Growing Up McCullough
Chapter 1: Growing Family Growing Pains
The McCullough clan had been home for three months and everyone was adjusting well, or so Flint thought. It was Mary that knew different. Samantha was still having tantrums and Benjamin, though doing well on appearance, was growing quieter. He, Mark and Barney seemed to get along well, but the boy's problem ran deeper than just 'fitting in'. Mary couldn't put her finger on it. For now she'd just watch, but if things didn't improve soon, she would have to talk with Flint.
Brooke who'd been shy and stand offish at first, now chattered non-stop. Flint showed attention to both little girls, but Mary could see that Samantha was resenting having to share her daddy's lap. She didn't resent the two brothers as much, and Benjamin; he was just another ranch hand to her and she was a big sister to Hunter. She liked to do lots of thing to help take care of him. Brooke, however she was five just like her; and it seemed; just not fair.
Saturday morning, Mary quickly climbed the stairs to put Hunter down for a nap. She needed to get started on the family's laundry. She'd have to hurry to get it on the line and then get dinner started. She kissed the sweet boy in her arms and laid him down gently. Before, turning and heading back down the stairs, she heard the unmistakable shriek of Brooke.
"Now What!" Mary hurried to the top of the stairs, then sighed as she watched Flint pick up Brooke, land two quick swats to her bottom and stand her in the corner near the fireplace, before turning and scooping up Samantha and wipe away her tears.
"Brooke bit me daddy. She bitted me hard," wailed Samantha.
"I see," said Flint raising her arm and placing a kiss over the bite mark.
Mary continued down the stairs confused. She was sure that it was Brooke that she heard scream. She stopped next to Flint reaching out and taking Samantha from him, before crossing to the settee.
"Let me see baby," there was a perfect ring of teeth. But wait; what Brooke was saying? Mary turned her attention to Flint who had knelt in front of the fireplace and turned Brooke to face him.
"Brooke, do you know why daddy spanked you?" he asked as he helped her wipe her eyes.
"Daddy, not happy; daddy spank," answered Brooke.
"That's right, Mommy and Daddy are not happy when you bite, biting hurts" admonished Flint.
"But s...h...e b...i..ted... me ffir...s...t dd...addy..." Brooke answered between hitched breaths; tears dripping from her large almond eyes.
Mary used her fingers to pick up Samantha's face. "Did you bite your sister, Samantha?" she asked sternly.
Samantha shook her head 'no' vigorously, but Mary could see the guilt in her eyes.
Flint was asking another question. "Where did she bite you? Sweetheart," he asked lifting Brooke's chin so he could look into her eyes.
"Right here," answered Brooke pointing to the right cheek of her bottom.
Flint leaned her over his raised knee before lifting her dress and sliding her cotton bloomers down. Sure enough there it was a very plain ring of teeth and the impression was deep. Samantha had bitten her hard. Flint pulled her bloomers back into place and lifted her into a hug.
"Daddy's sorry that Samantha bit you, but sweetheart even if someone bites you, I do not want you biting them back," said Flint in a very stern tone.
"Yes, daddy," answered Brooke scrubbing at her eyes.
"Good girl. Now Brooke, I want you to stay right here with mommy, while Daddy and Samantha have a talk. Flint stood taking Samantha by the hand and lead her to his office and then closed the door. Flint sat down in the large leather chair before manoeuvring Samantha to stand right in front of him.
"Samantha, I am very disappointed in your behavior. You did two very wrong things just now. First you bit your sister. You and I have talked about biting before, haven't we?" Lectured Flint.
"Yes, Daddy but she was gonna tell on me, and she bitted me and it hurt," answered Samantha as tears started to well in her eyes.
"Samantha, what have I told you about biting?" repeated Flint returning to the issue at hand.
"Not to, cause it hurts," she answered.
"That's right! And what did I tell you would happen if you bit anyone ever again," continued Flint.
"But daddy, no I don't want a spankn'! It will make me sad," she argued stamping her foot.
"Young lady that will be enough stomping. You did something else that makes daddy very sad, can you tell me what you did?" asked Flint reaching out and tilting her head up so he could see her eyes when she answered.
"No? Sir I'm sorry I bitted Brooke, though," she said, looking at him with her saddest eyes.
"When mommy asked you if you bit Brooke, what did you say?" asked Flint in a firm but calm voice.
"I telled her No, like this," she answered shaking her head from side to side.
"Was that the truth?" he asked.
"No sir," said Samantha tears starting to flow, she knew that daddy did not like it if she didn't tell the truth.
"Samantha, why did you lie to your mommy?" he asked tilting her head once more.
"Daddy, I am sorry. I will hug Brook and tell her I am sorry," replied Samantha.
"I'm glad you are sorry, but that didn't answer my question. Why did you lie to your mommy?" he said a little more sternly.
"Cause I didn't want mommy to be sad. I'm sorry daddy..."she answered starting to cry.
"Samantha, you know that you are always to tell the truth. And you are never to bite. I know that you don't want a spanking. I don't like having to spank you," said Flint.
Flint lifted the front of her dress and untie the string of her bloomers.
"No daddy..." she pleaded as Flint lifted her and placed her face down over his lap, after baring her small bottom. It didn't take long for Flint's hand to turn her bottom bright red. Samantha was crying loudly, as Flint finished the spanking and pulled her bloomers back up. Flint gently picked her up and sat her on his lap rubbing circles on her back until she'd calmed.
"Look at me Samantha."
Samantha turned her tear streaked face around to her father and looked up at him.
"Daddy loves you and I want you to do what's right. So the next time you get angry at Brooke; instead of biting, maybe you can come and talk to your mommy or me. And we can help you work things out and none of us will have to be sad."
"That's a good idea," hiccupped Samantha. "Cause my bottom hurts when you are sad," she added seriously.
Flint tried not to smirk. "You just remember that the next time you think about telling a lie. Now, how about we go out and find you mommy and Brooke, and you can tell them you are sorry!"
~oOo~
Later that night, Mary and Flint lay in there bed, thankful for a few minutes to spend alone.
"Mary, I know that things have been busy, even chaotic, and the girls are having a time of it, to say the least, but how do you thinks things are going?'" asked Flint.
Mary thought for a minute before answering, not wanting to add to Flint's worry or work load.
"Honey, the children are adjusting. Sure; things are not perfect, but I've finally caught up on the sewing and the boys seemed to be getting along well. Samantha and Brooke are bound to adjust soon. I think Samantha's biggest problem with not wanting to share, is that she doesn't want to give up being the baby girl of the family. We'll all just have to work a little harder to help her adjust," answered Mary.
"Speaking of adjustments we are just going to have to make some changes down stairs. We need more room, what with six children still at home and one on the way. We're busting at the seams."
"A bigger dining room would be nice, but we can manage; four new children will be expensive," argued Mary content to just snuggle with her man.
"Nonsense, we're doing fine, but there will be some stress and mess to endure. If you would rather I could wait until after the baby comes," said Flint kissing the top of her head.
"No, if you're sure we can afford it start when you're ready. I've got to get busy sewing and shopping for Christmas. It would be nice to have a large enough dining room to have Charlie and Bill and Barney all here for Christmas dinner," answered Mary not bothering to hide her excitement.
"Now, Mary you are not to run yourself ragged. I want you to rest at least one hour every day while the little ones are napping. I don't want you tugging, lifting and a pulling. There are plenty of young boys around for the heavy stuff. And when the baby comes, I think we should hire someone to help you with the children. Samantha's in school, but Brooke will be home at least until next term and what with two babies, and the boy's and me to look after. I don't want you tiring yourself out," rambled Flint, fretting that too much stress might cause complications with the baby.
"Flint don't be ridiculous; I'll be fine. I can handle the house and the children, and I can do it without a nap or a nanny. You're treating me like I'll break," complained Mary, interrupting what she felt was a lecture.
"Mary, I'm not being ridiculous. I want you to rest and take some time for yourself each day, or else!" growled Flint sternly, still worried that too much stress might cause her to lose the baby.
"Or ELSE! Or else; what!" Mary jumped up, flinging the bedclothes aside she got out of bed and crossed her arms. "I'm not a child and I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions and looking after my children and my house!" spat Mary turning angry eyes on him.
"Mary, be reasonable; I'm just trying to do what's best for my family. I didn't mean to upset you. Now, please calm down and come back to bed," suggested Flint almost pleading.
"Me be reasonable? It's you, who thinks I have to be handled like a china doll. The doctor said; I'm fine; the baby's fine. Now, there's no reason I can't look after my family and my home," huffed Mary as she turned with both hands on her hips.
"Alright, alright, you win. Just please simmer down and come back to bed, by love," pleaded Flint, deciding that he would have to give in, or she would be even more stressed. He'd have to come up with some other way to give her the help and relaxation, he still believed she needed.
Just one afternoon recess a week later...
Benjamin found himself hopping from behind one barrel to the next trying not to be spotted by Luke. Luke darted across the dusty street and into a large rock building. Benjamin hurried so as not to lose his brother. Ben jogged across the street and through the front door just in time to see Luke's back disappear up a narrow staircase. Benjamin crouched low, being careful not to let Luke see him. He was very confused; Luke seemed to be watching a bunch of men stand around arguing, who did and who did not steal Mr. Hues' cattle. Why would Luke sneak away from school and risk trouble with Father just to hide in this dusty old room and watch men argue? Benjamin shook his head and slipped back down the stairs he needed to get back to school in time to get the assignment from John, he thought as he took off at a trot.
Miss Parker was busy copying several math problems into the board for the older students. "Jamie, why don't you come up front and show the others how to solve this problem? Homer, you may come up and work this problem," she said as she turned glancing out the window. Her eyes went wide. "Benjamin McCullough you come in here right this minute," she shouted causing the whole class to snicker. "QUIET! Homer, please explain how you got your answer," she said walking down the aisle toward the back of the room.
Benjamin opened the door with a look of shame on his face, dropping his eyes to the floor.
"You will stay after class and explain where you have been. Now take your seat," snapped Miss Parker.
"Yes Ma'am," he answered as he moved to take his seat.
"That's correct Homer; six thousand seven hundred and ninety four divided by twenty is three hundred thirty nine with a remainder of seven. Now class, I want you to copy the rest of the problems from the board and when you have done that you are dismissed.
Jamie let out a huge sigh and put down his chalk glad that he had not been ask to explain his problem.
Outside the School House, just a little before three...
Luke ran for his horse; he had to get back to the school yard in time to figure out whether or not Sammy had noticed that he did not return from lunch recess. It would be hard for Sammy to tattle on him without getting herself in trouble, because she sat in the front of the room and he sat in the back. But, if Miss Parker asked if anyone knew where he was, he'd be toast for sure, if Sammy was to repeat his absence to his parents. Luke untied Thunder and made a dash for the corner of the lot where he always waited for Sammy.
When the Bell rang signalling dismissal, John was the first to catch up with Luke. "Boy, you're lucky; Miss Parker caught your brother coming back and made him stay after school. Here's the assignment for both of you. Do you think he will squeal on ya?" asked John glancing back over his shoulder to see if the others were coming yet.
"Benjamin, what was he doing outside? Asked Luke, surprised to hear that bookworm Benji, as the other boys called him, was in trouble for skipping class.
"I don't know. All's I know is one minute Miss Parker was a writin' problems on the board and the next she was a calling him to come in this minute," answered John, passing Luke the paper.
"Thanks John, I owe ya one, and don't you worry about my brother Ben, he and I have a plan for covering for one another. It's Sammy running home and telling Mom or Dad that I'm worried about," said Luke looking nervously around for his little sister.
"Speaking of little sister's; here comes mine. I better get going before she tells my pa I was lollygagging' and a wastin' time when he told me to come straight home. See you tomorrow," called John as he headed off down the road.
Luke climbed atop his horse and reached down just as Sammy ran up to him.
"Luke, did you hear Mrs. Parker she made Benjamin stay after school; should we wait for him?" asked Sammy, as she gave Luke her arm and let him pull her up on the horse in front of him.
"No Sammy, we gotta hurry on home, so I can start chores. Sammy can you keep a secret?' asked Luke giving his horse a little kick.
"Sure, if it's a good secret. Why are we hurrying home; what's the secret?"
"Benjamin, just went outside to get some fresh air. If you don't tell mom or dad, I'll give you that licorice whip I've been saving," said Luke crossing his fingers.
"It will be our secret," said Luke.
"But Luke, Mommy and Daddy said we have to be good in school; we are not aposta' give Miss Parker any trouble and we're no aposta' leave school, not until Miss Parker says dismissed."
"I know Sammy, but just this one time; let's not tell on Benjamin, please. It will be your first big kid secret.
Around Four-Thirty Back At The Ranch...
Benjamin finished shovelling the muck into the wheelbarrow and was busy tossing fresh hay into the stall when Luke came into the barn.
"Where did you go today? Sammy said Miss Parker kept you after school!" asked Luke, being careful to keep his voice down.
"Where did I go, where have you been going for the last three days?" retorted Benjamin before adding, "And don't you go telling Father about my having to stay after school," said a suddenly grumpy Benjamin.
"I won't, I won't! I even promised Sammy a licorice whip if she wouldn't tell. I can't tell you where I been going, but I ain't doing nothing bad. I can't say what, but it ain't bad I promise.
"If it ain't something bad, why can't you tell me? Father says I am big brother; I have to look out for you," said Benjamin in a stern tone.
"Listen Benjamin, I just have to skip school one more afternoon then my… a...research...yeah, research will be complete. Please don't tell dad, please," pleaded Luke.
"Tell, Tell what!" shouted Sammy suddenly appearing in the open barn door.
"If you got a secret, I won't tell. I'm a big kid now; right Luke? I can keep a secret," boasted Sammy jumping up and down in front of Luke.
Luke rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders at Benjamin. "I guess we'll have to tell her," Luke winked as he stooped down in front of Sammy. "Now, Sammy this is a really big secret, you can't tell or Mark will get in big trouble, so you have cross your heart and promise not to tell," instructed Luke.
"I cross my heart promise, tell me the secret," she said as she crossed her chest with her fingers just like Luke had done.
"Yesterday at lunch, I saw Mark kissing Erin behind that big tree in back of the General Store and he was kissing her right on the mouth," said Luke clicking his tongue and shaking his head as if it were the most shameful thing.
"Um mm..." gasp Sammy covering her mouth as he eyes bulged.
"Now remember, you can't tell, it's out secret. You better run on in and set the table for Mom, so you can sit in dad's lap and read to Hunter before Brooke gets your spot."
That did it Sammy was off like a shot. No way was Brooke getting her spot.
"And that big brother is how you get pesky little sister out of your hair," smirked Luke proud of how fast he had come up with the cover story.
"But you tell, lie? Father say never tell lie," said Benjamin grabbing the handles of the wheel barrel.
Luke fell into step beside him and began to explain. "You've never had a little sister, and you're right it's never a good idea to lie to a grown up, or most, especially to dad. But little Sisters; they're different. We have to keep her confused and mixed up, thinking she knows something bad on us or she might just go blabbing to mom and dad about us not being at school," said Luke hoping all the secrets would make it through supper.
"I must think. You not tell me where you go, you tell Sammy secret; a lie so she not tell father. I stay after school, so I not tell that you skip school. You say you not do bad thing, but you not want father to know and you not tell me," this sounds like big trouble to me..." muttered Benjamin out loud as they walked.
"I know it sounds bad, but it'll all be over tomorrow. I can't tell you or you would have to lie to dad and if he finds out I been skipping, and then you lied about it… well I don't want you to get a switchin' because of me; just please don't tell," beseeched Luke.
"I think…If not bad, you should tell father and save us both trouble. You say you lie to sister and not tell me, because you not want father to use switch on me. I think you know if father find out he will be angry and use switch on you. I not tell if he not ask, but I not lie. If he ask; I think I get big trouble if he finds out I not tell him you not at school," rationalised Benjamin as best he could as he gave Luke a frustrated look.
"It's a deal, I'll take my chances, now if Sammy just stays quiet," said Luke letting out a long sigh. Let's get washed up I'm starved.
Around The Supper Table that night...
"But dad everyone else is going," complained Mark as he passed the mashed potatoes to Benjamin.
"Just who is this everyone, your keep referring too?" asked Flint as he dipped into the green beans.
"Jason, and Ricky, Barney, and Gary. Pleessseee dad, you've just gotta let me go; we'll only be gone two days; three, tops," pleaded Mark.
"Are you sure that Bill and Ty are letting Barney and Gary go hunting for an injured cat; could be mighty dangerous," said Flint as he cut a bite of roast beef.
"Well, no sir, but they will if you say yes. We're all good shots and we know to be really careful and stay together," added Mark pleading his case.
"That's what I thought! Sorry son, but my answer is still no. There are plenty of grown men out hunting that cat. There's just no reason for you boys to risk getting hurt. You just plain don't have enough experience," countered Flint.
"But Dad, that's not fair, how we are ever going to get experience if you won't let us go?" argued Mark almost yelling.
"First son, you need to simmer down, and secondly it's not being fair, I'm concerned with. You boys are two young to go on that kind of hunt alone. Wild cats are unpredictable enough in good health, this cat has to be caught in a trap and shot. He's bound to be in pain. He's killed livestock and…"
"Dad, we know all that, but you're forgetting Jason and Ricky have hunted big cats before," argued Mark.
"Mark, that's enough. You heard your father, now shush and eat your supper," injected Mary wanting some more pleasant talk at the table.
"You're always taking his side; He's not my father. My father would have understood," snorted Mark as he jumped up and ran out the back door.
Everyone at the table froze. Mary stared at Flint knowing that Mark's words had to sting.
"He didn't mean that, dad. He's just mad because he didn't get his way," said Luke glad that Mark's argument had kept the conversation away from him and school.
"I know that son, everything's alright, let's all finish eating. I'll give him some time to calm down, then I'll have a go at talking to him again," said Flint.
~oOo~
Barney stepped out the back door of the bunkhouse to dump the dish water just in time to see Mark threw a rock. It caught the corner of the bunkhouse porch and crashed through the window right next to where Barney was standing. Mark ran off toward the creek. Barney leaned down and grabbed the rock quickly tossing it away.
"Barn, you okay I thought I heard glass breaking!" shouting Charlie running out the back door in a flurry.
"Yes sir, I'm fine. I… ahh… just a tripped and my elbow hit the window. I'll pay for the window," answered Barney figuring that Mark looked like he had enough trouble for now.
"Ain't worried about the window, did you cut your elbow?" asked Charlie concern showing in his voice.
"I'm fine, didn't even tear my shirt, see..." responded Barney poking out his elbow toward Charlie.
"That's good. If you're finished with the dishes, I'm willing to whip you in a game or two of checkers," he said with a grin.
"Sure thing, just let me run out back and feed this to the pigs," answered Barney reaching over to hang the dish pan on the wall.
"Fine Barney, just let me know when you get back," said Charlie as he turned and went back inside.
As Barney made his way to the pig pen, he caught sight of Mark slumped down against the big oak. He flung a rock and watched the ripples in the water. Barney dropped the bucket and ambled over.
"Can't be all that bad, wanna talk?' Asked Barney flinging a rock of his own as he dropped down on the grass next to Mark.
"Dad said no," answered Mark pure disgust in his tone.
"Don't take it so hard, it's not like you're the only one; my pa said no too and so did Ty," said Barney none too cheerful himself.
"But Barney, if Dad would've said yes, he could have convinced your pa and Ty too," moaned Mark tossing another rock.
"No use brooding over it, there will be other hunts," suggested Barney, forcing himself to sound more cheerful than he felt.
"Your right Barn, It ain't the hunting got me so bummed now. You see when I was trying to convince dad to let us go Mom butted in and I yelled at her; said Flint wasn't my father, that my father would have understood, and if all that isn't bad enough, now I gotta own up to breaking a window.
"You're right Mark, yelling at your mom and dad like that was a rotten thing to do. But talk it out; Uncle Flint will forgive you.
"I don't know, Barney. I was thinking maybe I would just go saddle my horse and ride off," answered Mark tossing another rock.
"Mark you know running away don't settle nothing. Right off it would worry your mom sick, plus me and Benjamin would miss you. And, your leaving would put me in awful spot," said Barney.
"I'm putting you on the spot, why should my leaving put you on the spot?" asked Mark turning to look directly at Barney.
"Because if you take off I'm gonna have to lie and tell your folks I didn't know, or I have to spill the beans and make you mad at me. And for what; just because you were shooting your mouth off. We all say stupid things sometimes. Just go explain to your dad how you lost your temper you didn't mean what you said; he'll understand," insisted Barney hoping Mark was listening.
"What makes you so sure he'll be understanding? I'm not so sure I would if it was me," countered Mark.
"For Pete sakes, Mark; do you really think you're the first boy to yell, you're not my father. I know he will, because I been there myself," answered Barney getting frustrated with Mark's stubbornness.
"Really Barney, you yelled that at Uncle Bill," asked Mark.
"Sure did… It was summer before last. I remember we had had a long dry spell out on the trail. Things were dragging along and I started pulling pranks, just to help pass the time. I put a snake in old man Harvey bed roll. Then I put cayenne pepper in Charlie's stew. Needless to say Pa was none too happy about it. Then I pulled the best prank ever; l loosened the wheel nut on Mr. Jones' wagon, caused it to stagger and sway just like him when he was drunk, which was most of the time. Pa was not laughing; he promised me a lickin' I can hear him now… "I'm the closest thing to a father you've got, you've been running wild lately and it's my duty to tame ya. I'm gonna dust your backside until you smart'" said Barney in his best imitation of Bill.
"Oh, I tried to explain how I was too old to get a spanking, after all I was nearly sixteen, practically a man and men don't get spanked, I said. I tried to explain that the whole train would make fun of me, and that I never be able to hold my head up..."
"He still whipped you didn't he?" asked Mark interrupting the story.
"Well, Mark not right then he didn't; might have been better if he had, you see he just glared at me and said; "I'll do it later after you get the wheel back on the wagon, and I can promise you one thing; it won't be your head that's affected." After that he walked away leaving me to get the wheel back on the wagon." Said Barney imitating Bill once more.
"You sounded just like Uncle Bill that time," said Mark with a hardy laugh.
"You don't say, well I tell you I wasn't laughing when I looked around and my two pals Fred and Arnold were laughing; Fred had Arnold over his lap pretending to spank him while taunting me. I ran over and got in one good punch, before they ran off. Then I went back to get the wheel back on the wagon. My mind was on the promised whipping' or what Fred and Arnold would tell everyone. Anyways, I let the jack fall and the wagon landed on my leg, broke it clean in two, I was in so much pain. I kept whining and complaining… I was convinced that it was all Bill's fault for making me lose my concentration and all. Really, I was just scared I had never had a father and didn't think I needed one. I was hateful and spiteful every time Bill came around, just as my leg was almost healed he got fed up or frustrated, and threatened to send me back to Barnaby West Sr. I got really scared then, I decided to run away, so later that night I took off I was so full of self-pity that I convinced myself that Bill hated me. Bill and Duke spent most of the night hunting for me. I was just setting up a camp on the edge of a step drop when they found me. When I seen that it was Bill that was coming after me, I was so scared that I started screaming for Bill to stay away from me. That he was not my father and he didn't love me; that he only wanted to hurt me. I was so scared that I began to hop backward trying to get away from him, that I fell and broke my leg all over again. This time, the bone came through the skin, it got infected and I got really sick with fever. I don't remember most of that six weeks. The fellas told me later, Bill took it real hard; climbed into a bottle. He blamed himself for the fact that I was most likely gonna lose my leg. Duke says that the last week I was raging with fever, Bill was on the verge of drinking himself to death. Then he prayed for a miracle, and long story short my leg was healed. And as you can see, I'm still here and pa still claims me. He even promised never to even threaten to send me away again. I treated Bill just terrible when I finally came to my senses and told him I was sorry. I even told him that if he was still of a mind to give me a whipin' I' wasn't gonna make a fuss, he understood and accepted my apology.
"That must have been a tough time for the two of you. I can only imagine how worried Uncle Bill must have been. Thanks for telling me your story. Tell me Barney, did Uncle Bill keep his promise to whip you even after all you went through?" said Mark with inquiring look.
"No, Mark but he let me sweat it for several hours... There's a lot more to it, but basically Bill reckoned he was jist as much ta blame, said he shoulda set me straight right off and made sure I was safe fixing the wheel. He figured that neither one of us handled the situation like people who care about each other should. Upside of it is, we both realized that we cared for each other jist like a pa and his boy. Come on Mark, we better get back or Uncle Charlie may send out a search party," said Barney with a smile.
"Guess it's time for me to go back and tell Dad, I'm wrong and take my lumps. Thanks again Barney," said Mark flinging one last rock as he got to his feet.
"Don't mention it, oh and Mark I told Uncle Charlie, I tripped and broke the window so you don't have to mention the window," said Barney as he trotted off toward the discarded bucket and his checker game with Uncle Charlie.
TBC