The Trouble with John, Part 2
CH13... in the Adam Cartwright Father of Five series.
*After a rash Adam disciplines his teenage son, it is Ben who reminds him of the "Grand Swing"…and Adam adds his name to the tree.(TBC in CH 14 pt3)
"Molly, stay right here on this rock. I will be back for you in a little while. Did you bring your dolly and sack lunch like I told you?"
"Yes, John, she's right here. We're going to have a picnic."
"Good, that sounds nice. Now remember to stay here until I come back for you. Don't leave this spot."
John ran up the hill towards the lake. It was Saturday and just like they planned, Lori met up with John for a picnic. She waited under the tall Oak tree on her blanket with her food displayed perfectly.
"Hi John, you made it right on time."
Lori ran over and gave him a kiss. "Wait till you see what I made for you to eat." The two held hands and sat down together on the blanket. Lori's brown eye's penetrated into John's, she nuzzled closer to him.
"Lunch looks great Lori. Can we start eating, I'm really hungry."
"Sure John, here have some of my freshly made bread. You do know that I am an excellent cook."
John rushed thru his lunch eating everything set before him. His conscience was well at work and the more he worried the more he ate. He couldn't stop thinking about leaving Molly at the bottom of the trail.
"John, you seem a little anxious, are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I just can't stay too long that's all."
Lori moved forward pulling John into a kiss. "Seems to me your always rushing off these days," she kissed him again.
"I have to do a lot of sneaking around in order to see you. It would make things easier if I could just tell my dad about us."
"No, John, you promised."
"Okay Lori, if your not ready I guess we can wait a while longer. I just don't understand why I can't tell him."
Lori grinned like a Cheshire cat, "John do you think about me when we're not together?" She tickled John causing him to fall on his back. "Kiss me John."
John did as he was told and before long felt his pants unzipping.
"Hey, Lori what are you doing?' John pushed the intruders' hands away.
"Oh' come on John. You are not a little boy anymore are you?" Lori teased not backing down.
"No, But, I…um"
"Just relax sweetie, I won't hurt you." Lori laughed as she continued her careful seduction on her young prey.
John's confusion set in; he didn't understand the happenings between a man and a woman. He never saw Adam or Ben with a woman nor did he remember his parents as much kiss. Whatever he felt with Lori was driving him mad, and yet something deep down told him that he shouldn't go any further.
"Lori, Stop!"
"It's okay John, don't you like it?'
"Yes, I do…but we shouldn't. Lori, how do you know…well? We gotta stop. I have to go now."
John picked up his things and straightens his clothes not leaving Lori the chance to seduce him again.
He ran down the path to get his sister.
"Molly, Molly where are you? I'm not playing games little sister. Come on out."
John looked frantically for his little sister. Remnants of her lunch lay on the large rock where he left her. She was not where he told her to stay.
"Molly, Can you hear me…Molly?"
Mmmoooolllllyyyyyyyyyyy~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Adam unbuckled his Gun belt laying it on the credenza. He walked over to his desk to write out a final check to one of his employees. This is not how he had planned to spend his Saturday. If that young ranch hand would have just listened to his orders he wouldn't have four Good steer dead right now. Adam tried working with the troubled twenty year old. He gave him a job when no one else would. After today's little episode out on the North pasture the boy would no longer be working for any of the Cartwright's again.
"I wish you the best of luck, Toby. You have two extra weeks of pay that should get you by until you find something else."
"Thank you Mr. Cartwright, Sir. I'm really sorry things went so 't mean for you to lose those cows, sir. I guess I just don't listen to good, huh'?"
Adam walked the boy to the door, "Guess not son. You should try to work on that. Good night, Tobias."
Finally, this day was almost over and the young man to boot! Days like these on the ranch made Adam wish he was in Boston.
Yep, Adam Cartwright was done. He was in no mood for anymore disobedience. All he wanted was a hot bath and quiet night with a book. Little did he know, he would be at a loss for a peaceful night because trouble found its way to the Ponderosa while he was gone.
"Daddy, Oh' Daddy you are home!" Molly ran to hug her father. She held on tight and didn't let go. "I was so afraid I would never see you again. I don't ever want to lose you not ever."
Adam leaned back in the chair pulling Molly onto his lap. "Pumpkin, what are you talking about? You didn't lose me; remember Daddy had to work out on the North pasture." Adam pressed his head against the back of the chair and yawned."
Molly cuddled into his chest. "I know Daddy, but you almost lost me today."
One eye slowly opened while the other stayed closed. "Molly Rose daddy is very tired tonight, now what are you talking about?" Adam asked following a big yawn.
Molly carefully looked across the room where Kate sat reading a book.
Adam took note of the exchange between sisters.
"I said I wouldn't tell." Molly whispered in her Daddy's ear so that no one could hear. This time Kate peered over the top of her book.
Adam understood right away that the children were hiding something from him, especially when Molly was asked to keep a secret.
"Kate could you please go to your room; so that I may have this conversation with your sister in private?"
Kate closed her book and started to speak..."No young Lady, Don't say a word. And Kate, do not stop to talk to your brother's on the way to your room. I presume we will 'All' have a discusion soon enough."
Kate sighed and moved swiftly up the stairs.
"Okay, Molly-My-Dolly, what excitement have I missed today?"
Molly sat up straight and tall feeling very important to have her father's full attention for her story.
"Oh' Daddy it has been just plain awful."Big tears began to roll down her cheeks.
Adam gave her a snug and patted her shoulder. "Aw, bad day sweetie, I'm sorry."
Adam stretched out his arms and yawned again."Go on and tell your 'Ol Dad all about it".
Molly re-positioned herself more comfortably on his lap and wiped at her tears. "Promise not to get mad, papa? John and Kate said we'd all get in trouble if I told you but I don't want to keep it a secret no more, cuz it makes me cry! So please...ya gotta promise." Molly started to tear up again.
The heart-wrenching plea of his youngest got Adam's blood a'pumpin...
"Time to spit it out Moll's"
"I got lost today out in the woods.I was so lost for a long time, until John found me."
Molly quickly stammered, then looked up at her father.
'Hmm...he doesn't look angry.' She said to herself.
Adam interjected, "Why did John take you to the lake when he was told to stay at the ranch and babysit you and the twins?"
"Told me he needed to see his friends for a bit while I had a special picnic lunch with Dolly."
Adam scratched at his chin, "I see, please continue".
Molly took in a big breath and finished her story.
"Ya, see...Once granddad left this morning, John said he was gonna take me to the lake for a picnic and for me to bring Dolly and my lunch pail. So I did. Then we walked for a long time before we reached that rock.
And then he said, "You sit here (Molly used her deep grumpy voice to protray her brother's).
so I said "Why do I gotta do that?"
"Then he said, 'Cuz I said so' , then he told me real mean like, 'and don't get near the water, ya hear'."
"I think that was so mean of John, huh Daddy."
"So then he sat me real hard on that big rock and started to walk away...and I yelled out..."John why are you leaving me here all alone?"
and he yelled back, "Gotta meet some friends, be back in a minute."
"And then he was gone!"
Molly blew out a deep breath and started again...
"Daddy, just so ya know, I didn't get near the water. Okay, then I sat and sat and sat waiting for John to get back from being with his friends. He was gone so very long that I couldn't sit any longer. Now Daddy, please don't get mad at this part, but I went to find him and then I couldn't. It scared me and I cried and cried for a real long time cuz I knew I was very lost. I cried so much and no one heard me so I decided to pray, "Dear God, can you come get me cuz I'm scared and I'm lost. Then I just fell asleep on the ground where I was."
Molly fell into a brief silence to assess Adam's temperament. 'Hmmm...nothin yet.'
"So John finally found me. He was all out of breath and shaking me to death to wake up. First I got scared then I was happy he found me but then I started to cry. You know why I cried Daddy?"
Adam shook his head eagerly waiting…his patience was wearing thin and didn't think he could hold out much longer to Molly's story. Knowing she would give him the vital information he needed before he strangled his eldest, he waited.
"I cried cuz John spanked me. He said I was bad for leaving my spot and running off. And I could have gotten hurt. Well I just cried and cried all the way home."
Molly's eyes widen as she just remembered something else her big brother told her.
"Is there more, Molly?" Adam noted.
"Yes, John told me not to tell you about getting lost cuz he would get in big trouble.
I'm sorry daddy; I just had to tell you. I was so scared and mad all at the same tummy felt achy all day for you and I needed to tell you that i'm found now." Molly finally released and cried her heart out.
"There, there Baby, you are safe now. You are home safe and Daddy's right here holdin you close. I'm so sorry you were frightened today. We are going to have a big talk in the mornin about safety and what to do if you ever get lost again."
"Oh no Daddy, I don't ever want to do that again. I hate bein lost." Adam knew he couldn't quiet reach his daughter tonight on that logical matter so he left it for another time.
"I know darlin' that was awful. But you are safe now, no more worries."
"You know something else Molly, it was wrong of John to tell you to keep a secret from me. You children should never keep a secret from me or Granddad especially one that brought harm to you. Isn't that one of our rules and promisses to eachother?"
Molly nodded her head.
I'm real proud of you for coming to me tonight and telling the truth. You were doing the right thing."
"But daddy is John gonna get in trouble cuz I told you?"
"I will talk to John. Whether or not John gets in trouble is between he and I."
"Now I don't feel so good again." Molly bowed her head.
Adam pulled up from his chair and gave Molly a big hug. "You know honey, I believe I am a fair Daddy. You children know what I expect from you. When one of you do something you should not, then we have to talk. Do you understand that."
Molly nodded.
"Yes, and so does John. It's time for bed now. I'll give you a ride." Adam threw molly on his back and dredged up the stairs.
Adam walked up the stairs to Kate's room with Molly in tow.
Kate sat at her desk studying over her books.
Adam cupped her face into the palm of his hands; delivering a very firm message. "Kate, we do not keep secrets in this family. Especially concerning ones safety. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir. I was going to tell you if Molly didn't. Honest. I'm sorry." Kate grabbed Molly's hand, "Sorry lil' sister, that I didn't tell daddy sooner."
Adam winked at his eldest daughter. He had a hard time staying mad at either one of his girls.
Alright, it's off to bed for both of you. I'll be in to kiss you good night soon.
"Now, can you either of you tell me where John is?"
"John is with Granddad. They had to pick up a large shipment in town. Granddad said they would be back after dinner."
"Is Granddad aware of John's absence this morning with his little sister?"
"No Sir, Molly's been moping around all afternoon. She just told me about her story right before you got home."
"I see... and the twins?"
"In trouble for fishing too late. They missed dinner. Hopsing made them take a bath and go to bed." Molly interjected as she held tight to her doll.
"Who gave them permission to go fishing by themselves?"
"John made a deal with them that if they kept his secret then they could go fishing after Granddad went to town."
"How convenient", Adam seethed.
"And Kate, where were you when all this mischief was taking place today."
Kate's lip began to tremble and tears formed in her eyes. Her father's tension became too much for her to handle.
"Remember Daddy, I was with Mrs. Drake. She's teaching me how to sew a new dress pattern."
"Yes, that's right. I do remember that". Adam sighed and pulled Kate into a hug. "I'm sorry sweet heart. I don't mean to take my frustrations out on you. I'm not very happy with your brothers right now as you both can see. It seems to me that they all have made some bad choices while I was away today. But that's not your fault and I'm sorry."
Adam kissed them both and said good night.
Now it was time to find the two little fishermen.
Adam tried his best to cool off but could not. The more he felt the deceit in his own house the more his anger festered. He certainly did not expect all three of his boys conspiring against him. Especially all in one day.
He would put a stop to this once and for all.
Under the doorway a glowing light flickered along with the sounds of soft voices.
Knock-knock-knock
Adam opened the door and stepped inside. " Boy's, we need to talk."
The twins knew full well that they were in trouble by the look on Adam's face.
Their fathers lecture was short and sweet. The punishment was straight to the point. Along with a promise that a full days work would be laid before them at breakfast.
Adams fury was escalating the longer it took for Ben and John to get home.
Adam sat and stewed in his anger.
The fear of losing Molly out in the woods tormented his mind.
How could John be so irresponsible with his little sister?
Who was John hanging out with that caused him to deceive Adam countless times?
How could he had let this get so out of hand?
Regretfully, he missed the opportunity to correct John's previous defiance.
These questions continued to turn over and over in his head.
Finally, the rig pulled up to the quiet house.
Adam would waste no time to confront his son tonight. Standing on the porch, he watched his father untie the wagon by the light of the moon."
"Good evening Son, I didn't notice you standing there."
"Evenin' Pa. Is John in the barn?"
"Yes, he's dressing down the horses."
"Could you please excuse me? I need to have a few words with my son."
"Adam, is everything all right?
"No, Pa. Everything is not alright." Adam answered heatedly walking past his father.
Ben swiftly caught Adam by the arm in a tight vise grip.
"Care to tell me what's goin on?"
Adam had no choice but to pause~
"I need to have a long discussion with my eldest son and with all due respect, Pa, I will handle things the way I see fit this time."
"Adam, I clearly won't stand in the way of your judgement but I strongly suggest that you cool off first before approaching your boy."
"I have had the whole night to cool off. Now if you would please excuse me... and Pa, stay out of this!" Adam clearly stated as he proceeded to the barn.
A startled John shuttered at the sight of his father standing in the open doors of the barn; hands on hips gnawing on his bottom lip.
After spending most the afternoon and evening with his grandfather, John forgot what kind of trouble he was in.
Within a few short seconds, the anxiety of loosing his baby sister fell back to his gut. And the look on Adam's face told him he knew.
John kicked the dirt beneath his feet. "I guess Molly talked to you about getting lost today?"
Adam didn't say a word. He turned around to shut the barn doors.
John began to sweat then swallowed hard when he heard the board being slammed into the braces of the door.
John kept his back turned as he fumbled with the horses bridle.
"Go on and hang it on the hook." Adam bellowed impatiently regarding the bridle.
John's hands shook as he finished his work and finally turned to face his father.
Typically, Adam would know exactly what he was going to say and do at this moment of correcting his children. Unfortunately for John, he was acting on impulse. Tonight, something dark drove him within.
Out of pure nerves John spoke first...
"I'm sorry I snuck off." And without thinking John blurted, "Can I go inside and eat my dinner now; I'm really hungry and it's been a long day."
Well, like most teenagers, the stomach speaks first. And dog gone it, that just was not the right thing to say.
In three full strides Adam stood directly before his son. Attempting to gain a little space, John backed up into a barn pole. He cowered as his Pa reached over his head not realizing at first what he might do.
Unbeknownst to John, on that very pole was a hook. And on that hook was a strap. The very strap his father intended on using.
Adam lowered the strap off the hook and held it firmly in his hand. John had heard of 'The Strap', but never received correction from it. In fact, The only correction John had ever received is a trip over his biological father's knee from time to time when he was small.
Adam created a little space between he and John by taking a few steps back and propped one foot up on a stool. Appearing to be a little more in control, he spoke.
"You have a lot of explaining to do young man. I suggest you start with who you are meeting at the lake and what was so important up there that you left your little sister alone in the woods?"
John could not even whisper words of remorse; he stood frozen to the pole. He yearned to speak and tell Adam how terrible he felt for deceiving his family, how frightened he was when he lost Molly in the woods. He wished to talk to his father about the confusing feelings he had for Lori that lured him to dishonesty. And how at first he liked her company but now deep down she scared him to death. The words so close to his lips were locked from fright. He had never felt so much shame for disappointing anyone like this before. The realization was overwhelming. He wanted to trust Adam and tell him everything. He wanted to be caught. He wanted to be forgiven. At the same time, he feared the unrecognizable man before him.
"Do you have nothing to say for your actions? Speak up and tell me the truth! What in the hell have you been doing?"
John just stood blank not able to look up from the dirt floor.
"Son, this is the last time I'm gonna ask you..." Adam fumed.
"That's it, I've had it."
A swift movement sent him hurling over to an empty stall.
"Drop your pants and grab that rail in front of you."
John looked back at Adam, horrified. "What, wait. Pa, you can't...please. Noooo!" he cried out as the tears began to flow.
Tears of grief and sorrow for love once lost.
Tears of a scared little boy yearning for protection.
Tears of a boy not ready to be a man.
Tears shed for a father once trusted...
Tears, tears and more tears...
flowing~flowing~flowing~
releasing~releasing~releasing~
3 years... of tears...
Adam threw the Strap against the barn wall as he stormed out; After 3 Lick's with the Strap...he stopped!
*As if the hand of God grabbed hold of his arm raised high in the air and held it in a vise grip~he froze. He was done.*
Adam walked into the house ignoring his father sitting in the chair and went straight to bed slamming his bedroom door.
John woke with the sounds of the barn animals stirring above his head. It took sometime for him to recall why he laid in the empty stall. He began to yawn and stretch out his kinked up body. he pulled himself to a sitting position and scratched at his head full of hay.
"Hey, eeow~~ouch~" "What the***"
For a brief second John thought something bit him in the Ass. He jumped up fast realizing his pants were 1/2 way up or 1/2 down...depending on how you look at it. Searching a bit more he had 3 slight pink stripes across his buttocks.
He stood to pull up his pants and straighten his shirt. bending down to grab his hat he saw somthing that triggered his memory.
The Strap!
Now it was coming back to him. His dad was going to strap him...but did he? He felt his backside...rubbed...a little tender. Hmmm~well I guess that's what it feels like. That didn't seem as bad as some guys told it.
Strangely, John couldn't quiet remember what happen.
He looked back towards the stall...
He cried~
Really Hard~
He had a lot of dreams~
Sad Dreams that seem to make him cry throughout the night.
...But he felt different today. He felt lighter~happier in a way. Was he still in trouble. He couldn't remember.
He kinda wished he was back in his nice warm bed sleepin right now.
He peeked out the barn door towards the house. He could see his Dad and Granddad thru the window sitting at the table.
'Shoot, no chance getting to fall back asleep now.'
Guess he had to go on in and great the morning.
The smell of bacon pulled him towards the house in a trance.
Adam and Ben sat quietly at the breakfast table. Ben could see his son struggling with guilt and anguish. He was uncertain what took place between father and son the previous night in the barn but intuition told him neither mind was resolved.
"Do you want to discuss it?"
Adam shook his head no and continued to sip his coffee.
They heard the front door open slowly as it creaked; in walked a wrinkled John.
"Mornin'" John greeted softly. "I smelled the bacon."
Ben looked at his grandson in shock.
"John, I see you are still in yesterday's clothing?" Ben pointed out gently hoping to alert his son to say somthing.
"Yes, sir, I guess I fell asleep in the barn last night on accident."
Adam did not raise his head to see his son; Deep down his pain thickened. Trying to hide his own shame, Adam remained closed off and cold.
"You'll need to get yourself cleaned up if you want some breakfast." Adam said coolly.
"Yes, sir." John trotted up the stairs 2 by 2 to get cleaned up.
Adam set down his cup and walked towards the kitchen. He couldn't bare to face his father.
Ben followed. "Adam, what the hell was that? That boy slept in the barn last night?
You didn't even look at him; it's obvious nothing has been resolved.
Did you punish him?"
Adam turned to his father with harsh eyes, "Yes, I Did!"
"Adam, what has gotten into you?
Ben studied his sons every move as he finagled thru the kitchen trying to avoid further conversation.
"You are not fooling me Adam Cartwright. I recognize my eldest son when he is burden with guilt. My hunch is that you reacted out of anger and punished John too harshly. Am I right?"
Adams face tensed. "He needed to be punished;you know that!"
"So` say he did. Are you proud of the way you handled it?"
"NO", he shouted.
Adams head dropped into his hands and his body began to quiver surrendering to his own disappointment.
"Yes Pa, I messed up. I punished John in anger. I don't even know how it happened or what happened.. He wouldn't open up. He wouldn't talk to me. Just stood there, frozen. I yelled, I threatened, nothing...so I went thru with it and strapped him 3 times. But before I even took the strap to him he began to bawl. He cried and cried. I just stopped and walked out on him. Pa, don't make me say any more. I'm just so ashamed. I can't face him." Adam shook his head. "What am I doing with these kids Pa.? I shouldn't have agreed to take them on. I don't have what it takes to be patient and show them the love they need. I fly off at the handle for every little thing they do anymore. And now this, what I've done to John is unforgivable. He could never trust me again."
"Adam, please sit down. I can see you had very little rest last night." Ben pulled out a chair for his son to sit.
"You tell him that you made a mistake admit you were wrong and ask for his forgiveness. John will come to trust you again. You are his father Adam, his love has not changed for you."
Ben lowered his voice to a soft whisper.
"Adam taking on these five children was a selfless act in deed. I've watched you develop into the most amazing father over these last two years. Wil and Karen would be most proud of the way you have raised their children. Adam, when was the last time you took time for yourself and went away?"
"Well, not since the children came."
"Exactly son; You, Adam Cartwright use to live a free life. And how often did you pick up and leave for a few days at a time for solitude?"
"How does one do that with five children and no mother?" Adam posed the question with a sigh.
"A father does what he needs to do to remain healthy for his family. If that means he needs to get away every now and then -so be it. Adam, listen, since you were a little boy you pushed so hard to do a perfect job. No one was harder on you than yourself. Relationships are not perfect son. Parenting is not perfect. You do your best and move forward. And when you fail, you admit that your wrong and start over."
Ben pats his son on the back and left him to think for himself but before leaving the room Ben reminded him of one last thing.
"Several times I wanted to leave you boys with family that offered to raise you properly. I'm sure glad today that I never actually went through with it. I know I made a lot of mistakes and not enough apologies. Maybe the next lesson to teach your son will be on forgiveness. We made many a trip as father and son on the Grand Swing. Think about it.
Adam began packing right away instructing Hopsing to pack enough food for three nights.
John came quickly down the stairs in search of his bacon. He greeted Ben at the table.
"Son, maybe there's some fresh bacon for you in the kitchen."
John smiled at his granddad and headed that direction.
He found Adam in the kitchen gathering some food in a large leather bag.
"John, Good morning," Adam said tenderly.
"Mornin Dad."
"Hungry? Adam smiled
"Starved"!
Adam placed a large plate infront of John and watched him graze.
"We gonna be okay Dad?"
"More than okay John. But we do need to talk, wouldn't you agree?"
"Oh', I thought we did that last night."
"Ha", Adam smiled knowing what his son was thinking. "No Son, not that kind of talk. Man to Man. I thought we could take a trip. Just you and me for a few days. What do you say?"
"As long as we have food, I'm ready."
TBC