New Beginnings: Life Changes

ch.66

Crash Course/ (character chart)

Part 1

Both parents are separately giving directions to the young people they are leaving their youngest children with. Delphie has the young women listening to quick baby care details while Ethan is talking about keeping the boys on their chore routine and monitoring behavior.

"Mama, don't forget I was taking care of Ben and George as babies. Emerson will be just fine. Amelia and I will enjoy having her here. Please don't worry too much." Claire manages to get in when her mother pauses for breath.

"Yes Dear, I know you were a second mother for your brothers, I just need to let you know of Emerson's likes and basic care. She likes being rocked to sleep and won't nap without the special little blanket you sent her. She's eating soft foods now so applesauce is a favorite but she is mostly drinking milk. You can get anything you need from our house at any time. I've brought all the diapers and extra soaker covers. Be sure to put a rubber tarp under her on the bed and block her from rolling off. George is very aware of Emerson's wants and needs so ask him if you are puzzled."

Outside, Ethan has the two boys with him as he talks with Rob and Alex.

"I've told the boys the expectations for their behavior have not changed. They are still to follow the family rules and obey what they are told without arguing. They are to return home during the morning and evening to milk the cows and care for the other animals. I'd appreciate it if one of you young men would go with them and supervise. Just take the milk and eggs back to use here. We've brought four jugs to tide you over until tonight. Emerson will drink at least one of these jugs in a day. We are expecting to return Monday night but it may be a little longer. I don't know the exact day."

"We'll take good care of the stock and the two-footed creatures, Pa." Alex jokes with a wink at the boys. Rob adds, "Don't worry, I'll make sure the animals are taken care of and we'll definitely bring the milk back. We won't be concerned if you aren't home Monday. I understand there is no way to send a telegram out there."

Nodding, Ethan squats down to be at eye level with the younger boys.

"You both know my expectations and the rules. You two best make sure you follow those rules. As I've told you, Alex, Amelia, Rob, and Claire have full authority to punish you however they feel necessary should you decide to test these expectations. This is not going to end well for you if I learn you misbehaved with any of your brothers or sisters while we are away. Am I understood, Ben? George?"

"Yes sir!" both boys reply.

"Good to hear, come, let's go rescue your sisters from Delphie. I'm sure she's listing everything she can think of for the baby's care. I'm counting on you two to help with Emerson as well. She may need extra brother snuggles as she's not been without her Mama this long before."

"We can do that, Pa." George answers, before adding "We'll keep Emmy happy while you keep Mama happy. Mama's not been without Emmy for a long time before either."

"I'll keep that in mind, George," Ethan answers giving the boy's shoulder an affectionate squeeze while shushing Joseph's snickers with a look.

"Why is what George said funny, Joseph?" Ben asks as they walk towards the house.

"You're too young to understand but it has something to do with marital relations." Joseph answers, earning himself another reprimanding glance and a warning of "Joseph!" from his father.

Returning from the train station, the boys are shown the bedroom they will be using.

"Alex and I designed and built this bed for you two and anyone else who wishes to use it," Rob informs his young brothers.

"Two beds one on top of the other? How'd you get that top bed to stay high up?" George asks.

"It's built to stay up as it is attached to the wall and the posts holding it up. These are called bunk beds, we saw some on a ship we toured in Massachusetts last summer." Alex answers.

"Go on, climb up the ladder and sit up there on the top, it's safe. I've even slept in it and it didn't collapse." Rob urges.

"Oh! This is like being in a tree! I want the top bed!" Ben exclaims.

At Georgia's protest, Rob says "George we'll rotate turns, tonight Ben is on top, and tomorrow night will be your turn."

"Where's Emmy going to sleep? You don't have a bed for her here." George asks.

"She'll sleep in Claire and my room. She'll be just fine, George." Alex answers.

"Can we go play in the barn now? I really like the swinging rope you put up in there." Ben asks.

"No climbing up in the second loft or higher. No leaving the property without telling me or someone where you're going. Remember the safety rules." Rob answers as he gives permission.

"You are becoming a parent, Rob," Alex says after the boys are out of the room.

"I sounded like one, didn't I? I've looked after them so much, I feel like the parent sometimes."

"Okay then, Pa, what will we do to entertain the restless twosome tonight?"

"Supper, baths, bedtime sounds good to me."

"Good luck with that, Rob. The boys are going to want something to do besides bathe and sleep!" Alex tells his friend.

As they travel to Pueblo, Joseph writes questions to Ethan about the Indian lifestyle. As agreed before they left home, the family will not speak about Indians on the train so as to not cause confrontation.

Handing the tablet to his Pa, Joseph waits for the answer to: Will we sleep in a teepee or outside on the ground? What and how will we eat? Can we have meat?

Ethan writes his responses showing both Delphie and Joseph. The homes are made of adobe, a mud brick. They'll have inside sleeping areas for us. Yes, they eat meat. We'll eat with utensils the same as at home. These are civilized people, not wild savages as you've read about in those wild west books. They are our friends and to be treated as such.

Deciding not to ask any more questions as the last statement seemed to be chastising him. Realizing his Pa is not in the best mood right now, Joseph closes his tablet to watch the view out the window.

As they depart the small train station in Pueblo, Joseph sees a man walking towards them wearing a hat with three black feathers plus a beaded headband, and moccasins for shoes. He greets Ethan with "Welcome, friend. My people are ready to welcome you to our homes. I have horses waiting."

"Hello, let me introduce my family, this is Delphie and this is my son, Joseph."

"Welcome to Pueblo Mrs. Cord and Joseph. I am Will or Blackfeather, I answer to both. Joseph, my nephew, Night Hawk, is close to your age. You will meet soon. Ethan, Timber Wolf is still with us. His condition has improved since we last spoke."

Joseph sees his Pa, nod, and relax at the news. It seems odd to hear John Taylor being called by his Indian name, Timber Wolf. It's been a few years since he has heard that name.

As the evening chores are finished for both homes, supper is over, and the young adults gathered in the front room with the comfortable fire. Amelia has chosen to rock Emerson.

"Well boys, you've been very helpful today. I appreciate that." Rob praises. "We finished all the chores for your home and ours quickly."

"Chores are more fun with you and Alex. I wish Pepper could come here to stay though. I miss him." Ben answers.

"Pepper needs to stay at your house to be the guard dog. He's protecting his home." Claire tells her little brother.

"How did Emmy do while I was gone? Did she cry?" George asks.

"She did some but Amelia was able to soothe her. She wants Amelia to hold her." Claire replies.

"It's alright, Claire. She just knows Amelia better as she's come to visit a lot. Emmy will warm up to you, she likes you, I know. She did let you give her some mashed carrots tonight. I don't remember if she has had them before." George reassures his sister.

Changing the subject, Alex asks "How did your family come to meet John Taylor?"

"When Pa was about our age, somewhere around eighteen or nineteen, he was taunted into a gunfight and was shot. The gun battle killed the son of a high society man, a judge, I think, in Texas. The man's son was the one who shot first and wounded Pa who defended himself. The local law wanted to listen only to the father and tried to say Pa murdered the other man. Witnesses told a different story but the law wouldn't listen. Pa escaped and was hiding out. His wound was infected and he nearly died. John Taylor found him and treated him until he was well. They formed a bond and John Taylor began teaching Pa all about herbs and medicine. Pa also practiced his gun work as the Texas group was out looking for him. He became proficient with the gun for that reason. We didn't meet John Taylor until much later after we were brought to Paradise. He instantly became almost a grandfather to us."

"John Taylor might die, isn't this true Claire?" George asks.

"Pa said he was very sick and he, Mama, and Joseph were going to see him. He asked us to stay with you to help take care of Emerson and to look after the ranch for him," Ben adds.

"Well boys, I won't lie to you. John Taylor was very ill when he was here last. Mama, Dr. Amy, and I all tried to help him but he just continued to be sick. The man who is looking after him, helped him go back to the tribe. The other day he notified Pa, it was time to come to see John Taylor. We are hoping he will make a turnaround and get well but we don't know if that will happen. Remember, John Taylor is much older than Pa. He's probably at least sixty five which is old and he's ready to move on to a different world. He told me during his sickness, he was prepared to join his son and wife in the other world."

"John Taylor has a family? I thought we were his family." George replies.

"He once had a wife and they had a little boy. His wife and child were lost in an attack on their village by a different band of Indians. The boy was five or six." Claire answers before saying "So you see, no matter what happens, John Taylor will be happy. If he passes over to, as he calls it, 'the other side' he'll see his family again. If he gets better, he can come to see us or we can perhaps go see him. Isn't that a good thought?"

"Yes, and we can see him on the other side sometime when we see our first Mama." George answers.

"Alright, let's get Emmy all changed and you can sing her to sleep. Mama said you have a special song she likes. Tonight is her first night sleeping away from home so you can relax her. Then we'll get you two all settled in your bunk beds. What would you like for breakfast?" Claire asks.

"Rob's pancakes and Alex's french toast with fried ham or sausages." Ben answers.

"Amelia's sweetbread with honey on top, bacon and fried potatoes with cheese mixed together," George answers at the same time.

"Well, I was thinking we'd do a big pot of plain oatmeal without fruit, milk. or sugar. You two don't need fancy breakfast." Amelia teases. The two shocked faces make her laugh.

"I'm teasing you! We'll do as much of your request as we can but we may have to spread it over two days. How about a slice of Claire's chocolate cake and some cold milk before bed? Come down after we get the baby settled and asleep. I'll serve it to you in the big dining room." She tells them.

"Cake before bed?" Alex asks. "You know Rob and I are little boys inside, we could enjoy some too."

"Sure we could! Are we invited or do you have to be brats like these two to qualify? I don't know why you two get cake when you are so awful. Cleaning out stalls without being asked, cleaning out our chicken house, putting down fresh straw in the stalls, and all that time we thought you were out playing in the barn! Just horribly behaved today and they get cake!" Rob says. His teasing but actual praise earns big smiles from the two boys.

"We'll all have cake. Let's get ready for bed and then we'll enjoy a treat." Amelia answers.

Joseph's first look at the Indian dwellings surprises him. Despite being told there would be no teepees, he still envisioned a few being around. Instead, he sees three to four storied buildings all built together to be one long unit. Each level is set back from the one below it to make a terrace for the rooms. The reddish adobe blocks are clearly visible in the walls with openings for windows and doors. Ladders stretch to reach the higher levels.

"My family lives here in this center part. My sisters are on either side with their families. Each of us has three levels. The bottom is the storage for dried crops, the middle is a common space with areas to worship and share meals and good times. The top rooms are our private areas where we sleep. Come, let me introduce you to my family and show you where you will sleep."

"Mr. Will?" Joseph asks

"Yes?"

"How did you learn to speak English well with such good grammar growing up here?"

"JOSEPH! That's a rather rude and personal question! Apologize!" Ethan reprimands.

"You are implying Will was to have no English speaking skills in your opinion," Ethan explains at the boy's puzzled expression.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean that at all, I meant you just speak so well and I ..." Joseph tries before shutting his mouth at the look his Pa is giving him.

Chuckling to himself, Will says "Calm down, Father. The boy asks a decent question. I took no offense from it. We are not enemies, we can speak our minds here. No one will fault you for asking questions. My mother is a white woman who voluntarily married my father. She taught all of her four children how to speak, read, and write proper English. she saw to it all of her children were educated in mathematics, and languages as well. It was important to her. I am fluent in several native languages, English and French. My skills enabled me to become the Indian Liason for our territory. This is how I met your Pa and John Taylor as well. Does that answer your question?"

"Yes sir. My first mother was much the same with regard to education as are the two standing here. My younger brother balks at lessons though." Joseph answers the friendly guide.

Having been left alone to freshen up and store their belongings, Joseph admires the block walls. Each block is both as long in height and width as his arm and smooth to the touch. Hearing his name called from the other room, he walks into where his parents will stay, a similarly small space also with a rope bed covered in thick woven wool blankets.

"Joseph, we need to discuss a few rules for our stay. One, you will be respectful and obedient to all adults. No matter who it is speaking to you, you are to do as told. As for respect, I do not want to hear you speak to an adult as you did to Will. Your questioning of his abilities was ill-mannered no matter what he himself thinks!

Two, You will stay inside the compound at all times unless I am with you. Absolutely no exploring away from the buildings. This is a wild territory with animals and other things that may harm you so stay in the compound.

Three, you are to be helpful with the work while here. We are guests and want to make a good impression. The Pueblo people did not have to invite us to share time with them so you be sure to help. Am I understood? I mean what I say!"

"Yes sir" Joseph answers, "I will do as you say, Pa." Wondering why his Pa is being so unlike himself and irritable, Joseph decides to ask Delphie later.

Before anyone can say anything further, there's a knock on the door. They were given the only small separate dwelling on the grounds with a wooden door and glass windows. Will described it as the guest building. They still climbed a ladder to reach it as it was above the food storage.

Opening the door, Ethan is greeted by a Pueblo youth dressed in a tan tunic and pants most likely made of deer hide.

"Greetings! I am Night Hawk. I bring water for guests. Uncle sends word to join for meal in common area. I wait and take family there when ready."

"Háu kola" (hello friend) "I am Ethan Cord, this is my wife Delphie, and son, Joseph. We will be happy to share a meal."

Joseph has the impression the boy doesn't wish to be the escort as he has not spoken since the greeting. He has led the family to the large open room in the middle home where everyone seems to have gathered to eat as many men are sitting on the floor. The women bring around bowls of food and baskets of bread. The Cord family is seated near Will who introduces them to the group. Many men nod in greeting but continue to eat. The boy, Night Hawk, has been told to sit with Joseph as well as be his guide.

"Night Hawk will keep you company and help you while you are staying here," Will tells Joseph.

Later that evening, having waited until the two are alone, Joseph decides to try to make friends with the Indian boy, His parents have gone to see John Taylor leaving Joseph with Night Hawk. Ethan has told him he may visit John Taylor in the morning.

"Night Hawk, how old are you? Your uncle said you were near my age and I'm fifteen." Joseph asks as the two work together to pump water to fill buckets. Apparently, this is a chore done every morning and evening to provide water for the tribe in their dwelling.

"Night Hawk is fourteen summers. Near a man, not a boy. Uncle thinks still a boy. No joining hunting parties! Must stay with women and babies!"

"I know what you mean. My Pa thinks I'm a little boy who needs lessons on behavior. He lectures me and sets unreasonable rules. Where are your parents?"

"Crossed over two years for mother and four years for father. Uncle now parent to Night Hawk until of age at sixteen." The Indian youth replies as he fills his fourth bucket to Joseph's two. "Fill bucket!"

"Oh, yes, I apologize for not working as quickly as you." Working in silence the two finish filling the twenty buckets and begin the process of returning them to the rooms in the home.

"Night Hawk? I was an orphan with no parents too. The man and woman with me are my uncle and his wife. He has raised me since I was nearly eleven. My parents are dead as well. May I ask you a question?"

"Yes"

"Your skin coloring is unique. More of a lightish brown or tan than others here. Your uncle is unique in his coloring as well. Why is that?" Joseph asks after checking to see if Ethan was near enough to hear his question. His Pa would most likely disapprove of personal questions.

"Why you look around before speak? Hiding something? You smoke?"

"My Pa wouldn't like me questioning you this way. He's been different since we left home and is very irritable. I don't want him to punish me. What does smoking have to do with it?"

"Smoking when young, forbidden. Do it anyway, also look around, like you. My mother white, father Indian and white. Have skin like father, Will's brother. Brothers had Indian father and white mother. She still here. I call her Grandmere and she old like your John Taylor. Not come to gatherings. I take you to see her tomorrow. We visit elders then."

"Grandmere? That is French! My older sister knows French. Do you speak French?" Joseph asks.

"Some. Now time take water. Carry two! Climb ladder with two!"

"I can carry two but not climb a ladder with two at a time. Do you need to order me around this way? I'm a guest, not a servant! Try asking not ordering."

"Watch! Learn. Do!" Night Hawk answers with a smirk. Bending down beside the well, he attaches his two buckets to a board with hooks on each end. Standing, he balances the board on his shoulders as he walks towards the first ladder.

"Hey! No fair! You didn't say we'd use a balancing board!" Joseph says following with his two buckets in his hands.

"Watch! Learn! Indian Way! Follow!"

"Yes Your Excellency, Grand Wizard! So bossy!" Joseph mutters sarcastically to himself as he follows the boy.

Having completed all the chores and not seeing any sign of his parents, Joseph asks "What do you do for fun?"

"Relax first fun second. Come!"

"Yes Boss," Joseph says following this unusual boy behind the large building.

"Walk in here. Have own space near, not seen by windows."

"Uh, well, can't we just stay near the building?" Joseph asks hopefully.

"White boy scared of woods? Squirrels and rabbits too?"

"No, of course not. My Pa said to stay IN the compound not to go away from it."

"Trees are compound, come, follow. Relax and fun inside"

Coming through the trees, Joseph finds himself in an open area surrounded by tall trees. He can see Night Hawk moving a large rock before turning around.

"Fun, relax, friendship pipe. Indian way, smoke pipe together."

"Night Hawk, you said your Uncle didn't allow it. I don't want you to be punished." Joseph tries after quickly thinking of a way out of the plan.

"Uncle Will not know. Come on, sit with me, and have a smoke. Do you want to be friends?"

"You're speaking better now. Is that because you know how to speak correctly and don't want to?"

"Possibly, true. Do you want to be friends or not? I can teach many things that are useful. How to catch rabbits with string."

"I'll be your friend even if we don't smoke that pipe, Night Hawk." Joseph answers not telling the boy, he's known how to catch rabbits that way for years.

"Coward white boy afraid of a smoking pipe? Not brave warrior like me! Not try Indian way, not good guest. Father not like boy be bad guest when told."

"I'm not "white boy or boy"! My name is JOSEPH. I'M NO COWARD. I'LL PROVE IT!"

"I'm just as brave as you! Light it up and I'll show you!" Joseph retorts angrily.

A/N: I've included a story Character Chart for the Paradise story. I didn't want to publish it as a "chapter" so I'm including it below.

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Paradise: Story Character Chart

Families:

Ethan and Delphie Cord (Sheriff/Rancher, Nurse)

Children: Rob (married to Amelia), {adopted at age 15, nephew of a close friend}

Claire (married to Alex Hale), Joseph, Ben, and George {adopted /orphaned children of Ethan's sister Lucy Cord Carroll, stage actress/singer}

Emerson (biological child of Ethan and Delphie)

Chris and Savannah Johnston (Deputy Sheriff)

Children: twins Aaron and Alyssa McGinnis (biological nephew and niece of Chris)

Charlotte and Nathaniel (biological children of Savannah)

Matthew and Linnea Carroll (storekeeper of General Store, biological uncle (paternal side) to Claire, Joseph, Ben, and George

Children: Elisha, Sarah, and Caleb Brandenberg (children and nephew of Linnea and her first husband, now deceased)

Gabriel and Lucas Carroll (biological twins of Matt and Linnea)

Lawrence and Amelia Blackstock (Proprietors-Paradise Boarding House)

Children: Cecily, Theo, Jackson, Amalee, and Lauren

Town

Mitch Williams - deputy sheriff

Cyrus Axelrod - proprietor owner of the Mercantile

David and Hannah Abbott - General Store and Ice Cream Parlor

Mr. Anderson - Paradise Hardware/Lumber (sons Jeremy and Jason, friends of Joseph)

Reverend Davis - church

Mr. Davis (brother of the Reverend) Upper grades teacher

Miss Donaldson - Lower grades teacher