Cabbage Patch Cowboy By
Waddie Greywolf Chapter
14
Waddie got a
tear in his eye when Bubba drove away. Earl D. took his hand and
squatted down to talk to him.
"Hey, hey,
Cowboy,— he'll be back this evening. I know you're thinkin' it's gonna'
be hard telling him goodbye tomorrow, but he'll be back before you know
it. We love him, too. Next to our dad he's number one in our lives.
He's our brother, same's you, now. C'mon, let's go buy you some
clothes."
Earl D. and
Billy Bob had an old pickemup truck that belonged to Bubba. He gave it
to them to travel back and forth to school. It was in pretty fair
shape. The boys kept it in top running condition. It was what Waddie
referred to as a 'shit-kicker truck.' All shit-kicker pickemuptrucks
have a heavy duty step bumper, cattle racks, and a protective metal
grill over the back window. Waddie loved old trucks, and he knew he was
going to love the two outstandingly good looking men he was sitting
between. His dick hadn't gotten soft since he saw them bound down the
front steps of Mrs. York's place. They got to the 'Hitch'n Post' and
introduced Waddie to the owner but they didn’t tell the owner Waddie’s
name. His name was Gil Saunders. He hugged and kissed the two men and
turned his attention to Waddie.
"We brought you
a good'un this time, Gil. He’s our new little brother, but
y'ain't never gonna' guess who he is?" Billy Bob crowed.
"You guys wait
here a minute, I'll be right back." instructed Gil Saunders. He
disappeared into his workshop in the back. He returned with three
photos and handed them to Waddie. There were two close up photos and
one full photo of Waddie and Gip at a rodeo wearing their favorite
black, white and red rodeo chaps Uncle Enid gave them for Christmas
several years ago.
"That you and
your brother, Gip, young man?" Gil ask smiling.
"That 'ud be us,
Sir." confirmed Waddie.
"You Waddie
Lovejoy, Son?" asked Gil. Billy Bob's face fell like a final
curtain.
"Yes, Sir, Mr.
Saunders, that ud' be me."
"Just hung up
the phone from talking with your Uncle Enid as you walked in the door.
I have to call her back. I promised her I would. Gimme' a' hug,
young'un. She's worried sick about you, but seeing who you're with, she
ain't got a care in the world. By the way, you and your brother like
them bat wing chaps you’re wear’n in the pictures? I made those about
four years ago for Enid to give you for Christmas."
"You made those,
Mr. Saunders? We love 'em. Them's our favorite, lucky pair of rodeo
chaps. We won't ride, less'n we're wearing 'em. I shit chu' not, Sir."
"That's
wonderful. I enjoyed making them. Got more pictures in the back of you
and Gip at a rodeo wearing 'em. That, gentlemen, is how I recognized
the young man. You come for some duds, cowboy?'
"Let me call
Enid real quick, and I'll get back to you. By the way, Son,— just call
me Gil. You've shown me proper respect. Now I know you have manners,
call me Gil. You two will still refer to me as Mr. Saunders." said Gil
as he broke up laughing at Earl D. and Billy Bob. They followed him
back. They wanted to see the photos of Waddie and Gip in their rodeo
chaps. Waddie did, too, he didn't remember seeing them.
"Hello,— Guess
what? He just walked in the front door with two of the biggest,
meanest, ugliest som'bitches North of the Pecos.— The Crenshaw
brothers.— Now, who were we just talking about?— I certainly have
not! He's standing right here, inside my store. I recognized him from
his photo you gave me.— Yes, your nephew!" The three men could hear
Uncle Enid's yell all the way across the back room of the store.
"She wants to
talk with you, Son. She don't believe me." said Gil disgustedly.
"Uncle Enid,—
it's Waddie."
"Well,— I’ll be
damned! Saints be praised, it is you, Son. How the fuck are
you, darlin'?"
"I be just fine,
but I had to run away from home, Uncle Enid. My dad, Morgan,— well,— he
kinda went nuts. He almost killed me, Uncle Enid. My angel told me to
go, run away, and I did. No one back home knows where I am. My angel
don't want them to know for a while. I have to stay away for some
reason. I guess it's to protect me from my dad. I can't go back to
living with him. I won't go back to living with him, Uncle Enid. I'm
sick and tired of being beaten for something I didn't do. Maybe you've
all ready heard about it."
"Yes, I did,
Son. Dan called me immediately. We've all been so worried, but I told
Buck, 'I know that kid well enough to know he's being taken care of by
some good people.' They wanted everyone to know in case you called and
not to be worried. It's hard not to worry when we all love you so much.
You couldn't be doing too damn bad with them two beautiful men you got
on your arm. They're a couple of fine looking cowboys. Many's the men
who'd sell their fuck'n grandma into slavery for one night between them
two ole boys, I'll tell ya'" Enid broke up with laughter enjoying her
own joke.
"I'm just a'
praying they know how to knock boots, Uncle Enid." The three other men
didn't hear what Waddie told Enid, but they could hear her laugh loud
and clear.
"I'm sure of it,
cowboy. You may be a little young for their taste, but then again, I've
seen you in action, sweet baby, and you've surprised the shit out of
this old lady; that's fer damn sure. You call Agatha yet, darlin'?"
"No, Ma'am. I
was gonna' ask Bubba if'n I could call her tonight and pay the phone
charges to the lady I'm staying with. I was gonna' call you tonight,
too. I didn't want you worrying about me."
"Bubba? Is that
old Bubba Franz? He still driving that old plum colored Peterbuilt?"
"Yes, 'um! You
know Bubba?"
"Oh, Hell, yes!
He probably don't remember me. I was running buddy with an old lady
trucker for about a year and a half. I met him several times. Ask him
if he remembers old lady Mother Trucker and her running buddy, Moon
Shine. You couldn't be with better people, Waddie. That man, Bubba, is
one Hell of a fine man. That man walks with God, Son. I've been in
touch with Agatha to see if she's heard from you. Can I tell her I've
heard from you, and you're gonna' call her tonight."
"Sure, I know I
can trust you not to give away where I am right now. You can tell Aunt
Agatha. She's okay. She's Gip and my buddy, just like you are, Uncle
Enid." Enid was quiet on the other end of the line. She almost lost it
for a minute. The kid could toss off the most loving comment as if it
were simply accepted fact.
"I can't go home
until my angel, Mr. Urial, says so. I don't want to put the temptation
in front of Uncle Buck or Dad Dan to come get me. It ain't time yet,
Uncle Enid. Let me give you the phone number where I'm staying, and you
can pass it on to Aunt Agatha if you would,— I'd appreciate it."
"You know I
will, Son. I love you as much as the rest of 'em, and I know Agatha
worships you and Gip. What's the number?"
Waddie hollered
at Earl D. and Billy Bob. "Mr. Crenshaw's, what's the phone number to
Mrs. York's place? Will she let me take a call there this evening?"
"Sure. She has
separate phones for the upstairs and downstairs." Earl D. gave Waddie
the upstairs number and he repeated it to Uncle Enid. Waddie got the
address from Earl D., and gave it to Uncle Enid. Enid was living in
Austin at the time.
"I know I don't
have to ask you not to tell the folks back home my whereabouts. You can
tell 'em you know the people I'm with, and you think they're good
folks. Maybe that'll help put Uncle Buck and Dad Dan's hearts to rest a
bit."
"I promise I'll
do that, Waddie. Of course I won't tell a soul but Agatha. She's a
sweet lady, and I've come to be quite fond of her. Not that way,
youngster. She's been a good friend. I may drop over to see you one day
next week, but I'll call first and make sure you're gonna' be there."
"I'd like that,
Uncle Enid. I'll introduce you to my new brothers. Damn, they be fine
looking men, Uncle Enid." Again Enid laughed at her nephew's candor.
"It's good to hear your voice, Uncle Enid, and you know I love you."
"Awwhh, sweet
baby, you know your old Uncle Enid loves you, too. Now, do me a favor
and put that no good, son of a bitch, Gil, back on the phone." Waddie
hollered for Gil.
"Uncle Enid
would like to talk with you again, Sir." Waddie told him as he handed
Gil the phone, and walked over to Earl D. and Billy Bob. They pointed
out ten different pictures of Waddie and Gip in their white and red,
bat wing, rodeo chaps. They were hot pictures. Waddie's dick got hard
when he saw the handsome, knock out, cowboy standing next to him in the
pictures. His brother never failed to get his dick roaring hard. He
started adjusting it, and the two brothers caught him. They laughed
their ass's off.
"I'm sorry guys.
It's just ever’ time I see a picture of my cowboy brother my dick gets
hard." They broke up again laughing at Waddie's honesty. Then he looked
at them, and they were hard, too. It was Waddie's turn to laugh.
"We been
standing here talking about what fine, good looking, young cowboys you
two make. Makes my dick hard. How 'bout you, brother?"
"All you have to
do is look. That things been trying to get out of there for the last
fifteen minutes." They laughed again.
Gil was on the
phone a good while with Uncle Enid, and the men went back out to the
store to look around. Waddie wanted to see if they had Wrangler boot
cut jeans in his size. He found three pair, and set them on the
counter. He found some nice socks, and selected five pair. He found
some inexpensive white cotton t-shirts. He selected five of those.
Waddie picked out three really pretty Western shirts. He found a nice
straw hat for summer. His buddies liked it and urged him to get it.
Gil came back
into the store smiling like a Cheshire cat. He had a legal pad of notes
from Uncle Enid.
"Okay, let's
see, now. You've all ready picked out some stuff. You have to pick two
more pair of jeans, Waddie. Uncle Enid's orders, Son. We don't say 'no'
to Uncle Enid. I learned the hard way, trust me. You have three nice
western shirts. You've got two more to pick out. Don't be shy, Waddie,
she's picking up the tab for all this.
By the way, you
two, go pick out any pair of Justin/ Nacona boots you want, they're a
gift from Enid to make sure you take damn good care of her nephew;—
said to tell you she'd personally kick your butts if'n you didn't."
Billy Bob and Earl D. hooted with laughter, but were stunned she would
be that generous. They hit the boot rack immediately.
"She told me to
send a pair to a Mr. Bubba Franz with you, Waddie. Do you know his
size?"
"Sure do, Gil.
He told me his size was fourteen triple E. I looked in one to see if it
really was that big. It was. I also sniffed it when he weren't
looking." Waddie said quietly with the back of his hand to his mouth.
Gil roared with laughter.
"Done the same
thing myself, youngster. Still do, ever’ damn chance I get. You never
out grow it, Waddie. It'll be with you for life. You just have to
adjust and learn to live with it." Waddie and Gil broke into gales of
laughter. "Oh, by the way, Son, she wants you to pick out a nice pair
of boots for yourself to wear when you go to Dallas to visit your aunt."
"You sure about
all this, Gil? I feel awful funny. I love my Uncle Enid but damn,— "
"I know, Waddie,
but she's that way. She overwhelms everybody. Honey,— she's
become the second wealthiest woman in the state of Texas. She can
afford to be generous to her nephew who had a bit of a bad time. You're
lucky, Waddie, you and your brother, Gip, have such a wonderful woman
for an aunt. I know her well enough to know she'd be hurt if you didn't
accept her help. You're in a tight place right now, and she wants to
help. Let her, Son. She's trying to do her part, and it's her way
of telling you she's so damn sorry for the way your dad treated you.
She'd go break him in two herself if your Uncle Buck would let her.
Damn, she loves that man. Talks about him, you, Dan, Gip, Don, Lyle,
Quinton, Clyde and Oatie. Now that's one kid I'd love to meet sometime.
I've heard stories."
"Ever’ damn one
of 'em's true, Gil. Oatie's a handful." Waddie giggled.
Waddie picked
out the rest of the clothes Uncle Enid wanted him to have and a nice
felt hat she told Gil he could buy. He chose two nice western belts
with large belt buckles. He picked out a beautiful pair of boots for
himself and picked out a pair he knew Bubba would like; size fourteen
triple E. Waddie's whole head would fit inside one of the boots. The
boys agreed with Waddie's selection. Bubba would love the boots. The
Crenshaw men picked out two beautiful pair as well, and were as giddy
as school boys. Hell, they were school boys.
They got
everything together and Waddie signed his name to all the sales slips
to show the stuff was received. He signed for Bubba's boots, and Earl
D. and Billy Bob signed for theirs. They all hugged, kissed Gil, and
promised to come back to see him. He treated them nice, and was
gracious. Waddie liked the man. He shook his hand, and thanked him
sincerely. Gil was impressed with Waddie's maturity. The men threw
their stuff in the back of the truck and drove back to Mrs. York's.
They didn't realize it was so late. They'd been in the store four hours
or better. Bubba's truck was all ready there. Waddie was thrilled at
the sight of Bubba's truck.
"Will you throw
cold water on this one, brother?" laughed Billy Bob.
"You're one to
talk, brother, I seen you sneaking glances at the big man's jeans."
Earl D. laughed as he parked the truck. Bubba was sitting on the porch
with Mrs. York enjoying a big glass of ice tea. He didn't look too
stressed.
"My God, did ju'
men buy the whole damn store?"
"He had few
things left, but we're going back tomorrow for the rest." Billy Bob
shot back at Bubba. Bubba just roared with laughter.
"Y'ain't gonna'
believe what we have to tell ya,' big brother." Earl D. smiled at Bubba.
"If it concerns
this one," Bubba nodded toward Waddie, "I'd believe any damn thing you
tell me. I've seen what he can do, and its frightened this old pilgrim,
I'll tell ya'"
"We didn't pay a
penny for all these clothes." stated Billy Bob.
"Did the cops
get your license number as ya'll drove away?" Bubba laughed.
"We didn't steal
'em neither. An old truck'n friend of yours bought 'em for us. She was
Mother Trucker's running buddy, Moon Shine." said Billy Bob.
"You're lying
like a damn railroad track! How could ju' lie like that to your big
brother? Are they lying to me, Waddie?"
"Naw, Sir. They
be telling the truth. You just don't remember, or maybe never knew Moon
Shine's real name was Enid Justin."
"Son of a bitch!
Excuse me, Mrs. York, I apologize, Ma'am."
"No need! Been
around men who used worse language than that. Feel free, you won't
bother me. Only around the table I expect decent language. Anywhere
else, hold forth."
"Moon Shine was
Enid Justin? Your Uncle Enid, Waddie?'
"Same lady, big
man." Waddie handed Bubba a big paper bag with a box inside.
"I talked with
her on the phone at Gil's store. He's close friends with her. She said
for me to pick these out for you, bear man." Bubba's mouth dropped open
before he even looked inside the package. He put his hand in, pulled
out the box, saw the Nacona boot logo, opened the box, and saw the pair
of boots Waddie picked out for him. The big man lost it right there on
the porch. He pulled Waddie to him, hugged, and kissed him.
"Who's taking
care of who around here, little man. Last night you buy me a big steak
dinner with your stories. You go shopping with these yahoos, your Uncle
Enid drops out of the blue, and sends you home with a beautiful pair of
expensive boots for me,— ? You're one Hell of a running buddy, Waddie.
Glad to call you my buddy, sweet baby. These are exactly the boots I
was a' looking at about a month ago when I wanted a nice pair, but
money got tight. I put that idea on a shelf for later. Now,— look,— can
you guys believe this?"
"What are you
talking about, we got new boots, too,— look!" The brothers showed Bubba
and Mrs. York their new boots, and Bubba just shook his head. Mrs. York
excused herself to finish dinner, and said she'd ring the dinner bell
in about thirty minutes for them to wash up.
Bubba looked
Waddie in the eyes and spoke gently. "Don't you even say no to old
Bubba tonight, understand, sweet baby?" Waddie looked down at his old
boots, back up to Bubba's eyes and smiled.
"I understand,
Sir. I love you, Bubba." said Waddie quietly. Bubba grabbed the boy and
held him tight.
"My love for you
grows by the hour, Waddie. I can't think of nothing else but you,
sweetheart. C' mon, lets take your stuff up to your room and start
putting it away."
The men were
cleaned up when Mrs. York rang the dinner bell. They went down to
dinner. They were the only four men there that evening. Even the
graduate student left and went home for the weekend. Just as well. Mrs.
York was in the mood to cook one of her favorites, Sauerbraten. A pork
roast marinated in vinegar, red wine, and spices then seared on a high
heat for several hours. It was heaven. Waddie never tasted
anything so good. Bubba had it before because his ma, Dora Franz, was a
good German lady. The Crenshaw boys had eaten it because Mrs. York
fixed it before. There was never a tiny piece left. There wasn't that
night either. The four men couldn't get enough. Mrs. York was pleased
her cooking was enjoyed. She loved to cook, and her rooming house was
her calling.
They were having
dessert and coffee when the upstairs phone rang. The Crenshaw boys told
Waddie to run answer it because it was probably for him. They weren't
expecting any calls. Sure enough Waddie was thrilled to hear his Auntie
Boo on the other end of the line.
"Auntie Boo,
it's so good to hear your voice. You know I talked with Uncle Enid
earlier this afternoon and asked her to give you the address and phone
number of the room and board place I'm staying at here in Austin. How
are you, Auntie Boo?"
"I'm fit and
fine, young man. Thank you for asking, but I want to know how you are?"
"I'm much better
now that I've heard your voice, Auntie Boo. I was pretty bad for a
couple of days. My dad, Morgan, almost killed me. He went nuts, and Mr.
Urial told me to run, to get away. It wasn't safe for me to be there
right now and won't be for a while. I have to stay away until Mr. Urial
tells me it's safe to go home. I can't and won't go back to living with
Morgan Lovejoy and those awful people again. Mr. Urial told Uncle
Buck I was to live with Dad Dan, Gip and Momma Sue until Aunt Linda
finds out she ain't my aunt. She told Momma Sue about giving her baby
away and the birthmark. When I went missing Dad Dan was talking to
Momma Sue about identifying marks on my body and mentioned the wine
colored cowboy boot on my right leg. Well, like you, she put two
and two together and Dad Dan figured it out after Uncle Buck learned I
wasn't Morgan's kid. Morgan hadn't been honest with his brother about
me. Mr. Urial appeared to Gip and Dad Dan to tell Gip to be honest with
his parents. They wouldn't tell. Besides the time is near, Auntie Boo,
I just feel it."
"I concur,
sweetheart. I've had a visit from him, too. He's instructed me to do
several things I've accomplished. I never thought I was capable of
doing what I did, but he gave me the strength and courage of a lioness.
Are you going to be able to get up here to Dallas for your visit the
last week of June?"
"I don't see why
not, Auntie Boo. I could hop on a bus here as well as I could from
home. You think my brother might want to be with me?"
"Of course, he
would. You leave that to Auntie Boo. I'll get him a ticket in the mail
tomorrow, and I can send you one, too."
"No, no. Not
this time, Auntie Boo. I have money to pay for my own ticket. Some
truck drivers took up a collection for me, and I have enough money. Let
me buy my own ticket to show you I want to come see you not just
because you send me a ticket. I love you, Auntie Boo. You've been Gip
and my rock through this craziness, and I know you'll continue to be."
"Then I won't
send your brother a ticket until I've heard from you about arrival
time." Agatha allowed.
"That'll be
fine. I'll check with the bus company this week and give you a call, or
have the information ready for you the next time you call." Waddie said.
"Oh, Waddie, I
do so love the two of you boys. I almost couldn't imagined having one
of you here without the other. I've only been doing for you what I was
instructed to do, my dear young man; however, you and your brother's
love has made my job much more than just a task, it's become a labor of
love."
"Uncle Enid
bought me a bunch of clothes today, Auntie Boo. She's been so good to
me and Gip. I went into a store to buy a couple of necessary things and
walked out with half the store. I could never repay her or you for your
love and kindness to me."
"What are you
talking about, Son. You've all ready paid us back. Your love is quite
enough for us; for all us grownups. You're a major part of a number of
people's lives. I've received several calls from Dr. Dyer asking if I'd
heard from you. May I tell him I have?"
"Oh, sure,
Auntie Boo, and tell him I plan to call him soon. Tell him I'm healing,
and there's no infection. My face is looking a lot better. The bruises
are going away fast. I'll tell him, too, when I talk to him. I don't
see why you couldn't give him my phone number, here, and tell him not
to give it out. It's for his use, only in case of an emergency, or if
he wants to check on me. What do you think, Auntie Boo?"
"That man would
take your secret to his grave, Waddie. He thinks the world of you and
your brothers. Someday when you and Gip are older, we'll sit down, and
I'll share his letters with you. He's so proud of your accomplishments.
He looks upon the four of you as his boys. I think that's partly
because you boys have made sure he and his wife are always included in
family affairs. You, Gip, Oatie and Clyde are their family. They love
you boys with a passion. To answer your question, I think it would be a
lovely idea. He wouldn't even give the sheriff your number if he
tortured him. That's not likely to happen with the current sheriff. Can
you tell me the folks you're staying with?"
"The Crenshaw
brothers, Earl D. and Billy Bob."
"Not the Texas
Longhorn Crenshaw brothers?"
"That 'ud be
them, Auntie Boo."
"My word,
Waddie. You be sure and get their autographs for this silly old lady.
I've been following their careers. This is too much. The Crenshaw
brothers taking care of my nephew. What won't the good Lord think of
next? Unbelievable! My girls are heart sick in love with those two
boys. We either listen on the radio or watch every Texas U. game they
broadcast on T.V. Well, I can verify for Buck and Linda Sue not to
worry, and I won't either. You're in good hands, Son. Those two boys
and their family are thought highly of all over the state." Waddie
giggled that his aunt knew of the Crenshaws and was such a fan. He
learned more and more about this wonderful little lady, his Auntie Boo,
every year. "I'd better let you go. I'll call again toward the middle
of next week and see if you have a time of arrival here in Dallas from
the bus company. I'll be there to meet you. Take care, Waddie, I love
you very, very much."
"Your love has
been the only thing to keep me going sometimes, Auntie Boo. Never doubt
your nephew loves you, too. Goodnight."
Waddie went back
to finish his dessert. The grownups didn't dare intrude on his privacy
but were all waiting to see his reaction.
"I can't believe
it. My dear, little, old Auntie Boo is a crazed, Texas Longhorn fan and
made me promise to get autographed pitchers of you two." he said sort
of disgustedly. Billy Bob and Earl D. laughed their ass's off. Bubba
thought it was pretty funny, too. "While you're at it, you may as well
sign three more for my three brothers. I know they'll want your
pitchers."*
"What about you,
cowboy?" Billy Bob asked.
"Oh, God, you
walked right into that one. Set 'tat boy right up,— go fer' it, Waddie!
Knock it out a' the park, Son!" laughed Bubba.
"Naw, I know
what chu' two look like. Don' need no pitcher." said Waddie with a
wicked grin. Mrs. York damn near choked on her dessert. Bubba fell out
laughing, and Waddie joined him. He leaned over against Bubba, he was
laughing so hard at the downcast, dejected look on the two men's faces.
"Of course,
silly, I'd love to have your pitchers." Mrs. York got a big kick out of
that.
* * * * * * *
The men decided
to give Mrs. York a hand with the clean up. Earl D. washed dishes,
scrubbed pots and pans, and Waddie dried. Billy Bob cleaned the dinning
room swept and vacuumed. Bubba grabbed the mop bucket, and mopped the
entire kitchen area. They were through with everything in about an
hour. It would've taken Mrs. York several hours to finish. She was
grateful to the men for having a little time to relax. The men sat on
the front porch in the cool of the evening and Mrs. York joined them
for a while. She excused herself to get an early start to bed, and the
men went to their rooms to clean up and go to bed. Waddie and Bubba
headed for the upstairs head to clean up.
Mrs. York had
the upstairs bath room at the end of the hall enlarged. She had a
plumber install four toilets with modesty stalls; four sinks and a huge
walk in tiled shower area with four spigots. She had two, one hundred
gallon hot water heaters that never ran out of hot water. It would come
out so hot you had to be careful to add cold water quickly or scald
yourself.
Earl D. and
Billy Bob heard Waddie and Bubba in the shower and decided to join
them. Bubba was gently bathing Waddie's butt, and he showed Earl D.
what he was particularly worried about. He explained he'd leave the
ointment he was using on Waddie with them tomorrow morning. Bubba
bought two new tubes for Waddie that afternoon. Bubba instructed the
boys, they were to put the ointment on Waddie in the morning after they
helped him clean his back side and helped him dry. Bubba told them to
repeat the procedure in the evening before he went to bed. The brothers
were intent and serious with no joking around. They asked questions and
watched. When Bubba finished and handed Waddie the wash cloth, they
stopped being serious.
"You didn't tell
us there were fringe benefits to this job, big brother. You mean you
make that poor young man bathe that huge body of yours?"
"Bubba don't
make me do nothing, gentlemen." Waddie spoke up as he was scrubbing his
buddy's back, "I do this 'cause I love the big man, and it makes our
dick's hard. See,—"
Waddie turned to
them with a big boner sticking straight out, and Bubba waved his at
them.
"Damn, brother,
the kid's hung like a Shetland Pony. We underestimated our Bubba once
again." The brothers fell out laughing. They were really having a good
time with Bubba and Waddie. They felt like Waddie had been their little
brother since he was born. Of course they were use to their big Bubba
and could get away with murder with him. Bubba gave as good as he got.
Bubba invited them into Waddie's bedroom to show the brothers how he
wanted the ointment applied to Waddie's butt, back and face. He was
extremely gentle with Waddie and knew the boys would be, too. The
brothers kept asking questions. They didn't want to leave, but Bubba
knew what they were up to.
"Look, you're
gonna' have him to yourselves for several weeks. I may get to see him a
couple of nights after tonight. Now, we told you we loved you now get
the fuck out. Go to your room. Go to bed." Bubba just howled with
laughter. The brothers were giggling as they were practically booted
out the door. Bubba closed and set the night latch on the door. He
wasn't about to be disturbed tonight. He had some major loving to give
to a certain young man, and he didn't want his concentration
interrupted.
"Damn, do you
have that effect on every one you meet, young'un?" Bubba asked his
buddy.
"Not every one,
but the main ones. If I decide I want 'em to like me, there ain't much
they can do about it. I try hard to be nice to all people, but ever’
now and then there comes along someone special-like. You do your
damnedest to show them how you feel, please them, make them feel good
about themselves. You let them come to the conclusion on their own
they're much happier with you around than without you. Just like I hope
I done with you, my big, handsome, Grizzly bear."
"Well,— if'n it
were a bear trap you set, it worked." Bubba said to Waddie, "I should
take you to Alaska and have you teach them bear hunters how to make a
Grizzly fall in love with 'em, then they wouldn't have to shoot so
many. Ever’ home could have their own, big, lovable, Grizzly bear to
play with the kids, let 'em curl up in his big arms, keep 'em warm, and
let 'em sleep secure. 'Cause they know there ain't no boogey man what's
gonna' hurt 'em s'long as their love'n Grizzly's there to protect 'em."
Bubba nodded his head for emphasis as he finished.
Waddie continued
the monolog, "And then, if'n they're real lucky, and been good to their
Grizzly, bathed him, brushed his fur, rubbed his tired old back for
him, bring him a new pair of boots, tell him how handsome he looks in
'em, they just might get a little extra lovin' from their big bear, and
steal a little of his honey." Waddie giggled at their monologs. Bubba
was paying rapt attention to his little buddy, nodding his head in
agreement, then fell out laughing when Waddie finished.
"By the way, big
man, you did look extra handsome in that new pair of boots at dinner
tonight. My dick stayed hard all through dinner."
"So'd mine, you
scamp. I'd move my big foot around in them boots, and think about my
little buddy bringing them to me. My old dick stayed hard all evening.
I was almost afraid to get up and help after dinner. You remember what
I told you earlier on the front porch, cowboy? Bubba meant that."
"I won't say
'no', bear man, I promise; although, I'd be perfectly willing to just
play catcher for my big Grizzly. I guess even Grizzly's need to show
someone a little love'n now and then."
"Bet your pretty
little ass, sweet baby, and it is pretty even if it's a little under
the weather right now. It will never be that way again, I
guaran-damn-tee-ya.'"
"You know a
chunk of me is going with you when you leave here tomorrow, don't
cha'?" asked Waddie softly.
"And, a big
chunk of my heart's gonna' stay right here in your back pocket, little
one. I know the good Lord knows what he's doing, but when I took on
this assignment, I never counted on falling in love with the man I was
gonna' try'n help. Now,— it's gonna' be tough to let go, but cha' know
what, sweet baby?"
"What, big man?"
"Let's thank the
Old Man for letting us love each other. We go sometimes for long
periods, it seems, without much steady lovin,' then when we find a
little, we wanna' hold on to that glow, that warmth, that sense of
belonging, of being one and yet free to be individuals. We know we're
gonna' be good friends, lovers, buddies, brothers for as long as we
want. We may be separated for periods, but we'll always have each other
in our hearts. Then when we get together again, it's like we weren't
apart for more than a few minutes. I'm like that with Red Dog, and I
know he is with me."
"Never thought
about it that way, Bubba, but I know what 'chur talking about 'cause I
keep my brother in my heart. There's no one like him to me on Earth,
and when we get back together, it’s like we never been apart. It sure
is good, though, holding a loved one you haven't held for a while; like
we're holding each other right now. I can remember sleeping with my
Uncle Buck for almost a year when I was five years old. I knew at the
time he was my real dad, because Mr. Urial told me so. I couldn't tell
him I knew, but I fell so much in love with my own dad. I still am, but
I had to give him up to my mom when they got married. I no longer had
my warm, big, cowboy buddy to count on being there during the night if
I woke up and needed to reach out for someone.
I could grab me
a big ole handful of any part of my dad, and he didn't care. He'd just
pull me closer, steal a kiss, tell me he loved me, and I'd drift off to
peaceful sleep knowing I was protected and loved. I had to give that up
over night. I was only five going on six the next month. I thought my
heart was ripped out of my body. I eventually went to live with them
until I had to go back to living with my dad who bought me. It was
hard, because I wasn't old enough to understand the love Uncle Buck and
I had for each other would never change, and the intimacy and joy we
shared that year will always be there between us. No one can ever take
that away. Same with us, big bear. I'll always keep you in my
heart. You're my hero, you saved my life. I owe you my life, Bubba. I
won't never forget that, I promise."
"You don't owe
me nothing, sweet baby. I'm just happy as a clam in deep water being
here with your right now. Now! Are we gonna' waste our evening together
yakking our heads off or are we gonna' show each other how much we love
one another."
"I vote for the
shut'n up, big man, kiss me."
Bubba didn't
wait for Waddie to take the lead. It was all in Bubba's hands, and
Waddie couldn't have been happier about it. The big man made the
sweetest love to him, and he returned Bubba's love in kind. He got
himself a good bit of bear honey and surprised the both of them by
shooting just a little bit the first time Bubba took him. Bubba proudly
claimed it was the genuine article. It wasn’t much, just enough to get
the flavor, but something happen to Waddie when he felt that tiny bit
shoot out of him. Now he knew what the grown men felt when their sperm
and ejaculate comes forth from their body. Orgasm was always wonderful
to Waddie, but this was the big leagues. This was the prize.
Bubba was so
proud. Proud of his little buddy, and proud of himself for being the
first to receive a little of his running buddy's load. Waddie was proud
of him, too. They finished their third round, and decided to have
another go at it in the morning. Bubba held his little buddy close all
night. Waddie slept soundly and peacefully. The next morning they were
at it again.
Bubba managed to
get a little more out of Waddie and Waddie got him a good taste of bear
honey. He declared that was the best tasting stuff since coach Ed. They
got up, showered and Bubba applied his medicine for the last time. He
left the tube and two new ones with Waddie. They got dressed and heard
the breakfast bell ring. The Crenshaw's barely managed to throw enough
clothes on to be presentable, washed their hands and faces and walked
into the dinning area still groggy from sleep. Waddie and Bubba were
bright eyed and bushy tailed.
They finished
breakfast, thanked Mrs. York, Bubba grabbed his stuff, including his
new boots, threw them in the truck, quickly said his goodbyes trying
hard not to get too emotional.
"I pick up a
load this morning ,and I'm heading out to visit your folks. I'm looking
forward to that. I won't say goodbye, Waddie, just,— I love you, and
we'll see each other again real soon."
"On down the
road, cowboy, on down the road. You know I love you." Waddie told Bubba.
Waddie hugged,
kissed the big man. Bubba climbed into the cab of his big rig, put it
in gear and was gone. Waddie stood there for the longest time
looking after him fading in the distance, and felt two big hands on his
shoulder. They belonged to Earl D. Billy Bob was right beside him.
"You'll see him
again, Waddie. He loves you too much to let you go. You love him that
much, too. You'll always have each other." Earl D. was right.
* * * * * * *
Mrs. York found
a small suit case in her garage some student left behind years ago, and
gave it to Waddie to pack his cloths in to go to Bandera with the
Crenshaws. He packed what he thought he'd need for two days and maybe
church for Sunday; clean jeans, his felt hat, a pretty western shirt,
t-shirt underneath, belt and his new boots. He packed his medications.
Waddie wore his straw hat and old boots. He was ready to go. Earl D.
and Billy Bob were all ready packed and their stuff thrown in the back
of the truck. They threw a clean tarp over the lot and tied it down so
nothing would blow out. They said goodbye to Mrs. York and told her to
expect them back Monday before noon. Neither had a class scheduled for
Monday.
The drive to
Bandera was approximately one hundred twenty miles. The Crenshaw boys
had it down to a science. They drove the back roads and farm roads
where there wasn't much traffic, and they could drive pretty fast. It
was before the days of radar, and the man riding shotgun kept a watch
in his rear view mirror to see if a county patrol car pulled in behind
them. They usually traveled during the day because most of the cops
were patrolling at night when they couldn't be detected. During the day
you could spot them and slow down. They never got a ticket but
they burned up some country farm roads. At the speed limit, it was a
good two and a half hour drive to Bandera. The boys could make it in an
hour and forty-five minutes. They kept a stop watch in the glove
compartment, clicked it on when they pulled away from the curb at Mrs.
York's, and clicked it off when they hit the gravel road to their ranch.
Their best time
was an hour and thirty two minutes. They decided not to scare the shit
out of their little buddy, and made it in a respectable two hours and
nine minutes. That was with one stop for a pee break, snack, leg
stretch and change drivers. Waddie needed to take a butt break as well.
The boys had him sitting on a fluffy pillow Mrs. York loaned them. It
helped but he still needed a break. Waddie didn't have much time to be
sad missing his big buddy. Earl D. and Billy Bob were like a two ring
circus. They were all the time laughing and joking about
everything. They readily included Waddie in their fun. They asked
Waddie to tell them one of his stories, and he told them about him and
Gip picking the fleas off the old hound dog, letting them set for a
couple of days to get really hungry, dumping them in Willie's bed, and
waiting for the outcome. The boys laughed and laughed. They thought
that was an awful thing to do, but it was so funny; and, from the
stories they'd heard about Willie it sounded to them like he deserved
it.
Waddie couldn't
make up his mind which brother he liked better. Hell, they were both
outstandingly handsome, young men, buffed out to the max, bodies by God
himself, and they had the same complections; pretty blue eyes, sandy
blond hair and each kept about a two or three day's growth of beard on
their face because they thought it made them look sexy. Waddie sure as
Hell thought it did. Their personalities were different. Billy Bob was
funny, irreverent, mischievous, and the center of attention. He did
have a serious side, but he rarely let anyone but his family see it.
Earl D. was almost the same but he was more retiring than Billy Bob. He
had a deeper side to him, but he wasn't afraid of it. Earl D. allowed
his brother center ring and was his greatest fan.
He'd urge his
brother on to new heights of nonsense. Together, they balanced each
other well. They knew when to calm down and be serious; however, they
were going home, they were in great spirits, and they were taking their
new little brother home to meet his new family; a little brother they
knew their other brothers and beloved dad would flip over.
Nothing could've shot them down. They were infectious and by the time
they pulled the truck into the gravel road late Saturday morning,
Waddie felt like their younger brother going home with them. They
pulled around in back, and out came the family from every doorway. Six
strapping, rowdy boys, four adults and one beautiful young girl; a
young woman, Waddie thought. Earl D. introduced Waddie to the adults
first. His dad and mom, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Crenshaw and Mr. and Mrs.
Gus Franz and their daughter Brenda Lou.
Earl D. went
down the line introducing his brothers. They were lined up in
descending order with the oldest being first.
"J. R. Crenshaw,
he's really Randolph Jr., but he don't like junior. We can't call
him Randy 'cause that's what folks call our dad, so we call him
J.R." said Billy Bob. Next was a fine looking boy Waddie's
age named Cassidy; next was Toller, then Jeb (who's real name was
Jebadiah) Brant, and the youngest and prettiest, Shad. (for Shadrack)
"Now,
gentlemen," Billy Bob spoke to his brothers, "do any of you recognize
our new brother?" they all looked closely and shook their heads, "You
should,— he and his brother stomped your butts at the Mason Rodeo two
years in a row." The boys looked at Waddie. J.R. and Cassidy's mouths
dropped open. The lights came on.
"Son of a,—
sorry, Mom,— sorry, Dad,— W. C. Lovejoy? Naw, can't be." said
J.R. slowly sticking out his hand again to take Waddie's.
"In the flesh,
my brothers." said Earl D. "You're looking at him."
"Well, they sure
as Hell did wax our ass's, nrother." Cassidy stuck out his hand again
to shake Waddie's the second time, then he pulled Waddie to him,
hugged, and kissed him on the cheek. "Welcome home, brother." Cassidy
told him sincerely. All the boys surrounded him, and were all talking
at once when a sweet voice broke through their clamor.
"If my brothers
will excuse me, your sister would like a hug and a kiss to welcome our
new brother, if you don't mind. Thank you very much." The boys quickly
backed away from Waddie as Brenda Lou put her arms around Waddie,
hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. "Welcome home, brother." she
said sincerely.
"Thank you,
Ma'am." Waddie replied, overwhelmed. He blushed at calling her 'Ma'am'
and everyone started laughing including Waddie. He never felt more at
home. He walked over and took Mr. Crenshaw's hand again.
"Dad Crenshaw,
it's an honor to be here with you good folks, I appreciate your
invitation. I'll try to live up to the honor of being one of your sons,
Sir." Randy Crenshaw was more than a little impressed by this young
man. He pulled Waddie to him, hugged him and stole a kiss.
"We're certainly
glad to have you here, Son. I don't think it's gonna' be real hard for
me to think of you as one of my boys, young man."
Waddie thanked
him graciously and acknowledged Mrs. Crenshaw. He gave her a hug and a
kiss. Waddie walked over to Gus Franz, threw his arms around his neck,
hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.
"Mr. Franz, if
it weren't for your wonderful son, Bubba, I wouldn't be here right now.
I'd be dead." Waddie had tears running down his face, "I can't tell you
how much I love your big son, Mr. Franz. He's my hero, savior, buddy
and my brother. I owe him my life." Gus Franz had a few tears running
down his cheek. There wasn't a dry eye among them for that matter. Gus
held the boy and thanked him for telling him what Bubba did for him.
Waddie hugged Mrs. Franz and she broke down, too.
Waddie was home.
The big folks all ready loved him, and the boys idolized him. Brenda
Lou thought Waddie was a fine addition to her family. The boys had been
mannerly long enough. They wanted to talk to their new brother, and
find out all about him. They fired one question after another until Dad
Crenshaw had to physically pick Waddie up, and admonish them to go a
little slower.
"You men can
learn all about your new brother as time goes by. Right now it's time
for lunch. Everyone wash up,— face and hands,— line up for
inspection,— and that includes every son in this house." he said
loud enough so Earl D. and Billy Bob could hear him. They scurried away
to the bathroom with the rest of the boys. Mr. Crenshaw put Waddie down
and sent him on his way to Earl and Billy's bathroom. They were
toweling dry when Waddie walked in.
"Dad Crenshaw
told me to come down here with you guys. Is that okay?"
"Of course it
is, little brother. I'll get you a clean towel and cloth." Waddie began
to wash and was finished in a few minutes. Billy Bob and Earl D. waited
for their little brother.
"Remember,
Waddie, you're here with us. Anything you need,— ask one of us, Dad or
Mom and we'll see to it. You stow your stuff in our room after lunch,
and you'll bunk it in with ugly and me." Billy Bob laughed as his
brother frogged his arm.
"Owww, that
hurt!" cried Billy Bob.
"So did you
calling me ugly. I ain't ugly! A little less than down right pretty,
but far from ugly. We'll let our little brother judge. How 'bout it,
Waddie."
"How do you
choose between two perfect things?" Waddie asked with a wicked smile.
"Oh, I like this
kid, brother! He's sharp. He'll make a fine brother."
They all went in
to lunch, joined hands around the table, and Mr. Crenshaw asked Waddie
if he would say 'grace.'
"Sir, and Mr.
Urial, I know you're here with us 'cause you promised my Uncle Buck you
wouldn't leave my side. Bless this household and all who dwell herein.
Bless the Franz family. We thank you for your goodness to us and for
the miracles we witness around us every day. Never let us close our
hearts and minds to the simplest of your blessings. Thank you for the
food we are about to eat to nourish our bodies. Let our love for each
other grow more each day, we ask in our savior's name. Amen."
Every person in
the room quietly said 'amen' to Waddie's prayer.
"That was
beautiful, young man, thank you." complimented Dad Crenshaw
"Thank you,
Sir." Waddie responded respectfully. Waddie was sitting next to Earl D.
and felt his hand on his knee as he gently squeezed it as if to say.
'Glad to have you here, little brother.'
* * * * * * *
It wasn't hot in
Texas yet. It was still early June and the hill country West of San
Antonio could get really hot. Sometimes, the folks were blessed with
cool breezes once in a while.
"Think you can
sit a horse, Waddie, or would it be too painful for you."
"I think I might
for a little while if one of you would put more of that ointment on me.
It has something in it that deadens the pain. I should be okay.
Besides, I ain't been on a pony in some time. You may have to show me
which is the head and which is the tail." Waddie smiled real big.
"I doubt that
seriously, brother." said Earl D. as he took Waddie by the hand down
the hallway to Earl D. and Billy Bob's room. Billy Bob was right behind
them. Waddie dropped his pants and Earl D. gently began to apply ample
amounts of Bubba's ointment. Mr. Franz and Dad Crenshaw asked at the
door if Waddie minded if they took a look. He assured them he didn't
mind.
"Oh, Christ!
Forgive me, Lord! Oh, Waddie,— Son, I'm so sorry." Dad Crenshaw told
him, "That's unbelievable that your dad would do that to you. I hope
you don't have to go back and live with him no more."
"Run away again,
Son,— come live with us. We'd never do anything like that to you, I
promise." begged Gus Franz. "I took in a run away boy a number a years
ago. Was the second smartest thing I ever done in my life. The first
was marrying my wife Dora, and the third was taking in Earl D.'s little
sister Brenda Lou. Lord we couldn't love a child more. She has nine
brothers in all, ten including you, and she loves every damn one of
'em."
"I hope she
comes to love me, Mr. Franz."
"She all ready
does, Son. You say anything nice about her Bubba, she loves you
immediately. We don't get to see as much of Bubba as we'd like, but he
keeps in touch. He calls Brenda Lou almost once a week to talk to
her. If he goes longer than a week, she get nervous."
Earl D. finished
and Waddie pulled up his pants. Dad Crenshaw and Mr. Franz both wanted
another hug. It was their way of saying, 'We understand. You're safe
here, Son.'
The men walked
Waddie out to the barns and a big rodeo arena Mr. Crenshaw built on the
property. They held a number of Bandera Rodeos there for the local
folks. They tried to keep it small but as soon as they made an
announcement, folks from San Antonio were driving out for the rodeo.
The crowds got too big to handle, and there wasn't enough parking. Then
a lot of the local folks wouldn't come because all the city folks were
there. Country folks aren't snobs, they're just more comfortable with
their own kind.
Dad Crenshaw was
an avid rodeo man and won good money roping. His partner, whom he grew
up with, was killed in a farm accident, and Dad Crenshaw hadn't had the
heart to take on another partner. He was more than curious to see what
Waddie could do. He wasn't prepared for Waddie's talent with a rope. Of
all the men on the ranch, Dad Crenshaw was the best roper by far. Earl
D. and Billy Bob were pretty good. J.R. and Cassidy were better, but
they needed work on their timing and accuracy.
"You ride header
or heeler, Son."
"I can ride
either, Dad, but I prefer header."
"We'll get chu'
a header pony then."
Dad Crenshaw
picked a fine looking bay gelding named 'Whiskey' for Waddie.
They were going
to use a junior saddle, but Waddie ask for a full size saddle. He and
Gip had been practicing for the last six months with full saddles. At
that time it was a requirement to compete in the adult division. They
saddled the pony, adjusted the stirrups for Waddie, he rode the pony
out of the barn and galloped him around the arena. It felt good to be
back in a saddle. It hurt his ass a little but he didn't care. He
wasn't going to let that spoil him having a good time. The other boys
got their ponies saddled and to Waddie’s surprise, Dad Crenshaw and the
two older boys rode out, too.
"Before there's
any arguments, your new brother is roping with his old man. Ever’body
got that?"
"Aww, Dad." the
boys grumbled and then quickly added, "Yes, Sir, Dad." including Earl
D. and Billy Bob.
'Damn,— "
thought Waddie, "the old man, Earl D. and Billy Bob sat a good horse.
Cassidy and his brother weren't too damn shabby neither.'
Waddie's pick? Dad Crenshaw, hands down. He was a fine looking, middle
aged man with a fit body from hard ranch work. He was a handsome sight
in the saddle; damn near breath taking. 'He could be Dad Dan's bigger
brother.' Waddie thought. Waddie wished his Uncle Buck, Dad Dan,
Quinton and his brothers were there to enjoy the moment. 'Oatie would
faint or piss his pants at the sight of Dad Crenshaw on horseback; that
is, if'n he didn't shuck his clothes off first.' Waddie laughed to
himself.
The younger boys
ran the barriers, Earl D. and Billy Bob helped them chute the steers
into the stocks. Brenda Lou joined them and decided she was going to do
the timing.
"She was more
fair than the boys," she allowed, "they sometimes fudged for their
older brothers; their heroes."
Earl D. and
Billy Bob went first, had a pretty good time but not great. J.R and
Cassidy went next. They made their catch, but were slower than their
brothers. It was Dad Crenshaw and Waddie's turn. Waddie let out his
rope several times and fed it back through his hand like he wanted
it. Dad Crenshaw watched Waddie and his meticulous manner of
getting his rope perfect before he'd even come to the line. He nudged
his pony into starting position. Waddie looked over at Dad Crenshaw and
winked. That meant, 'Follow my lead, Dad!'
The gate opened,
the steer took off, the barrier dropped and Waddie's pony darted for
the critter. Waddie was barely past the gate, his rope was thrown,
landed, and dallied as the pony turned the steer. Dad Crenshaw made his
throw perfectly, dallied his rope and his pony backed up. Randy
turned to his boys and the audience who gathered, and grinned like a
stunned but surprisingly pleased man.
"And that,
folks,— is the way it's done!" he exclaimed. He rode over to Waddie,
stuck out his hand. "Fine catch, Son,— fine catch. That ought a’ give
my other boys something to think about. Thanks, Son."
"You're welcome,
Sir, you're pretty damn good with a rope yourself. We make a good team,
Dad." Waddie hit Dad Crenshaw with his killer grin and a wink. Their
time was a record for their arena, Brenda Lou noted in the log. Eight
seconds better that the previous fastest time.
"Think we could
improve that, Son?" Dad Crenshaw smiled and winked at Waddie. Waddie
could tell his new dad was ultra calm, but underneath, he was about to
explode with pride.
"Don't see why
not, Dad. Let's give it another go. May I suggest something that might
make us a little faster."
"Sure, Son, I
ain't one of them types what knows it all. I just saw you in action.
I'd trust any damn thing you told me. In fact I've all ready learned a
couple of things just watching you."
"Watch me out of
the corner of your eye, Dad. Don't never look over or lose your
concentration; keep focused. When you see me nudge Whiskey, spur your
pony immediately, don't wait, no matter where the barrier rope is. Let
your header worry 'bout the barrier. I promise, I won't let us jump the
barrier."
"Good tip, Son.
Let's try it."
The second steer
was let loose and the barrier dropped. Waddie nudged Whiskey who leaped
forward faster than the last time. Waddie could see out the corner of
his eye, Dad Crenshaw was almost up with him. Waddie landed his rope,
dallied, and lined up the steer. Dad Crenshaw made his catch, dallied
and his horse pulled tight. They beat their previous time by another
six seconds. Another record for the arena. Dad Crenshaw was float'n on
a cloud, but he was trying hard to be nonchalant. He hadn't been so
happy in a long time. Earl D. and Billy Bob could read their dad like a
cheap dime store novel. They knew, underneath the calm, their dad was
about to split apart at the seams with pride. They rode over to Waddie.
"Will you,
please, stop that? Our old man's gonna' trade us all in for you." They
laughed and shook Waddie's hand, "Seriously, little brother, gotta'
give credit where it's due, you're damn good with a rope. We knew you
had to be pretty damn good to be a junior champ, but you just blew your
brothers and our old man away. If'n he weren't in love with you before,
he sure as Hell is now." They laughed and giggled. Earl D. and Billy
Bob patted Waddie on the back, "You're the only other man in this
county we'd venture is better'n our dad with a rope. You two could be
dangerous together."
Dad Crenshaw
rode over to them with a big grin on his face with a pretty good idea
what they were talking about.
"What chu' men
talking about? You two ball players, ride on outa' here. Leave my
rope'n partner be. This man's an honest to goodness, buckaroo. He
speaks rodeo fluently." Dad Crenshaw winked at Waddie and they all
laughed.
"Earl D. just
begged Waddie to stop it. Told 'em you'll be want'n to trade all of us
in for him." Earl D. and Billy Bob laughed. Dad Crenshaw smiled and
winked again at Waddie.
"Don't sound
like too bad an idea to me, you, Son?" Dad Crenshaw laughed.
"Can I have
their room, Dad?" Waddie laughed.
"It's yours,
Son." Randy Crenshaw quickly responded. They all broke up.
They all made a
couple more runs. Waddie and Dad Crenshaw bested their previous time
each time. They were hot. Waddie agreed to rope heeler for J.R.
J.R. was too slow getting out of the gate. He was afraid of breaking
the barrier. Waddie told him he broke the barrier all the time. If you
want to win you have to take some chances. He was able to improve J.R.
and Cassidy's time by almost thirty seconds. He roped a couple of times
with Earl D. and then with Billy Bob. Earl D. was more serious about
roping. Earl D. and Waddie's time beat one of Waddie's and Dad
Crenshaw's earlier times.
Earl D. rode
over to Waddie to shake his hand and saw tears running down Waddie's
face. Waddie suddenly began to hurt bad. He didn't have any warning. He
wasn't physically crying, but his butt was hurting so bad tears were
running down his face.
"Dad,— Billy
Bob," Earl D. hollered as he got down from his pony and rushed to
Waddie's side, "Waddie needs help. He's hurting bad. He can't get down
off his pony. Gimme' a hand." The three men gently lifted Waddie off
Whiskey to the ground. Dad Crenshaw picked Waddie up in his arms and
carried him to the house. He took him to Earl D. and Billy Bob's room.
He gently laid him out on his stomach. Earl D. was right there.
"Damn it! We
should've known better. We drove him too far, too soon. Everyone wanted
to rope with him. I'm guilty, too. The kid just didn't want to say 'no'
to anybody." Dad Crenshaw was almost in tears.
Earl D. had
Waddie's pants off, and was applying more ointment. Some of his scabs
had broken open and were bleeding again causing the pain. He settled
down as the pain began to subside.
"I'm sorry, Dad,
it's not your fault or my brother's. I should've told you sooner when
it was getting uncomfortable, but I didn't have much time. Seems like
the pain came on awful quick. It's my fault." Randy Crenshaw, sat on
the bed next to Waddie with his hand resting lightly on the boy's
shoulder and wept. He felt so bad for this boy, whom he would gladly
tell any man, was his son.
"Rest, Waddie.
It won't be long 'til supper time. You want us to bring you a tray?"
"No, Dad. Now
that I got the medication on me. I'll be fine. I just pushed too hard,
too soon. I was having a good time with ya'll. I'll be all right.
Thanks, brother, for putting that stuff on me. It helps and I really
appreciate it."
"Glad to do it,
Waddie. You taught us all a bunch of good stuff today. I'm proud of
you, little brother. However, I could pinch you for going so long it
hurt you." Earl D. said in mock anger.
After a while,
Waddie managed to pull on his pants and walk to the dining room for
supper. The Franz's left a little earlier and it was just the immediate
Crenshaw family. Dad Crenshaw asked Earl D. to say grace.
"You know I
would, Dad, but I think we'd all rather hear you say 'grace' this
evening if you don't mind, right men?" Earl D. spoke to his brothers.
All of them agreed including Waddie. Dad Crenshaw smiled.
"Our Father,
bless this food we are about to eat. We thank you for your goodness to
us. Thank you for bringing us a wonderful new member to our family.
Open your heart to him that together our love may heal his body as well
as his spirit. We ask in His name, Sir. Amen." Everyone followed with
‘amen.’
The pain went
away. Waddie was able to eat and have a good time answering more of the
boys questions. Dad Crenshaw had a couple of good questions for him.
They couldn't talk about anything but roping. J.R. and Cassidy were
charged after watching and roping with Waddie. So were the two younger
boys to say nothing of the grin on Dad Crenshaw's face all through
dinner.
Billy Bob and
Earl D. had many questions for Waddie and they loved the fact, for
once, they weren't the center of attention as football heroes. They
commented to each other how great it was to be just another brother for
a change. Their little brother, whom they were caring for and coming to
love more and more, was in the center ring. Waddie tried to be humble
and polite, the way a cowboy should, but he was enjoying the attention.
Everyone helped
pick up the table and carry everything to the kitchen. It was the two,
next oldest boys turn to wash, dry the dishes, and put them away. There
was no grumbling. They went to work quickly. The family sat around
talking for a while, but Earl D. could see Waddie was getting tired. He
caught Billy Bob's eye. They excused themselves and took Waddie to
their bedroom. They helped him with his clothes and took him to
their shower. It was another big walk-in shower. Earl D. washed Waddie
with supreme gentleness. After the pain medication washed off, Waddie
started crying from the pain. Billy Bob dropped to his knees and held
Waddie while Earl D. finished cleaning him good.
"Don't even try
to stop crying, little brother, it helps get rid of both pains, inside
and out. Your bubba, Billy Bob, ain't gonna' let go. Get it all out,
cowboy, you're with folks who love you, let it go."
Billy Bob held
him for the longest time and Earl D. had his arms around the both of
them. Waddie pulled himself together. Billy Bob was right, most of the
pain did go away, and he felt better inside. They gently dried him and
took him back to their bed. They laid him on the bed, and this time,
Billy Bob gently medicated him. Dad Crenshaw came in to check on Waddie.
"Son, don't feel
bad. I thank God my boys brought you home with 'em. You're welcome here
anytime, Son. You're part of our family now."
"Thanks, Dad, I
love you." Mr. Crenshaw almost lost it when he heard those words.
"We sure as Hell
love you, too, Son." he told Waddie as he leaned over and kissed him
behind the ear. See you in the morning, cowboy."
The brothers
moved Waddie up to the middle of the bed. They finished drying
themselves and lay down on each side of Waddie. They turned out the
light and both put a hand on Waddie for comfort and support. As he
drifted off to sleep he thought, 'Here I am naked as the day I was
born; between, quite possibly, two of the best looking men in the
world, and I can't enjoy them because of my damn butt.'
It was the first
time in all these years of Morgan beating him he allowed a twinge of
anger to enter his mind. No problem, he'd do what he'd done many times
before, he'd set his dream up as he was going to sleep. He was
successful and found himself laying between the two beautiful men
feeling and touching anything his heart desired as they made love to
him stealing kiss after kiss. He'd dreamed worse dreams he sighed to
himself.
* * * * * * *
Waddie was much
better the next morning. He put on a pair of his new jeans, his nice
belt, a beautiful white Weatern shirt with rich silver threads woven
into the material, pulled on his new boots and got out his new black
felt hat. He looked at himself in the mirror and the last few days did
something to him. Waddie was never one to be prideful, but looking back
at him was a pretty hot looking buckaroo. Even the black eye gave him a
look of a cowboy you wouldn't want to mess with. The Crenshaws were
going to church, and he was going with his new family.
Only Dad
Crenshaw wore a suit. It was a nice light blue color that matched his
eyes and dark ruddy complection. It was, of course, a Western cut with
yoking on the back of the jacket and front pockets. The rear pants
pockets were yoked, too. Waddie was impressed with just how sharp his
new dad looked. He was past quite handsome. He was stunning. He also
wore his best boots. It looked like he could use a new pair.
Earl D. and
Billy Bob showed their dad their new boots and he was wowed by them. He
knew expensive boots when he saw them.
"Waddie's aunt
owns the boot company, Dad. When we took Waddie to our favorite Western
store so's he could buy some clothes, Waddie talked to his aunt on the
phone. He told her what happened to him and who he was staying with.
She told the store owner to fix us up with any pair of Justin/Nacona
boots of our choice. She bought all of Waddie's clothes for him. She
even had Waddie pick out a new pair a' boots to take to Bubba as a
'thank you' gift for helping Waddie. Was Bubba thrilled and surprised?"
Dad Crenshaw
didn't quite know what to think of his boys excepting such an
extravagant gift from someone they didn't know that well. His boys
should be helping Waddie because their brother needed help, not so's
they could get something. That wasn't the spirit of giving of oneself.
Waddie came to his brother's rescue.
"Dad, trust me.
Uncle Enid, has a heart of gold and can be overwhelming in her
generosity some times. My bother and I, have half a dozen pair of her
boots in each of our closet. My other dad, my brother's dad, Dan Justin
is her second cousin. We lost count of his boots at thirty-five pair.
My Uncle Buck, sheriff of the county, has fifteen to twenty pair she's
given him.
There's not a
deputy in the sheriff's department who doesn't have at least half a
dozen pair in their closet. The store owner was the man who made my
brother's and my black, white and red rodeo chaps we wear. He knew who
I was immediately. He had nearly a dozen pictures of me and my brother
wearing the chaps he made for us our Uncle Enid gave us for Christmas a
couple of years ago. It's just her way of thanking someone for being
good and kind to her nephew."
"You call her
'Uncle' Enid, Son?"
"You'd have to
meet Uncle Enid to understand, Dad." Waddie giggled. Earl D. and Billy
Bob laughed in agreement. "She used to drive an eighteen-wheeler truck
like Bubba's and,— well,— she ain't your average aunt. She keeps her
hair shorter than yours, wears only men's clothes, smokes cigars,
cusses like a truck driver, and tells the dirtiest jokes you never
wanted to hear. Uncle Buck and all the deputies are crazy about
her. We all love her and don't allow nobody to say nothing bad about
her. Look what she done for me! I had money Bubba gimme' to buy a few
things for myself. I didn't call her and ask for her help. She found
out from Mr. Saunders I was in his store and asked to speak with me.
After talking
with me for a spell, she asked to speak with Mr. Saunders again. When
he got off the phone, he had a note pad filled with her instructions.
She gave those boots to Earl D. and Billy Bob as a gesture of thanks
and as the store owner related to us, 'Tell them boys if'n they don't
treat my nephew right, I'll kick they're butts.' Of course she was
kidding but you'd have to know Uncle Enid. She's a wonderful and
generous woman.
I felt funny
about it. I even asked Gil, Mr. Saunders, the owner, if he was sure
this is what she wanted. He assured me it was and to let her do it.
She's the second wealthiest woman in the state of Texas and has the
money to be generous. He pleaded with me and my brothers to accept her
generosity. I was in a bad place and she wanted to show her love for
me. My brothers have treated me with nothing but love and kindness. She
wanted to show her appreciation."
"Say no more,
Son, I get the picture and I'm proud of you and your family for
sticking up for an unusual relative. That sometimes takes guts. I see
your point and should loosen up a little bit."
Dad Crenshaw
looked again at Waddie's, Earl D.'s and Billy Bob's new boots and shook
his head as he laughed. He was satisfied with Waddie's explanation, but
raised an eyebrow when Waddie asked him his boot size. He didn't answer
but put his arm around Waddie and stole a kiss.
Their little
church was non-denominational. It was a small little white clap-board
building where a circuit preacher preached for two Sundays a month and
a lay pastor the other two Sundays. Every eye in the place was on
Waddie and the Crenshaws as they entered and took their seats. The men
took their hats off at the door and carried them in their hands.
The service started, and the preacher came to a place for new people to
raise their hands to let the folks know so they might welcome them. Dad
Crenshaw stood.
"Reverend,—
neighbors,— folks,— I'd like to introduce you to a fine, talented young
man the Lord brought to my two oldest boys for shelter and protection.
He was badly mistreated by his dad who adopted him as a baby, and I
can't begin to describe to you the cruelty this young man has
suffered." Dad Crenshaw almost broke down, but he stiffened his back
and stood tall. "Yet he holds no anger in his heart towards his dad and
still loves him. His guardian angel,— who is with him today,— in this
very church,— told him he had to run away and he did. The same
angel told Bubba Franz he must pick up a boy who lay dying by the side
of the interstate. He'd been beaten so badly by his dad and lost so
much blood he was unconscious.
Like the good
Samaritan, the Franz's son, Bubba, picked up the boy, laid him on the
seat of his big truck, took him to the nearest truck stop, fed him,
cleaned his wounds, medicated him, and gave him his love. The angel
told Bubba to take this young man to my boys for sanctuary. He's
currently in their charge. He's been in touch with the better portion
of his family who love and care about him. His Godfather, his Uncle
Buck, is the sheriff of the county in the community where he lives.
They know were he is and understand he can't come home for a while; at
least, until tempers settle down and the legal process of having him
removed from his adopted dad's home can be accomplished.
Like my two
oldest boys, who are brothers in the truest sense of the word, he also
has a brother back home named Gip Justin. He and his brother are junior
rodeo champions two years in a row in team roping. They're so damn
good, they won't let 'em compete with the kids no more. They have to go
up against the men, and from what our family watched this young man do
in our arena yesterday, every grown man with a rope who fancies himself
a team roper better start practicing.
By the good
Lord's will my boys brought him home with them for the weekend. Our
family and the Franz family have taken him to our hearts. I think the
Franzs would agree we're all the richer for having him come into our
lives. In a very short time, I've come to love this young man as much
as my boys, and I told him I'd be pleased for him to think of me as his
dad. His name is Waddie Claymore Lovejoy. He's a fine young man, and
I'm proud to have him call me 'dad.'"
Dad Crenshaw sat
down and the folks applauded. The preacher motioned for Waddie to
stand. He did, turned to the folks, smiled and nodded his thanks for
their kindness. One of the men in the back spoke up.
"Son,— would
your Godfather, your Uncle Buck,— would he be Buck Claymore?"
"That ud' be
him, Sir." Waddie turned to speak to the gentleman. "My full name is
Waddie Claymore Lovejoy. He's my Godfather, and I carry his name."
"Son of a,—
'scuse me pastor,— folks. Buck and me were in the same outfit in
France together. Saved my life, he did. I was wounded and shipped home,
but I heard he went on to fight on Iwo Jima. Hell of a man that Buck
Claymore. They don't come no better'n that man, Son. You look enough
like him to be his boy." the man said as a compliment.
"I get that a
lot, Sir. Everyone back home calls me Buck Junior." everyone laughed.
"God love him."
the man continued, "Now he's sheriff of his county, you say? Well, I
declare. Heard he was the second highest decorated man in the war. Is
that true, Son?"
"Yes, Sir. Audie
Murphy and him is big buddies. Mr. Murphy's been out to visit us
numerous times."
"Yeah, I met ole
Audie a couple of times, too. I'd like to get Buck's address from you
later, if I could, Son."
"Be happy to
give it to you, Sir."
The congregation
and the pastor were impressed to say nothing of the Crenshaws and
Franzs who knew nothing of this. Billy Bob and Earl D. looked at each
other with their mouths open and laughed. The preacher was really
interested by this time.
"Most of us have
never seen an angel, Waddie. Mr. Crenshaw say's he's here in church
with you, is that right?"
"Yes, Sir. He's
here."
"Have you ever
seen him or spoken with him, Son?"
"Yes, Sir. Many
times. He's appeared to my brother as well. He saved my Uncle Buck's
life on Iwo Jima. He just recently appeared to my brother Gip's dad,
Dan Justin. Our poor dad was unprepared and messed in his pants." The
congregation fell out laughing.
"I'm a preacher,
Son, but if an angel ever appeared to me, I'd very likely do the same
thing. One more question and I'll move along. Can you see him now,
among us?"
"Oh, no, Sir. He
appears to me at the darnedest times. He's scared the,— well, you know,
Sir,— out of my brother and me several times." Again the
congregation laughed, "I know he's here among us 'cause once he's
appeared to you, you never forget the feeling when he's
around. It's sort a' like when you sense someone’s watching you,
but when you turn to look there's no one there. Sometimes I can
feel the hairs on my arms move when he's around."
"That's
interesting. Thanks for sharing that with us this morning.
I'd enjoy a chat with you after the service, young man. I, for
one,— believe you. I believe in angels as God's messengers and
protectors; and Sir,— " the preacher was speaking to Waddie's angel, "I
know you can hear me. Please give us your blessing this day."
"Amen." said the
congregation.
"Today my sermon
was going to be about something all together different, but I'm setting
it aside to say a few words about good Samaritans. It was as if someone
whispered in my ear or put a thought in my head to talk about this.
Maybe it was your angel, Waddie. I'd like to think so.
Good Samaritans
are not just fiction written in the bible for a good story. They exist
today. They live among us. We have several, perfect examples I can
think of in this community. Gus and Dora Franz were good Samaritans
many years ago. They took into their home a young man who ran away from
his home for the same reason Waddie had to run away. Bubba's dad would
tie him up in the barn two or three times a week, for the slightest
infraction, and use an eighteen foot, black snake, bull whip on his
rear until it looked like hamburger. Gus and Dora Franz took him
in, gave him a home and their love. I think they would agree he's given
back to them ten fold. He took their name and became their
beloved son. If they hadn't been good Samaritans our community would
not have been blessed with the love of a fine young man, their son,
Bubba Franz.
Bubba learned
from Gus and Dora to be a good Samaritan. If Bubba hadn't been a good
Samaritan one night and acted without regard for his own life we
wouldn't have two fine and wonderful young people in our congregation
today. Once again Gus, Dora and Bubba opened their home and hearts to a
beautiful, talented little girl whose parents she lost in a horrible
fire.
The Crenshaws
are not to be left out of the Good Samaritan roll call. Randy and Sarah
Crenshaw took the little girl's brother and made him one of theirs.
Their entire family accepted him as their brother and son. They
lovingly offered him their name, and it was his choice to proudly
accept it. He is, indeed, their son and brother.
If Bubba hadn't
been a good Samaritan again and stopped along the road to lend a hand
to someone in pain, someone in need, we might not have this fine young
man with us Mr. Crenshaw introduced to us today. Now, his boys are
continuing that tradition of being good Samaritans. What more do I need
to say? Your sermon, your lesson for today, from me, from Waddie's
angel perhaps, and I know from the Good Lord himself is living among
you.
These folks
aren't good Samaritans for praise or self gain. They're just like you.
They're your neighbors. They're good folks who care about their
fellow man. You ask them and they'll tell you they didn't do anything
that great, they only did what they had to do. They did the right thing.
Folks you don't
need a long winded, Hell, fire and damnation sermon today. You have the
love of your Father sitting in several of the pews in this church and I
have no doubt,— not the slightest doubt in my mind, we have an angel
with us today, he heard my request, and he has blessed us. We're glad
to have such a fine young man like you among us, Waddie. We hope you'll
return soon. Take this lesson home with you: always be kind and
hospitable to strangers you may be entertaining angels unawares. Let us
pray."
Dad Crenshaw
grabbed Waddie's right hand and Earl D. grabbed his left. He could see
down the row every brother and family member joined hands. They in turn
held the Franz's hands. Waddie shed a tear and so did every member of
the Franz/Crenshaw households.
Church was over
and the congregation filed out. Everyone wanted to come by and shake
Waddie's hand and wish him well. Waddie met the gentleman named Johnnie
Mack Tamplin and told him to send his letter to Sheriff Buck Claymore,
County Sheriff, the town and county in Texas. The man shook his hand
and then hugged Waddie.
Ma Crenshaw and
Mrs. Franz invited the preacher to the Crenshaw's for Sunday dinner
with their families. The Franzs and Crenshaws often shared Sunday
dinner with each other. The preacher and his young son were thrilled at
the invitation and followed the Crenshaws to their ranch. The three
women and a couple of the Crenshaw boys got busy setting the table and
finishing dinner. Most of the meal was prepared before the family went
to church.
The preacher
asked several more questions of Waddie about his angel. Waddie referred
to him several times as Mr. Urial.
"That's his
name, Mr. Urial, Son?" the preacher looked amused.
"Well, Sir, he
told me his name was Urial. I let grownups call him Urial. I show him
proper respect I was taught, Sir. I put 'Mr.' before his name as a sign
of my respect for him. He's never corrected me or my brother. He seems
to appreciate our respect."
Once again the
families stood around the table and joined hands. Dad Crenshaw ask the
pastor to say grace. The pastor said a wonderful payer and at the end
added, "...and Mr. Urial, Sir, we thank you and our Lord for sending
this fine young man to be with us today. Let our love be with him in
his trials, Sir. Amen." They all added, ‘Amen.’
It was a
wonderful meal of fried chicken, potatoes and gravy. Fresh green beans,
dinner rolls, hot German potato salad Dora Franz made that was
wonderful. Everyone had a good time. Earl D. asked Waddie to tell one
of his stories about his pay backs to his step-brother. Waddie wasn't
too sure and explained to the pastor he knew revenge was not the
Christian way, but Mr. Urial said the Old Man laughed so hard the
heavens rumbled for three days when he told him the story. Waddie said
he liked to think of it more as a practical joke.
The pastor
laughed and urged Waddie to tell his story. Waddie told of the silent
disease he and his brothers gave his step-brother Willie. He wasn't
half way though the story and he thought the preacher, Dad Crenshaw,
Gus Franz, and their wives were going to have strokes they were
laughing so hard. Billy Bob and Earl D. were holding on to each other.
The kids were
yelling and screaming with laughter when he told of simply painting
Willie's new reed in his clarinet. By the time he got to his Uncle
Buck, the sheriff of the county coming down on the four of them they
couldn't laugh any more.
"Well, Dad,
Bubba warned us." spoke Billy Bob, "He didn't lie. He said Waddie's
story telling at a truck stop made the owner pick up their tabs for
steak dinners with dessert thrown in. He was so impressed by Waddie's
story telling. I can understand why, now."
"Son, that was
just about the funniest story I've ever heard, and there really wasn't
any permanent harm done to your step-brother other than to deprive him
of his speech for six months or better. Sounded to me like he deserved
to be silenced for a while. I'll bet he didn't set you up during that
period of time." Dad Crenshaw said and then laughed at his own joke.
The pastor agreed.
Shortly after
lunch the pastor and his son left to drive back to their regular church
some miles away. Once again the men went to the barns, but they weren't
going to let Waddie ride this time. The other men rode and asked Waddie
for pointers. He helped Earl D. and Billy Bob improve their time
considerably. Billy Bob began to take a little more interest when he
saw he and his brother might stand a chance of being better than just
pretty good.
Dad Crenshaw
rode with Toller his next youngest after Cassidy and J.R.
Waddie didn't get to see Toller ride the day before and recognized
untapped talent when he saw it. He worked for a couple of hours with
Toller and Dad Crenshaw giving them tips and telling them how to
improve their speed and accuracy. Dad Crenshaw couldn't believe the
fount of knowledge this ten year old young man possessed. He had the
gift of teaching someone what he wanted to get out of them. Waddie got
Dad Crenshaw aside.
"Dad, do you
believe there's such a thing as natural talent for a sport?"
"Sure do, Son.
Look at you and your brother."
"We have a
little talent, but we've worked hard to get good and its paid off. We
took what small talent God gave us, and tried to do the best we could
with it. You, Dad, have a natural talent on your hands, and if you
bring him along right,— nobody will be able to beat him. He will be the
only man in your family who will be as good or better than you at
roping. Trust me, Dad. That's your boy, Toller. Of all your boys I've
seen ride, he's the greatest natural talent you have. He could be an
outstanding competitor."
Dad Crenshaw's
eyes lit up, and he thanked Waddie for his observation. He thought
Toller might have a little more spark in him for roping, but he'd damn
sure take Waddie's advice and work with the boy more. He was impressed
how fast he learned what Waddie taught him that day.
They had a light
supper. Earl D. and Billy Bob were anxious to turn in and get an
early start back to Austin the next morning. They cleaned Waddie again,
and it hardly hurt at all. They spread the medication on him and took
him to bed. He wasn't hurting now and found himself between two
wonderful, beautiful cowboys.
They told him
how proud they were to have him as a little bother, and they'd never
seen their dad take to anyone the way he did with Waddie. He really
meant it when he welcomed him into their family. All the boys want to
know when you're coming back, and we want you back, too. The two
handsome men lay as close to him as they could without hurting him and
stole kiss after kiss. What was the poor boy to do? They were huge,
strong, powerful men. He was at their mercy. They proceeded to have
their way with him. He tried to protest, to fight back,— God knows he
tried. They took advantage of his weakened condition and were
shamelessly robbing him of kisses. Fortunately, for Waddie, he didn't
run out.
Footnote:
* In Texas a
'pitcher' is a photograph or a fine painting you hang on the wall. It's
also something you keep in the fridge to hold Kool-aid or ice tea. A
'pitcher' may also be the man who throws the ball to the batter in
baseball. A 'winder' is something you raise to get air
circulating into a room. You wash your face with a 'warsh cloth.' And
you go to a doctor who cracks and adjusts your bones called a
'Choirpracter.'