Chapter 8
When I enter the kitchen with my cousins uncle Jesse is there, intent to cook.
A sweet scent of fried eggs with bacon is filling the room.
I inhale that fragrance, glad to be at home again.
Uncle Jesse looks at us, his eyes wide open.
In effect it's obvious that we aren't coming back from a picnic or a shopping; my torn t-shirt, the bruises on Bo's face and a bump on Luke's head are the result of our meeting with John's gang.
Uncle Jesse shakes his head, anticipating my words, "It's better to have breakfast, a nourishing one, before to talk 'bout what's happened. Rosco told me John is in jail, and he told me what's happening in that barn before he and Cooter came in", he shakes again his head, sighing, "Come on, Daisy, go change your shirt and then sit down".
I look into my uncle's eyes, holding back the only question is filling my head.
Again, uncle Jesse anticipates my words, "Enos is still sleeping. Doc Appleby left before your coming. He said everything's OK, he needs only to rest for the next days".
I nod, "He can stay here until he feels better, don't you think, uncle Jesse?"
"Of course he can stay here. He NEEDS to stay here", his tone is a bit crusty, but I know he's happy Enos is OK and he'd never let him go away until he recovers.
"Do you think he'll eat something when he'll wake up?".
Uncle Jesse smiles, "For sure. Especially if it's something prepared by your beloved hands".
Finally, after the darkness of the previous night, a darkness filling our hearts, there's a bright light in the kitchen, and everyone laughs after uncle Jesse's words.
When I open my eyes everything in the room is so bright I think I'm dreaming.
I try to get up but I'm still weak, so I remain sit on the bed.
What time is it?
I take a deep breath but my chest burns.
I've only my boxer on, and several bandages cover my chest, my legs and my arms.
I confusingly remember someone changing the bandages…. This morning? Yesterday?
I smell a fragrance of fried eggs and bacon, but I'm not hungry at all; I only feel sick.
I hear Dukes' voices in the kitchen.
Finally I decide to stand up, slowly, but I have to lie down again, incapable to stand.
I cuddle up under the blankets, and I look outside the window, thinking back of what happened.
"I wonder if Enos is still sleeping. I go to check everything's OK", after breakfast I head for Enos's room.
In front of the door I breath deeply and I promise to myself to be calm and not to run away; Doc Appleby said he feels better and he'll recover, so there's no need to be afraid.
Images from last night come to my mind, but I don't want to think 'bout it anymore.
I slowly open the door.
He's under the blankets, huddled up with his back toward me, so I can't see if he's sleeping.
I come near him, "Enos, are you sleeping?".
He turns over, looking at me; he smiles but I feel his tiredness (not only a physical tiredness).
"Hi Daisy", his voice is throaty.
In the sunlight I can't help but realize how pale he is, and his paleness emphasize several bruises on his face.
I smile at him, remembering my promise; I sit on the bed, near him.
"You scared us so much, Enos", I gently caress his cheek, "Are you hungry, honey?".
He shakes his head and he looks away.
I know him better than anyone else in Hazzard, and it's not a secret for me he's not feeling well.
"Enos, we know what happened yesterday. John, his gang, everything. But they are in jail now, after a fight with me, Bo, Luke, Cooter and Rosco", I leave out everything 'bout me alone in that barn with John, searching for revenge, "They got what they deserve".
He looks at me, "John McGuire's in jail?".
I nod, smiling, "Yeah. Everything's OK".
"No, it's not OK. John nearly killed me 'cause I was so stupid I.. …", he coughs until I help him to drink a bit of fresh water.
He's sitting on the bed, his head in his hands, "I wasn't able to defend myself. How can I be a cop?"
I hug him, "Enos, it was you against not only John but also his friends. Even Bo, Luke, Rosco and Cooter all together had some problems to stop them. Bo has some bruises on his face, and Luke a big bump. You were alone, Enos, ALONE", my voice cracks thinking back of his condition when he arrived at the farm.
He rests his head on my shoulder, closing his eyes, exhausted.
I don't want to worry Daisy, nor to make her cry, "I'm sorry Daisy. Please, don't cry, I'll be OK, I promise you".
She kisses my forehead, hugging me tight.
"You're at home now", she whispers in my ear.
I nod, "Thank you, Dais".
I don't know actually how things will be in my future.
My world changed last night; fear, rage, helplessness, tiredness, all mixed together.
I know I won't ever be the same clumsy deputy I've always been.
I don't even know if I want to stay in Hazzard anymore or to reach again L.A.P.D. for awhile in order to improve my skills.
The only thing I know for sure is that Dukes are a family to me and that I love Daisy from the deep of my heart.
I hug her, "Thank you, Dais".
He promises me he'll be OK, but I know him so well I understand his confusion and his sadness.
I only hope he's going to get up again.
Anyway, I'll always be by his side, whatever happens.
I want him back, the shy and clumsy deputy; it doesn't matter how much time I've to wait to have him back from his darkness.
Slowly uncle Jesse opens the door.
He looks at me and Enos hugged tightly, he smiles and he leaves.
Now it's my turn for taking care of Enos, and I won't run away anymore.