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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Not Done Yet - 10. Lightfoot

Thanks, KC, for reining me in.

Lightfoot

James told Sam, “Bows are quieter, so sometimes, you can take a second shot before the rest of the herd gets spooked. Besides, Mr. Reeves likes to sleep late on the weekends.” James had finally talked him into trying a bow, after he’d gotten pretty good at shooting a target.

Mr. Reeves let them hunt on his land for free, but he didn’t like hearing a lot of gunfire, and he didn’t want to see them set up a deer blind. When Sam had brought it up, the old man said he figured the deer were at enough of a disadvantage, already. So the boys stalked their prey, and got good at it.

Half-crouched, twenty five feet apart, they crept along the game trail, arrows nocked. Suddenly, James stood and drew. The bowstring sang, and two deer fell. Sam watched, dumbfounded; he hadn’t even drawn his bow.

James had already crossed to the edge of the clearing and had his knife out by the time Sam got there, and was kneeling next to a young doe and a buck. Two arrows were lying next to the boy’s foot.

“How the hell did you DO that, James?! I thought I only heard one shot.” He turned to look at James, saw the tears and stopped. It was always the same. James always cried, and he always went back out. “Aw, man, I hate it when you do that. If it upsets you so much, why do you keep coming out here to go hunting?”

James looked up, half-smiled through the tears, and went back to work, careful of the hide. He knew the old man, Mr. Reeves, would love the hides, and he and Sam would be able to come back again next year. Mr. Reeves was too old to hunt, himself, but he could still tan the finest leather. He did it the Indian way, so even when the buckskin got wet, it wouldn’t stiffen like store-bought leather, but stayed butter-soft to the touch.

James told his friends he loved wearing the stuff, and he was wearing a pair of fringe pants the old man had given him, and knee-high moccasins, as he worked the knife quick and clean. They’d fit a little loose last year, but now, they were just right. His mom had asked him what he would do next year, when they didn’t fit any more, but he laughed and said, “If I could stop growing, I would, just to keep them forever, but Gary ought to get a couple of years of wear out of ‘em.” Gary was his younger cousin.

After dressing out and skinning the deer, James and Sam loaded up the 4 wheeler and went back to the ranch house, where Mr. Reeves admired the hides greatly, “Thanks, boys. You got two of the best hides I’ve seen in ages. Rain’s been good this last year, and the wildlife show it. Throw the meat in the truck, and I’ll give you a ride back to James’ place. I’ve got to go into town, anyhow.”

They threw the meat in the back of the truck then, and slung their packs in after, before jumping in the cab, themselves. As the old man started the truck and threw it into reverse, he mentioned James’ granddad. “I heard your granddad saying the other day that he’d lost some stock.” When James didn’t answer, the old man continued, ‘Varmints took two more of his goats last week. Cold weather always brings ‘em out.”

James just looked out the window and chewed on a fingernail. But the old man knew he’d heard. He heard everything anybody said, but he didn’t always feel obligated to answer. Sam was sitting in between the two, and started to fidget a little in the silence. The old man reached over, patted Sam on the knee, and said quietly, “Silence isn’t always a bad thing. Don’t feel like you gotta fill it.”

Sam smiled at the old man and nodded, though Mr. Reeves was watching the road now. The rest of the drive, nobody spoke, each busy with his own thoughts, until they passed the turnoff for James’ granddad’s place. James looked up the road and said quietly, half to himself, “I’ll give the old buzzard a call tomorrow.”

Five minutes later, they turned into the road that led to James’ house. His mom was on the porch, reading, wearing tailored jeans, a white shirt, a thick shawl, and a broad brimmed hat on her head, her rocker never staying still. Ms. Batisse waved as they came to a stop. Mr. Reeves smiled as he stopped the truck, and said, “That’s a sight worthy of Norman Rockwell, but Norman Rockwell never painted anything so honest in his life.” He nudged Sam. “Son, wake up Lightfoot, there,” jutting his chin at James, “Time to step down and butcher those deer. Don’t want the meat to spoil. Kinda defeat the point of goin’ huntin’, dontcha think?”

“I’m awake, Mr. Reeves. Thank you very much for the ride, and the chance to hunt your land. If I can ever do anything to pay you back, I won’t hesitate.” Everybody who knew him knew James had manners, like his mother. He hopped out, unloaded his gear, and trotted to the back of the truck and dropped the tailgate. The deer carcasses were wrapped in big plastic bags, to protect them from bugs and whatever road grit might have gotten on them, otherwise.

The two boys each grabbed a bag and slung it over a shoulder, waved to Mr. Reeves and James’ mom, and walked behind the garage. No matter how careful they were, they knew better than to work in the yard proper. It wasn’t just to keep the mess away from James’ mom’s home, but to keep the work out of her sight. James’ mother could clean a fish so fast you’d swear it was magic, but she shied away from making “Bambi Burgers,” as she called them, and didn’t like seeing anything the shape of a living deer being butchered. It didn’t stop her from fixing the finest backstrap anyone in town had ever tasted, though.

They laid the bags on the old work table, and set about their business. James fetched the big butcher knife, while Sam laid out the first deer. A couple minutes later, they were jointing the haunches, and starting to wrap the meat for the freezer.

Working silently for a while, Sam got up the nerve to ask, “James, what’s between you and your granddad?”

“Whadda you mean?” James spoke with a drawl whenever he didn’t want to talk about something, and this seemed to be one of those times. He didn’t even slow down in his work.

Sam sighed, then forged ahead. “Mr. Reeves all but asked you to help your granddad. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard of somebody having to ask you for help. Did you not know what was happening with his stock?”

The answer came out so slow, so soft, Sam strained forward to hear it. “I haven’t spoken to Granddad for a few months now, ever since Casey moved to town. I’d heard about the cat, figured Granddad would be able to handle it. Guess he’s slowed down some since he tore up his knee, though.”

“Wait, what’s Casey got to do with this?”

“Granddad hired a lawyer to get him off, but he blamed Casey, said he was a bad influence. Told me I could never see him again.” James paused before continuing, “I told him it was my life, and my right to choose my friends. He never thought much of Casey to begin with, because of his dad, so he told me and Mom my judgment was piss-poor, and I needed to re-evaluate my priorities. I haven’t spoken to him since that day.”

James picked up the wrapped meat from the first deer and headed for the house to drop it in the freezer. With it being just he and his mom there, it would last for quite a while. Sam opened up the second plastic bag and started to work, paying close attention to what he was doing. When James got back, the two of them worked together in silence.

When they finished, shadows were starting to lengthen. They cleaned up the area and washed themselves up as best they could. “You staying for supper, Sam? Mom’s got a pie in the oven.”

Sam was showing off his goofiest grin when he said, “I was hoping you’d ask. I’ve been smelling the pumpkin for a while now. Think there’s enough for you, too?” Before he even saw it coming, James had him on his back, pinned.

“I get the first piece, asshole.” That was the first time Sam ever heard James curse.

Thanks, KC, for reining me in.
2015-2016 Russell Kyle, all rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without written consent of the author.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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I'm kinda disappointed right now. The last few chapters just seem to stress that James and casey, who had such a connection in the beginning, are in different worlds right now. I'm happy for Casey. He has settled in and become a great kid. It's sweet that he feels strongly enough about Jim and Carol to call them mom and dad. But, again, I feel like he forgot to ever make a moment for the kid that made that all possible. His life would have taken a totally different road without James and he doesn't seem to even offer him friendship. He clearly makes time for Sam though.

James seems to be broken hearted and I worry about him. I hope you do something that turns his life around a bit, whether or not that involves Casey. got any new kids joining the school? lol Casey seems pretty hetero to me. He also hasn't been the best for James. James is disappointed but hopefully he knows he did a good thing. He deserves to be happy to please turn this around. I kinda don't understand where the story is going at this point.

On 03/04/2015 02:47 PM, Cannd said:
I'm kinda disappointed right now. The last few chapters just seem to stress that James and casey, who had such a connection in the beginning, are in different worlds right now. I'm happy for Casey. He has settled in and become a great kid. It's sweet that he feels strongly enough about Jim and Carol to call them mom and dad. But, again, I feel like he forgot to ever make a moment for the kid that made that all possible. His life would have taken a totally different road without James and he doesn't seem to even offer him friendship. He clearly makes time for Sam though.

James seems to be broken hearted and I worry about him. I hope you do something that turns his life around a bit, whether or not that involves Casey. got any new kids joining the school? lol Casey seems pretty hetero to me. He also hasn't been the best for James. James is disappointed but hopefully he knows he did a good thing. He deserves to be happy to please turn this around. I kinda don't understand where the story is going at this point.

Cannd, thanks for the review. I appreciate your candor, and I anticipated a lukewarm response to this chapter.

 

Casey's immersed in a world he never dreamed of being a part of right now, and that's a heady feeling. James has chosen another way, and it's often lonely to be your own person.

 

I hope you'll keep reading and give me honest feedback, and that you'll like the next chapter more.

 

This story's not done yet.

On 03/04/2015 06:30 PM, jamessavik said:
Trust the author. Some chapters are transitions. They are going somewhere, you just can't see it yet.

Rustle can go almost anywhere from here. Stay tuned.

I hope that trust isn't misplaced.

 

This story isn't intended to have a linear plot. I even considered this chapter back, but decided to stick with the plan.

 

I hope you'll continue to read.

On 03/04/2015 08:12 PM, aditus said:
This is one of those chapters where my mind works the most. What about James? Who's Karen? Mom? Dad? So soon? And many more. Guess I just lean back and wait.
James' universe doesn't overlap Casey's much right now, but that may change.

 

There's a period of time between the previous chapter and this one, so maybe it's not so soon.

 

Thanks for following along.

How soon some forget those who have been there for them in their worst moments and helped pull them from that abyss...

On the one hand I am happy that Casey seems to be settling into his new home and new life, but I am extremely disappointed in him that he seems to have completely forgotten James.

I am sad for James that he does seem very alone right now...and seems (seemed) to have feelings for a boy who 1) is likely straight; and 2) Can't be bothered to seek him out and be the friend he deserves.

I am, unfortunately, done with Casey. He has had more than enough time to get his head out of his ass and find James. He hasn't done that...he is happy in his new life...leave him there. He will be fine. I want James to be happy...please let him find someone who deserves him.

Teenagers can be a mercurial lot...I think that is why i don't read a lot of stories about teens...so much angst and non-rational thinking I know that happens with adults too, I just find teens (and I have had 2) seem to think worlds are ending at the smallest provocation. I think maybe I am reading too many teen stories on GA right now so maybe I am being to hard on Casey...

I was thinking the same thing as Addy; in fact, I was going to start this review with: I must have missed a few chapters b/c I don't remember a 'Sara' and I especially don't remember Casey dating anyone. I thought he was into James, even though James obviously didn't know this. I also didn't remember where other jocks listened to Casey or didn't want to mess with him. My beginning impressions on Casey were riding his back when he moved to town a few months ago. He was thrilled when he met James and his mom, Jessie, he was thrilled when James taught him how to shoot an arrow, and then that whole unpleasantness with Casey's prick of a sperm donor, and the subsequent fire using James' camping stove (that's what it was, right?). Then his house burns down and people learn that he's living there alone.

 

James stuck his neck out for his friend and helped him by recommending him to Carol and Jim, and the various other things he did for Casey w/o Casey even knowing until someone told him (can't remember who - the cop?).

 

Now suddenly only a few months later, he all but forgotten James, he's calling Carol and Jim, mom and dad, and he has a girlfriend. Huh? lol At least he's still friends with Sam. :P

 

But reading what your response was to Cannd's review, I guess this is the kind of lukewarm response you expected? :lol:

 

Damn, and I just noticed that I'm all caught up! :D Looking forward to the next installment, Rusty! :)

On 03/05/2015 02:53 AM, LitLover said:
How soon some forget those who have been there for them in their worst moments and helped pull them from that abyss...

On the one hand I am happy that Casey seems to be settling into his new home and new life, but I am extremely disappointed in him that he seems to have completely forgotten James.

I am sad for James that he does seem very alone right now...and seems (seemed) to have feelings for a boy who 1) is likely straight; and 2) Can't be bothered to seek him out and be the friend he deserves.

I am, unfortunately, done with Casey. He has had more than enough time to get his head out of his ass and find James. He hasn't done that...he is happy in his new life...leave him there. He will be fine. I want James to be happy...please let him find someone who deserves him.

Teenagers can be a mercurial lot...I think that is why i don't read a lot of stories about teens...so much angst and non-rational thinking I know that happens with adults too, I just find teens (and I have had 2) seem to think worlds are ending at the smallest provocation. I think maybe I am reading too many teen stories on GA right now so maybe I am being to hard on Casey...

You're not being too hard on Casey, but going from a hell of abuse and hatred, having a mother who doesn't want him, a sister who may not even be faithfully communicating messages between them, to a world where he's accepted, safe, and has a sense of belonging... James mentioned the word "drunk," and I think that kinda says it, right there.

 

Casey even tried to get James involved in the jock culture. In Texas, high school athletics are little more than cliques. You're in, or you're out, and the peer pressure on someone to conform is intense. Casey's got a long way to go before he's nearly as strong as James.

 

A friend told me recently he had a high threshold of pain. I told him there's a difference between a high threshold of pain and having experienced a lot of pain.

On 03/05/2015 02:45 PM, Lisa said:
I was thinking the same thing as Addy; in fact, I was going to start this review with: I must have missed a few chapters b/c I don't remember a 'Sara' and I especially don't remember Casey dating anyone. I thought he was into James, even though James obviously didn't know this. I also didn't remember where other jocks listened to Casey or didn't want to mess with him. My beginning impressions on Casey were riding his back when he moved to town a few months ago. He was thrilled when he met James and his mom, Jessie, he was thrilled when James taught him how to shoot an arrow, and then that whole unpleasantness with Casey's prick of a sperm donor, and the subsequent fire using James' camping stove (that's what it was, right?). Then his house burns down and people learn that he's living there alone.

 

James stuck his neck out for his friend and helped him by recommending him to Carol and Jim, and the various other things he did for Casey w/o Casey even knowing until someone told him (can't remember who - the cop?).

 

Now suddenly only a few months later, he all but forgotten James, he's calling Carol and Jim, mom and dad, and he has a girlfriend. Huh? lol At least he's still friends with Sam. :P

 

But reading what your response was to Cannd's review, I guess this is the kind of lukewarm response you expected? :lol:

 

Damn, and I just noticed that I'm all caught up! :D Looking forward to the next installment, Rusty! :)

Looking back, I should have written a chapter 9a, to bridge the gap in time and events.

 

Casey still slips. Sometimes, he calls Jim and Carol by name. Foster kids are all different in how they accept their foster parents. The foster parents are all different, too. Some encourage, some discourage the use of "Mom" and "Dad."

 

I expected Casey's actions to be unpopular and for readers to find them inexplicable. Teens' actions often are.

 

Thanks for sticking with the story, and thanks for your comments.

On 03/06/2015 08:05 AM, Daddydavek said:
Don't over think it too much regarding the other reviews. One of the problems with a serial story is that people start relating to it in a very linear way. Having gone back and reread the story, I see how you are developing the diverse threads in their lives and I have great hopes you can tie them all together down the road.
Thanks, Dave. You may be right about the linear thing, but the reviews on this chapter have a lot of merit. If a reader is ever confused, the author should have better revealed something in the writing, made it clearer, or given it more emphasis.

 

I took short cuts that I should not have, 'cause I got in a rush. That's why I'm taking a break in posting. I promise, barring sudden death or incapacitation, Not Done Yet will be completed. But I want it to be a good story, too, not just finished.

 

I may rethink serial posting, too.

I dont review each chapter .. because too much can change .. I dont know the authors mind, nor should I.
I appreciate the story, it is your work and I am open to the gift you are giving me, whether I like where you go or not.
It part of the reason I dont read every chapter when it's posted.. I need more of it to see the story... to understand and feel it. Weird but its how I work.

On 11/27/2015 06:40 AM, Mikiesboy said:

I dont review each chapter .. because too much can change .. I dont know the authors mind, nor should I.

I appreciate the story, it is your work and I am open to the gift you are giving me, whether I like where you go or not.

It part of the reason I dont read every chapter when it's posted.. I need more of it to see the story... to understand and feel it. Weird but its how I work.

Thanks for sticking with the story. I hope when it's completed, you'll share your thoughts.

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