Airs from Heaven<\/strong><\/p>\nBen took in the scene in front of him. Joe, eyes sparkling, was waiting for his chance to \u2018help\u2019 the layout on the chessboard, while Hoss studied it in deep thought. Adam was lying on the couch, reading, or rather fingering the pages absently. His eyes were wandering somewhere over the fireplace. His mind was clearly somewhere else.<\/p>\n
Ben sighed involuntarily. Adam\u2019s skin had lost its tan, and was still too pale for Ben\u2019s liking. But worse was the truth hidden under the blanket over Adam.
\n~~~<\/p>\n
<Earlier…>
\nThe rain lashed down, the strong wind driving its stinging coldness under Adam\u2019s hat and into his face and he huddled closer into his coat. After the long journey from Sacramento he was nearly home and pushed his hired mount into a faster pace. He shivered and felt the flush of fever. He probably should have stayed in Virginia City, but being so close to home, after three weeks away, had made him yearn for his family and the comfort of his own bed.<\/p>\n
Adam jerked upright as he felt himself slipping sideways; he hadn\u2019t realised that he had closed his eyes and almost fallen asleep. He pulled the horse to a walk, despite his hurry; he wouldn\u2019t get home at all if he wasn\u2019t careful. The darkness of the forest through which he was riding was absolute, but suddenly Adam thought that he could see movement. He pulled the horse to a stop and called out, but received no reply.\u00a0 He called again but his words were lost amongst the sound of the rain and the wildly waving branches.<\/p>\n
He turned and continued steadily along the trail, only a few more minutes and he would see the lights of the Ponderosa. Suddenly he thought he heard voices, calling to him to… to what?, he couldn\u2019t catch the words; he again pulled his mount to a standstill and looked round. He was about to dismount when his horse reared, screaming in terror, and he was thrown to the ground. The terrified animal lost its footing on the slippery path and fell sideways, off the path, landing on top of Adam as he lay stunned.\u00a0 He felt his body explode with pain, first in his head where it had made contact with the ground, then in his back as the animal\u2019s weight hit him, forcing the small rocks he was lying on into his spine. The horse struggled to its feet and, still screaming, galloped off, leaving Adam where he had fallen.
\n**********<\/p>\n
Ben was sitting reading when heard the sound of hooves in the yard, and waited. When no one came to the door he put down his book and went to the door, opening it only a little so as not to let in the wind that was whipping round the house. He saw no one and curiosity led him outside, where he saw a horse he didn\u2019t recognise in the yard. But he did recognise Adam\u2019s valise attached to the saddle. He advanced to the edge of the veranda, hesitating to go out into the rain.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam! Adam is that you?\u201d He received no reply and went slowly towards the strange horse, speaking softly over the howling of the wind, calming the animal. The rain quickly saturated his shirt as he led the horse into the stable and tied it in a stall, then took the valise and ran back to the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss, Joe!\u201d He looked towards the stairs and his two younger sons appeared, summoned by his call.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s up, Pa?\u201d asked Joe, descending the stairs with Hoss behind him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Adam\u2019s in trouble.\u201d He showed them the valise. \u201cA horse just came in with this attached to the saddle, but there\u2019s no sign of Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss didn\u2019t hesitate. He picked up his hat and gun belt and opened the front door. \u201cWell, what are we waiting for?\u201d Ben and Joe were already behind him, ready to go in search of their missing son and brother.<\/p>\n
They had only ridden for a few minutes when they saw the dark shape by the edge of the path, and hurried towards it, throwing themselves from their horses as they came near. Ben knelt down beside his son, whose eyes were wide and staring, unblinking even as the rain fell on his face. Ben told Hoss and Joe to go back for a buckboard, then turned his attention to Adam.<\/p>\n
As he reached out with his hands, Ben could see Adam shivering and felt the fever in his brow.\u00a0 \u201cAdam,\u201d said Ben softly, \u201ccan you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam gave no sign that he was aware of his father\u2019s presence, his gaze was fixed somewhere over his father\u2019s shoulder. Ben glanced round; the look in Adam\u2019s staring eyes said that he could see something there, something that terrified him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it, son? What can you see?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam didn\u2019t speak, he just stared at the darkness as it approached and enveloped him.
\nWhen Adam awoke he realised that something was wrong and it took him a moment to realise what it was. He was dry and warm. His last conscious thought was of rain falling on his face, and shivering in the darkness.<\/p>\n
Doctor Paul Martin leaned over Adam when he saw that his eyes were open.<\/p>\n
“Adam, can you hear me?\u201d he asked, but Adam did not react, he was staring at the far corner of the room seemingly fascinated by the bare wall.<\/p>\n
Paul straightened, glanced at Ben and shrugged his shoulders. He felt round Adam\u2019s head for any sing that he had hurt it when he fell, but only found a small lump that he had felt before, no more serious damage.<\/p>\n
He tried again, “Adam\u2026\u201d He was pleased to see Adam\u2019s eyes slide sideways to look at him.\u00a0 “Can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam nodded.<\/p>\n
“You\u2019ve got some deep bruising to your back and I have to check your legs. I\u2019m going to test them with this pin.\u201d He held it up so that Adam could see it. “I want you to tell me if you can feel it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He uncovered Adam\u2019s legs and pricked the skin by his ankle. When he didn\u2019t hear any reaction from Adam, Paul looked up. Adam shook his head and Paul tried higher up the leg, with the same result. Paul frowned and looked up at Ben, who was standing anxiously on the other side of the bed. When he returned his attention to Adam he saw that his eyes were once again fixed on the corner of the room.<\/p>\n
“Adam\u2026\u201d The eyes reluctantly focused on the doctor. \u201cI\u2019m going to try the same test on your arm, OK?\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul pricked the skin of Adam\u2019s wrist and felt the slight jump as it contacted with the nerves.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou felt that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam nodded.<\/p>\n
Paul\u2019s frown deepened and he drew a deep breath. \u201cTell me how you feel.\u201d His tone held a concern that made Ben look at him sharply.<\/p>\n
When Adam simply shook his head after a second, Paul patted his arm. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, just get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul packed up his instruments and indicated to Ben that they should leave as he headed for the door.\u00a0 When he looked back he saw that Adam was staring at the corner of the room and his brow was furrowed as though in puzzlement.<\/p>\n
Once downstairs, Paul turned to Ben, who had been joined by Hoss and Joe who were anxious for news of their brother.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, I won\u2019t beat around the bush. Adam has seriously damaged his back. I suspect from the extent of the bruising, that his horse may have fallen on him. I don\u2019t know at this moment how extensive that damage may be, but you have to face the possibility that Adam may never walk again.\u201d<\/p>\n
The statement was greeted by gasps and then vociferous denials from Hoss and Joe. Ben remained silent, taking in the news, then he motioned for them to be quiet.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s more, isn\u2019t there?\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul nodded. \u201cI am concerned that Adam has not chosen to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben immediately picked up on the strange phrasing. \u201cHasn\u2019t chosen\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. There is no physical reason for his silence.\u201d He shrugged. \u201cIt could be shock, of course, but Adam had been badly injured before, even fallen from his horse before, but it had never affected him this way. No, this time there\u2019s something more at work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben looked at his sons and back to the doctor. \u201cWhat can we do?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKeep him warm and comfortable. Apart from that, do what you always do, give him love and affection, let him know that he has nothing to fear from speaking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy should he be afraid?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Paul picked up his hat. \u201cI\u2019ll come back tomorrow to check on his back, but as to the rest\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben nodded. \u201cThanks Paul, for all you\u2019ve done.\u00a0 Leave the rest to us.\u201d
\n**********<\/p>\n
Ben took in the scene in front of him. Joe, eyes sparkling, was waiting for his chance to \u2018help\u2019 the layout on the chessboard, while Hoss studied it in deep thought. Adam was lying on the couch, reading, or rather fingering the pages absently. His eyes were wandering somewhere over the fireplace. His mind was clearly somewhere else.<\/p>\n
Ben sighed involuntarily. Adam\u2019s skin had lost its tan, and was still too pale for Ben\u2019s liking. But worse was the truth hidden under the blanket over Adam.<\/p>\n
Ben couldn\u2019t comprehend his son\u2019s unbelievable patience. At first cooped up in his room, completely dependent upon others, then confined to his wheelchair and as far as the yard, often left alone for hours, and invariably completely dependent on them, he exhibited heavenly patience and stoic calm.<\/p>\n
The first days had been very difficult; the first nights, as well.<\/p>\n
They had to come often to check on him, and help him in everything. Sometimes, he just offered an apologetic smile as they were changing the sheets. At other times, the patient apologetic smile informed them in advance that the sheets needed changing. He hadn\u2019t uttered one sound of complaint; Ben came to wishing Adam complained every minute, just to hear his voice, but Adam never made any sound. Paul could only spread his hands in a helpless gesture. It was possible Adam would never speak again. It was probable he would never walk again.
\nSuddenly, Ben noticed Adam\u2019s gaze come back to reality, and his hand grope for something on the floor. Adam threw his father a fleeting smile, concentrating on finding the necessary item and pushing the blanket down far enough. Then all of a sudden Hoss was there and helped him quickly, efficiently and as naturally as though he\u2019d been doing that all his life.<\/p>\n
Adam smiled at him gratefully. It wasn\u2019t the first time Hoss guessed his needs and tended to them in a matter-of-fact, efficient manner that held no room for pity or sympathy. As though it was the most normal thing on earth. It was more comfortable for Adam if someone else was helping him, though he was coping quite well as of late.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid he cheat meanwhile?\u201d Hoss indicated Joe with a move of his head.<\/p>\n
The youngest was clearly affronted, \u201cI don\u2019t cheat, you ox! Besides, I\u2019d never take advantage of Adam\u2019s needs!\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam laughed soundlessly at that, and shook his head in answer to Hoss\u2019 question. He hadn\u2019t noticed Joe move anything on the board; his youngest brother had been gazing at them all the time, ready to help should the need arise. Ben observed them pensively. He waited for Hoss and Joe to settle back over the chessboard, then quietly sat at Adam\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
\u201cSon?\u201d he began tentatively. Adam patiently waited for him to continue; this was a sort of \u201cYes, Pa?\u201d on his part.<\/p>\n
\u201cSon, I know there is still some time till the round-up, but I\u2019ve been thinking… You see, we will all be gone, and… shouldn\u2019t we arrange for some kind of nurse for you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam shook his head forcefully, and gestured impatiently for something to write with. Yes, he did get impatient sometimes. <NO NURSE!!!>, he wrote quickly and showed it to his father, all the time shaking his head with force.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe you\u2019ve made your point,\u201d stated Ben indulgently, then grew serious. \u201cBut think it over, son. Somebody has to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam stubbornly underlined his former statement, and showed it again to Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam…\u201d, Ben seemed at a loss as to further action. \u201cHow do you see it, then?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam pursed his lips in thought, studying his father\u2019s face, then his hand moved on the paper. <I\u2019ve learned to cope this far. There is time. I can learn more.><\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, I know you can learn to cope better, but it\u2019s still…\u201d Ben sighed, unable to communicate his feelings.<\/p>\n
Adam impatiently wrote down his answer.< I am not yet as capable as an average invalid, true, but I aim to excel the latter, and cope without requiring much attention from others. Tell Joe to put back that pawn.><\/p>\n
Ben gazed at the text first with pain, then surprise. \u201cJoe, Adam told you to put that pawn back,\u201d he said as he\u2019d been asked to.<\/p>\n
\u201cMe?\u201d Joe was the picture of innocence, but Adam wagged his finger at him seriously, so he reluctantly replaced the pawn in question. Hoss glared at him with a scowl, then nodded gratefully at Adam and proceeded with the game.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Adam had another message written. <Paul is positive I can manage. It requires only exercise. I want no strangers in the house. Just leave Hop Sing here and I will be fine. The chair is problematic in the kitchen.><\/p>\n
Ben looked at him, suddenly suspicious. \u201cYou haven\u2019t been to kitchen to cook anything, have you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam shrugged his shoulders, writing.< I haven\u2019t, really. Hop Sing threw me out, and besides I need more space for the chair. No way can I turn around in there. NO strangers, Pa, PLEASE.><\/p>\n
Ben gazed at him for a while, then, eventually, surrendered. \u201cAs you wish, son. There will be no strangers in the house.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam nodded. He was obviously set on that point. <You can leave me just a few trusted hands,> he added.< I still can\u2019t go further than the yard.><\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, Adam, I will.\u201d Ben straightened his back. \u201cGetting late, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
The pencil was again leaving a thin trail of writing on the next page. <Ask Paul to come tomorrow, please, I could already start with the exercises. I believe I can make good progress till the round-up. Hoss can settle me for the night when they\u2019ve finished the game.><\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll ask Paul,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cHoss, settle Adam once the game is over.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, Pa, Adam,\u201d Hoss nodded and gestured to Joe. \u201cCheck, your move.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just having a bad day today,\u201d mumbled the younger player, brooding over the chessboard. Noticing movement beside him, he turned to take Adam\u2019s outstretched hand. \u201cYeah, it could have been worse,\u201d he agreed with a smile.<\/p>\n
Three or four moves later he almost cringed at Hoss\u2019 triumphant \u201cCheck-mate, brother!\u201d, but winked at Adam. \u201cI have to let him win sometimes,\u201d he mouthed almost soundlessly.<\/p>\n
Adam laughed again, voiceless spasms of muscles, and held on to Hoss\u2019 neck as he lifted him.<\/p>\n
\u201cTime for bed, brother.\u201d The big man carried him effortlessly and started upstairs. \u201cYou know, I\u2019ll miss settling you for the night at the round-up.\u201d He felt his brother laugh, and grinned in answer. Well, he WOULD miss it.<\/p>\n
Joe put the chessboard away and looked up at his father.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, son?\u201d Ben noticed the young man\u2019s gaze. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just thinking,\u201d Joe seemed considerate and serious now. \u201cI don\u2019t know how he does it, Pa, but when Adam is around, I seem to forget, more and more often, that he\u2019s not fine in some way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben\u2019s lips quirked, then a slow, loving smile blossomed. \u201cIt\u2019s wonderful, son.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I will still worry on the round-up,\u201d confessed Joe. \u201cDo you think he\u2019ll be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben couldn\u2019t help smiling. \u201cI think Adam will manage out of pure stubbornness, son.\u201d
\n**********<\/p>\n
Ben woke up with a start. He remembered hearing Adam\u2019s laughter in his dream; it was even more realistic tonight than it had been on the round-up.<\/p>\n
Adam had been sleeping when they came back, three weary, worried men, each yearning to catch a glimpse of Adam and assure themselves he was all right. On the stairs they noticed two parallel sets of boards, set apart by the same distance as the wheels of Adam\u2019s chair. They guessed, correctly, that it was to make for a smooth passage for the chair; Adam\u2019s idea, Hop Sing informed them. They were more puzzled by the rope that was tied securely to the banisters, and another that was fixed to the floor of the landing.<\/p>\n
They peered into Adam\u2019s room but he was sleeping soundly, worn out by his exercises. They decided not to wake him; they would see him in the morning.<\/p>\n
The laughter from Ben\u2019s dream sounded again. So close. He sat up. This couldn\u2019t be Adam, he told himself; must be the remnants of sleep. Besides, somebody would have woken by now. He reached for his robe with sudden decision. He was awake anyway, he would check on Adam. Maybe the boy needed something.<\/p>\n
He winced when the door creaked a bit; he manoeuvred around Adam\u2019s chair and put the lamp on the nightstand. Adam was deeply asleep, a smile playing on his lips. Ben gingerly sat on the edge of the bed, pushing the pillows slightly further, just to look at his boy for a while. Adam responded by stirring, then opened his eyes just a slit and shifted onto Ben\u2019s lap, falling back asleep immediately.<\/p>\n
Ben stiffened at first in surprise, then carefully adjusted the covers around Adam; his son had to be in the middle of a dream, he guessed.<\/p>\n
The door creaked open, and Hoss winced at the sound, appearing in the doorway.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou fine?\u201d he mouthed. Ben nodded, letting his hand rest on Adam\u2019s head.<\/p>\n
\u201cDidn\u2019t even wake up,\u201d he smiled, indicating Adam.<\/p>\n
Hoss tiptoed into the room and stood looking down at Adam. \u201cThought I heard something,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cWell then, I\u2019ll go back to bed if everything\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou fine?\u201d Joe\u2019s curly head wiggled out from under Hoss\u2019 arm. \u201cThought I heard something.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s head jerked up suddenly, and he looked around still half asleep.<\/p>\n
\u201cShhh, it\u2019s fine, go to sleep,\u201d Ben stroked his hair gently. \u201cGo to sleep, son.\u201d<\/p>\n
Obediently, Adam\u2019s head fell back on his father\u2019s lap, but his hand waved around for something. Hoss and Joe simultaneously caught it to feel a brief squeeze; then, the hand slipped back down.<\/p>\n
The brothers exchanged glances, and smiled at each other. \u201cGuess he wanted to greet us,\u201d stated Hoss. Joe grinned even more broadly.<\/p>\n
Ben smiled at them, but nevertheless shooed them sternly out of the room. He took Adam\u2019s hand to reassure him that he was safe and not alone.
\n**********<\/p>\n
Dawn had broken and the work day was beckoning when Ben managed to free himself from Adam\u2019s grip without waking his son, and tiptoed to his own room. Hoss and Joe were also ready for breakfast. As Adam still slept, they decided not to disturb him yet.<\/p>\n
Relaxed, clean and shaven, they finally sat down to breakfast, when they heard something upstairs. Adam beamed at them from the top of the staircase.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, you guys DID come home last night!\u201d he stated joyfully.<\/p>\n
Cutlery clattered in Hop Sing\u2019s hands. \u201cMr Adam speak!\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n
Adam stopped to think, then lit up. \u201cSo I do.\u201d<\/p>\n
He quickly turned the chair around so that he had the stairs behind him, and controlled his descent with a good hold on the rope. His family watched, stunned and fascinated, as Adam came slowly down the stairs, using the ropes to control his descent, and as he reached the bottom he turned to face them, and grinned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat, cat got your tongues? Am I supposed to do the talking for you three as well?\u201d<\/p>\n
The three exchanged slow glances, and a tumult of joy broke out. Adam wriggled partially out from their hold and asked, laughing, \u201cCould somebody take me to the table, please? I\u2019m pretty hungry. We can go on with it after breakfast, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben absorbed each sound with exhilaration. It was this laughter that had woken him, he was sure.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s eat!\u201d he ordered happily, and Hoss grabbed Adam from his wheelchair and swung him around and to the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomebody take my chair!\u201d demanded Adam. He used the normal chair when by the table, but liked having his wheels beside him. They sat down in euphoric mood, words spilling as though from an overflowing jug.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t felt lonely, Pa,\u201d Adam dismissed his father\u2019s worries, and inquired from over his plate, \u201cHow did the round-up go?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, very well, we lost few head, but it went really smooth,\u201d answered Ben, when a knock on the door interrupted them. Jack, one of the new hands, came to say they were all back without any problems. He assessed Adam up with interest.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben started rising, but Adam waved him back to his seat. \u201cJoe and I can handle this, you haven\u2019t finished breakfast.\u201d He turned to Jack. \u201cWe\u2019ll give you the wages in a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The hand scanned him, then asked curiously, \u201cYou\u2019re the cripple?\u201d<\/p>\n
The family froze; only Adam sized Jack up questioningly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey said there was yet another brother, a crippled one. You that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam cleared his throat. \u201cYou know, the word \u2018cripple\u2019 can be taken as an offence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack gazed at him pensively for a time, then meekly asked, \u201cThen what do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t say anything,\u201d explained Adam gently, shifting into the wheelchair. Jack immediately went to his aid, lowering him into the chair carefully. \u201cThanks,\u201d Adam smiled at him, then noticed his father get up.<\/p>\n
Ben waved Joe back to his place and said, \u201cI\u2019ll take care of the wages. I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d\u00a0 He went to stand protectively behind Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to confront it sooner or later,\u201d said Adam softly, but his father didn\u2019t seem convinced of it.<\/p>\n
\u201c*I*\u2019d rather do that, right now,\u201d stated Ben simply, wanting to spare Adam the humiliation. If Jack started from \u2018cripple\u2019, the others might not be so moderate. Adam shrugged his shoulders and reached for his coffee.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo the couch, please,\u201d he gestured to Jack. \u201cSo, Joe,\u201d he turned to his brother, \u201cwhat do you say about the round-up? How well did it go?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018Well\u2019?\u201d snorted Joe, following him with his own cup. \u201cIt was a dirty, dusty, smelly, soaking and cold piece of work, if you want to know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, that doesn\u2019t sound like anything out of the ordinary,\u201d commented Adam. \u201cOn the couch, please.\u201d Jack obeyed. \u201cI don\u2019t expect the job to be clean, warm and comfortable, at least so far it had never been so.\u201d He turned again to Jack, \u201cThe blanket, please.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, Adam, but you know how you feel afterwards,\u201d apologised Joe contritely, seeing Adam\u2019s point.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe weather was pleasant enough, \u2018though,\u201d added Hoss, sitting down at the fireplace. \u201cAnd like Pa said, we lost few head.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds more optimistic,\u201d smiled Adam. \u201cThe pillow, Jack, lift me up a bit; thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The man wrinkled his face in thought. \u201cHow\u2019d ya know my name is Jack?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIsn\u2019t it?\u201d Adam sipped his coffee slowly, tasting it.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure is, just…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSomebody must have mentioned it,\u201d said Adam indifferently. \u201cI\u2019m Adam, by the way. Are you staying on the ranch, or is it over after round-up?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack shook the proffered hand. \u201cI\u2019m thinking of staying, Mr Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s simply \u2018Adam\u2019,\u201d the man corrected him gently, then gestured towards a book lying nearby on the coffee-table. \u201cCould you give me the book, please; thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGot to get my wages, sir… uhm, Adam.\u201d Jack fidgeted a bit.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve earned it,\u201d answered Adam pleasantly, dismissing the man with a nod. When he left, Hoss spoke up quickly, startling Joe, who had also opened his mouth to speak.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, we didn\u2019t know they thought anything like it, I swear…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should have,\u201d answered Adam matter-of-factly. They looked at him guiltily. \u201cThis was bound to happen,\u201d he smiled to sweeten the sour grapes a little. \u201cThey might have thought that ever since my accident. Not all, maybe, but most of them won\u2019t bother to seek anything normal in the dissimilar. I\u2019m rich, I don\u2019t work, and I\u2019m useless \u2013 nothing they can identify themselves with. Some may think I have money without working for it \u2013 a rich man\u2019s sonny. A rich man\u2019s CRIPPLED sonny \u2013 so I\u2019m also useless, whether to work or play. I know I\u2019m not,\u201d he forestalled their heated protests, \u201cI\u2019m only saying what they would say. I\u2019m like a wreck for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody thinks so, Adam,\u201d Hoss shook his head in an unusual rebellious manner. Yet the gesture was familiar. Joe. That was Joe\u2019s manner, Adam realised. \u201cJust think of all the poker friends of yours,\u201d continued Hoss, \u201call the girls that are sweet on you \u2013 just how many guests have you had when we were away?\u201d he finished triumphantly.<\/p>\n
Adam scrutinised him sympathetically. \u201cRoy and Paul, Hoss. And they fall in neither category.\u201d
\n\u201cYa seen the cripple?\u201d inquired John.<\/p>\n
Jack grimaced.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t call him that. He\u2019s a real nice guy. An\u2019 he said, saying \u2018cripple\u2019 was offensive. Don\u2019t call him that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA cripple\u2019s a cripple, and a rich useless cripple is even worse,\u201d snorted John. He was Jack\u2019s older brother, and felt no sympathy whatsoever for people who were rich without working for it, however hurting they might be. \u201cA rich man\u2019s crippled wreck of a sonny.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack shook his head. \u201c\u2019Taint right, Johnny.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStanding up for the cripple?\u201d snorted Johnny, when he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. He had already been introduced to Charlie, the foreman.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam Cartwright,\u201d each word neatly emphasised, \u201cis a better man than any of you here. And if I hear \u2018cripple\u2019 once more, you\u2019re out of job.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, he is,\u201d John rested his hands on his hips.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, then you are…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCharlie!\u201d barked Adam sharply from behind them. The foreman startled and immediately turned to his employer. Such a tone was rarely used, and never without reason.<\/p>\n
John stiffened involuntarily at the voice, then relaxed as he realised he wasn\u2019t the culprit here. He scrutinised the cripple curiously; sure enough, he had his legs hidden under a blanket, and was pillowed up all around. His skin held a sickly pallor to itself, and he seemed too thin, and fragile like the china cups John had once seen. There was some kind of delicacy about him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI won\u2019t let them call you a cripple, Adam…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I am,\u201d the man ended the issue flatly. \u201cMy father wanted to speak to you.\u201d He wheeled out of the way. John and Jack gaped at him unashamedly, curious as to how the cripple would move around. The man on the chair threw them a cursory look, and followed Charlie on his chair, pushing the wheels into movement with his arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the cripple?\u201d mumbled John. \u201cSome sight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah… hey, don\u2019t call him that,\u201d Jack pushed at his brother\u2019s arm, displeased.
\n**********<\/p>\n
Hoss straightened, working out the kinks in his back, and scrutinised the fence-line. As good as new, he decided. That would be it for today.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m afraid you\u2019re not finished yet,\u201d called a familiar voice from not far away. Adam waved at him from the buckboard seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t tell me you got another job for me, brother.\u201d Hoss lit up at the sight. \u201cI thought you were confined to the yard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam winked at Charlie, who sat on the driver\u2019s seat proudly. \u201cIt seems like I got a parole today. Joe can\u2019t see to the shack at the North Patch, and Pa sent me to ask you if you could…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think, brother, Pa really meant to send Charlie.\u201d Hoss winked at Adam, grinning widely. \u201cWonder how you convinced him to go yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just my charm,\u201d sighed Adam, batting his eyelashes. Hoss snorted and cast a look backwards; the few hands had gathered by the last post, most gaping openly at Adam and his legs.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn \u2019n\u2019 Jack,\u201d Hoss waved the brothers closer. \u201cOne more thing to tackle. The rest can go back to the ranch. Let\u2019s go, Charlie.\u201d<\/p>\n
The foreman scratched his nose, squinting against the sun. \u201cGuess that means me dealing with the shack, too, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEight hands are better than six,\u201d Hoss grinned at him good-naturedly. \u201cBesides, someone has to bring our architect over.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam lit up at that. \u201cOh, goody, I get to work! Hoss, may I ride double with you? Please?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnything you ask, Adam.\u201d Hoss hadn\u2019t considered that before, but found it a splendid idea. \u201cJohn, Jack, mount up. We\u2019ll repair a shack a bit north of here. Adam\u2019s the boss,\u201d he explained briefly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re gonna listen to the cripple?\u201d asked John, to assure himself there was no mistake.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease do, John,\u201d Adam smiled.<\/p>\n
John turned to him, gaped at him mutely, then stammered with embarrassment, \u201cYyes, Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYyes, Mr Adam.\u201d
\n**********<\/p>\n
Time passed, and Ben noted with pleasure that nobody on the ranch treated Adam any worse. His only concern was the reaction of Virginia City dwellers every Sunday as they appeared in church. He had already been informed of their negligence towards Adam once he was both disabled and alone, but their curious staring unnerved him. Only Paul and Roy came over to greet them all; some other greeted Ben, Hoss and Joe in a somewhat embarrassed way, casting curious looks at Adam and his chair, as though he were a two-headed calf or something of the kind. Adam quickly began to disregard it, paying them no attention and bickering with John who had come to church with his brother as well.<\/p>\n
Suddenly Ben heard Adam laugh sincerely from the buckboard. John bore an embarrassed grimace on his face, and Jack tried to suppress a smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, Mr Adam,\u201d John grimaced some more, deeply ashamed. \u201cI\u2019m really sorry, Mr Adam, I just forgot you were crippled.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam laughed harder at that, unable to stop. Paul recognised the vent to let off some nerves, but he knew as well that Adam was both happy to hear it, and amused at John\u2019s nervous fidgeting and grimaces.
\nBen was glad Adam found some company to spend time with, although his son claimed he hadn\u2019t been particularly lonely \u2013 maybe the books kept him company. However, the news that Ben held in his hand right now, was something he secretly hoped for to enrich Adam\u2019s social life.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe,\u201d he turned to his youngest son, who was reading the telegram over Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cMy friend, James Henderson, is coming with his family to visit.\u201d\u00a0 With an indulgent smile, he added, \u201cHe has two daughters \u2013 and he\u2019s also bringing his niece with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s eyes twinkled. \u201cWhat age are they?\u201d he asked as innocently as he could manage.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt least one is close to your age,\u201d admitted Ben, then cast a long look at his son.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoseph, I\u2019d like the girls to spend some time with Adam,\u201d he said seriously. \u201cYou can hold back a while, can\u2019t you? Do it for your brother\u2019s sake. There are enough girls in the neighbourhood.\u201d<\/p>\n
The twinkle died off, and Joe grimaced behind his father\u2019s back. Why? Why did he have to pull back when there was fresh entertainment in the offing, new faces, somebody to talk to but his brothers and the silly girls who were usually uncomfortable with a brother of… due to Adam\u2019s condition.
\n**********<\/p>\n
\u201cCome in!\u201d Joe answered the knock on his door sharply. He was still brooding over the Hendersons, and didn\u2019t care for politeness, whoever was disturbing him.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething wrong, Joe?\u201d Adam noticed his brother\u2019s foul mood, and stopped in the doorway.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, something is wrong!\u201d yelled Joe. The sight of his brother made everything pour out of him like a waterfall. \u201cThree girls are coming with the Hendersons, and all are already destined to take care of you! I\u2019m supposed to give all of them up so YOU can get all the attention! I\u2019m supposed to spend time with the girls from around here, and they all think I\u2019m worse \u2018cause… \u2018cause my brother sits in a chair, and that\u2019s the one thing that characterises me right now! I\u2019m tired of being reminded of that all the time, of minding you all the time!\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s increasingly troubled expression turned into a startled one. \u201cDo you have to…?\u201d he hesitated, then said worriedly. \u201cYes, I guess you have to mind me. I\u2019m so sorry, Joe. I know I\u2019ve been quite a burden for the last couple months or so… I\u2019ve really tried to get independent, I really have… I\u2019m sorry, Joe, I\u2019m so sorry, but I\u2019m afraid I can\u2019t help your having a crippled brother…\u201d Adam began backing from the doorway. \u201cI will walk, Joe, I\u2019ll walk some day, I promise, I just can\u2019t make it any faster…\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the wheels got caught somewhere, and he yanked at it with visible frustration. The wheel held on stubbornly. Adam yanked at it again, and again, but with no visible result. Embarrassed to ask, he felt his cheeks go crimson, but hesitatingly turned to Joe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe… can you… could you help me… to my room? I\u2019ll understand if you\u2019d rather not…\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe silently wheeled Adam from the problematic spot and to his brother\u2019s room. Adam slipped deftly onto the bed and turned on his back.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, Joe… don\u2019t worry about the Hendersons, they\u2019ll be more than happy to stay away from me… I\u2019m not much company…\u201d He took a deeper breath.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnything wrong?\u201d Joe sounded concerned.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust tired, Joe,\u201d said Adam softly, turning his head away. Joe had to strain to hear him whisper, \u201cI\u2019m just tired of being the cripple.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe felt a corkscrew strike and turn slowly in his heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey,\u201d he sat down beside Adam and gently stroked his arm. \u201cEverybody has a worse day once in a while… just like me today,\u201d he grinned forcibly, hoping to make light of the heavy-weighted words. \u201cI wonder how you managed to be optimistic each and every day for so long… I would have burst…\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam gave a short laugh. \u201cWetting your bed when you\u2019re over thirty and not being able to help it teaches you humility. Yeah,\u201d he turned back to Joe, smiling again, \u201cI guess it\u2019s just a bad day. Would you stay with me a while?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure,\u201d Joe lit up. \u201cAnything I can get you? A book? Some snack?\u201d He pushed at Adam\u2019s legs, trying to get comfortable. \u201cShift a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery funny,\u201d drawled Adam. Joe looked up at him, then realisation hit.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh… sorry, I keep forgetting.\u201d He smiled remorsefully. \u201cI guess that\u2019s it about minding you. Sorry, I just needed to lash out at somebody, and you were the first one to come in the line of fire.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m lucky to have survived, then.\u201d Adam winked at him. \u201cMay I take advantage of your remorse and selfishly ask you to stay with me a while? Someone living around this room would make a nice change once in a while.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe cast a dubious glance at the books \u2013 Adam must have meant that.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want a massage?\u201d he offered, happy to be forgiven his worse than childish behaviour, and to be given a chance to undo his wrongs.<\/p>\n
Adam shook his head wearily. He did look tired. \u201cRead me some,\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhich title?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, choose some… hey, watch that!\u201d\u00a0 He shifted to swat Joe\u2019s elbow from his thigh muscle. \u201cYou have sharp elbows!\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe looked at him, stricken. \u201cYou… feel it?\u201d he gulped.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course I do, I just can\u2019t move them!\u201d Adam gestured irritably towards his legs. \u201cWatch it next time buddy \u2013 What \u2013 !\u201d His surprised exclamation died in the bear hug Joe gave him. Pulling free, he noticed with astonishment tears in the green eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou feel your legs, Adam!\u201d Joe blinked rapidly. \u201cI… thought…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t think too much, buddy,\u201d said Adam indulgently, obviously teasing. \u201cI told you I\u2019d walk. Now, go get the book. I\u2019m tired, and I want to doze off with a good book read to me.\u201d
\nJoe never revealed to Adam the sleepless night he spent.
\n**********<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, James,\u201d Ben hugged his friend heartily. \u201cYou look great.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo do you, Ben, just more grey than I remember you,\u201d laughed Henderson. \u201cYou know my wife Laura.\u201d He indicated the lady beside him. \u201cLaura, you remember Ben, honey\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
The woman smiled warmly at Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s so nice to see you again, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pleasure is all mine.\u201d He kissed her hand, and turned to the other three ladies.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is Diana, my oldest.\u201d Henderson indicated a slender ethereal swan in the light blue dress. She looked almost non-existent, at least her eyes seemed to seek yet something else beyond the reality present. \u201cDaisy, the younger one.\u201d James\u2019 eyes turned to a gold-framed sweet face of a child, a face which was belied by the pink dress\u2019 soft curves.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd Katharina, my niece.\u201d Dark-haired, with a matter-of-fact expression and demanding presence. Her dress was plain in comparison to those of her cousins; it was of a neutral dark green colour.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s quite an invasion, I\u2019m afraid,\u201d laughed Henderson, \u201cbut you have three boys, don\u2019t you? I\u2019m sure they will be glad of this particular raid.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben smiled in response, and directed them to the buckboard. \u201cI just hope your family won\u2019t be bored with our wilderness.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBored?\u201d Henderson laughed again. \u201cI\u2019m sure that won\u2019t be the case with three handsome young men at hand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben smiled slightly at that, but kept silent. Three handsome, two of them fit.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember your eldest a bit,\u201d continued Henderson. \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n
This time Ben couldn\u2019t suppress the sigh. \u201cFine, generally. He… he\u2019s had an accident. He\u2019s… confined to the ranch for a time, due to that,\u201d Ben hesitated, but decided not to say anything ultimate yet. He wasn\u2019t really thinking of Adam as… Adam wasn\u2019t… It wasn\u2019t… Surely, all would be fine.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen two convalescents will meet \u2013 Diana had just defeated a grave illness,\u201d answered Henderson. \u201cThat was one of the reasons to visit you, friend,\u201d he confessed. \u201cShe needs her convalescence yet. Anyway,\u201d he smiled, \u201cDiana and Katharina are born nurses.\u201d He patted Ben\u2019s shoulder jovially. \u201cHe\u2019ll be up and about in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pink dress in the backseat puffed quietly, as close to snorting as she could manage. The green dress was still matter-of-fact. The blue one, in turn, was clearly somewhere else with her mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cShall we go for a picnic?\u201d suggested the pink dress. Daisy, as Ben remembered.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe certainly shall,\u201d he answered. \u201cJust as soon as you\u2019ve rested after your trip.\u201d
\nHoss blushed shyly, and Joe grinned triumphantly at the three young ladies in front of them. They were chatting while having a cup of coffee. Adam wasn\u2019t present; he had excused himself with a headache from coming downstairs in the early morning, and had remained in his room the following hours. After the light lunch, Ben excused himself to go upstairs and check on his son.<\/p>\n
The drapes were pulled shut, and the room was drowning in darkness. Adam had his head under the pillow, shutting out all the outer world. He started, feeling a hand on his back. \u201cIt\u2019s you,\u201d he muttered, relieved, recognising his father. \u201cSorry, Pa, but I\u2019m not much company right now. Could Hop Sing bring me something for my head later?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCertainly,\u201d Ben brought his voice down, seeing Adam wince. \u201cThat bad?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm,\u201d Adam\u2019s head went under the pillow again. \u201cJust something later, okay?\u201d he mumbled from there.<\/p>\n
Ben gave him a short massage on the back, and started wearily downstairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cShall we go?\u201d Daisy fidgeted impatiently.<\/p>\n
Mrs Henderson smiled warmly at Ben. \u201cIs Adam coming?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m afraid not,\u201d Ben waved Hop Sing closer. \u201cA bad headache. Joe, Hoss, take the ladies to the buggy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Katharina, until now immersed in conversation, pulled gently Diana\u2019s arm \u2013 her cousin was again paying little attention to what was happening around her.
\n\u201cJoe, you are a tremendous rider,\u201d Daisy fluttered her lashes charmingly. \u201cCould you show me how to sit a horse so gracefully?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe puffed his chest out with pride. \u201cYou have so much grace, Daisy, that you don\u2019t really need a teacher.\u201d He sent her his lady-killer smile. The lashes worked harder, and Daisy sank further into the embrace of the tree, a picture of a beautiful innocent child.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Joe, I don\u2019t think I could ever have so much confidence when on a horse as you do. Tell me… could I ride your horse \u2013 with you \u2013.\u201d She seemed embarrassed to ask. \u201c \u2013 I mean just to feel how you control the horse…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I will choose a nice gentle horse for you to ride, and you will learn to control it easily,\u201d offered Joe.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, you could?\u201d Daisy clapped her hands with joy. \u201cThat would be wonderful! Will the horse really listen to me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCertainly, Daisy, I\u2019ll choose the best one.\u201d He sat beside her and flashed his killer smile again. \u201cI know horses, and I know how to choose a good one for you, don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou do? Oh, that must be terrific, to… to know all about horses… to know what to do in all… all situations…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes a bit of practice, you know, but it\u2019s nothing special really.\u201d Joe sat more comfortably.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it is.\u201d Her blue eyes were glued to his face. \u201cIt IS so special, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d he shook his head and gently touched her hand, \u201cYOU are special.\u201d
\n**********<\/p>\n
Adam carefully wheeled over to the staircase. The house was quiet; obviously they weren\u2019t back yet. Hop Sing\u2019s medicine had helped, and he was thinking of some reading downstairs. He turned the chair slightly on the landing, and continued his descent. He was almost at the bottom, when suddenly his hand slipped on the rope and he lost his grip.<\/p>\n
He hit the floor painfully, losing his breath, and only after a second did he realise what had happened. The chair lay beside him on its side, but too far for him to reach it; he wouldn\u2019t lift it, anyway. Wish Hop Sing hadn\u2019t gone to town…
\nDiana suddenly stood and went to stand beside the horses, a far away look in her eyes. She cast a cursory glance at the others \u2013 nobody was paying attention to her right now. Katharina discussed something sombrely with Hoss; Joe flirted with Daisy \u2013 hopefully, he wasn\u2019t in love with the child. The parents were nowhere in sight. She decided nobody else needed to be bothered; she would go to the ranch herself. It didn\u2019t seem as though the man was injured badly after the fall. Adam. A pleasant name.
\nAdam carefully rubbed his face where it had met the floor, and gingerly shifted. He felt slightly confused after his fall, but no serious injuries. He cautiously turned to look at his legs. The bent knee moved an inch; he relaxed with a sigh, and decided to wait. He closed his eyes; it was good to know someone was coming to help him. He lay still waiting, he would hear the click of the latch when she came.
\nDiana. A nice name.
\n**********<\/p>\n
\u201cHi.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam smiled at her from the floor. \u201cHi.\u201d<\/p>\n
She went over to his chair and lifted it, then kneeled down by his side.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he assured her. \u201cI just can\u2019t get up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll decide whether you are fine or not,\u201d she stated calmly. He liked her deep voice. \u201cWhat way did you fall?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t moved much,\u201d he indicated his legs with a move of his head. \u201cI fell more less the way I\u2019m lying.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnything hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut my pride?\u201d He gave her a half-smile. \u201cI hit my cheek, and there might be some bruises on the ribcage soon; that would be it, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n
She answered with a slight smile of her own. \u201cLight-headed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot really.\u201d<\/p>\n
She turned to look around, then decided, \u201cYou\u2019d better rest on the couch; the fall itself was quite a shock, I take it. Show me your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n
She checked his pupils and head; no concussion, no lumps. \u201cLet\u2019s take you to the couch,\u201d she smiled encouragingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can get to it myself,\u201d he forestalled her movement \u2013 she wouldn\u2019t drag him too far. \u201cYou will just have to help me on.\u201d True to his words, he crawled almost effortlessly to the couch and then looked expectantly at her. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I might be heavy,\u201d he noted uncertainly.<\/p>\n
\u201cPull yourself up,\u201d she suggested. \u201cI\u2019ll take your legs.\u201d<\/p>\n
He smiled briefly, and did as he was told; he did his best to help her lift his legs, but still the effort left her panting, if only slightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny special wishes?\u201d she asked with a smile. He thought for a moment, gazing at her; she had the bluest, clearest eyes he had ever seen, and single strands of her hair, free from the restraints of the bun, flowed down onto her shoulders in soft waves. He couldn\u2019t put his finger on the colour for a moment; blonde… golden… yes, exactly \u2013 golden, with the reddish touch gold jewellery acquired with age.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was thinking of reading some,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe choice being?\u201d Her eyes found the bookshelves, and she waited only for his decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t dare read anything else in a lady\u2019s presence but poetry,\u201d he said with a straight face.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am flattered,\u201d she laughed. \u201cAny particular poetry?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you like Shakespeare?\u201d he asked, smiling now.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, not really.\u201d She went over to the shelves. \u201cI\u2019d rather say I love him.\u201d<\/p>\n
This time it was him who laughed. She liked his laughter. She searched among the volumes until she finally chose one, Shakespeare, but not poetry.<\/p>\n
Back at the couch, she reached for the blanket and covered him. He seemed surprised when she then made him sit and seated herself behind him. \u201cYou need to lie properly,\u201d she said. \u201cLean against me. We must make your back comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a moment of hesitation, he carefully rested against her. She handed him the book, reaching around his arms. He looked at the title and raised his eyebrows. She put the book in his hands, opened it at a page and started reading,
\n\u201cAngels and ministers of health defend us!
\nBe thou a spirit of health or goblin damned,
\nBring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell,
\nBe thy intents wicked or charitable,
\nThou com\u2019st in such questionable shape
\nThat I will speak with thee.\u201d
\nAdam pushed himself up and turned to her. Their eyes locked, then he lowered himself back into her arms; he felt strangely happy in this embrace. She seemed to feel content with it, too. They felt so… close for a moment. So natural.<\/p>\n
\u201cWould we be happy together?\u201d he mused, succumbing to the mood.<\/p>\n
She followed his gaze. \u201cThey won\u2019t tell you such things,\u201d she said. \u201cThey say only what they are allowed to say…\u201d<\/p>\n
Suddenly both of them startled with the realisation of what she had said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou see them?\u201d Adam lowered his voice in appalled astonishment.<\/p>\n
\u201cY…YOU see them?\u201d she answered, her voice trembling. After a second she asked softly, \u201cThey… have asked you for help, too?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam took a deep, careful breath; his eyes were already showing the answer. They gazed at each other for a while, then tentative smiles began to show.<\/p>\n
\u201cWOULD we be happy together?\u201d he asked hopefully, with more conviction, this time looking at her.
\n**********<\/p>\n
Ben and James burst into the house simultaneously. Diana and Adam raised their heads in mild surprise, looking at them over the back of the couch.<\/p>\n
\u201cDiana!\u201d boomed Henderson, rising anger mixed with a flood of relief. \u201cWhat were you thinking of, riding off like that, without saying anything to anybody?!\u201d<\/p>\n
The young woman blushed slightly, for the first time since coming to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d Adam interrupted Henderson in a polite voice. \u201cI\u2019m afraid it\u2019s my fault, Mr Henderson. You see, Diana came to keep me company, as she knew I was alone, with Hop Sing gone to town, and thought she could be helpful… which she has certainly been.\u201d He kept smiling apologetically at Henderson, when he felt Diana nudge him \u2013 but he hadn\u2019t lied, had he? It was the pure truth, if not the whole truth. Whole… hole… he pondered if he might have dropped the \u2018w\u2019 somewhere.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d Ben immediately spotted the red mark, slowly darkening, though not quite a bruise yet. Adam smiled sheepishly, and let his father examine his cheek.<\/p>\n
\u201cI… uhm… my hand slipped on the rope,\u201d he admitted, properly ashamed. He winced at the horror in Ben\u2019s eyes, and hurried to calm him down. \u201cDiana was there, she helped me… I didn\u2019t hurt myself, just the chair fell over. I\u2019m fine, Pa. Nothing hurt but my pride.\u201d He scratched his ear in an embarrassed way, cocking his head to one side. \u201cDiana checked my head and pupils, and I didn\u2019t hit my back in any way, I\u2019m sure of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The horror in Ben\u2019s eyes faded somewhat, but didn\u2019t completely vanish.<\/p>\n
\u201cDiana was here, I wasn\u2019t alone.\u201d Adam patted his father\u2019s hand with a knowing look. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I scared you, but I\u2019m fine now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Henderson approached them, studying the way they were seated. Diana sat at the end of the couch, Adam resting against her, his head at her shoulder level, a book in his hand. Then he noticed the wheelchair beside, winced with sudden realisation, and studied the pair anew, carefully choosing the words he should use.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow is your back?\u201d he asked Adam eventually.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine, Mr Henderson,\u201d Adam smiled again. \u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry… Nice to see you again,\u201d he greeted the guest properly. \u201cMy back is fine, but Diana insisted I should be made comfortable to recover from the shock of the fall.\u201d His hand rested on hers that lay on his shoulder.<\/p>\n
Ben noticed something from the corner of his eye, and gazed disbelievingly at the ring on Diana\u2019s hand. Adam noticed that after a second. \u201cWe decided we were destined for each other,\u201d he explained, like you explain your choice of a shirt to wear.<\/p>\n
Ben and James looked at them strangely for a long moment, Ben stricken to see Elizabeth\u2019s ring on that woman\u2019s hand. How… they hadn\u2019t even known each other but for the last hour or so… It surely wasn\u2019t longer.<\/p>\n
Just then, Daisy came through the door, assisted by Joe, took the room in and remarked with interest, \u201cOh, a cripple\u2019s chair!\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s smile died in that instant. Hoss, who had come just after them, paled and looked at her with horror. On the couch, Adam coughed lightly, and Diana bit her lip. Both could have bet that would be Daisy\u2019s first statement, and fought hard not to laugh out.<\/p>\n
\u201cDaisy!\u201d The reprimand came from Mr and Mrs Henderson, aided by the sombre Katharina.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam\u2019s had an accident,\u201d added James. \u201cIt\u2019s understandable that he needs time to recover, and can\u2019t impair his back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh,\u201d she scanned Adam curiously, then smiled politely, \u201cI\u2019m Daisy.\u201d She thought the man looked pleasant.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam.\u201d He bowed his head somewhat. \u201cPleased to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTruly,\u201d muttered Diana so that even Ben didn\u2019t hear her. Adam\u2019s mouth twitched strangely, but he kept a straight face.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we are back just in time for dinner,\u201d Ben invited everybody to the table to finally disperse the awkward atmosphere. With Hoss\u2019 help, Adam shifted into his chair at the table, and moved the wheelchair so that it was next to where he was seated. Diana smiled gratefully at the huge Cartwright brother, seating herself next to Adam. Hoss smiled back immediately; he liked her much more without the faraway look in her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope your head is better now, Adam,\u201d Mrs Henderson smiled at the eldest of the brothers. She thought he was too pale and too thin, but that was to be understood after an accident. He certainly had a disarming smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s much better, thank you, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish you could have had the picnic with us,\u201d continued Mrs Henderson. \u201cYou must have felt rather abandoned…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, in no way, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he protested, glancing at the young woman beside him. \u201cDiana and I have had a wonderful meeting with Shakespeare. I couldn\u2019t find more pleasure…\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe groaned softly, and Adam took a deeper breath, trying to control his muscles. \u201cA matter of taste, of course, but we both like Shakespeare, as it were. I\u2019ve had a delightful time, Ma\u2019am, and haven\u2019t felt abandoned for a second.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mrs Henderson had noticed that her eldest daughter seemed more aware than usual, but it took her breath away when Diana smiled her soft, full smile that they had missed so much since Diana\u2019s illness.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is I who has had a delightful time.\u201d Almost everybody startled at her voice \u2013 except Adam, none of them had heard a word of her at the Ponderosa yet. She had a surprisingly low, embracing, velvety voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe honour is all mine,\u201d Adam reacted with a smile all the way up to the dimples.<\/p>\n
For a second, time stood still between them, as they felt a magnetising closeness…<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t like Shakespeare much,\u201d announced Daisy. \u201cAlthough the sonnets are pleasant. Don\u2019t you think so, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEhm,\u201d Joe coughed slightly to cover being caught off-guard. \u201cBrother Adam is the expert on Shakespeare here. He was certainly a great writer,\u201d he admitted non-committaly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWasn\u2019t he?\u201d agreed Daisy politely.<\/p>\n
\u201cDaisy hadn\u2019t read much Shakespeare.\u201d Katharina cocked an eyebrow at her cousin, her cool, sombre mien darkening the air around her, as it seemed. Just like Adam, Joe thought. Could have been twins. Daisy, for that matter, had a springtime air around her. Maybe a bit childish, but nice.
\n**********<\/p>\n
Childish, Joe decided. She was awfully childish.<\/p>\n
At another dinner, Daisy was chattering merrily about San Francisco attractions. Joe somehow ended up as her companion, Diana staying with Adam, and Katharina interested in ranch matters, cows and horses more than in socialising. He liked Katharina. He hadn\u2019t at the beginning, but the sombre air was familiar enough to recognise warmth hidden beneath it.<\/p>\n
Joe had had to fight laughter, having overheard a discussion between Hoss and Katharina in the barn over a horse\u2019s injured leg. For all the smart-alec-\u2018I-know-best\u2019 attitude, Katharina was as devoted to animals as Hoss. She was just more commanding than him. Her familiar matter-of-fact manner dismissed Hoss\u2019 shyness, long-forgotten after the first exchange of opinions on the possible treatment of an animal\u2019s wound. She had been the first and only woman not to intimidate Hoss, realised Joe with shock.<\/p>\n
Diana, well, she was a different story. Joe certainly did come to like her; once the ethereal spell was over, he noticed the soft shiny waves of hair, the noble colour of aged gold, and incredibly clear blue eyes, sometimes sharp, more often patient and soft. She was a handsome woman, not such an obvious beauty as Daisy \u2013 or as Daisy would be one day, thought Joe \u2013 but warm, full of grace and charm, and attracting men who would only cast a second glance at her. Those who wouldn\u2019t, weren\u2019t looking for inner beauty, surely.<\/p>\n
Diana had an ease around Adam, too. Katharina was certainly a helpful person, but soon felt closed in by the four walls, and couldn\u2019t sit for hours reading Shakespeare. Diana could. And Daisy was too childish to help.<\/p>\n
He was startled out of his thoughts when Adam cleared his throat and tapped with his fork on the glass, asking thereby for the floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have something to announce,\u201d he said, putting an arm around Diana. \u201cWe\u2019re getting married.\u201d<\/p>\n
Daisy squeaked with surprise, and Joe, Hoss and Katharina exchanged looks \u2013 Katharina\u2019s of course a know-it-all one. Ben and the Hendersons had already known about the engagement, yet the blunt statement surprised them.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you… sure? I mean…\u201d Mrs Henderson cast a quick discreet glance at Adam\u2019s wheelchair and blushed. \u201cWhen… Have you decided on any… details?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know what I\u2019m doing, mother.\u201d Diana\u2019s eyes were a steely cool, yet she was smiling. \u201cWe\u2019re in love. And Adam won\u2019t use the chair forever.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam cleared his throat. \u201cI can\u2019t hear congratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n
At that, suddenly a jubilant tumult broke out. Daisy was first to come to wish them luck; she had noticed the recent change in her sister, and welcomed it with a child\u2019s simplicity; she thought Adam was nice, as well, though he didn\u2019t seem as manly to her as the others, who did walk. Katharina whole-heartedly agreed with Adam and Diana\u2019s decision, and told them so in no uncertain terms, commanding Hoss over to kiss his future sister-in-law as a brother should. Joe simply hugged them, but the energy of the hugs spoke for itself.<\/p>\n
The parents had, of course, words of blessing beside congratulations. At last, Mrs Henderson gently stroked Diana\u2019s cheek, whispering, \u201cI know that you know what you are doing. I wish nothing but the best \u2013 for both of you.\u201d
\n**********<\/p>\n
Adam lay on his back staring towards the ceiling, then turned on the side, watching his wife.<\/p>\n
\u201cHelp me undress,\u201d he asked. She smiled in answer and sat down on the bed.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you seen the doctor today?\u201d he enquired.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noticed the laughter in her eyes. \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I think you should start learning to walk.\u201d She threw a meaningful look at his chair. \u201cIt\u2019s about time you did.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDiana?\u201d He furrowed his brows, uncertain for a moment.<\/p>\n
She leant over him and kissed his forehead. \u201cWe\u2019re going to have a baby.\u201d<\/p>\n
THE END<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summary:\u00a0 After Adam suffers a fall, there is an unexpected outcome.
\nRating:\u00a0 Teen\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Word Count: 9,700<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":true,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1005,23,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40949","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-drama","category-romance","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-3-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40949","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\/12436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=40949"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40949\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=40949"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=40949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}