The Trouble with John, Part 1
Adam Cartwright Father of Five Series. Part 1: Adam struggles to understand why his eldest son's behavior has drastically changed.
Part 2: After a rash Adam disciplines his wayward son, it is Ben who reminds him of the "Grand Swing"… (…and Adam adds his name to the tree…)
The Trouble with John, Part 1
"I just don't see why I can't go to the lake with my friends. Granddad already gave me permission to go, yesterday. They're counting on me." John persisted.
"Son, I will tell you one more time. I am going into town for supplies and have a business meeting this afternoon in Virginia City. I need you to help Granddad in the south pasture right after school. Those post have to be set by tonight. The spring rain is flooding out that area, we can't wait any longer. You have the strength that your grandfather does not. Please understand, sometimes things don't always work out like you've planned."
"I don't see why I have to be the one heaving those heavy logs anyway; I thought you hire men to do that type of work." Knowing full well he was crossing the line of respect with Adam, John stepped back.
Adam sat down in the chair to pull on his boots. He decided not to rise to his sons challenge. John paced the floor trying to find a way to change his fathers mind.
"John, please sit down and eat your breakfast before it gets cold", Adam said in annoyance.
"Dad, can we help Granddad too?" Michael asked while racing his brother Jack to breakfast; almost causing Hopsing to spill the plate of bacon he carried.
Adam stood up with hands on hips. "Boys, please remember that we walk in this house not run. Next time this reminder may serve to be uncomfortable for both of you. Understood?" Both boys nodded and quickly sat down at the table tucking their bottoms into the chair. They weren't sure why Adam was on the edge so early in the morning but knew to mind at best.
"To answer your question Michael; Yes, I am counting on you and Jack to help your older brother and grandfather. You boys come straight home as soon as school lets out."
"Yes, sir," Jack smiled. The twins enjoyed working with Ben and the chance to get away from their everyday chores. They felt like true Cartwright's working along side the adults.
Ben sat down at the table next to a fervent John to greet him, "Mornin' Granddad. Dad said the twins are going to help dig the post today after school, so do you really need me? Cuz ~ Remember ~you gave me permission to have the day off." John tried lowering his voice optimistic that Adam did not hear him.
"Yes, I did give you permission to be with your friends today John. I will need more help but I suppose your Dad could send one of the ranch hands out to help set the logs."
Standing behind the desk with knuckles pressed Adam took in a deep breath before pounding his fists down on the surface. "No, Pa I can not. I have everyone else out on other jobs today." Adam glared at his son, "John you have said enough; you will be out on the south pasture today by three o'clock and not a minute later. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Sir", John mumbled and took in another scoop of scrambled eggs.
Adam's anger began to rise at John's unrelenting attitude. He grabbed his hat and opened the door to leave.
"Wait", Molly came running down the stairs, "Don't leave with out a kiss goodbye."
"I wouldn't do that Pumpkin, Come here". Adam lifted up his youngest and gave her a tight squeeze. "Now, you be a good girl today and listen to Mrs. Drake."
"Yes, Daddy," Molly jumped down skipping to the breakfast table.
Adam's heart soften rapidly with little Molly's hug. "Where's Kate?"
""Here I am Daddy." Kate walked over to Adam with a smile and leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek.
"Now, see how nice it is to have girls. No complaining and all kisses." Adam winked at the girls as he walked towards the door; the boys just rolled their eyes.
"I will try to be back before dinner time ladies. Make sure you ride home with Mrs. Drake after school. Boys work hard for your Granddad and Pa, don't push yourself too hard."
Adam left hastily out the door to begin his day of many tasks; knowing full well he was being followed. Ben met his son at the corral.
"Pa, I know what you're going to say, but John must have responsibility to this ranch. Besides you can't do the work by yourself."
"Of' Corse he does Adam, but you do not want him to grow up resenting the work. It's good to let him be with his friends."
"Pa, I let him go with friends at least once a week after school. That's more than I ever did."
"I know, Adam, that's why I don't want any of your children to resent this life. I have regrets for pushing you and your brothers too hard. We can hire more ranch hands. We have the money to do that now as where I didn't have that choice for you before."
"Well, it's a good thing you didn't because I know how to work like a man should. Pa this dream is our life; and now Johns life too. When he's old enough, he can make his own decisions about how and where he wants to live. For now, he is with me on this ranch and will be responsible. Now, agree on it Pa and don't waiver, he has to know we are together in this decision."
"Okay, Adam, I will respect your judgment. He is your son."
As Adam rode into town he thought about John's persistent behavior. John was growing up faster than Adam realized. In the two years that Adam had adopted the Five Scott children, John had grown at least one foot taller. He now stood 5'10; handsome, with dark curly hair and a strong chin line, John looked more like a full grown man than a child of thirteen. He was a spitting image of his father. Adam remembered the words of his dear friend, Wil Scott right before he died saying, "he's just a boy who needs to be taught how to be a man." Adam did his best to teach John what he knew about the business and made sure school was his top priority. John was a hard worker, always respectful and generous to his family. But lately, John seemed to be preoccupied with other things, especially his social life. He had not questioned nor challenged Adam's authority up until now. For the first time, Adam was contemplating how to react to John's behavior.
"You may go to lunch now children", Mrs. Drake gave permission.
Mrs. Elizabeth Drake watched as John and Lori left the schoolroom together. Elizabeth wondered if Adam was aware of John's new friendship with Lori. Lori was the new girl in town. She was an only child with older parents; very independent and very smitten with John. Elizabeth was surprised at her attraction for John considering their age difference. Lori was sixteen going on seventeen and this would be her last year in school. John being thirteen didn't look like the other boys his age but he was just thirteen. Elizabeth felt something forming between the two that concerned her. She was keeping careful watch: in which Lori seemed to be aware of and stayed on her best behavior around Mrs. Drake.
"John, I made lemon cookies for our snack today after school. I know you're going to love them." Lori sat along the tree log holding out her hands for John to sit next to her.
John sat next to Lori and hung his head. "Lori, I know that we were supposed to meet today at the lake but my dad needs me at home instead."
"But John, you've promised all week and I thought you said that you had permission." Lori pulled away from John.
He grabbed her hands in his, trying to look her in the eyes. "I did, and plans got changed. I'm so sorry. I tried to change his mind but he would not allow it." John kicked his boot in the dirt, "He can be so stiff-necked! Maybe we can meet on Saturday, huh?"
"Well I don't know John. You've canceled on me before and I just hate to get all worked up over nothing. I really had something special planned for us today. I would be lying if I didn't tell you how disappointed I am." Lori tossed her hair back as she packed up her lunch.
"I'm really sorry Lori; can you just tell me now what was so special?" John gave his most sincere smile.
"I wasn't going to tell you John, I was going to show you." Lori got up and walked towards the swing. She tossed her hair to the other side and said…
"So John Cartwright, do you do everything your Daddy tells you to do. She smiled up at him with a twinkle in her eye. "I thought a pretty girl might be able to temp a young man enough to risk getting a lickin."
John began to blush, "No, it's not that. I mean Adam has never, well anyway. I just don't want to disappoint my grandfather. He's countin on me."
"That's fine John, it's your choice. That's what everybody likes about you Cartwright's; dependable and hard working. Let's just forget about it. Would you like to try one of my lemon cookies?"
"Yea, sure, thanks."
In that moment, Tom Edwards walked past the two," Care to share one of your cookies, Cartwright?" John sneered up at his friend for interfering.
"You may have one Tomas, Please sit down next to me and I will give you a lemon cookie. You know I made them myself". Trying her best to make John jealous, Lori offered the next boy who came by a cookie as well.
John began to feel his temper rising as Lori sat and talked with the other boys. His anger shifted to Adam. "I can't believe he would up and change everything after Granddad already gave his word." John didn't want to defy either Cartwright but felt a much stronger urge to get to the lake with Lori before she found someone else to take her; his rebellion was setting in.
Mrs. Drake rang the school bell; all the children packed up their lunches and ran towards the school house.
John grabbed Lori's arm to hold her back, "Lori, I've changed my mind."
"What ever do you mean John?" Lori batted her big long lashes.
"You're worth a lickin' if need be. I'll meet you privately on the upper path after school. Just don't say anything to my siblings."
"Are you sure John, what about your Grandfather?"
"I'll take care of all that; you just meet me after school on the upper path."
John stopped the twins after school and told them to run ahead while he picks up something from the mercantile for a school project.
"John, you heard Dad, Granddad needs you right away."
"I know, Michael, I said I'll be there as soon as I get my supplies. Now get goin."
The boys delivered the unpleasant news to Ben while John and Lori made their way to the Lake.
"John are you okay, you seem awful quiet?"
John repositioned himself in the saddle, "Yea, sure Lori."
John was not Okay. His guilt just hit his stomach like a bomb. His hands began to sweat; all he could think about was Ben working with his two younger brothers out in the pasture. Surely his plan would work. He would just tell his grandfather that he had a school project and needed some extra time to get it done. Hopefully the boys would be a big help to Ben and they would not notice him gone.
Lori set up her blanket right under the big oak looking across form the lake. Today was a perfect spring day, she thought. John sat down next to her feeling slightly unsure about everything.
"John, have you ever kissed a girl?"
"No. Have you ever kissed a boy?"
"Yes, not many though."
"Oh', John felt even more uncomfortable.
Lori leaned in to whisper in John's ear, "Would you like to kiss me?"
John's eyes met hers and she leaned in farther to help him out. John's nerves began to fade as his desire rose. Although this was his first kiss, Lori would have never known.
"John, I think I love you."
The boy couldn't believe his ears. He liked Lori, but love? Was this love? John felt nervous all over again.
"I just realized my time, I really better get going. If I leave now I can still help my grandfather before it gets too dark."
Lori pulled John back down on the blanket falling onto his lap. "I thought you said I was worth a little risk."
"Well I came out here didn't I? I don't think I'm too late to avoid trouble."
John pulled himself back up setting Lori down on the blanket. He walked over to his horse and tightened his saddle.
"John Cartwright, I just told you my feelings and kissed you. Now you're springing up to leave me here." Lori stamped her foot.
John swiftly pulled Lori into a hug, "I'm sorry. Can we meet back up on Saturday? I know I can get away then."
Lori gave him a slow smile; she could see John was trying. "Okay, sweetie, Saturday will work for me. Same place and I will bring a picnic lunch."
John helped Lori gather her things and gave her one last kiss goodbye. "Yes", she was definitely worth the trouble he thought to himself as he rode out to pasture.
"Where have you been? Ben bellowed. "We're only half way through the job with little time left.
"Granddad I'm so sorry. Did the boys tell you I had to stay after school to complete a project?"
"Yes, yes. Come on, lets get to work we can deal with that matter later. We can not leave until this job is complete. It will be dark soon so get a move on it."
Ben handed John the post and began digging another hole. The twins sat down on the ground relieved to take a break from all the hard work. John offered a peaceful smile hoping they weren't too mad at him.
Adam sat worried as he drank his third cup of coffee. "I will give them ten more minutes; then I'm going out after them."
"Adam I'm sure they are fine." Elizabeth tried consoling.
"It's not like Pa to work after dark. That job should not have taken them more than two hours. They should have beaten me home."
Elizabeth heard horses coming into the ranch, "Listen Adam, it's the boys they're home."
Adam looked up from the table as his Pa and the twins came in the door.
"Pa, you look terrible. What happened?"
"I'm fine Adam, just hungry that's all."
"Please sit down Ben; boys come sit down with your grandfather. I will bring your dinner." Elizabeth said.
"Ben began to sit in his chair and accidently fell to the floor. "Pa, are you all right? Michael, run and get Hopsing."
"OH' Adam I'm fine, just a slip of my hand, caught off balance is all."
Hopsing ran from the kitchen and immediately lowered himself to the floor. "Mr. Cartwright, you fall?"
"Yes Hopsing, He did! Went to sit down and fell off his chair." Adam responded.
Hopsing checked Ben over as both men fussed and complained.
"Mr. Cartwright, you work too hard. Hungry and tired. Must eat. Fill your belly. Goodnights rest you feel better." The old friend stated then shook his head towards Adam. "Number one son must know father can't work so hard anymore. Getting older."
"Now Hopsing that will be enough, I'm not that old." Ben grumbled as he ate his food.
Adam felt horrible. He really did feel the job would be covered by his boys in two hours with Ben only supervising. Maybe he overestimated the work.
"Where is John", Adam asked looking around the room?
"He's out in the barn bedding all the horses down. A task I gave him for being late to the field, just following through with your orders Adam."
"Pa, how late was he?" Adam inquired further knowing his father was holding back information.
"It's not that important Adam; I talked with him about his tardiness. He stayed after to finish a project for school, said he had to go to the mercantile for supplies. It seems he had trouble deciding which to be responsible for; homework or ranching."
"How late, Pa?" Adam leaned in on the table with his elbow.
"Two hours", Jack retorted. "Michael and I did most of the work Pa; we could have finished it too."
"What! Two hours?" Adam turned to Elizabeth, "What project is he working on that kept him after school for two hours when you knew he was needed out on the pasture today?"
"Adam, I'm sorry, I don't know what project John is talking about. He did not stay after school with me. In fact he was one of the first to leave. Besides, I would not keep a boy from his father's orders. Please excuse me while I clean up the dishes?"
Elizabeth rose from her chair and walked towards the kitchen. Adam gently took hold of her arm and pulled her close to him.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth; I did not mean to show disrespect. I'm trying to control my temper as this story is unfolding. I guess I'm not doing a very good job."
Elizabeth softened and nodded to Adam. "I understand Adam; you've had a long day. I'll bring out some fresh coffee for everyone."
"Thank you."
"Adam I think we need to give John a chance to explain before jumping to any conclusions. Please sit down and relax. You're making me dizzy", Ben noted.
John walked into the house with great enthusiasm. "Alright, dinner is ready, I'm starved."
All eyes were set on John as he sat down at the table. He began inhaling his food right away not even noticing the onlookers.
Adam studied John for a few minutes before starting his inquisition.
"Son, your granddad tells me that you've been working on a school project?" Adam emphasized the word "Project".
"Yes sir, I have." John acknowledged chewing on his meat.
Adam continued calmly, watching John shovel bite after bite. "And I hear you stayed after school to work on it."
"Yes sir. That's why I was late helping Granddad. I apologized to him huh Granddad." He nodded his head at Ben following with a wink.
It sure seemed like the boy was as honest as always and more confident than ever but something's were definitely Not adding up. The twins watched with vast intensity; this was all very interesting when someone else was in trouble.
"I see, now I want to get this right. You stayed after school to work on a project that Mrs. Drake assigned; unable to leave until completion. Even though, I, your father, gave clear instructions to meet your grandfather no later than three o'clock."
John sat nodding his head 'yes' with a mouth full of food.
"So would it be safe to say Mrs. Drake is responsible for your tardiness?"
John took a large gulp of his milk before answering, "I guess you could say that but she didn't mean no harm."
That was it. Adam clearly knew his son was lying. Before another word was spoken, a cheerful voice turned out of the kitchen.
"Here you go gentleman this should hit the spot." Elizabeth said holding a pot of fresh coffee.
John heard Mrs. Drakes voice then lifted his head. He slowly looked towards Ben then to his father. He knew right then he had been caught in a web of lies.
Adam stared at his oldest, with intensifying anger.
Ben watched his son as he rose up from the table and headed straight for John.
"Adam, don't you think we should sit down and talk about this".
Realizing his present state of fury, Adam pulled the chair out next to John and sat down. He crossed his arms as he leaned back in the chair. Adam and Ben made long eye contact as if they were carrying out a conversation of the minds. Adam knew his father wanted him to cool off. Ben knew Adam was shocked at John's disobediance. Both knew it wasn't true to John's charater and probably more to the story they haven't heard. Adam allowed his father to join him this time on the decision of John's punishment. For 1, Ben was involved directly and 2, Grandad was not backing down.
"Okay then John, let's have it. What can you say about lying to your grandfather, putting his health at risk along with your two younger brothers as they did the work I intended for you? And given the chance again you lie to me and casually place blame on Elizabeth."
Adams chair sat upright with a hard knock to the floor.
John jumped at the sound and gulped. "I'm sorry; he answered in a nervous voice looking between Adam and Ben.
Adam stood up in full frustration and began to pace around. "Well Pa, he said he's sorry."
Adams sarcasm told Ben that his son was far from calming down.
"If I may, I would like to suggest that John get straight to work tomorrow on that wood pile outside. I've seen many disobedient boys turn good after chopping a few rows."
"Chopping wood?" Adam turned to his father in disbelief. "Seriously Pa?" Ben nodded calmly and pat the table gently a few times before clearing his throat.
Adam glared down at John. "If your granddad thinks chopping wood will justify your crimes today, then we'll settle on it."
Ben stood up from the table. "Gentlemen, it's late. I think it best for us all to go to bed."
John turned out of his chair and began to walk away but not before Adam grabbed the back of his shirt holding him firmly in place.
"Son, I'm not sure what's goin on in that head of yours tonight but if you ever lie to me again or anyone else, I promise you a tanning you'll never forget. Now get up to your room and go to bed."
John scurried up the stairs; meanwhile Adam looked back at his father. "Pa, I don't know why you saved his hide. You know he deserved a tanning tonight. I don't know what's gotten into you or him. One thing I know for sure; You would have whipped me with an inch of my life after pulling something like that."
"Oh' Adam, you remember things all too harshly I'm afraid. He's just a growing boy. He heard your warning tonight. Just wait, he'll be back to the straight and narrow as soon as day breaks."
Adam shook his head in regret as he poured a glass of brandy.
Thrilled to be alone and alive, John laid in his bed looking out his window. The evening's events played out in his head. He was sure glad for the day to come to an end. He caused quiet a stir.
Then he remembered his first kiss.
Was it worth the risk?
Was it worth causing so much anger and disappointment?
He wasn't sure, all he knew is that he couldn't wait to kiss Lori again; but When?
Part 2 of The Trouble with John will follow soon.
After a rash Adam disciplines his wayward son, it is Ben who reminds him of the "Grand Swing"… (…and Adam adds his name to the tree…)