, “Or roasted marshmallows?”
Shaking his head, “Not had it before,” Heath replies.
“Then” Nick says “You’re in for a treat Heath. We’ll work on it right after we finish here.”
“We’ll also,” Jarrod adds, “Play a little cards.”
After eating for a couple of seconds in quite enjoying their meal Nick then asks, “Heath, do you like to cook?”
“I do,” Heath replies.
“Do you know how to cook anything?” Jarrod asks.
“Some,” Heath answers.
“What kinds of foods do you know how to cook?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Eggs,” Heath answers, “Beans, fish, rabbit stew and potatoes and eggs.”
“Is that it?” Nick inquires.
“It is,” Heath mentions, “I could make toast and coffee.”
“I take it” Nick notes “You probably didn’t get many opportunities to do much cooking.”
Heath not answering Jarrod immediately pats him on the forearm saying “That’s alright Heath, maybe we’ll see if we could get you to learn how to cook other foods while we’re up here and then when we get back Mother and Silas could help you as well. Would you like that?”
“I would,” Heath admits.
They continue on a few more minutes in silence while they eat their mashed potatoes and corn. As Jarrod is placing butter on his potatoes and corn so does Heath observing. Jarrod quietly lets out a chuckle followed by Nick.
“You like butter do you Heath?” Jarrod asks as he glances over at him.
“I do” Heath replies as they once again eat in silence enjoying their meal. As Jarrod takes a sip of his coffee so does Heath. Each time Nick lets out a silent chuckle and shakes his head watching in amusement as he takes a sip of his.
“After we finish this” Jarrod says “Mother packed cake for our dessert. She also packed a little bowl with frosting in it. Would you like it with your cake?”
“I would,” Heath answers.
“Heath” Nick then brings up “Seeing we only have the 2 bedrooms, I thought we could take turns and until we are able to get a third bedroom added on one of us will sleep out here on the bed roll and the other two will occupy the cots. How’s that sound to you?”
“Fine,” Heath replies.
“And seeing this is your first night up here with us,” Nick asks, “How about you decide where you want to sleep? Do you want one of the bedrooms or would you prefer sleeping out here?”
“Not matter,” Heath shrugs.
“Yes it matters” Nick says “Choices, remember? Decide what would you like?”
Not knowing what to do Heath begins toying with his food while lost in thought. Observing, “Go on Heath,” Jarrod says, “It’s alright. You do have to make choices for yourself. Now is as good as any.”
Glancing first at Jarrod and then at Nick and constantly going back and forth thinking and thinking he finally answers “I guess” talking very low “I’ll sleep out here” swallowing hard “You two can use the cots.”
“You see” Nick patting him on the shoulder says “That wasn’t so hard to do.”
“Heath” Jarrod brings up “Tomorrow we will do a lot more but for tonight we will keep it simple is that alright with you?”
“It is,” Heath replies.
“Maybe we’ll do a little hiking and walking around the stream without our boots and socks, how does that sound?” Nick asks with Heath replying, “Sounds good Nick.”
“If there is something you would like to do that neither of us brought us just feel free to let us know okay?” Nick asks.
“Okay,” Heath replies.
“And seeing we’re on a little vacation up here” Nick brings up “We don’t have to get up so early in the morning, you could sleep a little longer and wake up when you’re ready to.”
“I wake when it’s light,” Heath reminds him.
“I know” Nick says, “But you don’t have to Heath, if you should have one of your nightmares, we’ll both be on hand to help you with them, okay?”
“Okay,” Heath nodding his head replies.
Patting his forearm “Heath” Jarrod says “Relax. We’re just up here to have a good time nothing more. This is something Father did with each of us and seeing he’s not here we have decided to do this for you. This way you could learn about us and we could learn about you; it’s what we call bonding.”
“Right” Nick then suggests “Now why don’t we finish up here so we could get in a little round of cards; I am curious to see how good you are.”
After resuming the rest of their dinner Jarrod is the first to finish and quietly says, “Let me take these,” getting up, “And put them into the sink,” and moving towards the sink.
As he is placing them in the basin, “Are you ready for the cake?” Jarrod asks with Heath replying, “I am.”
Bringing over three pieces of cake Jarrod places one in front of Heath, then Nick and finally where he is sitting. Then grabbing another small container “And here” Jarrod says “Is the extra frosting for you Heath” as he places it before him.
Taking his seat he then begins eating his piece of cake with Nick eating his and Heath waiting until Nick nudges him and says, “Don’t eat it all at once Heath, just a little for tonight and then you could save some for tomorrow and Saturday night, alright?”
Replying “Alright” Heath then asks “Would you like some?” as he grabbing his spoon.
Declining “No, no, thank you Heath” Nick says “I will settle for what I have on the cake.”
“I have enough myself” Jarrod states “It’s for you, but thank you for asking.”
Replying, “Sure,” Heath takes a spoonful and places it in his mouth.
Watching in amusement, “So,” Nick asks, “You really like that frosting, huh?”
“I do, yes,” Heath replies.
Smiling, “I know,” Nick says, “It’s the best part of the cake.”
“It is,” Heath states.
“Well,” Nick says, “Enjoy it, that’s why it’s here.”
Eating the cake Heath does as he did before eats all around the frosting saving it for the end.
Getting up Nick asks both Jarrod and Heath if they would like another cup of coffee in which they both they say would.
Grabbing the coffee pot Nick pours Heath, then Jarrod and then himself a refill. After adding milk and sugar to his and upon sipping it “Good, coffee” he comments in which Jarrod replies, “Thank you, Heath.”
As they finish their cake and coffee Nick has Jarrod cleaning the table and washing the dishes while he and Heath work on popping the popcorn.
In between Jarrod removing dishes from the table “Tomorrow Nick” Jarrod says “I hope you don’t mind that when you make dinner you will be doing the cleaning afterwards.”
Replying “I guess that’s fair” Nick then says “Come on Heath; let’s help him clear the table.”
“That is so kind of you Nick,” Jarrod quibbles.
“I try to be,” Nick comments.
Getting up both Nick and Heath help Jarrod with clearing the table. While Jarrod continues with washing the dishes, Nick gets out the jar of popcorn and going over to the fireplace he grabs the popper and asks of Heath, “Do you want us to put butter on it and salt?”
“If you like,” Heath answers.
“I like,” Nick says, “We’ll do it this way tonight and if you don’t like, let me know and tomorrow we’ll make it the way you like, okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
“How about if you go get the butter and salt?” Nick asks.
Replying “Sure” Heath grabs the salt shaker and the butter off the counter and brings it back to Nick, “Here.”
Thanking him Nick opens up the jar and places a good amount of kernels into the popper adding the butter and salt then closing the lid he begins demonstrating how the popper works over the open fire.
Minutes later Nick asks of Heath, “Do you think you could handle it?”
Nodding his head, “I could,” Heath answers as he continues watching him.
“Here” Nick then says “Take over” and upon switching places Heath begins popping the corn while Nick watches to make sure he’s doing it right. Once he’s convinced he decides to start roasting the marshmallows while Jarrod continues with the clean-up.
After going outside and coming back in again Nick has three long sticks in his hands, the marshmallows which he places one on the end of each stick and going over to the fireplace where Heath is still popping the corn begins roasting the marshmallows. In between “Heath” Nick says “Watch how I roast marshmallows.”
As Nick begins roasting the marshmallows Heath keeps his attention on him moving the stick and constantly turning them until each side is lightly browned. Noticing the corn has stopped popping Nick informs Heath and suggests that he place them in a bowl.
Replying “Okay Nick” Heath goes to retrieve the bowl. In between Nick asks, “Were you watching how I roasted the marshmallows?”
“I was,” Heath answers.
Upon finishing the last of the dishes and drying them Jarrod quickly grabs a bowl and hands it to Heath who thanks him. Opening up the popper Heath places the popcorn into the bowl and then places it on the table. Jarrod takes the popper from him and works on getting it cleaned out.
Walking the roasted marshmallows over to Heath Nick hands him one and then hands one to Jarrod and finally taking the last one for himself. As Heath is trying it Nick says, “Heath let me know how you like it.”
Enjoying it “Mmm” Heath replies “Good Nick” as he continues finishing it off the stick.
Chewing his marshmallow, “I figured you would like it,” Nick states.
“Never had it before,” Heath says.
“Well tonight you did” Nick then asks “Are you ready for some poker?”
Quickly taking a seat at the table, “I am,” Heath immediately says.
Raising an eyebrow, “I guess you are,” Nick retorts.
Suppressing a smile “I’ll be right there boys” Jarrod quips as he finishes cleaning up the kitchen.
Handing the deck of cards to Heath, “Heath,” Nick says, “Why don’t you start mixing up the cards and we’ll join you shortly.”
Replying, “I could do that,” Heath takes the deck and begins shuffling them.
Nick feeling somewhat guilty goes into the kitchen and as he helps Jarrod with the cleaning he announces, “He’s ready.”
Glancing over at Heath shuffling the cards “I see that” Jarrod smiling retorts.
Once they finish they dry their hands and as Nick takes two of the prepared glasses over to the table Jarrod carries his. Placing one down in front of Heath he asks, “For me?”
“For you,” Nick replies.
“We play for money?” Heath then asks.
“Yes,” Nick answers, “Unless you don’t want to.”
“I play for money,” Heath states.
Replying “Okay” Nick then informs Jarrod, “We’re playing for money.”
Playfully slapping him on the back of his shoulders “Sit down Nick” Jarrod tells him.
Watching as Heath takes out his money from his pocket “Now Heath” Nick says “We don’t want to take all your money, so don’t use it all.”
“I won’t,” Heath assures him.
As they take their seats around the table Nick asks Heath if he tried the popcorn yet. Answering “No” Nick says “Well try it” upon doing so Heath responds “Good” enjoying the buttery taste.
Jarrod then asks “How’s the margarita?” to Heath who replies “Good Jarrod” after taking a sip of it.
“Is it too strong?” Jarrod wanted to know “Or does it taste the way Harry made it or the way I made it last night?”
Enjoying the taste “No, it just fine” Heath says “Taste the way it should.”
“When you get done,” Jarrod offers, “Would you like another?”
“No,” Heath replies, “This is enough.”
“I have to second that Jarrod” Nick joins in “Mother doesn’t want us to drink too much and I promised her I would make sure of that.”
“How about if we start the game then,” Jarrod insists.
“That we could do,” Nick says.
Back at the house Audra and Gene are engaged in a game of checkers while Victoria is working on her knitting. Noticing the time “I think it’s time the two of you turned in, you could resume that tomorrow” she says.
Quickly stopping, they both give her a goodnight kiss and head up the stairs to their rooms.
At the cabin in Pine Lake watching in amazement as Heath is winning many of the hands in between them drinking their margaritas and munching on the popcorn, “You really do know how to play,” Nick mentions.
Replying “I do” Heath takes another handful of popcorn and sips it down with his drink.
“You’re very good Heath,” Jarrod praising him says.
As Heath lays down his hand which consists of four 5’s and is sweeping in another win, Nick lays down a hand of three jacks and two aces while Jarrod after displaying, a Queen, a 9, and an 8 of diamonds along with an ace of clubs says to Nick “Now Nick, you were saying something about him not using all his money?” with a sideward grin.
In astonished amazement “I can’t get over at how good he really is” Nick then turns to Heath and says “Heath, you’re good at this.”
Praising him “Heath” Jarrod tells him “You’re more than good, you’re very good.”
“Yes,” Nick adding his voice to Jarrod’s says, “You are.”
Looking at the both of them, “Thank you,” Heath bashfully replies.
“Nick,” Jarrod then says, “It’s your deal.”
Sweeping up the cards Nick begins shuffling them while at the same time tosses a dollar into the middle. Jarrod and Heath also toss in a dollar.
Part 8-9
“You know Heath,” Nick brings up, “I’ve noticed something about you.”
“What’s that Nick?” Heath wanted to know.
“Whatever you put your mind to doing” Nick points out “Whether it’s building a fence, a fire for the fireplace, stacking sacks of grain, this here game of poker, even the little bit of the show you gave to us with the stallion, you seem to do well.”
“Yes” Jarrod adding his voice to Nick’s says “I must agree with Nick. And I’ve noticed that on things you don’t know how to do, you seem to pick up rather quickly in learning how to do. You have a great mind, Heath.”
Listening Heath quietly looks to Nick and then to Jarrod as they keep talking, just then he hears, “You know what that means Heath?” from Nick.
“What?” Heath asks.
“That means” Nick brings up “If we were to home teach you the school lessons that you never were taught, you could probably pick up on them quite fast and it won’t take you too long to learn them.”
“I don’t understand,” Heath says.
“What Nick is trying to tell you” Jarrod reiterates “Is that the little reading you were doing in my office could be improved if you would let us help you. The family was talking and we want to help you with learning what you never had the opportunity to do as a youngster, as a small boy. If you let us, we could help you read better, you could learn how to tell time and whatever else it is you don’t.”
“If you’re willing to let us help you Heath” Nick adds “During the day while we’re working for a short time, you could stop and go back to the house and Mother and Jarrod when he’s home, will help you learn the things you don’t. I will also help you and so will Audra and Gene as well as Silas and Duke” listening quietly Heath looks from one to the other and then back down at his hands Nick asks, “Well, what do you say?”
Shrugging his shoulders, “Don’t know,” Heath answers, “I got by.”
“Yes, you did,” Nick stresses, “But we want you to get more than just by.”
“We want you to” Jarrod joins in with, “Improve on your reading skills and help with getting your speech improved.”
“And Heath” Nick adds “It may not be for too long. It all depends on you. But from what I got out of you the past couple days something tells me that you didn’t get to go to school for too long and you do need to learn.”
“So Heath,” Jarrod asks, “Will you let us help you with learning?”
“Yes” Nick joins in with “Will you? We want to help you and we could if you just let us.”
Glancing from one to the other as they continue talking and after thinking it over in his head, “Okay,” Heath replies, “I’ll do it.”
Grinning and playfully hitting him on the side of the arm “Good boy” Nick says “Now let’s get back to the game.”
Resuming the card game Heath once again rakes in the money that he just won from the middle “Heath” Nick then brings up “I know you are very good at this but could you tell us how or where you learned to play so well?”
“War,” Heath answers.
“War” comes from Jarrod and Nick who stop completely in what they are doing and upon exchanging similar puzzling glances “What war were you in?”
“Civil,” Heath states.
“You were in the civil war?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“I was,” Heath states.
“When did you serve in the war?” Nick inquires.
“63,” Heath answers, “65.”
“Heath, what were you doing in the war?” Jarrod curiously asks.
“Fighting,” Heath replies.
“I know that” Jarrod reiterates “I mean how old were you when you signed up; served, enlisted?”
“Eighteen,” Heath replies.
“Eighteen,” Nick and Jarrod ask at the same time.
Listening to the age in Heath with his brow furrowed and lost in thought while thinking inside his head “You were” Nick asks “Eighteen when you signed up?
“I was eighteen,” Heath mentions, “When I was enlisted there.”
“In ’63?” Nick asks with Heath answering, “In ’63.”
“Heath,” Nick brings up, “You were there in 63 and 65 right?”
With his brow furrowed in thought “I was,” Heath states.
“What happened to 64?” Nick wanted to know with Heath shrugging his shoulders replying, “Not know.”
“Heath” Nick asks “Did you serve in ’64 or did you go home at the end of 63 and go back in 65?”
“No,” Heath states, “Was there ‘til it over.”
“You said you worked for the Wheelers when you were eighteen?” Nick brings up.
“I was,” Heath states.
“Then how is it,” Nick asks, “You fought in the war while working for them?”
Getting nervous and tensing up “Didn’t” Heath replies “Fought in war; worked for them.”
Trying to make sense of what Heath is saying “So” Nick says “You fought in the war, then went working for the Wheelers after it was over with.”
“Some,” Heath replies.
“You also said,” Nick brings up, “You were 18 when you were a marshal-in-training?”
“I was,” Heath replies.
“But Heath,” Nick says, “How is it that you could be 18, working for the Wheelers, working as a marshal-in-training and fighting in the war?”
“Not know,” Heath shrugging his shoulders quietly answers, “Just is.”
“Heath” Nick continues, “If you were eighteen in the war back in ’63 do you know what that means?”
“No,” Heath replies.
“That means” Nick informs him “You would be twenty-six now; you said you were twenty-four now.”
“I am,” Heath says with assurance.
“Then” Nick asks “How is it you are twenty-four now and eighteen at that time?”
Shrugging his shoulders “Not know” Heath replies “Just am; only tell what I know.”
“I know that” Nick says “But Heath, do you realize that if you were eighteen at that time, back in ’63, then you would be twenty-six now and that if you were you would be the same age as me. And I know you can’t be the same age as me, also Father didn’t own the mine in Strawberry at that time. He bought it twenty-four years ago.”
“I am twenty-four,” Heath answers again.
“Heath,” Jarrod joins in with, “Are you really twenty-four?”
“I am,” Heath adamantly replies.
“How is that possible?” Nick wanted to know.
Looking down at the table, “Not know,” Heath quietly states.
“Easy Heath” Nick says “We’re only trying to learn about you, try to get a better understanding of it all,” patting him gently on the forearm.
“Heath” Jarrod points out “Listening to you, you seem to be stuck on eighteen. You were eighteen while being in the war and you were eighteen while working for the Wheelers.”
“I was eighteen,” Heath replies.
“You were also eighteen” Jarrod says “While you were a marshal-in-training.”
“I was,” Heath answers.
“When you turned eighteen” Jarrod asks “Did you celebrate it? Have a party?”
“No,” Heath answers.
“Why Heath?” Jarrod inquires.
Shrugging his shoulders, “Not know,” Heath replies, “Just didn’t.”
“How about when you turned twenty-four” Jarrod asks “Did you celebrate that? Have a party to celebrate your birthday?”
“No,” Heath replies.
“How come?” Jarrod wanted to know with Heath answering, “Not know.”
“Heath” Jarrod brings up “When was the last time you and your mama celebrated your birthday?”
“Um” Heath states “Six” with Jarrod and Nick listening and look to each other quietly while in astonished amazement.
“Heath” Nick joins in with “That was the last time your mama celebrated your birthday?”
“It was,” Heath answers.
“How come?” Nick wanted to know with Heath replying “Not know; guess no need, don’t need any.”
“Was that your mother’s choosing?” Jarrod asks.
“Choosing?” Heath mimics.
“Yes” Jarrod reiterates “Was it your mother who decided that you didn’t need to celebrate a birthday?”
“Not know,” Heath explains, “Not asked.”
“What about your uncle?” Jarrod asks, “Did he ever celebrate your birthdays with you?”
“No,” Heath answers.
“Heath,” Nick asks, “Did you celebrate your birthday when you were five?”
“I did,” Heath replies.
“How about when you were four?” Nick asks.
“I did,” Heath states.
“Would you remember if you had one” Nick inquires “When you were three?”
“Think,” Heath replies.
“What about when you were seven?” Nick asks while holding up seven fingers.
Shaking his head “No,” Heath answers.
“So” Nick says “The last time your mother celebrated a birthday with you was when you were six.”
“It was,” Heath replies, “Had one at 14, but not with her.”
“You had a birthday at 14?” Nick mimics.
“I did,” Heath replies.
“But not with her?” Jarrod joining in asks.
“No,” Heath replies.
“Who did you have it with?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Sheriff Hawkins and his wife Eleanor,” Heath mentions.
“Who are they?” Jarrod asks.
“A sheriff and his wife” Heath informs Jarrod “That I stayed with for a while.”
“And,” Jarrod inquires, “They gave you a party?”
“They did,” Heath mentions.
“Did you have the party in Strawberry?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“No,” Heath replies, “With Sheriff Hawkins where I stayed.”
“They don’t live in Strawberry?” Jarrod asks with Heath replying, “No.”
“Tell us about it Heath,” Jarrod says.
“Not much to tell” Heath explains “One day walking in, Sheriff Hawkins and Eleanor said Happy Birthday Heath and had cake on table. Said know what today is, said no. They say it’s your birthday. You’re fourteen now, blow out the candles and make a wish.”
“They said make a wish?” Jarrod asks.
“They did,” Heath replies.
“What did you wish for?” Jarrod inquires.
“Mama to come,” Heath quietly answers, “But didn’t happen.”
Placing his hand on top of Heath’s, “Sorry Heath,” Jarrod says.
Shrugging “It’s okay” Heath replies “Not much you could do.”
“Let’s go onto something else” Nick urges and upon changing the question he asks “How about the ones you had when you were in Strawberry, was your uncle there when you celebrated them?”
“He not come,” Heath replies.
“When did your uncle come?” Nick wanted to know, “Or was he there since you were born?”
“He came not know exactly,” Heath stated.
“Did he come before you started school?” Nick asks.
“He did,” Heath replies.
“Was he there when you celebrated your number six birthday?” Nick queries with Heath replying, “He was.”
“Was he there when you celebrated your number five birthday?” Nick asks.
“No,” Heath replies.
“So he came there” Nick surmises “Sometime between the time you went from being five and six,” with Heath nodding his head. Nick then asks, “When you had these birthday parties who was there with you?”
“Mama,” Heath answers, “Aunt Rachel and Hannah.”
“That’s it?” Nick asks.
“All was there,” Heath answers.
“No kids came to it?” Nick asks with Heath replying, “No.”
“What did you have when you had these parties?” Nick inquires.
“Cake,” Heath answers.
“Chocolate with peanut butter frosting?” Nick inquires.
“Uh-huh,” Heath replies.
“Any gifts,” Nick asks, “Things to open?”
Heath replies, “No.”
“How come?” Jarrod asks with Heath answering, “Can’t afford any; didn’t need any.”
“Did Sheriff Hawkins and his wife Eleanor,” Nick wanted to know, “Give you gifts or just the cake?”
“They did,” Heath replies, “Said open, I did.”
“What did they give you?” Nick asks.
“Gave me this knife” showing them under his pants “Told always keep with me,” Heath answers.
Nick taking it and looking at it comments “It’s very nice Heath” running his fingers along the side of the blade carefully “He has good taste” notes as he passes it off to Jarrod who also admires it and says “Sheriff Hawkins gave you a nice gift” looking at the handle “It has an H on the handle” he adds.
Handing it back to him Jarrod asks, “Do you always carry it on you?”
“I do,” taking it back, “Always,” Heath states.
TBC