Back on the Trail
Chapter 4: Sittin' a Pain
Two hours later, Flint rode home with Mark, Luke and Steve. It was a quiet ride and when they reached the place where Steve was to turn for home, Flint looked at him.
"Steven, do I need to ride home with you and explain to your father about this afternoon, or would you rather explain on your own?" he asked.
"I can do it myself, sir. Sorry to cause you trouble, sir," answered Steve.
"Okay, son, maybe next time you decide to leave school without permission, you will remember you never know who's watching."
"Right sir, see you tomorrow, Luke" said Steve shyly before giving his horse a kick.
Flint and his two boys continued up the lane to the ranch. Once there Flint fired off the orders.
"Mark and Luke get your chores done and then Luke go to your room until supper."
Flint went in to relay the days events to Mary.
"Lately Luke has developed a bit of a rebellious streak. I 'm hoping it doesn't last long. It seems that anytime things don't go his way he pitches a fit. I just don't know what's gotten into him." sighed Mary after hearing about his latest mischief; I guess it's just growing pains."
"I don't know just what's gotten into the boy. He seems to be pushing his boundaries every time I turn around. You could be right about the growing pains, but Mary I tell you, he had better watch his step, or I'm going to hand him out some GROWING PAINS!" growled Flint.
Mary laughed, then pulled the large pot from the stove and put in on the table. "Boy's supper's ready," called Mary.
Everyone around the table was chatting except was still mad over being dumb enough to let Steve talk him into playing hooky, and therefore causing him to get whacked.
~oOo~
Early Saturday Morning, Steve came riding into the yard, and eagerly helped with the chores. He and Luke had just finished with Luke's morning chores, when Steve and Luke climbed the corral fence to get a look at the new stallion that had just been delivered.
"He's a beauty, ain't he?" quipped Matt.
"Sure is, and that Palomino yonder ain't half bad either. Steve let's see if we can throw a rope around her." replied an excited Luke, as he jumped down into the corral.
"Hold it right there, little brother. You know you're not allowed in the corral with new stock. Now get you little butt back up on that fence, before I put you there!" shouted Matt.
"That goes for you too Steve."
"Who died and left you boss? And stop calling me little. While you're at it lay off my friend, he don't got to listen to you," groused Luke, as he scrambled back up on the fence knowing that if Matt told he would be in trouble.
"Come on Steve let's find something else to do where bossy brothers aren't around."
Matt shook his head, Luke sure was disagreeable lately, he thought as he watched the two younger boys run across the yard.
"Hey, Mom can we have a snack?" shouted Luke, busting through the back door with Steve right behind.
"Sure thing sweetheart, why don't you help your sister into a chair while I fix you something?" smiled Mary reaching into the cupboard for some jam to spread on the fresh hot bread she had just pulled from the oven.
"Shucks, Mom you did it again," grumbled a red faced Luke.
"I'm sorry, son I know you don't like being called sweetheart or baby," replied Mary. Placing the fresh slices of bread covered with apricot jam on the table and turning to get some milk.
Taking the chair across from Luke, Steve interrupted. "Don't feel bad Mrs. McCullough, my ma does it too. She says, it's just the curse of being her young'n," said Steve feeling kind of bad about the way Luke was talking to his mom.
"Yeah well, and she knows I hate apricot. I guess, I'll just starve," muttered Luke dropping the bread back onto the plate in disgust.
"Luke, may I see you, NOW!" ordered Flint from the back door.
Luke gulped, as he stood and crossed to the back door. He walked out onto the porch and as the screen closed, he looked into his dad's eyes. Luke could tell by the look; what was coming. Just as he figured, he was spun to the side and three firm swats landed on his seat. Then just as fast he was spun back to face his dad.
"Now young man, I'd suggest you adjust your attitude and remember your manners. You will not talk to you mom like that, do you hear me?"
"Yes, sir. I should be thankful that she made us a snack this close to dinner," answered Luke
"Very well, shall we go in and try again?" said Flint holding the door open for Luke to pass through.
"Sorry, I was rude Mom," said a slightly red faced Luke, as he looked at Steve who was trying not to smile.
"Daddy, wanna a bite?" offered Samantha holding a sticky slice of bread toward her father.
"Don't mind if I do, Angel," said Flint taking a small bit, as he slipped into a chair.
"Mmm, may I have some coffee with mine, Mary?" asked Flint.
Mary passed him a steaming cup and sat down next to him with one of her own.
"Steve, it's nice to see you this morning. Thanks for pitchn' in and helping Luke finish his work. You gonna be around in a couple of hours for dinner? Asked Flint
"Your welcome, and no sir. As a matter of a fact, I was just going to asked if Luke could have dinner at my house. My ma already said he could if you didn't mind," answered Steve with a smile.
"Luke suddenly perked up at what sounded like a plan; everyone here seemed to be on his case.
"Mom, Dad, may I please," pleaded Luke.
"Depends son. Do you think you can remember your manners? And, be back by four to get your afternoon chores done?" asked Flint with a grin.
"Yes, sir! May we be excused. Come on Steve, I want to get something from the tree house," said Luke near busting to get out the door.
"Thanks for the snack, Mrs. McCullough," offered Steve.
"Yeah, thanks mom. It was right good after all," added Luke as an after thought; looking cross eyed at Flint.
"Get out a here you rascal, and don't forget to be back by four," laughed Flint as the back door slammed.
Steve followed Luke into the tree house.
"Thanks Steve for inviting me to your place. They all just treat me like I'm five; I can't even move around here without someone tellin' me I can't do that, whatch this , no your too young you better watch ya manners; it jist never stops. " muttered Luke grabbing his slingshot and some smooth rocks. "And if Mom and dad aren't babying me, Matt's got to stick his nose inta my business. And that's goes double for Mark. I hate being so small; it's so unfair."
"Augh, forget about it, Luke, we're both small and there ain't nothing we can do about it. Let's get going; I want to show you something before ma calls us to eat dinner," said Steve heading back down from the tree.
Luke's Face brightened, "Race ya to the barn!" Both boys hit the ground running.
By ten thirty the boys were in Steve's front yard. Luke you got to go wait for me down by the chicken coop, I'll be right back," ordered Steve.
"What you up too?" questioned Luke.
"You'll see. Just go, I'll be right back," said Steve waving his arms toward the chicken coop.
Luke ran down by the chicken coop and waited. Then, he watched as Steve slipped around the front side of the house and into the front parlor door. This was strange; even Luke knew they were not to go through the parlor. Steve's ma always kept it real neat and clean for visitors. None of the kids were ever allowed to play in there during the day. Luke hoped Steve wouldn't take long. Steve reappeared and broke into a run. "I got it, come on," yelled Steve as he sprinted past Luke and headed for the small cave they used for a hide out.
As soon as they were settled in their hide out, Steve produced his stash; a box of matches and a plug of chewing tobacco, and ten firecrackers.
"Where'd you get all that?" asked a wide eyed Luke.
Steve grinned, lighting the small candle that sat on the large rock where they took all their most serious oaths. "This ain't all; you just wait to see what I got stashed over yonder."
"Now Luke, before I show you; you have to promise never to tell, even if an Indian tortures ya," threatened Steve.
"Wow; it must be good if you want that kind of a promise,' cheered Luke.
"Oh it is it is, but first your oath," said Steve jumping up and down.
"I Luke Spence, promise to never tell what ever it is Steve's about to show me even if injuns torture me. There now let me see," said Luke.
Steve took a bite from the tobacco plug and passed it to Luke who took a small piece, as Steve scrambled over to a crack in the cave wall. Steve came back carrying two big rockets.
"Their great, but do I want to know where you got them?" asked Luke knowing that this latest adventure could earn him a sore seat for sure.
"Well, Luke it's like this you know that new kid TJ?" said Steve spitting in the dirt.
"How could I forget that big ox; he only picks on me every day," answered Luke rolling his eyes.
"He's always making one short joke or another. I sure wish I was bigger, so I could teach him a thing or two," said Luke anger flashing in his eyes.
"Ya don't got to tell me, remember I was the other one with the face full of dirt yesterday," answered Steve.
"Any way, My pa was helping his pa fix his buck board yesterday afternoon, so I had a look around. I was sneaking around his house and I thought maybe, I could find something we could use as blackmail to get him to leave us alone. I didn't find anything to blackmail him with, but I did find a big box of fireworks. I figured they wouldn't miss just a few.
"When you gonna shoot them off?" said Luke hoping he could be in on it.
"I figured that maybe you could spend the night next Saturday night and we could sneak out and light up the sky" suggested Steve spitting once more. "But, for now we had better stash these and get back before we're late for dinner."
As soon as they came out into the fresh air, Steve knew they were in trouble; Luke looked positively green.
"Ain't you never chewed tobacco before? You got to spit out the juice." Steve laughed as Luke ran for the bush and threw up.
"Now you tell me," gagged Luke.
"Let's go get you some water. If ma sees you like this she will be fit to be tied, and trust me that is not a good thing, not a good thing at all," added Steve spitting out his chew too.
By the time they made it to the house, Luke was looking better, but his stomach was a little queasy.
The boys sat down and waited for Mrs. Turner to offer the blessing. Opening his eyes Luke couldn't help but jump; Steve looked absolutely horrified. His dad had slipped in during the blessing and now sat with an empty tobacco tin in front of him. He needed only to glare around the table at the four children present to know just exactly which two boy's had the answers he wanted.
"Steven, Lucas, I want to see the two of you in the barn as soon as we are finished," called the very stern deep voice.
"Yes, sir," answered both boys without looking up from their dinner plates.
Steve's older brother and sister snickered. Mr. Turner quickly silenced them with a glare. "If the two of you find any of this funny, you can join them," came the no nonsense reproach.
"Sorry, sir," said both children, then suddenly got very busy eating.
Steve and Luke stood in the barn waiting anxiously for Mr. Turner. "You should have told me you snuck the tobacco form your pa, then maybe I would have been ready for that if I gave you away," said Luke.
"Don't worry, it weren't you. I wasn't expecting Pa back before supper. I thought I could sneak it back before he got home. I'm the one who should be saying sorry; you do know he's gonna give us a lickn' right?" said Steve embarrassed.
"Yea, I kind of figured, but he didn't sound too mad. I kind of guess this makes us even, seeing as how my dad walloped us yesterday," sighed Luke.
Suddenly the barn door open and both boys fell silent.
"Steven, hand them over, and don't you try to tell me you don't have them," growled Mr. Turner.
Steve reached into his pocket and pulled out the plug of tobacco and the six remaining matches, placing them in his father's hand.
"Luke was you with Steven when he took the tobacco?" said Mr. Turner giving Luke a stern look.
"No sir, I was outside, but I did take a small chew and I knew that we were not to have matches sir," answered Luke scared not to tell the angry man the whole truth as he fought hard not to cry.
"I see Luke tell me what your father would have to say?" growled Steve's pa.
"I speck he'd be pretty upset, sir?" answered Luke as tears threatened to spill.
Luke walked over as Mr. Turner crocked his finger."Luke, I am going to give you the same as my own, you know what you boys did was wrong and I don't want you thinking you can come to my house and get by with disobeying your parents." That said he reached out and pulled Luke down over his knee. He then brought his hand down with stinging precision; making sure that Luke would remember this lesson each time he sat down for the rest of the day.
Letting Luke up, he next called Steve over and gave his behind the same treatment; twelve stinging smacks.
He stood Steve up and looked both boys in the eye. then turned to Luke. "Now Luke, I think you best get on home and tell your pa what you've been up to, while Steve and I have a more private conversation."
Luke worked as quickly as he could to saddle his horse, but he could not help but over hear the lecture about being deceitful and having been warned before about taking the tobacco and knowing he was not to have matches. As the barn door closed, Luke couldn't help but jump a little as he stepped into the stirrup and heard the sound of leather smacking bare skin and that first loud;" Yeeeoww. Luke gave his horse a kick and galloped for home.
~oOo~
"Boy I must be the biggest dummy around. First, I let some big ox push me around, then I let Steve talk me into getting my tail busted twice in two days maybe three times by the time I tell dad I got in trouble at Steve's, and that don't even count getting whacked this morning for being rude to mom. I tell you this is not my week." Luke mumble too himself so, Luke decided to wait until after supper to tell his dad about the trouble at Steve's.
Luke got home, quickly unsaddled his horse and started on his afternoon chores like he had promised.
"Hey Buddy, ya got something on your mind?" asked Flint as he watched him cross the yard to fill the wood box..
Luke Jumped. "No...No sir, I ain't got nothing on my mind sir."
"Luke you know it's sometimes easier if you talk it out," insisted Flint seeing through Luke's nervous response.
"Well dad I do got something on my mind, but I'm not ready to talk it out yet, maybe later."
"Don't put it off too long son, especially if it's trouble that'll only let it fester," said Flint squeezing Luke's shoulder.
"Thanks Dad, I'll remember that, can I go now?"
"Yes," answered Flint, sure that Luke was not telling him something.
"Whew, that was close. I would like to eat supper before my tails on fire again."
Luke wandered absently toward the corrals, the big stallion whinnied and Luke climbed the rail fence and proceeded over to pet him.
Half way across the corral he heard.
"Get your little butt out of there! I told you this morning to stay away from him!"
"Don't call me little and mind your own business ya big jack-ass." Luke fired back.
"Get outa there, or I'm going to mind your business, now move!" yelled Matt grabbing the gate.
"I'm just gonna pet him. You thing you're so smart, you think I can't do anything with out your bossy ass order," spat and instantly angry Luke; fuming that once again Matt was butting in.
Grabbing Luke's Arm Matt started dragging Luke toward the gate.
"Turn me loose you, bast...Ouch, stop, ouch, stop, you can't ouch stop, I'll tell," yelped Luke as Matt dragged him across the yard swatting his backside with every stride.
"Don't you ever call me that again, now move," growled Matt planting another hard smack to Luke's already very sore seat.
Luke was so mad, that he was not sure just what he had said, but he was sure that his butt was getting another workout. The more he fought the harder Matt whacked. Opening the back door , Matt fairly threw him into the kitchen.
"What in tarnation!" bellowed Flint, as he sat Samantha down and turned his attention at all the commotion.
Both boys glared silently, daring the other to speak first. Then both started at once.
"He was... tell him he has... he shouldn't have been... he's not..."
A loud whistle blast pierced the air.
"Both of you stop and get washed up for supper, we will sort this out after we eat!" shouted Flint.
"But dad, he spanked me, tell him he ain't got no right!" whined Luke.
"Tell, him what you called me will see who can spank, who Go ahead tell him," shouted Matt in return.
"I said hush, and wash up! Now unless you both want to take a trip to the barn right now, get washed up, and I mean now!" roared Flint so loud the window rattled and Samantha started crying. Flint lifted her up and glared at the boys, as he patted the little girls back. Sorry sweetheart, Papa's not mad at you... shhh now!" .
Both boys froze each for his own reason.
Luke suddenly realized he was dangerously close to getting whacked again, and Matt stood silently stunned. Had his dad just threaten to take him outside for a tanning? He was almost seventeen, he couldn't be serious. Luke decided to retreat to the outside pump to wash up. Flint leveled a look at Matt that left no question, it was not a threat it was a promise. Matt decided to let the matter drop and moved to the sink before slipping into his place at the table as Flint re-seated a now more settled Samantha.
Luke came sulking and stomping to back to his place.
Flint tapped the table and looked at the two boys. "Ahem, I believe the two of you have something to say to your mom!" he said dryly.
Matt looked up ashamed for his behavior, "Yes sir. Mom, I 'm sorry for my behavior, and for causing everyone to have to wait.
"Sorry, too mom," echoed Luke, just because he had to.
Flint groaned but let it drop for now.
Luke sat pushing his food around and mumbling to himself.
"You just wait, he bullies me and I'll be the one to get the lickn, they're just never fair. Matt can never do anything wrong. Luke was so lost in his self pity, that he missed most of the conversation.
"Mark, I have to go to Nevada to see Mr. Cartwright to finish some contract business, and your mom and I have talked about it. Would you like to come along?"
Suddenly there was a loud crash, as Luke's chair hit the floor. "That's Not Fair, I never get to go with you," shouted Luke running up the stairs and slamming his door.
"Good glory. Sorry Mary, please excuse me while I go have a talk with him," said Flint turning and stalking toward the stairs.
After a sharp knock, Flint opened the door. "Lucas Andrew, would you care to explain your out burst?"
"What's the use, you'll just say; I'm too young, or too little, like always!" answered Luke with attitude.
"Luke, I'm not going to argue with you. Do you want to calm down and talk this out or do you just want to put a lid on the attitude?"
"Why can't I go? It always Matt or Mark. You just think I'm a baby. I hate being short; everyone forgets I'm twelve years old."
"Luke, stop shouting. I do not think you are a baby. I took you with me to San Francisco just last month, and I haven't taken just Mark anywhere for a long time," reasoned Flint trying to stay calm.
"Fine alright, take Mark, I don't care," grumbled Luke, turning his back in a huff.
"That's enough Luke, now I want you too go back down stairs and tell your mom you're sorry and sit down and finish your meal," said Flint turning Luke to face him and giving him a look that said he was not asking as he fought to keep from losing his temper.
" I'm not hungry and I won"t say I'm sorry," snapped Luke without thinking,
"Very well, nightshirt now!" snapped Flint.
Within minutes, Luke found himself staring at the floor; the thin cotton nightshirt offered no protection as his dad lit yet another fire on his backside. "You may get into bed, now, and tell your mom you're sorry in the morning," said Flint as he delivered one last swat to his boy's already flaming backside.
As soon as Luke was under the covers Flint sat down on the side of the bed,
"Luke, if you decide you want to tell me what else is wrong without throwing a tantrum, I'll listen. You are a big boy; a twelve year old and when you decide to behave like one you have permission to come downstairs and talk. I also expect you to be man enough to apologise to your mother. Understood?"
"Yes sir" sniffed Luke, as Flint closed the door behind him.
Flint climbed back down the stairs where the mood at the table was quiet. As the boys began to clear the table, Flint looked over at Mary deep in thought.
"Mary sweetheart, I know it seems that every time one of the children is out of sorts I have to leave, but I really do have to make this business trip, or we will lose out on some prime stock. I'd also thought about taking Luke with me. If he'd waited he would have found that out. But, with the way he behaved just now and the way he's been acting out lately, I don't want him thinking these temper fits get him his way."
"He's just being a big baby dad, he'll get over it," smirked Mark.
"Oh, you think so do you. I seem to remember when I decided to take Matt on a scouting trip when you were just about the same age; you pitched a pretty good fit of your own," smiled Flint.
Mark laughed, "I didn't throw a fit like that."
"You did too, little brother, that is until dad dragged you around behind the wagon and adjusted your attitude. You wailed and kicked like there was..."
"Matt that enough, I'm sure your brother gets the picture," reprimanded Flint.
~oOo~
Luke lay on his bed crying into his pillow. His backside burned, but that wasn't his biggest problem. He knew that he deserved what he had gotten for the way he acted at the table, not to mention the rude way he had talked to his dad, but darn it had been a long day an his backside had been in the line of fire all day. In Luke's mind what it really boiled down to, was that it had all started with TJ and therefore all of this was TJ's fault. Luke had to figure a way to get back at him, and no one understood, how he felt. He couldn't go to his dad or brothers for help; that would just make things worse, if TJ every found out or they gave him what for. He'd even look like more of a baby then. No Luke had to this for himself. He was going to stnd up and prove to his family and friends that he was as tough and big as they were. He'd have to fight this one on his own.
Then another problem crossed his mind; he had forgotten all about telling his dad about the trouble at Steve's. Though, he did have permission to come downstairs to talk and apologize. So, slowly he climbed up from the bed, giving his burning backside a good rub and made his way out the door. From the top of the stairs he overheard Mary talking.
"I understand dear, I've tried several times to get him to talk too, he only gets mad or rude," said Mary.
Luke dropped his head and turned back to his room. Great now even his mom was disappointed in him. It was all that darn TJ's fault, and he's gonna pay for making me miss my chance to go with dad. He muttered before flopping back down on the bed to sulk.
~oOo~
"Matt, let's go for a walk," said Flint giving Mary's hand a quick squeeze and flashing an understanding smile.
Matt rose and answered, "Yes Sir" not sure just what to expect.
"Now Matt, how about you tell me what all the shouting you and you brother were doing before supper was about," asked Flint as he and Matt leaned on the corral fence looking out at the moon.
"Dad, he was being a real pain. I ran him and Steve out of the corral this morning. He was grouchy about me bossing him and calling him little. Then this afternoon, I looked around and he was in the corral with the stallion again. And, when I told him to get out he went to cussing me, and telling me he didn't have to mind me, and that he knew what he was doing. Then he called be a jack-ass. So, that's when I got mad and told him I'd show him who was boss and I started dragging him out of the corral. He went to kicking and swinging, then he call me a bastard. Sorry sir, but that's when I lost my temper. I gave him five or maybe six good swats as I dragged him to the back door. I was just plain mad, I didn't think through what I was doing, I just reacted," explained Matt before turning and staring at the moon again.
Flint stood quietly listening to Matt's explanation. As Matt finished and stood once more absently staring at the moon. Flint turned and stooped to pick up a thin flat piece of kindling. He turned and looked at the back of his oldest son, leaning on the fence. Matt had all but forgotten that his dad was there, when suddenly a loud thwack rang through to his ears, followed immediately by an explosive sting to his behind, instantly followed by another ringing explosion.
"Hey! OUCH, that's not fair! he was the one being the brat," yelled Matt as he slung his hand back to cover his butt, then spun to face his dad.
Flint tossed the plank away, and pointed right at Matt.
"That's what happens when I just act on my first impulse. Matthew, I bet that's just how Luke felt about you spanking him. It was just as unfair and unexpected to him. Now because I can see how his behavior provoked you, we will let it go at that, except to say that; I expect you to find time in the next day or two to sit down and talk to you younger brother. And you had better do some serious thinking on controlling your temper, because if not; I will give careful thought and consideration to my actions while I tan your hide for real, you understand what I am telling you?" said Flint with a stern look.
"Yes sir, any spankings earned around here you will give!"
"Smart boy; that's right. Now if you will excuse me I will go and get your brothers side of this story. Night son," said Flint as he turned and headed back to the house.
~oOo~
When Luke heard a light knock on the door, he wiped the tears from his eyes. He stood up and called, "come in. "
Flint entered, and slowly walked to Luke. "Suppose you tell me your side of this fuss that you and Matt were having this afternoon," asked Flint sitting down on the end of Luke's bed.
"What's the use. Knowing that blabber mouth, he's done told you how wrong I was and how right he was..." shouted Luke instantly mad again. "Why don't you just wallop me again and get it over with that's why you came up here, ain't it?" growled Luke again before dropping himself down over Flint's lap, and bursting into tears.
Puzzled by Luke's outburst Flint lifted Luke up and turned him to sit on his lap, noticing as he did, that Luke jumped as his bottom made contact with his leg. Concerned Flint stood Luke to his feet and turned him around raising his nightshirt to reveal a very well spanked behind, much redder and more tender then the few swats Matt claimed to have delivered, or the ones he had administered earlier, should have caused. Dropping the nightshirt he turned Luke around and looked into his eyes.
"Looks to me like someone has some troubles to explain, " said Flint looking into Luke pain filled eyes.
"Come with me I have just the place for you and me to have a talk," said Flint. Taking Luke's hand, he guided him down the hall to his and Mary's room. Flint closed the door and then leaned forward and sprawled across the foot of the large double bed. Come on join me, we can both be comfortable while we talk," encouraged Flint, reaching out for Luke's hand.
Once they were stretched across the bed, Flint propped himself up on one elbow and spoke.
"Did, Matt spank you, with more then his hand? Or swat you really hard?"
Luke thought for a minute, turning a bit red faced, he answered.
"Looks that bad huh? But, no sir, Matt only whacked me with his hand. He made me plenty mad,Though,But, dad I forgot to tell you that I got in trouble at Steve's for chewing tobacco and having matches. His pa gave Steve and I both a lickn', Boy and he can spank as hard as you. He said he didn't want me thinking that I could go to his house and get away with disobeying you. And that even though, I didn't take the tobacco, I knew we was doing wrong. After he spanked me and Steve, he sent me home, but not before I heard Steve getting it with a belt for being the one to take the tobacco in the first place," confessed Luke all the while watching Flint's face.
"Luke, you remember me asking you this afternoon, if you needed to talk?" asked Flint.
"Yes Sir," answered Luke with a worried look.
"Luke, you should have told me then, why didn't you?"
"Well dad, this is gonna sound dumb, but you walloped me yesterday for ditching school, and the night before for the prank, then you swatted me this morning for being disrespectful to mom, then you warned me to behave at Steve's and then I go off and get walloped there too. Dad, my butt was just plain sore and I wanted to eat just one meal kind of sitting. I was gonna tell you right after supper, then Matt had to stick his big nose in and make it worse, and I got spanked by him, and that wasn't fair, and then you gave me another walloping, which I did earn... I just forgot. It had been a really long day, dad. I know that I deserve each of the swats I got, ceptin for the one's Matt done give me, I might have deserved them, but not by him. No one person spanked me too hard, but Dad, all together they sure do make sitting a real pain," finished Luke wiping his wet face with the back of his hand.
"Luke, why do you think Matt spanked you?" asked Flint.
"Darned if I know. He's always butting into my business; bossing me, and acting like I can't do nothing on my own. Next thing he will be following me into the outhouse to make sure I pee straight," grumbled Luke.
"Lucas Andrew ..." said Flint with a raised eyebrow, Trying not to laugh.
"Sorrrry dad, but he really gets bossy sometimes. I guess, maybe, I a did cuss at him and call him a... a... jack-ass and a bastard," mumbled Luke just above a whisper.
"I would just bet you know not to use those words. Luke one of the reasons we don't let you talk like that is because words like that and name calling, make people angry. Anger provokes people to do things that they might not if they were calm... Now, Luke I have talked to you brother and explained that he is not to spank you, and I am going to tell you that you had better not let me hear of you talking like that again. Because you're right; it was not his place to punish you, but you know what you said was wrong, and you know that you broke the rules by going into the corral. .
Luke had the good grace to look remorseful as he answered. "Sorry sir, I just haven't been thinking too good lately."
"Well Luke, from what I've seen, I don't think you will have any permanent damage; but well you have been well tanned, so let's just say your behind needs a rest. We will let things stand with the spankings you have already gotten. Agreed?" asked Flint.
"Yes Sir, thanks dad."
"Good. Luke, I want to know something else; you have been in a disagreeable mood for weeks, what's the problem son? I get the feeling its more than just sick of being the little brother. Besides you're a big brother to Samantha. Is something else upsetting you, getting you out of sorts."
"No Dad, it's nothing, honest, I just grouchy sometimes," lied Luke, not very convincingly.
Flint frowned. "Son, you're not being very honest with me or yourself. I can't help unless you tell me," said Flint knowing by the look in Luke's eyes something more was wrong.
"I'll be okay dad; I'll be okay," sighed Luke, afraid his dad would think less of him and be disappointed that he was letting someone bully him.
"Luke, until lately you were the easiest one of my sons to read, but you have become rude and grouchy and gotten yourself into a lot of trouble, lately, and you are going to lay there and tell me that there is no reasons for the change. Luke I want you to lay here and think really hard, because if you are just showing off to get attention, the only attention it is going to get you is more..." Flint stopped, before repeating the threat he'd discussed with Mary earlier. ""Luke are you scared to talk to me?" Asked Flint.
"No dad, no please don't think that it just that..." Luke burst into tears. Shaking as he sobbed into the bedspread.
Flint pulled Luke over close to him and began to rub circles on his back; it was sometime later when Flint noticed the sobs were replaced by snores.
Flint laid thinking and rubbing Luke's back. There was more to this that simple growing pains, or testing the boundaries as Mary had suggested. Something was causing his young son real worry. And that in turn troubled him.
TBC
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