People can Change

Ch. 3

Doctor Merar, Jarrod and his wife and two children arrived back at the ranch all at the same time. It had been a relatively quiet trip except for the occasional laughter of the children when they playfully teased each other. The adult's minds were all on the man that Jarrod had told them about. Though Jarrod tried telling his wife, Abby, to stay in town, she insisted that her and their children needed to go visit their grandmother. Travis and Paula got out of the buggy and ran up the steps to their grandmother while the adults followed close behind them.

"Your patient is in the guest room, Silas is waiting just inside to show you to the room." Victoria said as Jarrod handed the good doctor his bag.

Doctor Merar simply nodded his head and went into the house. Victoria waited until the door before telling Jarrod his brothers wanted to see him.

Jarrod went to the door that would open up into the study. He wasn't too sure what his brothers wanted to talk to him about. Heck, he wasn't sure what to think about Scott Breckenridge being back in this area. He went into the study and sat down waiting for his brothers. It didn't take long before his brothers were standing before him.

"What is it that you two needed to talk to me about?" Jarrod asked.

"Before Scott passed out he said and I quote; 'Have to get back to Juliet and my children'" Heath said.

Jarrod fell back into his chair. Shockwaves went through him. Scott had children? Who was Juliet? Looking up at his brothers he said, "When you took off his clothes did you find anything in them or even anything in his saddle bags? Any clue to who this Juliet and children, he was talking about?"

"I checked his clothes and found nothing; but we didn't look in his saddle bags. We were more concerned about getting him in out of that storm and patched up, at the time." Nick replied sarcastically.

"Well, after lunch I'll look in his bags. You both have work to do." Jarrod spoke and both Nick and Heath knew better to argue with him when he talked in his 'Pappy' voice.

Outside on the porch Victoria and Abby watched Travis and Paula play. Victoria was the first to speak, "What did my son tell you about Scott Breckenridge?"

"Not much. Up until yesterday, I never knew that Jarrod even really knew him. I'd heard about what he tried to do here years back, but Jarrod didn't like to talk about it; and I wasn't about to push him."

Victoria nodded her head in agreement and then they both went back to watching the children.

Doctor Merar finished cleaning and re-wrapping Scott's wounds. He really didn't know the man, but one thing for sure he knew the Barkleys were confused about him being here. He turned and left the room. He was going to let them know he would be back tomorrow to check on the man.

Victoria, Abby, Travis, and Paula went into the house for lunch after Doctor Merar left. They were soon joined by Nick, Jarrod, Heath, and Audra. The adults didn't feel like chatting and the children were just too hungry to notice the serious look upon all their faces.

/

Juliet, Catalan, and Scott Jr. all drove the wagon into town to go and visit Jackie and Keith. Keith had gotten back home two days ago, and it pained Juliet a little because Scott was still not home, nor had she heard from him. Just the same, it would be good to visit her friend a bit before going back home to do some more chores.

"Mommy?" Catalan asked.

"Yes. What is it?"

"How much longer is it to auntie's house?"

Juliet smiled as she said, "Not much longer."

Jackie was pulling weeds out of her garden when she heard, "AUNTIE!" She turned around and saw Catalan jumping up and down in the back of the wagon. She smiled and waited for her friend to stop, so Catalan could climb down. Jackie noticed Juliet's face and saw tiredness all over it. Jackie sighed knowing her friend would not admit to being tired even in the tiny bit.

"Hello, Jackie." Juliet spoke with a smile.

"Hi, Juliet. How long are you in town?" Jackie asked.

"Not long. Came for a small visit with you and to pick up some supplies I need." Juliet replied.

Jackie nodded as she spoke, "Come inside. I am about to start lunch and Keith is due back soon. He'll love to see ya'll."

Juliet and her children went in the house right behind Jackie. It was nice to know that they had friends who would not try to convince her that Scott was dead; though Juliet knew Jackie and Keith thought he was no longer living due to the fact no word had come from him in awhile.