Somewhere Sometime

Thirteen year old Nicole sat in her bed quietly, listening to the peaceful sounds of the other sleeping children, she looked around to make sure no one was still awake, as soon as she was assured, she tip toed out of her bed, making sure to avoid the third floor board that always creaked, stopping in mid motion when she heard one of the other children make a noise. She relaxed when she saw it was just Pauline rolling over, she silently moved over to Jodie's bedside, quietly kneeling down and shaking her awake. Jodie from experience in her young 10 years woke up without a start, and smiled at Nicki. She quietly got out of bed, handing Nicole her bag with her belongings, Nicole put it in with hers. They then put pillows under their blankets so when the Night check came they wouldn't realize they were gone.

The both moved silently through the other sleeping children, easily slipping into the back room, where they had spend so many hours working without anyone realizing. Tonight their dream of freedom would be reached; they were escaping from this hell called a home. Jostled from one foster home to another. Never having any one to love but each other. Jodie looked to Nicole for security and Nicole looked at Jodie as her closest friend. They gently opened the window they had been prying open for the last two months. Seeing the freedom they wanted on the other side. Nicole lifted Jodie up and she climbed through easily, and jumped down to the other side.

Nicole swiftly followed. Both girls ran as fast as they could off into the woods of upstate New York. Finally stopping when they felt it was safe. Both of them fell to the ground. Laughing out their nervousness! Nicole looked at Jodie "Well so much for their well placed plans huh Jodie?" Jodie smiled "Yep! We taught them. To think they were going to try to adopt me out and leave you alone! Those Asses!" "Well they should have known they shouldn't separate sisters! I can't believe that damn matron, trying to tell me what is best for you. How in the hell does she know? She doesn't even know you!" After a couple of minutes of rest and breathing free air again they stood up. Nicole said "We have to keep away from the roads and we have to get away from here and find a place to stay till the cops stop looking for us." "Yea, I got a feeling they won't be to happy with us escaping again." Jodie said sadly. "Big difference this time Jodie we're not going back to that god forsaken place. I'll die first!" They both were solid in their conviction they would be free for at least a little while. They walked off in the woods searching for a good hiding place.

Later that night they came upon a old rickety house. They didn't observe any signs of occupants and the door hung half off the hinges. so they walked in and checked it out. All that was left was an old TV with the screen kicked out from years ago, and some old furniture covered in dust and cobwebs. Nicole set the bag down, "Well this will do for now. Plus it's pretty deep in the woods, no cars can get back here." Jodie looked around with disgust on her face "Damn Nicki, this place is horrible!" "Hey you think you can do better? You go find another place!" They both then realized they were tired and scared and letting their tempers loose for no reason. Jodie then started snooping around "Well if anything we can see what's left around this pile of crap." "You go ahead, I'm gonna set up a place for us to get some sleep." Jodie wandered off through the house while Nicki tried to clean up a place to sleep and she set the door back on it's hinges so at least they had some privacy from the creatures of the night. It didn't look that bad once the webs were gone, and anything was better than that girls home!

She heard Jodie scream, and went running to the back of the house, when she saw a door opened into a basement. "Jodie! Jodie! Where are you?" Then she heard Jodie's voice travel up the stairs, "Nicki hurry up get your rear down here!" She rushed down the stairs using her lighter to brighten the way. When she saw Jodie by an old chest. "Look what I found! Let's take it upstairs and go through it!" Nicki was relieved she was okay, "I ought to bust you! You scared me half to death. I thought you were hurt! Don't you do that to me again else you'll find yourself with a bloody lip!" Jodie ignored her knowing that Nicki would never hurt her, she always threatened her, but that was it. They lifted an end to the chest, surprised how heavy it was, and then lugged it upstairs into the living room. Nicki had found some candles and they put a soft glow in the living room. Jodie took out her pocketknife and she worked on prying the lock open, it popped right open with Jodie's expert talent of picking locks. The smell that came out of the chest caused both of them to scrunch up their noses. Jodie hurried and lit up a cigarette to get rid of the musty smell a cigarette smelled much better.

"Hey looks like a bunch of old clothes someone should have thrown out years ago" Nicki said to no one in particular. Then she pulled out a giant cowboy hat, Jodie put it on and stood up pretending she was a cowboy, cigarette dangling from her mouth, and drawing her make believe guns. Nicki looked at her and laughed. "I can see you, one tough lady gunfighter!" Jodie replied "Yep! No one messes with Jodie from New York that’s me! I'll shoot them dead and walk away smiling as I put another notch on my pistol handle!"

"Well Ms. tough cowboy here's your jacket!" Nicki kidded as she tossed her a green jacket. Jodie caught it and put it on, it was way to big for her. Then Nicki pulled out a old leather vest and she put it on, and a old black kerchief "Oh my kind sir protect me I'm just so weak and helpless poor little ole me!" They both started laughing, "I would have hated it back then, women always having to do what the men told them. I wouldn't have done it!" remarked Jodie. Nicki agreed with her.

They stopped playing, their curiosity now aroused. Nicki then pulled out a black shirt that had seen it's better days, and tossed it to the side, she then saw some pictures in frames, each holding a picture of a beautiful lady, "wow look at the clothes these women are wearing!" Jodie scooted over and looked "How in the hell did they breathe?" "Got me! I would like to know how they moved with all that junk on! Well it looks like these are real old pictures." They both kept looking at the women and saw the kindness in their eyes. "I can't help but wonder about them ya know?" Nicki said while fingering the frame of one of the pictures "Wonder who they were and what happened to them?" "Got me" Jodie said. Then she pulled out more pictures, all of men.

Nicki grabbed the one from her "WOW! Look at those men! Those bodies oh my God! They don't make them like THAT anymore!" Jodie was completely uninterested, she was still to young to appreciate men, and she was full swing in the tomboy stage. "Well look at their old man there, guy looks like a mean old cuss to me. I bet he was a real asshole." "Hey he had to have something good about him to have sons that looked like that! It would almost be worth putting up with the old man to fall in lust with his sons if you ask me." Jodie looked at Nicki, "Who do you think you're kidding you ain't ever been with a man yet." "So I still can fantasize about them, and that guy in black is worth a fantasy or two. Oh well your still a little child you don't understand" "I'm not a little kid! I just don't get all goo goo eyed over every guy that walks the streets like you do!" Nicki looked at her "You are a little kid, if you still don't know what I'm talking about, once you've grown up you'll see what I see in men. I think I'm gonna keep this picture it's something worth hanging on to" She then put it in her bag.

Jodie looked back into the chest. "Well so much for there being riches in here, hey there's one more thing." She pulled out a package all wrapped up. She then ripped the paper off of it, and it was a little box, "Looks like one of them old fashioned music box's to me" said Nicki as her interest was brought back to the contents of the chest. "It's stuck" Jodie said trying to pry it open. "Here I'll hold the bottom you try and pull it open" offered Nicki, they finally got the box open, when suddenly they heard a bolt of lightening and all the candles went out and a bright light flashed in front of them blinding both of them.

They both woke up at the same time, sitting on the side of the road, standing up hesitantly, Nicki looked around and Jodie as usual was the first to speak "What happened? And where in the hell are we?" Nicki was just as confused, "I have no idea. But we have to get away from this road before the cops find us!" They started off walking when they saw a man approaching on a horse, they hid behind a tree, after he passed, Jodie laughed "Did you see that get up that guy was in?" Nicki laughed, "Yea, I think he was over doing it a bit playing cowboy! It's hot as hell out here" Jodie agreed "And I'm getting hungry." Nicki knew that was going to happen but she wasn't sure what to do. "Well we have to go find that cabin, all our stuff is in there, Including our money! And I sure as hell don't plan on wearing these shorts and T-shirts for the rest of my life." Jodie looked and they were both a bit dirty but their clothes looked fine to her.

They started walking again, when they heard someone approaching them from behind, they saw a man with an angry expression coming right at them. They both took off at a run, Nicki holding Jodie's hand as she tried to run, seeing they couldn't outrun the horse, they climbed the nearest tree, getting as far up as they could.

The man stopped and stared up at them. "What in the world are you two doing? Pa is fit to be tied! And what are you wearing? Hurry up put my jacket on and make yourself decent," he yelled up at them as he tossed his jacket to them. Jodie looked at him then Nicki, and Nicki looked at Jodie, neither of them answering him, Nicki leaned over to Jodie, "My god Jodie he looks like the guy in the picture!" Jodie looked again, and realized she was right. Jodie being the one who feared nothing or no one and the one who didn't think to much before speaking yelled down "I don't know who in the hell you are but you get the hell out of here right now! Or I'm calling the cops and having you arrested for trying to hurt us!" Nicki thought that sounded good to her also.

Adam looked up at them in frustration tired of their childish games, "You two have three seconds to get down from that tree, we're going home NOW! If I have to come up after you your both gonna get your rears tanned right now, you hear me? Pa's mad enough he's ready to tan you anyways. You just wait till he sees what your wearing, and where did you find something like that?"

Nicki then realized something was really wrong, "OK we're coming" she said to Adam, then she said in a low voice to Jodie "I don't know who he is, but I think this guys serious, sounds like he's a bit crazy to me though, probably escaped from the mental institution. We'll just go with him, then when we get to his Dad's house straighten this all out." Jodie wasn't to sure "What if he's one of those perverts I've heard about?" Nicki looked at her and said, "Well it's two against one, and we could beat him up and get away."

"ONE!" They heard him say.

Nicki said, "Come on, this guys serious, and hell if anything we can get a good meal out of his mistake."

"TWO"

They scurried down the tree. Adam dismounted grabbing them both by their arms; giving them a good shake "I suppose you didn't get the supplies again?"

Nicki looked at him "Hey get your damn hands off of my sister!" Jodie did what was natural she kicked him as hard as she could! He did let go of Jodie then only temporarily and she tried to run, when she felt his arm snake around her waist and pick her up off of the ground. She was hanging by his side and Nicki started hitting him, so he would release her sister. Jodie couldn't do much, so she grabbed his leg and sunk her teeth into him, and heard him yell out. She knew she hit her mark when he dropped her and grabbed his leg, in the process also letting go of Nicki. Both of the girls took off, in the process scaring his horse which took off at a full gallop. They were at a full run when they heard him behind them, both knowing he was going to catch up to them but still trying to out run him. All three hit the ground with a loud grunt when Adam tackled them. Adam was straddling Nicki pinning her arms to her sides with his legs. And holding on to Jodie with his arms wrapped around her. They were all breathing hard, when Adam spit out "You just wait till Pa here's about this, and you can bet he will hear about it!"

Nicki rarely angered but when she did she went full force, she tried to buck him off her body, screaming at him "I don't give a horses ass what you father hears buddy, you get off me and you leave my sister and me alone NOW! Else your gonna dread the day you met us, you got it!"

Adam looked down at her "Well I see you have been learning a lot of new words while you've been running the country side, you watch your language or I will personally wash your mouth out with soap. And you can quit the game of not knowing who I am. It's not going to work" After he got his breath back completely he said "Now we are all going to get up and we are going to walk back to the ranch, do you understand me?" he asked dangerously.

Nicki then realized it was a good time to listen to him, and to come up with another plan to get away. Jodie didn't realize anything except this man was trying to boss her and her sister around and she had no idea who he was.

Adam stood up, holding Jodie away from him so she couldn't bite him again. He then put his hand out to Nicki, and helped her up. Nicki resolved to go along quietly. Jodie still had some fight left, and decided to try again. She turned on Adam coming at him with both her fist punching. Adam was fed up with her game, and grabbed her and tossed her over his shoulder landing a solid blow to her backside. She screamed out, but grew silent. In that position she realized she was vulnerable.

They started walking along, Nicki kept giving Jodie worried looks, scared of what was happening. Adam pushed Nicki in front of her, "You stay ahead of me, I don't trust you unless I can see you. And I told you once before to put on my coat, your indecent!" She then put on his coat, hating it and him. She was sweating like a damn pig!

"Well, Well lets see what the two of you have to say to Pa now." he said sarcastically, when Nicki looked and saw three people approaching on horses. She was so relieved this whole mix up was going to be resolved right now, and she couldn't wait to make this man beg for her forgiveness!

Ben, Hoss and Little Joe approached, Joe leading Adams horse. They stopped their horses and Ben leaned forward in his saddle, "Adam, I see you've found the little trouble makers." He looked at Nicki with a cold stern look. Jodie attempted to twist around to see who was talking, then she said "Oh great the asshole!" Adam smirked at Ben, not saying a word. "Adam bring me that young lady right now!" Adam walked over to Ben, and Ben lifted her off his shoulder holding her in front of him, "WHAT did you say to me?" Jodie had the good sense to keep her mouth shut. Nicki started getting really confused, all of these people looked like that damn picture! This was impossible, it couldn't be happening. Where in the hell were the cars? Could they have traveled back in time? That only happened on TV!

Her thoughts were interrupted when Ben sat Jodie down in front of him, "Adam you put Nicole on your horse, lets get home, It looks like I have some important matters to take care of" he barked out. Adam and Nicki mounted his horse, when they took off at a gallop, Nicki was bouncing all over the saddle, her teeth felt like they were going to fall out of her head. Adam looked at her "What's your problem did you suddenly forget how to ride along with forgetting your clothes and where you were supposed to be today?" Nicki said "I've never ridden a horse in my life! In New York there isn't the need!" Adam said "OK keep up your game, and see how far you get with it, you know we're in Virginia City, Nevada!"

Nicki was quiet the rest of the trip trying her damnest to hold on to the saddle and not fall off this horse. She swore she would never get on another horse for the rest of her life.

When they rode up to the ranch, Ben and Adam slid the girls off their horses, Ben dismounted. "Nicki, Jodie get in the barn and start cleaning out the stalls now! I'll take care of you two in a minute."

They both went into the barn, they walked to the very back, and Nicki looked at Jodie, "I don't know how to tell you this but something really weird is going on Jodie, they all act like they know us! I swear to God we've walked into a loony bin!"

Jodie, kicked at a bag of feed laying on the floor watching the contents spill out from the hole she kicked, "Well I don't care who they think they are, and they can go straight to hell, I'm not staying and I'm not cleaning their stinky barn, they can't make me!"

Ben entered after hearing their exchange. Closing the barn door behind him and letting down the bar locking the door. He walked to the middle of the barn and stopped, his legs set apart his arms folding across his chest, and one of the angriest looks on his face, that either girl had ever seen on anyone. "Get over here now." He said in a deceptively low voice.

Nicki stepped forward, wary of this strange man, Jodie followed knowing it was best they stayed together. Nicki stopped a couple feet from him, it was best to keep a little safety zone where he couldn't reach them.

"Well I'm waiting for an explanation."

Nicki put her hands on her hips also, to show this man she meant business "Listen mister I don't know who you are, or those boys of yours are, but you just kidnapped me and my little sister and your looking at some jail time, I think you better apologize and let us go or your going to end up in jail for a LONG time!"

Ben raised his eyebrows "Hmm you don't remember us all of a sudden now? Interesting, you should suddenly lose your memory when your both in a lot of trouble!"

Jodie stepped out "Hey Buster! We're not kidding now you let us out of this hell hole right now! Or I'm gonna scream bloody murder, and you're gonna regret the day you came across me and my sis!"

Ben looked at both of them and realized they weren't kidding they had no idea who he was. At first he thought this was another one of their pranks to get out of trouble, but he didn't see any sign of deception on either of them, and he could always tell when Nicki was lying. "Young lady you best watch your language, you understand me?" he directed his remarks at Jodie. Jodie didn't answer him, and just gave him an angry look.

"OK well you both suddenly have amnesia, well I'll get Doc Martin out here and let's see what he says. You both come into the house and get some decent clothes on you, and as soon as you do remember you better have a good explanation for what your wearing, and you also better hope that Doc Martin finds a reason for this sudden memory loss, or else you won't be sitting for a month of Sundays!" He then walked to the barn doors, and opened the latch, "March into that house now!" They both did, but they had no idea where to go once they entered.

Ben followed them in, "Well go to your rooms and change." Nicki looked at him "It would help a bit if we knew where our so called rooms were." Ben took them upstairs to their room, "You have five minutes to get dressed and downstairs to eat, or you won't be eating dinner tonight." Then he left the room.

Chapter Two

"Geez what the hell crawled up his ass and died?" Jodie said, flopping down on her stomach on the bed. "And what is all this crap about "you wont be sitting down for a month of Sundays" Jodie lowered her voice to make it sound like Ben, causing Nicki to laugh out loud. "He can't hit us! It is against social services regulations!"

"Look Einstein, haven't you figured it out yet? This ain't New York, and it sure as hell isn't the 1990's either! I don't know how it happened, but I think we traveled back in time..these are the guys in the pictures from that trunk you found!"

"Geez what kinda cigarettes have YOU been smoking?" Jodie retorted. "People don't travel back in time! That only happens on the SCI-FI channel!"

"I haven't been smoking anything but plain old cigarettes same as you!" Nicki said, clearly annoyed with her younger sister "And the whole things sounds crazy to me too! But Jodie, that man sounded serious, I think we better go along with him for now until we can figure a way out of this!"

"Oh what the hell, it could be fun!" Jodie said, grinning. Typical tomboy, Jodie loved adventure, and this sure was looking like a good adventure

"Well we better change into some other clothes like he said then" Nicki said, assuming her big sister "I'm in charge voice" Rummaging through the dresser drawers.

"MY GOD LOOK AT THESE DRESSES!" Nicki held up this blue frilly dress in front of her and made a face.

Jodie grimaced. "YUCK!" Jumping up off of the bed she joined her sister at the dresser. Digging through a bottom drawer she managed to find a pair of pants and a shirt. "Well, they sure ain't anything I would be caught dead in, in New York, but they sure beat those dresses" Jodie was in what her social worker called a "phase" and adamantly refused to wear anything that resembled a dress.

"Well this dress isn't that bad" Nicki said, holding up a pretty yet plain looking green dress for Jodie to see. Nicki was starting to grow up and was fascinated with dresses and makeup and boys-although not enough to really WANT to wear such things. Still, this was, as Jodie said, an adventure, so why not play dress up.

"it's okay..for a DRESS" Jodie commented. Turning in a circle, well, what do you think?"

"I think you make a cute little boy" Nicki teased, ruffling her sister's short blond hair.

"THANKS!" Jodie said, taking it as a compliment. "Well lets go see what old hard ass has to say"

The two girls trooped down the stairs, Nick whispering to Jodie before they approached the table "Watch it now okay? I think he is mad enough at us as it is, don't go and get us into more trouble.'

"Hell, I ain't afraid of him" Jodie grumbled. Seeing Nicki's look of warning she said begrudgingly "Oh all right'

The two walked up to the table, standing uncertainly in front of Ben and the boys. Both were thinking the same thing, which chairs were theirs? Luckily Ben solved that mystery by saying "What are you two waiting for? Hop Sing wants to serve dinner! Pulling out the chair on his right he motioned to Jodie "Come on Jodie! Don't tell me you have conveniently forgotten where your seat was too."

Nicki grinned to herself. If Jodie had to sit next to Ben, then that must mean she gets the seat next to Adam! Even though she was completely confused by what was going on here, she still had to admit that the tall, dark clothed Adam was good looking. Giving Jodie a shove forward, Nicki quickly took her seat. Jodie scowled and stomped over to the seat next to Ben. Great, I get to sit next to the old cuss" she thought to herself, plopping herself down on the chair with great disgust.

Ben gave Jodie a stern look but said nothing. He didn't know exactly what was going on, but he sure didn't like the way these two were acting. Taking Jodie's plate he spooned some stew type stuff from the cistern Hop Sing had placed on the table and set it before her. Adam did the same for Nicki.

"What is this stuff?" Jodie said, wrinkling her nose in disgust. A notorious picky eater, if it wasn't McDonald's she wasn't going to eat it. Nicki shot her a warning look...Come on Jodie! she begged silently, For once just shut up and eat it!"

"Why its rabbit stew" Hoss Cartwright said, his jolly face smiling kindly at Jodie. "what did you think it was?"

Jodie opened her mouth to answer but Nicki, second guessing her little sister's next words said quickly "yeah Jodie! You like it, remember?" Nicki glared at her sister, then picked up her fork and bravely took a bite herself "See its good!" she said, lying through her teeth. It had to be the most vile tasting food she had ever put in her mouth.

Jodie sat back in her chair and crossed her arms in front of her, sulking. Adventure or no adventure, she was not gonna eat this stuff! She was tired and crabby and did not like this whole time travel business.

"You better eat up" Joe teased, winking at Jodie. "Before big brother Hoss here takes it all"

Jodie shook her head and said to Nicki "Come on Nicki! This whole scene sucks! Let's leave!" She moved to get up from the chair.

She didn't get far. Before Nicki could do anything to stop her sister, Ben grabbed Jodie's' arm and stopped her dead in her tracks. "Not so fast young lady! You sit yourself right back down there and eat your dinner. NOW!" Jodie shot Nicki a hurt look, seeming to say "You aren't going to let him do this to me are you?"

Despite her resolution to play along with the Cartwrights, Nicki couldn't help but be upset. No one messed with her little sister "LET HER GO!" Nicki shouted, "She said she ain't hungry!"

Ben glowered over at Nicki "You just keep quiet young lady. Your in enough trouble of your own right now. This is my house and if I say Jodie has to eat then she has to eat! You have nothing to say about it"

Nicki opened her mouth to argue back, but shut it quickly again. She hated to admit it, but she was a little afraid of this big, silver haired man. She gave Jodie a sympathetic look, as if to say "sorry Jodie, your on your own"

Ben turned back to Jodie. "I said, sit down and eat your dinner" Ben effortlessly put Jodie back on the chair with one hand. Jodie glowered at him, but stayed put. She made no move to touch the rabbit stew however. "I don't know what is going on around here, but I guarantee you I am going to get to the bottom of it! Adam, when your done eating, would you please go into town and fetch Doc Martin? I want to find out if there is anything to this amnesia the girls seem to have acquired"

"Sure pa" Adam answered, adding cynically "But I have a feeling that we will be wasting the good doctor's time."

Ben nodded in agreement, glancing sternly at Nicki and Jodie "If your right Adam then these two better have a darn good explanation for their behavior."

Nicki gulped. She knew that the Doctor was going to be more trouble than he was worth. But what could she say to explain everything and save their necks at the same time? Her mind raced...she had no idea herself what was going on how was she going to explain it to THEM??

Luckily Ben's attention had turned back to her little sister, buying Nicki some much needed time to come up with a plan.

"JODIE!" Ben said warningly. Jodie had still not even bothered to pick up her fork, let alone take a bite of the stew. Nicki sighed, there was no way anyone, even the imposing Ben Cartwright, was going to get her sister to eat if she didn't want to. She watched breathlessly to see what would happen. As she looked around the table she noted that Joe, Hoss, and Adam were also watching with keen interest.

"Young lady, it is almost seven o'clock and you haven't touched your dinner yet. I suggest you get busy, your bedtime is only an hour away!"

Jodie's eyes widened with shock. "EIGHT OCLOCK??? I AINT GOIN TO BED AT NO EIGHT OCLOCK!! WHAT THE HELL KIND OF PRISON IS THIS? ONLY BABIES GO TO BED AT EIGHT OCLOCK!"

"Watch you mouth!" Ben snapped. "Don't you EVER let me catch you using language like that again, do you understand me? If I catch you swearing again I am going to wash our mouth out with soap!" looking warningly at Nicki he added "And that goes for BOTH Of you!"

Adam grinned, barely resisting the temptation to tell Pa some of the words both Jodie AND Nicki had used when he had caught them earlier. Better to let them dig their own grave, he figured.

"And as for your bedtime, it has ALWAYS been eight o'clock ever since you came to stay here! And it is going to continue to be eight o'clock! When you reach thirteen like your sister then you can stay up till nine." Seeing Jodie's look of protest he added "AND if I hear another word out of you about it I will send you to bed even earlier!" Jodie bit her tongue and said nothing; just kicked angrily at the table leg. already small for her age, slouched down in her chair like that she looked five instead of ten.

Hoss gave her a tender look, but Joe and Adam just looked amused. As for Nicki, she gave Jodie a smug grin. Being older usually was a pain in the neck to Nicki, it was nice to have it provide her with some advantages over her little sister. Making sure Ben wasn't looking Jodie stuck her tongue out at Nicki. Nicki just rolled her eyes in response.

Adam rose from the table just then and headed for the door. "I better go get Doctor Martin before it gets too dark" He strode over to the hat rack and donned his black hat. "That is of course, if Nicki and Jodie still insist on claiming not to remember anything?"

Nicki bit her lip and shook her head. She knew the doctor wouldn't be much help to her and Jodie, but she also had no clue as to what to say to explain what was going on either. Jodie was still busy sulking to even care, so she wasn't much help.

Ben looked at both girls, waiting to see if they were going to say anything. Sighing, he just nodded at Adam. It looked like the girls were determined to cling to this crazy idea about not remembering anything. Adam winked at Nicki and went out the door.

Not long after Adam left, Hoss and Little Joe rose from the table also. "How about a game of checkers little brother?" Hoss asked, grinning at little Joe.

"Sure, if you are so anxious to lose again" Joe kidded, following Hoss into the living room and to where the checker board was set up.

"Are you finished Nicki?" Ben asked gruffly. "Hop Sing would like to clear the table" Ben had decided to just ignore Jodie, hoping that she would decide to eat once she realized she wasn't getting any attention for it. So far, his plan wasn't working.

Nicki nodded, her mind deep in thought. Pretty soon the doctor was going to be here. What was she going to do THEN?

"Then go ahead and have a seat in the living room. Adam should be back with the doctor soon" Nicki rose slowly her eyes on her sister "What about Jodie?" she asked, not wanting to leave her sister alone at the table.

"Jodie has about five minutes to finish her dinner or she is going to be one sorry little girl" Ben said threateningly. "Go on Nicki. Jodie has to do this by herself."

Reluctantly Nicki left the table, fighting back the urge to chew this guy out for being so mean to her sister. She shot Jodie a pleading look, begging her with her eyes to comply with Ben until she could figure a way out of this mess.

Jodie pretended not to see her sisters pleading look. There was no way she was gonna eat this food and that was all there was to it! Glaring at Ben she shouted "I AINT EATING THIS SO JUST FORGET IT ALREADY!! I HATE YOU AND I HATE THIS PLACE AND I'M LEAVING!" She gave her plate an angry shove, causing its contents to spill all over the table. She attempted to back up from the table but Ben grabbed her before she could get far. As Nicki watched in horror Ben picked Jodie up in his arms and headed towards the staircase. "Young lady it is time I gave you a good talking too" Ben said, his face stern and resolved.

Jodie squirmed and kicked and yelled, but to no avail. "NICKI!!" She screamed out to her sister as Ben rounded the corner and both disappeared from sight.

Nicki started towards the stairs, but Hoss reached out and latched onto her arm "I wouldn't do that Little Lady. You ain't going to help your sister none and more than likely you will just make things worse for yourself."

"But he's going to hurt my sister!" Nicki protested, struggling to break Hoss grip on her arm "LET ME GO DAMN IT!"

"Oh he ain't gonna hurt her none" Hoss scoffed "I dare say it will do her some good! And you watch you tongue missy or I will be the one to wash your mouth out with soap for you!"

Nicki gulped, intimidated by this giant of a man. Miserably she sunk into the chair between Hoss and little Joe. "How did I get into this mess" she moaned

Upstairs Ben had carried Jodie into her room and set her down on the floor. By now Jodie's face was red with anger and indignation and her eyes were filled with angry tears. "NOW Lets get you ready for bed" Ben said firmly, reaching into the bureau drawer and taking out a boys nightshirt. He shook his head, wishing that this tomboy stage of Jodie's' would pass. The doctor had said to just ignore it and eventually she would grow out of it, but Ben sometimes wondered.

When Ben turned his back to get the nightshirt out of the drawer, Jodie made a break for the door. Without even turning his head, Ben shot out one massive arm and caught her by the waist. Pulling her back to him, Ben held her firmly to his side and stood up-child in one arm and nightshirt in the other. Sitting down on the bed, he grabbed both her arms with one of his hands and began to unbutton her shirt with the other. "Since you cant manage to finish your dinner or behave civilly then the only place you belong is in bed" Ben said sternly "Maybe a week of going to bed at seven thirty will help your appetite" Jodie struggled and fought, but Ben held firm and managed to get her undressed and into the nightshirt. "Settle down!" Ben ordered, pinning Jodie between his legs and attempting to button up the nightshirt. When Jodie did not comply, Ben landed a few well aimed swats to her seat. OUCH!!" Jodie yelped, both hands flying back to rub her backside. The fight temporarily out of her, Ben managed to button the rest of the buttons with ease.

PA! DOC MARTIN IS HERE!" Little Joe's voice called up from downstairs. Taking Jodie firmly by the hand Ben stood up and led her down the hall and to the staircase. "Lets see what the doctor has to say, shall we Jodie? But once he is done looking at you, you are going straight to bed!"

Nicki was sitting miserably on the couch when Ben came down the stairs with Jodie in tow. One look at Jodie's face and Nicki knew that things had not gone well upstairs. Nicki felt like crying and yelling at the same time, what in the world was going on here? What were they doing with these people? And how in the world were they going to deal with this doctor? Nicki looked at Doc Martin out of the corner of her eye. Although small in stature, he was an imposing figure nonetheless, with his shock of white hair and black doctors bag.

"How are you doing Ben?" Paul Martin greeted, taking off his hat.

"Jodie sick?"

Ben looked at both girls, "You two go to your room and wait for the Doctor." They both went upstairs, glad to have some time alone. As soon as they shut the door, Jodie jumped on the bed, with a scowl on her face "Nicki he hit me! He's a real asshole, and I'm not staying here no matter what!" Nicki sighed and walked over to the bed and sat down, "Hold on a second Jodie, our first problem we have to figure out is the Doctor. If he says everything is okay with us, then we're gonna have to have some sort of explanation on why we don't know these people, and I don't think they'll believe us when we tell them we traveled back in time." She looked at Jodie and saw she had her full attention, "This is all I can think of doing, and neither of us are hurt. That they know of right? But, if we had a bump or two that could explain our amnesia, so we just got to get a bump or two and there we go! We're in the clear, then I'll figure out a way out of here."

Jodie looked at her like she was crazy! "You aren't going to hit me!"

"Shhh! You want them to hear us? We don't have a choice unless your want to get a beating from the old man? Now here take this brush and just give me a good whack on the head, and don't worry about hurting me, this is better than facing all of them."

Jodie took the brush and paused for a second not wanting to hurt her sister, "Come on do it!" So Jodie hit her on the head. Nicki didn't yell out, though she wanted to. She felt her head and there was a nice bump on the side of her head. "Come on I got to do it to you, and don't worry I won't hit ya real hard" Jodie grabbed a pillow and put it over her face so she didn't have to see her do it, or let them hear her. Nicki hurried and gave her a slap on the head producing the desired results. Then they smiled at each other, now they had a reason for having amnesia!

They heard the Doctor coming up the stairs, Nicki looked at Jodie, "You let me talk and you just stay quiet, your mouth has gotten us into enough trouble." The Dr. Walked into their room. Looking at the girls sitting innocently on their bed, he put down his bag, and he drew up a chair to sit in, "So I understand you two don't know who anyone is?"

"Yes, we do, I'm Nicki and this is my little sister Jodie. And those men downstairs kidnapped us and they're keeping us against our will, I want them arrested! And the old man also had the nerve to hit my sister, that's child abuse. And I'm gonna press charges. He deserves to be put in jail!"

Doc Martin could tell that Nicki was completely serious. Jodie smiled at her sister happy to see her defending her. "Yea! He also tried to get me to eat some God Awful thing and then threatened me with physical harm if I don't do as He asked! He's being a complete ass hole and I want out of here!"

Doc Martin was shocked by the language the girls were using, most men he knew didn't speak like that let alone any ladies he knew. "Okay, stop let me have a look at you two.” Jodie looked at him full of mistrust "If you try and give me a shot you're going to regret it." Nicki looked at her, "Don't worry he's not here to give us any shots."

Doc Martin did a quick check of the girls, everything seemed normal with their vitals, when he touched Jodie's head, she jumped screaming, "Damn it! That hurt!" Doc Martin felt the large lump on the back of her head, he then checked Nicki and saw her wince, and felt a lump on her head. "Okay you two you lay down, Ben will be here in a moment."

He then collected his things and walked out of the room. He stood there for a moment, shaking his head. Then went downstairs.

Nicki smiled at Jodie, "Good job! I think we convinced him"

"Who said I was acting, he did hurt me!" Jodie sulked. "Not as bad as the old man would have I bet ya." They both realized that was true.

Nicki pulled out a cigarette "You want one?" Jodie agreed, they both lit up and laid back on their beds relaxing and smoking their cigarettes.

Nicki looked over at Jodie, "I've been thinking, I think the best thing we can do for now, is try to fit in here and go along with this little game until we can find a way out of here. And I promise you I will find a way for us to get out of here, I just haven't figured out how yet." Jodie stood up flicking her ashes into a vase. "I hope so, I don't want to stay here one more minute than we have to. I don't like these people."

Downstairs Doc sat down with the cup of coffee Ben had offered him. Ben waited to hear what he had to say, "Well Ben, they both have a nasty lump on their heads, something has happened to them, I'm not sure what. Yet it does look like they have no idea who you folks are, matter fact the only people they seem to know is each other. Something has happened there isn't a doubt, it's like they are two completely different ladies. I've heard of this happening before, but I've never seen it myself. Where a sharp blow will completely change someone's personality." Ben realized the girls weren't lying and honestly had no idea who they were, and he became worried, "What can we do Paul?" Paul let out a deep sigh, "Not much we can do Ben except hope their memory does come back, usually it does. I suggest you keep a close eye on them though for now, it's like they are two total strangers and they don't know this place, you or the boys. As far as they are concerned you have kidnapped them. I'll leave you some headache powder for them, hopefully they'll start remembering what happened to them."

Ben stood up with Paul, "Thanks for coming out Paul, I do appreciate it." Paul smiled "No problem Ben, I'll come back out in a couple of days and check on them, remember though keep an eye on them. And if there's any change let me know." Paul then left.

Ben stood up by the fireplace with his hands thrust into his front pockets, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe were all silent, trying to figure out what happened. Ben said "Well I guess we were wrong, they weren't making this up. Hopefully this amnesia is over soon." No one said anything, when Hoss crinkled up his nose and started smelling the air, "Hey you guys smell smoke?" Adam and Joe jumped up realizing they did, fear streaking through them, it was every man's worst nightmare to have all they owned go up in flames. They realized it was coming from upstairs. All of them ran upstairs. Looking into each of the rooms on the way, when Little Joe opened up Nicki and Jodie's room, and a pile of smoke came billowing out of the room.

Joe yelled "Hurry get out of here you two the room is on fire!" The other men rushed to the bedroom to rescue the girls, Jodie and Nicki looked at them as if they were crazy and stayed laying on their beds.

Jodie shot out "There ain't no fire, can't someone even enjoy a cigarette?" Nicki then realized her mistake they most likely didn't approve of smoking. She hurriedly dumped her cigarette in the vase; Jodie kept hers and went to take another puff. Ben rushed over and took the cigarette out of Jodie's hand and put it out.

"Just what do you two think your doing smoking????" he asked angrily.

Jodie gave him a look as if he was daft, "What's wrong buster? We ain't doing nothin wrong.” Adam, Hoss and Joe decided to make a quick exit, before Pa blew his top, they closed the door after they exited.

Ben walked over to the window and opened it to air out the room. He tried to swallow down his anger due to what the Doctor had told him. "Okay let me explain the rules once more to you. There is no smoking, there is no lying, no cussing, and you are to do as you are told in this house. Do I make myself clear?"

Nicki was getting a bit tired of this highhanded attitude of his and retorted, "Gee are we allowed to breathe and think? Or do we need your permission for that also?" Jodie said, "No, Nicki we're supposed to be their puppets when they pull our strings we dance"

Ben looked from one to the other; enraged they were taking such an attitude. He didn't trust himself to speak right now. "Both of you go to bed! We'll discuss this in the morning!" He then walked out of their room slamming the door shut. Both girls jumped when the door slammed shut, then Nicki looked at Jodie, "I guess he didn't like our answer huh?" and they both giggled.

Ben stormed downstairs, his three sons watching his every move, none of them able to get up the nerve to say anything to him. Ben paced back and forth for a couple of minutes, opened his mouth to say something, then stopped. He walked over to the hat rack, grabbed his hat and holster, and walked out the door. A couple of minutes later, they heard him leave on his horse.

Joe sat there with complete surprise on his face, "Well I'll be! I've never seen Pa so mad that he had to leave." He was in complete awe.

Adam looked over at him, "I think you might be glad you never made him that upset. I sure wouldn't want to be those two up there. It looks like we're in for some different times in the days ahead."

The next morning, Nicki woke up Jodie, "Come on we got to get out of this place." They both hurried and dressed in pants and shirts. Nicki whispered to Jodie, "Now you act like all is fine and dandy, I'm gonna lie and say we're sticking around the house today, once they leave we're outta here!" Jodie wasn't to sure that would work, "Well they better have something worth eating this morning and not that crap they tried to get me to eat last night, I'm starving."

The girls went downstairs, Nicki noticing the time on the grandfather clock at 9a.m. Still kind of early for either of them to be up. They noticed there wasn't any smells of breakfast either, "Come one we'll just see what they got in the kitchen" they both walked in and were confronted by Hop Sing, they took a step back.

Hop Sing looked at them "You stay out of kitchen" Jodie scrunched up her face, "Hey I'm hungry and I'm going to eat now!" Nicki looked at her helplessly, realizing that Jodie didn't realize you could get more by asking people politely instead of demanding things. She smiled at Hop Sing, "I'm sorry sir, my little sister is real hungry, I was just going to get her something to eat, that's all." Hop Sing gave them both a stern look not wanting them in his kitchen, "You go wait, I cook bleakfast." The girls walked out into the living room, and Nicki said "Heck that ain't so bad we got someone to cook for us." Jodie looked up at her, "Well hell, look what he made last night, if that's what we can expect I'm gonna die of starvation."

"Stop being so fussy and you won't starve."

A half hour later they were done eating both of them stuffed. Nicki and Jodie walked out, a bit suspicious that no one was around. Jodie said, "come on lets get some horses." Nicki stopped walking "there is no way I'm riding one of those damn things again! I hated it when I was on it yesterday and plus my butt hurts from being tossed all over the place, we can walk." Jodie turned on her with her hands on her hips, "Fine! You walk I'm getting a horse!" Then she stomped off into the barn. Nicki went after her, "You know if this is really the 1800"s they'll hang you for stealing a horse." Jodie paused for a moment, "They got to catch me first." Nicki knew it was useless and decided she mize well help her.

After they finally got two horses saddled, they took a peak out of the barn not seeing anyone they both got on their horses. Nicki riding a big old buckskin and Jodie riding a beautiful roan. Neither of them realizing they were taking Ben and Adam's horses. Nicki said, "OK! Let's go!" They went charging out of the barn, and galloping down the road, both happy they had escaped. Nicki turned around and saw Ben Cartwright yelling at them, and she pulled her horse up along side Jodie, "Hurry! Hard ass is yelling, and he's going to be coming after us!" They both bent low slapping the horses with their reins, running into the forest. And hoping they could lose them.

After an hour when they didn't hear anyone. They finally pulled up. Both of them barely able to move, since they weren't use to riding. They slid off the horses and collapsed on the ground. Jodie looked at Nicki, her eyes brightened with excitement

"We did it! We got away from Hard Ass and his bossy boys! This is so Kewl! It's like playing Cowboys and Indians, only they’re the bad guys!" Nicki laughed, "Yea you're right but we best make sure they don't catch us, I think if they do we might get scalped. Now we just have to figure out where in the hell to go."

Ben was outraged, when he saw the girls leaving with his and Adam's horse. He was going to have their hides when he got a hold of them. "ADAM!" he bellowed, Adam came walking out the door, "Yea Pa?" Ben glared at him, "Well I'm glad you decided to keep an eye on the girls."

Adam just looked at him confused, not understanding. Ben continued, "They just left with your horse and mine!" A look of shock flashed across Adam's face, he strode into the barn and saw their horses were missing Ben went in after him. Adam was saddling two horses and when he mounted up he said, "You just wait till I get my hands on them the one thing they won't need to worry about is sitting!" Adam and Ben took off after the runaway girls.

Jodie and Nicki were lounging underneath a big oak tree in the middle of a field when they saw two riders in the distance approaching fast. "Wonder where they are going?" Jodie asked with casual interest. Lighting another cigarette she commented. "As if ole hard ass told us we couldn't smoke."

"I dunno...you don't think that it is THEM do you?" Nicki asked, frowning. Taking a cigarette out of her pocket she lit up too.

"Naw...." Jodie replied, pausing to take another drag of her cigarette. "I bet ya they finally realized that they are no match for us!"

Nicki laughed out loud. "Hell Jodie! You alone are enough to scare anybody! Even Ben Cartwright"

"Yeah well, all that bouncing around from foster home to foster home got me all fed up with trusting any o'l adult. I figure me and you can take care of ourselves" Jodie expertly flicked an ash on the ground and then stepped on it. "You know, we are almost out of smokes Nicki, do ya think there is a store nearby that sells em?"

Nicki didn't answer, her attention focused on the fast approaching riders. "You know, that guy on the left, he kinda looks like that Adam dude"

Jodie stood up to get a better look "Gee Nicki, I think you are right! I don't like this Nicki, not at all" Jodie shuddered, remembering her run in with "old hard ass." She had a feeling that that was only a small taste of what he was capable of if he was really mad.

"Me either!" Nicki said, her heart sinking. Her mind raced to come up with some solution to this impending dilemma.

"HELL!" Jodie swore, "Let's get out of here Nick"

Nicki rose reluctantly to her feet. The thought of having to get back on that big old buckskin and riding again was not one she particularly liked. "I dunno Jodie. They are much better riders than we are, they will probably catch up with us anyway."

Jodie gave her sister a disgusted look. "geez Nicki! We gotta try! We can't just sit here and LET them catch us!"

"But Jodie if we take off and they catch us ANYWAY, and you know they will, we are just going to be in that much more trouble!" Nicki stood there glowering down at her sister-totally frustrated with the situation and her little sister as well. "I SWEAR YOU NEVER THINK!"

The girls were so focused on their argument that they did not see the two men ride up until it was too late to run off.

DAMN IT NICKI!" Jodie snapped. "NOW WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO?!?"

Nicki opened her mouth to snap back at her sister, but before she could speak Ben and Adam had rode up and jumped quickly down from their mounts. Moving quickly, Adam grabbed a hold of Nicki and held her with her arms pinned at her sides. At the same time that Adam captured Nicki, Ben got a hold of Jodie and held her tight in a similar position.

"All right girls. Your little adventure has officially ended" Ben said, holding Jodie so firmly that she couldn't struggle.

"YOU LET ME GO! I MEAN IT YOU LET ME GO" Jodie screamed, her red face matching her inflamed temper.

"YEAH! LET US GO!" Nicki said, panicking because she could not break Adam's grip no matter how hard she tried.

"Oh no" Adam said quietly "You aren't going anywhere but back to the ranch. And I bet once your there you wont be going anywhere for a long time"

"Adam's right" Ben said, giving Nicki a stern look "And it will be an even longer time before you two ride any horse, stolen or not. Come on Adam, let's reclaim our horses and get these two back to the ranch. I have a few things to make clear to these two. Not the least is how wrong it is to steal horses." Ben lifted Jodie up in his arms and marched her over to Buck. Tossing her up on the saddle, Ben quickly mounted up himself-to ensure that she had no time to scramble back down and light out. Adam followed suite, deftly putting Nicki up on Sport, and climbing up behind her.

"PUT ME DOWN DAMN IT" Jodie yelled, twisting her neck to try and bite Ben's hand.

"Look out PA! She bites" Adam warned, seeing what Jodie's intentions were. Ben quickly moved his hand out of biting range, shouting "DONT YOU DARE!" Jodie, seeing her chance, attempted to toss herself over the side of the horse-she was stopped short by Ben, who grabbed onto the back of her jeans and held fast. With one hand he effortlessly lifted her back up on the saddle. Ben wrapped his arms around the girl in such a way that she was rendered immobile. "And I have had it with that filthy mouth of yours Jodie. When we get home I think I had better find Hop Sing's bar of soap. A good dose of that might help you think twice before you open your mouth to cuss" Jodie glowered, but said nothing.

Nicki watched all of this with a mixture of amusement and horror. She had to hand it to her sister-she may be short on forethought, but she sure didn't lack gumption. Nicki too was fighting back, but in a different way. She decided she was just going to keep her mouth shut and plan a more elaborate escape for sometime in the future. The near future she hoped. It was clear to her that there was no social services in the 1860's that enforced a law of no corporal punishment of foster children. That put the Cartwrights at a distinct advantage over her and her sister.

With the spare horses in tow, Ben and Adam turned their horses towards the Ponderosa. Nicki gritted her teeth as the horses started to run, wishing desperately that cars had been invented earlier than they had. Or that at least these saddles came with cushions.

When Adam and Ben rode into the yard with the two young fugitives, Joe and Hoss were sitting on the porch.

"Well, well, well" Joe said giggling. "What kind of animals did you two catch? Look too skinny to eat, don't ya think Hoss?"

Hoss laughed heartily "yeah they do at that Joe"

Adam smiled wryly. "Very funny you two. At least Pa and I have been doing something, instead of lazing around on the porch all day. Did you two happen to get those horses shoed?" he asked, grinning evilly

Joe and Hoss shot Adam a murderous look. "You had to bring that up didn't you big brother,” Joe said with disgust.

"Never mind who brought it up" Ben growled, "You two just better get it done. I have enough problems taking care of these two, I sure don't need to be parenting full grown men as well."

Joe and Hoss smiled weakly and scurried off to the barn. When Pa was in as foul a mood as he was, the best thing to do was stay out of his way. As they walked by Adam's horse, Joe gave Nicki a sly wink; who replied with a scowl.

Ben and Adam dismounted and lifted both girls down from the horses.

"You can let me go I ain't goin nowhere!" Nicki said sullenly, jerking her arm out of Adam's grip. "You just make sure you don't" Adam warned, his hands on his hips. Nicki glared at him, but said with great reluctance. "I wont"

"How about you? You going to behave if I put you down or am I going to have to carry you in the house" Ben asked Jodie.

Jodie answered him by trying once again to bite him.

"I guess that's your answer Pa" Adam said, trying not to smile at the sight of this little slip of a child taking on the large, authoritarian, Ben Cartwright. Ben gave Adam a look of exasperation and tightened his grip on Jodie. "Let's get these two inside before anything else happens" Ben said, clearly annoyed.

Once inside the doors of the house, Ben headed towards the kitchen with Jodie in tow. "Adam, you take Nicki up to her room and try and keep her there until I get there" he said over his shoulder to Adam, as he rounded the corner of the dining room and disappeared into the kitchen.

Nicki went to follow Ben and Jodie, when Adam attempted to take her by the arm to lead her upstairs, she backed away from him, "Don't you DARE lay a hand on me, I'm going to help my sister, she needs me!" Adam took another step towards her and Nicki backed up against the wet bar, she reached behind herself and grabbed the first thing she could which was a bottle of Port Wine, "I mean it, you come near me I'm gonna bust this over your head." Adam was getting tired of the games, he stopped walking and put his hands on his hips his anger clearly showing in his face and voice, "Nicki you put that down right now, or I promise you I'm going to put you over my knee." Nicki hesitated for a second trying to decide what to do, but she had to protect her sister, no one hurt her sister, and it was her job to take care of her. "You try it Adam Cartwright, just try it. I told you I'm going after my sister, I suggest you leave me be."

Nicki then heard Jodie let out a loud scream, she turned her head and looked over towards the kitchen, Adam took that second to jump and he grabbed her by the arm, squeezing tighter and tighter till she had to let go of the bottle. She was defenseless and knew it, Adam grabbed her by both arms attempting to drag her over to the couch, she had to escape, she kicked him as hard as she could in the shin, he bent over letting out a low growl, and she ran towards the kitchen yelling out "Jodie! I'm coming!"

She ran into the doorway and saw Jodie sitting on the counter, Ben standing over her with a bar of soap, and Jodie's mouth sealed tight. Ben turned to see what the commotion was, "Jodie! RUN!" screamed Nicki, to late for Jodie to get away, Ben had his hand securely around her wrist, he wasn't about to let her get away. Nicki was about to launch into Ben, when she felt a steel grip circle her waist and lift her up, and she was tossed over Adam's shoulder. She started screaming, kicking and pounding his back with her fist "You let me down!! Right now damn you! Get your hands off of me,” She wailed.

Ben looked over at Adam and the struggling Nicki, and tried to hide his grin of amusement, "Adam, I trust you can take care of Nicki for me in this instance?"

Adam grinned at Ben, "With sincere pleasure Pa." And he started walking away, Nicki yelled out "I don't need you to take care of me, I can take care of Jodie and myself just fine without your help." Adam started up the steps with Nicki still over his shoulder, "The type of care your going to get from me right now, is the type you have been needing for a long time, and I'm just the man to administer it. Especially after you two stole our horses."

He walked into her room and kicked the door shut with a loud bang. Walking over to the bed, he sat down and lifted her off his shoulder, and just as swiftly laid her across his lap pinning her arms against her body, Nicki was in complete shock no one had ever spanked her, and as far as she was concerned no one was going to without a fight, she started struggling against him, when she felt a hard slap against her bottom, she screamed out, more in anger than pain. "STOP IT!" she yelled, and he delivered another slap, and kept them coming in fast succession, she stopped protesting and started crying laying defeated across his lap, the tears flowing from her, "Are you done misbehaving now? And are you ready to listen to what your told?" Adam questioned in between spanks, Nicki cried out she was, he then gave her three more slaps. And stood her up.

Adam then stood up, "I guess I should say that hurt me more than it did you? Well it didn't, matter fact it felt pretty good to me to give it to you. I won't tolerate the type of misbehavior you have been demonstrating around here lately, I suggest you straighten up right here and now, If you don't It won't bother me in the least to put you over my knee again. You stay up here and think about it." He then strode out the door, Nicki laid down on her bed completely humiliated and angry. She hated him so much. She was going to get him back for this if it was the last thing she did. She had completely forgotten what Jodie was going through.

While Adam was upstairs with Nicki, Jodie sat on the counter refusing to open her mouth, there was no way in hell she was going to let him wash her mouth out with soap. That was against the law! Well at least the laws she knew. Ben stood there for a moment glaring at her, "Okay Jodie, have it your way." Jodie wasn't to sure what he meant. Was he just going to let her go? Then Ben held her wrist tighter and practically dragged her off the counter. Leading her into the living room, He sat down in his chair; "I have warned you and warned you, so now we'll do it your way." He then pulled her over his lap, Jodie was horrified realizing what he intended to do, she started bucking her body and kicking "Put me down now!" then he delivered the first blow, and she screamed out in pain, his hands were big and covered her whole bottom with some to spare. "Stop it, Ouch!" another blow came down, and tears started flowing from her eyes, "Stop it! I hate you let me go! Nicki!" she screamed as he kept spanking her "I don't care if you hate me young lady, you will obey me or you will get spanked!" he growled out between blows. Not letting up, Jodie stopped struggling and was sobbing, "I'm sorry, I promise I'll be good. Please stop." Ben resolved not to let her tears affect him, she had been asking for this in more ways than one. When he finally felt she learned her lesson, he stood her up, "Get to your room now, and don't let me hear a peep out of you until I come up and get you." Jodie was more than happy to comply and ran up the stairs.

Hoss and Joe stood in the doorway of the barn, Joe giggled "Gee Hoss sounds like Adam and Pa have started up a tanning party!” Hoss looked over at Joe "Yea, I sure wouldn't want to be either Jodie or Nicki. I'm surprised Adam stayed around."

"I got a feeling he didn't have much choice there, he sure does sound like he's giving it to Nicki though." Hoss started feeling uncomfortable, hearing the girls crying, "Come on Joe, lets get this work done." Joe grinned and walked back into the barn, "Well at least for once I'm not the one in trouble."

Jodie went running into the room, tears streaming down her face, she climbed into bed with Nicki, laying down beside her, Nicki put her arm around her. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you Jodie, I tried." Jodie was sniffling and her body was shaking, "he hit me!" she wailed out. Nicki kept patting her on the back, "I know Jodie, if it helps any, I got the same from Adam."

Jodie stopped crying, "so NOW do you still think he's cute?" Jodie asked referring to Adam, Nicki looked at her "Well he is cute, but I also hate him! He's going to pay for this just you wait and see. He's going to regret ever touching me!" After a couple of minutes, Nicki looked at Jodie, "Jodie, I've been thinking, we're going about this all wrong, if we keep this up all we're gong to accomplish is getting ourselves in trouble."

Jodie sat up not understanding what Nicki was saying. Nicki continued, "I think the best thing we can do is try to be agreeable and do as they ask, then once they trust us, we can get away. I'm thinking if they trust us they'll leave us alone. I still can't figure out how we go back to the 1990's though."

Jodie looked at Nicki with her mouth wide open "What in the hell is wrong with you Nicki? There is NO WAY I'm going to listen to the Ass hole! He doesn't own me, and he doesn't have a right to tell me what to do. Let alone to spank me! I'm hitting the road as soon as I can!" She then folded her arms across her chest.

Nicki looked down at her, "Fine! You do what you want Jodie, but don't count on me trying to bail you out of trouble! You make your bed you sleep in it! If you would just listen to me we could do this together." Nicki saw that Jodie was completely ignoring her, oh well, she thought, I'm not going to get spanked again, let her deal with it.

Jodie got up from the bed and stood sulking at the window. She couldn't believe that her sister even dared to suggest going along with these people! Nicki and her and always been a team, and now it looked like Nicki planned on bailing on her and leaving her on her own. Jodie's lower lip trembled and her eyes threatened to let a few tears escape. She had never been on her own before without Nicki. And, although she would never admit it, she wasn't all that sure she could handle Ben Cartwright. Angrily she rubbed her eyes and set her jaw; resolving to tough it out and get the hell out of Dodge as soon as the first opportunity arose.

Nicki watched her sister with mixture of annoyance and frustration. Why couldn't Jodie see that her way was the only way to go? Sighing, Nicki laid back down and stared at the ceiling. Jodie will find out soon herself, the hard way as usual. Besides even if they managed to get away from the Cartwrights, they still had no way to get back to the future. At least, if they hung around here until they figured it all out they would have a place to stay and food to eat.

A knock on the door interrupted the silence. "Yeah?" Jodie said, answering the knock in a sullen voice. The door opened slowly to reveal a somewhat more calm, but obviously still angry, Ben Cartwright. With a purposeful stride he stepped into the room and stood surveying the site. "Nicki, sit up please. Jodi come away from the window and sit with your sister. I want to talk to both of you." Nicki, eager to start her new plan of cooperation, quickly complied with Ben's wishes. Jodie, however, hesitated, not wanting to give Ben the satisfaction of her obeying him, and also not wanting to give him cause to spank her again. She could still feel the effects of the last one, thank you very much!

Ben made the decision for Jodie by gently, yet firmly, reaching out and taking her arm; directing her to sit down next to Nicki. Jodie tensed her muscles at his touch, but went along begrudgingly. Once he had the girls where he wanted them, Ben took a minute to study the situation. Not one too easily thrown off balance, he had to admit that he was unsure of what to do in this situation. Sighing, he decided that the best thing and only thing he could do was get them under control and then, once he got their attention, try to build a relationship with them.

"I am not going to waste my time going over the events of the day. I think the results speak for themselves. It should be obvious to you both what will and will not be tolerated around here. Ultimately, only you can decide whether you are going to cooperate with us and try to enjoy your stay here and the love and affection we have to share with you; or if you are going to fight us all the way, making yourselves and us miserable in the process. In the long run you will hurt yourselves far more than you will hurt us. And I am not just talking about your backsides either." Ben allowed a small smile to escape his lips when he saw the girls uncomfortable expressions at the thought of the spankings they had just endured.

"I am not as unreasonable man, as you might think" Ben said, directing his gaze at Jodie in particular. He had a feeling that of the two Jodie was going to be the more difficult to win over.

"If you ever feel you are being treated unfairly, speak to me. As long as you are respectful and polite I will be glad to listen to what you have to say" Ben stressed the words respectful and polite-hoping that they might get the hint.

"I want you, we all want you, to be happy here. But it is a two way street, you two have got to work at it too. And I will tell you right now, cussing, lying, being disrespectful, and disobeying me is not going to get you any farther than upended over my knee and restricted to your room." Ben fixed them both with a stern glare. Turning to focus his gaze on Jodie he said. "And as for you young lady. You get this into your head; you are ten years old, not twenty, and not even thirteen. So your bedtime will be earlier and your unsupervised free time will be less. Ten years old is far too young to be running around the countryside like a wild Indian." Ben paused waiting to see what Jodie would say. Jodie surprisingly said nothing, just glowered. Ben took that as a sign of progress, but Jodie just figured since she was bailing as soon as she could, she didn't have to bother with the old hard ass.

Nicki grinned. As much as she hated being here, she had to admit that she liked the advantages being older seemed to get her in this family. Her grin quickly disappeared however when Ben directed his next words towards her. "Don't be so quick to smile young lady. Being older not only brings with it more freedom, it also brings more responsibility." Ben did not elaborate on what those responsibilities were, but Nicki had a sinking feeling that whatever they were, she wasn't going to like them.

"Hop Sing will have dinner ready shortly. I am sure that after all the excitement you two have had today you must be hungry. I expect you to be washed up and at the table in fifteen minutes." With that said, Ben left the room and headed downstairs.

Once Ben left the room, Jodie turned and glared at her sister. "And you expect me to go along with that old cuss?" she asked incredulously, flopping dramatically backwards and staring at the ceiling. "What in the hell is WRONG with you Nicki? You NEVER used to want to go along with any old adult. Now you are acting like some suck up or something!" Jodie glared at her sisters back.

"Oh SHUT UP,” Nicki said, not wanting Jodie to know that her criticism hurt as much as it did. "I AM NOT A SUCK UP! I am just TRYING to save our asses here until we can figure away back to the 90's! It would be nice if you would help me out instead of causing more problems!" Nicki stood up to head downstairs to eat. "Or maybe old hard ass should spank you again." she said meanly, flouncing out the door.

Jodie stood up and looked for something to throw at Nicki and grabbed the vase on the nightstand, but by that time Nicki had gone out the door already. Putting the vase down with a violent slam, Jodie burst into angry tears and tossed herself face down on the bed. The whole thing was just too much for her to take-for all her street smarts she was still just a ten-year-old kid. She was miserable and just wanted to go back to New York even if it meant going back into foster care. She sobbed into her pillow, heartbroken.

Nicki came downstairs and quietly took her seat. She smiled shyly at the others, and was pleased to see Little Joe give her a twinkling wink back. Ben even smiled, pleased at the apparent change in Nicki's behavior.

"Where's Jodie?" Ben asked, "Didn't she come downstairs with you?"

"Gee I don't know where she is" Nicki said, eyes wide and innocent. "I thought she was right behind me" "Maybe she isn't hungry" she added helpfully. Come ON Jodie! She begged silently. "He isn't going to like this!"

Ben stood up. "Well whether she is hungry or not is not the issue. She belongs at the table with the rest of us." Heading to the stairs he said over his shoulder "Go ahead and start without me. I am going up to see what is going on with Jodie."

"You heard Pa! Lets dig in!" Hoss said, "Here Nicki, give me your plate, I'll fill it up for you!" he offered generously.

"Just remember she is only thirteen, she doesn't eat as much as you do Hoss" Adam chided. Little Joe and Hoss laughed in amusement; overjoyed to find Nicki join in with them.

Upstairs Ben entered the bedroom to find Jodie crying on the bed. Wonder what she is crying for?" Ben thought, puzzled. "Surely it can't still be over that spanking" Approaching quietly Ben sat down on the edge of the bed and placed his hand on Jodie's back "What's wrong Jodie?" he asked, kindly.

Jodie stiffened for a moment, suspicious of his kind tone. Then, for some reason, she found herself crying even harder. "N..N..Nothing" she choked out.

Ben reached down with both hands and gently picked Jodie up setting her in his lap. Cradling her he said nothing, just waited for her to be ready to talk. To his surprise, and to Jodie's, she let him hold her.

"Come now, tell me what the tears are for" Ben said. "If this is about what happened earlier, forget about it. It's over and done with. Let's just look to the future, shall we?"

Jodie sat up and rubbed her eyes "BUT I DONT WANT TO GO TO BED AT EIGHT! AND I DONT WANT TO EAT RABBIT STEW! AND NICKI IS BEING A BITCH!" she moaned.

Ben gave Jodie a stern look "What did you say about your sister?" He said, a warning note in his voice.

Jodie, finding that she liked the comfort of being held, even if it was from old hard ass, muttered "sorry" Granted it was not much of an apology, but it was a huge effort for Jody. Ben realized this, and decided to let it pass-this time.

"I know that it is hard for you to understand why I ask you to do some things. But you are just going to have to trust me when I say that these rules are for your own well-being. I'm older than you Jodie and I know a lot more about the world than you do" Ben explained.

"Wanna Bet?" Jodie muttered to herself. She rubbed her eyes tiredly. It had been a long day with a lot of changes and she just didn't want to think about it anymore. As her stomach growled she realized she was, indeed hungry as well as tired.

Ben grinned. "Sounds like you need to get something in that tummy before that bear gets really mad in there" Ben stood up with Jodie in his arms and gave her a big grin. "What do you say we go downstairs and see what Hop Sing has for us to eat? I promise it isn't rabbit stew tonight!" he assured, setting Jodie on her feet.

Jodie giggled, surprised and delighted to find that the stern looking Ben Cartwright could be funny. Not to mention cuddly, she thought with embarrassment. But I am still not going to hang around here or do what I don't want to do!" She resolved to herself, not quite willing to relinquish control to Ben. Still, might as well enjoy this while it lasts, she decided, letting Ben take her by the hand and lead her downstairs.

Nicki about fell over when she saw Jodie come down the stairs with Ben Cartwright, holding his hand and smiling. Ben's sons exchanged surprised looks which quickly turned into grins.

"Hey there Jodie, glad you could join us!" Adam said smiling kindly.

Jodie blushed and ducked her head, causing Ben and he others to laugh. "Come along Jodie. I don't know about you but I am starving! " Ben said, walking her over to her chair and sitting her down. Seating himself he added "Besides, you two have to eat up so you have enough strength for school tomorrow"

"SCHOOL?!?!" both girls exclaimed together, shocked and horrified at the thought. They had managed to avoid school all of their lives-Jodie could barely even read ! How were the going to skip school in the 1860'S!?!?!?

Both girls looked at each other, horrified at the thought of going to school. Nicki decided to try to talk about this, she knew there was no way she was going to go, and Jodie wouldn't either. She set down her fork, suddenly loosing her appetite, then she looked at Ben, Jodie watched her, surprised how grown up her sister looked, "I think we need to discuss this school thing." Ben glanced over at Nicki, seeing she was ready to argue about it, "No, there will not be any discussion about this, Nicki, you will be going to school, and you will not disobey me on this, do I make myself clear?" Ben waited for an answer from Nicki, watching her make a decision. "Fine. Have it your way" she replied sarcastically, getting a slight nudge and a warning look from Adam who sat next to her.

She still wasn't going though and they couldn't make her, she thought to herself. Ben saw the admonishment that Adam gave her so he disregarded her tone, "One more thing Nicki, since you’re the oldest it's your responsibility to keep your little sister out of trouble." Nicki felt herself getting angrier with this, it wasn't fair she had to make sure Jodie was good! Course that means she might get in more trouble, if she let Jodie skip school with her. They won't find out, that's it we'll just hide it from them, Nicki resolved.

Dinner was soon finished; the atmosphere changed from relaxed to filled with tension. Jodie and Nicki trading glances, and Nicki trying to let Jodie not to worry it would all work out.

Ben walked over to his chair and sat down with his pipe and paper, when he looked at Nicki, "I think you two should go to bed now, since you have to get up early. Oh one more thing, you will be escorted to school until I'm sure I can trust you two to make it on your own." Jodie felt herself ready to explode; yet she saw the warning look Nicki gave her telling her not too. Both girls headed upstairs, when Ben looked up at them, "Don't you two have something to say? You know I don't condone rudeness in this house." They stopped and said Goodnight, then continued up the steps.

Ben stared up after them, "Little Joe, you’re to escort them to school tomorrow and you make sure they get there, you understand?" Joe looked up at Ben, "Yes Pa. Do I have to take them every day?" Ben looked over at him, "Yes, until I give you further notice. I don't need them playing hooky or finding trouble on the way to school." Joe let out a deep sigh, resenting the baby-sitting job he was just given, but knowing he had no choice in the matter.

As soon as they entered their room, Jodie turned on Nicki, "Well Miss. Suck up now what are we going to do!" Nicki walked over to the dresser pulling out her nightclothes, and glared at Jodie, "Either you stop calling me that or I WILL make you go to school." Jodie looked apologetically at Nicki, "sorry.” Nicki slipped her nightgown on. "Okay, I'm not going to this stupid school and I know you don't want to go either, what you need to understand Jodie is we need them to think we're going along with what they want. Otherwise they're going to watch us like hawks. So we will go to the school, we just won't go in it." she grinned, Jodie then smiled "Yea, that way we are doing what we were told to, go to school!" She giggled. "Yep! That's it! But Jodie we have to be careful they don't find out, so you watch your mouth and your temper. And just start playing along. We'll get out of this soon."

Jodie looked at her and figured she could try it Nicki's way at first if it didn't work she was leaving. "How are we going to get back to the 1990's?"

Nicki gently sat down on the bed, her rear still stinging. She slumped her shoulders and said "I have no idea how Jodie, I wish I knew how, but I don't." That scared Jodie, Nicki always had all the answers, and she knew she could depend on her. This was the first time Nicki didn't have the answer and didn't know what to do. Hopefully she would come up with a solution soon. The girls were tired from the day they had, and both fell asleep.

The next morning Ben came in and woke the girls up at 5:30, Nicki rolled over seeing it wasn't hardly light out, her and Jodie liked to sleep in, she just grumbled and rolled back over to get some sleep. Ben shook his head; he had never seen two girls who hated getting up in the morning more than these two. He smiled to himself; this was going to be hard on the girls until they became use to the schedule. He then woke them up again, and made sure they were out of their beds before he left the room. The girls silently got dressed, neither of them ever talkative in the morning. They came stomping down the stairs clearly showing their disdain at being up this early, let along having to go to school.

Ben was sitting at the table, he looked up at them, but decided to let their insolence go for now, he wanted them to be in a good mood for their first day of school. He then noticed they were both wearing pants instead of dresses that was pushing him to far. "Ladies, you can turn around right now go back to your room and get some dresses on for school. I won't have you going into town looking like two street urchins." Jodie and Nicki both looked at him defiance clearly written on their faces, Ben gave them a hard stare that they knew meant he wouldn't back down on this. So they turned around Nicki going first, and Jodie followed stomping loudly so everyone knew she was mad at this. Ben cocked his head and grinned, well he was getting somewhere with them.

They came back down 10 minutes later, both in dresses, Jodie looking like a duck out of water, and hating the dress, wearing a scowl on her face. Ben smiled at them "Much better, you two look quite beautiful." Jodie glared at him, if he meant that as a compliment it didn't help her disposition one bit. She sat down at the table clearly sulking.

Adam, Hoss and Little Joe came down the stairs, seeing them in dresses, Hoss kidded "Well I'll be who are these two strangers?" they all smiled except for Jodie, Nicki was finding she kind of liked the attention and she did feel pretty. Jodie had enough "I ain't no stranger and I hate this dress!" Ben looked at her sharply, "Young Lady that's enough." he warned. Jodie had the good sense to hold her tongue. The others started filling their plates with Hop Sings scrambled eggs and bacon. Ben said, "Jodie, Nicki, Joe will be taking you to school, I think you can handle getting home on your own. You just be sure you come straight home ya hear?" Nicki looked at Ben, "Yes sir, we won't be late." They hurried to finish their meal, Hop Sing brought out their lunches he had packed for the girls.

The surrey was hitched up already for them, and the girls got in, Nicki taking the reins and Little Joe following on his horse. The girls weren't happy Joe was coming and he didn't want to escort them either, he hated baby-sitting. They approached the schoolhouse, and Joe saw the other kids. "Okay you two, you don't get in any trouble, you understand me?" They shook their heads yes, "I'll see you this afternoon when you get home." He happily left them, glad to be able to escape the two troublemakers.

Nicki and Jodie pretended like they were going into the schoolhouse until Joe was out of sight, then hopped back into the surrey and took off. As soon as they were in the woods, they both took off their dresses revealing their pants and shirts underneath, they both laughed, realizing they had pulled a fast one and no one would ever know! "Come on Jodie, we'll go swimming today, instead of being locked up in that dumb old school house." The girls had a fun time that day, swimming, playing, and laughing. At three they gathered their things together, and put their dresses back on checking each other over to make sure they looked okay. They then started home.

When they arrived home everyone was gone and they went up to their room. Happily talking and laughing about the day they had, Jodie was even warming to the idea of staying here if she could spend the whole day playing like today.

At dinner that night as they were all eating, Ben casually looked at the girls, "How was school today?" Nicki glanced at Jodie, and then she pasted a fake smile on her face "Just fine, sir." Ben looked over at Jodie "Any problems?" Jodie shook her head no; not daring to speak knowing her voice might crack and make him wonder why. At least she had food in her mouth and a good excuse for not talking. Ben took a sip of his wine, "Well girls I have some news." they both stopped eating looking at each other, scared he knew they didn't go to school. No one caught the looks the girls exchanged. "What's your news pa?" Adam asked his interest peaked.

Ben beamed at the girls; happy to finally tell them the news "I'm going to Carson city tomorrow I'll be there for a couple days, for some business." Both girls started breathing again, relieved he didn't know they weren't in school. They were only half listening to him now they knew they hadn't been caught, when Nicki heard him say something, "Pardon me?" she questioned. "You really must learn to pay attention Nicki,” he mildly scolded, "As I was saying, Jules sent me a telegram today, all the paper work is in order, the waiting period is up and I'm gong to Carson City to sign the final adoption papers for you two. In two days you will legally be my children."

Little Joe yelled out "Hot Diggity! PA! That's great!" and they all started talking at once, Ben noticed Jodie had quieted down and wasn't chatting away about the news as he expected. He could tell she was troubled. He leaned over and took her hand, and she looked up at him and he saw the tears in her eyes. He then stood up leading her from the table, "Come on Jodie let's go talk in private."

They went in her room, and Jodie went to her bed and sat down, Ben closed the door, looking at her, confused by her reaction. "What's wrong Jodie?" Jodie glanced at him, and then mumbled "Nothing." She sat there with her shoulders sagging and her body slumped over. Ben walked over to her bed and sat down beside her, he then picked her up and sat her sideways on her lap, wrapping his arms around her. He could hear her breathing raggedly and knew she was ready to start crying.

"Nothing?" he questioned. He then slowly rocked her back and forth; he realized under her tough demeanor was a scared little girl who was desperate for love. He felt her take a deep breath and he waited for her to start talking, knowing she would eventually, she then laid her head against his chest, "does this mean we won't be going to another foster home?" Ben then realized what she was scared about, and quickly attempted to put her fears to rest.

"Yes, Jodie this will be your home forever, and I will be considered your father."

"You mean you can't kick us out all of a sudden? Or beat us up and not feed us?" It saddened Ben to realize she was talking from experience to what happened to her and Nicole. "No Jodie, you will always belong here and you'll have food, and new clothes and you won't get any more beatings by anyone, if anyone tries to do that they'll have to deal with me. I love you and Nicole I won't allow anyone to harm you two or hurt you again. Your my children now, not just in the eyes of the law, but where it counts the most, in my heart." Jodie took this all in, then said "So you'll be like my Pa then? I'll have a Pa?" Ben smiled down at her "Yes honey I'm your pa." He gave her a warm reassuring hug, and she whispered out "I'm scared. What happens if you get mad at me, are you going to throw those papers away and throw us away to?"

Ben could feel her starting to withdraw, knowing she was thinking back on the foster homes she had been in, he had tried to talk to the girls about their lives in the homes, but they both clamped up and refused to talk about what they had been through. He had to build some trust with them, and make them realize not all adults were mean or cruel. "Jodie, I will never throw out those papers or you and Nicole. Yes, I may get mad at you sometimes and I may have to discipline you if you misbehave, but that doesn't mean I love you any less. Sometimes adults have to discipline their children as a way of showing how much they care, we worry when you disobey and can hurt yourself. Yet no matter how mad I may get I'll always love you, and I'll always be here if you need me."

Jodie looked up in his eyes, trying to see if he was lying to her. All she saw was love reflected in his eyes, She then wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a big hug. He smiled returning the hug in kind, and Jodie realized this was the first time she ever really felt secure and loved by someone except for her sister.

After a couple minutes Ben tousled her hair, "okay it's near your bed time, get in your night clothes, and I'll be back in a couple minutes to read you your bed time story." She unlocked her arms from around his neck and climbed off his lap, he reached the door and opened it, when he heard her clear her throat, then he softly heard her say, "Thanks, Pa." He smiled at her and closed the door. He realized how hard that was for her to try to trust him, but he was making progress.

The next morning at the breakfast table, Ben looked at Jodie and Nicole, in a serious voice that wouldn't broke any argument he said, "While I'm gone, you two are to listen to Adam, he will be in charge. Do you understand me?" They both nodded their heads, and Adam looked at Ben, "don't worry Pa, things we'll be all right here. And I can take care of these two if they get out of line." he said with a smirk, causing Nicole to turn a shade of red from embarrassment. "You two just remember to do as Adam says." He then got up from the table, "Come on girls you're going to be late for school." Joe and the girls left.

Ben looked at Hoss and Adam, "Adam don't be to hard on them while I'm gone. They are trying to adjust to this news." Adam smiled at Ben, "It will be okay Pa." Then Hoss came up behind Adam giving him a hard slap on the back, which nearly knocked him over, "Pa we can take care of the girls you just hurry and come back with those papers. If anything I think we should have a big party and celebrate!" Ben looked at Hoss, "You know your right! What better way to show the girls we're happy to have them here? Hoss start making up the plans and we'll have a party this Saturday. I'll see you boys in a couple of days." Ben then left.

Joe had left the girls at the same spot as yesterday and they left as soon as he was out of sight. They were sitting at the edge of the lake, casually skipping stones on the water, Nicki deeply troubled by what was happening, knowing that Jodie didn't understand this wasn't real, when they returned to the 1990's they would still be orphans. Yet if she tried to explain that to Jodie, it would hurt her. Jodie was more vocal and obvious when she was mad, Nicki was silent, the type of person that planned revenge when she was hurt, rarely losing her temper she kept it under control. She kept glancing over at Jodie, out of the side of her eye. Noticing she hadn't seen Jodie without fear or anger on her face in ages, this was the first time in years that Jodie felt secure and happy. Did she really need to tell her this wasn't going to last? No, she didn't, she wanted to protect her from that pain. Let her enjoy having a family for now, she would worry about the rest later.

She suddenly stood up, "Hey Jodie, I just thought of something." Jodie looked up at her, seeing the eagerness on her face and she caught Nicki's excited mood "What?" Nicki looked at her with a grin, "Well, the old man's gone, right?" Jodie nodded her head, confused on where this was going, Nicki continued, "Well if memory serves me right, I owe Adam Cartwright a payback for spanking me yesterday!" she giggled. Jodie laughed, "Yep, you sure do! What are you going to do?" Nicki said, "Weelllll, he humiliated me, I think it's about time he got a dose of his own medicine. We've got work to do little sister." They then put their heads together to iron out any wrinkles in Nicki's plan.

That morning Joe came riding up to the ranch, Hoss and Adam weren't around, and he dropped the mail off on Ben's desk. He then went out to the North Pasture to help Adam and Hoss with the fence repair. When he rode up he yelled out "Hey Adam!" Hoss and Adam looked up and waved to him, Joe jumped off of Cochise, and said to Adam, "I got the mail while in town today, I brought this out for you" he waved a letter dramatically in the air, skipping just out of Adam's reach, "It looks like it's from a fair Maiden" he teased in a falsetto voice, watching his brothers frustration mount, Hoss leaned on the fence laughing at Little Joe. Joe kept dancing out of Adam's reach "Ewwww this must be some letter, it has sweet smelling lilac on it, now big brother Hoss you don't think our oldest brother is courting someone on the side do you?" Adam took a lunge for Joe and missed, he grinned at Joe "Okay Joe that's enough, give me my letter." Joe backed away the mischief still in his eye, "Well Adam, seeing how hard you've been working today and knowing your tired, I figure your eyes are tired also, since I don't want to see my old brother strain himself I'll read it to you!"

Adam got close enough and grabbed the letter out of Joe's hand and playfully slapped him along side the head, "If I need you to read my mail I'll let you know. Since you’re so eager to have something to do, you stay and help Hoss, I have some work to do at the house." He then took his hat off the fence pole and put it on, mounting Sport, "Hey Adam," Joe said, Adam turned and looked at Joe waiting, "Aren't you going to let us read it?" Adam just looked at Joe and shook his head with a grin on his face and took off towards the house.

When he arrived he stabled Sport and went into the house, sitting down with a fresh cup of coffee, he opened the letter, reading it once, than again, trying to figure it out. It looked like the new schoolteacher Carole Marsh, found him attractive.

The next couple of days passed peacefully, Adam kept receiving mail from the women, and Nicki and Jodie kept skipping school with none the wiser. On Friday they decided to venture into town, having to get some cigarettes since they were almost out. They went into the General store, and were disappointed they didn't sell them in packs like they were used to. So they picked out the fixings to make them, and deftly lied to Mrs. Strable that the fixings were for their father, and they put the bill on his account, figuring he wouldn't notice and they mize will put some candy on there also. That night Ben arrived back from Carson City.

The girls were up in their room, when he came in, and he went straight up to see them. He walked in and they were sitting on the bed playing a game of checkers. Ben walked over and saw that Jodie was winning, and smiled. He then pulled up a chair, "Girls, it's official, your now Cartwrights." They both looked at him, Jodie with a look of happiness and a sense of belonging, Ben noticed that Nicki had a look of anger that she quickly tried to cover with a smile.

Yet he had seen her original reaction, he wondered why she would be angry with this. He would talk to her later about it, "Tomorrow night, we're having a big party here for you two to welcome you to the family, a lot of our friends will be here including your new teacher and your class mates." Jodie gave Nicki a worried glance, but Nicki didn't react knowing Ben would pick up on something being wrong. "That will be nice to have them all here." Jodie jumped in Ben's arms and gave him a big hug, "Oh Pa, now I have a family." Ben wrapped his arms around her; picking her up, "Yes you do Jodie" he smiled. He glanced again at Nicole he could see the smile on her face and the anger in her eyes. He set Jodie down, and gave her a pat on the bottom, "You run downstairs and go see if Hop Sing has those cookies done he was baking." Jodie started for the door waiting for Nicki, Nicki started out, when Ben took her gently by the arm, "I'd like to speak to you, alone." Nicki looked at Jodie, "Go on Jodie, I'll be down in a bit." Jodie scampered away.

Ben pulled out a chair for Nicki, offering her a seat, she was on guard and felt it was better she remained standing so she shook her head no. Ben then sat down, "You mind telling me what the problem is Nicki?" Nicki looked at him, again trying to hide her anger, "There isn't one." Ben sighed realizing she was going to make him pull it out of her. "Why are you so angry about this adoption?" Nicki turned away from him, trying to regain control of her feelings, Damn! He saw her mad about this, How was she supposed to explain to him that all this good he was supposedly doing, would only destroy Jodie, and she was the one that would have to pick up the pieces when they returned to the 1990's? It hurt her to see Jodie so happy knowing it was all going to be destroyed and quite possibly Jodie was going to be destroyed to. She felt like she was letting down Jodie by not protecting her.

Ben waited patiently, watching the different emotions cross her face, until she settled on one of indifference. "I'm not mad about the adoption." Ben stared at her; she wasn't going to give an inch. "Nicki, I've told you before I don't condone lying in this family, I saw the anger you had when I told you about the adoption." Nicki realized she had to come up with some sort of plausible explanation to get rid of him. She then barked out "I'm wondering, how long till you hurt my sister? How long till you throw her out? Or decide she's a hired hand and not a person? Are you like the rest of the people we stayed with? Seems to me like some folks are eager to do what they want but don't consider those most affected by their actions."

Ben stood up running his hand through his hair, thinking of what she said, "Nicki, I can't change your past and what's happened to you and Jodie, I wish I could but I can't. I'm sorry you've had some hard times, but that's over now. I'm not just a foster parent anymore I have adopted you and claimed you as my own; you won't get bounced around from home to home anymore. When I originally talked to you about adopting the both of you, you weren't against it. What changed your mind?"

Nicki eyed him warily, "I didn't ask you to change my past or my sisters, we've done okay by ourselves. You come in and decide to change our lives not bothering to see what we think of this type of intrusion. You just come in and take over, and that isn't right. You've even managed to hood wink my little sister and she's calling you Pa, well your not my pa and you never will be! So don't even try to pretend you are. I'll play your game for awhile here but then Jodie and I are leaving"

Ben was growing frustrated, he then calmed down, knowing she was saying everything out of fear, "I don't want to take the place of your father, and I'm not asking you to call me Pa, that's up to you. Just remember in your attempt to try to protect your sister you may be the one that hurts her the most." He then walked over to her, "I'm warning you right now Nicki, don't try to take off with Jodie, you'll rue the day you disobey me on this." He searched her face and saw a touch of fear, and knew she was listening, he then walked to the door and opened it "You think on what I've said, and don't you go ruining the party for your little sister tomorrow night." He then walked out of the room gently closing the door.

Nicki sat down on her bed, wondering if he was possibly right? Was she wrong not to trust him? Why should she trust him? Every time she trusted one of her foster parent's she was hurt in the end. And she just didn't want to have that type of hurt again. What will happen if she can't find the way back to the future? Should they stay here? She then laid down; all of these problems were giving her a headache.

The next morning the girls were in the barn secretly plotting what they were going to do at the party, Nicki whispered to Jodie, "We have to keep that teacher and Ben apart, if he finds out we haven't been in school there will be absolute hell to pay." Jodie had a worried expression on her face, "just how do you suggest we do that?" Nicki said, "Well some of it I got worked out. Adam and the new schoolteacher will be occupied with each other we just have to cut Ben off from getting near her. So anytime we see them getting close we'll lead him somewhere else. We'll just have to keep on our toes." Jodie grinned "I can't wait to see Adam's face when your prank goes off." Nicki laughed, "Yea, we'll now he'll know what it's like to be embarrassed. Boy we better keep a close eye and ear to what people are saying, especially those with kids when they talk about school so we know what they're talking about, in case Ben asks us anything."

That evening Jodie was sitting in the chair fidgeting, and Nicki, was getting frustrated trying to fix her hair, "Damn it Jodie quick wiggling! I ain't ever gonna get this done" Jodie folded her arms across her chest sitting there with a scowl, "I hate dressing up like this, I look like a damn sissy! I swear if one person makes one comment I'm going to deck em'". Nicki rolled her eyes in exasperation, "Sure Jodie that's just what we need, you starting a fight, I'm sure that will go over real well. Forget it you do your own hair, I give up!" She dropped the brush in Jodie's lap and went to dress.

Jodie looked over at her "Hey what in the hells eating at you?" Nicki looked at her angrily, "Oh I don't know Jodie, we haven't gone to school yet, and they all think we have. Now the teacher is coming here tonight, and all I see is disaster happening. Not only do we have to keep her away from Ben but we can't let her see us! Now tell me don't you think that's something I should worry about just a little bit? You think the last spanking was bad? Wait till you see what Ben does if he finds out we haven't gone to school yet." Jodie chewed her bottom lip nervously a habit she had when she was upset, "Well it's simple, we just won't let him find out."

"I hope for our sakes your right Jodie."

They heard a knock on the door, and Hoss peeked his head in "Hey you two you ready? The guest are arriving," Jodie looked at him "I'd be a lot happier in pants." Hoss smiled, "Come on Pumpkin, this will make Pa happy, and you'll still have a good time." Jodie gave him a look saying she didn't believe for one minute she would have a good time in a dress. The three of them went downstairs, and were greeted by various guests.

A hour into the party Nicki saw the carriage arrive with the school teacher, and Ben approaching to help her, she hurried and took him by the arm, "Well since your now my father aren't you going to ask me to dance?" He smiled down at her, "How could I resist the most beautiful lady here." He then led her out to the dance floor and they started dancing a waltz with the other guests, Nicki keeping an eye on Adam and the Schoolteacher, Mrs. Carole Marsh. She spotted Jodie standing around the corner spying on Adam and Carole Marsh, happy she was doing her job getting her information; when she suddenly realized Ben was waiting for an answer from her, "Pardon me? I didn't hear you" Ben smiled down at her, "I said I hope your enjoying yourself Nicki, I think you'll find a lot of the burden off of your shoulders since you won't have to worry about Jodie all the time, that's my job now."

Nicki looked at him "I'll still worry about Nicki she is my sister, and I don't mind looking after her she's blood we stick together no matter what." Ben realized it was gong to take a lot longer to get through her wall of protectiveness. The dance ended and he led her off the floor. "I'm gong to go find Jodie" she said as she walked away, Ben was joined by a group of men.

Jodie and Nicki were hiding on the side of the house, listening to Adam and Carol, both muffling their giggles at what was being said, Nicki seeing her plan work out perfectly, they then listened in on the couple.

Adam leaned against the house, eyeing Carol appreciatively, not quite sure how he should talk to her, he had never had a women proposition him before in a letter, though he was shocked when he first read it he also found it quite flattering that she knew what she wanted and went after it.

"Carole come here." she walked over to him, sensing the romance in the air, and feeling gitty like a school girl on her first date. Amazed that the most handsome man in the territory wanted to date her. Her back was flattened against the wall, Adam had her trapped with his arms pushed against the wall leaning down and looking in her eyes, when he moved in and started kissing her, lightly at first, then harder and with more passion than she expected. He wrapped his arms around her, running his hands down her back when one of his hands started slowly traveling downward, she was shocked to feel his hand on her hips his fingers gently caressing the curves of her hips, and to hear how heavy he was breathing, how dare he try to take advantage of her. She backed up a step and slapped him as hard as she could.

"What was that for?!" Demanded Adam while rubbing his cheek. She looked at him with fire in her eyes, "Adam Cartwright I don't care who you are, no man takes advantage of me! You keep your hands to yourself do you understand me?" Adam gave her a confused look, "Carol your the one that sent me the letter, I was only doing what you wanted." Her mouth dropped open in shock, "I don't know what you’re talking about Adam Cartwright,” she yelled out, getting the attention of all the guest there and they started to approach them. She hurriedly gathered herself together, "Don't you ever come near me again? Do you hear me? If you do I'll have you arrested!" She then flounced off in a flurry of petticoats in a complete rage, climbed into her carriage and left the party at a full gallop.

The musicians started playing again, Ben walked over to Adam, "You mind telling me what that was about?" Adam looked at him then glanced away "If you want the truth Pa, I rightly don't know. She sent me a letter saying she wanted to see me, and then this happens." Ben smiled "Well you know how women are, they always change their minds." They walked back to the party.

Jodie and Nicki finally started laughing out loud. Nicki said, "did you see how hard she slapped him? That was hilarious! I couldn't have planned it any better!" Jodie was laughing also, "I'll never forget the look on his face, it was priceless. Well Nicki you did it you got your satisfaction!" Then Nicki stood up and stuck her head in the air mimicking Carol, "Don't you come near me again, or I shall have you jailed" they both fell into a heap of petticoats with laughter erupting over the scene they witnessed.

"Find something amusing girls?" Hoss' deep voice boomed out from behind them. The two turned around, startled. Nicki gave Jodie a questioning look "do you think he over heard us?"

Hoss burst out into laughter and chucked "Well I am glad you two are having fun at this party! After all it is for you two that we are having this shin-dig!"

Jodie and Nicki joined in on the laughter relieved that Hoss did not know what was going on.

"Hey! I almost forgot! Pa wanted me to fetch you two. Harry Tanner is here with his twins. You know, Laura and Jack? Pa thought you all would enjoy playing together."

"Oh yeah right! Laura and Jack!" Nicki said nervously, trying to act like she knew who Hoss was talking about. Jodie just stood there with a blank look on her face. Nicki nudged her in the side and gave her a dirty look.

"Yeah Good ole Jack and Laura, boy am I glad they showed up!" Jodie said, in her anxiety over acting to the degree that Hoss gave her a funny look. Nicki and Jodie both held their breath, letting it out with a big sigh when Hoss just shook his head and headed for the house, motioning for the girls to follow. "Well come along then."

Nicki and Jodie headed towards the house, minds racing to come up with some sort of solution. Oh Please God, Please don't let those kids let on that they don't know who we are...PLEASE" Nicki prayed fervently.

"You say you haven't met the girls yet?" Ben was saying, when the girls walked in the door.

"Oh NO" Nicki said, dismayed. Quick, come up with damage control Nicki,,,use your head Nicki...

Ben turned and gave the girls a puzzled look "Jodie, Nicki, come on over here. The twins were just saying that they didn't remember you from school. That seems kind of strange, don't recall that the school had that many students..." Ben raised his eyebrows and waited for the girl's reactions.

Jodie shot Jack Tanner a pleading look; with a last ditch effort to save their butts. Jack looked at her strangely for a minute and then got a devious grin. "Gee Mr. Cartwright! I'm sorry! I just didn't recognize the names is all! Sure We've seen Jodie and Nicki at school. We just haven't really met up yet. Right Laura?" Jack nudged his sister with his elbow.

"HUH? Oh yeah Jack's right Mr. Cartwright." Laura said, giving her brother a quizzical look.

"Good, good," Ben said, his suspicions allayed. For a minute there he thought that the girls had been skipping school somehow. But that couldn't be, after all, wasn't Joe personally escorting them to school himself? And besides, they were behaving so well lately. "Well then why don't you four run along and play for awhile then. I'm sure you don't want to be hanging around us older folks all night." Ben turned to speak again with Jack and Laura's father. "Oh and make sure you don't do anything that Jodie can't keep up with, after all she is younger than all of you."

Jodie shot a dirty look at Ben's turned back. Why did he always have to bring that up? Sure she was only ten, but so what? Just cuz Nicki's three years older and the twins looked to be another year older than Nicki! I can keep up with anyone! Jodie seethed with anger and fought back the urge to say something.

"Come ON Jodie!" Nicki hissed, tugging on her arm. She wanted to get out of here before Ben had a chance to come up with more questions. "Come on Jack, Laura, let’s go outside" Nicki said, ushering them all out the door.

Once outside, Nicki and Jodie plopped down on the porch steps with obvious relief. "Thanks so much you guys! That was CLOSE!" Nicki gasped, giving the twins a smile of appreciation.

Jack brushed his hand through is thick black mane of hair and gave his sister a conspiratorial wink. "You really want to thank us?"

Jodie sat up, instantly suspicious. "What do you mean Jack? If you’re looking for money we ain't got none." Jodie had more than her share of experiences with con jobs and hustles on the streets of New York; she sure wasn't going to be a sucker for some hayseed. Nicki said nothing, but gave Jack and his sister a warning look. She wasn't about to be conned any more than her younger sister.

"Not talking about money" Jack scoffed. "I was just thinking that maybe we should liven up this party a bit. It could be a lot of fun with all of us pitching in instead of just me and my sister"

Nicki and Jodie exchanged looks. "I dunno. It could be fun" Nicki mused "But how do we know that your sister here wont tell? She ain't said much you know. And she looks too squeaky clean to me" Nicki shot a look at the meticulously dressed Laura, taking in her dark, even braided hair tied with sharp red bows and her shiny black shoes with out even a scuff on them. Too Nicki, Laura looked like a total snob. Nicki did not like snobs much.

"I spoke up for ya didn't I?" Laura said, annoyed. "Just because my brother talks more than I do doesn't mean I am some goody, goody!"

Nicki grinned. Maybe appearances ARE deceiving she thought. "Okay, okay, just checking. What did you have in mind? We are gonna have to be careful you know, there are an awful lot of adults around here." She was excited to have some one else to hang around with other than Jodie-especially kids closer to her age. And, she had to admit, Jack was pretty cute.

"Well.." Jack began, his eyes twinkling mischievously. Looking around to make sure no one was looking, he took a small packet out of his pocket. "I sent away for this-its sneezing powder. What say we sneak some in the punch and see what happens?"

The four youths grinned at each other, all delighted with the idea. "ALL RIGHT" Jodie cheered, "We are finally going to have some fun around here!"

Jack turned and gave Jodie an annoyed look. "YOU ain't coming! You’re too little! Why don't you go find something else to do and leave us big kids alone."

TOO LITTLE!" Jodie stormed, outraged. "I AINT NO BABY!!" she was yelling so loud that other adults were taking notice and looking their way.

"Would you shut up!" Nicki snapped, putting her hand over her sister's mouth. "Your gonna get us caught! Jack's right, Jodie. You'll just slow us down" Nicki, eager to please her newfound friends, didn't stop to think how Jodie would feel about it.

Jodie stared at her sister in disbelief. Angry tears sprung to her eyes and she bit down on Nicki's hand.

"OUCH!" Nicki pulled her hand away and cuffed her sister in the head.

Jodie shoved her sister back and retorted "THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE MY PARTY TOO! AND YOU GUYS ARE SUPPOSED TO LET ME PLAY WITH YOU! I HATE YOU!! I HATE ALL OF YOU!" hastily wiping the tears from her eyes she ran away from the other children and disappeared into the barn.

"You don't think she will tell do you?" Laura asked Nicki, clearly worried.

Nicki watched her sister go and fought the urge to go after her. "Naw' she said finally. "Jodie may be a brat, but she ain't no tattletale. Come on, I know the way into the kitchen where Hop Sing has the extra punch. No one will see us do it there." Nicki led the twins to the kitchen side door, and after looking both ways to see if anyone was looking, the threesome slipped in unseen. "Good! Hop Sing isn't in here,” Nicki observed, tip toeing over to the punchbowl. "My guess is they are going to be using this one soon cuz the other one should be bout out by now."

Jack made his way over to Nicki's side, motioning for Laura to stay at the door and keep watch. He was standing so close Nicki could hear him breathing. With a wicked grin, he slipped the package of sneezing powder out of his pants pocket and, using his teeth to rip it open, poured it into the punch bowl. Nicki grabbed the handle of the server spoon and stirred the powder in. The three struggled to hold back their giggles. This was going to be funny!

While Nicki and the twins were sneaking in the kitchen, Jodie was hiding in an empty stall in the barn, sulking. "Damn that Nicki anyway! She can just go to hell for all I care. I'm sick of her acting like she is better than me! Just cuz she is three fricken years older!" Angrily, Jodie kicked at the straw.

Clink! Jodie frowned, and kicked again, her foot hitting something. Wiping the tears out of her eyes, Jodie got on her knees, digging around in the straw until her hand came across a short, oblong object. Pulling it out she held it up in the fading light.

"Looks like an old penknife" Jodie said to herself. Turning it over in her hand she noted the initials J.C. carved in the side of the knife. "Must be Little Joe's" Jodie deduced as she tried to pry the rusted blade open.

After several tugs, Jodie managed to get the blade open. She sat looking at it for a minute. Her knife was gone since she arrived here. What does a kid out here do with a pocketknife anyway? There weren't no street gangs to worry about here. Jodie turned it over in her hand a few more times before she was struck with an idea. Grinning, Jodie made her way over to the wall of the stall.

"This will make her sorry she was mean to me" Jodie muttered, as she started to carve into the wooden plank. It took her awhile to carve the letters, her hand being clumsy and unused to handling this type of knife, but she managed somehow to get most of it done, even though the blade was old and rusty. She was finishing up the tail end of her last letter, when the knife slipped and cut into the palm of her hand.

"OUCH" Jodie cried out, dropping the knife and grabbing her hand. The cut was deep and blood was soon covering not only the injured hand, but the other hand as well. Horrified, Jodie ran towards the house, tears of pain coursing down her cheeks.

Adam was standing on the porch when Jodie came running out of the barn. He was sipping punch and brooding about what had happened with the schoolteacher. He just couldn't understand how she could write those letters and then react the way that she did. His thoughts were interrupted when Jodie came closer and he could see the tears on her face.

Adam stepped quickly in her path. "What's wrong Jodie?" he asked with concern.

Jodie stopped and stood before Adam. "I..I..I..cut my hand" she stammered out, holding up her hand for Adam to see.

Adam's heart started to pound as he saw all the blood. "MY GOD!" he muttered, picking up Jodi and hastily heading in the house.

Ben Cartwright was just putting down the fresh bowl of punch for his guests when Adam flung open the door and came rushing in with Jodie in his arms. "WHERE"S DOC MARTIN?" Adam shouted, "IS DOC MARTIN HERE?!?"

Ben flew over to his eldest son "What happened Adam?" his face paled as he saw the blood covering Jodie's hands and dress. "Doc Martin just left Adam. I'll send Joe to fetch him!" he turned to look for Joe, only to find him and Hoss right behind him. "Quick! Go and see if you can catch up with the doctor. Tell him Jodie's' hurt, and it looks bad!" Addressing Hoss he said, "Hoss, tend to our guests please, while Adam and I see what we can do"

"Sure thing Pa" Hoss said as Joe disappeared like a jackrabbit out the door. Turning back to the crowd he said, "Listen up everybody! Seems like Jodie has got herself hurt. But don't worry, my brother Joe is going for the doctor and Adam and Pa are going to tend to her in the meantime. So why don't we all just have a little punch and enjoy what is left of the night, all right?" The guests exchanged worried glances, but soon were lost in conversation again while they lined up for some fresh punch.

"Lets' take her in the kitchen Pa and see if we can clean up this cut " Adam said. Ben nodded and the two headed for the kitchen. By this time, Jodie, knowing that Adam and Ben were scared and the doctor was coming, was hysterical. "I DONT WANT THE DOCTOR TO COME!!!" she screamed.

Adam set her up on the counter and held on to her as Ben tried to look to see where the blood was coming from. "She said she cut her hand, Pa" Adam said, struggling to keep Jodie still while Ben attempted to look at her hands.

"Come on darling. Let me look at your hand" Ben coaxed, smiling kindly as Jodie relaxed her fist and opened up her hand. Ben looked in horror at the amount of blood that completely covered her palm. He took a clean rag and gently wiped at her hand. Jodie screamed in pain as the rag touched the gap that ran the length of her left palm. Adam held tight her hand tight; Ben set his jaw and did his best to be gentle, knowing he had to clean the wound if they were going to get an idea of how long and deep the cut was.

Joe flew in the door with Doc Martin close behind. Luckily, Joe was able to catch up with the Doctor before the doctor hit Virginia City, and both had made fast tracks back to the Ponderosa. Joe and the Doctor burst through the door and rushed into the kitchen.

"Sounds like I have a lot to do here Ben" Paul Martin said. "Joe told me about Jodie hurting herself, but he failed to mention that your guests need my attention as well. By the sounds of all the sneezing going on in the living room, there must be some kind of cold going around here."

Ben looked at him strangely, not having a clue about what Paul was talking about. He shook his head, saying, "I don't know about that Paul. Right now I am worried about Jodie's hand."

Doc Martin put down his black doctor's bag on the counter and peered at Jodie's hand. "That looks like a pretty deep cut Ben. What happened?"

"Not sure yet Paul. Jodie has been crying to hard to tell me" Ben looked at the child worriedly. She had stopped screaming for the moment, but she still had tears pouring down her face and was shaking with quiet sobs.

Ever the efficient doctor, Paul reached into his bag and took out a bottle of alcohol. "This may hurt Jodie,” he cautioned. "But I have to get that wound cleaned up so that I know what we are dealing with." Taking a clean cloth from his bag he quickly doused it with the alcohol and instructed Ben "hold on tight to her hand Ben, and hold it steady. I have to clean it out." Ben, with a grim expression on his face, complied.

Even though he tried to be careful and not hurt Jodie, when Doc Martin wiped her hand and the alcohol hit her hand she screamed bloody murder and tried to wrench her hand away. Ben held firm and averted his eyes. He knew if he saw the pain in Jodie's eyes he wouldn't be able to hold her hand in position.

"There Jodie, all finished" the doctor said kindly. Putting down the cloth he looked closely at the wound. "It's not as deep as I feared, but I am still going to have to stitch it up Ben." Turning to Adam he said, "Reach into my bag and take out some thread and a needle. Douse the needle good in the alcohol and hand it to me."

Adam let go of Jodie for a minute to reach into the bag. That was enough time for Jodie, who decided that the idea of stitches was not a good one, to attempt to pull her hand back from Ben and jump off the table. Paul Martin stepped swiftly forward and grabbed onto Jodie, holding her in position on the counter. "Now Jodie, be a good girl and cooperate with me please. We have to fix your hand.” he stated firmly.

"Here you go Doc" Adam said, handing Paul Martin the disinfected needle and thread. He stepped back towards the counter and held Jodie again while the doctor wiped his own hands down with alcohol and proceeded to thread the needle.

"Hold her real tight now Ben. She has to remain absolutely still while I do this. " Doc Martin instructed.

Ben took a deep breath and gave Adam a pained look. Adam tried to smile encouragingly to his father, but could not hide that it pained him too to have to do this.

As quickly as he could, Paul stitched up the cut in Jodie's hand-who bellowed loudly with each stitch. Nothing in her whole life had hurt as badly as this did. Without the aid of sedatives or medication to dull the pain, each poke of the needle felt like a red hot poker was searing her skin. The whole procedure took about three minutes, but to Jodie it seemed like forever.

"There you go Jodie. Good as new" The doctor said, putting away his doctor's "tools" "I will take the stitches out at the end of the week Ben. Until then you need to keep that wound clean and free of dirt, and try to keep Jodie from using that hand too much. If those stitches break open we are going to have to do it all over again. We don't want that, do we Jodie?" he smiled kindly at the little girl. In reply, Jodie shook her head emphatically. Not unless we are back in the 90s with real doctors she thought to herself.

"Now I think I better check on those guests of yours!" Paul resolved, heading for the door.

"I'll go with you doctor" Adam offered. Now that the crisis with Jodie was over he was curious to see what was going on in the living room.

Ben picked Jodie up off the counter and held her tight to his chest. "Poor baby." he crooned. "There, there now..enough tears Jodie. It's all over. No need to cry" Ben patted her back and stood swaying side to side. He was so relieved that she was going to be okay. The way that hand was bleeding he was afraid she had cut it through to the bone.

Out in the living room Adam, and Doc Martin stood stunned looking at an incredible site. Every single person in the room, Little Joe and Hoss included, were sneezing like crazy! "What in the..." Adam was completely befuddled. "I swear Doctor these people were fine an hour ago!"

Nicki, Jack, and Laura were laying at the top of the stairs peering around the corner, watching all of this unfold with great amusement. All three were holding their hands over their mouths to stifle their laughter. From their viewpoint they could see everything going on. Jack's sneezing powder had worked better than they thought it would. Between this and the trick Nicki and Jodie had played on Adam, Nicki was having the time of her life.

Nicki's laughter stopped when she saw Ben round the corner with Jodie in his arms. Jodie was still crying and her head rested on Ben's shoulder. In shock, she watched as Ben made his way through the sneezing crowd and headed up the stairs. It was too late for the kids to move, so they just lay there in a panic. Would he figure it out? They all were thinking.

But Ben just nodded at them when he spotted them and walked on down the hall, his attention focused on the sad little girl in his arms. Nicki rose to follow, but was stopped by Jack pulling on her dress. "Come on Nick! She’s okay your Pa is with her" he said, "You gotta see what is going on down there!"

Nicki turned reluctantly back to her new friends. They were staring at the crowd below. All the people were lined up and Doc Martin was checking them out one by one. The trio couldn't hold it back; they burst into laughter, causing everyone to look up at there hiding spot. UH-OH!

Meanwhile, Ben had taken Jodie into her room and helped her dress for bed. Giving her a big bear hug, he tucked her in and sat down next to her. By now Jodie had stopped crying and looked plain exhausted.

"Jodie, can you tell me what you cut your hand on" Ben inquired.

Jodie avoided Ben's gaze "I..I...cut it on Joe's old penknife. I found it in the barn and I..I...was carving something in the stall wall"

Ben shook his head. "That penknife has been missing for years. How did you find it? And what were you doing in the barn Jodie? Why weren't you with the other children?"

Jodie scowled "Nicki and the others ditched me. They said that I was too young to hang around with them"

Ben scowled, anger at Nicki growing inside him. He had told her to look out for Jodie! This never would have happened if Nicki hadn't left Jodie alone. Gently he took his hand and brushed the hair out of Jodie's eyes. "Well it’s all over now Jodie. And let me reassure you I am going to have a talk with your sister."

Jodie had a pained look on her face. She knew she should tell Ben the whole truth, what she was carving on the stall wall, but she was afraid if she did he would be mad at her and not love her anymore. Despite his reassurances, Jodie was still afraid that he would send her away. She knew that if she didn't tell him he would find out anyway though-so she took a deep breath and said hesitantly.

"I..I...wrote something bad on the wall Pa' she paused to see his reaction. Ben said nothing, just waited to hear her out. "I..I..I was mad at Nicki for ditching me and I wrote something bad about her on the wall..."

"What did you write Jodie" Ben asked.

"Something I shouldn't have...bad words" she said, her voice small.

Ben ran his fingers through his hair, thinking. On the one hand he had warned Jodie about using foul language, and defacing the stall was far from okay with him, but on the other hand it was a big step for Jodie to admit to doing something wrong and to actually feel bad about it instead of defensive.

"We'll talk about it tomorrow Jodie. Right now you should go to sleep. It's late and you have had a long day. I will check on you in a little while" Ben kissed her on the forehead and left the room, making sure to leave the door open a crack so he could peak in on her later.

That's when he spotted Nicki on the floor with Jack and Laura, he strode over to her, his anger bubbling beneath the service, knowing all of this could have been prevented if she had listened to him. He walked up to Nicki, "Nicki, come with me we have to talk." Nicki saw he was mad at her; she thought it was about the sneezing powder not realizing Jodie had been hurt. She slowly stood up, scared of what he was going to say, then she thought "Aw hell it was only a damn prank, it's not like anyone's gonna die." She looked down at Jack and Laura, and they were suddenly preoccupied with looking for lint on their clothes. She then sighed realizing she was on her own again. Ben gave her a slight push "To my room, now." she hurriedly walked to his room. A bit apprehensive she had never been ordered in there before, this wasn't looking good at all.

Ben walked in shutting the door, giving her a hard cold stare, "You better explain yourself now, and I don't want to hear any lies. Do you understand me?"

Nicki started fidgeting with her fingers showing her nervousness; she swallowed trying to dislodge the lump of fear she felt in her throat. She decided the truth was the best thing right now, hopefully he wouldn't be to mad, She also decided there was no use in getting the others in trouble, they covered for her, so she would cover for them. She looked at the floor in shame and out of fear. "I put sneezing powder in the punch. I'm sorry, I thought it would be funny." she waited in the silence, Ben wasn't saying anything, she decided to dare a glance at him, then regretted she did, he looked like he was ready to explode.

She took a step back to get further from him, and that brought him into action. He reached out and took her upper arm, "I am ashamed of you Nicole! Let me tell you something your going to do right now, we're going to walk out of here and your going to go downstairs and apologize to everyone here for your foolish behavior. We will continue this discussion as soon as our guests leave."

Nicole stood there with a myriad of emotions racing across her face. This would be humiliating she couldn't do it. She would rather die! "No! I'm not going to do it, and you can't make me!" She protested. Ben gave her a good shake and looked at her hard, his voice very low, she knew better than to argue with him now. "Yes you will do it and you will do it now, it's your choice either you walk down there on your own free will or I'll take you down there. Which will it be?" She looked at him and saw he was serious, she knew she didn't have a choice. "I'll walk." He then opened the bedroom door, Doctor Martin was still checking out the guests.

Jack and Laura had disappeared, Nicki couldn't blame them; she wished she could disappear also; people were going to laugh at her for this. She stopped at the top of the stairs, Ben right behind her; he gave her a slight nudge, propelling her down the stairs. Ben noticed most of the people sneezing. Nicki kept walking and Ben grabbed her arm and stopped her in the middle of the living room, standing right behind her, he figured this would teach her a lesson if nothing else would. He then cleared his throat "Everyone may I please have your attention." All the talking stopped except for the sneezing there was no other noise. "My daughter Nicole has something she would like to say to all of you." Nicki wanted to shrink up and die right there. She then spotted Jack and Laura over by the kitchen, and could see they were scared she had told on them.

Ben put slight pressure on her arm, she looked up at him, and he could see she was scared, but he had to have her do this, "Speak up Nicole and tell these people what you told me."

Nicole looked at everyone staring at her, and she had never felt so bad in her life, "I owe all of you an apology, I put sneezing powder in the punch. I...I..I'm sorry." She then tried to walk away, but Ben held a firm grip on her arm, "No your not going to go hide away in the room, your gong to stay here until every last person is gone, and if they want to say something to you, your gong to listen to them." The guests turned away and started talking again, Nicki felt a slight reprieve when no one approached her angrily. Then Ben walked away with a warning for her to stay on the couch, she knew better than to disobey.

Laura and Jack came over as soon as Ben left, they sat beside her, and Jack looked at her "Thanks Nicki, I appreciate you not telling anyone we did it also." Nicki smiled at Jack, "it's all right I owed you for covering for me about the school thing." Jack gave her a warm smile, and Nicole felt something strange happen in her she didn't quite understand. Suddenly feeling nervous around Jack. Then Jack stood up, "Laura and I have to get going, our parent's are ready to leave, I hope to see you soon." Nicki smiled up at him, "Okay, I hope to see you soon to." She blushed.

Within a half hour all the guests had left. Little Joe came over to Nicki who was pouting on the couch, "sneezing powder huh?" He teased. Nicki looked up at him and grinned, "well it was funny, I don't know if it's worth this though." Joe leaned down "don't worry he's just gonna lecture you, I've heard this lecture a million times. Just remember I owe you one though." He grinned out and winked, then went up to his room.

Nicole stood up to go to bed also, deciding Ben forgot about the lecture she was owed. She was walking towards the stairs when Ben walked out of the kitchen with a fresh cup of coffee, "Nicole, get back in here and sit down." She stopped dead in her tracks here we go again. She turned around and sat on the couch, tired and grumpy she wanted to go to bed and didn't feel like being lectured for just doing a little prank.

Ben looked over at her sipping his coffee; he raised his eyebrows questioning, "Do you know what I want to talk to you about?" Nicole looked at him, saying rather sullenly, "because I did that prank." Ben wondered if she even realized what happened to Jodie. "No, that's not the only reason, I didn't even know about that until you decided to confess that to me." Nicole's mouth dropped open and she quickly closed it, realizing she had confessed to something she didn't even have to. It figures, she got herself into trouble without anyone helping her!

Ben looked at her again, "What instructions have I given to you about your sister?"

Nicole looked at him confused for a moment, then she realized she hadn't seen a lot of Jodie tonight, and she probably owed her an apology for not letting her come with them. "I don't understand." She replied to Ben.

He then set his cup down. "Do you remember something about responsibility?"

"Yes you told me I was responsible for her and to keep her out of trouble. And not to do anything that would be to hard on Jodie" Ben steepled his fingers under his chin, leaning forward and looking directly at Nicole, "Did you do as I told you?" he inquired, Nicole sat back some seeing the anger in his face.

"Well.. I..I most of the night I did" she said defensively, Ben gave her another stern look "and why didn't you do it all night?" Nicki was getting tired of the third degree. "Because, I have a right to have friends also, and I'm tired of everywhere I turn there is Jodie. It's not fair to me. You adopted her it's your job to take care of her now, not mine! I've been doing it for a long time and I'm tired of It." she ground out frustrated.

Ben sat back in his chair, "I gave you the job tonight of watching your sister. You failed, and because you didn't do as I told you, your little sister was hurt." Nicki jumped up off the couch, shocked to hear that Jodie was hurt.

"What's wrong with Jodie?!" She demanded. Ben stood up and put his hand on Nicki's shoulder pressuring her to sit down again, "she's going to be fine, but she cut her hand on a knife she found in the barn. The Doc saw her and stitched it up. Yet that wouldn't have been necessary if you had done as you were told."

Nicole realized what he said was true, and she felt a terrible guilt on her shoulders. She bent down her head to hide the tears of shame she felt, Ben noticed them and knew she wouldn't have ever wanted Jodie to get hurt. "For the next month your restricted to the house and barn, you will also be doing your sister's chores along with yours and tomorrow morning your to go in the barn and sand down what Jodie carved in there." Nicki mumbled out "Yes, sir." Ben stood up, "I hope you start being more responsible young lady, now get off to bed." Nicki stood up and walked dejectedly to the stairs, stopping at the base of the stairs, she looked at Ben, "I really am sorry, I didn't know anything happened to Jodie." Ben smiled at her "I know Nicki, don't worry it's all going to be fine. Goodnight." She smiled back at him and went upstairs, rushing to get in her room and see Jodie.

She saw Jodie sound asleep in bed, her hand all wrapped up, then she spotted her discarded dress on the chair with dried blood on it. Her tears flowed freely down her face, and she vowed she wouldn't let Jodie get hurt again. She sat down on her bed. Looking at her and taking her hand, being careful not to wake her, and whispered "I love you Jodie, and I'm so sorry I'll make this up to you I promise." She leaned over and gave her a kiss on the forehead. That night Nicki had trouble going to sleep her conscious bothering her.

The next morning Nicki rose early, and went downstairs, where Hop Sing was cooking in the kitchen, "Hi Hop Sing, if you don't mind Jodie is going to eat in bed today." Hop Sing looked at her and saw how tired she was, but decided not to say anything. He made up a plate for Jodie and was going to take it up to her, when Nicki, stopped him taking the plate. "I'll take it to her." She then proceeded up the stairs, and went into her room. Gently closing the door. She put the tray down on the nightstand and woke Jodie up; Jodie grimaced from the pain shooting in her hand. Nicki looked at her sympathetically "Here sit up and I'll prop up some pillows behind you so you can eat." Jodie did as she was asked and was soon sitting up and eating. Watching Nicki fiddle around the bedroom trying to look busy when she knew she was really just waiting to see if there was anything she needed. She kind of liked the idea of having someone to serve her hand and foot. And it serves Nicki right for the way she treated her last night. This could turn out to be fun she thought.

As soon as Jodie finished Nicki gathered up her dishes, "do you need anything else Jodie?" She questioned, Jodie didn't but wanted to see how far she could go. "Would you mind another glass of milk?" Nicki smiled, "of course, I'll be right back." She took the tray downstairs Ben was sitting in his chair, he looked up and smiled a good morning, "Good morning " Nicki replied as she walked by, "Jodie ate upstairs, I have to go and get her another glass of milk." She continued into the kitchen, Ben thought it strange that Jodie wanted two glasses of milk, he was usually lucky if she wanted one. Nicki started back up the stairs, when Ben decided he better check on Jodie. He went upstairs outside of her room. When he heard Jodie complain, "Nicki this doesn't have enough in it." Ben saw immediately what she was doing. He opened the door and stepped in smiling at Jodie, Nicole was just walking towards the door with the milk in her hand preparing to go downstairs and get more, Ben took the milk, "Nicole go start your chores" Nicole stopped "but, I have to take care of Jodie"

"I can do that" Ben replied. Nicole then left and Ben came to Jodie's bed and sat down, "How are you feeling?" Jodie said "My hand hurts, a lot"

"Let me see it" Ben then looked at her hand seeing the wrapping didn't need changing yet. While inspecting it he said, "Jodie, I don't want you taking advantage of your sister because you’re hurt. She feels bad enough as it is." Jodie looked down a bit guilty, "OK Pa I won't."

"I went to the barn this morning Jodie and I saw what you wrote." Jodie didn't say anything, "I'm not happy with your behavior. I suggest you don't ever do that again. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes"

Ben stood up, "Well you can come downstairs when your ready, there's no reason for you to stay in your room all day, but you do have to stay in the house, Doc wants you to keep that hand clean." He then went downstairs.

Nicki stood in the stall looking at what Jodie had written "Nickis a brat" Trying to keep her temper under control, she couldn't believe Jodie had done this. She then saw the blood on the straw and felt her temper go down. Realizing Jodie had been punished enough. God it was going to take her forever to get this sanded down! This wasn't fair at all; he was probably going to make her work her rear off, and why? Just because she wanted to have some time away from her little sister. She would die of boredom if she had to stay here for a month and not be allowed to leave. She started the tedious job of sanding away the words.

By Monday morning Jodie was feeling much better, and Ben decided she could go to school, the girls set off for their regular routine of looking like they were going to the school then going to play in the woods for the day. That evening when they returned home they saw Ben out by the corral, he looked up when the carriage approached. "How was school girls?" Nicki looked at him "Fine." Ben smiled "Fine? I would think you have a bit more to say about a day of school without a teacher." Nicki didn't know what to say, she thought quickly, smiling "How did you find out?" Both girls got out of the carriage as Ben unhitched the horse, "Oh we had an emergency school board meeting today, to find a suitable substitute teacher. It seems Miss. Marsh is ill and confined to her bed, the Dr said she should be able to return in a week." Jodie and Nicki were about ready to have heart attacks right then and there. They couldn't believe he didn't catch on they hadn't been to school. Ben was about to tell him who their substitute teacher was going to be, but then decided let them be surprised tomorrow when they go to school.

The next night at dinner Jodie and Nicki could feel a lot of tension in the air, unsure why, they kept looking around and noticed Ben and Adam weren't happy, even Hoss was silent, something was up, but they didn't know what. As soon as dinner was finished, Ben stood up, "Nicki, Jodie I want to speak to both of you, now." They looked at each other, both of them puzzled why he was angry. They walked over to the sofa and sat down, Hoss and Joe stood up and decided they were urgently needed outside and walked out.

Then Adam came over leaning on the couch, crossing his arms and legs in front of him, staring at both of them. Jodie and Nicki suddenly knew something was very wrong by the look Adam gave them. Ben eyed both girls, "You two know I don't condone lying?" they both nodded, afraid to say anything.

Then Adam spoke up "There is something you two should know, I'm the temporary teacher at school." Both girls turned ash white, realizing that Ben now knew they hadn't been going to school. Jodie mumbled something, Ben glared at her "What did you say Jodie?" Jodie was angry they were caught, and a bit scared, knowing she was probably in for a tanning. "I said, we told ya we weren't goin to school and we meant it."

Nicki, hung her head down, rolling her eyes, when was Jodie ever going to learn to shut her mouth? Jodie continued, "How can Adam be the teacher don't you need him to help with the cattle? Or do you have a new breed of cows on this ranch, disappearing and appearing Cows, only around when you decide to bother taking care of them?" Nicki tried not to laugh, but couldn't help but smile imagining the cows appearing and disappearing.

Ben looked at Jodie, "don't you worry about the running of this ranch. I can handle the running of it well enough without your two cents worth." Ben stood up, both girls noticeably tried to move further back onto the couch, he paced in front of them, "I told both of you, you were going and there wouldn't be any argument about it, yet you still both disobeyed me, not only that, God knows what you've been doing all day long" Nicki decided to try reason on why, "Isn't much sense in us going to school if you ask me, one doesn't need to go to school if all their future is going to be is cleaning up a house and having babies. You don't learn how to do either of those things in school." Adam turned his head to keep Ben from seeing his grin, he had to hand it to her she was right about that.

"That is NOT the point!" Ben snapped, his eyes narrowing. "Do you realize how many people in this country wished they had the opportunity to send their children to school-so that they can learn to read, to write, to learn how this government works and the history of our country? And here you two are just throwing this opportunity away to do God knows WHAT all day!" Ben swung his hands out wide and then placed them angrily on his hips.

"Yeah well if they want to go to school so damn bad let them take my place" Jodie spat out, scowling and kicking her feet angrily.

"Watch your mouth young lady" Ben warned. "No one is going to take your place at school but YOU. And that goes for both of you." Ben started pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace, his hand rubbing his chin as he thought about how to deal with this.

Nicki, Jodie, and Adam sat watching Ben-the girls anxiously and Adam with amused curiosity. All caught their breath when Ben started to speak again.

"Adam, since you’re the teacher now, I think you have every right to decide how to discipline these two." Ben said, walking over to his chair and settling back into it-effectively turning the stage over to his oldest son.

"Oh Shit" Nicki muttered to herself, making sure that no one could hear her. Having already fought, and lost, a battle with Adam, she sure didn't relish the thought of having another go at him. Jodie's reaction was directly opposite-she only felt relief at not having to deal with Ben, thinking that no one, not even Adam, could be as bad as "old hard ass"

Adam took the liberty of sitting down on the fireplace across from the girls. Very slowly and deliberately he leaned forward and placed his hands under his chin as if in deep thought. "Well it appears to me Pa that these two have close to two weeks of time off that they owe to their books and to their teacher. Since I happen to be the teacher, that provides them with a great opportunity, for they can make up that time in their very own home" Ben hid a smile as he saw the looks of dismay on the faces of the girls. He gave Adam a nod of approval and threw his two cents worth in. "yeah I think your right Adam. I think you are absolutely right." Pretending to think hard he said "I think, oh about two hours a night after supper ought to do it, don't you?"

Adam hid a grin, "it will do for a start. Let's see, they missed two weeks of school, that is 10 days, at six hours a day, "adding quickly in his head "It should take them three months to make up those sixty hours."

"And that doesn't include the time it will take to do the homework they will have from going to school now." Ben shook his head and let out a low whistle "That ought to keep you two out of trouble for a long, long time."

60 HOURS???? Nicki and Jodie sat in complete shock! 60 hours was a LIFETIME!! Nicki was about to protest when she saw the look on Adam's face. He had the same look when she threatened to bonk him with the wine flask. Nicki swallowed hard and stared at the floorboards. Right now she would give anything to get back to the 1990's.

Jodie however, was of a different mind set than her sister. Not one to think first and act later, the impulsive side of Jodie collided with her temper and she exploded "THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL I AM GOING TO GO TO SCHOOL! I AIN'T GOINA DO IT I TELL YA AND YOU CAN'T MAKE ME! AND I SURE AINT GONNA SPEND NO TWO HOURS A NIGHT READING SOME STUPID BOOK EITHER!" Jodie stomped her feet for emphasis and crossed her arms over her chest as if to re-emphasize that she was not going to do it.

Nicki cringed at her sister's words. Oh Jodie, I know how you feel, I feel the same way, but why did you have to say it?" Nicki stole a glance at Ben first, and then Adam. It was hard to tell who was angrier. Who would react first? She wondered, holding her breath in anticipation.

She didn't have long to wait. Jodie had barely finished her tirade when Ben slowly and deliberately rose from his chair and took Jodie by the arm. Ignoring Jodie's protests and struggling, he gave Adam a slight nod and said very quietly to Nicki, "Nicki, go to your room please."

Nicki hesitated, not wanting to abandon her sister. Ben gave her a warning look, helping Nicki to quickly decide that there was really nothing she could do for her sister, and after all, why risk her own hide? She took off like a flash and disappeared up stairs.

"Now young lady, you’re coming with me,” Ben stated firmly, pulling Jodie towards the kitchen. Adam followed, just in case Jodie managed to escape Ben's iron grip on her arm and tried to head for safer territory.

Jodie bellowed and hollered all the way into the kitchen, succeeding in doing nothing other than digging herself deeper in an already deep hole. Ben simply grew more determined with each protest and cuss word the came out of Jodie's mouth. As his son's would often say, Ben had "had it."

Ben lifted Jodie up onto the counter and held her there while instructing Adam to fetch a bar of soap. Adam complied happily, for he had "had it" with Jodie's mouth long before his father had and had wanted to do this himself for a long time. It was only out of respect for his father's position as head of the family that he had refrained.

"Young lady it is high time you learned to temper that mouth of yours and to respect your elders. No one likes to hear cuss words, and they sound especially vile coming from the mouth of a child. I have warned you repeatedly to watch your mouth and you have repeatedly ignored my warnings. If you cant clean up your language yourself, I am going to do it for you." With that Ben took the bar of soap from Adam and attempted to insert it into Jodie's mouth. When Jodie clamped down her jaws and shook her head in refusal, Adam stepped up and, holding her head firmly still with one hand, he pinched her nose shut with the other, thus forcing Jodie to open her mouth to breathe.

Seeing his opportunity, Ben deftly slipped the bar of soap into her mouth and rubbed it around. Jodie's eyes widened and she struggled like crazy to pull away from the vile tasting soap in her mouth. Adam held her firm though and she could do nothing but endure the punishment.

Just as quickly as Ben had put the soap in he pulled it out again. "Now, I don't want to hear another cuss word out of your mouth again. Not ever! IF you don't want to go through this again you better make sure that each time you open your mouth you use clean words and a respectful tone. Do you understand?"

Jodie made an awful face and barely resisted the urge to spit. Even though the soap was only in her mouth for a few seconds, the taste was lingering. She glowered at Ben and refused to answer him.

"I said, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" Ben repeated, his voice growing louder. Jodie sullenly nodded her head, and attempted to jump down from the counter. Adam held onto her from behind and prevented her escape.

"When Pa asks you a question you answer him Jodie." Adam said, his temper starting to flare. Adam didn't lose his temper often, but when he did it was a scary sight. Adam was a lot like his father in many ways-kind and gentle enough most of the time, but it was best to steer clear of him if he was angered. I understand" Jodie mumbled, her eyes smoldering.

"Good." Ben said, picking her up off of the counter and setting her on the ground. Grabbing a glass and filling it with water from the pump he handed it to Jodie, "Here, rinse out your mouth and then get yourself upstairs to your room. You and Nicki will start making up the schoolwork you owe tonight."

Jodie rinsed her mouth vigorously and spit out the water into the sink. The soap was absolutely disgusting and even with the help of the water the bitter taste clung to her cheeks. Angry and upset at Ben and Adam, she slammed the glass down on the counter and turned to fix them with a challenging stare.

Ben picked the glass up and handed it back to Jodie. "Put it back down on the counter Jodie the right way. We do not slam glasses down in this house."

Jodie held the glass in her hand and debated throwing it at Ben. Her temper was so inflamed that it was beginning to scare her. To think that she had actually begun to like old hard ass! Her eyes went from the glass to Ben to the glass again.

Ben watched as Jodie struggled to decide what to do. He could clearly tell that she was angry at him for washing her mouth out with soap and that, although she was refraining from using cuss words, she was still far from willing to obey him concerning the glass or school. Wanting to avoid shards of broken glass all over his house, Ben reached out his hand and wrapped it around Jodie's and the glass. Guiding her hand he moved it over to the counter and let go. When Jodie stood there, hand still on the glass and the same fire in her eyes, Ben reached out his hand again and this time pried her fingers from the glass and pulled her hand away. Leaving the glass on the counter and still holding her hand Ben started for the living room with Jodie in tow, saying "All Right Jodie, I guess the only way to ensure that you listen to me and go to your room is to escort you there myself"

Adam watched the two leave, a smile on his face. Boy that kid had spirit, he thought to himself. Wonder how long before she earns another soaping? He wondered. Shrugging his shoulders he headed for the living room to get his lessons in order for school. As he walked past the counter, he spotted the bar of soap sitting on the ledge. Looking around to see if anyone was looking, Adam picked up the bar of soap and tentatively touched his tongue to it. Instantly his face wrinkled up in disgust and he spat into the sink. Yep, it still tasted the way he remembered it. Adam returned the soap to its proper place and sauntered into the living room.

Ben walked into the bedroom; Nicki was laying in bed already dressed for bed. Ben looked over at her and pushed Jodie into the room. "See your sister gets ready for bed." He soundly shut the door.

Nicki got up and looked at Jodie, who looked absolutely miserable. She walked over to her and gave her a hug, "Don't worry Jodie it's going to be okay, I promise you." She consoled. Jodie hugged her back. Silently sniffing. She then hurriedly got ready for bed, and climbed into her bed.

Nicki looked over at Jodie who looked small and helpless in her bed, and she felt sorry for her, she grabbed her pillow and climbed into bed with her like she used to do when Jodie was smaller and upset. She smiled down at her, "Come on, It'll be just like old times." Jodie smiled up at her and cuddled against her. A couple minutes later Nicki said, "You know Jodie, I think it's best we stop fighting all these rules for a little while, I know they're pretty strict but maybe if we tried a little bit harder they'll lighten up a bit." Jody thought about what she said then mumbled, "It's not going to be easy, but I'll try."

Ben stood outside their door, listening to the private conversation, pleased to see Nicki trying to make things easier and show some maturity. He knocked lightly on the door, peeking his head in and seeing them both in the same bed, he had already decided not to say anything about the sleeping arrangements. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, "How 'bout this week we start out fresh?" Nicki realized he was trying to make things better and smiled; she sat up and gave him a kiss on the cheek, good night. Jodie looked at him, her feelings still hurt by what he had done to her. Then she decided she would try to do as they wanted, she sat up and wrapped her arms around his shoulder and planted a big kiss on his cheek. Ben smiled and turned down their lamp, "I'll see you two in the morning."

The girls time during the week was completely occupied with school and chores, and more schoolwork after dinner. Thursday night as they were in the room getting ready for bed, Nicki winked at Jodie, "I've got a plan." She whispered to Jodie, Jodie turned immediately all ears and interested, she knew if Nicki was cooking up something it had to be fun.

"I think I have a way of getting Adam back for all this home work he has us doing." She conspired to Jodie, "Tomorrow will be his down fall, literally" she laughed, and then told Jodie of her plan.

The next morning, the three headed out for school, Nicki and Jodie happy this was Adam's last day as their instructor, they felt like they were being baby-sat with him at school. They looked forward to today knowing their prank would work.

School proceeded normally, at lunch break, Jack, Laura, Nicki and Jodie all sat under the tree, Nicki again outlined her plan, telling Jack she had to get Adam out of the school house. Laura liking the plan also smiled, "I'll get him out. I'll pretend I'm sick right now and he can take me to the Doc's." They all thought that was the best idea, then Laura went up the school house steps suddenly grabbing her stomach and moaning, smiling back at the others. A couple minutes later they saw Adam gently leading her out of the schoolhouse, Adam called out to Nicki, "I'm taking Laura to the Doc's. Let every one stay at recess till I get back." He then took Laura down the road to the Doctor's.

As soon as he left the three pranksters rushed into the schoolhouse, to set up their joke. They walked out within five minutes. Adam and Laura came back about ten minutes later, Adam giving Laura suspicious looks, Nicki walked up to Laura "Are you okay?" She asked, Laura smiled "I don't know what happened, but suddenly the pain was gone. Guess it was just a mild case of indigestion." Nicki smiled "Well, at least your okay." Adam walked up the steps ringing the bell calling all the children back into class.

The children sat down at their desk, Adam was leaning against the edge of his, with their test in his hands, he then handed them out, "You each have one hour to finish your test, I want absolute silence during the testing" he instructed. Grinning as he heard the moans from the children who weren't ready for the test he told them they were going to have. He then walked to the head of the class. Looking over the class and seeing them all start their tests.

The class was enclosed with silence except for the light scratching of pencils against paper, Adam walked behind the desk, pulling out his chair deciding to grade some of the papers he didn't finish last night, Jodie and Nicki kept glancing up waiting for Adam to sit down, but making sure he didn't see them watching, and making sure they didn't giggle knowing what was going to happen. Adam then sat down, when suddenly there was a loud crack and crash! Twenty three heads popped up looking at the front of the classroom; shock registering on most of the kids faces looking for Adam. When all of a sudden the whole school room burst into a deafening laughter, as they saw Adam picking himself up off the floor, they all realized as soon as he sat himself in the chair it had collapsed and landed him flat on his back on the floor.

Adam stood up his face beet red, knowing he had been had. He put his hands on his hips, "Very funny! Now get back to your testing." He knew right then most of them had been lost to the test and wouldn't be able to finish, throughout the rest of the day he heard sudden giggles coming from the classroom.

After school Nicki and Jodie took off in the wagon, not waiting for Adam and headed home, laughing about the expression that was on his face, when they walked into the house, Ben was working on his books, he smiled at the girls "How was school today?" Jodie smiled at Ben, "Fun! Adam showed us that gravity works!" Both girls burst out laughing and went up to their room. Ben shook his head smiling watching the girls go upstairs, he would never understand those two, claiming they hated school, yet laughing over a lesson Adam had taught them. He went back to his books.

The next evening Little Joe was all spruced up, Ben looked at him "Going somewhere Joe?" pretending he didn't remember Joe had a date, Joe hesitated "Pa, I have a date with Sally tonight, remember I told you I was taking her to dinner? Then going to meet you and Adam at the barn dance?" Ben feigned ignorance, "Hmm, I don't remember that." Then he broke out in a smile when he saw Joe's crestfallen face. Joe then smiled, "Well I'll see you tonight." He then took off out the door. Nicki and Jodie were noticeably silent, both of them sulking since they had to stay here since they were on restriction. No matter how they tried to butter up Ben he had been adamant they couldn't go. He wanted to let them go, but he knew he had to keep them on restriction so they learned their lesson.

An hour later Ben stood at the door, Adam was outside getting their horses, "Now, Hoss you watch those girls and keep them out of trouble, Ya hear me?" Hoss smiled "Don't worry Pa, we'll have a good time here, you and Adam enjoy yourself." Ben looked a little unsure knowing the mischief the girls could get in, but he needed a break from them also. "Okay, we'll probably be back a little late, See you in the morning." He then looked over at the two sulking girls, "You two there will be plenty of more dances. Perhaps if your not restricted next time you can go." He then left.

The girls decided to go up in their room, when not an hour later Hoss came in, with his hat and gun on. Hoss looked at them with a warning look "You two be good, I have to run out to the North pasture, there's a hurt calf that needs some help, I'll be back as soon as possible." The girls looked at him and said they would be good. Hoss wasn't to worried knowing that Hop Sing was here in case there was an emergency.

As soon as he was gone, Nicki looked at Jodie; "Well I think its time you and I had a party of our own!" they both started laughing. Nicki tip toed downstairs listening carefully, not seeing or hearing anyone she did a quick peek around the corner the house was quiet, she walked up to the wet bar and opened up the door, stooping down she looked at all the bottles, wondering which one was the best to take. In the very back she saw a bottle covered with a fine layer of dust. Her eyes lit up, he would never notice this one gone! She hurried and took it, making sure to shut the door. She then hurried back into the room. Walking in with a smile on her face and showing Jodie the bottle, both proud of her accomplishment.

"Wow, I didn't think you could pull it off Nick!" Jodie said with awe. She gave Nicki a thumbs up and said "Rock on! Nicki" as she struggled with the cork on the bottle, "Damn, its like stuck or something." Jodie grabbed the bottle from Nicki and tried it herself, but she too was unable to pop the cork "Hang on let me get Joe's knife out of the desk drawer" Jodie suggested.

"No You don't!" yelled Nicki, thinking that's all she needs Jodie slicing open her hand again, "Here I'll do it." Jodie gave her the knife and they were able to wedge out the cork. Then they searched around for some cups, Nicki forgot to bring some up.

"Oh hell Nicki, lets just drink it out of the bottle...like they do on TV!" Jodie said. A big fan of late night television she had watched enough shows to get the idea that only the toughest of characters drank out of the bottle. Fancying herself as tough, she wanted to do the same.

"I guess so" Nicki said, "Hop Sing would probably get suspicious of glasses being in the sink so late anyway." While Jodie took a couple of swigs, Nicki sat on the bed trying to roll a cigarette, not knowing exactly how to do it and making a mess on the bed with the papers and tobacco. "How in the hell do you do this crap?" she said to Jodie.

"Here, let me do it" Jodie offered. Taking the paper and tobacco from her sister, she attempted to roll the cigarette like she had seen the hands do. Hard as she tried, she found it impossible to do it with the bottle still in her hand. "You’re spilling all the tobacco idiot" Nicki yelped. "Here give me that wine!" Nicki grabbed the bottle from Jodie. "God what I wouldn't do for a good stereo right now and blasting some music!" Nicki wishfully commented.

"I don't know why you can't do this Nicki. It's just like rolling a joint! We have seen enough people do that to know how to do it." Deftly Jodie rolled one cigarette and started on another. Nicki looked smugly at Jodie with an experienced air about her she looked down at Jodie; "I have done more than just see people smoke a joint." she sniffed.

Jodie just about dropped the tobacco pouch. "YOU DIDN'T!" she exclaimed. "WHEN?"

"Well I tried it once. Wasn't that great to me, it just made me tired." she said with a bit less of an air of superiority. Jodie looked at her with a mixture of pride and awe. "Wow"

"My heads getting fuzzy, I think we need more to drink. He's got a LOT of bottles down there I don't think he'll miss any." Nicki commented, Jodie grabbed the bottle from Nicki and looked at in dismay "YOU PIG! YOU DRANK ALL OF IT!!"

"Hey I WAS thirsty!" Nicki replied defensively.

"WELL SO AM I" Jodie argued, sulking. She tossed the bottle onto the floor, not even caring if it shattered. "GO GET SOME MORE DUMB ASS!"

"You call me a dumb ass, you won't get anymore!" she sulked. Jodie rolled her eyes. "If I don't get more then neither do you Nicki." she said threateningly.

For some reason Jodie felt extremely argumentative, much more so than usual. Nicki saw the mood Jodie was in and decided it wasn't worth it, and stood up, "Well come on you look out for me while I get a couple more bottles."

"Look out for who? That ole horse dude" Jodie asked, kicking the empty wine bottle. "I ain't afraid of him or old hard ass either for that matter."

"You should be! He’s damn big! Plus there's Hop Sing also. If he comes out you need to distract him." Jodie just rolled her eyes and flopped down on the bed, lighting a cigarette. "Oh whatever. I can take Hop Sing on too hell I can take all of these c’s"

Nicky gave her a disparaging look. "Sure you can, I see how well you took on Ben and Adam!" Jodie turned red with embarrassment. If she closed her eyes she could still taste that god-awful soap. She gave Nicki a dirty look and took another drag of her cigarette, "You coming or not?"

"OH ALL RIGHT!" Jodie half shouted, tossing the cigarette into the vase on the bedside table. "GEEZ you act like this is some CIA mission or something." She rose reluctantly and followed her sister's lead. They both started walking a little unsteadily to the door, snickering to each other. Jodie waited at the top of the stairs when Nicki went down again, this time Nicki got them each their own bottle. And she hurried back upstairs; they then went into their room. Locking the door behind themselves.

You took them from the back didn't ya?" Jodie asked. "He might notice if you take them from the front."

"Of course stupid, ya think I'm dumb or what? He'll never notice any of these are gone there all covered with dirt." Jodie shrugged and grabbed a bottle. "These corks are screwed in tight." With a couple of tugs more, Jodie managed to pop it open. Quickly she slammed down a gulp, Letting out a big burp and wiping her mouth with her sleeve. "That's probably the reason he never drank these, he couldn't get the damn things open!" Nicki laughed.

"Hey Jodie!! Wasn't that funny when Adam fell on his butt?" Nicki laughed out. Jodie burst into laughter at the thought as she tried desperately to pick up the cigarette papers and roll another cigarette...."I can't quite hold on to this slippery thing. Ya think they made em this way on purpose,” she slurred to Nicki. Leaning over the side of the bed, Jodie peered at the floor, wonder where those matches went.

Nicki started laughing because Jodie was slurring her speech, and she knew she was getting drunk. Of course Nicki wasn't feeling any pain either! While Nicki continued to giggle, drunk with the wine and the humor of Adam falling...Jodie managed to roll a cigarette and attempted to light it. Her hand slipped and the match went flying on the floor. Jodie watched in detached amusement as it hit the floor and burnt out. Amused, she lit another match and threw it down again, again watching as it burned out.

Hey Nick..come 'ere, you gotta see this. Watch the pretty little flame as it burns out..." she called over he shoulder to her sister. Nicki walked over and looked, "yea, hey ya know what we should do? Get rid of those god awful dresses they have here!" She replied not thinking of the danger she was suggesting. "GOOD IDEA!" Jodie said with great glee. She fell face first off the bed and hit the floor with a thud! Getting to her knees she crawled to the dresser and started tossing dresses out left and right.

Nicki laughed at her sister on the floor, she staggered over to her closet grabbing all her dresses up and throwing them in to the ever-growing pile with Jodie's. Nicki bowed to Jodie "Madam, I give you the pleasure!" she smiled.

"GOODBYE ICKY YELLOW DRESS" she called out in a high falsetto, tossing one particularly horrid yellow calico dress onto the pile Nicki had started.

Jodie laughed so hard she lost her balance and fell on the pile "ACK!! IT'S THE HORRID KRYPTON DRESSES!! SAVE ME!!" she joked, rolling onto her stomach and pretending to reach out for Nicki's help. When Nicki reached to help her up, Jodie gave a great yank and pulled her down onto the clothes with her. Nicki wasn't to pleased with this! And she tried to cuff Jodie on the side of the head, dropping her cigarette into the clothes without realizing it.

"Who the hell do you think you are!" Screamed back Nicki, tired of Jodie's ways, and suddenly in a very bad mood. "WHAT YOUR PROBLEM" Jodie protested, kicking Nicki in the shins. Angrily she tossed her cigarette aside and pulled at Nicki's hair with both hands. Jodie felt like taking on the world, but since her sister was the only one there she would have to do. Nicki grabbed Jodie by the arm and hit her in the eye with her fist.

"OW You brat!" Jodie shouted out, letting go of Nicki's hair to clutch her eye. She glowered angrily at Nicki, suddenly being consumed with a hatred for her sister.

"Me a brat?" Yelled Nicki, "Look who's talking! Miss suck up to Ben Cartwright, oh Pa I'll do anything you want... Jesus Jodie you’re the suck up!"

"I Hate YOU! Jodie bellowed, throwing herself at Nicki with all the might her little ten-year-old frame could muster. Grabbing onto Nicki's arm she bit down, hard, kicking and swinging her fists with all her strength.

Ben and Adam were riding back to the ranch; both had decided to go home early from the dance. Adam looked over at Ben noticing he wasn't in a good mood, "Something wrong Pa?" Adam inquired. Ben let out a sigh, "When I went to the store to re-supply my tobacco, I was informed that Nicki and Jodie had bought two packs of tobacco last week" Adam raised his eyebrows realizing they hadn't given it to Ben. "So I gather they're still smoking?

"Looks like it." Ben replied, "I just don't know what I'm going to do with those girls anymore."

Adam shook his head from side to side. "I tell ya Pa you just are going to have to stop letting them get away with this stuff." the two rode into the yard.

Adam was about to continue when the sounds of hollering coming form the girls upstairs window got his attention. Looking up he saw a curl of smoke wisping its way out the open window into the night sky "PA LOOK!" he shouted, jumping off of Sport and running for the house. Ben's eyes widened in alarm, he jumped off of Buck, and ran into the house without even tying him to the hitching rail. The two men went barreling up the stairs to their room. Adam arrived first to open the door, and he could hear Jodie and Nicki having a knock down drag out fight, he turned the knob of the door, and it was locked.

Ben yelled out "OPEN THIS DOOR!"

Jodie and Nicki were so busy trying to eliminate each other from the face of the earth that the sound of Ben's voice did not affect them. As far as they were concerned, he might as well not even exist. All that mattered right now was the intense anger built up in their system-anger enhanced by the liquor-be released.

"I'M A SUCK UP? I'M A SUCK UP? LOOK WHOSE TALKING! OH ADAM IS SOO CUTE!! YOU MAKE ME SICK!!" Jodie screamed shrilly, trying to gouge Nicki's eyes out Nicki pushed her hand up and shoved at Jodie's face, trying to get her off of her chest.

"I SAID OPEN THIS DOOR RIGHT NOW!" Ben bellowed again, pounding on the door. When it was obvious that the girls were not going to comply, he turned to Adam "looks like we are going to have to break it down Adam"

Adam nodded and the two men threw their shoulders into the door with full force, busting it open with a loud SLAM. When they surveyed the scene, Jodie was holding the vase over her head and threatening to bust it over Nicki's skull. Not to be outdone, Nicki had hold of the lamp and held it in a similar position, making the same kind of threats.

"STOP IT RIGHT THIS MINUTE!" Ben ordered.

The girls were ignoring the two men, Ben noticing this, went over and grabbed Jodie, and Adam grabbed Nicki, taking the items out of their hands, Hoss walked in, his hat and gun on which showed Ben he wasn't at home like he was supposed to be. Hoss saw the fire, and hurried to stomp it out, the dresses were ruined. The girls looked at each other, and started seeing the humor in the situation. And started laughing at how each of them looked. Ben took in the scene, seeing the empty bottles on the floor, the burned dresses, and the smell reeking from the girls, and then he noticed the tobacco all over their beds. The room looked like a hurricane had been in the room he was enraged. What completely angered him was the girls seamless indifference to what they had done. Without saying a word he picked up Jodie carrying her under his arm like a sack of potatoes. She started struggling and screaming.

"PUT ME DOWN!" Jodie screeched, Trying to kick and hit him, she was unable to, so she did what she knew best and bit him in the thigh with her teeth; Ben dropped her immediately and let out a bellow, grabbing his leg. "ADAM!" he yelled, Adam winced, seeing what Jodie had done he walked over to her, taking her by the ear and pushed her in front of him, making her walk down the stairs.

Ben glared at Nicki, She looked around the room a bit helplessly "I guess this isn't to good huh?" Ben's face turned red, he didn't say a word just pointed out the door, Nicki turned and started getting mad at all of this ordering around, she kicked at one of the empty bottles on the way out, she kicked to hard and it shattered against the wall. She did regret that, since it was a pretty bottle. She then walked down the stairs, with her nose stuck up in the air, letting them know she was tired of their ways here and she was ready to take a stand on all these orders. Jodie was sitting on the couch with a deep scowl on her face glaring daggers at Adam, who still had a hold of her ear, knowing the second he let it go she was going to run.

The front door opened, and Joe was whistling, he took off his hat and gun setting them on the hat rack, he took in the scene, and he knew something was wrong. He decided to try to lighten the situation and quipped; "Gee I went to town for some fun, and it looks like the party was here, and I wasn't invited." he smiled. Ben turned and scowled at him, Joe's face instantly fell into a look of apology. Nicki herself thought it was funny as did Jodie. And they both laughed. Jodie looked at Joe "Well we have a LOT more fun when SOME people aren't around!"

Joe winced knowing exactly who she meant. Ben and Adam knew she was talking about them also. Nicki couldn't help but shake her head in agreement. Hoss came down, "Uhh Pa, fires all out. I opened the window to air out the room."

Ben looked at Hoss, "You and Joe, go put the horses up in the Barn." Hoss went over to Joe, and opened the door, Joe couldn't resist "Don't tell me, we're gonna have another tanning party aren't we? And Hoss and I don't get to watch." He then hurried out the door before Ben yelled at him. Ben glared at Joe's retreating back, then turned to face the two delinquents seated on the couch in front of him.

"I don't even want to hear what went on here tonight. Don't even try to explain it because I am not interested."

"Good" Jodie retorted. "Cuz I ain't interested in telling ya" she let out a loud burp, causing Nicki to collapse into a fit of giggles. Ben stepped back involuntarily, a look of utter disgust on his face. The child's breath smelled like a sill. Adam coughed and turned his face away, making sure to maintain his grip on Jodie's ear.

"It is quite clear to me that talking to you two is not going to do any good whatsoever. You are both stinking drunk, you almost burnt down the house, and you ruined all of your clothes..."

"Not these" Nicki said helpfully, pointing with a wavering finger to hers and Jodie's nightshirts. She smiled, proud of being able to help Ben out.

"THAT IS QUITE ENOUGH YOUNG LADY!" Ben shouted, towering over Nicki "It isn't enough that you steal my wine, ruin your clothes, smoke in my house, and beat each other up, you have to be disrespectful to me as well?"

"Geez I was only trying to help" Nicki said, leaning back in the couch, and yawning. Suddenly she felt very tired. "You know what Adam, he can be sooo touchy sometimes!" Adam hid a grin. He had to admit, as angry as he was, Nicki made an amusing drunk.

Ben opened his mouth to say something more when he spotted Jodie starting to remove her nightshirt. "God its hot in here" Jodie complained, fumbling with the buttons on her shirt. Finding them too difficult to manage, she stopped undoing the buttons and just grabbed both sides of the shirt and pulled. As Nicki watched in glee, all the buttons popped off and flew across the room, one even hitting Ben in the nose. Adam watched trying to hide his smile, but not able to, he turned around and the girls could see his shoulders shaking in laughter.

Adam's laughing caused Nicki to laugh even more, her whole body convulsed in shaking as she laughed till her face turned red. A button that Jodie had popped off rolled along the floorboards and came to rest at her own feet, Nicki laughed even harder. Reaching down she clumsily picked it up and tossed it at Ben "here's one for the other nostril" she choked out, almost falling on the floor in a fit of laughter. Ben was ready to blow up he was so angry. He stood there surveying the scene, trying desperately to get his temper under control before he attempted to deal with this situation.

Adam, having finally gotten his laughter under control, turned around just in time to watch Jodie pull her nightshirt over her head and toss it on the floor in disgust. She stood there, buck naked save for her underpants, saying loudly and angrily "I HATE WEARING CLOTHES ANYWAY"

Nicki just about died at this scene, grabbing her stomach and howling with laughter. Adam had to turn around again for fear of busting out with a laugh or two himself. Tears came to his eyes and threatened to spill over at the site of Jodie standing in front of Ben half naked with her hands on her hips-an exact mockery of Ben's own stance. Ben stood in absolute, complete shock. His eyes traveled from the abandoned nightshirt on the floor to the almost nude child in front of him. He was mortified at the whole situation. Never had he lost such complete control of what went on in his household, with his children.

He walked right up to Jodie, staring down at her "Young lady you want to play it this way? I'm more than happy to comply!" He took her roughly by the arm. Nicki saw Ben grab Jodie, Jodie let out a yell. Things suddenly turned quite serious for Nicki, she was tired of the old hard ass manhandling her sister, and she wasn't going to allow it anymore. She saw Jodie hanging by one arm as Ben lifted her up and she launched at him to help her sister, her fingernails bared to claw him, yelling "Jodie, KICK!"

Jodie tried to kick, but with nothing but her bare feet she didn't make much headway. All it succeeded in doing was hurting her foot! At the same time that Nicki had yelled KICK Adam spun around, he grabbed onto the back of the couch with one hand and vaulted over it, landing on two feet right in Nicki's line of fire. Her hands already poised to scratch Ben; they dug into Adam's chest, causing him to wince. Thoroughly outraged, Adam picked Nicki up and effortlessly threw her over his shoulder. With a nod to his father, he headed up the stairs with his screaming hostage.

"NO! STOP ADAM! PLEASE! NOT AGAAIIINNN" Nicki's words of protest echoed down the stairway as Adam rounded the corner and headed for her bedroom, but he couldn't take the smell, and headed into his room. She started struggling more. "I want some pants ON!" Adam kept walking towards his room, and said to her "It wouldn't matter there isn't going to be anything between my hand and your bottom young lady!" Nicki was shocked, "You can't do this, I'm to old!" He then entered his room, and kicked the door shut. "If you’re old enough to misbehave your old enough to pay for it, what right do you think you have attacking Pa like that?"

Nicki felt ashamed, and didn't have an answer, but she didn't want what was coming. "Please I promise I'll be good." Adam just sat down on his bed, "Seems I've heard that before." He then lifted her off his shoulder and laid her across his lap, tossing up her nightshirt, revealing her bottom and started spanking her. Nicki screamed in outrage and pain, he wasn't being light handed at all, and she felt her bottom burning, she screamed for him to stop, he kept going. He resolved he was going to make sure she never forgot this spanking if it was the last thing he did. Nicki stopped struggling and was just crying; yet Adam still kept spanking her. He finally stopped but didn't upright her, "Are you ready to listen to Pa now?" she shook her head yes, "Are you ready to be stop misbehaving?" Again she shook her head yes. He then gave her one more slap and stood her up.

"Do you think I enjoy this? Do you think Pa enjoys this?" She didn't say anything; she stood there with the tears streaming down her face, and her one hand holding her bottom. "Let me tell you something Nicki, I am tired of you worrying Pa, your old enough to know better and unless you change I can guarantee you, You're going to get more of this from me. He shouldn't have to worry about you and Jodie like he has been. Now I want you to get in that room, and I want it spotless. And one more thing, you will be working off all the money it costs to buy you new clothes."

Nicki stood there unsure of what to do, Adam stood up and walked over to the door, "Go NOW!" She tried to slide by him, protecting her backside. And she literally ran into her room. She saw the broken door, and was surprised she didn't remember that happening. Then she looked at the mess they made, knowing they had gone to far. She then proceeded to clean the room, she tried to be angry with Adam, but she knew he had been right, she was wrong.

Ben stood holding the barely clothed Jodie watching as Adam turned the corner with Nicki on his shoulders. Satisfied that Adam had things under control, he turned his attention back to the little girl. "Time for us to get to the bottom of this little problem" Ben said sternly, carrying Jodie over to his red leather chair and sitting down. He attempted to place Jodie over his knee, but she clearly had other ideas. Kicking and howling Jodie managed to wriggle half way off of Ben's lap. Anticipating her taking off if she got loose, Ben grabbed on to the waist band of her underwear and held tight thus leaving Jodie dangling by nothing but her underwear, her face just inches away from the floor.

Continuing to struggle, Jodie managed to half wiggle out of her underwear and was almost free, when Ben grabbed her arm and jerked her back up over his lap. Wrapping his left arm around her waist to hold her firmly, Ben landed a solid blow to Jodie's behind, thanks to her efforts at escape, completely bared backside. "OWWW!" Jodie yelped as the sting of Ben's hand hit her bottom.

"I AM NOT GOING TO TOLERATE ANYMORE OF THIS BEHAVIOR ANY LONGER" Ben lectured, emphasizing each word with a firm spank. "YOU ARE TEN YEARS OLD" Ben continued "NOT TWENTY! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS BEHAVIOR FOR A TEN YEAR OLD CHILD" again, each word was emphasized with a swat that had Jodie kicking her legs and howling. She tried to cover her backside with her free hand, but Ben landed a sharp blow to the tops of her thighs MOVE THAT HAND" he ordered. Jodie, knowing she was not in a position to argue, quickly pulled her hand back. Ben continued to lecture Jodie on her attitude, language, and behavior while his hand fell again and again.

Finally, when Jodie thought he would never stop, Ben placed her on her feet in front of him. Crying hard, Jodie rubbed her red bottom with one hand and tried to pull up the underwear hanging half way down her knees with the other.

Ben's face softened and a look of deep disappointment came across it. With a quiet voice he said "Go to your room and help your sister clean it up." With that said, Ben reached over and picked up the book he had left on the table, commencing to read.

Jodie stood their stunned. The look of disappointment on his face hurt her more than the spanking had. She turned to shuffle towards the staircase. On shaky legs she took a step up on the first step. Her eyes flooded with tears and she turned and flew back to Ben, climbing onto his lap and sobbing for all she was worth "IM SORRY PA!! IM SO SORRY" Ben said not a word, just held tightly to the child and let her cry. He knew that she was crying from more than just the spanking. She had finally learned that her actions hurt more than just her.

Hoss and Joe slipped in through the front door and, seeing Ben holding Jodie in his lap, decided to just walk quietly past the two and head on upstairs. Both were dirty from working in the barn and wanted to clean up and go to bed. Upon rounding the corner, they almost ran into Adam who was on his way back downstairs to check on Ben and Jodie.

"Well there you two are." Adam commented "Nice of you two to show up. Did it ever occur to you two that things would go a lot easier around here if you would help out with the girls every once in awhile instead of leaving it all to pa and me?" Adam followed up his words with a sarcastic look aimed at both of his younger brothers.

"Well maybe they wouldn't be so much trouble Adam if you would try being friends with them instead of beating on them all the time" Joe replied, annoyed that his brother would try and blame Hoss and him for the problems with the girls.

"I have not beaten either of them Joe. There is a world of difference between a spanking and a beating." Adam said defensively. "And I would be more than glad not to have to do even that, if they would start acting like children instead of uncivilized animals."

"Your their big brother Adam, not their father. In case you haven't noticed, we already have a father. Why don't you try being their big brother and stop acting like a second Pa to them,” Joe snapped, his temper flared.

"What am I supposed to do Joe?" Adam asked, frustrated. "Pa asked me for some help, what was I gonna do, tell him Sorry Pa, but I want to play the nice loving big brother who takes them to picnics and riding horses and fun stuff, not the big brother that steps in and straightens them out when they do wrong. Did you ever think that maybe I would for once like to be the fun brother? Before it was them I had to watch after the two of you." Adam turned angrily on his heel and disappeared downstairs.

Hoss and Joe looked at each other, stunned. "Gee Joe, maybe Adam has a point there" Hoss said, a twinge of guilt passing across his face.

"I hate to admit it but maybe your right big brother" Joe said, the anger leaving him as quickly as it had come and regret setting in to takes its place.

"What do you think we should do Joe?" Hoss asked his brow furrowed.

"We could check in on Nicki" Joe suggested. "That way Adam won't have to worry about her." Hoss nodded in agreement and the two headed down the hallway to the girls' room.

Nicki was sitting on the floor with a forlorn look on her face. Unbeknownst to the boys, she had overheard their conversation and was heart-broken at knowing what trouble she had caused. She had been so busy thinking about how hard this was for her and for Jodie that she never realized how hard it had been on Ben and his sons to deal with their antics. Maybe they really did care about her and Jodie? If that was true, neither of the girls had made it very easy for them to show it. They had been so busy fighting the Cartwrights, that they didn't realize that they were fighting the very thing they had spent their lives longing for-a family who loved and cared for them. When Hoss and Joe appeared in the doorway, Nicki looked at them with tear-filled eyes, pained by knowing that she had hurt them.

Hoss and Little Joe stood in the doorway, taking in the disaster that Jodie and Nicki had created in the room. Even Joe had to admit that there was no excuse for the ruined clothes, busted wine bottles, and tobacco leaves all over the floor. He could hardly blame Adam or Pa for disciplining Nicki and Jodie so harshly. Having fun was one thing, but this was plain destructive behavior. Joe was about to open his mouth to tell Nicki so when he spotted the miserable look on her face and the tears that were in her eyes.

Nicki made eye contact with Joe and swallowed hard, the disappointment in his face hitting her in the pit of her stomach. She didn't bother to look at Hoss' face, for she knew she would find the same look on his face as the one on Joe's. Guilt washed over her and threatened to loose the tears in her eyes. She looked at the room again, through their eyes, and saw that her feeble efforts to clean it had hardly made a difference at all.

"Aw Nicki, how could you do this?" Hoss asked sadly, surveying the room.

Nicki shook her head with despair. "I don't know Hoss. It all got out of hand. We didn't mean to..." her voice trailed off. She looked at Hoss and Joe, and then again at the mess. Swallowing hard she forced herself to speak the words that were on her mind. "I..I..know I shouldn't ask you this, but this place is an awful mess and I really want it to be clean for your..for Pa when he gets up here. Would you..would you help me clean it up?"

Hoss and Joe exchanged surprised looks. It wasn't like Nicki at all to ask anyone for help with anything, and she sounded sincere-like she really did want to get it cleaned up for Pa, and not just because she was worried about getting into more trouble for it.

"Sure why not?" Joe said with a grin. "Yeah, you know what they say don't ya, three pairs of hands are better than one" Hoss said, leaning down to pick up a singed dress. "Oh yeah, who says that Hoss?" Joe teased, grabbing a handful of equally soiled clothes. Holding one up he added "I hate to say it, and don't ever tell Pa I did, but this is one dress that should have been burned a long time ago" he rolled his eyes at the ruffled blue calico dress in his arms. Hoss and Nicki burst into laughter and nodded in agreement. "That's what Jodie said when she tossed it onto the pile" Nicki laughed. It felt so good to have Hoss and Joe here to help her and to be having fun with her instead of always butting heads all the time with them. With the three of them working, this mess would be taken care of in no time.

Downstairs, Adam was in the kitchen making some coffee for himself and Ben while Ben held the now sleeping Jodie in his arms. She had pretty much cried herself out ten minutes earlier, and was resting quietly on Ben's lap, wore out by the alcohol and the sobbing. Her hair was matted down with sweat and the collar of her nightshirt that Ben had put back on her, was twisted and hanging down from lack of support from the buttons that now lay scattered around the floor.

"Here Pa" Adam said, holding out a cup of coffee to Ben. "I thought you could use this"

Thanks" Ben said gratefully, shifting Jodie so that he could take a sip of the steaming liquid.

"She's cute when she's sleeping isn't she?" Adam observed, settling back in the sofa to drink his own coffee.

Ben let out a short laugh. "Yeah, yeah I guess she is" He looked down at Jodie's sleeping form "From the looks of the empty wine bottles upstairs, she ought to sleep a good long while too. Can you believe those two children got DRUNK?" Ben asked, incredulous.

Adam shook his head, smiling. "No, I knew these two were capable of a lot of things, but what they did tonight, I've seen a bar full of drunk cowboys do less damage"

"Well, I can guarantee you they will never do it again, at least Jodie won’t" Ben assured his eldest son. "I really think that this time I really got through to her."

"Well if all the hollering and carrying on I heard from upstairs is any indication, I would have to agree with you,” Adam commented dryly.

Ben shook his head, smiling "No, I don't mean the spanking Adam. Although I am sure that served its purpose to ensure good behavior for awhile." Ben let out a short laugh. "For the first time Adam, she apologized to me. She really and truly felt bad for upsetting us."

"Are you sure it wasn't just feeling bad because you paddled her" Adam asked, suspicious.

"No, I don't think it was that Adam. She came to me on her own free will and climbed into my lap and cried her heart out, apologizing for the trouble she caused. She didn't have to do that, in fact she took quite a risk coming to me for I had told her to go upstairs, but she did come to me Adam." Ben sounded proud and had a pleased smile on his face. "It may not sound like much, but its something. Its definitely something." Ben took another sip of coffee, then asked "How did things go with Nicki? I was so busy with this little one that I didn't have time to come up and see how things were going upstairs."

Adam shrugged his shoulders and gave his father a slight smile "Well, after I got her attention, she seemed to understand that she did wrong and that she is never to do it again. Although I will admit it took quite a lot to get her attention" Ben raised his eyebrows and gave Adam a knowing look "I see. So I gather we are going to have two little girls who wont be sitting too comfortably for the next couple of days."

Adam nodded "Oh I would say that is a safe bet." Putting his coffee cup down on the table he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "She is upstairs cleaning up their room right now. I didn't have near the breakthrough you had with Jodie, but I do think I gave her something to think about. She's thicker skinned than Jodie, Pa. I'm not sure how to reach her, how to get her to open up more. Jodie's a lot like Little Joe when he was small, she loses her temper and stomps her feet one minute, and the next she is climbing into your arms and giving you a hug. Nicki never shows any emotion except for anger."

Ben shifted in his chair, moving Jodie's head from one shoulder to the other "Don't forget Adam that Nicki has had to take care of herself and Jodie for a long time, often times shielding Jodie by taking a lot of abuse onto herself. That can make a child or anybody for that matter; grow hardened and suspicious of trusting others-especially adults. The Nicki we see is very different from the Nicki that Jodie sees when they are alone. I know I have watched them both when they didn't know I was around. Nicki is trying to be an adult and child both, and it just isn't working. Give her time, Adam, She'll come around." Ben said with the conviction of a man with great experience and a few years under his belt.

"I suppose you right Pa" Adam conceded. "But I sure hope they come around soon"

"Oh they will Adam, they will. After all, Christmas will be upon us soon, and Santa Claus is a powerful motivator for good behavior" Ben winked, his eyes twinkling.

Adam laughed; remembering past Christmas's when the threat of telling Santa he was bad encouraged him to act right. "You want me to take her upstairs and put her to bed Pa? I need to check on Nicki anyway."

"I thought that Hoss and Joe went upstairs" Ben replied, "Surely they can handle checking in on Nicki"

Adam scowled, "If you ask me, neither one of them has been much help around here lately."

Ben frowned, but said nothing, knowing that Adam had a valid point. "Why don't we go up together then? I seem to have turned Nicki over to you for you to deal with a lot lately. I'm sure it doesn't help her feel closer to me. Although it is good for her to connect with you too" Ben added quickly, not wanting to hurt Adam's feelings.

Adam simply nodded rising from his position on the sofa. He went over to take Jodie from Ben, but stopped when his father gave him a dark look. Ben didn't like anyone to treat him as if he was getting older and couldn't do the physical things he did as a youth. As if to prove he was still strong and virile, Ben got up with surprising ease and agility, effortlessly holding Jodie to his chest with one arm. Jodie was so conked out that she didn't even lift her head from his shoulder. Walking slowly so as not to disturb her slumber, Ben followed Adam upstairs to the girls room

Hoss, Little Joe, and Nicki were picking up the last of the clothes and straightening the curtains when Ben and Adam came into the room.

"All done Pa" Hoss said jovially. "Nicki here wanted to have it all clean by the time you came up so me and Joe pitched in to help her out"

Joe and I" Adam corrected, causing Ben to grin.

Hoss and Little Joe gave Adam a dirty look, Joe rolling his eyes.

"What do ya think of the room?" Nicki interjected, looking at Ben and Adam hopefully.

Ben winked at Adam and pretended to look around the room, frowning. Seeing Nicki's face fall he grinned and said, "It looks pretty good Nicki. Pretty good indeed. Tell me, how did you accomplish this with these to lumps hanging around?" he teased, winking at her.

HEY NOW!" Joe and Hoss said simultaneously, putting on hurt looks.

With that the whole room burst into laughter, silenced only when Ben held up his hand and said "Shhh, let's keep it down, Jodie's asleep." Ben walked over to the bed, saying over his shoulder, "all right you guys clear out of here now and let me get these two in bed" Hoss, Joe and Adam left the room, each pausing to ruffle Nicki's hair. When Adam lifted his hand from her head, Nicki reached up and grabbed it, giving him a pleading look.

"It's okay Nicki" Adam said quietly "You go on and get some shut eye now" Nicki nodded gratefully and made her way to Ben's side. Watching Ben pull back the covers and lay Jodie down, Nicki asked tentatively "Jodie, is she okay?"

Ben covered Jodie up and turned around, placing his hands on Nicki's shoulders "Jodie's fine. You know I would never do anything that would hurt you or your sister, don't you?" Nicki nodded, "yeah, I guess so." she admitted. "About tonight..." she began "well...see we didn't mean for things to happen the way they did. We were just mad cuz you were going to go to the party and we couldn't. So we decided to have our own party. Only I guess it didn't end up being much fun"

Ben took his hands off her shoulders and led her to her bed. Holding back the covers so she could crawl in he said "No it sure didn't did it. And do you know why it didn't?" Ben asked.

Nicki shifted uncomfortably in the bed, taking the covers from Ben and pulling them up to her chin. "Because we drank too much and started fighting and our cigarette's started the clothes on fire." she answered meekly.

"And were you supposed to be drinking or fighting or smoking?" Ben queried, looking her directly in the eyes.

"No sir "Nicki said, finally answering him in the respectful manner that Ben's sons used with him.

"Would the night had gone much better if you hadn't disobeyed and done those things?" Ben questioned, still looking at her with those dark piercing eyes.

"Yes sir" Nicki answered, her face flushing with shame. "I guess that's why you don't want us doing those things huh?"

"That's exactly why Nicki. I'm glad your came to that realization on your own without me telling you. It shows me that you are growing up." Ben said, a note of pride in his voice. "It's late, you better close your eyes and get some sleep." Ben brushed the hair from Nicki's forehead and smiled kindly. "I'll see you in the morning."

The morning came too early for Nicki and Jodie, and the morning rays of sunshine that hit them in the face were greeted with muttered words that, if overheard by anyone else but each other, would have earned a lecture. Stiffly the two climbed out of bed and got dressed in the one outfit they each had left- a pair of pants and a button down shirt. The pile of ruined clothes in the corner reminded them of what had happened last night and they both turned a little red with embarrassment.

"Jodie.." Nicki turned to her sister. "Before we go downstairs, well, I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry for getting into a fight with you last night"

"I'm sorry to Nick. Boy we sure made a mess of things didn't we" Jodie said sadly. "I don't want to get into anymore trouble here Nick. I feel real bad for wrecking this room and making everyone mad at us."

"Yeah me too" Nicki agreed. "Let's try real hard from now on to do better okay? I mean really try this time to get along with everybody."

"OK!" Jodie said, happy that her sister suggested what she secretly had wanted to do for a long time "I think they really like us Nicki. You just gotta give em a chance okay?"

Nicki nodded, looking a little suspicious. "I guess I can try,” she finally conceded.

The two made their way to the breakfast table and gingerly took their seats. No one mentioned the night before, and soon all were talking and joking with each other, making plans for the rest of the day.

"Hoss, you and Joe better go on up the slope and cut down some trees for firewood" Ben said. "Christmas is coming on us soon and I would rather have the wood cut and ready than have to go and cut it in the middle of a snowstorm."

Joe made some joke about how Pa wouldn't be the one to go and cut it anyway, but the girls weren't paying attention. Both were thinking the same thing, "Christmas is coming already? We've been here THAT long?"

"You two are awful quite" Ben said, interrupting their thoughts. "something on your minds?"

"Is Christmas really gonna be soon?" Jodie asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

Ben and the others laughed, "Yes it is Jodie. It will be here in just a few short weeks."

"Yeah, and if you want Santa to bring you presents then you better behave, right Pa" Adam said, winking at his father.

"Adam's right Jodie, The boys can tell you, I know Santa's address and if I find you aren't minding me like you should, why I can just send a letter off to Santa and tell him you don't deserve any presents this year" Ben exchanged conspiritual glances with his sons, who struggled to hold back their laughter.

Jodie looked suspicious "Aw..there aint no Santa" she scoffed, not sounding so sure of her own words.

Nicki opened her mouth to tell her sister it wasn't true about Santa, but when she saw Ben looking at her warningly she decided to say something completely opposite of what she was thinking "Oh come on Jodie. OF course there is a Santa Claus" she said brightly, pretending to believe it herself. She didn't of course, but she couldn't deny wanting to. "If you remember Jodie Santa has always come for you every year, remember the Christmas you really wanted that puppy? And then there is was Christmas morning?" Nicki smiled warmly at Jodie.

Jodie looked at Nicki, "But, he didn't bring you anything Nicki, he never brought you anything". She softly whispered. Silence loomed at the table; Ben felt pain shoot through his heart. Realizing how hard it was for them to be alone especially the holidays, realizing Nicki didn't have good memories of the holidays, but she tried to make some happy memories for her sister.

Nicki reached out and touched Jodie's hand, "Jodie you’re so wrong, Santa gave me the best gift of all. He let me see my little sisters' eyes light up and hear your laughter fill the room. To see you happy is the one wish I had. I always thought I had the better present when I would see your face."

Everyone sat there, watching the interaction between the girls, never haven seen them like this. Jodie looked up at Nicki and smiled. Then Nicki stood up, "Excuse me." And she walked away from the table and hurriedly went outside. She needed to collect herself, it hurt her to think that maybe she didn't do enough to make Jodie's Christmas holidays better than she did. Maybe there was something more she should have done. She walked to the edge of the porch wrapping her arms around herself in the cold morning air, she heard the door open, and didn't bother to turn around to see who it was. It figures they couldn't even give her five minutes alone to get over her shame at failing her little sister.

She felt the coat laid on her and appreciated the warmth it brought her. She kept staring over at the mountains, when an arm was draped over her shoulder, and he brought her closer. He felt her tense up under his arm, "It's not easy being the oldest, we have responsibilities the others will never have and we grow up a lot faster than they have to" Adam commented. Nicki took in what he said, knowing it was true. He could feel her tension and knew she was fighting his closeness, hiding behind her wall of self-preservation. He glanced at her out of the side of his eye, seeing the sadness on her face. "No matter what you’re thinking right now Nicole, you did a good job with Jodie, you gave her everything you had, and you sacrificed a lot. There isn't anyone that can deny that. I'm proud of you for what you have done for her."

Nicole stepped away from him, causing his arm to drop at his side. She softly whispered, "I failed. I didn't do enough," Adam's brow wrinkled in confusion, he stepped down after her, deciding he wasn't gong to allow her to escape into herself and carry the burden of something that wasn't true. He put his hands on her shoulders turning her and making her face him, looking down at her he asked, "How can you say you failed?" She tried to divert her eyes from him. "Just let it be Adam, mind your own business and leave me alone." She snapped, pushing away from him, and going off into the barn.

Adam watched her disappear into the barn, he turned back towards the house and walked up to the front door, putting his hand on the knob, then he stopped. No, he wasn't going to leave her or this alone. He walked out to the barn, closing the door behind himself. Seeing Nicki toying with the mane of one of the new horses. She glanced over at him, and sighed her whole body reflecting frustration at him. "I guess it's against the law for a person to want some peace and quiet and time alone here? Why can't you leave me alone? I don't want you here I don't want to talk to you."

Adam steeled himself for her resistance, and went over to a bale of hay and sat down, "No, it's not against the law to want to be alone, I do it myself quite often. And I'm sorry you don't want to talk to me. I just wanted to let you know you didn't fail with Jodie. I don't know how you can even think that." Nicki started getting angry and said sarcastically "It's rather obvious how Adam, look at her she has a mouth like a sailor and no respect for anyone, and the one thing I wanted her to have she doesn't even have that, good memories of the Holiday season."

Adam looked at her, "You listen here Nicole. You haven't failed. You kept her safe, and healthy, you protected her, and you made sure she had food to eat." He then stood up and walked to the barn door, not facing her he said sadly "You even taught her how to love and trust other people, it's just to bad your not willing to allow others to love you and care for you." He then walked out hoping what he said would reach her.

Nicki was hurt more than she was willing to admit even to herself by what he said. She tried to brush off her thoughts what she wanted and felt didn't matter, all that mattered to her was keeping her little sister safe and happy. If she was happy then Nicki was happy. She had grown so used to thinking of her sisters feelings she stopped ever thinking about her own feelings, yet the one time she did think of herself Jodie had cut her hand open. One couldn't escape their responsibilities no matter how much they wanted to at times.

The next day Jodie had her stitches removed and the Doc pronounced her healed and fit, the days rolled along peacefully and the girls stayed true to themselves trying to make the transition easier for everyone. Jodie became closer to the family and Nicki continued to keep her distance from them. Not willing to trust or love anyone, yet happy that Jodie could. Ben even started giving the girls an allowance for their chores and they saved every penny to purchase presents for Christmas. Jodie buying trinkets for everyone. Nicki saving all her money to buy Jodie one gift that she knew would make Jodie beam with happiness.

Adam and Ben watched the closeness that developed between Jodie and the family happy she was settled in, Adam was at a loss on how to reach Nicki; she made sure she wasn't ever alone with him since their talk in the barn. Ben realized it would just take time, trust wasn't something someone earned overnight, and mistrust took a lot to get over. He gradually took away Nicki's responsibilities towards Jodie, she wasn't even aware of it, yet he felt it was time for her to have a childhood again.

Christmas morning arrived, Jodie jumped out of bed "Nicki!!! Nicki!! Get up!!! It's Christmas!" she screamed in the process waking up the whole house. Everyone smiled as they heard her excited voice, there was nothing like a young child to make people catch the spirit of Christmas.

Nicki got up "Shhh Jodie, let me get dressed, I doubt the presents are going any where in the next five minutes." Jodie stood there fidgeting wanting Nicki to hurry. "Oh Come on Nick you don't need to get dressed!" she said with exasperation, Nicki just gave her the older sister look, that Jodie knew meant she was going to get dressed and complaining wasn't going to help. Nicki looked at her "Jodie, while I'm getting ready, you go get everyone else up, if you haven't woke them all up all ready." Jodie went running out of the room, slamming the door behind her in her excitement.

As Nicki dressed she heard Jodie making progress down the hallway as each door slammed open then shut, Nicki couldn't help but laugh at her sisters excitement.

They all converged downstairs, and Jodie ran to the tree seeing all the presents, Ben sat down, handing each person a present. The first one that Jodie opened was from Hoss, a beautiful doll, that Jodie loved right away and she gave Hoss a kiss for, she then received a combined gift from Little Joe and Adam, a waist high doll house with hand made furniture, she was awed by the details on the pieces, and was happy to have something so pretty to call her own. She received some dresses from Ben; she wasn't to excited about those but didn't say anything. Then she looked at Nicki, a bit hurt that she didn't see anything for herself from her.

Nicki smiled at Jodie "Santa came and talked to me last night, he said he had a special gift for you." Jodie started bubbling over with excitement barely able to contain herself. Nicki then pulled a giant box from behind the chair she was sitting on and slid it over to Jodie, Jodie's eyes lit up at the size of the box, and everyone was wondering what was in it since Nicki hadn't told anyone what she was getting, Jodie tore into the box, throwing the wrappers behind her, she then opened the lid, and tossed it aside, peering inside she gasped "Oh Nicki!" her face aglow, when all of a sudden a mass of sable and white hair dog came bounding out and covering Jodie with kisses.

Little Joe looked wide-eyed "What is that?" Nicki smiled "It's a collie dog, A man was selling them and I saved up and bought it for Jodie, her last dog was taken from us."

Jodie was rolling on the floor with the puppy, happily letting it lick her face as she buried her hands in his coat giving it hugs. Nicki smiled happily at her sister her heart bursting with joy, at seeing Jodie so happy. "Jodie it's a boy, so it won't be giving you as much trouble as a girl." They all laughed at that comment, and Ben decided not to ruin the moment by letting them know his rule about animals in the house. Nicki looked up at Ben, "He's already house trained." Hoping he would let Jodie have him in the house. Ben smiled "You thought of everything didn't you?" and they both smiled. Jodie ran over to Nicki with the dog right on her heels, "Thank-You so much Nicki! I love him!" She gave her a big hug, then noticed that Nicki didn't have any presents. And her smile turned into a frown. She whispered "Nicki, why didn't Santa give you anything?" Nicki tried to hide the hurt she felt, and looked at Jodie "He did Jodie, he gave me your happiness."

The puppy then started whining at the door, and Nicki said, "Well looks like you have to get to work Jodie." They all laughed as Jodie hurried and put on her jacket to take the dog out. After she left Adam opened up his present from Ben, and he held out a delicate old music box, "It was your mothers Adam, I felt it should go to you now." Nicki looked at the box in his hands, her face turning ash white as she recognized it as the music box that brought her and Jodie here. The realization that they could now go back shaking her. She had to tell Jodie. She hurried to cover her shock so no one would notice. Her mind completely preoccupied at thoughts of returning to the 1900's. She was brought out of her thoughts by a voice calling for her and she looked up, Adam was smiling and thanking her for the riding gloves she had bought him.

"I hope you like them Adam." She said, unsure if he would. He walked over and gave her a hug, "I do Nicole, Thank-You." She smiled up at him. Hoss gave Ben a questioning look, and Ben subtly shook his head, no, letting them know they should wait. They opened the rest of the presents, Nicole anxious to see if they were going to like the presents that Jodie and her had picked out. She was pleased to see the smiles they produced. She was a bit saddened to see she didn't receive anything from anyone, but she hadn't really expected any presents for Christmas for years and there was no use changing her thinking on that. She then started cleaning up the wrappings and putting them in the trash, when Jodie came bounding in with her dog, Her cheeks a fiery red and her out of breath, "Bullet can sure run fast!" she yelled out.

Ben smiled "So his name is Bullet hm?" Jodie smiled "Yep! And he's as fast as one, the name really fits him!" They all chuckled, then Ben stood up, well since we're all done with the presents, I would like to take the day off, but this is a working ranch and there are chores to be done." He then walked towards the kitchen, "Nicki, if I'm correct it's your turn to feed the horses." Nicki stood up and gave a disgruntled look that Ben didn't see and she put her coat on, walking outside, not to happy having to go out in this cold weather, she stomped over to the barn, swinging open the door, she walked in, hearing the horses neighing at her approach, Well I guess everything has to eat she thought. Not realizing the others were following behind her, she hurried and put some oats in Cochise's, Bucks, Chubs, and Sports stall, when she heard a noise down at the end of the barn. She walked silently wondering if someone was hiding out there. She hesitated until her eyes adjusted to the dark, the others silently slipped into the barn, without her noticing, she stood in front of the stall at the end with her mouth hanging open, Ben and Adam approached behind her, Adam gave her a gentle nudge, putting her into motion, walking up to the stall she saw the pure black horse with a red ribbon tied in his mane.

"Is he mine?" she asked in total wonder. Ben smiled and put his hand on her shoulder, "Yes she is, and it’s a mare." She held her hand out tentatively to the mare who blew air on her hand and nuzzled her, Adam spoke up "She's a Morgan, straight from the Justin Morgan line. She'll be a real good horse for you." Nicole felt her eyes tearing up and the tears rolling down her cheeks, no one had ever bought her something like this. She didn't know what to say. She felt her defenses break right there. She turned around and faced them both, her smile beaming from her face and she rushed foreword giving Ben a big hug "Thank-You Pa, Thank-You" Adam looked up over her head and winked at Ben, realizing they had finally reached Nicole.

Joe, Hoss, and Jodie came up all smiling, when Joe said, "Hey Adam aren't you going to show Nicki the saddle you made her?" Nicki was overwhelmed to think they had gone to such lengths for her, Adam came out of the next stall carrying a brand new saddle, etched into it was her name. She fingered the fine leather feeling how smooth it was, and realized this must have taken hours for him to make. She hugged him as hard as she could. At a loss for words. When Joe and Hoss brought out their gifts a brand new saddle blanket and bit. Adam saddled up her horse, and Nicki mounted up, feeling like a new woman on top of her.

Jodie looked up at her "Well what cha gonna name her?" Nicki thought for a couple of moments, "Her name is Thunder. Since she's as black as the thunder clouds that come over the pass."

Jodie then looked at Ben, "When do I get a horse?" Ben smiled down, "Young lady I think you're a bit young for a horse, but perhaps a pony will make you happy?" Jodie jumped up. "Please! A pony for me?" Then Hoss came out leading a little Palomino pony, already saddled and ready to go, Jodie gave Ben a big hug and then mounted the pony. Her and Nicki rode out into the yard, the men all smiling watching them. When Nicki looked at Ben with a hopeful expression, "Can I leave just for a half hour to try her out?" Ben thought for a moment, "Sure go ahead, but be back in a half hour, and don't lose your sister." The girls took off at a gallop.

They rode out, Nicki feeling like she was in a rocking chair her horses gates were so smooth. She was beaming with pride, when she remembered the music box, and her face fell into sorrow. She stopped her horse waiting for Jodie to catch up. Jodie's face was all excited and Nicki had never seen her happier, she hated knowing she had to ruin this happiness. As they walked their mounts along Nicki looked over at Jodie, she decided to let her remain happy for a little bit longer.

The girls returned and put their mounts in the barn. After brushing them down and giving them feed, they went into the house. Nicki saw the music box sitting on Ben's desk and picked it up, running her finger lightly over the silver inlays. Ben and the boys we're sitting at the breakfast table. Ben called out "You two ready to eat?" Nicole said, "In a moment, we need to wash." They both went up to their room. Nicole sat on her bed, and Jodie hurried and washed her hands. Looking at Nicki asking "What are you doing Nicki?" Nicki looked up at her with sadness in her eyes, knowing she was going to hurt her. Jodie then saw the music box and sat down by her, "It's our way back Jodie." Jodie gulped feeling a lump rising in her throat and tears threatening to spill out of her eyes. Jodie didn't want to go back, but she would do what Nicki wanted.

Nicki kept fingering the box, she then looked at Jodie, "To go back we both need to be touching it, when it's opened." Tears started falling down Jodie's cheeks, silent sobs breaking out of her. Nicki knew it was up to her on what they should do.

Ben sat at the table waiting impatiently, he then put his napkin down, "those girls really have no concept of time. I'll go get them." He stood up and walked to the base of the stairs "Nicole, Jodie come on its time for breakfast." He then waited to hear the usual scurry of their feet.

THE END

Authors Note: I decided it was up to each reader on how they wanted this to end, with the girls going back or staying, it's your decision on which you're happier with.

Kathy Eriksen - 1998

Kelly W.

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