{"id":3132,"date":"2011-04-25T23:23:24","date_gmt":"2011-04-26T03:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3132"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:27","slug":"meeting-clarissa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3132","title":{"rendered":"Meeting Clarissa (by Fozrulz)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>I always wondered what it would have been like if Ellie had met Clarissa. <\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (6,485 words)
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\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 MEETING COUSIN CLARISSA<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Can you imagine if cousin Clarissa had visited the Ponderosa just a few years earlier? Imagine the meeting of a very strong willed Ellie and cousin Clarissa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today was the day! The day that cousin Clarissa was coming to visit. Pa had warned Joe and Ellie about being on their best behavior because Clarissa was a genteel woman from back east. Ellie didn\u2019t even know what \u201cgenteel\u201d meant, but she guessed it was important. Pa and Adam had gone in to town to meet the stage. Pa said they wouldn\u2019t be home until late afternoon. He said Hoss was in charge until he got back and Joe and Ellie had to obey Hoss or there would be some sore behinds this afternoon. Ellie was happy with that because obeying Hoss was real easy. He wasn\u2019t strict like Papa or Adam. Pa also said to be clean and presentable, whatever that was, by three o\u2019clock.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Ellie were doing their barn chores. Ellie picked up the pitch fork. \u201cSissy, put that down, if Pa catches you with that you\u2019re gonna get a swat.\u201d Joe said grabbing the pitch fork from his sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, papa ain\u2019t here and why can\u2019t I use it?\u201d Ellie said stubbornly, her lower lip sticking out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCuz, you ain\u2019t allowed to and I ain\u2019t gettin\u2019 tanned because I let you use it.\u201d Joe said irritated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss walked in, \u201cWhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on you two?\u201d he eyed them suspiciously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww, Hoss, Ellie picked up the pitch fork.\u201d Joe said giving his sister an irritated glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss put his hands on his hips, just like Pa did when he was fixin\u2019 to get mad. \u201cEllie, you know you ain\u2019t allowed to use that pitch fork.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not,\u201d she said stubbornly her hands on her hips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCuz, your seven and too little, that\u2019s why.\u201d Hoss told her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I ain\u2019t\u201d she said stamping her foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor Grace, if I catch you even touching that pitch fork, you\u2019re gonna get more than a swat from me.\u201d Hoss said firmly touching his belt meaningfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour mean!\u201d she spat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie?\u201d Hoss said borrowing Pa\u2019s warning voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

She eyed her big brother. She wasn\u2019t sure if she crossed the line yet. It took an awful lot to get Hoss riled. If he was threatening her with a spanking, she probably crossed the line. If he told Papa what she\u2019d been doing, she was sure to get a spanking when Papa got home. She decided for her bottom\u2019s sake, she better stop. \u201cOk,\u201d she conceded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo more sass, little girl.\u201d Hoss said furrowing his eyebrows.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, sorry Hoss.\u201d she said looking down. She really didn\u2019t want Hoss to be mad at her. She just got tired of being babied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk princess, give me a hug and finish your chores.\u201d Hoss chuckled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie went to Hoss and he caught her in a bear hug. \u201cSorry\u201d, she whispered in his ear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh Hoss, can Ellie and I go swimming when we finish?\u201d Joe asked. Ellie\u2019s eyes lit up. She loved when one of her brothers took her swimming, especially Joe. He didn\u2019t make just sit there, she could go roaming and play in the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss touched his chin with his hand, \u201cI don\u2019t see why not as long as you two are home and cleaned up by 3:00 like Pa said.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWooHoo!\u201d yelled Joe, \u201cCome on Sissy, let\u2019s get these chores done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie and Joe turned back to the barn chores. \u201cEllie, you finish with them chickens yet?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I was helping in here.\u201d Ellie said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, you finish with the chickens and I\u2019ll finish up in here.\u201d Joe ordered. He kinda liked given the orders once in awhile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d she said picking up the pail of chicken feed. She scattered the feed so she could go collect the eggs and clean the chicken coop.<\/span><\/p>\n

She came back a little later, a little dirty and smelly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWoo, Sissy, go wash up at the pump.\u201d Joe said waiving the air in front of his nose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie scowled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww, don\u2019t get mad sissy, you smell like the chicken coop and I smell like I\u2019ve been mucking stalls. Let\u2019s go wash up.\u201d Joe said grabbing her hand and hauling her toward the pump. He helped her clean up the best he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, can we go swimming now?\u201d Ellie asked taking the towel from Joe wiping her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, why not?\u201d Joe said smiling. \u201cIn fact Sissy, the sounds like a right fine idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe scanned the barn, \u201cI think we can be done. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, can we take somethin\u2019 to eat. I\u2019m hungry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, you go ask Hop Sing if he can make us a lunch and I\u2019ll saddle Windy and Blackie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie headed for the kitchen. \u201cHop Sing, Hop Sing,\u201d she called.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing came around the corner. \u201cYou need bath, Lil Missy.\u201d he said wrinkling his nose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie just rolled her eyes, \u201cI don\u2019t need no bath, me and Joe is going swimming, can we have some lunch to take?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing eyed her, \u201cMissur Cartwright say be all clean later..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I promise, can we have some lunch to take.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing grumbled a bit, but set about making a couple of sandwiches and threw in some cookies and some apples. \u201cHere missy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Hop Sing.\u201d Ellie said giving him a kiss. She grabbed the package and headed out to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Ellie headed for the lake. Pa had been letting Joe take Ellie swimming and fishing this summer by himself, but only as far as the fishing hole and the lake.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they were riding out, Ellie asked Joe, \u201cUm Joe, what\u2019s\u2026\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s what?\u201d Joe asked his sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d she said frustrated, \u201cI forget the word Papa used. Somethin\u2019 to do with cousin Crarissa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Cl-a-rissa.\u201d Joe rolled his eyes, \u201cThere\u2019s an \u2018L\u201d in there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I said, Crarissa,\u201d said Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe just rolled his eyes again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, gent-somethin\u2019\u201d Ellie said shaking her head in frustration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, genteel?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Joe, that\u2019s it. What\u2019s it mean?\u201d she shook her head vigorously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, I\u2019m not sure, we need to ask Adam, I think it\u2019s like uppidy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie shot him a confused look. \u201cWhat\u2019s that mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, like she would think she\u2019s better \u2018an us cuz she\u2019s from back east.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so we have to be real good, cuz she\u2019s up..pi..dy?\u201d she asked sounding the word out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, \u201cDon\u2019t know, just be good and don\u2019t worry about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She just looked at him, she didn\u2019t look convinced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSissy, you know Pa just means for you to not be sassy, do your chores, that kind of stuff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked indignant, \u201cI ain\u2019t that sassy and I do my chores all the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started laughing, \u201cSissy, how many times have you sassed this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone.\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe really starting laughing, \u201cSure you have, you sassed me and Hoss and you ain\u2019t even been awake for 2 hours yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if Pa\u2019d been home and saw you with that pitch fork, you wouldn\u2019t be sitting on Windy.\u201d Joe said still laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah.\u201d she said frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe saw his little sister\u2019s face. \u201cOh, come on Sissy, you\u2019ll be fine just don\u2019t do none of that stuff and you\u2019ll be fine. If I think you\u2019re getting sassy, I\u2019ll shake my head no, ok?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Relieved, Ellie shook her head yes, \u201cThanks, Joe. I try and be good, but stuff just pops out. It just doesn\u2019t pop out at Papa as much as to everyone else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just make sure it don\u2019t pop out around cousin Clarissa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

About that time they arrived at the lake. They quickly shed their clothes down to their drawers and jumped in the water. They laughed and played and splashed in the water. Ellie wasn\u2019t a very good swimmer and she knew she couldn\u2019t go far. Joe grabbed her hand, \u201cCome on Sissy, I\u2019ll take you out farther, but you gotta hold my hand, ok?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She was a little scared. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m kinda scared. I don\u2019t think I want to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s ok, I\u2019ll hold you and if you get real scared I\u2019ll bring you right back, ok?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took her hand and waded into the water. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he held her as he went into the water. He could feel her heart beating against his chest. Her heart was beating fast. He looked down at her, \u201cSissy, you scared?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got you, why you scared?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I don\u2019t know. I just am.\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, we can go back.\u201d Joe carried her back to the shore. \u201cYou hungry?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded her head. Joe grabbed the food Hop Sing had packed and put it on a rock. The two sat eating lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, how long is cousin Crarissa staying?\u201d Ellie asked with her mouth full of sandwich.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think Pa said a couple of weeks, I\u2019m not sure. Why?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I can be really good that long.\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Sissy, quit worrying. It\u2019ll be fine. Most of the time she\u2019s here, we\u2019re gonna be at school. You never get in trouble at school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah.\u201d Ellie brightened considerably.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the sun, \u201cWe best get going if we are going to be clean and presentable. Come on get dressed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s \u2018sentable?\u201d asked Ellie putting her shirt on over her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, clean, dressed, hair brushed, shoes on, that kind of stuff.\u201d said Joe stepping into his pants.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe cleaned up from lunch and helped Ellie finish dressing and put her up on Windy. Joe got up on Blackie. Joe slid a mischievous look at Ellie. \u201cWant a race?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie smiled, \u201cYep!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two took off for the house. Hoss was coming out of the barn, when he heard the two horses racing into the yard. He saw Ellie and Joe all flushed and excited. \u201cYou two better slow them horses down and clean them up, Pa\u2019d have a fit iffin he saw you come into the yard like that.\u201d he said as he reached Ellie and pulled her off Windy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Hoss, we was racin\u2019\u201d said Ellie breathlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you better race your little behind into that barn and clean up Windy and then get yourself cleaned up, cuz you only got an hour afore Pa gets home.\u201d Hoss said a little frustrated. Those two knew Pa didn\u2019t like horses racing into the yard. He took a look at Joe, \u201cYou too Joe, Pa\u2019s gonna be here in an hour. Go on now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe flashed him a big grin and led Blackie into the barn to cool him down. Ellie finished watering and grooming Windy and headed for the house. She was yawning. Maybe she could lay down, just for a minute before she changed. She made it to her room and lay down on her bed for just a minute. She fell sound asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe finished up with Blackie and checked Windy. Ellie hadn\u2019t quite gotten the horse all cleaned up. He laughed to himself and finished up Windy for her. He made it up to the house and checked the clock. Oh no, he only had about 15 minutes to clean up, it was 2:45 and Pa said he\u2019d be home by 3:00. He ran up the stairs to clean up and change his clothes. He didn\u2019t have time to check on Ellie. As he closed his door, he heard Pa calling his and Ellie\u2019s names. He hurriedly shucked his clothes and put on clean clothes, he ran a brush through his hair and washed his face and hands. He ran down the stairs as Pa was introducing Clarissa to Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this is my middle son, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d asked Clarissa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my real name is Eric, ma\u2019m. Most folks just call me Hoss. Except Pa, when he\u2019s sore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe landed with a thump on the bottom landing, Pa looked at him with disapproval. He sighed, \u201cThis is my youngest son, Joseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet you ma\u2019m.\u201d Joe said flashing that winning smile of his.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph.\u201d said Clarissa inclining her head toward him. \u201cDo you always run on the stairs?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, no ma\u2019m. Sorry ma\u2019m.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d asked Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Ellie?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, I think she\u2019s in her room, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBenjamin, are your children frequently late?\u201d asked Clarissa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no Clarissa, I\u2019m sure there is a good explanation.\u201d Pa assured her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019ll go check on her.\u201d offered Adam as he headed up the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam opened the door to the room and found her fast asleep in her pants and shirt she had done her chores in. Oh boy, he thought. This wasn\u2019t going to go over well. However, he wasn\u2019t about to wake her. He figured, if she\u2019s sleeping, she needed it. Adam walked down the stairs to find the rest of the family sitting in the great room with Clarissa having tea. Hoss and Joe looked like they wanted to bolt. Adam cleared his throat, \u201cUh, Pa, Ellie\u2019s asleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at Clarissa apologetically, \u201cShe still takes a nap when she\u2019s home from school. I\u2019ll wake her before dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBenjamin, don\u2019t you think she is too old for taking a nap.\u201d Clarissa asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa raised his eyebrows at this woman, questioning his parenting. Pa took a breath, \u201cNot really.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling the tension in the room, the younger boys were ready to high tail it out of there. \u201cPa, I didn\u2019t get to finish chopping the wood. If Joe comes and helps stack, it won\u2019t take very long.\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa raised an eyebrow, the woodpile looked fine to him. \u201cOk boys, you\u2019re excused to finish your chores.\u201d The boys practically ran out of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhew,\u201d said Joe, \u201cThanks, brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny time lil brother, I figured you wanted out as bad as I did.\u201d Hoss said grabbing a log.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I feel sorry for Ellie when she gets up, Clarissa is going to be all over her telling her what to do.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss smirked, \u201cDid you hear her ask Pa if Ellie wasn\u2019t too old for a nap? Wait until she meets Ellie and realizes how ornery she gets when she\u2019s tired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah by the way, you know when I took her swimming today, she\u2019s still afraid of the water. I just carried her out a little ways and her heart was beating real fast.\u201d Joe remarked changing the subject.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I need to take her swimming.\u201d remarked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so Hoss, maybe she needs someone bigger.\u201d Joe said sadly looking down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww Joe, don\u2019t be thata way. When you was little you only let Pa take you in. You didn\u2019t even let Adam take you in.\u201d Hoss said putting a hand on his little brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes shot up to his big brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, we thought you was never going to learn to swim. Me an\u2019 Adam\u2019d take you to the lake and you\u2019d fight us like a wild cat. The Pa\u2019d show up and you\u2019d go with him as pretty as you please. Don\u2019t you remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, I just remember Pa taking me and teachin\u2019 me to swim.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss laughed. \u201cCome on Joe, let\u2019s finish this wood before supper. Maybe Clarissa\u2019ll go have a rest or somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys set to work chopping the wood and stacking it. Before long Pa came out on to the porch, \u201cYou boys sure got a lot of wood going there.\u201d he remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys looked at him a little sheepishly. \u201cCain\u2019t have too much wood chopped, Pa.\u201d Hoss said wiping his brow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, where\u2019s cousin Clarissa?\u201d asked Joe tentatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s having a rest right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked relieved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething the matter, son.\u201d Pa asked his dark eyes piercing Joe\u2019s green eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir.\u201d mumbled Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, don\u2019t mumble I can\u2019t hear you.\u201d Pa chastised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Pa,\u201d Joe said looking up nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what is it boy, spit it out\u2026.\u201d Pa said impatiently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked pleadingly at Hoss for help. Hoss cleared his throat. \u201cWell Pa, I think cousin Clarissa makes us a bit fidgety.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean son?\u201d Pa asked, even though he had a good idea, he wanted to hear it from his children.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa, like she don\u2019t think what we does is right. Like Joe on the stairs, or Ellie taking a nap or Ellie being late. That\u2019s just regular for us, but she don\u2019t like it.\u201d Hoss said letting the words tumble out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa raised his eyebrows.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Pa, I don\u2019t mean no disrespect.\u201d Hoss said studying the log he had on the chopping block.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, try and remember that Clarissa\u2019s life back east is very different from ours. Since her father and mother died, she\u2019s been bounced from one relative to another, she just feels a little lost. We need to be understanding, patient and charitable. Understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d the boys answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa went back inside to read, while the boys were finishing up with the wood. He found Adam sitting in the great room reading. \u201cSon, would you mind waking up Ellie, if she doesn\u2019t get up now, she won\u2019t sleep later.\u201d He asked as he settled into his chair with the newspaper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa.\u201d Adam nodded his head in agreement. As Adam closed his book, Clarissa appeared at the top of the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I certainly feel refreshed, Benjamin.\u201d she twittered at she descended the steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Clarissa entered the great room, Ellie appeared at the top of the stairs yawning. She was still dressed in her chore clothes, her hair looked like a rats nest and she was bare foot. She took the stairs slowly heading for her papa. She didn\u2019t even notice cousin Clarissa. Pa had put his newspaper down and had his arms open to lift Ellie into his lap when she arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Papa,\u201d she yawned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi sleepyhead,\u201d Pa smiled as he lifted her onto his lap. She snuggled closely and closed her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarissa inhaled sharply, \u201cBenjamin, this, this ragamuffin is your daughter?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie\u2019s eyes snapped open. Oh no, she had forgotten about the company. She looked down at her clothes and was suddenly embarrassed. \u201cSorry, Papa, I forgot.\u201d she said as she slid off his lap. She stood right next to his knee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa cleared his throat. \u201cYes, Clarissa, this is my daughter Eleanor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked over at Clarissa, \u201cNice to meet you ma\u2019m,\u201d Ellie said in a small voice putting her hand out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh my, Benjamin we must have a talk.\u201d said Clarissa dismissively, she didn\u2019t acknowledge Ellie\u2019s greeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tears started to well in her eyes, \u201cSorry Papa, I did my chores with Joe this morning and then Joe took me swimming and I went to my room to change, I guess I fell asleep and forgot to change.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa patted her on the back, \u201cIt\u2019s ok baby, maybe Adam can help you get cleaned up. Hmmm, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took his que and put his hand out for Ellie. \u201cCome on princess, let\u2019s turn you from a waif into a princess.\u201d Ellie took Adam\u2019s hand as he led her upstairs. When they got upstairs, Adam stripped her out of the smelly chore clothes and helped her put on a dress. He wasn\u2019t sure what to do about her hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, we need to wet your hair down, so we can brush it out. Come on over here to the wash bowl.\u201d Ellie went to Adam and he poured the water over her head until it was thoroughly wet. He then dried her hair with the towel and took a bristle brush and brushed it until it shown. He turned her around, \u201cYou\u2019re as pretty as a picture.\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

She smiled up at him. \u201cThanks Adam.\u201d I don\u2019t think cousin Crarissa likes me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Cl-a-rissa, Ellie and she was just surprised to see you dressed like a boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Clarissa was talking to Pa about Ellie. \u201cReally Benjamin, how could you possibly let her dress like that? You actually give her chores that would require her to be that dirty? Good heavens, you let her go swimming without an adult? Exactly what would your son be wearing while taking his sister swimming? That is unseemly! You really should consider boarding school back east or at least in San Francisco. Really, she should be around women or she\u2019s going to think that what she\u2019s doing is normal. How is she ever going to learn to act like a young lady?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa eyed Clarissa threw out this tirade. Boarding school for Ellie had crossed his mind. But, he knew in his heart that boarding school was not for Ellie. She was much too attached to her family. Besides she was only seven and boarding school could be considered when she was older, a finishing school perhaps.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa held up his hand to Clarissa. \u201cClarissa, I appreciate your point of view, but Eleanor is far too young for boarding school. She wears her \u201cchore clothes\u201d as we call them as not to mess up her dresses. Everyone on the ranch has chores, girls or boys, it doesn\u2019t matter. And yes it does entail getting a bit dirty at times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa heard footsteps at the top of the stairs. Adam had cleaned Ellie up and she looked like a beautiful picture of her mama. \u201cCome here, Ellie and meet your cousin.\u201d Pa commanded softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked up at Adam. Adam took her hand for confidence. He walked her over to Clarissa. \u201cClarissa, this is my sister Eleanor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie held out her hand, \u201cNice to meet you ma\u2019m.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarissa looked at her and nodded her head. \u201cYoung ladies curtsey, they do not hold out their hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie snatched her hand back and said, \u201cYes ma\u2019m.\u201d She turned her face into Adam\u2019s leg. Adam reached down to pick her up, he swung her on his hip. \u201cCome on missy, I think it\u2019s time for supper. Let\u2019s go get Hoss and Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam put Ellie down and grabbed her hand to lead her outside. As he closed the front door, he looked down at his baby sister. Big tears were rolling down her cheeks. Adam knelt down and wiped away her tears with his thumbs. \u201cWhat\u2019d I do wrong Adam? Is Papa gonna be mad? I was good wasn\u2019t I, Joe said don\u2019t sass and be good, I didn\u2019t sass, I was good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hugged her. \u201cIt\u2019s ok Ellie, she\u2019s just tired from her trip. She didn\u2019t mean anything by it. You were very good.\u201d Adam looked over at Joe and Hoss working on the woodpile. \u201cHeh, you two, time to wash up for supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss eyed Adam and Ellie. Ellie had tear stains on her face. Hoss looked Adam in the eye. Adam shook his head and said \u201cLater.\u201d Joe didn\u2019t catch that, \u201cHeh, Sissy, what\u2019s a matter?\u201d Joe asked. Hoss poked him in the ribs. \u201cHeh, what was that for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss dragged him over to the pump to wash. \u201cLeave it alone Joe. Can\u2019t you see she\u2019s upset? Adam told me \u201clater\u201d.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Joe, \u201csorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She just looked at the ground and muttered, \u201cNuffin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All cleaned and washed up, the children entered the house and headed toward the supper table. Ellie frowned, she noticed she was seated next to Clarissa. Clarissa was on her bad ear side. They all took their places at the table. Pa said grace and started passing the food. He made a plate for Ellie and started to cut her meat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarissa eyed him. \u201cReally Benjamin, children should not be at the same table with the adults.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to retort, when Hoss placed a hand on his knee and shot him a warning look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m sure that works back east Clarissa, but I look upon this time as family time, so I can hear about the children\u2019s day. It\u2019s a time we usually enjoy together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa finished Ellie\u2019s plate and put it down in front of her. \u201cSo Joe and Ellie, what did you do today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe took me swimming, Papa.\u201d Ellie said smiling. Aww, he finally got a smile out of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe did,\u201d Pa said shooting Joe a warm look, \u201cand how was it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm..it was really fun until he carried me in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh and why was that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe broke in, \u201cI just took her a little ways and when she got scared I took her right back out. Ain\u2019t that right, Sissy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, let your sister answer.\u201d Pa chastised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was like he said Papa, I got a little scared and Joe took me right out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s fine. I\u2019ll take you swimming soon so you can go out a little further.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie just smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarissa shot Pa a disapproving glare. \u201cEleanor has anyone showed you how to embroider?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie didn\u2019t hear Clarissa as Clarissa was sitting on her bad ear side. She asked again and Ellie still didn\u2019t hear her. Ellie picked up her milk, as Clarissa tapped her on the arm. Ellie jumped at being tapped and spilled her milk all over herself and the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Papa, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d Ellie cried, tears welling in her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s ok baby, it was an accident.\u201d Pa said mopping up the milk with his napkin. \u201cRun and get Hop Sing, he will help clean up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie jumped to do Pa\u2019s bidding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarissa huffed, \u201cReally Benjamin, this is why children should eat in the kitchen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe don\u2019t normally spill,\u201d Joe shot at Clarisssa, \u201cBut, you scared her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally Joseph, if she had not ignored me, I wouldn\u2019t have had to tap her arm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe wasn\u2019t ignoring you ma\u2019m, she\u2019s mostly deaf on that side, she probably didn\u2019t hear you.\u201d Joe said darkly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa could tell Joe was about to blow. \u201cJoseph, that will be enough. Please take your plate and go finish supper in the kitchen with Ellie. Help her with her supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe mumbled grabbing his plate and heading into the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing bustled out. \u201cWhat matter, missy crying in kitchen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww, Hop Sing, Ellie just spilt her milk.\u201d Hoss explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem, no problem, Hop Sing clean very fast.\u201d the little Chinese cook said.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rest of the meal was quite enjoyable. The adults talked about ranch business and life on the Ponderosa. Clarissa imagined what a wonderful life, albeit a little rough she could have on the Ponderosa. The children certainly needed a woman\u2019s guiding hand. Especially that little girl, my wasn\u2019t she a spoiled, indulged little thing. Just wait until Benjamin sees a great improvement in that little girl\u2019s behavior. I\u2019ll just make myself indispensible.<\/span><\/p>\n

As dinner came to a close, the family retired to the great room. Joe and Ellie exited the kitchen. Ellie spied Adam in the blue chair about to open a book. Ellie skirted by Clarissa on the settee. She didn\u2019t like that lady one bit. Clarissa made her nervous and fidgety. She practically jumped into Adam\u2019s lap. Ellie surprised Adam. \u201cWhoa,\u201d he said as his book dropped to the floor. He picked up his book and righted Ellie in his lap in one movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAddy, will you read Oliver Twist to me?\u201d Ellie asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Addy? Adam thought. Boy, she must be really nervous. She only called him that when she was really upset or wanted something. \u201cSure, princess, I left that book in your room on your dresser. Why don\u2019t you go get it and I\u2019ll read to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie jumped off his lap and took off for the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQuit running on the stairs.\u201d Pa yelled after her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Papa,\u201d he heard from the top of the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarissa cleared her throat, \u201cBenjamin, I would be happy to help with Eleanor. She could use a woman\u2019s touch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa raised his eyebrows, \u201cWhy thank you Clarissa, what did you have in mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell maybe showing her to sew, curtsey, how to conduct herself at the dinner table, those type of things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa nodded, \u201cI guess that would be fine, thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie came down the stairs eyeing cousin Clarissa. Clarissa was just smiling at her. Ellie didn\u2019t like it. She turned her eyes toward Adam and slowly walked over to Adam with Oliver Twist. She handed Adam the book. He held his arms out and pulled her into his lap. She laid her head on his chest as he began to read. The clock soon chimed 7:00 pm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked up from his newspaper. \u201cOk, Ellie, bedtime.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked at her papa warily. She was trying to decide whether to whine or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarissa broke in, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy to take her up to bed, Benjamin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie was shaking her head no, ever so slightly. Pa looked at her puzzled. She grabbed hold of Adam\u2019s shirt as he was trying to push her off his lap. Adam leaned over and whispered, \u201cIf you don\u2019t let go of my shirt and go, Pa is going to be angry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie still didn\u2019t budge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie,\u201d Adam whispered, \u201cyou are being impolite and if you don\u2019t go right now, I\u2019m going to carry you upstairs and give you a spanking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as Ellie heard the word spanking, she released her death grip on Adam\u2019s shirt. She slid off of Adam\u2019s lap and started toward the stairs. Clarissa immediately got up and followed behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa chuckled, \u201cEllie I\u2019ll come check on you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no need Benjamin, I\u2019ll take care of everything.\u201d twittered Clarissa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at Adam. \u201cWhat did you tell her, son?\u201d Pa asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSimple Pa, I told her she was being rude and if she didn\u2019t go, I was going to take her upstairs and give her a spanking.\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, don\u2019t threaten her with a spanking. Spankings don\u2019t solve every problem.\u201d Pa said shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure seem to think it solved all mine, Pa.\u201d Adam grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I did at that, all though I seem to remember quite a few times that I didn\u2019t when I should of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Pa and my hide was grateful.\u201d snickered Adam. \u201cSeriously Pa, I don\u2019t think Ellie likes Clarissa, I wouldn\u2019t leave Ellie with her too much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, she just needs to be needed. Let her take care of Ellie a little.\u201d Pa said confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning turned into an unmitigated disaster with Ellie and Clarissa. Pa could hear Ellie yelling, \u201cI\u2019m not doing it and you can\u2019t make me.\u201d Before he could race up the stairs, he heard a crash, some more yelling and then crying.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam burst into Ellie\u2019s room. \u201cWhat the devil is going on here?\u201d he thundered as he entered Ellie\u2019s room. Clarissa was holding her shin, Ellie\u2019s face had a hand print on it and the water pitcher from the wash stand was in pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie ran to Adam, \u201cI hate her! I hate her! I want Papa. Make her go away!\u201d Ellie screamed hysterically. Adam caught Ellie up in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSsh, baby, ssh, Papa is coming.\u201d Adam held her trying to soothe her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa burst into the room to find Ellie crying hysterically, Adam trying to soothe her and Clarissa standing there with an angry look on her face. \u201cBenjamin, your daughter is a disgraceful little witch. She should be beaten within an inch of her life. I have never met a more insolent spoiled brat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa went to Adam and took the sobbing Ellie from him. \u201cPlease excuse us,\u201d Pa said to Adam and Clarissa. Adam took Clarissa\u2019s arm and firmly guided her from the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa sat with Ellie in the rocker and rocked her until the meltdown had passed. \u201cEleanor,\u201d Pa said lifting her chin, \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s mean and I hate her! Make her go away!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, I want to know what happened.\u201d Pa said more firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie\u2019s bottom lip started to tremble, \u201cShe said she was taking me away to school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? What do you mean?\u201d Pa asked bewildered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe said if I didn\u2019t listen and put on those dumb ruffly kind of petticoats, she was taking me away. She said to teach me to be a lady. Papa, I don\u2019t want to be a lady, I want to be me. Papa, I don\u2019t want to leave. I want to stay.\u201d Ellie said sniffling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa smiled at that statement. \u201cYou\u2019re not going anywhere. And then what happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen she grabbed my arm..\u201d Ellie hesitated. She did not want to tell her father that she had kicked this wretched woman in the shin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, what aren\u2019t you telling me?\u201d Pa pressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie refused to look at him, \u201cYou\u2019re gonna get mad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo I won\u2019t.\u201d he assured her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, huh, you will.\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, what happened next?\u201d he asked firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie just stood there. She looked down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor,\u201d Pa said taking her chin and forcing her to look at him, \u201cif you don\u2019t tell me now, I\u2019m going to spank you right now and if I hear it from Clarissa and I don\u2019t like what I hear, you\u2019re going to get another spanking. So, what\u2019s it gonna be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie took a deep breath and whispered, \u201cI kicked her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa was so shocked he dropped his hand from her chin and practically shouted, \u201cWHAT? Did you just say you kicked her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie nodded her head and put her hands protectively behind her to cover her bottom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa took a deep breath, \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then she slapped my face and I threw the water pitcher at her.\u201d Ellie finished tears running down her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see, well you just stay here. Don\u2019t touch the broken pitcher. I\u2019m going to send Hop Sing in here to clean up the broken pitcher.\u201d Pa turned on his heel and exited out.<\/span><\/p>\n

He hurried down the stairs. If he ever needed a walk, now was the time. He passed Clarissa and Adam in the great room. \u201cBenjamin,\u201d Clarissa called.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa held up his hand, \u201cNot now! Adam, if everyone is ready, please take them to church. Ellie and I will be staying home from church today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stared after his father, he gathered up the boys and Clarissa and headed for church.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie sat in her room pondering the different scenarios. Papa might send her away and she would be away from him and stuck with that awful woman. She might just get the worst spanking of her life and her punishment would be over. Maybe Papa would just send away the awful woman and not give her a spanking. Her greatest fear is that he would send her away and get a spanking. Upon that thought Ellie started to cry in earnest. She cried herself to sleep on her bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa took a long walk. He finally cooled off enough to assess the situation. Ellie was afraid which was why she kicked Clarissa and God help him, threw a water pitcher at her. He conjured up the thought in his mind and actually started chuckling, that must have been a sight. He shook the thoughts from his mind, Ellie needed to be punished for her behavior. But some of that behavior was justified. She was really afraid he would send her away. He looked up to the sky, \u201cMarie, mon cherie, what do I do?\u201d He turned back toward the house as his idea settled in his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa entered the house, it was quiet. He headed for the stairs and Ellie\u2019s room. He tapped on her door and pushed the door open to find her fast asleep. He went to her bed to shake her awake. \u201cEleanor, you need to wake up.\u201d he said gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

She opened her eyes, he saw the fear. \u201cAre you going to spank me Papa?\u201d she asked fearfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

He nodded his head yes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know why?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head no, \u201cBut Papa, she was so mean to me. She said she was sending me away to school. I don\u2019t like her!\u201d Ellie started to sob.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you were afraid, but that is never a reason to kick an adult. She wasn\u2019t hurting you or going to steal you, was she?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she grabbed my arm and it hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, but that doesn\u2019t mean you can kick her. Understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head no.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, if Adam or I grabbed your arm because you told us no, would you have kicked us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor, if someone else grabs you and you think they are really going to hurt you, that\u2019s one thing, otherwise you can\u2019t kick them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, when Clarissa grabbed your arm, did you really think she was going to hurt you or did it just make you mad?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess, it only hurt some, but made me mad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, do you understand the difference?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I guess so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, no more kicking and certainly no more throwing water pitchers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes Papa, I\u2019m very sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked relieved. \u201cAnd by the way missy, I would never send you away to school. Maybe if you want to go to college, we can talk then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie heaved a big sigh of relief and sunk into her papa\u2019s open arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to take care of that spanking now.\u201d he said pushing her back. And spank her he did, the worst one she had had in her short life. When he was done he said, \u201cI have forgiven you, but you will ask Clarissa\u2019s forgiveness when she gets back and then you will spend the rest of the week in your room. You can come out for school, meals, chores and church. Understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d she said through the tears. Ellie really didn\u2019t care about the punishment, she was just glad Papa wasn\u2019t sending her away.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the rest of the family returned from church, Ellie came down stairs to apologize to Clarissa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, cousin Crarissa?\u201d Ellie asked going to stand in front of her, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I kicked you and threw the water pitcher at you. Please forgive me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarissa looked at the child, \u201cYes, well, I shouldn\u2019t have threatened you with school or grabbed your arm.\u201d Turning to Pa, \u201cBenjamin, this just isn\u2019t working, I\u2019ll be taking the stage to San Francisco tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you wish,\u201d said Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarissa turned on her heel to head for the guest room to pack.<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys just stood there dumbfounded. Ellie kicked Clarissa AND threw the water pitcher at her? Oh my Lord! Wow, that was a story they couldn\u2019t wait to hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0I always wondered what it would have been like if Ellie had met Clarissa. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ (6,485 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":1228,"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":[7,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3132","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-prequels","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1348,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15411,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15411","url_meta":{"origin":3132,"position":0},"title":"Clarissa Returns (by pkmoonshine)","author":"pkmoonshine","date":"November 3, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Cousin Clarissa Cartwright returns to the Ponderosa to visit her cousin, Benjamin, and \u201chis lovely family,\u201d on the occasion of Stacy\u2019s graduation from school. Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (40,200 words) Bloodlines Series, links to stories of this series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Clarissa-07-Ben-and-Clarissa.jpg?fit=470%2C349&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":828,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=828","url_meta":{"origin":3132,"position":1},"title":"Relative Values (by Claire)","author":"Claire","date":"April 19, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A comedy of manners. Cousin Clarissa's visits to the Ponderosa were never without incident... Rated: K+ (5,317 words) Relative Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":830,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=830","url_meta":{"origin":3132,"position":2},"title":"Relatively Festive (by Claire)","author":"Claire","date":"December 19, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 There is nothing quite like a family Christmas. Rated: K+ (5,775 words) Relative Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","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\/coming-soon-5.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\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":832,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=832","url_meta":{"origin":3132,"position":3},"title":"Relatively Peaceful (by Claire)","author":"Claire","date":"June 19, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0When Cousin Clarissa returns, she encounters an unexpected adversary. 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But his blissful time alone is soon interrupted by an unwanted visitor who brings an unexpected gift. Written for the 2025 4th Quarter Chaps and Spurs Challenge. 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