{"id":2404,"date":"2014-04-22T10:56:21","date_gmt":"2014-04-22T14:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2404"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:13:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:13:27","slug":"a-hard-act-to-follow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2404","title":{"rendered":"A Hard Act To Follow (by Dodo)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/span>This story is the result of\u00a0the September Writing Challenge.\u00a0 Joe was never a lover of school.\u00a0 So why is he so keen to go for once?<\/p>\n

Word Count:\u00a0 3926\u00a0\u00a0Rated:<\/span> K+<\/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 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 A Hard Act To Follow<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was the first week of April but before spring could make a permanent appearance winter decided on a mischievous whim to provide a final reminder of both its power and beauty by allowing an unexpected guest to settle on the low lying grazing lands of Nevada.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Starting in a quiet flurry but building up to more of a blizzard at its height, the\u00a0heavy fall of snow came down for hours as the occupants of the Ponderosa slept; all oblivious to the change in the weather until they first stirred from their beds at the beginning<\/strong> of a new day.<\/p>\n

In the warmth of the large ranch house, Ben and his sons were sat together, enjoying another of Hop Sing\u2019s deliciously cooked breakfasts.\u00a0 But\u00a0fifteen year old Little Joe seemed to have little appetite for once and was first to finish, so under his father\u2019s watchful eye he scraped back his chair and left the table to walk over and look out through the window where the world outside had been surprisingly covered in a deep layer of white.<\/p>\n

Totally out of character Joe sighed with disappointment at the sight; realising he and his family were well and truly housebound for the foreseeable future and there was no way he\u2019d be able to make his way to school on horseback or by the use of a wagon any time soon in such difficult conditions.<\/p>\n

There had been a time when having such a good excuse to stay away from the tedious daily routine of the schoolhouse and not having to take any lesson<\/strong> within its walls would have left Joe smiling with glee and with an unreserved burn of delight settling in his chest. \u00a0For from an early age he\u2019d always disliked the restricting discipline of school hours forced upon him, and often declared to anyone who\u2019d listen he would be much more use concentrating his energies working alongside his father and brothers on the ranch he loved so much than sitting hours on end at a desk.<\/p>\n

\u2018All this school work, it\u2019s just a waste of time Pa<\/em>,\u2019 he\u2019d often told his father during many heated discussions on the subject.\u00a0 \u2018Who needs to study calculus just so they can brand a steer or round up a herd of horses?<\/em>\u2019<\/p>\n

But to Joe\u2019s dismay his verbal protestations had always fallen on deaf ears.\u00a0 As far as Ben was concerned even if his youngest never showed any sign of being academically gifted and constantly appeared to underachieve, he was adamant Joe would carry on at school until the very last day he was expected to attend, come hell or high water and whether he liked it or not.<\/p>\n

Minutes passed and as his son\u2019s gaze remained hypnotically fixed on the landscape outside Ben called out to him to return to the table. \u00a0Half hesitating for a moment Joe finally obeyed and slumped down glum faced in his chair by Adam\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

Noticing his gloomy expression Ben studied him over the rim of his coffee cup for a few moments then placed his drink down and frowned questioningly. \u00a0\u201cI thought you\u2019d be delighted to be missing a few days of schooling because of the snow Joe, so why the long face?\u201d he asked, knowing all too well the feelings of his youngest on the subject of education.\u00a0 \u201cIs there something bothering you?\u00a0 Aren\u2019t you feeling well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cNothing\u2019s bothering me Pa, and I\u2019m feeling fine,\u201d he murmured in a subdued tone then lapsed once again into a brooding silence.<\/p>\n

A small smile touched Ben\u2019s lips as he studied his son with fatherly concern.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, after fifteen years I can read you like a book and it\u2019s obvious to us all you\u2019re not your cheery self this morning.\u00a0 So come on, tell me what\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no immediate reaction to Ben\u2019s query as though Joe was seemingly reluctant to answer then he heaved a heavy sigh as he met his father\u2019s questioning gaze.\u00a0 \u201cWell\u2026the thing is Pa, I was really looking forward to going to school today so I could get to sit my final exam.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been studying for it so hard and now\u2026.now it looks like all the time and effort I\u2019ve put in is going to go to waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the silence that followed Hoss gaped at his little brother while Ben\u2019s eyebrows rose in stunned surprise. \u00a0Equally taken aback at the revelation Adam wiped his mouth on a napkin then stretched out long legs and folded his hands behind his head.\u00a0 \u201cReckon I must be hearing things.\u00a0 I could swear Little Joe just offered to go to school voluntarily and of his own free will,\u201d he declared dryly, letting out a short chuckle of disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cAnyone else hear the same?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and pressed his youngest further. \u00a0\u201cJoseph did we hear you right? You want to attend lessons just so you don\u2019t miss an exam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave a nervous swallow and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned and let out a loud chortle. \u201cDadburn it Little Joe, if that don\u2019t take the cake!\u00a0 I never thought the day would dawn when I\u2019d hear you say them there words and no mistake!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave his brother a dark look from across the table. \u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d he snarled, showing no sense of fear<\/strong> as he automatically balled his left hand into a fist as though in preparation to jump up and throw over a punch at the big man.<\/p>\n

Purposely ignoring the often threatened gesture from his volatile sibling Hoss continued.\u00a0 \u201cWell it ain\u2019t no secret you\u2019ve never been one for schoolin\u2019 or anythin\u2019 associated with it since you was knee-high to a jack-rabbit little brother,\u201d he answered with a wide smile covering his face.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve lost count of the times one of us has had to all but hog-tie you on your pony so as to get you to your classes on time over the years.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t that right Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tried to stay po-faced and stern looking but there was no mistaking he was fighting a smile; a smile that sometimes contained the same impish glint in his eye more readily associated with the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not wrong there Hoss.\u00a0 And call me Mr Sceptical if you want but I find it hard to believe our little brother is so keen to attend school just to take a test!\u00a0 I reckon there must be something else going on.\u00a0 Something serious,\u201d he stated as he reached over and playfully ran a hand through Joe\u2019s hair as if searching for painful, throbbing bumps on his skull.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou reckon we should have Doc Martin come here and check him over in case he\u2019s been hit hard on the head and done some damage without realising it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe squirmed away from his brother\u2019s touch and rolled his eyes.\u00a0 This was just what he didn\u2019t need; his elder brother trying to be amusing first thing in the morning.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf you got any funnier you\u2019d be dangerous Adam,\u201d he answered with a sarcastic breath.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with me.\u00a0And there ain\u2019t no law against a man wanting to wipe the slate<\/strong> clean and start anew, is there?\u00a0 I thought you\u2019d all be pleased I was keen to do some learning at last, but it seems I can\u2019t do right for doing wrong around here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sensing Joe\u2019s temper might rise even further if not checked Ben\u2019s brown eyes stared at him in a kindly manner.\u00a0 \u201cCalm down Joseph. Your brothers are only teasing you,\u201d he said gently in a consolatory tone as he shot his eldest sons a quelling glance.\u00a0 \u201cAnd if what you\u2019re telling us is true I must say I\u2019m relieved and delighted to hear you\u2019ve finally turned over a new leaf at this late stage, even though you\u2019ll be leaving school for good in a few weeks time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Under his father\u2019s caring gaze Joe nodded and quickly gave an apologetic smile.\u00a0 \u201cI realise it\u2019s been a long while coming Pa, but you always did say I was a late developer, so better late than never I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s expression then turned thoughtful.\u00a0 \u201cWell all I can say is the appointment of our new school teacher last autumn has really proved to be a wise choice if this is an indication of what Miss Abigail Jones can achieve in such a short while. \u00a0I\u2019m certainly going to recommend to the school governors she be offered the post on a full time basis now!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cThat would be great Pa.\u00a0 Miss Jones has really helped me with my studies since she arrived,\u201d he admitted as he turned towards his brother; their brief altercation already forgotten. \u00a0\u201cYou\u2019d like her Adam.\u00a0 I told her how you\u2019d been to college in Boston and she seemed quite impressed and looks forward to meeting you some day and learn all about life back East.\u00a0 And she\u2019s always quoting Shakespeare at every chance she gets\u2026just like you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cSounds just like my kind of woman,\u201d he acknowledged thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe I should call on her one day and we could sit in the parlour, sipping tea and reciting a sonnet or two!\u201d<\/p>\n

Although he wasn\u2019t sure if his brother was joking or not Joe giggled at the thought, picturing the two of them together in his mind\u2019s eye.\u00a0 He then turned his gaze towards Ben again.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Jones also said after checking my past report cards and comparing them to the exam grades I\u2019ve got this time that it was more like some sort of miracle had occurred, especially as\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Joe\u2019s voice trailed and his cheeks flushed slightly, but his reddened face and reluctance to finish his sentence didn\u2019t go unnoticed by his observant father.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on Joseph.\u00a0 Especially as what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Now under close scrutiny from three interested pair of eyes, Joe\u2019s shoulders slumped and he let out a long slow breath of regret.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d intended to keep it a secret from you all Pa, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused for a moment then gave a sigh, though this time when he continued Joe couldn\u2019t stop a slight note of excitement sounding in his voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut\u2026well the thing is I\u2019ve managed to get A grades in all my tests so far and I\u2019m the top scoring student in my class this year. Miss Jones has even said there\u2019s a good chance I\u2019ll be delivering the Valedictorian at the graduation ceremony.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was speechless again, a look of total bemusement on his face. \u201cYou\u2019ve had top grades this time and may be giving out the 1857 Valedictorian?\u201d he repeated eventually, his voice then changing to one of mild irritation.\u00a0 \u201cBut I was talking to Miss Jones only last week in the Mercantile and she never mentioned anything.\u00a0\u00a0 Why on earth didn\u2019t she tell me then you\u2019ve been doing so well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked sheepishly at his father.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t blame Miss Jones Pa.\u00a0 I asked her not to tell any of you as I wanted it to be a surprise when I step on the stage to receive my diploma.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned forward in his chair, his face a picture of delight and pride as he slapped Joe lightly on the back.\u00a0 \u201cWell I\u2019m impressed at the change in you little brother, and proud of what you\u2019ve accomplished, very proud.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been telling Pa for years I could see you were a bright kid who showed enough potential to excel and succeed at anything you set your mind to, and by the sounds of it I\u2019ve been proved right!”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If he\u2019d just been declared the President of the United States, Joe couldn\u2019t have been more delighted or pleased at that moment as he took in what his brother said. \u00a0For Adam had never been one to bestow praise lightly and to hear him being considered in such high regard for once left the youngest Cartwright totally taken aback. \u00a0In fact for a brief second Joe wondered if he\u2019d understood correctly and turned towards his father for confirmation.\u00a0 \u201cIs that right Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt certainly is Joe.\u00a0 In fact if it wasn\u2019t for Adam constantly telling me to have faith in what you might achieve one day, I\u2019d have probably been swayed by your constant nagging to pull you out of school early.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shot his brother a look of surprise.\u00a0 \u201cReally Adam?\u00a0 So you\u2019ve never thought of me as stupid and a no-hoper?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s cheerful expression suddenly changed to be replaced by a dark frown. \u201cOf course I haven\u2019t Joe. In fact I\u2019ve never consciously made a point of saying anything negative about your schooling to you over the years,\u201d he said quietly, clearly upset by the accusation. \u00a0\u201cSo why on earth would you think such a thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe chewed uneasily at his bottom lip. \u201cWell I know you never said anything to me about my poor results every time I brought my report cards home,\u201d he acknowledged.\u00a0 \u201cBut it was so hard to judge what you were really thinking when you were looking at them, that I\u2019m sure I used to see you staring at me sometimes, hardly believing a brother of yours could do so badly; like you were ashamed we were related.\u00a0 Not that I can blame you for thinking me a failure and an embarrassment to the Cartwright name Adam. \u00a0I mean even I cringed when I saw how low the grades were sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling as though his heart was being torn out of his chest, Adam shook his head sadly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I ever gave that impression when I was looking at you Joe because such a thought never crossed my mind,\u201d he affirmed.\u00a0 \u201cYou see I\u2019ve always known there was a quick, intelligent brain somewhere beneath that thick skull of yours, and recognised it was just a matter of being patient and waiting for the time when you realised it yourself.\u00a0 So there didn\u2019t seem much sense in me ranting and raving at you especially as I reckon Pa\u2019s little sermons on the subject were quite sufficient at the time, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe quickly turned his gaze across to his father and nodded, recalling all too well the long lectures he\u2019d endured in front of his Pa\u2019s desk on many occasions. \u00a0His gaze was met with a tender smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can assure you, as God is my witness,\u201d Adam continued as Joe looked back towards him. \u201cEven if you hadn\u2019t been destined to be the brightest kid in Nevada, I\u2019d consider myself to be a lucky man.\u00a0 Lucky and proud to have you as my little brother however you turned out.\u00a0 And don\u2019t you ever forget it!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a moment of silence, the sort of comfortable silence that falls between brothers who also love and respect each other but don\u2019t know how to describe their feelings adequately and put them into words.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t Adam,\u201d Joe admitted in a choked voice, and with no sense of shame tears welled.\u00a0 \u201cAnd thanks\u2026.thanks a lot.\u00a0 You\u2019ll never know who much that means to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled out a handkerchief and blew his nose and fighting against the surprising sting of moisture in his own eyes Hoss finally broke the awkward silence and returned his attention to the food left on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing I have a couple of genius brothers sure gives me an appetite,\u201d\u00a0 he grinned, and with the use of his fork and a deft swipe of the hand expertly scooped half a dozen golden coloured pancakes onto his plate then took hold of a jug of syrup and poured it over the stack.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo just what\u2019s the subject of this here final exam that\u2019s so all-fired important you do little brother?\u201d he asked while sinking his fork into half of the pancakes and popping them all into his mouth.<\/p>\n

Joe wiped the sleeve of his shirt across his damp cheek then sank back in his chair and watched Hoss chomp at his food.\u00a0 \u201cWe had to study and then answer questions on the Act of Constitution<\/strong> created by James Madison in 1787.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pushing his own empty plate away Ben cleared his throat as he poured out a fresh cup of coffee before viewing Joe with an arched brow.\u00a0 \u201cThat sounds like a hard assignment Joseph. I\u2019m beginning to wonder if Miss Jones isn\u2019t working you too hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a laugh Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cOh she\u2019s not doing that Pa.\u00a0 Miss Jones just says she likes to stretch our minds by giving us plenty of facts to absorb and remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo all the students in your class have to do this exam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cYes Pa.\u00a0 Everyone has to do it, but I have to complete it today otherwise the marks couldn\u2019t be counted towards my final assessment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rubbed his chin thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cIn that case it seems such a shame if you miss it,\u201d he said in a resolute voice as an idea suddenly came to him.\u00a0 \u201cTell you what Joe. I seem to recall there\u2019s an old horse-drawn sleigh rusting away in pieces somewhere under that lean-too out the back.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t I go find it and put it together?\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t take too long then I\u2019m sure once the runners are greased up it\u2019ll be just the thing to get you to school in the snow\u2026maybe a little late but at least it would get you there in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes flashed excitedly at the prospect.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d do all that\u2026for me?\u201d he asked incredulously.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded, smiling his slow sweet smile.\u00a0 \u201cOf course I would little brother if it means you get to pass another test.\u00a0 What do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe chewed at his lower lip as though sorting out something in his mind. Then he shook his head resolutely, trying to act with as much blas\u00e9 indifference as he could manage as he stared his brother in the eye.\u00a0 \u201cThanks for the offer Adam, but you don\u2019t need to go to such bother.\u00a0 I\u2019ve already done enough to be first in my class so missing this one exam isn\u2019t really that important.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded happily. \u00a0\u201cVery well Joe, if you\u2019re sure.\u00a0 But the offer stands if you change your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe managed a small smile of thanks. \u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d he said then gave a wry chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, I reckon I\u2019ve done more than enough school work lately to last me a lifetime so having an extra day at home gives me a chance to catch up with my chores in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned his gaze quickly towards his father.\u00a0 \u201cMay I be excused from the table Pa?\u00a0 I\u2019d like to make a start right away if it\u2019s all right with you.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been putting off polishing the tack for weeks and this spare time gives me the perfect opportunity to get it finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cGood thinking son.\u00a0 Just make sure you wrap up warm before you go out into that snow.\u00a0 Don\u2019t want you catching a cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will Pa,\u201d Joe promised, then giving them all a final grin, pushed back his chair and within a minute after pulling on his winter coat and wrapping a scarf around his neck, had disappeared outside to make his way across the yard.<\/p>\n

As the sound of the door closing echoed in the large room Ben looked at both Adam and Hoss and gave deep sigh.\u00a0 \u201cI just don\u2019t know what to think boys.\u00a0 After all these years I never thought it possible Joseph would pass all his exams and graduate.\u00a0 And to know he\u2019s even going to give out the Valedictorian address!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWell let\u2019s just say if I have many more shocks like that I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if I don\u2019t suffer a heart attack!\u201d<\/p>\n

Biting back a smile Adam laid a sympathetic hand gently on his father\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cPa something tells me little brother is going to be full of all sorts of revelations in the future, some a lot worse than this!\u00a0\u00a0 So I reckon were all going to have to get used to the idea, whether we like it or not!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 vivid blue eyes glazed slightly at the prospect.\u00a0 \u201cReckon you\u2019re right Adam,\u201d he agreed, murmuring wistfully under his breath; the whisper just audible to his father and brother.\u00a0 \u201cAnd heaven help us all!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Epilogue<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he busied himself in the warmth of the barn Joe\u2019s mind wandered back a few days as he recalled when Miss Jones had pulled him aside to show him a folder containing the names and final grades of every student to graduate in the school since its opening years before. \u00a0And excitedly she\u2019d pointed out the one pupil who still held the top honour for the highest marks ever gained; Joe following her finely manicured finger to where she singled out a name he recognised so well \u2013 Adam Cartwright.<\/p>\n

It was then Miss Jones told Joe his grades totalled together were now only a few lower than his brother had obtained all those years ago.\u00a0 She also hinted if Joe managed to do well in the final assignment the extra credits awarded would mean he\u2019d overtake his brother\u2019s long held record and his name would be the one placed at the top of the school\u2019s roll of honour.<\/p>\n

Ever since Adam returned from College it was clear to all he cast a long intellectual shadow and Joe soon realised he\u2019d always be a hard act to follow.\u00a0 So rapidly Joe came to the conclusion it wasn\u2019t worth the effort to even try; as a result giving up all thoughts of emulating or improving on any of his elder brother\u2019s scholarly achievements.<\/p>\n

But of course circumstances had now changed and with growing confidence and self-belief courtesy of Miss Jones urging him on, the highly competitive Joe jumped at the chance to better his brother\u2019s score and studied hard for hours until he knew his final subject backwards, forewords and all ways in-between.<\/p>\n

Then the snow had fallen and Joe\u2019s final chance for scholastic glory had gone.<\/p>\n

But Joe acknowledged as it turned out the weather\u2019s untimely intervention had not been such a bad thing and success in the exam just didn\u2019t seem to be quite so important anymore.<\/p>\n

For as he reflected back on the praise Adam had lavished on him at breakfast and his generous offer to fix up the sleigh Joe had been more than happy to turn down the opportunity to make it to school for his final test and subsequently overtake his brother\u2019s score. \u00a0For as far as Joe was concerned, just knowing Adam believed in him was sufficient to leave him content and proud to be thought of as the second best student ever behind his elder brother.<\/p>\n

And satisfyingly and surprisingly to the quickly maturing youngest Cartwright, for now that was more than enough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Joe was never a lover of school.\u00a0 So why is he so keen to go for once?\u00a0<\/p>\n

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