{"id":12158,"date":"2004-01-01T18:24:02","date_gmt":"2004-01-01T23:24:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12158"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:17:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:17:11","slug":"half-of-nothing-all-of-everything-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12158","title":{"rendered":"Half of Nothing, All of Everything (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Dan, Bobby and Cody have decided that they don’t want Joe’s kind at school any more.\u00a0 But just what is Joe’s kind?\u00a0 And what did they mean when they told him that he was half of nothing?\u00a0 Can he find the courage to prove to everyone, including himself, that he’s much more than that to those who love him most?<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0 PG13 for fight scenes. (8,700 words)<\/p>\n

Half of Nothing, All of Everything<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam strummed lightly on his guitar while Ben watched from the red chair where he sat. Hoss was perched on the settee with his head leaned back against the headrest. Little Joe was sitting on the hearth with his elbows propped on his knees and his chin resting in his open hands. He sighed deeply, drawing his father\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben casually glanced at his youngest son and noted the sad expression in the hazel eyes. For several long moments, while the soft music played in the background, Ben kept his dark eyes focused on Joe\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swept his long slender fingers down the strings one final time and the music stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow was that?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at Adam and nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was very nice, Adam. Is that a new song?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I heard it while I was down in Mexico and liked the tune. I picked it out from memory,\u201d Adam explained in a tone that was void of any bragging.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you certainly did a good job,\u201d Ben praised. \u201cJoe, did you like it?\u201d Ben asked while turning his attention to the boy who seemed lost in thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his head, letting his wind escaped slowly from his lungs. He glanced at his father for a brief moment and then turned to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was sorta sad\u2026but nice,\u201d Joe said without any expression resounding in his tone. \u201cPa, I think I\u2019m going to turn in, I\u2019m bushed,\u201d Joe said, standing to his feet and stretching. He covered his mouth to stifle a yawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben seemed surprised for it was the third night in a row that Joe had used the same excuse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon, are you sure you\u2019re feeling well? You\u2019ve been to bed early every night this week\u2026that isn\u2019t like you at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped, twisting up his lips in a smirk. \u201cI\u2019m fine\u2026honest Pa\u2026I\u2019m just tired, that\u2019s all. Can I be excused?\u201d His tone was almost pleading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly, I\u2019ll be up shortly to say good night,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNight Pa, night Adam, night Hoss,\u201d Joe called over his shoulder as he slowly began to climb the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNight Joe,\u201d Adam called, watching his father watch Joe\u2019s retreating back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSleep well, short shanks,\u201d Hoss called as he finally raised his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He noted Ben\u2019s expression and couldn\u2019t help but follow Ben\u2019s gaze. Hoss turned to look up, just as Joe rounded the corner of the hall and disappeared out of sight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s with him?\u201d Adam said, drawing Ben\u2019s attention from the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Joe ain\u2019t been him self for better\u2019n a week now,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed deeply and shook his head. He picked up his pipe and prepared it for a smoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. He\u2019s been unusually quite and somewhat withdrawn. It makes me think that he\u2019s got something on his mind that\u2019s bothering him. Has he said anything to either of you?\u201d Ben questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026in fact, he\u2019s hardly said more than a few words to me,\u201d Adam commented.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t said much to me either. Fact is\u2026it\u2019s sorta been nice, not havin\u2019 the kid yappin\u2019 \u2018bout somethin\u2019 all the time,\u201d chuckled Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll agree with that,\u201d Adam said in a soft voice but then was quick to add, \u201c Still, it\u2019s not like Joe. Pa, do you want me to talk to him\u2026maybe see if he\u2019ll tell me what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a long drag on his pipe and gently blew the smoke from his lungs. \u201cI\u2019ll have a word with him later. If he doesn\u2019t open up, then I\u2019ll let you have a go at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood to his feet, \u201cguess I\u2019d better go say good night. If he\u2019s as tired as he claims, he\u2019ll be asleep before his head hits the pillow,\u201d Ben said with a smile as he headed for his youngest son\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was right in his thinking; by the time he\u2019d made it to Joe\u2019s room Joe was curled into a ball sleeping. The covers had already been kicked to the foot of the bed where over half lay in a pile on the floor. Ben smiled at the sight and gathered the disarrayed blankets from the floor and spread them smoothly atop the boy. Joe turned over and settled himself, stretching out beneath the warmth of the covers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leaned down and softly placed a kiss atop Joe\u2019s mass of unruly curls and then turned, pausing long enough to lower the wick in the lamp before quietly closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the next morning, Joe seemed much like his former self as he slid into his place at the table. He turned to his father and smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorning Pa\u2026morning Hoss, hey Adam,\u201d he greeted each one by name.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cast a sideways glance at Hoss and then returned the greeting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Bout time you got up,\u201d he grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah short shanks, what\u2019s with ya\u2026first to bed last night, last to the table this mornin\u2019,\u201d chuckled Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right boys, leave your brother alone,\u201d smiled Ben the minute he saw Joe\u2019s smile leave his face. \u201cJoseph, you will need to hurry a little, I don\u2019t want you late for school this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right Pa,\u201d Joe smiled weakly as he glanced at his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his attention back to his father who was just finishing his coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026you did mean what you said\u2026the other day, right? I mean\u2026you won\u2019t go back on your word, will you?\u201d Joe asked hesitantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lowered his head slightly as he glanced at Hoss and then Adam. He tried not to smile when he looked up and saw the large hazel eyes watching his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat depends son, just what did I promise you? I don\u2019t remember making a promise,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d stammered Joe, causing his brothers to burst out laughing. Joe turned angry eyes their way. \u201cShut up!\u201d he shouted, his anger apparent on his young face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph! That will be enough!\u201d Ben snapped, placing his coffee cup down so that it clanged lightly with the china saucer. \u201cThere\u2019s no need for that tone of voice!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMake them stop laughing at me!\u201d growled Joe as he shoved back his chair. \u201cThey\u2019re just like everyone else\u2026always making fun of me!\u201d he barked as he turned on his heels and headed for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2026you stop right there, young man, and get back here!\u201d ordered Ben, giving Hoss and Adam a dark, warning look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had stopped their laughing and were staring in wonder at their younger brother. Joe paused in his tracks but refused to turn around and face his father who by this time had rounded the corner of the table and stood slightly behind the younger boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, turn around\u2026please,\u201d Ben issued in a milder tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gulped and slowly did as his father had asked. He stood before Ben with his head low, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill forth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gently guided Joe\u2019s chin upward. He was surprised to see the anger had vanished and had been replaced with a sad, downcast expression. His heart softened at the sight of his son\u2019s unhappy countenance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you please explain this sudden outburst of anger?\u201d Ben said calmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes sought his father\u2019s face. Seeing that the anger was no longer present, Joe swallowed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThem\u2026they\u2019re always making fun of me\u2026I hate it,\u201d Joe said barely above a whisper. He swallowed again, hoping to remove the thickness in his throat. \u201cThey treat me like I was a little boy\u2026and I\u2019m not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled slightly at Joe. \u201cNo\u2026you are not a little boy, but sometimes, such as now, you act like a little boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face twisted into a frown and he pulled away from the hand that so gently cupped his chin. He took a step or two backward, swallowing away the sudden hurt that had washed over him. He had expected his father to take up for him, but Ben\u2019s words had only added to his growing disappointment in his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said quickly, knowing that he had caused the sudden change in his son\u2019s expression. \u201cJoe\u2026why don\u2019t you tell me what is going on? I know something has been bothering you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had quietly gotten up from the table and were standing slightly behind their father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced over his father\u2019s shoulders at his brothers and frowned. \u201cI dun told ya,\u201d he said, pointing at Adam and Hoss. \u201cThem\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved to his father\u2019s side and glanced at Ben and then again at Joe. \u201cWe didn\u2019t mean anything, Joe\u2026for heaven\u2019s sake, we were just teasing you and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s chin began to quiver and he feared he might cry. His anger rose again as he glared at his oldest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just it\u2026I\u2019m sick of your teasing, I\u2019m sick of always being the butt of your jokes\u2026and I\u2019m sick of\u2026you!\u201d he practically shouted as he turned and ran from the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood in shocked silence at the outburst until the sound of the slamming door woke him from his stupor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy that little\u2026\u201d he bellowed but stopped when Adam placed his hand on his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026Joe\u2019s right, I suppose Hoss and I have been ragging the boy more than usual. I\u2019m sorry, I\u2019ll talk to him and apologize,\u201d Adam promised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, me too, Pa. We didn\u2019t mean nuthin\u2019 by it, heck\u2026we was just funnin\u2019 with\u2019em\u2026it never seemed to bother him before,\u201d Hoss said humbly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let out a long sigh. \u201cNo, most times he just takes it in stride.\u201d Ben turned to face both boys. \u201cSomething else is eating at him, your teasing him has nothing to do with the real problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019ll open up to me\u2026I think I\u2019ll meet him after school and ride home with him,\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cRight now I have work to do.\u201d Adam started to put on his gun and holster. Hoss did the same.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026about that promise you made to Joe\u2026are you still going to let him quit school after this term?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pinched his lips tightly and shook his head. \u201cI was going too\u2026but when he acts like this, I\u2019m not sure if I should or not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa, Ya cain\u2019t go back on your word\u2026\u201d began Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have no intention of breaking my promise, Hoss. Joe is more than ready to take on the responsibilities of working full time on this ranch. It\u2019s just that at times, I\u2019m not sure of his maturity in handling his temper.\u201d Ben chuckled softly. \u201cHe\u2019s so much like his mother\u2026she had a temper too, you know,\u201d smiled Ben, remembering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Hoss and smiled. \u201cI remember Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo do I\u2026barely,\u201d Hoss grinned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you boys get to work\u2026Adam, I think it\u2019s a good idea, you meeting your brother after school, thank you\u2026and good luck. I have to ride over to Carson City and I won\u2019t be home until about time for school to let out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa\u2026we\u2019ll see you tonight, come on Hoss,\u201d Adam said as he headed out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled his mount to a halt in front of the schoolhouse. He was earlier than on most mornings and the yard was empty of any other children. Joe led Cochise to the small stable where they kept their horses during the school hours and began to remove his saddle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what\u2019ll know\u2026there\u2019s the little twerp,\u201d laughed a voice from the dark corner of the stable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spun around, startled, thinking that he was alone in the dark little barn. He instantly recognized the familiar voice and inside, his stomach started churning. There was no doubt in his mind that he was facing a showdown, for he had been warned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought we told ya not to come back\u2026we don\u2019t want ya kind here,\u201d growled the other boy as he emerged from the shadows. He was joined, on either side, by two more boys who were both larger built than Joe was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy kind,\u201d snapped Joe, spacing himself from the trio. \u201cJust what is my kind?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knew he was bargaining for a fight, but he didn\u2019t really care. For weeks now, these same three boys had deemed it their right to make his life miserable and Joe was to the point of wanting the matter settled, one way or the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His father had promised him that if he finished the year with good grades, he could quit school and work full time on the ranch with his brothers. Joe had been more than pleased with the idea, for it was no secret that he hated school, unlike his brother Adam, who had always loved going, so much so that he had left home for three years to go back east to college. Joe had missed his brother, almost to the point of becoming angry with Adam for going away. Joe could not fully understand his brother\u2019s longing for knowledge, for Joe\u2019s only desire was to live his life peacefully, on the Ponderosa and become one of the best horsemen around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The only things standing in his way were the three young men who stood before him. The three were brothers, full brothers, not half-brothers such as he and Hoss and Adam were. The three had recently moved into the area and had started school, mid-way of the term. They had singled Joe out the first day. Once they learned who he was, who his family was and learned the known facts about their lives, the three had since that day, tried to make Joe\u2019s life a living hell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan, Bobby, and Cody were seventeen, sixteen, and fifteen, respectfully. They were bigger built, more muscular, and all three had bad attitudes, which warranted them the respect of the other boys in the class. The trio was a force to reckon with, and everyone else gave them their space, avoiding them at all cost, except Joe, who refused to be bullied by either one or all of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa know what you\u2019re kind is, Cartwright,\u201d smirked Dan, the oldest of the brothers. \u201cYa nothin\u2019 more than a half-breed\u2026ya pa\u2019s a dirty blue-bellied Yankee and your ma was nothin\u2019 but a French-Creole whore\u2026everyone in town knows\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan\u2019s words were cut short by the left hook that shattered his nose. Blood spurted outward and covered the front of the boy\u2019s shirt. Dan fell backwards, screaming out in pain at his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet\u2019em,\u201d he screeched.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bobby and Cody jumped Joe, knocking him to the ground by the weight of their bodies. Joe groaned when he hit the ground, feeling the wind knocked from his lungs as he did so. Fists began pounding him, striking him on all parts of his body. He turned trying to protect himself, unable to fight back as the onslaught of bombarding fists hammered away at his flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan had managed to stagger to his feet and had joined his brothers. The toe of his boot connected with Joe\u2019s ribs and Joe cried out, feeling the bones snap in his ribcage. His stomach took the next kick forcing Joe to curl into a ball as his arms folded tightly around his middle and leaving his sides open for more abuse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heard the brothers\u2019 laughter and felt the solid punch to his kidneys as Cody stood to his feet. Bobby still straddled Joe, leaning his head low to Joe\u2019s ear so that his words could not be mistaken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo home half-breed, go back to that half-family ya half of!\u201d laughed Bobby. \u201cHalf Yankee, half whore, half-brothers\u2026hell, ya ain\u2019t more than half of nuthin, and ya\u2019ll never be more than half a man!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bobby stood to his feet and grinned at his older brother, Dan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa heard us Cartwright\u2026go home and if\u2019n ya smart, ya\u2019ll not show ya face around here again. Stay away from this here school, ya place is back on that ranch of your pa\u2019s, working like a hired hand. Ya got no need for education, ya too dumb to learn\u2026just like that half-wit brother\u2026what\u2019s his name\u2026Horse?\u201d snickered Dan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, who still lay in a heap on the ground, turned his head sideways, glaring at the trio. \u201cSomeday, I\u2019ll make you eat those words,\u201d he groaned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three burst out laughing. \u201cSure Cartwright, when ya think ya man enough, look me up, I won\u2019t be hard to find.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan turned to his brothers, \u201cCome on, we don\u2019t wanna be late for class,\u201d he snickered as he wiped the drying blood from his face with the handkerchief he pulled from his back pocket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three turned and left Joe to himself. Joe waited until he was alone in the stable and slowly staggered to his feet. He leaned heavily onto the post nearest him and moaning softly turned to his horse. Joe guided Cochise from the stall where he had just stabled the horse and led his mount out into the bright morning sun. Painfully, Joe mounted up, noting that the schoolyard had begun to fill with children. He turned his mount toward home and kicked gently at Cochise\u2019s sides. The school bell rang, but Joe did not look back. He had to get away, not only did his aching body need rest, so did his weary mind. Halfway home, Joe turned toward the lake, seeking solitude in the only place he knew that would bring peace to his troubled soul, his mother\u2019s resting-place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tied Cochise\u2019s reins to a nearby tree and clutching his stomach, slowly made his way over to Marie\u2019s grave. Carefully, Joe squatted down, running his hand lovingly over the large headstone. His fingers gently traced the lettering that spelled out Marie\u2019s name. Tears blinded his vision as Joe lowered his head. Slowly, a lone tear made it\u2019s way down the front of Joe\u2019s dirt smeared face and dropped onto his knee, leaving a tiny circle of dampness of his trouser leg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe settled himself on the ground, his back resting against the side of the massive rock. He sighed, wiped the tears from his face and leaned his head back, closing his eyes as he sucked in a gulp of air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Mama\u2026why do they hate you so? They didn\u2019t even know you\u2026yet they judge you\u2026it ain\u2019t right,\u201d whispered Joe softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes, looking out at the grandeur of the lake and noting how blue the water was. \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful up here\u2026no wonder this was always your favorite place,\u201d sighed Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s mine, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to look at the headstone, his eyes beading with water again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were no whore\u2026you were a warm, wonderful, beautiful person\u2026Pa told me all about you. I have trouble sometimes, remembering you\u2026I look at your picture at times, when I want to remember your face. And Adam and Hoss, they tell me things about you\u2026things you\u2019ve said to make them laugh, and things you\u2019ve said and done for me, for them and Pa. They always tell me how much they loved ya, and how much ya loved them, as if they had been born to ya, like I was. And Pa always reminds me how much ya loved me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sob caught in Joe\u2019s throat and he swallowed it away, sniffing his nose. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t have cared what ya were before ya met Pa and married him. I\u2019d of love ya, no matter what\u2026just like Pa and Adam and Hoss loved ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood to his feet and walked off a few paces, turning to face the headstone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t never been ashamed of ya, Mama\u2026honest\u2026and I ain\u2019t never been ashamed of who or what I was. But Dan and his brothers have a way of making me wish that I was\u2026was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWas what Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spun around, startled to see his oldest brother standing just yards from him. He watched in silence as Adam tethered his horse and moved closer, coming to stand side by side with him. Adam gazed down at the headstone and then glanced at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI went by school, but they said you didn\u2019t show up today\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI went\u2026I just didn\u2019t stay,\u201d said Joe softly as he moved slightly away from Adam and turned his back to his brother. \u201cHow\u2019d ya know I\u2019d be here?\u201d he asked, glancing over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guessed. Mitch said he saw you riding away this morning, and said you looked as if you\u2019d been in a fight, so I just figured you\u2019d come here,\u201d Adam said, gently placing his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe flinched as if he\u2019d been struck and stepped away from the tender touch. He turned so that he could see Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t start anything, if that\u2019s what you\u2019re thinking,\u201d muttered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t thinking anything of the sorts,\u201d Adam assured his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026well, I just thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d smiled Adam as he turned to retrieve his canteen from his saddle. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come over here and let me clean up you\u2019re face. Looks as if you\u2019ve been wallowing in the dirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam untied his neckerchief and waited for Joe. He motioned toward a large boulder and when Joe had settled himself, Adam dampened the cloth and carefully began wiping away the dried blood and dirt from his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For several moments neither said a word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey said I was half of nothing,\u201d Joe said in a whispered voice. He wrinkled up his face as Adam wiped carefully at the cut above his left eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2026who?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Dawson brothers, Dan, Bobby and Cody\u2026they said I was half of nothing. For whatever reason, they hate me\u2026they said that Pa was a\u2026a\u2026\u201d Joe paused and looked up at Adam with sad eyes that begged for understanding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat Pa was what, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA dirty, blue-bellied Yankee,\u201d Joe murmured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anger momentarily flickered across Adam\u2019s expression, but he was quick to mask it. \u201cWell\u2026truth is, Pa is a Yankee Joe, for that matter, so am I,\u201d Adam smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that\u2026but it\u2019s the way they said it, as if it were something to be ashamed of\u2026and\u2026that ain\u2019t all they said,\u201d Joe stammered, looking away. \u201cThey said things\u2026about\u2026her.\u201d He nodded his head toward the grave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother? What could they know about Marie?\u201d Adam asked, somewhat surprised that the new boys, in town, would know anything negative to say about his father\u2019s third wife, and Joe\u2019s mother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked away, not trusting himself, for he felt the tears burn his eyes. Quickly he wiped them away with the sleeve of his shirt and turned back to Adam, though he could not meet the dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey called her a whore\u2026a French Creole whore,\u201d he sputtered, lowering his head as the tiny beads of water rolled gently and silently down his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt as if the wind had been knocked from him. He hurried to Joe\u2019s side and slipping his arms about the trembling shoulders, pulled the boy into his embrace. Adam swallowed hard, his anger rising at the ones who had caused such misery and hurt in his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know better than that, Joe\u2026Marie was a\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what she was, Adam\u2026but knowing that other people think she was\u2026was a\u2026well, it hurts\u2026even if it ain\u2019t so,\u201d stammered Joe, allowing himself the comfort of his brother\u2019s embrace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it does hurt. And if that\u2019s what this fight was about\u2026then I can\u2019t say I blame you for taking a swing at those three,\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He gently forced Joe back enough that he could see his brother\u2019s face. He smiled slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou did get in at least one good punch, I hope?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe found it impossible not to smile. \u201cOne\u2026only one, but it was good. I think I broke Dan\u2019s nose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brows rose slightly and he fought to control his amusement. \u201cPa\u2019s not going to like it you know, your fighting, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head. \u201cI know\u2026he\u2019ll probably thrash me,\u201d Joe muttered in a low voice. He glanced again at Adam. \u201cI couldn\u2019t help it\u2026there was no way I was going to stand there and let them call my mother names. I could care less what they say about me, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did they say about you, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe puckered up his lips, fighting to control his quivering chin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey said I was a half-breed, half of nothing. They even called Hoss a half-wit\u2026how can they be so mean, Adam, they don\u2019t even know us?\u201d Joe said as he turned and knelt down in front of Marie\u2019s grave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched the sadness wash over his younger brother and he knelt down next to Joe, placing his hand on his brother\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIgnorance, Joe. When people don\u2019t try to understand others, they\u2019re ignorant. They are short sighted, they become handicapped in their way of thinking and in the way they treat others. Joe,\u201d Adam said, turning his brother so that Joe would have to look at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother was a beautiful woman, not just in looks, but inside, in her heart. She was from a part of the country that few people understand; she lived a different type of life than most any woman around here. They were jealous of her, they envied her and those that chose not to get to know her, allowed their ignorance to rule their views of her. Marie had only a handful of friends, mostly men, which only added to the women\u2019s dislike of her. But she was happy Joe, happy and very much in love with our father. She worshipped the ground Pa walked on, and she was good to Hoss and I, she loved us very much. And when you were born, why\u2026I\u2019ve never, to this day, seen a woman happier than what Marie was. She loved you Joe; please, never doubt that. Regardless of what the world thought of Marie Cartwright, she never let those thoughts or unkindness\u2019 damper what she felt in her heart for her family. And we were a family Joe. We still are, thanks to your mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Hoss and I were like three sailors lost at sea until your mother happened along. Oh sure, I resented her in the beginning; unlike Hoss who to took to her kindness and love practically from the moment she stepped into the house. But I learned to love her Joe; she was as much my mother, and Hoss\u2019 mother, as she was yours. She made our lives complete, and she never gave in to the harsh words of others, that I know must have hurt her deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gently took hold of Joe\u2019s shoulders and eased him to his feet. He smiled down at the tear-dampened face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you give in either. Marie wouldn\u2019t want you too. She\u2019d say to you, \u2018son, it takes a bigger man to turn and walk away\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut they called her a whore, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey called her many things, Joe\u2026to her face and behind her back. Yet she rose above them all, and she\u2019d want you to do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked Adam squarely in the eyes. \u201cBut it\u2019s so hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I know, buddy. I\u2019ve had to swallow my anger many times myself\u2026for the same reasons that caused you to fight, today. I\u2019ve been called coward by a few, chicken and been told I was yellow by others. But, as Pa says, you can\u2019t settle everything with just your fists\u2026or with a gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen how\u2026and don\u2019t tell me to ignore them\u2026I\u2019ve tried that, and believe me\u2026it doesn\u2019t work with those three,\u201d grumbled Joe, moving to sit back down on the rock. He lowered his head, lost in thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After several minutes of silence, he turned again to Adam. \u201cThey told me not to come back to school. They said that they didn\u2019t want me there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rose and went to stand before Adam. \u201cWhat am I going to do? If I don\u2019t finish this year with good grades, then Pa won\u2019t let me quit school\u2026and I want too, I want to work with you and Hoss and Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam placed both hands on Joe\u2019s shoulders and tightened his lips, silently praying that he was doing the right thing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think, you should do?\u201d he asked softly. He saw his brother gulp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo back?\u201d Joe practically whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I would do\u2026but then, you aren\u2019t me,\u201d Adam answered just as softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I ain\u2019t you\u2026but I am your brother\u2026and I am a Cartwright,\u201d smiled Joe. He hesitated slightly before continuing. \u201cWill ya go with me?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you really want me too\u2026I mean, do you want them seeing you riding in with your\u2026Yankee\u2026brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head, shaking it from side to side. \u201cNot really,\u201d he said and then smiled up at Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll go back\u2026and I\u2019ll stay, no matter what,\u201d he promised in a determined voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled softly as he turned to his horse. \u201cHow about if ya ride into town a little after I do, and have Doc Martin ready? I have a feeling I\u2019m going to need him by the end of the day,\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Joe, I\u2019ll be about ten minutes behind you. And no matter what happens, I\u2019ll be around, but this is something you\u2019ll have to settle for yourself. Just take them one at a time\u2026if possible,\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try, but I can\u2019t promise,\u201d smiled Joe as he mounted up and turned his horse back toward the school. \u201cAdam\u2026about this morning\u2026I\u2019m sorry I lost my temper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed as he placed his hand on his brother\u2019s knee. \u201cForget it, Little Joe, I\u2019m sorry for always teasing you. I only do it cause\u2026I\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Adam, ya don\u2019t gotta say it,\u201d giggled Joe. \u201cCause\u2026I\u2026I\u2026love ya too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spurred his mount into a run and disappeared before Adam had a chance to respond.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe entered the schoolyard at a slow pace. The last of the children were just entering the building by the time that Joe dismounted and started slowly for the door. He paused just before entering and let the wind free from his lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he entered the room, the entire class stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at him. Joe gulped; Miss Jones turned as well, and eyed him from head to toe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I hope you have good reason to have missed the first part of class,\u201d she said in an agitated tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slipped quietly into his seat, noting the daring looks from his attackers. He ignored them and focused his attention back to the teacher.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am, I was caught up in a fight, and I had to stop long enough to clean up before coming in,\u201d he explained honestly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA fight?\u201d stammered Miss Jones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her eyes moved swiftly to Dan\u2019s nose and then returned to the youngest Cartwright. \u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Very well\u2026but I shall be sending a note home to your father, explaining your tardiness,\u201d she said sternly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am\u2026I figured ya would.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was right too, by the end of the day, Miss Jones had the note ready and she did not hesitate to place it on the desk in front of him just before dismissing class for the day. He looked up at the teacher, surprised to see the slight smile on her face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sent a note home with Dan too\u2026just so you\u2019d know,\u201d she whispered and then surprised Joe further by placing a hand on his shoulder as she turned to the class.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClass dismissed,\u201d she said in a clear voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rose slowly from his seat, taking the note and shoving it into his shirt pocket. He glanced at Miss Jones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful going home, Joseph\u2026the way I see it, it\u2019s three to one,\u201d she cautioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled, amazed that his teacher would be so concerned; for he had it in his head that Miss Jones didn\u2019t like him much.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am\u2026I promise to watch my back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought about telling her not to worry, Adam had promised to meet him but thought better of it. Any mention of his brother\u2019s name would spike too much interest from the teacher, and Joe had no heart to cause Adam any embarrassment. He smiled again and took his leave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once outside, Joe paused to look around for Adam. He was nowhere to be seen. Joe gulped and swallowed his disappointment as he slowly made his way to his horse. Cochise snorted softly at his approach. Joe smiled at the horse and gently rubbed the velvety nose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess it just you and me, Pal,\u201d he muttered, untying the reins from where he had looped them around the branch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to swing up into the saddle but as he did so, he felt his body being spun around and slung to the ground. He groaned as his body made contact with the hard packed earth. Pain from his aching ribs surged through his body, limiting his reaction time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan reached down and grabbed Joe\u2019s arm, roughly yanking the boy to his feet. Joe turned just in time to see the fist aimed at his face. He managed to duck clear but in so doing, lost his balance and stumbled forward, straight into the waiting arms of Dan\u2019s two brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bobby and Cody each made a grab for Joe, taking him by the arms and holding him so that he could not break free. Dan laughed as he swung out his fist, punching Joe in the abdomen. Joe\u2019s body lurched forward but instantly the two on either side of him hauled him upright. Dan punched Joe again in the stomach and when Joe\u2019s head fell forward, Dan punched Joe in the face, causing Joe’s head to snap back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan swung back to punch Joe a third time but was caught off guard when he felt a hand tighten about his arm. Dan jerked around startled to find Adam clutching tightly to his arm, instantly he relaxed his fist. Bobby and Cody dropped their hands, letting Joe slump to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to fight my brother, then do it fairly\u2026one at a time,\u201d warned Adam, \u201cor else deal with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam almost laughed when he saw Dan\u2019s eyes widen and then heard him gulp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa mean\u2026ya goin\u2019 to let him fight us?\u201d stammered Dan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what you\u2019re wanting isn\u2019t it, or did you think you needed your brothers in order to take Joe?\u201d smirked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can take the little twerp, any day\u2026I don\u2019t need my brothers,\u201d Dan said, grinning and rubbing his opened hand over the fist he had made with his other hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He walked over to where Joe was slowly getting to his feet. \u201cCome on Cartwright\u2026I can take ya any day\u2026I don\u2019t need\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan never got to finish his sentence. Joe, half bent over, charged the bigger boy, driving his head into the other boy\u2019s stomach. Adam heard Dan\u2019s loud groan as he and Joe hit the ground and began rolling around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He watched as Dan managed to gain the advantage and deliver several hard blows to Joe\u2019s face and stomach. Adam almost stepped in as the blood spewed from his brother\u2019s nose but stopped just as Joe flipped the larger boy onto the ground. Joe swapped several punches with Dan and then suddenly found himself being flipped through the air. Quickly, Joe staggered to his feet and when Dan charged him, Joe stepped aside, allowing Dan to tumble over his own feet and into the dirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dan spun around, jumping to his feet and ran at Joe. Joe met the oncoming fury with a solid punch to the boy\u2019s chin. Dazed, Dan froze and then staggered backward and then falling into the arms of his brothers. They gently lowered the older boy to the ground, where Dan slipped into unconsciousness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bobby glanced worriedly at Cody and then down at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Bobby\u2026I ain\u2019t finished yet\u2026now is the time if ya want some of me, come get it!\u201d challenged Joe, with a crooked grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bobby hesitated, not sure of what he wanted to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEither fight me now, or leave me alone\u2026for good,\u201d urged Joe, who was still aching to fight all three.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bobby lowered his head in submission. He glanced sideways at Joe. \u201cAin\u2019t nobody ever bested Dan\u2026I reckon ya proved ya point Cartwright. Ya won\u2019t hear from me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr me either\u2026Joe,\u201d Cody added in a soft voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked to his horse and grabbed his canteen, returning to pour the cool water into Dan\u2019s face. Dan sputtered as he regained his senses. Bobby and Cody helped their brother to his feet. Dan wiped the water from his face and glared at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could\u2019ve taken ya\u2026\u201d he spouted and then turned, shaking himself free of his brothers\u2019 hands, which were trying to help him. He slowly made his way to his horse and mounted up, turning toward town. \u201cThere\u2019ll be another day, kid\u2026another day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Adam stood together and watched the three brothers ride away. When they were gone, Joe looked up at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe, but I got tied up in town. I got here right as Dan jerked you from your horse. I was going to stop him, but then thought I\u2019d let you take him first\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGee thanks, his brothers didn\u2019t quite make it a fair match you know,\u201d grumbled Joe, wiping the oozing blood from under his nose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe snickered, \u201cForget it, big brother. It was worth the punches just to see the look on that kid\u2019s face when you grabbed his arm. For a minute he thought you were going to hit him!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI almost did\u2026I sure wanted too, but then it suddenly dawned on me, he\u2019s just a kid\u2026If I had hit him, I\u2019d most likely be in jail right now,\u201d smiled Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHa, that wouldn\u2019t have gone over very well with Pa,\u201d giggled Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026but neither is your face\u2026you should see it,\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have to see it, Adam\u2026I can feel it\u2026and it hurts like blazes. So does my stomach\u2026I think I cracked a couple of ribs,\u201d Joe said as the pain unexpectedly washed over him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood at his horse\u2019s side, his hands in place to mount, but his movements were slow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t feel so good, Adam,\u201d moaned Joe and lowered his head, resting against the stirrup.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam quickly rounded Joe\u2019s horse and placed both hands on Joe\u2019s shoulder, turning the boy slowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you over to the doc\u2019s, he can patch you up before we go home. Think you can walk?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, if ya let me lean against ya,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled as he gently pulled Joe close to him and slipped his arm about Joe, letting Joe lean heavily on him. Slowly Adam led Joe the short distance from the school to the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d called out Paul Martin when he saw Adam, leading Joe inside. \u201cWhat in the world?\u201d he proclaimed as he motioned to the small table where he examined most of his patients.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The kind doctor leaned over as Joe stretched out on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me guess,\u201d he grinned at Adam. \u201cAnother fight? Joseph, when are you ever going to stop trying to settle matters with your fists?\u201d teased Paul lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Feeling the discomfort growing, Joe closed his eyes and refused to answer the question. His thoughts were more prone to what his father would say once he got home and Ben saw the bruises and scraps on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe had no choice this time, Doc,\u201d Adam was quick to come to Joe\u2019s defense. \u201cIt was rather poor odds, three against one,\u201d he explained. \u201cSo I had to even it up some, and let Joe fight them one at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did too,\u201d moaned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul finished his exam, glancing over at Adam who stood nearby. \u201cI\u2019m going to have to bind these ribs, Adam. There\u2019s a couple cracked,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI figured as much,\u201d Adam said, looking down to see the tears swell in his brother\u2019s eyes. \u201cSorry Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pinched his lips tightly, willing away the tears from his eyes. \u201cWell, at least Pa won\u2019t take a strap to me\u2026for a few weeks, anyway,\u201d he said with a forced smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you know as well as I, Pa don\u2019t punish you like that any more,\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s worse, he just locks me in my room and feeds me bread and water,\u201d groaned Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul couldn\u2019t help but laugh. \u201cJoseph, you do have a vivid imagination\u2026Ben Cartwright would never starve one of his sons, for any reason!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ribs bound, Paul handed some powders to Adam with instructions on how to give them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait until you get Joe home Adam, otherwise, he\u2019ll be asleep in the saddle. And I sure don\u2019t want him falling from his horse. Tell your father Joe will be fine in a few days, just keep him in bed until I come out one day next week to check on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure Doc, and thanks,\u201d smiled Adam as he joined Joe outside. He helped Joe to mount up and reached for Sport\u2019s reins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay Adam\u2026who won?\u201d Paul questioned, grinning at Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure\u2026I think it was a draw\u2026but Little Joe proved his point.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The minute that Ben saw his youngest son\u2019s face, Joe was ushered off to bed and given one of the pain powders. He tucked the blanket around Joe\u2019s form and leaned down, brushing back a fallen lock of chestnut hair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou try to rest Joseph, I\u2019ll be back to check in on you later. I want to have a word with your brother,\u201d smiled Ben assuredly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026wait,\u201d Joe called before Ben could leave. \u201cI have to explain something\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot now son, you rest and we\u2019ll talk later\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa\u2026\u201d Joe felt the quivering of his chin. \u201cI had to fight\u2026they\u2026said things,\u201d his voice faltered, remembering the cruel things that Dan and his brothers had said about his mother and father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned to the bed and sat down next to Joe. He took one look at the quivering chin and knew that whatever Joe had to say he had to hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat things, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched as Joe struggled with his emotions. \u201cWhatever they were, they must have hurt you deeply. Did they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head. He looked into his father\u2019s face and noted the love that reflected back at him through eyes that had always met his with a depth of warmth and love that had always astonished him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey called me names\u2026Dan said I was nothing but a\u2026half-breed\u2026part Yankee, part French Creole\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, son\u2026part of that is true\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Pa\u2026Adam already explained it to me\u2026you are a Yankee, and my mother was French Creole\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why the fight? Why not laugh it off and just walk away?\u201d Ben questioned gently, unaware that behind him, Adam and Hoss stood, silently listening in the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause\u2026they called her, a\u2026a\u2026\u201d Joe gulped, looking away from the probing eyes that scrutinized his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhore,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a long silence that filled the room. Joe chanced a look into his father\u2019s face, surprised to see both the hurt and anger mixed into one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026Pa\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to\u2026hurt you,\u201d he whispered, tears filling his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben swallowed the anger and smiled at Joe. \u201cYou didn\u2019t hurt me, son\u2026I\u2019ve heard it all before. It\u2019s just that it surprises me that it\u2019s still being said. Your mother\u2019s been gone nearly ten years; I would have thought that by now, everyone would have forgotten the gossip. I suppose I was wrong to think that,\u201d Ben said, his voice filled with emotion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled again at Joe and tenderly caressed his son\u2019s cheek. \u201cI hope you know Joe, that it\u2019s all lies\u2026your mother was nothing of the sorts,\u201d Ben informed his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think I know that, Pa?\u201d Joe said. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t have care if she had been, she was my mother, regardless of what anyone says\u2026I owe her my life\u2026and I\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s reserve broke as his father pulled him into his arms and held him close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do they have to be so mean, Pa\u2026they didn\u2019t even know her? They said I was half of nothing, which made me the same as nothing. They said all of us were\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben cradled Joe\u2019s head against his heart and gently ran his fingers through the thick curls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026forget what they said\u2026it doesn\u2019t matter in the least. I know it hurts\u2026but we are what we are and we are who we are. We are a family\u2026we\u2019re all of one blood, bound together through mutual love and respect. You and Adam and Hoss may have different mothers, but that doesn\u2019t make you half of nothing. It makes you a whole\u2026it makes us a family, and isn\u2019t that what counts\u2026not whose mother\u2019s who\u2019s, but that I am your father and Adam and Hoss are your brothers, and we love one another. That\u2019s everything son, it\u2019s something that a lot of people cannot claim.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI never even thought about any of us being anything except family. I knew my mother was different than most of the ladies around here, but that never bothered me, until Dan and his brothers started making something out of it,\u201d Joe said quietly. \u201cPa\u2026my mother was everything to you, and to Hoss and Adam, wasn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben squeezed Joe a little tighter, reassuring the boy of his love. \u201cYes son, she was everything I could have ever wanted in a wife, and everything Adam and Hoss could have longed for in a mother, why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe eased back from his father and smiled a bit. \u201cThen that means that I\u2019m not half of nothing, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed lightly, pulling Joe to his breast once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt means Joseph, that to your brothers and I, you are everything and you have all of everything\u2026that\u2019s important. You are all your brothers could wish for in a youngest brother and everything a father could ask for in a son. You are not half of anything, but rather the source that binds our family as a whole. Does that answer your question, young man?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYessir\u2026but Pa\u2026what if Dan and his brothers don\u2019t leave me alone\u2026what if I have to fight them again?\u201d Joe looked up at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s not bargain for trouble son. Besides, from the looks of your face, I\u2019d sure hate to see the other young man\u2019s face,\u201d Ben chuckled. \u201cI don\u2019t condone fighting, though, young man\u2026I only let this pass this time because I feel the boy deserved what he got.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe drew back from his father\u2019s embrace and leaned against the pillows. He wiped dry his tears and forced a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa should\u2019ve seen him hightailing it outta there,\u201d laughed Joe. \u201cHe said I was only half a man\u2026well, I guess I showed him, didn\u2019t I Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure did, sport,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up at his oldest son who had joined them. Ben forced himself to frown at his oldest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou stood by and watched the whole thing and didn\u2019t make any attempt to stop your brother from brawling like a common hoodlum?\u201d Ben said in as stern a voice as he could muster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes grew wide and he glanced at his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026well\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026Adam couldn\u2019t have stopped me\u2026it was my doings. I had to stand up to Dan; otherwise he never would have stopped saying nasty things about my mother\u2026and you. Adam did make them fight fair\u2026and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed out loud as he took in the expression on both Adam and Joe\u2019s faces. He glanced up at Hoss and noted the worried look on his face as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, I was only teasing. Joe, I\u2019ve lived long enough to know that there are times that a man has to stand up and fight. He has to do what a man has to do\u2026and though I don\u2019t approve of using one\u2019s fists to solve one\u2019s problems, I do know that there will always be times that arise when there is no other way to settle a dispute but to fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at Joe, \u201cI\u2019m proud of you for defending your mother\u2019s honor\u2026and mine\u2026but please promise me Joe, you\u2019ll not make a habit out of it,\u201d laughed Ben. \u201cI\u2019m getting too old for such shenanigans!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI promise Pa\u2026and that\u2019s a whole promise, not just half a promise!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe finished the school term with honors, surprising both himself and his family. Pride shown in Ben\u2019s eyes when Joe stepped up to the podium and accepted his diploma. Ben stood with the other parents, clapping loudly as Joe\u2019s brothers cheered him on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked out into the crowd and saw his father\u2019s smiling face. He grinned back, winking at his father as he moved down the isle to join his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did it!\u201d He beamed happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure did, son\u2026it\u2019s an answer to prayer!\u201d rejoiced Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations little brother,\u201d smiled Adam, shaking Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026good job, short shanks!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026I\u2019ve got an idea, why don\u2019t we go over to the Silver Dollar and celebrate?\u201d Joe suggested, giving his father a cheeky grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started for the door, but was stopped by the pressure of hands on his shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t,\u201d ordered Ben, guiding Joe toward their waiting horses. \u201cJust because you\u2019re out of school, doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re old enough to start drinking,\u201d laughed Ben with a serious look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Hoss and I\u2019ll go celebrate for you, you go home and get a good night\u2019s rest, tomorrow is a work day\u2026and you\u2019re gonna wish you was back in school when we get finished with you!\u201d teased Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss slung his arm about Adam\u2019s shoulder and grinned down at his little brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right Joe\u2026can\u2019t give a whole day\u2019s pay lessen ya do a whole day\u2019s work\u2026ain\u2019t that right, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat right Hoss, but I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll have to worry about Joe doing anything half way\u2026do I son?\u201d Ben asked as he turned to Joe with a knowing smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope, it\u2019s half of nothing and all of everything\u2026I\u2019ll earn my pay, just don\u2019t the two of you stay out so late or drink so much, you can\u2019t do your own jobs\u2026come morning!\u201d laughed Joe as he swung his horse around and started home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to Adam and Hoss with a stern look. \u201cJoe\u2019s right boys, don\u2019t you stay out too late!\u201d Ben took a couple of steps and started to mount his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBy the way Adam\u2026I didn\u2019t see the Dawson brothers at the ceremony tonight\u2026wonder where they were?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Hoss and then laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think they\u2019re half way to Kansas by now\u2026Roy found out that their father was wanted for larceny and when he went out to arrest them, they must have gotten wind of it and they took off, they left half of what they owned, \u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLarceny\u2026what did the man steal?\u201d Ben asked as he mounted Buck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hew-hawed loudly, \u201cHalf a bottle of whiskey!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoy was half out of his mind with anger when he got there and found out that Dawson\u2019s own half-brother was the one pressing charges,\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned at his laughing sons. \u201cI get the picture\u2026half of nothing is nothing. Now if you will excuse me, I\u2019m sure that by now, Little Joe is half way home! Good bye!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben kicked at Buck\u2019s sides and as Buck broke into a run, Ben was half way tossed from his saddle. As he righted himself, his sons\u2019 laughter rang in his ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He caught up with Joe, half way home, just as he had suspected. He reined Buck into a walk beside Joe and smiled at his son, happy to see the pleased expression on the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud of you Joe,\u201d Ben said after awhile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa, I half expected ya would be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spurred Buck into a gallop, startling Joe. Joe urged his horse forward, yelling out in the process of catching up with his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA\u2026WAIT UP\u2026WAS IT SOMETHING I SAID?\u201d shouted Joe, halfheartedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/strong><\/p>\n

JANUARY 2004<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Dan, Bobby and Cody have decided that they don’t want Joe’s kind at school any more.\u00a0 But just what is Joe’s kind?\u00a0 And what did they mean when they told him that he was half of nothing?\u00a0 Can he find the courage to prove to everyone, including himself, that he’s much more than that to those who love him most?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 PG13 for fight scenes. (8,700 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":3688,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1008,41,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-hurtcomfort","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2537,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/guiltily-looking-little-boys.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12174,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12174","url_meta":{"origin":12158,"position":0},"title":"Without Malice (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Little Joe's best friend is killed in an unfortunate accident and Joe holds himself responsible.\u00a0 How will he ever overcome his guilt? Rated G \u00a0WC 8200","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\/02\/coming-soon-6.jpg?fit=303%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1363,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1363","url_meta":{"origin":12158,"position":1},"title":"The Dark Void (by KateP)","author":"KateP","date":"February 11, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Problems ahead when Joe falls from his horse. Rated: K+ (4,880 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\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe_Racing_Cochise.jpg?fit=840%2C725&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13435,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13435","url_meta":{"origin":12158,"position":2},"title":"Bootless Cries (by McFair_58)","author":"mcfair_58","date":"September 16, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Who would have thought that a pair of missing boots would propel the Cartwrights into the nightmare world of a madman? One morning Joe wakes up to find his boots gone and the mystery of how he lost them - and who is wearing them - leads to a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Bootless-Cries-brand.jpg?fit=1124%2C660&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Bootless-Cries-brand.jpg?fit=1124%2C660&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Bootless-Cries-brand.jpg?fit=1124%2C660&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Bootless-Cries-brand.jpg?fit=1124%2C660&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Bootless-Cries-brand.jpg?fit=1124%2C660&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3562,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3562","url_meta":{"origin":12158,"position":3},"title":"Moving On (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"February 11, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A What Happened In Between for the episode A Time To Step Down. This is what I think happened between Joe and Dan leaving the cave and the final scene. Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(8,055 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Joe.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3854,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3854","url_meta":{"origin":12158,"position":4},"title":"A Father’s Justified Instincts (by No1butJoe)","author":"No1butjoe","date":"March 30, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Birthday present for devonshire. Originally posted on Bonanza World. He was just going to retrieve the mail. What he found instead was a whole lot of trouble. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K (2,055 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\/Resitution-Small.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Resitution-Small.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Resitution-Small.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Resitution-Small.jpg?fit=720%2C480&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11531,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11531","url_meta":{"origin":12158,"position":5},"title":"Six Feet Deep (by freyakendra)","author":"freyakendra","date":"August 18, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 For a brief moment in time, Amy's death brought Little Joe and Luther Bishop together. But when the moment ended and Luther realized he had nothing left to lose, burying the hatchet with Ben Cartwright took on a new level of meaning. A What Happened Next Story for The\u2026","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\/truckee60.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/truckee60.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/truckee60.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/truckee60.jpg?fit=768%2C576&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\/12158","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\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12158"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12158\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3688"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}