Vcs

“CC, wake up.” Pulling the pillow over her head, CC groaned, “Uuugggghh.” “Please, baby, wake up!” “Do you know what time it is, Shir?” “Yes, it’s Jake. Mannly’s…” Shir covered the receiver and whispered, “Jake’s on the phone, so upset he can barely talk.” Shooting straight up in bed, “Mannly? Did you say Mannly? Is he okay?” “Hold on, Jake, I’m getting CC up.” Whispering again, “No, I can hear him in the background sobbing; he sounds hysterical.” “Damnit! I wa

@Doha hopefully she'll reveal herself soon enough.

Welcome to the Two Spirits adventure @Doha. It's horrific to think that what can transpire in only minutes can mark a person's life for years to come.

Right there with you @drsawzall. Wear it, she does, but can anyone see the written description under all those layers of her makeup? Thinking of her, I'm reminded of a coworker who stayed in our home when escaping an abusive boyfriend. Poor thing was so insecure she needed a putty knife to scrape off all the gunk. It was literally so thick we had to buy new washcloths after she left because it wouldn't come out of the fabric. Bleh.

Just thinking of the cosmetically tragic skank gets my ire up; however, @Summerabbacat you had me laughing at the description. That one’s definitely being saved! Word around town, or so I’m told, is that the girl gets around, so the “cathedral” is apparently wide open. Shir is Creole through and through, @Summerabbacat her heritage is diverse, with a mix of European, African, Haitian, French, and Native American, though in appearance she is lighter-complexioned. She credits her foremothers and careful guidance by the ladies in her community with developing her natural-born gift, allowing her to see and sense what others cannot. If I Could Turn Back Time came forth loud and clear before I even opened the link. It’s interesting how sometimes things fall right into one’s lap unexpectedly. I’d not put the Mon Cher and Cher together until Mannly started rustling around in my brain about what Cher meant. While it might seem like it took a bit to ask about his naming, there’s much he doesn’t know or remember, and with the head injury, further pain, memory loss, and, of course, the hottie looking after him, there have been only so many questions he could manage at a time.

Excellent points; @VBlew, maybe his background would answer some nagging questions. A funny thing about the job, with all the research to find him an online paper, is that I cannot remember one detail. Where exactly is the company located? Now for the clincher: I'm sitting here typing a response to the comment and thinking about Jake being clueless when all of a sudden my crazy computer has the image of Shir pop up (Yes, I have more than one window open), and she's looking straight at me. I swear I could see her eyes roll and hear her saying, "Seriously? Didn't I already say it's a good thing Jake is gay because even straight men aren't that clueless about women?" I doubt most men, though, could see how deep Shayna's ocean of scheming runs. Oh and, @VBlew, Shir sends you thanks for finally getting to roll her eyes at me. 🙄 Orientation: What's a guy to do when he's crushing on another and is certain they can't possibly be of the same persuasion? Mannly is doing an amazing job of keeping his cards close to his vest. Of course, that's not helping either of them.

Jake was chuckling. “And then she said…” At the soft knock, they paused. “Come in.” “Good morning. How are my two favorite men this morning? With all the cackling going on in here, it sounds like y’all are having a good time.” Unable to contain his giggles any longer, Mannly choked, “Jake was just telling me a funny story.” “Ah, Cher, it’s so good to hear your laugh. I thought just seeing your smile and hearing those first words was a blessing, but nothing beats the soun

A sweet, simple man who's all heart.

Jake has been admiring those muscular thighs. Some go for the tush, others the eyes, but not our Jake; he's a thigh man through and through.😉

And a horse @drsawzall - the young man needs a horse! 😉

Pesky illnesses, those seasonal little buggers. Like you, @Summerabbacat I’ve spent quite a bit of time enjoying GA. I hope you’re feeling better soon. Once again, finding your comments has brought a smile. I’ve worked with individuals much like our dear, sweet Jo and hear the unique speech patterns when writing. Unfortunately, they can sound like a foreign language. As for Jo’s history, this too will be revealed. He’s had his challenges, but with the love, understanding, and patience of his Two Spirits family, he is thriving. Charts, huh? Nice surprise, thank you! Something else I have to learn to find on here. To say I’m technologically challenged would be a ridiculous understatement. Now I’m off to check out the albums mentioned before getting to work...

“Shhhh, no, looks like he’s okay. Probably just tuckered out from all the excitement,” Shir whispered. “You go on back to the party and have fun.” “No, Jake, you need to spend some time relaxing and stop fretting so much. Come on, Jo said he’d sit with him.” As he and Shir returned to the living room, Sheriff Tucker approached, “There you are. Jake, I’m heading out. I’ve had a great time, Shir, and, as always, the food was excellent.” Hugging him, Shir said, “So glad you coul

Inner turmoil, a struggle for so many. Count the minutes as the same never-ending routine stretches across the days, with pain inflicted by taunts, shoves, and harsh words. Is it any wonder that little cup has a strong voice, calling for solace and escape?

I hear it's the 'biblically' that can get one in the most trouble.

@Summerabbacat , you are great at providing me with chuckles. Thank you. Between speed bumps and flood zone,, hopefully, she doesn't have a full bladder. 🤣 Yeah, okay, that was pretty bad. Maybe it's about time to hit the hay.

I know, and it's killing me watching him suffer. Will anyone finally tell that poor boy what is apparent to the rest of us about Two Spirits Horse Ranch, or will his insecurities get the best of him, causing him to disappear into the night? Does anyone else just want to shake him?

Beautifully stated @sandeman, My heart hurt for him thinking of his misguided belief it was time to move on. How many times in life do we misread situations and/or people? What a painful mistake it would be for far more than himself if he decides to walk away from his newfound sanctuary. Heck, if they have an available room in the bunkhouse, I'll move in tomorrow!

Plus, perhaps, a neon sign a bit lower? 😉 I swear, the more this girl mouths off in my head, the deeper a hole she digs for herself. Now, who besides me has known far too many Shaynas?

Thank you @IBEX, Little Man, a.k.a. Mannly (a chapter is coming up on how he became known as Mannly), was found by Jake at the north gate of Two Spirits Horse Ranch, left for dead after being brutally assaulted and bound with barbed wire. Please feel welcome and encouraged to share any other questions. Meanwhile, more adventures to come; enjoy! Please note, I've just gone in and added a note to the Chapter 2 header stating Little Man is also referred to as Mannly. Thank you again for pointing out the confusion.

Awe @Phredd2, what a fantastic smile to be gifted, thank you! As is no doubt often the case, this little tale has become unrelenting in its insistence on being told. Presently, there's quite a debate on whose turn it is to tell another part of their story. Perhaps while they argue, I'll return to AI imaging to create more images of the different characters. If only I weren't so technologically challenged, I could share. LOL

@Summerabbacat, you tickled my funny bone with "cosmetically tragic"; indeed, she is. As for her comprehension of what goes on around her, Shayna is much like many we've all met who live with what I call ignorance by choice. That girl is such a self-centered narcissist; she refuses to see anything that doesn't fall within her plan. Funny thing, Shayna started as a side character of little consequence. Once she started spouting off in my head, though, she came to life, and in a not-too-flattering way. Thank you for the heads-up on Adieu False Heart. I enjoy good bluegrass. Zydeco is a bit zippier; I think that is a decent description. It's fun to see instruments one might never know exist. If interested, check out Buckwheat Zydeco—Full Set—Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival 2025; I think you'll enjoy how upbeat it is. Check out what's on one of the musicians' chests: www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=popular+zydeco&mid=0628882728CCE5CD42460628882728CCE5CD4246&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUC8yKCGqSRUf7ZZOBo-XUY3Q&FORM=VIRE

Continued... “Does Shir live in the bunkhouse too?” “Nah, that’s just fer us fellas. Shir’s got her’a li’l place down the gravel’a piece. She and CC like it to be quiet. I reckon she gets 'nough of all our carryin' on durin’ the day.” "That's nice; they can share the cabin. Does CC work at the ranch?" ---------- “Yep, and can’t say as she does, not really. CC be’a special friend to Shir and helps Doc out some when one of us be ailin’; she’s good like that. CC’s be’a nur

Congratulations, Ben. It's fun to look back on when you first dipped your toes in the water with The Mock Orange Scrub, and two years later, you're still successfully putting pen to paper, so to speak. Keep on keeping us entertained!

It's good to see him coming around. Ah, the gris-gris, wonderful things similar to Native American medicine bags. I could use one myself.

Thank you @VBlew, Mannly's progress is getting there, slower than he, Jake, and the others would like, but he's actually doing well considering. Jake, while not a medicine man, is intuitive (okay, except for picking up on Mannly's mutual interest), gifted, and well-trained thanks to the Longfeathers. It will be interesting to see how they each progress.