Synopsis: Little Joe has disappeared once again. Desperate, Ben calls for help, it comes in a form he never expects.
Rating:  G  (4,100 words)

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Touched by an Angel

The young man sat on a rock in the middle of a clearing hidden inside a thicket of briars. He had a sorrowful look on his face as he desperately tried to pull the burrs from what appeared to be a long white robe; dejectedly he plucked at the pulls, and snares.

“Oh, this is hopeless!” he muttered in dismay.

This was to be his big chance. He had finally gotten the councilor to give him the opportunity to become an apprentice Guardian Angel. Now here he was; it was not only his very first assignment, but also the first day of it to boot. How could things have gone so wrong so fast? I mean how hard was it to watch over one boy, one small boy at that!

“Humph,” he sighed, putting his elbow on his knees and resting his head in his hands. He thought very hard about what he was going to do.

The Heavenly Father was sure to be very upset with him. He absently twirled his halo in one hand as he mulled over his predicament. He was so very sure he was going to make a big impression on the other Guardian Angels. After all, he had heard them often enough talking among themselves in the great hall right before the Gloria and Alleluia choir every night. Again he looked down at the robe he wore, shaking his head sadly, it was a mess.

He had better find his charge and fast, for it wasn’t often an Angel was sent to earth to keep watch over a soul!

This little fellow must be something special, as he was summoned by the Father himself and dispatched to earth post haste to find this lost child. In fact there were so many supplications to find him coming from earth that the communication Angel complained all lines were jammed up and something needed to be done, NOW! As the Heavenly Father was needed in so many places, this bottleneck was causing great consternation among the heavenly bodies.

****************

Ben fought his way through the seemingly impenetrable bramble and brush. He was at his wits end; he had been searching high and low since right after breakfast. This was the last place he could think of to look; it was absolutely impossible that his child could have wandered this far. Yet he had no choice; Ben would leave no stone unturned, no patch of earth unchecked. It was with heavy heart and weighted steps that he forced himself to check this place. Nearing exhaustion, he raised his eyes to heaven and uttered one last silent plea. Lowering his eyes he thought he caught sight of motion just ahead in what appeared to be a small clearing. Blindly crashing forward, on the air he was sure he heard a sound, like that of a voice, and since he was near the breaking point, it did not take much to convince him. It just had to be true; it could be nothing else. It was a sweet melodic voice like that of a small child talking to some imaginary friend, or playing a game out loud. As he burst through the brush, his heart sank; all hope dashed. What he did find was almost too much for him.

 

***********************************

 

So deeply rapt in his puzzlement, the young man never heard the commotion coming his way until a man burst through the brush. It startled the young man so he jumped to his feet causing his wings to unintentionally unfurl and flap wildly sending bits of downy white feathers scattering everywhere in the air about him. They were tattered, had many missing feathers, and were woefully covered with dust. The look on the man’s face panicked him. He was sure no one except the child he was sent to find could actually see him. He quickly folded his wings clearing his throat.

“Yyyou probably won’t believe this,” he began in a rather uncomfortable voice “But I’m an Angel, a Guardian Angel…, well actually an Apprentice Guardian Angel, I, um… I was sent down here to find a child.”

.He spoke quickly, the words gushing out in his frantic attempt to explain himself. He waved his hands around and ran one repeatedly through his hair. He held a wide gold ring in the other; he had to think of something fast! This was getting him nowhere.

Ben’s face went very pale as he slumped against a tree wide eyed, his heart in his throat.

“I – I – my name is Josiah,” the young man offered in an effort to calm the frightened man. He was a rather big man, and at first glance did not seem the kind to frighten easily.

“How- how do you do” the man whispered, regaining some of his color, looking around, as if he were lost.

“You see, as I said.” Josiah hurried on; “I am here to help find a little boy.” The very words struck icy cold terror in the man’s heart; he staggered into the tree again closing his eyes.

Josiah wrung his hands in a worried manner his was completely out of his league. He had no training in handling frightened adults.

“I- I am supposed to find this boy, I mean how hard is it to keep an eye on one boy?” he asked out loud, as he paced restlessly around the clearing. “And he’s just a little boy at that, about so high,” he gestured with his hand, “He has big hazel eyes and curly brown hair. Oh I know that probably fits lots of kids, but this one he- he’s hard to keep up with!”

Josiah did not know why he felt compelled to tell all this to this man, but he did any way. He sat back on his rock, deep in thought, absently chewing his finger nails, plainly distraught, and fretting, over this dilemma.

It was with great trepidation the man spoke up, “This-this boy,” he began, “The one you are looking for, how old is he?” he really did not want to know but had to ask. There was a huge lump in his throat; the knot in his stomach made him queasy.

“Um, I think he’s,….. Oh! Wait a minute…. I have it right here in my golden book; he fished hurriedly, nervously fumbling in the pocket of his robe.

“Ah yes, here it is,” From his pocket he drew a small gold book which he opened carefully. A burst of dazzling golden light sprang outward as he did so, the man shied back. Josiah never noticed. He was busy paging through the book, finger flying as he sought the information.

“Let me see, yes, yes here it is, Utah territory, June 21, 1848. Now where is the rest of it? Oh, ok, here it is, humm… has lots of notes, yes this is it,” he looked up as a beautiful smile beamed across his face. He was no more than a teen himself. “The boy’s name is Joseph Francis Cartwright. He is 5 and a half I think?” he announced pleased with himself.

However, the effect it had on the man was not what he expected. Ben grabbed his chest, as his heart began to race, then beat wildly with tremendous irregularity. He squeezed his eyes shut.

“Tt-tell me,… please”…. He asked his voice barely audible, wracked with pain “is… is he dead?” The words came out with such anguish, his mouth dry, his chest so tight he could hardly draw a breath.

Josiah jumped up again.

“Oh, my, Nooo…..! No he isn’t…..I’m so sorry, I never meant to frighten you! Do you know him?” he asked worriedly. A quizzical expression crossed the Ben’s face as he answered.

“Know him? He…. He’s my youngest son! I have been looking all over for him since early this morning!” The man now seemed less intimidated by the being in his presence.

“Well then, with the two of us, we are sure to find one small boy” the young Angel announced with much more confidence than he had had a few moments before. The man cocked his head as he looked at him, realizing for the first time how very ragged this angel looked. He had longish light brown hair, a smudge on his cheek, and his robe was a disgrace. Josiah tried to smooth out his appearance as he felt the man’s eyes on him.

“Hh-aha-” Josiah gave a little laugh, “You can’t imagine where I have looked for that boy!” Ben drew himself up and replied, “Oh yes I can!”

“Then let’s get on with it,” Josiah pounded his fist eagerly in the palm of his other hand, then plopping the gold ring on the top of his head, the ring shimmered and rose a few inches into the air. Josiah stuffed the book back into his pocket; things were finally looking up for the first time. He felt positive he could handle the situation now. It was at that point Ben Cartwright realized this just might be a real honest to God angel. Swallowing loudly he nodded in agreement.

******************

The tall young man slumped slightly in his saddle, his dark eyes cloudy.

“No!.. ” he thought. He looked into the distance across the big meadow. The sun glared brightly; his mood however, was dark.

He was Adam Cartwright; he had just begun to feel again– it had been just a few months ago his vivacious stepmother had died in a tragic riding fall plunging his father into a pit of inconsolable despair. Adam shouldered the burden of this horrific loss; once more it had been his duty to pull things back together. Sapping his strength for yet another time, he was after all, only a man-child barely seventeen. He raised his weary face to the sun; his father had just begun to recover, to draw back from the depths of despair into which he had slipped. The spring and now coming summer with its sweet smells, warm days had begun the healing of Ben’s heart in the loss of his beloved Marie. Adam’s own sorrow had been put on hold; he did not have time for it, and now look. He sat there.

“It’s my fault!” He shook his head. “All my fault.”

As usual he immediately assumed this next round of trouble was directly related to his lack of attention.

“I should have Known — It was Way too Quiet—- never let him out of my sight, never let him hear me last night, should have known he would have been all ears!”

His chin sank to his chest, his handsome young face drawn. He pinched the bridge of his nose, then rubbed the back of his neck, gritting his teeth with steely resolve, Adam straightened up turning in his saddle to survey the land behind him. His eyes scanned the area but there was no sign of his father. He looked at his brother next to him; the big young man sat there, his head down, a glum expression on his young face. Hoss Cartwright was having the same misgivings.

“Its all my fault- Dad-gum. I shuda never yelled at him”

Earlier that morning Hoss, who was trying to work on building a kite from a picture book Adam had given him. Even as patient as he was, had reached his limits.

Hoss was a mere eleven years old but the size of some adults. His big gentle blue eyes squinted in an attempt to make it seem it was just the bright sun that made them water. However the slight quiver of his lip betrayed him. Hoss had lost his temper after chasing Joe out of the middle of his project. For the third time, Hoss had to stop and clean up the mess paper of and string delightfully created by his baby brother. Hoss had yelled “Will You JUST Go Way!!!” as he threw his hand into the air. Joe’s hazel eyes danced with mischief. Sufficiently pleased with provoking his brother enough, Little Joe turned and skipped outside humming in a merry little voice.

Once outside Joe paused; grinning, he looked around the yard, never one to be bothered by his brothers yelling at him for long. His irrepressible zest for life made him take a few hops and jumps. He looked up into the sky. It was a deep blue, just perfect for an adventure; that’s what he decided he wanted today, an adventure…yes. His oldest brother Adam was busy in the barn. Hoss was inside; Hop Sing was in the kitchen with the breakfast dishes and Pa, hummm Pa was in the bunkhouse seeing to one of the ranch hands who had gotten hurt on the range yesterday. Pa must not have heard Hoss yell because he hadn’t come out. So off Joe went…… skipping towards his adventure, never giving much thought to his actions was one of Little Joe Cartwright’s problems. He skipped from the yard into the trees and what ever he might find on this fine day!

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Adam closed his eyes for another minute, drew in his breath and urged his horse forward.

“Com mon Hoss, mmaybe Pa has had better luck?” although he doubted it.

Hoss nodded; clearing his throat he shifted in his saddle.

“Yeah maybe”…

Hoss stole a glance at his older brother; he could see the strain on his face.

“Bet he’s back home probably pesting Hop Sing fer a cookie. It would be just like him.” Hoss clicked to his horse to pick up the pace.

Adam nodded but said nothing. He had failed, he was supposed to watch out for Little Joe, protect him, keep him safe…. He had promised…

Both boys were filled with concern weighed down by pangs of guilt as they looked towards the spot they were to meet their father.

******************

Josiah and Ben took a step forward. Just then…. There came a rustle in the brush in front of them.

“Hiya! Pa! Look what I finded—puppies, an I’m keepen um.” He stood there four maybe five feet from his father, a triumphant grin on his little face. Ben did not know whether to laugh or cry; he might have done both if he hadn’t noticed the “Puppies” Joe held, and also the shadows slowly creeping closer to his son.

Ben chanced a glance to the side to just catch a glimpse of Josiah as his image began to waver then melt into nothing. Ben swung his attention back to the boy. Very quietly, yet very sternly he commanded his son. His voice leaving no room for question.

“Joseph, put them down, Now! And walk to me!

“Uh-Uh, nooway I’m keepin ’em,’’ he declared turning slightly so as to shield them from his father’s view.

“Do as I say, Joseph, Now!” Ben’s voice was sterner and deeper; he held his son’s eyes with his, willing him to obey. Joe’s lip quivered; he nuzzled his armful of puppies.

“but Paaaaa…..”

“Now– Joseph!” Ben growled, clenching and unclenching his fist yet not daring to make a single move in the boy’s direction.

Joe’s arms were by now too tired to hold them up anymore. The puppies slid down his pants to plop softly onto the grass. “Gee whiz!” he sniffled. The puppies, hearing the soft woofs coming from behind Joe, scampered and waddled happily off to their mother waiting just out of view in the brush.

What happened next was hard to explain, but to the best of Ben’s recollection, a shewolf stepped out into the clearing behind the boy, who still stood arms folded across his chest, defiantly pouting at his father who held his attention and his breath. The shewolf sat for a minute, raising one front paw; she seemed to smile, then disappeared into the briars taking her now reunited children and the rest of the entire pack with her.

When he was sure she was gone, Ben fell on the boy. He hugged him then sternly looked the boy in the eye.

“Well young man!….. What have you got to say for yourself this time?”

“Do you know how long I have been looking for you? And do you know how far this is from the house?”

Joe knew instantly now how deep in trouble he was; he looked up under his thick lashes and put on his most repentant face hoping against hope it was enough to ward off the inevitable consequence to this adventure.

But after all, he was Little Joe.

“sniff….. but p-p- pa?…. they was My puppies! I saveded them from the big hole they falled in.” he explained.

“No!….. Not good enough! Young man”; his father shook his head.

Sighing heavily he stood up, taking Joe by the hand, he led him to a fallen log.

“You know what has to happen now don’t you”? He firmly asked. As they reached the log Joe put his free hand behind him, shrugging his shoulders.

“Joseph I am Verry angry with you! You know that, don’t you? And you know why?”

Joe nodded, his big hazel eyes filled and shimmered; he bit his lower lip. His father let go of his hand, and sat down on the log. He hated this, really hated to do this, but Ben’s words seemed to make little or no impression on this boy most of the time, so he was forced to back up those words with action.

“Very well then…”

He lifted Joe and put him across his knees, raising his hand, he went to give the boy a good hard spank but he was unable to bring down the arm. He tried again. It was as if some unseen force was holding his wrist. He looked up surprised to see Josiah who seemed to be floating just above the ground. Surrounded by a warm sweet glow, his majestic wings spread wide above him, and not a mark on them. They fluttered silently holding him aloft. He was shaking his head no; he did not speak but Ben heard his words, “No Ben, not this time; there will be plenty of others but not this time, after all……I…….lost him,” With an almost blinding light he turned and appeared to glide up a wide staircase.

For another moment Ben sat, spellbound, and then became aware of Joe whimpering, soulfully. He felt a big grin spread over his face, the little faker, and instead of a good hard spanking, he lifted the boy into his lap, taking his chin and making him look up. “Ok, this time only, but you ever do anything like this again, and believe you me, Joseph, you will not sit down for a week! Do you understand me?!!

He gave the boy a big warm loving father hug. The little boy wiggled to his knees in his father’s lap, and in response wrapped his arms around his father’s neck tight as he could at the same time planting a very wet juicy kiss on his cheek.

“I LOVE, (and he cooed the word love in a long and heartfelt tone) You Pa!” He finished then added “An I pwamiss I will be a good Boy, and not be bad again— Ever!!” he solemnly vowed making sure the” ever” was most convincing; to seal the promise he hugged even tighter.

“Umm- Humm sure–.”

His father agreed giving him a few parental pats on the bottom. Standing up still holding tight to his errant son, he retraced his path through the underbrush. Joe yawned then nestled down into his father’s embrace. A happy secure sigh escaped his lips to be carried aloft on sunbeams dancing and dappling through the tall pines and other trees that surrounded the briar patch and stretched outward to the wide green meadow. Somehow it seemed far less difficult on the way out then it had been on the way in.

When Ben finally reached the meadow where he was to meet his older sons and the two ranch hands who had come to help search. Joe was sleeping peacefully on his shoulder.

As soon as Adam and Hoss realized their father was carrying their little brother, they raced their horses to him and jumped off.

“Pa?” Adam gasped, intense fear in his dark eyes.

“He’s,ok, boys, just asleep,”

“Whewwww” Hoss let out a big breath, Where in tarnation was he?”

“Up in that thicket behind the big bramble patch, you know the one on the other side of that stand of trees.”

“What ever was he doing up there?” asked Adam in amazement.

At that point the ranch hands rode up, smiling widely, “Well boss, seems the maverick’s back with the herd huh?” Jake remarked.

“Yes and I don’t mind telling you it was a real fright!…”

“Why”?

“Wellllll, it seems Joseph found himself an arm load of puppies, unaware they were really wolf pups…”

“Sooo that’s it!” Charlie surmised, interrupting. Been seeing them critters all day, was getting mighty nerve wracking, it was” he shook his head.

“That’s not the half of it, when I finally got him to put them down, that old shewolf came right out and bold as you please. Now I swear this is true! And if I find out one of you makes fun of me, I will skin him alive!” He scowled threateningly. “She sat there and raised one front paw to me, as sure as I’m standing here”, he paused to shift Joe in his arms then continued, “She smiled at me!” his expression daring any one to question what he had just said….

“Daw-gone” Hoss replied impressed, his big blue eyes misted over and shown with admiration…

Adam raised his brow, drawing in a sharp breath, and shook his head to say he had no intention of ever questioning or mentioning this to any one ever.

“I tell ya what” Charlie chuckled taking off his hat and putting it back, “that ther boy needs to have a guardian angel.”

“HAAHA!” scoffed Jake, “what that boy needs is a whole passel of guardian angels” and he slapped his leg with his hand.

No, not really, Ben thought, just one, and a very good one at that! Thank You Josiah, very much, oh, and I hope your next assignment is a little less bothersome! “It is time we got this little rascal home and into bed.”

Ben began to walk towards his waiting mount; he shifted Joe to his other shoulder, as he took the reins in his free hand turning he handed the sleeping boy to his older brother. Adam took his little brother and hugging him, softly murmured in his ear.

“You do this to us one more time you little imp and I will personally feed you to the bears.”

However there were unseen tears in the young man’s eyes; Joe’s nose wrinkled, he twitched as his big brother gave him a last warm squeeze before handing him back to their father. With Joe cradled in Ben’s arms, Hoss and Adam mounted and riding on either side of their father, the family set out for home.

They were not even conscious of it but before they had gone very far the three horses had ridden closer and closer to each other until the legs of the riders all touched at the same time. Adam and Hoss leaned back ever so slightly and looked at each other behind their father’s back silently exchanging thanks. Ben looked from side to side at his two oldest sons; a deep satisfied smile formed on his face.

The two ranch hands had hung back just a bit and watched the three riders move off in the distance; it was a sunny day but there were a few clouds around. There did however appear to be one big beam of sunlight that fell directly on the small trio and followed them as they road towards home. Both men on the edge of the meadow looked at each other and shrugged.

Ben Cartwright rode along deep in thought. He had always felt there were really angels to guide one during life, but now he knew they existed and would defend with his very last breath the fact that they were real. Angels hovered all around them. He could attest to that fact. For on this very day he himself and one of his sons had indeed been Touched by an Angel.

THE END