This piece is based on the updated movie works Duke family.
I do not own nor do I take part in anything about/of Dukes of Hazzard.
This chapter is a setup so don't expect totally Duke, I'm trying to get the reader acquainted with the girl. There will be more Bo and Luke!
Chasing Chase
My name is Chasey Adrian Duke and I'm 18. Applying for college has been a long and jagged road, especially with the piling applications. My home has varied, but the most recent is Hazzard, Georgia. For five long years my family has watched me grow and mature from a confused and torn girl into a daring and bold woman. Now, what so far has sounded like rambles to you means everything in the world to me. Because without knowing my once nine year old self lost her second mother, and was banished to 4 years in foster home. No family notes, no distant relatives, just a last name.
At twelve years old I held an outstanding twenty two escape record. This was the deciding factor to open my file and dig for a permanent placement. My blood was traced far back to a small country town which meant nothing to me. As far as I was concerned future was a dirty word. Because telling a child that spent a year in juvenile detention center with a ten year probation sentence they had a chance in life was like spitting in their face. Besides, my nickname held all...Chase. The cops gave it to me, deemed it fitting. Used to be funny, but now it makes me stronger.
The third of June, 2000, the news came that I was to leave my exciting street life and enter the country. Social workers resurrected my brother and uncle. I was packed and on a Grey Hound Bus in one hour, reached Hazzard in six. It was my 13th birthday, but nobody noticed.
Upon entering Hazzard County the first thing I noticed was a seemingly large man in a white decked out suit, along with his squirrly companion who seemed to hold high importance, the sherif. Boss Hogg and Roscoe P. Coaltraine were their names, and chasing Dukes was their game, but I didn't know this yet. No, I was lost in my own thoughts not listening to the lady escorting me and giving the prize information on my family. My long brown hair splashed in my face, wiping away tears. What should've been the happiest moment of my life turned bitter. Because I was thinking about Derrick. Derrick Holmes was as hopeless as me. We met in lock down, right before our court dates. All I could even think about was his green eyes and smooth grin. My plan was to write him, but that never seemed to work out.
The rent car tore down through a old dirt road taking me farther and farther from a real social life.
"These people are very kind Chasey, I know you'll enjoy it." I looked up at the woman. She held too dark of lipstick and a orange tan.
"Yeah, they always are. Tell me something, how long will I be living here?" My questions were usually awkward or possessed no answer, which is why I found no amusement in her perky grin.
"Oh sweetie, you'll be staying here for good. Your brother is 21 and considered a legal guardian." My scowl seemed to upset the woman. "Listen kid, my job is to drop you off and go out with a positive attitude. Just remember you almost didn't make it here. Seems that brother of yours carries probation as well. Along with a certain cousin." That contained some of my appreciated humor.
After ten minutes of silence we finally pulled up in front of a farm. The place seemed nice, with a white house and two of the coolest cars I ever saw in my life.
"Perfect" said the woman and popped what seemed to be an aspirin. Jerking my arm she led me up the gravel driveway and onto the porch. Nobody stirred to my coming nor did I sense a presence around. Now, in no way was I religious until that very moment. I prayed with all my heart it was a sign from God to send me back to the orphanage, but it turned to be the exact opposite.
Barn doors burst open and produced two strapping men. One blonde, one brunette, followed by an old greying man and a beautiful girl. They had been hard at work on something and didn't want to be found. But here I was, like an arrow through the back. Was I a bit standoutish? Hell yeah. I was clad in heavy mascara, deep dark eyeliner, blood red tank top, belt dangling black capris, and BAM skating shoes. I started to cry.
"Come on Ms. Whoever-the-hell-you-are, you can't be serious. How can you leave me with these people?" I stood waiting for a response.
"Young lady, apologize right now. This is your family!" The social worker filled with anger and embarrassment.
"No, this is the Beverly Hillbillies. Now take me home!" I sobbed loudly as she quickly headed to her car and sped out. I screamed in horror.
"Screw you! How dare you! How can you just leave me..." I hit my knees hard. The Georgia dirt covered my clothes and bag. In a place so crowded with people who loved me I felt so alone. My soul seemed to shatter. Then, from behind, a strong and supporting hand hit my shoulder. I turned to meet a pair of blue eyes, the same color as my own.
"Honey, you gonna stay in the mud all day or would you like to get up and give us a chance?" He helped me up. I swayed from exhaustion.
"Whoa, easy there child, now, what's your name?" He led me around to a solitary place. It was me and him, and I felt less of a target.
"Chasey...friends call me Chase." A bright smile protruded from his southern face, followed by his charming accent.
"Well Chase, my name's Luke. I'm your brother." I felt guilty immediately, but questioned further.
"Who's the others?"
"Well, you should probably meet them yourself. There's Bo, he's the blonde. Then Daisy, guess who she is? And Uncle Jesse, old man. We've been expecting you, fixed up the summer room and everything." That part didn't faze me.
"Who's orange car?"
"You know, I was expecting more important questions."
"Well I was expecting less country wild flowers but I guess God has his slow days." He grimaced. I learned quickly that to see Luke frown meant nothing but pain.
"I'm sorry Luke, for everything. Funny, huh? I've been here less than ten minutes and I've already had to apologize."
He smiled, "That's the Duke in you. Besides, you need to be worried about Uncle Jesse tanning your hide. Watch the language around here, we're Christian folk and nothing less. Now, the car belongs to me and Bo. It's called General Lee. Made for racing and nothing less."
He picked up my duffle bag and offered a hand.
"Can I stay here a little while longer, I just don't feel ready to move on." Luke wanted to understand, but knew there was only one way to do it.
"Listen Chase, I know you're probably missing your Mama more than ever right now. That's ok, but you got to realize it's not the first time. I was eight when our parents died, I came to live with Uncle Jesse and you went with our Aunt Margaret. You know her as a mother. But she's gone now honey." Tears swelled in my puffy eyes.
"But she didn't have to be..."
"What do you mean hon..."
"She killed herself dumbass! Slit her wrists! I know, I found her! Since that day my life has been one big blur and I was enjoying it. Things went too fast for me to take reality seriously. And now, it's like I hit a brick wall. It's all here, and I can finally say she's...gone...she left me...but why?" you guessed it, once again I cried. An emotional dam had broke inside me. My reactions were switching quickly, like I had no control over the shell I was in. Luke tried to hold me, but I began to kick and flail. That's what brought Bo around the house, and that's what caused my fainting. Because when a person receives so much shock there's only one way to escape. Unconsciousness.
I awoke around midnight with a heavy migraine. Looking in my jeans pocket it was noticed someone had found my stash. Cursing under my breath I pulled on a CKY t-shirt and shorty shorts. The thick night air was cool and refreshing. Finding peace wasn't so hard to do. I sat on the old wooden steps and softly began to sing. Suddenly the floor boards began to creak and a curly head poked through.
"Promise not to pass out, I'll gladly give ya some company." It was Bo in his old white shirt and faded blue jeans. I nodded yes. He rushed to my side and strangely sat down Indian style.
"Well, we're cousins I reckon." He felt weird talking to me, or maybe just guilty. Either way I let him ramble on. "Luke is probably expecting me to set a good example, so let's make a deal. If you promise not to utter a word I'll take you for a fast ride in the General and have us home before sunrise."
I laughed, "When can we go?"
"Right now darlin, load up!" Bo made a streak across the foggy field. I paced my weak legs and headed to the passenger's side. Bo wrapped his arms around me and explained.
"The doors are welded shut. For racing, ya know? Nobody can get in right the first time." I wiggled myself free from his grasp and smoothly settled into the seat.
"Well I'll be, no doubt you're kin." He grinned and fired up the engine. The roar from the hood seemed like music. I swayed with the thunder of metal grinding and instantly felt at home. Bo told me stories of the escapes with the law. Explained why Luke and him received probation. And I opened up as well. You see, with Bo I felt comfortable. He had no room to judge anyone and that was a comfort zone.
"Hey Bo," I said.
"Hey Chase. What's on your mind girl?"
"What happened to your parents?"
"Oh, their both dead, so's Daisy's. Uncle Jesse has raised us three and did a damn good job at it. Give this family a chance Chasey, you might be shocked at what you discover."
"I already am. Bo, one more thing. Does Luke have a girl?"
The blonde man laughed hard."On and off. You see, me and him have a few sweethearts apiece. We draw the ladies and Daisy draws the Daddy's off our backs. With you around, we might stay clear of the brothers."
"I doubt that, punk and country don't mix. Besides, I already have a boy."
"Oh really?"
"Really, but he's a long way from Hazzard. Besides, nothing but childhood dreams." I sighed. Bo reached over and gently smoothed a stray tear I had not noticed. He was kind my fair cousin, and much more of a teenager compared to Luke. I instantly grew fond of him.
"So," he said, "before we get home you gotta promise and tell."
"Promise and tell? What's that supposed to mean."
"Well, promise not to confess my mild mouth and tell who the hell is CKY?" I laughed the rest of the way home. Hey, notice that word? Home.
Morning came all to early for me. The smell of bacon and strong coffee entwined with my senses. But between the cool cotton sheets and warm sun I had no urge to end this rest. Daisy came and rose me from bed. She was sweet, but no nonsense.
"Come on now Chase, you have to get up. I already laid out an outfit from your bag, I hope it's ok." It was more than ok. She had given me a pair of her black shorts and a HIM concert shirt. Maybe they could accept my fashion attire. As I walked into the kitchen Uncle Jesse whistled. Bo grinned and Luke frowned.
"Daisy, what you doing giving my sister a pair of your shorts?"
"Oh, Luke shut up and finish your breakfast. Chasey honey, what do you want?" I was still a bit shy, especially since my burst from yesterday.
"Oh, just some toast and coffee." Uncle Jesse eyed me.
"Daisy," he said, "fix her up a plate of eggs as well. She looks pale in the face." The old man was kind. They all were. So, for the first time in my life, I felt really and truly loved.
"Uncle Jesse, Daisy, Bo, Luke, I'm so sorry for yesterday. It's just..." And a plate was set in front of me.
"Eat up darlin." Daisy smiled. And there it was. I was a Duke.
Next chapter will be more focused on Luke's point of view. Reviews always welcomed!