Growing Up McCullough
Chapter 2: To Hunt, Or Not To Hunt...
Benjamin fumbled with the paper in his pocket as he climbed the stairs. He had meant to give it to father, but with Mark's outburst, he had forgotten. And, now as he'd remembered, Mark and his father were talking, so he would have to give his father the note tomorrow morning. Benjamin closed the door to the room he and Mark shared. Dropping to the floor he retrieved a tin box from under the bed. He quickly placed the folded note inside, just for safe keeping and slid the box back under his bed. Well he might as well get started on his homework. With a loud sigh he straighten the bedspread before sitting down at the desk.
~oOo~
"Dad, I'm sorry for losing my temper. I didn't mean what I said, you know about you not being my father," said Mark, nervously cracking his knuckles as he stood in front of the large oak desk.
"I know you didn't son. Do you want to talk about what made you so upset?" asked Flint proud that Mark had come to him on his own.
Mark moved to the chair across from his father. He sat looking at the floor, and Flint decided he was going to need to start the conversation when Mark finally sighed and started to talk.
"Because, Dad, if Mom had just stayed out of it, maybe I could have talked you into it," but anytime she gets that worried sound in her voice, you say no; no matter what." Mark answered.
"Hold up son, you seem to have forgotten, I had already said no before you started yelling." Explained Flint.
"Iwas just upset. I said the first thing that came in my head. You are a very good father."
"I'm not as concerned about your yelling and storming out, as I am at how quickly you lost your temper, and about how unwilling you were to listen to reason. Tell me Mark, what did you expect to gain by yelling at your mother and storming out?" asked Flint leaning back in his chair and watching Mark, as he waited for an answered.
"Well, dad, it was not really about gaining something... you see; I knew that if I didn't get out, my mouth was going to get my butt in big trouble. I know what I did was wrong. I' reckon I got a lickin' coming," answered Mark, before hanging his head and waiting for his father to respond.
"Look at me son." Flint patiently waited for Mark to comply. "I'm not going to pretend that I liked hearing you say those hurtful words. We all know I'm not your real Pa, but son, I love you just as if you were born to me, and I know you might not believe me right now, but I don't enjoy having to say no to you. I understand that it upsets you. After all I was a young man once. I didn't always agree with Papa Jim, and I tell you we had more than one fight; mind you I'm not proud of it, but I yelled the same angry words at him."
"You, yelled at Papa Jim? Bet he didn't like that one bit!" exclaimed Mark, trying to imagine Papa Jim's reaction.
"As I recall he did not, and he told me so right quick. He looked me square in the eye pointed his finger right at me and growled, "I'm the closest thing you've got, you may not like me, but you will respect me, is that understood?" said Flint mimicking his papa as only he could. "Had me near jumping out of my skin. I just knew I was in for a whopper of a lickin," finished Flint with a laugh as he looked at the frightened look on Mark's face.
"Golly, I bet! Then what happened?" asked Mark both curious and cautious, after he was sitting in the same spot, figuring he was in for a lickin too.
"He got real quiet and his eyes went kinda watery. Then he sat down on a stump and he says real calm; I am the parent, and as the parent, it's my job to keep you as safe as possible," recalled Flint, pinching his nose to masked the fact that his own eyes were watering." Flint lifted his head, letting Mark look into his own watery eyes… "Can you understand any of what I am saying?"
"I didn't mean to dad. Honest! I'm really sorry," answered Mark feeling awful and trying not to cry.
Flint got up and walked around his desk until he was standing in front of Mark. "I'm glad that you came and apologized to me; but what bothers me more is that you made your mother cry. You children know how I feel about you being disrespectful; especially to your mother, and as soon as we are though here, you will go find your mom and apologized to her," said Flint giving Mark a hard look.
"Yes sir, I will," he answered.
"You know Mark; you can say you're sorry all day long... I could blister your hide... or your mother could wear a hairbrush out on you...Trouble is; none of that will erase the hurt of those words." Flint paused giving his words time to sink in. "You need to remember that the next time you pop off, once it's out, it's out." Flint looked deep into his eyes to make sure he was getting the point. Then cleared his throat and started again. "I want it understood, once and for all that you are not to go hunting for that cat. I do not believe that it is safe for any of you boys."
"But, we're not babies. You and uncle Bill taught us real well. All we ever get to hunt are rabbits squirrels and a deer or two. It's like you don't trust us."
.
"Mark, It's not a question of trust. Hunting for food is different than hunting or tracking an injured animal. Cats, wolves and bears for instance will fight back if they are cornered. They may even stalk and attack. It extremely dangerous even for an experienced tracker." There's just no need for a man, or boy to put themselves in that kind of danger."
"But dad we're..."
"MARK, ALLEN! I have given you all the reasons I intend too. No hunting! and that's final," growled Flint.
"Okay dad, okay, I get it; no hunting," answered Mark knowing that growl meant any more discussion would be painful.
"Wise choice son, now was there anything more you wanted to talk about?" asked Flint in a much softer tone.
"No Sir, I think that about covers it," answered Mark standing and heading for the office door. "Well dad, maybe just one more little thing. I kinda sorta, accidentally broke a window of the bunkhouse," said Mark.
"Oh, and just how did that happen?" asked Flint with a raised eyebrow.
"During my tantrum, I sorta threw a rock. It bounced off a tree and took out the window. I'll pay for it dad, honest," answered Mark with a sheepish grin.
"Fair enough, in the morning you can measure the window and I will advance you enough to get the glass cut. You can ride in and order the glass. I'll be holding your pay until the window's paid for. Deal?" asked Flint matter of fact.
"Deal, night dad," said Mark breathing a sigh of relief, that could have gone a lot worse.
~oOo~
Flint groaned as he climbed the stairs that night. It had been a long hard day. Maybe a hot bath is what he needed?
As he opened the bedroom door Mary smiled up at him. "There you are sweetheart; you look bone tired I'll run a hot tub for you. Hunter and the girls are asleep and Mark and Benjamin are finishing their homework."
This was a woman after his own heart. Flint smiled. "Don't get up darling, you look so cozy there, you just finish your letters, I can run the water myself," answered Flint as he sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled off his boots. "How's about you give me a kiss to tide me over until I get back," said Flint rolling across the bed and tugging at the letter she was reading.
"Your impossible, how's a body supposed to read with you flopping around like fish," asked Mary pretending to be upset before giving into his request.
Satisfied Flint rolled Back to the far side of the bed and started for the bathroom. After starting the water, he returned to the bedside table to empty his pockets. "What's that rascal, Matthew up to anyway?" Asked Flint, as he unbuttoned his shirt and started back to the tub, leaving a trail of discarded clothes along the way.
"He says; that he's fine. Oh and he says; that he will be home the week before Christmas," said Mary with a smile that beamed from ear to ear.
"That's nice dear. Does he say anything about how the training is going?" shouted Flint from the tub having left the door between them open.
.
"He says that most days it's just chores and more chores. He can't wait to get to the real ranger work.
He says; that there are lots of rules, but he says that he has met some really nice people. Oh Flint my baby will be home in just three weeks. I've got so much to do; how can I ever get ready," called Mary as she started fretting.
"Now see here! My little Ocean Pearl, if you're going to work and worry yourself to a frazzle, then I'll just wire Matthew that he is not to come home until after the baby comes," shouted Flint sliding his head under the water.
"You do and you can just cook your own Christmas turkey! shouted Mary dropping the letter and coming up out of the bedroom.
Flint's eyes grew wide as he sat up wiping the water from his face. Not expecting Mary to be standing over him with her hands on her hips.
"Seriously, dear, you wouldn't dare, would you?" asked Mary.
"My but you are a vision of loveliness, when you are angry." Flint laughed enjoying Mary's reaction to his teasing. "Hum..., No, my love, I'm just poking fun at you. But, all kidding aside, I don't want you working yourself to a frazzle. You promise to let this bunch of folks around here shoulder a good part of the load," admonished Flint.
Flint then watched motionless, as Mary unbuttoned her nightdress and let it drop to the floor, removed her undergarments and carefully stepped into the tub. He reached up and placed his hands on her hips and helped ease her down to sit in front of him in the warm tub. Content she let her back rest against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her middle and the baby bump.
"Now, this is why I'm glad that Matthew suggested this indoor plumbing. I'm happy as a hog, but baby aren't you concerned that the children might catch us?" teased Flint unable to resist.
"Ah huh, but wasn't it you that said that's what the locks are for..." said Mary with a contented and private smile.
~oOo~
Later Mary snuggled down under the quilt, as Flint crawled in next to her she picked up her letter to finish reading it. Flint snuggled close and started nuzzling Mary's neck.
"Stop, baby, it's impossible for me to finish reading with you nibbling my ear."
"Then drop the letter and give me some attention. I've been dying to hold you all day," said Flint, slipping his hand under her nightdress running his hand over her round belly.
"If you had your way we would go to bed with the chickens and do nothing but cuddle and caress until sunrise," giggled Mary, dropping the letter on the side table and blowing out the lamp.
"And what's wrong with that, my beautiful Ocean Pearl? We are married," smirked Flint with a devilish laugh.
"Nothing my love, except that we have seven children and I'm six months pregnant. I need my sleep," explained Mary as she sweetly kissed his lips.
"As you wish my love; you sleep and I'll just whisper secrets to my little one," answered Flint laying his cheek on her belly while tracing her navel with his finger.
"Boy or girl?' asked Mary smiling as she ran her fingers through Flint's hair.
"That my love is this little one's secret, and he or she is not telling. Goodnight my love, me and my baby are having a private conversation. We don't want to keep you awake."
The next morning, in the barn…
"But Mark, now's our chance. Sheriff Johnson, rode in just before dawn. He said that some desperadoes had robbed the bank and shot deputy Perkins. He asked Pa and Uncle Flint and Ty to ride in a posse with him. They will be gone at least a week. There will be no one to stop us from hunting that cat!" enthused Barney, pleading with his eyes.
"I don't know, Barney, dad was pretty definite that I was not to go after that cat. Maybe we better not."
"But Mark, I got it all planned out. We can gather all our supplies and stash them in the barn tonight and leave right after breakfast tomorrow. No one will even miss us until supper," explained Barney.
"How do you figure that? My Mom will worry as soon as I don't show for lunch," argued Mark.
"Because Mark, you and me are assigned to patch that section of fence way out on the back of the property. We can get Uncle Charlie to pack us a lunch; tell him it will save time, you know, that way we can track all day... And be back for supper," reasoned Barney.
"I don't know. I want to, really I do, but if dad finds out; I'll be toast," Mark argued.
"Well, I'm going! So promise me that you won't tell on me," insisted Barney.
"You know me better than that," answered Mark, a little envious of Barney.
Just then Mary stepped out onto the porch and called her boys to breakfast. She held the door open as Mark carried the pail of milk in and sat it on the counter. "Mark, when you finish washing your hands, would you mind helping Brooke into her chair. Luke, you can help Samantha. Benjamin, that leaves you to put Hunter in the highchair, please," instructed Mary needing to know that everyone was present and busy.
"I can do it myself momma, Luke don't haves to help," complained Samantha.
"Pipe down and get in your chair, pipsqueak," said Mark.
"Um...mommy, Mark's calling me names," whined Samantha.
"Tell her you sorry, Mark," admonished Mary.
"But Ma! I was only joshing," defended Mark.
"Hu'uh, he was not he was being mean," argued Samantha almost crying.
"Please, Mark just do as I ask.; it's getting late and I don't want your brothers and sister to be late for school," pleaded Mary, in no mood for whiny children today.
"SORRRY," said Mark rolling his eyes.
Mary quickly offered a blessing and ordered the children to eat.
"Mother, when will father be back," asked Benjamin, fingering the paper in his hand under the table.
"He was called away with the sheriff; they will be back as soon as possible, but I'm not sure just when. Now eat before you're late," admonished Mary.
.
Benjamin, carefully slipped the note back into his pants pocket, and turned his attention to eating his breakfast.
Ranger headquarters Laredo Texas...
Matthew had been training to be a ranger for over three long months. So far there had been little to not excitement. Just chores and more chores. He had more freedom than he had at home, but the only time he had been allowed to touch his gun, was to clean it, or three days a week for target practice.
Captain Parmalee insisted that he and the other young rangers must learn to follow orders and proper procedures. There would be lots of drills and chores before they would be given their first assignment. They would each be assigned a senior Ranger, as a mentor. Mark's job and the other new recruits was to watch and learn and to do exactly what they were told.
Matthew, climbed back through the window of the bunkhouse behind his friend, Brad Rexton. He hopped no one had missed them at lights out. Matthew carefully closed the window and made his way to his bunk when the room suddenly lit up.
"McCullough, Rexton, nice of you to join us!" Bellowed Captain Parmalee.
Both young rangers snapped to attention. "Captain, Parmalee, what are you doing here?" asked Matthew taking a short panicky breath.
"MY OFFICE NOW," bellowed Captain Parmalee, pointing toward the door.
Both recruits dropped their eyes and headed for the door. Captain Parmalee blew out the lamp and followed behind.
"Do you suppose he will let us off with a warning? I mean we only snuck out to meet the girls for a couple hours. We didn't even drink," said Rexton.
"I hope so, and for the record; you snuck out I just went to find you. We should have known better," answered Matthew.
"Correction, both of you did, know better! Eye's front, shoulder's back!" ordered Captain Parmalee. "McCullough, suppose you go first," snapped the Captain, pacing back and forth in front of the two.
"Sir where do you want me to start?" asked Matthew.
"Where did you go ?" growled the Captain.
"To meet some ladies, sir," answered Matthew.
"That right Rexton?"
"Yes sir, then we stopped by the saloon on the way back sir," answered Brad.
"McCullough, what were your orders for the night?" barked Captain Parmalee.
"Kitchen detail, then lights out by ten, Sir," answered Matthew.
"And you, Rexton?" he asked.
"Cooking detail, then lights out by ten, Sir," answered Brad.
"Seeing as the two of you don't need your sleep, you can report to the barn at day break and shovel all the stalls before you report to the cook for potato peeling and dish washing. Then you will attend to your regular daily routine. And at each rest break you will make laps around the barracks. Do you understand?" ordered Captain Parmalee.
"Yes, Sir," answered both young men at the same time."
"THEN GET TO BED. NOW!" thundered Captain Parmalee, so loud that the windows rattled.
To Be Continued...