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Yearning Steer (Penner and AR)

PeggersCove

PeggersCove

Peg Champ
Joined
Feb 22, 2015
Location
Nova Scotia
The children were on the bus as she was at the front of it with a few parent volunteers as they were taking a trip to a historical ranch that was just outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was almost the end of the year and so, this was a little field trip for the middle schoolers. It was to this old historical ranch that had tour guides and a bunch of other things. Of course, all field trips had to have an educational factor into it and this was the best option to get the kids engaged. After all, there were gruesome stories and that got them interested for the most part.

It was the end of her first year of being a full time teacher after years of being a substitute or a teacher’s aide… something that did not pay at all since she had also been waitressing at the local Chili’s as well as working at the mall. Now, she only had to work the weekends to make ends meet. Kate Williams or Ms. Williams to her students was a good teacher who cared for her students, she stayed up late with lesson plan and marking assigns. Some of her students were not her favourite because they acted up but she honestly tried to do the best that she could for them.

“Matt… sit down in your seat.” She called towards the back of the bus as she was keeping an eye on the sixty students from two different seventh grade classes as she was talking to Mrs. Ferguson, the other teacher. There were eight adults including herself there to supervise all of the children. Well, sometimes… it was only her who was in the classroom with half the students… but with the entire seventh grade going, it could get rowdy on the bus.

She was strict when she had to be but also fun at other times. Kate was trying to be creative and usually, the students were fine but the parents could be a nightmare. It was going to be a busy and stressful day but Kate was excited about it because she knew there was much to learn without them realizing that they were learning

As soon as the bus came to a stop in the parking lot of the historical ranch, all the kids were getting antsy as Mrs. Ferguson stood and she did the same. “When we exit the bus, you will line up and be divided into four groups.” The groups have been made the previous days before and fifteen students would go do two activities before lunch and then would do the last two after lunch.

There was a tour of the old ranch house with tour guides who were dressed in period clothing, horseback riding with safety equipment, demonstrations of blacksmithing and other things the cowboys and seeing the animals in the Barn. There was a lot more to do and it was going to be an exciting day for all the sixty students.

---

She was with the second group of students who were getting to try their hand at blacksmithing as well as seeing the animals in the barn and outside, there was even a petting zoo. However, she noticed that two of the students were missing as she panicked. Of course, she knew exactly who it was as she sighed and said to the parent volunteer to keep an eye on the other children. How did they go missing?

She heard laughing, it was Sam and Dean with their ridiculousness again as she marched after them as they were running towards some of the older building that were off limits due to restoration. She started running. “Get back here!” She yelled as she followed them into one of the building, she was livid and they were going to go back on the bus or sit out for the horseback riding. Her steps were heavier on the old wooden floorboard as she could hear creaking as she was inside. There was no door being that it was an old house with no windows or anything. The boys were running out the other side and into the field. “You will get back her or so help me…” She was cut off as there was a breaking noise and she felt herself falling as the floor was giving way and she hit her head…

She did not remember what happened next because she blacked out. What had happened was that Ms. Williams had fallen through the floor board in the old house to a cellar… except that when people came for her after… she was not there… no one had seen where she had gone. It was as if Kate Williams vanished into thin air.

---

How much time had gone by? She didn’t know but she could hear the odd sounds of cattle and bison… Kate hurt all over and she was feeling faint and like she was going to be sick to her stomach. She was still dressed in her pair of dark washed skinny jeans, a pair of sensible walking boots since she knew that she was going to be on her feet and a black and red plaid shirt. She wore the same jewelry of a watch with a black leather strap, gold bracelets and a pair of stud earrings and a gold chain with a cross on it.

Her hazel eyes opened as she looked around for a moment, she was in a ditch… or a trench of some form? Her long brown hair was tied back with an elastic. Slowly lifting herself up, Kate groaned loudly. What happened?
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

The Yearning Steer. Mother had picked the name, odd as it was. Father had been so enamored that he didn't know how to refuse her, he never had known which is why the brand for the place was a flower. Real manly, real tough, but it didn't seem to matter. The ranch flourished, and before they died Ben's parents were able to experience and enjoy that success. All Father ever wanted was to give Mother the 'life she deserved' and he'd done it.

Things were different now. Harder, in some ways. The ranch had grown but they were in a drought. He barely had enough water on his own land to keep the cattle going, and he had to be careful about moving them from pasture to pasture so they never drank any one source dry. Rain would have been nice, especially on a day like today when the sun shone in a cloudless sky.

"Benji!" Three riders came in from the east, riding hard and fast.

Ben had been working on repairing the fence line, those boys coming in now were supposed to be out in the east pasture moving the cattle to their next water source. He frowned when he saw them. It was too early to be coming back. He had planned to ride out and join them when he was done his repairs. He pulled off his hat, running his hand over his sweaty forehead before plopping it back on his head.

"Boys?"

Noah, the second eldest Wilson son had a wild look in his eyes. It was Luke who had called out, he was the youngest and as soon as they were close he practically fell off his horse in his haste to reach his eldest brother. "Benji!"

"What's goin' on?" Ben asked, concern twisting his insides. Nobody looked hurt, but that didn't mean things weren't bad. "Something happen to the cattle?"

"I'm gonna kill 'em!" Noah snarled, sliding off his saddle and walking around to unceremoniously pull Jesse, the only blond in the group, off his ride.

"Woah, woah, woah!" Ben easily leaped over the fence and raced to separate the two. "What's goin' on?" He repeated in a sharp snap.

Jesse spat on the ground, "This one's a right coward, that's what."

"That ravine is too dangerous! Idiot!" Noah pushed against Ben, trying to get around him to go at the other boy.

"What ravine?" Ben asked. But he knew. With a sinking gut he turned to face Jesse, "Jess?"

"There's lots of water down there! Enough to keep them happy for seasons!" Jesse said quickly. He stepped back at the look on Ben's face, "It was easy! They all got down safe enough, nobody got hurt!"

The ravine wasn't 'easy'. It was a steep climb, difficult for the cattle and for the cowboys herding them. It was in that ravine that they lost their father. Ben had made it clear nobody went down there, especially not with cattle in tow.

He was tempted to just let Noah go. To let the boy vent all his rage at their blond adopted brother, but he knew he had to do what pa would do. What /would/ pa do?

As he considered the question, a scream shattered the moment. All four brothers turned their heads to the house as one.

One of the maidens Ben had hired to clean the house, cook their meals, clean their clothes and the like, came screaming from the back of the house. Her skirts raised high as she fled.

And, as one, the brothers leaped the fence and raced toward her.

"What's goin' on?" He was asking that a lot today, Ben thought as he grasped the girls arm.

"There's... there's a woman! Out back!" The girl cried.

And that's an occasion to scream?

"Is she hurt?"

"Don't know!"

Daft woman. He moved around her and jogged to the back of the house. There was a trench in the back, freshly dug as they prepared to expand on the house. Of course, that had been before mother died. She'd wanted a cellar, a proper full sized cellar and father had started the project but then... well, things changed. The earth was still dug up, Ben hadn't the heart to cover it up. It was the last project his father had started.

And in that trench, sat a woman, just as the maid had said.

"What in tarnation?" He breathed as he took in her truly bizarre appearance.

His brothers crowded in behind him, but with a simple gesture he pushed them back. He didn't want to crowd her... whoever she was. What the hell was she doing in his back yard?

"Uh... miss? You al'right?" He asked.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Her head hurt, that much she knew as she was trying to think of what exactly happened and how she had gotten into a trench. She was sure that she had been in one of the old houses on the edge of the ranch chasing after Sam and Dean… twin boys who were always getting into trouble. Always with their farfetched games of fighting demons and things like that. Creative boys, no doubt but not the best when you were trying to teach them algebra.

“How did I get here?” She whispered as her body ached, she looked down to see if she was injured badly and there was nothing that she could see. Her hand reached up to touch her face, a small cut on her cheek but nothing serious. She had blacked out so she would have to go to the hospital in case of a concussion… but she was alive and well. That was what was important. Slowly moving, she said… “Ohhh… ow ow…” Saying it out low seemed to make it hurt less.

However, what had happened next was something that she had not expected. Hazel eyes looked up as she heard the footsteps of several people coming over. Probably some of the ranch hands working there at the historical ranch… God, she secretly hoped one was hot. Most of the dudes at this things had long hair and were into metal or were older with a hard-on for the Civil War re-enactments. Of course, she would never say that but it was the truth.

Damn… that was her thoughts as she looked up at the one guy who said, ‘What in tarnation…’ She guessed they were always professional. “Sorry… I was chasing after some of my students… and I fell… I just need to go back to the… you know… the ranch, get some first aid. I did black out so, I might need to go to the hospital… I don’t think it will be necessary. I did hit my head some bad.” They were all looking at her almost wordless.

“I get it… you have to stay in character…” She laughed as she slowly rose as she reached up towards the first guy who spoke to her. “Hey Handsome, Can you help me out of here?” She hadn’t seen any of these guys before but figured they helped out as volunteers… that was kind of sweet of them. Unless this was some ex con program… no, it wasn’t. They had checked that out before bringing a group of children for a field trip.

“You’re all looking at me like you haven’t seen a woman before…” She laughed nervously as her eyes looked around at the ranch now that she was standing in the trench… something was really different. Some of the buildings were missing.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

She /had/ hit her head real bad, judging by the odd nearly nonsensical words sputtering out of her mouth. The only thing that remotely made sense to Ben was the part about 'students'. Was she the school teacher then? He didn't have much opportunity to travel into town but he'd heard they were sending for a teacher, that much had registered because it had given him a bit of hope for his younger brother, Luke. He knew Luke was a real smart kid, somehow he'd even learned to read, something the rest of them hadn't learned and while he hadn't had the 'talk' with the boy yet he did intend to send him to school as soon as it was set up.

The girl, the very strangely dressed girl, held out her hand, asking boldly for help out.

He heard his brothers murmuring behind him as he closed the space between himself and the trench. He bent down, reaching his hand out to grasp her outstretched one -- her hand was tiny compared to his, and soft. As easily as if she were a newborn calf being hauled to a shelter, he lifted her up, free hand sliding around her waist to steady her once she was out. He waited long enough to be sure she could stand on her own before releasing her and stepping back.

"Ma'am," he said softly.

He wasn't used to women, or at least not ones like this. The maids who cared for the house very rarely interacted with him, most of the time they were like ghosts that flitted about cleaning up the messes he left behind.

"Should we get the doc?" Noah asked, "Ben?"

"Yeah, that might be good," she was clearly suffering some kind of head trauma. Ben nodded back at his brothers, "Luke, Noah, ride into town. Bring back the doc. Quick!"

He turned his attention back to the barely dressed female while his brothers ran back around the house. Good thing their horses were already saddled up.

"You... uh... would you like to wait inside, ma'am? It's a bit cooler in there. Sun's hot today," Ben rested his hands on his belt as he spoke, a nervous gesture because he didn't know what else to do with them in this situation.

He didn't much like the way Jesse was eyeing the lady, not that she looked like much of a lady. She looked a bit more like--no, he wouldn't think that. His mother had taught him better than to think that.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Something was off about what was happening to her right now... the buildings were different and some of them were missing as she looked up at the group of men who were all watching her. There was also a young girl on the porch who was watching. Something was really off. Taking the first man's hand, she dug her boots into the dirt so that she could get some leverage... He was doing most of the lifting of getting her out of the trench. Glancing behind her, she thought that this was dangerous for kids to be running around a historical ranch if there were deep trenches like this around.

“Thank you.” She said as she felt his hand around her waist making sure that she was steady on her feet. Her eyes going up as her heart was beating a little quicker. 'Already, get a hold of yourself.' She thought to herself as she pulled away. “Ride into town... I am sure that I can go with them...” She said still feeling a little confused at that moment. Her head hurt as she wavered a bit. “Okay, maybe that's a bad idea.” Kate was going to need an aspirin... It was a shame that her purse was on the school bus. “Yeah, I think I should go inside…” She muttered to him as she had this pathetic dazed look on her face, like an injured puppy.

She could have sworn that she was at the Old Willow Ranch, there had been a name change a few times but it was still part of the history that the original name had been The Yearning Steer… Odd name. “I’m at the Old Willow Ranch… right?” She asked looking around for the massive Willow tree that was around her somewhere… there was a small one.

“This is just so weird…” She said as if she knew something was wrong but she didn’t know what. “I was on a field trip and then… I’m…” She shook her head. “I think I need to lay down…” Her head hurt so much and she was feeling faint… she had never fainted in her life but Kate did as she started wavering again and crumpled down.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

"Old Willow Ranch?" Ben repeated incredulously. He wasn't too sure what to say to this odd little lady but then she was talking about a field trip - what the heck was that, and next thing he knew she was falling.

He caught her easily, at first just holding her dead weight against his chest but then lifting her up into his arms. "Jess!" He snapped, "Get the door. You," he looked at the girl on the porch, he didn't even know her name, "get us some cool water from the well. Hurry!"

She ran, nearly tripping over herself in her haste.

He carried the strange woman into his home. It wasn't as big as some estates, but it was big enough. Two stories, a room for each of the boys. The servants had their own houses out by the barn. Only he and his brothers lived in here. The maids kept it clean, and nice. Almost too clean, it sometimes made Ben a bit uncomfortable.

They entered in through the back, into the spacious kitchen and dining area. He carried her through here into the large sitting room where the brothers would often sit and relax after long days out in the field. There was a big chair here his mother used to like sitting in while she patched their clothes or read them stories. It was on this chair that he placed the girl.

Jess was hot on his heels, like an eager puppy wanting to play.

"Get outta' here," he growled, "girl don't need you gawkin'."

Jesse didn't like being bossed around, he had a stubborn glint in his eyes that said he would ready to argue but Ben was just as stubborn and not in the mood for arguing. The only way to handle a boy like Jess was to have a bigger bite, and Ben could, if needed.

The maid returned with a bucket of water and a wet cloth. Ben stepped back to let her mop at the girls cheeks and neck. He might have done it himself if he'd been alone but as it was he didn't feel comfortable laying his hands on her any more than was necessary. He could still feel her weight in his arms. Still feel the curve of her pressed into his chest.

He cleared his throat, removing his hat and tossing it onto a nearby chair. He ran his hands through his still sweaty hair.

"She still breathin'?" He asked.

The maid nodded, "Yes'sir."
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

It seemed like no one knew her name in this house besides, Noah… only calling her ‘You’ or ‘girl’. Lord, she was hired help but it would be nice if they knew that her name was Susan. She had seen the young woman in the trench as she had returned from fetching water from the well… a girl in strange clothes in a trench was not what you saw on a daily basis… if ever. Susan was a little afraid of the oldest brother too… her was big and loud… obviously, she did not like getting into his line of sight.

She had been standing on the porch wondering who this woman was… she was dressed like a man but… different… Nothing like a saloon girl or the ladies in town… most of the women in this town were either wives or wives for a night. Susan Miller wanted to get a decent living after her Pa had died leaving her without anyone… it was luckily that the local Pastor had suggested her to the Wilson brothers when they had been looking for another maiden to cook and clean. There was two of them working there who took care of the cleaning, cooking and making it so the little chores were done since the four brothers were a disaster… and of course, it was Susan’s first day alone since Miranda who was a little older than herself had took a few days to visit her family in a town about twenty miles away called Sand Springs.

When the eldest brother pointed at her, she jumped as she turned and went running off so that she could go and fetch some water for the woman who had fainted along with a cloth. She knew exactly what to do, not that there were a lot of fainting women around these parts.

She poured water from a bigger bucket to a small one as she also had a clean cloth. “I can care for her until she comes to…” Susan said softly as she went down onto her knees beside the chair. Dipping the cloth into the water, she squeezed out the excess and folded it into a rectangle and placed it on her forehead, another cloth was to dab at her cheeks and neck. She was not pale… if anything, she had a tanned colour… a pale tan colour. Susan wondered if she was one of those Mexicans.

“She’s breathing…” She said as she looked up at her employer. “Just fainted is all…”

Stirring a moment later, Kate looked up to see the face of a young girl about sixteen or seventeen? Maybe younger? “Wassthat… where?” She asked not at all gracefully. “Where am I?” She asked confused and disoriented.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Being the oldest of a brood of boys Ben really didn't know what to do with women. Cows he knew what to do with. Rowdy boys he knew how to handle. Women? He just didn't know. They were strange, delicate... flowery. Normally he might have left and let the maid take care of this strange creature but this was his ranch and she was now, officially, his problem.

He wouldn't just ignore a stray calf he found out in his pasture and he couldn't just pretend this woman wasn't in his house.

The woman was awake again, and clearly trying to get a grasp of her surroundings. He moved into her line of sight, "You're at the Yearning Steer, ma'am. My ranch. Don't move just yet. The boys have gone to bring the doc. Shouldn't be too long, just a few hours."

What the heck was he going to do with her until then?

Maybe he would leave her with the maid but he just didn't feel right walking out when she was fainting and babbling about 'field trips' and such.

He didn't see Jesse standing near the stairs, watching with open curiosity. If he had he would have snapped at him to leave, again.

"Mind tellin' me what you were doin' on my land?" Ben tried to phrase this in as gentle a tone as he could, but he wasn't exactly used to gentle, it still came out sounding like a command.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

“The Yearning Steer?” She asked with a raised eyebrow as the young teenage girl was dabbing at her forehead. “I’m alright, hun… I just need to sit up.” She said to the teenager who blinked a few times before saying, “Let me just help you…” Susan said as she offered her hand and Kate turned so that she was sitting upright but her back was leaning against the back of the comfortable chair. Her mind went to the name of the ranch… it was like the name of a bad western romance novel.

“What am I doing on your land?” She repeated the question slowly as she was looking down at her lap before looking back down at her lap. “Frankly, I don’t rightly know.” She knew that she was not in Kansas anymore… well, Oklahoma… well, she was in Oklahoma… “I think I dropped from thin air… at least, it seems like that.” She said with a sigh. Kate made jokes when she was uncomfortable and being in a stranger living room was uncomfortable. “I’m a teacher, you see…” She started wondering if that would help since she was being a bit careful as she looked around the sitting room. There was no television… or electronic light… and the old ranch name was...

No…. she had been reading too many damn Outlander books and watching the television show… this had to be a dream. “What today again? The time…?”
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Ben listened very carefully as the woman spoke but no matter how he furrowed his brow and concentrated he just couldn't make sense of her. He'd seen a few men hit their heads out in the field and none of them had been quite this addled after. Maybe it was because she was a school teacher and had a fancy way of swinging words that he just wasn't capable of catching.

"Uh..." Her last question left him stumped. "Reckon... well, I reckon it's mid-July. Sometime after midday."

Something prompted him to dig deeper. There was a calender on the wall. His mother had insisted on always having one and even all this time after her death Ben still made sure to replace it every year. He couldn't really read it, of course, but he knew a few things, like that it had to be turned at the end of every month.

"1867, July 20th? I think." He lifted the calender from the wall and carried it over, dropping it in her lap so she could see for herself.

He didn't spend much time thinking about days. He relied on the land to guide him and tell him what season they were in, what he needed to do to prepare for winter and things of that nature.

"Girl," he looked to the maid, "get her something to eat."

Maybe food would help.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Her body was still in pain, she did not know why… besides from the fall but something did not make much sense, she wanted these people to stop their act. She knew that’s those who worked at the Ranch were in character but couldn’t they break it because she was feeling completely and utterly distressed. It made sense at her present situation since she was in a stranger’s home as a teenager girl was tending to her. “I ought to get something for that nasty cut on your cheek, Miss.” The blonde girl said as she smiled trying to be of some comfort.

Kate nodded, “Yes… thank you.” She said as the teenager looked startled and looked back at her brother? Why was she afraid of him? Was this a child in danger situation?

Susan almost never got a thank you from any of the brothers… well, except for Noah who was real kind to her. And yet, this strange lady wearing men’s clothes was being polite to her. It was…nice. Smiling, the blonde nodded.

Her employer went over to get the calendar on the wall saying the date for the confused woman… the look on her face of utter disbelief… of the date? That was odd. Standing up, she was asking to go get something to eat for the young woman as she left the two of them alone in the sitting room.

Kate’s mind was racing now, she was freaking the fuck out. It was 1867? Two years after the Civil War Ended? President Lincoln had been shot and was dead and she was there in the same time… It had been June 8th 2015 the last that she knew and now…

“Oh… yeah, I thought it was about that date.” How was this happening? Did she have to jump into the trench to try and get back? “I just didn’t know how long I was out for…” She was going to have to guard her words and remember her history. “So, you must be Mr. Benjamin Wilson?” She said seeing the look of surprise on his face. She knew his name because his damn picture had been in the museum part of the Ranch.

Although, it was not like she could tell him, so she had to come up with a story. “I am starting to get my memory back.” She said softly. When did the town get a teacher? “I’m a teacher… and I was seeing if you had anyone in your household who would be enrolling in school?”

She started wondering if that was a good lie. “And… I was coming towards the ranch when my horse got spooked and I fell off of it and it went running… and I fell in the ditch… or trench.” She started hoping that made perfect sense.

“Your sister and brother look like they are the right age?” She was referring to Susan and Jesse.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Ben sighed, feeling a rush of relief as she /finally/ started talking in ways he could understand. He nodded, it didn't surprise him to hear her horse had spooked. In his experience women riders weren't all that great at keeping their rides calm.

It did surprise him that she knew his name, but he supposed as the Yearning Steer was one of the larger ranches in the area people would talk about him and his family. He didn't like it, but he knew it must happen. He settled himself into a chair near to her, suddenly understanding that he was kind of towering over her and that probably wasn't very comforting. He didn't know much but he did know he needed Luke to go to school and if this woman was the teacher he needed to be in her good graces.

He perched on the edge of the chair, arms resting on his legs as he leaned forward.

"Sister?" He repeated, "Ain't got a sister. That girl is..." What /was/ her name? He'd heard it a few times, of course but it didn't really register or stick. After too long a pause he shrugged, "just the help. I do got a brother, and I am hoping you'll take him into your class."

"Hell no!" Jesse emerged from his hiding place, "No way I'm going to some stupid school!"

"I wasn't talkin' about you, fool." Ben growled, "And didn't I tell you to get out?"

"But Ben-"

"Out!" Ben snapped, leaving no room for argument in his tone or his expression.

Jesse spat on the floor, tilted his hat to the teacher with a soft 'ma'am' and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Ben sighed, looking back to the teacher, "Sorry, ma'am. He's a bit head strong. So uh... what's your name, then?"
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

She thought it was a little sad that they did not want to learn... what the hell was she saying? She made up this story that seemed far fetched and well... it was either cry about it or adjust to this way of life and find something to do. Good thing, she had watched Outlander and she had the skill set to be a teacher. However, what if another teacher was sent and would come along in a week or two... well, she would deal with that as it came.

“Well, school is not stupid but rather the people who do not appreciate the opportunity... I might do well to make lessons after school for adults in the community.” Where was she coming up with these ideas?!

It was at that moment that the teenage girl came in with a bit of food. “I was making dinner so, I have a bit of chilli and bread for you, Miss...” She said with a smile as Kate asked, “What's your name?”

Susan looked startled by the question, “Susan...” She said simply before Kate replied. “Well, Thank you, Susan.” She smiled before looking at the eldest of the four brothers... “My name is Kate Williams, or Ms. Williams.” She mentioned. “And I don't mind... most teenagers don't think that they need schooling and like to think that they know everything.” She laughed.

She had been a substitute teacher for two weeks at a High School and it had been hell... but she had not let the teenagers break her with their cruel remarks. One of the girls had told her that she could lick her O-ring... She would never forget that moment as the teenagers were laughing and she knew that she would lose control. So, she put her foot down and made sure that the girl went to the principal’s office. She ended up dropping out of school... it was something sad but teachers couldn't always win.

“Thank you for bringing me into your home after my unfortunate accident.” She mentioned as Susan waited to be directed to do something else. “Do you want something to eat as well, sir?” She asked Benjamin.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Adults? In school? That was something Ben had never heard of before, but then he never did pay much attention to city folk and their strange ideas. He was presuming she was city folk, judging by her bizarre attire. Was this the new fashion? It was still boiling hot, even in here, and he reached up to rub at his forehead.

Either she was giving him a headache, or the heat was.

Ben had the grace to feel somewhat ashamed when she asked the maid - Susan - for a name. He should have known that name, in truth. Probably his mother would be upset if she knew how little he paid attention to the help. She had been a kind woman, the sort who, like Ms. Kate Williams, noticed people.

"Ma'am, Ms. Williams, I know most schools don't take kids over 15," some even refused to take those over 13, "but I would like my brother to go. Not Jess," he gestured to the door to indicate the boy who had stormed out, "but Luke, the youngest. He's a good kid, real smart. 16 now, but he really wants to learn somethin' bad and I'd appreciate it you'd take him on."

This wasn't how he'd hoped to meet her. He was sweaty from the days work, and not exactly on his best behavior after the days annoyances but he wanted nothing more than for his brother to get this opportunity.

Still, she'd said 'adult' school so he was betting she'd be okay with teaching Luke.

He frowned at Susan who was hovering nearby. "Miss Susan," it was the first time he'd said her name, "we're good here. Why don't you go outside and see if the boys are back with the doc yet?"

The amount of time it would take them to get back would be directly related to the doc's position. If he was on rounds to the Silver Star - Mrs. Matthews was constantly falling ill these days - they would be back quick. If, however, he was in town it would be two hours at the least.

The sooner the doc was here to look at Ms. Williams, the better Ben would feel. He didn't want her dying in his living room.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

“Well, I don’t mind your brother being part of the class.” She was going to assume that there were quite a few children that could use an education by the state. Well, how was she going to get paid to be a teacher? Would it be like Laura Ingalls in the popular book series, Little House on the Prairie? She didn’t think that Laura was even alive yet… that was so strange to thing how far in time she was. “There will be a few students enrolling by the end of August, I suppose…” She said thinking that the chilli was a little too hot for a day like this as she thought it was the perfect day for a BBQ with corn on the cob and watermelon.

Looking to Susan, she asked. “I couldn’t trouble you for some water to drink?” She was starting to feel a little better. Susan nodded. “I will do that and then watch for your brother, Mr. Wilson.” She said softly before turning and rushing away to the kitchens… he had actually said her name. It was so surprising.

Things got silent and awkward as Kate asked. “So, how long has your family been in Oklahoma territory?” She asked curiously feeling that she would be more comfortable with words than silence.

Susan returned with some cold water with some ice from the icebox… a luxury in the middle of summer. “Here, you are… Miss.” Kate thanked her. The chili on a little side table but she only wanted the bread.

Susan went towards the front porch so that she could watch for the other brothers… she wanted to see Noah again. Tying her bonnet on her head, she opened the door to see that someone was in the distance.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

"Thank you, ma'am," Ben said in answer to her agreeing to take Luke on. He wondered how long she'd be amendable to the boys presence when she realized what a handful he was.

She liked talking, but he wasn't much for words, especially with women. What did you say to women? You couldn't talk about normal things, like cattle or fences... While the maid - no, Susan, got the water they sat in uncomfortable silence until Ms. Williams asked him how long his family had been here.

"Awhile," he answered.

Susan returned with the water and his eyes narrowed at the ice but he was nothing if not a gracious host and he would not complain about this luxury. If anyone should receive the ice, it was the school teacher.

He grabbed his hat and fiddled with it, anything to give himself something to do.

He really had no idea what to say to her.

"Luke's taught himself to read," he blurted, "real smart kid. Only one in the family. He says it was easy," he smiled as he spoke of his brother, it was an easy thing to do. He was proud of the kid, but also he knew it was complete bullshit. Someone taught the kid, he just didn't know who.

The smile was gone as soon as he finished speaking.

He got to his feet, pacing away from her and moving to push the curtains aside so he could look out the window.

Doc had been at the Silver Star and he rode between Noah and Luke. They were shapes in the distance for some time before they finally reached the edge of the fence line.

When they reached the house Luke slid out of his saddle before his horse had even properly stopped moving, "Ben!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, "Ben we got the doc! Is she alive?"

The 'doc' was more sedate in his dismounting, and he had the disgruntled, bemused look of a man who had just been roughly manhandled by the Wilson boys.

Noah grinned when he saw Susan. He winked at her as he followed the doc to the porch.

Luke did not wait for them, he burst into the house, running at full speed. So fast that he literally slid across the floor and ran head first into his older brother. Ben caught the boy by the arms, "Woah there, buddy."
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Well, this was entirely awkward as she was sitting there and he did not really talk about much. The damn man had said, ‘Awhile.’ To her question and she took a hint that he did not want to talk to her and so, she took the opportunity to eat the bread by dipping it into the chili and drinking her water. There was a clock ticking somewhere that she noticed but she did not know where exactly. “Oh… he taught himself to read… that’s dedication. Do you have a favourite book?” She said trying to make some form of conversation but that was when he abruptly stood up and Kate had a bewildered look on her face.

However, it soon came to light what had happened… it seemed that his brothers had returned with the doctor. There was a holler from outside as she turned herself in her seat and blinked, “Sweet baby Jesus…” She said with wild hazel eyes… that was a crass way of asking but she sat where she was for fear that if she got up then she would be on the ground again.

Susan was on the front porch waiting as she watched the youngest of the brother slide off his mount and onto the ground, hollering. She wanted to say something but did not dare do so as Noah was the next off his horse… The doctor was a stout older man who was taking his time getting off his horse… Noah walked closer to her and gave her a wink as she felt her cheeks become inflamed. She needed to get a grip on herself around him but she was like a lovesick puppy dog.

“She’s alive…” Susan said softly to inform them but Luke was already inside the house as she waited for the doctor and Noah to enter.

Kate continued to sit feeling a little odd because of all the fuss over her. Although, she was usually the centre of attention when teaching, she did not like when she was the one being fussed over. However, she knew that she could faint again with her head injury.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Favorite book? Ben had ignored the question because he didn't quite know how to tell such an educated woman that he'd only gone to school long enough to realize he hated the teacher and after that he worked the ranch with his father and little else.

Luke panted in his grasp, eyes wide as he looked over Ben's shoulder, trying to get a good look at the woman.

"Manners," Ben warned as he let the boy go.

Luke hurried to the center of the room, youthful, handsome features splitting into a grin. "Ma'am!" He said, "Glad to see you're alive, and all. I'm Luke, Luke Wilson."

He held out his hand, jerked it back and ripped off his hat then held out his hand again. "Pleasure to meet you."

Now that he was over the shock of finding a wounded, babbling woman in the back yard he was excited. She was pretty and Luke was nothing if not curious. Especially about pretty women.

Ben held the door open, ignoring his younger brother as he waited for the doc to reach the door.

"Doc. Nice of you to come," He said by way of greeting. He held out his hand to shake the doctor's hand. He recognize the look in the doc's eyes right away, "Sorry about the fuss. The teacher had a tumble in our yard. Hit her head. We tended to it best we could but she fainted earlier and we just want to make sure she's alright."

Noah lingered on the porch as the doctor walked in. He hooked his thumbs in his belt loops and grinned at Susan. He didn't dare say much with Ben standing right there.

"So uh," he licked at his bottom lip, "want to help me rub the horses down?"

If Ben questioned him on it he'd point out that Luke was currently enamored and Jess was no where in sight. It only made sense that he'd enlist the help of the ... well, hired help.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

She wanted to ask if they had a brother named Owen but they would never get her joke and so, she said. “Pleased to meet you… I’m Ms. Kate Williams.” She stated as she put out her own hand. “I would stay up but I don’t think I ought to risk it just yet…” She smiled good naturedly. She wondered if he would be so polite to her when he heard that he would be going to school.

Her eyes moved to the entrance of the sitting room as the eldest of the brothers was talking to the doctor. Doctor Abrams was a portly man and the only doctor for miles. His work could be strange and difficult as well as someone with a case of thinking they were sick when they simply were not. “Well, Mrs. Matthews was going on about some ailment today. I was just about finished up when your two brothers came barrelling in and kidnapped me.” He was being a tad overdramatic. “What’s this about a dead woman?”

He walked a few steps and was taken aback by the young woman who was in the oddest of clothing. He did not pay attention to that much longer for he was already asking questions. “Alright, what is the trouble… took a bit of a tumble, huh?”

“Well, it was a bit more than a tumble. I fell into a trench after my horse was spooked and I was found sometime after.” She explained as he nodded. “Ah… well… do a quick check up and see if you will be alright.”

He looked over to Luke and Benjamin. “We are going to need some privacy, lads.” He said to the two of them. He would have preferred a bedroom but the sitting room would do well without prying eyes.

As for Susan, she was standing on the porch with a smile on her lips trying not to be obvious. “Uh… I suppose so…” She said with a shrug, licking her own lips and wondering if he was going to kiss her again… she rather enjoyed that. Susan glanced at the closed door before the two of them made their way towards the barn so they could care for the horses.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Luke was still grinning like an idiot when the Doctor rolled in and effectively pushed him out of the way. He listened to the conversation between the two and added, helpfully, "She was babbling when she woke up! Like-"

"Luke," Ben warned.

The boy snapped his mouth shut, but his eyes stayed wide and eager.

"The doctor said he needs privacy," Ben held the door wide and slipped his hat back on his head, "Come."

Luke sighed but he followed his brother out the door. Before the door could close he said, loudly enough that it carried back into the living area, "She's real pretty, isn't she Ben?"

Ben sighed heavily as he closed the door. For a smart kid Luke could be real stupid sometimes.

In the excitement he'd forgotten about the ravine, and the cows, but almost as soon as they were out the door he remembered and he studied the yard, hoping for a glimpse of Jesse. They'd have to have a talk.

"He really took them into the ravine?" He asked.

Luke hopped down the porch steps, head still in a daze because of the excitement of the stranger, but he looked up at Ben's question with a startled, wide gaze, "Yeah, Ben. We all did, but I mean, once he started we had to help or make him do it himself."

"Dammit," Ben growled, "damned idiot."

Noah led two of the horses, he let Susan take the other. Almost as soon as all three were tethered and ready to be worked on, he had Susan by the arm. He pressed her up into a nearby stall, other hand cupping her cheek as he kissed her with all the need and desire of a kid his age.

She was the first girl he'd ever been with, and she made his blood boil every time he saw her. He wasn't stupid though, he knew a ranch hand could walk in at any minute, so he didn't let himself kiss her for long.

The moment he pulled back, he heard footsteps coming from the rear entrance of the barn.

He stepped back quick, releasing Susan's arm and reaching up to adjust his hat - a nervous gesture he'd learned from Ben.

"Noah?" It was Jesse.

Anger, hot and quick rushed through Noah's veins. He hadn't forgotten the ravine either.

"We should brush them down," he said to Susan, tone gentler than it might have been if she'd been Luke or any other man. He was careful with her though, always.

"You brought the doctor back?" Jesse asked.

"You think I'm talking to you but I'm not because if I talk to you I'm gonna' punch your lights out," Noah said as he started stripping the horses of their saddles and tack.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

The Doctor looked to the Wilson boy as he said, "Well, nonsense does tend to happen with head injuries." He said as he glanced back at the young woman who was looking a bit sheepish. "Sorry to alert everyone with all this." The Doctor shook his head as the door was closed and they were left alone.

The physical consisted of him checking her heart, reflexes as well as her head for any bumps. Also the doctor dressed the cut on her cheek. "You suffered a concussion... So you will need bed rest for a few days to make sure that your brain hasn't been addled." He stated as he was thinking for a moment. "You live in town to in that room over the school house." He haven't heard of a new teacher but he supposed that he could tell the Mayor that she was in the area and would be ready to teach for the new year that was to started in a few weeks. Of course, school was put on hold for the harvest and then would be back in session.

"A few people in town will be happy for a new teacher, the last one went and got herself married." He smiled, "and if you aren't careful... You will be married soon too." He was teasing but it was what happened. Well, there was also a lot of widows because of the war. And young men who returned all addled or injures because of the cannon fire. A lot of people were also moving out west for the new opportunities.

Kate nodded and said, "I don't think you will have to worry about me." She had to try to get home...

---

The feel of his body pressed up against hers was something that she missed... Susan was not stupid, she knew that she was a practice girl but she was happy with being Noah's practice girl. She pushed away from him as she heard someone entering the stable as she went towards one of the horses to pretend like she was going to brush out the dirt and grit from the field.

It was Jesse, the family adopted brother which she had found odd but never questioned it. Noah sounded like he was pisses about something and she listened to the exchange between the two.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

"You're nothin' but a gutless littl-" Jesse started in. He /knew/ the ravine was dangerous but there was water down there! Lots of water, enough to keep the damn cows happy for weeks and they wouldn't have to move them every few days. It was just stubborn stupidity that kept Ben from moving them down there and Jesse had taken initiative and done the smart thing. It wasn't his problem they were all gutless.

Noah did not let Jesse finish whatever the hell insult he had in mind. He lurched around the mare and launched himself at his 'adopted' brother, fists flying.

The two had fought before. They fought quite often, actually. When they were kids it was cute, but now that they were older their fights often ended in multiple bruises, swollen eyes, swollen lips and one time a broken leg. Although the breaking part had been an accident, Jesse hadn't meant to push Noah off the hay loft but once it happened there was no taking it back.

Their shouting alerted Ben's attention, and with Luke trailing behind he took off for the barn.

"Idiots!" He growled as he moved to pull Noah away from Jesse. "Luke!"

Luke jumped into the fray, but he wasn't as strong as Jesse so he settled for jumping on the older boys back and catching him in a strangle hold around the neck.

Between Luke's awkward little stranglehold and Ben the fight was over soon enough. Ben dragged Noah out of the barn, pushing him so hard the younger boy tumbled to the ground. Already his lip was fattening and he had a scrape under one eye. "Stay!" Ben barked before he returned to the barn. "Jesse!"

Jesse wasn't struggling anymore, but Luke was still hanging from his back.

"Take a walk!" Ben roared, at this point too angry to even see straight. "Luke, go with him! Keep him the hell away from the house!"

Luke finally dropped from Jesse's back, "But Ben I-"

"Go! Both of you!"

Ben threw his hat to the ground with a curse. He paced the length of the barn. Idiot boys. Their constant bickering was going to be the death of him. He noticed the girl - Susan? -and reached down to grab his hat as he left the barn.

Noah was on his feet by the time Ben barged back out, and he danced back a few steps, giving his older brother wide berth.

"Tend to the horses!" Ben snapped.

He wasn't in the mood for chastising either boy just yet. He headed for the house, stomping up the steps and swinging the door open so hard it banged against the wall.

He stopped short when he saw the doc and Ms. Williams. He'd been so angry he'd forgotten he had company.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

She was certainly not going to jump into a fight between two of the brothers, she was however so shocked as her hands covered her mouth to try not to cry out at the violence. She moved away with the mare and said, "Whoa, girl..." The horse could easily get spooked by the two boys who were roughhousing in the barn. "Guys..." She started but it was then that Luke came running in to barn and jumped on Jesse. Ben was now pulling Noah away and cursing him out angrily.

Susan had witnessed the entire thing without being involved since she did not much like the roughhousing in this home. Although, she had not seen it this close before. And with the eldest brother's hollering at all of them to stop. Well, Susan looked like a frightened deer.

Perhaps, she ought to go back to the house to get away from this but then, she was the only one keeping the mare calm. She watched as Ben tossed his hat on the ground and cursed up and down the barn's length. He looked at her for a brief moment and then, he was out with his hat in his hand.

It wasn't until Noah had returned that she lead the mare to her stable, the animal making a snort of impatience as Susan soothed her but stroking it's mane. Glancing at Noah, she knew he was upset. "Do you want me to get a cold cloth?" She asked him.

---

Kate looked up as the eldest of the brothers returned. "Hello..." He looked upset about something as the Doctor spoke up. "Mr. Wilson... After examining Ms. Williams. She had suffered a concussion and I would ask if she could rely on your hospitality a few more days. I don't want her jostled, she will need some bed rest and slowly getting back to her usual self." He smiled as he looked back to Kate.

"I'm sorry, I have been nothing but a bother." She said as the Doctor laughed. "Most women are..." Kate frowned at the blatant sexism but said nothing.

"I will come back in three days time to check on her progress and see how long before she can return to her room at the School house." The Doctor informed Benjamin.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

Noah wiped his hand over his mouth, wincing as he aggravated his fresh new wounds. He only barely stopped himself from cursing. He wanted to, but not in front of Susan. He saw the look on her face and immediately regretted letting his temper get the best of him.

"Our pa was killed in the ravine," he said as he moved to help her with the mare, "and that idiot took us down there today. Like it was nothing... like he didn't care if we died."

He shook his head at her question, "Nah. It's no big deal."

He leaned on the horse, "Sorry bout that. I didn't mean to scare you."

---

"Thank you, Doc," Ben said. His head reeled as he tried to process that not only would he have company but /female/ company. The school teacher was staying here? With her high falutin' words and female-ness.

Between his anger and frustration with his brothers, and this news, he was having the worst day.

"Anything we can do for her?" He asked, working hard to keep his tone calm. What he really wanted was to hit something. Real hard. Preferably Noah and Jesse... idiots.

After taking the doc's instructions, he walked the man to the door.

"They've got your mare in the barn, she'll be ready to leave. Unless you need something else?"

Far out in the field, beyond the barn, he spotted Jesse and Luke walking side by side. Good. Hopefully Jesse was walking off his idiocy. He'd have to deal with the kid later, all of them really, but just not right now. He had enough to deal with with the teacher.
 
RE: Yearning Steer (Penner and AR) Random Western Titles.

She shook her head at him as she said, "You don't have to apologize... My Pa died too and if it have been because of a ravine... Well, I would be right mad too if someone did the same." It had been her Pa's heart that got him.

"You don't have to... I was only scared because I didn't want the mare to be spooked." She said as she was lying for his benefit. "I'm sorry..." She said honestly before she said, "I ought to return to the house and finish up supper. I'm making chili." She said hoping that would cheer him up as she went to his side and leaned up to gently kiss his cheek before she left the barn.

---

"Only if you will invite me for dinner..." The Doctor said, mostly because the Doctor was always trying to get a free meal. "Other than that, she just needs to take it easy. Don't have to wait on her hand and foot but she might be a little off her feet for the next few days. Are you alright with Ms. Williams imposing on your hospitality?" He asked with a grin. "Brothers won't mind having a pretty woman like her around." The Doctor was joking as he started out the door seeing that the maid was returning from the barn.
 
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