sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you pac, great as usual.
Premonitions
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#62
Saturday morning was clear and cold. The entire Hanson clan stirred slowly and carefully. Chores were handled and plans for the next work week were planned. For the first time in many days, Mark bundled up and he and Milo went down to check on the horses. Walking carefully with a cane, he navigated the slippery slope down to the barn.
He carefully introduced himself and Milo to Mama dog and the pup, now affectionately named 'Big Otis'. "Why?" Milo wanted to know, and Mark sorta guessed as to what he was questioning.
"She doesn't know us," Mark explained, "she needs to smell us and figure out we mean her no harm, or won't hurt the pup."
"We wouldn't do that, I like them." Milo was puzzled.
"So do I," Mark replied as he scratched the pup's belly, the chubby little legs frantically scrambling in the air. Milo laughed delightedly, asking Mama dog if he could pet her. Mama sniffed him well, and then consented. Milo sat by her, petting the massive head and heaping love on her by the heart-fulls. Mama dog finally licked his hands, accepting the small boy in her world.
Soon he and the pup were wrestling, Milo learning to dodge the sharp little puppy teeth as they played. "Otis is awful cute, can he come inside and play? Can he Uncle Mark, can he?"
"Milo, you need to know that Otis is an outside dog. He has to be with his mother to learn how to be a guard dog, that's her job, and she needs to teach her boy what and how to be a good barking protector." Mark explained gently. "Do you want to walk down to where the horses are?"
"Sure," Milo drug his feet, making patterns in the dirty snow as they walked around the corral and down to the board fence marking the horse pasture. "There's no horses here," Milo was severely disappointed as he climbed on the fence.
"Just watch," Mark promised as he leaned against the fence for support. Holding his ribs, he drew in a breath and let out a piercing whistle. It took three of them before they could hear the horses running in from the back pasture.
"What's coming?" Milo was in awe at the sound, "there must be a million of them."
"Almost," Mark laughed very carefully. "There are seven mares or mama horses, and six of them have babies, or colts if they are boys, or fillies if they are a girl. Now listen carefully. I have some very important instructions to give you. Do not go in the pasture. This is very important and I want you to listen carefully, do not go in the pasture with the horses. Do you understand?"
"Why?"
"Because you are so much smaller that they are, they will walk over you, bump into you and the babies will nip and bite you. You may climb on the fence, talk to them, pet them, but do not go in the pasture. Not Ronnie, you or Teddy may go in there. Understand?" Mark stressed sternly.
"OK, but I can be on the fence? Can I be there now?" Milo was looking at the milling horse's legs between the board slats and was anxious to get higher.
"Climb up carefully" Mark encouraged. "Sit next to the post and you can loop your arm around it to hang on."
"This one is Lucy; now horses like to be petted on the neck, scratched by the ears and rubbed on their backs. Just don't pat them hard full on the face. They will jerk back and sometimes bump you with their face. It is your responsibility to be safe and help them be safe."
"I like this one Uncle Mark, she's soft and tickles me." The mare smelled the pint sized little man, snuffing in his boy scent, the dog smell and what he had for breakfast. As a last minute welcome, she blew a little slobber on Milo, eliciting a "Eww, she goobered on me," complaint.
Mark laughed, and Milo joined in, their breath making cloud puffs in the cold air. Milo turned to ask Mark very seriously, "uncle Mark, what Mama dog is supposed to do for her kid, who's gonna teached us?"
"Let me give the ladies a treat for coming when I called, and I'll answer your question on the way back to the house," Mark slipped the mares sweet feed cubes from the box in the barn, and lured a couple of the colts in for the desirable snack.
"Milo, you have Aunt Clora and myself to guide you; also here there are Uncle Ben, Aunt Lainey, Uncle Wayne, Uncle Ev and Aunt Cheryl, the whole family will help you grow up. We will teach you like Mama dog does Otis, and if you have questions you need to ask us, so we can answer them." Mark took Milo's hand as they walked to the house.
"Like this morning, I instructed you how to behave around the horses. You listened very well, did what I asked and had no problems, did you?"
"Yuppers, I had fun. I like living here. What about my Dad? Did he do another bad thing?" Milo asked in a very small voice, like he knew the answer and was dreading hearing it out loud.
Slowly the super tall man and the short stubby boy climbed the front stairs, "Let's have some hot chocolate and I will tell you that your Dad did do a bad thing. That is a problem when you are an adult, the punishment is more strict. When you do bad things, you get a time out, right?" Mark asked, drawing Milo into the conversation.
"Yeah, I hate time out's," Milo looked pretty stubborn while he was thinking about previous punishments.
"Your Dad has a punishment of a very long time out in a place where he can't leave," Mark mixed two mugs of chocolate and added hot water from the tea kettle on the stove. He rummaged in the cupboards for marshmallows and found a partial sack. Dropping a couple of the white pillows in each cup, he carried the mugs to the table.
Clora came through with a huge basket of laundry and smiled at her guys hanging out.
"So Dad's not gonna be able to take us?" Milo asked in a off hand but very cautious manner.
Mark turned to look at him, puzzled by the attitude but trying to be very honest. "Not for more than a year, do you know how long a year is?"
Milo nodded as he bent over to take a sip of the hot liquid. "I don't want to go with my Dad, I don't like him."
Flummoxed, the only thing Mark could do was say "OK"
When Clora came back through, she noticed Mark had a strained and panicked look on his face. "Hello guy's, how was the walk down to see the animals?" she asked, hoping to find out what had caused Mark's discomfort.
"It was good," Mark replied, as he took a sip.
"What did you think Milo?" Clora nudged the child into talking, he was busy poking at the marshmallow, bobbing it up and down making dangerous waves. "I gots to pet the dog, Otis and a horsey. She blowed snot all over me."
Clora grimaced at the mind's eye picture, "she did huh," she teased, "were they big gobs or little ones?"
"Like sneezes," he clarified, "Uncle Mark was telling me about my Dad and I was telling him I don't like my Dad." Milo was very matter of fact.
Mark and Clora crossed looks and Mark shrugged briefly, out of his league with the precocious 4 year old.
Clora asked "How about some ham sandwiches for lunch? Anybody hungry?"
Saturday morning was clear and cold. The entire Hanson clan stirred slowly and carefully. Chores were handled and plans for the next work week were planned. For the first time in many days, Mark bundled up and he and Milo went down to check on the horses. Walking carefully with a cane, he navigated the slippery slope down to the barn.
He carefully introduced himself and Milo to Mama dog and the pup, now affectionately named 'Big Otis'. "Why?" Milo wanted to know, and Mark sorta guessed as to what he was questioning.
"She doesn't know us," Mark explained, "she needs to smell us and figure out we mean her no harm, or won't hurt the pup."
"We wouldn't do that, I like them." Milo was puzzled.
"So do I," Mark replied as he scratched the pup's belly, the chubby little legs frantically scrambling in the air. Milo laughed delightedly, asking Mama dog if he could pet her. Mama sniffed him well, and then consented. Milo sat by her, petting the massive head and heaping love on her by the heart-fulls. Mama dog finally licked his hands, accepting the small boy in her world.
Soon he and the pup were wrestling, Milo learning to dodge the sharp little puppy teeth as they played. "Otis is awful cute, can he come inside and play? Can he Uncle Mark, can he?"
"Milo, you need to know that Otis is an outside dog. He has to be with his mother to learn how to be a guard dog, that's her job, and she needs to teach her boy what and how to be a good barking protector." Mark explained gently. "Do you want to walk down to where the horses are?"
"Sure," Milo drug his feet, making patterns in the dirty snow as they walked around the corral and down to the board fence marking the horse pasture. "There's no horses here," Milo was severely disappointed as he climbed on the fence.
"Just watch," Mark promised as he leaned against the fence for support. Holding his ribs, he drew in a breath and let out a piercing whistle. It took three of them before they could hear the horses running in from the back pasture.
"What's coming?" Milo was in awe at the sound, "there must be a million of them."
"Almost," Mark laughed very carefully. "There are seven mares or mama horses, and six of them have babies, or colts if they are boys, or fillies if they are a girl. Now listen carefully. I have some very important instructions to give you. Do not go in the pasture. This is very important and I want you to listen carefully, do not go in the pasture with the horses. Do you understand?"
"Why?"
"Because you are so much smaller that they are, they will walk over you, bump into you and the babies will nip and bite you. You may climb on the fence, talk to them, pet them, but do not go in the pasture. Not Ronnie, you or Teddy may go in there. Understand?" Mark stressed sternly.
"OK, but I can be on the fence? Can I be there now?" Milo was looking at the milling horse's legs between the board slats and was anxious to get higher.
"Climb up carefully" Mark encouraged. "Sit next to the post and you can loop your arm around it to hang on."
"This one is Lucy; now horses like to be petted on the neck, scratched by the ears and rubbed on their backs. Just don't pat them hard full on the face. They will jerk back and sometimes bump you with their face. It is your responsibility to be safe and help them be safe."
"I like this one Uncle Mark, she's soft and tickles me." The mare smelled the pint sized little man, snuffing in his boy scent, the dog smell and what he had for breakfast. As a last minute welcome, she blew a little slobber on Milo, eliciting a "Eww, she goobered on me," complaint.
Mark laughed, and Milo joined in, their breath making cloud puffs in the cold air. Milo turned to ask Mark very seriously, "uncle Mark, what Mama dog is supposed to do for her kid, who's gonna teached us?"
"Let me give the ladies a treat for coming when I called, and I'll answer your question on the way back to the house," Mark slipped the mares sweet feed cubes from the box in the barn, and lured a couple of the colts in for the desirable snack.
"Milo, you have Aunt Clora and myself to guide you; also here there are Uncle Ben, Aunt Lainey, Uncle Wayne, Uncle Ev and Aunt Cheryl, the whole family will help you grow up. We will teach you like Mama dog does Otis, and if you have questions you need to ask us, so we can answer them." Mark took Milo's hand as they walked to the house.
"Like this morning, I instructed you how to behave around the horses. You listened very well, did what I asked and had no problems, did you?"
"Yuppers, I had fun. I like living here. What about my Dad? Did he do another bad thing?" Milo asked in a very small voice, like he knew the answer and was dreading hearing it out loud.
Slowly the super tall man and the short stubby boy climbed the front stairs, "Let's have some hot chocolate and I will tell you that your Dad did do a bad thing. That is a problem when you are an adult, the punishment is more strict. When you do bad things, you get a time out, right?" Mark asked, drawing Milo into the conversation.
"Yeah, I hate time out's," Milo looked pretty stubborn while he was thinking about previous punishments.
"Your Dad has a punishment of a very long time out in a place where he can't leave," Mark mixed two mugs of chocolate and added hot water from the tea kettle on the stove. He rummaged in the cupboards for marshmallows and found a partial sack. Dropping a couple of the white pillows in each cup, he carried the mugs to the table.
Clora came through with a huge basket of laundry and smiled at her guys hanging out.
"So Dad's not gonna be able to take us?" Milo asked in a off hand but very cautious manner.
Mark turned to look at him, puzzled by the attitude but trying to be very honest. "Not for more than a year, do you know how long a year is?"
Milo nodded as he bent over to take a sip of the hot liquid. "I don't want to go with my Dad, I don't like him."
Flummoxed, the only thing Mark could do was say "OK"
When Clora came back through, she noticed Mark had a strained and panicked look on his face. "Hello guy's, how was the walk down to see the animals?" she asked, hoping to find out what had caused Mark's discomfort.
"It was good," Mark replied, as he took a sip.
"What did you think Milo?" Clora nudged the child into talking, he was busy poking at the marshmallow, bobbing it up and down making dangerous waves. "I gots to pet the dog, Otis and a horsey. She blowed snot all over me."
Clora grimaced at the mind's eye picture, "she did huh," she teased, "were they big gobs or little ones?"
"Like sneezes," he clarified, "Uncle Mark was telling me about my Dad and I was telling him I don't like my Dad." Milo was very matter of fact.
Mark and Clora crossed looks and Mark shrugged briefly, out of his league with the precocious 4 year old.
Clora asked "How about some ham sandwiches for lunch? Anybody hungry?"
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you, and you always leave me wanting more lol.
Sully
Veteran Member
bad_karma00
Underachiever
Once more your character interactions are priceless. You have such a great feel for writing a strong family and their personal interactions. I really love all your stories Pac, and I'm always looking for your updates.
Bad
Bad
Exactly! That's why we all feel like we really know your characters and we care about them. They are real to us, which is the mark of a very talented writer. Thank you, Pac!
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac great as always.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#62
Saturday morning at the Wilson homestead was a lazy relaxed day. Ev milked and brought the pail full to his place. Ronnie had three glasses of milk and four eggs and toast for breakfast. Ev teased him by staring quizzically at his skinny little body, pretending he couldn't imagine where all that food was hiding.
Ronnie was starting to relax and be a little boy and that made Cheryl happy. At first glance the youngster was a wired up bundle of neuroses; until Cheryl was beginning to think he might be affected with ADHD or worse. Then slowly with the better nutrition they provided, his often erratic behavior was beginning to change for the better.
Cheryl sure hoped the child wasn't lactose or gluten intolerant, as he ate eggs, toast and milk as his main diet. Christy had spent some time investigating on line and the family had decided Ronnie's diet was his own body demanding certain nutrients, so they made the food available when ever he was hungry.
Ev watched as Ronnie used his casted arm more and more, the little boy energy overcoming his reluctance to move the broken arm. The matchbox car was a real hit and never left the 6 year olds pocket. Ronnie was often times content to sit in the easy chair and run his car making motor noises.
That kind of inactivity would have run Ev nuts, and he couldn't watch when he found Ronnie happily playing by himself. Cheryl was positive Ev had ADHD, but it had never been diagnosed; so she gladly kept a list of chores and honey do's taped to the fridge door for him to amuse himself while working constructively.
Lately, Cheryl had been thinking more and more about their cabin in Evergreen, wondering what had happened to the snug and solid structure. She supposed it had burned, but was aching to know first hand if it was still standing. During lunch, she brought up the subject, asking if Ev thought about that happy home and wondered if it had fallen prey to the fire.
"Yeah occasionally," he admitted. "I been thinkin about that cabin and was kinda wondering if we should think about building us'n another'n." His deep mountain twang very apparent when he was very emotional, and at times even Cheryl had trouble understanding what he was saying.
"Here?" she asked.
Ev stroked his beard and nodded, "I'm thinkin we'uns shoulds be closer to the timber. This here is a great place, but I need the forest closer."
It was everything Cheryl wanted, and overcome by her own emotion all she could do was nod happily. Tears glistened in her eyes and she patted Ev's hand. The tall lanky man was on fire, he had a mission and a project they both wanted and believed in. It was look out and stay out of the way, as Ev gobbled his lunch and brought pencil and paper to the table to begin sketching the new and improved Wilson homestead.
If the family agreed, Ev wanted to site the cabin further East of the main house in the dense pine and fir thickets across the fence from the tree farm. Close, but not right in the pockets of the clan, was his intention. He put Ronnie on his knee as he sketched the basic outline and worked out what they needed as a family. Ev knew how he was going to build the cabin, mostly all by himself as a present to Cheryl. It was a satisfying thought, to create, build and work his own house.
Ev and Ronnie worked hard on the drawing, writing down ideas that Cheryl suggested, but keeping the outside
to the basic rectangle. Cheryl had her heart set on a cellar under the house, and Ev was having trouble finding the right place to site the inside stairs. They went through a lot of coffee, milk and cookies as they marked, erased and plotted.
As the afternoon wore on and her two men busy, Cheryl and Christy had a long serious talk about Christy's future. Christy was interested in challenging the SAT's and getting a head start on her higher education. She wanted to be a nurse, and was eager to get started. Cheryl promised they would investigate what was involved, and get started as soon as possible. She also promised to get herself to the doctor, no more procrastinating.
Saturday morning at the Wilson homestead was a lazy relaxed day. Ev milked and brought the pail full to his place. Ronnie had three glasses of milk and four eggs and toast for breakfast. Ev teased him by staring quizzically at his skinny little body, pretending he couldn't imagine where all that food was hiding.
Ronnie was starting to relax and be a little boy and that made Cheryl happy. At first glance the youngster was a wired up bundle of neuroses; until Cheryl was beginning to think he might be affected with ADHD or worse. Then slowly with the better nutrition they provided, his often erratic behavior was beginning to change for the better.
Cheryl sure hoped the child wasn't lactose or gluten intolerant, as he ate eggs, toast and milk as his main diet. Christy had spent some time investigating on line and the family had decided Ronnie's diet was his own body demanding certain nutrients, so they made the food available when ever he was hungry.
Ev watched as Ronnie used his casted arm more and more, the little boy energy overcoming his reluctance to move the broken arm. The matchbox car was a real hit and never left the 6 year olds pocket. Ronnie was often times content to sit in the easy chair and run his car making motor noises.
That kind of inactivity would have run Ev nuts, and he couldn't watch when he found Ronnie happily playing by himself. Cheryl was positive Ev had ADHD, but it had never been diagnosed; so she gladly kept a list of chores and honey do's taped to the fridge door for him to amuse himself while working constructively.
Lately, Cheryl had been thinking more and more about their cabin in Evergreen, wondering what had happened to the snug and solid structure. She supposed it had burned, but was aching to know first hand if it was still standing. During lunch, she brought up the subject, asking if Ev thought about that happy home and wondered if it had fallen prey to the fire.
"Yeah occasionally," he admitted. "I been thinkin about that cabin and was kinda wondering if we should think about building us'n another'n." His deep mountain twang very apparent when he was very emotional, and at times even Cheryl had trouble understanding what he was saying.
"Here?" she asked.
Ev stroked his beard and nodded, "I'm thinkin we'uns shoulds be closer to the timber. This here is a great place, but I need the forest closer."
It was everything Cheryl wanted, and overcome by her own emotion all she could do was nod happily. Tears glistened in her eyes and she patted Ev's hand. The tall lanky man was on fire, he had a mission and a project they both wanted and believed in. It was look out and stay out of the way, as Ev gobbled his lunch and brought pencil and paper to the table to begin sketching the new and improved Wilson homestead.
If the family agreed, Ev wanted to site the cabin further East of the main house in the dense pine and fir thickets across the fence from the tree farm. Close, but not right in the pockets of the clan, was his intention. He put Ronnie on his knee as he sketched the basic outline and worked out what they needed as a family. Ev knew how he was going to build the cabin, mostly all by himself as a present to Cheryl. It was a satisfying thought, to create, build and work his own house.
Ev and Ronnie worked hard on the drawing, writing down ideas that Cheryl suggested, but keeping the outside
to the basic rectangle. Cheryl had her heart set on a cellar under the house, and Ev was having trouble finding the right place to site the inside stairs. They went through a lot of coffee, milk and cookies as they marked, erased and plotted.
As the afternoon wore on and her two men busy, Cheryl and Christy had a long serious talk about Christy's future. Christy was interested in challenging the SAT's and getting a head start on her higher education. She wanted to be a nurse, and was eager to get started. Cheryl promised they would investigate what was involved, and get started as soon as possible. She also promised to get herself to the doctor, no more procrastinating.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Hope Cheryl isnt tooo ill, thank you pac
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#62b
Ben and Lainey lounged around, savoring the stress free morning. Anne and Teddy slept in, giving the new parents a solid six hours of sleep. It was a fabulous, unbroken snooze that renewed body and spirit. Breakfast was a big bowl of thick oatmeal and some of Lainey's fantastic cinnamon rolls.
"For a helpless little rich gal, you sure do make the best gooey rolls I've ever tasted," Ben helped himself to the third one, licking his fingers of the sticky honey, butter and cinnamon glaze.
"I bet you say that to all your gals," Lainey teased, pouring more coffee. "Is the coffee OK, I worry maybe you like it stronger and are just humoring me."
"Not like Clora's that's for sure. I like your coffee just fine," Ben lifted his cup and saluted Lainey as she stood waiting for his answer. "I like everything but that wheat thing you make. That raises the hair on the back of my neck." Ben announced firmly, but took a peek at his beautiful wife to see how she was taking the criticism.
Lainey laughed. The ladies had been experimenting with wheat gluten and making seitan, and it was a huge, monumental flop with the men of the ranch. To a man, they all said, "we prefer beef."
"I think I'm getting better," she agreed softly, "cooking is a lot of fun and I never had the opportunity before. It's too bad we had so many servants, and you've been so kind," she sat on Ben's lap and twirled her fingers in his hair. They were getting into some serious kissing when Anne's 'I want to get up' wail sounded from the nursery and Teddy joined in.
"She really has good timing," Ben grumbled. "kiss me again, I need encouragement to continue the day."
What could Lainey do but co-operate.
They both went in to change diapers and Teddy said the magic words.."I poop...he said in his baby voice, and Ben picked him up on the run and they whisked into the bathroom. "Oh, success," Ben's elated voice floated in the sir. "Good job Teddy."
It was a five star, red letter day in the Ben Hanson household, and the day only got better.
The house that wasn't having a good day was the combination of Wayne and Brett. There was an argument first thing before breakfast, a fist fight after breakfast, and another poke or two not long afterward. Wayne had a brief thought that he was more than happy he had few furnishings because they would have been broken.
Brett lipped off once again, sneering at Wayne's cooking attempts and saying he was going up to Clora's to get some decent food. Wayne held his temper, counted to three and then mashed Brett in the nose anyway.
"You -------," Brett came up swinging, only to get another fist on the end of his chin. On the floor, he swung his foot and hit Wayne behind the knee. Wayne went down, but not exactly where Brett expected. The brother landed on top of brother, driving the air out of the softer, more unlucky one on the bottom.
Wayne scrambled up, standing out of leg range this time. "If I am one, then so are you; has Borg claimed you yet?" he taunted, knowing that would be a sore point. It was. It was worth another swing that Brett flailed wildly, missing Wayne completely.
Wayne played with amusement until he was tired of sidestepping Brett's feeble attempts and gave him a solid blow to the jaw. It put Brett down and out like a light. Wayne stepped over the crumpled body and went to the stove to removed the burned pancake and start another.
Wayne was on his second hotcake when Brett finally groaned and tried to get up. "If you can't be decent, I'd stay down there if I were you," Wayne warned coldly. "I shoulda whooped your butt years ago. Instead everybody tipytoed around you and let you become a bully. No more do you understand?"
Brett sat up and said wearily, "yeah, I guess, what ever you want. Damm, where did you learn to fight?"
"School of hard knocks," Wayne smarted back. "Everybody in this family is so pissed at you for being such a weak link and falling for cheap tricks and the lure of money. What in the hell were you thinking?"
"Yeah, well, I did. Can't change that now. I got messed up by thinking I wanted something that I couldn't have. I got over it, but it jerked my chain until I was full of,...mad is as good a word as any. I'm sorry, but I'm guessing nobody wants to hear that."
"You guessed right. You ticked Clora off to the point she won't even say your name, so I'm guessing you would have to perform miracles and walk on water if you want back in her good graces," Wayne took another bite of pancake, punctuating the air with his fork.
"That ain't gonna happen," Brett sighed. "How about a hotcake, I'm hungry."
"Make it yourself," Wayne said with a mouthful.
Ben and Lainey lounged around, savoring the stress free morning. Anne and Teddy slept in, giving the new parents a solid six hours of sleep. It was a fabulous, unbroken snooze that renewed body and spirit. Breakfast was a big bowl of thick oatmeal and some of Lainey's fantastic cinnamon rolls.
"For a helpless little rich gal, you sure do make the best gooey rolls I've ever tasted," Ben helped himself to the third one, licking his fingers of the sticky honey, butter and cinnamon glaze.
"I bet you say that to all your gals," Lainey teased, pouring more coffee. "Is the coffee OK, I worry maybe you like it stronger and are just humoring me."
"Not like Clora's that's for sure. I like your coffee just fine," Ben lifted his cup and saluted Lainey as she stood waiting for his answer. "I like everything but that wheat thing you make. That raises the hair on the back of my neck." Ben announced firmly, but took a peek at his beautiful wife to see how she was taking the criticism.
Lainey laughed. The ladies had been experimenting with wheat gluten and making seitan, and it was a huge, monumental flop with the men of the ranch. To a man, they all said, "we prefer beef."
"I think I'm getting better," she agreed softly, "cooking is a lot of fun and I never had the opportunity before. It's too bad we had so many servants, and you've been so kind," she sat on Ben's lap and twirled her fingers in his hair. They were getting into some serious kissing when Anne's 'I want to get up' wail sounded from the nursery and Teddy joined in.
"She really has good timing," Ben grumbled. "kiss me again, I need encouragement to continue the day."
What could Lainey do but co-operate.
They both went in to change diapers and Teddy said the magic words.."I poop...he said in his baby voice, and Ben picked him up on the run and they whisked into the bathroom. "Oh, success," Ben's elated voice floated in the sir. "Good job Teddy."
It was a five star, red letter day in the Ben Hanson household, and the day only got better.
The house that wasn't having a good day was the combination of Wayne and Brett. There was an argument first thing before breakfast, a fist fight after breakfast, and another poke or two not long afterward. Wayne had a brief thought that he was more than happy he had few furnishings because they would have been broken.
Brett lipped off once again, sneering at Wayne's cooking attempts and saying he was going up to Clora's to get some decent food. Wayne held his temper, counted to three and then mashed Brett in the nose anyway.
"You -------," Brett came up swinging, only to get another fist on the end of his chin. On the floor, he swung his foot and hit Wayne behind the knee. Wayne went down, but not exactly where Brett expected. The brother landed on top of brother, driving the air out of the softer, more unlucky one on the bottom.
Wayne scrambled up, standing out of leg range this time. "If I am one, then so are you; has Borg claimed you yet?" he taunted, knowing that would be a sore point. It was. It was worth another swing that Brett flailed wildly, missing Wayne completely.
Wayne played with amusement until he was tired of sidestepping Brett's feeble attempts and gave him a solid blow to the jaw. It put Brett down and out like a light. Wayne stepped over the crumpled body and went to the stove to removed the burned pancake and start another.
Wayne was on his second hotcake when Brett finally groaned and tried to get up. "If you can't be decent, I'd stay down there if I were you," Wayne warned coldly. "I shoulda whooped your butt years ago. Instead everybody tipytoed around you and let you become a bully. No more do you understand?"
Brett sat up and said wearily, "yeah, I guess, what ever you want. Damm, where did you learn to fight?"
"School of hard knocks," Wayne smarted back. "Everybody in this family is so pissed at you for being such a weak link and falling for cheap tricks and the lure of money. What in the hell were you thinking?"
"Yeah, well, I did. Can't change that now. I got messed up by thinking I wanted something that I couldn't have. I got over it, but it jerked my chain until I was full of,...mad is as good a word as any. I'm sorry, but I'm guessing nobody wants to hear that."
"You guessed right. You ticked Clora off to the point she won't even say your name, so I'm guessing you would have to perform miracles and walk on water if you want back in her good graces," Wayne took another bite of pancake, punctuating the air with his fork.
"That ain't gonna happen," Brett sighed. "How about a hotcake, I'm hungry."
"Make it yourself," Wayne said with a mouthful.
Last edited:
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Lol great, thank you Pac
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#62c.
"Whatcha doing?" the oldest Fowler girl Alice, wanted to know.
Clora and Milo were at the sink washing used plastic sacks, and Milo was jiggling around on the chair he was standing on. "Hold still," Clora commanded, "you're gonna fall off."
"I gotta pee," Milo said urgently, "I gotta get down."
"Alice, give him room to climb down, and don't forget to wash your hands," Clora called after his retreating back.
"Alice, would you like to help?" Clora asked as she rinsed the clean sack she had just finished. Clora had an old fashioned dish towel dryer, the kind that had several fingers on a swivel attached to the wall over the sink. She fitted her sack over the top dowel, and picked up the sack Milo had been working on. Swishing it in the mildly bleach prepared water, she hung the second sack. Alice crawled in the chair and stood up, at that moment Milo came rushing in the room and executed an instantaneous melt down.
Crying with heart broken tears, Milo stood pointing at the timid girl clinging to the counter. "She's in my chair, she has my chair, I don't have any chair to stand on." Milo was sobbing.
"There is room for both of you, Alice can move over and you can share." Clora said reasonably.
"But I have to stand next to you, I have to," Milo said in a weepy voice. "I just have to."
"Come here, I'll help you up." Mollified, Milo inched over and held his hands up to be lifted. He kinda pushed Alice a little, and she squeaked as she got closer and closer to the edge.
"Milo," Clora warned, "that's enough, behave or you can get down altogether."
Milo had a little boy pout dragging down his lower lip, when Alice asked, "did you wash a sack, show me how," Suddenly the kitchen was sunny again, Milo and Alice stood giggling as they made a real mess as they worked.
Lilly came creeping into the kitchen on silent feet, gasping when she surveyed the wet mess happening as the happy children played. "Alice," she said scandalized, "what are you doing."
"Don't worry, they are washing plastic sacks for me," Clora assured the scared woman, "they're OK."
Lilly took a deep breath and said harshly "why am I here?"
"I don't know, why are you here?" Clora countered. "I understood you are here because Wayne invited you to share the holiday, did you have another reason?"
"Times haven't been good to us, there's no way I can repay you for all of this." Lilly said in a defeated voice.
"I think the guys were thankful for their haircuts, you contributed quite a lot there." Clora commented as she sliced ham and motioned to Lilly to slice the loaf of bread.
"I have to wash," Lilly looked around the kitchen for a towel.
"Third drawer down on the right," Clora interpreted her wild eyed scan. "Grab a couple for the kids, I think they are clean enough."
Milo was real reluctant to stop his intensive scrubbing, he was having fun as was Alice. "get ready to eat kids," Clora directed as she slipped a sliver of ham in Milo's mouth.
"OK," he was ready in a flash. He was one up on Alice, his Auntie Clora had favored him with a bite and hadn't given that girl anything. Milo got up in his chair and smiled at the world, he felt like a prince.
Willie walked in the kitchen, sniffing like he was hungry. "Willie, would you run down the hall and knock on our door and tell Mark it's time for lunch?"
"Be happy to," and he pivoted on his heel and marched back down the hall. Both the Fowler girls were scared of Willie, so Clora got them seated with Milo between them and Willie. Clora paused to wink at Milo causing him to laugh, his plate filled with a half sandwich, a dill pickle and three olives caused him to try and wink back. "Milk?" Clora filled the small glass that was his favorite.
Lunch was noisy, filled with chatter and satisfied members of the family. The ham bone was looking more used up and naked as everyone finished up. Clora dropped it in the warming nest of beans and got a head start on supper.
The younger members went down for a nap, as did Lilly and both girls as they wouldn't leave her. Clora and Willie talked while she did the dishes.
"I like school," Willie remarked, "thank you for recommending to Dad that he consider sending me there."
"Your welcome," Clora smiled at his youthful eagerness. "You know you're a pretty special kid, and I expect great things from you." she offered warmly.
"I'm at the top of my class and really hope to get a scholarship for the last semester," Willie said with a hint of pride. "I'm doing well in Basketball, and if I grow a little more, there's maybe another source of a scholarship. The Coach says I need to be at least 6', and I'm getting there."
"Yes you are. Your Dad is tall, so you have a good chance. He's very proud of you, you know?"
"Yeah, he really hollers loud when he comes to the ball games, it's easy to tell where he is sitting," Willie said with a grin. "He sure gets excited."
They discussed his classes and especially the discipline the school provided. As a college prep school it was run almost like a military school, and they talked about the rules and how some of the fellas were kinda stupid for trying to buck the system.
"Just keep your good head, and don't follow the herd," Clora advised with a grin. "You have good instincts, use them."
Willie reached for a cookie and nodded his agreement. "I will Aunt Clora, see, I'm getting almost as tall as you. But I'm still shorter than Dad and Uncle Mark. Gosh he sure is tall, how did you meet him?" Willie was curious.
Clora worked through her chores, skimming the milk of cream, setting a sponge for bread and of course, making more cookies, while she and Willie caught up on the news and talked about Uncle Mark and his big feet.
"Do I hear my name?" Mark walked into the kitchen, his tousled hair left over from his nap. "Yes dear, you certainly did. You know the only reason I married you was the fact that you had feet bigger than mine," Clora smarted as she poured him coffee.
Willie shook his head at the silly way they were acting, grownups; who could understand them?
Wayne tapped on the back door and breezed in. "Brett is over looking at the tunnel and the damage to the cafe," he announced as he snitched a cookie. When he turned around, they could see the shiny purple black eye he was sporting. Clora snickered..
"You should see the other guy," Wayne bragged as he stuffed his mouth full. "He has two." At that, Mark laughed. Willie shook his head again. The Headmaster spent all his time haranguing against fighting, and here it seemed like every body fought.
"Hey, where's Lilly?" Wayne wanted to know. "I need to talk with her."
"Napping," Clora stood at the sink window watching Ev and Ben talking in the yard. Ev was pointing off to the East and seemed excited by whatever he was promoting.
"Whatcha doing?" the oldest Fowler girl Alice, wanted to know.
Clora and Milo were at the sink washing used plastic sacks, and Milo was jiggling around on the chair he was standing on. "Hold still," Clora commanded, "you're gonna fall off."
"I gotta pee," Milo said urgently, "I gotta get down."
"Alice, give him room to climb down, and don't forget to wash your hands," Clora called after his retreating back.
"Alice, would you like to help?" Clora asked as she rinsed the clean sack she had just finished. Clora had an old fashioned dish towel dryer, the kind that had several fingers on a swivel attached to the wall over the sink. She fitted her sack over the top dowel, and picked up the sack Milo had been working on. Swishing it in the mildly bleach prepared water, she hung the second sack. Alice crawled in the chair and stood up, at that moment Milo came rushing in the room and executed an instantaneous melt down.
Crying with heart broken tears, Milo stood pointing at the timid girl clinging to the counter. "She's in my chair, she has my chair, I don't have any chair to stand on." Milo was sobbing.
"There is room for both of you, Alice can move over and you can share." Clora said reasonably.
"But I have to stand next to you, I have to," Milo said in a weepy voice. "I just have to."
"Come here, I'll help you up." Mollified, Milo inched over and held his hands up to be lifted. He kinda pushed Alice a little, and she squeaked as she got closer and closer to the edge.
"Milo," Clora warned, "that's enough, behave or you can get down altogether."
Milo had a little boy pout dragging down his lower lip, when Alice asked, "did you wash a sack, show me how," Suddenly the kitchen was sunny again, Milo and Alice stood giggling as they made a real mess as they worked.
Lilly came creeping into the kitchen on silent feet, gasping when she surveyed the wet mess happening as the happy children played. "Alice," she said scandalized, "what are you doing."
"Don't worry, they are washing plastic sacks for me," Clora assured the scared woman, "they're OK."
Lilly took a deep breath and said harshly "why am I here?"
"I don't know, why are you here?" Clora countered. "I understood you are here because Wayne invited you to share the holiday, did you have another reason?"
"Times haven't been good to us, there's no way I can repay you for all of this." Lilly said in a defeated voice.
"I think the guys were thankful for their haircuts, you contributed quite a lot there." Clora commented as she sliced ham and motioned to Lilly to slice the loaf of bread.
"I have to wash," Lilly looked around the kitchen for a towel.
"Third drawer down on the right," Clora interpreted her wild eyed scan. "Grab a couple for the kids, I think they are clean enough."
Milo was real reluctant to stop his intensive scrubbing, he was having fun as was Alice. "get ready to eat kids," Clora directed as she slipped a sliver of ham in Milo's mouth.
"OK," he was ready in a flash. He was one up on Alice, his Auntie Clora had favored him with a bite and hadn't given that girl anything. Milo got up in his chair and smiled at the world, he felt like a prince.
Willie walked in the kitchen, sniffing like he was hungry. "Willie, would you run down the hall and knock on our door and tell Mark it's time for lunch?"
"Be happy to," and he pivoted on his heel and marched back down the hall. Both the Fowler girls were scared of Willie, so Clora got them seated with Milo between them and Willie. Clora paused to wink at Milo causing him to laugh, his plate filled with a half sandwich, a dill pickle and three olives caused him to try and wink back. "Milk?" Clora filled the small glass that was his favorite.
Lunch was noisy, filled with chatter and satisfied members of the family. The ham bone was looking more used up and naked as everyone finished up. Clora dropped it in the warming nest of beans and got a head start on supper.
The younger members went down for a nap, as did Lilly and both girls as they wouldn't leave her. Clora and Willie talked while she did the dishes.
"I like school," Willie remarked, "thank you for recommending to Dad that he consider sending me there."
"Your welcome," Clora smiled at his youthful eagerness. "You know you're a pretty special kid, and I expect great things from you." she offered warmly.
"I'm at the top of my class and really hope to get a scholarship for the last semester," Willie said with a hint of pride. "I'm doing well in Basketball, and if I grow a little more, there's maybe another source of a scholarship. The Coach says I need to be at least 6', and I'm getting there."
"Yes you are. Your Dad is tall, so you have a good chance. He's very proud of you, you know?"
"Yeah, he really hollers loud when he comes to the ball games, it's easy to tell where he is sitting," Willie said with a grin. "He sure gets excited."
They discussed his classes and especially the discipline the school provided. As a college prep school it was run almost like a military school, and they talked about the rules and how some of the fellas were kinda stupid for trying to buck the system.
"Just keep your good head, and don't follow the herd," Clora advised with a grin. "You have good instincts, use them."
Willie reached for a cookie and nodded his agreement. "I will Aunt Clora, see, I'm getting almost as tall as you. But I'm still shorter than Dad and Uncle Mark. Gosh he sure is tall, how did you meet him?" Willie was curious.
Clora worked through her chores, skimming the milk of cream, setting a sponge for bread and of course, making more cookies, while she and Willie caught up on the news and talked about Uncle Mark and his big feet.
"Do I hear my name?" Mark walked into the kitchen, his tousled hair left over from his nap. "Yes dear, you certainly did. You know the only reason I married you was the fact that you had feet bigger than mine," Clora smarted as she poured him coffee.
Willie shook his head at the silly way they were acting, grownups; who could understand them?
Wayne tapped on the back door and breezed in. "Brett is over looking at the tunnel and the damage to the cafe," he announced as he snitched a cookie. When he turned around, they could see the shiny purple black eye he was sporting. Clora snickered..
"You should see the other guy," Wayne bragged as he stuffed his mouth full. "He has two." At that, Mark laughed. Willie shook his head again. The Headmaster spent all his time haranguing against fighting, and here it seemed like every body fought.
"Hey, where's Lilly?" Wayne wanted to know. "I need to talk with her."
"Napping," Clora stood at the sink window watching Ev and Ben talking in the yard. Ev was pointing off to the East and seemed excited by whatever he was promoting.
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
It is just so darn sweet to come and find so many new chapters from you dear author!
In the midst of the travail I am in I know I can come here to your story for joy, inspiration and
laughter.
Thank you for writing this story.
I would love to some day meet you and the other fine authors here.
It would be so cool to have an authors celebration where the authors can be honored and the
appreciative readers have their questions asked and appreciation given.
In the midst of the travail I am in I know I can come here to your story for joy, inspiration and
laughter.
Thank you for writing this story.
I would love to some day meet you and the other fine authors here.
It would be so cool to have an authors celebration where the authors can be honored and the
appreciative readers have their questions asked and appreciation given.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
It would be fun to have a get together, but alas, I am pretty well tied to the homestead. Perhaps someday......it is a treat to think about for sure. I know there are many author's here that I would like to shake their hand and give them one of Clora's cookies.
Sis I am honored that you find a bit of relief in my story; you are such a strong writer that I am pleased to share with you.
For many years we trucked down to Salinas every week, and back to the upper Northwest with produce, until I just couldn't do it any longer. I especially liked the area around Shasta, it's a area rich in history and beauty. Stay strong with the work you do and live well.
Sis I am honored that you find a bit of relief in my story; you are such a strong writer that I am pleased to share with you.
For many years we trucked down to Salinas every week, and back to the upper Northwest with produce, until I just couldn't do it any longer. I especially liked the area around Shasta, it's a area rich in history and beauty. Stay strong with the work you do and live well.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Pac, another great couple of chapters, glad to see the family finely getting some time to heal and plan for the future, without having to fight for there lives at every turn. Not that the intrigue, excitement, cliff's and the ever changing events aren't what keep us on the edge off our seats and coming back to your story every 15 minutes to check for a new chapter. Pac you have become a part of our lives as we live your story with you, you and Mr. Pac have become family to us and we THANK you for allowing us to know you.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#63
Wayne hung around the kitchen, impatiently waiting for Lilly to wake up and come downstairs. Finally, Clora banished him from the kitchen to pace in the dining room. She had a room full with Mark, Willie and Milo being 'helpful' as she did her work, with out having to stop and move around Wayne.
Brett spent an inordinate amount of time inspecting his now defunct business and the tunnel. Ev and Ben found him sitting in the near freezing cafe, looking pensive and depressed. "I had a lot that I threw away, didn't I," Brett said to both of them, really not expecting an answer.
"Yes you did," Ben had no reason to hold back. "Brett, do you have a addiction problem? We have noticed behavior that is not consistent with what we know about you, I can't believe you would sell the family out to Borg, so what about it, do you have a chemical dependency?"
Brett just nodded and then hung his head, unable to speak.
"Do you want to do something about it, or continue on without help or control?" The homegrown justice was swift and harsh. "Turn yourself over to us for treatment, or leave and don't come back, those are your choices." Ben was adamant.
Brett lifted his head, and his beautiful black eyes and split lip were very evident. "That's what Wayne said." he mumbled with his painfull mouth.
"What he said?" Ev asked, clearly astonished at the techni-color puffy face he was seeing in the dark, dank building.
"Yeah, he has a strong way of speaking," Brett tried to make a small joke, but it fell flat in the empty building.
Wayne opened the door, "room for one more?" he asked as he walked in anyway. "Brett, are you ready to take responsibility for your poor choices and stupid blunders?"
Brett jerked like he had been hit again, "yes, I think deep down that's why I'm here. I need help, and I'm too weak to do this by myself. If the three of you think I can be helped, maybe I can be...." he let his voice trail off, looking at them for some positive sign that he wasn't hopeless.
"There are five of us here Brett; Mark and Will agree with us 100%. We have family here that you will not endanger, we will see to that in any manner necessary." Ben was completely in control, not acting as a brother but a man defending his family.
It was a stark warning that Brett couldn't miss the meaning of.
"OK," Brett spread his hand in a gesture of submission, "what do you want me to do?"
"Will is expected home soon, he knows how to have you involuntarily committed for treatment. It will be involuntary, you will not be able to check yourself out if the going gets tough, understand?" the intervention was a 'up against the wall and spread your feet' action.
Right on cue, Will pulled in the yard and was waved over by Wayne. A swift glance at the players involved, and he knew it was crunch time for Brett. The men had discussed this very problem before and a course of action if it was needed.
Will loaded the subdued Brett in his car and zipped down the drive way, he had the contacts to counter Brett's addictive problem.
Clora was watching from the kitchen window, "Mark, what's going on over there?"
"It's most likely an intervention for Brett," Mark said calmly. "There's no choice for him, it's get help or get out permanently."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Clora was curious.
"Brett has a flair for the dramatic and is desperate and unpredictable; he wouldn't let the fact that he is family get in his way if he had an out he could exploit." Mark was gentle but firm, he was the warrior protector of his family.
There again Clora felt like she was bumping up against the nebulous but very real glass box surrounding her. Clora had a stubborn, 'how dare you' look on her face, and Mark refused to back away from his announcement.
Wayne hung around the kitchen, impatiently waiting for Lilly to wake up and come downstairs. Finally, Clora banished him from the kitchen to pace in the dining room. She had a room full with Mark, Willie and Milo being 'helpful' as she did her work, with out having to stop and move around Wayne.
Brett spent an inordinate amount of time inspecting his now defunct business and the tunnel. Ev and Ben found him sitting in the near freezing cafe, looking pensive and depressed. "I had a lot that I threw away, didn't I," Brett said to both of them, really not expecting an answer.
"Yes you did," Ben had no reason to hold back. "Brett, do you have a addiction problem? We have noticed behavior that is not consistent with what we know about you, I can't believe you would sell the family out to Borg, so what about it, do you have a chemical dependency?"
Brett just nodded and then hung his head, unable to speak.
"Do you want to do something about it, or continue on without help or control?" The homegrown justice was swift and harsh. "Turn yourself over to us for treatment, or leave and don't come back, those are your choices." Ben was adamant.
Brett lifted his head, and his beautiful black eyes and split lip were very evident. "That's what Wayne said." he mumbled with his painfull mouth.
"What he said?" Ev asked, clearly astonished at the techni-color puffy face he was seeing in the dark, dank building.
"Yeah, he has a strong way of speaking," Brett tried to make a small joke, but it fell flat in the empty building.
Wayne opened the door, "room for one more?" he asked as he walked in anyway. "Brett, are you ready to take responsibility for your poor choices and stupid blunders?"
Brett jerked like he had been hit again, "yes, I think deep down that's why I'm here. I need help, and I'm too weak to do this by myself. If the three of you think I can be helped, maybe I can be...." he let his voice trail off, looking at them for some positive sign that he wasn't hopeless.
"There are five of us here Brett; Mark and Will agree with us 100%. We have family here that you will not endanger, we will see to that in any manner necessary." Ben was completely in control, not acting as a brother but a man defending his family.
It was a stark warning that Brett couldn't miss the meaning of.
"OK," Brett spread his hand in a gesture of submission, "what do you want me to do?"
"Will is expected home soon, he knows how to have you involuntarily committed for treatment. It will be involuntary, you will not be able to check yourself out if the going gets tough, understand?" the intervention was a 'up against the wall and spread your feet' action.
Right on cue, Will pulled in the yard and was waved over by Wayne. A swift glance at the players involved, and he knew it was crunch time for Brett. The men had discussed this very problem before and a course of action if it was needed.
Will loaded the subdued Brett in his car and zipped down the drive way, he had the contacts to counter Brett's addictive problem.
Clora was watching from the kitchen window, "Mark, what's going on over there?"
"It's most likely an intervention for Brett," Mark said calmly. "There's no choice for him, it's get help or get out permanently."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Clora was curious.
"Brett has a flair for the dramatic and is desperate and unpredictable; he wouldn't let the fact that he is family get in his way if he had an out he could exploit." Mark was gentle but firm, he was the warrior protector of his family.
There again Clora felt like she was bumping up against the nebulous but very real glass box surrounding her. Clora had a stubborn, 'how dare you' look on her face, and Mark refused to back away from his announcement.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Poor Clora and that need to be the mother hen. Oh what about there inside chips/bugs, they need to get rid of those things; can people hear what there sayig some how with them, I know that's far fetched lol. Is Brett bugged again?
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac it looks like Brett will get the help he needs, but will he take it and choose not to relapse.
Wayne
Wayne
bad_karma00
Underachiever
Clora may be upset, but I like Mark. He normally let's Clora run things her way, I'm sure because she's usually right, and the most capable of the clan. But when her safety and well being are an issue, Mark puts his foot down, softly but firmly, and takes his place as protector. I like that. A man who isn't willing to protect his family isn't really a man, IMO.
Pac, once more you show a real gift for character interactions. The story itself is a wonderful idea, but without your ability to build strong characters, deal with family emotions and turmoil, the story would be much less enjoyable. You've got a real gift. Thanks again for sharing with us all.
Bad
Pac, once more you show a real gift for character interactions. The story itself is a wonderful idea, but without your ability to build strong characters, deal with family emotions and turmoil, the story would be much less enjoyable. You've got a real gift. Thanks again for sharing with us all.
Bad
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#63b
As the men left the cafe building, Ben volunteered to go over and let Clora and Mark know what was going on. "Brave soul," Wayne muttered. His words were heard by all but nobody commented, happy to have someone else face Clora.
Ben stopped at the door to shrug his shoulders and work the kinks out of his neck. Taking a deep breath for fortification, he tapped lightly and entered. Mark, Clora and various and assorted children were scattered all around the kitchen, talking or coloring or squabbling with their sister.
"Lilly, would you excuse us, we have family business to attend to." Mark was pleasant but definite as he directed the lady and her children to the play room. Milo, I expect you to go play nicely while we speak with Uncle Ben."
Milo looked like he wanted to protest, but swallowed his words and walked meekly through the archway to the schoolroom.
Ben sat at the table, taking the cup of coffee from Clora. "We sent Brett with Will, he needs a drug therapy and as you suggested Mark, we made it an involuntary enrollment. He didn't say specifically what drug he was addicted to and it really makes no difference. He's hooked and needs to get clean."
"I'm sorry he is addicted, but he had some classic signs. What matters most, he is getting help. I've got to warn you that Borg may not let him finish, if he hears about it." Mark said with a grimace as he went to move in his chair.
"We've actually thought about that," Ben looked at his brother in law, "and we didn't know how involved you wanted to be, how deep you felt the chasm to be between you and Borg. We decided to charge Brett with trespassing if he looks like he is backing out on his treatment. That will keep him in line for a while, hopefully long enough for him to finish his treatment."
"Good, Good," Mark agreed deeply pleased. Mark looked at Clora and raised his hand, inviting her to express her opinions.
"I wouldn't have been that nice, he betrayed the family and that's the only strength we have." Clora wasn't giving up easily.
"Believe me, Brett is well aware that he screwed up. He begged us not to let you get ahold of him, he is really afraid of you Clora."
Ben had to bite his bottom lip, as his sister got up to stomp around on the floor.
"Good," she echoed her husband's praise with satisfaction. "Good."
Ben looked at Mark and was rewarded with a wink, making up his mind instantly, he got while the getting was good.
"In case you think I am totally senile, I saw that wink," Clora said tartly as she stood at the sink fuming.
"I wasn't hiding it from you, if I were, you wouldn't have noticed it at all," Mark refused to be baited. "Come here honey, sit down for a minute and let me explain. We need to do this right now," he stressed as she shook her head, looking toward the school room.
Mark took Clora's hands and tugged her down beside him. "Clora, for so long you have borne the brunt of being the backbone and decision maker for this family, we just went over this not to long ago. I am here to stand beside you and it's only fair that you let me help with the decisions I am capable of handling. Ben and Wayne are also capable and they don't want to cause problems between you and them, but they are the heads of their families and need to be honored as such."
Clora felt miserable, she didn't want to be or cause problems, but ......; and she shrugged in a 'I don't care' attitude. "Do you.." she asked hesitantly, "feel like I am too bossy and a control freak?"
"Clora, I love you and I feel free to overlook a lot of problems that would cause attitudes with your brothers. I feel we have a partnership, and our relationship has a mutual goal...our family. How do you feel about my theory?" Mark was his usual calm, reasonable self, and Clora loved him for his ability to get the point across.
"I feel the same way, I just have such conflict with everyone expecting me to have the magic answers. If they want to be masters of their universe, why come running to me with every little problem?" Clora was hurt and a little snippy. "I don't know how to act if they want to have it both ways, either they step up and take control, or they don't."
"I've been in the center of everything for so long, I'm a little resentful just to be put out to pasture and dumped," Clora was finally honest with herself and Mark.
"I'm not saying they want to bypass you completely," Mark offered his explanation, "they value your opinion and observations, but you are one of seven adults that live here, and we all care as passionately as you do about family."
Clora nodded, not trusting herself to speak. "Honey," Mark picked up her hand and kissed her palm, "we're all in this together. All of us, together," he stressed. "Isn't that wonderful?"
"Yes, and you know it is," Clora reached up to gently pull on his earlobe. "No wonder I love you," she whispered, as the oncoming noise sounded like Milo coming in to investigate why they were so quiet.
"Have you guy's been kissing?" the pint sized boy demanded, screwing his face in disgust.
"Sure have,' Mark said with a grin, "try it, you might like it."
"No way," Milo said flatly. "I aint kissin no girl."
"Not even me?" Clora coaxed.
"Well at bedtime,...sometimes," Milo qualified his statement.
"Ok," Clora let him off the hook, "tell you what, how about I ask when I need a smooch?"
"OK, long as it's not too often," Milo was cool with that.
The savory perfume of the ham and beans eddied and swirled in the house, drawing everyone close in to the kitchen. Willie came bounding downstairs and stopped long enough to ruffle Milo's hair.
"Hey....." Milo protested, "Watcha think your doing? Don't touch me." he balled up his fist and acted mad.
Mark took the both of them to the living room, sparing Clora the drama while she got cornbread ready to bake. It was a relief to have Mark shoulder some of the problems, almost enjoyable in fact.
"Do you need milk?" Ev stuck his head in the back door. "Not tonight," Clora replied, "Probably in the morning if someone else doesn't need it."
"Okey dokey," Ev hustled out to the barn, Bossie was waiting.
As the men left the cafe building, Ben volunteered to go over and let Clora and Mark know what was going on. "Brave soul," Wayne muttered. His words were heard by all but nobody commented, happy to have someone else face Clora.
Ben stopped at the door to shrug his shoulders and work the kinks out of his neck. Taking a deep breath for fortification, he tapped lightly and entered. Mark, Clora and various and assorted children were scattered all around the kitchen, talking or coloring or squabbling with their sister.
"Lilly, would you excuse us, we have family business to attend to." Mark was pleasant but definite as he directed the lady and her children to the play room. Milo, I expect you to go play nicely while we speak with Uncle Ben."
Milo looked like he wanted to protest, but swallowed his words and walked meekly through the archway to the schoolroom.
Ben sat at the table, taking the cup of coffee from Clora. "We sent Brett with Will, he needs a drug therapy and as you suggested Mark, we made it an involuntary enrollment. He didn't say specifically what drug he was addicted to and it really makes no difference. He's hooked and needs to get clean."
"I'm sorry he is addicted, but he had some classic signs. What matters most, he is getting help. I've got to warn you that Borg may not let him finish, if he hears about it." Mark said with a grimace as he went to move in his chair.
"We've actually thought about that," Ben looked at his brother in law, "and we didn't know how involved you wanted to be, how deep you felt the chasm to be between you and Borg. We decided to charge Brett with trespassing if he looks like he is backing out on his treatment. That will keep him in line for a while, hopefully long enough for him to finish his treatment."
"Good, Good," Mark agreed deeply pleased. Mark looked at Clora and raised his hand, inviting her to express her opinions.
"I wouldn't have been that nice, he betrayed the family and that's the only strength we have." Clora wasn't giving up easily.
"Believe me, Brett is well aware that he screwed up. He begged us not to let you get ahold of him, he is really afraid of you Clora."
Ben had to bite his bottom lip, as his sister got up to stomp around on the floor.
"Good," she echoed her husband's praise with satisfaction. "Good."
Ben looked at Mark and was rewarded with a wink, making up his mind instantly, he got while the getting was good.
"In case you think I am totally senile, I saw that wink," Clora said tartly as she stood at the sink fuming.
"I wasn't hiding it from you, if I were, you wouldn't have noticed it at all," Mark refused to be baited. "Come here honey, sit down for a minute and let me explain. We need to do this right now," he stressed as she shook her head, looking toward the school room.
Mark took Clora's hands and tugged her down beside him. "Clora, for so long you have borne the brunt of being the backbone and decision maker for this family, we just went over this not to long ago. I am here to stand beside you and it's only fair that you let me help with the decisions I am capable of handling. Ben and Wayne are also capable and they don't want to cause problems between you and them, but they are the heads of their families and need to be honored as such."
Clora felt miserable, she didn't want to be or cause problems, but ......; and she shrugged in a 'I don't care' attitude. "Do you.." she asked hesitantly, "feel like I am too bossy and a control freak?"
"Clora, I love you and I feel free to overlook a lot of problems that would cause attitudes with your brothers. I feel we have a partnership, and our relationship has a mutual goal...our family. How do you feel about my theory?" Mark was his usual calm, reasonable self, and Clora loved him for his ability to get the point across.
"I feel the same way, I just have such conflict with everyone expecting me to have the magic answers. If they want to be masters of their universe, why come running to me with every little problem?" Clora was hurt and a little snippy. "I don't know how to act if they want to have it both ways, either they step up and take control, or they don't."
"I've been in the center of everything for so long, I'm a little resentful just to be put out to pasture and dumped," Clora was finally honest with herself and Mark.
"I'm not saying they want to bypass you completely," Mark offered his explanation, "they value your opinion and observations, but you are one of seven adults that live here, and we all care as passionately as you do about family."
Clora nodded, not trusting herself to speak. "Honey," Mark picked up her hand and kissed her palm, "we're all in this together. All of us, together," he stressed. "Isn't that wonderful?"
"Yes, and you know it is," Clora reached up to gently pull on his earlobe. "No wonder I love you," she whispered, as the oncoming noise sounded like Milo coming in to investigate why they were so quiet.
"Have you guy's been kissing?" the pint sized boy demanded, screwing his face in disgust.
"Sure have,' Mark said with a grin, "try it, you might like it."
"No way," Milo said flatly. "I aint kissin no girl."
"Not even me?" Clora coaxed.
"Well at bedtime,...sometimes," Milo qualified his statement.
"Ok," Clora let him off the hook, "tell you what, how about I ask when I need a smooch?"
"OK, long as it's not too often," Milo was cool with that.
The savory perfume of the ham and beans eddied and swirled in the house, drawing everyone close in to the kitchen. Willie came bounding downstairs and stopped long enough to ruffle Milo's hair.
"Hey....." Milo protested, "Watcha think your doing? Don't touch me." he balled up his fist and acted mad.
Mark took the both of them to the living room, sparing Clora the drama while she got cornbread ready to bake. It was a relief to have Mark shoulder some of the problems, almost enjoyable in fact.
"Do you need milk?" Ev stuck his head in the back door. "Not tonight," Clora replied, "Probably in the morning if someone else doesn't need it."
"Okey dokey," Ev hustled out to the barn, Bossie was waiting.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thanks Pac good to have a new chapter first thing in the morning to start the day, now I won't have to check for another chapter for an hour or so.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#64
Ev hauled the pail in the house, only a small amount of milk sloshing over the rim. "Dad," Christy said impatiently as she mopped herself into the pantry, "you're getting the clean floor all messy." she complained.
"Toughen up buttercup," Ev shot back without thinking. "This is a farm house, farmers have a dirty job and life on a farm requires hard work."
"Yeah Dad, I know; but would it kill you to wipe your feet, just a little bit." Christy said reasonably. "We've got all kinds of boot scrapers, mats and rugs to help keep the mud and slush out. Mom is working herself to the bone trying to keep a decent house."
That was a zinger that cut to the bone. Ev stared at his daughter until Christy thought he was going to explode, "You're right," he spoke quietly, "I do need to be more careful." Ev sat the pail on the table, turned around and went back outside.
"Christy," Cheryl said gently, "that wasn't your place to say," she came in the kitchen with Ronnie in tow. She had been inspecting his ear in the brighter light of the bathroom, the youngster had an ear infection so they needed a two for one doctor visit.
"I don't want you being disrespectful to your father, that's unbecoming to you and undeserved by your Dad." Cheryl's soft admonitions were more hurtful to the teen than a down and out shouting match.
"Yes Mom," there was a long silence, and then Christy grabbed the milk pail and took it to the sink. "Mom....do you have time to help me with some math questions while I do the milk?"
"I do," Cheryl assured her talented daughter. Christy was studying for the SAT's, and wanted to be the very best scholar that ever took the test. "Bring your book in, and I'll start."
Ronnie wanted pencil and paper so he could play school while Christy was working the math problems over. Ronnie had to hold the pencil awkwardly in his left hand, the edge of his cast keeping his little finger from steadying his writing hand.
Ev hauled the pail in the house, only a small amount of milk sloshing over the rim. "Dad," Christy said impatiently as she mopped herself into the pantry, "you're getting the clean floor all messy." she complained.
"Toughen up buttercup," Ev shot back without thinking. "This is a farm house, farmers have a dirty job and life on a farm requires hard work."
"Yeah Dad, I know; but would it kill you to wipe your feet, just a little bit." Christy said reasonably. "We've got all kinds of boot scrapers, mats and rugs to help keep the mud and slush out. Mom is working herself to the bone trying to keep a decent house."
That was a zinger that cut to the bone. Ev stared at his daughter until Christy thought he was going to explode, "You're right," he spoke quietly, "I do need to be more careful." Ev sat the pail on the table, turned around and went back outside.
"Christy," Cheryl said gently, "that wasn't your place to say," she came in the kitchen with Ronnie in tow. She had been inspecting his ear in the brighter light of the bathroom, the youngster had an ear infection so they needed a two for one doctor visit.
"I don't want you being disrespectful to your father, that's unbecoming to you and undeserved by your Dad." Cheryl's soft admonitions were more hurtful to the teen than a down and out shouting match.
"Yes Mom," there was a long silence, and then Christy grabbed the milk pail and took it to the sink. "Mom....do you have time to help me with some math questions while I do the milk?"
"I do," Cheryl assured her talented daughter. Christy was studying for the SAT's, and wanted to be the very best scholar that ever took the test. "Bring your book in, and I'll start."
Ronnie wanted pencil and paper so he could play school while Christy was working the math problems over. Ronnie had to hold the pencil awkwardly in his left hand, the edge of his cast keeping his little finger from steadying his writing hand.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thanks Pac.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thank for the chapter pac.
Wayne
Wayne
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#64b
"Christy, hold down the fort for me, I'll be right back. I want to run out to the barn and speak with your Dad." Cheryl slipped into her chore coat and picked up Ev's coat from the hook by the door.
The barn was semi warm with the cattle inside, and Ev was standing at the fence with one foot on the bottom rail. Arms folded across his coatless frame, he was staring morosely at his prized little Highlander cow.
"Hi," Cheryl said softly, holding the coat out to her shivering husband. Ev turned around and smiled a brief thank you as he shrugged into the worn and patched Carhart. "Hi yourself," he acknowledged.
"Got a minute?" Cheryl asked, as she moved closer and draped her arm over the top rail.
"Yeah, all the time in the world." Ev rubbed his chin on his sleeve, and continued to stare ahead. "What did the guy's say about us making a cabin in the woods?" Cheryl smiled at the thought, anxious to go ahead with the plan.
"It's OK with them, no worries there. Said they would help if we wanted to get started right away, before spring work starts." Ev recited the facts without enthusiasm.
"You aren't interested anymore?" Cheryl questioned, puzzled by Ev's sudden reticence, 'did something else happen?"
"No....yes, well not really," he stumbled over his words. "Cheryl is all this too much for you? I mean the work and all..." he cleared his throat. "My mother died from overwork, I don't want that happening to you. Christy got me to thinking about that this afternoon. So I want to know, are you working to much?"
"No, I am a little tired right now, but Ev, I'm almost 60 years old. I'm not going to ever be a kid again and frolic like a lamb in the pasture. My name isn't 'lamby pie' and there is no more skipping through the Daisy's. All three of those boys were a handful and they did wear me down. There is a reason that old lady's don't have babies," Cheryl laughed, "so no, I am not overworked."
"Tell me about your mother," she encouraged as she hooked her arm in his. "You are pretty handsome, so I bet your Mom was a beautiful woman," holding her breath, Cheryl hoped he would talk with her, he so rarely ever talked about his family.
Christy dished up supper for herself and Ronnie, and then cleaned their dishes off the table. They went to the living room and got a book out to read.
"Christy, hold down the fort for me, I'll be right back. I want to run out to the barn and speak with your Dad." Cheryl slipped into her chore coat and picked up Ev's coat from the hook by the door.
The barn was semi warm with the cattle inside, and Ev was standing at the fence with one foot on the bottom rail. Arms folded across his coatless frame, he was staring morosely at his prized little Highlander cow.
"Hi," Cheryl said softly, holding the coat out to her shivering husband. Ev turned around and smiled a brief thank you as he shrugged into the worn and patched Carhart. "Hi yourself," he acknowledged.
"Got a minute?" Cheryl asked, as she moved closer and draped her arm over the top rail.
"Yeah, all the time in the world." Ev rubbed his chin on his sleeve, and continued to stare ahead. "What did the guy's say about us making a cabin in the woods?" Cheryl smiled at the thought, anxious to go ahead with the plan.
"It's OK with them, no worries there. Said they would help if we wanted to get started right away, before spring work starts." Ev recited the facts without enthusiasm.
"You aren't interested anymore?" Cheryl questioned, puzzled by Ev's sudden reticence, 'did something else happen?"
"No....yes, well not really," he stumbled over his words. "Cheryl is all this too much for you? I mean the work and all..." he cleared his throat. "My mother died from overwork, I don't want that happening to you. Christy got me to thinking about that this afternoon. So I want to know, are you working to much?"
"No, I am a little tired right now, but Ev, I'm almost 60 years old. I'm not going to ever be a kid again and frolic like a lamb in the pasture. My name isn't 'lamby pie' and there is no more skipping through the Daisy's. All three of those boys were a handful and they did wear me down. There is a reason that old lady's don't have babies," Cheryl laughed, "so no, I am not overworked."
"Tell me about your mother," she encouraged as she hooked her arm in his. "You are pretty handsome, so I bet your Mom was a beautiful woman," holding her breath, Cheryl hoped he would talk with her, he so rarely ever talked about his family.
Christy dished up supper for herself and Ronnie, and then cleaned their dishes off the table. They went to the living room and got a book out to read.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you so much pac for another chapter.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#64c
On his way down to his house after supper, Wayne veered over to the barn when he noticed the lights were still on. Noiselessly opening the door, he spotted Ev and Cheryl standing at the corral fence, talking in low tones. Mama dog looked up and thumped her tail, greeting her friend. Wayne waved at her and backed out as silently as he entered.
Back in his cold house, Wayne started a fire and walked around, straightening up the overturned furniture. He really should have thumped Brett harder, but it was satisfying what he was able to do. What a low down, weasel slick, lop eared critter that guy was.
Now, he had some hard thinking to do, he had talked to Lilly and she wasn't being very co operative or receptive to his plan.
It was Wayne's intention to marry Lilly, move her into the house with her girls and let her come to love him. Frankly he was mystified why she seemed to think it was complicated. Heck it was pretty simple as far as he was concerned, a win win situation for all of them.
He was a little miffed at Clora, she had tried to warn him off and he didn't think it was any of her business. Lilly had scurried away from him, hiding behind Clora as she stood at the sink. Wayne was perturbed, he didn't have time to dilly dally over this problem as he had to return to work in the morning.
Well, he had to get some sleep; tomorrow was going to be a long day and he needed to be sharp to counter any objections Lilly might come up with. Stoking the stove with a couple of slow burning oak chunks, he scuffed his way into the bedroom and shucked his boots. It had been a long day, dealing with Brett had been emotionally exhausting and Wayne was happy it was over.
The main house was still humming with activity, Ben, Lainey, Anne and Teddy had come up to ask Milo if he would like to come to a sleep over. Milo was stumped, not understanding what a sleep over was. Clora took him to the hallway and explained carefully what happened when a person went to a slumber party.
"Milo trotted back in the room and announced that he would go, except there would no kissing at bedtime. Ben and Lainey agreed with teeth biting their lower lips. When Milo ran out to the school room, the adults couldn't help but laugh.
Lainey asked Alice and Betsy if they would like to come, but both declined, inching closer to their mother until they were pressing her from both sides. Lainey smiled and gently asked if they might reconsider later. Both thin, brown haired girls shook their heads no, they wanted nothing to do with anyone but their mother. Lainey nodded, smiling at the girls to let them know she understood.
Silently Lilly and the girls evaporated upstairs, leaving the family. In hushed tones, Clora told the next door Hanson's what Wayne had tried during supper. Ben and Lainey laughed hard, covering their mouths as tears formed in their eyes. "He didn't," Ben said gasping for breath. "What in the world ever gave him the impression he would get away with such an outrageous idea."
Clora shrugged, and Mark raised his hands, palm upwards. They were as shocked as Lilly had been by Wayne's announcement. Staring at the lanky brother like he had grown two heads, Mark shook his head in a negative way.
Undeterred, Wayne had continued on until a wide eyed and thou rally frightened down to her toes Lilly had jumped up and run to Clora for protection.
"You can't believe how scared she was," Clora whispered to Lainey as they picked up the mugs and cups and put them in the sink. Teddy was yawning and Milo looked plumb worn out by the day. "We've got to go, the kids are tired, and frankly so am I," and with that Lainey yawned. "Thanks for the tea and cookies, we'll have Milo at church tomorrow."
"OK, see you at 10, I've got porcupine meatballs and rice/beans and left over pie," Clora offered her plans for the morrow.
"Sounds good, see you then." Ben replied as he scooped up Teddy and Milo, giving them a shoulder ride back to their house.
Mark turned off the lights, pushing Clora in a hurry down toward the bedroom. "Hurry," he urged, "before some other calamity happens tonight."
On his way down to his house after supper, Wayne veered over to the barn when he noticed the lights were still on. Noiselessly opening the door, he spotted Ev and Cheryl standing at the corral fence, talking in low tones. Mama dog looked up and thumped her tail, greeting her friend. Wayne waved at her and backed out as silently as he entered.
Back in his cold house, Wayne started a fire and walked around, straightening up the overturned furniture. He really should have thumped Brett harder, but it was satisfying what he was able to do. What a low down, weasel slick, lop eared critter that guy was.
Now, he had some hard thinking to do, he had talked to Lilly and she wasn't being very co operative or receptive to his plan.
It was Wayne's intention to marry Lilly, move her into the house with her girls and let her come to love him. Frankly he was mystified why she seemed to think it was complicated. Heck it was pretty simple as far as he was concerned, a win win situation for all of them.
He was a little miffed at Clora, she had tried to warn him off and he didn't think it was any of her business. Lilly had scurried away from him, hiding behind Clora as she stood at the sink. Wayne was perturbed, he didn't have time to dilly dally over this problem as he had to return to work in the morning.
Well, he had to get some sleep; tomorrow was going to be a long day and he needed to be sharp to counter any objections Lilly might come up with. Stoking the stove with a couple of slow burning oak chunks, he scuffed his way into the bedroom and shucked his boots. It had been a long day, dealing with Brett had been emotionally exhausting and Wayne was happy it was over.
The main house was still humming with activity, Ben, Lainey, Anne and Teddy had come up to ask Milo if he would like to come to a sleep over. Milo was stumped, not understanding what a sleep over was. Clora took him to the hallway and explained carefully what happened when a person went to a slumber party.
"Milo trotted back in the room and announced that he would go, except there would no kissing at bedtime. Ben and Lainey agreed with teeth biting their lower lips. When Milo ran out to the school room, the adults couldn't help but laugh.
Lainey asked Alice and Betsy if they would like to come, but both declined, inching closer to their mother until they were pressing her from both sides. Lainey smiled and gently asked if they might reconsider later. Both thin, brown haired girls shook their heads no, they wanted nothing to do with anyone but their mother. Lainey nodded, smiling at the girls to let them know she understood.
Silently Lilly and the girls evaporated upstairs, leaving the family. In hushed tones, Clora told the next door Hanson's what Wayne had tried during supper. Ben and Lainey laughed hard, covering their mouths as tears formed in their eyes. "He didn't," Ben said gasping for breath. "What in the world ever gave him the impression he would get away with such an outrageous idea."
Clora shrugged, and Mark raised his hands, palm upwards. They were as shocked as Lilly had been by Wayne's announcement. Staring at the lanky brother like he had grown two heads, Mark shook his head in a negative way.
Undeterred, Wayne had continued on until a wide eyed and thou rally frightened down to her toes Lilly had jumped up and run to Clora for protection.
"You can't believe how scared she was," Clora whispered to Lainey as they picked up the mugs and cups and put them in the sink. Teddy was yawning and Milo looked plumb worn out by the day. "We've got to go, the kids are tired, and frankly so am I," and with that Lainey yawned. "Thanks for the tea and cookies, we'll have Milo at church tomorrow."
"OK, see you at 10, I've got porcupine meatballs and rice/beans and left over pie," Clora offered her plans for the morrow.
"Sounds good, see you then." Ben replied as he scooped up Teddy and Milo, giving them a shoulder ride back to their house.
Mark turned off the lights, pushing Clora in a hurry down toward the bedroom. "Hurry," he urged, "before some other calamity happens tonight."
bad_karma00
Underachiever
Poor Wayne. He just doesn't have a clue, does he? Great updates Pac. I do love the way you interject every day things into the story. It let's the rest of us feel like part of the family.
I agree with Wayne, there was not enough Azz Whoop opened on Brett, but if the guy has a problem, then maybe it was enough to get his attention. Maybe his getting treatment is the key to his becoming family again.
It will be interesting to see Borg's reaction.
Bad
I agree with Wayne, there was not enough Azz Whoop opened on Brett, but if the guy has a problem, then maybe it was enough to get his attention. Maybe his getting treatment is the key to his becoming family again.
It will be interesting to see Borg's reaction.
Bad
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Pac thanks for the chapters, you are spoiling us with all of the rapid fire chapters. I am NOT complaining I love it, the only thing better than one new chapter in a day is two or more. Just make sure that you take time for yourself.
Wayne
Wayne