Back on The Trail
Chapter 11: Confessions, Comeuppance, and Forgiveness
Back On The Trail, Outside Red Field...
Luke sat on the wagon seat between his mom and dad, Mark had asked to ride with Bill and Barney. Charlie road with Mr. Chris to sell some of the stock that they would not need for the winter. Mr. Chris had promised to meet Bill in Redfield in a day or so.
The wagon rumbled along as Luke smiled and looked up at his mom. "I've been thinking bout all the trouble I caused," he said.
"You have? And Sweetheart, just what have you been thinking?" smiled Mary, squeezing him to her side, then gave him a quick kiss.
"I think that I caused a lot of work and worry, just because I didn't want to admit that I needed help. I was only thinking about myself and what I wanted. That was very selfish thinking. Mom, Dad, I'm sorry," said Luke looking first at one parent then the other.
"Luke, did you think of any ways that you could have handled things better?" asked Flint wanting to hear the boy's thoughts.
Luke screwed his face up in a most painful look as he considered the answer.
"Well, Dad, I guess I should start from the beginning. When TJ first started picking on me, I should have come and talked to you, or mom, instead of letting things get out of hand. But, instead, I just let things make me mad. Matt and Mark both tried to tell me I couldn't handle it by myself. I was being stubborn and prideful; thinking that I didn't need help from anyone. All that kind of thinking got me was trouble every way I turned. I was being a real pain," said Luke with a sigh.
Mary and Flint both smiled, as they looked down at the boy. Luke knew their look meant he should continue.
"Ty even tried to help, but I was being so pigheaded. I stomped and yelled and told him to leave me alone. Later that same day, I was kicking and throwing things around the barn; he tried to set me down and talk; he said maybe being as he wasn't family I could get whatever it was eatin' at me off my chest. I just pulled away from him and started screaming for him to leave me alone and mind his own . . . darn . . . business, only I didn't say darn, Dad," stammered Luke as he looked up at his dad nervously"
"Why Luke, I'm shocked at you being so disrespectful to Ty," scolded Mary with a look of disappointment.
"Oh, it's alright Mom. I done told Ty I was really real sorry. I told him right after he flipped me over his knee and dusted by backside, while he told me that I was in the barn and everything in the barn was his business. I didn't tell you, Dad cause I figured that he was right. That was a day or two before the cactus prank," said Luke.
Mary and Flint both laughed. "Sounds to me like trying to do things on your own had you catching it from everyone," said Flint.
"You got that right, Dad. I'm surprised that I can sit even after this long. It's like you said that day when I came home after Mr. Turner spanked me. By not facing up to my problem, it just kept growing bigger and bigger and my butt was getting sorer and sorer," blushed Luke.
"Then you and Mom both tried to get me to talk, but all I could think was that if I couldn't fight my own battles, you would be ashamed of me and I would be poor little baby Luke forever."
"Son, there is never shame in asking for help. The shame comes when you go off and worry folks or act disrespectful or when you are disobedient. Even the biggest and bravest need help sometimes. While you were lost, I had to get help form sheriff Johnson, who wired every sheriff for miles around. I had help from your mother, brothers and neighbors. I had to ask Ty to take care of the ranch and your Uncle Robert to look after your mom and sister. And son, even with all that help I could not find you," answered Flint as he fought the lump that was rising in his throat.
"I prayed day and night while you were lost, we all did. We asked for God to help keep you safe and bring you back to us. That wire form Your Uncle Charlie was an answered prayer. Only God could have put you on a wagon headed straight for Bill," said Mary kissing Luke on the top of his head.
They sat quietly watching the trees pass for a long while. Finally Luke spoke again.
"Mom, I did something worst than all that; I blamed you. I was just sure that you came running in to save 'your baby'. I was worried about what all my friends would think. I was not paying any attention to the trail. That's why I didn't know where I was, or what I was doing. I just took off without asking or telling anyone. Then I was mean and hit thunder hard with my book strap. That's why I got bucked off and got hurt. And that's why I lost my horse too. Then when I found Uncle Bill and was trying to explain to Mrs. Carter not to feel bad about fussing and a worrying about me and even though she spanked me, I knew I was acting bad and pitching a fit, like you done told me not to lots of times, Mom. Then I got to thinking, that if this momma that I hadn't known very long could be that worried, then you would be scared real bad. And then I got to thinking, that you would probably be blaming yourself. That's when I told Uncle Charlie that you could paddle me with your hairbrush for running off when I got home. You still can, so long as you know it was not your fault." Luke wiped the 'dust' from his eyes as he looked up at Mary.
A tear slid down Mary's cheek. Flint passed the reins to her and squeezed her hand as he mouthed I love you over Luke's head.
"Lucas, come up here on my knee," said Flint in a stern voice as he pulled Luke onto his knee and look into his eyes.
"You did some good thinking boy, now. I want you to listen. That day when you were fighting your mom just happened to see a bigger boy hitting and hurting a smaller one. She did what all mothers and for that matter fathers do; we protect. Your mother didn't know the smaller boy was you until you rode off in a trail of dust. And you're right Luke she blamed herself. You remember that night laying on the bed and I asked you if you were scared of me?"
"Yes sir. Honest Dad I'm not; I just didn't want you to be ashamed and embarrassed that I couldn't defend myself."
"Luke son, it takes a far bigger man not to fight. It takes a bigger man to use his mind to defend themselves. And Luke it takes a brave man to ask for help. I will never be disappointed in you or any of my children for coming to me to help them avoid a fight. Luke I am very proud of the young man you are; you understand right and wrong; you fight for justice; you are thoughtful and kind and you do your best in school. What hurt me was the fact that you didn't trust me enough to tell me what was wrong, even after I explained that your mother and I could see the change in you," finished Flint looking Luke in the eye.
"I never thought of it like that Dad, maybe if we work together we can figure out what to do about T.J." came Luke suddenly excited reply.
"Sure buddy, we can put our minds together and come up with a plan. You and I just might have to go have a man to man talk with T.J. and his pa," said Flint, giving Luke a hug.
"Right Dad, we will work as a team and if that don't work, we can cut Mom a hickory switch and send her over to explain to him again that we don't like bullies," laughed Luke scooting off Flints knee with a grin.
Luke got quiet once more, and Flint knew he was thinking again.
"Dad, you and Mom are taking the stage in Red Field tomorrow and Mark and I are heading home with Bill right?" asked a solemn Luke.
"Yes Luke we are; unless you want me to go on home with you baby," added Mary suddenly afraid he might want one of them near.
"No Mom you and Dad deserve a break. I can stay with Uncle Bill and Charlie. I . . . I was just thinking that if I had a lickn' or any punishments coming that maybe we could take care of it now, so I could enjoy supper and have some fun tonight before you leave. Want me to climb down and go cut you a switch?" asked Luke quietly not really wanting to say it.
"I don't think that will be necessary. I think you've learned your lesson so as far as I'm concerned you can start with a clean slate right now, that is unless your Mom wants to collect on that paddling you agreed too," grinned Flint winking at Mary.
"Now let me think a minute," mumbled Mary as she pulled Luke sideways and across her lap. Laughing she landed one gentle swat before gathering him into a hug and whispering a prayer of thanks once more for this very special child.
Back to the Ponderosa...
Matt rolled over and stretched, as he opened his eyes he noticed that the small clock that stood on the table near the bed said nine o'clock. Panicked, he sprang from the bed. He'd have to make the bed later; he had already missed breakfast and most of morning chores. Just as he was slipping in his boots there was a soft knock at his door.
"Come in," answered Matt in a hurried, and nervous tone.
"Morning, I guess I'm not the only one that sleep late. Want me to wait for you, or just get started," asked Jamie.
"I'm ready. Let's get the barn chores done, then I'll come back and straighten up here," answered Matt, as he splashed water on his face and turned for the door.
Topping the stairs, they were met by Hoss. "Morning, Sleepy heads, I done took care of the morning chores. Why don't you go see if there's any breakfast left."
"Thanks, Hoss you could have just woke us," smiled Jamie.
"Hop Sing said he had a couple for late night visitors in his kitchen; figured you could use a little extra sack time little brother," replied with a hardy chuckle.
"Yea, that would be on my account. Thanks Hoss," added Matt with a yawn and a stretch.
"Glad I could help, Pal, hope you slept better after the coco, it always did help me."
With wide smiles the boys headed for the kitchen and Hop Sing.
"Sit down, Hop Sing, bring breakfast for you. Young boys growing, need eat lots to stay strong. Stay strong, can work harder, sleep better and stay out of Hop Sing Kitchen," fussed the Chinese cook as he turned for the kitchen.
"Is he mad? Guess we should have washed the dishes," whispered Matt, as they sat down.
"No, he's not mad; that's just his way of saying, he noticed. Who do you think told Hoss to let us sleep in," answered Jamie with a smile.
"Morning, boys mind if I have an extra cup of coffee with the two of you?" said Ben closing the front door behind him as he crossed to the table.
Hop Sing appeared with two heaping plates of hot sausage and eggs with biscuits and gravy.
Hop Sing smiled, as he placed the plates on the table. "Boys eat up. Hop Sing bring coffee for Boss, milk for boys."
"Well, now that you're all rested and have the whole morning free, what have you got planned for today?' asked Ben as he waited for his coffee.
"Well, Pa, I thought maybe if you didn't mind, Matt and I could go fishing. We haven't gotten to go the whole time he's been here," said Jamie.
Matt's eyes got big as saucers and he began to cough, due to having swallowed the mouth full of his milk too quickly.
"I do declare, Matthew, don't you like to fish, you look positively green." asked Ben eyeing the boy.
"Yes sir, I like fishin' just fine, Sir. Jamie just surprised me is all," answered Matt.
"That sounds like a fine idea. Jamie why don't you ask Hop Sing to pack you a couple sandwiches and some donuts and you two can make a day of it so long, as your back for afternoon chores," replied Ben as he accepted a refill on his coffee.
"Good, thinking Boss. Hop Sing make sandwich. Send young boys off to catch plenty of fish for supper," agreed Hop Sing, as he returned to his kitchen.
" Thanks Pa. May I be excused?" asked Jamie pleased for the chance to have a free day.
Matt's mouth dropped open and he stared for several seconds before recovering his composer. "Yes, thank you Mr. Cartwright, may I be excused also."
"Yes of course. Why don't the two of you take your dishes to the kitchen on your way out and have fun you hear," laughed Ben as he pushed in his chair and headed to his desk and the mountain of paperwork that needed doing.
Back to Mary and Flint...
Flint decided Bill had a good idea. He and Mary could use a bit of a break, so he booked passage on the stage to Carson City, where they would spend a couple of days shopping and enjoying themselves, before taking the stage on to Virginia had wired Ben their plans and received word that Matt was safe and they should enjoy themselves. Ben and the boys would meet the stage on Saturday.
"My little Ocean Pearl, I've talked to Ben Cartwright and he said Matt is just fine and for you and me to enjoy ourselves. So, my love, I think you should sit back and enjoy the ride it will be some time yet before we reach Carson City." Flint smiled as he took Mary's arm and helped her up into the coach.
After placing the small bag up top, the driver stepped down and stuck his head into the coach.
"Folks just set back and relax, you will be the only passengers for this next twenty miles. Just yell if you folks need anything." With that he closed the door and climbed up into the driver's seat.
Flint and Mary cuddled close as the stage began to bump across the rutted path. Flint smiled and placed a long full kiss on Mary's tender lips. Mary ran her fingers through Flints red hair and returned the kiss, as she relaxed into his embrace, she felt like the luckiest woman alive.
"Flint, my love, have I told you lately that you make me feel like a queen. I almost feel guilty for enjoying myself, while my sons are still not all back under the same roof."
"The only guilt that you should be feeling is for not letting me have my way with you while we are alone, my dear," mumbled Flint as he began to kiss her neck.
"Flint, honestly, stop; the driver will hear us," giggled Mary as Flint's fingers began to open the buttons of her shirtwaist." Mary gently slapped his hand away as she turned bright red.
"Honest Mary, we wouldn't be the first people in love on this coach," said Flint pulling her in again.
"F-l-i-n-t Edgar, you are impossible! If you don't stop now this could be our first real fight. You know how easily I embarrass," squealed Mary punching him lightly on his arm.
"Oh very well. I don't want to start off on the wrong foot. Maybe you wouldn't object to me just holding you in my arms and whispering sweet nothings in your beautiful ear . . . " whined Flint while sticking out his bottom lip for effect.
Mary twisted and relaxed back into his arms with a smile. "You are as bad as the boys, if you can't get your way, you pout."
Flint smiled and kissed the top of her head and began to sing softly. "The first time that I looked at her, I could see she was something special especially for me, the bluest eyes that I've ever seen and as pretty as can be, she is something special especially for me. I'm lucky that I met her on this special day, I've got so much to tell her with words I cannot say, if she would only look my way I know that she would see, she something special especially for me"
Tears brimmed in Mary's eyes, as she lay wrapped tightly in his arms contently listening to the words he sang.
Meanwhile, Up At The Lake...
"Matt, what made you look like a fish out of water this morning? I thought for a minute that you were going to bolt," asked Jamie, as he placed the forth fish on the stringer and re- baited his hook.
"That's right I didn't tell you did I. Well, last night before I woke you I had a nightmare. In it; you and I had decided to sneak off and play poker again. You had asked your Pa if we could go fishing,but only to throw him off. Then we stole money from Hoss' room and snuck into town. Hoss found us and gave you a spanking right in the saloon in front of the whole crowd. He had just slung me over his knee and started smacking, when Hoss woke me up. I remember pleading for him not to spank me . . . " said Matt flushing red.
Jamie let go with a loud and hardy laugh."That would be a nightmare. I ain't never thought about Hoss walloping me and I don't ever want too. Let's catch a few more and then go for a quick swim before we head back for chores."
oOo
Just in time for chores, Matt and Jamie came racing their horses into the yard. However in their hast, they caused Hop Sing to drop his basket of vegetables. The small Chinese cook began to rant.
"Hual Nanhai, Hop Sing Chui yong mu shao,Hual Nanhai," as he gathered his scattered vegetables and headed back into the kitchen wavy his arms in the air.
"Jamie, I believe you know better than to come racing into the yard like that! You too, Matthew. What do you have to say for yourselves," bellowed Ben from his spot on the porch where he and Hoss sat talking.
Stepping down both boys answered. "Yes Sir."
"We know better sorry, Pa," said Jamie.
"We were not thinking," added Matt.
"I see well; tie your horses and take those fish in there and say you're sorry to Hop Sing, then get to your chores. And while you're at it tell Hop Sing, I said he has my blessing."
Jamie and Matt looked puzzled at each other when Hoss laughed at Ben's words, while they headed for the side kitchen door. Opening the door the boys found Hop Sing standing over the sink washing the last of the vegetables.
"Hop Sing, I'm sorry I made you drop the vegetables," apologized Jamie.
"Me too sir," added Matt.
"Boys always sorry never listen when father say no running horses in yard. If you Chinese boys you listen to father, or you be very sorry boys."
"Your right Hop Sing, we weren't paying attention. Oh and pa said to tell you that you have his blessing, whatever that meant; Guess he don't want you ta feel bad about the vegetables,"said Jamienot knowing what else to say.
Hop Sing smiled and shook his head. "No, that means young boys to put fish into a sink, on the double," said Hop Sing retreating across the room and pulling a spoon from the crock on the counter. As the two shuffled to the sink and started removing fish from their string and, just as the first fish hit the sink, Hop Sing quickly applied two sharp smacks to each set of britches bent over the front of his sink.
"Yeaouch, ouch", cried the surprised boysdropping the fish and turning to face Hop Sing.
Hop Sing waved his spoon as he lectured. "Now boys remember no racing horses into yard or Hop Sing do a better job next time, now out of my kitchen."
Ben laughed as the two boys came back into the yard. "Now you just take into account that sting in your tails the next time you want to race into the yard."
Jamie looked sideways at Matt. "I am going to have start learning Chinese, so I will know what Pa is giving Hop Sing permission to do," muttered Jamie giving his seat a quick rub.
"Well little brother you should learn at least two phrases, the same ones that Adam Joe and I had to learn...Yici chi- time to eat, andChui yong mu shao, - whack with wooden spoon."
Everybody had a good laugh as Matt and Jamie put the horses away.
TBC Chapter 12
A.N. My Chinese is only what goggle said, and may not be correct, so please except my translation for this story.
Hual Nanhai, Chui yong mu shao,Hual Nanhai,"-bad boys, whack with wooden spoon, bad boys.
A.N. Song; "Something Special" by Johnny Crawford 1962- I liked the way the words fit with how Flint felt. I took liberty to use it even though it was not written until long after the time period.