Forbidden love for a Barkley
Part three:
"Memories part 1; I can dream about you"
After Nick had returned home and got a brief lecturing by Victoria for being tardy and worrying her, he explained about his meeting Stefania to which Victoria was impressed by the girl despite not having met her just yet. Then, the conversation turned from Stefania to remembering the late Barkley patriarch which led to flashbacks of certain memories such as Victoria and Tom meeting, Nick's falling out with Tom a couple years before Tom was murdered, and Victoria remembering the day she found out Tom had been unfaithful to her which was before he would court Leah which would result in the birth of Heath. With these memories, what's next? Stay tuned!
Author's note: I do NOT own "The Big Valley" or the characters. I only own Leonard Barkley and Stefania Mangano. Also too, this chapter may be brief due to it focusing on the memories of Tom Barkley and dream sequences + since his birthday is coming up & well, the Barkleys are remembering him like they always do. That being said, if you don't like the flashbacks or anything then scroll on by, because I have NO time for rudeness or trolls!
Warning: This chapter contains corporal punishment in a flashback. If this "offends" anyone, then skip ahead or better yet, go away!
(Flashback to part 2)
"I heard about you and your little ladylove Kerry." Leonard chuckled.
"You what?! Oh no! Tell me, you didn't blab to Victoria." Tom had a look of horror on face. He knew if Leonard knew, he'd be a dead man when he would have to face Victoria.
"Oh, I'm dreadfully sorry, Tommy. Was I not supposed to tell?" Leonard laughed very loudly and slapped his knee.
Tom's eyes got bigger than they already were and he could feel his stomach drop. Knowing now that Victoria knew due to Leonard blabbing, he turned to see Victoria sitting in a chair behind him, hurt and betrayal written all over her face. Seeing this, he knew their marriage would most likely be over.
(Now, but still in the flashback)
Leonard couldn't help, but laugh at Tom's facial expression. He felt that in a few moments Victoria would divorce Tom and marry him.
"Victoria?" Tom finally spoke up after a few minutes of silence.
Victoria didn't say a word and instead got up and walked out of the saloon.
"Victoria! Victoria, wait!" Tom followed her.
*A few minutes later at Barkley Ranch*
Jarrod was in the study reading one of his books for law school while Nick was playing a game of pool. Audra and Eugene were out in the barn tending to the animals. After Nick hit another pool ball, he glanced over at Jarrod and shook his head.
"Jarrod, why don't you put that book down and-" Nick was cut off when the sound of a door slamming could be heard.
Jarrod, who also heard the door slam, put his book down and together with Nick, the brothers went out to see what was going on, but made sure to be hidden.
"Victoria, please talk to me!" Tom could be heard saying.
"I can't even look at you right now!" Victoria had her back turned to Tom and hands over her eyes.
"Victoria, please, you must listen to reason. I-I made a mistake." Tom started.
"A mistake? A mistake? For how long Thomas Wardell Barkley?! How long?!" Victoria slightly raised her voice.
Tom hesitated to answer her question.
"How long have you been seeing this woman? How long has this been going on under my nose behind my back?!" Victoria angrily asked.
"Okay, I cannot lie to you. I started seeing her four months ago." Tom answered in a very remorseful tone of voice.
"I don't believe this! I-I don't believe this, Tom! I mean how can-how can you do this to me? To our family? Our children?! How could you? Most importantly, why?!" Victoria still had her back turned to him.
"Victoria, it was an honest mistake. A very horrible, but honest mis-" Tom was cut off.
"I wouldn't care if it was a funny mistake or dishonest mistake or a plain mistake, Thomas Wardell Barkley! The fact is, you were still unfaithful! You've been courting a woman all the times you said that you were on the road or in Philadelphia or in Milwaukee or in Denver or in Washington or in Sacramento! No wonder you were never home! Which leads me to ask again, why would you behave in such an abhorrent and unethical way plus have lack of integrity?!" Victoria had tears in her eyes.
"Alright, you want the cold hard truth, Victoria?" Tom asked.
"Tom, I wouldn't give a damn hell if the truth was all bubbly, warm, and fuzzy, I just demand the truth!" Victoria tried to fight her tears back.
"Four months ago, you were so distant towards me for whatever reason I may never know. I decided to give you some space and just hang out at the saloon which led me to meet Kerry. Kerry was so nice to me and gave me solace when I felt lonely and like a nothing. Then, we started to be good friends. After that, one thing led to another and pretty soon, things took off before the blink of an eye. At first, it felt nice that I was getting attention, but after a while, it became such a drag. Kerry and I started fighting and pretty soon, we split up when she found out that I was a married man and that despite the little fling we had, I still loved you which is true. I still love y-" Tom was cut off, yet again.
"Oh, I don't want to hear your lies, Tom! You don't love me! If you loved me, you wouldn't have gotten together with her!" Victoria faced Tom and folded her arms.
"Victoria, I know what I did was wrong, awful, and all, but at least, I am coming clean about it and I feel remorseful about it." Tom told her.
"That doesn't mean a damn thing, Tom. You still cheated on me..." Victoria wiped her tears away, "And that...that doesn't just go away, Tom. You know, I used to think I could count on you, but after finding this out, I-I-"
"Victoria, don't say it, please. You know you could still count on me. Like I said, I know what I did was wrong and you have every right to be furious with me, but I want to make things right between us. I do. I really really do. If you'd give me that chance." Tom pleaded.
"I don't know, Tom. I don't know if I can give you a chance. I really don't." Victoria shook her head.
"Victoria..." Tom put his hand on her shoulder.
*Back to the present day*
"Mother. Mother? Mother? Mother? Mother!" Nick said about five times.
"Hmmm?" Victoria snapped out of her thoughts.
"I was asking if the nice cool breeze felt good?" Nick was still standing at the opened window.
"Oh yeah. It's...It's fine." Victoria nodded.
"You were thinking of father, weren't you?" Nick asked.
"Oh yes, but it wasn't really a pleasant memory that came to mind." Victoria sighed.
"Was it about the time you found out about Kerry?" Nick ran his hand through his hair.
"Yes, but I'd rather not relive that time." Victoria told him.
"I hear you, because Jarrod, Audra, Gene, and I all thought the marriage between you two was over." Nick nodded.
"Well, it almost was, but somehow or another, it must've been divine intervention, because your father really proved himself and was never unfaithful to me again until he got with Leah and the result was your brother Heath." Victoria looked at a framed picture of Heath on the fireplace mantle and smiled.
"Oh yeah. Well, I wish Heath knew father. Man, the closeness they could've had." Nick replied.
"I know. It breaks my heart that Leah didn't have the decency to tell Heath about your father being his father, but it's all water under the bridge now." Victoria said.
"That's true. Nothing any of us can do to change things." Nick stared out the window and let the cool breeze blow on his face.
"I hope Jarrod will be home soon for your father's birthday." Victoria went back to looking at the framed photo of Tom, again.
"I'm sure he will be. He never misses father's birthday." Nick reassured her.
Victoria spotted a framed picture of Tom and her with Jarrod on the day he opened his office when he first started practicing law.
*Flashback to that day*
Jarrod had just opened his law office. The sign read: 'Jarrod Barkley, attorney at Law'. He had long waited for the day he would bring his parents down to his office in order to reveal that, that was the surprise he talked about for weeks on end. Nick and Audra had made a bet; Nick bet that Jarrod would never ever show their parents the surprise let alone open his law office despite Jarrod insisting he would and Audra bet Jarrod would do both. Anyways, while Nick and Audra were back at the ranch, Jarrod, Tom, and Victoria had just arrived to the eldest Barkley son's law office. Albeit, Tom and Victoria had blindfolds on.
"Okay, we're here." Jarrod got out of the carriage.
"Where exactly is here, Jarrod?" Victoria was confused.
"Yeah, son. All we see is darkness." Tom added.
"Oh yeah. I forgot. Okay, mother, take my hand and I'll guide you down." Jarrod grabbed his mother's hand and guided her down off the carriage, then did the same for Tom.
"Jarrod, can we take our blindfolds off now?" Tom asked.
"What rhymes with peas, father?" Jarrod smirked.
"Jarrod." Tom said in a somewhat annoyed way.
"I'm just pulling your leg, father. You and mother can take your blindfolds off." Jarrod chuckled a little.
Tom and Victoria went ahead and took off their blindfolds. The moment they saw Jarrod's law office, their faces lit up with big smiles.
"Well?" Jarrod was anticipating what they were about to say.
"Jarrod, is this the surprise?" Victoria asked, while still staring at the sign.
"It sure is. Merry belated Christmas, mother & father." Jarrod smiled.
"Son, it's beautiful. Never did I ever expect this as a gift." Tom stared at the whole building with nothing, but pride in his eyes.
"You didn't?" Jarrod was confused.
"No, not at all. I thought the surprise was that you were going to dump your mother and me into some kind of hotel or facility or something." Tom laughed a little.
"Father, I wouldn't do that." Jarrod told him.
"I know. I'm just teasing. However, all jokes aside, I love it. Jarrod Barkley, attorney at Law. Who knew? Who knew our firstborn would be a lawyer someday?" Tom smiled at Jarrod.
"Who knew our little tiny baby Jarrod would grow up to be a lawyer with his own building? Who knew that, that adorable little baby had all of that knowledge up there?" Victoria started to choke up with emotions.
"Mother, don't cry. This is a happy occasion. Not a tragedy." Jarrod hugged his mother.
"Your mother isn't sad. She's happy just like I am." Tom hugged his eldest son, "That's my boy. No, that's our boy."
"We're proud of you, Jarrod." Victoria kissed Jarrod on the forehead.
"Thank you, mother and father." Jarrod was touched.
"Oh, wait'll Nick, Gene, and Audra hear of this." Victoria was so excited that she wanted to share the news.
*An hour later at Barkley Ranch*
After taking pictures of Tom having some fun in Jarrod's office like sitting at Jarrod's desk, holding a folder with papers, pretending that he was writing something, and the likes, the Barkley trio rode back to the ranch and had just arrived. While they were approaching the front door & chatting up a storm, Nick and Audra were waiting in the main foyer. It was obvious that the both of them were going back and forth on who won the bet and who lost the bet.
"I tell you, Audra, I already won the bet." Nick sounded a bit cocky.
"In your dreams, Nick. In your dreams, because I believe the new winner of bets is me, myself, I, and Audra Barkley." Audra was getting ready to gloat.
"Yeah, right. Eat my dust!" Nick shot back at her.
"You eat my dust!" Audra playfully slapped his arm.
Before Nick could say anything, the door opened and in came Tom, Jarrod, and an ecstatic Victoria.
"Well?" Audra asked.
"Oh, you guys, it's-Where's Gene?" Victoria looked around for Gene.
"Oh, he rode into town. He'll be back in a while." Nick told her.
"Well, this can't wait another second." Victoria was too excited to wait.
"What is it, mother?" Audra was curious.
"Your father and I got the biggest surprise of our lives..." Victoria took a deep breath, "Your brother Jarrod opened his law office!"
"That's wonderful news! Congratulations, Jarrod." Audra smiled at Jarrod and her parents, before turning to Nick and holding her hand out, "Pay up and prepare to be my servant for a whole two months."
"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10! There! I hope ya choke on it!" Nick counted the money very fast, before sticking his tongue out at her.
Victoria and Jarrod looked at each other, rolled their eyes, facepalmed, and shook their heads.
"And what was that, that just took place, Audra and Nick?" Tom raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, Nick and Audra made a bet & now Nick just lost and he's mad that he lost." Jarrod told him.
"Uh huh. What kind of bet?" Tom folded his arms and glared at the brother/sister duo.
"Nick bet I wouldn't open my law office & show it to you and mother. Audra bet I'd do both and she won the bet." Jarrod tried to hold back any laughter that could come out.
"Snitching, Jarrod? Snitching?" Nick's eyes shot daggers at his older brother.
"MmmmHmmm..." Tom said, before walking over to Nick and Audra & confiscating the money from both of them.
"Ah c'mon, father! I won that fair & square!" Audra sounded a little whiny.
"Hey! Some of, if not all of that happens to be mine!" Nick protested.
"Very interesting, because it happens to be mine now." Tom took the money and put it in his pocket.
Nick and Audra started to talk and protest at the same time, but it was so indistinct that nobody could understand them.
"Oh Tom, give them their money back." Victoria chimed in.
"Victoria, please." Tom said, before turning to Nick and Audra & whistling very loudly.
Nick and Audra stopped their indistinct protesting almost immediately.
"Good! Now, that bet on your brother Jarrod was not overly nice or mature & as a reprimand, not only am I taking the money away, but you two are going to be doing your chores plus Jarrod's chores here on this ranch & being my servants for four whole months. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" Tom laid out Nick and Audra's reprimanding & waited for an answer.
Nick and Audra didn't answer.
"I said do I make myself perfectly clear?" Tom asked, again, this time for firm than before.
"Yes, sir." Nick and Audra said at the same time.
"Good! Your tasks start tomorrow. However, as of now, I'm going to go put the money away where you two will not be able to reach it and then once Gene gets back, we're having dinner." Tom said, before walking off.
*Back to the present day*
"Mother. Mother?" Nick called out, again.
"Yes, Nick?" Victoria looked up at him after once again, snapping out of her thoughts.
"Did you have another memory of father playing in your head?" Nick asked.
"Oh yes. I was looking at that picture taken of your father, Jarrod, and me the day Jarrod showed us his law office. Plus, I also thought about you and Audra making that bet." Victoria still had her eyes on that picture.
"Oh, how can I forget that? Father was very annoyed almost mad that Audra and I would make a bet." Nick chuckled.
"I still cannot believe your father reprimanded you and Audra like that." Victoria smiled and shook her head.
"Neither can I. In fact, now that I think about it, I would've preferred to have been Audra's servant for the two months we agreed on." Nick told her.
"Really, Nick?" Victoria raised an eyebrow.
"No! On second thought, no!" Nick shook his head after thinking about how that would've panned out for just a few brief minutes.
"That's what I thought, son." Victoria nodded.
"Gee, father and I look real happy!" Nick chuckled after he spotted a framed picture of Tom and him looking not so happy to be around each other. The picture just so happened to be taken during a time where Tom and Nick fell out.
"Oh, I remember when that picture was taken considering that I took it. I never thought I would get you and your father near each other without wanting to kill each other or hurl insults at each other." Victoria stared at the picture as did Nick.
*Flashback to that time*
It had been over a year since Tom and Victoria reconciled after they had separated due to her finding out about Tom's mistress Kerry Doherty. The news not only affected Tom and Victoria's relationship & marriage, but it also affected Jarrod, Nick, Audra, and Gene, especially Tom and Nick's closeness (Yes, in this fic, Tom & Nick had that close father/son relationship bond. Don't like? Go Away! Okay, back to the story). While Victoria and the rest of the Barkley children managed to forgive Tom & move past it all, Nick just couldn't bring himself to just forgive and forget all that had happened. Who could blame him? His own father had cheated on his mother and while part of Tom seemed remorseful, the other part kept on making excuse after excuse which Nick found to be totally unacceptable and nothing absolutely nothing was going to change Nick's mind on how he felt about it all. Not even his mother or his siblings pleading with him was going to make him just wash his hands of the situation and act like nothing had happened. In return, Tom understood Nick's anger, but also felt that his younger son was being unfair at the same time since Victoria and the other Barkley children had forgiven him.
The feud between the two men had been going on for a year almost reaching two years and it was about to boil over as most feuds eventually end up doing. Tom had grown sick and tired of Nick avoiding him and giving him the cold shoulder. In other words, enough was enough and it was time to put the feud to bed once and for all. Today was going to be the day Tom made up with Nick whether the younger Barkley liked it or not.
"Victoria, where is Nick?" Tom had finished lunch and wiped his mouth with the towel.
"Outside in the barn." Victoria took a sip of her tea.
"That's all I needed to know." Tom stood up and headed outside.
*Outside*
Nick was in the midst of sweeping when he saw a hand grab the broom. Knowing who's hand it was, Nick got a look of anger on his face.
"What do you want?!" Nick barked.
"I want to talk to you, Nick." Tom told him.
"Interesting, because I have absolutely nothing to say to you!" Nick replied, very angrily.
"Nick, I'm tired of playing these games and being ignored plus trying to avoid fights. I believe you've been mad long enough and given me the cold shoulder long enough that it is about time we sat down and talked like civilized people." Tom was clearly ready to bury the hatchet and hoped against hope that Nick would finally put his (Tom's) bad behavior in the past for good.
"Really? You should've thought about that before you cheated on mother...Tom!" Nick gritted his teeth.
"Tom?! Now, wait a minute! Wait a minute, young man!" Tom was surprised that Nick would call him by his first name instead of 'father'.
"Wait a minute nothing! You're not worthy of being called 'father'! What you did to mother was so unforgivable, reprehensible, unethical, and disgusting that I am ashamed to call you my father! In fact, I'm disappointed in you!" Nick threw the broom aside and folded his arms, even glaring at his father.
"I'm not worthy of being called 'father'?! Nick, I have to say that, that hurts. That hurts coming from you." Tom was hurt by those seven words Nick just said. Who could blame Tom? It would be heartbreaking if a child no matter the age said that to their parent.
"Oh really? Says the same man who hurt my mother by cheating on her. Did you ever for once realize how hurt mother would be and was when she found out? No, of course not. You just think of yourself and your needs. You never once thought of her!" Nick still glared at his father.
"Nick, for heaven's sake, I apologized to your mother. I made it up to her and swore on my honor that I would never do that, again & guess what? She believes and trusts me. Yes, it took her some time, but we're at a better stage in our marriage. Plus, Jarrod, Gene, and Audra have since forgiven me." Tom pointed out.
"Yeah, that's Jarrod, Audra, Gene, and mother. That's not me!" Nick fired back.
"And why not? Why?" Tom asked.
"Because I am not the forgive and forget pretend like nothing ever happened type of guy. I'm not that way at all! I thought you knew me by now!" Nick shook his head in disgust.
"Nick-" Tom was cut off.
"And furthermore, I do not nor will I ever understand why they just forgave you all of a sudden. I mean if my future spouse ever did that to me, I'd leave them in a heartbeat." Nick added.
"Nick, I-" Tom was cut off, again.
"I don't understand you, Tom. I don't understand you at all! Why? Just why would you do mother like that?! Why?! Plus, why does she even stay with you?! It'll only be a matter of time until you hurt her, again! It'll only be a matter of time! Once a cheater, always a cheater! A dirty nasty rotten cheater and that's what you are! That's what you are! You're no longer the greatest guy we all, especially I thought you were. You're a disgrace to the family & I do not have time for those who are disloyal to our family. Unfortunately, you have proven yourself to be very very disloyal to our family by doing what you did." Nick had been holding this in for over a year and was ready to finally release all of this built up frustration. He wasn't going to pull punches or stop at anything now.
"Just like that, I'm a disgrace in your eyes?!" Tom snapped his fingers.
"You know you are and you might've gotten mother and the others to forgive you by putting on your good guy charm or smooth talk or whatever, but you're not going to pull a fast one on me. Nick Barkley is not I repeat NOT to be made a fool of by anybody, even you." Nick said his thoughts out loud.
"So, I'm a disgrace, huh? Well, this disgrace has loved you since day number one. When you were born, you were practically lifeless. Just lifeless and in a rush, I took you outside to the trough and dunked you in the cold water about three times before slapping your backside in order to get you to cry. Thank heavens it worked! Plus-" Tom sounded like he was on the brink of tears.
"Oh, cry me a river! That story doesn't change a thing! Yeah, you saved my life and at that time, you thought about your family, but time has gone by and you sure changed from being that family man to a philanderer & I have too much pride and dignity to kiss up to you and forget it ever happened." Nick walked over to a horse, grabbed a brush, and began brushing its mane.
"So, you have too much pride and dignity, huh? Now, we're getting to the bottom of it all." Tom walked over to the horse and stood on the other side of it.
"Damn right! I have too much pride and dignity to kiss up to you." Nick kept on brushing the horse's mane.
"Nick, why don't you just swallow your pride and let's make up, hmmm? I know deep inside you want to bury the hatchet & you cannot deny it any longer." Tom had a feeling that beneath all of that pride and hard shell, Nick did indeed want to make up with him and put the feud to bed. On the same token, he also knew that getting Nick to admit it and do it was going to be a big fight. After all, his son was very very bullheaded and wouldn't go down without a fight, something he inherited from Tom himself.
"No! I will never swallow my pride and just forgive & forget. I would rather get hurt badly from falling off a horse than do that! Now, I do not intend to carry on a long conversation with the man who cheated on my mother. Excuse me." Nick was bound and determined to show his father that he was not to be made a fool of and it would take more for him to forgive him for what he did, if ever. Who could blame Nick? If it was one thing he was known for, it would be his fierce loyalty to his family & if somebody hurt his family whether it be a friend, acquaintance, stranger or even a relative, well they were on his list. End of story.
"Alright. Alright, Nick. Talking to you isn't going to do a bit of good nor is it going to accomplish anything. I've tried to be reasonable with you and even gave you some time to take a breather on things. I respected your need for space, but darn it, I've had it up to here with your attitude and you giving me the cold shoulder. I've had it, Nick!" Tom was growing frustrated with his son.
"You can have it to the sky above for all I care!" Nick put the brush down, grabbed a stool and bucket, and walked over to a cow, "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to milk Mary-Ellen."
"Mary-Ellen can wait! This is important." Tom walked over to the cow.
"Why? She's never hurt anybody!" Nick sat down on the stool, put the bucket underneath Mary-Ellen's utters, gently grabbed one of them, and started to milk her.
"Nick, would you knock that off?!" Tom raised his voice.
"Ohhh! Now, look what you made me do! Ah, great!" Nick accidentally squirted himself in the face with one of Mary-Ellen's utters.
"I made you do it? Nick, you did it to yourself. I didn't guide your hand or anything like that." Tom pointed out the obvious.
"Ugh! I'm sorry, Mary-Ellen. I'll milk ya, later." Nick stood up from the stool and walked out of the barn, Tom following him.
"Nick..." Tom walked up to his son who was cupping water from the trough into his hands and splashing it into his face.
"Would you leave me alone?!" Nick growled.
"No, I won't leave you alone. I left you alone for over a year and that ends now." Tom sighed, "I know talking to you isn't going to do a bit of good. Like your grandfather told me, raising the voice won't do any good. There comes a time to raise the..."
"Raise the what? Your hand? I'd just love to see you do just that! I'd just love it!" Nick almost sounded as if he was taunting his father.
"Don't tempt me, son! Do not tempt me, because I have a good mind to take you over my knee and give you a good hard spankin'!" Tom sounded firm.
"You wouldn't dare! I'm taller than you and I'm an adult!" Nick scoffed.
"Not too much tal-Nick, I do not care whether or not you're taller or that you're an adult. I'm still your father whether you like it or not. I understand you being mad at me, but you have no right to be downright disrespectful & as your father, I believe I may have to teach you some manners and respect all over again." Tom was not going to take any more of Nick's attitude and was determined to put a stop to their feud, even if he had to teach Nick manners and respect again.
"You wish! Now, out of my way!" Nick went to go back into the barn.
"You're not going anywhere until we settle this dispute." Tom told him.
"I said out of my way!" Nick inadvertently pushed Tom to the ground.
"I tried to be nice to you, but you severed the line this time." Tom slowly stood up and grabbed Nick by the wrist.
"What the-What are you doing?! Take your hand off my wrist!" Nick tried to pry his wrist out of his father's grip.
Tom spotted a bench about 10 feet away from the trough then looked back at Nick.
"You can't be..." Nick paused.
"I think a little re-teaching of not only respect and manners, but about who's the father and who's the child are exactly what you have needed in a long long time." Tom led Nick to the bench and sat down.
"You can't be serious! Like I said, I'm an adult! You can't do this!" Nick protested once again after realizing he may have called his father's bluff and his father was about to show him that he wasn't bluffing at all.
"Oh, I'm as serious as a wounded leg that needs to be amputated!" Tom hauled his son over to the bench, "I hate to do this, but what has to be done, just has to be done."
The next thing that happened surprised both Barkley men, because before the blink of an eye, Tom had Nick over his lap like a child, put one hand on his back, and raised the other.
"You'll be sorry! You'll regret this! You'll regret the day you became my father!" Nick, true to nature, fought the impending punishment by squirming and kicking his legs.
"Oh, bellyache and fight all you want! It won't do you any good. You've been crucifying me for over a year and now, you're going to be taught a valuable lesson!" Tom managed to settle Nick's squirming and kicking when he delivered the first hard smack, followed by many more.
Nick would normally scream out loud and try to get his way out of it by pleading his case, but that was when he was a child. Things were different now and he had too much pride & dignity to scream out and beg his father to stop. Nope, not a snowball's chance. For that part, he was going to stay silent and be as stubborn as he possibly could be, even if the punishment dragged into the evening. With his pride and dignity at stake, he kept on squirming and kicking plus fighting.
"Nicholas Jonathan Barkley, you're (smack!) gonna (smack! smack!) hold still (smack!) and (smack!) accept what's been (smack! smack! smack! smack!) long overdue!" Tom applied nine hard swats.
Nick still kicked, fought, and squirmed. There was no way he was going to accept this punishment, especially from the same man who had cheated on his mother. With that still on his mind, the spanking made the younger Barkley more pissed than he already was with his father. After all, when push came to shove, Nick pushed back harder & was never one to give anybody any type of satisfaction whatsoever.
Seeing this, Tom just shook his head and kept spanking his son. He knew sooner or later, Nick would crack or as he'd put it "come to his senses". After all, Nick couldn't hold a grudge forever or so Tom hoped.
*Back inside*
At the window facing the barn, Jarrod, Audra, and Gene stood there and watched the entire thing unfold. Despite trying their hardest, each sibling was letting out a little laughter. Nobody could fault them, because it was a sibling thing to do. Laugh at the one who was being punished.
"Maybe father will smack sense into Nick." Gene said while biting his lip in order to prevent any more laughter from coming out.
"Nick's gonna be pretty sore for a while." Audra added.
"He's not going to forget this for a long time!" Jarrod tried to sound serious, but was failing terribly.
"Hey! Silas is going out there." Audra saw Silas walking out to where Tom and Nick were.
"I see that. He might be offering father and Nick some ice water." Gene suggested.
Jarrod chuckled and shook his head.
"Okay, it looks like father said he'll have some kind of drink and is now pointing at a piece of wood. A small piece of wood." Audra tried to make out what Silas and Tom were talking about.
"I can't imagine why he would need that small piece of wood." Jarrod said in a sarcastic way before chuckling some more.
"Uh oh! Silas just handed it to father and now it looks like he may be coming back inside." Gene chimed in.
Pretty soon, the door opened and in came Silas followed by the sound of the wood whacking Nick's backside repeatedly. Then before anyone could blink an eye, Nick was heard screaming loudly.
Jarrod, Audra, and Gene kept their attention focused on the scene that was continuing to unfold.
Victoria stood far behind them and cringed at her son's screams and the sound of the wood being brought down onto his backside repeatedly, despite knowing that Tom was trying to make some headway & hopefully bury the hatchet with Nick. Even though she never always agreed with Tom's methods of doing so, it was the end results that mattered.
*Back outside with Tom and Nick*
Tom was spanking Nick with the piece of wood as hard as he could with full force. He wasn't going to let up any time soon and nothing was going to sway him, not even Nick's screams.
Nick was cursing himself over and over and over for screaming. After all, his pride and dignity were on the line & he promised himself that he wouldn't let out as so much as a peep, yet he was screaming. Sure, he wasn't begging for it to end or on the brink of tears, but he was still making sounds. So much for the vow to be silent, right? Then again, who could be silent when their backside was starting to sting? While still cursing himself for screaming, Nick kept on fighting, squirming, and kicking. Who knows? It may get the older Barkley to give up and realize that the younger one was going to stand his ground and not accept this punishment whether he liked it or not.
"Hold still, Nick!" Tom said in between whacks.
"Never! You'll be sorry you did this!" Nick still kicked his legs and even made a move to stand up.
"I'll be sorry? I highly doubt that!" Tom tightened his grip on Nick and held him down, "Now, get still and take this punishment!"
"I'll never get still! Never!" Nick protested and fought harder, "I don't deserve this at all! In fact, you can't do this! You have no right whatsoever! If you should be punishing anybody, you should be punishing yourself!"
"I have no right? I have no right? Look little one, in case you have terribly forgotten which you have and in case you need a little reminder which you are getting, I'm your father and it is my right. In fact, it's my God given right to punish you (whack!) any way I feel (whack! whack!) is necessary (whack!). Which, I believe this is more than necessary. It's long overdue." Tom laid down more hard whacks.
"Long over-I'm not a child! Ouch! I'm not four anymore!" Nick yelped much to his own chagrin.
"I know you're not four, but you're not behaving any better. Truth be told, you're behaving worse than a four year old." Tom told him.
"Worse? How? By being disappointed in you and your unethical behavior regarding mother? That's worse than a four year old? Seems justifiable to me." Nick bit back while shaking his head.
"Nick, for heaven's sake, I have apologized for everything. I apologized to your mother, you, and your siblings! I have gone through hell and back for over a year in order to try and get back into good terms with all of you and while your mother & the rest forgave my misgivings, you still haven't and don't give me any more of this whole 'I need to prove myself' or you need more time to forgive me, because I'm not buying it one bit, Nick. Not one bit. I know you well enough to know that deep down inside you already have forgiven me, but due to your pride and dignity plus your ego, you just can't admit that you have forgiven my misdeed. You have too much of a fragile ego to admit it. So, instead you have decided to treat me like dirt. There's no two ways about it. You've been treating me like dirt and even shut me out of your life. I have taken it for so long, but as you can see, I'm not taking it any longer." Tom poured out some of his heart and was really showing how hurt he really was by Nick's treatment, "Nick, you need to realize that I'm only human. I make mistakes like the next guy and the guy before me, but unlike everybody else, I'm doing my best to rectify this latest mistake and avoid future ones. I love you, your siblings and your mother. You all are my whole world and while I understand your feelings about it, I wish you'd realize it."
"Save it! Your little sob story or whatever is not going to change my mind. You can try every trick in the book, but I'm not going to instantly forgive you & if you think I am, you're wrong." Nick wasn't having any of it nor was his father pouring out half of his heart going to make him just drop it like it never happened.
"Nick, what do you want from me then? What is it you want from me? It's obvious that (whack!) I can't reason (whack! whack!) with you. So, please tell me what it is you want from me and let's go from there." Tom delivered three whacks.
"What do I want? Man, I wish I had a dollar for every time somebody asked that question." Nick sighed.
"Nick, you're not helping." Tom said with frustration.
"What do I want you ask? I just want to know that you'll never hurt our family ever again, but then again, what difference does it matter now? It's moot point!" Nick replied.
"What do you mean it's moot point?" Tom asked.
"Once a cheater, always a cheater. A rose is a rose is a rose is a rose. You say how much you love our family and how mother is the love of your life, yet you did what you did, so how do any of us, especially me, myself, and I believe anything you'll say? How do we, I myself in particular, know you're saying the God's honest truth and will stand by it? You didn't stand by your vows to mother or by your promises to us as a father." Nick retorted. He had a point, because while Tom may be saying stuff they all want to hear, how would any of them know he truly meant it? He could falter and cheat once again or worse. So, how did any of the Barkleys know that the patriarch spoke the truth?
"Nick, we have been over this time and-" Tom was cut off.
"I know, but father, what you don't really care to understand is..." Nick took a deep breath and kept going, "For the first time in my life, the very first time, I can't trust you. I can't trust you with anything, possibly my life included. I always trusted you and looked up to you, but after what you did to mother and all of us, I can't with a good conscience do that now. I can't trust you and that hurts way worse. I mean if somebody can't trust their own father, their own flesh and blood, well they can't trust anybody else."
Tom took a moment to let Nick's words sink in. Those words cut very deep and made the older man start to understand & realize where the younger man was coming from. Even though, he knew his actions hurt everybody, he never expected Nick would feel this way and to this extent. Then again, he didn't have the close bond with his other children that he had or once had with Nick, so upon realizing how Nick truly felt & letting it sink in, this was all to be expected and it all started to make sense. On the other hand, though, Tom did something nobody else would ever do by giving it his all to truly make it up to his wife and children plus right his wrong. He did everything in his power to answer for and rectify his actions which really didn't give Nick any right to treat him like dirt. After all, he was only human and surely Nick would realize that.
"Well? Are you thinking about what I said or do you simply not care?" Nick asked in a snide way.
"I care, Nick. I truly care and you are going to learn that not only do I care, but I love all of you plus you're going to learn that it is not okay to treat me like dirt and you're also going to learn to swallow your pride for once in your life." Tom resumed the punishment.
"Owwww! Ooh! Owwww! Owwww!" Nick yelled after each whack.
"Nick, I want to bury the hatchet between us and make things right, but I can only do so much. You (whack!) need to (whack! whack!) do your part and (whack! whack! whack! whack!) work with me (whack!). I know you can and I know (whack!) deep down inside, you want to as well (whack!), but with your pride, dignity, and ego preventing you from doing so has not only made (whack!) manners worse (whack! whack! whack!), it has made you very (whack!) difficult to (whack!) live with!" Tom went a little harder than before, "And before you say a word, I'm not the only one who has noticed it (whack!). Your brothers have noticed it (whack!). Your sister has noticed it (whack!) and your mother has noticed it (whack! whack! whack!)."
"Ouch! Oooh! Ouch! I am not four years old! Plus, just how do I know I can trust you again?" Nick was still fighting, kicking, and squirming.
"Well, you're just going to have to do your part by putting your big boy pants on and work with me on rebuilding our closeness. Like I've said before and I'll say again and again, I understand why you have been angry, but it didn't give you any right to treat me horribly. I am your father and darn it, you will respect me." Tom slightly raised his voice, only to use his regular voice so there wouldn't be any busybodies listening, "I love you, Nick and I want to rebuild our close bond. I worked hard to rebuild my relationship with your mother, Jarrod, Audra, and Gene and I am working hard to do the same with you. You need to do your part and work with me!"
As Tom continued the spanking, Nick started thinking about everything he said and slowly let it sink in. Maybe his father meant every word. Who knows? Maybe Tom really was sorry for what he did and was promising to never repeat such an infraction ever again. With those thoughts slowly coming to his mind and in a rare moment of his softness beginning to show, Nick started to realize not only how badly he had been treating his father, but how much it would mean to his siblings and his mother if he swallowed his pride and also made the move to forgive Tom & work on their relationship. Besides, nobody liked it when family fought and in Tom's mind, since Nick was known for his family loyalty, he should stand by it & give him another chance rather than go on with the disrespect and cold shoulder.
"Nick, you're a charming young man. I raised you better than this. I raised you not to treat people like dirt, even when you're mad at them." Tom said, as he applied more whacks.
"Owwww! Alright! Alright! Alright! I'll swallow my pride and work with you on our relationship." Nick reluctantly decided to swallow his pride, though it was extremely hard for him to do and muttered the last part under his breath.
"What was that?" Tom paused the punishment.
"I'll swallow my pride and work with you on our relationship. Ya happy?!" Nick gritted his teeth.
Tom, clearly not satisfied due to Nick copping an attitude, resumed the punishment.
"Owww! Owww! Owww! Owww! Owwww! Okay, Okay, I'm sorry for the attitude." Nick was really starting to feel the stinging of the punishment. Clearly, it was beginning to have its desired effect.
"Are you really?" Tom kept the piece of wood raised.
"Yes." Nick told him.
"Are you also sorry for treating me like dirt?" Tom asked.
Nick, desperately wanting it to be over plus embarrassed due to having to swallow his pride and his soft side coming out, started to cry. He began cursing himself for crying, because it wasn't like Nick Barkley to cry.
Seeing this, Tom, convinced that Nick, in one of his many rare moves, swallowed his pride and wanted to bury the hatchet finally, delivered five more whacks before tossing the wood aside, letting his son up, and hugging him. While glad that they can start to move forward and not have the tension, Tom & Nick both knew this would be a moment neither of them would ever forget and it wouldn't be the last time discipline/tough love would be instilled.
*Back to the present day*
"I never thought you and your father would make up after that." Victoria kept staring at the picture of Tom and Nick during that period.
"I still cannot believe he spanked me. I mean he really spanked me that time and that was the first time since he walloped my behind when I was 15." Nick cringed.
"Well, no matter how old your child is, they're still your baby and you still can discipline them in any way you feel. That being said, although I did not always agree with your father's methods of discipline and dealing with everything, the end results are what matter the most." Victoria put her hand on Nick's arm, "When you become a parent, you'll understand."
"I already understand, mother but I get your point." Nick sighed, before leaning back in his chair, "I sure am glad father and I made up & improved our relationship."
"To be honest, we all were." Victoria looked up at the clock, "Good heavens! 10:30 at night already? Wow! Time sure flies by when you're having fun."
"You bet it does. Especially, when you're having fun or in our case at the moment, remembering a special somebody." Nick looked back at the framed picture of Tom. The same framed picture that Victoria held close to her just hours earlier.
"I don't know about you, but I'm going to bed." Victoria stood up and kissed her son on the head, "Goodnight."
"Night, mother." Nick said.
*A few moments later*
Nick was still sitting in the chair he sat in earlier, only he was in his night shirt this time. It was obvious that he couldn't sleep for two reasons; One, he was thinking about his late father and two, he was also thinking about Stefania and what all they had planned for tomorrow. As he thought more and more about Stefania, Nick started to realize that maybe his mother was right. Maybe he was taking a strong liking to her as more than just a friend. Who knows? Only time could tell.
"You okay, Nick?" Audra came down the stairs and walked into the parlor room.
"Ahhh! Audra, don't do that. You know I hate it when people sneak up on me!" Nick jumped a little, snapping out of his thoughts.
"What do you want me to do? Send a telegram scheduling an appointment?" Audra joked.
Nick gave her a look of disapproval before chuckling and shaking his head.
"Anyways, you still haven't answered my question." Audra sat down in the chair next to his.
"Yes, I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be?" Nick replied.
"You're down here looking at family photos of when father was alive." Audra picked up one of the photos.
"Is there a law against that?" Nick snarked.
Audra gave him her "seriously?!" look, followed by an annoyed sigh.
"I'm kidding. I'm kidding! Take a joke!" Nick playfully slapped her arm.
Audra still sported the look and stayed silent, before smirking and rolling her eyes.
"Anyways, since you have to know-" Nick was cut off.
"Since I have to know? What does that mean?" Audra placed a hand on her hip.
"Don't start. Anyways, since you have to know and deserve to know, I'm alright. I appreciate the concern, though. However, seeing as father's birthday is coming up and I don't know if you've heard, but I met a girl named Stefania & right now at this very moment both Stefania and father are on my mind." Nick looked at the same picture of Tom that he and Victoria were laser focused on moments earlier.
"You met a girl?" Audra looked up at Nick.
"You made that sound as though you didn't believe me." Nick looked at Audra for a second before looking back at the photo.
"Nick, you've met dozens of girls before and never once admitted to having them on your mind." Audra pointed out.
"Well, this time just may be different." Nick told her.
"How so?" Audra asked.
"I met Stefania right around the time of father's birthday. Something that has never ever happened before. I mean I've met girls here and there, but never around the time of anything significant like the holidays, birthdays, the anniversary of father's death, or father's birthday." Nick replied.
"I see what you mean and I also see that every time you have mentioned Stefania by name so far, you blush a little." Audra noticed that Nick was beginning to blush.
"I'm not blushing. It's hot in here. I need to open a window." Nick once again denied he was blushing.
"Nick, you may have fooled mother, but you're not fooling me, you're not going to fool Heath, and when Jarrod gets back from San Francisco, you won't be fooling him especially after he uses his "Pappy" voice and turns into "Pappy". Heck, you wouldn't even fool Gene if he were here instead of out there in the south seas after he had finished college and you wouldn't have fooled father if he were still alive. Now, you're blushing and do not try to deny it." Audra set a photo down on the table and folded her arms, sporting a mother-like look on her face.
"Ohhh! Fine, I am blushing but it's due to the fact that it is boiling in this house. I mean what do we live in? A furnace?!" Nick still tried to hide the real reason for his blushing by fanning himself with his night shirt.
"Nick..." Audra was not buying any of what Nick just said.
"What?! It's hot in here! Like somebody opened the gates of hell and let the flames escape into the house!" Nick insisted.
"Nick!" Audra sported her "it's not working" look.
"I'm glad you know my name. I was afraid you were starting to forget." Nick smirked.
Audra still had that same look on her face and her arms remained folded.
"Audra, did Jarrod, Gene, Heath or I ever ask you these questions whenever you took fancy to a guy?" Nick tilted his head to the side and raised his eyebrows.
"Well, no..." Audra was cut off.
"I rest my case then." Nick leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the table.
"Ohhh!" Audra sounded more annoyed than she was a few seconds ago, before turning her attention to a picture of Tom helping Nick, "Awwww!"
"What?" Nick slightly sat up.
"Oh, I remember this moment and time." Audra showed him the picture, "Father is helping you into the house or was in the process of doing so when this picture was taken."
"Let me see that." Nick takes the picture and looks at it, "Oh yeah. Heh! I had forgotten about this. I had just fallen off of father's black stallion Eustace and badly broke my leg."
"After father said to not even go near him due to the fact that he got easily spooked." Audra interjected.
"Oh, have some class!" Nick shot her another look.
*Flashback to that time*
It had been a week since Tom had rescued his black stallion Eustace from an abusive owner and life of neglect. That being said, even though Eustace was having a far much better life with the Barkleys, he still suffered emotional wounds and trust issues due to his life of abuse and neglect which because of that, he would get spooked every time any of the Barkleys would approach him. Because of this, Tom warned all of them, especially Nick and Audra to not go near Eustace without him accompanying them. However, despite all of Tom's warnings, Nick decided to go out into the barn and both brush Eustace's mane & take him for a ride. Why would Nick want to take Eustace instead of his own horse Goldie? (Yes, before Coco, in this fic, Nick had a previous horse named Goldie. Go with it! Any hoo, back to the story!). Well, the reason he would take Eustace instead of his own horse was, because Goldie was pregnant and he didn't feel it would be right to take a pregnant horse out for a ride.
Nick grabbed a brush and his saddle, before making his way to where Eustace was.
Eustace stopped eating hay and looked up when he heard Nick's footsteps.
"Morning, Eustace. How about a little brushing of that mane then a little ride?" Nick got very close to Eustace and gently petted him, before beginning to brush his mane.
Eustace snorted and kept on eating the hay.
*Meanwhile, inside the house*
Lunch had been served and one by one, the Barkleys piled into the dining room and sat at their respective places.
"Okay, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...Wait a minute!" Tom counted heads at the table, only to stop abruptly.
"What's the matter, Tom?" Victoria asked.
"We're short a Barkley, Victoria." Tom pointed at Nick's empty chair.
"Oh Tom, maybe Nick got up early and decided to feed himself before the rest of us and then get to the chores early." Victoria suggested.
"He better not be out with Eustace. I've told all of you time & again to make sure I go with you when getting around Eustace. You all know full well that stallion gets very panicky when first approached." Tom sternly reminded all of them and waved his finger.
Soon enough, Eustace could be heard making a frightened whinny noise followed by Nick yelling and crashing to the ground.
Tom and everyone else's eyes got big and they all exchanged glances.
"Tom, what do you-" Victoria was cut off.
"I think I'll have my answer in a matter of seconds." Tom said, before walking out of the house.
*Out in the barn*
While Eustace was still making his frightened whinny noises and bucking, Nick was laying on the ground in agony which was rare for the younger man since he was known for his pride & dignity, toughness, durability, and resilience plus never ever giving off a hint that he was in pain or at least trying hard not to. However, this time things were different; he was obviously in too much pain to move.
"Nick? Nick?" Tom called out as he approached the barn.
"In here, father." Nick said while holding his leg.
"Nick!" Tom ran into the barn, "What's happened?"
Eustace whinnied in a frightened way, yet again.
"Easy, Eustace. Easy, boy." Tom walked up to the black stallion and shushed him while gently petting him.
Once he knew the stallion was calm, Tom turned his attention to his injured son and walked over to him.
"Nick, what happened?" Tom asked, concern showing in his voice.
"Oh, I'm alright." Nick slowly sat up and quietly moaned due to the shooting pain in his leg.
"You're alright? Nick, you're in pain and do not deny it. Now, I ask again, what happened? Did you go near Eustace and try to ride him when I specifically told you and Audra to not ride him let alone go near him unless I was around?" Tom folded his arms and gave him the 'dad' look.
"Father, I'm fine. Just fell off of Eustace, but I'm fine." Nick insisted while gently massaging his leg.
"So, my suspicions were correct. You tried to ride Eustace after I have specifically told you not to unless I was in here for safety reasons, didn't you?" Tom nodded, while still sporting the 'dad' look.
"Look father, you can give me the third degree later on. Right now, I just need you to calm that stallion and I'll go riding around." Nick was clearly in no mood to have his father give him the third degree.
"No Nick, I won't calm Eustace down for you to take him for a ride. You're too injured to go for a ride any how." Tom sighed, before extending his hand, "Now, let me help you stand up."
"Father, I can stand on my own two feet." Nick held a hand up in protest.
"Really? You can stand up?" Tom clearly didn't believe him.
"Yes." Nick told him, before making the attempt to stand, only to fall down and land on his already injured leg very hard which in turn, caused him to grunt in pain.
"Nick, you have a broken leg and I think your fall from Eustace throwing you off caused it." Tom told him.
"Broken leg? Pffft! I never get a broken leg." Nick shook his head in disbelief and once again, made the attempt to stand up, only to fall back down.
"Nick, Nick, Nick! Please, let me help you up. I-I can't stand to see you in agony like this and plus, it's too painful to watch you struggle to stand up." Tom insisted, before gently grabbing Nick's arm and putting it around his shoulder.
"Father, you're getting worked up over nothing. I can walk." Nick sounded persistent.
"Nick, that is not true and we both know that. Now, hang onto me and we'll get you in the house & straight up to your room. Then, I'll call Dr. Drysdale to the house and have him check out your leg." Tom said.
"But father..." Nick was cut off.
"Nicholas Jonathan Barkley, hang onto me and that's an order!" Tom sounded very firm and commanding.
"Permission to defy the order?" Nick asked in a begrudging way.
"Permission denied. Now, hang onto me." Tom held onto his son very tightly.
Not wanting to argue anymore and desperately wanting the shooting pain to cease, Nick held onto his father and managed to slowly get to his feet.
"Hang on, son." Tom started to walk out of the barn slowly, holding onto Nick.
"Yeah, father. Like I thought of letting go and trying to walk on my own." Nick snarked.
"Nick, please don't fight me." Tom told him.
Pretty soon, they were slowly making their way into the house and heading straight for the stairs.
"Victoria, go get Dr. Drysdale. Audra get Nick's bed ready. Jarrod and Gene help me get your brother upstairs." Tom said in a commanding voice.
Victoria and Audra immediately went and did what Tom said.
"Wait, wait, wait! If you think I'm gonna let Jarrod and Gene near me and my leg-" Nick started to protest, but was cut off.
"Nick, swallow your pride and let us help you." Tom sighed out of annoyance.
"And let Gene and Jarrod get the glory of helping me and never letting me hear the end of it? Never! Plus, mother doesn't need to get Dr. Drysdale. Just get me a shot of Whisky and I'll be fine." Nick insisted.
"Nick, you can't solve everything by taking a shot of liquor." Tom gave him a look.
"Oh yes, I can! Besides, it'll kill the pain!" Nick slightly raised his voice.
Tom just shook his head and together with Jarrod and Gene, he managed to get Nick upstairs to his room and helped him sit on his bed.
Audra went to help Nick get his clothes off, only for him to bat her hand away.
"Nick, Audra's just trying to help you." Tom lightly scolded him.
"I can take my own clothes off, thank you. Plus, while I'm doing so, do you, Audra, and everyone else mind?" Nick was in the process of taking his boots off, very slowly.
"Not at all. Go right ahead." Jarrod tried to hold back laughter.
Gene turned away and let out a few chuckles.
"GET OUT, YOU TWO!" Nick shouted.
"Nicholas Jonathan Barkley, there was no need for you to shout. Plus, you shouted right into my ear." Tom rubbed his ear for a bit.
"I'm sorry, but I do not want to be put on display for Jarrod and Gene." Nick folded his arms.
"I see your point." Tom nodded, before turning to Jarrod and Gene, "Jarrod, Eugene, I believe you have some other things you could be doing."
"Like what?" Gene asked.
"Eugene, I think you need to run this ranch. Besides, it is a working ranch, Nick is incapacitated at the time being, and this ranch doesn't run itself, you know. Now, Jarrod Thomas Barkley, I do believe you're a lawyer and you have had papers to file away or something, am I right?" Tom said to his eldest son and youngest son.
"Yes, sir." Gene said, before walking off.
"I was just going to get to that." Jarrod also walked off.
"Father, don't you have to be anywhere else at this moment?" Nick asked.
"No, Nick. I'm staying by your side." Tom turned around so his son could change.
"Why?" Nick was in the process of changing clothes, very slowly.
"Because as part of us making up after our feud, I am keeping my promise to you. Plus, I'm worried about you. I hate it when you or any of your siblings are injured. So does your mother." Tom looked down at the floor, "You done?"
"Yeah, you can turn around." Nick rubbed his leg.
Tom turned around, grabbed a pillow, and gently put it under Nick's injured and now bruised up & swollen leg, before gently tucking him in.
*A few moments later*
Dr. Drysdale had finally arrived and was examining Nick's leg as gently as he could.
"Ouch!" Nick winced, as the doctor was still taking a look at it.
"Well, from strictly eyeballing your leg, I have good news and bad news." Dr. Drysdale told him.
"What's the bad news?" Nick asked.
"The bad news is your leg is indeed broken and you'll need to rest up. The good news is your leg will be just fine. I just need to put it in a splint." Dr. Drysdale started getting out the necessary stuff to make the splint.
"How long will I have to stay off my leg?" Nick stared at his leg.
"For about six weeks." Dr. Drysdale gently lifted Nick's leg and started to put it in the splint.
"Six weeks?" Nick's eyes got big for a moment.
"Yes, because it is badly broken and if you were to put any more weight on it, you could run the risk of losing the leg." Dr. Drysdale nodded.
"I'd rather lose the leg!" Nick groaned.
"Why, Mr. Barkley?" Dr. Drysdale was a little taken aback by this.
"First off, call me "Nick" and secondly, Mr. Barkley is my father, doc. However, if you must know why I just said what I said, well it's-it's kind of embarrassing if you will." Nick looked around to make sure nobody was listening.
"What's so embarrassing about a broken leg?" Dr. Drysdale raised an eyebrow.
"The broken leg ain't embarrassing. It's having my family wait on me hand and foot that's humiliating." Nick ran a hand through his hair.
"Why?" Dr. Drysdale asked.
"Because my siblings, especially my brothers Jarrod and Eugene will never let me hear the end of it and plus, I have this thing called my pride & dignity." Nick slightly raised his voice, once again.
"Oh, so it's a pride thing, huh?" Dr. Drysdale nodded, as he started to put the pieces together.
"Yes, it's a pride thing and plus, my brothers will not be mature about things. I mean I'm sure you've had siblings are don't have any class whatsoever." Nick said.
"Oh yes, I have had my fair share of being the butt of the joke with my siblings and them being immature, but I learned to take it with a grain of salt & swallow my pride plus be a good sport." Dr. Drysdale started putting the finishing touches on Nick's leg splint.
"Be a good sport? I have too much dignity to be a good sport at times." Nick scoffed.
"Nick, I don't think you have pride & dignity. I think you have a big ego, because you can swallow your pride and put your dignity aside for a moment or so, but you can't do that with your ego." Dr. Drysdale pointed out.
"Try me." Nick replied.
"How about you try resting your leg instead?" Dr. Drysdale stood up and patted his shoulder.
"I guess." Nick sighed.
"Don't worry. You'll be back to your old self in no time." Dr. Drysdale reassured him, before heading out the door and shutting it.
"How is he, doc?" Tom came up the stairs.
"Oh, he's fine. His leg will be healed after six weeks. However, you may want to talk to him about staying off of it & getting that ego of his in check." Dr. Drysdale told him.
"Nick getting his ego in check plus swallowing his pride and putting his dignity aside would be like making him take medicine for something. He'd fight till he dropped." Tom chuckled.
"Speaking of medicine, here's some pills for pain and swelling. Be sure he takes one as needed." Dr. Drysdale handed him a pill bottle.
"I'll make sure he takes 'em, but it'll be a big fight." Tom looked at the bottle.
"Just do the best you can, Mr. Barkley." Dr. Drysdale said, before going downstairs and leaving.
Tom went into Nick's room, set the pill bottle on the dresser, and sat next to his son's bed.
"That Dr. Drysdale sure is a character. Telling me not to be embarrassed and all. He's not the one who has to do nothing for six weeks." Nick shook his head, "Everybody knows I'm not the 'do-nothing' type of guy."
"We all know that, son but there comes a time where one must rest especially when they're injured or sick. Plus, even though it may be a drag being sick or injured & having to depend on others, it sure beats the alternative of having to do it alone. It feels much better and it's a blessing to have a loving family who will take care of you when you need it & Nick, we're all happy to pitch in and take care of you. After all, you do help us around and take care of us, so it is our turn to help and take care of you. And to top it off, we love you, son." Tom smiled.
Nick, knowing his father was right, didn't say a word and just smiled back.
Tom stood up and kissed his son on the side of his head.
*Back to the present day*
"Father and I got very close during that time." Nick was still looking at the picture of Tom and him during the time of his broken leg.
"What're you talking about? You and father were always close." Audra was a bit taken aback.
"What I meant was that my injury brought father and me closer than we were before. I mean we were still patching things up and our closeness had been shattered after discovering his first mistress Kerry." Nick explained.
"Kerry. A name I never thought I'd hear again." Audra slightly cringed.
"I hear you. Man, I was really furious with father." Nick shook his head.
"He had to spank forgiveness into you!" Audra laughed.
"Oh, have some respect and don't remind me!" Nick shot daggers at his sister with his eyes.
"What? It was funny!" Audra was still laughing.
"To you, Jarrod, Gene, and probably Heath if he's heard the story, it's hilarious. Hardy har har! Snort snort! To me, it was humiliating! I mean let's be honest, I was a grown man being spanked by his father!" Nick cringed, "Hurts my backside just remembering it. I mean he spanked my backside until it was black and blue!"
"And that wouldn't be the last time for you or any of us for that matter." Audra said.
"Yeah, that's true. He did indeed spank you, Gene, and Jarrod quite a few times and me almost always after that incident." Nick nodded.
"That isn't to say that none of us didn't have it coming." Audra shrugged.
"You have a point there." Nick nodded in agreement, before taking a gander at a picture of what appeared to be Audra and a Japanese man, "I had forgotten about this time."
"Oh yeah. Gee, I was so in love with Chotaro and just so sad that I had to send him away back to Japan. Father sure helped me through that." Audra was focused on the picture.
"Where was mother?" Nick asked.
"She was in Milwaukee. Remember?" Audra told him.
"That's right. Man, I have the memory of a turkey or something." Nick chortled.
"I remember the moment everyone found out my plans to marry Chotaro. You guys were happy. Everybody else who knew us, not so much and then, I had to send Chotaro away. I'll never forget that." Audra sadly sighed.
*Flashback to the time Audra had to send her true love away*
With everybody up and arms about a possible marriage between an American woman and a Japanese man & everybody getting on the backs of the Barkleys because the possible marriage consisted of the only Barkley daughter, Audra and a Japanese immigrant named Chotaro Kubota plus with Victoria & Gene both out of town, Tom knew he had to have "the talk" with Audra about what needed to be done since it was obvious that neither Nick nor Jarrod could talk to her without any bickering & Silas, who usually would be "the voice of reason", decided not to in order to avoid her getting mad plus he figured her father would be the best one to handle it.
Tom reached the last step before slowly making his way to his daughter's room.
"Mr. Barkley sir..." Silas walked up to Tom.
"Yes, Silas?" Tom turned to him.
"Chotaro is here and it looks like he wants to bid Miss Audra a farewell." Silas told him.
"Splendid. Well, you go on and let him in & I'll prepare Audra for the farewell, then send her down." Tom replied.
Silas nodded and went downstairs.
"Audra?" Tom knocked on her door.
"Oh no! You know what you morons are going to have to do in order to get back in my good graces?!" Audra snapped.
"And what's that?" Tom asked.
Pretty soon, the door opened and out came Audra who was all dressed up and her hair all made up.
"My word, you look beautiful. I almost thought it was your mother for a second." Tom smiled at his daughter.
"Thank you, daddy. I-I mean, father." Audra blushed in embarrassment.
"You know you're daddy's little princess. Anyways, I believe we need to have a little talk, honey." Tom gently told her, "May I come in?"
"Sure thing, father." Audra stepped aside, allowing her father to walk in, then shut the door.
"Audra, come here. Sit down." Tom sat on her bed and patted the spot next to him.
"What is it, father?" Audra sat next to Tom.
"Honey, now I know you and Chotaro had plans to marry and-" Tom was cut off.
"Had plans? Father, we have plans. I mean just think of how beautiful I'll look and how handsome you'll be when you're walking me down the aisle plus mother standing there with you, Nick, Jarrod, and all the guests. Also too, when Chotaro and I take our vows. I mean it feels like a dream, but I know that it is happening." Audra started to fantasize about her wedding day.
"Oh honey, that all sounds beautiful and that's what we need to talk about." Tom sighed, before grabbing both of her hands, "Baby girl, I'm afraid that...I'm afraid that Chotaro will have to be going back to Tokyo."
"Going back to Tokyo? Oh, father-" Audra was cut off.
Tom didn't say a word and just gave her a solemn look.
"So, it's true. He-He's going back to Tokyo?" Audra read the look on her father's face and started to sense something wasn't going to be good.
"Audra, he has to go back to Tokyo. I'm sorry, but it's for...it's for the best." Tom tried to be as gentle as he could while delivering this big blow to her.
"But...But why? He proposed and-and we were going to get married. I-I don't understand." Audra sounded a bit shaky.
"Honey, think about it. Just think about it..." Tom was still holding her hands, "You wouldn't want anything to happen to Chotaro, would you?"
"Good heavens, no. No! Is he okay?" Audra got a look of concern on her face.
"Oh yes, he's fine. However, like I said, he has to go back to Tokyo for...for his safety and your safety. I mean not everybody was pleased with your union and you know how people with that hate in them can turn into monsters and do the unthinkable." Tom pointed out, "I'm sorry, but...I believe it is for the best you and Chotaro...see other people, Audra."
"But..But...But, we were going to be married and have a family of our own!" Audra's voice began to break, as tears formed in her eyes.
"I know, Audra. I know how unfair this is. Believe me, this is not easy for me to tell you and I don't believe it was easy for Jarrod and Nick either, but you must understand. I mean god forbid something were to happen to you and Chotaro from some idiot...the thought just kills me." Tom's voice had a soft tone to it.
"But father, you love him! You said you did! Mother said she did! So did Gene, Nick, and Jarrod! You all said he was family just like how Silas is family!" Audra burst into tears, as she realized her whole world was crashing down.
"Oh, baby girl. Oh, honey..." Tom's heart shattered when he heard his daughter's cries and sobs. He pulled her into a hug and let her cry into his chest, "I'm so sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if you weren't going to listen to Nick or Jarrod, I knew you'd listen to me and as much as I hate that it has to come to this, in time you'll understand. However, we'll always remember your time with Chotaro and to us, he'll always be family. In fact, I was going to throw your wedding reception here on the ranch and even the wedding ceremony."
"It's just not fair that I have to break it off with him! Why can't people realize that when two people are in love, that's all that matters?" Audra said in between sobs.
"Sweetie, you know how things are and how people are. It's a thing called ignorance and hate. It's disgusting." Tom rubbed her back in order to comfort her and kissed her on top of her head, "As much as I do not want this to happen and neither do Jarrod, Nick, Silas, or your mother or Gene if they weren't out of town, it is just as well, because you must think of your safety and the safety of Chotaro."
"I know, father but it's just not fair!" Audra sniffed.
"It sure isn't, honey. It sure isn't." Tom nodded his head in agreement, "Now, Chotaro has stopped by in order to bid you a farewell. It'd be best for you to see him off on the next train which will leave in 50 minutes. So, how's about you get yourself composed and go to him for one final time, hmmm?"
"Yes, father." Audra pulled away from the hug and wiped her tears away.
"I'll be downstairs." Tom kissed her on the forehead, before going downstairs.
*A few minutes later*
After getting herself calm and composed, Audra came down the stairs and met up with Chotaro in the main foyer. She threw her arms around him and the two shared a passionate kiss which would be one of their two last kisses ever.
"I didn't want to go without saying a proper goodbye." Chotaro slowly pulled away.
"I never thought we would have to say goodbye...ever." Audra tried to hold back the fresh tears that threatened to pour down her face.
"Neither did I, my sweet. However, it has to be." Chotaro kissed her again, before going over to Tom and shaking his hand, "So long, Mr. Barkley."
"Goodbye, kid. I'm so sorry things turned out like this, but you understand." Tom shook his hand.
"Unfortunately, I have to. It would've been nice to be in your family. I wouldn't have been too much trouble, but I do realize that for my safety and Audra's safety, it's best we split up." Chotaro sighed.
Jarrod and Nick walked into the room and had glum looks on their faces.
"I think father delivered the bad news." Nick whispered to Jarrod.
"Better him than the two of us. She would've kept on fighting with us." Jarrod nodded.
"Jarrod, Nick..." Chotaro walked up to the two older Barkley brothers and shook their hands, "I just want to thank you for all of your kindness and friendship. This is goodbye."
"Bye, Chotaro. I'm awfully sorry." Jarrod put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Bye, kiddo." Nick did the same thing.
Chotaro let out a sad sigh, then hooked his arm into Audra's, and the two headed off to the train station.
*Moments later at the train station*
The train was getting ready to depart. Luckily, Audra and Chotaro had showed up just in time and now, they were standing near it and in the process of saying goodbye. Audra was doing her best to keep from crying, but it proved to be extremely hard for her as this wasn't just an old flame or something like that. This man was the love of her life. He was going to be her husband and she had to send him away as their union was frowned upon and it was for the sake of his safety and her safety. Truth be told, it was totally unfair, because when two people love each other, nothing else should matter, but apparently, not everybody thought that way.
"I was looking forward to us raising children, having a home of our own, and just being husband and wife." Audra's voice sounded like it was beginning to break.
"I know, my sweet. I know. I was looking forward to that as well. I mean after all, you're the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on and no matter how far apart we will be, you'll always be the love of my life. Always." Chotaro stroked her hair.
"You will always be my true love too, Chotaro but-" Audra paused.
"But what?" Chotaro asked.
"But for how long?" Audra looked at the ground.
"How long what?" Chotaro was thrown off.
"How long before you'll meet someone else and forget all about me?" Audra looked up into his eyes, her eyes completely glazed over.
"Audra, I don't think I'll ever look at anyone else. I love you and always will." Chotaro's heart was broken. He was truly in love with the Barkley daughter and looked forward to having the Barkleys as his family, but due to society customs and safety reasons, it was unfortunately not meant to be. This was going to be hard on both of them.
"All aboard!" the train conductor yelled out.
"Oh man! Looks like, this is it, my sweet." Chotaro's eyes welled up with tears.
Audra, unable to hold back any more emotion, just burst into tears again and cried uncontrollably.
Seeing this, Chotaro, who had just finished loading up his bags into the train, also began crying and pulled her into a hug.
"Chotaro, don't go!" Audra shrieked, as the tears rained down her cheeks.
"I don't want to, but I have to, my sweet." Chotaro sniffed.
Audra looked up into Chotaro's wet eyes, knowing it was going to be the last time they ever saw each other.
"I love you, my sweet." Chotaro held her close.
Then before anybody knew it, Audra and Chotaro shared a passionate kiss and not just any passionate kiss. It was the last kiss they would ever give to each other. The very last kiss.
"I have to go now." Chotaro pulled away after what felt like an eternity and got onto the train, "Goodbye, Audra. My love."
"Goodbye, Chotaro. My...l-love." Audra sobbed.
Pretty soon, the train pulled away as Chotaro blew a kiss to her. Once the train was out of sight, Audra dropped to her knees and sobbed uncontrollably.
Jarrod and Nick rode up just in time. Seeing her like this, the two brothers turned to each other, nodded, got off their horses, and walked over to her. Each one held her close and gently shushed her, while letting her cry her eyes out.
*A few moments later*
Once Jarrod and Nick got Audra back home, Tom took over from there. As of now, Tom could be seen with Audra sitting on his lap and clinging to him as she used to when she was a little girl and would get sad or scared. The Barkley patriarch held onto her and both rubbed her back & gently shushed her, while allowing her to cry into his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry, baby girl. I'm so so sorry." Tom continued to rub her back.
Audra, unable to say anything, just nodded.
"There, there, let it all out, honey. Let it all out." Tom rocked her a little.
While Tom continued to comfort Audra, Victoria came walking in and got a look of concern when she heard her daughter's cries. Seeing this, Jarrod and Nick quickly filled her in on what all happened.
"Father is comforting Audra right now. Poor thing." Nick whispered.
"That's good. Well, I best join him in comforting her." Victoria nodded before walking into the room where Tom and Audra were.
Tom looked up and smiled when he saw his wife walk in. Victoria smiled back, before sitting in the chair next to Tom and rubbing Audra's back.
*Back to the present day*
"That still nearly chokes me up now." Audra let out a deep breath, trying hard not to choke up.
"I hear ya, Audra. I hear ya." Nick sighed, "Father was good to us. Very good to us."
"He sure was. Well, I best be heading to bed." Audra put the picture back and stood up, "Night."
"Good night and I best do the same." Nick also stood up and together the two went to their rooms.
*Three hours later*
Nick was completely sound asleep in his bed and by the smile on his face, he was obviously having what appeared to be a good dream. Finally! The past few nights, he had been having war flashbacks plus flashbacks of the night the court martial was held on the Barkley ranch. That time and the aftermath were not the best of times due to Nick and Heath not talking to Jarrod, despite his many apologies. Luckily though, that had been since resolved.
*In Nick's dream*
It was a sunny day at the Barkley ranch. After Silas got the table ready, one by one each Barkley was piling in to their respective places; Tom sat at his place and Victoria at hers followed by Jarrod and his wife Beth, Audra and her soon to be hubby Chotaro, Heath and his wife, Gene and his wife, and Nick & Stefania (Yes, in this dream Tom and Beth are alive, Chotaro stayed, Gene is back and married, Heath is married, and Tom & Heath have a good relationship. Don't like? Go away! Now, back to the dream sequence). Everything just seemed perfect.
"Good morning." Tom greeted everybody.
"Good morning, dear." Victoria stood up, walked over to her husband, and kissed him on the cheek, before going back to her spot and sitting back down.
"Morning, Mr. Barkley." Chotaro nodded.
"Morning." Heath's wife waved.
"Morning, dad." Gene's wife smiled at her father-in-law.
"Morning, Mr. Barkley." Beth also smiled at Tom.
"Ciao, Signor Barkley." Stefania greeted.
"And a good morning to my children." Tom turned to his children who were still groggy.
Jarrod, Nick, Heath, Audra, and Gene all returned his good morning with mumbles and groans.
Tom and Victoria looked at each other, chuckled, and just shook their heads.
"So, what's on everybody's agendas?" Victoria asked.
"Beth and I are going to go up to that place where I used to go up to whenever I was sad or writing poetry." Jarrod finally spoke up.
"Oh, no you're not." Tom shook his head.
"I'm not?" Jarrod got a confused look on his face.
"There was a recent landslide up there and it's just not safe up there at the time being. No, I want all of you to stay within the vicinity of the ranch." Tom took a sip of his coffee.
"A landslide? I did not know that." Jarrod was surprised.
"Uh huh and like I said, you and everyone else are staying close to home. Besides, there was a recent bank robbery and God knows what they could do." Tom took a bite of his breakfast.
"But father, Gail and I were going to go out to town and-" Heath was cut off.
"You and Gail are staying put, Heath." Tom firmly told him.
"Besides, you do have work around here to do." Gail reminded him.
"I suppose, but-" Heath was cut off, yet again.
"Ah, ah, ah." Gail held up her finger.
"That's a shame there's morons roaming around, because Michelle and I were-" Gene was cut off.
"You two were, but you're not. Besides, I do believe you also have stuff to do around here with Heath." Tom turned to Gene.
"Yes, sir." Gene nodded.
"You suckers get to stay here while Stefania and I get to go riding around all of Stockton." Nick laughed.
"Everybody includes you too, Nick." Tom shot Nick a glare.
"But father-" Nick was cut off.
"Nick, you and Stefania are staying close to home." Tom had a commanding tone in his voice.
*A few moments later*
While Jarrod and Beth were in the parlor room and the other couples were somewhere around the ranch, Nick and Stefania were sitting on the bench near the barn.
"Isn't it beautiful out here, Stefania?" Nick took a moment to gaze around the ranch and just how beautiful it looked aside from the chores and everything.
"I love it, Nick. I never saw a ranch before." Stefania told him.
"You never saw a ranch before?" Nick was a bit surprised.
"Nope. Barkley ranch is the first one." Stefania laughed a little.
"Barkley ranch will be the only ranch you'll ever see." Nick said his thoughts out loud.
"Hmmmm?" Stefania asked.
"Look Stefania, we've known each other for a while and I have something to confess." Nick sounded nervous, which was very rare for him.
"You know something? I do, too." Stefania also sounded nervous.
"What is it?" Nick asked.
"What's what?" Beth walked up to them.
"Oh, howdy. Ummmm, Beth...I hate to be rude, but Stefania and I are ummmm in the middle of..." Nick stammered a bit, which again, was very rare for him.
"I understand, Nick. However, I wanted to ask if you and Stefania were hungry for lunch?" Beth smiled.
"Oh well, how sweet of you. Well-" Nick was cut off.
"Beth, you shouldn't have to do it alone. Let me help you. Cooking is one of my specialties." Stefania stood up.
"Oh, Stefania. You don't have t-" Beth was cut off when Stefania started leading her back into the house.
"Please, it's the least I could do." Stefania told her, before turning to Nick, "I'll be right back, Nick."
Just as Stefania and Beth went into the house, Jarrod came out and sat next to Nick.
"Hey, Jarrod." Nick sighed.
"Nick, Beth and Stefania are really something, aren't they?" Jarrod was clearly proud of his wife.
"Oh yes. They're something, but I haven't been able to be alone with Stefania and I really really want to confess my feelings towards her." Nick picked up a few rocks and threw one.
"Well, after lunch, maybe you two can go somewhere else on the ranch, perhaps in the barn?" Jarrod suggested.
"Inside the barn? Don't be ridiculous!" Nick shook his head.
"What's so ridiculous about a barn? Just go inside, shut the door, and then start telling her how you feel." Jarrod insisted.
"You know something? That may not be such a bad idea. I'll try it out, but I do not want any interruptions." Nick tossed another rock.
"Well, I'm full of good ideas." Jarrod chuckled.
"Don't push it, Jarrod!" Nick told him.
*In the kitchen*
Beth and Stefania were getting lunch ready when Victoria walked in.
"Oh girls, you don't have to do that. I can do it. Go on and spend time with your men." Victoria said.
"Oh no, Mrs. Barkley. I don't mind." Beth insisted.
"Si, Signora Barkley. I don't mind either. In fact, cooking is my specialty." Stefania added.
"Okay, as long as you say so." Victoria smiled, before leaving the kitchen.
"I love Signor and Signora Barkley. They're like second parents to me besides my papa and mama." Stefania turned to Beth.
"Yeah, they're like the only parents I'll ever be blessed to have, even if they're just my in-laws." Beth told her.
"You didn't have a mama and a papa?" Stefania asked.
"Unfortunately, not. My mother didn't feel like being a mother, so she pawned me off to relatives who in turn pawned me off a lot." Beth had a sad look on her face.
"What happened to your papa?" Stefania put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I don't know where or who my father is." Beth's voice slightly broke, only for her to quickly compose herself.
"I'm sorry, Beth." Stefania rubbed her shoulder, "However, you do have signor and signora Barkley now."
"I know and thank God." Beth smiled.
"I just hope Nick tells me what he needs to tell me, because I have something to tell him, too." Stefania looked down at the floor.
"Stefania, do you like Nick as more than just your friend?" Beth asked.
*In reality*
Before Stefania could say anything, the dream ended as Nick jolted awake and looked up at the ceiling. That dream felt so real and so happy & idyllic, but as reality began to set in, he realized the following; Tom and Beth were dead, Heath wasn't married, Gene wasn't home, Audra & Chotaro were forced to end their relationship, Jarrod had no interests of ever falling in love again after Beth was killed, and both Nick & Stefania barely knew each other. However, besides reality smacking him right in the face, Nick started to wonder if that dream was prophetic in a sense. Why did it portray Nick & Stefania as wanting to confess something to each other? Why? Maybe perhaps Audra and Victoria may have been onto something earlier; Nick was starting to like Stefania as more than just a friend. Maybe.
'Maybe I do harbor feelings for Stefania. Who knows? Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Get it together, Nick! You and Stefania barely even know each other. How could you possibly like her in any other way? How? Then again, Jarrod did marry Beth after barely knowing her or so it seemed. Plus, mother and father did get together right away almost after they met that night in the saloon. Who knows? All I know is Stefania and I are going to see each other tomorrow.' Nick thought, as he continued to stare up at the ceiling, before eventually getting up from his bed and going back downstairs.
*Downstairs in the parlor room*
Nick sat in the same chair he did earlier and stared right at the floor, still in thought and trying to go over the dream he just had.
"Nick?" a voice called out.
Nick turned to the direction the voice came from and saw Heath standing at the staircase.
"You alright?" Heath asked.
"I suppose so, little brother." Nick finally spoke up after a few minutes of silence.
"You look like you didn't get any sleep." Heath sat down on the chair Audra had sat in earlier.
"Nah, I couldn't sleep." Nick told him, while running a hand through his hair.
"Are you thinking about Stefania?" Heath could tell that something or someone was on Nick's mind.
"Well, not only her, but I'm also thinking of father." Nick turned his attention to the same picture of Tom he and Victoria had been focused on earlier.
"With his birthday coming up, I can see why. However, regarding Stefania..." Heath took a deep breath and continued, "Do you like her? Don't lie or deny it."
Stunned by the question and how direct it was, especially coming from Heath who was never quite direct about anything, Nick just sat there and didn't say a word.
"Nick." Heath was waiting for his big brother to answer the question.
To Be Continued...
December 7, 1941
"A date which will live in infamy."
Remember Pearl Harbor
Merry early Christmas!
Heath: Nick, answer the question.
Jarrod: What question is this?
Eugene: What's happening?
Audra: Eugene, Jarrod, where did you come from?
Jarrod: Do you really want me to answer that?
Nick: R&R please!