Date: Sat, 9 Apr 2016 21:38:18 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: the Oak and the Ash chapter 13 *The Oak and the Ash- Chapter 13* *By Eff Del* Nolitimere156@gmail.com *To live a life with any expectation of happiness and satisfaction, we must survive those adversities that confront us no matter how large or small.* *We must overcome and ignore fear, pain, unhappiness and doubt.* *We must have a belief in a good out-come and do what we need to do in order to make that a reality.* *Darwin himself once corrected early reviewers of his Theory of Evolution by explaining;* *It isn't the biggest or the strongest that survive and evolve, nor is it necessarily the most intelligent. The ones who win the evolutionary race are the ones capable of adapting themselves to the situation confronting them in the quickest and best way.* *I believe he was right. The dinosaurs were gargantuan but it was the little mammals that survived. The Ice Ages teemed with huge creatures but there are no mammoths, no dire wolves no saber-toothed tigers but there are many little rodents.* *The mice have always been more adoptable than the big creatures that so (seemingly) were more destined for survival and moving forward on the evolutionary Que.* *Adapt and survive or become extinct. It's that simple: be a rodent and live and evolve or become a dinosaur.* At first I wasn't startled when I realized someone had walked into my bedroom because, I was actually used to it happening. I quickly recovered from my pre-sleep grogginess and remembered where I was. "Mr. T...could I come into bed with you and would you hold me? I'm so sad and I'm so scared." "Paulie...of course you can. Just let me put on a pair of underpants because I usually sleep in the nude. There was a slight delay in his response, which caused me to wonder if he was considering his reply. To my satisfaction he said; "Kay, can I slip under the covers while you do that?" "You bet young man." I turned down the covers. I usually slept with the light at an almost dark level but I decided that tonight the room should be fully dark so I lowered the light while at the same time I quickly caught up my boxer briefs from the floor and pulled them on and slid in next to him. "Would you hold me Mr. T? I don't know what I'll ever do in this world if Howie should die." I pulled him close to me and stroked his hair, neck, and back. "We're leaving early in the morning to see Howie Paulie. It may not be very pretty but you certainly need to be with him. I know this is going to sound funny Paulie but, if he was going to die, I don't think his stallion...Coal...would have brought him home. I believe that Coal knew what he was doing and I believe that's proof that he's going to survive. So let me hug you quickly and let's go to sleep" He rolled into and against me and quite soon I detected the slow breathing that indicated deep slumber. It wasn't so easy for me to fall asleep because I was thinking about little "Bronco" lying in a hospital bed fighting for his life all because he had been doing something he'd learned to love and become so good at. It occurred to me as I sought sleep with a wonderful little boy nestled against me; that perhaps when all was said and done, in the end, death was the final destination. Death was the finish line that we all raced for at our own pace and reached at our own speed. That being said, for those of us who loved our lives, death was to be avoided as long as possible. Fighting against death was in the nature of a brave heart. Death was to so many people just ultimate surrender. I didn't think that Howie would just surrender. He was too tough. Pete's black ten gallon hat flew off his head as he approached the helicopter and one of the ranch hands grabbed it and brought it back to him. "The damned things are only good for sun shade and keeping rain off your neck anyway. I don't know why we place such interest and concern in them." He grumbled. I grinned because I knew that Pete would rather be naked than without his Stetson. As we were airborne, I said to Paul who had been hugging me tightly; "Now you may not like what you see Paulie because Bronco is really badly hurt, but he'll know that you're there and he'll be glad for it." "Yeah, Cause we're really good friends and he'll be happy I'm there it's just that I'm so sorry he's been hurt so bad." He began to cry and he was still sniffling as we touched down. Howie didn't look nearly as terrible as I was expecting. Truth be told, he looked in pretty good shape. His left arm was in a cast and he was wired like something from a science fiction movie, but he wasn't hooked up to a ventilator and he looked to be sleeping normally and peacefully. He seemed to sense our presence and woke up with a big smile on his face. "Paulie! You came here to see me. You too Pete... I really screwed up that fence ride huh? Is that you Mister T? I guess I really disappointed you all didn't I? I know it sounds stupid but I couldn't let those jerks slaughter our buffalo. I didn't know that they had guns and that they would use them I just tried to warn them off the ranch and they shot me. I'm glad that I never shot anybody back in the old street days because take it from me, it really hurts. I'd be really sad if I did that to somebody especially you Mr. T." "You'd never have shot anybody Howard. Not even me that day by the lake and you certainly didn't screw up or disappoint anybody son. We're all really proud of you and your stallion as well." "What's cool is, I never fell out of the saddle and Coal just knew to take me home. He never stopped, he never wavered, and he walked as gently as he could. At some point, I passed out and the next thing I remember was Pete looking down at me as the guys were putting together a stretcher to take me into the house. Coal knew what was going on and he did everything he could to take care of me. I Love that horse." "Well Howie, the doctors say that you'll be fine with some rest and recovery. When I was a kid and used to watch cowboy shows, the `doc' always used to tell the good guys; `It's just a flesh wound'. Well, it turns out that's true as far as you're concerned. Nothing major was touched but you did lose a great deal of blood. If it weren't for your magnificent horse, you'd probably be dead out there. You'd have bled out trying to get home. You're going to spend about seven days here in the hospital and I've got it set up so that there will be a bed in this room for Paulie." They both grinned at each other and so I commented; "I think that Paulie would be happier being here with you and I'm sorry to say that the ranch will survive with someone else in the kitchen." "They'll just appreciate me more when I'm back." The youngster grinned as he hugged the arm of his friend. *********** We were sitting in my study and Richard was taking notes, "They are a group of poachers. I don't know how many but they were enough to try and harvest our bison. Outside of the National Parks, we're one of the largest herds in existence and I won't allow poaching and I certainly won't allow shooting my ranch hands...especially when that ranch hand is Howie. They're probably still around or near the ranch and there have to be at least four of them. I'd have our guys stay near the bison...WAIT! What the hell am I doing telling you how to do your job? Sorry Richard. Just get these guys please." His smile was warm and reassuring. "We're on it Boss. If a couple of buffalo hunters can get away from us, you'd better fire me and a whole lot more of us." I suddenly realized that Richard and I were friends. It was what my father and Walter had probably been like. I felt a warmth in my heart and felt like I should say something but (of course) I didn't. "Enough business tonight Richard. It's your turn to make the drinks." He smiled and reached for my tumbler. Daniel was suddenly at the door. I smiled because he was so damned efficient. "Daniel come in and make yourself a drink unless you have terrible news of course. "Actually Eric, I have wonderful news but I will make that drink before I deliver it." He walked to the bar with a smile and poured himself a single malt and I reminded myself that was one of the reasons I liked him so much. He sat down and took a sip and with a smile on his face he said; "Pete Riddle called to tell you that they're releasing Howard from the hospital. He's going to drive there tomorrow to pick him up." "Oh no, that won't work. That's almost a full day's drive." I got up from my seat and picked up the phone. "Pete? It's Eric. I'll have a helicopter with an attending doctor at the hospital tomorrow morning. You stay on the ranch and get everything that the kid might need ready. Make up a room for the Doctor because he'll stay with you guys about a week." The relief in his voice was more audible than his words. I hung up the phone and smiled. "Daniel, it's your turn to make the drinks and then I've got to set up a helicopter and a doctor for tomorrow way out west." As he poured the three glasses of single malt, Daniel said; "Well the doctor is no problem since we currently have two here, your jet is at the local airport and a telephone call can have a helicopter waiting at the hospital in Montana. In fact, Doctor Mohamed rather enjoys your exciting lifestyle so I expect he'd love this assignment." "You astonish me Daniel but after you finish your drink, please get that all together." "Consider it done Eric." I smiled at him warmly and replied; "Daniel, when you are involved, I always consider it done." ********************* Of the three boys, it was Brian who had become most attached to Howie and Paulie. Probably because it was him that they'd abducted: a sort of rapidly acquired Stockholm syndrome. The news that Howie was going to be fine brought forth such a smile on his face that I felt a lump in my throat. "Can we go see them sometime soon Dad?" "Absolutely Brian. Let's just give Howie about a month to heal and recover and then, we'll fly out there. I know that Paulie will be glad to see you." "Thanks Dad!" He reached over and kissed me before he ran down the little hill onto the big lawn where his brothers were waiting. It was just about soccer season again and I wondered where the time had gone. Had it not been for last soccer season, I'd never have met `Spider' and ultimately not acquired a third son. It seemed like such a short time and conversely like it was forever. I supposed that this was what love was like. I only knew that since the accident that took my parents and my brother, I'd never been so happy. ************************** He was sitting on the edge of my bed and (as usual) running his fingers through my hair as he smiled gently down at me. "You're learning about justice and mercy very well Eric. For a while, we were worried about you because you were acting cruel and unthinking. Richard is not ready to give you advise in that regard so you need to depend upon yourself and lately, you've made good and fair decisions. Chang and Whyles needed to go but Tanner is salvageable and you recognized that. When you get the bison poachers, they probably don't need to die but they do need to suffer and we're certain that you'll handle that properly. You already know that Jack has more or less forsaken the sea and embraced the SKUGGOR. That is what we were hoping for. That doesn't rule out voyages and exploration for him because he will still become world famous for his discoveries. I know that's confusing for you so just let it happen." "B-but Walter, sometimes it seems like I'm just dealing out death." He smiled his secret smile. "Eric, sometimes dealing out death is all there is to do." He leaned down and kissed me and as I watched, he faded away and the moonlight was all there was left to see. Brian was lying pressed tight against my side and he'd never moved a muscle. I smiled and closed my eyes and slept wonderfully. ********************************* They were grinning at me as I made a drink and sat down. Will was almost healed though the doctors were keeping him in a small cast for about three more weeks and he still used his cane jauntily and just loved it. I suspected that it had become part of his `image' and that it would stay with him permanently and he'd always use the `plane crash' as an excuse. I thought to myself that he'd already figured out how to use the whole thing to attract the ladies. "We kinda made our minds up Dad since you've been so busy with that stuff out in Montana. If money really isn't the object, we think that a Cessna 208BEX Grand Caravan is the way to go. Since the increased price is actually not that great, we think we should go with the Oasis leather luxury seating plan. That will allow a seating capacity of eleven though the rear seats can be folded down or removed. It won't be as nice as the jet but it will be really nice Dad. It will carry a large amount of cargo as well as more passengers than we'd usually ever carry. It's not fast and it doesn't fly high. It goes on medium altitudes and flies just below 300 miles an hour and its range is less than a thousand miles. It's perfect for trips to the lake and other short trips. Outfitted by the factory, it will be amphibious so that it can make hard landings which adds to the safety factor. It will be perfect for when a bunch of us are going someplace and the jet would be overkill." I smiled. "So, let's order one guys." "There is a six month wait Dad so it may be over a year before we get her." Will smiled at me; "Even at that steep price Eric, they're selling them as fast as they can make them." I grinned at both of them. "You two decide what colors you want it painted and Uncle Phil and I will take care of the rest of the details. You may be surprised that it won't take that long." I was rewarded with a `Sean smile'. "Nuthin about you is ever a surprise Dad." ************************** I was standing near the field with Arlen and John waiting while the boys showered as Coach Cramford walked over. "Well guys, like they say; `it's déjà vu all over again'. Jack's team is mostly intact with just a couple of changes and the younger boys' team is entirely the same with just a few additions to the bench. I've already told my `trident' and the `blue curtain' the news. Tonight I've got to call the boys who will be the bench sitters and the boys who won't make this triple A team at all this year. That's the hardest part of coaching but not one that I'll ever have with Tucker boys I suspect. The ones that won't make the AAA team will certainly be placed on a lower division team and I'm certain will have good fun and a wonderful time. No kid gets ignored here at Deer Run but you know that Eric. I've already talked to Jack and he's agreed that besides playing, he'll help me out as an assistant coach with the younger boys like he did last year. He's one great kid Eric. Incidentally, Arlen, Coach Chino would like to talk to you about next season. If you can work it out, he'd like you to join his staff. He actually gives you a lot of the credit for this year's success. It would be a paid position though the `paid' part is rather dubious which is why you won't be quitting your day job." Arlen looked at me to see what my reaction was. I grinned at him. "Well Arlen, if you need recommendations to land this position, I'll certainly write you a glowing letter. Seriously, it's a short season and we'll be able to work around your schedule. If you can do for other little boys, what you've done for Sean and Brian, we're both giving a treasure to the world." He nodded his head in gratitude. "After my injury I thought I was done with baseball but suddenly, it seems like I'm right back in it. You have no idea what this means to me." Coach Cramford smiled and patted Arlen's shoulder. "Chino will call you in a couple of days Arlen and we'll all be happy for you to be onboard." My three boys suddenly came pounding down the hill. I smiled as I looked at them because: typical of teen-aged boys, they hadn't taken the time to towel-dry their hair so they (all three) looked like they'd climbed out of a lake and just pulled on some clothes. "Our whole team is together again!" Sean was beaming and so was Brian. Jack grinned and said; "Most of my team is the same as last year and I'm going to be an assistant coach for the little kids. Just like last year but this year, it's official. It's going to be a fun season." "Well boys, on top of all of that good news, you might as well know that Deer Run is bringing onboard a new assistant Baseball coach. Since that's the news we weren't anticipating, I think we need to take `Coach' Arlen out for a burrito." The boys broke out in cheers and those cheers soon deteriorated into a chant; `Coach Arlen! Coach Arlen! Brrittos, Brrrittos!' "Ok guys let's turn that down a bit...in fact a whole lot." They grinned at me and wiggled like small slugs as they assumed poses of absolute innocence. `Boys' I thought to myself. I love them, I just love them. I watched in wonder as they devoured their second burritos as well as baskets of chips and salsa and bowels of frijoles beans. John, Arlen and I just sat sipping our beer looking at the devastation-taking place before us. There is no more eruptive combination than little boys recently filled with good news and faced with good food that had no end. They were eating machines and were wonderful to observe. John turned to me and asked; "So, `Little Walt' is going to turn into one of these?" I grinned and grabbed his shoulder. "If you're lucky my friend...yeah just like these. We'll all work hard to make certain that's exactly what happens." He smiled. "Nothing could be better than that Eric and if he grows up like your boys, I'll be a happy man." "John, he'll grow up to be your son. You'll be his father and Jenny will be his mother. He'll grow to be who `Little Walt' is meant to be but one thing is certain; between you, Jenny, Me and the boys...he'll grow up knowing that he's loved. There's not a better foundation for life than that in fact, I can't conceive of anything more significant." "Thanks Eric" John never made mistakes driving but this one time, he was so overcome by emotion that he reached over to hug me. I had just enough time to look back at the boys as the van tumbled off the road. *********************************** I so enjoy your emails and input it truly is what keeps me writing. My health doesn't make me a great respondent but please know I read and enjoy every email from you guys and they actually drive me to get up and write a new chapter. Thank you for liking this tale.