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#Post#: 2609--------------------------------------------------
Green Eyed Mountain Jack
DIR By: Wolfy
Date: March 4, 2013, 11:22 am
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Banner & Tagline
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#Post#: 2610--------------------------------------------------
Re: Goin' Where The Wind Blows
DIR By: Maggie Flannery
Date: March 5, 2013, 7:07 am
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Ooh! I'm loving all of this my dear and I can't tell you how
excited I am! *bounces up and down in chair* You've tied in one
of my all time favorite Mr. Big songs ever! Stella's got style!
I also adore her name, and that banner is beautiful and I love
that quote! Gah! So excited! <33
#Post#: 2618--------------------------------------------------
Re: Green Eyed Mountain Jack
DIR By: Wolfy
Date: March 12, 2013, 11:31 am
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Bruised & Battered Pieces
The attack was over in seconds, yet it felt as though I had been
laying bruised and battered on the cold flooring for hours. One
balled fist after another and it didn’t seem to slow down. My
face felt broken; almost as though it was no longer attached to
me. Of course, I knew it had to be, for I was still able to see
out of one eye. The other refused to open. I brought my hands up
to shield my face from any further onslaught – but it did
absolutely no good. Another swing and my jaw collided with the
concrete wall against which I lay slumped; trying and failing to
curl up within myself as much as possible.
“Ye a filthy waste of space. I don’t know why I brought ye in”
he spat, tossing a bone cracking kick to my right side as I
tried to turn away.
I turned, my back sliding roughly against the wall as I tried
with great difficulty to stand. Defending myself was never a
good idea, but I felt weak and useless merely sitting there and
allowing his aggression to overpower me. Even if he would always
be stronger than I – I would not stand down. Gathering the pool
of blood that was swimming around my mouth, I aimed it at his
face as I spat it out, watching with a smirk whilst it dripped
down from his forehead. His face was now coated in red; almost
like a mask. And in that moment, though I knew it would not last
very long, I felt pleased with myself. I felt that I’d just
given him a taste of his own medicine, and he could not take
that away from me, no matter what he chose to do next. My fear
of him had faded a long, long time ago. But, there was an ever
present worry that he might take things one step further each
and every time he lay a hand on me. Thus far, I was still very
much alive. Torn and tattered on the inside and out, but still
here nonetheless.
“If you think that of me, Uncle Arthur, why don’t you let me
go?” I asked, cowering just a tad as he raised one of his hands.
My pupils dilated as it balled into another fist; my blood or
his blood evident upon his knuckles as he finally brought them
down to collide painfully with my remaining good eye. Despite my
hard manner and way of thinking – I couldn’t prevent myself from
crying out at the searing pain that blanketed my eyelid. Just
when I thought he had ended the torture, he seemed to go from
single punches, to one after another, repeatedly. If I had been
watching this from afar, I would have thought he believed he was
in a boxing arena. They just kept coming, over and over again;
his feet soon joining in. The look on his face, from what I
could see, was one of pure hatred and disgust. Yet, a sickening
grin was plastered on his lips as he listened to my cries for
help, knowing that no one around would hear me or even wish to
help for that matter.
What felt like hours had only been minutes, once again. I was
much too beaten and unstable to stand on my own once he had left
the room. I remained in the kitchen for hours, waiting for the
first sign of colour to show on the horizon. Then, I dragged
myself across the room, quietly opened the door and heard the
sound of heavy snoring. There would be no chance of him waking
anytime soon, not if he’d had his usual amount of alcohol before
collapsing onto his bed. I sighed a breath of relief as I
stepped out onto the porch; the cool air somewhat of a comfort
as it hit the cracked and open skin on my face. I couldn’t see
the damage, and I didn’t really want to.
There was not really anywhere for me to go now, but after years
of trying to build up the courage to leave, it was about time
I’d managed to do so. The sun was slowly rising as I walked
through the local vineyard and up through the woods. Only one
person I had known in life would take me in, or at least offer a
warm blanket and a good meal for the time being.
“Jack..” I croaked, knocking gently on the door of Moonshine
Station, praying to god at least one of the brothers was awake
to hear my call.
I was not standing there long when my old friend popped his head
around the door to take a look at who would be knocking at such
an ungodly hour in the morning. What was a bright smile, soon
faded and flared into anger as he caught sight of the cuts and
bruises adorning my features. I tried to brush it all off as
though it was nothing – but there’d be no convincing him of
that. Besides, it wasn’t the kind of damage you could pass off
as being anything but domestic abuse.
“Before you say anything, Jack, there’s nothing you can do about
it and there ain’t nothing I want you to do about it, so leave
it be” I said, stumbling inside as he opened the door and
grabbed one of my arms.
Truth be told, I was thankful he remembered me after all this
time. The night my parents had died, was also the last time I
had seen Jack and his brothers. Now, at the age of twenty three
and years on, the fear that he may have forgotten me had been
diminished the moment I saw his smile. His attitude had not
changed in the slightest, for his anger was threatening to tear
him apart. He helped me take a seat at one of the stools beside
the bar and asked if I’d like anything to drink.
“Anything strong that’ll knock me out” I said, not realising how
uncomfortable such a statement made him feel; his eyes still
scanning the handy work of my kin.
“If I ever come across him, I will hurt him, Stella” he said,
defiantly.
It was easy to turn the tables in his mind when we were kids,
but I knew better than to argue back with him now. Though I
wished he wouldn’t allow such things to bother him, his need for
revenge was sweet. If I had never known Jack, I would have wound
up walking for miles and miles after leaving that dreaded house.
Only, my uncle knew just how close we all used to be, back in
the day. As soon as he noticed I was no longer around, he’d no
doubt come looking for me, and here would be his first stop.
“Jack.. he knows, if you remember. When we were kids, he used to
drop me off at your house all the time. He knows.. he’ll know
where to find me if.. whenever he realises I’m not there” I
said, stuttering as a few tears escaped my eyes.
Before I was even able to blink another tear into freedom, Jack
came bounding over to me from the other side of the counter and
scooped me into his arms. My feet came up off the ground as he
lifted me, carrying me in a bridal hold up the stairs and into
an empty, yet comfortable looking room. I was going to complain
and tell him it wasn’t necessary, but the thought of getting
some rest where I knew I’d be safe, was almost delightful. I
just couldn’t find it in myself to say no.
“Thank you, Jack. You’ve always been too good to me” I said,
managing a soft smile.
He returned that smile tenfold as he pulled the covers over my
sore body. I didn’t much feel as though I had the energy to
change into something a little less ripped to shreds, but it
wouldn’t matter much anyway if I was shielded by such a warm
blanket. Despite my age, I snuggled deep under it for more
warmth and buried my nose into the pillow. As I glanced up to
thank Jack once again, he was sitting on the edge of the bed
with a coy smile on his lips. Gingerly, he reached out a hand
and ever so gently brushed aside a strand of hair from my face;
just as my mother used to do.
“I’ll be downstairs if you need anything, Stella. You get some
rest, ya hear? We’ll work things out this afternoon, once you’ve
had a few hours” he said, placing a small kiss on my forehead
before leaving the room; enveloping it in complete silence.
I was more than grateful to know Jack Bondurant. My parents had
not approved of our friendship at first, but gradually, they
came to understand how well we got along, and were more than
happy in the end for us to play together. Where I would be right
now if I hadn’t befriended him all those years ago, I did not
know, and I didn’t wish to think about it any longer. Laying
back properly, my head nuzzling the pillow more, I waited as
sleep seemed to capture me within its clutches.
My dreams could not be described as dreams. They were more or
less nightmares, in a deadly cycle. Not once had I been able to
get a restful sleep since my parents accident. A part of me
blamed my inability to accept the fact they were gone, but I
knew that could not be it. My nightmares were violent; and there
was only one explanation. There was only one other cause of such
trauma in my life thus far, and I hoped to never go back to it.
I would much rather die a thousand deaths than to return to such
a lifestyle.
Light flooded through the room as I bolted upright from my
laying position, clutching the blanket close to my chest in
fright. Yet, my eyes remained closed, for the light was much too
bright for me to gaze upon it. At first, I thought I was still
sleeping – and the light had come to take me away from all my
suffering, that my parents had come to bring me home. A loud sob
echoed throughout the room as I fell back into the bed, writhing
in anger, sadness and confusion. I felt my face contorting as I
struggled to determine what my head was showing me; what it was
trying to tell me. It was only a nightmare, though. A rough but
warm hand against my cheek notified me of that. Yet, the
unfamiliar touch shot fear through my body, and I once again
lunged up from laying down, my eyes springing open.
As I looked through the window and its opened curtains, a small
smile crept onto my lips. I was not in any kind of danger at
all. I was with the Bondurant’s, more specifically Jack, whom I
expected to find beside me as I turned my head to hug him. A
little too late for that. My arms had already freely wrapped
themselves around the middle brother. A childhood crush I should
say; the most handsome of all three. It seemed such a gesture
made him comfortable, but that was a given. It made me quite
uncomfortable as well when I realised whom it was that had been
watching over me.
“Ah.. sorry, Forrest” I mumbled, my gaze darting toward my hands
as I slunk back against the headboard.
He merely hummed in response, but made no move to get up from
his chair. Clearly, I was not meant to rise just yet. I built up
enough courage to raise my eyes so I could ask him a question.
“You do remember me, don’t you?” I asked, worried he may very
well have forgotten his younger brothers most faithful friend.
Of course, I had not forgotten any of them over the years. I had
missed them all so very much; especially after the loss of the
two people in my life whom I was never without. My parents meant
the world to me. It took a lot to forgive everything and
everyone involved. At first, I had been angry with my father for
not concentrating or trying hard enough to prevent what was to
happen. Then, with time, I realised nothing could have prevented
the inevitable. My parents had been doomed to their fate the
moment they set foot into that damn Cadillac. Even if the
salesman should have checked all was in working order before
making his sale. Even if my father should have checked it
himself before giving it a test drive. If only one had gone and
left the other behind. My thoughts seemed almost selfish now. At
the time however, I had wished to have one of them around still.
To have had one living parent; it was a much happier thought
than the reminder of having lost both of them to the very same
incident.
“Oh.. I remember you, Stella Campbell” he muttered, his eyes
drifting toward the window, “You got my brother into all kinds
of trouble.”
I gulped, swallowing a lump that had built at the base of my
throat over hearing his words. So, he remembered me, but it
seemed there were little positive memories. It was true mind.
Jack and I would always manage to get ourselves into numerous
unfortunate situations, and I would more often than not take the
blame for my gullible best friend.
“I’m sorry” I said, a quiet sight following as I pushed aside
the covers and flung my legs over the side.
“Where do ya think you’re going?” he asked, now rising from his
chair and reaching me before I even had time to contemplate.
I gulped again, making a mental note to never do anything around
Forrest without first checking it was alright to actually do so.
His entire aura emanated curiosity as he stood over me, looking
down at me with an unspoken question hanging on the tip of his
tongue. He was chewing on a toothpick as he tipped his hat up
and held it over his chest; a mark of respect as he held out a
hand. Well, this certainly was a change from just a moment ago.
I half believed he wished for me to stay in bed all day; and I
wasn’t about to do that. One way or another, I would pay them
all back for allowing me to stay for a short while. Still, I
realised that I would have to ask Forrest if that was alright.
They had a business to run after all. I can’t imagine what Jack
wanted would be okay; it had to be okay with the middle brother
or else it wasn’t worth thinking about.
“Forrest, is it alright if I stay with you and your brothers for
a short time?” I asked, hoping my question did not catch him off
guard.
The silence creeping upon us both as he offered his arm and led
me downstairs into the back kitchen bothered me immensely. I
fought with my emotions as he sat me down upon the table, as
opposed to the chair seated beside it. Deep down, I knew I’d
asked something inappropriate and his answer would most
definitely be a resounding no. The Bondurant’s were on thin
enough ice already; and they did not need to have anyone else
around to disrupt the peace they’d managed to serve between the
authorities and towns people who bought their liquor.
“Forrest..” I pressed, fearful that it would annoy him, but with
a great need to know.
“You can stay as long as you need to, Stella. You shouldn’t feel
awkward about asking” he said, bringing over a bowl of water and
first aid kit.
A faint blushed appeared on my cheeks at his words, as well as
the idea of him cleaning up my wounds. I could see a hint of
anger buried in his features; but he did not make it as obvious
as Jack. Speak of the devil and he shall appear.
“Afternoon, Bell” he cooed, marching; almost skipping, into the
back kitchen and plonking himself down in the chair beside the
table.
Both Forrest and I gawked at him as he sat there, his feet atop
the beautiful mahogany and he stuffed his face with cornbread.
He seemed none the wiser of the situation, despite the looks he
was receiving. I would have swatted him upside the head had the
eldest Bondurant not strolled in to collect him. A cheeky grin
spread on his face as Howard gripped the back of his collar and
hauled him to his feet, suggesting they go find something to
occupy themselves with.
Somehow, I knew that Jack understood the difference between
keeping others company and knowing when to give people their own
company. He just enjoyed the idea of making matters complicated
whenever they needn’t be.
“Hasn’t changed a bit, has he” I stated, with a small chuckle.
For the first time in many years, I caught sight of a tiny smile
gracing Forrest’s lips at my comment. Of course, he knew his
brother and how much he might have changed since I last saw him
– and that smile was an indication that I was correct. My best
friend was still bound to be my best friend, if he was the same
boyish fella I’d connected with back then.
“He hasn’t” he said, pondering a moment. “It’s not doing our
business any favours either.”
Curiosity killed the cat and I was a clumsy feline. I could not
help but inquire as to what he meant by that, for it didn’t
sound too good to my ears; and he looked less than pleased with
the remembrance.
“What do you mean..?” I questioned, tensing all over as he began
to pat at the healing scars on my face with a damp cloth.
Forrest remained silent for a few moments, bathing in the
question and working out how to properly word his unhappiness
where his younger brother was concerned. He knew how close Jack
and I once were, so it was clearly not a good idea for him to
bad mouth the poor guy in my presence. He remembered much more
about me than I would have thought, or so it seemed.
“Jack’s a very determined soul, but he’s all talk and nothing
more” he said, a low grumble following his words.
I pouted a little at the thought of Jack not having grown up
enough to get things moving. When we were kids, he used to spend
hours telling me all about the plans he’d made and how he was
going to one day be the Forrest of the Bondurant brothers; or
the Howard, as opposed to his sorry self. I had believed him,
and encouraged him to really go for it. People always told him
he had a lot of growing up to do – and that included acting on
his words, but from what Forrest had told me, he hadn’t budged
even an inch.
“Perhaps I could lend a hand with that” I suggested, smiling a
little brighter at the thought.
Forrest didn’t say much of anything after that. Our chatter died
down until you could almost hear a pin drop in the next room,
which was a given seeing as the other two boys were out on the
porch.
“What happened, Stella?” he asked, breaking me from a trance I’d
somehow slipped into.
The question startled me as much as his voice had. He hadn’t
once mentioned it until now – and I wondered why it had taken so
long. Perhaps he had to build up the courage, just as I had to
before. Still, he was a tough guy who seemed phased by
absolutely nothing.
“The usual” I said, simply.
He took that as a hint to diminish further discussion, and
that’s just what occurred. No more chit chat between the two of
us as he cleaned up my face a little more. It would be ideal for
me to rant and rave about my bastard of an Uncle, but at the
same time, I didn’t want to put that kind of pressure on
another. I knew that the more I told the Bondurant’s about my
abuse, the angrier and more dangerous they would become. I
didn’t much like the idea of spending time with anyone who
resembled that horrible man I once called family; so I left it
alone. Sooner or later, however, it would be uncovered and
exposed.
#Post#: 2619--------------------------------------------------
Re: Green Eyed Mountain Jack
DIR By: Maggie Flannery
Date: March 12, 2013, 3:46 pm
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Oh my lord where do I begin?! I'm officially in love with this!
I feel downright horrid for what happened to poor Stella and her
Uncle, my god what a vile man. Let me at him! I love how you've
written the brothers! Ahh I can't wait for an update! *does her
happy dance around the forum* keep up the wonderful work dear!
:-)
#Post#: 2620--------------------------------------------------
Re: Green Eyed Mountain Jack
DIR By: Wolfy
Date: March 13, 2013, 11:18 am
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Spring slipped deftly into Summer as time went on. I had been
living with the Bondurant brothers since escaping my Uncle's
home some months ago, and was all the better for it. If I had
stayed with him one more day, there's no doubt in my mind that
I'd have been buried some time ago. My body was slowly on the
mend, thankfully. I'd received a few broken bones and torn
muscles, but all were healing the less I allowed myself to move.
It was unlike me to be still for such a long length of time –
though I knew it was absolutely vital for my health this time
around.
The brothers were the only people I trusted now. I hadn't made
many friends or even been given the chance to go outside after I
moved in with my Uncle. It had been a hellish life from the age
of sixteen onwards, and only in my early twenties had I begun to
defend myself. Now, I was safe and sound, surrounded by three of
the most dangerous men in the county.
"Morning, Bell" Jack called, hopping down the stairs with a
towel around his neck and shaving foam all over his face.
I giggled softly and swatted him away as he pecked my cheek,
covering me in the god awful white fluff. He often called me
Bell when we were younger. He'd had some trouble pronouncing my
first name, and could not for the life of him pronounce my
surname, so he opted to shorten it instead. I'd grown rather
fond of it over the years – and it just kind of stuck.
"So, what's the occasion you big stud?" I asked, receiving a
questioning look as he reached for a piece of toast from the
centre of the table.
He looked at me in silence for a moment, before it dawned on him
what I was actually asking. He knew as any other did that he
never bothered to look all prim and proper unless he was taking
a girl out on a date of some sort. I grinned, knowingly, and
waited patiently for him to fill me in on every detail.
"Well.. she's just a friend, but a beautiful friend. She's
blonde, smart, kind, future wife material.. you know, that kind
of thing" he said, jokingly.
"Does this lady friend have a name, Jack?" I asked, now
incredibly curious.
We all used to hang about with every other child in the county
when we were kids, so it crossed my mind immediately that I may
very well know the girl. Though I doubted it. I hadn't been
given free rein of the grounds after moving in with the Uncle.
He kept me indoors from morning till night, only allowing me to
go outside once my wounds had healed and he was tagging along
with me. Any other time, I wasn't allowed to set foot outside at
all.
My skin was almost as pale as snow because of this. I'd not been
out in the sun in a long time; and it seemed to burn just a tad
recently. If I lived long enough after such torture, I would
figure out a way to pay back that horrid man for what he had
done to me.
"Bertha Minnix" he said, quietly. His head dropped down a
little, but I noticed his ears turning red.
I recalled a pretty little blonde hanging around with us when we
were small. It all made sense to me now. He had been crushing on
her all this time, or perhaps he had only recently developed
such a fascination. Mind you, she was quite the beauty and could
put any girl in these parts to shame with her princess-like
looks. Including myself – for I was not a good looking girl at
all, at least not in my eyes. My childhood crush had always been
kept a secret, especially back then. The thought of having made
it known bugged me a little. I knew if Jack had squeezed it out
of me, he would never let me live it down.
"I remember her.. the pretty little blonde who wandered around
as your shadow when you weren't really paying much attention." I
said, a smile growing on my lips as his cheeks darkened.
Jack and I used to share tales of those we were fond of back in
the day. I had missed those moments between us. I realised then
and there that I'd missed out on a whole lot over the last few
years. I had missed the opportunity to watch the brothers grow
up and mature into handsome young men. I had missed all the
gossip of the local beauty queens and whatnot. Small things like
that seemed few and far between.
"Yea.. well.. I better finish up here. I don't have long left"
he said, jumping up from his chair and racing off into the
upstairs bathroom.
I chuckled quietly to myself as I heard a few curses tossed
about. He must have tripped numerous times as he ran up the
stairs; clumsy old Jack. He really hadn't changed at all.
Forrest was right about that.
My thoughts now on Forrest, I wondered where he was, as it was
closing in on midday and I hadn't seen or heard him since I woke
up this morning. Jack hadn't mentioned him either; and Howard
was being his usual grouchy self, so I hadn't thought to
approach him for answers. Perhaps a walk would clear my head of
all my worrisome thoughts. Of one thing I was certain – he
wasn't in any kind of trouble.
"Jack, I'm just popping out for a stroll" I called, as I stood
at the bottom of the stairs.
He popped his head around the corner and tossed me a cheesy
grin, nodding his head to let me know it was alright, "Be
careful though.. don't want you getting into fisticuffs with
anyone" he said, laughing as he walked away again.
I laughed as well as I decided to leave my coat behind and
stepped out onto the porch. The sun was burning brightly in the
sky and I smiled. Its warmth seemed to ignite something within
me, but before I could take a single step, a low groaning sound
stopped me in my tracks. Turning around, my face scrunched up as
I could not find the source of the noise. It was dull and droned
out, but seemed to grow louder as I walked toward the track
parked just a few feet from the Station. If I didn't know
better, I would have thought I'd find a dying animal under its
wheel, but my heart jumped up into my throat when I caught sight
of a pair of all too familiar brown boots.
My scream couldn't have been louder if I were being murdered. It
garnered the attention of a few birds in the trees, but more
importantly, both brothers as they came bounding outside, almost
knocking the door off its hinges.
I dropped down to my knees before Forrest, who was clinging
tightly to his neck as a deep red liquid poured through the gaps
between his fingers. Whoever had done this would surely pay; of
that much I knew. The brothers would not allow anyone to get
away with such a vicious act, and nor would I. It was a
sickening sight to see. I reached out my hand and shifted a
little, propping Forrest's head up on my lap as Jack and Howard
rushed over to us.
Jack let out his own frightened scream, sounding almost like a
bear. Howard growled as I watched the pure anger build on his
face. My own face was soaked with tears as I tried in vain to
comfort a slowly dying Forrest. Had it not been for the wiser
older brother, he may very well have died right there.
"Get him into the truck, now" he half yelled, not quite knowing
what else to do.
I couldn't control my emotions as we all heaved him into the
back of the truck. Howard wanted me to stay behind and guard the
station, but Jack wanted me to tag along with them to the
hospital. I wound up staying behind, unfortunately. Someone had
to keep their business running for the next few hours – and
neither brother wanted to leave Forrest. I didn't much like the
idea of leaving him either, but understood he was in good
company as the two people who meant the world to him were by his
side.
My inability to remain calm was fairly obvious to those who
stopped by at the station throughout the rest of the afternoon.
I wondered how long it might be before I'd hear from the boys.
Forrest would clearly be staying in hospital for a few weeks at
least; but I didn't much like the idea of being on my own so
much. I had after all come here for protection of some sort. I
knew the brothers would be more than pleased to look after me.
Now, it was the middle brother who needed looking after. I
wanted nothing more than to abandon the place so I could spend
some time at his bedside.
A few more hours passed and the sky began to darken. Neither one
of the brothers had called to check up or let me know how he was
coping, and I was worrying so much that I'd started on the
Moonshine. It was not good for me, that much I knew, but it was
keeping me sane.
"Don't ye know that stuff will kill ye?" a deep voice spoke, as
yet another customer staggered through the doors.
It seemed they looked drunk enough already; too drunk in fact,
to be stopping here for another drink. It wasn't until they
lifted their head that I realised who it was. I had prayed he
would forget all about me and not bother to come looking for me,
yet here he was. He looked worse than he had the last time I saw
him. His hair had grown and was slightly curled at the ends. It
would have framed his face nicely had he bothered to wash it and
brush it every day. His beard made him look as though he had
been living on the streets over the last few months, and his
yellow teeth made me sick to my stomach as he leaned on the
counter, trying to get a little closer to me as he spoke up once
again.
"Did you really think I wouldn't find ye? ye really are a stupid
one, Stella" he said, his breath almost knocking me out quicker
than his fists used to.
Panic coursed through my veins but my body refused to move on
its own. I was silently willing myself to make a run for it and
not stop until I caught sight of someone; anyone. There was no
doubt in my mind that he had come back to collect him, to take
me back to his house, to beat me all over again. I felt anger
slowly creeping over my fear and before he could say another
word, I stepped around the counter and swung my fist toward his
nose.
A loud crack echoed around us and I knew I'd succeeded in
breaking it. After all those times he had broken me, I'd finally
gotten my own back. Though – he was and always would be much
stronger than me, and the thought of what he might do to me now
frightened me all over again. My fear built back up by the
second, and as he discarded the blood pouring from his nose, he
grabbed me forcefully and flung me against the far wall. My back
hit the solid wood so hard, I cried out in pain. Before I could
even think to move, he was standing right in front of me, his
hands reaching up to wrap themselves tightly around my neck.
"Please.." I whimpered, knowing I could not escape this time.
My weak efforts were futile. His hands only gripped my neck
harder and harder, until the room began to spin around me. My
own hands clung to his wrists and I tried in vain to shove him
away.
My eyes were flooded with tears, so much so that I could no
longer see a thing, but could hear the sound of raised voices
and heavy footsteps come bounding into the station. I recognised
them to be the two who had left hours ago with their brother; my
saviours. I opened my eyes briefly and spotted Howard rushing
over to me and my uncle. He grabbed both his hands and bent them
back, causing him to shriek as his wrists snapped. The sound was
horrible – but I felt absolutely no sympathy for him at all. How
could I, after all he had done to me. He was supposed to be
family, yet he treated me as though I were nothing but a burden
to him. Even now, I was no longer in his way, but he seemed to
believe I was still trouble, because I was still very much
alive. He stumbled away from me and Howard, cowering in a corner
as he looked upon his broken body with shock. Perhaps now he
would know what it felt like, and perhaps now he would leave me
alone and never return. The Bondurant brothers were no longer
children, surely he knew that.
As soon as he ran out of the station, his hands flailing about
before him, Howard nodded his head a little in my direction
before leaving the room with a bottle between his fingers. His
drunken physique indicated he was not in the mood for
conversation, but I was just glad he had been there.
"Bell.. are you alright?" Jack said, approaching me cautiously.
His eyes wandered from my face down to my neck; twisting as he
noticed the bruising that had already begun to show.
"I'll be fine, Jack. If you boys hadn't come back.." I said, not
knowing how to finish that sentence.
I knew Jack would not have been able to fight back against my
uncle, which is why Howard had opted for brutal force as soon as
they set foot in the station. He was much more prone to
violence, as was Forrest, though he seldom bothered were it was
not necessary. I think Howard enjoyed a good fight every once in
a while – unlike his two much more sensible brothers. But under
the circumstances, I was thankful.
Jack smiled sadly as he walked over to me. I stood with my back
pressed up against the wall for support. I knew he didn't
believe me, but he was aware there'd be no arguing with me over
it. All I wanted now was to never be parted from them again.
"How's Forrest?" I asked, breaking the tension.
"Stable" he said, a relieved sigh passing through his lips, "He
can't talk much at the moment, but I seemed to do enough of that
for the both of us back at the hospital. The nurse said he'll be
alright to come home in a few days, but his wound will need
dressing every evening."
I nodded my head after a small giggle slipped through at the
idea of Jack being a chatterbox. It often got him into trouble,
but he couldn't quite help it. It was only when he found himself
in uncomfortable situations; whenever he was nervous. It was a
feeling I could understand pretty well, come to think of it.
"That's wonderful news. I suppose I am to tend to his scars each
night then?" I asked, though it was more of a statement than
anything.
"Could you..?" he asked, almost afraid that I might decline.
"Of course, Jack. You and your brothers mean more to me than
you'll ever know, and I've so much to repay you for. It'd be a
delight to help in any way I can" I said, smiling cheerfully as
I pulled him into a hug.
Jack, without any knowledge of what he was doing, wrapped his
own arms around my waist and cried softly into my hair. The
overwhelming emotions were understandably too much for him to
take, and as I rubbed his back gently, he apologised over and
over again for looking like a fool. His brother and best friend
had almost been killed, all in one night, so it was surely
difficult for him to bear.
"Shh.." I cooed, continuing to rub his back until he calmed
down.
It took him a while, but he eventually pulled away and wiped at
the remaining tears that sat upon his cheeks, waiting to fall.
His eyes were now bloodshot; tired looking.
"Perhaps you should turn in for the night, both of you. I'll
close up and head to bed myself shortly" I said with a warm
smile.
He nodded his head in agreement and gave me a quick peck on the
cheek. Tipping his hat up, he placed it onto a nearby chair and
headed on upstairs. Howard must have already passed out by the
sound of it. All I could hear was heavy snoring and an empty
bottle rolling about on his bedroom floor. I had to laugh at the
sound – he was indeed a handful.
#Post#: 2621--------------------------------------------------
Re: Green Eyed Mountain Jack
DIR By: Maggie Flannery
Date: March 13, 2013, 5:52 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Oh my god! I still think Stella's Uncle should be beaten to a
pulp, tied to a tree , covered in honey and left to the bears! I
hate that man! Poor Forrest! Although something tells me that
he's going to be a bit of a tough patient, I think Stella can
break him in :D I so happy she got her revenge on that vile man
even though he almost killed the poor girl. Stella's one strong
lady to go up against him like that, she's someone I'd want on
my side in a bar fight for sure! I seriously can't wait for
another update! You've made my day with this! :D
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