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Post by freebirde on Mar 23, 2018 12:01:54 GMT -6
I'm just waiting until Terrell sees where food really comes from. It may be an eye opener when he sees Stacy or one of the other kids use a knife when they butcher a pig or beef.
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Post by gipsy on Mar 23, 2018 12:39:01 GMT -6
Bet he loses his lunch the first time he sees that.
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Post by texican on Mar 25, 2018 18:05:47 GMT -6
To quote Wikipedia: "The Koine of the New Testament uses the word makhaira to refer to a sword generically, not making any particular distinction between native blades and the gladius of the Roman soldier. This ambiguity appears to have contributed to the apocryphal malchus, a supposedly short curved sword used by Peter to cut off the ear of a slave named Malchus during the arrest of Jesus. While such a weapon clearly is a makhaira by ancient definition, the imprecise nature of the word as used in the New Testament cannot provide any conclusive answer." Probably a short, concealable sword. Jesus said: "He that lives by the sword will die by the sword." When you look at the situation, Jesus warned Peter that he could not win under the circumstances due to being out numbered. Pick your fights so that you win to fight another day.... Texican.... An American Christian.... Live Free and Die Free....
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Post by papaof2 on Mar 25, 2018 18:27:27 GMT -6
"He that lives by the sword will die by the sword."
Have you thought about "living by the sword" in the context of first century Rome? Living by the sword was something soldiers, gladiators and thieves did. Other people had swords for protection. Soldiers. thieves and especially gladiators had a much higher mortality rate than the general population. Thieves could be crucified under Roman law - consider the men on either side of Jesus on Golgotha.
Picking your fights is always good advice.
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Post by boomerweps on Mar 25, 2018 19:24:52 GMT -6
Jesus said: "He that lives by the sword will die by the sword." When you look at the situation, Jesus warned Peter that he could not win under the circumstances due to being out numbered. Pick your fights so that you win to fight another day.... Texican.... An American Christian.... Live Free and Die Free.... Want give a chapter and verse on that? Jesus said a lot of things but that was not one of them. However, I'd gladly be proven wrong cause I like to learn.
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Post by cutter on Mar 25, 2018 21:04:37 GMT -6
Guys, I didn't mean to start an argument here. Here's the reference from the KJV, which is the same version I use and where I pulled the reference to Luke for the sermon.
Matthew 26:52 King James Version (KJV) 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
I choose to interpret these two scriptures, taken together, a little differently than most. The account in Luke does not make the promise of death that Matthew's does. My interpretation of Luke is that there are things worth fighting for, things whose defense is considered righteous by God. That said, there is no promise of victory or even survival if we choose to enter one of those fights. If we "take the sword", we may very well perish by the sword, even if our cause is righteous. Faith, like life, is full of risk.
I apologize for this, but I may have to go on hiatus from writing for a bit. I just put my best friend of forty years in the hospital today with congestive heart failure. She already is fighting a number of other maladies, so this is life and death for her. My best friend needs me and I'll be there for her, no matter what. Any of you who are willing, I would be grateful for a prayer for her healing. Her name is Nicki. I only ask for one prayer. I often "pray without ceasing" for the people I love and others, but it is my firm belief that a prayer, offered in faith, need only be offered once. God will hear it and judge it against His Will, and answer accordingly. Folks, I just want to keep my friend for a while longer; she's the only friend I have in real life. I would give my own life for hers if I could, because frankly, she's better than me.
Now that the Bible study and prayer requests have been addressed (and I am glad to see discussion of the Scripture), let me offer you the next chapter please. The next one may be a while, but I promise you all; I will keep writing this story until it's finished or God calls me Home. Please, enjoy.
Chapter 12
(Mark and Kit’s, 3 AM)
A sleepy Stacy answers the phone. No matter what she told Kit and Sarah, she’s been worried sick about Mark and Todd ever since they went wheels up last night. She wouldn’t have gotten any sleep at all if Mark hadn’t called her to check in.
“Mmm, Hello?”
“Hey little sister, it’s Todd. Mark’s flying, so he had me call you. We’re about forty minutes out. Would you be so kind as to light up the runway for us?”
“I’m out the door in five minutes! Todd, don’t tell Mark, but I’ve been worried sick about you guys ever since you left. I think I may have gotten two hours sleep. Have you had any trouble?”
“No, but we picked up an extra passenger. One of the guys Trent works with needed a ride home. I think Mark made him pee his pants on the takeoff from Vegas.”
“Sounds like something Mark would do. Let me guess, he firewalled the throttle then released the brakes.”
“Yup. He does love his max performance takeoffs.”
“He loves his high speed landings too. Do me a favor and don’t let him do one when y’all come in. You’re both tired and it’s too dangerous for a grass strip at night.”
“Mark already told me that I’m handling the landing. We’re coming in nice and easy and slow. Mark’s looking forward to some quality time with you and suggested that Sarah and I go for kid number four.”
“That sounds like Mark too. I’m walking out the door now. I love you guys. Be safe and come home to us.”
“You know it. See you on the ground, little sister.”
Now that Stacy’s awake and looking forward to having Mark back on the ground and in her arms, she’s in a hurry. She almost runs down the stairs, only to find Jordan waiting for her in the kitchen.
“What are you doing up?”
“The last time you went running off alone into the woods after Mark, you were mad at everybody and Mark was about to skin us all alive. I’m going with you.”
“What about Sherry?”
“I woke her up and kissed her goodbye. She knows what I’m doing. The call woke me up. I heard you say you haven’t slept. I’m driving and you’re riding. Let’s get a move on, before Mark comes screaming in without any lights.”
“Todd’s landing the plane.”
“Like that makes it any better. Here’s a cup of coffee; I brewed it last night, so it should wake you up. Let’s get you to your man.”
“Jordan, you’re the best brother ever. Come on.”
Jordan and Stacy get to the hanger and flip the switch to light up the runway. They catch a half dozen or so deer wandering around on the strip.
“That could be a problem. Let me call Todd.”
(Phone)
“Yeah, little sister? Problem?”
“Maybe. We have a herd of deer here on the runway. Jordan came with me; we’re going to drive the gator up and down the strip to scare them off until we see you coming.”
“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll bring her in under full flaps at the edge of a stall.”
“Careful Todd, if you’re that slow, you won’t have anything left to wave off with if you have to.”
“Don’t worry, it’ll be just like bullseyeing womp rats back home.”
“Oh Hell! Alright, Master Skywalker, just keep in mind my fiance is in that plane with you. You get him hurt and I will hunt you down. By the way, according to the windsock, the wind is dead calm here. You should be good for straight in and level wings.”
“Sounds great. ETA fifteen minutes.”
“We’ll be waiting for you. Fly safe, Reaper.” (click)
“Jordan, we need to drive up and down the runway to scare the deer off. We’ll peel off when they’re on final.”
“Sounds like an idea. I’m curious, why did Todd pick the callsign Reaper?”
“He didn’t; his squad buddy Josh did.”
“You mean Josh who was killed in Kandahar? The guy Todd got the MOH trying to save?”
“That’s him. Josh was his best friend. Todd was a graduate of the Marine Corps scout sniper school; he was a squad leader and the designated marksman for his squad. He told me Josh gave him that nickname because he never missed.”
“He never does. I’ve seen him put five, thirty caliber bullets into a fifty caliber hole!”
“He must have been tired that day.”
“You’ve been around Mark too long; his smart ass is rubbing off on you.”
“You ain’t seen nothin’. It that them?”
“It’s either them or a UFO. Let’s get off the strip before we end up in their prop.”
“Good idea.”
Jordan sped up and got to the opposite end of the runway just as Todd touched down. They were out of the way well before he finished his landing roll. When Todd shuts down the engine in front of the hanger, Stacy opens the back door.
“Welcome home!”
About that time, Mark slips around the back of the plane and wraps Stacy in a hug.
“I have so been looking forward to this!”
“Unhand me, you brute!”
Mark lets go. “You don’t want a hug?”
Stacy turns and almost takes them both to the ground as she launches herself at him with a hug and kiss.
“I couldn’t do that with you holding me from behind.”
“Easy, Lover; it’s been a long flight.”
“I’m sorry. I know you’re tired, but I’ve missed you. I’ve been worried sick ever since you two left.”
“The most exciting thing that happened was two shooting stars over New Mexico. Let’s get Trent and Kent and go home.”
“What about Todd?”
“He’s driving his Jeep back; it’s in the hanger. We’ll come back up tomorrow and push the plane in; it’s too late and we’re too tired.”
“You get the tourists in the gator; I’ve got to talk to Todd for a minute before he goes home.”
“Something wrong?”
“I want to thank him properly for helping get my fiance back safely to me. I’ll tell you the rest when we’re in our room.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“It isn’t, but we need to have this conversation in private.”
“Understood. When you thank Todd, don’t forget he’s a married man.”
“And I may as well be a married woman. You got no worries.”
“No, I don’t. Get moving; I’m tired.”
Stacy walks up to Todd and wraps him in a hug. She lays her cheek against his chest.
“Thanks for bringing Mark home safe to me, big brother.”
Todd kisses her on the top of her head. “I had to. He’s my little brother and the only man I know who can stand up to your temper.”
“I’m not that bad, usually.”
“No, but when you are... You guys go on home; I’ll be along as soon as I go to the bathroom.”
“Nope; you go and we’ll wait for you. You want me to drive you home? You look completely wiped out.”
“Nah, I’ll be fine. Thanks for looking out for me though.”
“Anytime. Hurry up.”
At Mark and Stacy’s barn, Jordan drops Trent off. Betty and the kids are waiting at the door to the hand’s apartment for him. They take Kent back to Stacy and Mark’s place; he’s staying in the one empty bedroom for the night. Trent said he’d run Kent home tomorrow.
At the house, Stacy gets Kent settled in while Jordan tells Mark goodnight and hurries back to the room he’s sharing with his girlfriend, Sherry. Mark just tries to smile through a yawn; those two are as bad as he and Stacy were at their age. By the time Stacy gets to their bedroom, Mark’s sitting in a chair on the deck, shoes off and asleep.
“Wake up, Love. Come to bed.”
“You said you needed to talk to me.”
“It’ll keep till tomorrow. Come on, let me help you get undressed and tuck you in.”
“Too tired and wanting to cuddle too bad to argue. Let’s crash.”
(Saturday, May 1, 2021, Waters homestead playground, 11:30 AM)
(Stacy’s phone)
“Hi Lover, how’d you sleep?”
“Like the dead, apparently. Where is everybody?”
“Trent’s taking Kent home and Betty and I brought all the kids over to the playground at Mom and Dad’s. Bobby, Kit, and Ladybug are up here too.”
“Alright, I’m gonna’ dig in the fridge and see if I can’t put something together to eat, then I’ll be over.”
“You most certainly will not! You can either come on over and share the picnic lunch I packed for us or I’ll come home and cook you something.”
“No point in all that; I’ll get dressed and be right over. You sound ticked off. The kids giving you problems?”
“Not kids, kid, as in one! I walked over and invited Terrell to lunch. The little shit just ignored me!”
“I’m guessing this isn’t the first problem you’ve had with him. Is that what you meant to talk to me about last night before I so rudely fell asleep on you?”
“Yes it was and you weren’t rude. You’d been flying for eleven hours to bring one of our own home. So help me Mark, I’m about to kick his ass straight to Mars!”
“Save me some food; I’ll be a little while before I get there.”
“What are you gonna’ do?”
“I think I need to meet my new foster nephew. Perhaps we might come to an understanding.”
“Oh shit, you’re talking all propper. If you kill him, make it look like an accident.”
“I’m not going to kill him; I might work him to death, but I won’t kill him. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Be safe. I love you.”
“Love you too. Bye.” (click)
(Mark in bedroom)
“He better straighten up or I’m gonna’ jerk a knot in his ass.”
Mark gets dressed then goes to the barn. He saddles up Swifty and Dancer, another of their Tennessee Walker mares, and heads to Brian and Morgan’s house. Brian and Morgan are sitting on the back deck when he gets there, Terrell is nowhere in sight.
“Hey big brother, Sis! How’s it going?”
“Would you believe me if I said it was going good?”
“Not a chance. Terrell giving you trouble too?”
“Too?”
“We’ll get to that. Is he giving you trouble?”
“I know he’s a foster, but that kid’s mad at the world! We don’t know what to do!”
“Neither do I, but I’m gonna’ find out. Where is he?”
“In your old room. He came out long enough to eat breakfast. Getting him to say anything was like pulling teeth. As soon as he was done, he got up and went back in there. He hasn’t been out since.”
“Ok, now that I know which room is his, don’t ever call it my old room again; it’s his now. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go to HIS room and he and I are going to have a talk. I aim to find out how to get through to him before he drives you two nuts or pushes Anastasia far enough to feed him to the hogs.”
“I hope you have better luck than we have. I know he had Stacy mad enough last night that I would have asked for her pistol if she’d been carrying it.”
“Brian, she was carrying it, just like I’m carrying mine now.”
“You are!?!”
Mark opens his jacket to show the Glock 23 on his hip.
“Damn Mark! I never would have known!”
“Stacy carries her model 23 in the same place; it’s why she always wears a t-shirt and never tucks her blouse in.”
“You two are just plain scary.”
“Only to the bad guys. Let me go see if I can make Terrell see sense.”
“Good luck.”
Mark goes in the house and knocks on his old bedroom door.
“Wha’chu want?”
“I was hoping to talk to you.”
“Yo’ house.”
Mark opens the door and steps in.
“Well it was, and this was my room until about a week ago. I don’t live here anymore. This is your house and your room now. I’m Mark, welcome to the farm.”
“Do I look like some inbred farmboy to yo’ ass?”
“No, but you sound like a world class asshole. I just came by to meet you and invite you to lunch with us over at the playground. If you want to come, you’re welcome. If you don’t, sit here by yourself. I’m hungry and I’m going to get some lunch.”
“You don’t know nuthin’ ‘bout me!”
“Well Hell man, tell me so I can maybe start to understand you!”
“I’s a Crip! I’s been in jail, I got by on the streets, I’s one bad mofo! I done beat mo’ asses than you ever seen and if you keep pissin’ me off, yo’ cracker ass is next!”
“You might, but it would be the first time anybody did. So you liked being in jail? You liked barely surviving on the streets? Don’t you want a better life than that? When was the last time you had a full belly? When’s the last time you slept in a good bed? When’s the last time you made a dollar without having to worry about the cops hunting you down? I did some checking before you came here. You’ve had a pretty lousy life the last five years. Terrell, you can have our respect, build a good and honest life here; but you have to earn it. I’ll help you; I’ll fight for you, but you have to want it.”
“Ain’t no cracker ass inbred mofo gonna’ give a brutha’ no chance at nuthin’!”
“Probably not if you keep calling us cracker ass inbred mofos. Look, how long you been in the gangs?”
Since I’s nine.”
“And how many of your fellow gang members have you buried?”
“Them damn popos done killed six o’ my boyz and that asshole what own the licka’ sto’ killed two mo’ of ‘em!”
“Me and the crew have been together for four years now. We’ve lost three. Kit’s twin sister Kat was killed in a terrorist attack, Jen went looking for something we don’t understand and left us; but as of last week she’s still alive,and I all but killed the third one myself. I still wish I’d just put a bullet in his brain and been done with it.”
“You’s just talkin’ trash; you ain’t never killed nobody!”
“No I haven’t, a friend of mine on the Sheriff’s department shot him before what I did to him could kill him. Another ten minutes and I would have been the one who killed him. That’s not the point. The point is, aren’t you tired of watching your friends die because they keep doing things that will inevitably get them killed? Do you want to go the same way? Look, I’m sure you’re good at the things you did in the Crips or you wouldn’t have lasted this long. The thing is, I’m just as sure your fellow gang members were good at those things too, but it didn’t keep them from dying way too young and for no good reason. Don’t you want to graduate, meet a girl, have a family, build a life? I’ve seen your rap sheet. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to tell people where your money came from, without what you say being used against you in a court of law? You can do that. You can leave that damn rap sheet and everything you’ve done in the past. Your juvenile record is gone in three years, as long as you don’t add any felonies to it. The way it is now, when you turn eighteen, it can’t haunt you anymore.”
“Brutha’ ain’t got no chance in the city.”
“You’re not in the city anymore. I’m begging you, turn your life around. Don’t do it for me, or Brian and Morgan, or anybody else; do it for yourself. It’s not too late for you yet. Don’t say anything, just think about it. I’m going to ride over and get some lunch; wanna’ come?”
“No.”
“Suit yourself. If you change your mind, Brian knows where we are.” Mark turns to leave.
“Man, wait.”
“Change your mind?”
“What’s yo’ game? Ain’t no whitey do nuthin’ fo’ a brutha’ ‘less they tryin’ git sumpin’.”
“Well, at least you didn’t call us crackers; it’s a start. That’s what we want, Terrell. We want your courtesy; we want your respect. You don’t owe that to us; we have to earn it. If you ever want to truly have ours, you have to earn it from us too. Come on, ride with me and let’s go get some lunch.”
“Why not.”
Mark and Terrell walk outside to the back porch. Terrell’s looking around for something.
“Guys, we’re going to ride up and have lunch with the kids.”
“That’s cool. Terrell, when do you want to go to town to get your things?”
“What’chu askin’ me fo’?”
“Well, we’re going to get things for you and you know what you need and how bad you need them. If you want to go today, we’ll do that. If you want to stay around here and explorer the farm today, we’ll go some other time. Tell you what, Mark has a cell phone; why don’t you call me after you have lunch and let me know what you want to do.”
“You serious?”
“Yeah, go have a good time.”
“Hey, dem pancakes was good some good shit.”
“I don’t know if ‘shit’ is a word I want used to describe my cooking, but I’m glad you liked them. We have ‘em pretty regular; next time I’ll make some others with ‘em so you can try some other kinds.”
“They’s otha’ kinds?”
“Yeah, we have strawberry, apple, and banana pancakes pretty regular too. My sister and Stacy make some with other stuff too. Stacy’s chocolate chip pancakes are to die for.”
“Well, thanks.”
“You’re welcome. You two better git before the kids eat everything.”
“Mark, where’s yo’ car?”
“No car; like I told you, we’re riding.”
“A bike?”
“No, those two horses. Gas costs too much to drive when we’re just going from one part of the farm to another.”
“I don’t know how to ride no damn horse!”
“Now’s as good a time as any to learn. Don’t worry, Dancer’s gentle. I brought her because she’s real easygoing; much better for new riders. Come on, I’ll show you how to mount up.”
A nervous Terrell follows Mark to the hitching post and the horses. He’s starting to wonder if maybe prison would have been safer than living with these crazy rednecks.
“Ok, put your right foot in the stirrup here. Yeah, just like that. Now grab the saddle horn with your right hand and put your left hand on the seat.”
“You means that big knob tha’ in front?”
Mark can’t help it; he busts out laughing.
“What you laughin’ at me fo’!?! I don’t no shit ‘bout no horses!”
“I’m not laughing at you. Old family joke; I’ll tell you about it over lunch. Yeah, the big knobby thing there. Ok, now I’ll give you a boost if you need it, but bend your left knee and sort of launch yourself up like you’re going for a layup. Swing your left leg over the saddle when you do and you’ll land right where you want to be.”
Terrell gives it a shot. He doesn’t have quite enough momentum to get all the way up in the saddle, but Mark gives him a light push to his hip and me makes it.
“Not too bad! I guess I should have told you to push up a little with your right leg when you threw your left one over, but most people do it on instinct. I just didn’t think about it, sorry.”
Terrell has a death grip with both hands on the saddle horn. “What the hell do I do now!?!”
“Put your left foot in the other stirrup and relax. There you go. Let me saddle up and we’ll go.”
Marks years around horses with his Dad and after, show. He vaults lightly and effortlessly into the saddle. He picks up Swifty’s reins.
“Now, pick up her reins and hold them like I am. Good, now say, ‘Dancer, Walk!’.”
“Danca’ Walk!”
Dancer starts walking forward at an easy walk. Mark tells Swifty to walk too and off they go.
“I done it! He walkin’!”
“Yes she is. You did good.”
“This horse a bitch?”
“The correct term is mare, but yes, Dancer is female.”
“Why’d you give me some girl horse!?!”
“Because our stallions are too unpredictable for new riders. They’re stronger and tend to have more fire in their spirit. I didn’t want your first ride to end up dumping you on your butt like mine did. My ass hurt for a week and was black and blue for longer! Give it a little time and you’ll be able to control every horse we have here, even Swifty.”
“You think I cain’t do it now?”
“No, I don’t. Look at you. You’re stiff as a board! You’re not comfortable and confident in the saddle yet. It takes time. I wasn’t when I first started riding either, and I started a lot younger than you are.”
“How old was ya’?”
“Five.”
“How’d you gets way up here!?!”
“Dad would pick me up and put me in the saddle. God, I miss riding with him.”
“He run off?”
“No, he was killed in a car wreck six years ago. Dad taught me how to ride, among other things. He was a great man and a great father. What about your dad?”
“Don’ wanna’ talk ‘bout it.”
“I can respect that. It’s your story to tell or keep. I won’t ask again.”
“Oh shit! It’s dat bitch from last night!”
“The blond or the black haired girl?”
“Dat blond bitch!”
“I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t call my fiance a bitch; you might live longer if you don’t too.”
“You marryin’ that crazy ho’?”
“She’s only a little crazy and she’s not a whore. She was a virgin until a week ago. We’ve been a couple since we were both twelve.”
“When was that?”
“Four years ago. I came home from living with one of my brothers in Germany and Larry and Erin took her and her brothers in as fosters about a week later. She and her Mom showed up at the house that night. One look at her and I was hooked. We’ve had a few bumps in the road, but we’ve been together ever since. Listen, she’s got a real temper, but a heart of gold. You really pissed her off, but it’s because she really wants to help you. She really wants to make things better for you and can’t figure out how to do it. If she ever tells you her whole story, you’ll understand.”
“She done told me she gonna’ try to kick my ass. I’s gonna’ beat her stupid if she ever try.”
“You might rethink that.”
“Shoulda’ knowed you fight for her. I kick yo’ ass too.”
“Terrell, you’re not learning. Do yourself a favor and listen, before you learn the hard way.”
“Whatever.”
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Post by udwe on Mar 25, 2018 21:46:24 GMT -6
That boy needs a wakeup call.
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Post by cutter on Mar 25, 2018 22:06:35 GMT -6
By the end of the next chapter, he's going to get one. Bobby had it easy; he won't. By the way, that's only half of it. He still hasn't met that good woman I mentioned. He's going to learn two things from her too, at least. One, hard to get can be an art form. Two, there's a lot to be said for an older woman; there's no substitute for experience.
Even with all of that, I think Terrell is going to be ok. I think he's smarter than he looks, and acts for that matter.
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Post by papaof2 on Mar 25, 2018 22:32:19 GMT -6
We hope Terrell is smarter than he's shown so far. If not, he will be learning at one or more schools of hard knocks.
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Post by papaof2 on Mar 25, 2018 22:39:24 GMT -6
We'll be thinking of your best friend. Congestive heart failure is one of the ailments that *should* have a mechanical solution - remember that many people have shunts to drain off excess spinal fluid. As yet, they've not worked out the engineering to put a drain in the constantly moving double-walled pericardium.
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Post by biggkidd on Mar 26, 2018 6:09:51 GMT -6
Prayers and best wishes for your friend.
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Post by cutter on Mar 29, 2018 21:11:19 GMT -6
Nicki's home from the hospital! Thanks for the prayers; they made a difference. The docs had more than enough bad news and this fight is far from over, but she's home for now. If you're inclined to keep the prayer chain going, she can sure use the help. She's weak, but she's alive. Where there's life, there's hope.
More good news. I just finished chapter 13. I have more story in my head, but not another word on the computer yet. I guess I best get to writing. For now, please enjoy the next chapter. I bet y'all enjoy it more than Terrell did.
Chapter 13
When they get to the playground, Mark dismounts gracefully.
“You want me to steady you, Terrell?”
“I don’t needs yo’ help!”
“Ok, just offering.”
Everybody watches as Terrell awkwardly dismounts. He loses his balance, but grabs hold of the saddle and doesn’t fall. To her credit, Dancer stays still and doesn’t even twitch at the slightly rough handling. To everybody else’s credit, nobody laughs at Terrell’s lack of grace. Truthfully, a few of the people there had the same trouble when they started learning to ride. Mark walks over to Stacy and sweeps her off her feet in a hug and kiss. It’s tame by their standards because the littles are there, but there’s still a lot of passion in it. Terrell mumbles under his breath.
“Sheeit! Comes on over here and I shows you a real man. I gots what you needs.”
Stacy hears him. Mark feels her body stiffen and her fists clench.
“Anastasia, let it go.”
“Not this time. I’m done putting up with his attitude. Put. Me. Down.”
Mark does and Stacy winks at him as she takes off her engagement ring and hands it to him. She then takes off her overshirt and pulls her pistol, handing it to Mark also. Terrell’s eyes get as big as saucers when he sees the gun.
“Sorry Mark, but he’s just too tempting.”
“Hey, I know when I’m beat. Don’t let him do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“What haven’t you done with me?”
Bobby snorts a laugh. He remembers Mark saying the same thing when Stacy was playing with him at Boomer’s a few years ago. Stacy’s about to teach Terrell a lesson. Bobby hopes it’s as gently taught as his was back then, but he doubts it.
Stacy walks over to Terrell, a little teasing sway in her hips.
“If you want me, take me. You can have me if you do.”
“Yo’ boyfriend shoot me if I do that. You’s just settin’ me up, ho’.”
“He’s not my boyfriend anymore; I just handed my ring to him. I’m a grown woman and can make my own choices. He won’t do anything and neither will anybody else. You gonna’ be a man, or let some cracker tell you what to do?”
Terrell smiles as he reaches for Stacy. He’ll show that cocky white boy and this little white bitch both; she did tell him to take her. In a blur of motion, Stacy grabs his wrist in both hands and sweeps his feet out from under him. He ends up face down on the ground. Stacy’s kneeling on his free arm, pinning it, and has her knee on the back of his neck, pinning him to the ground. She has his other arm twisted behind his back in a wrist lock. Terrell isn’t going anywhere.
“Git off me, Bitch!”
Stacy leans into the knee on his neck as she twists his arm even more. Terrell lets out a high pitched, strangled scream. Stacy’s voice is calm, as it they were discussing something over coffee.
“I don’t like being cussed, especially when I don’t deserve it. I don’t appreciate being called a whore. I’m slightly annoyed that you have repaid our kindness with disrespect. This has to be embarrassing for you; a little, 5’2” woman overpowering a big, strong boy like you and making you squeal like a little girl in front of all these people. I can make you beg me to let you go. I can make you beg me to end your miserable life. I can make you do anything I want, if I want to. I won’t do that unless you really piss me off. We can all forget this ever happened, and never speak of it again. That all depends on you. One way or another, you will learn some manners. I would rather you learned the easy way. If you make me teach you the hard way, I’m going to break bones; if Mark, Kit, or Bobby have to do you like this, they may just seal your fate. They’re not as forgiving as I am. If I let you up, will you behave?”
Stacy puts a little more pressure on Terrell’s wrist as she asks. His wrist pops, but she does no damage to it. Mark, Kit, Bobby, and the four older kids are watching with pained looks on their faces; they all know the abuse Stacy is giving Terrell right now and that the slightly sadistic side of her that she works so hard to keep under control is enjoying the pain and humiliation he’s experiencing. The incredible pain Terrell feels and the pop make him think she just broke his wrist. He’s suddenly terrified as he begins to realize just what this little white girl can do to him. Stacy speaks to him in a sweet, conversational voice.
“I’m waiting for an answer. Shall I give you more motivation to give me one? You have all kinds of body parts I can use to convince you. Do I need to twist something a little lower? Would that help you decide?”
“No! I’m sorry! Let go!”
“You didn’t use the magic word. Please and thank you are important to me.”
“Please let me go!”
“You still haven’t answered my question. If I let you up, are you going to behave like a respectable human, or am I going to have to teach you this lesson again?”
“You breakin’ my arm!”
“Not yet, but I will if you don’t answer me. Are. You. Going. To. Behave?”
“YES! PLEASE LET GO!”
Stacy lets him go. She moves quickly to get out of his reach, in case he decides to try to get even.
“Now, if you’re hungry, get up and dust yourself off. We have lunch set out.”
Terrell is still scared. He can barely feel his hand for the pain in his wrist. His neck hurts. This little bitty white girl just put his ass down without even really trying, and now she’s inviting him to eat lunch! She! Is! Crazy!
Stacy goes back to Mark and holds out her hand.
“Give me my engagement ring back. I don’t like not having it on.”
Mark smirks as he takes her left hand and slips her ring back on.
“I don’t know, I think I kind of like reliving the moment I put this ring on you. We can relive the rest later. By the way, you are one sexy, scary woman!”
Stacy smiles widely as she reholsters her pistol and puts her overshirt back on.
“Nice to know I’ve got your back, isn’t it? I’d like that. How about we sleep on the deck tonight?”
“Sounds like a winner. What’s for lunch?”
“Pulled pork barbecue, mac and cheese, those homemade, spiral cut potato chip things Kit came up with, and tea. I packed a few soft drinks too, in case Terrell changed his mind and decided to join us. I made a pot of our coffee and brought it with us. Enjoy it while you can; the stuff’s getting hard to get.”
“I saw the price is going way up on it. I need to talk to Brian about some coffee trees and chicory in the greenhouse. Come on, Terrell; get over here and eat before it gets cold.”
Terrell moves cautiously toward the food, staying as far away from Stacy as he can.
“Don’t worry, Sweetie; I won’t bite you. We’ve had our teachable moment; all we need to see now is if it took.”
“You’s crazy!”
“No, I just protect my family. If you ever decide to accept the place in this family that’s being offered to you, I’ll protect you just like I do them. I would rather be your ally; nobody gains if we’re enemies. Come sit down right here and trust me; I won’t hurt you.”
Terrell doesn’t like it, but figures after what she just did, she can make him do whatever she wants. He hasn’t forgotten that gun she’s carrying either. He nervously sits down. He actually flinches when Stacy puts her hands on his shoulders.
“I didn’t do nuthin’!”
“Shhh. I know your neck hurts after that. I know it does, because mine did when Mark showed me that move. This may hurt a little at first, but I’ll take most of the soreness out if you’ll let me.”
Stacy starts gently working the muscles at the base of Terrell’s neck. She finds the one she’s looking for and applies some gentle pressure with her thumb. After a moment, she feels it release as Terrell makes a little moan of relief.
“That feel good.”
“I know. If you’re interested in learning, all four of us, as well as your foster parents, can teach you how to do this. There are a tons of things we would be happy to teach you, if you want to learn.”
“What kinda stuff?”
“Well, it looks like you’ve already started learning to ride. You can learn how to train horses. All kinds of other things are on the table too, if you want. Animal husbandry, veterinary, crop farming, medicine, camping, cooking, martial arts, sewing; you name it and we probably have or can find somebody who knows something about it. You don’t get it yet Terrell, but this place is as rich with opportunity for you as you believe Louisville is for white people, richer probably. Contrary to popular belief, the only racism here is whatever you brought with you. We only care about who you are, not what color your skin is or where you came from. We don’t care about your past, just who you are now and who you become. How does your neck feel now?”
“It don’t hurt no mo’. How’d you do that?”
“Mark taught me how to massage muscles to loosen them up; his Dad taught him. Get something to eat before it gets cold.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” That surprised Terrell. He hasn’t called any woman ma’am in years. Somehow, this girl has gotten his instant respect. He doesn’t know if it was the ass beating she just gave him or fixin’ his neck, or both together, but he’s gotta’ figure it out.
“I appreciate the respect, but you don’t need to call me ma’am. Like I told you, I’m Stacy. We’re not formal much around here. Can we start over like I wanted to do last night?”
“Prob’ly should, ‘fore you beats my ass again.”
“Terrell, I don’t like being the girl I just was with you. I want you to like and respect me because you want to. I don’t want you to ever fear me. We’ll disagree sometimes, but I want us to be friends; I want us to be on the same side. Would you like that too?”
“Yeah.”
“Good enough. We start over from right now. Just so you know, we all really like honesty. Tell me the truth, how’s lunch suit you?”
“”It’s good! How you keep it hot like this?”
“I heated some bricks in the oven and put them in the bottom of the cooler. They keep the food on top warm. I have the drinks in another cooler on ice.”
“That’s smart.”
“That’s how we keep Friday night supper warm when we go camping. We have a campout planned next weekend. The crew is getting together to celebrate our engagement; you want to come?”
“I ain’t never done no campin’.”
“We stay in a cabin we all built a few years ago. It’s more like going on vacation and staying in a cottage. We have electricity and even flush toilets.”
“I try it.”
“Good deal. I want you to come to our house sometime this weekend. I’m making pizza tonight if you want to come for supper.”
“Why don’t you just has it delivered?”
“Homemade is better. I like to cook from scratch for my people because it’s better for them and to show them I love them by doing for them.”
“You cook this?”
“Yup! We butchered the hog this meat came from about three weeks ago. Everything you’re eating, except the Mountain Dew, started and ended on this farm.”
“It didn’t come from the sto’?”
“Not one single bit of it. Everything you see is home grown and home cooked. It’s the way we like it around here. It costs less and we know exactly what we’re eating. We don’t use all the chemicals to make it look pretty or to grow it in the first place.”
“Sound like lots o’ work.”
“Some extra, but not as much as you think. There’s a ton of work to do on a farm like this, and we could definitely use your help, but it’s a lot of fun too.”
“I ain’t never seen no work that’s fun.”
“Some of it is; some of it is hard work but fun to see the finished product, the results. We all do our share around here and we take a lot of pride in what we accomplish. If you work along with us, you’ll understand. You’ve started learning to ride; do you enjoy it?”
“I dunno. I’s ‘fraid that big damn horse gonna’ throws me off and stomp my ass.”
“Not a chance. Tell him, Tabby.”
“It’s true; Dancer is the gentlest horse they have. I learned to ride last year on her. Now I can ride Swifty and even Goliath with no problem."
“Tabby, you have an advantage with Goliath. That horse has always had a soft spot for girls, ever since we got him. Me and Dad never did figure out why.”
“Maybe it’s because we’re better looking.”
“You might be onto something there. How’d you sleep last night?”
“I always sleep good when I’m with Noah.”
How about you, Sherry?”
“After I got Jordan to sleep, I slept like the dead.”
“Was he misbehaving?”
“Not a bit. Ebenezer pinned him against the stall wall yesterday afternoon while we were grooming him. He was one sore puppy.”
“I told you not to mess with him in his stall! If you’re going to work with Ebenezer, take him to the paddock, and whatever you do, do NOT pick his hooves!”
“It had to be done! He had a burr in his hoof!”
“Then you get Jamie or Bobby! Neither one of you are strong enough to manhandle that horse if he gets wound up. Nothing on this farm is worth you two getting hurt over.”
“We were just trying to help.”
“You’re no help to anybody hurt or dead. Jordan, you know better. For now, I don’t want either one of you messing with Ebenezer at all. You are not to groom him; you are not to tend him. You are not to be in the stall with him or handle him. Got it?”
“Are you mad at us?”
“No! Sherry, I’m afraid for you both. I’d give up the ranch in a heartbeat if it was that or you guys. You guys are worth more to me than anything.”
“Even Stace?”
“Yes Jordan; you guys are worth more to him than I am.”
Terrell is just standing dumbfounded. He never saw this kind of relationship in the gangs. He never had this kind of relationship in his own family. Something about the way Mark’s acting makes him believe Mark and Stacy mean what they just said. This is totally new to him and he doesn’t know what to think about it. Jordan is looking at his big sister like she’s from Mars. He doesn’t believe anything or anybody is more important to Mark than Stacy.
“Mark I’m sorry; I didn’t know. I thought Jamie and Chtistina took care of the horses last night.”
“Not your fault. They knew they shouldn’t have done what they did; we’ve talked about it more than once. You and I will talk about this because I’m liable to overreact, but I’m rethinking them working with the horses unsupervised.”
“Now wait a minute!”
“Jordan; me, Stacy, and the farm trust own the ranch operation, not you. You and Sherry are part time employees. If I can’t trust you to follow the rules for your own safety, you can’t work the ranch. You’re both damn good hands and I don’t want to lose your help. Most important, I don’t want to lose either one of you. Now, do you follow the rules, work safe, and leave that horse alone; or do I fire you both right here and right now?”
“We’ll be more careful and leave Ebenezer alone.”
“Sherry?”
“Yes sir; we’ll do what you say.”
“Ok, this is over now. You’ll work with him again, but you don’t have the experience or the size right now. Guys, I know you were trying to help and I appreciate it. Give it some time and you’ll be able to do it. Now let’s forget about it and have some fun.”
Jordan’s really upset. He idolizes Mark. He doesn’t ever want Mark to be disappointed with him. Mark takes him in a hug.
“Hey little brother, neither one of you have anything to prove to me. I know what both of you are worth. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings, but I just can’t stand the thought of anything happening to either one of you. I got an idea. Why don’t you take Sherry for a walk and cheer each other up.”
“You mean you trust us to not go too far?”
“You two are as good a man and woman as Anastasia and I were at your age, and we didn’t. If I didn’t trust you, you wouldn’t have been sharing a bed in our house last night. Now quit being goofy and take your girl off alone somewhere. See if you can make the world stop turning for her like I somehow did for Stacy.”
“Come on, Sherry. I’m liking the sound of this.”
“So am I. Let’s go!”
“Keep an eye on the time. Pizza at our place at six.”
“Yes sir.”
“You guys going?”
“Nah, me and Tabby are gonna’ play a game of chess.”
“You always treat yo’ girls like that?”
“Yeah. Terrell, our women are our strength. Kitty gave me Ladybug. She does everything for me. She takes care of me. My life would be a total mess if she wasn’t willing to put up with me and stand with me.”
“What you mean, ‘stand with you”? I don’t speak no redneck!”
Bobby busts out laughing.
“Speak...redneck! That’s...funny! Kitty’s always there for me. She helps me with everything. She’s an incredible mother to Ladybug and a great wife to me. The way I was going a few years ago, I’d have been in prison or dead if it hadn’t been for Mark, Stacy, and Kit giving me a second chance. I have an honest career because of those three. I come home from work every night to a clean house, a hot meal, and hugs and kisses from a wife and daughter who love me.”
“What kinda’ name’s Ladybug?”
“It’s a nickname. Her real name’s Katherine Elizabeth; we call her Eliza.”
“How old’s she?”
“She’s three.”
“How old was you when you did her?”
“I was sixteen and Kit was fifteen. I didn’t get Kit pregnant. I wanted to be Kit’s husband and Eliza’s Poppa, so we went to court for permission to get married. We won that fight and here we are.”
“Who’s the baby daddy? He run off?”
“He’s dead, Terrell. It’s my story to tell and I might tell you, but not until I know you better.”
“Leave it alone, Terrell. She’ll tell you when she’s ready.”
Eliza finally notices Terrell. He looks different, like Jess. His hair looks funny too. Always friendly, she runs over to him and throws her arms up.
“Up!”
“What she want?”
“Looks like you have a friend. She wants you to pick her up.”
“Who is she?”
“That’s our daughter, Eliza.”
“Pick up! Hugs!”
“It’s ok. You can pick her up; we don’t mind.”
Terrell picks Eliza up. She wraps her arms around his neck. Terrell’s tough guy act cracks and he gets a stupid smile on his face.
“I Ladybug! What you’re name?”
“I’m Terrell.”
“Hi Tell!”
“Why don’t yous just call me T?”
“T!” Eliza reaches up and pats his hair. “You hair funny! Soft. I like.”
Kit, Bobby, Mark and Stacy are all fighting to keep straight faces, and losing.
“Don’t make fun of his hair. That’s not nice, Eliza.”
“Not Mama! Feel! Soft! Bouncy!”
“Yo’ hair pretty too.”
“T say I pretty! I like T!”
“I likes you too.”
“Down! I want go play!”
Terrell puts her down. She starts running back to the swings but stops. She looks back at Terrell and then runs back to him. She gives him another hug then runs to the swings. For a minute, Terrell forgets all about his stupid reputation and just looks happy.
“I think Eliza made a friend just now too.”
“She ain’t never seen no black people befo’, have she?”
“Just one. One of us in the crew is black. Eliza just adores her.”
“You mean they’s black bitches here?”
“There are some black folks around here, not many, but some. Jess is one of us. She grew up here and is country through and through. I can’t tell you how much you don’t want to call her a bitch though. She doesn’t take that very well.”
“She fight like you do?”
“I’ve been at it a little longer so I’m a little better than she is, but yeah; she’ll put a hurtin’ on you if you piss her off.”
“Sheit!”
“So don’t piss her off and you won’t have anything to worry about.
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Post by papaof2 on Mar 29, 2018 22:01:58 GMT -6
Good to hear that she's able to be home.
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Post by crice118 on Mar 30, 2018 5:02:03 GMT -6
Not meant to offend anyone by my belief but King David said to his counselors about his child with Bathsheba (I'm pretty sure it was their child when he got her pregnant) (paraphrasing as I remember it) while there was yet breathe in his body I had hope that God in His mercy would heal but now that he has gone on he cannot come back to me but I can go to him (eventually)and he accepted God's will and that in His mercy he (David) was comforted and comforted the child's mother
was praying for my mom from just before Thanksgiving until the end of February (pneumonia-hospital, physical therapy - nursing home, 2 days home, pneumonia with sepsis-hospital, was looking at rehabilitation but they sent her home with hospice within about 2 weeks or less she had a light then a more severe stroke with her dying about 48 or so hours later on Feb 27(January in hospital she became my sister in Christ at the age of 80), I had hope and I know He could and would have healed her but she just wanted to go home and not hurt anymore, the above comforted me in that He could have healed her easy, He helped me agree in prayer with my mom on what she wanted according to His will and now I know one day I can see her again
will be praying what your friend wants in accordance with His will, have faith there is yet breathe within your friend's body and all will be well either way again this is meant to comfort and strengthen you and not offend anyone who does not believe this way
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Post by cutter on Mar 30, 2018 5:37:56 GMT -6
None taken, God’s will is absolute. That said, God does listen to and answer prayer. Now he may answer no, but he does answer. Nicki wins either way; it’s the rest of us who care about her who have something to lose with her passing, though that loss is temporary. We will see each other again no matter which of us goes first.
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Post by texican on Mar 30, 2018 21:56:22 GMT -6
Jesus said: "He that lives by the sword will die by the sword." When you look at the situation, Jesus warned Peter that he could not win under the circumstances due to being out numbered. Pick your fights so that you win to fight another day.... Texican.... An American Christian.... Live Free and Die Free.... Want give a chapter and verse on that? Jesus said a lot of things but that was not one of them. However, I'd gladly be proven wrong cause I like to learn. BW, NIV Matthew 26 47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[d] Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “ Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” NIV Luke 22 35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. NIV Luke 22 36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” 38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied. God/Jesus does not want his saved not to be able to fight, but not to through our lives away so we can live to fight another day. Texican.... An American Christian.... Live Free and Die Free....
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Post by texican on Mar 30, 2018 22:26:14 GMT -6
Cutter,
Prayers sent for the continued healing of your friend.
Texican.
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Post by cutter on Mar 30, 2018 23:31:08 GMT -6
Many thanks, Texican. She's in God's hands, but He's known to listen to prayers. So long as his master plan for us doesn't get messed with, He likes to see us happy as far as I can tell. He's cool like that. Honestly, I'm just being greedy. I just want to keep her around for as long as possible. I need her and so does her mother. If her time comes, I'll pick up the slack with Mama, but I would rather they not be deprived of each other's company. They have no other living family.
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Post by cutter on Apr 1, 2018 21:50:01 GMT -6
The smallest things can make such a big difference. Little Eliza stepped up and didn't even know it. Our little Ladybug has a way with people. Oh yeah, Mark's upping his game again. Please enjoy.
Chapter 14
The big and little kids ate and played back and forth the rest of the afternoon. Tabby won the chess game but Noah made her work for it. Jordan and Sherry came wandering back about four o’clock, both floating a little with silly grins on their faces. Terrell got into things a little more as the afternoon progressed, even pushing Eliza and the twins on the swings some. At five, everybody headed over to Mark and Stacy’s house. Stacy put the pizzas in the oven and then took Terrell upstairs.
“Where you takin’ me?”
“We’re going to my sewing room. I know Morgan is going to take you into town to get some clothes and things, but Kit, Betty, and I make most of the clothes all of us wear. I’m thinking I want to make you a few things. Will you be going to church with us?”
“I ain’t never been in no church befo’.”
“You don’t have to go; we won’t make you, but you might like it if you give it a chance and get used to it. You’ve had a lot to take in this weekend. Why don’t you sit it out tomorrow. I think I’d like to make you a nice suit to wear to church anyway, help you make a good first impression. I guarantee you never had clothes from the store that fit you as good as my clothes will. With your build, you’ll look downright sexy in a suit. Let me get some measurements and then we’ll look at some fabrics and patterns to see what you like.”
As Stacy measures Terrell for the clothes she’ll make him, they talk.
“You’s crazy girl! First yous punks me, then yous feeds me and fixes my neck, now yous makin’ me clothes! What’s yo’ game?”
“It’s no game, Terrell. I tried to be nice to you from the start, but it didn’t work. Your comment was rude today at lunch and it pushed me too far. I knew just talking to you wouldn’t do any good, so I took a more direct approach to get your attention. That seems to have worked, so I’m trying being nice again. I really do want us to get along well. I really do want you to feel at home here with us. You’ve never had a fair chance in your life and I want you to have one now. I want you to be everything you can be, which I think is a lot more than you have been. Anything I can do without betraying God or my family, I’ll do. That said, it’s up to you to make good on it. I’ve got your measurements; let’s look at some fabrics.”
Stacy takes Terrell over to a wall rack full of bolts of fabrics. She shows him a heavy woven one in a light grey she thinks will bring out his unique, greyish eyes, and a lighter fabric in deep purple.
What do you think of this grey for a pair of pants and suit coat and this purple for a shirt?”
“Yeah, I like it. You really makes clothes out this?”
“Yeah. Everybody at the playground today was wearing clothes Betty, Kit, or I sewed for them. I made the clothes Mark was wearing and this dress.”
“You make me some jeans?”
“Sure. I’ll make you a pair. If you like them, I’ll make more for you. You want me to make you some shirts too?”
“You do that?”
“Of course I will. I can’t very well have you running around here naked!”
“You see sumthin’ you ain’t never see befo’.”
“I don’t doubt it! No offense, but I don’t want to see that. The only man I ever want to see naked is Mark, at least until we have a baby to diaper and bathe.”
“Why you tryin’ to have a baby!?! How old is you?”
“We’re both sixteen. No, I’m on birth control and will be until we graduate high school. We don’t need children before then and think it would be too much to raise kids while we’re still in school. I’m taking my last pill the day we graduate. I’m really looking forward to giving Mark a son or daughter.”
“Baby daddies always runs away. Why you wanna’ do that shit?”
“Mark won’t run. He’ll be by my side for as long as he lives. Terrell, he saved my life twice. He saved Kit’s life three times. He saved Bobby once, and was the one who convinced us to give him a second chance. Several of us in the crew owe him our lives, a few more than once. Mark’s not the running away kind. You saw him with the littles today; he loves children and he loves me. You saw how upset he was that Jordan got hurt yesterday. He could no more leave me and our baby than he could turn on our God. If you can lay down your past and find it in yourself to be a man like him, you will do very well here or anywhere else.”
“Baby daddies always leaves. They’s all hot to bang the baby mommas, but they’s neva’ wants nuthin’ ta do wit they kids. All them damn foster peoples be just like ‘em. Theys keeps ya’ for a while, then theys sends ya’ back.”
Stacy sees real hurt and bitterness in Terrell’s face. This isn’t some act; this is personal to him. She reaches out and takes his hand.
“Terrell, I promise you, we won’t run. We won’t leave you. If you try at all to meet us halfway, we won’t send you back, ever! You have a whole lot of hurt and betrayal inside you and there’s things about your life before that we’ve never lived and can’t understand, so this won’t be easy. It’s going to take time and there’s going to be mistakes made and feelings hurt on both sides, but we can and will get through it if we all work at it. Terrell, I’m so sorry for what I did to you earlier today. I didn’t understand how deep your hurt runs; I still don’t. If I had known, I wouldn’t have done it the way I did. Please Terrell, can you forgive me? Tell me how to make this right between us.”
“Yeah, they all says that at first.”
“Please Terrell, God, please let us help you. Please, just have a little faith in us; give us a chance. I don’t know what you’ve been through, but no man deserves it. Please, just trust me a little, just a little; let me earn the rest. Don’t give up on us or yourself. Please?”
Terrell sees tears in Stacy’s eyes. She’s actually begging him for a chance to prove herself to him. She really is sorry about hurting and embarrassing him today. He can’t understand this crazy little white girl who fights like a damn ninja and carries a gun, but is actually hurt that she embarrassed him. He doesn’t know what to think, so he takes a chance.
“Whats I gots left to lose? I’s done lost my brutha’s and my sista’.”
“You mean real brothers and sisters!?!”
“They’s all halfs; we’s all gots different baby daddies. Mama gots knocked up so she get mo’ moneys from the CPS people. She said she gettin’ a raise. She spend the money on brown suga’. We’s hungry all the time. My big brutha’ got in the Crips cause he be getin’ the moneys then. We’s sittin’ on the porch one night and them damn YNB’s drives by an’ shoots Darnell. Theys shoot me too, but I wudn’t bad. Darnell jumped in front of me and theys kilt him. I got in the Crips so’s I could buy food fo’ my two brutha’s and sista’ what was left. I buyed food fo’ us but I’s didn’t gives Mama nuthin’. She be trippin’ on her brown suga’ and ho’in anyways. Stupid ho’ let her own kids starve! She be in jail now fo’ offerin’ ta’ gives it up to a po-po for twenty dollas. All her baby daddies done rund away. My baby daddy done went to prison for killin’ a white woman. Dumb shit stealin’ her purse!”
Stacy’s tears are falling now. Supper, clothes, everything is forgotten; all that matters is Terrell right now. This man needs help bad and she wants to help him. It turns out she understands him better than she thought. There’s no tough gang banger in the man standing in front of her now. All he has now is sadness, and bitterness, and raw pain. He’s already one of them, it’s just that none of them knew it. She lets go of his hand and buries her head in his chest as she wraps her arms around him. She says nothing because she doesn’t know what to say. She knows nothing she has is enough to ease his pain. For his part, Terrell somehow knows she’s just trying to be what he needs her to be, to really help him. Somehow, he knows Stacy really won’t turn on him. For the first time since he was a little kid, he cries like a baby and doesn’t care. It takes a while for them to pull themselves together.
“You ain’t gonna’ tells nobody I done cried like a little bitch are ya’?”
“Terrell, that doesn’t make you a little bitch; that just shows you’re human. No, I won’t tell a soul, not even Mark. What happened here, now, is just between us; if anybody ever knows, you’ll be the one to tell them. I know you’re not alright, but do you think you’re together enough to go down and eat?”
“Yeah. Stacy, I don’t know why you done it, but thanks.”
“I did it because I care. We didn’t know it and you may not realize it yet, but you’re one of us already. A little of your story isn’t as bad, some of it is worse, but you’re not that different than most of us. I meant what I said, Terrell; it won’t be easy, but we’ll get through this together, all of us, together.”
“Mama call me Terrell. That bitch ho’ never gave a shit ‘bout me. My boyz calls me T-bone, but I don’t wants none o’ that gang shit no mo’.”
“What do you want us to call you?”
“Just calls me T.”
“We’ll do it. You about ready for some pizza, T?”
“Yeah. Stacy, yous ain’t too bad fo’ a crazy ass ninja bitch.”
“I’m not always a bitch, only when I’m mad or protecting my family. You’re part of my family now, if you want to be.”
“Yeah, I wants that. You think that Ladybug kid would sit with we whens we eat?”
“I think Ladybug will sit in your lap and eat your pizza if you let her.”
“I be ok wit that.”
“Ok, just remember, you asked for it. The pizzas should be ready. Let’s go eat.”
After a good meal and good company, T doesn’t last long; he takes Mark and Stacy’s offer to stay over and is in bed asleep by ten o’clock. Mark and Stacy are both sitting on their deck with cups of coffee.
“Mark, I need to talk to Brian and Morgan. Would it be ok if they came over for a few minutes, if they’ll come?”
“Call ‘em. It’s fine by me. What’s wrong?”
“Hold that thought.”
(Phone)
“Hey Stacy, what’s up?”
“Would you and Morgan please come over for a few minutes? I really need to talk to you.”
“Now?”
“Yeah, now. This is important, Brian.”
“We’ll be right over. Is Terrell ok?”
“He’s been asleep for the last twenty minutes. I think Eliza wore him out.”
“We’re on our way.”
“You have keys, come on in when you get here. Come up to our bedroom; we’re out on the deck.”
“Ok, see you in a few.”
(About fifteen minutes later)
“Where is everybody?”
“Trent and Betty went to the apartment in our barn after supper, we’ve got all the kids stacked to the ceilings in the bedrooms, and T is crashed out in a bedroom by himself.”
“I’m surprised you let him stay here; you were ready to kill him last night.”
“Let’s just say we came to an understanding the really hard way today.”
“How many bones did you break?”
“None. Look, it got physical and now I really wish it hadn’t. I feel terrible about it. T needs our help, especially yours.”
“What can we do?”
“Foster three more kids if Sarah can find them.”
“We’ve only got one spare bedroom! Where would we put three more kids? What three kids are you talking about anyway?”
“T has two brothers and a sister. They got split up like me and the boys did. Please guys, they’re his family.”
“Stacy, I wish we could, but we don’t have the room for three more kids.”
“Big brother, we do. You and Morgan foster them and we’ll house them. We can work everything else out.”
“You knew about this too? What, did you two plan it out already?”
“I found out the same time you did, just now. Anastasia didn’t say a word about it to me. Listen, between us, we have the room and resources to help four instead of one, and do better by all of them. This is important, Brian. I don’t have a clue what went on up in Stacy’s sewing room, but she took T up there and they stayed for a good hour. He came back down different. I don’t know what got into him up there, but I hope to God it stays. He was actually a nice guy after that. He was sitting with Eliza in his lap, sharing his pizza with her all through supper. Both of them were having a ball. Whatever Stacy did to him, worked.”
“Geez Mark, you make it sound like I rolled him in the hay! All I did was listen and support him!”
“I guess it did sound like that, didn’t it. That thought never even crossed my mind. Come on guys, between the real ones and the fake ones, all of us have brothers and sisters we care about. I think this would solve a lot of his problems and be the best thing for all of them. There’s enough room in this family for all of them. Let’s bring their family back together so they can all start healing. We’ve done it enough times, we know how to make that happen. We all know what will happen to them if they stay in the system, especially apart. All four of us know how this is going to go; you’ll eventually end up adopting T, if CPS will let you and he’s willing. How can we save him and leave his siblings out there for the wolves to eat?”
“Morgan, do we do this again?”
“Damn Mark, you’re way too convincing. Are you two sure you’re up to sharing your home with three foster kids who are all going to have huge problems?”
“Four, you know T will want to be with them. We’re up to it. We’ll have help anyway. Don’t forget, you two will still be their foster parents. The four of us and T are going to have to work together close to make this work. Guys, we can do this, what’s more, we have to. I can’t see it any other way.”
“We’ll talk to Sarah after church tomorrow. Is Terrell going to come?”
“Aunt Morgan, he’s had too much too quick. I told him to sit it out this week. Mark and I will stay home with him.”
“Craig won’t be happy about you and Mark not being there.”
“In this case, Craig’s happiness isn’t my biggest concern; he’ll just have to get over it. Right now, I’m more worried about helping T ease into a better life. One sermon is no match for changing a life for the better.”
“You have a point. We’ll talk to Sarah tomorrow.”
“Keep it quiet. I promised T I wouldn’t tell what we talked about or what happened up there. There’s a lot more, but you know our rule number two; it’s his story to tell, or not. He’ll tell it when he’s ready. I haven’t broken my promise; this is too important to keep quiet, but I only told you what I had to, to get it done. If you knew what I know, you’d be in tears; I was. I don’t think we should tell him what we’re trying to do either. If we can’t pull it off, he’d be hurt. If we can, it’ll be an epic surprise for him.0”
“Why do you keep calling him T?”
“It’s what he wants. He said his mother called him Terrell and he was known as T-bone in the gangs. He wants a fresh start and to him, that means a fresh name. It isn’t going to hurt anything to humor him and it just might help.”
“Then from now on, he’s T. Is there anything else you demanding little twerps need from us?”
“Yeah, a little privacy. Anastasia and I have a little more talking to do and then some more celebrating. I kind of ruined my homecoming by falling asleep on her and today has been too busy for us to correct the problem.”
“Newlyweds! Well, not quite yet. We’re going home so Erin can get back to Larry and the kids; she came over to watch William while we were gone. You two have your fun and don’t wake up the kids.”
“Would we do that?”
“No, of course not, daughter of Chipmunk.”
“Very funny. Night, guys.”
“Goodnight. We’ll lock up when we leave.”
When Brian and Morgan leave, Stacy sits looking concerned.
“What’s the matter, Lover?”
“Mark, you don’t really think I would mess around on you, do you?”
“What? No, of course I don’t! Anastasia, I really don’t know what happened between you two earlier, but I know what didn’t happen. I know you didn’t do anything that might even be considered cheating on me. I’m sure there was talking. There may have been some hand holding and I’m sure there was a hug or two in there somewhere. There may have even been a kiss, but there’s no way you could ever make me believe you would do me wrong. Another man is the last thing in the world I’ve ever had to worry about with you.”
“I didn’t think you did, but I wanted to make sure. As much as I want to help him, nothing is worth causing problems between us.”
“Anastasia, after the last four years, it would take a lot more than a little compassion or flirting to even get my attention, much less cause us problems. We’ve been through way too much and come way too far together for any of that jealousy nonsense. Now you ever pull a Jen on me and we’ll have all kinds of big problems. I don’t ever see that happening.”
“I can guarantee you that won’t ever happen. Mark, I can’t tell you T’s story, but it’s bad. He’s lost so much. He’s been hurt so badly, so many times. I don’t know if we can ever put him completely back together.”
“All we can do is try. I’m not sure, but I think Ladybug did a lot of our work for us today.”
“They do seem to have gotten real close, real quick.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say T has a little sister he’s missing, maybe a brother too.”
“Timothy Marcus…”
“Ok, I’ll leave it alone. I really wasn’t fishing. So, other than a relationship breakthrough, what did you two do up there?”
“I got his measurements and we picked out fabrics for him a new suit and dress shirt for church and such. He asked me to make him some jeans and I offered to make him some shirts too.”
“Well, aren’t you just being all domestic?”
“I do it for everybody else, why not T? Lover, how about we get more comfortable and I’ll do some things for you that I won’t do for anybody else?”
“As long as you let me return the favor.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. You go pour us another cup of coffee and I’ll turn down the bed. I feel like a little cuddling first.”
“Sounds like a good plan. I see a massage in your future too.”
“Oooh, you’re going to spoil me!”
“Why not, you spoil me all the time.”
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Post by 2t2crash on Apr 2, 2018 1:49:39 GMT -6
sometimes a little compassion goes a long dang way! I like it.
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Post by biggkidd on Apr 2, 2018 13:39:29 GMT -6
Nice hope everything is going well cutter
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Post by cutter on Apr 2, 2018 15:03:29 GMT -6
Not well at all. Back in ER. Admitting her again. Don’t know what’s going to happen.
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Post by biggkidd on Apr 2, 2018 18:09:59 GMT -6
Best wishes and prayers sent
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Post by 9idrr on Apr 2, 2018 20:55:07 GMT -6
Cutter- as good as the story is, I'm sure we'll all wait while you take care of what's really important.
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Post by cutter on Apr 2, 2018 22:33:14 GMT -6
Thanks everybody. Work and real life are conspiring to run me into an early grave. Too bad they don't know just how stubborn I am. I'm too stupid to know when I'm whipped. I'm taking care of business, but I'm writing a little when I can. It takes time for me to unwind at night anyway and the writing helps.
Incidentally, what does everybody think of Terrell? There is a slightly sadistic side of me that is really looking forward to his first meeting with Jess. Here's a hint, she's gotten really close to Kit since their Troy days and she and Stacy are very close too. They have all rubbed off on each other. Stacy's temper, Kit's strength, and both of their devotion to their loved ones have worked their way into Jess's personality. Both of them have benefited from Jess's quirks too. She's a lot of fun, once you get to know her.
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