Rosemarie's Tales of the Old West: Lessons to Learn part III

Author’s Note: Bears are prevalent in Colorado because of the mountainous country and enough prey to survive on and caves to live in. The bear goes into its den for hibernation generally in early October and comes out in April.

Stony Creek is a fictitious town made up by the author for the purposes of this story and other stories with these characters. Any resemblance to anything real is by coincidence.

*************************************

It was at the end of summer and not far from early fall in Colorado when Jalen Brooks found himself riding along a trail near the North Pasture and thinking of how many times he had found himself over his bosses lap getting his backside warmed whenever he challenged his authority. He had decided that doing that wasn’t the best idea or course of action after all when all his behavior had earned him was a sore behind. He had also found himself facing a corner several times before being put over his mentor’s knees when the man was too angry or exasperated to deal with the situation effectively without hurting him. His boss had explained that in great detail the very first time the ranch owner had been too upset by his repeated defiant behavior to spank him. He told Jalen standing him in a corner was for him to think about what he had done as well as a cooling off time for the older man. The teen hadn’t liked it much, but had accepted it. He thought back about that first time he found himself in a corner…he had had enough of being told to pick up his clothes and make his bed. It had been about two months ago, not long after the mouth soaping. He had argued with his mentor…

*****

”I don’t see the use of making the bed every day when each night all I’m gonna do is mess it up again.” Jalen had asserted in a pouting tone.

“It will help you to be self-disciplined and take pride in being orderly.” The older man had explained.

“I don’t care if things are orderly. I like things messy!” The youngster protested.

Dallas explained patiently, “Learning to be orderly will help you to have an organized mind and that will help you to be able to prioritize things and think through situations in a manner that makes sense.”

“I don’t see how that makes any difference!” Jalen said in a sarcastic tone.

Dallas arched an eyebrow. “It is like doing your arithmetic problems. They also help you to think in an organized, methodical manner.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Jalen shouted back defiantly.

“Language young man.” Dallas reminded. “It means that you can tackle a problem in a way that will help you to achieve the outcome you want.”

“I don’t care about any of that! I’m not goin’ to make the stupid bed!” The teen cried.

“Jalen Christopher Brooks…you will be making your bed…every day.” The older man said sternly.

“I won’t! It makes no sense to me and I ain’t gonna do anythin’ that don’t make sense to me!” Jalen continued to protest.

Dallas, exasperated said, “Jalen…you’re treading on thin ice kid…I suggest you change your tone and attitude.” The older man warned.

*****

Jalen looked at Dallas attempting to decide just how far he could push this issue. He tried once more. “I won’t do it!”

*****

Dallas’s blue eyes darkened and sparked. “All right kid…you won’t listen and I know very well how to get your attention…but first, I’m going to put you in the corner because if I turn you over my lap right now you’ll be hurtin’ for a really long time.” The ranch owner told the youngster.

*****

Jalen looked at Dallas incredulously. “The corner?!” He squeaked.

“Yes…the corner.” Dallas said sternly.

“But…that’s for little kids!” The youngster protested.

*****

Dallas had enough of the boy’s insolence and defiance. He put both his hands on Jalen’s shoulders and guided him with a sharp swat into the corner. “You’ll stay there until I say you may be released. If you turn around, talk or try to leave the corner I’ll put you right back in there and you’ll be there even longer.” He told Jalen. “Do you understand kid?”

Jalen responded with a “Yes Sir.” Said through gritted teeth.

*****

Dallas found himself frustrated and exasperated. His hand itched to whale the tar out of the youngster, but he knew it wasn’t right to treat the boy that way. He watched as Jalen stood in the corner all tensed up.

The ranch owner worked at taking deep breaths and calming himself thinking about why the defiant behavior this time had pushed him to the edge. Generally a few well-placed swats did the trick and he could usually administer them in a calm fashion. He tried to think about why this time was different, why he had a stronger reaction. He realized that the boy’s constant defiance of his authority over him was beginning to wear on him. He was glad to recognize this and knew he’d have to work at developing more patience with the youngster and that this was a good method to use. It gave Jalen time to think about his behavior and himself a chance to calm down and think through the action he wanted to take with the boy.

*****

Standing in the corner was boring. There was nothing to look at but the whitewash and at first Jalen wanted to kick the wall. He knew that would get him a swat or more and then he’d be put back in this dratted corner. If he’d learned one thing about Dallas Kincaid he had learned he was a man of his word and that if he said something he’d follow through.

After standing there for a while Jalen realized he was beginning to calm his temper and started to think about the things his boss and mentor had said. He began to realize the man hadn’t ever steered him wrong. That whatever he tried to teach him had been for his own good. Jalen began to relax and to focus. It was odd, but he realized this standing in the corner had helped him.

*****

Dallas watched Jalen in the corner and when he had finished thinking things through he noticed the kid began to calm and relax as well. When he observed the change in the boy’s stance, saw the tension go out of the shoulders and him standing there in a relaxed manner, he called him out of the corner…”Jalen, come on out now kid and let’s talk about what just happened.”

*****

Jalen smiled to himself at the memory. They had talked and Dallas had spanked him for the defiance and all was well with them again.

*****

The youngster felt a nip in the mid-September air. The leaves were turning, but not quite the bright reds, gold, rust and brown of autumn. There was dryness to the leaves and the edges were turning brown on some, and there was a smell of fall in the air, but not quite the sweet smell of rotting leaves like in October and early November when all the leaves fell and were in piles along the trail. The sky was still blue and puffy white clouds floated above and it was warm in the sun, even if it was colder in the shady areas and on the breeze that rattled the drying leaves.

Jalen thought about the season changing and before long the leaves would be falling in Ernest and then the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas would be upon them. The teen thought about the fact that he was approaching his eighteenth birthday in a few months. Having a December birthday was miserable. He hated it with everyone busy with Christmas shopping and the cold and snow. It had been hard to feel happy when he was miserable from being cold and hungry and trying to frequent places where he could warm up a bit without being chased out for loitering too long. He recognized that this had been what he had known in the past, but really had no illusions about it being much different this year, except for perhaps if he were lucky enough to be allowed to stay on through the winter and not let go after the fall round up as usual that he might at least have a warm place to stay through the winter.

*****

Jalen’s thoughts returned to the present. Mr. Kincaid had told him to come up to the northern pasture and look for signs of predators, especially bears that were fattening themselves up for hibernation, which Jalen had learned happened in early October.

The youngster continued to ride along the northern border of the pasture and looked for spoor or other signs of predators, especially bears having been nearby. He was annoyed. He could understand checking for other predators, but had thought this an unnecessary task to be told to watch for bears as the bears would soon be in their dens and no threat until spring.

He rode along the trail and felt the chill wind. If he even saw any sign of a bear he’d be surprised he thought to himself. If he were a bear and it was time to sleep he’d find

Himself a cozy warm cave and hunker down for the winter.

Jalen completed the task and as he rode back to the ranch felt disgruntled. Not only had he not seen a bear, but there had been no signs of any other kind of predator either. He was feeling it had been a waste of time.

The youngster had begun to chafe some under the yoke of rules, expectations and responsibilities. He had followed the rules and had taken his responsibilities seriously in prior jobs, but he hadn’t had rules that had felt this restrictive or the expectations of his being compliant with them. The basic rules of reporting on time and doing the day’s assignments he’d been a little accustomed to, but the lessons, swearing and other rules like that he had not been accustomed to and they had begun to rub on him. No drinking or gambling…well he didn’t much care for drinking or getting drunk much anyway, but had become fairly good at games of chance and saw no harm in them except Mr. Kincaid had told him those actions could lead to dangerous things such as had happened in the saloon that time he was arrested. The educational assignments he had told him were to make him a better man as they would assist him to conduct business better and not doing them was considered either defiant behavior or disobedience, both of which were frowned upon. Then there was the expectation of showing respect to others, especially women whom he had no desire for and had developed a lack of respect for due to his mother being a whore and living in the bordello. Then lastly, the deceit. Mr. Kincaid loathed deception and Jalen had become fairly good at that. He had learned to lie and steal to survive and although really had no need of those things now still felt that not telling the whole truth to save his skin was acceptable until it was found out and then his backside paid for it. He hadn’t had the need to steal anything, but being totally truthful was harder. He sighed as the ranch house came into sight.

*****

Dallas saw his young ranch hand riding in from his assigned task looking none too pleased. He shook his head knowing the youngster had been chafing a bit at the restrictions of his freedom, but he wanted the teen to begin to learn some self-discipline. The older man understood Jalen needed consistent boundaries and limits enforced to help him to develop that skill. He also wanted the teen to develop self confidence in making good choices, ones that would benefit him in any given situation, but also realized that would only come with time and practice.

*****

Jalen rode into the yard and saw his boss there watching him. He rode up to the house and reported, “Mr. Kincaid, I rode the trail that boarders the northern pasture and I didn’t see any sign of predators of any kind, especially the bears you asked me to look out for.”

Dallas smiled. “Very good. I’m glad things seem safe up there. You did a good job.”

Jalen smiled then at the praise. “Thank you Sir.”

Dallas nodded. “I have an errand for you kid, I need for you to ride into town and stop and pick up the mail at the post office for me. You may stop and have somethin’ at the café if you like, but I don’t want you to go into the saloon.” He said the last part with a stern voice and expression on his face.

Jalen scowled a bit. A chance to go into town and more rules about where he could go and where he couldn’t.

Dallas shook his head. “Now kid, none of that. At least you’re getting’ a chance to go into town. You may also go to the confectioner’s if you want; I just want you to stay away from and out of the saloon.”

Jalen sighed. Dallas was right…it was a chance to get off the ranch, something he hadn’t been granted for most of the summer since he had been arrested. He had been in town with the other hands of course to attend the church services, but nothing more and not by himself. “Yes Sir.” Jalen responded.

Dallas smiled. “Be sure to be back by supper time.”

The teen sighed and then nodded. “Yes Sir…I’ll be sure to be back by then.”

Dallas smiled. “All right, go on and I’ll see you back by supper.”

Jalen nodded. “Yes Sir.” He mounted his horse and rode off toward town.

*****

Dallas watched the young man ride off, and then went back inside the house to tend to his books and wait for the youngster to return. He stopped in the kitchen and stirred the stew he had put on the stove for their supper.

*****

Jalen rode into the town of Stony Creek and hitched up in front of the General store where the post office was located. He walked inside and gave the postmistress a smile. “Hello Miss Prentice…I’m here to collect any mail for Mr. Kincaid or anyone at the Smokin’ K.” He told her.

Martha Prentice gave the youngster a smile. “You wait right here Mr. Brooks and I’ll see what I have.”

The youngster was a little surprised at being addressed as Mr. Brooks, but stood a bit taller and puffed out his chest, trying to appear as a man instead of a boy.

Martha smiled to herself at the boy’s stance as she collected the mail. She handed the teen the packet. “Here you go Mr. Brooks. Hope everything’s goin’ all right out at the Smokin’ K?”

The boy nodded. “Yes Ma’am. Things are all right.”

Martha smiled. “I’m glad. You tell Mr. Kincaid I said hello.”

Jalen nodded. “I’ll be sure to tell him that Ma’am.” He turned and left the post office. Once outside he placed the packet of mail in his saddle bag and then decided to walk around town. Mr. Kincaid had given him permission to frequent the confectionery and to have something at the café if he wanted and he was going to take full advantage of the little bit of privilege he’d been granted.

He stepped into the confectionary shop and saw Mr. Grover behind the counter. “Hello Mr. Grover.” Jalen greeted.

“Hello there Jalen, what can I do for you today?” The man greeted the teen who had frequented his store over the past few months. Usually the boy had come in with Mr. Kincaid of the Smoking K, but today the youngster appeared to be in town on his own.

Jalen surveyed the offerings that were displayed. “Hmm…I think I’ll have some gumdrops, some chocolate drops and some taffy.”

The shop keeper smiled and placed some of each item Jalen had asked for in a small paper sack and asked, “Will that be all?”

The youngster nodded. “Yes Sir.”

Mr. Grover said, “That will be one cent.”

The teen dug out a penny and gave it to the store owner.” Here you go Sir and thank you.”

The older man said, “You’re welcome Jalen. I hope to see you back soon.”

Jalen scowled slightly, “Yeah…whenever Mr. Kincaid lets me off the leash.”

Harlan Grover smiled. “Well, whenever you’re able to come it will be a pleasure to see you.”

Jalen nodded. “Yes Mr. Grover…hope to see you soon.”

Harlan smiled. “You too young man.”

The youngster left the confectioner’s shop and headed toward the café and sat at a table. “Hey honey…bring me a lemonade and a piece of your apple pie.” He called to the waitress.

Harriet Simmons, one of the ladies of the Women’s Guild frowned at the manner in which the youngster had addressed the waitress.

Bonnie Walker turned and said, “As soon as I finish this mister.”

Jalen grinned at her. “Take your time sweetheart.”

Harriet’s frown deepened. That boy was being very disrespectful to Bonnie and she didn’t like it. She watched for a bit longer, eating her own piece of strawberry rhubarb pie daintily.

The waitress brought over the lemonade and the pie and Jalen said, “That’s a girl.” Once she had her hands free he patted her on the backside.

Bonnie Walker jumped and whirled. “What did you just do young man?” She demanded.

“I was just lettin’ you know how much I appreciated your service.” He gave her a wolfish grin, like he had seen the men at the bordello do with the girls there.

“Well…I don’t appreciate that and don’t do it again!” She said in a huff.

Jalen shrugged. “Well if you don’t want to be shown my appreciation it’s your loss.”

“Most people show their appreciation of my service by leaving a monetary tip, not touchin’ my person in such an unmannerly way.” She scolded. The waitress walked away, her back ramrod straight.

Jalen finished his pie and left a little extra on the table and walked outside.

Harriet Simmons was incensed by the young man’s crude behavior and she was going to let him know just what she thought of such things. When the young man left, she followed him outside. She went up to him and poked at him with her parasol. “Young man…you are very rude!”

Jalen jumped taken aback. He glared at the woman. “You’re the one bein’ rude!”

Harriet stared at the teen for a moment, and then went on a tirade. “Don’t you talk to me that way young man! You’re an outsider here and Mr. Kincaid should horsewhip you for talking to a lady that way…and for doing what you did to that waitress! She’s a woman and should be respected as such. She’s not one of those women that are unacceptable to society!” She huffed. “You certainly don’t have manners and you should be run out of town! You are nothing but a rude…crude…person, one who shouldn’t be allowed to come to town on his own…one who needs a keeper! If you don’t know how to behave properly around females, then you shouldn’t be allowed to come into town without supervision!” She scolded. “You would think you were brought up in a brothel!” The woman screeched.

Jalen was tuning out the woman’s remarks until she uttered the one that hit home for him…being brought up in a brothel…would that never leave him? Was that always going to taint him and follow him all his days? He thought to himself as the woman kept on with her tirade how worthless he was and stood there waiting for her to finish. It wasn’t the first time in his young life he had been berated by one of the women of society and once she was finished he turned, trying to hide the hurt inside and left her and went to his horse and mounted up, heading back to the ranch.

*****

Dallas, watching through the window could tell something was wrong as soon as Jalen rode into the yard. The boy had a sullen look that the older man hadn’t seen on the youngster’s face in a few months now. The ranch owner watched the young man dismount and walked to the house with a stalking gait that also told Dallas the boy was angry.

*****

Jalen stalked to the house after yanking the mail packet out of his saddle bag and walked inside. He tossed the mail packet on the counter. “Here’s your mail.” He said in a disrespectful tone.

Dallas quirked an eyebrow. “Pardon me? I expect a little more respect kid than that.”

Jalen scowled and spat out, “Damn what you expect…and everyone else too. I’m my own man…not a little boy that someone can tell what to do.”

The older man was a bit confused. He had no idea where this attitude was coming from. “Jalen Christopher Brooks…I will not be spoken to in that tone of voice.” Dallas said warningly.

The youngster shrugged. “Whatever you say.” He turned to stalk back outside.

The ranch owner took a few steps and put his hand on the young man’s shoulder. “I think you need to calm down and talk to me.”

Jalen snarled. “I don’t give a damn what you think and take your hands off me!”

Dallas’s blue eyes darkened and narrowed. “There’s no reason to speak to me that way kid…let’s see if some corner time will give you an opportunity to settle down some so we can talk.”

Jalen scowled as he was propelled into the corner Dallas had set up for this purpose.

The older man said, “I want you to stay here until I tell you that you may leave the corner.”

Jalen shrugged. “Yeah…okay, whatever.”

Dallas sighed inwardly at the youngster’s attitude and stayed for a while to be certain Jalen would stay in the corner and when he determined the teen would comply left the room for a few minutes to tend to their supper.

*****

As soon as the youngster realized his mentor had left the room he exited the corner and headed out the front door. He made his way to his horse, mounted up and rode away.

*****

Dallas in the kitchen caught a glimpse of a hat and then heard the hoof beats riding off. He walked quickly to the window seeing Jalen and his horse racing away from the ranch. He shook his head sadly and sighed. He thought to himself…I can’t hold the kid here by force…he needs to make his own decision to remain with me. I’ve heard it said that if you want a wild thing to stay, you have to set it free. If the relationship is strong enough the wild thing will return to you of it’ sown free will. …he hoped that it was true. He wasn’t going to go after the youngster…he’d have to come back on his own…if he didn’t…” Dallas refused to think any further than that. If it was meant to be then setting the boy free would allow him to come back of his own volition. It was a very hard thing to do because he loved the kid, but he also recognized it was a very necessary one. If he and the boy were to have any future together it would have to be based on the youngster’s willingness to be mentored and to stay, not because he was forced to. Dallas also thought it would be important that Jalen would learn to trust him to keep him safe and to know what was best for him and to be compliant with that as well. He wanted the boy to be able to have a good life.

He stood there at the window watching until he could no longer see the dust cloud being kicked up by the horse. He wondered just what had set his young ranch hand off so that he thought he had to leave in the first place.

*****

Jalen hadn’t really been thinking about anything but his need to get as far away from the Smoking K and Stony Creek as he could. His heart was hurt by the things Harriet Simmons had said. The remark of having been brought up in a brothel hit home. What had he been thinking…that an upstanding man of the community would want someone like him around…someone who was the son of a whore? The teen shook his head. He thought to himself he had to have been crazy to think things could change…that he might have a chance. He hung his head and rode faster.

A part of Jalen hoped he was worthy enough that Mr. Kincaid would come for him…follow him…find him and bring him back.

He found himself squashing even that glimmer of hope. What would the man want with a whore’s son anyway?

As dusk fell and he was riding in the foothills it had become colder. He shivered. He hadn’t brought a bedroll or anything extra for that matter. He stopped near a stream and set up camp. He built a fire, lighting it from matches he took from his saddle bag. He always kept some there. He then took off his shoes and socks and rolled up the legs of his britches and waded into the stream, cold as it was and tickled a few fish out of the water to cook for his supper.

Sitting by the warmth of the camp fire he began to think about everything that had happened that day. He realized that he’d just run off from the best thing he’d ever had in his life. He wondered however why Mr. Kincaid didn’t come after him if he cared so much for him…maybe he should go back…at least to ask him that particular question. He did have things he’d left there as well that he didn’t really want to lose and should collect.

He began to think about how the ranch owner had always treated him with kindness, despite his background. Mr. Kincaid had made him tell him all about himself. He hadn’t seemed to be put off by it and had never harmed him, at least his heart if not his bottom. He smiled ruefully. The older man had always been gentle and had explained things when he had questions and didn’t let him get away with things he shouldn’t…he blushed at how he had snarled at the older man earlier and how he had just put him in the corner, instead of yelling at him or just hitting him. Then he began to feel guilty about just leaving the way he did…it wasn’t right.

*****

Dallas Kincaid waited and waited. When it began to get dark he dished himself up a bowl of stew and sat down to eat at the table alone. He was missing that rapscallion already. He hadn’t realized how lonely he had been and how much company the kid had been. He sighed. He hoped Jalen would come back, but waiting and not running after him, turning him over his lap and tanning his backside so he couldn’t sit for a week was more than tempting. He knew however that doing that wouldn’t help the kid to learn a very valuable lesson either.

When the older man had finished his meal, he washed up the dishes and covered the stew pot and placed it on the back of the stove. He would have it for tomorrow as well since he had made enough for the two of them to have at least a couple of servings each. He went outside and checked the animals, gave his foreman Jake Burns instructions for the next day and locked up. He noticed that no one had asked about Jalen and he was grateful for that as he didn’t want to give any explanations.

*****

Early the next morning Jalen stirred the embers of the night before camp fire back into life, building up the fire once again with pieces of deadfall he had gathered the night before. Going back into the cold stream after washing up a bit the teen tickled another couple of fish out onto the bank he could cook for his breakfast.

Once he had eaten he made very sure the fire was out, pouring water over the coals and kicking them apart. Then he sat on a log by the stream for a long while thinking about everything. Jalen thought about his life, about how things had been different at the Smoking K with Dallas Kincaid and he sighed heavily. He had to admit to himself he missed the man. He liked the security of having someone looking out for him, correcting him and helping him through this stage of his life. He found himself just beginning to realize this. He also realized he had been chafing under the rules and restrictions because he’d lived more of his life without structure and consequences than with them. He shook his head, not believing that he actually was wanting these things instead of the freedom of the open road. Both had their advantages and disadvantages. He realized Structure and consequences provided security. Complete freedom without them led to insecurities and doing risky things and the possibility of falling into despondency and becoming desperate enough to have to make poorer choices. He still wondered in the back of his mind however if Mr. Kincaid really didn’t mind his background or if he’d turn on him one day like the rest had, used him for their purpose and then sent him on his way without a second thought. He also knew the only way he’d get the answer to that question was to go back. He’d confront the ranch owner and see what the man had to say about it. So far in Jalen’s experience Mr. Kincaid hadn’t given him any sign that it mattered or bothered him in the least, but one could never really be certain. He found himself determined to find out if the man was all he had led the youngster to believe or if he was just blowing smoke. His decision made, Jalen packed up and mounted Jasper and headed him back toward the Smoking K.

*****

Dallas had hoped when he woke in the morning that he would find Jalen there or riding up into the yard after spending the night out of doors, but there was no sign of the youngster. With a sigh he heated the rest of the stew and ate it for his breakfast and then set to doing the barn chores and checking with Jake to be sure that the ranch hands were off on their assigned duties. He glanced at the empty stall and realized he missed seeing Jasper munching there among the other horses. He went to his own animal and stroked him and talked to him “Hello there Hornet buddy…you miss Jasper too hmm?” He asked the horse. Hornet, seemingly to understand his owner nudged Dallas in reply, butting him in the chest with his nose. The ranch owner grinned at the horse and stroked the velvety nose and then scratched him in all his usual itchy places and Hornet enjoyed the attention.

By mid-morning the older man had finished with most every chore he could think of and then began to rake the yard, usually a punishment chore he had been given by his uncle Justin for some misdeed or another. He was doing it today to fill the time. He knew he could mount his horse and ride out to the pasture and ride fence with his men if he chose to, but he kept hoping Jalen would return and he wanted to be there for the boy when he arrived.

Just after Dallas had eaten a couple of biscuits from the night before and some bacon he had cooked up for his lunch he heard horse’s hooves and his heart jumped into his throat. He tried not to hurry to the window to look out and hoped that who he would see on the horse approaching would be his very own Jalen Christopher Brooks.

*****

Jalen rode easily toward the ranch. It was getting toward noon and he was getting a bit hungry. He had seen some jerky when rummaging through his saddle bags last night for matches. He generally kept some in there for emergencies as Mr. Kincaid had made him do that. He dismounted Jasper near a stream and led the horse to drink his fill. The youngster pulled out the jerky and chewed on it and drank out of his canteen. After finishing the leathery piece of beef he refilled his canteen in the stream, drank deeply and then capped it and attached it back to his saddle. He mounted up and rode on determinedly toward the Smoking K.

As Jalen got closer to the ranch and began to see familiar landmarks he couldn’t help feeling as though he was coming home. Seeing the ranch gave him a sense of well-being and a bit of trepidation, knowing that Mr. Kincaid would not be pleased with him. He fully expected to be summarily ordered off the ranch which he would do as soon as he collected his belongings.

*****

As Dallas watched out the window and a familiar figure on a horse materialized he released a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. He stepped outside as the boy rode up.

*****

Jalen tried not to bite his lip and tried to blink back unexpected tears as he saw a familiar figure step out of the house. It hadn’t occurred to him that the man shouldn’t have even been there, but out on the range working. He slowed Jasper and rode up to where the ranch owner stood and looked down from his horse.

Dallas looked up and said, “You’ve come back kid…I’m glad.”

The youngster looked puzzled at the man. It certainly wasn’t the greeting he was expecting. “Uh huh.” He said.

The older man said quietly, “Why don’t you put up Jasper and come into the house where we can talk.”

Jalen bit his lip and then nodded. “’Kay Mr. Kincaid.” He turned his horse toward the barn.

*****

Dallas watched the kid ride over to the barn, dismount and go inside. He waited, sitting on the porch. He thought about his next steps. He’d have to be very careful. The youngster was like a skittish horse right now and needed to be handled gently. He still hadn’t discovered what had Jalen so upset yesterday and why he had felt the need to run off like that. He reviewed in his mind the scene and couldn’t pinpoint anything specific. Dallas had put Jalen in a corner before and it generally had settled him down and had given himself time to reflect on the situation and how he wanted to handle things. This time it had seemed to escalate things and when he had turned away for a few moments the kid had taken off and ridden off into the sunset so to speak although the sun hadn’t been nowhere near setting. He’d just have to wait and see if things could be ironed out. He was just grateful that for whatever reasons Jalen had returned.

*****

Jalen dismounted and led Jasper into the barn. He had been surprised that Dallas Kincaid had been genuinely glad to see him. He didn’t yell, scold or order him off the ranch as he had expected, just in a calm manner as was his usual demeanor told him to put up his horse and come inside so they could talk. He suspected that if things went the way they generally did it would be his boss’s hand doing the talking on his bare backside. He sighed. He thought about if that was what he really wanted, someone to provide consequences because they really cared. He shrugged to himself. At least the man didn’t run him off. He felt a tiny bit of hope that maybe…just maybe the ranch owner might truly care, that it wasn’t all a smoke screen for something else, but that Dallas Kincaid actually cared about him…Jalen Christopher Brooks, no strings attached.

When the youngster was through caring for his horse he made his way back to the house. As he neared, he saw Mr. Kincaid sitting in his usual chair on the porch just as he had many times before. He saw a smile on the man’s face as he approached and relaxed fractionally.

*****

Dallas watched as his young ranch hand made his way from the barn to the house. He could see the tension and uncertainty radiating from him. The older man also noticed as the youngster drew nearer a fractionally less amount of tension as he smiled at Jalen. When the boy drew near the ranch owner asked softly, “Are you hungry kid? Have you eaten anythin’?”

Jalen shook his head. He was too nervous to be hungry. “No Sir, I’m not hungry. I ate some jerky and had some water while I was on the trail comin’ here.”

Dallas smiled. “That’s not a proper meal. Come inside and I’ll fix you something to eat and then we can talk.”

The teen followed his boss into the house and sat at the kitchen table as the older man had indicated.

Dallas went about preparing a sandwich out of the left over bacon he had made for his own noon meal, warming it a bit on the stove before placing it between a couple of biscuits. He poured the youngster a cup of coffee which was always hot on the back of the stove. “Here you go kid.” He said placing the plate of food in front of the teen, along with the cup of coffee as he took a seat.

Jalen picked up one of the bacon laden biscuits and took a bite and chewed for a moment, then asked, “Mr. Kincaid…are you mad?”

Dallas shook his head. “No, I’m not mad, concerned, but not mad.”

The youngster studied his boss for a moment and then nodded. All he saw was concern in Dallas’s dark blue eyes. “I thought you’d be mad when you found me gone.”

The ranch owner shook his head. “No, I was concerned and a bit disappointed, but not mad.”

Jalen looked at the older man. “Disappointed? Why?”

Dallas said, “Because I believed our relationship had progressed to the point where we could talk out things between us. I had no idea what I had done wrong.”

Jalen blushed a bit at that. “Umm…you didn’t do anythin’ wrong. I just thought…” He trailed off.

“Thought what?” Dallas prompted.

“Well I thought you didn’t want me around…wouldn’t want me because of where I came from.” He said quietly.

The ranch owner quirked an eyebrow. “What did I do that would make you think that?”

Jalen bit his lip and looked down. “Ummm…well Mrs. Simmons…she said things…”

Dallas was beginning to get an inkling now about what had happened. “What did she say?”

The teen bit his lip and said in an almost whisper, “That I needed a keeper…that I shouldn’t be allowed to come into town unsupervised, that I was an outsider and must have been brought up in a brothel.”

Dallas quirked an eyebrow. “Perhaps you should tell me what happened from the beginning.”

Jalen bit his lip. “Umm…well I was at the café and I asked the waitress to bring me lemonade and a piece of pie. I was real sweet to her…called her honey and sweetheart and when she served me…I patted her bottom.” Jalen said, “She told me she didn’t like it. I don’t know why not.” Jalen said with a pout.

Dallas now could understand the problem and could understand Harriet Simmons words to Jalen. “Kid…it’s not proper or polite to say the things you did or do what you did to the waitress. Where did you learn that?”

The youngster hung his head. “Well, the women at the brothel liked it and I saw the men in the saloons say and do those things too. I thought all women liked that sort of thing.” He said quietly.

Dallas hugged the young man. “I understand it’s what you grew up with, but in polite society it’s not appropriate and will make you look and sounde crude although I understand you meant no harm. Harriet Simmons is a strongly opinionated woman and doesn’t mince words when she’s on a rant. I’m sorry she said the things she did to you kid, but she had no idea of your background and although I’m not making excuses for her I’m sure she had no idea you were truly brought up in a brothel.” The ranch owner soothed.

Jalen snuggled into the hug and took comfort in the older man’s words. “I’m sorry Mr. Kincaid.” Jalen apologized.

Dallas said, “I know kid…it was an impulse because you were overwhelmed, but it’s not the best choice you could have made. What could you have done instead of coming home and havin’ a bad attitude and bein’ surly, disrespectful and sullen toward me?” The older man asked.

Jalen sighed and said, “I could have talked to you…told you about what happened and how I was feelin’.”

The ranch owner nodded. “Yes…you could have and I would have listened like I did just now and comforted you like I’m doin’.” He gave the youngster a tight squeeze.

Jalen sighed. “Yes Sir.”

Dallas said quietly, “Tell me Jalen Christopher Brooks…what is the consequence of bein’ disrespectful toward me and displaying a bad attitude?”

The youngster squirmed. “I get punished.”

The older man nodded. “Yes; and how do you get punished?”

Jalen squirmed some more. “Do I have to say?”

The ranch owner nodded. “Yes…you do.”

The youngster blushed and said quietly, “I get spanked.”

Dallas nodded. “I’m not going to spank you for your feelings kid, only for the bad attitude and disrespect.”

The teen nodded. “I think I should also be punished for not complying with my punishment of standin’ in the corner and leavin’ without a word.” He told Dallas.

The older man studied the youngster. “Sounds like you feel guilty about that.”

The young ranch hand nodded. “I do Sir.”

Dallas nodded. “All right…we’ll take care of that too, although normally I wouldn’t punish you for bein’ upset and actin’ on your feelings. This will be to deal with your guilt about your actions, not for the actions themselves as they were understandable, all right?”

Jalen nodded. “Yes Sir…I understand.”

The ranch owner smiled and hugged the teen tight. “Okay, I want you to go back to the corner and finish your corner time, and then we’ll deal with the rest.”

Jalen nodded. “Yes Sir.” He went to his corner and waited for his time to be up.

*****

Dallas watched the youngster standing in the corner and reflected on what had transpired and their discussion. He decided the use of the paddle would be indicated this time. He wasn’t a fan of implements, but his uncle Justin had used them to make a point and he realized he too needed to make an impression on this young man.

Once the corner time was finished Dallas called, “All right kid…you can come out of the corner now.” He held out his arms to Jalen.

*****

Jalen hadn’t really known what to expect when he turned around, but seeing the older man’s arms held out with invitation went into them without hesitation. “I’m sorry Mr. Kincaid.” He said softly.

Dallas said, “I know you are kid and we’re goin’ to fix it.”

Jalen cringed a bit knowing pretty well how things were going to be fixed.

The older man noticing the youngster’s reaction to his words hugged him tight. “You know I’ve never hurt you in a bad way kid.”

The young ranch hand nodded. “Yes Sir…I know.” He said quietly.

Dallas guided the teen over to a settee and pulled him down close beside him. “Jalen…we’ve talked before about telling me about your feelings and it was agreed that we’d sit down and do that whenever it was needed…didn’t we?”

Jalen nodded. “Yes Sir…we did talk about it and I did agree…but this time…I didn’t think about that, only how hurt I was and thinkin’ that you wouldn’t want me to hang around anymore…that I was too bad and it would ruin you and your ranch if I stuck around.”

Dallas shook his head and pulled Jalen close and rubbed his back. “I won’t ever not want you around and you’re not bad Jalen, the circumstances you grew up in may have been undesirable and you may have done bad things and made bad choices, but those are always forgivable and can be corrected. What you did to that waitress in town wasn’t appropriate, but if all you’ve ever been exposed to on a regular basis is that sort of behavior then that’s what you’re goin’ to do. You really didn’t know any better. Now you do and I would hope you don’t behave that way toward any woman again or you’ll find yourself in a very familiar position.”

The youngster snuggled into his mentor’s arms, listening to his words and nodded. “I promise…I won’t do it again. I trust you to teach me the right way of things.”

The ranch owner couldn’t help but to feel a sense of wonder at this youngster giving his trust when he had grown up in a world where distrust was normal for him. “I’m glad you do kid. I promise I won’t ever abuse that trust either.”

*****

Jalen snuggled into Dallas’s arms and marveled at exactly just how safe he felt…he hadn’t had this feeling of safety at any other time he could remember, not even with his Mama. He had come back ready to confront this man with questions about why he wanted him to stay…if he cared truly, but now he no longer felt the need to do that. He had his answer and found comfort in that he could trust Dallas Kincaid.

The boy wondered at the feelings he was experiencing. When he had rode up to the Smoking K that first day back in March, he had no idea that this was what he would find here, a man who truly cared about him, enough to provide boundaries and well, discipline. Someone whom he could trust like he had no one else up to this point in his life and with whom he discovered this moment he could not only trust, but feel safe with. Someone he could count on to be there for him no matter what…he stopped his thoughts as he dared not go to the next very foreign feeling…love.

*****

Dallas looked down at the young man in his arms and could see he was thinking things over. He waited patiently, having a pretty good idea of the teen’s thoughts. After a bit when he noticed the boy was just relaxing in his arms asked, “What were you thinkin’ about?”

The youngster said, “How odd it is that I found someone in my life I can trust and feel safe and secure with and who cares enough about me to provide boundaries and consequences for crossin’ them. How I never expected to find any of this when I rode up here lookin’ only half-heartedly for a job because I had been thinking I’d be told to be on my way because I was too young to be of any use.”

The ranch owner shook his head. “Well I’m glad I gave you a chance and I too didn’t expect what I’d find when a cocky, arrogant young buck rode up lookin’ for work at my ranch.”

The young ranch hand sighed contentedly and said quietly, “So am I.”

The older man, not really wanting the mood of contentment they were both feeling at the moment to be disturbed, knew that they would have to move on and take care of this thing that was hanging in the air between them.

Jalen shifted a bit and asked, “Umm…when are we goin’ to fix things?”

Dallas said softly, “I think now would be a good time. Then we can get on with things.”

The youngster sighed but nodded. “Yes Sir.”

Dallas said quietly, “I’m thinking this time more than my hand is needed.”

Jalen’s head jerked up. “What?! Why…and what do you mean by more?”

The older man snuggled the teen. “Nothin’ bad or mean…I think the use of a paddle for certain offenses will leave a lastin’ impression.”

The young ranch hand frowned. He thought about everything, how he hadn’t talked to the man like they had agreed and that it hadn’t been the first time and that he had just run away from the safeness and security he had here and…the strong feelings he had for this man. He hadn’t had a father while growing up, or even someone who was like a father…but this seemed different…or more to him. He couldn’t explain it, put words to it, but he knew without a doubt in his mind he loved this man no matter what their relationship, mentor, father…or…dared he think lover? He had never loved a man before…not like this and had certainly hadn’t loved a woman…except for perhaps his mother in their own way as mother and son…he trusted this man to keep him safe…could he trust him to also keep his heart safe? Not just his physical self? Would being spanked with a paddle be worth keeping what he had with this man? The boy asked himself all these questions and the only answer that kept coming to him was yes…yes…yes. The green eyes met the blue and Jalen nodded. “’Kay.”

*****

Dallas tried not to be nervous as he introduced the idea of the paddle this time into their discipline. He wasn’t sure how the youngster would react to the notion. He watched the green eyes as a myriad of emotions and confusion and questioning went on inside that sandy haired head.

Dallas was a patient man and he waited. When he finally saw the green eyes meet his blue ones and there was a nod of acceptance and a quiet, “’Kay.” That went with it, he relaxed. “All right.” Dallas said, “I want you to go into my study and in the bottom right hand drawer of the desk there’s a paddle in there…I want you to bring it to me.” He told the youngster.

The young man looked at him. “You have a paddle?”

Dallas nodded. “Yes…I inherited it. It was my Papa’s.”

The youngster gave him a look. “You got spanked with it?”

The older man gave the teen a small smile. “Yes, I did.”

Jalen shook his head, finding that information hard to wrap his head around and he decided that he’d just go ahead and do what he was told.

He went to the study, located the drawer in the desk and withdrew a smooth well-worn wooden paddle. It was surprisingly lightweight and wasn’t very thick. Jalen wondered how much such a thing could really hurt.

He carried the implement back to Jalen and then handed it to him. “Here it is Sir.”

The older man nodded. “Thank you.” He said as he took the implement. Then he said, “You know what to do, britches and underpants down.”

When Jalen complied the ranch owner took the boy’s wrist and tugged him down across his lap and positioned his bottom to his liking. Dallas put the paddle aside and began to spank hard with his hand making the teen yelp and squirm from the very start.

*****

Jalen began to squirm and kick a bit from the very first spank. Mr. Kincaid wasn’t going easy on him. The spanks he was receiving hurt from the very first one. They bit and were sharp. He couldn’t help yelping from the start. “Ow! Oww!”

The youngster thought to himself that this one was going to be a memorable one as tears began to slide down his cheeks from almost the beginning.

*****

Dallas meant to make this lesson memorable, but didn’t want to bruise or leave any long lasting marks on the boy, just a red hot sore bottom. He spanked steadily reddening the bottom in front of him and knowing that a longer lasting soreness would remain after the initial burn was gone. He didn’t scold as he spanked, believing they both knew why this was needed.

*****

Jalen couldn’t believe how much this spanking hurt. He understood it was to help him release his guilt and to remind him to talk to his mentor about his feelings. He figured he wouldn’t be forgetting to do that anytime soon and the guilt was still lingering.

*****

The ranch owner spanked concentrating on the youngsters vulnerable sitting spots. When the bottom before him was glowing a bright read he paused, picked up the paddle and smacked it down on the boy’s center sit spot with a little flick of his wrist to increase the sting it would impart.

Dallas was ready for the reaction he got as Jalen jumped and let out a wail. “Yes little boy…it hurts and hopefully you’re learnin’ your lesson.” The older man said finally.

Jalen nodded his head vigorously and howled out. “I am! Ow!”

Dallas paddled the bottom in front of him creating a fiery sting that would remind the youngster of why it wasn’t a good idea to bottle up his feelings and not talk about them or to act belligerent and disrespectful toward his mentor.

*****

Jalen found himself wriggling and wiggling as well as kicking, bucking and doing everything he could to get his sore bottom out of the line of fire, but only seemed to succeed in placing it exactly where he didn’t want it to be, getting smacked by that awful paddle. How he could have thought the thing wouldn’t be so bad because it seemed to be lightweight he didn’t know. Mr. Kincaid was certainly teaching him better as the fire in his hindquarters increased with each lick.

Jalen finally gave into the paddling and found himself lying limp over his mentor’s lap while his bottom was an inferno.

*****

Dallas watched and listened carefully to the boy’s breathing and crying which had begun from the very first spank. He felt the youngster go limp over his lap and with a few final strokes of the paddle laid it aside and he began to comfort the teen, rubbing his back and speaking soothing nonsense words until he noticed the crying ease somewhat.

*****

The young ranch hand found himself having his backside set on fire and didn’t notice right away when the paddle stopped doing its work. He realized that a large warm hand was rubbing circles on his back and the low rough voice was rumbling in his ear. He then felt himself being righted and held in the ranch owner’s lap and wrapped his arms around his neck and buried his face in the man’s shirt, the familiar scent of soap, horse as well as other animals and a scent that was uniquely Mr. Kincaid’s a sort of woodsy aroma. He snuggled into the comforting arms.

*****

Once Dallas had noticed the boy was ready for him to right him he did so easily and smiled when he felt arms snaking around his neck and a warm body snuggling close to his own. He stroked the sandy hair, saying, “All is forgiven now kid.”

The older man snuggled Jalen close and continued to comfort him until the kid had relaxed and melted into him.

*****

Jalen had a kaleidoscope of emotions whirling through his head. He was hurting on the outside, but felt strangely calm and loved on the inside. He was enjoying being in this man’s arms and then wondered if it was wrong to feel this way. He looked up at Dallas Kincaid and asked, “Umm…can I ask you a question Mr. Kincaid?”

The older man looked down into the green eyes and nodded. “Of course you can Jalen.”

“Umm…is it wrong to feel…safe, secure and loved in a situation like this?”

Dallas considered the question seriously for a moment and then shook his head. “No, it’s not wrong. It’s good.”

Jalen nodded. “I’m feelin’ that way right now…like I wouldn’t ever want to leave your arms.” He whispered softly.

Dallas kissed Jalen’s cheek and said, “Well kid, I have similar feelings about you as well. I enjoy havin’ you in my arms and teachin’ you the things you need to know and it feels good to protect you, keep you safe and secure.”

The youngster nodded. “I like it.” He said.

Dallas smiled. “I like it too.” He squeezed the boy.

“Mr. Kincaid?” Jalen asked.

“Yes?” The older man replied.

“I want us to continue to be this way, you bein’ my mentor.”

The ranch owner squeezed the teen. “I want it too and if you’re agreeable I’d like to continue this relationship as well.”

Lessons to Learn III

By Rosemarie