{"id":10324,"date":"2015-01-27T02:43:41","date_gmt":"2015-01-27T07:43:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10324"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:10:58","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:10:58","slug":"waiting-on-joe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10324","title":{"rendered":"Waitin’ on Joe (by frasrgrl)"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is my entry to the 2014 Camp in the Pines challenge. The inspiration came from a song by Steve Azar, Waitin’ on Joe.<\/em><\/p>\n

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Joe is given the responsibility of meeting Adam at the freight office with a load of lumber. There’s a lot riding on Joe meeting the deadline, not just for the lumber, but for Joe also.<\/p>\n

Rating K+\u00a0Word count 5,126<\/span><\/p>\n

A link to the song can be found at the end<\/span><\/p>\n

A big thanks to Cheaux and Jfclover for all their beta help.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Waiting on Joe<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eighteen-year-old Joe Cartwright softly closed the front door, hoping against hope the room behind him was empty. Not daring to look, he took a couple steps to the side and placed his hat on the rack; the presence of the other hats told Joe the rest of his family were all home and accounted for. He removed his gunbelt and after coiling it up, laid it alongside the others. A small sigh of relief whispered past his lips at the continued silence behind him.<\/p>\n

Bong\u2026 Bong\u2026 Bong\u2026 Bong\u2026 Bong\u2026<\/p>\n

The clearing of a throat close on the heel of the twelfth and final chime, not only startled Joe, but caused every muscle in his body to tighten before his shoulders sagged in defeat.<\/p>\n

Joe slowly turned around to face the music, no matter how off key it promised to be.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you \u2018hi\u2019 me, Young Man.\u201d Ben was already on his feet with his hands firmly planted on his hips. \u201cDo you have any idea what time it is?\u201d<\/p>\n

Not sure how to answer Joe glanced over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI meant before you walked in,\u201d Ben roared when Joe lamely motioned towards the clock.<\/p>\n

From the corner of his eye, he saw a shifting in the shadows at the top of the stairs and instinctively knew it wasn\u2019t Hoss. \u201cYou may as well come down here instead of eavesdropping. Didn\u2019t Pa teach ya better?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph! Apparently I didn\u2019t teach you<\/em> any respect.\u201d Ben turned his scowl on his oldest son. \u201cWas there something you needed, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, no Sir. I was just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you were \u2018just\u2019. Might I suggest you get back to bed while I speak with your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe would have found the dressing down Adam just received amusing, except he knew what he was going to get would be far worse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like to explain where you\u2019ve been all day? For that matter why don\u2019t you try explaining where you\u2019ve been most of the time lately? You certainly have not been anywhere you\u2019re supposed to be, or if you are, you\u2019re never on time!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNowhere really,\u201d mumbled Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that? I didn\u2019t hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said NOWHERE!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I were you, Boy, I would be careful, very careful, of what you say next. You\u2019re on very shaky ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to keep eye contact with his father, Joe dropped his gaze to the floor. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. It\u2019s just, I feel like it doesn\u2019t make any difference if I\u2019m there or not to help. Any ideas I have are brushed aside, I\u2019m never given anything worthwhile to do.\u201d As he spoke, Joe wandered over to the fireplace. Contemplating the flickering flames, Joe reached behind himself and threaded his hands between his belt and pants. \u201cTo Adam and Hoss, I\u2019m not even as good as any of the hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe if you would drop that chip you\u2019ve been carrying around on your shoulder and put some effort into your work, your brothers would see you in a different light.\u201d<\/p>\n

With nostrils flaring, eyes as brilliant as emeralds, Joe spun around to confront his father\u2019s last words. \u201cI HAVE! I have done everything they\u2019ve asked. I\u2019ve worked harder than anyone else out there. Done everything I\u2019ve been ordered to do and then some, AND without complaining. They\u2019ve both given me the worse jobs on the ranch and I did them. For what? Nothing changed, they still treat me like I\u2019m a child that\u2019s under foot. Tell me Pa, why should I even try anymore?\u201d Swiping angrily at his eyes, Joe turned his back on his father. \u201cSo I don\u2019t try. If you\u2019re all going to think I\u2019m worthless, why should I, why not just prove you\u2019re all right about me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was speechless, he had no idea his youngest son had been feeling this way, that this was the reason behind his behavior. Even though he couldn\u2019t condone how Joe was handling the situation, he could understand. While he listened, Ben thought about the past few months. Joe was right, both Adam and Hoss had been giving him jobs that were meant for the greenest of the hands; jobs that Joe had outgrown before he had even left school at sixteen.<\/p>\n

Joe took his father\u2019s silence as confirmation that he felt the same way his brothers did, and the hurt sliced deeply into his heart. Straightening his shoulders, Joe turned towards the stairs. \u201cI\u2019m going to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben called out stopping him at the first landing. \u201cCome back down here, there\u2019re a few things I want to discuss with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

With his head hanging low, Joe didn\u2019t bother to turn around when he answered Ben. \u201cPlease, Pa. I don\u2019t wanna fight with you. Just\u2026 Just let me go to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to fight either. If you\u2019ll listen to me, I\u2019m pretty sure we can avoid an argument.\u201d Ben watched his son\u2019s back, knowing the internal debate Joe was having. \u201cPlease, Son.\u201d When Joe\u2019s fist double tapped the banister and he turned and slowly descended the stairs, Ben knew he was starting to break through the wall Joe had been erecting. Now he only needed to find the right words to keep tearing it down and not inadvertently build it back up.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down.\u201d Ben motioned to the settee, but his son stood firm, not moving from the base of the stairs. \u201cPlease Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grudgingly Joe walked over and took the seat his father had indicated.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed as he observed his son\u2019s body language. Joe\u2019s posture was as stiff as a steel rod and his facial features appeared to be set in the granite he always claimed Adam\u2019s head was made of. Ben took a seat on the table in front of Joe and watched as his son fixed his focus over Ben\u2019s shoulder and stared into the fireplace. It was everything Ben could do to fight the urge to smile. Of all his sons, this boy was the most stubborn, but that was no surprise considering who his mother was\u2026 and yes, his father too. Joe would never give an inch over any perceived injustice whether against himself or someone else.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook at me, Son. This is important and I want to make sure you\u2019re listening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and expelled it in a petulant huff before looking his father in the eyes.<\/p>\n

This time Ben did smile. \u201cI have a proposition to make.\u201d He waited for the inevitable questions, but they didn\u2019t come as expected.<\/p>\n

The only indication that his son had heard him was the raising of his eyebrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of Hoss, I\u2019m going to send you up to the mill tomorrow to retrieve the lumber Adam needs and then meet him in town with the load. Do you think you can do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe studied his father for a moment in disbelief. \u201cAdam would never allow that. It\u2019s an important contract and he\u2019d never trust me with such an important job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam already gave the job to Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLast time I checked I was still in charge around here, not Adam. Now do you think you can get the lumber to the freight station on time<\/strong>?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Sir.\u201d Joe wasn\u2019t sure where his father was headed with this; wasn\u2019t he listening when he told him he didn\u2019t care anymore?<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. You do that\u2014get everything to Adam on time, show me<\/em> that I can rely on you to meet a deadline and I\u2019ll put you in charge of filling that new contract we have with the army for new mounts. Do we have a deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe just sat there; he didn\u2019t dare believe what he thought his father had just said. No, this was just some kind of joke. Adam would never let anything like this happen.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, do we have a deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t funny Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s not funny?\u201d Ben was confused, he had no idea what his son was referring to.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou telling me I can be in charge of the horses. You\u2019re just using that because you know it\u2019s something I want\u2014want real bad, to get me to do what you want, then take it away from me faster than Hoss can polish off an apple pie. You\u2019ll just say I\u2019m too young. You know, I expect something like this from Adam, but not from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe started to stand, but Ben reached out and placed a hand on Joe\u2019s knee to stop him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m tired. I wanna go to bed.\u201d Refusing to look at his father for fear his eyes would show the depth of pain and betrayal he was now feeling, Joe tried to push the restraining hand away.<\/p>\n

Ben had already seen the tears that suddenly filled his son\u2019s eyes before he could turn away. He couldn\u2019t believe that Joe\u2019s feelings of alienation had reached such a level to where he couldn\u2019t even trust his own father. What else have I missed?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSon, I assure you, this is not a joke. You do what I ask tomorrow and the army contract is yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, with Adam calling all the shots. No thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, with you calling the shots. Neither Adam nor Hoss will be involved. You will report directly to me regarding your progress, just like your brothers do when they\u2019re in charge of a job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam won\u2019t let it happen. I\u2019m not smart enough to handle a job like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll be enough of that kind of talk. As I said, I run this ranch. And as for you not being smart enough, you are just as smart as your brothers, if not more so when it comes to horses. I trust you, Son. I know you won\u2019t let me down.\u201d Ben reached out and took hold of Joe\u2019s chin, gently turning it so he would have no choice but to meet his father\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI trust you. Do we have a deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe searched his father\u2019s eyes and all he could see was love and faith reflected back at him. \u201cYes Sir. And Pa\u2014I promise I won\u2019t let you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you won\u2019t. Now off to bed, you have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding his head in response, Joe got up from the settee, but paused next to his father. Placing, a hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder, he waited until his father looked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa, I shouldn\u2019t have doubted you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you shouldn\u2019t have.\u201d Ben covered Joe\u2019s hand with his own and gave it a gentle squeeze. The physical contact did both of them a world of good, it confirmed the bond between them was there and as strong as ever.<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben watched Joe climb the stairs and turn the corner. Standing, he stretched his back and looked up at the top landing once again. \u201cNow I have to deal with Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no way I\u2018m turning that contract over to him! You do that, Pa and it\u2019s as good as gone.\u201d Adam was outraged when he heard about the deal his father had made the night before.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, Adam. We ain\u2019t gotta worry none. Pa done said Little Joe has to get that lumber to you on time and we both know that won\u2019t happen.\u201d Hoss couldn\u2019t figure out what his father was doing, but he knew he needed to calm his brother down before something was said that everyone would regret.<\/p>\n

Ben sat at the head of the table, his hands folded together while he calmly listened to his oldest son\u2019s tirade; that is until he glanced at Joe. The look of resignation and dejection was so prevalent that it tore at Ben\u2019s heart and started to rouse his anger. Before he could say anything Joe slowly laid his napkin on his plate and rose from the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna saddle Cochise and get started on those waterholes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do no such thing!\u201d Ben thundered. When Joe flinched, Ben consciously lowered his voice. \u201cWhat you\u2019re going to do is hitch up the wagon and head out to the mill. We made a deal last night. You up hold your end, and I will mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I gave that job to Hoss. I can depend\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it right there. In case you\u2019ve forgotten, I\u2019m still in charge around here, and if I say Joseph is going for the lumber then that\u2019s what\u2019s going to happen. Get going Joseph before you\u2019re late getting back.\u201d<\/p>\n

The smile Joe bestowed on his father was breathtaking, and so reminiscent of his mother. \u201cYes, Sir. I promise I won\u2019t be late.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before another word could be said Joe was around the corner; the slamming door marked his departure. Ben shook his head in frustration. He couldn\u2019t believe what he had just heard from his older sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs for the two of you, I will not hear another word against your younger brother. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Sir,\u201d Hoss mumbled, his eyes fixed on the table.<\/p>\n

Adam on the other hand just sat there, his hands clenched into fists on either side of his plate, glaring at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d It wasn\u2019t a question, or a suggestion, the cold steely tone of Ben\u2019s voice demanded an answer.<\/p>\n

Teeth gritted together, Adam gave a jerk of his head, \u201cYes\u2026 Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if he\u2019s late and we lose this contract, you have no one to blame but yourself Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a feeling, a very good feeling, that Joseph may just surprise you. You\u2019d be amazed what can happen if you recognize someone\u2019s potential, their abilities and not saddle them with every dirty job on the ranch day in and day out. I\u2019ll tell you what Adam. I\u2019m so confident that Joseph will be there, and on time,<\/em> I\u2019ll bet you a month\u2019s wages.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a fool\u2019s bet Pa, but I\u2019ll take it. Who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth?<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother thing, so that we\u2019re all clear on this, Little Joe will report to me and only me in regards to the army contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not worried about that. He has to be on time today in order to get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben changed his focus to his middle son. Though not as vocal as his older brother, Hoss was just as guilty in his treatment of Joe. \u201cAs for you Hoss, naturally there\u2019s a change in chores for the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gulped, knowing what was coming and not liking the idea one bit. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince Joe is delivering the lumber, that leaves those waterholes unattended. You, Son, are going out there and giving them a thorough cleaning. Once Adam\u2019s done in town he\u2019ll be joining you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s Joe going to be doing? Provided he shows up,\u201d questioned Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to meet you boys at the freight station, then Little Joe and I are going to pick up supplies and discuss his plans for the army contract over lunch at the International House.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing from his chair, Adam turned to Hoss. \u201cCome on, we have work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before rounding the corner of the dining room, Adam paused and looked at his father. \u201cI just hope you\u2019re not disappointed when he fails to show up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen he gets there, you will have an apology to make and some crow to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and left the house, leaving a very confident Ben at the table. Joe had given his word, and Ben knew that come Hell or high water, the boy would keep it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou vely \u2018light, Boss. Num\u2019er three son will be there. He just need someone to believe in him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced at their cook and longtime friend and smiled. If anyone knew Little Joe, it was Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI go now, have vely special dinner to prepare for Mr. Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? And what\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s booming laughter echoed throughout the house. He wouldn\u2019t put it past Hop Sing to do just that.<\/p>\n

\u00a0~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere you go Joe, all set.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Craig. By the looks of it, I\u2019m ahead of schedule; it just might be me waiting on Older Brother this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you go rushin\u2019 just to prove a point.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I won\u2019t. The last thing I need is a lecture about running these horses. Besides I don\u2019t need to, I have plenty of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Craig watched the wagon pull away from the camp and was about to turn away when he noticed that the back left wheel seemed a bit off. He started to call out but stopped when the wheel seemed fine after a second look. \u201cIt\u2019s probably just the road. No call holdin\u2019 the boy up and causin\u2019 him to be late.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rounded the last curve and was just starting down the final incline into town when wagon went over a large rut in the road. There was a loud screech as one of the wheels locked, it was followed by a loud snap and the whole conveyance shuddered. Before Joe could react, the heavy load helped pull the vehicle off balance; feeling the shifting of weight, the horses responded by picking up their speed resulting in the last needed push and the wagon went over on its side, propelling the driver off the seat and down the side of the mountain.<\/p>\n

Caught unaware, Joe struggled for some kind of handhold, something, anything, to stop his mad flight down the steep embankment. Scrub trees tore at him as he went by, a jagged boulder grabbed at his right arm, tearing at the flesh and snapping the bone beneath. His momentum didn\u2019t stop until he collided with twin pines growing midway down the slope; striking his head on the first tree he was rendered unconscious and oblivious to the pain that flared through his back when his body came into harsh contact with the tree\u2019s mate.<\/p>\n

The deadline wasn\u2019t going to be met. Joe was not only going to be late, he wasn\u2019t going to show up at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his pocket watch again and sighed with irritation.\u00a0 \u201cI told Pa we couldn\u2019t count on Joe. Told him I needed Hoss for this job. But did he listen to me? Hell no! \u2018No Adam, Joe\u2019ll be there. I\u2019ll bet you a month\u2019s wages.\u2019\u201d Adam kicked at a clod of dirt as he paced in front of the freight office. He could see the outgoing wagon was almost loaded\u2014minus Cartwright lumber\u2014and ready to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cTold him it was a fool\u2019s bet. Too bad it\u2019s going to take defaulting on this contract to make Pa see how irresponsible that boy is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam saw the driver climb up onto the wagon seat and his anger increased ten-fold. \u201cBernie, can\u2019t you wait just a bit longer? Joe should be here any minute now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo can do, Adam. I\u2019ve delayed as long as I could.\u201d With a snap of the reigns and a \u201cGid up\u201d the massive wagon rumbled away leaving the oldest Cartwright brother standing with hands clenched into fists and face beet red with anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I get my hands on him I\u2019ll teach him a thing or two about being on time. He\u2019ll be lucky if he can walk when I\u2019m through with him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! ADAM!\u201d A man rounded the corner at a dead run, barely stopping when he reached the object of his search.<\/p>\n

Adam turned as soon as he heard the first bellow. His heart dropped to the pit of his stomach the second he saw Bob. He didn\u2019t need to be told what was wrong. He prayed he was wrong, but deep in his gut he knew it was Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s bad Adam, real bad. They\u2019re taking him to Doc\u2019s. Roy sent Clem for your Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without another word, Adam tore off for Dr. Martin\u2019s office. Blind with panic, he didn\u2019t even think about taking Sport who was tethered at the side of the freight station.<\/p>\n

Please God, he has to be all right. Please.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door slammed against the wall when Ben came storming through the entry of the waiting room. His eyes immediately fell upon his oldest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Pa. He was already with Dr. Martin when I got here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened? All Clem said was that there was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy told me that the O\u2019Hern boys found him on the outskirts of town. Said it looked like one of the wheels snapped and the wagon went over.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Adam told what he knew, the color drained out of Ben\u2019s face as he pictured the road outside of town and the steep drops.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was late Pa. He was late and I thought the worse. All I knew was that once again I was waiting on Joe. Once again he failed to do as he was told, and this time there was going to be huge consequences because of his irresponsibility. Not once did I think there could have been an accident or any other reason for him to be late. I just automatically thought the worst of him.\u201d Adam dropped his face into his hands, shaking his head. \u201cWhat kind of brother am I? If it were Hoss I would have been out looking for him, but instead I was making threats of bodily injury. I was promising myself a piece of his hide while he was lying at the bottom of a ravine, hurt and needing me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat next to his son. He reached over placed a hand on his shoulder. \u201cAdam\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

Pushing away the offer of comfort, Adam stood and threw his hat into the chair he had just vacated and crossed the room in long, angry strides. This time his anger was directed inward.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa. Don\u2019t say it. Don\u2019t tell me it\u2019s okay, because it\u2019s not okay. You were right. I was being unfair. I was treating Joe as if he were eight instead of eighteen. The worst part is that it took this\u2026\u201d Adam swept his arm out in a dramatic gesture towards the door that led to Dr. Martin\u2019s surgery. \u201cTook this to make me realize what I was doing. I can\u2019t even imagine how much he must hate me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing, Ben slowly approached his son and once again placed his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHate you? No Son. Hurt, frustrated, disillusioned, disgruntled, yes. Hate, never. Little Joe looks up to you\u2026 both of you.\u201d Ben looked over at the door to include Hoss, who had just entered the room and stood with his hand gripping the door knob. \u201cHe wants nothing more than for the two of you to see him as a valuable member of the family. He\u2019s hurt that you don\u2019t. He\u2019s frustrated that his efforts are never seen or appreciated. He\u2019s disillusioned that he can\u2019t seem to earn any type of respect. He\u2019s disgruntled that all he gets are the dirty jobs. But hate you? That boy has never said one word about hating you. On the contrary he thinks you hate him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just foolish,\u201d Hoss protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it Hoss? Think about what you yourself said about him just this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 shoulder sagged with shame and he looked away, unable to hold his father\u2019s gaze. \u201cIt ain\u2019t true Pa. I love that boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you do, but Joe doesn\u2019t; not anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s something I plan on fixing the moment he\u2019s awake,\u201d declared Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too,\u201d add Hoss.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head and turned back to the chair, sat down and bowed his head in prayer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head jerked up and he was immediately on his feet when he heard the door to the surgery open and close. It had been hours since he had arrived, and even longer since Clem had found him on the road into town.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Paul Martin rubbed the back of his neck. His whole body ached from the amount of time he had spent trying to put the broken boy back together, and yet he didn\u2019t know if it had been enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down Ben.\u201d Paul motioned to the chair and when Ben sat back down he took the chair next to his longtime friend. \u201cI\u2019m not going to lie to you, nor am I going to sugar coat it. He\u2019s in bad shape; how he\u2019s even alive right now is anyone\u2019s guess. As expected he has a lot of bruises and cuts from his trip down the side of the mountain. His right arm is broken and is pretty torn up, he also has some broken ribs. Those are all minor things and they\u2019ll heal.\u201d When Ben started to interrupt Paul held up his hand to stop him. \u201cLet me finish. From what I was told, he was found unconscious at the base of two trees. He took quite a blow to the back of his head. I have no idea of what kind of damage there is. Then there\u2019s his back. It\u2019s just one massive bruise. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s broken, but then again from the amount of swelling there is, it\u2019s hard to tell. I won\u2019t know until he wakes up\u2026 If he wakes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The silence that descended the room was deafening. Each man was lost in his own thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll wake up, and he\u2019s going to be fine,\u201d Adam said with confidence. \u201cI have an apology to make and some crow to eat. That boy will not miss an opportunity to see that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right Pa. Besides, Little Joe is too ornery to give up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe boys are right, Paul. Joseph will wake up and he\u2019ll be just fine. Now, I want to see my son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul lowered his head, conceding the point to Ben. If sheer will and persistence was all it would take to heal Joe, then it was in the room in spades and the boy would come through in flying colors. \u201cOf course, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two days crept by without any visible change in the young man who lay motionless in a small room in Dr. Martin\u2019s office. Paul had flat out refused to allow Ben to move Joe back to the Ponderosa. He wanted to be close in case Joe took a turn for the worse; and to keep watch over the rest of the family to make sure they ate and rested. On this particular night Adam was alone with his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

Standing at the window, Adam gazed out at the empty street that was barely visible in the glow from the moon high in the night sky. Guilt, overwhelming, all-consuming guilt tore at Adam, chewing away at his soul until he thought he would perish from it. Turning, he started back towards the bedside chair but froze in his tracks. Something was different. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed, the dark, lush lashes resting against skin that was too pale. His breathing was still slow and shallow while he lay on his back, the blankets pulled up to his shoulders. At first glance it would appear everything was just as it was after Dr. Martin had made his last exam hours ago. Yet Adam\u2019s sharp eyes were registering a minute change. Sitting in the chair he reached over and took hold of Joe\u2019s hand, and it hit him. Joe\u2019s hand! Before it was tucked firmly under the blanket not visible, not easily accessible as it now was.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam waited for a response, but there was nothing, not even a change in his breathing. \u201cCome on Joe, talk to me. At least open your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nothing.<\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, Adam bowed his head as the hope that had briefly flared inside him died a sudden death. \u201cPlease, Joe, please talk to me. You need to wake up. Pa needs you, Hoss needs you\u2026 Hell, I need you Kid.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice trembled with the emotions that welled deep inside him. Looking up, he studied his brother\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t have faith in you, didn\u2019t trust you. I should have\u2026 I did, I just didn\u2019t want to admit it to myself. You\u2019re becoming a man and given the chance, and confidence, you not only keep up with Hoss and me, but you surpass us at times. I don\u2019t want to admit my baby brother is growing up, that he doesn\u2019t need me anymore.\u00a0 To be honest with you I want to turn the clock back thirteen years. To a time when I could do no wrong in your eyes, when you believed I could solve all the problems of the world for you. A time when I had a purpose in your life; when you needed me.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice broke and he dropped his head as tears threatened to fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll\u2026 always need\u2026 you.\u201d The sound couldn\u2019t even be described as a whisper, just a breathy, flutter of air that drifted up from the bed.<\/p>\n

At any other time it wouldn\u2019t have been heard, but Adam, who desperately wanted to hear something, anything, from the young man, his beloved brother, heard it.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe?\u201d He waited, but there wasn\u2019t even a flutter of lashes in response. \u201cCome on, Little Brother, it\u2019s time to wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo it ain\u2019t\u2014still dark out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you know that when your eyes are closed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCuz.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you open them anyhow and make sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered slightly but still didn\u2019t open.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you hurry it up, I don\u2019t have all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBossy,\u201d Joe grumbled, but was able to force his eyes open. He took a deep breath and winced as pain lanced through his body.\u00a0 \u201cAll night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes but opened them again after a few seconds. \u201cYou have all\u2026 night. Not all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam started to reach over to ruffle Joe\u2019s unruly mop of hair, but checked the motion in time to stop from causing his brother any further pain. \u201cStill cheeky as usual.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t make it like I promised.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joe. It\u2019s not your fault. You would have made it. There\u2019s no way you could have seen or prevented the accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf anyone needs to apologize it\u2019s me for how I\u2019ve treated you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. We\u2019re brothers. No need to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you be quiet for once and let me apologize. After all, how often do you get to see me eat crow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Adam,\u201d Joe responded, smiling up at his brother.<\/p>\n

Unbeknownst to the two brothers, there were three sets of eyes observing them. When Paul Martin saw another grimace appear on Joe\u2019s face, he patted Ben\u2019s shoulder and stepped around him. \u201cNever underestimate the power of the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here’s link to the Video:\u00a0 Waitin’ on Joe<\/a><\/p>\n

written \/ performed by:\u00a0 Steve Azar
\nintro by: Morgan Freeman<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Ben Cartwright,\u00a0Camp in the Pines,\u00a0ESJ,\u00a0Family,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0JAM,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright,\u00a0JPM,\u00a0SJS<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Joe is given the responsibility of meeting Adam at the freight office with a load of lumber. There’s a lot riding on Joe meeting the deadline, not just for the lumber, but for Joe also.<\/p>\n

Rating K+\u00a0Word count 5,126<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":10325,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,40],"tags":[120],"class_list":["post-10324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-challenges","tag-citp","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":5360,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/normal_Screen_shot_2011-07-23_at_10_44_49_PM.png?fit=400%2C319&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3654,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3654","url_meta":{"origin":10324,"position":0},"title":"Kama… WHAT? (by heike)","author":"heike","date":"April 26, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Little Joe has a question and there is only one person to\u00a0ask. For sure Hoss doesn't know the answer and to ask Pa is completely impossible.\u00a0 Rated: T \u00a0(2,200 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Adam-and-Joe-riding.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13970,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13970","url_meta":{"origin":10324,"position":1},"title":"Paying the Price (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Will it be worth the cost to refuse to sell lumber to a new mine owner? Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (20,180 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Gold-Mine.png?fit=586%2C426&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Gold-Mine.png?fit=586%2C426&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Gold-Mine.png?fit=586%2C426&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13993,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13993","url_meta":{"origin":10324,"position":2},"title":"Sins of the Father (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben outbids a competitor to win a lucrative contract, setting the man's son on a course of vengeance. Rating:T\u00a0 (29,455 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosapine.jpg?fit=270%2C404&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13019,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13019","url_meta":{"origin":10324,"position":3},"title":"A Ghost from the Past (by Lyn Robinson)","author":"Lynrobinson","date":"June 7, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A man from Ben's past arrives at the Ponderosa dredging up painful memories for Adam, and it's up to Little Joe to help Adam set things right. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (11,900 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/HP8b.jpg?fit=636%2C520&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/HP8b.jpg?fit=636%2C520&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/HP8b.jpg?fit=636%2C520&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6003,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6003","url_meta":{"origin":10324,"position":4},"title":"Ponderosa Pachyderm (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"May 3, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Rating: K Word Count=4287 Summary:\u00a0A What Happened Next for Old Sheba.","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/OldSheba250.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/OldSheba250.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/OldSheba250.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":63163,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63163","url_meta":{"origin":10324,"position":5},"title":"Brothers (by Lyn Robinson)","author":"Lynrobinson","date":"March 11, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0A robbery stretches finances at the Ponderosa and gives the brothers real problems. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0(11,000 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/87"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10324"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10324\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}