Kloppman had outdone himself. Dinner was wonderful and, thanks to our pool
of money, we had enough for everyone. The potatoes were the best, if ya
ask me. Skittery had baked a few pies and we all practically fought each
other to get a piece. Specs made sure Pie Eater only had one piece like
the rest of us. I mean, the kid came by his name honestly. You hafta
watch him around pie, or nobody'd get a piece.
After we'd cleaned up, I saw Jack heading for the front door. It was now or never. I followed him outside, and the air was practically sucked from my lungs by the cold. The wind was blowin' hard, and those gray clouds had apparently decided to let lose a bitter mixture of rain and sleet. I ran a few steps to catch up to Jack.
"Jack, wait. There's somethin' I gotta tell ya before you go to Sarah's."
"Can't it wait, Race?"
Wrapping my arms across my chest to stay warm, I shook my head miserably. "I really need to tell ya somethin'."
Jack took a few steps back and pulled me under an awning. "What's so important we gotta stand out here and freeze ta death?"
Taking a deep breath, I stared down at my boots. "That bag o' clothes I brought in today...I got 'em from Mrs. Jacobs."
When I dared to look up at Jack, his face made me shiver from more than the cold. Jack was mad. Really, really mad. Holding up my hand, I tried to head things off. "Now, Jack, we need the clothes for the kids that'll be comin' in this winter. Ya know that."
I could see the muscles twitching in Jack's jaw. This was gonna be bad.
"We can get stuff from somewhere else. You had no right to go there and beg clothes offa Mrs. Jacobs."
"C'mon, Jack. Where else was I gonna go?"
"I don't care where you go, but we ain't takin' charity from Sarah's family!"
"Charity's charity. What difference does it make where we get it from?" Of course, I knew what the difference was. But I still thought the end justified the means.
"You know what difference it makes, Race!" Jack stepped back out into the rain and sleet, grabbing me by the back of the shirt and dragging me out with him. Leaning down so we were nose to nose, he lowered his voice and jabbed a finger at my chest. "You go get that sack of clothes. We're taking it back."
I shoved his poking finger off of me and tried to reason with him. "C'mon, Jack. We need that stuff. We already got three kids small enough to wear them clothes."
"You get that sack, or I'll go get it myself. Either way, it's goin' back."
I knew he'd do it, too. There was obviously no reasoning with him. I had known he'd be mad, but I hadn't bargained for it to be this bad. His pride was dented a little more than I thought it would be. I was determined to keep those clothes, though.
And being the devious gambler that I am, I came up with a great bluff.
I let Jack literally drag me back to the lodgin' house. He gave me a shove through the front door then slammed it behind us and leaned against it. I trudged up the stairs, pretending to be upset and embarrassed. Mush and Blink followed me into the bunkroom. Once we were safely inside, I pulled them aside and let them in on it.
"Mush, run up to the attic and grab those blankets with all the holes in 'em." While Mush darted out the door to do what I'd told him, I pulled Blink over to our bunk. Sliding the burlap sack out from under it, I dumped the clothes on the bed.
"Blink, hide this stuff somewhere. Up in one of the trunks or something."
"What's goin' on, Race?"
"Ah, Jack's a little angrier than I thought he'd be over me getting this stuff from the Jacobs'. He's makin' me take it back. We need it, and I ain't takin' it back."
"He'll soak ya if he finds out."
"Maybe." Mush came running in just then with the blankets, so all arguments stopped as I put my idea into play. Cramming the blankets into the sack, it looked just as it had before.
Blink shot me a puzzled look. "How is this better, Race? Now we don't got any extra blankets."
"All part of my plan, Blink. Don't you worry...Racetrack's got it covered."
"Yeah, yeah. I'll remind you of that when Jack's got you pinned to the floor and is about to give you another shiner."
I dug through the drawer of the little nightstand between my bunk and Snipeshooter's for something to write with. I found a little stub of a pencil and searched for something to write on. Finding a scrap of newspaper, I wrote a quick note for Mrs. Jacobs and stuck it on top of the blankets before closing the bag. Slinging the sack over my shoulder, I winked at my two friends before hurrying back down the stairs before Jack could get even angrier.
From the scowl on his face, Jack hadn't yet forgiven me my breach of trust. That's okay. I knew why I'd done it, and it'd be worth it in the end. Clothes for the kids, and mended blankets. Jack didn't say a word all the way to the Jacobs' flat. I tried for several blocks to talk some sense into him, but knew all along it wouldn't work. In his eyes, I'd made him look bad in front of Sarah. Made it look like we couldn't take care of ourselves.
If it wasn't gearin' up to be such a killing winter, I wouldn't have done it. Jack would see that in a few weeks. It was gonna be a long few weeks, though. Oh, brother.
By the time we made it to their building, I was wet and half frozen. I wasn't looking forward to the walk back. Following Jack up the stairs, I shifted my burden and wondered if Mrs. Jacobs would follow along with my plan. Jack shot me one last dark look and knocked on the door. When Sarah opened it, Jack slipped off his hat and smiled at her.
"Hey, Sarah. Ya look real nice tonight."
Real smooth, Cowboy. Sarah turned around and stepped back to let Jack into the flat. He reached back and grabbed a handful of my shirt to drag me in behind him. I was getting a little tired of him doin' that.
Les immediately started asking questions and bouncing around. Mr. Jacobs shook Jack's hand and shot me a curious look. I just shrugged and took off my cap. Sticking it into my pocket, I introduced myself as I reached over to shake his hand.
"Heya, Mr. Jacobs. Name's Racetrack Higgins. I'm a friend of Davy's."
"Nice to meet you, Racetrack." He grasped my hand to give a firm shake and frowned. "Heavens, boy, your hand is freezing."
For the second time that day, I found Mrs. Jacobs fussing over me. She took the sack from me, giving me a puzzled look. I looked back at Jack and waved my arm, inviting him to explain to her why I was bringing her gift back.
While Mrs. Jacobs settled me into a chair near the stove to warm up...again, Jack stood up straight and let his pride get the better of him. "I told Race to bring that stuff back, 'cause we can take care of the kids ourselves...though we appreciate your offer. Race had no right to be askin' you for those clothes."
Mr. Jacobs tut-tutted and took the sack into their bedroom. When she came out, she had a big smile on her face and winked at me. I knew then that she'd seen the note, and would mend the blankets for me. She was carrying a quilt and walked around behind me to wrap it around my shoulders. She smiled at Jack and shook her head.
"Jack, there's no shame in doing what you can for the other children in the lodging house. What Racetrack did, did nothing to change the way we thought of you. I find it wonderful how much you boys all look out for each other. Many grownups would do well to follow your example."
I could tell that Jack was starting to regret his decision. Mr. Jacobs patted Jack on the shoulder and reassured him. "I understand how you feel, Jack. No harm done. You two are just in time for Sarah's wonderful dessert."
Jack turned and shot me a look of pleading, and I knew he wanted me to leave. This was his place. He'd wormed his way into the Jacobs' lives and made a home for himself...but there was no room to share it with me. And, although I was happy for what he'd found for himself, I hated him just as much because I knew I couldn't have it too.
Mrs. Jacobs started to rub my arms, to warm me up, and I suddenly realized I had to get out of there. If I didn't leave right that moment...I wouldn't leave. I was starting to want what Jack had. What Dave and Les and Sarah had. What I knew I couldn't have.
I jumped to my feet and draped the quilt over my chair. I mumbled a quick apology to Mrs. Jacobs for not being able to stay, said goodbye to the others, told Jack I'd see him back at the lodgin' house and headed for the door. Mrs. Jacobs reached out to stop me as I reached for the doorknob.
"Racetrack, you're soaked through. At least stay and get dry before heading back into that weather."
"Thanks for your concern, Mrs. Jacobs, but I gotta a lot to do back at the lodgin' house and I better hurry. Thanks for everything you've done. Goodnight."
With that, I pulled open the door and ran down the stairs and back out into the rain and sleet. I stood in the street for a few moments, taking deep breaths and blinking the rain from my eyes. What was happing to me? Where was my poker face?
The walk back home was just the same as the walk back earlier, only colder and more miserable.
Kloppman was still behind the counter when I shuffled through the lobby. Next thing I know, I'm sittin' in front of the fire wearing some of Kloppy's old clothes. The old man handed me a cup of hot coffee and sat down beside me. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands. I don't know what he saw in my face, but he sat up a little and sighed.
"What happened, Race?"
What happened? I wasn't even really sure of that, myself. All I knew was that an ache was growing in my heart. It filled me and consumed me and I tried to ruthlessly chase it away. Looking up to meet Kloppman's eyes, I could feel the words burning in my throat. Wanting to be said. But I wouldn't say them. I couldn't.
How babyish could I be, anyway? What would Kloppy think of me, if I told him what I was thinking about? I was one of the older kids, a leader. Someone who always kept it together, no matter what.
I rubbed my fingers over my right eyebrow, trying to massage away the beginning of a headache. I wasn't going to let what I was feelin' take over me. I was a gambler, for cryin' out loud. I knew how to keep things to myself. I knew how to hide my emotions. I'd been doin' it for years.
My voice said, "Nothin' happened, Kloppy. I did something I shoulda asked Jack about first, is all. No big deal."
But what my mind said was, "I want my mother. I want a family."
I sat up a little straighter and tried to smile at Kloppy. He squeezed my shoulder then stood. When I looked up to meet his eye, he peered down at me over the rims of his glasses. He knew a load of bull when he heard it, but he let me believe I'd fooled him. I finished my drink and went upstairs to bed as Kloppy headed back to the front desk.
Two new kids came through the door as I started up the stairs, and paid their board. I took the kids upstairs with me and had a few guys shuffle around to make room. Blink and Mush knocked a few heads when some of the older guys complained about havin' to share beds. I got one of the little kids, Blue Billy...we got two kids name Billy; one has blue eyes, one brown, so one's Blue Billy and the other is Brown Billy...anyways, I got Blue Billy settled into my bed. Blink gave little Skip a leg up into the one above, and laughed quietly.
"Well, it's started already. How long ya figure before we're sleepin' on the floor?"
I listened to the rain and sleet hit the window by our beds for a moment then shrugged. "Two weeks."
"I'd take a bet on three, but I'd probably lose." Blink was no fool. "So what happened with Jack?"
I didn't feel much like talkin' about it, so I just shrugged and moved Blue over a little so I'd have room in my own bed. "I gave the blankets to Mrs. Jacobs. She musta seen the note, 'cause she didn't say anything about it. I'll go by in a few days and see when they'll be ready to bring back."
Blink hauled himself up into the top bunk, shaking the whole bed frame. "That was pretty smart, Race, swapping the clothes with the torn blankets. A two-fer-one deal, and Jack none the wiser."
It did make me smile a little, pullin' one over on Jackie-boy.
I was lyin' in bed, pretending to sleep, when Jack came back that night. I could hear Kloppman's voice floating up the stairs, givin' Jack grief for dragging me out in that weather without a coat. I got a certain amount o' smug satisfaction with that.
I listened to Jack's footsteps as they scuffed up the stairs and through the door. A brief shaft of light drifted in as he opened and shut the door. I heard him pause as he let his eyes adjust to the darkness. His footsteps seemed to echo across the room, but I knew he was tryin' to be quiet and not wake up the other boys.
I could see his outline as he passed his own bunk and I knew he was comin' over to talk to me. Sure enough, he walked between me and Snipeshooter, and stood there. I looked up at him, poker face securely in place, and left it up to him to make the first move. I could tell there was a lot he wanted to say, but he couldn't seem to find the words. I didn't offer any help.
Finally, his shoulders slumped a little and he turned to walk back to his own bed.
"Night, Race."
Okay. A truce.
"Night, Jack."
~~~~~***~~~~~
Shout-outs...I've never done these before. Mostly because this is the only fandom I write in that I've seen them. Also, this is the first story I've posted in chapters. Anyway, there's only three-
Written Sparks: Thank you very much for the compliments. I enjoy writing short stories, and experimenting with humor, but don't do romance so there's no worries there.G And definitely no silly girls. I suffer Sarah only because she's canon. ::sigh::: Thanks for the offer of characters. The story is pretty much finished, but if I find myself looking for an extra name before I post the rest of it, I'll certainly keep you in mind. Thanks again for your feedback!
FrenchyGoil: Thanks! Yeah, summaries can be a pain in the patootie. I just stole a few lines from Race for this story's summary. I let him do all the work.G
AnUNDERCOVERnewsie: I'm glad you were bored, and glad you gave the story a chance.(lol) Very happy you like it so far, and hope I don't disappoint you with the rest of it. Thanks for your feedback.
And that's it. Fortunately, I don't write stories solely for feedback and don't hold my stories hostage. Like it or lump it, I'll still write it. Thanks to all who read it, doubly to those who take the time to post feedback. I'll post the ending soon.
After we'd cleaned up, I saw Jack heading for the front door. It was now or never. I followed him outside, and the air was practically sucked from my lungs by the cold. The wind was blowin' hard, and those gray clouds had apparently decided to let lose a bitter mixture of rain and sleet. I ran a few steps to catch up to Jack.
"Jack, wait. There's somethin' I gotta tell ya before you go to Sarah's."
"Can't it wait, Race?"
Wrapping my arms across my chest to stay warm, I shook my head miserably. "I really need to tell ya somethin'."
Jack took a few steps back and pulled me under an awning. "What's so important we gotta stand out here and freeze ta death?"
Taking a deep breath, I stared down at my boots. "That bag o' clothes I brought in today...I got 'em from Mrs. Jacobs."
When I dared to look up at Jack, his face made me shiver from more than the cold. Jack was mad. Really, really mad. Holding up my hand, I tried to head things off. "Now, Jack, we need the clothes for the kids that'll be comin' in this winter. Ya know that."
I could see the muscles twitching in Jack's jaw. This was gonna be bad.
"We can get stuff from somewhere else. You had no right to go there and beg clothes offa Mrs. Jacobs."
"C'mon, Jack. Where else was I gonna go?"
"I don't care where you go, but we ain't takin' charity from Sarah's family!"
"Charity's charity. What difference does it make where we get it from?" Of course, I knew what the difference was. But I still thought the end justified the means.
"You know what difference it makes, Race!" Jack stepped back out into the rain and sleet, grabbing me by the back of the shirt and dragging me out with him. Leaning down so we were nose to nose, he lowered his voice and jabbed a finger at my chest. "You go get that sack of clothes. We're taking it back."
I shoved his poking finger off of me and tried to reason with him. "C'mon, Jack. We need that stuff. We already got three kids small enough to wear them clothes."
"You get that sack, or I'll go get it myself. Either way, it's goin' back."
I knew he'd do it, too. There was obviously no reasoning with him. I had known he'd be mad, but I hadn't bargained for it to be this bad. His pride was dented a little more than I thought it would be. I was determined to keep those clothes, though.
And being the devious gambler that I am, I came up with a great bluff.
I let Jack literally drag me back to the lodgin' house. He gave me a shove through the front door then slammed it behind us and leaned against it. I trudged up the stairs, pretending to be upset and embarrassed. Mush and Blink followed me into the bunkroom. Once we were safely inside, I pulled them aside and let them in on it.
"Mush, run up to the attic and grab those blankets with all the holes in 'em." While Mush darted out the door to do what I'd told him, I pulled Blink over to our bunk. Sliding the burlap sack out from under it, I dumped the clothes on the bed.
"Blink, hide this stuff somewhere. Up in one of the trunks or something."
"What's goin' on, Race?"
"Ah, Jack's a little angrier than I thought he'd be over me getting this stuff from the Jacobs'. He's makin' me take it back. We need it, and I ain't takin' it back."
"He'll soak ya if he finds out."
"Maybe." Mush came running in just then with the blankets, so all arguments stopped as I put my idea into play. Cramming the blankets into the sack, it looked just as it had before.
Blink shot me a puzzled look. "How is this better, Race? Now we don't got any extra blankets."
"All part of my plan, Blink. Don't you worry...Racetrack's got it covered."
"Yeah, yeah. I'll remind you of that when Jack's got you pinned to the floor and is about to give you another shiner."
I dug through the drawer of the little nightstand between my bunk and Snipeshooter's for something to write with. I found a little stub of a pencil and searched for something to write on. Finding a scrap of newspaper, I wrote a quick note for Mrs. Jacobs and stuck it on top of the blankets before closing the bag. Slinging the sack over my shoulder, I winked at my two friends before hurrying back down the stairs before Jack could get even angrier.
From the scowl on his face, Jack hadn't yet forgiven me my breach of trust. That's okay. I knew why I'd done it, and it'd be worth it in the end. Clothes for the kids, and mended blankets. Jack didn't say a word all the way to the Jacobs' flat. I tried for several blocks to talk some sense into him, but knew all along it wouldn't work. In his eyes, I'd made him look bad in front of Sarah. Made it look like we couldn't take care of ourselves.
If it wasn't gearin' up to be such a killing winter, I wouldn't have done it. Jack would see that in a few weeks. It was gonna be a long few weeks, though. Oh, brother.
By the time we made it to their building, I was wet and half frozen. I wasn't looking forward to the walk back. Following Jack up the stairs, I shifted my burden and wondered if Mrs. Jacobs would follow along with my plan. Jack shot me one last dark look and knocked on the door. When Sarah opened it, Jack slipped off his hat and smiled at her.
"Hey, Sarah. Ya look real nice tonight."
Real smooth, Cowboy. Sarah turned around and stepped back to let Jack into the flat. He reached back and grabbed a handful of my shirt to drag me in behind him. I was getting a little tired of him doin' that.
Les immediately started asking questions and bouncing around. Mr. Jacobs shook Jack's hand and shot me a curious look. I just shrugged and took off my cap. Sticking it into my pocket, I introduced myself as I reached over to shake his hand.
"Heya, Mr. Jacobs. Name's Racetrack Higgins. I'm a friend of Davy's."
"Nice to meet you, Racetrack." He grasped my hand to give a firm shake and frowned. "Heavens, boy, your hand is freezing."
For the second time that day, I found Mrs. Jacobs fussing over me. She took the sack from me, giving me a puzzled look. I looked back at Jack and waved my arm, inviting him to explain to her why I was bringing her gift back.
While Mrs. Jacobs settled me into a chair near the stove to warm up...again, Jack stood up straight and let his pride get the better of him. "I told Race to bring that stuff back, 'cause we can take care of the kids ourselves...though we appreciate your offer. Race had no right to be askin' you for those clothes."
Mr. Jacobs tut-tutted and took the sack into their bedroom. When she came out, she had a big smile on her face and winked at me. I knew then that she'd seen the note, and would mend the blankets for me. She was carrying a quilt and walked around behind me to wrap it around my shoulders. She smiled at Jack and shook her head.
"Jack, there's no shame in doing what you can for the other children in the lodging house. What Racetrack did, did nothing to change the way we thought of you. I find it wonderful how much you boys all look out for each other. Many grownups would do well to follow your example."
I could tell that Jack was starting to regret his decision. Mr. Jacobs patted Jack on the shoulder and reassured him. "I understand how you feel, Jack. No harm done. You two are just in time for Sarah's wonderful dessert."
Jack turned and shot me a look of pleading, and I knew he wanted me to leave. This was his place. He'd wormed his way into the Jacobs' lives and made a home for himself...but there was no room to share it with me. And, although I was happy for what he'd found for himself, I hated him just as much because I knew I couldn't have it too.
Mrs. Jacobs started to rub my arms, to warm me up, and I suddenly realized I had to get out of there. If I didn't leave right that moment...I wouldn't leave. I was starting to want what Jack had. What Dave and Les and Sarah had. What I knew I couldn't have.
I jumped to my feet and draped the quilt over my chair. I mumbled a quick apology to Mrs. Jacobs for not being able to stay, said goodbye to the others, told Jack I'd see him back at the lodgin' house and headed for the door. Mrs. Jacobs reached out to stop me as I reached for the doorknob.
"Racetrack, you're soaked through. At least stay and get dry before heading back into that weather."
"Thanks for your concern, Mrs. Jacobs, but I gotta a lot to do back at the lodgin' house and I better hurry. Thanks for everything you've done. Goodnight."
With that, I pulled open the door and ran down the stairs and back out into the rain and sleet. I stood in the street for a few moments, taking deep breaths and blinking the rain from my eyes. What was happing to me? Where was my poker face?
The walk back home was just the same as the walk back earlier, only colder and more miserable.
Kloppman was still behind the counter when I shuffled through the lobby. Next thing I know, I'm sittin' in front of the fire wearing some of Kloppy's old clothes. The old man handed me a cup of hot coffee and sat down beside me. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands. I don't know what he saw in my face, but he sat up a little and sighed.
"What happened, Race?"
What happened? I wasn't even really sure of that, myself. All I knew was that an ache was growing in my heart. It filled me and consumed me and I tried to ruthlessly chase it away. Looking up to meet Kloppman's eyes, I could feel the words burning in my throat. Wanting to be said. But I wouldn't say them. I couldn't.
How babyish could I be, anyway? What would Kloppy think of me, if I told him what I was thinking about? I was one of the older kids, a leader. Someone who always kept it together, no matter what.
I rubbed my fingers over my right eyebrow, trying to massage away the beginning of a headache. I wasn't going to let what I was feelin' take over me. I was a gambler, for cryin' out loud. I knew how to keep things to myself. I knew how to hide my emotions. I'd been doin' it for years.
My voice said, "Nothin' happened, Kloppy. I did something I shoulda asked Jack about first, is all. No big deal."
But what my mind said was, "I want my mother. I want a family."
I sat up a little straighter and tried to smile at Kloppy. He squeezed my shoulder then stood. When I looked up to meet his eye, he peered down at me over the rims of his glasses. He knew a load of bull when he heard it, but he let me believe I'd fooled him. I finished my drink and went upstairs to bed as Kloppy headed back to the front desk.
Two new kids came through the door as I started up the stairs, and paid their board. I took the kids upstairs with me and had a few guys shuffle around to make room. Blink and Mush knocked a few heads when some of the older guys complained about havin' to share beds. I got one of the little kids, Blue Billy...we got two kids name Billy; one has blue eyes, one brown, so one's Blue Billy and the other is Brown Billy...anyways, I got Blue Billy settled into my bed. Blink gave little Skip a leg up into the one above, and laughed quietly.
"Well, it's started already. How long ya figure before we're sleepin' on the floor?"
I listened to the rain and sleet hit the window by our beds for a moment then shrugged. "Two weeks."
"I'd take a bet on three, but I'd probably lose." Blink was no fool. "So what happened with Jack?"
I didn't feel much like talkin' about it, so I just shrugged and moved Blue over a little so I'd have room in my own bed. "I gave the blankets to Mrs. Jacobs. She musta seen the note, 'cause she didn't say anything about it. I'll go by in a few days and see when they'll be ready to bring back."
Blink hauled himself up into the top bunk, shaking the whole bed frame. "That was pretty smart, Race, swapping the clothes with the torn blankets. A two-fer-one deal, and Jack none the wiser."
It did make me smile a little, pullin' one over on Jackie-boy.
I was lyin' in bed, pretending to sleep, when Jack came back that night. I could hear Kloppman's voice floating up the stairs, givin' Jack grief for dragging me out in that weather without a coat. I got a certain amount o' smug satisfaction with that.
I listened to Jack's footsteps as they scuffed up the stairs and through the door. A brief shaft of light drifted in as he opened and shut the door. I heard him pause as he let his eyes adjust to the darkness. His footsteps seemed to echo across the room, but I knew he was tryin' to be quiet and not wake up the other boys.
I could see his outline as he passed his own bunk and I knew he was comin' over to talk to me. Sure enough, he walked between me and Snipeshooter, and stood there. I looked up at him, poker face securely in place, and left it up to him to make the first move. I could tell there was a lot he wanted to say, but he couldn't seem to find the words. I didn't offer any help.
Finally, his shoulders slumped a little and he turned to walk back to his own bed.
"Night, Race."
Okay. A truce.
"Night, Jack."
~~~~~***~~~~~
Shout-outs...I've never done these before. Mostly because this is the only fandom I write in that I've seen them. Also, this is the first story I've posted in chapters. Anyway, there's only three-
Written Sparks: Thank you very much for the compliments. I enjoy writing short stories, and experimenting with humor, but don't do romance so there's no worries there.G And definitely no silly girls. I suffer Sarah only because she's canon. ::sigh::: Thanks for the offer of characters. The story is pretty much finished, but if I find myself looking for an extra name before I post the rest of it, I'll certainly keep you in mind. Thanks again for your feedback!
FrenchyGoil: Thanks! Yeah, summaries can be a pain in the patootie. I just stole a few lines from Race for this story's summary. I let him do all the work.G
AnUNDERCOVERnewsie: I'm glad you were bored, and glad you gave the story a chance.(lol) Very happy you like it so far, and hope I don't disappoint you with the rest of it. Thanks for your feedback.
And that's it. Fortunately, I don't write stories solely for feedback and don't hold my stories hostage. Like it or lump it, I'll still write it. Thanks to all who read it, doubly to those who take the time to post feedback. I'll post the ending soon.