Author's note: Thank you, thank you for the lovely reviews, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment on my writing. I am enjoying writing the story and I hope you guys are enjoying reading it just as much. More reviews are welcome though!
This chapter is dedicated to a dear friend who has been my main suppporter in devolping this story the way it has, especially being there when I was going to stop writing due to some particularly nasty reviews. Anyway Little Leaf, this chapter is for you.
Jake pulled Hoss into a brotherly hug and said "Hey Hoss, it's gonna be OK, but you really need to talk to Adam about all this you know." Jake looked up and saw Adam standing in the shadows to the right by the edge of the barn.
Adam had been concerned when Hoss came downstairs and asked to go out for a walk to get some air as he seemed not himself. So Adam had suggested to Mikey that he should stay at the Ponderosa for the night. Mikey had agreed and Adam told him he should go and meet the hands. Adam and Mikey had walked out just after Hoss.
After Adam had shown Mikey to the Bunk House and introduced him to a few of the ranch hands he asked them to make him welcome, before he left to go and find Hoss. Adam saw Jake and Hoss disappear behind the barn, so he slowly followed. Adam arrived at the end of the barn just as he heard Hoss ask Jake if he could keep a secret so he stayed in the shadows and listened.
Adam's emotions went from being angry at Hoss for stealing the brandy, lying to him and for letting Joe talk him into riding the pony when he knew he shouldn't have. To being upset that Hoss was scared to talk to him, then to annoyed that Jake was taking his place at offering Hoss the comfort and love that he should be. He fought the urge to go forwards and interrupt several times, but he knew that Hoss needed to speak to someone badly as he was clearly carrying a huge guilty burden. Adam knew that Jake was a good man, far more mature than his years and truthfully Adam was proud that his friend was being there for Hoss, even though he was upset that Hoss chose him to speak to rather than Adam.
Seeing Hoss so distressed and Jake trying hard to give what comfort he could was hard for Adam to watch and eventually Adam couldn't take it any more and he strode forwards and he tapped Jake on the shoulder, "It's OK Jake I got it from here."
Jake released Hoss from the hug instantly, but Hoss just stood there suddenly looking terrified. Adam just pulled his brother into a hug and Hoss sank into his brothers arms and began crying again hard into his brothers chest.
Jake looked at Adam and Hoss and Adam mouthed the words "Thank you Jake".
Jake smiled and nodded, before walking away leaving the two brothers alone behind the barn. Adam and Hoss stood there for 10 minutes with Adam stroking his hands through Hoss's hair and murmuring "It's OK Hoss, it's gonna be OK" constantly, as much to reassure himself as Hoss.
Hoss eventually was all out of tears and he stopped crying but his chest heaved. Gulping in deep breaths he tried to get himself back under control. Feeling like he was under control a few minutes later, Hoss pushed against Adam's chest and Adam released his hold, a little.
Adam looked down into Hoss's tear stained face, "Hoss I overheard pretty much everything you told Jake". Hoss groaned. "but, " continued Adam. "Although I am pretty angry about it all, now is not he time to deal with this. I want you to know that I don't blame you for Little Joe's accident, you couldn't have known what would happen and you acted very maturely in getting help. I love you very much little brother and I am sorry if I scared you so much earlier that you were too scared to talk to me directly about everything. I'll tell you what pa told me when ever I got myself into trouble. 'It's better to confess the truth than to try and string out a lie, as one lie, just grows into another and another do you understand?"
Hoss nodded, "OK, then Hoss, please remember if you need me, I will always be there for you. Nothing you could ever do would make me not love you, and pa is the same. He only disciplines us because he cares and you know he is always fair. Come on little brother lets get you inside and you need to eat something OK?."
Hoss nodded and Adam gave Hoss another quick hug, "OK then lets go".
"Adam,... are you gonna tan me for stealing?" asked Hoss
"No Hoss, I'm gonna let pa decide what to do, it was his Brandy after all. And I think Little Joe will be having his own "discussion" with pa when he gets better about blackmailing people". Adam said ruffling Hoss's hair and the two boys walked back to the house.
Hoss felt better about confessing a bit of the guilt he felt, but although he wanted his pa home very much, he sure wasn't looking forwards to having to face him about the stealing. He new Ben would be even more angry when he found out about the other things at the lake. He kinda wished that Adam had decided to tan him, but he sure wasn't going to ask him to do it. Hoss allowed Adam to guide him back into the house. Adam sat him down at the table and called Hop Sing to bring him the food he'd kept warm from earlier and Hoss was surprised that at that time he did actually feel hungry although his appetite was not anywhere near normal.
Hoss managed most of the plated up meal and Adam was satisfied enough when Hoss asked to be excused from the table.
"Lets play a game of checkers Hoss." said Adam.
"No thanks Adam"
"Oh come on Hoss. I've checked with Doctor Paul, there is nothing else we can do for Joe except let his mind and body rest and repair themselves. I know that you are tired from all that crying and I don't blame you, but I think we could both do with a little distraction. Come on lets play a few games of Checkers. Oh by the way, Mikey the man who arrived earlier, brought a telegram from pa. He is on his way home and will be here tomorrow night at the latest."
Hoss sighed, glad and worried at he same time. Adam dug out the checkers board and pieces and rattled the box at Hoss who nodded. Adam smiled and received a weak smile in return from Hoss.
Adam put the checker board on the table. Hoss sat down opposite him and they both put the relevant coloured checker pieces on the board. Adam took one of each colour and put them in a different hand behind his back before bringing both closed fist forwards. "Which hand Hoss?"
Hoss chose the left hand and had red, so they turned the board round before laying the counters back on the board.
Hoss won the first game unusually, but then lost the next two. Adam then decided they needed a short break so he went and asked Hop Sing for some fresh coffee for him and Dr Harrison and cocoa for Hoss as well as a slice of apple pie each.
Hoss had reset the board by the time Adam sat down. "Hoss, how are your stomach pains now?" asked Adam.
"I'm OK Adam, it aches a little, but please don't make me take another powder."
"Not up to me, it's up to the doctor Hoss, but you think you could manage a slice of pie?"
"Maybe, what kind of pie?"
"Apple pie Hoss. Hop Sing made it earlier, but everyone was too full after supper. I've asked Hop Sing for a slice for all of us and some coffee for me and Dr Harrison and cocoa for you."
"I think I can manage a slice of pie Adam"
"Well you eat what you can Hoss, now whilst we wait for that, who's turn to start is it?"
"It's mine Adam", said Hoss moving his checker to start the game.
They were half way through before Hop Sing brought out a tray with the coffee, cocoa and apple pie and put it on the hearth as the table was occupied with the checker board. "You want me to take up to doctor, Master Adam.?"
"Nah, I'll give him a call, thanks Hop Sing."
"You welcome Master Adam".
"Wait a moment Hoss, I'm just going to go call the doctor."
"Sure Adam", said Hoss. Grabbing his cocoa and sitting back in the chair so that his feet didn't touch the ground.
Adam bounded up the stairs and went into he boys room, "Paul any news?"
"Hmm, maybe Adam, Little Joe's eyes have been flickering like he's more dreaming in his sleep, that is a good sign that the brain activity is returning to normal."
"That great Paul." said Adam
"Yep sure is Adam, is that all you wanted? Has Hoss come in from the yard yet and is he feeling better?"
"Hoss is downstairs Paul, we've been playing checkers for a while now. I came up to say that Hop Sing has made fresh coffee and we have apple pie available. Hoss has been crying quite a bit more, but he said that he is feeling better. He's not keen on having any more of your medicinal powders but I've told him it's up to you to decide that Paul. Are you coming down for coffee and pie?"
"OK Adam, I'll be down in a few minutes I just want to wash up as I've just changed Joe's bandage. I'd be grateful if you could keep an eye on Little Joe for a few hours soon Adam so I can get some rest so I am available to sit with Joe through the night."
"Sure Paul, I'd be glad to.
Adam went down stairs and he and Hoss continued with the game of checkers whilst the waited for the doctor to join them. The game was quickly over Hoss leaving Adam a chance to jump 6 of his checkers in one go. Hoss only saw his mistake as he moved his checker but having touched the piece he knew Adam would make him play it, not because Adam was unfair on mean but because they always had to play by the rules. Adam was a little embarrassed at jumping all of the 6 checkers Hoss had left. "Sorry Hoss, but you left me with no choice", he apologised.
"It's OK Adam, I only spotted my mistake when I touched the middle checker so it's my fault. Can we play one more game please?" Hoss pleaded.
"OK one more, but you drink your cocoa and eat your apple pie first, but after this game you need to head to bed. Doctor Paul needs me to watch Joe for a few hours whilst he gets some rest OK?" Hoss nodded and grabbed a plate with a piece of apple pie.
Dr Harrison arrived in the main room and Adam gestured to the coffee and pie. "Help yourself Paul, there more pie if you want some."
"Thanks Adam", said the doctor helping himself to a cup of coffee and a piece of pie before he sat on the sofa.
"Paul, I've promised Hoss one more quick game of checkers before I he needs to go to bed and I take over from you, are you OK to wait for a short while?"
"Sure Adam, I'll sit and watch Hoss beat you Adam", said the doctor winking at Hoss.
Hoss smiled and Adam said "Hey, who's side are you on Paul, I thought we were friends?" said Adam trying to sound hurt.
Dr Harrison just laughed, "Well I would have thought that was obvious Adam, I'm on Hoss's, always did like to see the little guy take down the big one" and he winked at Hoss again.
Adam harrumphed like he was hurt at Paul taking Hoss's side but then he winked at Hoss.
Dr Harrison was pleased to observe that Adam and Hoss were interacting this way with each other as the tension around the house had reduced dramatically.
The two men and Hoss finished their slices of apple pie and their hot drinks before Adam reset the checker board. "OK then little brother show me what you got!" he challenged.
Hoss moved his checker and Adam countered until the board was almost at a stalemate and it was Adam's turn. Adam moved his checker and then realised that he had left Hoss the chance to take 4 checkers and king himself. Hoss duly took the counters and asked Adam to king him and the doctor slapped him on the back. "Well done Hoss". Hoss looked at doctor Paul and smiled and then looked at his elder brother before shrugging his shoulders as if to say 'sorry you left me the chance to do it, so I did.'.
Adam scowled but then winked to let Hoss know that he was OK with it all. The game continued and Adam, managed to capture some of Hoss's checkers and then both managed to obtain a kinged checker. This left the board with Hoss having two kinged checkers and two single one's and Adam with one kinged checker and 3 single ones, but they were at risk of Hoss taking them.
Adam looked at the board and he knew he would have to make a sacrifice to draw Hoss out hopefully into making a mistake, so he moved on the most obvious checker. Hoss stretched out his hand to take his turn and take the checker but Doctor Paul put out his hand to stop him. He whispered in Hoss's right ear "He's trying to trick you Hoss, don't fall for it, do the move you were going to". Hoss nodded and he moved another checker towards Adam's side looking for a chance to get another King. Adam looked up at Hoss in surprise 'Hmm, looks like he's getting help' he thought and he tried sacrificing another one of the other single counters. Adam realised too late that this left him vulnerable more than he intended and Hoss took two of his single checkers.
'Damn, missed that' Adam thought. Now only left with one single counter and one kinged one to Hoss's two kinged checkers and two single one's and he was only one step away now from getting his third king. Adam realised he had been out manoeuvred and he smiled inwardly. 'That'll teach me to get too confident' he thought. Adam held out his hand sidewards on "OK Hoss, you win, I can't see a winning position any more and you need to get to bed. Well done you didn't fall for my sacrifice this time, although I think that you did perhaps have a little help this time." gesturing to Doctor Paul. Hoss shook Adam's hand and doctor Paul laughed. "Hey, don't look at me, he did all of the working out. I just told him that the first one was a trap and to not let you trick him.". They all laughed and Hoss then yawned.
"OK now it's time for bed Hoss, Paul, you can use my room if you want for a few hours." said Adam.
"Thanks Adam, please wake me at midnight will you?"
"OK Paul" and the 3 of them started up the stairs. Adam got half way up before he called out "Goodnight Hop Sing, Hoss and the doctor are retiring and I'm keeping watch on Joe, so you can go rest up too."
"Goodnight Master Adam, Master Hoss and Doctor Harrison."
"Goodnight Hop Sing" they chorused.
Dr Harrison went into Adam's room and left Adam following Hoss into Ben's. Hoss undressed and got into bed and Adam pulled up the covers and tucked him in. "Goodnight Hoss, I love you."
Hoss yawned and turning over on to his side he whispered loud enough for Adam to hear, " I Goodnight Adam, I love you too."
Adam leant forward and kissed Hoss the the top of his head, turning the light out he left the room shutting the door behind him before heading down the hall and entering the boys room. Adam sat down in the chair beside the bed and taking up Paul's dime store novel he began to read.
The book was not something that Adam would normal read but it was entertaining enough, but it was only an hour later when the events of the day took it's toll on Adam and he nodded off into a dreamless sleep.
Adam woke up after an hour and a half as his neck had become stiff and he felt cold. He stood up and stretched himself out circling his neck to release the stiffness. Grabbing a blanket from Hoss's bed he returned to the chair but before settling down he reached out to feel little Joe. Joe seemed a little cold to the touch so he tucked his hands into the covers and he went and got another blanket from the blanket box and put It over Joe.
Adam settled down in the chair and covered himself with the blanket, before he reached down and picked up the dime story novel from the floor. He thumbed through it trying to find his place, eventually he found the page he thought he had last read and he started to read again. Adam read a few chapters before he thought he saw movement out of the corner of his left eye. Adam put down the book and looked at the bed and he thought he saw little Joe's right eye open a little.
Adam stood up and looked again carefully, but there was no other movement and so he thought he must have been imagining it. Adam caressed little Joe's cheek and bent forwards and gave Joe a kiss on his forehead. "Night Joe, I love you please wake up in the morning". He turned and had only gotten a few feet before he heard a whimper, turning back to the bed, Adam saw Little Joe's hands move and he rushed over.
Joe opened his eyes and winced as the light from the lamp beside the bed hurt his eyes. "Hey Joe, your awake, how are you doing little buddy?" Adam said.
"A..A... Adam" croaked Joe
"Yes Joe it's me".
"Adam... my... head...hurts".
"I know Joe, you fell of the pony and bumped your head, is the pain real bad."
Little Joe tried to nod, but the pain overcame him and he winced and began to sob. Adam, stroked his face wiping the tears away. "Don't cry Joe, Dr Paul is here I'll get him to come and give you something for the pain, try not to move any more OK?"
"OK" said Joe softly now weeping silently. His head was ponding his eyes hurt at the light and he wasn't even sure where he was.
Adam quickly headed to his room and shaking the doctor he called out. "Paul, come quickly Joe's awake."
Dr Harrison woke up "Huh, oh it's you Adam is everything OK, is it midnight already?"
"No it's only 11 Paul, but I need you to come quickly, Joe's awake!"
Paul sat up quickly and he hurried after Adam into the boys room and approached the bed. "Hi Joe, you remember me don't you?" he asked.
"Yes... Dr Paul." Joe croaked out.
"That's good Joe, real good. Does your head hurt?"
"Uh huh... and my eyes".
"Oh sorry Joe", said the doctor moving the lamp further away." Is that better Joe?"
"Yes sir."
"Good, you've been asleep for a long time Joe so your eyes have to get used to the light again. I don't want you to move, but can you tell me does anywhere else hurt?"
"No sir".
"Just your head?" enquired the doctor.
"Uh huh, the back of my head hurts real bad Doctor Paul."
"I'm going to give you something for that in a minute Joe, but it will make you sleepy again. I want to ask you a few questions first OK, I'll be very quick about it."
"OK"
"Right then, can you tell me your name?"
"Joe Cartwright"
"Excellent"
"Where do you live?"
"At the Ponderosa with my brother and pa."
"Do you remember what happened, how you hurt your head?"
"Uhm, Adam said I fell of the pony, was it Beauty and was I riding with Hoss?"
"Yes Joe, it was Beauty, that's great Joe, I'll make you up a powder now. I want you to drink it all down and you will go back to sleep for little while. It's going to be OK you just need to rest so your head can get better OK Joe."
"Yes sir, can Adam stay with me, I'm scared"
Dr Harrison smiled, "Sure Joe, I think Adam would be happy to do that. Stay there and try not to move your head too much and please do not try to sit up or you will get dizzy. I'll be right back OK."
The doctor gestured to Adam who walked to the door with him. "Adam, sit with him whilst I go and make up a powder will you, please try and keep him calm and still."
"OK Paul, does this mean that he will be OK now?" asked Adam.
"I need to check his wound again later and change the dressing and he will need to stay in bed for a few days and then probably not run around for a few weeks, but yes if we can stop any infection taking hold I think he is going to be OK Adam. " said the doctor smiling.
Adam gave our a huge sigh and his eyes welled up with tears. He whispered "Thank you for being here Paul, I don't know what I would have done if we had lost little Joe."
Dr Harrison patted the younger man's arm, "That's the job Adam. What I need you to do now is to make sure that Joe obeys all the rules I set out for his recovery and I sure don't envy you or your pa trying to stop an excitable 6 year old from running about, but I can't stress how important it is."
"Don't worry Paul, pa will make sure Joe does what he's told, because I bet that pa will be not letting him out of his sight for quite a while."
"I'm sure of that Adam", laughed Paul "Now go sit with Joe whilst I go get his powder ready."
"Yes sir", replied Adam automatically.
Adam walked over to the bed and sat down in the chair, he reached out and held Joe's little hand in his large one and used the other to push a wave of Joe's thick locks out of the way on his face. "Hey, Doctor Paul said that he's getting you something to help with the pain Joe. "
"I know Adam, can I have a drink please, I'm really thirsty?"
"Yeah sure Joe, I'll get you some water." said Adam walking over to the armoire and getting Joe a glass of water. He walked back to the bed. "Joe, Doctor Paul said he didn't want you to sit up, so I'm going to have to support your head a bit and kind of pour it into your mouth.". Adam helped Joe turn a bit to the side and lifted his head slightly and placing the glass to Joe's lips he carefully tipped it up so that the water poured into little Joe's mouth. Joe gulped down a couple of times, wincing at the cold water on his dry throat.
"What the hell are you doing?" scolded Doctor Harrison on his return to the room.
"I'm sorry Paul, Joe was thirsty I thought it we be OK if I got him a drink of water"
"It is OK Adam for Joe to drink, but I told you to keep him calm and still until I returned didn't I?"
Adam nodded looking at the floor, "Sorry Paul".
"Joe, are you still thirsty?"
"A little Doctor Paul." replied Joe.
"OK then, Adam help me prop Joe up a bit will you. I want you to get a couple of pillows and I'll lift Joe up as it's important that we lift his head carefully protecting his neck as well. I haven't had the chance to check him out thoroughly yet. Just because he says nothing else hurts doesn't mean it doesn't."
Dr Harrison carefully put his hands and arms under little Joe's upper body and lifted him up supporting his head and neck and then Adam put the pillows in place, before the doctor returned little Joe to the bed. Joe was now propped up on 3 pillows and was in a position where he could swallow properly.
"Here you go then Joe", said Adam holding the glass to little Joe's lips and helping him to drink.
Joe took a few mouthfuls and then said "Thanks Adam, I've had enough now".
"OK Joe" said Adam stepping back and letting Dr Harrison approach again with the glass of medicinal powders made up.
"It's a little bitter tasting Joe, but I need you to drink it all OK?"
"Yes sir"
Dr Harrison put the glass to little Joe's lips and helped Joe drink the medicinal powder. "Urgh, it's horrible" said Joe.
"I know Joe, but your have to drink it all please."
"Urgh do I really have to?" whined Little Joe.
"Yes you do Joe" said Adam and Dr Harrison at the same time.
Little Joe screwed up his eyes. but he allowed Dr Harrison to pour the glass forwards and he gulped the bitter tasting liquid down until all of it was gone. "Good boy, Joe, it'll make you feel better soon OK?"
"OK. Adam can you stay with me please?"
"Yeah Joe I'm not going anywhere, you rest now, I'll be here when you wake up."
Dr Harrison patted Adam on the arm, mind if I take your room tonight then Adam?"
"No Paul, go ahead, I'll sleep in Hoss's bed tonight."