Page 124 of 124
My Bonanza Story
By Shelbie Elizabeth Hughes
I am Joe's twin sister Jessica Cartwright. It is October 2nd I am looking out my window and I see a guy bringing a box into the barn and come out empty handed. Little do I know that he was putting a bomb to kill me inside the barn. When the guy came out he hid in the bushes. I go and tell Joe what I had just seen. We both go out to the barn and as soon as we both get to the door, BOOM! We both go flying. When I land I feel a bad snap in my left ankle and something shatter in my right wrist. Joe lands right on top of me. Luckily we were not lying there for long. Five minutes after the explosion Pa and our older brothers Adam and Hoss, discover us. I tell them what happened, since they were just getting back from town, and did not know. Pa tells Adam to carry me to the house and Hoss to get Joe, because I was lighter than Joe. Pa has Adam and Hoss put us in Joe's room since that was the second closest. Adams was the first. After Adam sets me down I draw a picture of the person who placed the bomb, with my left hand. Luckily both me and Joe are left handed. I hand the picture to Pa, who in return tells Adam to get the doctor. Unfortunately I am afraid of the doctor so when they turn their backs, I hide under the bed. When they turn around they look around with a confused look on their face. As soon as the doctor arrives, Adam tells Pa, "She is probably under the bed. I will see if I can convince her to come out. Hoss go on the other side and just stand there."
I see Hoss's feet and slowly try scooting a little further to the other end. Adam gets down on the floor. I see Adam's face and jump, which in return causes me to hit my head on the bed so hard that I knocked myself out. Adam carefully gets me out without touching my bad arm or leg. Adam was so gentle. When I wake up, I realize that I am in the bed next to Joe, with my wrist and ankle in a cast. "What happened?" I ask. "When you landed after the explosion you broke your ankle and your wrist." Adam says. "Joe and I saw a box of explosives in the barn." I say. "We know, that picture you drew of the guy who planted them lingered around, but made the mistake of hiding in the leaves. When we came close to his hiding place he took a back step and stepped on a twig. We caught him immediately after." Pa says. "His name is Gus Montrose…" Roy starts to say "I thought he looked familiar, Gus Montrose has tried to kill me on more than one occasion, three times as a child. He has this strange idea that I killed his grandmother because I helped to take care of her before she died. Problem is she was shot and the bullet could not be removed." I say interrupting Roy. "Yeah and she was shot accidentally by her brother in law." Joe says scaring me. "Joe, how do you feel?" says Hoss
"Fine, except for a headache," Joe replies "that is kind of expected; you hit your head upon landing." I say "I can't see either." He adds. "Jessie, I got him! I got him!" My best friend, Emily Longstockings says. "Got who Em?" I say. "Gus, He tried coming and getting my husband to help kill you but I grabbed my gun and stuck it into his back and got him tied up. He is in the back of our wagon out front. Jack is watching him." Emily says. "Great job Emily, bring him in, I want to talk to him." I say. "Hoss get the guns" Pa says. "No Hoss, Just give me mine. Everybody knows that Joe, Candy and I are the fastest shooters. But Candy is visiting his mother and Joe can't see anything so it is up to me." I say
"Your gun is right there sis" Adam says pointing to my end table. I grab my gun and cock it, so that it is ready to shoot if Gus tries to pull anything funny. Gus walks in still tied up. "So Gus, why do you persist on trying to kill me? Your grandmother's brother in law Jerry, is the one that shot her. And the bullet was in too deep, there was absolutely nothing that I could do to save her. And you know that." I say. "Liar," he says. "Pa, I need to go to the bathroom, bad." Joe says. "I'll take you Joe; I don't have a strong enough stomach to see somebody being shot." Says Jack. "Thank you Jack." Pa says. "Any time." Jack replies. "Gus you know as well as I do that I can't lie and neither can Pa or Adam." I say "Prove it." Gus tells me. "Gus your grandmother was shot by a shotgun. And you know perfectly well I had a broken arm when she got shot a week before so I could not shoot with a shot gun." I say.
"You can't shoot a gun period." Adam and Hoss say together. "Don't rub it in; I am still the fastest shooter when it comes to my pistol." I say. And my brothers and Pa back up 5 steps. "Wimps" Emily says to my brothers. "You read my mind as always Emily dear." Jack says to Emily. "I want proof." Says Gus. "Emily Delta 34 please." I say and Emily throws up 2 cups that were on my night stand. BANG BANG. I shoot them both without having any time between shots. "I'll prove that I can't shoot a shot gun outside." I say "Lead the way" Gus tells me. "Adam, help me walk and Hoss keep Joe inside, I don't want him getting injured any more than he is already" I tell my brothers. "Sure" they say in unison and outside we go. "Hand me Joe's shot gun and get to a safe place where you can watch but not get hurt." I say to Jack who was holding Joe's shot gun. Everybody but Adam goes to safety. "I trust you sis," Adam says and Pa walks over. "Adam, you are stronger than I am. You go and keep an eye on Gus, I'll take and help Jessie." Pa says "Pa, Hoss just got hit by an arrow." Joe says startling me, I had Joe's gun still loaded but after I heard Joe I dropped the gun which in return shoots me in my good leg. "Shit!" I say "Jess you know better." Pa says to me. "No I just dropped the gun and it shot my good leg Pa." I reply "Ah Jess, Adam carry her in to Joe's room and Joe where is Hoss?" Pa says
"He is on my bed; he fell on top of me after getting hit, I crawled out and fell trying to come get you" Joe replies "Did you get hurt?" I ask putting my good arm around Adam's neck after he picked me up. "I hit my shoulder on the stairs on the way down really hard." Joe answers "Can we get moving I am starting to get dizzy." I say "Jack run and get the doc." Pa whispers. I was crying quietly in Adam's arms, I never even heard pa talk. I look at Hoss, and the arrow is in his right shoulder. "Jess, do you think you can get it to come out?" Hoss says. "Hoss, I would but I am very dizzy at the moment." I reply "Jess what happened?" said Candy; he had just gotten home from a visit to see his mother. "I'll explain later, when Jessie and Hoss and Joe are taken care of." Pa says.
The next thing I know I am in my bed in between Hoss and Joe. Both of whom are sleeping, Adam and Candy was just coming to check on us. "How are you feeling sis?" Adam says. "Hungry, like a bear that has been hibernating for a hundred years." I reply. "Would you like me to bring you to the food or the food up here?" Adam asks "If you don't mind I'd rather go on a picnic with you candy and Joe, he seemed really depressed lately." I say and try to get Hoss's head of my shoulder without causing him to hit it on the bedpost. "That is a great idea, Hoss won't be waking up until supper time because he had to be sedated and Joe should be waking up any second now." Pa says scaring me. "When did you get there Pa?" I ask " I have been up all night worried sick about you and your brothers, so I stayed in here to keep an eye on you all." Said Pa. While coming in Candy notices that I was making a face, "Jess, are you okay?" Candy asks. "I think so it is just a little pain." I say
"Jess…" Adam says, knowing better than that. "No, It really does hurt but it is just coming on." I say, "Where does it hurt?" Doc says scaring both me and Adam. "I thought that you would be home by now." Candy says "Ben told me that he had a funny feeling that Jess would be waking up and have a pain that comes on suddenly." Doc Replies. "You know as much as everybody else in this place I won't let you come near me. The only people I allow to do what you do are Adam, Pa, Emily, Joe, Hoss, and Candy. Now away with thee." I say "Jessica Jane Cartwright!" Pa says scolding me. "Pa it's true, she has always hated doctors." Joe says scaring me and Candy. "You're quite jumpy today." Pa says.
"Not intentional, but I can tell that her pain is getting worse. Am I right Jess?" Adam says and I nod yes. "Hurts too much to breathe" Joe says "How do you know?" Doc asks Joe. "Jessie and I are twins remember? We are very close. So close we know the extent of pain the other person is feeling, and often know what we are thinking." Joe replies and I nod in agreement. I then give Joe a signal with my eyes to tell the doc that I am willing to allow the doc to come near me without fighting. This rarely happens. "Jess says she will let you near her now." Joe translates. "Close your eyes Jess, you are not going to like this." Doc says
"Jess, did you want to hold my hand?" Adam says to me with a look of concern. I nod yes. By this time Joe has already gotten his sight back. So Joe stands up and sits in the chair at the foot of our bed, and Adam sits next to me on the edge of the bed. I grab his hand and close my eyes. "Ready?" says the Doc. I squeeze a secret signal to Adam and wait for him to translate. "She is ready she just gave me the signal." Adam says, the next thing I know I see Adam having Doc bandaging his hand. "What happened to you?" I ask and slowly try to sit up but don't have the strength to move far enough. "You squeezed my hand so tight that I felt something snap." Adam says "Sorry about that older brother, I forget my strength sometimes." I say "Don't worry about it, are you feeling any better?" Says Pa
"Surprisingly yes, but I'll be happier when I can get out of this here bed. "How about a picnic? You wanted to go on one earlier but ended up having pain." Candy says with a very cute smile. Adam had just gotten finished with the Doc so I said, "Adam can you come her a second? I want to ask you a favor." I say and Adam comes over and I sign to him that doc can come with us if he would like, but he must promise to keep his distance from me. "Jessica Jane Cartwright your something else you know that?" Adam says. What do you mean Adam?" Doc says. "She said to tell you that your invited to come on the picnic as long as you promise to keep your distance from her. "Jess, now that the pain is at least bearable, where was it that the pain was or still is located?" Pa says to me "I did not want to worry you pa but I was having a headache. Every once in a while I have a spell where I can't move or breathe. I never thought much of it but yet they kept getting worse." I reply
"Jessie, How often does it happen?" Adam says "Usually once or twice a week sometimes more. I once had a headache that lasted for two days." I say "Jess, would you let me diagnose that so that it does not keep happening?" Doc says "As long as my brothers stay with me. Mostly Adam cause he helps me stay calm when I am scared." I say "Deal" Doc says then quietly says to Pa to hold me down so he could draw blood. "You know that she is going to be in pain because of the broken wrist, ankle, and shot gun wound, don't you?" Candy says to Pa. "Yes but if it means finding out what the cause of her head aches, then we have to do it." Pa replies "Pa?" I say "yeah sweetie?" Pa says
"It is back and getting….." I try to say "Worse, Much worse" Joe finishes. "Hold on to my hand Jess and close your eyes" Adam says and reaches his hand out. I grab hold and quietly start crying silently from fear. "Shhh…" Adam says softly I feel a pinch but don't try to fight it I just wanted the pain to go away. "Jess, are you feeling any better?" I hear "I feel like I broke glass bottle in my hand." I reply and sit up. "That is because while doc had given you pain medicine, he handed you a cup of water to quench your thirst. You squeezed it a little too tight. You ended up breaking the cup. Doc had to tweeze the pieces out of your hand." Hoss says
"Anybody hungry?" Hop Sing says "Starving." We all say in unison. "What would you like Mr. Cartwright, Steak or Ribs?" Hop sing says. "Ribs will be fine Hop Sing." Pa replies.
"Hop Sing? Do you mind making that lemonade?" I ask "Yes Missy Cartwright." Hop sing says and bows. "I thought I said to call me Jess." I say "Hop Sing always forget. So sorry" Hop sing says "Quite alright off you go." I reply "Yes Jess." He says and walks away.
"Hey Pa?" I say "Yeah?" Pa replies "I just thought of something. H-how am I supposed to eat?" I ask "I chose ribs because even though your hand is bandaged there is no need to use forks and knifes. Just use your hand." Pa says and adds "So that you can feed yourself. I know how embarrassing it is to have to not be able to feed yourself. I know for a fact that I hated it." "When did people have to feed you Pa?" Eric (Hoss) Says "remember when I got attacked by that Indian?" Pa replies "Oh yeah." Pa says remembering. "Chk" I go "what the hell was that?" doc says "sneeze, she was trying to stop herself from sneezing. Trust me (poot) Jess was that noise coming from you?" Adam says "sorry that was a reaction to the medicine I think" I say and blush from embarrassment. The last time I passed gas in public I was 5 years old me and Joe were in school and my stomach was hurting from something I ate that did not agree with me. And Joe burst out laughing. Seeing Pa's scowling face he stops long enough to say "Sorry it was funny." And has to step back to collect himself. "Its fine Pa, I (Pooot) sorry, I don't mind. But please crack open a window or two. I am gassing myself out." I say and candy passes out. "Candy!" I shout. Luckily Emily and Jack were behind candy and had caught him "Jess you definitely reek." Pa says opening a window. "Sorry," I say and blush even more.
"That is probably why candy passed out." Adam says and covers his nose using his good hand. "I was definitely not expecting that." Doc says gagging from the stench. "I can't help it, the last time this happened to me Joe and I were 5 years old. And yes Joe it is bad enough to knock out (Poooooooot) sorry, a horse, no scratch that an army. Put candy downstairs by the window he should wake up soon, Emily and Jack if you would not mind keeping an Eye on him. Doc do you have something to make the gas go away? (Pooooooooooooooooooooooot) This is going to definitely knock the others out." I say.
"Yes I do, but you won't like it." He replies "Just do it. Please so we can breathe fresh air without gagging." I tell him. "Hold still and bite down on this" Pa says handing me a hanky to bite down on. So I bite down on the hanky and nod at Doc and Joe translates "She is ready." He says "right" Doc says. So I look out the window and wince. "That should do it. It should start working in about 10 minutes in the meantime I'll go check on candy. Something tells me that Jess's gas was not the reason that he passed out." Doc says. "I'll walk you down" Pa says and just as they turned around candy was coming through the door. Thus startling them. "Lunch is ready everybody." He says holding back a laugh. "Thank you, candy." Pa says calmly. "Jessie did you want carry you, or would you like to scoot down the stairs?" Candy says.
If you feel up to it you can carry me otherwise Adam or Pa could do it" I reply and carefully remove the covers. "I can handle it, I was just light headed." Candy says "from what dare I ask. You did nothing but carve that paper weight on my desk and Jess's horse decoration." Adam says and then goes to stand up out of my desk chair. No sooner does he go to take a step does he trip and fall. Landing on his bad arm with a loud thump. "What did you trip over?" I say "I don't know, there was nothing there a minute ago." I ask leaning over to see what he tripped over. "Oh, I see. We have our self a stow away." Is say and put Adam back onto his feet using my good arm. "Who was it though? That hurt even worse than when Hoss hit me with that darn log." Adam says and rubs his arm. "I know who it is." I say and grap the leg sticking out from under the bed and pull the child out. "Lucy?" Pa says. "Lucy how long have you been hiding under the bed? Did you run away from your brother Albert again!" Adam says after finding out that he had dislocated his shoulder. "sorry Adam, but I had to run away. Albert was drunk again and I cant keep living with him that way. And since jess and I are so close, I ran to her for help." Lucy says looking at the floor. "Not to change the subject but did you pick Adam up single handedly? He is like 100 pounds." Candy says. "I'm actually 190 pounds." Adam says
"That is right. But actually I can lift 2 times Hoss's weight and he is about 200 pounds." I say "210 actually" Hoss corrects "Jessica, I never knew that you were strong." Pa says looking at me with amusement" "Pa, she can lift Cochise with me and Hoss on it." Joe says proudly. "Enough about me, let's go downstairs. And Lucy I would prefer if you came along I have a few unanswered questions for you. Not to mention you look like you ain't eaten since Adam and I visited you last week." I say as we go downstairs. "Your right Jessie, I have not eaten since you and Adam left that day. I was lucky if Albert let me get a drink of water." Lucy replies "that's why you felt about 20 pounds lighter. "That's because even before you visited Albert's been taking my meals from me before I could eat even half of it and it was only a slice of bread. He claims it was punishment for not getting his chores done first and not having any chores done before he woke up at midnight. But I never got the work from the day before done till eight at night and I only got an hour of sleep per night for a week. I was exhausted and it don't help that he keeps waking up early now. So that night when you left he told me I was not allowed to come out of my room ever again. So I waited for him to fall asleep and I ran. He said if I told anybody what he was doing or if I did one more thing that makes him mad that he would kill me." Lucy cries
"I will tell you one thing is for sure. That is not going to happen ever again. Joe, Candy, and I are the fastest shooters in Virginia City. And we ain't about to let no friend of ours be killed by their own kin." I say and look at her "not as long as were around shall you ever be forced to do other people's chores if they are capable to do it on their own." Joe says "Pa, Joe, can I talk to y'all in private?" I say "Of course." Pa says and carries me out of ear shot. "Pa what should we do we can't let her go home. Roy will be here tomorrow should we tell him about what Albert has been doing" I ask. "Your right but if I know Albert, and I do, He will chase her down. Before Roy gets here." Pa replies. "I plan on taking him to court for custody." I say "Good Idea JC. We could hide with Jess and Adam when he comes." Joe says when Pa turns whiter than snow. "What's wrong Pa?" I say and sign for Adam to get the smelling salts. "Can't tell you but my gut tells me something bad is about to happen and something else tells me that if Lucy does not get under Jess's bed right now, you're going to wish you were." Pa replies
"Guns ready and Lucy get to the kitchen and hide. And everybody get out of sight." Joe says "I got a better idea. Everybody but Candy and Joe set up the checkers and start a game I'll play the next round. Pa set me down if I sit next to candy I could hide my gun under my leg. This way they intruder won't be suspicious. Now Hurry." I say and hide my gun. Lucy hides completely this time. Just as Candy makes his first move I hear footsteps. "Be on your guard pa." I whisper and he nods. There is a knock on the door. "Pa, could you get it?" Joe and I say simultaneously. "Sure, Sit down candy you have been on your feet the whole day." Pa says loud enough for the person on the other side to hear. "Oh shit." Candy says "Oh Candy not now." I say handing him my clean hanky. "I had a feeling that was going to happen. I just did not know that it was going to be you." Joe says and shifts positions. "A bloody nose of all days." Pa says and opens the door. Turning around I ask "Who is at the door pa?"
"Afternoon Jess," Gus says "A-a-a-a-afternoon" I say nervously. "Gus would you like to take this outside?" Joe says ready to pounce at the opportunity to fight. "Joseph No! This is my fight" I say and sign whistle like a bird. Joe does and in comes Adam. "Pa? Have you seen my good shirt?" Adam says as I have Hoss get Candy another Hanky. "Is it hanging on the clothes line?" I say and sign for him to get the sheriff. "Thank you sis. I'll get you that book you've been waiting for while I am in town." Adam says and signs for me to be careful. "You be careful, and get the doc, while you're there as well, candy can't get his nose to stop bleeding." I say pinching his nose. "Hop sing?" Pa yells, "Yes, Mr. Cartwright?" Hop sing says, "Could you go feed lightning bolt?" Pa asks, Lightning bolt is my horse, I haven't broke him yet. "Yes, Mr. Cartwright Hop Sing already feed Lightning Bolt." Hop sing says and bows.
"Candy,(Choo!) Were you (Choo!) around cats today?" I ask "No I have not why?" Candy replies trying to move my hand off his nose that was still bleeding. "Somebody (Choooo!) wa- wa- (AAAACHOOOO!) Was my allergy are acting up and No Pa I don't have my medicine on me it was blown up in the explosion, I kept it in the barn on the shelf." I say and sneeze another 5 times. "Gus what is it that you want?" Pa says. "Pa, I just figured out how to prove to Gus that I did not kill his grandmother." I say "How?" Candy says putting his finger to my nose to stop a sneeze "Thank you and if somebody brings me upstairs I will show you." I reply and act like I am scratching my back when in reality I was grabbing my gun. "Hey Pa? Where did you put that muscle relaxant you made up, Dakota is favoring that front hoof again." Hoss says walking in from the front door. "It is on the shelf next to the rabbit food you bought." Pa replied
"Hoss" I say "Yeah?" He says turning around to look at me. "Did Adam just get back? I hear hoof steps." I say "Yeah, Emily and Roy, and the dock are with him. But Roy is trying to help Adam down looks like he is stuck in the saddle. Heh Heh." He says giggling at the thought at Adam getting stuck. Being that he is so skinny. Finally somebody to witness me doing this to your beloved Pa and dear brothers." Gus says "wait Gus, come with me and bring everybody with you." I say "what the hell for?" Joe asks "you'll all see, now get me up to my room so I can settle this matter." I reply "Alrighty then. Let's get going." Pa says and I look at Hoss standing dumbfounded at the "Hurry up and get the doc in here, Candy just lost consciousness!" Joe yells and in comes the doc. "Smelling salts Benjamin," Doc says pulling out a needle. Upon seeing the needle I slide off the couch and hide underneath. The only person that saw me do this was Joe. "Lay candy down and put his feet up." Doc says "right, Hoss go get some tea with honey." Pa says to make some room for doc to work. "He has lost a lot of blood, may need a transfer, but only Jess has his blood type." Doc says " Speaking of which where did she go?" Pa says "How much does he need?" I ask and everybody looks around the room. Knowing that I said it. "Three pints for now. But where did you go?" Doc replies
Seeing a pant leg I give it a gentle tug. I had found Adam. "Found her little miss Houdini" Adam says and picks me up. "Hey how did you disappear like that without us seeing." Hoss says "I saw doc needed room and slid down off (Choo) the couch and went underneath the couch." I say partly lying. "That is partially true. She thought that the doc was coming at her with the needle." Joe says "I'll give him blood but first I want to prove to Gus that I did not kill his grandmother." I say "Bring her and candy upstairs and put him in her bed" Doc says "yes sir, Adam get Jess I can carry Candy" Pa says "Yes sir." Adam says and grabs me gently "Adam?" Candy says just as Pa lifts him up. "Yeah?" Adam answers and turns around to look at him.
"I am sorry." Candy says then wraps his arm around Pa's neck for stability. "Huh?" I say and look at Adam. "I tripped over him earlier and he never got the chance to apologize to me" Adam explains then adds "Jess, I need to you down I am getting a Charlie horse in my leg" Sit down and rest you do too much" I say in Spanish. "What did she just say?" everybody but Adam says. "She was telling me to sit down that I do too much" Adam translates. "Joe that's rude." I say and give Joe a look of hurt.
"What's rude?" Roy says "I don't want to say it because I don't want soap in my mouth knowing Adam and Pa." I say "Stop laughing Joe" Hoss says with a evil glare. "Joseph be nice" Pa says "sorry Pa, and sorry Jessie. I was jealous of you speaking Spanish so good that's all." Joe says "alright the Charlie horse went away let's go" Adam says "Hurry" says Pa "Hoss, Delta 5.7" I say "Are you sure about that Jess?" Hoss asks me. "Yes, now hurry" I say. "What is delta 5.7?" Adam asks me quietly. "Go get Lucy and hide her in Pa's closet quick because Lucy's brother Albert is here." I say to Adam and within a matter of seconds there is a knock on the door." Joe get that will you?" Pa says "Sure Pa, I'll (thump) ow, get the door." Joe says after tripping over doc's medical bag. "Albert!" Joe says surprised to see Lucy's brother.
"Have you seen Lucy?" Albert says "Albert your drunk, yet again." Hoss says coming down the stairs. "Your right Horse!" Albert yells at the wall. Joe grabs hold of Albert and spins him to look at us. "I can assure you that you're not going to see her again, after the threat you made" I say then whisper to Adam in Spanish "bring me to the sheriff." "Okay, then I will have the deputy get him out of here" Adam replies using the same language. "Pa, Bessie got out again." Hoss says looking out the window " Hop Sing, Could you go put Bessie back into her cage?" Pa says and scratches his back. "Yes, Mr. Cartwright." Hop Sing replies
"Sherriff, Can Adam and I speak with you a moment?" I say quietly. Roy nods "Gus we will be right back with proof that I did not repeat not kill your grandma" I say aloud "upstairs Adam if you please." I say "right." Adam says and we go to my room to grab the proof and then quietly we head to Pa's room to warn Lucy. "Lucy, Albert is downstairs but the Sheriff is here." I say "Come on out Lucy, Adam is guarding the place." Sheriff says and slowly Lucy comes out of the closet. "Jessie I'm scared." She says and clings to me "Lucy, Roy is right here and you know darn well that it is his sworn duty to protect the public from danger." I say
"Are you sure Jessie? I really don't want to be killed" Lucy says "Positive and you know that Joe and I are extremely fast at shooting. We will protect you the best that we can being in the condition that we are in. Now come and lets go downstairs. I have to prove to Gus that I did not kill his grandmother." I say "How do you plan on doing that anyway?" Roy and Adam say "With this letter and picture of his grandmother and her brother in law Jerry Lee Lewis, pointing a gun at us. These two things will both prove that I did not kill her." I reply "Jess hurry up will you Candy can't hold on much longer." Joe calls "Roy keep Lucy behind at a safe distance from Albert. He had a gun behind him in his pants." I say as Adam brings me down the hallway. "Coming Joe" Adam says "Adam stop a minute." I say "why what is wrong?" Adam asks. "I got a gut feeling that If you take one more step you are going to drop me like a sack of potatoes." I say "Ill carry her Adam." Lucy says stepping forward. "Lucy your only twelve" Adam protests. "You wouldn't be able to hold my weight." I add climbing down.
"Roy her gut is right as always. Can you take Jess, My leg is bothering me" Adam says "Adam you go get that checked out, it could be sprained from when you tripped." Roy says "I was thinking the same thing Roy." I say as we start heading downstairs again. Gus sees us coming and says "so, where is this proof?" "It is in Adams back pocket. Roy says seeing the yellowed envelope in his pocket. I had put it there when he picked me up because it would have fallen out of mine and got lost. "Here look at these two things I had him grab and Joe delta 42." I say. Which means get up and let Adam sit there "Jess jess I am fine" Adam says. Noticing that his leg was shaking as he was about to step I say "Pa catch him". Just as he was about to fall Joe jumped up before Pa could get there and says "got ya" "I told you" I say "I knew you would say that." Roy says setting me down and then hands Gus the letter and photo. "This is grandma's handwriting." Gus says in shock. taking the letter he opens the envelope hands trembling.
The letter clearly stated "I forgive you Jerry for shooting me. You were drunk and did not know who you were killing." Gus looks at me with tears in his eyes and says "I am so sorry Jess, Thank you for showing me this." and putting his head down. "You are welcome and I forgive you for trying to kill me, I would have done the same thing if it was my Pa." I say smiling and ruffling pa's hair as he sits down next to me. "Do you still want to press charges Ben?" Roy asks "No he does not Roy" I say "I guess not but he is going to pay to build the new barn." Pa says "nope he is gonna help me build a bigger and better barn." I say "what do you mean by that?" Adam says as doc gets me ready to give Candy blood. "You will know what I mean in two weeks Adam" I say and wink at Candy "I almost forgot about that. It is coming a day early" Candy says smiling. "good that gives me enough time for me and Joe to break him in." I say "Hey, wait a minute. In two weeks you mean to tell me the barn will be done on my birthday? Pa says "no sir but your present will be here and thanks to running bear and his sister rain dance." Candy says weakly.
"hurry up and get that damp cloth Hop Sing" Doc says seeing candy starting to sweat. "hang in there little buddy" I say giving more blood than I should have. "Joseph would you stop spinning" I say "J-J-Jess, Joe ain't spinning he is getting Lucy's brother to leave." Pa says "looks like his if you…" I begin to say when I get nauseous. "Hoss give her a bucket." Joe says seeing my face turning pale. "here is one Hoss." Lucy says handing him a bucket. "Thank you Lucy, Ben help me sit her up." Doc says "get that blood in Candy" I manage to say before throwing up. "Ben she is very stubborn. Just as much as joe" Roy says "I will take that as compliment." I say shaking off a dizzy spell "Yeah she gets that from her Ma."Pa says smiling "Hop sing get her some toast" doc says "Right away" "no thanks doc. Im not hungry. I would however like to get the after taste out of my mouth before I start gagging. and would you please back up? Adam can we please go outside i am getting Claustrophobic. Quickly" I say "walls feel like they closing?" Adam asks picking me up "yes and it don't help to have lots of people on top of me." I say "sorry I should have warned them. Just as we were about to get away from the couch I pass out. "Bring her upstairs" Doc says.
When I wake up, Joe is in the chair sleeping with the chair tipped back. And Adam is sitting at my desk reading my poems notebook aloud, and Candy is sleeping next to me. "Adam i need to go to the bathroom." I whisper which in turn scares him. "you scared me" Adam says getting up. "You were involved in reading my poems. You got startled. It happens to even the best of us." I say "yeah because they are good." Adam says picking me up. "Thank you I learned from the best." I say poking Adam "But I don't write poems." He says "No but the song you wrote when the boys were trying to fight a bull." I say laughing. "That damn bull left a lot of damage." Adam says setting me back down. "yeah he did. He bucked me quite a few times." Joe says scaring me and Adam. "ha ha ha Got you older brother." Joe says laughing "Don't be rude Joe or ill be forced to use your nickname that I gave you." I say and look at Adam who laughed in return. "Relax Joe she knows better than that." Adam says after seeing Joe getting angry.
"Sorry Joe, but Lucy needs you right now!" I say "How does she need me?" Joe says "because she is in need of protection right now, Albert is on his way here." I say "I thought he was in Jail?" Adam says "he broke out and Roy got hurt." I say "I will go stand outside, and Ill have Pa and Hoss stand guard outside her room." Joe says and leaves the room. "your gut instincts sure are working overtime." Candy says scaring the ever living shit out of me. Which in return caused me to choke on the water I was drinking. "Adam, pat her back." Candy says "Raise your arms jess, raise them above your head." Adam says calmly after doing what he said I stop choking. "Tha- Thanks" I say trying to catch my breath. "Welcome, Candy next time wait for her to stop drinking before you scare her." Adam says "sorry Jess, I did not mean to scare you" Candy says. "Adam?" I say "Hmm?" he replies "what time is it?" I ask "5 O'clock" he replies "Can you have hop sing bring up some toast or something?" I say "Yeah uh, one problem with that. Doc told us no solids only broth and water till he comes back at noon." Adam says "not fair." I say "You may think that but it has been the only thing you were able to keep down." Pa says walking over to me. "morning Pa." Adam and I say simultaneously "morning ben" Candy says. "have you guys seen Joe?" Hoss says worriedly after nocking on the door.
He went to go protect Lucy last I knew. Jess hd a gut feeling that Albert had broken out and had hurt sheriff coffee and is on his way to kill Lucy." Candy says "Lucy is over with Emily and Jack." Pa says "Alberts here and he has a shot gun." I say "positions people."Adam says "Adam?" I ask looking at him "Yeah?" he says turning to me. "bring me downstairs. You and I are going to handle this. Everybody else stay here this is going to get ugly." I say "Are you sure?" Pa says looking extremely shocked. "no sense killing you three" I say. "Be careful and don't let him know where Lucy is." Candy and Pa say together. So we start to go downstairs and see Albert getting off his horse ad start taking aim at Adam. Without even thinking I reach down and grab Adam's gun out of his holster and point at Albert. BANG! Both me and Albert pull the trigger at the same time. Adam gets hit in the leg and I shot and killed Albert in self-defense. Although I did not find out he was dead right away.
As soon as Adam got shot we tumbled down the stairs. I got a black eye and a bad cut on the side of my face and Adam hits his head after he had got shot. Immediately after we stop falling I crawl over to Adam and grab him and put his head on my lap. Then I call for Hoss to come get us. Joe walks in from the kitchen gun cocked and asks "what happened? I just moved Lucy back to her hiding place when I heard gun shots." "Good job Jess" Hoss says as Roy and Doc arrive. "yeah you just killed my deputy." Roy says limping in. "He got Adam" I say with tears coming down my face partly because of pain. "Adam!" Pa says as Joe tries to help me up. "Joe leave me be Adam needs me." I say "doc is here he'll be fine, right now lets get your head to stop bleeding and relieve the swelling in your eye." Pa says picking me up. "Hoss, bring Adam upstairs and put him with candy. I'll bring Jess up after she comes and lets Lucy know she is safe and Lucy is going to have to be placed somewhere that people will care for her." Pa adds and starts to take me out of Pa's hands
"Emily wanted to adopt her last I heard." Hoss says after picking Adam up. "Great I'll (choo) be able (choo) to still see her." I say weakly "Save your energy" Pa says "I'll get a cloth and brandy to clean that cut." Joe says "Oh Pa, Please no it hurts bad enough as it is." I plead trying to climb out of Pa's arms "would you rather die from an infection?" Pa says gripping tighter. " "No" I reply after thinking about it. "Then you better let us clean that cut." Pa replies as Roy goes and gets Lucy. After telling her that it was safe to come out. "Jess!" she says after seeing Joe try to clean my face, which was covered in blood by the time Joe had gotten the brandy.
"Lucy, I am so sorry. I had to kill him." I say tears rolling out of my good eye. "Don't be. Roy explained everything to me." Lucy says "Thank you for protecting me and I was hoping Mrs. Longstocking and Mr. Longstocking would adopt me" She says "Ta Ta take it ease Joe, that Burns." I say "Sorry, Hop Sing can you bring me a slice of stake for Jess's eye?" Joe says "Yes, Mr. Cartwright. "J- Joe I can't help but feel guilty." I say quietly "why?" Joe says louder than intended. "Why what Joe?" Roy says "Sorry I was asking Jess, why she felt guilty." he replies. "Because, If it was not for me Adam would still be walking." I say and and bury my face into Joe's shirt then begin to cry silently. "Joe bring her upstairs she is "quietly. "right" Doc replies As Adam and Lucy start playing Beautiful Dreamer. While Joe sings. I immediately look up at my brothers and set my sore eye on Joe's shoulder and fall asleep. When I wake up the song is ending, and doc is sitting back down. Joe is gently placing the steak against my eye and rest is heard on mine. Adam smiles and says "works every time. thank you Lucy, for such beautiful violin playing. and Joe your singing was phenomenal. You even put Hoss to sleep." Adam says and laughs quietly "Well Im just glad o hear we were actually appreciated." Joe says laughing "Joe?" I say "Yea?" he replies "Can we go see Emily." "She just arrived" Pa says "Great now I can finally have a mother and father again." Lucy says "Lucy you must come back and visit with Emily and Jack on saturday, and I will throw you a party in your honor." Pa says "Oh yes sir I will." Lucy says "Pa tell them that as well." I say and yawn "Lets get you and Adam upstairs." "Hoss cant take first shift" Pa says and Hoss wakes up after hearing his name "Jess, He fell off a ladder when cousin Muley Jones started singing. All the windows shattered and Joe got the worst of it" Adam says "How so?" I ask. "Broken leg and minor concussion from being bucked by his horse." Adam says "where is cousin Muley, Hoss, and Joe now?" I ask. "Joe is next to you, Candy is at the bathroom, Hoss is with candy and Muley is over in a tree where you and i go for quiet time. Since that was the safest place for him to sing." Adam says
"Oh?" I say and make a face saying that I was in pain. "Jessie, What hurts? Pa says "My eye mainly but my wrist is throbbing as well." I reply. "how bad?" Adam says "Very Adam Please please please, make it stop." I say "Doc you know what to do , I will fetch muley he should be back soon, I ll ask him to pick the guitar while I play my guitar a different way. thanks to that feller who used to sing dead and gone." Adam says to doc quietly "Adam your supposed to stay off of that leg. Ill go, you don't want your crutch "breaking. You know what happened to Lucy's tree house." Pa says "I don't think Ill be forgetting him any time soon.." Adam says "That broke poor Lucy's heart." Joe says between painful breaths. "Joe, Im sure glad to hear your voice again." Candy says laying down in the bed next to us. "Pa what happened to my saddle? It is all ruined." Hoss says carrying in a destroyed saddle. "That is my saddle yours is in the spare room on the bed." Joe says "Oh thanks,"Hoss says and walks out. "Ill be back in a minute, Ben." Doc says and walks out the door. "Pa, the pain is getting worse. Please do something.' I says "I think Cochise broke my rib."Joe says "I found Muley, Adam and here is your guitar." Doc says entering the room with Muley. "what song?" Muley says "Early One Morning" Adam says "Doc, hand me that razor please." he adds pointing to the dresser. "What do you need this for?"Doc says handing Adam the razor. "Watch this." Adam says and starts playing it like it were a steel guitar." Pa please make the pain go away its getting to the point "usual fall asleep. "Jessie wake up." Candy says
"What is wrong?" I say sleepily "Nothing is wrong but it is breakfast time. And we have a visitor." Candy says I open my good eye and see Lucy, Emily, Jack, Gus and Roy. waiting in the doorway. "Morning everybody" I say "Sorry to have woke you Jess, but Lucy wanted you Adam, Joe, and the others to be present at the adoption." Roy says "It is going to happen in town and will take about 3 days. "The horse and carriages are ready and ben packed you guitar. And clothing" Emily Says "I had help, Lucy picked out four of your dresses that she said made you look like an angel." Pa says "Joe, and Hoss are in the wagon. With muley. You should be able to walk by now but your wrist did not heal yet."Doc says "Candy where is Adam? I say looking around. "We wanted you to wake him up." Pa says "right and what time is it." I ask. "5 o'clock. Hurry up and eat now so you can help Lucy pack Adam's things." Candy says. "Why me?" I asked. "Cause Lucy wants you to do it so that Adam does not pack. She had Hoss pack Muley's clothes, Joe packed Hoss's clothes, Ben packed your clothing, Muley packed Candy's, and You pack Adam's. Mainly because she wanted to surprise you and the others about what was packed. She made the others promise not to tell each other what they packed. Same thing was done with Jack, Roy, Gus, and me" Emily Says
"Oh that works. Okay Lucy lets go get Adam." I say pushing my uneaten food away. "Eat first" Lucy says pushing it back in front of me. "Alright alright I'll eat." I say and quickly scarf down my food. But because I ate it so fast I ended up getting the hiccups. Next thing I know something slams into my head and its lights out for me. And when I wake up Hoss is crying silently. "Why does my head hurt like I got hit by a brick?" I say trying to get up. "Hoss got mad at Joe, and threw a log, it hit you instead and missed the window pain." Adam says from the doorway. "Eric you should have know better than that. Where is everyone?" I say "They are downstairs in my room with roy waiting for you" Hoss says "Adam, Hoss help me get out of this bed and then tell every one to get into their wagons. Lucy, Roy and I will be there momentarily" I say
"okay" Adam says and gets me out of bed. "I walk into Hoss's room and say "alright Lucy lets get Adam packed. "Your face, Its.. its, bleeding" Lucy says "must have popped the stitches" Roy suggests "No, I think it is from the log. Must have cut my head." I say and feel the left side of my head where it hurt. Right at the temple was blood, poring down my head. "Ooooh, yep it did." I say and splash some water on my face. "Jess lets get that fixed so you don't bleed on Adam's clothes" Lucy says "Nice try Lucy, but you know Damn well that I don't like doctors and its bad enough I woke up to Hoss crying like a baby and it takes a lot to make him cry" I say "Ill have Ben come fix it" Roy says and leaves. As soon as he leaves the room, I take a hanky from my pocket and have Lucy rip it in half. Next thing i know Joe is coming in to get me. "He Joe can you help me to et Jess to get that head wound looked at?" Lucy says
"Roy sent me to check it out Lucy." Joe says "Joe I am fine it is just a cut." I say "Lucy go get Adam quick." Joe says "Why?" Lucy asks. "Cause when she is to afraid to let me look at it only Adam knows how to handle this type of situation." Joe says and Lucy leaves the room. "No more needles" I say quietly. "Lucy said that she would not let anybody check out that cut?" Adam says walking into the room. As soon as he looking at Joe. While they were distracted, I hide under the bed. "No she would not she…. Where did she go?" Joe says "No more needles" I say and toss out the bloody bandana. "I know" Adam says and pulls me out. "jess you sure are good at playing hide and seek." Lucy says "No more needles" I say again and bury my face into Adams chest. "Easy Jessie, We just want to make sure it does not need stitches. Tell you what Ill look at the wound and clean it then put a bandage on it. and we can go from there." Adam says "Okay Adam" I say
"How does he always manage to convince her to do the right thing." Lucy asks "That I don't know." Joe says "Lucy can you get some clean rags and a bottle of brandy? So I can clean the blood away?" Adam says "yes sir" Lucy says and runs to get the materials. "Adam I'm thirsty." I say "Joe can you get her some water and a bandage to wrap her head when I'm done?" Adam asks "On it." Joe says and disappears "Just relax Jessie. It will be over soon." Adam says. "Im scared Adam. You of all people know my fear" I say "I know that you don't like needles. turn your head so I can see the cut." Adam says "we are back and here is everything that you asked for Adam." Joe says "Thank you Joe. Lucy just set that stuff on the table. Joe put the bandages on the table and hand Jess the water." Adam says. "Right" "Thank you Joe." I say taking the cup. After I finish the water. "Joe can you hold Jess? so i can use both hands and my leg is starting to hurt." He says. "Sure older brother" Joe says and takes me "Put your head on me and you can hold my hand if you like." he adds and I do. "Don't move jess this is gonna hurt" Adam says "It hurts already but I will try." I say "Lucy can you have Muley bring up the guitar? Im afraid its infected already." Adam says quietly. But I never heard him because I was to busy crying in Joe's arms. and Joe just kept on saying "your gonna be fine sis." "You called" Muley says coming to from the doorway "Play your guitar Muley, don't sing I have an idea." Adam says "so cousin Muley picks the guitar and I almost immediately stop crying. I look at Adam and rest my head on Joe's chest. Adam grabs the brandy and a cup and says "Take a sip of this" I do and immediately start coughing because I don't really drink brandy. "Gross." I say "That aught to take away some of the pain for now." Adam says and starts cleaning the cut. "Start singing a lullaby Adam?" Muley says "Nope. Lucy get a needle and thread and the doc quietly. Muley switch to dead and gone." Adam replies
"NO NEEDLES" I say and squeeze Joe's hand so tight from fear that he screamed. I let go immediately and try to hide. I get up and run into Joe's and climb out the window. I climb down to the ground and run. All the while Adam is chasing me. "Jess stop" Adam yells "No needles" I yell back and look at him. "Look out for that …." Adam starts to say when BANG! "Tree." he finishes. I hit the tree so hard that I thought that I was seeing two Adam's. Quickly recovering from confusion I try to climb the tree but Adam catches me "Jess Relax" "Easy for you to say your not afraid of anything." I reply trying to break free of his grip. "Everybody is afraid of something. I for one am afraid of loosing my favorite girl. You know damn well who I am talking about." Adam says "What about Joe, Hoss, Pa, Candy and The others?" I ask realizing they were coming. "What about us" Pa says. "I was telling Jessica that everybody has a fear." Adam says walking me back to the house "Adam is right as usual. I am afraid of heights." Joe says "Im scared ill starve to death." Hoss says "Pa is scared of loosing his children before his life ends." Adam says "I am scared of drowning." Candy says as we sit down in the living room. "Oh Adam, I'm Sorry I ran away. I promise I will sit still Please just stay with me." I say burying my face in his chest again. "Im not going anywhere. But if you promise to let Doc Martin take care of that head wound. Ill promise that I will buy you that new hat and goods you showed me. And Ill take you out for a horse back ride just the two of us like we did when we was younger." Adam says "Deal but only cause i just want to spend time with you Lucy go pack Adams clothing. I have left a list of my favorite outfits of his on my end-table." I say resting my head on Adams shoulder. "Hoss could you play that song you like on the harmonica?" Adam says "Dad barnit Adam I thought you would never ask." Hoss says as Doc gets the necessary materials out to fix my head wound. "Go get the brandy, Joe" Doc says "Dizzy?" Adam says noticing that I had not moved as much as I usually do "Yes and that tree did not help any." I say laughing ruefully. "you rate one that ran from me." Adam says "Was not very smart of me now was it." I mumble. "Nope" he replies and we laugh together "Here doc." Joe says. "Thank you Joe." doc says "Welcome" Joe says. "Take a couple sips Jess" Doc says and I look at Adam and bury my face into his chest. "Jess please do it. or would you rather get the morphine." pa says. "I wont move, I promise Pa" I say and bury my face again. "Just do what you need to do" Adam says. and starts humming to keep me calm. Next thing I know, I am in the wagon with Adam. "Hey pa?" Adam says "Yeah son?" Pa says "She just woke up." "Lets rest the horses here Joe" Pa says "Adam?" I say "yeah?" Can I have something to eat? Please?" I say "Actually you have to have your medicine first but then we can have some lunch." Adam says
"deal" "here is her medicine" Hoss says "keep her calm" Pa says "right" Hoss says taking out a bucket. "Adam pick your guitar to keep her happy. Joseph and I will keep her from moving." Pa says "Okay" Adam says and starts playing my favorite song Go tell it on the mountain. "I love this song." I say "Sit up Jessie" Pa says and I obey. "open your mouth little sister." Hoss says and regretfully I do. "Joey your hurting me." I say :Sorry, I did not realize how much pressure I was giving." Joe says "Now can we have lunch?" I ask "Yes, Ill go get the others and we will have a picnic." Joe says. and Adam stops playing the guitar. "While Joe goes to get the others. Why don't I change that bandage. Since Jack has such a weak stomach" Adam says and I nod my approval "You know it has not been cleaned since 7 O'clock this morning" Pa says "Yeah Im gonna clean it so that it don't get infected any worse than it already is." Adam says "Sit still for me okay?" Adam says "Yessir" I says and Adam removes the bandage. "T- t- take it easy Adam, that hurts" I say "Sorry but I have to clean the wound before I can put a clean bandage on." he replies then adds "Pa, where did that clean bandage go that was next to me?" "you put it in your shirt pocket remember?" Pa says "Oops. he he thanks" Adam says and wraps my head back up. "That medicine shire has a horrid aftertaste. YUCK!" I say and make a face. "Ha no kidding" Adam says ruefully. "How would you know?" "Remember when I was protecting that indian medicine woman. You were with me when it all happened." He says "I almost forgot about that I ended up breaking my arm trying to get off the mountain to get to you after you were hit with that arrow. And when Pa got to us you had a terrible fever. They thought you were hallucinating till I came out of hiding after those indians came after her." I says "Yeah you were so quiet I even forgot you were there quite a few times. Until you gave the signal we have for when we are in trouble." "No kidding the two of you gave us quite a scare." Joe says scaring me. "Quit sneaking up on me you jerk" I say "Sorry Jess I did not mean to scare you." Joe says " s'okay now lets eat I'm hungry. I could probably eat a horse." "Okay" Hoss says "Muley a little music if you please?" Pa says "Lucy your violin please?" Muley says "You know how to play the violin?" Lucy asks "I know how to play every single instrument." Muley replies "Pass the plates around so we can have something to put the food on." Hoss says "Here you go Hoss" Candy says handing over the plates "Adam Knock knock." lucy says "who is there?" Adam replies "Boo" "Boo who?" "Don't cry it was only a joke" Lucy says "I forgot that joke." I say laughing "Me two. you got me Lucy"Adam says smiling. "I got one and this one Adam taught me. Knock knock." I say "Who is there?" Adam, Joe, Pa, and Hoss say "Cow say" I go "Cow say who?" they say "No Cow say MOOOO!" I say an laugh "That was my favorite joke as a kid" Adam says "I know something that always made Pa laugh." Joe says and makes a fishy face and crosses his eyes.
"He is right" Pa says laughing "Uh oh." I say "What is wrong sissy?" Joe says "Bloody nose?" Pa says "Yep" I say tipping my head back "Don't tip your head back remember you almost choked on blood the last time." Candy says handing me his neckerchief "Your not having the best of luck now are you?" Emily says "I don't think that luck was meant to be on my side." I say "Oh, I would not say that" Adam says "what do you mean?" "Your alive now aren't you" Hoss says "true" I say "Then don't complain that luck ain't on your side." Adam says "how do you always know the right thing to say?" I say to Adam.
"years and years of practice." Adam replies "I remember the nicknames that you gave me." I say "what were they dear?" Emily says "Adam used to call me Jessie pooh, Hoss called me messie Jessie, Pa calls me jessie or jess, and Joe used to have a hard time saying my name so he just used my initials." I say "He still does when he is drunk."Adam says "When people are drunk J.C sounds like Jessie. so" I say "i used to love the nickname that you gave me" Adam says. "Oh you mean Smashing Adam?" I say "Yep to this day I think back to wham you called me that for the first time." Adam says smiling "what I remember is Joe's nickname and how bad he hated being called it."Hoss says "Which one Little Joe or Joey?" I ask "Both bothered me but little Joe bothered me more" "How come it dont bother you now?" I ask "Because, I got used to it" joe replies "You should have told us you didn't want to be called little joe or joey." Adam says
"I actually dont mind them anymore. I did not like it when I was a kid." Joe says "I got my nose to stop bleeding finally but now I have blood all over my favorite shirt." I say "I will buy you a new one" Pa says "Did you bring my poem book Adam?" I ask "yes and I brought your birthday present and Joe's Present" Adam says "but our birthday is not till saturday" "yes and today is tuesday we wont be to town until tonight around supper time." Pa says "Get some rest J.C its a long ride" Joe says "Adam can I lean against you? The wind keeps blowing in so hard that I am having a hard time breathing and It is making me cold." I say "sure squirt" Adam says "thank you" "anything for my favorite sister" "Im your only sister, You know I have noticed something" "Whats that" Joe says "I noticed that Adam and I seem to get along and have never had a fight. Unlike you Joey." I reply "yeah I noticed that and I never figured out why" Adam says "Get some rest both of you. Adams been up since yesterday at 5 O'clock yesterday morning."Pa says "Ive been asleep for two days?" I ask "Well doc had you sedated most of the time because that log Hoss threw gave you an infection and you popped the stitches in your face so doc had to sew it back up. Then your eye swelled shut. So doc had to keep an eye on it. Joe hand me Jess's pillow and blanked." Adam says "Hmm?" joe says "Jessies favorite pillow and blanket." he repeats "oh yeah sure" Joe says and hands over my pillow and blanket and looks over into the bushes alongside the wagons. "Somethings wrong" Joe says
"Candy would you go with Joe?" Adam says sleepily "Yep" Candy says "Pa I dont like this feeling I'm getting." I say "Relax Jessica, Jack is with him too." Emily says "Thanks Emmy. You always manage to know when there is something strange going on." "Not always but for the most part" Emily says "get some sleep" Pa says to me and Adam "Okay Pa" we both says with a smile and then lay down next to each other and I spread my blanket across the both of us. Then I put my head on his shoulder and he puts his head against mine. Almost immediately we fall asleep. When I wake up we are in the hotel room. "Good morning Jess. How do you feel?" Joe asks "I got a headache but other than that I am fine" I say trying to sit up "Ill go let Pa know. but in the mean time Adam has a surprise for you" Joe says with big smile "Huh?" I say "Lucy and Adam you mean?" Hoss says to Joe "Right." "What do you mean by surprise?" I say
"You will see in a minute. Ill be back with some pain medicine" Joe says "I hope its not that icky stuff for the infection" I say and scrunch up my face. "Nah that ain't till bed time that you have to take that medicine again." Hoss says "That stuff tastes horrible" I say "I know baby but its the only watt that we can keep you from becoming very sick" Adam says walking in with my headache medicine and something wrapped in gift wrap. "What is that Adam" I say pointing to the package "I did a little something with Lucy" Adam says "Joe, Hoss, sit her up." Pa says "yessir" they say and help me sit up "your not going to like the taste. but it will get rid of that headache." Pa says "Ho is candy doing?" I ask "Not bad a little sleepy after doc gave him some medicine for the fever but he will be fine." Joe replies "Fever from what? he was fine yesterday." I say "he got spring fever" Pa says "can you do me a favor Hoss?" I say "Sure but take your medicine first." Hoss says and I obey "YUCK" I say sticking my tongue out "Now what was it you wanted me to do?" Hoss says "Grab my guitar and poem book and bring candy in here." I say "First things first. Lucy has been dying to know how you like your presents." Adam says "Uh Adam there is only one present." I say opening the package. "Thats because the other one would not fit "Adam you didn't" I say looking at the contents of the package. "What is it?" Joe says "A new sketch pad and paints." I reply "Lucy knew you like that" Adam says smiling "That's perfect. My other notebook ran out of paper. Hey I got a better idea of what to do to make Candy happy. I could paint him a picture." I say
"Great idea but first come outside for your second present" Adam says "Okay?" I say and try to clim bout of bed. As soon as I stand up I get dizzy and almost fall. "Jess!" Lucy cries as Adam and Joe catch me. "Easy now. Pa can you run and get the wheel chair that we brought. I had a feeling that this was gonna happen." Adam says "Good thinking. Lucy would you like to come with me? Candy should be in a better mood." Pa says "Sure Mr. Cartwright I could come and see if Candy don't mind coming and seeing the present." Lucy says
Just then there is a knock on the door. "Mathew!" Pa says "Who is Mathew Pa?" I ask "our cousin." He replies "And this young lad must be your son Jamie." Adam says. "I remember now pa received a letter saying cousin Mathew and his son were coming to Virginia city for a couple weeks" Joe says "pa the chair." Adam says and picks me up "Right, Come on Lucy dear. lets go get that wheelchair and candy." "Yes sir" she says and they walk out. "Adam please loosen your grip on me your hurting my ribs." I say "sorry sis" Adam says and loosens up "it is okay you were not paying attention to how much you were squeezing." i say "After you go see your birthday present, Candy said he was going to treat you, Adam, Joe, Hoss, and I to breakfast while Mr. Cartwright catches up with cousin Mathew" Lucy says as she, candy and pa, enter the room with the wheelchair.
"Thank you Pa," Adam says and sets me down. "You promise me that you will look after your brothers and sister. and Of course Lucy" Pa says to Adam as we start to leave the room, "i can't believe we are finally 20 years old." I say "Kiss up" Joe Mumbles "Joseph " Adam says sternly. "That was very rude Joe" Lucy says "J.C. Your so attached to Adam. A lot more than Hoss and me" Joe says "Jealous much, Your the oldest of the two of us."I say "How can you be so mean on your birthday Joe? You know I got a good mind to tan your hide for that " Pa says from behind. Turning around we see that Cousins Muley, Mathew and Jamie, Emily and Jack were with him. "Emily dear you look absolutely dashing. Jack handsome as always. Muley did you get a new suit?" And Jamie I must say you look good in that outfit. wait a sec. Pa I don' t remember that outfit." I say "Thats because It was hidden in my foot locker. Lucy decided to pack the clothes I showed her that I was wearing when I met your mothers. as well as the ones I wore when we married." "You look amazing. No wonder ma agreed to marry you." I say and try to stand up to hug them. "Adam help her stand" Lucy says "I got it Lucy" I say and fall "t-t-take it easy Jess. the medicine takes a lot out of you" Adam says and picks me up "No kidding" I say
"you would know Adam after being in that love triangle." Joe says rudely just as I sit down in the wheelchair. "Joseph!" Pa starts to say when I say "Hey Joe come here a minute I have a secret to tell you" And just like a fool he falls for my trick and comes close "Yes?" he says (POW) I punch him so hared he spins in a circle and falls. "That should teach you to act like a jackass in the presence of a child let a lone company." I say and both me and Adam start laughing. "Hoss wake him up will you?" I say "Sure, Lucy the bucket of water if you please." Hoss says "Here you go" she replies handing him the bucket (Splash) "Hoss!" Joe yells "Relax Joe, I told him to wake you up. since you been knocked out by me" I say "Your lucky Adam and Pa are watching "Joe says "Cool it Joey, She did it cause you was acting like a complete jerk." Lucy says "Sorry Lucy, Sorry everybody" He says "Jamie, Mathew, If it is one thing you should know about the twins is that they have different tempers." Adam says "How about some breakfast and then we can see my birthday present." I say "Alright. Mathew I'll tell you this when it comes to solving problems. Adam and Jessica always stay calm" Pa says on the sway to the restaurant. "Except when we thought that you died." Adam and I say "I almost forgot about that" Pa admits "Lucy? What kind of girl wears boy clothes?" Jamie asks "Jamie!" Mathew says "She has always hated wearing dresses. Lucy is exactly like Jessica" Adam says "Right you are Adam." Lucy says as we start eating "Jess is a cute nickname" Mathew says to pa "J.C. thank you for knocking me out back there. I dont know what came over me." Joe says "Any time" "I remember when Jessie was a toddler, Pa and I used to call her Jessie Jane." Adam says "Only when I was naughty" I say laughing. "Jamie how old are you?" I add "I'll be 13 next week if you must know" Jamie replies "Hey Jess, How about you sing us a few songs?" Hoss says "Why not. You aint sang in a while." Adam says "Sure but I'll need the guitar" I say and the restaurant owner brings out a brand new guitar with my name on it. "Adam Cartwright this has you doing all over it." I say "It was the only way I could get you to come out and sing. With all of those songs you write." Adam says smiling "Happy birthday Jessie, Happy birthday Joe" Everybody but Jamie says "Thank you everyone" we say "Lucy what is your favorite song? Since you are gonna get a new family soon." I say "Go tell it on the mountain" Lucy says eagerly "So be it" I say and start singing and paling my brand new guitar. When I finish the song Adam says "Perfect as always"
"Thank you" I say and smile "Lucy what did you think of it?" Pa says "I must say Mr. Cartwright that it was the best song I ever heard. "Lucy says "Adam how about you sing a duet with me" I say "Okay how bout we sing the song I wrote when Hoss and Joe tried to be El Matador." Adam says "Spanish and English. So fun" I say and start picking the guitar and Adam starts singing the song. While we are singing Roy enters the restaurant with Gus who just got finished being deputized. Just as we end the song I realize that they are coming over "Amazing how well those two get along. That song was beautiful. You always were the charmer" Roy says with a smile on his face "And how." I say in agreement "I agree" says a little girl named Peggy "Good morning Peggy." I say "Good morning Aunt Jessica and Happy birthday to you. Mamma is sorry she missed you but she said to give you this and Joe she told me you were waiting for this?" Peggy says handing me freshly baked cookies and Joe received a new pocket knife. "Thank you peggy and tell your ma we appreciate it." I say "I will aunt Jessica, Bye Uncle Ben, Uncle Adam, Uncle Hoss, Uncle Joe, Candy, Ms. Emily, Mr. Jack, Lucy. She says "Bye peggy." we all say and Joe says "Here peggy this is for you" handing her a dollar. "Thank you Uncle Joe and Happy birthday" She says and walks out "Nice girl" Mathew says "Very shy for the most part" I sas and Adam looks at me and says "lets get you back to the room. You need your rest for the trail for Lucy to get adopted." "right you are Adam" I say yawning. "that sure took up a lot of my energy." Adam says putting me in bed "take a nap the door is locked. Im going to paint candy a picture then I will be doing the same" I say "you always say the right things to me" Adam says "As do you" I reply "Alright" He says and lays down. So I paint a picture of Black Beauty and Candy then I put my stuff away and fall asleep. When I wake up, I find myself having a coughing fit. Adam comes over with some medicine and Joe, Hoss, Pa, and Candy are just getting ready to hold me down "Not (cough) that (cough cough) stuff (cough, cough, cough) again." I say "sorry sis, doc's orders" Adam says and puts a spoon full of the medicine in my mouth. "Yuck!" i say as they let go " I know" candy says "Same here" Hoss says
"It is the only way" Adam and Pa say "What time is it?" I ask "noon" Joe says "come one yall. Ill buy us all a beer." I say "Your too kind" Candy says "lets go" Hoss says "we got to get the wheelchair" Adam says "Id rather walk if you don't mind Adam. As long as I have somebody to lean on I should be good." I say "Alright but we will have somebody bring the wheel chair just in case" Candy says "Joe bring a deck of cards and I'll play cards with you" I say "Deal!" Joe says "Adam could I borrow your shoulder?" I ask "Of course" Adam says "Hoss I'll even play a few songs on the piano for you . And candy could you fetch Jamie and Mathew? And have them come as well" I say "sure Jessie" Candy says "you can call me J.J if you like." I say "okay" Candy says and away we go Hoss grabs the wheel chair on the way "J- Jess, you never let anybody call you J.J. since you lost Vance duke." Joe says when we are going in the door to the saloon." Well, I have not loved anybody as much as I love Candy. Even if he dont love me back." I say "well I can tell you this much J.J" I love you just as much if not more" Candy says form behind. I turn around so fast i got dizzy "Jess!" Adam sys catching me "Im okay, I moved to fast is all" I say "Just sit there and relax before you pass out again." Pa says "Candy did you say that you loved me?" I say "Yes I have always love you. Ever since the moment that we met that day that your pa was a major. I even want to marry you " Candy says "M- Married" I say startled. "Married?" They say "Let me say this properly" Jessica Cartwright would you do me the honor of becoming my bride?" Candy says and gets down on his knee and pulls out a ring "Candy Ingals of course I will marry you" I say "I told you Hoss" Joe says "Backwards little brother, Hoss told you" Adam syas "I dont understand you two made a bet over me and Candy?" I ask "We knew that you and Candy loved each other and Hoss and I made a bet on when Candy would propose to you" Joe says "You made a bet on me when he would prepose?" I say and walk towards them with my fists clenched.
"Now J. C. Dont do anything your going to regret" Adam says "oh trust me, these two jackasses deserve whats coming" I say and grab Joe and Hoss's hair and slam their heads together hard. Then I pick them up one in each arm and throw them against the wall. Then I break Joes Left arm and Hoss's right arm. "That will teach you to bet on when people will propose to one another" I say and fall to my knees "we tried to tell them" Pa says and Adam comes and feels my head "You are burning up." he says "And Candy just passed out" Pa says "Get Doc Martin, Tell him I will let him come near me without a fight." I say and try to stand up but can't "Lucy will understand if…" Pa starts to say when Emily walks in and says "We just talked to the adoption clinic and told them we want to wait until you and Candy get better" "Thank you Emily" "Guess what else" she says "what?" I say "I am pregnant' "Congratulations" I say weakly as Adam picks me up "rest" he says " I nod and put my head on his chest I fall asleep to the beating of his heart. When I wake up we are in the motel room. Adam is sitting in a chair with a book. I am in bed with my head on Candy's chest Candy is just waking up ad I cuddle up closer to Candy "J.J. Ingals sure does have a nice ring to it don't you think?" Candy says "It sure does" Joe says form the doorway "Adam pleas make Joe go away" I say "Joe I told you and Hoss to go visit Lucy" Adam says "Adam tell Hoss and Joe that I am not speaking to them" I say "But J.C" Joe starts to say "Don't care and Adam please tell Joseph that he don't deserve to talk to me until he can prove that he will not bet on relationships ever again. Same goes for Hoss" I say
"Now. J.J. you cant possibly mean that" Candy says "Candy dear Joe and Hoss have offended my honor and worst of all they disrespected our feelings towards each other and that hurt me so bad I want to cry" I say "babe I understand that but that beating you gave them should have been enough" Candy says "Sweety that was an accident my anger got the best of me." I say "I talked to the reverend and he said he will marry us. We just need to give him a date" Candy says "how about July 2nd" I say "sounds perfect" Candy replies "Adam there is something that I would like you and Pa to do for me. I want you and Pa to walk me down the Isle." I say "It would be our honor" Adam says "great" I say with a smile "how are you feeling? Pa says walking into the room "I have a headache and My wrist is throbbing from beating those two jackasses of brothers." I say "I have pain medicine right here for that." Pa say "Adam why don't you tell Ben what Jess wants to happen when we get married so that he knows wants going on." Candy says weakly "Jessie wants me and you to walk her down the isle." Adam says "I don't see anything wrong with that." Pa says "Joe and Hoss are invited but I want them in the back row. You and Adam I want in the front." I say "Actually J.J. I wanted to ask Adam and Ben to be my best men." Candy says "Even better" I say "Why us?" Pa asks "Because You and Adam are closer and get along better than Joe and Hoss." Candy explains. "I knew you would say that" I say weakly "Adam give her the medicine. I am gonna go get Emily, Jack, and Lucy." Pa says "Yes sir." Adam says "What time is it?" I ask "4 o'clock." Candy says "How about I buy us some food" I say "I was just about to offer to buy dinner" Pa says "are you sure" I ask "Positive" Pa replies "alright." I say "Ben mind if I invite the reverend?" Candy ask "I don't see why not" Pa says "Pa can you have Mathew and the others join as well?" "Sure" "Thank you pa" I say weakly "Take your medicine, I will be back to get you guys in a bit" Pa says "Yes sir" I say regretfully. and take the medication that Adam gives me "Adam I am sorry, I should not have said those nasty things to Joe and Hoss" I say "You should be" Pa says returning with Joe and the others. Thus scaring me and Candy "Pa not to be rude but next time could you knock?" I say "Sorry, are you ready?" "Yep I even feel strong enough to walk. How bout you candy dear?" I ask "I ready but I'm sorry to say that I have not enough energy to walk let alone stand."
"good thing that the doc gave us two wheelchairs" Adam says "Wimps" Jamie says "I'll show you a wimp you…" I start to say "Jessica Jane Cartwright don't you dare" Adam says cutting me off. and startling me. "Sorry Adam" I say "Just be glad Pa and I know how to handle you." Adam says "But he started it" I say "Jessie, He is a guest" Pa scolds "well tell him candy aint a wimp. He has no ida what it is like when you take that medicine. It takes all the energy out" I say and try to stand up "Not to mention the after taste" Candy says "Hoss help Candy into the wheelchair. I'll help Jess to hers." Adam says "Id rather walk but if you want me in the chair, Adam, then ill do it." I say then sneeze.
"Bless you" Adam says "You have such a cute sneeze" Candy says smiling "Thank you" I say blushing "Jessica does have a cute sneeze candy. I always smile at that sneeze no matter how bad a mood. that sneeze gets me out of it." Adam says looking at me blushing. "yours and Joe's are cuter" I say "Kiss up" Jamie mumbles. "Who" Candy says "You." Jamie says "cousin Mathew, Can I ask you a question?" I say "sure" He says "may I smack him for that comment" I say "please do, Feel free to do it anytime you or anybody else thinks that it is necessary." Mathew says. "Thanks. Jamie come here" I say "like you could hurt me" Jamie says coming close "Go head and try" he boasts. I get out of my wheelchair, grab Jamie, bring him outside and give him the spanking he deserved. From inside all you could hear is him crying "Now next time you will think twice before being a smarts" I say and walk in and sit down and say to candy "So much for keeping my cool." "Thank you J.J" Candy says "What for? I lost my temper" I say "Because that was exactly what I wanted to do but did not have the energy to do so, that little punk deserved it." Candy replies "Well all the same he wont be anybody a kiss up without thinking about it twice" I say then into a coughing fit from having a dry mouth.
Finally I stop coughing after what seemed like forever was actually only about 30 seconds "Are you alright sweetie?" Adam asks "It would probably help if my throat had not been dry" I say "want some lemonade Jessie?" Pa says "yes please Pa. Adam hows about you and I play that new song we were working on." I say "You mean the spanish one" Adam says "Si, I will translate it at the end so that it seems longer" I say "Alright, Lucy can you and Jamie get our guitars?" Adam says "Yes sir" Lucy says and runs out the door. After they return. We order, I ordered a bowl of soup and toasted cheese sandwich. When our food comes we eat and then Lucy says "Jess could you and Adam please play that new song now?" Lucy says "sure Lucy" I say and we start playing the song. Adam sings in spanish with me harmonizing at the chorus. And then I translate the song at the end.
Finally we stop singing and I play the final three notes Everybody in the place except for Jamie applauded and cheered. Jamie was staring at us in disbelief. "well (Chk) Jamie what did you think?" I say "Wow" Joe says "Very cool" Jamie says "What was your favorite part son?" Mathew says "When they played their guitars very fast" he replies "Rapido" I say and play the guitar very fast. "huh?" Ben says "she said fast. Rapido means fast" Adam explains "what do you call that song?" Joe says "The Last Viking" I say "hows about some desert? On the house" the owner Mario says "sure thing Mario" I say "Hoss please be a good brother and use your napkin and not your sleeve. you are turning my stomach." I say "look sweetie, here comes the reverend "Candy says "Good evening Reverend Candy and I wanted to talk to you" I say "Oh? Ben said you wanted to see me but he did not let on about what it was for." Reverend says. "We wanted to know if you would marry me and Candy. Joe leave Hoss alone lets not agitate" I say I thought he would never ask" Mario says "Well we all know how much it means to my only daughter" Pa says
"Not for long Pa," Hoss says "what do you mean older brother." I ask "Im getting married too" Hoss replies with a big grin "You mean Eliza finally said yes? Elizabeth O' Reilly said yes?" Joe says "Yup we are going to meet tomorrow at noon to make arrangements" Hoss says "How romantic" I say "Hey Adam did you know what arrive yet?" Joe says "Hm? Oh no why?" "I was hoping to give it to that little boy I told you about. The one who is coming to visit tomorrow." Joe says and I sneeze "god bless you" Pa says "Thanks" I say and yawn "Candy?" Mario says "Hm?" Candy replies "Your one lucky guy" Mario says "Thanks (Choo) Mario" Candy says weakly "I think it is high time we get you two back to the hotel." Adam says "Huh?" I say and look around "what is wrong?" Mario says to me "Don't know but I got a bad feeling that something bad is about to happen." I say "I don't like where this is going." Joe says "Does anybody besides the twins have that feeling?" Reverend says and Everybody says yes "I see something large heading our way "LOW BRIDGE" I shout and everybody but the Reverend and Adam hits the deck. (POW) lights out for Adam and the reverend "Hoss go get doc Martin quick" Pa says and I pick up what hit them "An Iron rod" Joe says observing the object "Pa somebody is coming this way" I say after hearing footsteps "Jessie!" Roy says "Roy (Choo)" I Say "I knew somebody was gonna get hurt when that drunk strong man picked up that rod" Roy says looking at me holding it in my hand "I'm pressing charges if they don't wake up knowing who they are." I say choking back tears. Just then Adam starts moving, I drop the rod on Joe's foot
"Yee Ouch" he says, and instinctively I kneel next to Adam and say "Adam" "Ow ooh what hit us?" Adam says "Jess get the rod off of my foot" Joe says holding his breath. "oh, oops sorry Joe" I say and move the rod then turn back to Adam, as Joe limps to a chair. "Try not to move. I'm gonna try to get reverend to come to." I say "I promise not to move. Im too dizzy from the pain." Adam says "Adam you head is bleeding." I say wrapping his head with a hanky. Then I turn to the reverend and rub his wrists. "J- Jess?" Reverend says "Im here reverend. Roy did you arrest that man or no?" I say "Yes I did." Roy says "Get those papers ready to get him put away for good. He is too dangerous" I say while stopping reverend from moving. "J.C. are you sure about this?" Joe says removing his boot "Yep" I say "Alright then find out his name while you are at it" I say and sneeze. "Okay" Roy says and walks out "How do yo feel son?" Pa says to Adam "Well Pa, I cant see out my led eye" Adam replies "Jess stop spinning" reverend says "I aint spinning. I can't even stand up I hurt my ankle when I spun around really quick just as Adam was waking up." I reply
"Not to mention the fact that you dropped that damn rod that hit them on my foot" Joe whines "what happened" Doc says "Oh some fool decided to take that rod (hick) there and throw it. Unfortunately it hit Reverend and Adam in the head. Jess picked it up but dropped it on my foot when Adam started to come to." Joe says "Jess where are you?" Adam says "Im here big brother in between you and the reverend. Can't you see anything?" I say shakily and grab his hand. "No, actually I can't but as long as you are holding my hand I know Im safe." Adam says "I always have said that bout you older brother." I say with tears running down my face. "finally the room stopped spinning" Reverand says "Sir?" Hoss says "Hm?" reverend says and turns to hoss. "Your nose is bleeding." Hoss says and hands him a handkerchief just as doc steps towards Adam, I start having a hard time breathing. "Jess, what is wrong?" Doc says. "Cant…. breathe….. feels like…. I got …. got 2 dozen… horses and … the whole… family … on top of my….. chest… Hurts bad…." I reply where is you asthma medicine" Doc says "Crap, I knew I was forgetting something" Hoss says "Doc please do something" Candy says
Just then I pass out into Adam's lap. When I wake up, I am back at the hotel. Joe is teaching Adam how to do things independently while still being blind. Candy is talking to the reverend about the date to marry us. And doc martin is just finishing wrapping my ankle. "watch it you quack that hurts." I yell scaring everybody. Causing Adam to step on Joe's bad foot. "Ow Adam that is my foot" Joe cries "Sorry" Adam says and lifts his foot
"I think that is enough education for now, Joe sit down in the chair and I will take a look at that foot once I finish with your sister" Doc says "How are you doing?" Adam says sitting down next to me in the chair." "Better now that I can breathe without any pain. I can see that you are doing good learning how to move around on your own." I say "thank you but I wish I could see, I cant walk my sister down the isle if I am blind. I wont be able to see your dress. Plus I was going to propose to Mary Jane Anderson tomorrow." Adam says with tears in his eyes "Adam, I know how you feel. It is scary being blinded by an object. I for one started to loose hope that I would ever gain my eyesight back." Joe says as doc raps Joe's foot. "The key to getting though it is to never give up hope." I say grabbing his hand. "I promise J.J. that I will never give up hope." Adam says "Thats my brother" I say "How are you supposed to make a speech if you can't see?" Candy says "Easy when Joe went blind, I learned how to read and write in braille." I say "That is great to know" Adam says and squeezes my hand "I watched and learned everything that Joe did even though I was not blind because I knew it would come in handy someday." I say and try to get out of bed "Don't you dare try getting out of bed yet you have not got your crutches." Joe says "But I do have Pa and Hoss" I say "true but where are you going." Pa says "I want to take Adam for a horse back ride." I say "but I can't see."
"Remember Gabrielle?" I say "Yeah" Adam says "She knew how to ride a horse without being able to see. And before she left she taught me how to ride a horse without being able to see." I say "I taught Joe and his teacher both how to ride while blind." I say "Oh yeah I forgot about that" Pa says "come big brother your gonna be riding your horse and I am going to have Jack and Hoss come along because we were gonna stop at the house and get more clothing and mine and Joe's crutches." I say "okay." Adam says and stands up "Candy do you want to come." I say "You go ahead honey. I still have to get a suit for the wedding." Candy says "Okay I'll get the dress for our wedding when we get back." I say "Ill send for the horses." Pa said "Come Adam, It is going to take us a while to get outside." Says Hoss "I can go downstairs on my own little brother. Joe already taught me that. Just help J.J. get out" Adma says "Yes sir" Hoss replies "I just need your shoulder to lean on Hoss." I say "Try to keep your weight off of that foot, the two of you" Doc says "Between Jess's broken ankle and Joe's broken foot. You two are just asking for trouble" Doc adds "Yes sir." we say "Here come the horses but where is lightning bolt?" I ask "He wont move from the stall till you give the secret call that you taught him remember?" Hoss says "Oh yeah" I say and whistle like a bird. Within five seconds lightning bolt arrives. "Hey boy Comè èstas? good boy" I say and climb on careful not to put any weight on my ankle "Adam take three steps forward and you will find Sport." I say
"Thanks J.J I am sure glad you are around." Adam says "Hoss grab Adam's hand and guide it to the saddle so he can climb on" "No need I already found it" Adam says "Hoss did you bring our medicine" I ask "Yep" He replies "Good Now Adam Can you feel the sun hitting you?" I ask "Yes it is hitting my back" Adam replies "Turn your horse till it hits your face completely. Then command your horse to move." I say and Adam obeys "Good job older brother don't let Sport go faster than a trot. At least until you know that you can stop him from crashing." I say ask I command Lighting Bolt to catch up with Sport. "Okay now there is a tree about 3 yards in front of you so you are going to turn your horse till the sun hits only your left side. Then if your ready, let Sport go into a trot." I say "Don't go left Hoss there is a bear trap that way." Jack says
"Alright Adam, I am going to take the reins for a little bit because we need to go single file. Jack take up the rear." I say and guide Adm and the horses away from animal traps "Okay Jess, I'm trusting you not to make us lost." Adam says "Woah boy, Woah." I say commanding Lightning to stop. "What is wrong" Hoss asks. "Listen. I hear something. Guns ready everybody. Protect Adam" I say and cock my gun "Adam get as low to the saddle as you can then use the secret whistle." I say and Adam does "Jessica its me Frank" I hear from behind. "Show yourself Hardy" I say and hand Hoss Sport's reins. "Look up goof." He replies
Looking up I say "How on earth did you get up there?" "That bully Benny Tass grabbed me by the shirt and threw me up here" Frank replies "That guy is a jerk. "Jack can you do me a favor and get Frank loose? Try not to drop him." I say and take the reins of Jack's horse named Midnight. So Jack could climb. Jack dismounts and walks over to the tree. Then shimmies up the tree. When he reaches the branch that Frank is hanging from, He carefully crawls across over to where Frank is. But before he could get close enough to Frank, the end of the branch snaps right in front of Jack. Thus causing Frank to drop about 3 stories. He ended up landing on his left arm. "Frank!" I say climbing off of Lightning, forgetting that my ankle was broken. I fall over but, I did not let it stop me. I crawl over to him faster than Hoss could get off of his horse Chubbs. Carefully I roll him over onto his back. "You okay?" I ask
"Ow. I think I broke my wrist." Frank replies and pulls his wrist close to his body. "Come on Frank, we are going to Roy, right now and reporting this and getting that wrist looked at. Hoss you and Jack go on and get everything that we need from the house and meet Adam, Frank and me at Roy's." I say "Jess, are you sure?" Hoss says " Yes now help Frank up onto my horse." I say and he does. Once on my horse, I say "Careful getting down Jack" "Watch this" Jack says and climbs down like a monkey. "what the hell? Jack you just got down like you was born in that tree." I say "Natural born climber. I climb trees when I want to be left alone. Jack says. "Woah" I say "Come on Adam lets head back to town." I say and turn our horses towards the town. "Adam turn you horse till the sun hits you right side, then if you are ready, put him into a trot." I say "Im ready for a gallop." Adam says "Well we are out of the woods so go head. we have to head straight for about 3 miles" I say and put Lightning into a gallop. Helping Frank to stay in place so he doesn't fall off. "Woah, Lightning Woah" I say and pull the reins "Adam stop" I say and he stops dead in his tracks. "What is wrong?" Adam asks as I catch back up with him. "We are almost into town. We need to go together give me the reins." I say and take control of Sport. "Duck" I hear and force the three of us against our saddles just as a log goes flying over head. "that was close" Frank says as we sit back up. "Yes it was lets get out of here" I say and click my tongue for Lightning and Sport to walk "Jess hurry up I am getting a headache." Adam says "yes sir. Giddy up Yah." I say and both horses go full speed "Don't kill us J.C" Adam says
"Duck Adam low branch" I yell over the hoofbeats. "Ow, Frank take over for little while. Put the horses to a walk that got me good. Oh Adam please tell me that you ducked. That branch was rather big." I say rubbing my head ruefully. "I can't guide them, with one arm." Frank says "yes you can watch this, Lightning Bolt, Sport, agradable y apacible" I say the last part in spanish because I trained them in spanish commands and english commands but they listen better with spanish. and they obey. Five minutes later we are at the sheriffs office. Upon hearing the horses coming, he comes outside. "Howdy, Frank, Jess, and Adam." Roy says "Howdy Roy. Can you do me a favor?" I say "What kind of a favor? You want me to arrest somebody?" He asks "Yes, Benny Tass took Frank here and threw him up into a tree. And left him there dangling from a branch. Luckily we came by. Jack tried to crawl along the branch to get him down safely. But the branch snapped and Frank fell about 3 stories right onto his arm. If we had not come along who knows how long it would have been before help arrived." I say
"I will send Gus out to get him right away. That there sounds like an attempted murder. Uh Jess, Did you know that your head is bleeding? How about you guys come inside and Ill send for the doc and your Pa." Roy says "Thanks, Adam do you think you can get down on your own?" I say "Yeah, Roy help Jessica get down and inside. We don't have her crutches yet. Hoss and Jack are supposed to meet us here with" Adam says "Sure. Frank will you guide Adam into the office? You just have to say left or right" Roy says "Yes sir. I just need help getting down." Frank replies. "Right" Roy says and helps him down. As he helps me down I get dizzy. "Roy, slow down a bit. I am getting a bit dizzy." I say "Probably from all that blood you lost." Roy says wrapping my head with a handkerchief. "I think it popped the stitches." I say "We will soon find out." Roy says as I sit down. "Next time don't let the horses gallop into the woods." Adam says "First off older brother, We were out of the woods. We just went under a tree on the path." I say "Second you were the one that told me to hurry cause you were getting a headache." Frank says as the doc walks in.
"Let me guess Benny Tass." Doc says looking at Frank. "Who else would be so hateful?" Frank replies. "Stupid brand. I should have mown that old man Withers has not cut that branch down yet." I say "Don't help that we were galloping either" Adam says from behind. "Klutzy much?" Joe says limping in "Joe I told you to stay off that foot." Doc says "No not klutzy, irritated that Benny Tass would throw Frank up into a tree and not send somebody to get him down." I say "Gus just let to go get him" Pa says "Good and I can hear, Hoss and Jack coming." I say and change my position. "yeah, you popped the stitches all right." Doc says "Gosh darn tree." I say "No kidding. I can't play baseball with a broken arm" Frank says "at least you did not break any ribs" Adam says "true" we say "You do realize I have to put the stitches back in again. And your left eye is swelling up again." doc says "yeah that branch hit my eye as well. Do what you have to do. I have no energy to fight or even attempt to escape." I say "Here are your crutches Joe, and Jess here are yours." Jack stays "Thanks but, I can barely see what is in front of me." I say as doc puts the stitches back in. "Got him Frank. And he even admits he wanted to kill you. The trial is going to be set for wednesday. Judge wont be in town till then" Gus says "Thank you Gus." Frank says "Your welcome." "Congrats on your engagement Hoss" Roy says "Thanks" Hoss replies
"Try to open your eye Jess," doc says "Why?" I say "I want to make sure that its jut a black eye and not an injury." He replies "Okay, How is the reverend by the way?" I say "Fine just needs a bit of rest. You on the other hand are gonna need an eyepatch for a little while." "This just aint my day." I say shaking my head ruefully then yawn. "Pa what time is it?" Adam says "1 am." Pa replies "Hoss, why don't you take your brothers, and Jack and Frank back to the hotel? Ill be along in a little while with Jessica." Pa says "Yes sir." Hoss replies. "Ben you nose is bleeding." Roy says. "Yeah, Jamie threw a stick and it hit me in the nose. Mathew whipped him good" Pa says taking a hanky from his pocket "Easy that hurts" I say "Sorry," Doc says "What a day." I say weakly "Keep this eye patch on your eye. I will stop by from time to time to see how it is healing." doc says "Will do." I say "lets get you to bed" Pa says "Yes sir" I say and reach for my crutches. "Dont worry about that. I brought your wheelchair." Pa says and puts me in the wheel chair. Resting my crutches on my good foot, I lay my head on them and close my eye. Pa carries me up stairs and in bed with Adam. I immediately fall asleep. The next morning at breakfast Frank and Joe are talking about the time Joe carved a log to look like a flower. Adam is reciting poetry to Mary Jane Anderson. And Pa, Candy, Mathew, Jamie, and Reverand are talking about how when Pa, Joe, Hoss, Hop Sing, and two of our foreman went to San Fransisco and everybody but Joe and Hoss almost got shang hied. "Ha, you all came home with a black eye, except Hop Sing" I say "True" Pa says with a smile "Reverend are you sure your up to doing the sermon and the wedding?" Hoss says "Don't you worry bout me Hoss. Just try not to destroy the church." Reverend says. "Remember everybody no guns" Pa says "Yeah we don't need any more people hurt." I say "Jessica in particular." Joe say "Hey Messy Jessie I almost forgot Eliza wants you to be the bridesmaid. And Emily the maid of honor. She also wants Peggy and Lucy to be the flower girls. And Jamie the ring bear" Hoss says "Sounds fun" I reply "Adam, if I remember correctly that poem that you just recited was written by means of proposing" Mary Jane says "You are correct. It is meant as a proposal." Adam replies and pulls out a beautiful diamond ring. "Yes Adam, Yes, Of course I will marry you" Mary Jane says taking his hand "Adam you old lover boy" I say
"Jessica knew before anybody though. She just had kept it secret." Adam says "Ye had no idea how hard that was" I say "come on everybody or we will be late to church." Pa says putting his hat on. Grabbing our hats, we all leave. Pa had to guide Adam but other than that everything went smooth for that day. The wedding went along perfectly. The next day Adam woke up and was able to see again. As soon as he woke up he called me in to close the blind. I hobbled over to the window and shut the blind then stopped in my tracks. "Wait a minute you just saw the light?" I say "Yes my dear and I can your beautiful smile as well." He replies with a big grin that I knew all to well. "Is anybody else awake?" I ask "not yet. come lets go wake them up and surprise them." Adams says "Lead away" I say
The first stop we made was Pa and Joe's room. Adam pulls the blinds up to show that it was day time and says "Wake up you lazy bums." "What is wrong" Pa says sitting up and rubbing his eyes "Nothing Pa. I wanted to tell you that I can see again." "Great. Now go to sleep" Joe says covering his head. "Joseph it is 7:30 come on we still have to wake up Hoss and Candy." I say "How long have y'all been up?" Pa says "Adam woke me up to close the curtain." I say "Five minutes" Adam replies "Come on Hoss is hard to wake up." Joe says "Let me do the talking. Don't need no more injuries plus I got a prank to play. This is going to be really funny" I say and accidentally drop a crutch. "Shoot." I say and try to locate it " I got it baby" Adams says "Glad you do, I can't see it" I say "Que?" Adam says "El canto considera a Adán, su como si consiguiera dos correcciones del ojo en Adán que me asustan" I say speaking in spanish with fear "Don't worry sis" Adam says, just then Candy and Hoss come in. But I had no idea who it was "Who is there?" I say "Whats going on pa?" Hoss says "Jess lost her sight and Adam got his back" Joe says "Mr. Cartwright? Do you think that when Jessie hit her head on that branch it could have affected her vision?" Frank says "That is very possible Frank" doc says causing me to loose my balance "Woah" I say "Got ya" Adam says catching me "Gracias" I say "Denàda" Adam replies "At least that much we understand." Joe says "Take your crutches Jess before anything else goes wrong." Pa says giving me my crutches. "Thanks but I still can't see" "Pa where did you put my boots?" Joe asks "They are under the chair but your one boot won't be able to fit for a while." Pa replies "Thats better now I can see again." I say "good" Adam says "Jess was you vision black or blurry" Doc says "Blurry" I reply "Your body is not used to seeing through one eye" Doc says "Yeah" I say "What do you guys want to do?" Frank asks "I for one want to find out why Benny wants you dead" I say "sounds like trouble" Pa says "Nah, Hoss knows how to take care of Benny. Plus I have my pistol. Adam did you want to come?" I say "Sure"
So we head to the jail and Benny smirks when he sees me and Frank with Hoss and Adam "So we meet again Frank Hardy." Benny says "Why in the world did you try to kill Frank?" I say "He has it all. The girl, Good grades, and I don't. He don't have to work to earn his obey, but we do" Benny says "Actually I do work for a living. I am a horse breaker. but I wont be able to break horses or play baseball with my arm in a sling." Frank says "I ought to hang you right now Tass. Frank is one of the best housebreakers. A really good ball player and one of the nicest people in town. What the hell did he do to you to make you want him dead?" I say "He stole my girl." Tass replies "Ashley only comes over to help me take care of mother while Pa is in San Fransico. He wont be back for another year or so and Pa is the one who asked her to check in a couple times a day to make sure we have everything that we need. Ever since Ma had her accident. Pa has been worried about us being able to take care of ourselves." Frank says " But why Ashley?" Roy says "Because she lives the closest." Frank replies "That makes sense" I say "That it does" Benny says "Ashely is so ashamed of you Benny. Its bad enough that yo bullied me to the point that Adam had to step in now you got to try and murder Frank?" I say
"You sir are pathetic." Joe says "Don't even think that I am going to drop the charges" Frank says "Lets go meet the stage coach. There is somebody coming that we need to go meet." Hoss says "Who?" "Youll see when we get there." Hoss says "Alright." I say and head towards the stage coach. "Adam do you think the packages I ordered will be on the coach today?" I say "Probably." he replies "good" I say as Joe and I accidentally get our crutches stuck together. Joe had just put his foot down but I was just swinging to take a step. "woah! oof" down I go "Joe you ant be that close to me with crutches" I say trying to sit up. "Jess your the one who came at me." Joe says "No." Adam says helping me up "Careful" Hoss says "Thank you older brother" I say and smile. "Welome and Joe next time stay on the side where she can see you. That way you don't get your crutches stuck together" Adam says "Sorry Jess" Joe says "Sure you are. Heads up Hoss, the stage is here and don't sound like he is gonna slow down" I say "I hear ya" Hoss says "So how is Eliza?" Pa says meeting up with us. "She has been acting rather funny lately. Pa" Hoss says "So is she like depressed or something? or is it grumpy" Adam says "Both why" Hoss says "Pregnancy usually contains mood swings" I say "Ill know in about 5 minutes. I asked doc to check on her." Hoss says "So Hoss, Who are we meeting?" Adam says "I don't know. Pa said it was a relative of the twins" Adam replies "who could it be?" Ma and our grandparents died" Joe says "we shall soon find out" I say arriving at the stage coach. "Are you Adam Cartwright?" A man says "Yes sir." "I am white eagle." the man says "From the Paiute nation?" I say "Yes" White Eagle says "I thought that was who Pa (choo) was taking about." Hoss says "this is my daughter Running bull." White Eagle says waving his arm towards a woman with her hair in braids "How!" I say which means hello in Indian "Hello" Running Bull says "You speak English?" Joe says "Yes Joe, ben and Adam and the Sheriff taught us English." She replies
"Uncle Adam!" we hear and spin around really quick causing me to twist my good ankle "Ow" I say and loose my balance. "Hoss catch her" Adam says "Got ya" Hoss says "Uncle Adma! Come quick!" Peggy says running up the street. "Peggy wants wrong?" Joe says "Our foreman and Ma have been kidnapped." Peggy says "Oh boy, How? Did you see who they were?" Adam says "It was Max, the man that you fired and beat up for stealing. He knew you would send the sheriff to make sure he left and said he would kill ma. He also killed pop. He say if you or the sheriff come one inch of the house he kill them both and you and the sheriff. He don't even know I was there and left. Ma had him convinced that I was on a camping trip with Lucy." Peggy says with tears running down her terrified face. "Oh Adam what should we do?" I say "Sis, I-I don't know. I-I-I really don't, I can't risk getting Peggy or Roy or Julia killed. I need to think things over" Adam says and walks away.
"Joe wasn't Max French?" I say "Yeah, he can't shoot to good but I got an idea" Joe says "I'm reading you loud and clear bro. Our epee's" I say "Exactly" He replies "You guys tell Pa to get Roy and Gus and meet me and Peggy and Adam, at the end of town." I say and head towards Adam and my secret place with Peggy. "Aunt Jess, what do you plan on doing?" Peggy says "You'll soon find out peggy." I say and unlock the door to our hide out. "Adam remember how Max always spoke french when he got mad?" I say "Yeah," Adam says and turns away so Peggy could boot see him crying. "Peggy would you mind taking lightning and your horse bullseye to the coral to join sport. and give them some water?" I say "Yes ma'am" she says and walks out "He knows how to fence. I know because he used to fence against me during our free time." I say and hobble closer to him. "So?" Adams says wiping away tears. "So, he is not good at shooting. I could easily beat him even while being on one leg." I say and gently lift his chin up so he looked me in the eye. "Oh I get it, you go to Julia's house and Roy, Gus, and I will come around back from the edge of the woods" "Kind of. I always won because I could predict his next move. But lets go with your plan and keep mine as a back up. And if that don't work I got another Idea that will. But I don't want to say what it is just yet." "Good" "Lets hope this works" I say when we hear a knock on the door. I whip around so fast I get dizzy and fall because I had st my crutches against the wall.
Quickly getting to my knees I cock my gun and pull a special lever that Adam and I installed when we were kids. It drops a blanket I made to make it look like the hideout was empty. We only had one wind and it was in the back of the building. Adam gets behind the door with me on the other side of him. Slowly opening it I see Candy walk in covered in blood. "Candy!" I say in horror. "Ben sent me, He knew Adam would come here and that I was the only one that knew where it is." Candy says "Why are you covered in blood Candy?" Peggy says walking in a few minutes later. "I got in a fight with Jamie." Candy replies "What about?" I say "He said that I did not know how to defend myself because Jess always stops me and takes control of the situation whenever he was present. I set him straight and Mathew backed me up" Candy says rubbing his already swollen hand. "Unfortunately I punched the wall in the process. I was aiming for Jamie but he ducked" "No kidding. You know he is just doing it to get his fathers attention right?" I say "Ha! That boy is trying to get the wrong kind of attention." Candy says ruefully "Oh Candy I knew that would happen." I say "Who got the worst of it" Adam says "jamie won the fight but was set straight. He knocked me out but Joe stepped in and restrained him. Ben asked Mathew to control his son or he would be seeing one very sore child." Candy replies
"Uh oh." I say Knowing what the consequences were. "No kidding" Adam says with a slight smile. "Peggy, get my crutches please. Adam and I have to put this plan into action. But first I want to reset the lever. Adam would you mind setting it? You are taller than me. And I don't think I could balance well enough to do it myself. Otherwise I would do it." I say "I got it sis. Just grab the extra ammo and guns from the secret compartment." Adam says "Yes Adam. Peggy go get the horses ready. And Candy dear your head is bleeding." I say "I kind of figured as much. Lets go." he says and mounts his horse. "Here you go aunt Jess." Peggy says and helps me mount. "Thank you Peggy" I say and take the reins. "All set? Lets go, Adam we have to meet at the end of town." I say "So what is the plan?" Candy says "I challenge max to a duel. Yes I thought about bringing backup. But nobody but Joe can use and Epee. And like peggy says he is going to kill Adam and the sheriff if they come any where near." I say Well that is where Gus and I come in. Joe taught me when I started and Gus earned from his parents." Candy says "But your hand?" I start to protest when he says "Jessica, One thing that you don't know about me is that I have many talents And soon you shall see some of them" "Candy Ingals just remember this. I get the first try. Vance died because I did not help my family do a job." I say "That job was a fight and he would have killed you instantly. You may be fast at shooting, but that man was stronger than everybody in Virginia city combined. Vance had a score to settle anyway. Because the man we had to fight, had killed his brother and sister and mother when Vance was 13 or 14 years old. Vance had told Roy that he would take care of him. Well he did. They killed each other." Adam and Peggy say taking turns finishing the story. "Jess go with your plan. I trust you enough to save me and anybody I love." Adams says "Right Peggy go to Emily's. I'll come get you when it is safe." I say "Yes ma'am. Please be careful. You know how much I care about you guys." She says and heads towards Emily's house.
"Let's hurry. They probably have only a weeks supply of food." I say "Right, I did not see them at all. Even before Peggy called upon us" Adam says "YAH!" the three of us yell and our horses take off faster than Joe could take his gun out of the holster and shoot in self defense. "Adam, steer Bolt. We are moving way to fast for my eye to keep up." I say "Okay, Candy stop holding on to the reins so hard. Sapphire was trained to run as fast as needed with the reins loose. That is teaching her that you don't trust her." Adam says "Ow, Adam watch the bushes, that one had thorns on it." I say "Woah" we shout 10 minutes later "Well?" Pa says "You will have the details, just let me catch my breath. I still can't get my eye to focus." I say "Thats because you got a spider web on your face. Here try this" Running bull says taking the spider web off "That is better. Okay I sent Peggy to Emily's house. She will be safe there. My plan is to challenge him to a duel" I say "By yourself?" White Eagle asks "White Eagle, I am bringing Gus Candy as back up." I say "Are you fucking crazy?" Joe says "No, Cause Muley should be around there by the time I start the Duel. He always takes that route." I say "Oh, I see" Pa says "Good, now the rest of you stay within the secret whistle distance. And be on guard. Ill have beat one way or another." I say and pull out Ma's old Epee and Joe pulls out the other Epee that Ma gave us "Candy use one and be careful." Joe says handing it over.
"Right, where is Gus" I say looking around "He is waiting about a mile from Julia's ranch. Now go, Hurry." Roy says "Go" Adam says "yah To Julia's" I say and both Bolt and Sapphire get there in 5 minutes. "Ready Gus?" I ask quietly "Yeah, what is the plan? Muley said he got a message to meet you here with old blue?" Gus says "That I did Gus, Ill give him the details. Candy fill Gus in. I need to get in place. You and Gus stay where I can be heard if ya want to watch just stay out of sight. And above all out of shooting range. I can't stop a flying bullet, but i can troy to get him to fight me in the duel without the gun" I say and head towards Julia's barn where I told Muley to hide. Because it has two ways to get in. We went from behind so we could not be seen. I had already given Bolt a signal that I trained him to do when I needed to get around silently. "Muley, here is my plan. You come by the house like normal. Bolt and I will meet you in front of Julia's house like something is wrong. I will inform you on the rest when you get there. Don't forget to sing old Blue's song" I say and get into position.
Now the plan is in motion. So we stop in front of Julia's house and I quietly fill him in. Hoping that Max would come out Just as I get muley to head to his position in a hiding place close by but out of sight I see Max come outside. "Max, I am surprised to see you here" I say "Same here" he replies "Is Julia home?" I ask "Yeah she is cooking for a picnic, why?" Max replies "Pa sent me to inviter her to an adoption." I say "Who is getting adopted.?" He asks "Remember Lucy?" I say "Lucy has a brother who is her guardian though." Max says "Not anymore I was forced to kill him in a duel. He was drunk and he was not taking good care of her. Any way, she is being adopted and she wanted Julia, Peggy, and the foreman there." "Why does she want the foreman?" "Cause, he taught her how to play the violin about four years ago." "Good for her" he says "Uh, mind if I dismount? I have been riding all day" I say "Go head" He replies "Much obliged" I say and slowly reach for my crutches. I purposefully drop them but make it look like an accident. "Shoot." I say looking for them "Here" he says and gives me the crutches. "Thanks. Well Im gonna go tell Julia and the others." I say nonchalantly and slowly guide bolt to the corral "Jess?" Max says and slowly reaches for his gun holster "I'm sorry to do the is to you." he adds and pulls his gun out slowly. While I look over my shoulder at him.
Without thinking I give my signal and grab my gun. I cock it, aim and fire before he could cock his own gun. I shoot the gun right out of his hand "Well that was not the plan, but it worked even better" I say and step on his gun before he could get a chance to crawl over to it and try again. "GET UP!" I say gun cocked again "You forget that nothing gets past me." I say as Adam gets Julia to safety. "Alright Jess, don't shoot me" Max says "Good job sweetie" Candy says coming over "Thanks sweetie" I say "Max you should have left town when you had the chance." Roy says "I was even going to set up a job for you. I did not want you to hate all of us. Too bad, you would have made a great banker" I say "Sorry Jessie" Max says "No your not. Don't you lie to me" I say "How could you tell?" Max asks "I'm good like that, I get a lot of practice and you are a terrible liar." I say "good job, aright now Max. Get going" Roy says "Thanks for deputizing me Roy" I say "No, thank you Jess, Your plan worked like a charm" Roy says and helps me mount again. "Lets go Max." I say and then say to Bolt "okay bolt, to the jailhouse"
"After locking up Max, I give Roy my badge and meet back up with the others. "Great Job Jess." Candy says again when I dismount "Thanks" I say grabbing my crutches "How did you know he was gonna try to bushwhack you?" Jamie asks "Ever hear the expression 'Know thy enemies?' Well I worked with him so long that I could always predict his next move. So I knew what to expect." I say with a smile "I should probably go. Eliza wants me to pick up supplies for the house" Hoss says "Okay Hoss, see you and Eliza at the proceeding. We say and go back to the hotel. The rest of the week went uneventful. The adoption went off without a hitch.
Adam and I both got married on the same day to make it easier on the Reverand, And Joe got married as well and we all stayed living where we lived our whole life. We put extensions on the house so that we had enough room. A year later Pa found his fourth and final wife.
