May 2nd, 2009 – Shelbyville MRCA Rodeo – Missouri
It was the morning of the rodeo and Jack slid out of his truck, stretched his arms above his head, and pulled his left arm to the side to stretch his shoulder. He pounded on the window to the back seat until he saw movement from Lee.
Lee climbed out of the truck, grumbling about how early it was.
"We need to scope out the bulls, Lee and get our numbers."
"I know...," yawn. "I know. Just give me a minute for the rest of my body to wake up. Where's the coffee?"
Jack laughed and shook his head. "Join me when you're ready," Jack said as he headed to the arena.
…..
Rosie and Elizabeth left early that morning to make it to the rodeo on time.
"It starts at 2?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes, but the bareback riders will be first. Bull riders are always last. They are the crowd draw so they save them to the end to keep the audience there."
"Oh, really? Why's that?"
"Because...and I know this sounds terrible...the audience is always waiting for someone to get hurt and that mostly happens with the bulls."
"What? That's terrible." Elizabeth's heart began to pound, fear was starting to creep in. "I don't get why Lee and Jack do this. Jack tried to explain why he does, but it just sounds like he's vying for his father's affection."
Rosie turned to Elizabeth, "You don't know?"
"Know what?"
"Jack's dad is dead. He died riding a bull at a rodeo ten years ago."
"What? How do you know this?"
"Lee told me the other day."
"That's what he meant by 'was.'"
"Huh?"
"Never mind. When do you ride?" Elizabeth changed the subject.
"Just before the bulls." Rosie turned and wiggled her eyebrows at Elizabeth. "We're the second biggest crowd draw."
The ladies giggled and Rosie turned the truck and trailer onto the interstate onramp.
…..
"Hey, Jack."
Jack turned to see who was calling his name. Rick, another bull rider that Jack had known for years, was jogging toward him.
"I heard you were returning to the circuit this week. Good to have you back." He shook Jack's hand and slapped him on the shoulder.
"Good to be back, brother." Jack looked around the crowd that had begun to file in. "Where's Dustin?"
"Oh, he'll be here later. Truck troubles."
"Oh, that sucks. Hope he makes it in time."
"He will. He's already back on the road and is only half an hour away."
"Good, good. Hey, great to see you, but I need to run. Have you seen Lee anywhere?"
"Yeah, he was just over by the calf pen."
"Great. Thanks." Jack started to walk away, then stopped and turned, "Hey, good luck tonight."
"Thanks, you too."
…...
Rosemary slowed her Ford as she drove through the gravel lot full of trucks and trailers. She found a spot to pull into and parked.
"I need to get Samson unloaded. Will you be alright? You can hang here with me if you'd like."
"Yes, I'll stay with you. Can I help you with anything?"
"Yes, can you grab the hay bag and water bucket from the back of the truck?"
Elizabeth looked into the bed of the truck and pulled out the items Rosie had requested. She followed her into the barn to the stall that Samson would be staying for the weekend.
Elizabeth was shocked at all the activity that was happening. Girls and women were brushing out horses, curling their hair, putting on make-up, or just sitting in a director's chair, talking on the phone.
Men were everywhere too, zipping up their chaps, brushing off their felt hats, tacking up their horses. One little boy was standing the middle of the aisle with a lariat, spinning it around.
Elizabeth looked all around, wide-eyed in awe. "There are so many people here."
"Oh, yes. Rodeos are a big deal. I can't believe you never came to see me ride before."
"I just didn't think this would be interesting to me."
"Oh, but then you meet a cute cowboy and everything changes," Rosemary teased.
Elizabeth shoved her friend with her shoulder and blushed. "Like you said, Rosie, Wrangler butts are the best."
The pair laughed so hard their stomachs hurt.
"You better go find a seat so you can get a good one. Save one for me too. Text me where you sit and I'll join you as soon as I can."
"Okay, I'll see you soon."
Elizabeth found two seats not too far up and near the chutes, where Rosie had recommended. She pulled her phone out and texted Rosie and Jack to let them know where she was sitting.
She was glad she got there early, as the stadium seats filled up quickly and she couldn't see any empty seats left.
Forty minutes after she found her seat, the lights dimmed and an announcer began to speak.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the greatest sport on earth and join me in welcoming the toughest athletes in western sports." The announcer shouted.
He announced the bareback riders, and a line of men entered the arena. He then announced team ropers and saddle broncs, a group of men came out with each event announced. Then he called the barrel racers. Elizabeth moved to the edge of her seat, looking for Rosie to enter. She saw her come out and waved, aware that she would not be able to see her. Then he announced steer wrestlers and tie down ropers; more men entered. Elizabeth's heart was racing, she could feel an energy in the air from everyone's excitement, and it was feeding hers.
Then he announced the bull riders and she searched for Jack. A line of men came through the gate, all in long-sleeve button-up shirts with logo patches all over, chaps and cowboy hats. She wasn't sure she'd be able to spot Jack, but when the sixth cowboy came through the gate, she recognized him in an instant. Her heart raced even faster when she saw him.
The announcer asked everyone to please stand and for the men to remove cover, then he began to pray. "Our gracious and Heavenly Father, we thank you for bringing us all together once again today. Father, we simply thank you for the gift of life that you blessed each one of us with. We selflessly ask for your protection over each and every one of our athletes; each and every one of our fans. Father, we also ask for a special blessing over the men and women who fight and defend our country; even as we stand here today. Father, we ask for guidance for our leaders over our great nation. And together collectively, we ask for forgiveness as we know each breath we take, falls short of the glory of your name. Today we ask all these things, in the name above all names. Amen."
Elizabeth wiped a tear from her eye. She had no idea what took place at a rodeo, and she was moved by the faith that had been shown so far.
The announcer began to speak about the flag, and she could see men come out carrying flags, each in a different uniform, representing each branch of the military. They marched out to the center of the arena as the announcer continued to speak. She could see that all the cowboys had removed their hats when the announcer had prayed, and they were all holding their hats over their hearts now.
The announcer introduced a woman, and a spot light was placed on her. She began to sing the National Anthem as a woman on a horse entered, carrying an American flag, and ran along the outside rails of the arena. As the song grew, the rider made her horse go a little faster. By the time the singer had gotten to the end, the horse was running as fast as it could, flag flying behind it.
Again, Elizabeth was moved by this scene; she wiped a few more tears away.
When the song ended, all the cowboys and cowgirls jogged out of the arena and the announcer began to introduce the first bareback rider.
Elizabeth was so enthralled with the rodeo, that she didn't notice when Rosemary plopped into the seat next to her.
"So, enjoying it?"
Elizabeth jumped when Rosie spoke into her ear. "Geez, Rosie. You scared me half to death."
"Wow, liking the rodeo I take it?" Rosie laughed.
"Oh my goodness, Rosemary. Why have I never come to one before. This is amazing."
"I've been telling you that for years, Liz."
"I know. I just didn't know it was this." Elizabeth spread her arms out, motioning wide to the arena.
Rosemary leaned back into her seat, "You're hooked."
Elizabeth looked at Rosemary and just smiled.
The evening continued with team roping and saddle bronc riding, among other events. The clown had Elizabeth laughing and the events had her on the edge of her seat.
"I gotta get." Rosemary said and stood, "I'll be up soon."
Barrel racers were up next and Elizabeth looked around the back pen to see if she could get a glimpse of Rosemary; but someone else caught her attention. Jack was standing at the end of the chutes, staring up at Elizabeth. Her heart skipped as she looked at him smiling up at her. He motioned for her to come down to the railing.
She made her way to him and when she got closer, she saw two scantily dressed girls talking to him and running their hands down his arm. Jack looked up and saw Elizabeth coming, gave the girls a dismissive grin, then jumped over the railing to meet Elizabeth.
"Hi, Beth. Enjoying the show?"
Elizabeth looked at him with questioning eyes before answering, "Yes, I love this. I can't believe I've never come to one of these before." She looked around Jack to see if the girls were still standing there. "Who were they?"
Jack looked behind him but no one was there. "Who?"
"Those girls."
"Oh, those were just buckle bunnies."
"Excuse me? Buckle bunnies?"
Jack laughed, "Yes, they are at every rodeo. Trying to get with cowboys. Like groupies."
Elizabeth was taken aback by this and the smile left her face. "They were trying to get with you?"
"No, babe. I told them I already had plans, so they left."
Elizabeth crossed her arms and nodded her head. "You have plans. I take it I'm your plan? What do you have planned with me?"
Jack rubbed the outside of Elizabeth's arms. "Beth, nothing. I just said that to get them to leave. I'm not interested in them, but it comes with the job. I'm only interested in you."
Elizabeth relaxed a bit, unsure whether to believe him or not. "Okay," she said, to get out of the conversation for now.
"The bulls are after the barrels. I'll be the seventh rider. I drew a rank bull tonight, so don't expect much," he grinned.
"Drew a rank bull? What does that mean?"
We have to draw numbers before the rodeo. Each bull is assigned a number and that is the bull we have to ride. I drew number two, which was Juju."
"And a rank bull is what? Good or bad?"
"That's bad. It means he's extra mean and very unpredictable."
"Oh, okay."
"Rosie will be up soon. You better get back to her seat so you don't miss her." Jack tucked her hair behind her ear and gave her a quick kiss. "I just wanted to see your beautiful face." Jack smiled at her, turned, and jumped back over the railing.
Elizabeth, weak kneed, walked back to her seat and waited for Rosie.
"Rosemary LeVeaux on Ginger Quick Samson is up next. The time for her to beat is 14.83"
Elizabeth saw Rosie enter the arena on Samson. After a couple spins, Rosie kicked Samson into a run and they headed to the first barrel. She guided her horse around the barrel, then the second, then the third, then kicked him to run as fast as he could. Elizabeth was mesmerized by the skill of her friend.
"Rosemary ended with a time of 14.79. She's our new leader!" The announcer yelled and the crowd was screaming and clapping.
Elizabeth was very excited for her friend, but three horses later, the rider had a time of 14.60 and nudged Rosie to second place.
The barrel races finished and Elizabeth could see a lot of activity at the chutes. Cowboys were lining the railings along them and a truck entered the arena to pick up the barrels.
When the first bull came out of the chute, Elizabeth's heart stopped. She had tried to imagine what it would be like, but seeing it happen was quite different. The bull threw the rider in two seconds then turned and charged him. The rider jumped out of the way just in time.
The second bull came out and the rider stayed on. As soon as the buzzer sounded, he let go and jumped off, then ran to the railing.
The third bull reared up in the chute with the rider on him. The men around him pulled him out before the bull could crush him. After the bull settled, the rider quickly got back on, only to last a couple seconds in the arena.
Rosemary joined Elizabeth and saw the fear in her face. "What's wrong with you?"
"Have you seen this? These men are...are...crazy! I knew this was dangerous but this is crazy."
"Elizabeth, what were you expecting?"
"I don't know. I guess I didn't realize how mean these bulls really are." She looked back at the chutes. "What if Jack gets hurt?"
"Elizabeth, I'm going to let you know this right now. Bull riders have a saying...It's not if they'll get hurt, it's when they'll get hurt."
Elizabeth leaned forward with her elbows on her knees and watched the bulls. She saw Jack join the cowboys that lined along the chutes. She could see him zip his safety vest and put a mouth guard in. Then he was doing something over the bull that she wasn't sure of.
The announcer began to introduce him. "Now this next rider is returning after being out for six months after a bad spill from a bull. Jack Thornton, son of three-time world champion, Thomas Thornton, will be riding Bad Juju tonight. Jack himself is a two-time world champion. Let's see tonight if he's on his way to match his dad."
Rosie sat up straight, "He's Jack Thornton?"
Elizabeth turned to her friend, "Yes, why?"
"You never told me his last name was Thornton."
"What difference does it make? Watch, he's about to ride."
Elizabeth nervously scooted to the edge of her seat and waited for Jack.
…..
Jack had lowered himself onto the bull. He warmed up the rosin on his rigging, then Lee handed him the rope. As he wrapped it around his hand, scenes from six months earlier flashed through his mind. He unwrapped the rope and rewrapped it, slightly looser. Lee shot him a confused look after seeing what Jack had done. He finished his preparations, lifted his arm and nodded his head.
The chute gate opened and Juju burst out. Jack's visions of the bull beneath him, flashed between Juju and Tornado. Feeling a sharp pain beginning to move through his shoulder, Jack relaxed his grip, causing him to lose his hold of the rigging and be thrown from the bull.
When Jack stood and saw the bull run through the gate and out of the arena, He pulled off his hat, smacked it against his leg, and yelled, "Damn it!"
….
Elizabeth gasped when Jack came off the bull. But filled with relief when he stood. After he left the arena, she turned to Rosemary.
"Now, what were you saying?"
"You didn't tell me his last name was Thornton."
"You never asked and I never thought to say it. Why?"
"Jack Thornton is very well known in the rodeo circuit, and not all for the good."
"What do you mean?"
"His father was a three-time world champion. Known by everyone. One of the greatest riders they'd ever seen. But then he drew the worse bull known to rodeo. Jack begged him not to ride but his father wouldn't listen. He came off the bull and the bull turned on him, impaling him with his horn. He died right in the middle of the arena with Jack and his mom watching."
"That's awful."
"That's not all. Ever since, Jack has become known as one of the reckless ones. He rode like he had something to prove. He has won two world titles so far, and has been after the third one for years. And that's not all he was known for."
"What is it, Rosemary?"
"He became one of the buckle bunnies' favorites. He worked his way through most of them and most of the barrel racers. He slept around, Elizabeth. A lot!"
Elizabeth felt her stomach sink and a lump formed in her throat. "But he told me the other day that he'd never had a girl at his house before."
"I'm sure he didn't. He was always at a hotel, in his truck, or in someone's trailer."
Elizabeth felt sick and wanted to run out of the stadium.
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. But I know how you are and thought you should know the truth."
Elizabeth looked at her friend, her eyes welling with tears, and simply nodded. She sat, numb, and watched the rest of the bull riders, not really seeing them. She only perked up long enough to watch Lee get bucked off as soon as his bull left the chute.
…..
Jack was walking down the aisle, cursing at himself and punching the wall when Becky, a barrel racer that Jack slept with the year before, approached him.
"Hey, Jack. Too bad with your draw tonight. Juju's a tough one." She ran her hand down Jack's arm.
"Hey, Becky. Thanks." He turned away from her and began to walk down the tunnel.
Becky ran to catch up with him. "Jack? Want to go out to my trailer?"
"No thanks, Becky. Not tonight." Jack turned through a doorway at the end of the tunnel and left Becky standing alone, her mouth open in disbelief.
…..
Elizabeth and Rosie were standing outside by her truck when the guys walked up. Lee pulled Rosemary into his arms and she kissed him on the cheek.
"Great ride tonight, Rosie."
"Thanks, Lee. Too bad on yours. Tough luck."
"Yep, good ones, and bad ones."
The pair walked away and left Jack and Elizabeth alone. Jack walked up to her and moved to wrap his arms around her waist. Elizabeth quickly stepped back and shook her head.
"I'm not one of your buckle bunnies, Jack."
"I never said you were." Jack took another step toward her.
"Stop, Jack," she said, putting her hands up in front of her.
"What's your problem."
"Where should I start?" She crossed her arms and stared at him.
"I don't know. Why don't you tell me?" Jack snapped and mimicked her by crossing his arms.
"I don't know how you can get on those animals after what happened to your dad. Do you have a death wish? And I hear you have quite the reputation. I don't know what you think you're going to get from me, but it sure isn't that."
"What are you talking about?"
"All your buckle bunnies and barrel racers. What? Did you have a different one for each city, for each night? Just, what do they say, another notch in your belt? I can tell you right now, I am not a notch in anyone's belt."
"I told you I didn't have a great past. I didn't lie." Then something she said made Jack wonder. "Wait, are you a virgin?"
"I don't see what that has to do with anything, Jack. We're talking about you."
"You are a virgin." Jack chuckled. "What are you afraid of?"
"Just because I have made the choice to save myself, Jack, doesn't mean I'm afraid. I have standards and morals."
Jack's chuckle turned to a laugh, "I see why you've been so reluctant with me now."
"Oh, so someone wanting to save herself for marriage is the only reason they wouldn't sleep with you? Because you're such a catch?"
"Elizabeth, it's quite clear that we aren't meant to be together." He tipped his hat to her. "Tell Lee I'll catch him in the morning. Have a good evening."
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around herself, tears falling down her cheeks, as she watched Jack walk away.
….
Jack walked through the parking lot, looking for the familiar white trailer with the barrel racer decal on the back. He finally found it and knocked on the door. Becky answered it, grinned, stepped back, and held the door open for him. Jack removed his hat and stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
…..
Rosemary said goodbye to Lee and skipped to her truck. She found Elizabeth sitting on the tailgate, crying.
"What's wrong? What happened? Where's Jack."
Elizabeth told her what had happened and everything that Jack had said. Rosie pulled Elizabeth into a hug and held her while she cried.
"Let's go to bed. Then we'll get up early and head home."
Elizabeth nodded and followed Rosie into the trailer.
