NOTE
In the interest of getting this story to the interesting parts I need to move the time frame ahead some. The narrator will give brief a run through of the time spans that are skipped.
(New Character)
Sharon Jones -- Hazzard Cheerleader -- Mark recently started dating.
NARRATOR: In the next few weeks Luke and Robin got to know each other. Talking in school, going out for pizza after the football games, Luke (and his cousins) accompanied Robin's family and friends to the skating rink several times. Bill and Brenda kept a close watch on them making sure they didn't get too close. They became more comfortable around each other often holding hands or skating together. The Hazzard Cougars had won 9 of their 10 games thus far with one more game to be played away on Friday night. As luck would have it, the Hazzard Cougars would take on, once again, the Placid Beavers with a record of 8 wins, 1 lose of their 10 game season. They had only lost to the Cougars. The Beavers wanted to win the District Championship. Their only chance would be to beat Hazzard to get to a play off game since both teams would have a 9 and 1 record SHOULD they beat Hazzard.
"Stay tuned to WPCD live at Beaver Stadium, the Placid Beavers take on the Hazzard Cougars. I talked with the Beaver Coach today -- the Beavers are ready for battle to prevent the Cougars from taking home the District Championship tonight." said WPCD Announcer.
The loud speaker came to life at Hazzard High School. "All football players, cheerleaders, and band members report to the gym at this time." This announcement now took almost half of the students out of class.
The Hazzard elite were a bit loud as they hurriedly made their way to the gym. Two buses were reserved to transport them to Beaver Stadium. The band was assigned to one bus. The football team and cheerleaders the other. As luck would have it all the cheerleaders seemed to be dating someone on the ball team. As the Hazzard Coach of many years entered the bus he took in the seating arrangements with the couples paired off. He noticed Luke and Robin in one back seat. Mark and Sharon in the other back seat. Cooter and Kathy one seat up from the back seat. The Hazzard Coach shook his head. "Ok ladies to the front of the bus. Gentlemen to the back of the bus. Equipment in the middle of the bus. Now!"
The announcement was met with Boo's, and pleas of, "Coach, come on." from the whole bus.
"This is our last game. I want your minds on the game at hand. The bus is not moving until its done." Thankfully he had a great bunch of kids and though disappointed in took only minutes for them to comply. Coach took the front seat in front of the cheerleaders and they were off.
Most of Hazzard followed the team once school was out and choirs done.
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"This is WPCD coming from you live from Beaver Stadium. The clock has 1 minute left in the second quarter. Our score is 14 - 14. This has been a real battle between the number 1 team, the Hazzard Cougars and the number 2 team, Placid Beavers. If Hazzard wins tonight they take home the District Championship, if Placid wins tonight both teams will have the same record and there will be a play off game between the two to decide the Champion. Both teams have a lot riding on tonight."
Game announcer 1: "Yes, they do. If you joined us for the first game this season between these two teams they were playing as if their lives depended on a win. Tonight isn't any different."
Game announcer 2: "In case you don't remember folks, Placid Beaver's Defensive End, Ralph Green, racked up an unheard of amount of penalties in that game trying to stop Hazzard Sophomore Luke Duke."
Radio Announcer: "I remember that game. It surely seemed as though Ralph Green and Luke Duke were taking the game really seriously."
Game Announcer 1: "It doesn't seem much has changed tonight except the score is a little closer."
Game Announcer 2: "That's right Placid Beavers have had the most penalties. 3 going to Ralph Green for Ruffing the Passer."
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Placid Stadium has the cheerleaders changing room next to the football players locker room. The Placid cheerleaders take the field first before all the players are off the field. Hazzard's cheerleaders are waiting their turn near the gate when the players exit the field. Since the last play had been on the visitor's side of the field the Beavers exited the field on the same end as Hazzard. Robin is close to the gate to see Luke as he exits the field. Luke comes off the field, grabs Robin spins her around and says, "Knock them dead!" and quickly seats her back on the ground.
As he had swung her around Ralph was walking up to them. When Luke had placed her on the ground and started for the locker room he heard Ralph say to Robin, "Nice As--!"
Mark was right behind Ralph as he said this. In one fluid motion Mark and Luke grabbed Ralph throwing him up the side of the field house none too gentlely! They were soon surrounded by the Hazzard Coach, several security guards and deputies that were near by. It took several minutes for the Coach, Luke and Mark to explain the Hazzard lesson in manners. The deputies and security officers advised Hazzard's Coach to keep these guys apart and they escorted Ralph to his Coach.
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The events at half time had only added fuel to the fire for the rest of the game. Ralph Green and Luke Duke were at each others throats the whole third quarter.
Three minutes left in the 4th quarter -- score is 21- 21, Hazzard's ball. Hazzard lines up. Luke knew Green was after him so Mark would carry the ball. Cooter snapped the ball to Luke who handed off to Mark unseen. Luke pretended to carry the ball, most of the Hazzard team followed Luke to make it look good. The whole Placid defense tackled Luke knocking all the wind out of him. Luke heard the snap, pop as he hit the ground. The Placid Beavers were taking their time getting off Luke who didn't have the ball, while Mark made the touchdown. The Hazzard Coach called for a time out as he headed to the pile of Beavers on top of his Quarterback.
Announcer 1: "Touchdown Cougars! The score is 28-21!"
Announcer 2: "Time out Cougars. Looks like we may have an injury on the field."
Robin had been voted Captain of Hazzard's Cheerleaders. Taking in the events of the last play she said without taking her eyes off the pile of guys on top of Luke."Number 3!" They started the cheer as rehearsed.
"Luke are you Ok?" asked the Coach.
Finding out that he could still inhale air was a refreshing discovery. Luke gasped, "Yeah, ... need to get a drink... I'm fine..."
Luke made his way to the bench where he got the "water bottle' he'd been sipping on. He drank a long drink, followed by another which emptied the container. "I'm fine, Coach, really. I need to finish this."
The Coach nodded toward the field.
Luke took his place in the huddle.
Mark and Cooter asked, "Are you OK there Luke?"
Looking a bit out of sorts, Luke replied, "No, but I've got to finish this. Guys, I can't take another hit like that. Mark I'm handing the ball to you. I need you guys to help me even the score between me and that Defensive End. As soon as Mark has the ball and is away I need anyone not looking out for him to hit that guy with all you're worth with me." The rest of the team was also tried of the Placid Beavers moves and nodded their agreement.
Cooter snapped the ball to Luke he handed it to Mark who went to the left side of the field. It appeared Luke had faked the ball. All of Placid started towards the right side of the field. Luke and the rest of the guys hit Ralph Green with all they had as Mark scored the final touchdown making the score 35-21. A distinct pop was heard as Ralph hit the ground. The buzzer sounded the end of the game. Final score 35-21! The Hazzard Cougars made their way to the locker room as Placid's Coaching staff made their way to the fallen player. Minutes later the ambulance was called out to the field. Ralph Green left the field by ambulance. In the locker room away from the Coach, Mark and Cooter asked Luke what he'd meant by the remark earlier that he was not OK. All Luke would admit to is that he'd taken a hard hit to the chest and probably bruised a few ribs.
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The Hazzard Cougars left Placid County with the District Championship, while Ralph Green was having his right arm placed in a plaster cast from the shoulder down. Being the Hazzard Coaches first Championship he was very pleased with his team so on the way home he was giving them a little slack on the seating arrangements. Robin sat with Luke in the back of the bus. Cooter and Kathy had the other back seat, while Mark and Sharon were in front of them. They made one stop at a pop shop. Everyone left the bus to use the restrooms and or get something to eat or drink. Most of the Hazzard bunch had returned to the bus, but Robin and Kathy had went to the restroom and were now at the counter. Outside a group of Placid fans who had known Ralph Green was hurt in the game pulled in seeing the Hazzard students. The Hazzard Coach shuffled everyone outside onto the bus. He realized that he had two cheerleaders inside. Looking up he called for a couple of his team who he knew he could count on. "Luke, Mark, Cooter come on. The rest of you stay on the bus." he said as the four went back in the store. Robin and Kathy were getting their change as the Coach said, "To the bus, now!" The girls were walked to the bus in the middle of the guys and the Coach.
Heading home to Hazzard in the dark Robin got her first kiss and second. Occasionally, when Luke moved wrong his bruised ribs would tell him about it. It was all he could do not to let on to Robin or anyone else. Robin turned in the seat putting her feet in seat as she turned to Luke putting her arms around his neck. When she leaned towards Luke she put the weight of her upper body across Luke's ribs. Luke gasped slightly while gritting his teeth as he raised her off his ribs. "Luke? I'm sorry are you OK?"
Trying not to let Robin know how much pain he was in said, "Yeah, that last hit was a pretty good one. I think that I bruised a couple ribs." He said easing her back onto his chest.
"If you were hurt in the game why did you keep playing?" Robin asked.
Luke motioned for her to be quieter. "I'm not going to give that Defensive End the satisfaction of knowing that they did hurt me."
Robin asked, "What if you're really hurt?"
Luke brushed her hair back, "Really, I'll be OK."
Robin looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"Look, if I'm still hurting when we get to the school. I'll say something to either Coach or Jesse. OK?" said Luke, hoping to either feel better in Hazzard or that Robin would forget what he'd said.
Being a typical fifteen year old female, Robin responded when, "Promise?"
Shit! thought Luke. He sighed, painfully, he might add, "Yeah, I promise. Now let's at least enjoy the rest of the way home if I'm going to have to be up all night."
"Why are you going to be up all night?" asked Robin naively.
"Because, I don't see me getting out of at least seeing Doc Applebee, if I open my mouth." said Luke with a look of dread.
Being a bit wiser than her years, Robin questioned, "Would you rather I open my mouth?"
Luke started to reply no, then had a better thought, "Only if you do it now." He said as he pulled her closer for a kiss. The conversation was dropped for now but not forgotten on Robin's part.
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Jesse and the others had been to the game and met the bus at Hazzard High with the rest of the parents. The bus unloaded slowly with each player and cheerleader having to sort through to find their equipment. Being in the back of the bus Robin and Luke were pretty much last. Robin grabbed her bag and started to turn to the front of the bus as Luke reached into the seat to pick up his gear. Setting for past hour or so had not made Luke's ribs feel any better. As a matter of fact, it had made him quiet stiff. When he picked up the heavy football gear the added weight accompanied with the position he was standing caused a sharp severe pain to travel through out his ribs. Robin was close enough to hear Luke swear softly. She stopped, turned around, reaching for the football gear. Luke was leaning on the side of the bus seat trying to get his breath back. He managed to hoarsely say, "I got it."
Robin raised her eye brows, "Let me get it or I blow the whistle right now."
Knowing that he was losing this discussion but determined that he would not let her carry his gear off the bus, he met her half way. He released his grip on the gear and motioned for her to continue to the front of the bus. "Leave it. I'll send someone back for it."
Taking the small concession, Robin headed off the bus with Luke behind her. When Luke exited Daisy broke and ran to give him a congratulations hug. Luke crossed his arms, noticeably bending, with his arms out in front of himself to block her attempt at the hug. This jester was not unnoticed by Jesse and the Coach at the same time. Before Daisy could figure out the reason for Luke's reaction they were joined by the Coach and Jesse. Both asking at the same time, "Luke. What's wrong?"
Looking defeated, Luke sighed.
Both men now looked to Robin. As she began to explain, the small group was joined by Mark, Cooter, and Robin's parents. "He said that last hit he took before the final play bruised his ribs..."
Robin's explanation was cut short by the Coach insisting that he see Luke in the gym where they would be in the light. "Shall we?" He said as he pulled out his school keys and motioned Luke toward the door.
"Might as well, it really doesn't look like I'm going to get out of it." fumed Luke.
Luke and the Coach were joined by most of the team, cheerleaders and their families who had not already left for home. Inside with the lights on the Coach asked to see Luke in his office. Luke, Jesse and the Coach entered the office since they now had half the County with them. "OK, let's have it. Off with the shirt."
Luke sighed. He untucked his shirt carefully and unbuttoned it. The Coach looked at Luke, then to Jesse, then reached for the phone. "Bonnie Lou, get me Dr. Applebee." the connection made the Coach continued, "Doc, this is Coach Shaffron. I got a player that was hurt in tonight's game. I'm just now finding this out. It looks like he at the very least bruised several ribs pretty badly." The Coach listened to Doc's reply, "I'll have him right over." again listening. "Yes, Jesse is here. The player is Luke Duke. Thanks Doc." he said hanging up.
Jesse asked, "Do you care to tell us why you didn't let us know you were hurt until now?"
"It's just that this is not how I planned to spend the rest of the night after winning the Championship, besides, I didn't want to give that guy the satisfaction of knowing I was hurt." said Luke as he buttoned his shirt. He did not bother to tuck it in.
Jesse scolded, "Luke, continuing to play after you were hurt could have been dangerous. Pride can be a good thing and it can be a very bad thing."
"Yes, Sir." Luke said. "I need to get Mark or Cooter to grab my stuff off the bus and since this is going to take awhile. Can at least walk Robin out to the truck?"
Jesse smiled, "Coach, at least we know it's not terminal! he's still thinking about girls. Yes, but be careful and don't keep Doc waiting."
Looking slightly happier, "Yes, Sir. Thanks." He said as he hurried out of the office. Expecting to see his family and hopefully Robin's and maybe Cooter, Luke was surprised to see the gym filled with friends and neighbors. Slightly embarrassed for being the center of attention, Luke said, "I'm OK, really. Mark can you grab my stuff off the bus? Come on." he said putting his arm around Robin's shoulders. They headed to her parents truck and walking by the doors to the back of it. "See what I was trying to avoid."
"Sorry, but you are hurt?" Robin half stated and half questioned as she wasn't privileged to be there when the Coach checked Luke out.
Luke looked her in the eye, "I've been better. Coach called Doc, we're heading over there as soon as Mark gets my things and I tell you goodnight."
"So Coach figures your ribs are bruised?" questioned Robin.
Deciding he'd better level with her, "No, I think they both are thinking about like I have began to..." Luke paused. He was telling a small lie. He had been pretty sure when he hit the ground that at least one rib had broken. "I figure that I'll be lucky to have one broken rib from this."
"Luke,..." she said through tear filled eyes. He leaned over and kissed her.
"I'll be fine. It's not the end of the world." He said as her tears betrayed her, trailing down her cheeks. "I've got to get going, Jesse's waiting."
"Call me when you get home?" asked Robin.
"You know I can't call you tonight. It's after midnight now." stated Luke. "I'll call you in the morning. What time will you be up?"
Robin replied, "I'll be up early. If I sleep that is."
Luke again kissed her goodnight not realizing her father had walked up to them. "I'll call you first thing in the morning. Now, go get some rest."
Robin replied, also not knowing her father was there, "I just wish you could call me tonight..."
Bill said, "That might can be arranged this once, if you let him get going. Jesse and the Coach are waiting."
Robin turned as red as a beet.
Luke asked, "Are you sure it's OK. It will be really late."
Bill said, "I know. But I also know she'll be up all night unless you do call. One short call."
Luke and Robin both thanked her father and Luke headed off to met Jesse and the Coach.
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As Luke dreaded hearing, he was right. A couple ribs were broken, a couple cracked, and most were bruised. Being an old country doctor, Dr. Applebee taped his ribs to stabilize them. Luke now was sure he had been in less pain before they were taped. Being that he was taped from just below his arms to almost his waist, standing was the least painful position he was able to find. It was going to be a long 4-6 weeks. Doc had suggested that he may want to try sleeping setting up. As Luke and Jesse came out of Doc's office beside of his house, they saw Jesse's pick up was full of teens. Of course Bo, Coy, Vance, Jeb and Daisy were there, but so was Cooter and Mark.
Jesse figured it would do Luke some good to have some company tonight. He'd banged up his own ribs a time or too and knew it was by far the most painful and annoying injury he had ever had. "Hey, there fellas." called Uncle Jesse. "How'd you all like to spend the rest of the night at the farm?" Of course they were all for it. Luke managed to get in the front of the truck without too much difficulty. At the farm Jesse suggested that the boys gather pillows and blankets and sleeping bags and 'camp' out in the living room. Luke had already made plans for Jesse's recliner.
Looking at the clock, it was 2am when Luke picked up the phone and headed for the farthest end of the house that the cord would allow. He was glad his buddies were spending the night but between them and his cousins it sounded like the whole Hazzard team was in the living room. He dialed the number to Robin's.
It rang one short ring when Robin answered, "Hello?"
"That was quick." said Luke.
"I know Dad said you could call but I hope the phone didn't wake them. Are you OK?" she asked worriedly.
"Yeah, I'll be good as new in a few weeks." he said playing down the injury.
Talking quietly, Robin asked, "So what did Doc say."
Playfully, Luke avoided her question, "That you can get some rest tonight."
"Luke!" she exclaimed, "Seriously?"
"Ok, remember me telling you I'd have been lucky to only have a broken rib? Well, I wasn't lucky." said Luke.
Trying to drag out more information, Robin continued to press, "Luke? What exactly does that mean?"
"As Doc put it, I did it right. A couple are broken most of the rest bruised. He taped me up for the next few weeks." Luke continued, leaving out quiet a bit of what Doc had said.
"So you feel better now?" she figured that Doc would have treated him to make things better.
"Well, ..." Luke was not planning on telling Robin that he definitely did not fell better.
Fortunately, about this time Jesse came through the house before turning in, "Luke if you need anything wake me. OK?" he said extending his hand which held a quart jar of his finest shine. "They have one. This one is yours. I've been there. You might feel the need to sip on this over the next few days. By the way, it may be a bad time, but you all played a good game. Congratulations on the Championship."
Seeing the love in his Uncle's eyes. Knowing he could do no more to make things better, he had settled for trying to at least make Luke comfortable. Luke said, "Thanks, Uncle Jesse ... for ah, everything." Luke paused letting Jesse get down the hall a bit. "Ok, I'm back. By the way if you all miss Mark, he's here. I think Jesse figured I'd be up awhile so at least I'll have company with Mark and Cooter and the others here."
Robin smiled, "I feel left out."
"Why should you? I'm talking to you not them." replied Luke. Luke took a pretty large drink from the Mason jar. "Jesse should have been a doctor."
Confused Robin asked, "Why do you say that?"
Darn! Luke thought. He'd put his foot in his mouth. "Let's just say, Jesse brought me something to make me feel better. I'll have to explain that later." Looking at the clock, it was getting really late. "It's getting late. I'll let you go get some rest. I think I'm camping out in the recliner. Doc and Jesse think I'll be more comfortable there. I think the guys have snuk a deck of cards in, in case we can't sleep. Uncle Jesse would through a fit if he suspected it. Cards are not allowed at all in the house."
Robin smiled, "I can't see Uncle Jesse ever getting mad. He's so sweet."
"Darlin', I love my Uncle Jesse, but he can be anything but sweet when riled! I know, I've been the cause before." stated Luke.
Robin said, "I can't imagine that either."
Taking another drink, Luke shook his head. How could she live in Hazzard all her life and be so innocent? "Unfortunately, if you stick around us both long enough you'll see. I'm going to let you go before your Dad wakes up, then I won't be able to call anymore."
"OK. Will you call tomorrow?" she asked.
"Sure, I will call. Maybe if Jesse brings home Mark, I'll ride over. Goodnight."
"Night, Luke."
Luke hung up, went to his room and put on a pair of shorts to try to get a little more comfortable. He took his jar with him to the recliner. Trying to get settled was very painful. He got settled then took several more drinks of shine. Finally after not moving for several minutes the pain in his ribs was giving way to the effects of the shine.
Cooter saw what was up, "Boy, must be nice to get hurt and have an excuse to get drunk."
Luke opened his eyes, "I'll trade you places... and I'm no where near drunk."
Seeing Luke was not in a very playful mood, "Sorry, Luke. No thanks, I've heard ribs can be a $$(!" Cooter said softly so Jesse would not hear him.
"I'll vouch for that." said Luke. "So what do you all have in mind to make me feel better?"
Jeb nudged Bo, who smiled. "Be right back!" They said excitedly.
Luke looked at Mark.
Mark replied, "Haven't a clue. Did you get Robin off the phone?"
"Yeah, she answered on the first ring hoping it didn't wake your Dad. I also told her you were here so they'd know." said Luke.
Coy, and Vance were almost asleep. Bo placed his finger in front of his mouth to keep the others quiet. He and Jeb handed out some 'dirty books' they had gotten that the other guys had not seen. Luke, Cooter, and Mark talked about the game for awhile being they were more interested in "real" girls at this point than the girlie books. Luke finally had enough shine and gotten somewhat comfortable. Sleep finally found him at almost dawn.
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NARRATOR: Being that Luke was not to lift or strain himself for several weeks, Bo got his opportunity to help Jesse quiet a bit. Luke, who Jesse felt was not up to walking up to the stills, spent his evenings with his younger cousins while Jesse and Bo were at the still. He also managed to talk to Robin most every evening.
One evening Luke joined Jesse on the front porch. Everyone one else was occupied in the house. It had been a couple of weeks since the last football game and Luke was still dealing with his ribs being taped. He gently sit on the porch swing beside his Uncle's rocker. "Uncle Jesse, I know you know Robin has become something special to me. I had a long talk with her father before I was able to call her. I don't know if you know this, but I gave him my word on some things. He told me that he would take my word only if I 'spit and shook' on it. Meaning he asked for my word as a moonshiner ... I, ah, didn't know ... I mean Bill doesn't ... how would he know?..."
Jesse smiled letting Luke know he knew what Luke was trying too ask. "Luke, as far as I know Bill has never dealt in shine. He, also, has lived in Hazzard all his life. Our families go pretty far back, Bill knows moonshine has been a way of life for us. He probably suspected you are involved and was testing you to see if he was correct. It also pretty easy to figure that most people here know what is expected if you give your word as a moonshiner. Luke, if you gave your word to Bill as a moonshiner, you had better da--- well keep it. Should you not, you will have Bill, myself, and every moonshiner in the tri state to deal with. Got it?" explained Jesse.
"Yes, sir! I knew that when I did give him my word." said Luke.
Jesse questioned, "Luke, what exactly did you give your word to?"
A little embarrassed, Luke answered, "That I would not hurt Robin, nor let her be hurt or her reputation be in question as long as I'm around."
"Luke, that may take some doing there..." Jesse said being interrupted by Luke.
"I know that. I'm willing." explained Luke.
"I hope you realize the consequences that may go along with that?" questioned Jesse.
"Yes, Sir, I believe I do." stated Luke looking his Uncle in the eye. He continued, "I just hope that if it comes to that, that you will be there for me and understand why I did, what I did, at the time?"
Smiling that knowing smile Jesse replied, "Luke you should know by now that I will always be there for you kids. I may not always agree with your course of action, but I will always back you up, first. Then, we will discuss other options for the next time. OK?"
Luke smiled back at his Uncle, "Yes, Sir, and thanks." He said as he got up from the swing still in moderate pain. He leaned over to his Uncle hugging him tightly. Jesse hugged him gently as to not add to the discomfort of his ribs.
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NARRATOR: The holiday season in Hazzard means an increase in demand for shine. Business was good for the Dukes. Thanksgiving found all the Dukes and their friends at Jesse's for a feast fit for a King. Luke visited Robin and Mark's for desert. For Christmas Luke got Robin a charm bracelet with a Cougar, Class of 19, and her birthstone; his Red and White (away) Cougar Jersey; and a framed picture of them at the homecoming game when he had escorted her as Sophomore attendant to the Queen. Luke was trying to show her he cared with out 'buying' all her gifts so they would be special. He also did not want to buy her a ring of any type, he had thought about a 'friendship' ring but was afraid she'd take it too seriously. Robin had got Luke and her a set of broken coin friendship necklaces, a year of Hot Rod magazines, and a Confederate Flag License plate for the car Luke was saving for. Mark and Sharon were becoming an item. Cooter and Kathy were spending a lot of time talking. Bo had a crush on Luke's girlfriends best friend Jill who had her sights on high school guys. Daisy was as cute as a speckled pup. Jeb was torn between wanting to hang out with Bo and Luke and being treated like Coy and Vance who were the youngest of the six. Cooter's father had bought his first wrecker and needed help running the garage while he did the wrecker calls. Cooter and Luke were earning a little money while gaining knowledge of cars while helping out at the Hazzard Garage. Cooter had also gotten his drivers license just after Christmas. He and Luke were now learning to run the wrecker.
Shortly after the new year Luke celebrated his 16th birthday. He also made his drivers the next week. Luke, Cooter, and Bo were now spending much time searching the many junkyards in and around Hazzard to find a car that could be rescued and rebuilt.
Robin's birthday followed about 3 weeks after Luke's. Her parents threw her a "Sweet 16!" skating / pizza party. Her Dad drove his King cab truck with 10 teens in the front two seats and and 16 in the camper covered truck bed. Her Mother followed in her car with several of the younger teens. A great time was had by all.
By summer Luke and Bo had found a car they both agreed on. Bo being only 8 months Luke's junior, was just weeks from his own license. They had went in half on a Black 68 Dodge Charger that had been the victim of a non-driver that could not hold it in the road. It had been almost new when wrecked. After sitting in the junkyard, labeled hopeless by everyone for several years. It would take much work but the frame was sound. It took a lot of body work and was now 3 shades of primer. The engine had been pulled out. Luther Davenport and Jesse helped the boys to make a list of things that had to be replaced, then ones that should be replaced. Luke was going to school, doing work at the farm, then he had began taking night calls in the wrecker on nights he was not helping Jesse at the still or delivering shine. Bo had taken odd jobs and also was earning money by helping Jesse at the still. They had put every dime they made into getting the parts for the engine. On the last day of school before summer break Luke drove the primered Dodge to school for the first time.
Robin was finally allowed to 'car date'. Usually in groups. With Luke's car running but not much to look at they usually took Robin's mom's car. Either Luke or Mark would drive. Brenda liked the situation because Luke would show up early when they planned to take her car. Before she knew it he had usually washed and waxed it before taking it out, then returned it with a full tank of gas. All it cost her, besides the use of the car, was also the use of the guest shower.
July 4th was scheduled to be the first annual Hazzard Overland Race. Pushed for money and time the guys sanded the car down for a quick coat of paint just to get it one color. As luck would have it the only color the Hazzard Garage had enough of to paint it one color was a bright Orange. The boys were not really happy with the thought of Orange but figured it could always be changed. At noon, on July 4th, Luke drove the under dog out of the garage. No one took them seriously when they decided to run the car in the race. The sun was bright when the garage doors opened. A powerful sound rang out from the garage. The bright Orange car dubbed the "General Lee" with a large black "01" on the doors made it's first appearance in Hazzard. Equipped with a "Dixie" horn and a Confederate Flag on its top Luke and Bo drove it to the starting point. Before painting all the glass was removed and safety glass installed in the windshield and rear window, the doors were welded shut and a roll cage added. What everyone in Hazzard did not know, the boys had used the old motor to run the car but had also built a racing engine which had been replaced shortly before the paint job. Luke took the General Lee across the finish line in first place earning The General Lee his first win! Things in Hazzard have not been the same again! A legend was born, without another thought of changing the Hemi-Orange paint!
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Luke and Robin started their Junior year at Hazzard High School. Both would agree that they had dated each other, only, now for almost a year. Between running moonshine and racing Luke was becoming very well known. Now that football practice was starting and other responsibilities Luke was trying hard to find time to spend with Robin. He began spending the night with Mark with the wrecker parked outside the McCormick house just to be able to get to see Robin some. Robin was even able to spend some nights with Daisy. Now being very strict households, they maybe in the same house but everyone one knew not to buck either Jesse or Bill by trying to switch rooms! With the hormones of 'young love' it was both great to be able to be close to your girlfriend/boyfriend and frustrating! Luke and Robin were becoming very much apart of each others families, finding themselves at each others houses even when the other wasn't home. Everything was great for the young couple from the outside looking in. Several weeks into the new school year with Luke being very busy, Robin began to get bored. Being very popular, not being able to spend as much time with Robin as he'd like, and not being able to be as close as he'd like to be to her Luke found himself noticing other girls who were more 'accessible'. Setting on Robin's front porch one evening Luke brought up a subject sure to get him sent home.
"Robin, we have been seeing each other for about a year now. Either, we have been together or busy with work or school functions. This Friday we are 'open'. (The football team and cheerleaders didn't have a game.) What would you say if we both done our own thing for one night?"
Robin was listening. It was as if Luke had read her mind. However, she didn't want to break up. "Are you saying break up?" she looked worried.
"No, that's not what I want. I just want to go out with the guys -- camping, fishing, drinking, something without having to be at the field, farm, garage..."
She completed his sentence, "or here?"
Luke sighed, looking down, and thinking he should not have brought this up, "Yes..." he said just loud enough for her to hear. Now, he braced himself for the slap he expected!
Robin reached for his chin instead of slapping him she tilted his head to her, "You are proposing a girls / guys night out? With no questions, no arguments? One night that we are not dating each other?" she questioned.
Not believing he was hearing her right, Luke was beginning to think she was going to go for it. "Right. I'm not saying go out on each other. Just one night to go out with our friends, or whatever and neither of us be mad the next day. I care for you, Robin, I don't want to lose you, but I need to blow off some steam."
DAMN! He is feeling like I am! How could he know me so well. If I agree to this I can go to Chickasaw County to the ballgame with the others! she thought. "Well, I guess I could stay at Kathy's, maybe Jill can come over. I'm sure we can think of something to do. Maybe go skating?" she tested the idea.
I don't believe this! It's going to work! They will go skating and we will go see what Chickasaw County has this year. They do have some good looking girls over there too! thought Luke. "Yeah, maybe you all can go skating. That sounds like a fun evening. You can go and skate with those other guys that can skate better than I can and not worry about me."
"Now, Luke! ..." She exclaimed, "We do this Friday night? Saturday? We are still a couple?"
"Yeah, I'm not wanting to break up. Just go out with the guys, somewhere, maybe flirt a little, blow off some steam. Saturday night I'll even take you out to that new place in Chickasaw that you've been wanting to go to?"
Not knowing what she was agreeing to she said, "You've got a deal!"