Story 8-Long Weekend Part 3

[sandymarek]

Story 8-Long Weekend Part 3

Part 8-10
“What else did he give you?” Nick asks.
“Boots to put on feet,” Heath answers.
“Gave you brand new boots?” Nick inquires with Heath replying, “Uh-huh.”
“What else?” Jarrod asks.
“Shirts, pants,” Heath says, “Eleanor said I figured you could use them.”
“Did you like staying with Sheriff Hawkins and Eleanor?” Jarrod asks.
“I did,” Heath admits.
“They sound like nice people,” Jarrod notes.
“They are,” Heath states.
“Let’s go back a bit” Nick says “So you went from being five and sometime after that, your uncle showed up and then you turned six and then you went to school and after that you started working in the mines, is that right?”
“It is,” Heath answers.
“Then you went to work at the livery” Nick recaps “Enlisted in the war, then went to work for the Wheelers, then you met and stayed with Sheriff Hawkins and his wife, you had a birthday at 14 and then sometime after that you went back home to Strawberry to your mama.”
“I did,” Heath replies.
“Heath,” Jarrod asks, “When were you born? I mean the year.”
As Heath just looks at them “Heath” Nick brings up “You don’t know when you were born, do you?” Heath looks down at the table, shrugs his shoulders and then shakes his head “Heath” Nick wanted to know “How did Sheriff Hawkins know it was your birthday?”
“Not know” Heath replies “Just said today is your birthday, you’re fourteen today, blow out the candles and make a wish.”
Taking his hand and placing it over Heath’s “It’s okay Heath” Nick says “Why don’t we go back to finishing the card game okay? We’ll do some more talking later.”
After Heath replies “Okay” Nick says “I believe it was my deal; let me start dealing them out” and taking the cards he starts dealing them out. Finishing the game and the last of their drinks Nick manages to win the hand “Look at that” he announces “I finally won one” sweeping in his winnings.
“Why don’t we stop for tonight?” Jarrod insists.
“Yeah” Nick agreeing adds “I think we had enough for one night, is that alright with you Heath?”
“It is,” Heath replies.
“Why don’t you go,” Nick suggests, “Get into your nightshirt. Okay?”
Replying, “Okay,” Heath gets up from the table.
“Heath” Jarrod tells him “Everything will be fine. Trust us” as he goes into the bedroom that is closest to the bathroom.
Once he has closed the door and is out of ear reach, “Could you get over what you just heard Jarrod?” Nick says as he scratches his forehead.
“It’s hard not to,” Jarrod replies.
“So,” Nick says, “What we have been thinking is true. He’s not twenty-four as he keeps saying.”
“We did say the truth will come out sooner or later,” Jarrod states.
“But,” Nick says, “What a way for it to come out. The last time he had a birthday was when he was six. It seems everything stopped for him the moment is uncle arrived.”
“I was thinking that,” Jarrod points out, “Sheriff Hawkins and his wife Eleanor gave him one when he was fourteen.”
“True” Nick notes “And he seemed to like staying with them and they must’ve been good to him.”
“They sound it” Jarrod says “From how he talks about them. I wonder how he met up with them and how come his mother didn’t come to the party or wasn’t there at all.”
“Don’t know” Nick suggests “Guess we’ll have to wait and get the answer out of him.”
“True,” Jarrod then insists, “Let’s get his bed ready.”
Replying “Yeah okay” Nick and Jarrod work together in getting Heath’s bedroll ready for him on the floor nearest the fireplace.
Glancing about, “You know what I forgot to pack?” Jarrod says to Nick who asks, “What?”
“A pillow,” Jarrod answers.
Glancing about “He could use the one from the couch there for tonight” Nick insists as he quickly goes to retrieve it. Placing it at the head of the bed roll all nicely laid out “There” Nick says “It’s all set” admiring their handiwork.
“Nick,” Jarrod brings up, “One more thing before he comes out.”
“What’s that?” Nick asks.
“I thought you were going to sit down with him,” Jarrod says, “And find out what he wants to do.”
“I am,” Nick replies, “It’s just the timing hasn’t been right yet, but I will. You know I’ve been thinking.”
“About what?” Jarrod asks.
“His being stuck on being eighteen,” Nick says, “I like to know where he got the idea he was twenty-four and why he’s stuck on being eighteen.”
“It’ll come,” Jarrod notes, “Let’s just do a little at a time with him. He seems to be a little more at ease when we approach him at a small slow pace.”
“I noticed that,” Nick says.
“Maybe,” Jarrod brings up, “When the report comes in it’ll give us a little more information of how old he really is.”
“When we find out,” Nick mentions, “I want him to have the best birthday we could possibly give him.”
“Me too,” Jarrod replies.
“I also would like to find out more about his working for Wheeler and his father,” Nick brings up.
“It’ll come” Jarrod says “Let’s keep going the way we’re going and see what happens.”
“You know” Nick then mentions “If Heath doesn’t know when his birthday is, how is it that Sheriff Hawkins did.”
“Don’t know” Jarrod says “However it does seem every time he tells us something a new question pops up.”
“I’ve noticed that” Nick points out “And I’ve been thinking that maybe Audra was right about when she said Heath is like a puzzle, because he is or rather a riddle.”
“Maybe we should find this Sheriff Hawkins,” Jarrod suggests, “And see if he could tell us a few things.”
“That’s a good idea” Nick says “I already told Heath we may take a trip to Strawberry so that he could give his money he has to his Aunt Rachel and Hannah.”
“He’s giving his money to them?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“That’s what he wants to do with it” Nick says “He told me he wanted to give the money he earned before he came to us to his mother but seeing she’s not here, he’d like to give it to them so I figured if we took a trip there I could talk to them as well.”
“Now that is a thought” Jarrod notes “Maybe they could provide us with a little more information that he isn’t able to.”
“Exactly,” Nick responds just as Heath comes out into the room.
“Well Heath,” Jarrod says, “Are you ready?”
“Think so,” Heath replies.
“Heath” Nick says “I hope you don’t mind us getting your bedroll ready, but seeing we forgot to pack your pillow, I hope you don’t mind that we’re using the ones we had on the couch there.”
“I not mind,” Heath replies.
“Would you like it if I stayed with you until you fell asleep?” Jarrod offers.
“If you like Jarrod,” Heath replies.
“I like,” Jarrod says, “Could I get you a drink of water?”
Answering “I could get it,” Heath goes to retrieve his water.
While he does that Jarrod suggests to Nick, “Why don’t you turn in and I will see you in the morning?”
Crossing to his room “You will probably be seeing me sooner than that” Nick replies.
After exchanging goodnights and Heath finishing his glass of water Jarrod says “Heath why don’t you lie down and while you’re trying to sleep I will read to you, will that be alright?”
“It is,” Heath gets settled into his bed while Jarrod goes to retrieve one of the books he brought along.
Leaving a lamp on Jarrod as he takes a seat next to him says, “I use to do this for Audra and Gene when they were younger.”
“Nick said that,” Heath notes.
“I see,” Jarrod then says, “Before we get started I have something for you.”
“For me?” Heath asks surprised.
“For you” Jarrod handing him a medallion on a chain says “Here” as Heath takes it from him “Father gave this to me when I was real young and couldn’t sleep. He’d tell me to hold onto it and for some reason whenever I couldn’t sleep it somehow helped me. Maybe it was because I had something to hold onto when I was in my room by myself. I like for you to have it now.”
Trying to give it back, “It’s yours,” Heath tells him.
Placing his hand over Heath’s “It’s yours now” Jarrod informs him “I want you to keep it and someday when you become a father and have children of your own, you could pass it onto one of them and that way the tradition could still continue.”
“You sure?” Heath asks quizzically.
“Very sure,” Jarrod confides, “He gave it to me and told me to do whatever I want with it. If Father was here now he would like for you to have it.”
“Okay,” Heath replies, “I will keep it.”
As Heath is adjusting his position, “So you ready for a story?” Jarrod asks.
Replying, “Ready,” Heath grips the medallion in his hands.
Jarrod opening the book asks, “Has your mama ever read to you while trying to go to sleep?”
“Some,” Heath answers, “When could.”
“Why don’t you close your eyes” Jarrod suggests and while Heath does as instructed Jarrod begins ready the story called The Shepard Boy. He goes on to tell him it’s out of a book called McGuffey’s Third Eclectic Reader.
As Jarrod starts reading the story he informs him that he is changing the name in the book of Roy to Heath and as he asks if he minds Heath answers, “I not mind.”
Jarrod continues reading the story and watches in between as Heath opens and closes his eyes listening while at the same time falling asleep. After a few more paragraphs Heath falls fully asleep while Jarrod continues reading the story until he reaches the end.
Glancing down at Heath he smiles as he sees him sound asleep. Closing the book he gently covers him up and says “Goodnight Heath.” He then gets up, places the book on the table, leaves the lighting from the fireplace burning and quietly moves to his bedroom.
Friday, January 27, 1871
12:30 A.M.
Back at the ranch Vinnie and Jack are on duty patrolling the West Ridge, making sure all the cattle are safely in their makeshift fence. At the house, Victoria, Gene, Audra and Silas are all sound asleep in their beds as well as all the men in the bunkhouse.
Up at Pine Lake while Nick and Jarrod are both sound asleep in their beds, Heath begins to get restless and moving about side to side, lets out whimpering noises, kicks the covers off of him yelling, “NO! NO! NO!” while hitting each side of the pillows with his fists.
Getting up on all four he looks around “Where am I?” confused he asks “What is this place? Do you think we could make it? This must be the way out.”
Hearing his voice yelling out arouses the brothers who quickly jump out of their beds and go into the front room. Upon looking down at Heath they are both astounded.
Still asleep “Let’s be careful” Heath continues calling out “Not want anyone to hear us” while crawling towards the table, Jarrod yells “Nick!” to which Nick begins calling out to Heath, who continues.
“They’re coming” Heath says “We have to hide” as he heads for the table both Jarrod and Nick move around him calling his name out. Looking at them approaching Heath barks, “Stay back! Don’t come near me!”
Crouching down “Heath” Jarrod calls out again. Quickly shifting his position Heath sits down and as he starts clawing at Jarrod he yells “Keep away! I’m warning you.”
Following Jarrod’s lead and joining in Nick calls out, “Heath, no, don’t do that.”
Moving back to the wall Heath yells, “Don’t come any closer,” as he begins kicking his leg towards Jarrod and resumes swatting at both of them.
Slowly and carefully reaching for him “Heath” Jarrod calls out again as Heath keeps saying “Stay back! Get away from me!” as he continues clawing at them Jarrod replies “Heath, don’t do that” as he ducks under his swinging arm.
“Stay away from me” Heath yells as Nick carefully grabs a hold of his left arm while swinging at Jarrod a second time. As Heath is swinging his right arm “Heath,” Nick says, “No, don’t do that.”
“I’m not staying away Heath,” Jarrod tells him.
Heath once again repeats, “Stay back,” crying, “Keep away from me.”
Continuing to grab hold of his right hand “Come on Heath” Jarrod says “It’s okay.”
Still trying to move away from them “No” Heath cries “Please, I be good!”
Calling out to him while shaking him gently and holding onto his left hand in his left and taking his right and placing it on the side of his head “Heath” Nick says “Wake up! We’re not going to hurt you. Wake up, boy!”
“Let me go!” Heath continues crying “Let me go!” as he keeps trying to move out of their grip and onto his side he kicks at them while they both work together in holding onto each of his arms and placing a knee on each leg to keep him from kicking at them, “Let me go,” he repeats, “No! Don’t!”
“Heath,” Jarrod tells him, “No one is going to hurt you.”
“Come on Heath,” Nick says brushing his hair with his free hand, “It’s okay.”
Keeping his right hand firmly on his right arm Jarrod places his left on the right side of Heath’s head and as he gently shakes him he calls out “Heath, wake up.”
As Jarrod and Nick both continue shaking him and calling out to him Heath keeps on barking, “No!”
Part 8-11
After a couple minutes of constant shaking and trying to pull away but not being able to Heath slowly starts to come out of his trancelike sleep and as he opens his eyes he calls out to both Nick and Jarrod who ask “You okay?”
Smiling, “I’m right here boy,” Nick tells him.
Nodding his head, “I’m okay,” Heath answers while wiping the tears from his eyes.
Releasing their hold on him and moving back Jarrod holds his arms out and says, “Come here Heath.”
“Huh?” Heath asks baffled with Jarrod reiterating, “Just come here.”
“I’m alright,” Heath tells him.
“Please Heath” Jarrod urges “Come to me.” Reluctant at first but as Jarrod moves closer to him he continues talking in a soft but soothing voice “Come on Heath; everything is going to be okay” as he keeps drawing him into his arms “That’s it, come on Heath, everything is okay, you’re safe with me. Come on. Come to Pappy.”
Carefully placing his head on his shoulder and running it up and down his back in a circular motion “Sh, Heath, Sh!” Jarrod keeps saying “That’s a boy.”
Nick also beside him runs his hand up and down Heath’s cheek and as he brushes the side of his head with the palm of his hand “It’s okay boy” consoling him, “Jarrod and I are both here with you” seconds later Nick says to Jarrod, “I’ll be right back and as Jarrod nods his head, Nick gets up and retrieves a washcloth from the bathroom.
Rocking him in his arms Jarrod continues repeating, “Sh, Heath, sh!”
After putting cold water onto the washcloth Nick returns to Heath’s side and as he washes his face down he tells him, “Thatta boy, it’s alright.”
Seconds later Heath says, “Jarrod.”
“Yes Heath” Jarrod asks while still holding him in his arms.
“Why you doing this?” Heath wanted to know with Jarrod answering “Because I thought you could use one of these right about now. Any objections?”
“Objections?” Heath mimics.
“Do you mind?” Jarrod wanted to know with Heath replying, “No.”
Getting up again Nick retrieves a glass of water and hands it to Heath who graciously takes it. After he finishes Nick asks, “Do you want some more?”
Shaking his head, “No,” Heath replies, “But thank you.”
Still brushing the right side of Heath’s head with his left hand, “Do you want to talk about it?” Shaking his head, “No,” Heath answers quietly.
“You sure?” Nick asks with Heath replying, “I’m sure.”
“Heath” Nick asks “When you slept out in the barn and had these nightmares, did you move about like you’ve been doing in here?” as he nods his head “How did you wake up” Nick wanted to know “When they happened?”
“Bobby woke me up” Heath states, “On some.”
“What about the others?” Nick asks.
Shrugging his shoulders, “Don’t know,” Heath replies, “Just woke up.”
“You wake up on your own,” Jarrod joins in with, “When you have them?”
As Heath nods his head “And what about when you had them in the other places before you came here?” Nick wanted to know “Did you move about like that too?”
“Some,” Heath answers, “Some I couldn’t.”
“Why?” Nick asks.
Shrugging his shoulders, “Just couldn’t,” Heath replies.
“But” Jarrod asks “You did wake yourself on your own, when you had them?”
“I did,” Heath nodding his head answers.
“Do you think you could get back to sleep?” Nick asks.
“I could,” Heath answers
Replying “Come on,” Nick and Jarrod help Heath with getting back up on his feet. As he goes back over to his bedroll, Jarrod tells Nick he’ll stay with him until he falls asleep in which Nick says, “Yeah okay; I’ll be back up at the next round.”
“Next round?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“He has them throughout the night,” Nick informs him.
“I guess it’s going to be a long night,” Jarrod says.
“A very long night,” Nick then bids both Jarrod and Heath a good night and while he goes off to his room, Heath lies down while Jarrod decides to read to him another story.
As Heath holds onto the medallion in his hand and runs his fingers over it constantly, Jarrod opens up the book and as he reads to him the next story subtitled ‘Johnny’s First Snowstorm,’ he encourages Heath to close his eyes in which he does and upon reading the story he mentions that the boy in the book is a six year old.
He then asks of Heath, “Have you seen snow?”
“I have,” Heath admits.
“That was probably a silly question, now wasn’t it? I’m sure you probably seen your share of snow in your life,” Jarrod retorts before going back to reading the story. As he gets to various places in the story he stops and asks Heath questions about if his mother ever planted flowers or spent time in a garden in which Heath yawning responds, “Not too often.”
Jarrod then brings up, “I’m sure every woman likes planting flowers. I know Mother and Audra could spend hours in the yard fixing up the flowers.”
Resuming reading Heath once again begins closing his eyes. As Jarrod continues reading he doesn’t notice that Heath has finally fallen asleep. He continues reading until he finishes the story and then as he looks over at Heath and notices him sound asleep he covers him back up and says “Goodnight Heath” smiling down at him he quietly gets up and after placing the book on the table goes off to his room.
Two hours later while Jarrod and Nick are both sound asleep, Heath once again begins stirring about his bed and as he pushes the blankets off of him while tears are going down his face he begins yelling out, “No! No! No!” while hitting each side of the pillows with his fists, “Mama! Mama! Mama!”
Hearing him yelling out quickly arouses Jarrod and Nick from their sleep and as they exit their rooms they make their way to his side. Shaking him gently Jarrod and Nick call out to him, “Heath! Heath! Wake up, boy! Come on!”
After a couple minutes of shaking him, he finally starts to calm down and open his eyes. Talking softly to him “That’s it” Nick says as he runs his hand alongside of his head “Come on! Wake up. It’s alright, we’re here.”
Replying “I’ll be right back” Jarrod gets up and goes to retrieve a washcloth while Nick stays and says “You had another one of those nasty nightmares, huh?” as he sits up, he nods his head.
Returning with the wet washcloth “It’s okay Heath” Jarrod tells him as he washes his face down, “We’re here for you.”
“Sorry to be doing this,” Heath replies.
“Don’t be sorry Heath” Jarrod says, “That’s what we’re here for, to be here for you when you need us.”
“Right,” Nick adds “And Heath, having these nightmares isn’t your fault. We’re just trying to help you shake them.”
“I’ve been having them for a long time,” Heath notes.
“We know that” Nick points out “But you only came to us a week ago, getting rid of them is going to take some time but you’ll do it. It just may take a little while but that’s part of us being big brothers to you; being there for you when you need us to be.”
“Exactly” Jarrod then asks “Would you like to talk about them? I know you don’t want to but the more you talk about them, the more you get it out, the easier it will be for you to get rid of them.”
Shrugging his shoulders “I don’t know” Heath mumbles.
“Tell you what” Nick says “How about you trying to go back to sleep and maybe in the morning or sometime throughout the day tomorrow we will see if we could help you with talking about them. But if you still won’t or can’t we won’t pressure you, okay?”
Nodding his head, “Okay,” Heath replies.
“Now” Nick encourages “Why don’t you lie back and close your eyes?” doing as instructed Heath lies back down and closes his eyes. Turning to Jarrod “I’ll stay with him. You go on.”
Replying, “Yeah okay,” Jarrod goes back to his room.
Noticing the medallion Heath has, “Heath,” Nick asks, “What do you have there?”
“Medallion,” Jarrod replies, “Jarrod gave it to me.”
“Very nice,” Nick then asks, “Do you want me to tell you a story?”
“If you like,” Heath answers.
“If I like,” Nick says, “What about if you like?”
“No,” Heath responds, “Not like.”
“What do you mean?” Nick inquires.
“Had enough stories for now,” Heath explains.
“Do you like it that I stay with you?” Nick wanted to know with Heath answering, “Some yes, some not.”
“What’s that mean?” Nick asks.
“Um,” Heath says but then stops as he looks at Nick.
“Heath,” Nick inquires, “Does something bother you? Do you have something on your mind that you would like to talk to me about? I am here to listen.”
Swallowing hard, “You won’t get mad?” Heath asks.
“Not at all,” Nick says, “Talk to me, I want to hear, please.”
At first Heath is hesitant of talking.
“Heath,” Nick asks, “You’re not afraid of me, are you?”
“Not now,” Heath answers, “No.”
“Then talk to me” Nick insists “Tell me what is on your mind, what is bothering you.”
“I like” Heath replies “That you are here with me and that we are talking but I would like to sleep like you and Jarrod do.”
“You mean” Nick says “How we just go to our rooms and sleep?” watching as Heath nods his head “I thought you liked it when we stayed with you.”
“I did,” Heath states, “And I do but I rather just sleep without you here.”
“You will,” Nick says, “And up until a week ago you never had anyone here to help you when it came to the nightmares. You now have us.”
“I know,” Heath replies, “And I do like that, thank you.”
“No thanks are necessary,” Nick tells him, “Do you like sleeping in the dark?”
“That I don’t like,” Heath answers.
“Tell you what,” Nick says, “You do have the fireplace burning, is that enough light for you?”
“It is,” Heath answers.
“Very well” Nick informs him “I will go back to my room and let you go back to sleep. I’ll come back out when you have the next nightmare, okay?”
“Okay,” Heath then says, “Nick?”
“Yes?” Nick replies.
“I do like our talking,” Heath admits.
“You do?” Nick asks.
“I do,” Heath mentions, “For a long time not had anyone to really talk to, like how I am talking to you.”
“Somehow, I knew that” Nick informs him, “But you are no longer alone either, you have Jarrod, Mother, Audra, Gene, Duke and Silas to talk to any time of the night or day we are here for you.”
“And Bobby,” Heath brings up.
“And Bobby” smiling Nick says, “Sorry. You want to know something?”
Yawning “What Nick?” Heath asks.
“I like it that we could talk,” Nick confides, “I like it that you could feel comfortable enough to talk to me and I could talk to you,” watching as Heath yawns again then says, “How about we finish this later and try going back to sleep? If you should need me, I am right in there,” getting up.”
“I know” Heath replies.
After exchanging goodnights Nick goes back to his room while Heath lies there looking about before finally moving onto his stomach and as he is clutching the medallion tight in his hand he closes his eyes a few times and then falls asleep.
Two hours later, once again Heath begins moving about on the floor, yelling and crying out “Mama! Mama! Mama! No! No! No!” as he moves his head from side to side, he takes his hands and after hitting the pillow with them, starts kicking the covers off of himself. Alerting Jarrod and Nick, they both come out of their rooms and quickly go to him.
As Jarrod is shaking him gently and calling out to him, Heath resumes yelling out, “I be good! I be good! Please! No more!”
Jarrod shakes him gently again, “Heath, come on, Heath, wake up.”
Nick joining Jarrod says “Come on Heath” shaking him “Wake up, come on boy, you’re perfectly safe. Come on, wake up!”
After a couple of more shaking Heath begins to calm down and open his eyes. Looking up at first Jarrod to the right of him and then at Nick who is to his left, “Jarrod! Nick!”
“That’s us,” Nick replies with Jarrod adding, “We’re here.”
Shifting his position he apologizes to them as he sits up.
“Hey” Nick informs him “None of this is your fault” wiping the tears from his eyes “Get that through your head.”
“I try,” Heath says.
“Let me” Jarrod announces “Get you something to wipe your face down” getting up “Be right back” and quickly walks away.
“I know” Nick explains “A lot of this is new to you but you’re being with us is also new. We’re your big brothers and it’s our job to be there for you when you need us most. Even if it’s to help you with the nightmares that wake us throughout the night. Okay?”
“Okay” Heath replies. Just then Jarrod returns with a washcloth and as he is wiping his face down he asks, “How’s that Heath?”
“Good,” Heath answers.
“Do you” Nick asks “Think you could go back to sleep?’
“I could,” Heath replies.
“Then how about trying,” Nick suggests, “It’ll be morning soon and we have a long day of activities to be getting to, okay?”
As Heath nods his head “Okay” and begins repositioning himself, getting back in under the covers Jarrod asks “Would you like one of us to stay with you?”
Shaking his head, “No,” Heath replies as he runs his thumb over the medallion he is holding.
“He likes it,” Nick brings up, “When we are here with him but he doesn’t like it that we sit and watch him go to sleep, right?” glancing down at him.
“Right,” Heath answers, “I okay. I could sleep alone.”
“See?” Nick says with Jarrod asking, “You sure?”
“I sure,” Heath replies.
Slapping his leg, “Well alright,” Jarrod says, “You go back to sleep and if you need us we’re only steps away,” as he gets up.
And while Jarrod and Nick return to their rooms, Heath at first just lies there until he slowly begins closing his eyes and resumes going back to sleep.
Part 8-12
In the morning roughly 5:15 am, Heath opening his eyes looks about the room without getting up. Lying there he just patiently waits seconds later he lets out a sneeze. Minutes later he watches as Jarrod exits his room. Likewise catching sight of Heath with his eyes opened smiles down at him as he bids him goodmorning.
Jarrod then asks of him, “You sleep okay?”
Nodding his head, “I sleep okay,” Heath answers.
Jarrod then says “How about if you go and get dressed while I start making the coffee and then when you come out you could help me with making the breakfast? That sound okay to you?”
Replying “It does” Heath gets up and while he goes to get cleaned up Jarrod goes into the kitchen and after getting the coffee started he sets the table.
Back at the ranch Duke and Ciego exchange good mornings before Ciego says, “Won’t you por favor come to the barn for a moment, you need to see it.”
“What’s in there Ciego?” Duke wanted to know with Ciego replying, “Just come and see, you won’t believe your eyes.”
Going into the barn with Ciego Duke finds out what he means “You see, Senor?”
Nodding his head, “I do,” Duke answers.
Looking at the distraught mess from one side of the barn to the other, “I wonder who would’ve did this and why,” Ciego says.
“The why” Duke replies “I don’t know but the who, I have a pretty good idea. Excuse me,” as he quickly turns back around.
Following him out the door “Where you going Senor?” Ciego wanted to know.
“To follow my instincts,” Duke informs him and continues on up the walk leading to the front door of the Barkley’s mansion.
Up at Pine Lake, Heath comes out of the bedroom all dressed and cleaned up. As he walks into the kitchen Jarrod asks, “You ready? Nick should be waking up soon.”
“I am,” Heath replies.
Jarrod then has him assisting with the breakfast while he works on making the eggs, while he works on the bacon. Jarrod gives him thorough details to where to find everything from the skillet to the items needed including the butter etc.
Minutes later Nick comes out of the room and as he walks over to Jarrod and Heath yawning he bids them both good morning, in between stretching in which they both return the greeting while working on the eggs and bacon.
“Do you need any help with anything?” Nick offers.
“No,” Jarrod answers, “We have it. Why don’t you just sit down and wait patiently. You could start on the juice if you like or the coffee.”
“I guess,” Nick says, “I’ll start on the juice,” as he goes to take his seat.
At the Barkleys, upon hearing a knock at the door Silas opens it to find Duke standing there. After exchanging goodmornings and Duke asking to see Victoria Silas invites him in and while he waits there patiently Silas goes up the stairs to get her when she appears at the top of the landing.
After bidding her goodmorning he informs her about Duke wanting to see her. Immediately descending the stairs Victoria after bidding him goodmorning asks, “What brings you over here this time of the morning? Are you coming to check up on us?”
“Not exactly” Duke answers “Would you mind coming with me out to the barn for a moment? I need to show you something.”
“Now?” Victoria asks.
“Yes,” Duke informs her, “It will only take a moment.”
“Very well” Victoria then tells Silas “I’ll be right back” and quickly goes with Duke out the door.
Back up at the cabin after everything is on the table and on their plates the three of them begin eating. Seconds later Jarrod asks of Heath “How is everything?”
“Good,” Heath replies.
“Heath,” Nick joins in with, “How did you like making the eggs?”
“Fine,” Heath answers.
“Have you ever made over easy eggs before?” Nick wanted to know with Heath responding, “I have.”
“Do you have anything we could talk about?” Jarrod asks.
“Can’t think of anything,” Nick mentions, “Maybe it’s just too early in the morning to be thinking of anything to say.”
“Heath,” Jarrod asks, “What about you? Do you have anything we could talk about?”
“Not know,” Heath replies.
“Maybe” Nick suggests “We’ll think of something later when we’re more awake” as they continue to eat the rest of their breakfast in silence. Seconds later Nick says, “I have something I could bring up.”
“What’s that?” Jarrod asks.
“After we finish here” Nick suggests “How about we start the day off by doing some fishing?”
“That sounds like a great way to start the morning,” Jarrod notes.
“Heath?” Nick turns and asks.
“Sounds fine to me Nick,” Heath answers.
“Very good” Nick says and as they eat a few more bites Heath lets out a sneeze. Both Jarrod and Nick say “God bless you” in unison to him with Jarrod asking, “You alright Heath?”
“I’m fine,” Heath states.
“Well alright” Jarrod says “Just checking” as he looks over at Nick who both have the same concerned expressions on their faces.
While they continue eating their breakfast back at the ranch Duke is showing Victoria the mess in the barn. With her hand on her chest “Good gracious me” Victoria lets out “What happened here? Who would’ve done this?”
“Sorry to have to show this to you so early in the morning” Duke replies “But I thought you should know.”
“You’re right Duke” Victoria then asks “Do you know who is responsible for this?”
“I think I do” Duke answers.
Staring up at him, “Who?” Victoria asks.
“I don’t know the reason why,” Duke says, “But Eugene.”
“Eugene,” Victoria asks, “Eugene did this?”
“Pretty sure” Duke nods and mentions “I remember him doing this once before when Tom died.”
“Yes,” Victoria says, “I remember him doing that and right now he is angry enough to.”
“I’ll clean this Senora Barkley,” Ciego offers.
“No Ciego, thank you” Victoria replies “I want Gene to clean this up. I’ll have him take care of this when he comes home tonight from school. Duke thank you for bringing it to my attention.”
“Yes Senora,” Ciego says.
Replying “Excuse me,” Victoria quickly turns back around and walks out.
Back up at the cabin after the brothers have finished their breakfast and worked together with cleaning up the kitchen they grab their poles and tackle box and head outside.
As Victoria walks in the front door Silas entering the room asks, “Miz Barkley, is everything alright?”
“Has Gene come down yet?” she inquires.
“No Ma’am,” Silas responds, “Not yet.”
Placing her hand on the railing she calls out “Eugene” twice before doing it one more time in a rather but louder voice telling him “Get down here, this instance, young man.”
Coming down the stairs hearing her voice “Mother,” Audra asks, “What is it?”
As he reaches the top landing “I’m coming Mother” Gene says innocently.
“What in the world” she asks with a raised voice “Did you do out in the barn yesterday?”
“I,” he answers, “I imagine I got a little angry and couldn’t help myself.”
“Angry” Victoria barks “And that is how you take out your anger by making a mess?”
“No,” Gene answers, “At the time I did it, I just didn’t think.”
“You didn’t think is right” Victoria says “I don’t know what has gotten into you lately Gene, but that is no excuse for the mess you left outside in the barn. When you get home tonight you will go straight to the barn and clean it up, do I make myself clear?” raising her voice again.
“Yes Mother,” he replies.
“What kind of mess?” Audra asks.
“Never mind” Victoria then says “Let’s go have some breakfast” and quietly they move to the dining room.
Up at Pine Lake as the brothers reach the creek Jarrod asks of Heath, “Do you know how to use one of these?”
Heath shrugs his shoulders and then shakes his head.
“Didn’t,” Nick asks, “You say you caught fish out of water?”
“I have got fish,” Heath reiterates, “Out of water.”
“How would you do it,” Nick wanted to know, “Without using a pole?”
“Just go in,” Heath tells him, “And get it.”
“You mean,” Jarrod asks, “Just go in there the way you are?”
“Yes,” Heath replies.
“How about if we try it your way now” Nick suggests “And next time we will try it with a pole?”
“If you want to,” Heath replies.
“We want to” Nick says “This is mostly your outing, we’ll try it your way. Do you usually go in with your clothes on or without?”
“Some I do,” Heath replies, “Some I don’t.”
“Well then” Nick insists “Why don’t we take them off it may be easier and then while we’re at it we could work on your first swimming lesson?”
“Yes” Jarrod joins in with “We could kill two birds with one stone. Just leave your under shorts on, it’s best to be in the water as light as possible.”
Replying “I could do that” Heath followed by Nick and Jarrod begin removing their clothing.
As Heath is removing his shirt and revealing his backside both Jarrod and Nick looking go from big grins on their faces to wide open-frozen horror.
“Jarrod!” Nick quickly calls out with Jarrod replying, “I see it.”
Going over to Heath and grabbing hold of his left forearm “Heath” Jarrod asks “Where did you get those?” referring to the many scars on his back.
“Heath” Nick then joins in with “Who did that to you?” taking hold of Heath’s chin into his hand lifting it up a bit.
Looking over at Jarrod then at Nick “Uncle Matt” Heath answers “Aunt Martha, Wheeler, Deak, Carterson.”
“Carterson?” Jarrod and Nick both say in unison shocked as their eyes meet briefly.
“You were in Carterson?” Nick wanted to know.
“I was,” Heath states.
Kneeling down and looking into Heath’s eyes “How long were you there?” Jarrod asks while still keeping a firm but gentle grip on his forearms.
Grimacing “From when they took me there” Heath answers, “To when it was over and took me out of there.”
Joining Jarrod and getting down on one knee “Oh god Heath” Nick says placing his left hand on the back of his head, “I’m so sorry.”
“Oh Heath,” Jarrod adds compassionately running his hands up and down both sides of his head from the neck up.
“Heath,” Nick then asks, “You said the Wheelers did this to you too?”
“They did” Heath looking to Jarrod and then at Nick replies “It’s alright Jarrod; it’s alright Nick. I try be good, but I still be bad. It keeps my kind in line, you get used to it.”
Holding onto Heath in his arms “Heath” Jarrod says “You don’t ever have to get use to something like that,” in disgust but compassionately.
“Never Heath,” Nick adds, “You hear me? I don’t ever want to hear anybody trying to keep you in line again.”
As he nods his head, “Nick’s right Heath,” Jarrod says, “No one had any right doing this to you.”
“I be bad,” Heath mentions, “They teach me a lesson not to do again.”
“Heath,” Nick says, “You’re not that bad.”
“Heath,” Jarrod then brings up, “You’re one of us; you’re a Barkley now. We’re here for you at all times.”
“Right,” Nick replies, “Always.”
“Not know what to say,” Heath says.
“You don’t have to say anything Heath,” Nick tells him softly.
Carefully moving his hands down Heath’s arms, “Heath,” Jarrod says as he takes both of his hands into his, “I know you don’t want to talk about it,” looking up at him, “So we won’t press it, but how about if we go and do our fishing and then perhaps later, we could sit down and talk okay? Maybe by then you’ll want to. Okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
“Come on,” Jarrod encourages and going back to removing the rest of their clothing they proceed on to the water.
They watch in amusement as Heath goes into it and just looks at the fish swimming about underneath. Seeing one that he wants he puts his hands through the water and grabs it “See” he announces “Get fish out of water.”
“Here,” Nick says, “Let me try that,” as Heath releases it back into the creek.
Watching as Heath grabbed the fish Nick tries to do the same but ends up losing his footing and as Jarrod is laughing “You sure tried it Nick” tells him.
“Let’s see if you could do any better,” Nick says.
Going in and looking about at the fish swimming Jarrod reaches down and grabs it, “I got one,” he brags as he holds in up in the air so Nick could see.
“Show off,” Nick then says, “Jarrod,” thinking of an idea.
“What?” Jarrod asks.
“Look over there” Nick says looking over at Heath waiting to catch another one.”
Just then without warning as Jarrod is looking over water is swept into his face courtesy of Nick. Retaliating Jarrod releases the fish and grabbing a handful of water sends it in Nick’s direction getting him in the face.
Glancing over at Heath, “Jarrod,” Nick asks, “Should we try it?”
“Why not,” Jarrod insists, “We do want him to come out of his shell; let’s just be careful.”
Part 8-13
Placing his hand into the water Nick calls out to Heath who answers “Yes?” as he looks over at him. Nick then slowly pushes the water into Heath’s direction. Heath not knowing what to make of it just stands there looking and watching as the water comes up to him.
“Nick,” Jarrod says, “Let’s show him.”
“Heath” Nick tells him “Watch what we are doing” and as Heath watches what they are doing he sees Jarrod and Nick sweeping water into each other’s direction some of it hitting them in their faces.
Nick then slowly sends water into Heath’s direction. At first Heath doesn’t register it and just stands there letting the water hit him, but then as he watches Nick and Jarrod he slowly takes his hand and placing it in the water carefully sweeps it in Nick’s direction. Then as Jarrod follows Nick’s lead he patiently watches as Heath does the same “That’s it” Jarrod announces “You’re getting the hang of it, Heath.”
For a couple of minutes the three of them sweep water into each other’s faces with Heath picking up speed as he is catching on, “That’s the idea Heath,” Nick tells him as he continues picking up speed.
Just then without warning Heath loses his footing and drops into the water. Quickly going up to him Nick holds his hand out to him and as he takes hold of it Nick assists him back up on his feet, “You okay?” Nick then asks.
“I okay,” Heath answers.
“Heath” Jarrod suggests “How about we begin your first swimming lesson now?”
“What about the fishing?” Heath asks.
“We could go back to it afterwards” Jarrod says “The fish aren’t going anywhere, they’ll still be there.”
“Nick,” Heath brings up, “Didn’t get one.”
“Heath” Nick says “I don’t mind. And” shrugging his shoulder “If I don’t catch one, then I don’t catch one. What do you say?’
Sighing heavily, “Not know,” Heath responds.
Placing his hand on his shoulder, “Heath,” Nick says, “We’ll be right there with you every step of the way.”
“And,” Jarrod adds, “Right now, it’s not that deep. We’re in the shallow part of the creek.”
“Well,” Heath says, having mixed emotions.
“Come on,” Jarrod encourages with Heath replying, “Okay.”
“The best way to start” Nick demonstrates “Is to learn how to first breathe under the water. Heath, take a deep breath, then hold it and as you go under, clamp your nose with your fingers so water doesn’t get inside you. Think you could do it?”
“I could,” Heath replies.
“Let’s try it,” Nick says.
“Nick” Jarrod cuts in “Let’s show him. Now Heath, watch what we are doing.”
Demonstrating both Nick and Jarrod give him complete instructions of how to breathe under the water. Watching and following their leads Heath begins doing the breathing exercises they gave to him.
“That’s the way,” Nick encouraging says.
After doing it a few times “Okay” Jarrod brings up, “Now for the next step. Watch what I do.”
Keeping his attention on Jarrod Heath watches as he begins doing various swimming strokes using his arms, going onto his stomach, his back, moving on his left then onto his right, he then does a few kicks as he moves his position. Stopping, “You see how I did that?” he asks.
“I did,” Heath replies.
“Heath” Nick then says “Now watch me” and doing what Jarrod did Nick begins doing various positions and strokes after a few minutes of demonstrating “Here’s one other one you could try” showing him “It’s called the doggie paddle.”
Stopping and coming back out of the water, “Do you think you could do that?” Nick asks.
“Think I could,” Heath answers with uncertainty.
“Well,” Jarrod says, “Let’s give it a try,” and with that he begins giving him full instructions of what to do with Nick assisting him.
Getting cold feet as he looks to the water and then having second thoughts on it, “I not know,” Heath grimacing responds.
“Heath,” Jarrod informs him, “It’s not that deep, it only comes up to here,” showing him up to his mid-section, “We’re not going into the deeper water with you yet, just right here.”
“And,” Nick tells him, “We’ll be right here with you the entire time. What do you say?”
Nervously looking at the water and not sure about it grimaces and replies “Well, maybe this was a bad idea. Don’t think I could do this” and begins walking away from them.
“Heath,” comes from Nick calling him back.
Stopping in his tracks and standing there Heath turns around and as he is looking at Nick, Jarrod says, “Heath, you need to give us a chance. We’ll be right there beside you, all the way.”
Turning his attention to Jarrod “It’s too hard,” Heath replies, “I don’t think I could do it,” and continues on towards the land.
“Heath,” Nick calls to him again with Jarrod saying, “All you need is us.”
Stopping in his tracks again and watching as his gaze locks onto Nick’s and their eyes meet, “Heath,” Nick pleads, “For me; please Heath?”
“Please Heath,” Jarrod adds, “For me, for us?”
Pondering what to do Heath looks from one to the other studying them as Nick repeats, “Heath, please, for me?”
Constantly thinking over and over inside his head Heath watches as his eyes meet Nick’s and upon making his decision quickly runs towards them and as he makes a bee line for Nick’s open arms, “Thatta boy,” Nick tells him.
After a couple minutes of being in the water, “Don’t let go,” Heath pleads.
“We got you,” Nick tells him, “Easy; you have to stop trembling so much,” feeling him trembling.
“Sorry,” Heath answers.
“That’s alright Heath,” Nick says, “It’ll get better.”
“We’re right here with you,” Jarrod adding his voice to Nick’s replies while helping with supporting his stomach and legs.
After holding and supporting him for a couple minutes, “How you doing?” Jarrod asks of him who replies, “Good.”
While looking at the bottom of his feet that are showing Jarrod notices the scars on them and calling out to Nick who asks, “What?”
But quickly catching his attention and as his eyes meet Jarrod’s they both look to the bottom of Heath’s feet and exchange looks but don’t say anything and quickly taking his left hand Nick brushes the top of Heath’s head for a mere second.
After an hour has passed they decide it’s a good time to stop and go onto wading around a bit before resuming their fishing.
Wading about they notice the fish swimming about. As they move carefully Heath announces, “I see something.”
“What?” Nick asks.
“A crab,” Heath replies.
“You don’t want to catch that, do you?” Jarrod wanted to know.
Shaking his head, “No,” Heath mentions, “They not good to hold.”
“Indeed not,” Nick quips, “Let’s find something else,” and continue looking about.
As they move their feet go over small pebbles, rocks and broken twigs along their path. Spotting something hanging onto a branch of a tree, in the bushy area of the water, between a log and some weeds, “Here is something,” Heath announces.
“What Heath?” Jarrod asks.
Going over to it and retrieving it, “See,” Heath answers as he shows them what he is holding.
“I see it” Nick says “It’s a” looking at it “What is that?” he wanted to know.
“A walking stick,” Heath tells him.

“A walking stick,” Nick says, “Never heard of it,” taking a closer look at it.
“It’s related to praying mantis,” Heath mentions, “And grasshopper.”
“Where did you learn about that?” Nick asks.
“In war,” Heath answers, “One of the men I was with told me about it when we saw one.”
“How were the men that served with you?” Nick wanted to know.
“Good,” Heath mentions, “At times tell me hide, or take cover, don’t let them see you.”
“What happened to those men,” Jarrod inquires, “That you were with?” also taking a better look at the walking stick.
“Some died” Heath answers “Some I just never seen again, so don’t know what happened to them” putting the walking stick down and letting it run free.
Moving through the lake again and catching sight of a frog “Hey” Heath says “What-a-you know, here’s a frog,” reaching down to get it.
Watching him with it “You have a way of catching things Heath” Jarrod tells him.
“Not hard,” Heath replies.
“No” Jarrod then says “But it does take a little bit of patience, something you seem to have.”
“Want to hold him?” Heath asks.
Replying “I’d like that Heath,” Jarrod opens his hand. As Heath is depositing the frog, “Do you know when Nick was small he had his moments with catching frogs?”
“He did?” Heath asks.
Replying “Isn’t that right Nick,” Jarrod hands him the frog.
“You had your share of doing it too,” Nick says.
Replying “I didn’t say I didn’t” Jarrod then asks of Heath “Did you ever bring frogs home to your mama?”
“No” Heath replies “Picked them up, but let them hop back to where they go.”
“Heath,” Nick asks, “Would you like to take it back with us?”
“No,” Heath answers, “Let it go free.”
Putting it back down Nick catches sight of a turtle and quickly sweeping it up into his hands he shows it to Heath and Jarrod.
While petting it, “Turtles,” Heath mentions, “Have soft bellies.”
“That they do,” Nick answers softly, “Did you know that a turtle could live longer than any other creature on this earth?”
“No,” Heath replies, “Didn’t know that.”
“They could,” Nick brings up, “I heard they could live well over 200 years and some scientists believe 300.”
“Nick,” Heath asks, “How do you know that?” Heath wanted to know.
“I learned about it,” Nick tells him.
“In school?” Heath asks.
“Yes,” Nick replies, “Quite a few years back.”
Wading around some more they catch sight of a family of ducks which consists of a mother and 5 babies coming down their direction.
“Want to see something?” Heath asks of Jarrod and Nick who replies “Sure,” “Okay.”
Going further into the water “Watch” Heath tells them and very carefully allows the mother duck to come over to him and as he puts his hand out, the babies follow right behind “See?” as he pets the mother duck and allows her to check his hand out with the palm open very patiently.
Impressed “I see” Nick replies.
“Heath” Jarrod notes “You have a sweet nature about you. Animals just go right into your hand; they seem to know they could trust you.”
“Yes,” Nick adds “You seem to have a special magnetic approach.”
“Never hurt them,” Heath says.
“We don’t either Heath” Nick states “Unless there is a very good reason to do so.”
“But,” Jarrod brings up, “It is truly amazing how you could do that Heath.”
“I have to agree,” Nick says.
“Want to pet one of them?” Heath asks.
Replying “Sure” from Jarrod and “Okay” from Nick, Heath carefully takes one of the baby ducklings into his hand and after petting it hands one off to Jarrod and one to Nick and then picking up the last one he holds it for a minute or so.
After putting them back down and watching the family go back into the deeper water they resume their fishing. Returning to the spot they were in before Heath grabs a fish announcing, “I got one,” as it moves about.
As Nick tries to get one they each keep moving away as quickly as he grabs for it. Jarrod after a couple attempts, manages to get one and brags “I got one” happily holding it high enough for them to see. Heath reaches down and grabs a second one.
As he shows it off, “Very good Heath,” Jarrod praises, “Keep hold of it.”
Grouchily “I’m not about to let any old fish get the best of me” Nick barks and goes after another one he sees, but it moves as fast as he grabs for it.

Watching as Heath grabs a second fish “Heath” Nick wanted to know “How do you manage to do that?”
“Just do it,” Heath shrugs.
Getting discouraged, “Come here, you!” Nick barks as he goes after another that is swimming past him.
“Easy Nick,” Heath tells him, “Talk nice to it.”
“I’ll talk nice alright,” Nick grumbles, “Come here, you!” still going after it as it manages to jump out of his hand as fast as he reaches down for it.
“If you keep it up Nick,” Jarrod informs him, “You’ll scare all the fish away,” as he reaches down and grabs his second fish, “I got another one.”
“Good for you,” Nick retorts.
Catching sight of another fish swimming about Nick tries to grab for it and as he does it tries to wiggle away but keeping his hold on it he calls out, “Hey, I got one!” pleased with himself.
“Good Nick” Heath praises him with Jarrod adding, “You did that very well Nick.”
“I don’t know about that” Nick admits “This thing is still trying to get out of my hands.”
“You may have taken awhile to catch one but the one you just caught I think is bigger than any of the ones we caught,” Jarrod notes.
Looking at it further, “It looks to be,” Heath says.
Smiling from ear to ear “I guess it just shows you” Nick brags, “For those who wait could catch the biggest one.”
“I guess so,” Heath remarks.
“Do you want to catch more?” Jarrod asks.
“No” Nick answers “I think we have enough. Let’s take what we have now inside, get them ready and then after getting changed go for our hike. If we have time later we could always come and get some more, and perhaps show Heath how to use a fishing pole. How does that sound Heath?”
“Good,” Heath replies.
“Okay” Nick says “Let’s go inside the cabin” and with that they take the fish they caught, their towels and after wrapping themselves, Heath still following what Jarrod is doing, grab their clothing and boots and head for the cabin.
En route “I was thinking” Jarrod brings up “Why don’t we make a lunch and take it with us and while we eat we could enjoy a little hike?”
“Sounds good to me,” comes from Nick followed by Heath.
Replying “Good, let’s do it” Jarrod, Nick and Heath go inside the cabin.
Part 8-14
Inside the cabin they place the fish in a kettle of water, change into dry clothing and make their lunches.
Finishing, they go back outside and proceed on their walk through the mountains.
Catching sight of undergrowth they move past it and as they approach the crest of a hill they proceed on through it and as they walk around a series of large boulders they continue traveling about until they reach a stretch of green that is visible.
Stopping momentarily, “Heath,” Jarrod asks, “How do you like it so far?”
Admiring the scenery “Nice” Heath replies and as they continue on they reach a line of trees and as the vegetation on either side of the woods become dense they push their way through it and slow down once they’ve reached another row of trees, taking in all the scenery along the way.
Listening to the leaves rustling in the wind they hear some of the branches rubbing against one another. Continuing on into the woods they stop behind a huge tree and as they lean against the trunk they hear the sound of a twig snapping. Lowering his body to the earth and watching Jarrod catches sight of a deer and a baby deer walking by.
“Hey Heath,” Jarrod calls out, “Look.”
Replying “I see them” Heath does what Jarrod is doing and lowers his body to the ground and watches as they continue on by. Quietly Nick follows their lead.
Once they are out of sight they each get up and start moving towards the grass and skirting by any bushes or trees that is in their path. Reaching a clear field that is overlooking the creek “Why don’t we sit here and have out lunch?” Jarrod suggests.
“I’m all for that,” Nick answers, “Heath?”
“Sounds good Nick,” Heath replies, “Let’s.”
“Well,” Nick says to Jarrod, “You heard the man.”
Smiling, “I did,” Jarrod replies.
Looking for a good spot to sit down, they settle for a tree log that is between several bushes and overlooking the creek. Sitting between the two, Jarrod takes out the sandwiches and drinks they put together and passes them around. After each one has one, they start eating with Nick being first, then Jarrod and finally Heath. In between they casually watch for whatever floats down the water and catch sight of a couple of ducklings with their mother, while enjoying the cool breeze that is caressing their brows.
Enjoying the sandwich “Heath” Jarrod brings up “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”
“This” Nick adds “Is the second time in two days I had one; shows what we’ve been missing out on” watching as Heath is eating his “You really like them huh?” he asks.
“I do,” Heath replies, “Yes.”
“You mentioned,” Nick mentions, “You liked peanut butter, I guess you like it with almost anything and everything possible.”
“I do,” Heath admits.
“Heath” Jarrod queries “Are there any other likes you have besides the peanut butter?”
Shrugging his shoulders, “Not know,” Heath answers.
“Well” Nick brings up “You like margaritas, you like peanut butter and you like chocolate.”
“I do,” Heath answers.
“And” Jarrod brings up “If you noticed Nick” smiling as he looks over at him, “Likes marshmallows.”
“I did,” Heath states.
“Heath,” Nick asks, “Do you like eating us eating our lunches out here?”
“I like” Heath states “It’s like at the ranch and us having our lunch.”
“Sort of” Nick mentions “Only we are out here for fun and not going back to work.”
“That,” Heath says, “I not use to.”
“Yes I know,” Nick replies.
“Heath” Jarrod then asks “Are there any questions you like to ask of us? You have to try it sometime, now is as good a time as any.”
“I don’t know,” Heath answers.
“Come on Heath” Nick encourages “You must have questions. The only way to get the answers is to open up and ask them. Last night you did alright with telling me you wanted to sleep without us there with you.”
“I’ll try,” Heath replies.
“Take your time Heath,” Jarrod tells him, “We’re not going anywhere.”
As they quietly eat their sandwich and enjoy the cool breeze they watch the ducks as they flap their wings and continue floating down the creek. Minutes later Heath slowly but carefully asks “Did…did…did… Fa…ther build the cabin we are using?” as he looks over at Jarrod and then at Nick and watches as they patiently listen to his question.
“He did yes,” Nick answers.
“Heath” Jarrod goes on to say “Father owns this piece of land, it is sort of an extension to the property. We come up here every once in a while when we want to get away from the ranch.”
“Like,” Nick adds, “Now.”
“Oh,” Heath replies.
“Is there anything else you want to know?” Jarrod inquires.
Shaking his head, “No,” Heath replies.
“Well,” Jarrod says, “If you should change your mind, feel free to ask, we are here to listen.”
Thinking, “How,” Heath blurts out, “How do animals get their names?”
“I don’t know Heath,” Jarrod replies.
“What made you ask a question like that?” Nick wanted to know.
Shrugging “Not know” Heath replies, “You said ask anything; that is what came into my head.”
“We did at that” Nick says “So tell you what, how about if I try to find the answer out for you. That doesn’t mean I will, but I will try, okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
“I too” Jarrod brings up “Will see what I could do with finding out the answer for you, it may be awhile but if I do, I’ll let you know.”
They go back to eating their lunches quietly and watching as the ducks float by while also listening to the sound of the water.
“Heath” Jarrod then mentions “Tomorrow how about we do our fishing and swim in the morning, then take the horses and ride around a bit. That way we could give them some exercise while showing you some other areas of the lake that you haven’t seen yet.”
“I’d like that,” Heath replies.
After a couple more seconds of eating in silence Jarrod then says, “Heath, there is something I would like to ask you, but will wait until we finish our lunch first.”
“What Jarrod?” Heath asks.
“Let’s wait until we finish,” Jarrod insists, “I think it would be better.”
Replying “Sure” Heath continues eating while Nick looking down at the grassland catches sight of something inside the tall grass. With one hand holding his sandwich, he takes the other and reaches for it.
Picking it up, “Heath, look at this,” Nick announces.
Glancing over at it, “A grasshopper,” Heath answers.
Nick asks “Want to hold him?” and upon opening his hand, Nick carefully hands it over to him. After a second or two of holding it, it jumps out of his hand.
“They sure do like to hop,” Heath mentions.
“That they do,” Nick answers.
Once they’ve finished their sandwiches they go on to their fruit and then onto their pastries that Jarrod passes around. A few minutes later Jarrod asks of Heath, “How do you like them?”
Savoring it “I like fine” Heath comments “Very good.”
“Do you know,” Nick asks, “What they are?”
“No,” Heath replies.
“They are what are called” Nick informs him “Éclairs and cannoli’s.”
“Good,” Heath says.
“I’ve noticed you like your sweets” Nick points out “Anything with sugar in it like frosting on a cake.”
“I do,” Heath replies.
“You didn’t get to have many sweets,” Nick surmises, “Back in Strawberry?”
“No,” Heath states, “Just cake and maybe pudding.”
“Well, enjoy it Heath” Jarrod tells him, “Eat it in good health.”
Replying “I am” Heath is watched in amusement by both Nick and Jarrod as they continue enjoying their pastries. Once they’ve finished their drinks “How about” Nick suggests “If we just stay up here for a little bit and just take in the breeze and enjoy each other’s company?”
“I like that,” Heath replies.
“So do I” Jarrod then says “Good idea Brother.”
For a few minutes they sit there or rather lie there on their stomachs with their chins on their arms folded enjoying each other’s company while watching the family of ducks continue floating down the stream and listening to the crackling of the water.
Breaking the silence “Heath,” Jarrod then says, “Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?”
“No Jarrod,” Heath replies, “You ask,” looking over at him, “I tell.”
“Anytime” Jarrod says “You don’t want to talk or tell us anything, you let us know.”
“Remember” Nick brings up “You decide what you want to tell us and what you don’t. Alright?”
“Alright,” Heath replies.
“Oh,” Nick says, “One more thing to bring up Heath.”
“What’s that Nick?” Heath asks.
“We know a lot has happened to you before coming to us” Nick says “And you have a lot locked inside your head which you need to get out, which is why you’ve been having the nightmares all your life. All we could do for you is listen to you, we can’t change what happened, we are here for you though, we’re here to listen to you and to help you with shaking off the nightmares once and for all. Okay?”
“Okay,” Heath replies.
“And Heath” Jarrod adds “Anything you tell us that you want to be kept here just between us we will honor and respect your wishes. You ready?”
“I am,” Heath answers.
“Okay” Jarrod says “Let’s see how this goes. In my office” thinking of how he wants to begin “You mentioned that you worked for the Wheelers and you were taken there by a Mr. Wells and a Mr. Moore.”
“I was,” Heath replies.
“How did you travel?” Jarrod asks.
“Wagon,” Heath answers.
“They took you there by wagon?” Jarrod inquires.
“They did,” Heath replies.
“What happened when you arrived there?” Jarrod asks, “At the Wheelers?”
Watching as Heath begins to have a far-away look on his face they quietly listen as he swallows hard and slowly begins telling them, “Mr. Moore removed the rope and told me to start walking.”
“Rope?” Nick asks, “They had you tied up?”
“They did,” Heath replies.
“Why?” Nick asks.
Glancing down at the ground “They didn’t want me go far” Heath explains, “And I didn’t.”
Softly Jarrod asks, “Then what Heath?” compassionately.
“They left me with Mr. Wheeler,” Heath says, “And drove away.”
“Then what Heath?” Jarrod inquires.
At first Heath looks to Jarrod then to Nick and then back at Jarrod before looking back at the ground and saying, “Standing there, Mr. Wheeler had me turn around.”
With his brow narrowed, “Turn around?” Nick mimics.
“Uh-huh,” Heath answers.
“Why did he want you to do that for?” Nick wanted to know.
Shrugging his shoulders, “Not know,” Heath explains, “Just had to.”
“What happened after that Heath?” Jarrod asks softly.
Shifting his position Heath draws up his legs up to his chest and as he wraps his arms tightly around his legs placing his chin on his arms, he begins talking. Jarrod and Nick both shifting their positions facing him watch and wait patiently for Heath to tell them what took place “I would turn around, he would have this pointing stick and poke me with it” as he relives it he trembles slightly as he goes back to a time when he was 13 when it occurred “He would place it under my chin and move my chin up a bit, I guess he wanted to get a better look at my chin or my face. Not really sure. Wheeler came over to me, took a knife and ripped the clothes I was wearing off me.”
“He did that?” Nick inquires.
Nodding his head, “He did,” Heath answers.
“He had you standing there naked?” Jarrod asks.
Nodding again, “He did,” Heath repeats.
Where were your shoes Heath?” Nick wanted to know.
“Didn’t have any,” Heath states.
“Go on Heath” Jarrod urges “What happened then?” in a soft soothing voice.
“I was ordered to walk with Wheeler and Deak, they took me,” Heath swallowing hard continues, “Tied my hands to the posts that were attached to the barn.”
Quietly listening Nick opens his mouth and widens his eyes.
Softly “Heath” Jarrod says “Continue” shifting his position he places his hands on Heath’s back and gently runs them up and down in a circular, comforting motion.
Trembling Heath resumes “After tying my hands, Wheeler and then Deak each took turns…” Jarrod and Nick sit there listening with horrified expressions on their faces registering what Heath is saying. Stopping, Heath closes his eyes real tight and then as he stares ahead he once again has a faraway look on his face.
“Heath,” Nick asks softly, “Do you want to stop? You could.”
“No,” Heath replies, “I’ll go on. You want to know.”
“Are you alright with telling us?” Jarrod wanted to know sympathetically.
Nodding his head, “I am,” Heath answers.
Nick, coming over to Heath from the other side, takes hold of his left hand with his left and with his right does what Jarrod is doing, running it up and down his back in a circular comforting motion.

TBC