“Home is where the Heart is”

By Munchkin J

 

 


The stage bounced and rocked, seeming to hit every stone and pothole in the road. It was little more then a dirt trail and a world away from the neat, cobbled streets of his birthplace. Buildings were coming into sight through the dust in the distance, the Church spire and mine heads standing tall against the horizon.

The rocking motion seemed to intensify the horrible churning feeling in his stomach, a mixture of excitement, joy and nerves stretched so tight he thought they would snap. For a while Adam had toyed with the idea of staying in
Boston, and at the beginning of his journey he had almost felt regret at changing his mind. But now, with home and family so close his heart closed the door on doubt.

Hanging his head out the window he watched
Virginia City approach until the momentum of the twisting streets threw him back into his seat, grabbing hold of anything he could reach. With a scream of horses and protesting metal the stage pulled to an abrupt holt. Before Adam even had the chance to move the door flew open and a large pair of muscle bound arms lifted him from the coach, almost squeezing the life from him.

"Hello Hoss, its good to see you too." He wheezed.

"Hoss, please put your brother down, he's turning blue." Pa chuckled as he watched the over flowing joy light up Hoss' face. Moments later Adam was unceremoniously deposited on the ground.

"By golly Adam, you've sure grown." Hoss' smile was so wide it shone like sunshine, tears of joy in his eyes for the brother he'd missed everyday for the last four years.

"Your not so small yourself brother." Adam grinned back, dimples dotting his cheeks as he looked Hoss up and down, surprised at the enormity of his brother's stature. He'd been taller before leaving, and even though Adam himself had grown to over 6ft and filled out to become a man, Hoss stood several inches taller and a whole heap wider.

"Its good to see you son." Like Hoss, Ben was unable to contain his emotions and grabbing Adam behind the neck, pulled his son into a fierce embrace, his heart over flowing with happiness and relief for his son's safe return. And like Adam with his brother, Ben was shocked by the change in his eldest. Gone was the awkward long-limbed youth, the son that stood before him now was a dark haired, handsome young man.

For a few moments no one noticed the pair of sad little eyes watching them, eyes filled with warring emotions and barely contained tears of frustration. He raged between joy for his beloved big brother and over riding anger for the person he viewed as a betrayer. He hadn't forgotten the promise Adam made when his Ma died. He'd promised never to leave him, but that had been broken when Adam left for college. Joe adored his big brother but he had broken his promise and for that the boy would never forgiven him.

Pulling free of his father's embrace, feeling a little embarrassed for the public display of affection Adam felt the tingle between his shoulder blades and knew he was being watched. Realisation struck that someone was missing and the twisting cold of his stomach returned. He'd dreaded this moment, knowing that of all the people he had left behind this one had been the hardest.

Turning he put on his best smile, fighting hard to hide the nervousness he felt at seeing his baby brother for the first time in 4 years. The little boy before him was so familiar and so different, he never dreamt how much 4 years could change a boy.

"Hey Little Buddy." When Joe didn't respond and merely glared at Adam he moved hesitantly closer.

"Promise breaker." Were the only two words Joe spoke, with a voice full of anger, anguish and confusion. Then he turned and ran to the waiting buggy, throwing himself in the back and refusing to look at his family. Adam watched him go and with him the hope that his brother had forgiven him. He sighed, setting his face in an expressionless mask, hiding the turmoil beneath to everyone but the man who knew him best.

A warm hand came to rest on his shoulder. "Give him time son." Ben whispered gently then added a little louder. "Come on boys, lets go home." Squeezing Adam's shoulder he and Hoss picked up Adam's luggage and headed for the buggy. For a moment Adam watched them go, uncertain and afraid of the consequences of his return home. Then his mouth set in a hard line as he fuelled his resolve, walking with a purpose towards the buggy.

He would gain Joe's forgiveness if it was the last thing he did. His baby brother was after all, one of the four reasons he'd come home

 

The End

 

 

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