Jeremy's Child

Jason and Joshua returned home from work on Wednesday evening to find that Jeremy had come home early from his camping trip. Jeremy loved those trips. He always went away for a week or two weeks. That's the reason his brothers thought it was strange he had returned after only three days.

To add to their concern, the youngest Bolt was in his bedroom crying when the older brothers walked inside the cabin.

Jason went to the bedroom door and knocked. "Jeremy, Joshua and I just got home. Are you alright? You don't usually come back so soon and you are upset. We love you, brother. Please talk to us and let us help you. Whenever you are ready, Jeremy. We are here."

Jason walked back to the front room. He and Joshua exchanged a worried glance.

"He will tell us, Jason. You know it takes him some time to make peace enough with the situation to be able to talk about it." Joshua reminded him.

"You're right, Josh. I worry about how much pain he has to endure alone while making that peace." Jason replied.

When Jeremy came to the supper table that night, his brothers were shocked to see that he had been beaten. He had a black eye and a bad bruise on his cheek. There was a rope burn on his neck. He moved as if he was stiff and sore.

"Jeremy! Who did this to you? Tell us and we will put them in their place!" Jason yelled.

Jeremy held up his hand indicating that he wanted Jason to be quiet. The eldest brother did as the youngest brother wanted.

"Thank you, Jason. I will explain to you and Joshua later. I'm okay. Don't worry." Jeremy spoke.

A few days went by. Jeremy talked some but he did not say why he had come home from camping early or why he had been upset. He told his brothers he did not feel good, and he wanted to take some time off from work. Jason and Joshua agreed to that.

A couple of nights later, the three brothers were eating supper. Jeremy was eating a few bites.

"Can we do something tonight, please?" Jeremy asked.

"Sure, Jeremy! What would you like to do?" Joshua inquired.

"I want us to camp in front of the fireplace like we did when you and I were kids. We can cook bacon and eggs on the fire and tell ghost stories. Then we can sleep on a big pallet of quilts with me in the middle, okay?" Jeremy questioned.

"That sounds great!" Jason replied.

The Bolt brothers had fun camping that night. All of them laughed and talked and told ghost stories. Jeremy ate like he was starving. He seemed more like his old self and that made his brothers happy.

The youngest Bolt fell asleep first on the big pallet. Jason and Joshua talked quietly a little while before they slept.

"I think Jeremy wanted to sleep close to us but he was too shy to ask." Joshua whispered.

"You could be right, Josh. However, Jeremy had a good time camping and that was great to see." Jason spoke.

"I know what you mean, Jason. Heck, it was great to see Jeremy eat more than two bites." Joshua smiled and shook his head. "Our little brother hasn't been sleeping too well since his camping trip. He's had some nightmares."

"I know, Josh. Jeremy's screams woke me up. I went to his bedroom door and knocked each time and called his name. However, he didn't answer. I'm trying to wait until he is ready to talk about what's bothering him." Jason said very quietly.

"I hope Jeremy is ready to talk soon." Joshua responded.

Jason nodded in agreement. They said goodnight and went to sleep.

Jeremy seemed to feel better for a few days. He didn't open up to his brothers as they had hoped.

Jeremy returned to work for two weeks. Then the next morning, he told Jason and Joshua that he was going to the old family cabin. He wasn't sure how long he would be there. Jeremy said he was going to ask Lottie to go with him. Jason and Joshua offered to accompany him to the old cabin. Jeremy turned them down saying that he needed to talk to Lottie. The older brothers said they understood. Jason hoped that Lottie would tell him what was upsetting the youngest brother.

Jeremy walked to the saloon and found that it was crowded with breakfast customers. He and Lottie went into the back room for a few minutes. When they came out, she went upstairs to pack a few things and Jeremy went home to do the same.

Later as Jeremy was on his way back to pick up Lottie, he stopped at the dormitory for a few minutes to see Candy. They talked on the porch.

"Candy, Lottie and I are going to my parents' old cabin for a few days maybe a week." He explained. "I'm sorry that you and I haven't seen each other much lately. I haven't been feeling too good. I will explain what this is all about later when I tell my brothers."

"That's fine, Jeremy. Is there anything I can do to help you? You can talk to me about anything. I love you and I will help you in any way that I can. I'm strong, sweetheart. You don't have to hide serious things from me." Candy touched his cheek.

"I know Candy, thank you. I'm not hiding anything. I'm just not ready to talk about it yet. Hopefully I can tell you soon." Jeremy spoke.

They shared a sweet kiss and Jeremy left to pick up Lottie.

After they arrived at the Bolt family home place, Jeremy and Lottie had a serious discussion. Jeremy told her what happened to him on the camping trip. Lottie was heartbroken to hear what had occurred. She encouraged Jeremy to tell Candy and his brothers soon. He said he was trying to get up the nerve to tell them.

Jeremy also told Lottie that he needed to see Doctor Wright. He asked her to go with him. Lottie agreed to go. She said it was a good idea to see the doctor.

The following afternoon, Jason and Joshua were leaving Ben's Store after buying supplies. They saw Jeremy and Lottie coming out of the clinic. Jason called hello to them. Neither one answered. They got in the wagon and headed back up the mountain.

The oldest two brothers ran to the doctor's office. They were surprised and scared to find Doctor Wright crying.

"We saw Jeremy and Lottie leaving here. You are crying about Jeremy, aren't you, what's wrong with him? Dammit, Allyn! You have to tell us! He is our brother!" Jason bellowed.

"Don't curse at me, Jason Bolt! And you know I can't tell you about another patient even if he is your brother! And yes, I'm crying about Jeremy!" Allyn sobbed. "Go see Jeremy and take Candy with you."

"I'm sorry I cursed at you, Allyn and I'm sorry for bellowing. We will go see Jeremy right after we pick up Candy. Will you be alright?" Jason spoke quietly.

"Yes, I will be alright. Thank you for apologizing. Pray for Jeremy, Jason and you too, Joshua. Pray hard." Allyn told them.

"We will, Doctor." Joshua said.

Jason put his arm around Allyn and gave her a little kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for caring so much about Jeremy." He said tenderly.

The brothers left the clinic on their way to the dormitory. Candy was glad to see Jason and Joshua when they arrived. She told them that Biddie had seen Lottie and Jeremy coming out of the clinic. Biddie had said that Jeremy looked like he was crying.

Jason, Joshua, and Candy hurried to the Bolt cabin in town. The brothers got their other buckboard ready and soon they were on the way up the mountain.

On the way, Jason asked Candy, "Has Jeremy told you anything about what happened on the camping trip? We are so worried about him especially now that he has been to the doctor and left crying."

"Doctor Wright was also crying when we talked to her about Jeremy. She couldn't tell us anything other than we need to pray hard for him." Joshua added.

"The doctor was crying? Oh, dear!" Candy fretted.

"Try not to be upset, Candy. We will find out soon what this is all about. I'm a fine one to say don't be upset, aren't I?" Jason commented.

"I know what you meant, Jason. No, Jeremy hasn't told me what took place on his camping trip. He stopped by the other day and said he hoped he could tell me soon." Candy spoke.

"Let's pray that he feels he can open up to us today." Jason glanced at her and Joshua.

"Yes, let's pray so. Please help our brother, Lord. We love him so much." Joshua's voice cracked.

Candy patted Joshua's hand. "Jeremy will be fine."

"Of course, he will, Josh!" Jason blustered.

When they got to the old Bolt cabin, the three of them listened before they got out of the wagon. Jeremy could be heard squalling his heart out in the front room. Candy jumped down from the vehicle.

"Wait just a minute, please, Candy. I know you are anxious to help Jeremy, but it might not be a good idea to go rushing in." Joshua told her.

Candy and Jason agreed with the blond Bolt so they moved quietly to the door and knocked. Lottie opened the door. She was relieved to see them.

"I'm so glad the three of you are here! I love Jeremy dearly but I can't seem to help him. Of course, he got some shocking news from the doctor. It's no wonder that the poor darling is so distraught." Lottie said.

Candy sobbed and her knees buckled. Jason placed his arm around her catching her before she dropped to the floor.

"Easy, Miss Pruitt, easy." He smiled at her.

Candy looked him in the eye bursting into tears. She turned around and crossed the room to Jeremy. He was lying on the sofa continuing to cry. She sat down in a chair in front of the sofa.

"Jeremy, please look at me. Let me help you, sweetheart. Your brothers and I are worried sick about you. Please, Jeremy, don't shut us out. We love you. No matter what." Candy spoke gently as she stroked his hair.

Jeremy was lying on the couch with his back to her. His face was buried against the back of the couch. He turned over and looked at her. He sat up.

"I'm ready to talk to you and my brothers. But not all at the same time. Come into the bedroom with me. I want to tell you first. Well, second, counting Lottie." Jeremy spoke.

"Alright, Jeremy." Candy replied.

Jeremy left the sofa and walked into the bedroom with his fiancée. He closed the door behind them.

Jeremy was wearing his work clothes. He crossed the room to the full length mirror and stood sideways in front of it. Jeremy untucked his shirt.

"Come over here, please, Candy." He requested.

Candy did as he asked.

Young Bolt pulled up his shirt so that his belly showed. He looked at Candy.

"You look like you have gained a little weight. That's good. I was worried that you were too thin." She told him.

Jeremy sighed. "No, Candy. May I?" He reached for her hand.

"Okay." Candy wondered what he was doing.

Jeremy placed her hand on his belly. She felt a rumbling.

"Your stomach is growling. You must be hungry." Candy said.

"Leave your hand there and feel again," Jeremy replied.

She left her hand on his belly. Again, she felt the rumbling.

"Your stomach is rumbling. Growling is really a sound not something you feel." Candy said.

"Come over here to the bed. You stand next to the bed and I am going to lie down." Jeremy told her.

They went over to the bed. Candy stood and watched Jeremy lie on his back on the bed.

"Now what?" She asked.

"Get down on your knees and lean over and put your ear on my belly." He explained.

Candy did what Jeremy asked her to do. The warmth of his skin on her face felt very nice. She reached for his hand and held it tightly. Jeremy took a deep breath and let it out slowly through his mouth.

"Jeremy, what…..?" She questioned

"Just listen." He whispered.

Candy listened closely. At first, there was nothing. Then she heard it. She thought she was mistaken so she listened again. She was not wrong.

Slowly, Candy stood up. She sat down on the edge of the bed. She gazed at Jeremy through tear filled eyes. He had tears streaming down his face. They clasped hands.

"Jeremy, there is a child inside of you. How in the world? Is one of us having a nightmare? I heard a heartbeat in your belly. Jeremy, you are pregnant! Oh, dear God!" Candy was shocked.

"Yes, I'm pregnant. Doctor Wright confirmed it earlier today. I wanted to tell you first. If this is too weird for you and you want to break our engagement, I understand." Jeremy spoke nervously.

"I want to ask you a question. You aren't a woman who has been pretending to be a man are you?" Candy asked.

"Of course not, Candy!" Jeremy was exasperated.

She raised her eyebrows at him.

"Do I have to prove it?" Jeremy touched his belt buckle.

"No! No! I believe you! I really do, sweetheart. Jeremy, you know men are not made for having babies. How did this happen? I have heard that some people have both male and female parts." Candy stated.

"I don't have any lady parts. I will explain how this happened after I tell Jason and Joshua the news." Jeremy replied.

He got up from the bed and walked toward the door. Candy was walking behind him. Suddenly, Jeremy stopped and turned around.

"Candy, do you still love me? Do you still want to marry me? I know this is very strange and not what you planned on when you came to Seattle. If you want to break our engagement, I understand." He gazed deeply into her eyes.

Candy placed her hands on his shoulders. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment as she got lost in his piercing blue eyes. "Jeremy, I love you and I will always love you. This is an odd situation but I'm with you, sweetheart, no matter what."

"Thank you, sweet girl. I love you too." He whispered. "Now please help me explain this to my brothers."

The young couple stepped into the front room. Jason and Joshua were sitting at the table playing checkers. Lottie was on the sofa knitting.

"Jason and Joshua, would you come sit with Lottie, please? I'm ready to try to explain what is going on if both of you are ready to listen." Jeremy was so nervous his hands were trembling.

Candy gave him a hug and whispered I love you in his ear. She sat down next to Lottie. When his brothers had taken seats on the couch, Jeremy looked at them and at the two ladies. Lottie smiled encouragingly.

Jeremy hurried across the room to get a chair from the table. He brought the chair to the front of the sofa and sat down in it.

"Okay. Brothers, you are going to think I am joking. However, I assure you that I'm not. Doctor Wright confirmed today that I am pregnant." Jeremy spoke.

"Why, that's wonderful! Jeremy! Why were you so worried about telling us that Candy is going to have a baby? Some of the nosy busybodies in town might make a few remarks, but who cares what they think. Congratulations! I suppose you two will be having your wedding soon. Candy, you will be a beautiful bride." Jason spoke excitedly.

"Jason, you misunderstood what I said. Candy is not pregnant. I am pregnant." Jeremy told him.

Jason turned his head slightly and narrowed his eyes at his youngest brother. "Jeremy, what are you talking about?"

"Just what I said, J-J-Jason. I am pregnant. Doctor Wright confirmed it this morning. I know it sounds crazy. I need to explain what happened." Jeremy replied.

Jason stared at his youngest brother without speaking for a few moments. When he looked at Joshua next to him on the sofa, he saw that his blond brother was crying with his face buried in his hands. He patted Joshua on the back.

Jason got up and walked to the end of the couch where Lottie was sitting. "Lottie, you went to the doctor with Jeremy today. What did she say?"

"Jeremy, is it alright if Jason and I go outside to talk for a bit? Is it okay for me to tell him what Allyn said?" asked Lottie.

"Sure, Lottie. You can probably explain it better than I can. Wait, Lottie. Don't go outside. Please stay here and tell Candy and Joshua too." Jeremy answered.

"Alright, Jeremy, that sounds like a good idea. Candy, before I start, will you get Josh a cup of water, please?" Lottie spoke.

"Certainly, Lottie." Candy hurried to get the water.

"Thank you, Candy." Said Joshua as she gave him the cup of water.

"You're welcome, Joshua." She responded as she sat down.

"Alright, let me tell you all what Doctor Wright explained to Jeremy and me today." Lottie spoke from the armchair in front of the sofa.

"First, the doctor confirmed that Jeremy is pregnant. She said that a group of witches put a curse on him that he would carry and give birth to a newborn witch if one of the witches kidnaps him before he has carried the baby full term. Doctor Wright said the witches usually try to kidnap the pregnant young man during the seventh month. If the witches cannot kidnap the young man before he reaches his ninth month, he gives birth to a normal human baby. Another very critical fact is that if a witch kidnaps the expectant father before the ninth month and the baby is born a witch. Then the father dies." Lottie told them.

Candy gasped. "Oh, Jeremy! We can't let those witches get you! We can't lose you and the baby! We will protect you."

"Don't worry, Candy. I'm going to be very careful. The baby and I will be fine." Jeremy spoke calmly.

"Lottie, you talk as if this has happened to other men. Why don't the witches have their own babies. Why do they place this curse on men?" Joshua asked.

"Allyn said the witches do this to torment and hopefully in their minds kill men for the witch hangings that happened in Massachusetts." Lottie answered. "Jason, you are unusually quiet."

Jason got up from the couch. "I'm trying to understand all of this, Lottie. How did the witches get the chance to put this curse on you, Jeremy?"

"It was during my camping trip, Jason. One night when I was asleep, they attacked me. They, uh, well, they, ah, they r-r-raped me." Jeremy answered tearfully.

"How does a woman rape a man?" Joshua scoffed.

Jeremy was hurt and angry about his brother's question. "Well, Joshua, I don't know how one woman does it. However, six witches rape a man by beating him when he tries to fight back and by putting a noose around his neck and pulling it so tight that he can't breathe. Then they start a huge fire and somehow make his fiancée appear by the fire and threaten to kill her by throwing her into the fire. That's how witches rape a man, Joshua." Jeremy sobbed.

Joshua was crying too. He rushed over to Jeremy and threw his arms around him. "I'm sorry, brother. Please forgive me! I love you, Jeremy! I will do anything to protect you."

"I love you, Josh! I know all of this sounds crazy. I promise that's what happened. I need you and Jason, Candy, and Lottie. This is going to be rough. Carrying a baby and avoiding getting killed. Even though my child came to be under such strange circumstances. I love him or her very much." Jeremy replied.

"Well, certainly you love your child, Jeremy. We love him or her can count on all of us to help you and Baby Bolt all that we can." Jason said.

Jason looked at Jeremy with a gleam in his eye. "Brother, there is something I must do."

"What is it, Jason?" asked Jeremy.

Suddenly Jason picked up the youngest brother like he was a big sack of potatoes. He carried him to the middle of the room and stood looking around for a minute.

"Josh! Clear off the table, please!"

Joshua moved fast to clear the table. Jason laid Jeremy on it.

"What are you doing, Jason?" The youngest brother asked as the oldest brother got on his knees.

"May I, please, Jeremy?" Jason inquired looking from his face to his belly.

Jeremy smiled. "Sure, Jason." Jeremy untucked his shirt and pulled it up to the middle of his chest.

Jason leaned down placing his ear on his brother's belly. He listened closely. Tears filled Jason Bolt's eyes as he listened to the heartbeat of Jeremy's unborn child.

TBC

"

.