Vcs

Between the nursery rhymes and cartoons, it's astounding @Summerabbacat , that people don't grow up more warped than they already are. A friend once asked if I were to recommend one cartoon for an Amish neighbor's children, what would it be? Attempting to make that decision was an interesting exercise in psychology. In the end, I quite honestly couldn't even think of one single cartoon that wouldn't traumatize a child who'd been protected from such images. Love, love, love the scene you've created with Shir chasing after the attackers. What a just end that would be. Of course, she'd likely opt for a nice dull implement.

A breakthrough we've all been awaiting @Doha. So much is happening; just maybe if they figure themselves out, they'll be able to stand together, sharing strength. I had to smile at the line you envisioned at the end of the story.

Finally @VBlew. I was ready to shake each one, both completely smitten and clueless at the same time. Alas, what a pity that would be. One never knows what fate or karma has in store, and there are three of them.

It is amazing @sandeman, just the thought warms the heart. Then, like moving from the touching scene in the den to the unnerving focus needed in the bunkhouse... Whew, what a shift. The moisture is hard to keep at bay; thinking about what a tragedy it is some in our world refuse to just live and let live.

I'm with you @Doha. Shayna seems like a hard nut to crack. I did have to laugh at her having her 'date' cancelled. What a clueless little skanky twit.

Thank you kindly @dboggs9700, it's about time they figured things out, huh? Hopefully, everyone will be pleased with the conclusion of the meeting. I'm loving how the Two Spirits family is all standing together and as determined to protect as Jake is.

Okay, folks, how about a little offering to follow each new chapter that's posted? What, you ask? A brief description of two members of the Cast of Characters. Today, we have Jake and Mannly: Jake Age : 27 Appearance : strong, virile, broad, muscular chest, Height : 6’3” Eyes : dark chocolate doe eyes Native American Hair : straight, long, black, silky Met Longfeathers when they visited his high school and was invited to move to Two Spirits Horse Ranch at the age of 17 after his father’s death & high school graduation; he is unusually tall for a Native American, saved Mannly from assailants at the north gate, owns multiple high-end guitars, has a deep, rich singing voice, and helps Jaciah and Kahlid Longfeather run the ranch, his natural gift for reading souls is helped to develop by Jaciah and Kahlid Longfeather, his Spirit Fathers Little Man, a.k.a. Mannly Age : 19 Appearance : toned, muscular Height : 5’3” Eyes : grey with golden flecks Spanish/Caucasian Hair : chestnut, wavy Found, by Jake, at the North gate of Two Spirits Horse Ranch after assault; originated from South Dakota; following his father’s death, was on his way to an online paper job in Montana; has a stunning alto singing voice; suffers trauma-induced memory loss from immediately before through assault; no identification or luggage found

Thank you so very much @Summerabbacat, that means more than you could know. I remember a conversation so similar and saying those very words. The young men on the receiving end were hilariously embarrassed, and all the blushing was adorable. The best part was when giggles ensued, breaking the tension. Ah, young love. 💞 Those are some incredible men in that bunkhouse. I want to adopt every one of them!

He is, isn't he @Doha? He carries several individuals I worked with, and they all still have a special place in my heart. I love seeing him in such a good place where he can thrive. Unfortunately, Mannly is still without his birth name. The trauma of what he went through is blocking his memory. As much as it might help, sometimes it's safer to allow memories to come when the psyche is ready to handle the events.

Continued... “Back when Jaciah and Kahlid first began here, they not only planned to raise and care for horses but also wanted to do so in an environment that was safe and welcoming. As we all know, society is not always kind to those of us who walk a different path in life that is accepted as the norm, if you will. They knew that, from their own experiences, and wanted to share their new home with others whose journeys had also taken such turns. Do you know what the term 'two-spirit' means

She's been intriguing @Doha. For someone who was supposed to be basically inconsequential, she sure is demanding an inordinate amount of attention. Okay, I confess to getting a little punchy when staying up too late. I just heard a whisper that Shayna needs funding for more sparkly blue eyeshadow and thinks more airtime will get her a bigger cut of the publisher's advance check. Ha, she is in for a disappointment! 😉 🤣

And just in time! It broke my heart how despondent Doc became at the possibility of not being able to keep Mannly at the ranch.

They really are adorable @Doha, aren't they? The internal dialogue is killing me! While I'm enjoying all the chapters, I must say, this has been one of my faves. Jake, who is so macho and seemingly self-assured, can be entertaining when he gets flustered. He reminds me so much of someone who was in my life. Unlike Jake, though, everyone but him knew he was head over heels.

I don't know how I managed to miss your comment, but it sure has brightened my afternoon finding it today. Thank you @Doha!

Agreed

Thank you @drsawzall. What a cool title; I never thought of "Breakthrough." Hmmm, speaking of titles, giving each chapter one is a good idea!

Awe @dboggs9700, you've just made my day. Thank you so very much!

I was stumped deciding how to react to the truth of the comment. Then suddenly a thought popped into my head... How is it that she has such great dykedar but can't for the life of her figure out which way Jake's swing goes? I know what research says about homophobes not being latent homosexuals but...

Thank you sooooo much! Now, to figure out who will have the honors 😉

@sandeman let's not be knocking Hallmark movies! LOL There really is something special about Two Spirits. I have to say, it's the first place I've visited (yes, even in my mind) with such incredible individuals across the board. Thinking of recovering from such trauma, I'm left to wonder about forgiveness. Unlike many, I'm more of the mind that what's most important is coming to peace with such experiences. Forgiveness? Some things, in my mind at least, are unforgivable and simply cannot ever be forgotten. I certainly hope the Holocaust, Darfur, and other human atrocities are never forgotten for fear they'll be allowed to repeat. Ballet/dance can be so enchanting. One of my greatest memories is when my sweetie took me to see Mikhail Baryshnikov dance. As for opera, we did see one Russian performance, or rather, we tried, but both of us managed to fall asleep. It was lovely but so very dark. You've tickled my funny bone @sandeman. The mention of "His eyes crawled across her body" reminded me of a gal on social media who finds and reads the most horridly written "romance" novels. I'll have to ask my dear friend who the lady is again. I'm not big on social media, but that woman's offerings are always worth a cringeworthy laugh. While classical can be okay, it's not my favorite either. Give me some jazz, R&B, zydeco, country... Hold up, there are just too many genres to choose from. In the end, it's the mood that dictates choice in the moment. As one can surmise, Dixon Dallas has been chosen for this story. Anyone have any other suggestions??? Yes, @Charles26, much adventure and many revealing scenes await. The past couple of days, I've uncovered some of Jo's history. What a start he had. And, of course, Shayna, what can I say? She absolutely insisted on showing herself, but will she be happy or be left in dismay? I'm looking forward to hearing reactions to that scene, but getting there will take a little time. Meanwhile, we still have to hear the rest of the conversation in the Den with that cozy fire going...

@VBlew I've joked about Mannly being clueless, but truth be told, none of them suspected which team he was playing for either. CC and Shir, what an incredible couple of ladies. As for our two young gentlemen, we shall see...

Unless you object, we just might be seeing "dykedar" in this story at some point. 😆

What a great message to wake to; thank you @dboggs9700. Saddle up; those following are in for a ride!

Thank you @Doha. As sad as it is that consciousness was brief, it warms the heart to know he can return to sleep safely for the critical rest.