Friday night!
After school the girls gathered at Robin's to get ready for their night out. They were taking Robin's mom's car then spending the night at Robin's after the game. Robin, Jill and Kathy arrived at the field right before the game started. Their idea of watching the game was to walk around and talk to everyone seeing just enough of the game so that their parents knew they were there. Most importantly knowing the final score.
"How come you didn't ask Mark's girlfriend to join us tonight?" asked Jill.
"Well, I can't say I really like her. She has done nothing to me but there is just something there I don't like. Besides, she'd surely tell Mark that I agreed to meet that Placid football player. He might tell Luke."
Kathy asked, "Are you sure you want to do that?"
"I'm just going to meet him and talk. You guys are going to be there. What could go wrong?" she asked.
"Robin, that is the guy who has tried to run all over Luke last year." reminded Kathy.
Robin replied, "That's part of what I want to talk to him about."
Jill and Kathy looked at each other, "Uh-huh!" they said sarcastically.
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Cooter, Bo, and Luke rolled into Chickasaw's field as the ball snapped. Mark and Sharon were in Marks' car and would meet them. This field had three gates so the guys did not see the Robin's car. "Bo, breath one word to Robin about this and you'll pay."
"Who, Me?... Shouldn't you be worried more about her brother being here than me?" questioned Bo.
"Nah, we have an understanding there. Besides I'm not going out on her. I'm just going to do what I said, 'Go out with the guys... Flirt a little...' like I said I was."
"But you didn't say anything about meeting a Placid cheerleader either." said Cooter.
Luke tried to look innocent, "No. I didn't."
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After the girls left for the game, all was quiet at the McCormick house. Just Bill and Brenda were home. Bill asked, "Is their trouble in paradise? I see the girls took the car?"
Brenda replied, "I really didn't ask. I think decided to go out separately tonight for some reason."
"Really?" asked Bill a little too eager.
Brenda asked, "I thought you approved of Luke?"
"Approved is not the word. Accepted." said Bill.
Brenda admitted, "I've gotten kinda used to having him around. Sometimes I think he does more work around here than our boys."
Bill raised his eyebrows, "Your not trying to pick out your son-in-law are you?"
"I agree that they are far too young for that. But, I can't said I'd mind in a few years." replied Brenda.
Bill just gave her a look.
"She could do far worse! Besides my Dad didn't like you either." she reminded.
"That was different." he said walking outside.
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As luck would have it. Mark and Sharon arrived in through the third gate. They decided to wait their for a few minutes to see if the guys came in that way or walked by. Sharon wasn't ready when Mark got there so the first quarter had started. They were watching the crowd when Mark said, "There's Luke coming now."
Sharon said, "Well, don't look now."
Of course he did, and saw what she was referring to. Robin was heading their way with the Placid County football player. From the other direction Luke and the Placid County cheerleader were walking on a collision coarse towards Mark. What no one knew was Ralph Green had dated the Placid Cheerleader too. There was nothing Mark or Sharon could do to defuse the situation. Both couples were heading toward them from opposite directions, due to meet each other right in front of Mark and Sharon. Mark had enough time to say, "I don't know who... But there's going to be one H---- of a fight right in front of us!"
Sharon replied, "Oh, yes!... there is!"
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New character -- Carolyn -- Placid cheerleader.
Both couples were holding hands and 'with' each other. The four saw each other at about the same time. They stopped dead in front of each other, right in front of Mark and Sharon. Robin had on Ralph's leather jacket. Carolyn had on Luke's 'Cougar' jacket. Luke looked them over and said, "Robin."
Robin said, "Luke."
Ralph said "Carolyn."
Carol said "Ralph."
They were silent for another minute or two. Neither couple backed up for the other. Finally, both couples stepped to the opposite sides and they continued on their way.
Mark and Sharon were watching with their mouths hanging open. "What just happened?" asked Sharon.
"I saw it. But, I don't know." replied Mark.
About this time Bo and Cooter walked up. They had seen none of it. They were laughing and joking. Suddenly they felt the sheer tension in the air. "What?" they both asked.
Mark and Sharon began to tell them at the same time what had happened.
"You have got to be kidding?" Said Cooter. "They both decided to not go with each other and ended up at the same game? Both with someone else and that's ALL that happened?"
Bo said what was on everyone else's mind, "We better keep and eye on them this may not be over."
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Luke walked Carolyn to her car which was luckily parked in the same lot. He gave her a kiss. She asked, "Call me?"
Luke put on a smile for her benefit, "Maybe." He waited making sure that her car started and headed toward the "General."
Cooter was first to speak in the car. "Man, what a night! Mark told us what happened."
"What are you talking about?" asked Luke. He had not seen Mark or Sharon during the 'showdown'.
Bo couldn't stand it any longer. "About Robin being here with that creep. Luke, why didn't you beat him to a pulp for being here with YOUR girl?"
"Oh, that!" Luke started, "Well, Bo, because I was in the wrong too. I knew it. I was with someone else, she was with someone else. She didn't look like she was with him against her will. Carolyn also has or is dating Ralph..."
"WHAT?" both Cooter and Bo exclaimed.
Luke continued, "Yeah, she told me after our little meeting, that they used to date. As for Ralph, his time will come... For right now, I need to see what's up with Robin."
"All I can say, Partner, is that it has been a real tense night being your friend! Remind me not to join you the next time you want to go out on your girl." complained Cooter, only half seriously.
"Why was it a real tense night for you?" asked Luke.
"Because we were all watching your back whether it needed it or not!" stated Cooter.
"Well, Thanks! I'll make it up to you at the farm." said Luke, trying not to think about the LONG talk he was sure to have with Robin.
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Ralph saw Robin to the gate where she meet Kathy and Jill. He left after a kiss which ended when he attempted to let his hands wander too many places. Walking to the car Kathy couldn't help but ask, "Well?"
"Well, what?" replied Robin.
"Just wondering what you had planned to top tonight? I mean, I didn't tell Cooter we were not going to the game or anything. But, I didn't tell him I'd be here either. Now that he knows we did come..."
Jill jumped in, "At least you weren't with someone else when he saw you."
Robin replied, "Thanks you two! Like I need this from you two, right now."
"I was just wondering if it was worth it?" asked Kathy. "You know I don't know of a Duke boy yet to date someone for almost a year steadily."
Jill replied, "I needed that, right now, too Kathy!"
Robin replied to Kathy's question, "OK, I think I made a mistake tonight, but it was different. I'll tell Cooter that I talked you into coming and you knew nothing about Ralph."
"I bet he is wondering who I would have been with had I not seen him." sighed Kathy.
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At the farm, Luke attempted to make the evening up to the guys with a little shine. Luke was boiling inside. The more he kicked himself for meeting Carolyn the more he wanted to kick Ralph's a--! The more he sipped his shine, the madder he got. Finally, he knew he was getting way too mad. Luke left the barn and went into the kitchen, finding a pot of coffee still warm on the eye, he wisely switched beverages. He managed to drink two pots of coffee on the front porch before Jesse got up at 4:30 am.
"You're up early." said Jesse sleepily.
Luke looked up, "Haven't been to bed yet."
Jesse looked over his coffee cup.
Luke took a long sip of coffee. "Last night was really messed up." he paused. Jesse just listened. "See me and the guys went to the game in Chickasaw last night. Robin and the girls were suppose to go skating ... I did something stupid. I had called a cheerleader from Placid County. I agreed to meet her at the game..." Jesse was not helping. He remained silent. "I met her. Robin didn't go skating. When she saw me, I was with Carolyn ... She was with that ..." Luke bite his tongue to keep the choice names for the Placid football player from being said a loud. "Guy from Placid County that has it out for me."
Now Jesse spoke, surprised, "The Defensive End?"
Luke looked over his coffee cup, "Yeah."
Jesse was not one to get in the middle of his 'kids' problems but couldn't contain, "Why?"
"That's why I'm up. Waiting until a descent hour to go over and find that out myself." explained Luke.
"Luke, you know I don't pry. But have you figured out why you were there with the other girl ... I'm sure Robin will want to know..." said Jesse.
"There are a couple things I could blame it on. Probably a couple more I could blow up bigger than they are, but basically I messed up." admitted Luke. "Bo asked why I let him get away with it. How could I jump either of them when I was wrong too?"
Jesse nodded his understanding, "I hope you can be as honest with Robin." he patted Luke on the shoulder, "I got to start breakfast."
"After breakfast, can I use the pickup?" Luke asked.
Surprised, Jesse turned back to him, " Sure you can use the truck. Not the General Lee?"
NARRATOR: "Old Jesse was surprised because even in those days the boys always drove the General Lee when they expected trouble ... Which meant they drove him a lot."
Luke just looked up, "No, I think I need the pickup for this."
"Well, OK. You know you can use the pickup anytime." Jesse wondered what his nephew was up to, but felt Luke had already told him more than some teens would have told even a parent. He was concerned about 'his' kids but never pried unless it was serious. Fortunately, for all their sakes Jesse had raised them right and he trusted they would always ask for his help if needed.
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It was about 10 am when Robin heard something stop across the street from her house. Looking out the kitchen window she saw Luke getting out of Jesse's pickup. She was still in her pajamas! She raced up to her room. Luke! I didn't expect him to bother to show up after last night. -- If he wasn't going to break up before last night, he will be now. -- Guess that's why he's here. He sure is in a hurry to get on with his life. She sighed. She did not want to break up with him. She started changing clothes.
It was a warm and sunny fall day. Luke walked over to where Brenda was in the yard doing busy work in order to enjoy one of the few warm days left of fall. "Morning, Brenda. I came by to see if Robin will speak to me this morning."
Brenda gave him a questioning look. She also noticed that it looked as if he had not been to bed.
"You don't know about last night?" He saw she did not. "Well, I'll leave the details to Robin. If she will talk to me, do you mind if we take a ride? Kind of a neutral territory thing?" he asked.
"I don't mind if you all go out for awhile, Luke. I thought you two agreed to go out separately and not be mad at each other." stated Brenda.
Luke nodded, "That was the idea. We'll see how it worked here in a minute." He started toward the house. He opened the door without knocking from habit. The house was quiet. "Robin?" he called as he wiped his feet. She was not in the kitchen or TV rooms. He determinedly walked up the stairs to her room. The door was closed. Luke knocked on the door.
"Give me a minute, Luke." he heard her say from inside the closed door. Inside Robin had put on a pair of blue jeans with her boots and a white tub top with a green and blue flannel over it. She had rolled up the sleeves and tied the shirt tails at her waist. At the moment, she was fighting with her contacts. Usually it took her just a minute to get them in -- not today. This was her third try. This was all she needed, it would look as if she had been crying. GREAT! Finally she got the contacts in and dried her face. She turned to get her brush and tripped over something, "$$!" She said as she stumbled nearly falling. She was trying to hurry, but took the time to kick the offending shoe across the room.
Luke heard the noise followed by her cursing, then a thud. "Robin are you OK?"
"Lovely, just lovely!" she said sarcastically.
Bill exited his bedroom right next to his daughters room to find Luke Duke leaning against the wall outside Robin's room. "What is going on in there?"
"Beats me!" sighed Luke.
Bill gave the closed door a dirty look before going down the hall.
Robin brushed her long hair and pulled it into a ponytail. She checked her face it still looked as if she had been crying. Sighing, she went to the door. When she opened it she saw Luke standing against the hallway wall. He looked up at her. He looked tired she thought.
"Can we go somewhere and talk?" he asked.
She shrugged her shoulders and followed him downstairs where he continued outside and towards the pickup. Luke opened the truck door for her. She got in, still not saying a word. Luke went around the truck started it and pulled out heading up the road above her house. It was just a short distance before the road turned to gravel. Luke continued to drive up the mountain for several miles. Robin knew the road ever bit as good as Luke because she and her brothers and Dad road motorcycles up here. Luke rounded a curve and slowed down. There was a spot on the bank of the hillside that he was looking for. When he found it he passed it and stopped in the middle of the road. He put the truck in reverse and backed up the steep hillside. Once it leveled out, a path just wide enough for the old Ford, was barely visible. Luke backed up away from the road far enough he was sure that the truck could not be seen from the road. Luke knew the path as it lead to one of Jesse's stills. He cut the motor off. Both Luke and Robin set still not saying anything for several minutes. "Robin, I'm sorry." said Luke.
Though Robin was just on the other side of the truck she barely heard him. She instantly took it wrong. Thinking he was going to say he was breaking up with her. She lowered her head looking at her lap.
"Robin?" questioned Luke. She still would not look at him. He turned in the seat reaching for her chin, he turned her face toward him. She had tears in her eyes. "Why the tears?"
She had difficulty finding her voice, "I don't want you to break up with me but after last night I know you will. You're going to say you're sorry for breaking up with me."
A bit relieved, Luke said, "No, that's not what I'm going to say. Come here." he said pulling her across the truck seat toward him. He put his arms around her shoulders as she faced the other side of the truck. "I'm sorry for even calling that girl, mainly I'm sorry for agreeing to meet her..."
Robin turned in his arms to look at him while still remaining in his hold.
"Do you know you drive me crazy?...I love spending time with you. Then there is football, the farm, the wrecker, and helping Jesse. I have responsibilities to all those but I also have a responsibility to you. I'm there when I can be. We have been seeing each other almost a year now. I'd like to spend more time with you but sometimes there's not enough hours in the day. Then when we are together... it is great, but..."
"It got old?" she finished his sentence.
"Not exactly. It got frustrating! You are there, so close, yet, I gave your father my word to be a gentleman and mostly we are with either your family or mine so I have to be..."
"Luke, I had no idea about you giving your word to Daddy." she almost whispered. "I thought you were bored with me." she said barely audible.
Luke smiled for the first time that day, "Believe me I am not bored with you." He kissed her. "But, why did you go out with Ralph of all people?"
"He was the only one to ask me. I thought..." she shook her head no. "that you were bored with me. I thought that I maybe could go out with him and you'd not know but if you found out ... that it may get your attention."
Slightly miffed but trying not to show it, "You did get my attention. Do you know Bo asked why I let him get away with going out with 'my girl'?... The only answer I could give him was that I was in the wrong too."
"Luke, I am so sorry. Of all people I can't believe I went out with him after he was after you like that." stated Robin near tears again.
"His day will come! How could you think I was bored with you?" He questioned.
She looked into his eyes, "I have heard some of the stories about you and your cousins. I thought because you hadn't tried anything with me you weren't interested."
"Believe me, I'm interested." he whispered.
She took his hand placing it under her shirt.
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When they returned it was obvious that they had made up. Robin hugged Luke before getting out of the truck in front of the house. Luke had to get back and do his choirs. Brenda noticed Robin left with her hair in a ponytail, now it was down and appeared to be attempting to hide a 'hickey'. Bill also took in the slightly rumpled appearance of his daughter.
Later that afternoon Bill told Brenda he was going to the Boars Nest. This was odd as he did not drink. She just said "Ok."
Bill walked in to the Boars Nest where he found his friends, Jesse Duke and Luther Davenport, sipping on a cold beer. He joined them, then ordered a pop. Ideal discussion was made between the friends until Luke walked in with Bo, Cooter and Mark. The four ordered a beer and took seats at the bar except for Luke who walked toward Jesse's table. "Here's the wrecker keys. I'll be by about noon and keep it tomorrow night." stated Luke.
"Thanks, Luke." said Luther.
Luke started to return to his friends when he stopped. "Bill, before you leave, can we talk?"
The tension at the table was felt by Jesse and Luther. Bill replied coldly, "That's why I'm here. I'll be right over."
Luke returned to the bar finished his beer and set the mug down as Bill walked over. Luke ordered a bottle of beer and a pop that they could take outside. They walked outside towards the creek a short distance from the Boars Nest. "Bill, I've kept my word to you, to this point. That's what Robin and I were arguing about. She thought I wasn't interested in her. This, could not be further from the truth, but I gave you my word..."
"Luke, Brenda and I noticed Robin's appearance today. You two were gone for hours and she comes home with her hair different, a 'hickey' on her neck, and clothes a mess..." Bill was interrupted.
"Nothing happened." replied Luke. "We talked and made up a little but nothing happened.
Bill continued, "Maybe nothing did happen. Maybe no one else knows you two were gone that long. Maybe no one else knows her hair was up when she left and down when she returned. And, maybe no one else will see the 'hickey', but that's what I'm talking about when I say I will not have her reputation in question!" Bill said with a slightly raised voice. "A 'grab' or a 'feel' in the house is one thing and I don't bite. I'd rather see you tickle her, than her come home after, and I wonder what happened to get her messed."
"Understood!" was all Luke said. He now saw what he had been doing. He was being too good because he thought Bill would object which made Robin doubt him. He now saw, it had also made Bill doubt him instead of trust him. Bill felt more as if he had been hiding his actions instead of resisting temptation.
"I know you two have been seeing each other for quiet some time now. You will both be 17 in a few months. Believe me I was 17 once. I am not ready for a son-in-law OR a grandchild. Got me?"
Luke said, "Yes, I got ya."
Bill continued, "I want the best for my only daughter. I can only hope she can give her gift to her husband one day one their wedding night..." Bill paused
Luke was not expecting this conversation from Bill.
"I know I can't control my daughters actions and I can only hold you to your word so long,..." Bill considered his next statement carefully. "I think you two are still too young and I am not talking about anytime before she is 17,... But I'd rather know you were sharing her bed under my roof than for her to go to a cheep motel or backseat,..."
Luke had a look of shock on his face. He took a long drink of his beer. "Meaning?" he asked.
"Meaning just what I said. When the time comes, IF it comes before Robin finishes school, you are welcome to share her room at my house, on occasion, as opposed to taking her to a motel or in the back seat. ONLY if your story is that you stayed the night with Mark."
"This is permission?" asked Luke.
"No. It is accepting. Should you spend the night at my house tonight, 2 months later I'm expecting a grand child, I'm looking for you. Should you all break up tonight, and you not be at my house again, and the same thing happens several months later I'll be looking for someone else. See?" explains Bill.
The logic of Bill's statement sinks in. "So, it would be for my protection as well as my hanging should we 'spend time' together at your house rather than somewhere else?"
"That's right." said Bill.
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NARRATOR: Well, Luke and Robin made up. He had gained acceptance from Bill. The Hazzard Cougars again took the Championship. The holidays passed and all of Hazzard rang in a New Year. Robin had hoped for a ring from Luke this year but instead he got her several more charms for her bracelet and a pair of dress boots he knew she wanted. She had gotten him a racing helmet and fire proof suit. Luke turned 17 in January and Robin in February. As Easter break was fast approaching Luke still had not stayed with Robin at her house. Jeb had also gotten drivers license.
Hazzard County was coming alive with the sounds of Spring after a long winter. The weather was warmer and with the warm weather the females exchanged their winter clothes for much skimpier Spring clothes, much to the delight of the males. Mark and Sharon had started coming in very late. Cooter and Kathy had also been taking the long way home. Bo was 'playing the field' just having a good time with all the girls though he was still interested in Jill. She still had he sights elsewhere.
Early evening, the night that started Easter break was Cooter's turn to have the wrecker over night. Luke had arranged for an off night with Jesse saying he might spend the night at Mark's. The gang had decided to go out the lake where they could have privacy and listen to their music. There was a long straight road which ran the length of the lake which had been used to drag race for years. Parked in a wide spot over looking the moonlit lake was the General Lee, the wrecker, Mark's Firebird, Jesse pickup (Bo and Jeb showed up without dates.), and many other cars. Everyone was enjoying the music, some had brought coolers of beer, others pop, some one had brought hot dogs and several bags of marshmallows. The guys were looking under the hoods of the cars making some adjustments in case the chance to race them came along. The females were mostly talking among themselves about the guys and changing the music.
Luke had a beer in his hand but had only sipped it hoping to get a chance to do some racing tonight. He and Cooter had the timing just about as good as they could expect when Mark McCormick walked up. "Care to try your luck?" asked Mark.
"That's why I'm doing all this work." Smiled Luke handing his beer to Bo.
"I'm riding!" exclaimed Bo handing the beer off to Cooter.
The boys had already installed the roll cage. Luke opened the trunk and took out his racing suit and helmet. He also tossed another helmet to Bo.
Robin sees what is taking place as Luke is hooking up the 4 point seat-belt. "Oh, Lord! Look at those fools." She said. She knew there was no point in trying to stop Luke, but was glad she had gotten him the added protection for Christmas. even if he was just racing her brother things could go wrong.
Mark was in the Firebird which was not equipped with the racing extras that the General Lee had. He also wasn't wearing a helmet or fire suit. He had pulled the Firebird to the makeshift start line.
Luke also pulled to the line as the crowd spread out along the 'race course'. Sharon was all for the race and was acting as the starter. Cooter held the $50 dollars from each driver. Jeb walked up to Robin, "Relax, they are just having fun."
"I know. I still can't help but worry. That's why I got him the helmet and things for Christmas. I figure if he's got to do this at least he should be as safe as possible." The engines roared to life as the flag dropped. Robin held her breath. The Firebird was lighter and got the lead. A second later Luke hit another gear and the Dodge Charger leaped ahead of the Firebird. Checking the rear view mirror Luke could see the Firebird and shifted to Neutral well before drifting across the finish line ahead of the Firebird. The two cars circled and headed back to the crowd of friends.
Luke and Bo climbed out of the window as Mark opened his door and got out of the car. They both shook hands on a good clean race. Most of these guys respected a paint job, taking a lose as opposed to messing up someone else's or their own paint, which Cooter greatly appreciated even then. Cooter paid Luke as Robin walked up. Her face showed relief, this was her first time watching Luke drag race. Luke hugged her. She felt very tense.
Mark asked, "How about two out of three?"
Keeping his arm around Robin, Luke nodded, "Not tonight." Luke decided not to race again tonight because it upset Robin. They would have to talk about this but not tonight. He didn't want her to ask him not to race again so he decided this before she could ask. He would not be 'hen pecked' but he would concede, this time, to the unasked request. He also saw the excitement in Bo's eyes. "Care to give Mark a chance to win his money back?"
"Alright!" Bo exclaimed.
As Luke tossed him the keys he had created a monster! Bo had been driving awhile and had raced for fun but not like this! Luke helped him get strapped in. Jeb would be riding shot gun. "Bo you're not going to have to run him all out to beat the Firebird. Just give him what he needs to win, but hang on to him. Don't let him get out from under you."
All Bo said was "Ok."
Luke knew he might as well have been talking to a tree. The flag dropped, Bo popped the clutch, the powerful machine kicked left, Luke cursed, Bo grabbed second, the General Lee kicked to the right, Bo hit third and the General kicked back to the left and came all the way around in a 360 degree turn, Bo wisely let off just a bit and continued to the finish line just in front of the Firebird as Luke was promising to kill him. Both cars circled and returned to the start line.
"Would you like to tell me just what the H-- that was?" exclaimed Luke as Bo climbed out the General's window.
"Take it easy. Me and the General were just coming to an understanding." replied Bo grinning form ear to ear.
"I'm glad you did. I hope you understand that you pull that stunt again you'll need a lot of understanding!" Luke fussed.
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The gang watched as Mark raced another race against a Camero. Mark won hands down. There was several more races before they decided that they had ran long enough and had better cool it before Rosco got wind of the racing. As the racing action was finished for the night several cars soon left. A small fire was built for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs. Luke and Robin were walking around the small lake when they stopped on the other side in a small clearing. They stopped listening to the sounds of Spring. Crickets, frogs and an occasional whippoorwill and owl could be heard. Luke took Robin into his arms and kissed gently. The kiss intensified, suddenly it was much warmer on the lakeside than it had been minutes before. Robin stepped closer to Luke letting her body lean against his muscular form. Robin was sure there was ten thousand butterflies in her stomach. Luke was finding it hard to breath and even harder to do what he must do. Robin untucked the back of his shirt. Luke's hand also began to wander. Robin whispered, "Make love to me."
This stopped Luke right where he was. He had waited over a year and a half to hear her say this. "You're sure?"
"Yes." she said barely a whisper.
"Ok, if you are sure now, you'll be sure in a hour. Let's go." stated Luke taking her hand.
"Wait a minute. Where are you going in such a hurry and what does and hour have to do with it?" question Robin breathlessly.
Luke stopped. "Look, if we're going to do this, it will be right, and not out here."
Not sure what Luke had in mind and not knowing about his conversation with her Dad, Robin followed Luke trusting he knew what was best. They returned to the campfire. Cooter and Kathy were making out at fire side. Mark and Sharon had steamed the windows of the Firebird up. Everyone else had left. Luke helped Robin into the window of the General Lee.
Cooter called, "It's still early, where are you guys going?"
Luke replied over his shoulder, "Got to get Robin home before she turns into a pumpkin. Tell Mark I'm spending the night with him tonight." Luke managed to say so it was known he was staying 'with Mark'. A couple of miles from the lake Luke pulled off in a wide spot and cut the engine off. I'll be right back in a few minutes. thinking he was going on a nature call Robin thought nothing of it. Several minutes passed before Luke returned with something wrapped in his jacket. He restarted the General and they headed straight for Robin's house.
"Luke what are you doing? I thought ..." she said as he hushed her.
"Shhh. I've got this figured out. I'll explain in a bit. Just trust me." said Luke.
Robin was more than a bit confused but decided to see what Luke had in mind. Pulling in Robin's driveway gate, Luke stopped, backed up to the front of the unused garage door, and cut the motor. "I don't know if your Dad talked to you, but we have an agreement."
Robin was giving him a puzzled look that told him she knew nothing of there agreement.
"Ok, your Dad may not be real happy with us tomorrow, but he did give me permission to spend the night with you as long as everyone else thinks I'm staying with Mark. He didn't want your first time to be out in a back seat or a cheep motel..." Luke said as Robin interrupted.
"Luke, how long ago have you had this conversation with Daddy?" questioned Robin.
Luke said, "Back last fall after we went up on the mountain and made up."
"You had permission that long and you didn't tell me?" Robin asked.
Luke replied, "I wanted you to let me know when you were ready."
"I'm ready." Robin said quietly.
Luke nodded as he exited the General.
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He went to her side and helped her out of the car. He reached in and got his jacket covering something. Inside they removed their shoes and headed to the stairs. Bill was reading a western in the den as they approached the steps. He looked at Luke questioning. Luke nodded, toward the upstairs as he took Robin's hand and headed up the stairs. Robin felt her face blush. She felt like she blushed for the next 10 minutes. At the top of the stairs Luke entered her room for the first time. Robin looked toward her closet, "David's room connects through the closet. You need to figure a way to block him off or he'll be camped out in there all night." she was more than a bit nervous, saying, "I'll be right back." She opened a dresser drawer, grabbing something, she headed down the hall the the bathroom.
Luke looked around the room trying to figure how to block the closet. He took his pocket knife from its case on his belt. He placed it between the door and the door facing. That would stop the door from opening. He then noticed an extra blanket on folded on the foot of the bed. Looking at the make up table he found 2 nail files. Using the nail files he secured the blanket to the door facing to keep the younger brother from peeping through cracks in and under the door. He also noticed Robin had several candles on the dresser and tables. He took a minute to light them before Robin returned to her room wearing a heavy, fluffy bath robe and slippers. Robin locked the door behind her. Luke handed her an open Mason jar of Jesse's finest shine, she took a sip as she undone her fluffy robe reveling a long sheer black nightgown ...
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The next morning found Luke in the McComick kitchen sipping on a cup of freshly made coffee as Robin's father made his way down the stairs. Luke poured a second cup of coffee and handed it to her father. "You know we have a problem, that neither of us considered." stated Luke.
Sipping the hot brew Bill asked, "What would that be?"
Luke uttered one word, "David."
"We'll talk to Mark. Then I'll 'handle' David." replied Bill in a totally serious demeanor.
NARRATOR: The conversation with Mark went well. The three men had agreed that IF David shot off his mouth, that the same story from the three of them would discredit the story of the youngest brother. Robin's Dad would make life hard on his youngest son if he decided to tell what he thought he knew."
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NARRATOR: Things went well for Robin and Luke up until the next Christmas. They had their disagreements but they were a steady couple. Luke had even gotten out the ring his Father had given his Mother as an engagement ring. He had it polished at a jewelers outside of Hazzard. He placed in his top dresser drawer. Several times before Christmas he took it out and looked at it but could not help get the feeling that he was just too young to promise to be with Robin all his life. Robin was CERTAIN that this year she would wear Luke's ring.
Christmas Eve found Luke and Robin parked at the lakes overlook. Luke handed Robin a large box. Robin opened it and found a small jewelry box setting on an outfit that she had been wanting for months. She hugged Luke tightly for the outfit. Then she nervously picked up the jewelry box. She beamed with delight as she opened the box. She carefully moved the cotton inside the box to find a beautiful necklace with a diamond chip as the dot of the "I" in Robin. She tried to hide the disappointment and shock when she saw the necklace. "It's beautiful." she said with a weak smile. She did like the presents but they were not what she had hoped for.
Robin had gotten Luke a turquoise belt buckle, belt and knife case containing a knife that Luke had admired for quiet some time, that he would wear for years.
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During Christmas break, Jesse made the time to have a serious talk with Luke. One unseasonably warm night Jesse was on the porch whittling as Luke sat down with a cup off coffee. He had the wrecker overnight for calls. "Luke, in a couple of weeks you will turn 18. I know you have gotten away with a lot the last couple of years. Just remember that once you turn 18, that Rosco and the others WILL be gunning for you. There wasn't much they could do to you before, but after you turn 18 they will be out to get you."
"They haven't caught me yet." replied Luke.
Jesse looked at his nephew. Sometimes Luke could act like he knew everything and this tended to bother Jesse to no end. He replied, "Maybe. But it could also be that there was no real point in trying since they couldn't lock you up. They figure if they get you all out of the way it will put us out of business. Just keep your eyes open for any set up. From running shine to who might ask you to buy them a beer. For goodness sake be careful of the girls you date. With you all being the Casanova's of Hazzard they could easily try to have some young thing get to you. I'm telling you they have been laid back waiting for you, Bo, and the others to turn 18."
Luke saw that Jesse was totally serious. He also, saw the worry in his Uncles' eyes. He let the information sink in. "You know you could be right. I've had them chase me on runs but as soon as they got close enough for them to see it was me, I lost them way to easily."
Luke turned 18 in January, followed by Robin in February. Luke saw little things that made him more convinced that Jesse had been right. He was approached by several classmates younger than him asking him to buy them a beer at the Boars Nest. He would tell them if they were old enough to buy it then they didn't need him to buy it.
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Valentine's Day was approaching. Luke again thought of giving Robin the ring but felt it would not work. Instead, Luke had the florist deliver a dozen roses and balloon to Robin at school. Setting in her seat of the General Lee was a huge stuffed bear that held a heart saying "I Love You!" Robin again liked the presents but it was not what she wanted. Most of Robin's friends were envious of the gifts as their boyfriends did not have the extra money that Luke had to spend. Yet, several of her friends were sporting engagement rings and beginning to plan for after graduation weddings.
As Spring sprung in Hazzard, love was in the air for all of Hazzard except Luke and Robin. Luke had stayed at Robin's only a few times since Christmas. Robin tried to act pleased around her friends with Luke's presents but she really wanted a commitment that Luke wasn't ready to give. Finally it came down to a discussion between them, where Robin suggested they see other people for awhile. Luke had to agree. He knew if she had given him a little time that he most likely would have given her the ring he knew she wanted.
A week passed. Then another, still Robin and Luke didn't go out with each other. Robin had went out with several guys a time or two. After about two months Luke decided it was time that he ask someone out. He began to ask out girls that he thought were 'easy', more ofter than not getting what he wanted by at least the second date. Then, he'd move on to the next challenge. Luke was also drinking pretty heavy. Usually when he and Bo would double date, Bo almost always found himself driving home. The only time that Luke would go out and not drink was when he had the wrecker. Bo, Jesse and the others were worried but felt it was a 'stage' he was going through and decided to give him some time and room to work it out.
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The Senior Prom was less than a month away. Robin had been asked several times but still hoped Luke would call. There was no one Luke wanted to take to his Senior Prom more than Robin, yet, that stubborn Duke pride kept him from calling. Mark saw the pain his sister and best friend were going through and decided to nudge things a little...
"Luke, I'm having some trouble out of the Firebird that's why I drove Dad's truck today. Do you think you can come over after school and give me a hand?" asked Mark.
Luke smiled, "Mark, you know that I have been staying away from your house on purpose."
Mark looked at Luke, "Yeah, I do, but I thought you said we would be friends no matter what happened between you and Robin. Besides she may not even be home when we get there."
"You have got me there. Yeah, I come over after school." replied Luke.
"Great! I'll meet you out here after the bell rings." stated Mark as he headed off to class.
After school Mark and Luke went to Mark's house. They had parked, Luke was changing into one of Mark's shirts as Mark raised the hood on the Firebird. About this time Robin pulled into the yard. Luke knew she had pulled in but continued what he was doing. It took him a few minutes to find the loose wire that was giving Mark his trouble. Which, unknown to Luke, Mark had loosened the night before. As Luke and Mark were finishing up on the Firebird Robin came outside. As she approached the two, both Robin and Luke spoke at the same time, "Can we talk?" they asked in unison. The three friends smiles at each other.
"Care to take a ride?" asked Luke.
Robin said, "OK." She headed to her car. "But, I'd like us to each take our own cars."
Surprised, Luke nodded, "OK".
As the two pulled out of the yard Luke in the General Lee and Robin in her car, Mark was glad he had pulled the shuck and jive on Luke. At least they were going to talk.
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Luke headed up the mountain above Robin's house. He'd have to find a spot large enough to park both cars that her car could get to. Finding a spot he thought would work he swung wide so that he was heading back down the mountain. Robin pulled in behind him. Luke got out and went back to her car getting in the passenger side.
They set in silence a moment. Finally, Robin looked at Luke, "Prom is just a few weeks away."
Luke nodded, "Yeah, and there is no one I'd rather go with than you."
"I feel the same way. I have been asked by several guys but haven't accepted any of them."
Luke felt a glimmer of hope.
"I'd love to go with you. Luke. I have dreamed of nothing else since we started dating, but I can't go back to what we had before." she paused letting that bit of news sink in. "I need to KNOW that we are going somewhere. We have been through three Christmas and Valentine's and you have made no commitments..." she sniffed as tears came into her eyes, "I'm not talking about tomorrow. I can hold on, if I KNOW we will have something, ... say in the next two years."
The silence in the car was deafening as Luke absorbed what she had said. Making sure he understood her, "So, you are saying, that you will go to the Prom with me, if I can promise that within the next two years, we will get married?"
"Luke, if we go to the Prom together and I am wearing your ring by graduation, then I can wait for you. I think asking that our engagement last two years or under is fair. I mean we have already been together the better part of three years." stated Robin as tears ran down her checks.
"If I can't tell you that?" asked Luke.
"Then, I plan on going to the Prom with someone who has already asked me to marry them." stated Robin matter-of-factly.
"So basically, you are giving me an ultimatum. Either I tell you that we will be married in the next two years, or you'll marry someone else?" Asked Luke trying to keep all emotion out of his voice.
Robin nodded, 'yes'.
"Can I ask who you plan on going to the prom and marrying if I can't tell you that?" questioned Luke.
Robin said, in a voice barely heard by herself or Luke, "Ralph Green."
Luke couldn't help the surprised look on his face. "You are giving me an ultimatum. Either I tell you, I'll marry you with in two years, or you will marry Ralph? Of all people!" he added.
Robin said, "Yes."
Several minutes of silence passed as Luke considered his options. He knew that had she not tried to force his hand, that most likely they would have patched things up eventually and most likely in the next two years he would have proposed. He also knew that letting her go to the Prom with anyone else, especially Ralph, would be the beginning of the end. Luke was not happy about being given an ultimatum. Yet, he knew he loved Robin like he had loved no other girl. Luke swallowed the lump in his throat and said, "Robin, I love you. I love you more than I can say." Luke leaned across the seat taking Robin who was shaking in his arms, kissing her long and deeply. Then looked her in the eye and said, "I hope you and Ralph are very happy together." Luke said through a slightly cracking voice. "I'll be by next week for my things." He got out of Robin's car. Walked to the General Lee, climbed through the window, started him up and burn out letting the General turn totally around in the road. Before reaching Robin's house, Luke stopped and waited until he saw Robin's car behind him. Seeing the car coming up behind him, knowing that she could make it to the house from there, he again burn out leaving her in a cloud of dust.
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Luke found Bill at the Boars Nest talking to Jesse and Luther Davenport. "Bill, could we talk? Please?" asked Luke.
Bill excused himself from his friends as Luke ordered a bottle of beer and Pop. Again they walked outside by the stream. "I just left Robin. As you know things have been pretty bad since Christmas. We have not seen much of each other nor have I been over but a couple of times since Christmas. We just had a long talk. She gave me an ultimatum, either I tell her we'd be married within two years, or she was marrying Ralph..."
Bill asked, "And?"
"I told her I hope they have a nice life together." replied Luke as he took a long drink of his beer.
"I see." said Bill.
"The last time I stayed with 'Mark' was Easter break." Luke stated for the record.
Bill replied, "Yes, I know. I'm sorry things didn't work out with you two. I had kinda gotten used to having you around. But, you never know what the future holds..."
"I had gotten used to being around, too. I love her, but I can't promise her anything now. I think it would be unfair to us both if I did when I know that I'm not ready now to settle down and I can't be sure when I will be." stated Luke.
"I can respect that." stated Bill.
"I don't want her to mess up her life but I can't lie to save her either. " stated Luke
Bill replied, "I understand that, too. " He extended his hand. Luke took it and they shook hands.
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NARRATOR: Things in Hazzard were a bit tense as the Prom approached. Luke and Robin had given back each other's personal things. Though, they both kept the gifts from one another. Luke was asked by many girls to the Prom but continued to turn them all down. He knew if he went, saw Robin with Ralph, it wouldn't take much to push his buttons and he would end up in a bunch of trouble. Luke offered to take Cooter's turn with the wrecker that night so that Cooter could take Kathy to the Prom and not have to be back by midnight to work the wrecker. Mark took Sharon to the Prom. Luke wasn't drinking as much as he had been because he was throwing himself into work. If he wasn't working at the farm or running shine, he was driving the wrecker. Jesse and the others were glad but also worried that he was 'over doing it'.
Sharon was never one to really hang out with the girls from Hazzard. Most of her friends were from Chickasaw County. They really had a reputation for being trouble. The guys had many times tried to talk to Mark but he was head over heels for her so they were polite for Mark.