New Beginnings: Life Changes

ch. 39

The Aftermath

"Did anyone request the presence of a pirate and a conductor? I found one of each in town and thought someone might claim them. They are bringing food if that helps sway the vote in their favor." Rob announces to the two adults sitting by the fireplace. "I will leave you to decide their fate as I have a dance partner waiting at the dance."

"A pirate? I don't know if we have much use for a pirate here on the ranch. I don't know what we could do with a train conductor either. What do you think, Delphie?" Ethan asks.

"Well, he did say they were bringing food. Maybe we can convince them to share if we let them stay. How about it?"

"Come here you two. Let me see this food. What do you have to offer us for allowing you to stay?" Ethan mock growls at the two smiling boys.

"We each have a caramel apple, three little cakes, molasses or caramel popcorn balls, cookies, candy sticks and a small sack of broken cookie pieces. Aunt Linnea made the caramel apples."

"George, you forgot the carrot and celery sticks we got from Mitch. He said he didn't have treats so he gave that instead. Mama, you can have mine for cooking!" Ben tells her.

"That is quite a haul. I will let you stay if I can have one bite of caramel apple."

"You can have all of mine, Papa. I don't need it."

"No, George. You enjoy your treat. I was just teasing you, son."

"Can we light the Jack o'lanterns now? Mama said when we came home we would light them." Ben asks.

"Yes, let me get a slim piece of wood to use for a lighter," Ethan answers getting up to look through the kindling box.

"This will do. George, here, carry the matchbox. Ben, you carry the wood while I get a lantern so we can see what we are doing. That moon I saw earlier is covered by clouds now."

Once out on the porch, the boys watch as Ethan sets the tip of the wood on fire. Passing it to Ben he says "When I remove the top, touch the burning end to the candlewick. Your Mama put melted wax inside and stuck the candles in that. We don't need to worry, the candles will stand up."

"Good job, son! Now, George, you do yours." Ethan praises as he passes the slowly burning wood to George.

"Very good, boys! Now let's walk down to the yard to look up at the porch."

"Ben, yours is almost evil looking with that half mouth and curved eyes. Rob did well making it look frightening."

"Well yes he did, but Joseph did good with yours too. You wanted a happy face. You have a smiling mouth with two front teeth! I like both of them! Mama? Which do you like best?" Ben asks as Delphie walks over to join them.

"I like them both as well, Ben. One scary and one happy. Who wants hot chocolate to have with your two Halloween treats? Remember we agreed on two tonight, and saving the rest for tomorrow after church."

"I do!" Both boys say in unison.

"Good, because I just decided to make some. You can tell us all about your night after your bath. You can go in together tonight. I think you can both fit together in the bathtub still." Delphie tells them.

"Did anyone play tricks on you?" She asks after the boys have changed into sleepshirts and are enjoying their drinks.

"Mitch and Mr. Axelrod did. Mitch said we had to come inside and polish all of the bars on the cells tonight. We reminded him we were not allowed back where the jail is. He pretended to be angry we couldn't do his assigned task." Ben tells his parents.

"What did Mr. Axelrod do?" Ethan asks curiously.

"He got all stuffy and blustery just the way he used to be long ago. He pretended to not know why we were even there. He even said we would be in trouble for being in town. Then he took us inside and gave us candy sticks plus a bag of broken cookie pieces!" George says.

"Papa? Is making a yarn web over a doorway a bad prank? Rob said it was not because someone could easily cut through it." George asks after having worried about it all night.

"I would agree with Rob, son. Did you two participate in this? Where was this yarn web?"

Swapping a brief look with Ben, George answers "Yes sir. It is at your office." before holding his breath. When Ethan just chuckles both boys breathe again.

"Well, I won't have to deal with it as Mitch is the one to lock up tonight. Did you participate in any other pranks?"

"We drew with soap on some windows. You said we could." Ben answers this time.

"I did indeed. Soaping windows is not a harmful prank. In fact, it is helpful as the windows will be cleaned when the soap is washed off. Did anyone catch you soaping windows?"

"No, Pa. We were very careful. We won't need to go back to wash their windows because nobody saw us!" Ben brags.

"I saw some kids get caught soaping the bank windows. They have to go tomorrow after church to wash them." George tells his brother.

"Did you see anyone doing or having done any harmful pranks, boys?"

"When we went to the General Store, someone had put syrup and feathers all over the steps. We couldn't get to the front door so we left. I don't know if that was harmful though." George tells his parents.

"Time for bed, you have thirty minutes to read, draw, or do something else that's quiet," Ethan tells his two sleepy-eyed youngest.

Walking home in the dark, Rob asks "Did you and Sarah have an argument tonight? You seem very quiet for someone who just spent time with their girlfriend."

"She is a friend and a girl but not my girlfriend. We are cousins, remember? I can't think of her as a future wife. No, we didn't have an argument."

"You are cousins in name only. Think about it. She is the daughter of the late Mr. Brandenburg and not Matthew Carroll. That means she is not related to you. To be real cousins both your and her parents would have to be related. Something is bothering you, I can tell. Did you sneak some kisses and someone saw? Are you afraid of Pa finding out?"

"Part of what you just said is true but not the kisses part. Rob, I did something really dumb earlier tonight. It has nothing to do with Sarah. I went along with a mean spirited prank and it got out of hand. I don't have a way to fix this."

"Soooo, the part I had right is you are afraid of Pa finding out? What is it you did and why can't you just undo it?"

"Remember me telling you about the problems with Frank Palmer? What he said about Mama and Mr. Davis?"

"Umm-hmm, he seems to be a kid with a giant chip on his shoulder and a big mouth. What did you do to him?"

"Nothing to him but to his house. Theo and I egged their porch and front steps. We threw flour and poured milk on them too. Theo put chicken droppings on top of the broken eggs, milk, and flour. It was such a mess! Not only that but when the sun hits it in the morning, it will really smell."

"Well, it was nice having you as my brother. I will take good care of your special things for you."

"I am not going anywhere! What are you talking about, Rob?"

"Do you remember the lecture we had tonight? Obedience and all that? The no harmful pranks part, maybe ring a bell? You are going to get killed when Pa learns of this. I just wanted to reassure you I will look after your things."

"You are just so funny! A regular vaudeville act! You could go on the circuit as a performer, you are just hilarious." Joseph tells his snickering brother in his best sarcastic voice.

"Thank you, Joseph. I found it funny myself!"

After walking in silence for awhile, Rob says "I hope you are not thinking of trying to go back to clean that up. I don't believe that would be possible after all this time. Flour, milk and eggs will just be like biscuit dough by now! Were you two planning to make biscuits on that porch?"

"I don't see how you find this so amusing. You should help me get out of this instead of making jokes and laughing."

"If I knew how to help, I would, Joseph. I am done with jokes, I swear. Do you plan to admit what you did, the way you said you admitted starting a fight?"

"Not this time. I plan to pray no one saw us or if we were seen they can not identify us. It's all I've thought of right now."

As the family often does, they go to the hotel restaurant after church services the following day.

Finished with the meal, the boys are allowed to order dessert while their parents savor their tea and coffee.

"I would like apple pie, please," George tells the waitress.

"Chocolate cake for me, get the biggest piece you have!" Ben commands only to hear his father say "Benjamin! Rephrase that immediately!"

Ducking his head to avoid the stern glare being directed his way, Ben swallows nervously before asking "Would you please bring me a piece of chocolate cake, Ma'am?"

"I would like a slice of chocolate cake as well, please." Joseph replies when asked for his order.

"Rob should've brought Amelia here instead of going to the boarding house for lunch. I wonder why he didn't." George comments quietly to his brothers while enjoying his dessert.

"They want to be alone, George. It is hard to smooch when you are in a crowded place." Ben declares keeping his voice low as his parents are busy with their own conversation.

"What do you know of smooching anyway, you're only eleven!" Joseph scoffs.

"Probably more than you! You are too much a fraidy cat to do it!" Ben retorts before wincing at the pain from being kicked under the table. Sliding down in his seat, he attempts to return the kick only to find Joseph has moved his legs.

"I outsmarted you! Next time keep your opinion to yourself as I do not want to hear." Joseph tells the now scowling boy, quietly.

"Children! Behave please."The boys hear Delphie scold. Not hearing their Pa add anything, the two boys risk a quick peek to the head of the table only to find Ethan gone. Looking around, they see him speaking with a woman gathering dirty dishes from a table several feet away.

"You three boys may go wait outside. No more arguing or your Pa will have a word with you. Do not stray from the front of the hotel."

"Yes, Mama." The boys answer before leaving the dining area.

Ethan walks the woman he is speaking with to their table.

"Mrs. Palmer, allow me to introduce my wife, Delphie. Delphie, this is Mrs. Palmer. You have been wishing to meet her. She is working an extra shift as usually, she is off on Sunday."

"Thank you for sending the food and clothes those weeks ago. My boys needed some clothes for school. You and the sheriff have helped me so much, I appreciate it."

"You are welcome. Residents in Paradise help each other. Did your children come to the Halloween activity here in town last night? Our boys enjoyed it."

"No ma'am. I didn't have time or fabric to create costumes. Speaking of Halloween, Sheriff, there was mischief at our home last night. Someone created a right mess on my front stairs. Broken eggs, flour, milk and animal droppings spread all over. That mess hardened and I can not get it off. Would you mind helping me find someone to clean it?"

"I will certainly help. Do you have any idea who the culprits are?"

"I saw them as they were leaving but was unaware of the mess at the time. One was wearing a bedsheet in some way. The other was wearing a box over a shirt and had a too small cap on his head. It's good there was a bright moon last night." Mrs. Palmer said not noticing Ethan stiffen at her description.

"Well, pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Cord. I must get those dishes cleaned."

"You as well. Have a good evening." Delphie replies.

Knowing what her scowling husband is thinking, she asks "Ethan? Do you really believe that Joseph is involved? It could be another boy wearing a box."

"I don't know what to believe but I aim to find out! Where are the boys? Let's get them home."

Having sent the boys to their rooms to change out of their Sunday clothes, Ethan goes upstairs to talk to Joseph.

"We need to talk. Did you notice the woman talking with me in the restaurant? Do you know her?"

"I did see her but I don't know her. Should I? Have I met her? I didn't mean to be rude by not greeting her. Mama told us to wait outside. I don't remember meeting her." Joseph answers, puzzled. He has the feeling his father is upset about something but can't figure out what that might be.

"Her name is Mrs. Palmer, Frank's mother. She reported her property was vandalized last night. Some boys threw eggs, milk, flour and droppings all over her front entrance. One of the boys was wearing a sheet and one was wearing a box and small cap. There was a nice moon early last night so she was able to see well."

Taking in the look of horror in his son's eyes, Ethan asks "Were you responsible for that destruction, young man?"

"Yes sir, I was one of them."

"Who was with you? Why did you do this? Was it just something you thought would be entertaining?" Ethan asks sternly.

"I didn't think it was fun and didn't want to do it at all. Theo said I couldn't let Frank get away with talking about Mama the way he did! He was getting by with it and that is not right, Pa! Theo had buckets of the things to use. He planned it but I went along."

"Thank you for your honesty. Two more questions. What were my instructions on playing pranks last night?"

"You said not to play any harmful pranks."

"When we discussed Frank's words, what did I tell you about seeking revenge?"

With a sigh, knowing from the questioning he is in deep trouble, Joseph replies "I was to let the adults handle Frank and not take matters into my own hands. I was not to seek revenge. But Pa, no one did anything! He got by with it! Just like him acting badly at school with the burning manure bag and everything else. He gets off without anyone doing anything!"

"It is not your place to decide his punishment. You are barely fifteen years old, not an adult. You also do not know the rest of the story. The boy has been punished for each and every act you listed."

Something in his father's tone has Joseph asking "Did you punish him?"

"That is not your business. Speaking of punishment, let us discuss yours. By your own words, you deliberately defied me! You knew you were not to behave in this manner but did so anyway. You will be going today to clean her front porch. Theo will do so as well. You will also be building a new set of steps and porch. To rectify destroying someone's property you will rebuild it. Beginning tomorrow, you will work two hours after school until you have removed and rebuilt stairs and front porch."

"Yes sir." Joseph replies beginning to move towards the doorway.

"Not so fast, Joseph. We are not finished. We also have the defiance. What is our family's punishment for deliberately defying what you are told?"

"You said two more questions, that is three questions." Joseph answers smiling, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Wrong answer and this is nothing to tease about, young man! Bend over the bed."

"Paaaa, please don't. I really am sorry. I told the truth, I didn't hide anything."

"It is because you told me the truth, you are not in the tack room right now! Destruction of property is against the law! You should know that." Ethan tells the boy.

Letting the boy up to rub his badly stinging behind. Ethan says "Let this be a strong reminder, DO NOT let others influence you to do things you know are wrong, Joseph! Doing so will lead to you being hurt and I don't mean just a sore bottom! Stand up for yourself and what you know is right. Are you understanding what I am telling you?"

"Yes sir, I do understand."

" For your sake, I truly hope you do. This is not the first or even second time you have let friends influence you to do something you knew was wrong. You have twenty minutes to compose yourself, wash your face, put on work clothes before coming down. You and I will pay a visit to the Blackstocks. Lawrence will hear of his son's participation in this destruction. Then I will take you both to the Palmers. You will give Mrs. Palmer a sincere apology!"

As Joseph is being interrogated, Rob and Amelia are exploring the property once belonging to his uncle.

"All of this land belongs to you now? You say your uncle used to live here? How did you become the son of Sheriff Cord if you have an uncle? I am confused."

"My real father, Will Jordan, became involved with some bad men. He may have committed some robberies when he was younger. I never have known if there is truth to those stories. Eventually, he started to work as a person who lay dynamite to blast open places where they were mining gold or silver. After that, he moved on to work at mining on his own claims in California. I was brought here to my Uncle Vernon, Pop's older brother, to stay. He raised me until I was fifteen. Vern was killed in a bank robbery that year. I was taken in by the Cord family as I was friends with Claire and Joseph. Vern had named Ethan my guardian. Later, Ethan adopted me. He seems to like adoption as the original four are his niece and nephews he adopted before I came along."

"The 'original four' is funny. That makes it sound as if you are a reprint of a book! So you went from being the only child to the oldest of five? That must have been different. Do you like being the eldest? I never had brothers or sisters. My mother couldn't have any more babies after me."

"It's only been three years, but I have liked it. They are easy to be around most of the time. Do you want to see where I will build my house? I have a spot already chosen. It isn't where the original foundation is. I picked a place closer to the oak trees. I want to have shade and protection from wind. Did you know you can buy a house precut and just put it together? I am going to do that right here." Rob explains showing her the land.

"Would the front face the trees? I think looking at these beautiful old trees every day would be wonderful. I can see standing at a kitchen sink with a window nearby to watch the children play under the trees. That long branch is perfect to hang a rope for a board swing!"

"Your words create pictures in my mind. Yes, this would be the front of the house."

"How many years before you will have the money to buy your house? Do you earn money working at the ranch? At least you do not have to save to buy land. Having this property of your own is grand. Oh! I am forgetting. I should not question your plans. As a female, that isn't proper! I truly am sorry Rob! Please forgive my forgetfulness! Proper young women should know their place!"

"Amelia, stop talking that way! That is not you. That is your so-called father talking! In my family, there is no 'place'. You have met my Ma, Delphie, right? She says whatever is on her mind and gives her ideas to Pa. He wants her input. Sometimes they disagree but they find compromises. I like that about her and it is one reason I liked you when we met. You aren't a silly proper girl worrying over what her place might be or what someone might think. You are a person with a mind who states what she thinks! Don't ever change that. It is what makes you different and special! If you knew my sister, Claire, you'd see she is much like you. She is not afraid to speak her mind either. She surges ahead for what she wants no matter the consequences or what others might think!"

"When you say 'no matter the consequences' it sounds as if she faced something unpleasant."

"Well not often, but a few times that I know of. I'll tell you the story of Joseph, Claire and the wolves another day. It is getting cooler, would you like to return to the boarding house?"

"As long as you remain to visit. I feel so comfortable around you. It's odd. I feel as if we have known each other forever not just weeks. We can't really count the months you were in Boston. The two letters we were able to share did not do much to keep us close. I had to be asking for your help to get away from him."

"I feel as if I have known you years as well. Next Sunday, plan to come to the ranch for lunch after church. I ate at your place this week, so you come to mine next week. Agreed?"

"Only if your Ma lets me help with the meal, Rob. You ask her and then tell me. I like having a chance to practice cooking."

"That will be fine. I will ask but I already know she will welcome you to cook with her! She is missing having another female in the house since Claire moved to Boston."

Joseph stands uncomfortably, listening as Ethan tells Mr. Blackstock the details of the night before.

"I have dealt with Joseph. He will be finding sitting to be something to avoid for the rest of the afternoon. I told him he will not only be cleaning off the mess these two made but also building new steps and porch. He will work two hours after school until the work is done. I feel some hard labor is a good penalty for breaking the law by destroying someone's property. Don't you agree?"

"I completely agree. Give me about twenty minutes to have a discussion with Theodore out back in the woodshed. I will have him at the Palmer's ready to work by one thirty. I apologize for him leading Joseph into trouble. After our discussion, I feel he won't be wanting to find ways to cause trouble for some time to come."

"Joseph?" Ethan asks suddenly.

"Sir?" Joseph asks, jumping a little at the sudden address.

"Did Theo force you to go along last night? Do you have control over your own actions?"

"No sir, I was not forced, I went willingly. I do have control of my own actions but chose not to listen to my conscience. I completely regret that choice now."

"So you see, Lawrence, Theo did not lead Joseph astray. He had a choice, he made the wrong one. Let's go, Joseph."

"Theo is going to be upset that I told on him. His Pa is fierce when he decides to punish the boys in the woodshed. I doubt Theo will speak to me now. Couldn't you just let me do all the cleaning and building? I may have lost my best friend!"

"If a friend gets angry and refuses to be reasonable over his own actions, then he is not much of a friend," Ethan tells the boy as they walk towards the Palmer house.

"I have known Theo just as long as you have. I do not believe he will end your friendship over this incident. He has no reason to blame you for his own behavior. Feel free to tell him that."

"Can I deck him if he starts in on me getting him in trouble with his Pa?"

"Sure you can, son."

"I can punch him?" Joseph asks again, completely shocked by Ethan's answer. Fighting is not allowed in his Pa's world.

"Didn't you just tell Mr. Blackstock you had control of your own actions? I heard you say you had a conscience as well. That would be where you said you chose not to listen to your conscience. Correct?"

"Yes, I said that."

"What would your conscience be telling you about your idea of possibly 'decking' your friend?" Ethan asks giving his son a side glance as they walk.

"Not to do it because fighting isn't allowed and it's not worth getting into more trouble."

"Eureka! I do believe you learned a valuable lesson today!" Ethan exclaims rubbing the boy's hair affectionately.

***** To read the story Rob mentioned, 'Joseph, Claire and the wolves', go to my story New Beginnings. The story is in chapters 37 and 38.