{"id":5248,"date":"2014-04-30T21:14:44","date_gmt":"2014-05-01T01:14:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5248"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:15:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:15:25","slug":"less-than-blood-brothers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5248","title":{"rendered":"Less Than Blood Brothers (by Alley May)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>The Cartwright’s take in one of Joe’s school friends.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K (15,530 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Less Than Blood Brothers<\/b><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

My name is Andrew Wesley, though most people just call me Wesley.<\/strong> I was born in 1842 which puts me at being 26 years old since the year is now 1868. I was 14 when I met Little Joe Cartwright in Virginia City and I\u2019ll never forget some of the best years of my life, needless to say they were also some of the most dangerous years of my life.<\/p>\n

I had just moved there from a little town west of Placerville with my uncle Matt. I had only been going to school a total of four months since we moved and already I hated it. Even my teacher Miss Jones I hated and worst of all was the bullies, but we\u2019ll get to that later. I couldn\u2019t wait for spring vacation away from here with my uncle, we were supposed to go to San Francisco and get me some new cloths. I was really looking forward to it.<\/p>\n

It was the last day of school and I was just itchin for it to be over so I could go home and finish packing. Well wouldn\u2019t ya know it I bumped into this kid and we both dropped all our books in a horse trough, I had all my homework which included a book report that I actually studied for soaked and destroyed.<\/p>\n

I looked at him and he looked at me, we both had anger and frustration in our eye\u2019s and from my guess he had his book report in with his papers too. I thought of the best insult to say and surprisingly we both said the same thing in unison.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey clumsy, watch were your goin next time! What? No, you did it, hey! \u201c<\/p>\n

We both couldn\u2019t stop saying the same thing and before we knew it, we were both laughing at how funny the whole situation became.<\/p>\n

I remember seeing him before because he helped me fend off some bullies. It was kinda strange how much we had in common, we both had a very sad coincidence that his mother died and both my parents died from horse accidents, it was nice having someone know what it felt like to lose someone so important in your life. We also had something else strange in common and that\u2019s why we met in the first place.<\/p>\n

We both had Creole heritage and it showed through our features. We had the same texture in hair but mine was darker, our eyes were both green and we had similar lean body torsos. Other than that we were the same age and had the same problem with bullies, other fella\u2019s were just plain jealous of our popularity with the girls at school.<\/p>\n

This one kid named Frank Nelson had been raised by very prejudice parents and soon he quickly decided not to like either one of us.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve seen other kids pick on Joe but they soon met Joe\u2019s older brother Hoss, who ended the matter. If you saw how big Hoss was the matter wouldn\u2019t have gone too much further for you either, seeing as how much he loved his little brother.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately I didn\u2019t have an older brother and this Frank Nelson was considerably bigger than me, so as you could imagine the first time we met didn\u2019t go to good. \u00a0From the first day of school and on I tried my best to avoid him and his pals; who evidently didn\u2019t like other races such as me, neither.<\/p>\n

It was a Thursday after school when little Joe noticed me hiding behind a tree; he asked was I scared of something and I answered him no but if he had three bigger guys lookin for him he\u2019d be hiding here too. That made him laugh and he offered to wait with me since he was supposed to meet his brother Adam and go into town for something, then his brother would make sure I got home okay.<\/p>\n

We exchanged names and at that moment I noticed how much we resembled each other, I wanted to ask him if he was Creole but the circumstances changed before I could.<\/p>\n

We got to talking about stuff we had in common and we didn\u2019t even notice the three guys standing behind us. Frank grabbed me by my shirt and spun me around to face him. He told Joe, \u201cbeat it Cartwright if you know what\u2019s good for ya.\u201d Now as I got to know Joe Cartwright, the first thing I learned was that he could get really hot headed and would almost never back away from a fight.<\/p>\n

He stood there for a moment and asked Frank why he wanted to pick on me; Frank answered it was because his father said Creole people were just no good and don\u2019t belong over here.<\/p>\n

That made Joe burn inside; he remembered all the stories about how people treated his mother when she deserved so much better. He pulled me away from Franks grasp and stood face to face with him, courtesy of his tippy toes.<\/p>\n

He said; \u201clook at him and then look at me, we both got Creole in us so if you wanna fight with him then you got a fight with me too.\u201d Joe got the first punch and knocked him down.<\/p>\n

Before long we had a good rumble goin between us and the three bullies. I managed to deck a couple of good ones here and there and Joe soon got the better of Frank and had pinned him to the ground.<\/p>\n

Before we got any further into the fight I stopped and saw this dark haired fella pick Joe off of Frank with one arm and then help Frank up, it wasn\u2019t Hoss but he was definitely strong like him. I figured it must be his other brother Adam even though they didn\u2019t favor each other, then again neither did Hoss. For one thing he looked mad so I decided to just stay out of the way and keep quiet.<\/p>\n

He checked Joe over to make sure he was alright, then he dusted Frank off and took him and his pals to the Doc\u2019s office while me and Joe stood there waiting. \u201cIs that your brother? He don\u2019t look anything like you.\u201d I asked out of pure curiosity.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know; we all got different mothers.\u201d He lowered his shoulders and sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, there\u2019s nothing wrong with having a different ma then your brother\u2026 err\u2019 brothers; is that why you\u2019re so upset?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not upset about that, it\u2019s just that my pa\u2019s gonna be mad cause I\u2019m not supposed to be fightin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he gonna do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat! Haven\u2019t you been in trouble before?\u201d He asked me sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell yeah but I\u2019ve never been caught.\u201d I lifted one eye brow and joked with him a little.<\/p>\n

We laughed and kept talking until his brother got back. I was right about him being mad, you could fry an egg on his forehead. He yelled at Joe first and then turned to me.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how did you get in the middle of this, who are you?\u201d He asked abruptly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I\u2019m Wesley sir, Andrew Wesley but people just call me Wesley.\u201d I was honestly startled by this man\u2019s powerful concern. I\u2019d never seen my parents or anyone in my family act like this before.<\/p>\n

He fixed a mean glare on Joe and said; \u201cWell Wesley I\u2019m taking you home right this minute and you and my brother over here can just explain how all this got started on the way home.\u201d He grabbed our arm\u2019s and took us up to where are horses were tied, the whole time all I could think about was if Joes father would have the same reaction, then it dawned on me what would my uncles reaction be?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well here we are, nearly three and a half months later and it seems our paths have crossed again. Ever since the fight Frank hasn\u2019t bothered anyone else and I haven\u2019t spoken to Joe since what happened. I never found out just what happened to Joe but I think his father was probably upset that he couldn\u2019t handle the situation without conflict. Now my uncle didn\u2019t react at all the same way as Adam or I\u2019m guessing Joe\u2019s father did to what happened, but then again he never really gets involved in anything\u00a0 so I never bothered to tell him what happened. Even though my lip was busted I never said a word and my uncle didn\u2019t do more then take a second look when he walked passed me.<\/p>\n

When my parents died he was the only living relative the sheriff could find. He never wanted kids and didn\u2019t care too much about me or what happened at school as long as I didn\u2019t get suspended. If I was suspended then I would be in his way and if my uncle had any rules, I couldn\u2019t get in his way. I was just lucky he said I could go with him to San Francisco on his business trip because I needed some new cloths; otherwise I\u2019d be left at home by myself, but I guess this time I thought me and my uncle might actually bond a little while on our trip. \u201cIt was wishful thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Over the past few months me and Joe have just waved at each other every so often but nothing more, we were both just letting the steam wear off before we started talking again. But now we had to say something because all are work was ruined and school was about to start.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell how\u2019ve you been?\u201d I managed to sound casual.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be honest I was doing a lot better before I bumped into you.\u201d From his tone I could tell he was joking.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah same here, what do you think we should do?\u201d<\/p>\n

The bell had just ringed as if on cue, he picked up one of the papers where the writing was obviously smudged and ruined. \u201cI guess we\u2019ll have to tell her what happened and maybe she\u2019ll understand,\u201d he said not at all too confident.<\/p>\n

Tuff luck, this was going to be a long day; I muttered under my breath as we walked into the school house.<\/p>\n

Well sure enough I was right, and Miss Jones wouldn\u2019t believe a word we said. Even though we had the wet papers to show her, she assumed we had written down random words on them and gotten them wet on purpose just to have an excuse as to why we didn\u2019t study.<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t really blame her; I mean we weren\u2019t exactly honor students.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really think we planed all that just for an excuse? Gee, you\u2019re ridiculous and crazy!\u201d I said without thinking.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes got big and he turned to me and covered my mouth. He had actually thought to say the same thing but that thought was followed by another which was of his pa; I seemed to have missed the thought of consequences and carelessly said what was on my mind.<\/p>\n

It landed us both held late after school and then sent home with notes. I was the most bothered by being held late because I needed to be home on time to pack since we were leaving tonight on the last stage. Joe seemed to be worried about the note most and said I have to come home with him and explain it to his pa.<\/p>\n

I tried telling him about the stage I had to meet but he wouldn\u2019t take no for an answer, he kept saying his hide depended on me to tell his father what happened. I wasn\u2019t really sure what he meant but I went along anyway, I\u2019m guessing his record of telling the truth must be a little tarnished, then again so was mine but at least his family didn\u2019t know that.<\/p>\n

I knew my uncle wouldn\u2019t really care about the note and on any other occasion wouldn\u2019t mind me being late. He was always busy and never had time for me. Looking back my parents wouldn\u2019t have minded very much either, my dad was just as busy and my mother would\u2019ve been a little disappointed but there wouldn\u2019t have been any consequences.<\/p>\n

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When we got to Joes place I thought it was the biggest place I\u2019d ever seen. It was magnificent and I must admit I was curious to see the man in charge of it all. From what Joe told me his father worked hard for everything he had and had lots of good morals, he never broke a promise and always did things the \u201cproper way\u201d as his father would put it. And he also expected the same from all of his sons.<\/p>\n

We finally pulled up to his house which was also very big, or at least just bigger than mine. His father was inside sitting at his desk when we walked in three hours from when he would have expected Joe. It was already past dinner time at nearly eight and I could tell his father had been worrying up a storm. When we tied our horses Joe looked at the barn and noticed his brothers horses were gone which made him more nervous, knowing his brothers were probably sent to find him.<\/p>\n

His father must have been expecting them first instead of Joe because he stood up real fast and said \u201cyou found him?\u201d But then he stopped and looked at us. I could tell a weight was off his shoulders just by the look on his face, I could also tell by the look on his face that he was puzzled by my presence.<\/p>\n

\u201cH\u2026Hi pa, I\u2019m sorry I\u2019m late but I kinda\u2026 got held after school.\u201d<\/p>\n

I could see Mr. Cartwright\u2019s face become dark.<\/p>\n

First he sighed and then he said, \u201cJoseph you either did or you didn\u2019t get held after class, now which is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Honestly, I was just scared of the tone he used, my parents never once showed as much concern as he did. I looked over at Joe who scrambled to find the right words. I decided to jump in and help.<\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, Mr. Cartwright my name is Andrew Wesley and I can explain why Joes late; It\u2019s kinda\u2026 I mean it is my fault.\u201d From the half-look I got, I could tell his patience was wearing thin and I\u2019m glad I caught myself.<\/p>\n

He first eyed Joe and then looked at me, then he said \u201cAlright Andrew, go ahead and tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can call me Wesley, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay fine, Wesley, please explain this to me.\u201d If I didn\u2019t know any better I think he sounded sarcastic.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell first you see; we sort of bumped into each other and dropped are books in the horse trough, then when we told Miss Jones what happened she accused us of doing it on purpose because she thought we didn\u2019t study and needed an excuse. That\u2019s why she held us after class so we could redo our reports. But I can assure you Mr. Cartwright that we both studied and we were prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see, is that all that happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell no, that\u2019s not all.\u201d I started my sentence off by saying \u201cwe\u201d but by the glare I received from Joe I stuttered and changed it to \u201cI\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe, I mean I\u2019 got us in more trouble, because I called the teacher ridiculous and she sent both of us home with notes umm, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

I added the sir part just in case. But the whole time I talked Joe let me say everything and just eyed the floor, you should have seen him looking as innocent as a lamb and I could definitely tell it was a practiced look and that he\u2019s been in this situation before.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, Wesley I certainly appreciate your honesty and thank you for clearing this up. You and I can talk about this later on Joe.\u201d He looked at Joe and was seemingly calmer, so I knew my friend would be okay thanks to my explanation.<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t sure but I think it\u2019s a bad thing when Mr. Cartwright calls little Joe Joseph. I could tell that Joe wasn\u2019t as nervous when he called him by his nickname again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWesley I would invite you to stay for dinner but I\u2019m sure your parents must be worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018\u201dPa, Wesley\u2019s parents passed away and he stays with his uncle.\u201d Joe very modestly informed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m really sorry to hear that Wesley, I wasn\u2019t aware.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s alright Mr. Cartwright you weren\u2019t aware and it doesn\u2019t bother me as much anymore. I really do need to get home though; I\u2019m going to San Francisco with my uncle tonight on the eleven o\u2019clock stage.\u201d \u00a0I couldn\u2019t help but notice that for the first time when someone said they were sorry for the loss of my parents, they actually sounded sorry. I was starting to like little Joes family and how close, warm and comforting they were.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly we need to get you back home right away then, and\u2026.wait did I hear you say the eleven o\u2019clock stage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s what my uncle said; I should\u2019ve been back right after school to finish packing and then leave with him. Why do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, is your uncle by any chance named Matt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s my uncle Matt. Why do you ask Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI checked the schedule for the stages yesterday and there\u2019s none leaving at eleven o\u2019clock tonight. There was one earlier today at twelve that a friend of mine asked me to meet and see him off, the only other passenger on board was a man by the name of\u2026.Matt Wesley.\u201d He stopped and cast his eyes down.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut my uncle said I could go with him, I don\u2019t understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said your uncle was leaving for San Francisco?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe had some business to take care of and he said he would buy me some new cloths when we got there.\u201d I answered.<\/p>\n

I hope Mr. Cartwright couldn\u2019t tell how upset I was becoming; I just couldn\u2019t understand why my uncle would leave me like this.<\/p>\n

\u201cWesley, I\u2019m afraid that stage was headed for Chicago, not San Francisco.\u201d Mr. Cartwright tried to say this as gently as he could, but the damage was done.<\/p>\n

Tears began burning my eyes; I just couldn\u2019t believe he would do this to me. I mean leaving to San Francisco without me was one thing and I could understand if he did it because I was late, but the stage he told me to meet was never real and he left on a different one for Chicago! I mean what would he be doing in Chicago? Did I deserve this? Did anyone want me? Or was there something wrong with me? \u00a0All of these questions flooded my mind. My life was falling apart all over again, just when it seemingly started to get better.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for telling me this Mr. Cartwright, I think I\u2019d better be going.\u201d I was visibly holding back my sniffles and tears when I said have a goodnight. I think Mr. Cartwright was actually going to call me back at the door, but I bumped into Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, haven\u2019t I seen you before\u201d Came Adams response.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I met you before with Joe; you\u2019re Adam and you\u2019re Hoss, right?\u201d I looked at them both.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah that\u2019s right; and you\u2019re Wesley. I remember you were helping Joe in that fight a few months ago.\u201d He looked up at Ben. \u201cWhat brings you here this time of night?\u201d He asked me.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just helping Joe clear up a misunderstanding, it was nice seeing you but I really must be going so goodnight.\u201d Before I could make my way out of the door, I felt a big warm hand touch my shoulder. To my surprise it was Mr. Cartwright and I couldn\u2019t believe that he actually cared enough to stop me.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait Wesley, I don\u2019t think you should be staying alone; why don\u2019t you stay the night and have some dinner. And in the morning we could talk to the sheriff and see about finding a relative for you to stay with until we find your uncle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s real nice of you Mr. Cartwright, but I don\u2019t have other relatives to stay with, you would be stuck with me. And I wouldn\u2019t want to put you out, so I\u2019ll be fine by myself.\u201d Sadness was clearly in my voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe stuck with you? Oh no that would hardly be the case Wesley, I understand that your upset about your uncle and what he\u2019s done isn\u2019t right at all; but I would really appreciate it if you stayed with us until some other arrangements could be made. You shouldn\u2019t be by yourself without someone to take care of you.\u201d He drew an arm around my shoulder and I looked up at him in disbelief, I was so close to crying right then and there in front of them all.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so Mr. Cartwright, if you see it that way.\u201d What he didn\u2019t know is that I\u2019ve practically raised myself all this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay uh, Hop sing\u2019s got some left over roast and some mash potatoes\u2019 and if I\u2019m not mistaken, he\u2019s still got some of that cherry pie left too.\u201d Hoss was trying to win me over, and it worked.<\/p>\n

I turned and smiled at Hoss, then I looked at Joe who had eager eye\u2019s and seemed thrilled at having a friend stay over. I gave him a nod which set his spirits to an all time high.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, I can\u2019t wait to show you my room and everything!\u201d Joe exclaimed loudly.<\/p>\n

He grabbed my arm and rushed me upstairs, the last thing I saw was all the other Cartwright\u2019s smiling with their arms folded and giving each other knowing looks.<\/p>\n

Joe seemed to be happy and so was I, our friendship would soon blossom and become greater than I would even think to imagine. We stayed up a little while and played checkers until we both got really tired and then Hoss and Adam picked us up and twirled around like they would drop us, Adam said it was time us miscreants got some sleep. I had no idea the reason they suddenly did it but I was happy they did, it was so much fun having someone to play around with like that.<\/p>\n

They carried us up and showed me the guest room, then we all said see ya in the morning. And later that night Mr. Cartwright came in my room to check on me, but I wasn\u2019t asleep so we talked.<\/p>\n

He said he was sorry for everything that\u2019s taken place and that he would try his best to help me; and that things like this happen sometimes. He said some other stuff about school an how important it is and that he would talk to me more about it in the morning, then he said goodnight and sleep well.<\/p>\n

It was strange to me for someone I just met to care about me so fast. I did cry that night before I fell asleep, it did make me feel a little better about what was going on. But then I realized that I should be happy to have met a family that wanted to help me. I went to sleep smiling.<\/p>\n

Wesley and the Cartwright\u2019s I thought to myself, wow it even has a ring to it. I wasn\u2019t sure how long this would last; but it seemed like a great new beginning to what was almost a lonely end.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first night I slept pretty well considering what had taken place. I did wake up once last night\u00a0to look around; I guess you could say I wanted to make sure it was all real and not a dream teasing me.<\/p>\n

I woke up that morning greeted by Hoss and Joe, which was so new to me and I enjoyed every minute of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d ya sleep last night Wesley?\u201d Joe asked me in a cheerful mood.<\/p>\n

\u201cI slept great, thanks for asking.\u201d All of a sudden the smell of bacon and eggs with homemade biscuits filled the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cBreakfast is ready short shanks number two.\u201d \u00a0Hoss told me with a big grin and left the room.<\/p>\n

I got up and put my same shirt back on and headed for the door, when Joe handed me a different shirt that was clean.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, you can have one of mine.\u201d He said<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Joe, I really appreciate this. Hey umm, can you tell me why Hoss just called me short shanks number two?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I\u2019m short shanks number one, now ya want some breakfast or don\u2019t ya?\u201d He couldn\u2019t help but giggle at his own words.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess I do want some breakfast short shanks number one.\u201d I joked right along with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight this way, short shanks number two.\u201d He laughed aloud showing me the stairs.<\/p>\n

We made it down stairs together where our two seats were reserved and sat down. If you ask Mr. Cartwright, the way we were laughing and kidding with each other you would think we were brothers. He was in a good mood that morning and asked how I slept.<\/p>\n

\u201cI slept very well Mr. Cartwright, thank you for having me stay with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo trouble at all, I\u2019m sorry you couldn\u2019t be staying under more pleasant circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

I began eating my breakfast as Mr. Cartwright told Adam and Hoss what he wanted them to take care of today. He also said he wanted me and Joe to do something, something I had never been asked to do before in my entire life.<\/p>\n

First he asked both of us if we remembered what he had told us about school last night and we both nodded yes.<\/p>\n

He said; \u201cJoe and Wesley I have something I want you to do today, I looked at both of the notes your teacher sent home and I would like for both of you to write an apology letter to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Out of wonder I asked him why; before Joe could put a hand over my mouth to stop me. Apparently we were getting off easy as Joe later put it.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss chose that moment to leave and get started on their chores; it was afterwards that I realized the reason why.<\/p>\n

Mr. Cartwright took forever to explain respect and how to do things the proper way after you\u2019ve made a mistake and that even though it was a misunderstanding this would be the right thing to do. I was so tired of him talking that I just nodded my head and agreed yes sir.<\/p>\n

I did write an apology letter along with Joe, but I guess it wasn\u2019t what you would call sincere enough so Mr. Cartwright asked me to redo it. At this point I realized that it was gonna take a lot of work to fit in with the Cartwright\u2019s and their proper ways.<\/p>\n

By the time we were finished with the apology letters and ready to give them to Miss Jones, Mr. Cartwright was ready to go in town and meet with the sheriff. I was pretty nervous; I mean what if we never found my uncle? Or what if when we found him he refused to take me? What if we couldn\u2019t find another relative for me to live with and I become an orphan?<\/p>\n

This was gonna be a long day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

End Notes:<\/b><\/p>\n

“This is my first series, so let me know what you think and any ideas are welcome. Chapters will be added every two months or less.”_Thank you!<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 2 “Getting to Know Wesley”\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

When we made it into town I was still pretty nervous and honestly frightened of what might be my future. But then I remembered what Mr. Cartwright said, that he would do his best to help me and for that reason I felt the securest I had ever felt in a long time. I know when you\u2019re little that your pa is supposed to be your hero, and that you should feel the safest when he\u2019s around; but that was never the case with my family. And now that both of my parents have passed away, that feeling is even further away from me. But at least with the Cartwright family I feel pretty confident and actually, now that I think of it I\u2019ve never felt so confident.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All sense of confidence left when we explained the situation to Sheriff Coffee and his happy mood fizzled to a grim look, I got even more worried when he asked me and Joe to wait outside. If it was something good then he would\u2019ve said it with me present, but now I was getting upset that he would think I can\u2019t handle hearing whatever he has to say about my uncle and the situation. When I get upset I think a lot and when I think a lot, I usually say what\u2019s on my mind. As you can tell from my past experiences, this never really ends well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnything you want to say about my situation, you can just say it to my face sheriff Coffee!\u201d My eyes started watering and my voice choked up while I yelled and refused to leave the room. Joe took this opportunity to leave and wait as he had been told, which I guess is what I could\u2019ve done in the first place but oh well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was unaware that these were signs Mr. Cartwright had started to study about me, from his past experience with all three of his sons he knew exactly what to do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright Wesley; shhhh\u2019 it\u2019ll be okay, I just need to talk to the sheriff privately for a moment and then we\u2019ll take it from there. Just calm down and I\u2019ll take care of everything, and we won\u2019t keep any secrets from you. \u201d He knelt on one knee and hugged me, then calmly said all those reassurances to make me feel better and calm me down. Not what I expected, but I started feeling secure again in his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow tell the sheriff you apologize and excuse yourself, please.\u201d He continued to keep his arms around me, but had me turn and face the sheriff.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI apologize Sheriff Coffee, please excuse my outburst.\u201d I looked at Mr. Cartwright to make sure I did it correctly and he nodded in approval. Now this was completely new to me, being hugged and soothed with kind reassurances wasn\u2019t something that happened very often.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t intend on apologizing either, but I figured I might as well try it and see what it\u2019s like to handle things the Cartwright way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My parent\u2019s way was the exact opposite; my father worked all kinds of odd jobs here and there, like bartending, gambling on horse races, con tricks and things like that. My mother worked at saloons as a con-artist and knew lots of card tricks that no one could ever win. Whenever she got caught, she would lie her way out of it and sneak away to find my father. Then it was time to move again because the jig was up. I don\u2019t know how they had time to have a child or quite frankly why, but they didn\u2019t have enough time afterwards to teach me the things Mr. Cartwright was showing me, that\u2019s for sure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s alright Wesley, no harm done.\u201d The Sheriff told me and eyed Mr. Cartwright giving him a puzzled look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you and Joe go to deliver those letters to Miss. Jones and I\u2019ll come and get you when the Sheriff is ready to talk with you. Sound good?\u201d Mr. Cartwright asked me as he turned me around to face him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019ll see you later.\u201dHe gave me one last tight hug and I walked out and met with Joe who had been waiting for me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just knew you had gotten yourself in more trouble, but this time I wasn\u2019t goin down with you. If it had been me or any of my brothers that spoke to the Sheriff like that, Lord help us! What were you thinking Wesley?\u201d Joe began to shoot off his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down it\u2019s no big deal Joe, you said your pa is strict but he seems pretty nice to me. And I would\u2019ve protested further but he reasoned with me, so I decided to leave at my own will and that\u2019s all that happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHa! your own will, yea right! Common sense finally made an appearance in your mind is what happened. You\u2019re just lucky your last name ain\u2019t Cartwright, or your ears would be ringin worse than a church bell. \u00a0Come to think of it, he must be in a patient mood cause even if you weren\u2019t his son I think he still would have yelled and corrected you.\u201d He acknowledged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you be quiet?! \u00a0My ears are ringin just from you hollerin at me now, and we got letters to deliver so let\u2019s just get this over with, alright?\u201d I really wanted to get this un-enjoyable task done and out of the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSay umm, did he make you apologize before or after he told you to deliver the letters?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked me sarcastically and kidded with me. Which I must admit was a pretty good joke with the right timing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know something Cartwright? You\u2019re a smart-aleck! Now, can we please get this over with?\u201d I gave Joe a small shove to indicate I was joking and he went into a fit of giggles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I would\u2019ve told him exactly what happened and how calm Mr. Cartwright was, but there was a risk of him teasing me for getting such attention from his pa, like I was a little kid or something. To this day I still don\u2019t know how Mr. Cartwright knew I was emotional and in need of reassurance, but I guess it\u2019s one of those things that a good parent just picks up on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Mr. Cartwright hugged me and held me for a moment I realized that this was the third time I had ever been hugged in my entire life. How sad is that? The only other two times were because I got lost from my parents due to their drinking habits and forgetfulness. I bet Joe or even his brothers\u2019 must have lost count of how many times their pa had embraced them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I decided to forget the past and focus on the task at hand. Delivering the apology letters to Miss. Jones was going to be tuff but I was curious to what her reaction might be. Just think of it; I, Andrew Wesley giving her a sincere apology letter out of my own will. Well, mostly my own will, I guess you could say I wasn\u2019t sure whether or not I wanted to cross Mr. Cartwright or disagree with him; but we\u2019ll find that out later.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, we finally made it to Miss. Jones house and knocked on the door. Joe nudged my side and whispered to me \u201cWatch this.\u201d The door opened and Joe began an act that should\u2019ve been in theaters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, good afternoon Miss. Jones! Wesley and I were thinking about what happened yesterday and decided to fix our mistakes by giving you these two sincere apology letters. Though it really was my brother Adams idea, when he heard the way we acted he thought it was terrible and said that a woman of your stature should be treated with the utmost respect, so he insisted on us giving you these letters. \u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that so? Well thank you boys very much! Why don\u2019t you two come inside, I just made some fresh pie.\u201d She said very cheerfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before stepping inside Joe whispered to me again. \u201cHook\u2026 line\u2026 and sinker.\u201d It was no secret in town that Miss. Jones was crazy for Joe\u2019s older brother Adam and at that moment, I realized what Joe had just done and how brilliant it was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While we both enjoyed some pie and Joe rambled on and on about his brother Adam; causing Miss. Jones to practically drool, I couldn\u2019t help but wonder what the Sheriff and Mr. Cartwright were talking about. After all this does affect my life.<\/p>\n

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, would you mind telling me what that was all about?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not quite sure myself Roy, the only thing I know is that boy needs a lot of care to make up for everything he\u2019s going through right now and my heart goes out to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can recall a time when one of you boys spoke up like that before; did you ever let them hear the end of it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah I know what you getting at Roy, but he doesn\u2019t need reprimanding. How can you correct someone who doesn\u2019t know the correct way in the first place, what he needs is understanding and somebody to show him guidance. The last thing he needs right now is someone lecturing him, what he needs is to know that someone\u2019s there for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou hit it right on the nail there Ben. I read the reports on his parent\u2019s death; and he saw the whole thing happened right in front of him and there wasn\u2019t a thing that could\u2019ve been done to save em\u2019.\u00a0 The doc there said in the report that his parents might have survived if they weren\u2019t so intoxicated.\u201d Roy just skook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben sat in the chair he folded his hands and leaned forward giving a serious impression. \u201cYou know as well as I do that some people have no business having children if they can\u2019t bring them up right and spend time with them and take care of them properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow Ben I ain\u2019t gonna sugar coat nothin with you, Wesley\u2019s not the world\u2019s best behaved child and he\u2019s been in trouble at school ever since he moved here. \u00a0And to make matters worse, his uncle never gave two bits about him either, there were several times I found Wesley looking for food and nearly starved to death. Yes sir, that boy\u2019s been dealt a harsh hand in life and he ain\u2019t playing his cards too well.\u201d Roy said in a matter of fact tone of voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re an eye witness Roy; you saw how well he can behave when someone is calm and secure. I\u2019m sure that if one person, just one person showed him a little understanding and guidance it would make such a difference.\u201d Ben stated entirely sure of his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWere gonna need somebody to do just that Ben, I hear in Chicago there\u2019s so many slews and slums about that city that it just makes it impossible to find a missing person. Not only that, but from what you told me about Wesley\u2019s uncle, that man just don\u2019t wanna be found.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what are you saying Roy, there\u2019s no way to find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m saying that we don\u2019t have the man power to find him and if we did it would be a waste of time. There ain\u2019t nobody who\u2019s willing to go find a man in a city like that, that don\u2019t wanna be found in the first place. \u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell then what happens to Wesley; do we all just forget about him and place him as a lost cause? He has to have some kind of closure to this and he told me he has no other relatives, so where is he supposed to live from now on?\u201d It\u2019s safe to say Ben was starting to lose his temper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe only thing I\u2019m able to do for Wesley is to take him to a home where children can be adopted. From there on it\u2019s out of my hands and I wish I could do more to help him Ben, but I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAn adoption home! At his age no one would adopt him because he\u2019s fourteen and around here that\u2019s too grown. That would be the worst thing for any child to go through, watching all the other younger children leave and find happy homes while he\u2019s stuck there wandering why no one loves him!\u201d Ben shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, what do you suppose we do Ben? My hands are tied!\u201d Roy started to shout.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe will speak to Judge Thatcher and I will gain custody of him. He and Joe seem to have hit it off and I\u2019ve got all the requirements the state law requires to adopt him myself.\u201d Ben concluded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee just crossed his arms and shook his head and smiled. He thought to himself; leave it to Ben Cartwright to find a light at the end of a tunnel. \u201cSo be it Ben, but there is one thing you need to consider.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what would that be?\u201d He asked confidently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe state doesn\u2019t require the child\u2019s consent in adoption, but you should get the consent of your other sons since this will affect their lives too. And you should talk things over with Wesley; see how he feels about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounds like I\u2019ve got a lot of talking to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your just the man for it Ben, I hope everything goes well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Roy, I think it might be best if I explained to Wesley about his uncle myself though.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be by in a couple of days and we\u2019ll go from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Ben, take care now.\u201d The Sheriff went back to his desk and peered out the window watching his dear friend walk off. \u201cYes sir, the world sure could use more men like Ben Cartwright.\u201d He mused.<\/p>\n

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<\/p>\n

\u201cHello Miss. Jones, how are you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh I\u2019m fine Mr. Cartwright, and yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m doing well, thank you for asking. But I came by to get Joe and Wesley, are they still here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, I\u2019ll get them for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss. Jones was in a good mood, so Ben smiled knowing the boys had succeeded in their task.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere they are Mr. Cartwright, just the same as when they got here but much fuller with pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good to hear, I hope you found the letter\u2019s they wrote pleasant.\u201d Ben said with a smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Oh yes the letters, well I haven\u2019t even read them yet but I\u2019m sure there just wonderful. And umm, would you mind telling Adam I said hello for me please?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh, sure I don\u2019t mind but I thought\u2026\u201dJoe cut in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on pa, I\u2019m sure Miss. Jones has some things to take care of. Not to mention Wesley over here, he\u2019s right anxious to talk about finding his uncle.\u201d He finished in a big rush, but that\u2019s when I stepped in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre we still going to talk with the sheriff Mr. Cartwright?\u201d I asked innocently, even though Joe was the one who distracted Miss. Jones, not me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not exactly. Ben sighed. Goodbye Miss. Jones, let me know how you found the letters.\u201d He apparently wanted to talk about this later in private.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course Mr. Cartwright, please don\u2019t forget to tell Adam I said hello.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh I won\u2019t, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be happy to hear from you.\u201d I could be mistaken, but I\u2019m almost sure I heard Mr. Cartwright chuckle under his breath as we walked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We walked back to our horses quietly, which made me nervous again as we started our way back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After riding nearly halfway up to the house Mr. Cartwright stopped and told Joe he wanted him to show me more of the Ponderosa. We both thought it was strange and reluctantly agreed, as he went back to the house we gave each other puzzled looks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s clear he doesn\u2019t want us at the house right now, so where do we go first?\u201d I asked Joe playfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon I\u2019ll show you the clearing.\u201d He gave a half smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When we got there it was really nice and I enjoyed the scenery. \u00a0Then I asked Joe if he wanted to race.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a trick question?\u201d He grinned and took off at full speed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We raced all around the clearing and then made our way to the lake, which was outstanding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won!\u201d Joe exclaimed loudly as he dismounted from his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean you cheated?\u201d I asked sarcastically and dismounted as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea what you\u2019re talking about, Joe Cartwright never cheats.\u201d He declared and posed proudly like a statue with his eyes closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh really, you don\u2019t say?\u201d\u00a0 We were standing close enough to the edge of the lake; I grabbed my empty canteen and filled it quietly while he went on mimicking his father and gave a speech about telling the truth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before he could finish saying what the definition of honesty was I snuck up behind him and emptied the entire canteen on him. I laughed so hard that I doubled over and he tackled me into the water not caring that we were both fully dressed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We laughed so hard together and swam the rest of the afternoon splashing each other back and forth. By the way, to set the record straight I won that race.<\/p>\n

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright came home and found his sons eating lunch in the barn. \u201cMight I join you two for lunch?\u201d He asked already knowing the answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure pa,\u201d Hoss answered and laid down another bale of hay for Ben to sit on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo how did everything go with Roy, pa?\u201d Adam asked as he tossed Ben a sandwich.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s actually why I came out here to talk with you. I talked things over with Roy and we\u2019ve come to the conclusion that Wesley\u2019s uncle can\u2019t be found.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a shame, Wesley\u2019s a good kid and he deserves better than to get abandoned like that by someone who\u2019s supposed to be his uncle.\u201d Adam stated grimly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you thinks gonna happen to Wesley now? Is there anything we can do to help em?\u201d Hoss was concerned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s the second reason I came out here to talk with you two. Are\u2026 are you fond of Wesley?\u201d Ben wasn\u2019t sure how to put his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre we fond of him? Adam and Hoss asked in unison and looked at each other with raised eye brows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell yes, do you like having him around is what I\u2019m asking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I think me and older brother over here understand what you\u2019re gettin at.\u201d Hoss stated with a grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the answer is absolutely, it would be nice for Joe to have someone his own age to be around and Wesley seems like a good kid at heart.\u201d Adam said in a matter of fact voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then it\u2019s settled, you two are happy with adopting Wesley?\u201d Ben asked to make sure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe more the merrier!\u201d Hoss gave a big smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreat! I\u2019ll talk things over with Wesley and Joe tomorrow.\u201d Ben gave a big smile of his own as he walked out of the barn, but turned back as he remembered something that gave him an even bigger smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam I almost forgot to tell you that Miss. Jones said hello.\u201d Ben tried his best not to laugh as Adam suddenly turned pink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for the message pa.\u201d Adam said through clenched teeth and shot a look towards Hoss who had just burst into laughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben made it as far as the porch before he himself went into a fit of laughter, due to hearing his sons banter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that funny Hoss!\u201d Adam yelled<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re right\u2026 It\u2019s not that funny to you older brother, but it sure is funny to me!\u201d Laughter could be heard from Hoss all the way around the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

End Notes:<\/b><\/p>\n

I hope you liked this chapter, please let me know through your comments and feedback. Any suggestions are welcome and thank you for reading!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
Chapter 3 “Adopting Wesley”\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

We came home tired from our tour of the Ponderosa, had dinner and went to bed without a single worry in the world. It felt nice getting to see what Joe\u2019s life was all about, where as I realized just how different mine was from his. I\u2019ve been taking care of myself since I was about four; learning my way around different towns quickly, stealing things whenever I wanted something, finding food wherever I could. And now because of my past there seems to be this one lingering question on my mind; \u201cWas I good enough to be a part of the Cartwright family if I really tried?<\/p>\n

So many things ran across my mind before I finally concluded that time would only tell and I fell into a blissful sleep. \u201cMorning Wesley!\u201d Joe woke me up excitedly handing me an old wooden rod. \u201cWhat\u2019s this for?\u201d I began to rub the sleep out of my eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy pa always takes me fishing on the first Saturday of spring vacation. Get dressed and I\u2019ll meet ya down stairs at the table.\u201d He had a big happy grin stretched from ear to ear. It seemed like he was up to something cause I really didn\u2019t know what was so exiting about fishing to begin with.<\/p>\n

\u201cDagnabbit little Joe, if you woke Wesley up with that big fox grin of yours he\u2019s bound ta\u2019 know something\u2019s up.\u201d Hoss whispered to Joe as he sat down at the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry Hoss; I played it off pretty good. I\u2019m just so excited about pa adopting Wesley, we like all the same things and it\u2019s gonna be real nice having a brother my age to do stuff with.\u201d There went that big flashy smile of his again.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean having a partner in crime don\u2019t you?\u201d Adam raised an eye brow as he teased his wonderfully mischievous little brother.<\/p>\n

He was fine with having Wesley around for a brother, it seemed as though his family was always helping someone in need; but one Joseph Cartwright was enough to turn the house upside down, and having two just made him a little uneasy, yet he welcomed the challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about, I\u2019 umm\u2026\u201c He tried to defend himself but his family knew him all too well and gave way to snickering.<\/p>\n

Wesley had just come down stairs to find everyone trying their best to hide their laughs, in which they were failing to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d He asked as he sat down at the table and began to put food on his plate. Everyone seemed to be acting strange today he thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh nothing important, Wesley. Are you exited about fishing today?\u201d Adam asked Wesley as he tried to change the subject. Wesley couldn\u2019t help but notice that Mr. Cartwright wasn\u2019t at the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I guess so, but I\u2019ve never really been all that much.\u201d His answer wasn\u2019t very enthusiastic, yet it was still honest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, I think we\u2019re gonna to have to change that. You and Joe are gonna get to go pretty often this spring, I hear there\u2019s lots of fish down by this certain creek; and I think you\u2019ll like it a lot.\u201d Hoss was able to spark a little interest in Wesley by the mentioning of him and Joe being together all this spring. Adam tried to kick Hoss\u2019 leg under the table to get his attention and then give him a look as if to say \u201cweren\u2019t you the one who just told Joe not to say too much about the surprise?\u201d<\/p>\n

The wheels in Wesley\u2019s mind began to turn. He was going to spend all spring with Joe and his family? What about his uncle, were they still going to try and find him? \u201cI\u2019m just gonna have to wait and play my cards right.\u201d He thought to himself.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam went to take care of their barn chores accompanied by Joe and Wesley who were supposed to help but ended up playing in the loft till about noon. Adam and Hoss could hear them talking and just smiled at each other. How long ago was it when they used to hide up there and tell secrets or make plans for the future when they were old enough to go places? It seemed like just the other day they were up there and Adam was telling Hoss all about his many adventures at collage in Boston.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

It was time for lunch when Ben rode into the front yard wearing a huge smile.<\/p>\n

Adam was the first to see this smile and he knew exactly what it meant. He gave Ben a small wink as he offered to put his horse away.<\/p>\n

Everyone finished lunch together and set off to enjoy their Saturday. Hoss and Adam went to finish up mending the last few yards of fences along the north pasture in preparation for the upcoming winter. After doing so they intended on a much needed and deserved trip into town, while everyone else went fishing by the special creek Ben had picked out earlier where it would be the perfect place to tell Wesley about the adoption.<\/p>\n

~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~*~*~*~~*~*~~*~<\/p>\n

Considering how I\u2019ve never really been on a fishing trip before, I had a really great time! Mr. Cartwright show\u2019d me how to cast my line, and then he told us stories of his youth when he would sail on ships and how big the waves would get. Me and Joe caught some real big fish for Hop sing to cook for dinner and after that we went swimming while Mr. Cartwright let his eyes rest, but I think he was really taking a nap. The whole trip was much more fun than I thought it would be; I hope we could be together like this all the time.<\/p>\n

It was getting close to about three in the afternoon and I thought the day just couldn\u2019t get any better. I was lost in my thoughts thinking about all the adventures me and Joe could go on this spring, when suddenly Mr. Cartwright had said he wanted to talk with me. I could see a quick smile come over Joe\u2019s face and I knew this must be whatever they were up to earlier. \u201cSure Mr. Cartwright, what is it?\u201d Was my response.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I have a few things I want to tell you about from when I spoke to the sheriff.\u201d I became a little nervous by his carefully chosen words but nodded my head encouraging him to go on.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes when people go away without telling you, it usually means they want to live a different life style\u2026 a type of single life style. And from what I\u2019ve learned about your uncle from the sheriff, I can see that perhaps your uncle wasn\u2019t ready to live his life with the responsibility of a child. And he has definitely made this evident by his leaving. Now, of course he still loves you, but it seems that he just wasn\u2019t ready to take care of you; so maybe he panicked and left. Do you understand what I mean, Wesley?\u201d He spoke very calmly while trying to explain the situation as gently as possible.<\/p>\n

He would have saved a lot of breath if he had just said my uncle didn\u2019t want to be bothered with me so that\u2019s why he left; but Mr. Cartwright was very subtle in some ways about telling people bad news.
\n\u201cI think I understand what you\u2019re saying, but what does this mean for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJudge Thatcher, the sheriff, and I have given this a lot of thought, and what it means for you is that you will need a temporary\u2026 or perhaps permanent home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of temporary\u2026 or permanent home did you have in mind?\u201d My mind was racing and all I could think about was; \u201cplease don\u2019t say I\u2019m going to some kind of adoption home for boys!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were all thinking that it would be best if you lived with us for a while whereas arrangements would be made for you to live with us\u2026. permanently.\u201d I wasn\u2019t able to see the look on my face, but I guarantee that it was a look of pure happiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cPermanently? Has in\u2026 forever? Like I could live there from now on?\u201d I just had to make sure what I was hearing was true.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that is the whole idea of\u2026 adopting you.\u201d He smiled. \u201cSo, What do you think about it Wesley, would you like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do I think about it?\u201d I was still in shock that a wonderful family like the Cartwright\u2019s actually wanted to adopt a lower-class kid like me.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 yeah, definitely, yes\u2026yes sir, I would like that very much!\u201d I couldn\u2019t say yes fast enough and I felt like screaming it to the world that I Andrew Wesley was being offered a place in the Cartwright family; where I could grow up on the Ponderosa and actually call it home, where I could be loved and cared for by not just one but two big brothers, an amazing father, and have a brother my same age to spend all my time with. Yes, I wanted to shout it all out to the world! But I\u2019d settle for a bunch of big hugs and a welcoming fish dinner made by Hop sing the best cook ever at my new home.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

I guess it doesn\u2019t matter where you come from; it\u2019s what you make of it that determines your future.<\/p>\n

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*<\/p>\n

Today is Sunday; a week after Mr. Cartwright said he wanted to adopt me. None of my relatives have responded so I guess we can safely say that I have no other relatives, until tomorrow at nine A.M when we meet with the Judge and he confirms the adoption; then I will have a whole new family with the Cartwright\u2019s.<\/p>\n

The qualities that I\u2019ve seen demonstrated by all the Cartwright\u2019s let me know that I couldn\u2019t be in better hands and I\u2019m so happy to be only a day away from being an official member of their family.<\/p>\n

Well here I am now in the middle of church with my soon to be family; if only I could just keep awake and pay attention. I\u2019ve been struggling for the last half hour and I\u2019ve already been tapped on my knee twice for nodding off. As I look over at Joe, he sits very still with his hands folded neatly but wait, yep, he\u2019s out like a light. Here comes Adam about to tap him on the shoulder, but never mind them, I have to focus on me, \u201ctry and stay awake Wesley, you can do this \u2026 oh no\u2026. I hear the preacher\u2019s voice trailing off, my eyes are getting heavier\u2026. darkness, bliss, warmth, and goodnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPraise thy Goddddd!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d I hear loud singing and I jump to my feet as though I\u2019d been standing and singing the whole time. I\u2019m certain that Joe just did the same thing as me.<\/p>\n

The final verse was sung and I turned around to look at Mr. Cartwright, who was wearing a big grin that told me he saw the whole fight I had against sleep and boredom.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a great sermon he did, wasn\u2019t it\u2026?\u201d I had a big cheeky grin that imitated Joes down to a T.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I gonna do with you two imps?\u201d He smiled and shook his head in our direction which meant that all is forgiven of course.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d I do?\u201d Joe looked innocent as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.<\/p>\n

The rest of the day went by slower than a snail covered in tree sap, or maybe it was just me? I was pretty anxious to get through the day and have tomorrow come so I could be an official Cartwright. So I rushed through the rest of the day as it would be the last time I was ever alone in the world. Can you blame me for being so impatient?<\/p>\n

I had fun at the picnic with Joe. We found a good spot to eat our lunch and just talk under this shade tree. We had already come to the conclusion that we were both each other\u2019s best friend and started to plan all the things we could do when we got older. One of those ideas included going to New Orleans to see where my parents and his mother were from, I guess it was because inside we each had a little part of us missing and it seemed as if going there would fill it. We would plan from that day forward our trip and all the things we would do, how great it would be, just the two of us.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s the day! Wake up Joe, come on and get dressed!\u201d Now in case you didn\u2019t notice, today was the day I get adopted and I was extremely excited, and so was Joe after I finally woke him up.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah, today\u2019s the day!\u201d Joe sprung to his feet and got ready; together we rushed downstairs where all the other Cartwright\u2019s were sitting at the table.<\/p>\n

I love it every time I see my new family sitting at the table, and then coming down the stairs with my best friend \/ brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you two mind not running in the house this morning? We still have rules to maintain you know.\u201d Mr. Cartwright was being only mock stern and smiling as we took are reserved seats at the table. Though I did take him seriously when he said there are rules to maintain, and I\u2019m not entirely sure how well I\u2019ll measure up to them, but we\u2019ll see.<\/p>\n

And so, the day started with my name being Andrew Wesley; and now, it has ended with my new full name being Andrew Wesley Cartwright. A day I will always remember.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

But there was one thing I was a little un-sure of. How was I supposed to go about calling Mr. Cartwright pa? Was it ok to just cross over that line and eventually it would become a normal thing? In some way wouldn\u2019t I be betraying my biological father? I was in deep thought on the ride home when Mr. Cartwright stopped his horse and looked at me.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, take Joe and Hoss home; I\u2019m going to talk with Wesley a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, see you later pa.\u201d He motioned for sport to go back to a steady gallop and Joe and Hoss followed along without him saying a word but only exchanging looks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWesley I want to talk with you about something important. Do you remember the creek we went to last Saturday?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I remember where it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be a better place to talk, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

I nodded my head and followed him all the way to the little creek. I\u2019m glad we went there to talk; it\u2019s one of my favorite places on the Ponderosa. Good things happen there.<\/p>\n

We got to the creek and Mr. Cartwright took down his saddle blanket and laid it down under this nice big tree. We sat down and started talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know Wesley; I think you\u2019ve had a hard life so far. Taking care of yourself all the time when you were living with your parents, and then there\u2019s all that happened with your uncle as well. I\u2019m truly sorry for the things you\u2019ve had to endure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s okay Mr. Cartwright, things have gotten a lot better since I met all of you. I\u2019m glad you adopted me too, I like living here.\u201d I looked around at the scenery.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad too Wesley, I really am. But there\u2019s something you need to know and something I feel we should get understood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to understand that you no longer have to take care of yourself, and that you are my responsibility now. I\u2019m here for you when you need me and I always will be. You might think at times I can be strict or un-fair, but I truly want what\u2019s best for you just as I would my other sons and I think of you as my son.\u201d His words were spoken quiet and soft, yet they held a broad meaning.<\/p>\n

I nodded my head and said; \u201cI want you to know something too.\u201d I looked up at him not sure of how to say what I wanted to let him know.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, tell me.\u201d He gave me his full attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I\u2019ve never\u2026 been this happy in a long time, Mr. Cartwright. I…. well…\u201d I was struggling with my question because I just couldn’t form the right words.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, I like it when my sons are happy. And I also like it when they address me as their father\u2026 it makes me feel proud.\u201d He had a cheerful and expectant tone.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m so glad he said that, it was as if he answered the question that was on my mind without me having to ask it. I just looked up at him and we both laughed. From that day forward I would always call him pa. I didn\u2019t feel as though I was betraying my biological father because it makes sense that the man who takes care of you and gives you everything you\u2019ll need in life such as love, a roof over your head, food, security, discipline and guidance, is your actual father. There was no doubt in my mind he was my \u201creal\u201d father, and the kind I always wanted too.<\/p>\n

Now I know I\u2019ve ended the whole adoption thing early, but that\u2019s not even one percent of all the adventures me and Joe got into! Eventually I\u2019ll get to the part of where we are now, twelve years later; and oh yeah, Joes gonna have a few stories to tell you as well. There\u2019s still a lot to cover so listen close as I continue telling the many adventure of us\u2026 Joe & Wesley Cartwright.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
End Notes:<\/span><\/em><\/div>\n
\n

Sorry chapter three took so long, at times I can be a bit of a perfectionist and want to make sure everything is just right. I had posted a different chapter three about a month and a half ago but decided to go another direction with the story line. Thank you for bearing with me and my perfectionist habbits. Please leave reviews and feedback. Ideas are welcome.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
Chapter Four: \u201cPoker\u201d<\/strong>It\u2019s been a few months since the adoption, and finally things have gotten to a regularly pace of life.Me and Joe had recently got the idea to put my bed in his room and share the one room. It took some pleading and reasoning but we got pa to say yes.Spring vacation has already passed and me and Joe did spend all of it fishing and playing down by the lake just as Hoss said we would.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

We\u2019ve been back at school for the past two weeks and I must say things couldn\u2019t be more boring. We wake up, eat, go to school, learn, eat, come home, do chores, eat, do homework, go to bed, and wake up only to start all over again. We were beginning to crave fun and were willing to do anything to get it.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know when it happened but eventually, skipping rocks and catching frogs didn\u2019t seem all that amusing anymore. The ninth grade boys were into bigger and better things; the skipping rocks turned into skipping school and the catching frogs turned into catching girls.<\/p>\n

We had a regular group of friends that we would meet up with on Fridays after school, most Saturdays, and Sundays during the usual church picnics. It was me, Joe, Mitch, Scott, and Tuck. We would always go to this old abandoned shack three miles down this small dirt road north of the ponderosa. It became our secret hide out and we\u2019d always meet there to share ideas and come up with fun stuff to do.<\/p>\n

We came up with a way to play some poker last week. A few of us were assigned something to bring in order to play like the real miners and old men play at the saloons.<\/p>\n

It was Saturday and as soon as our chores were done, me and Joe went to the old shack. We got there about the same time as everyone else did.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, did you bring the cards?\u201d Mitch asked us.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure did. You whittle those chips the right size?\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, I got em\u2019 all right here in this box.\u201d He smiled proudly.<\/p>\n

We started the game but were quickly disappointed to find that me and Joe had absolutely no skill and lost three games in a row. It was agreed the week before that we would only bet stuff and not money. Scott won the third game with a large straight and got half a sandwich, our cookies and few pieces of candy. Our friends told us that we needed to practice and learn some tricks.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just where are we supposed to learn some poker tricks?\u201d Joe was asking Scott who seemed to be enjoying our cookies very much.<\/p>\n

\u201cMmm, same place I learned.\u201d He mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere was that?\u201d Joe continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaloon.\u201d He answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat! How\u2019d you get in without them seeing and throwing ya out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s just it; you don\u2019t let them see you. I snuck in and hid behind some booths. It wasn\u2019t very comfortable but I got to watch enough games to know how to beat you two out of some cookies.\u201d He smiled to himself.<\/p>\n

Joe turned and looked at me. A certain twinkle in his eyes said everything I needed to know and a plan was formed. It was a simple and basic idea; if it worked we would end up really good at poker. If it failed, we would end up in big trouble because we we\u2019re strictly not allowed in saloons. We were taking a chance, but if it meant learning poker and becoming the best underground champions the kids in Virginia City ever saw, then it was worth it.<\/p>\n

The reason why we weren\u2019t allowed to go in saloons was because in this territory there were numerous gun slingin fights, drunken brawls, and skimpy dressed women that always hung around them. For those main reasons, our pa wanted us nowhere near a saloon until we were at least eighteen and could make our own decisions. Why were we doing this, you might ask? Because our oats were gonna get sowed one way or another, so we might as well get the first one out of the way.<\/p>\n

We managed to get in and sneak quietly over between a booth and the stair case. Once we got there we had a great view of two ongoing poker games, but that wasn\u2019t all we noticed in the saloon. The first girl we saw our eyes were glued too in amazement. She looked nothing like any girl we had ever seen before and at that moment I became very jealous of my two older brothers who were able to come here.<\/p>\n

In Virginia City saloons you had to be at least sixteen and with your pa or an older friend to be let in. Even then they\u2019d still ask annoying questions that constantly ended with the purposefully degrading title of \u2018boy\u2019. \u201cWatcha doin in here boy, school let out early? Where\u2019s yer pa at boy, he didn\u2019t feel like a whiskey today? You know I remember when you were just knee high tuggin on yer ma\u2019s skirt, boy?\u201dAnd if you were even twenty and had a mustache they\u2019d still bombard you with all the same questions just to get a laugh. Thankfully no one saw us sneaking in because then not only would we be scrutinized with all those questions, but word would get back to pa. That\u2019d make everything worse if he had to hear from everyone else in town that we were in a saloon after hours.<\/p>\n

Everything was going perfectly as planned; we had a great view of the card games and an even better view of the girls. Things couldn\u2019t have been working more in our favor. Until, we saw two familiar figures walk through those big swinging doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t breathe.\u201d Joe clutched his chest as Adam and Hoss walked into the saloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, stay calm and let\u2019s figure a way out of here. Don\u2019t give up yet, I think we can do this.\u201d I tried to give Joe some hope that we might make it out of here without getting caught if we could just wait for them to turn their backs and then ride like the wind on our horses.<\/p>\n

We saw our chance when they walked up to the bar to order their beers. We got up from our positions and crawled to the doors ducking behind tables and chairs. About half way there it seemed like we were actually gonna make it; until my foot caught the back of a chair and caused it to make a loud screech across the floor boards.<\/p>\n

They turned around and saw us completely frozen on the floor staring back at them. Grim looks came over their faces as they turned back around to the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Sam, hurry up with those beers, I feel a head ache comin on!\u201d Hoss yelled to the bartender as Adam put his head down and pinched the bridge of his nose. This was not a good sign.<\/p>\n

Me and Joe got up slowly and went outside to sit on the steps and wait, all the while ignoring the quiet guffaws and whispers that weren\u2019t so quiet. Five minutes later they came outside none too happy with their arms folded and bearing a deathly scowl. We could hear laughter from the men inside the saloon, what more could go wrong?<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were you two doing in there?! You know we\u2019ve told you before not to even set foot in front of saloon doors! And yet you thought it would be okay to actually go inside?\u201d Oh yeah, Adam was becoming angrier by the second as he thought about how much danger we had put ourselves in. This night had taken an awful change in course; and explaining everything to pa was gonna be an anxiety all on its own.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, are you gonna tell pa? There went those eyes, those sad puppy eyes Joe always uses to get out of trouble. But unfortunately they would not work on Adam as him and Hoss picked each of us up and plopped us down on our horses. That was the longest and quietest ride home ever.<\/p>\n

When we got into the barn and started to put our horses away Adam spoke. \u201cAlright, I wanna know what happened, and no lies.\u201d He looked both of us square in the eye. You would be out of your mind to even think about lying, but that\u2019s just what I was going to do.<\/p>\n

What else could I tell him? I could say; we deliberately disobeyed all of you because we wanted to learn how to play poker real good and then gamble with our friends? Nope, that wasn\u2019t gonna work because our pa just so happens to be strictly against gambling. There was no way of getting out of trouble this time, so the only thing we could do was try an minimize how much trouble we were in. I figured a few little white lies wouldn\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my idea Adam, the whole thing. And Joe only went along to make sure I didn\u2019t get hurt, blame me.\u201d Now in actuality, half of it was Joe\u2019s idea and he didn\u2019t once try to stop me. But I figured that pa would just lecture us if I said it was all my idea. He was kinda soft on me since I was a new member of the family so I might as well use this to my advantage.<\/p>\n

\u201cWesley don\u2019t say it was all\u2026!\u201d I shushed Joe and gave him a subtle wink.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell you two better get your story strait cause here\u2019s pa now.\u201d Hoss nodded to the big door way as pa came running inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Wesley, where have you both been? It\u2019s nearly midnight, and you both went to bed at eight saying you weren\u2019t feeling well. I went to your rooms to check on you\u2026 you weren\u2019t there, I thought you two went missing. I was about to go into town. And why do you smell like\u2026?\u201d After he finished rambling on and caught his breath, he figured out where we\u2019ve been by the smell of cheap whiskey. All the worry had left as his face became dark. Oh, I hated it when he got that dark disappointed look.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe found them in the Silver Dollar hiding behind the stair case. I haven\u2019t the foggiest idea why, but their all yours to find out pa.\u201d Adam nudged us towards pa as he and Hoss got back on their horses and started towards town to continue their night out. As Hoss rode past me he gave me this sad sorry look like he wanted to help. But what did he want to help me with? I wondered to myself.<\/p>\n

Joe started off to tell him what happened but I cut in.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my fault pa; Joe only went along to stop me. I didn\u2019t know it would be dangerous, at the time it didn\u2019t seem like that bad of an idea. It won\u2019t happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, is that what happened?\u201dHe looked at us for a moment completely ignoring my statement, and then he pointed to the house and said to go inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWesley don\u2019t lie it just makes things worse!\u201d Joe whispered to me as we followed pa inside.<\/p>\n

He walked over to sit down on the red chair. A little panic was creeping into my nerves. I\u2019ve lied to people plenty of times and it made no difference to me then, but this time I felt kinda weird about it.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome here in front of me.\u201d Our steps were very couscous as we made our way to stand in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Joseph, I want you to look straight into my eyes and tell me if what Wesley just said is all the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

First he stuttered. \u201cNo sir, half of it was my idea. And we knew what we were doing was wrong.\u201d Joe had such a pitiful look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAndrew, I want you to look me straight in the eyes and tell me the truth, now.\u201d His voice lowered when he said the last word \u2018now\u2019 which sent chills up my spine. The way his eyes looked into mine it was as if they were almost daring me to lie.<\/p>\n

I was perfectly capable of lying again\u2026 until he called me Andrew. Just like he calls Joe Joseph when he\u2019s mad or serious, now he calls me Andrew? I didn\u2019t stand a single chance! I guess there\u2019s a time for everything and here goes my first time telling the truth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe wanted to watch the men play poker so we could learn some of the tricks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were you going to do after you learned the tricks they used?\u201d His tone was a frightening calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were going to practice them on our friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWere those poker games with your friends going to be just for fun, or at a cost?\u201d I was hoping he wouldn\u2019t ask that question.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were gonna play for stuff, but not for money.\u201d Well, there it was, he had gotten the entire truth out of me. I could feel a change in me, it was indescribable.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, let me add this up. First you lied and said you weren\u2019t feeling well so you could sneak out of the house?\u201d We nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you went to a saloon knowing full well you\u2019re not allowed?\u201d We nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd on top of it all, you went there to learn poker tricks for when you gamble with your friends. Since when did you start playing poker with your friends?\u201d He started to shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast week, we borrowed a deck of cards from the bunk house and whittled our own poker chips out of wood.\u201d Joe explained how we did it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were you two thinking? Saloons can be dangerous and they are no place for young boys like you\u2019re yourselves.\u201d He got up from his chair and started pacing around the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you mad at us, pa?\u201d Joe\u2019s voice sounded so squeaky.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not as mad as I am disappointed that you two would do something like this. You disobeyed me and did something not only wrong but dangerous. And do you know how worried I was? You nearly gave me a stroke!\u201d He stood behind the settee with his hands tightly gripping the back cushions.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re sorry pa, really we are. We\u2019re sorry that we made you worry and that we disobeyed you.\u201d Joe made an attempt to tell him how sorry we were and possibly lessen the punishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t mean to make you worry, and we didn\u2019t know what we were doing would be all that dangerous. We\u2019re sorry we disappointed you too.\u201d Usually my apologies were forced and un-sincere, but I actually meant this one whether we got punished or not.<\/p>\n

Pa let out a big sigh and then pointed to the stairs. I gave Joe a questioning look.<\/p>\n

He turned to pa and said; \u201cPa, are you gonna\u2026?\u201d His sentence was cut off by a single look from pa that meant you\u2019ve got about three seconds to get up those stairs. Just that little gesture sent us scrambling up the stairs and to our room.<\/p>\n

When we got in the room Joe pulled me aside. \u201cOkay Wesley, I think we\u2019re in for it, I\u2019m runnin out of ideas, you got any?\u201d His voice had a panicky tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, were in for what, a lecture? That doesn\u2019t seem so bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo worse, a tanning. We gotta think of something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cT\u2019\u2026tanning? You mean he would actually tan us?\u201d I was surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if we can help it, stop asking questions and help me think of something! Come on Wes, don\u2019t you have any ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n

I just sat down on my bed and thought.<\/p>\n

I had never been tanned before, never even threatened. I hadn\u2019t given it one thought while we were down stairs, I just thought he would yell or something; but a tanning? I needed to think about this for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have much time before he comes up, he\u2019s only gonna wait a little longer to calm down and then he\u2019ll do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo be honest Joe I don\u2019t have much experience in this kind of situation, I usually do my best not to get caught and if I do get caught then I lie my way out of it, but this time it\u2019s different. I don\u2019t think we can get out of this one.\u201d I looked up at him with a serious face.<\/p>\n

Joe just sat on the bed next to me and sadly waited for what would come next. About ten minutes later we heard footsteps on the stairs. At that moment I thought back to when we were in the barn and Hoss gave me that look as he rode past me. I figured out what he meant now.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s he gonna do it?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a while since the last time I got one about a year ago, and that time it was over the knee. Hopefully we\u2019re still too young for the belt.\u201d He said mournfully already knowing the answer.<\/p>\n

The door opened and pa walked over to us. I was told to go stand on the other side of the room and face the wall, which meant Joe was going first over the bed. I could hear him slide his belt out of the loops of his pants. I cringed for every lash and counted that there were ten.<\/p>\n

Without a word, me and Joe switched places. Each step I took across the room was hesitant and careful; I wasn\u2019t in any hurry to face my father and you would think he\u2019d of said something about how slow I was moving, but the truth was that he didn\u2019t want to do this either. It was as if this punishment was hurting his heart more than it hurt our backsides.<\/p>\n

A few minutes later we found ourselves sitting uncomfortably on my bed and deep into a heartfelt lecture. Then pa hugged us tightly for what seemed like an eternity, but when he pulled away it felt too soon and I wanted him back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still love you both very much; all is forgiven so let\u2019s move on from this, get some sleep and I\u2019ll see you both in the morning.\u201d He turned and walked out of the room.<\/p>\n

It hadn\u2019t completely registered in my mind yet that I had just received my first tanning until I changed into my night shirt and attempted to lay on my back. Needless to say that didn\u2019t work, so I ended up on my stomach with my arms folded beneath me mirroring Joe who was lying on his bed across from mine.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve heard a lot of different things about this before. Some people say that if your pa tans you then he\u2019s a cruel man and he doesn\u2019t love you because he\u2019s turning you into a mean bully. Other people say that if your pa won\u2019t tan you then that\u2019s because he doesn\u2019t love you enough to do it. I needed some questions to be answered; but who could I ask?<\/p>\n

I looked at Joe, but he wouldn\u2019t be able to answer my question cause he\u2019s in the same boat as me. I\u2019m just gonna have to find out for myself and ask… pa. I was thinking that if all was forgiven then this shouldn\u2019t be a problem; but why was I still so hesitant?<\/p>\n

I got out of bed and made my way quietly to the door; Joe stirred around but couldn\u2019t call me back fast enough to stop me. In my mind I mentally thanked his effort to prevent trouble for me; he would be the best brother ever if he wasn\u2019t the one who helped come up with the bad ideas in the first place.<\/p>\n

When I got to the top of the stairs I saw pa sitting in his red chair drinking out of a tiny glass with this amber liquid. The fire kept the house nice and warm since there was a cold breeze tonight, intruding upon our usual warm weather. He seemed relaxed so I guess it\u2019s now or never.<\/p>\n

I took a few steps down and purposefully stepped on that one creaky board to get his attention. \u201cPa, could I ask you something before I go to bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

He eyed me for a second and then motioned for me to sit down on the settee near him. \u201cWhat would you like to ask me, son?\u201d His voice had a calming effect that cut though the tension I was feeling inside, which made it a lot easier to ask him my question Knowing he harbored no mixed feelings of what happened less than thirty minutes ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does it mean when you\u2026 t\u2019 tan your kids? Is it good that your parents care enough to do it? Or does it mean that the parents don\u2019t love you, because they did it?\u201d I cursed myself for how small my voice sounded.<\/p>\n

He stared at me for nearly a whole nerve racking minute and then he answered. \u201cWell, do you think I\u2019m a mean person or that I don\u2019t love you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, I think that you do love us all a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I have chosen to discipline my sons that way before, and you\u2019re right, I am not a mean person and I do love all of my sons very much. There are many ways that parents choose to discipline their children. In some cases they can do it without ever laying a finger on their child. In fact, I grew up with some people who were never spanked as a child and they grew up to be fine people. I have also grown up with friends that were disciplined with mild tanning\u2019s such as the one you and Joe received earlier, yet they also grew up to be fine people. You see, every child is different and they respond to different things. It\u2019s the parent\u2019s job to find out how they respond to certain things, and then act accordingly.\u201d I nodded my head.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, come down here please.\u201d He said it quietly without even looking up.<\/p>\n

Joe appeared from around the corner of the hallway and meekly made his way down the stairs and over to sit next to me. It was safe to say pa knew all of his sons very well.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did Adam or Hoss respond differently when they were younger?\u201d I asked him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh they were quite different in many ways. When Adam was a child and did something wrong, I could usually talk things out with him and he\u2019d understand it and never really do it again. There were times when it was necessary to punish him, but overall he was very bright growing up and learned right from wrong at a fast pace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how was Hoss?\u201d Joe asked him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Hoss was a quiet and gentle boy, he never did anything to get in serious trouble. Once, when he was about five he disobeyed me; and instead of a spanking I told him he couldn\u2019t have any of this cake a neighbor had brought over for dessert one day. He was so unhappy with that punishment that he even asked for a spanking instead. Eventually the next day he made a vow to never disobey me like that again, and I let him have a piece of cake after all.\u201d Pa was smiling at the memory of I\u2019m guessing a young happy Hoss eagerly eating his favorite chocolate cake. That thought maid my lips curl too.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have always believed that the best way to discipline my children is out of love and not in anger, which is why I chose to wait a while after we talked and then go up stairs, and not while I was still upset.\u201d He made a lot of sense and answered my question completely.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, it can be complicated at times; but people just have to know that if they don\u2019t do what\u2019s expected of them, there\u2019s a consequence. And not only does this make a good work incentive but it also helps you gain structure and soundness of mind.\u201d He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s getting late boys, you should go on up to bed; but I want you both to remember that you can always come to me and ask any question no matter what might be the circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

We both agreed to remember.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you both in the morning.\u201d He smiled and hugged us each tightly.<\/p>\n

I would always remember this day; because this was the day I realized how wise my father is and how fortunate I was to have him. At times he could come off as strict, even unreasonable, but love and thoughtfulness was always his motive; no matter what he did or how, there was always love and warmth.<\/p>\n

*<\/p>\n

After that day, me and Joe stopped all of our \u201cextra activities\u201d such as showing up late and leaving early from school, stealing kisses from girls when they least expected it and only doing it when we were absolutely sure they expected it; and above all, we stopped playing poker.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
We were on our very best behavior\u2026 for all of one month. And then summer came along when we turned fifteen and came up with this secret trip to San Francisco. Too bad Adam, Hoss, and pa were headed out for a cattle drive that same weekend of the trip. It was the perfect crime, what could \u201cpossibly\u201d go wrong?<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
End Notes:<\/span><\/em><\/div>\n
\n

Thank you so much for reading and following my series! The main reason for doing this series is to test my comfort zone and expand my boundaries. All of you reviews have been very encouraging and have helped tremendously in this writing exercise. I will try to finish the next chapter by late February or early March. Ideas and suggestions are very appreciated. Thank you for your time!!!!!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/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.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0The Cartwright’s take in one of Joe’s school friends. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K (15,530 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":154,"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":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3867,"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":57574,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=57574","url_meta":{"origin":5248,"position":0},"title":"The Third Son (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"June 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The Cartwrights find mystery and danger when Little Joe is gifted a strange present by Ben's late uncle; which proves to be a curse when Joe is attacked. 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