Growing up McCullough
Chapter 12: Second Chances
Luke climbed the stairs to his room;, it had been an awfully long day and he had decided that he needed a nap. Besides, maybe if he stayed in his room his dad would forget about wanting an explanation.. Luke sprawled out on his bed giving a big yawn; what was he going to tell his dad? So far he had been lucky, everyone just assumed that he was caught climbing out the window; perhaps it would be best to let them go on thinking that. Luke rubbed at his sore backside. Maybe I could just say that I was sneaking out to go sledding on the fresh snow that had fallen before everyone got up and spoiled it. I was just trying not to wake anyone that's why I climbed out the window. Luke mulled this over in his mind. It wouldn't make is dad happy, admitting that he had deliberately disobeyed once again, and for such a lame reason. Well, it might be enough. Luke drifted off letting this excuse run through his mind.
Meanwhile Down stairs about an hour later…
"Mary, I'm going to go out and take care or the animals and talk to Wes, Where do you want Hunter?" asked Flint swinging the laughing boy up into his arms.
"Put him there in the highchair. I promised Samantha and Brooke that we would make snow cream."
"I'll go out and collect you some snow; all of the boys are out sledding," said Flint depositing the giggling child in his chair, before turning his attention again to Mary.
"Charlie beat you to it, he came in while you were upstairs changing Hunter and took the girls out to get a giant pot of snow. I think he might be more excited than the children," laughed Mary.
"I bet he is; you know he's just a big kid himself," answered Flint giving Mary a quick kiss on the top of her head as he headed for the back door.
"Flint old man, you coming out to help me and Ty with the barn chores, or are you off too play with Charlie and the other children?" laughed Bill as he waited for Flint to catch up to him outside the barn.
"Well, Bill I was coming out for chores and to check on Wes, but if you and Ty don't need me..."
"Right this way; plenty of chores to go around. And, as for Wes, you'll have to wait I sent him off with Benjamin, Barney, Mark, Gary and Kevin. He said he'd never been sledding," said Bill slapping Flint on the back as they entered the barn.
"That sounds like fun for a Christmas afternoon," said Flint.
"Lots more enjoyable than Luke's start to the morning. Did he everyever get around to telling you what he was doing climbing out that window this morning?" asked Bill as he started filling the feed bucket for the pigs.
"No...as a matter of a fact...thanks for reminding me..." with that Flint disappeared into the tack room grabbed a hammer and three nails and headed for the house forgetting all about Bill and Ty and the chores.
Flint rapped on the door of Luke's room as he opened the door. He couldn't help but smile as he crossed the room and reached out to shake the sleeping boy. "Come on Luke, wake up, it's time for us to have a talk," said Flint shaking Luke's shoulder.
"Hum...hey...dad..." yawned Luke as he rolled onto his side.
"Come on son, sit up; I want to get this over with before the others get back," answered Flint with a crooked smirk on his face.
Luke slowly pushed himself up to a sitting position and rubbed his eyes before looking into Flint's face. He couldn't read the look there; it wasn't anger, but it wasn't a happy one either. "Am I still in trouble dad?" Luke ask hesitantly.
"If by trouble, you mean is your backside in for another work out, son, the answer is no, but, son I told you that I would be wanting an explanation. Before we get to that, get up and come over to the window with me."
Luke groaned, as he pushed himself off the bed, to do as he was told reaching the window he caught sight of the hammer and nails in Flint's hand. "Dad you don't have to nail it closed. I've learned by lesson; the nails will mess up the window and bedsides, sometimes I like to open the window for the breeze," he explained. Luke.
"Yes son, I do; I'd much prefer to know I could trust you to obey me, but..."
"Dad really, I won't climb out it again; you can put the hammer and nails away," pleaded Luke interrupting his dad.
"I've heard that at least twice before, and still here we are again." Flint raised the hammer and drove the nail into the corner of the window sash with three quick strikes of the hammer. "Now Luke I want you to take this nail and drive it in the other side."
Luke did as he was told, but couldn't help thinking that this nail represented his dad's lack of trust in him. "Dad I'm sorry," he said as he turned and held the hammer out to Flint.
"Sit down son," replied Flint pointing toward the bed with the hammer handle, as he pulled out the desk chair and sat down in front of Luke. "Son, I'm very disappointed. I explained the dangers of climbing out onto the roof when you broke your arm, and what did you tell me"
"I promised you then that I had learned my lesson." answered Luke .
"That lasted until September, at least before you were caught again I bared your backside and tanned your hide the night you and Steven climbed out your window to shoot firework and what did you promise me?"
"I swore to you that I had learned your lesson. " answered Luke sheepishly not liking where this was going.
"And here you are again; no doubt still feeling the sting of your mom's hairbrush, promising once more that you are sorry and It won't happen again. I'm sorry, son, but from where I stand, your word is only good as long as you can feel the sting in your tail. As much as it pains me, I don't feel I can trust you. With all the ice and snow outside you're lucky the only thing hurting on you is a well paddled back side," explained Flint raising Luke's face to look into his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I never meant to break your trust. I just wanted too...I'm sorry,,," Luke let the sentence go unfinished catching the look of disappointment in Flints eyes.
"Why don't you try explaining what you just had to do that was worth getting your butt busted yet again," enquired Flint propping his foot on his knee and laying the hammer beside Luke.
Luke sat silently. He had worried all morning, and in the end had decided he was going to come clean; well until that speech. If his dad was this was this disappointed over the window, how could he explain all the other deceitful and disobedient things he had been doing lately. Everything was over now anyway. He didn't need to sneak out anymore, or leave school, so what his Dad didn't know might be better; he would just give the story he had first rehearsed and concentrate on improving his behavior and proving that he could be trusted from now on.
"Luke, I'm waiting, you just wanted to...what son?" asked Flint pulling Luke back to the matter at hand.
"It's sounds so lame now, Dad. I wanted to go sledding on the fresh snow before any of the others ruined it and I didn't want to wake anyone. I've climbed out the window before and nothing happened. I thought no one would know this time either. I know I was wrong,wrong; Dad I was just excited."
"Sledding!, You climbed out the window to go sledding," Flint sighed and let out a long breath, while rubbing his hand across his face before speaking. "No Sledding for two weeks and no leaving the house except for chores. And you will apologize to your mom for scaring her. Any questions!" asked a very agitated Flint.
"No sir, well maybe except; can I maybe go outside…" Luke hurried on seeing the look of disapproval in his dad's eyes, "Not for fun Dad, just to tote some water for mom to wash my dirty clothes; those were my favorite pants," answered Luke.
"Lucas Andrew! Your favorite pants indeed!" Growled Flint wagging his finger. "I tell you what: in the morning you can march yourself out to the bath house and fill the wash tubs' then you can wash the laundry. Favorite clothes indeed."
Meanwhile out on the hill…
"You wanna go next Benjamin?" Called Barney as he trudged back up the hill.
"Yea, come on you can race me, Ben," called Mark.
"I will race, but you no call me Ben, my name is Benjamin."
"Geez… okay I'm sorry, let race Benjamin, is that better?" Smirked Mark.
"Hey, Wes how about you and I race," called Gary dropping down on his sled.
"You're on; that is if I can borrow your sled, Kevin," called Wes running up beside Kevin next to Gary.
"Sure thing. Hold on everyone and Barney and I will go down the hill and start the race," said Kevin smiling as he waved for Barney to follow him down the hill.
"On your mark, get set, GO!" yelled Barney.
The sledders were off, snow was flying behind them. Wes crossed the line first, then Benjamin, followed by Mark then Gary.
"That was the best run yet, you were really flying, Ben," called Wes getting to his feet as Benjamin slid past him.
"Don't call me Ben, I am Benjamin. I No like you. I no race you; I was racing Mark," barked Benjamin.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to upset you; I was just being nice," answered Wes giving Benjamin a confused look.
"What's up with you, Benjamin? You know Ppa said to make Wes feel at home," said Barney running over and getting between the two not knowing what to expect next.
"I not nice to him; he not nice to me or Brooke on Stagecoach. I not ask him to come here," answered Benjamin.
"Well, Benjamin, you're right. He was not so nice on the stage, but Dad invited him here, and he is being nice now. Maybe you should give him another chance," responded Mark.
"You guys met before this morning?" asked Barney looking confused.
"He not like Indians. He not want Brooke to drink; I not like him!" shouted Benjamin before turning and running toward home.
"I'm sorry!" yelled Wes as he watched him disappear.
"Wow, is he mad. I never placed you until now,." said Mark.
"Guys, I really am sorry. Can you give me another chance, or are you going to run away mad like your brother?" asked Wes.
"Heck, this ranch is all about second chances. We've all got a past. Just give Benjamin some time he'll come around."
"I sure hope your right. I came all the way out here to get a new start. I hate to think I'm finished before I start," Sighed a despondent Wes despondent.
"Chin up, you're not doing so bad; you're a good sledder. And maybe tonight we can get to know each other. I'll tell you my story if you will tell me yours," offered Gary.
"Maybe Dad will let Ben and I stay in the bunkhouse tonight," added Mark.
"I'll even asked Pa; we can have a late night, getting to know each other, " offered Barney.
"Good idea; let's go back to the top once more then we better get back before your Pa sends out a search party," said Kevin grabbing the sled rope from Barney.
Back at the house
The back door slammed shut, and Benjamin ran past Charlie and Mary taking the stairs two at a time.
"What now?" said Mary looking up from her mixing and hearing Flint.
"Whoa there, son. Slow down. What's the matter?" asked Flint catching hold of Benjamin's arm as he was coming out of Luke's room.
"Nothing, Father, nothing," he answered shaking his arm loose and storming into his room, before slamming the door.
"Nothing, I bet," mumbled Flint running his hand through his hair, before crossing the hall and knocking on Benjamin's door. "Benjamin, we don't slam doors around here unless something is really wrong. Now out with it. Did you boys have a fight over the sleds?" asked Flint crossing the room and sitting down on the end of the Bed next to Benjamin.
"No he came here, he does not like me, he does not like Brooke, he will make her cry," answered Benjamin in a huff.
"He; I take it you mean Wes. What is it that he did?" asked Flint reaching out and turning Benjamin face to look at him.
"He does not like Indian's; he is kind to everyone, but me, Brooke and Hunter. You will see, he starts trouble, he call me Ben. I am not Ben. I am Benjamin!" he exclaimed in a determined tone.
"Are you telling me you are upset because he called you Ben? That's nothing to be upset about. I will just be sure to tell him you prefer to be called by your full chosen name," answered Flint trying hard not to smile.
"He calls me Ben; he does not like me. He was right there when I told Mark not to call me Ben. He is trying to start trouble."
"Benjamin look at me. Has he done something to you or for that any ofto the little ones?" asked Flint in a firm tone.
"No, but he will you will see!" snapped Benjamin.
"Son, I want you to listen to me. I did invite him to come here. I did that, because I thought that he looked like a young man that needed a second chance, we all do sometimes. I promise you; I will not tolerate him mistreating you or anyone. I know that you don't like having your name shortened, but in the white man's world it is a common thing to do. Like I said; I will talk to him and make sure that he knows you don't like it, but Benjamin, if it happens again promise me you will not fight, you will come to me. If he does anything you don't like come to me and we will decided together if he has used up his second chance; agreed?" asked Flint giving him the raised eyebrow look.
"You would let me help you decide if Wes can stay?" asked Benjamin.
"Yes son, this is your home. If you two can't get along, then he will go. I hope though that you can give him a real chance to show you if he has changed. I would hate to think any son of mine could be so callous that hehis mind could never forgive, " said Flint squeezing Benjamin's knee as he stood.
"I will try father. I will not fight. I will come to you as you say," said Benjamin.
"Good. Now let's go downstairs and have some of that snow cream before it's all gone," answered Flint opening the door and stepping aside so Benjamin could go first.
"Snow Cream! What is snow cream?" asked Benjamin looking back over his shoulder.
~oOo~
Downstairs Mary and Charlie were surround by giggling children. The older boys had all come in and were lining up for the delicious icy treat Mary had made.
"Ben come on down here and sit next to me. I 'll dish you up a big bowl of this snow cream. I think it's the best I've made, if I do say so myself," called Mary scooping as she spoke.
"Dip me some up too, baby. It'll taste good, "," said Flint crossing the room and eying Benjamin as he slid into his chair.
"What are you looking at me like that for, Father; I not disrespect mother. I will eat even if I don't like,." stated Benjamin, giving Flint a puzzled look of his own.
" You won't disrespect your mother, son It's not that, son. Weren't you just upstairs saying no one should call you, Ben; yet your mother did and you didn't even notice," answered Flint before taking a spoon full of snow.
"Oh that. You are confused Father, mother treat me like all other children. She fussfusses at me, she praises me; she can call be Ben. She calls me Ben because she loves me, brothers and friends," this he said looking right at Wes. They must call me Benjamin,." he said around a mouthful of tasty cream.
"Don't talk with your mouthful, Ben it's not good manners," admonished Mary giving him a smile.
"Hey dad, can we all sleep out in the bunkhouse tonight? Wes promised to tell us the story of what brought him to the ranch,." asked Mark.
"I already asked my Pa and he said I could," interjected Barney.
"I don't see why not; as long as your mom doesn't mind."
"What about me, Dad, can I sleep out too? asked Luke.
"Me to, Daddy, me too," echoed Brooke and Samantha.
"You girls can notcannot; you have to stay here in the house with me and your Dad. You are much too young for bunkhouse talk," said Mary initiating two very sad little faces.
"And, Luke I'm afraid you're out of luck too; your restricted to the house remember?" added Flint, triggering another another sad look from a not so young one.
"I tell you what boys, how about we all gather around the fireplace and let Wes tell his story here in the big house. I sure that Mary and I would like to hear the story also,.also," suggested Flint.
"Now that that's settled, why don't you boys clean up the kitchen and the dishes and give Mary a rest while Wes and I go into the office and have a little talk. Wes…" said Flint rising and waving his arm for the young man toman to follow.
"Mommy? Is Wes in trouble?" asked Samantha as she dropped her spoon into her bowl.
"No baby, what makes you think that?" asked Mary turning to brush a red curl from her face.
"Cause mommy last time Daddy takted me in there to have a little talk, he didn't talk much; he just spanked my bottom."
"Is that right," smirked Mary. "Well this time your Daddy just wants to talk in private where things are a little quieter," she laughed.
~oOo~
"Sir, let me start by telling you I didn't mean to upset Ben; I mean Benjamin," said Wes, as he closed the door behind him.
"Glad to hear it. I was pretty sure that you didn't. Benjamin is a little sensitive about his name. He and I have talked and promised him that I would make sure that you understood that around here that he is an Indian; and he is my son. He has agreed to give you a chance to show that you have changed," explained Flint as he sat down behind the desk across from Wes. "So, tell me Wes, you came here to get a job here on the ranch, is that right?" Asked Flint pulling a piece of paper out of his desk draw as he spoke.
"Yes, Sir, I had a lot of time to think, and the longer I thought the more I came to realize that you were the only one willing to give me any kind of chance at all," answered Wes, being careful to look at Flint sincerely in the eye as he spoke.
"Well son, things around here are a bit different for the younger cowhands, so I reckon that I should tell you a little about how we run things. Then you can decide if you want to sign on or not. "First off son, how old are you?"
"Just turned eighteen, sir. I hope that don't make me too young. I spent all my money getting here and I don't got no place else to go," explained Wes .
"You're not totoo young, son, but we do have so special rules for the younger . First off we have a special bunkhouse for anyone under 21. We don't allow anyone under twenty-one to drink or gamble and no going to the saloon without a chaperone. Any questions," asked Flint stopping for a minute.
"Sounds a little strict, sir, but, I understand," answered Wes.
"You're expected to show respect to me and my wife at all times, as well as the other men that work here on the ranch. I expect a day's work for a day's pay. Each morning you will be assigned a task for the day. You get one afternoon a week off. For that you get seventy cents a week and your keep."
"Fair enough. Where do I start?" asked Wes standing and offering his hand.
"Slow down, son, there's more and this part might break the deal," said Flint with a wide smile.
Wes, sat back down as Flint began to speak again. "Around here we expect the younger hands to make mistakes. We know that sometime they need extra time to learn to do a job and do it well. We even expect that sometimes you might be tempted to break the rules, so for that reason we ask that you sign an agreement; giving consent if you will to be subject to ' the consequences' we see fit to be in your best interest. Wes, we here at The Trails End Ranch believe that you're still young and deserve chances, but we also believe that there should be consequences be for wrong choices. Like; extra chores, restriction to the ranch, as well the possibility of getting a tanning." Flint paused again and passed the paper to Wes.
"Sir, just to make sure that I understand. If I break the rules; you're telling me I have to sign that you have permission to bust my ass, or make me stay in the bunkhouse like some schoolboy?" asked Wes taking the paper.
"That's the long and short of it, son, but really all you have to do is follow the rules and do your job respectfully and you shouldn't have any problem. It's been working right well for about six years, and we have some fine young men to show for it," answered Flint.
Wes sighed as he read over the contract then stood and stepped toward the desk before speaking. "Well, Mr. McCullough; like I said that seems a little strict, but I don't have any better offers and I do need a chance. May I borrow a pen."
"Here you go son, welcome to the family," said Flint pushing the pen and ink forward.
"Family that sounds good., I hope that I can convince Ben...a Benjamin that I really want to make a change. That I want to fix in," answered Wes as he signed his name.
"Well I'd say you're on the right path. We all have a story and, around here we all like storytelling especially ones that help us understand each other," said Flint clapping him on the back having come around the desk.
TBC Chapter 13 Comeuppance
