A/N: Sorry this took so long. I wrote a longer chapter to make up for it. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Brokeback Mountain. No profits are being made from this. All characters belong to Anne Proulx.
Chapter 8
"Bruised, But Not Broken"
Ennis frantically maneuvered his truck around the hospital parking lot looking for somewhere to park. When he got out of and starting walking toward the emergency entrance, he saw a man standing there in what seemed to be a police uniform. The man was sucking on a cigarette and looking right toward Ennis. As Ennis walked by, he noticed that indeed it was a policeman and his name badge read 'Tanner.' Ennis just kept walking to the nurse's station, looking anxious.
"Can I help you sir," asked one of the nurses?
"Yes, ma'am, I'm looking for Jack Twist," answered Ennis.
"Jack Twist. . . hem, Jack Twist, oh yes he's in Room 220. If you go back down that there hallway, pointing to Ennis's left, take the first elevator on your right to the next floor up. Then straight in front of you will be another nurse's station. Ask them there," explained a blond haired nurse.
"Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate it very much."
As Ennis turned to go toward the elevators, the man he had passed outside, stopped him.
"Excuse me sir, did I hear you asking' for Jack Twist," asked the policeman?
"Yes, sir."
"Then I gather you to be Mr. Del Mar."
"You gathered correct. I expect you to be Officer Tanner. Can we talk and walk, I'd really like to get up to see Jack."
"Yeah, sure, that's ok. How was your ride, Mr. Del Mar," questioned Officer Tanner?
"Yes sir, though I think I made it here in record time," Ennis said quietly out of the corner of his mouth with his hand sort of blocking one side so only Officer Tanner could hear it.
"That's all right Ennis, I'm not so worried," chuckled Officer Tanner.
"Thank God for that," stated Ennis. They walked to the nurse's station straight in front of them.
"Pardon me, ladies. I'm looking for Room 220," asked Ennis?
One of the nurses turned and pointed to a room behind her and responded, "It's that one there."
Ennis then turned to Officer Tanner and said, "Excuse me while I go and see my friend."
"That's ok, I'll just stay here and talk to these pretty little ladies."
When Ennis approached the door, he found it somewhat open. He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts and then walked in slowly. There in a solitary bed, lied Jack Twist. For a second, Ennis stood in disbelief at what he saw. His guts felt like someone had a death grip around them and a cold rush came over him. He withdrew a long breath and then exhaled. He stared at Jack a while, then made his way over to the bed. Ennis strolled along the side of it, which seemed forever, surveying Jack's appearance:
Both legs were in cast and so was his right arm. The bandage on his left shoulder was wrapped around his collar bone and neck. His left eye was still swollen really bad and almost black in color. His right seemed ok now. The skin color of his face was now a greenish hue from all the bruising. As Ennis stood there, with one of Jack's hands in his, noticed Jack's eyes shift like he was having a dream.
Pulling a chair over next to the bed, Ennis sat down still holding Jack's hand. He also still couldn't believe that this person was Jack. Ennis sat for a long time silent, he wasn't sure if Jack could even hear him. Then, all of a sudden Ennis broke down crying. He laid his head down on Jack's chest, feeling comfortable enough to speak aloud.
Ennis began to tell Jack that he didn't know what he is going to do without him and such. Ennis's tear fell upon Jack's bare chest and his skin flinched.
"You're not going to lose me, Ennis," mumbled Jack. Ennis jumped, stunned at hearing Jack's voice.
"Jack, I wasn't sure if you could hear me."
"Yes, I heard every damn word."
"Well, you seemed to be dreaming. I'm sorry if I woke you. I tried to keep quite."
"You and your sobbing shit and wet face on my skin, that's what woke me."
"How you feeling?"
"How'd you think I feel. . . lousy. They kept me drugged pretty good though."
"God, when I got that call from Officer Tanner, I thought your irony ass was dead."
"Hell no, Ennis, they tried, but I didn't let them get the best of me. They might have bruised me up real good, but I have too much going for me to fold that easily."
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Meanwhile, up on Brokeback, Rocco got the girls awake as the sun peered over the tree tops. The girls were reluctant to get up, but they had to make this particular trip back. They ate breakfast quickly, packed camp, and started out. Rocco wasn't wasting any time, there was a lot that had to be done back at the ranch. He decided to take one of the most direct routes even though it was the most challenging.
The trail was rocky, rough and seemed at times that it would swallow the group into a dark pit. Every turn presented new obstacles. They had to watch their horse's sure footedness. Sometimes logs and small jumps crossed in front of them along the pathway. Rocco would pause here and there on the flats in order to allow the horses rest time. The girls too seemed to need quick breaks. Though resting, the girls could tell Rocco was mentally planning the next steps.
"Girls, you ok?"
"So far so good. How bad is this trail going to get," asked Alma, Jr?
"It's been awhile since I've been on this one, maybe two years or more. I think there is one more large downgrade after the next section of woods," stated Rocco.
"How bad, Rocco," Francine asked sternly.
"You'll have to lay all the way back flat against your horse, if I remember correctly."
"Holy shit, Rocco, we didn't expect this," blared Alma, Jr!
"Hey, watch your mouth young lady, this was the only direct trail. We should be back by night fall. So let's get a move on, huh."
Alma, Jr could see the fear in Francine's eyes as they made their way down the trail. Right now, things seemed horrifying, but the next section of woods lying before them. While getting to the woods, they crossed many fields of wild flowers and wet deep bogs. The horses seemed as though they knew where to go. . . HOME! Not once did the horses refuse somewhere to walk or go over. They were steadfast in their directions and pathways. Everything was going as planned, soon they would be home and off to the hospital to see Jack and Ennis.
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Dustin McClaine had gotten up with the rising light as Rocco had done. It was his time to get all the hands ready to escort 1500 head back to Canyon River Ranch. It would be a tough job, but he was ready. Over breakfast, Dustin had decided which trail he'd have the crew take. Again, it was a dangerous choice. Dustin thought, 'I better inform them.'
"Men, I want to discuss how we're gunna get these here cattle home. We're gunna run'em right over the top and down the other side." All the men gasped and started grumbling among themselves.
Dustin spoke up, "Look if any of you have a better solution, then come out with it."
Most of them just sat there and mumbled, "Well, no," while shaking their heads.
"Good, then that's it, as soon as we're done eating, we head out," exclaimed Dustin!
With that said, the crew finished breakfast and packed up. They saddled up and proceeded to the cattle. It only took a few minutes to round them up. Before they knew it, they had the cattle on the go. It was about a half of a day til they got to the place where they would drop over Brokeback's ridge. That would give Rocco the time to go over to the other ranches and guarantee a place for the cattle to stay.
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Rocco was now preparing to girls for their last down hill adventure. They were stopped just inside the edge of the woods. Rocco was taking the time to check over everyone's gear and explaining what everyone was going to have to do to get down this hill.
"Alright girls, all your tack looks good, now when we get to this downgrade, you'll have to lean back like this." Rocco leaned back to demonstrate. The girls nodded to show that they understood.
"Make sure you push your feet forward also. This will help you stay as far back as you can. Also, let your horse do the work. Once we get down this hill, we will only have about an hour and we'll be at the ranch. Take a deep breath and exhale 'cause here we go," explained Rocco.
The sun gleamed on their backs as they exited the woods. Rocco was the first to approach the down grade. The girls watched as he slowly laid himself back like lying on a bed. Francine was next, then Alma, Jr bringing up the rear. The trail was made up of sand, small pebbles and deep grooves. Sometimes, the horses would slip a little, making it nerve racking for the girls. Francine panickedly yelled out, "OH, MY GOD!"
"Francine, you're ok, just let the horse do the work. He knows what he's doing," explained Rocco.
"Yeah sure, Rocco. Easy for you to say, you've been out here before," stated Francine.
After a few moments, they finally made it to the bottom.
"From here out girls, it's flat. Hope you all can stay up with old Diablo here, 'cause he's gunna tare off. We're only an hour from this very spot," stated Rocco.
"Well Rocco, what are you waiting for, go for it," replied Francine. Then in no time, they were sending up dirt.
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Back with the crew, Dustin was pushing those cattle as hard as he could. Climbing up the ridge, they had to take a few breaks. For the cattle were starting to sweat and it was gunna be a while before getting to any watering holes. He knew he had to keep pushing if they were going to see the ranch by tomorrow.
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The ranch was in sight. Rocco, Francine, and Alma, Jr were happy to finally make it. The place definitely looked abandoned. That, right now wasn't important. They had to get the animals feed and head over to Hollow Point Ranch. They made their way past the cabin and toward the barn, then stopped. They now were on a mission to get things done. Rocco waved to the girls and continued to ride over to the other ranch. As he rode on, he yelled, "I'll be back, take care of things here and be ready waiting. I'll get you to Armita Hospital!"
Everyone knew that Hollow Point Ranch wouldn't turn down Jack and Ennis. If it wasn't for them, Hollow Point would be just that, a hollow point. When Rocco got there, he explained to the owner, Andrew Williams, about the accident. He was completely shocked that anyone would hurt Jack. He also stated to Rocco, "I'd be happy to help out, just tell me what you may need." Rocco stayed a few minutes and discussed some of those things and informed him that he had to get the girls to the hospital.
"Rocco, you go on ahead. I'll get some of my guys and two sons and meet Dustin over at the ranch tomorrow. We'll be waiting for him. I hope all is well with Jack. Our prayers are with him," stated Mr. Williams.
"Thanks Andrew, he will certainly appreciate it."
"Don't you worry, Rocco, we'll get things under control."
Rocco shook Andrew's hand and then walked to his horse. As he turned to leave, he tipped his hat and waved. This gesture had been all too familiar among ranches all over the country. It was the only right thing to do. Then, he put Diablo into the wind ensuring his quick return to the girls who were waiting patiently back at Canyon River Ranch. He came charging up the dirt drive sending dust into the air. The girls could easily see that Rocco was now coming. After entering the circular part of the driveway, Rocco slid his trusted mount to a stop, jumped off and got into the truck that was parked, waiting too.
Alma, Jr asked, "Will Diablo stay put, Rocco?"
"Yes he will. He'll find his way into the barn. Let's not worry about him, let's just get to the hospital."
Rocco instantly mashed on the gas after loading the girls and their luggage. They had no idea how long Ennis wanted to stay in Armada with Jack. No one knew just how long it was going to take for Jack to recover.
They drove along the same road Ennis took, next to the shimmering creek. It was eerily quite in the truck as they made their way into town. It was now starting to get dark and in this area, town closes up early. They knew by the time they got to Armita, it was going to be late. So, Rocco would have to get a hotel room and wait til the morning.
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Every day at the hospital, Officer Tanner would always spend his time gossiping with the nurses outside Jack Twist's room. Ennis didn't mind, this would allow his private time with Jack. They spent most of the days just holding hands and trying to keep Ennis from crying all the time. Once in a while, a doctor would come in and talk with them. On one particular day, Jack's doctor came in and wanted to speak to Jack.
"Mr. Twist, I need to talk to you about something, privately."
"Well doc, anything you have to say, your gunna have to just say it 'cause Ennis isn't leavin' this here room."
"OK. . . everything is looking good. I just want to express to you that I've noticed something that. . . somewhat disturbs me. . .
Jack bursts in, "About my asshole, you mean."
Embarrassed, the doctor states, "Yes that is what I meant. It seems you've had some evidence of rectal intercourse. May I ask, Mr. Twist. . .um. . . are you gay?"
"You know doc, I'm not going to hide it, yes I am. And this here is my partner, Ennis. So what are you beating around the bush to tell me?"
"You are going to need time to heal, approximately a year. You have some extensive injuries and engaging in that kind of sexual act would only further your problems"
"What the hell, one year! You've got to be kidding me, right. I don't know if I could go a whole year," raged Jack.
"Mr. Twist, you know there are other alternatives to actual intercourse."
"Yeah, I know. I just enjoy sharing my love for Ennis in that way. I feel that our souls become one."
"I understand completely, Mr. Twist. I feel deeply about my wife and I. It's just that your not physically able to do so right now. And I encourage you to listen to me."
"Alright doc if that is what I need to do, difficult as it may be."
"Thank you," said Dr. Smith sarcastically. With his face heated from his embrassment of the conversation, Dr. Smith started for the door. "Nice meeting you Ennis, and would you make sure Jack don't talk you into anything."
"You bet doc," stated Ennis.
"Well, you gentlemen have a good day," expressed Dr. Smith as he exited the room.
When Dr. Smith walked out into the hall, Ennis went right back to holding Jack's hand. Dr. Smith had left the door ajar and they could hear someone ask for Room 220. Then, out of nowhere the girls entered the room. They could see Ennis quickly jerk his hand from Jack's, noticing this, they stopped mid-room. Then, like in slow motion, stepped toward the two men.
As they did so, they could hear Jack state to Ennis, "It's alright, their gunna need to know soon or a later." While he explained this, Jack could see a stunned look on the girls' faces as they got closer. What they didn't realize was that the girls were only stunned at Jack in that kind of condition. Ennis sat with his head hung down and nervously twittiling his thumbs. He thought about what and how he was going to say. Then in a low voice said to the girls, "Would one of you please pull the door shut and put out that 'Do Not Disturb' sign. Then come over here and pull up a chair because we need to talk."
Francine went and shut the door while Alma, Jr got the chairs. Then they both sat next to Ennis looking a little worried.
"Girls. . . Jack and I, well. . . we are partners and not just in business. We. . . we. . . um."
"Jesus. . . Ennis, you can't even say it. Francine, Alma, Jr, I really don't know how to put this so I'm just gunna say it. . ."
Before Jack could finish, Ennis snaps in and says, "I've had enough shock in my system from seeing you in this hospital bed."
How else was he supposed to react to telling his girls something of this magnitude? Jack reaches over and takes Ennis's hand and apologizes for his outburst. Time had past before anyone spoke. Everyone kind of just looked either at the floor or blankly at the walls. You could cut the silence with a dull knife that's how bad it was. Alma, Jr decided to finally speak up.
"Dad. . . Jack, Francine and I already have known for something time now. I just wonder what your son, Bobby thinks. How long has it been since you last talked to him?"
"Well Alma, I'm not even sure, really. Bobby and I haven't spoken for sometime now. I reckon he is still up in Lightning Flat. I haven't seen him since me and Laureen divorced," stated Jack.
"I sure hope you intend on telling him sometime soon," explained Alma, Jr.
As they all talked late into the night and Rocco finally came in, Jack and Ennis's concern ran from their faces.