The courtroom was filled to the brim with people awaiting their trial that cold morning, and packed into that crowd was the 17-year-old boy who had been caught doing what he knew would eventually get him into deep trouble. Handcuffs were clasped tightly around his wrist and as the deep voice of the judge called out his name they suddenly became much tighter as his muscles expanded in preparation for an escape Aden knew he would never manage at this point. The blood was pounding in his ears and a cold sweat dripped down his forehead. He was beyond terrified but wouldn't show it for the world. He took a seat in a wooden chair behind a similar wooden desk and peered at the man who sat next to him and then diverted his eyes to the floor.
The judge glanced over him before speaking. "So boy where are your parents?" judge Bowden asked in his deep monotone voice. Aden never had to worry about answering that one because the man next to him whom he assumed was his court appointed lawyer spoke for him. "There are no parents your honor. He's a runaway and apparently no one cared to find him." Wow that last sentence hurt, it really hurt. Aden was a runaway but he had never thought of it that way. He had never assumed he wasn't wanted. He had just guessed his parents had failed to find him when they tried. He sighed and then the judge spoke again. "So you refused to speak with the authorities? Hmm it says you've been caught once already and it seemed the jail sentence did very little for you. Did you enjoy being there?" What kind of stupid question was that? Aden thought spitefully his blue orbs sailed to the man in the robe and he spoke angrily. "No . . . " then with a painful jab from the man next to him he hesitantly added "Your honor." The judge chuckled and Aden wondered what was so damn funny about the situation. "Well you're lucky because I don't plan on sending you back . . . " Aden's heart jumped in his chest, was he going to let him off for a second time? "I've heard great things about this new creative punishment craze. I have some friends in Montana who are looking for a boy about your age to help with the ranch work. I'm sure it would help you a great deal and I guarantee you won't run into many drugs on that great prairie." Aden's mouth suddenly dropped. He couldn't be serious. And yet it seemed that without a doubt he was and with a deafening bang the judge's gavel sealed his fate. As he was lead off, he couldn't believe this was really happening. Aden Hopkins was going off to hick town to be trained as a cowboy.
A few days later found Aden sitting upon a padded chair in what seemed to be the busiest airport on this side of the US and in reality it was. This being New York City of course it was incredibly hard to find anywhere where there wasn't a crowd of people. Aden's head pounded from the constant shouting and it didn't help matters when the security guard handling him suddenly yanked him roughly by the shoulder. Fearing it was dislocated for a brief moment Aden tried to reach up to steady the throbbing only to be stopped by the handcuffs that painfully bound his wrists together. He knew that this would eventually happen but that couldn't stop the anger that flooded through him. He was being made to leave everything he knew and that upset him more then he had thought it would. After all it wasn't like he had family here. That was unless you called drug traffickers family members, and in Aden's case he didn't. "Come on boy your flights here." With that the officer flung him over to yet another person as if he was nothing more the baggage. Aden sighed but didn't fight the man as he leads him into the aisle and then to his seat. The plane wasn't a huge jet but it wasn't small either and Aden was glad that at least he got the window seat. His blond hair fell in front of his eyes and a sigh racked his body as he tried to accept his fate. The man sitting next to him studied and then grasp Aden's hand. Aden jerked away suddenly in surprise and the man simply stared at him. "Well I'm sorry boy I didn't mean to startle you. I was simply going to get rid of these handcuffs for you. That is if you can behave yourself but then again you don't exactly look like the dangerous type." He said softly and with a deep throated laugh to follow. Aden watched him curiously as he took the handcuffs off his wrist. He tenderly rubbed the raw areas where the cuffs had met skin. The man continued to watch him and Aden felt the slow uncomfortableness that usually accompanied silences start to creep up his spine. Luckily this man knew when to open his mouth and Aden was happy that at least he wouldn't have to sit here and listen to a constant murmur of words for this guy seemed to sense when Aden wanted to talk and when he didn't." I'm Ray boy. I don't believe I caught your name?" With that the man sat and waited patiently until Aden quit tending to his wrists. "Umm . . . Thanks . . . I'm Aden." He said softly. The man nodded and then turned to look over the plane. Aden also turned but he starred out the plastic window that separated him from escape. He sighed as he watched the ground move as the plane rumble over the concrete. A drizzle of rain fell outside but it hadn't yet become cold enough to worry about ice. Suddenly, and with a mighty roar the jet leapt into the sky and realizing that there was nothing more he could do, Aden leaned against the plush seats and tried to relax.
After what seemed like an eternity of planes, crowds, and lost luggage Aden found himself being packed into the cab of a Dodge Ram long bed pickup truck. The sides were painted a bright red and Aden found it almost too cheery to suit the situation. He silently watched the flat land roll by. This was so different from New York. There didn't seem to be any buildings here and almost no life except for the occasional cow or horse. The truck moved along at a steady and somewhat smooth pace except for the occasional pot hole and Aden was becoming bored when Ray suddenly seem to find himself on a rather talkative mood. "Have you ever lived in a place like this boy?" Aden shook his head softly. "Well you're in for quite a surprise. Let me fill you in on the family you're to be living with. They live on a 600-acre cattle farm. However, they are also well known for their Quarter and Saddle horses. Lately though the ranch has fallen under hard times and Hank was looking for a little free farm help." Aden whipped his head around and gave him a blank stare.
They couldn't be serious! We're they really expecting him to be a full out cowboy? He had joked with himself about that but he had never actually thought that would happen. "Are you saying I'm going to have to do farm work! A.. A.. And ride a horse! He stuttered. "Well Yes I'd expect that would be something that a farm hand would have to do. Don't worry though boy. They'll teach you the ropes. Jake, The oldest son. Is a wonderful roper. I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult for you to learn from him. Aden sighed and leaned his head against the cool glass of the window. At some point they had turned on a long gravel driveway and already Aden could see the small farmhouse that would become his home for the next year.
Ok Guys. I hope you liked it. I worked really hard on this chapter and sorry for the wait. But lives been busy! Please R&R and feel free to criticize but please no flames!