Chapter 525) The Good Kid

“The meaning of good and bad, of better and worse, is simply helping or hurting.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chestnut Ridge
Kershaw Ranch

Connor patiently watched the young man, kept talking to him as he continued to toil away quietly.

“Anyway, now that you are caught up on the most recent Cameron soap opera and all the weird tales from my work at the hospital again, I actually came here today to ask you for a favor. A big, real big ask. I was gonna take it to your dad, but he’s loaded up with work and trying to plan a wedding, and I realized this is a better environment anyway than HOB would be …”

“Just name it, and it’s done.” Jackson said, without looking up.

“You don’t even know what it is.” Connor chuckled.

“Don’t matter. You need it, I’ll do it.” Jackson said from somewhere behind a fence he was hammering around on.

“Okay, I want my sister Briar Rose to move in with you.” Connor said.

Jackson popped up like a whack-a-mole, staring at Connor, who started laughing hard.

“Just checking if you are actually listening. Now that I finally have your full attention: No worries, I wouldn’t wish Bri on my worst enemies at the moment. This is actually helping my dad out. It’s kind of a huge ask, and if you can’t do it, I really won’t blame ya. But I needed to ask at the off chance you are willing and able.”

“Connor … just say it.”

“So, my dad used to work with this guy, a musician, or former musician, he’s definitely retired for good now. Well, that guy just about killed himself with addictions and ruined his family’s lives. His ex-wife and five kids almost ended up homeless and destitute and much like your dad, they won’t accept financial help. Despite all that, his former wife just about busted herself apart trying to keep the house, provide for the kids and even took him in after he almost died from an overdose, against all odds, she actually nursed him back to a place where he’s not constantly at death’s door, but he’s got a long way to go before I’d even start thinking anything along the lines of out of the woods. He’s in the worst way, seriously. But his ex needs help now, she and her entire family are rallying to remodel a smaller home to make it fit 5 kids which is a lot of work, so nobody can babysit him, he has alienated literally everyone he knows, so we are desperate to find help with him. I can’t take him because of my shifts, Keira’s got Chris and her gallery work, our parents are busy with the tour. Your dad is busy with all those horses and planning his own wedding, and nobody else wants a piece of that guy, so … hoping you could pitch in for a few weeks till we find something professional and more long-term.”

“You want me to babysit a grown man who sounds gravely ill? Umm … you do remember we’re on a ranch out in the boonies? I am not the doctor out of the two of us here. I can’t help him if he has medical issues. We don’t even have a doctor in town, only a horse trainer who is the farrier and vet on the side, and sometimes looks after people too. Even if I were to call ya if he collapses or what have ya, if you are in surgery, you won’t do me any good!”

“Yeah, I know, to be absolutely frank, the chance of him just dying spontaneously is still a real concern, it doesn’t matter where he is or who is with him. Medicine has come a long way, but still has its limitations, we can’t perform magic and wonders. Look, this is gonna sound bad, but the truth is it’s up to higher powers now, we gave her all we got, we have him as close to something resembling kind of stable as we can get him, now we can only maintain, do frequent tests and checkups, adjust or add medications if needed, and let his body do its thing. If he makes it, great, if something happens, it happens and this setup would only be temporary anyway until we can get him into a palliative care center, we are on dozens of waiting lists with him, the kind he needs are booked for months out and several have him blacklisted, they won’t take him. There is also the fact that he does not do well in such environments, which is why I was thinking he might recover better here, without being agitated all the time from being in medical inpatient care somewhere. Healing involves the physical part as much as a mental wellbeing, and this may work for him, at least better than a medical facility. He wants to be with Sophie, but that is not happening, but someone’s home may still be better than a hospital bed. There is of course the danger of this not being a sterile environment, so he has to take injections to keep him safer. Full disclosure, he’s not an easy patient by a long shot. He has a history of bailing on rehabs before this happened, he is often uncooperative, even though he’s not very mobile yet he may come up with something to start drama, it’s kind of his brand. Currently he’s needy, whiny and cranky, partially due to his now several decades of addiction on and off, his body built up a resistance to many medications, making dosing it right very hard, so I am sure he is miserable physically, tries to refuse to eat unless his ex helps him, which is not an option as Sophie has her hands PLENTY full, but he needs to eat, so he needs a firm hand. You may have to strap him down and force it, but be careful, he will spit at you and bite. He needs assistance getting dressed and undressed but can do the bathroom stuff himself again – finally. Poor Sophie deserves medals for this. You’re a good kid, strong and you don’t take crap from nobody, I have a feeling you could handle him. We’d pay you handsomely for it, I won’t accept no about the payment, cos you’d definitely be earning that money. This is a huge ask.”

“Ha, if you knew the kind of crap I have been taking recently, but okay, bring him here and I’ll see if I can manage him. He’s not violent, is he? Don’t want to find out the hard way.”

“I am not gonna lie to you, he’s not exactly unsurpassed bliss to be around, but not dangerous. He’s weaker than a newborn kitten, can barely walk, just recently graduated from having to be fed to being able to eat on his own, VERY slowly, he doesn’t have a fast gear for anything at the moment, except down. He falls a lot. He hardly speaks, he is pretty aloof, usually grumpy, pouty, cranky and whiny, but definitely not violent unless you count him having tantrums throwing pillows and bowls to the ground. And thanks, you are a good kid.”

“I am neither good, nor a kid.”

“What’s up with you of late?”

“Nothing, just busy.”

“Okay, maybe you could use a break too. How about a brief vacation in Brindleton Bay all expenses paid? My sisters’ 17th birthdays are coming up and I think you’d have fun exploring a new town, my hometown, Brindleton Bay is nice. Love to give you and Taylor the tour. I wanted your dad to come but they have some royal procession something rather around that time and he and Izzy can’t get away. I am sure we could figure out something to do with our patient while you go enjoy yourself for a bit.”

“Nah thanks. Pass.”

Jackson turned to walk off, Connor pulled him back around to face him.

“Okay, now I am sure something is up. When I mentioned adding your and Taylor’s names to the invite lists, one of my sisters was all over that and the other reacted kinda like you just did. Back a few years, only months even, whenever I mentioned you and your dad were coming to a party they were coming to, I had two happily squealing little sisters telling me I was the best bro ever. And you used to like the change of scenery too. Now I get happy from Iris and crickets and tumbleweeds from you and Bri? Hmm … my ears are perked.”

“Well, lay ’em back down, I ain’t tellin’ ya nothing. If you wanna know, ask your sister.”

“But I am asking you. Bri is not the most reliable source for information these days and I don’t wanna raise hell if I don’t know what I am walking into there. I have theories …”

Jackson’s and Connor’s eyes locked, before Jackson looked away.

“I am not good, Connor. I failed myself, you and my dad with some bad choices. And the worst part, if faced with the same choices, I know I’d still do the same all over again, so I have learned nothing. Maybe you shouldn’t bring that guy to me. Sounds like I am not the type of people he needs to be around.”

“Okay, so something happened between you and Briar Rose, I already figured that much. I knew Brad going off on you at that party was odd, not like him, and then Bri wanting to see you so badly that she literally did anything to get here … Did you kiss her? Or she you? Is that it? I am no idiot, a blind man can see you two liked each other a lot, even back when you were both much younger. Definitely some puppy love action going on there.”

Jackson shook his head and tried to walk off again, Connor grabbed his arm and pulled him around. Again. This time Jackson snapped at him.

“Dontcha get it, Connor? I can’t tell ya. You are gonna have to ask Bri. I can’t.” Jackson looked very upset now, so Connor let go.

Jackson wiped his mouth and nose, unsure what to do or say.

“Jackson, look, I just wanna be prepared for whenever I end up with you, Bri and Brad in the same room again.”

“I ain’t saying shit, Connor. I can’t. Not because I don’t want you to know or because I am afraid of what you might do to me, cos whatever you’d do, you’d have every right. But because I … any word I say would be too much. I respect your sister too much to divulge things that aren’t up to me to say. There is nothing ongoing, let’s just say choices were made over my head; I didn’t get a vote. Look, I knew better than to chase that rainbow, but I did, got burned and I am trying to get back to where I need to be. I haven’t felt this shitty since my mom died.”

Jackson was clearly affected, tried to walk off again, but Connor grabbed him again and pulled him into a tight brief bro-hug.

“It’s okay, I think I see now what has been going on. Unrequited love is a bitch. Even Keke and I had our own rough patches, we were broken up for a while before we got married and moved here and had Chris and all that, but I remember how it felt to see her with another man. No thanks. I am not gonna go all big-brother-righteous on ya. Plus, there is Bri doing Bri-things. That girl kills me these days. She is genuinely good, heart of gold, sweet, kind, compassionate, but the things that fall out of her mouth sometimes, urgh, not to mention her spontaneous ideas that turn into actions without ever thinking it through. And I know Iris figured out how to use the momentum when all attention is on Bri’s latest screw-up to get away with murder herself, bending all the rules till just barely before breaking point. I can confidently say I was NEVER like that. My poor parents.”

It was clear Jackson felt awkward about it all, and that he had nothing more to add, so Connor let go of the subject.

“Can I ask one more very personal question?” Connor said.

“Don’t look like anything I say ever stops ya anyway.” Jackson retorted.

Connor chuckled, patting the young rancher on the shoulder.

“What about Taylor?”

“She’s away for a while, visiting her grandparents. Thank goodness. Hoping by the time she gets back my head is back on straight. Not fair treating her like second choice, when that girl is top shelf. She’s a good one, I don’t deserve her. But I’ll try to keep her and make her happy, like it should be.” Jackson sighed and Connor knew not to push anymore.

A few days later

Blaine appeared from a dark cloud, his arms wrapped around a guy who looked more dead than alive, the moment Blaine released him from the embrace vampires applied when travelling with a mortal the man stumbled and almost fell, with supernatural speed Blaine caught him, supporting him.

“Whoopsie-daisy, guess he wasn’t done snuggling yet. You okay there, Strykee-pooh? Yeah? Hey kid, where can I park this one, so he doesn’t tumble out of his slippers? We don’t need to see him kiss the ground, Connor dropped him off with my wife and me last night, and now almost every square inch of floorspace at my home has his pucker marks on it, worse than the pope on ecstasy, every time he was left for one moment, he went horizontal. He’s like that baby from ‘The Simpsons’. Sorry, when ya raised as many kids and grandkids as I have, you speak in cartoons.”

Jackson pointed to a folding chair, pulling it up, unfolding it, Blaine carefully sat the man down, then addressed Jackson.

“Sorry it’s me making the delivery, Connor had some medical emergency, so I got tasked with this. This is our Stryker, supposed to be a grown man, doesn’t act like it much and currently looks more like a Tim Burton character, but he’s learned his lesson again, is a good little fuck-up now and will listen like a good addict to whatever you tell him, won’t we Stryke-y? He doesn’t say much at the moment, but he agrees, cos he knows if I have to come back to set him straight again, it won’t be pretty, he and I are well-acquainted, and he knows I don’t blow hot air. He also knows he’s got a lot more butt-kissing to do with me, at the moment he’s still my sparkly shiny shitlist topper.”

“Okay, so what am I supposed to do with him? Still not quite clear on what’s expected of me here, Connor was gonna give me the run down when he brought him over. Do I have to feed him? Wash him?”

“Nah, we’re past that phase now, he’s out of diapers, can clean himself up, just gotta drag him into the shower and lean him up to the wall or give him a stool, for the bathroom just park him in front of the crapper and he can do the rest by himself again, slow as a three-legged turtle on ice, but he’ll eventually git ‘er done. He can eat by himself now, can’t chew through bones yet, and nothing spicy or you got yourself a puke sprinkler that won’t stop shittin’ where he sits and stands like a leaky faucet for days, but he can eat simple and bland foods. Ya know, soups and sandwiches and all that, plus he has some special medical power Smoothies with all the shit he’s deficient of and to help him put on some poundage, you just stir that shit in water and then force in his face, cos he’s not a fan, don’t blame him, tried a sippy and it tastes like strawberry-flavored rhinoceros jizz. Connor will come grab him for his medical appointments, so you don’t need to worry about that. Oh, and he said he’ll bring ya a wheelchair for him, in case you ever wanna take him for a flaunt around the neighborhood to show of you own personal skeleton-man or something. He may even drool for you, he does that now sometimes, like a teething baby, just a lot less cute. Sidenote: resist the temptation to stick a pacifier in his mouth, gets him really mad. Ask me how I know. Well, I’d feel bad about fucking with someone so incapacited normally, but after what he did to his wife and kids, not to mention he cost me a lot of money, I really don’t. He deserves the shit I give him! And then some!” Blaine grinned.

“Got it.”

“Say, where is your dog? She’s my favorite pooch in the whole wide world right now, for making me a puppy. I just wanna plant a big, fat, wet kiss on her sweet puppy lips for that.” Blaine said, looking around.

“I rather you didn’t. She’s around here somewhere, probably chasing down some coyote tracks with the neighbor dogs. So, his name is Stryker? Does he have a first name?”

“That is his first name. Stryker Hayes. The phoenix who rose … well, straight into a power line and got his ass zapped and now looks like a plucked chicken, as it would appear. For context, this guy used to fart around as frontman of some mostly success-free band for many years, his natural charm and inability to not snort anything that even remotely looks like powder got them broken up, he got himself clean, then Phoenix was the name of his first solo album which I helped produce, and since then also his one claim to fame. Literally. It did make him rich, so much so, they named their first daughter after it. But he couldn’t follow in his own footsteps, couldn’t get it up artistically ever since, wouldn’t take any advice, only had a few songs that stayed relevant about as long as a golddigger needs to put her bra and panties back on to dump his ass after she finds out he’s broke. He also tested that theory again, since luckily, he had his old golddigger Alycia still on speed-dial and she happened to be in between rich husbands so she even answered his call. She’s long gone, one way or another, if I really cared I’d have my daughter Fallon track her down, but I really don’t give half a shit. Mwoop mwoooop.”

“Ah. Stryker it is then. Okay, so … hey there Stryker, I am Jackson Kershaw, this is my ranch, looks like we’ll be roomies for a bit.”

Stryker just glared at Jackson, so Blaine shook his head at Jackson.

“Yeah, he isn’t the most entertaining mo-fo at the moment. Is that a foal? How adorable is that!? Wonder if that is also on the no-list for me to bring home …. what’s his name? Is he for sale?”

“She’s a filly. Named her Prairie Rose. And everything ya see here can be for sale, at the right price. I’d sell ya the boots off my feet if you name the right number. We’re practical like that around here. Penny earned is better than a buck spend.”

Stryker let out a brief amused sound, while Blaine and Jackson both chuckled.

“Hahaha, you even made the corpse laugh with that wisdom. I like you, kid. Love the filly’s name, my wife’s middle name is Rose, and some of the kids and grandkids inherited that in her honor. My girl is Scarlett Rose, we got a Briar Rose and a few other Roses, but I got so many grandkids, I forget who has what middle name, no new Blaines yet, trying not to be offended here. Thinking a Prairie Rose would fit right in there. Lemme call my Letty Rose and see if she’d let me have a horsey … I could get rid of my late dads million cars and put in some stables, that’d be so rad, our neighbors would shit themselves! For that alone it’s worth trying!” Blaine pulled out his cell phone, snapped a pic of the filly, typed a few words, sent it off, seconds later the phone rang, he put it on speaker and everyone heard a female voice clearly say “NO! DO NOT DARE. You bring that horse here and both of you are looking for a new home!” then hang up.

“He’s something else. You hungry or thirsty?” Jackson attempted to communicate with Stryker again, crouching down before him.

Stryker shook his head.

Jackson slapped Stryker on the thigh.

“I think we’ll get along just fine. I don’t like people either. That’s why I got so many horses. Keep tellin’ myself I’ll sell some, then never do.”

**

Several days into Stryker’s stay, Jackson handed him a bowl, while swinging his long leg over a chair, sitting down across from him casually with his own food.

“So, are you just never gonna talk to me? Been days, I gave you space, I know you had it rough and don’t feel like socializin’, I am not the most social myself, so I didn’t mind it at first, used to being by myself, and talkin’ to myself, but I am not by myself, so now it’s getting creepy when I am the only one doin’ the talking and one could think you don’t like me much. You gotta wanna say something. Just try. If ya try hard enough, I am sure something will come out eventually.”

“Can’t …” Stryker labored out, his voice hoarse and breaking, as he pointed at his throat.

“There ya go! That’s something. Looks like you CAN, just don’t. But ya should. Ya know, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Just keep trying, what’s the worst that could happen? You get hoarse and can’t talk for a while? Not asking ya to hold a tune or sing me an aria here, just the occasional reply would be stellar. I ain’t good at guessin’ and readin’ minds.”

Stryker chuckled, nodded, pointing at the bowl he was eating from. Still slow and with much effort. Jackson had also realized that Stryker was in a great amount of pain, since his addictions had left him mostly unresponsive to most painkillers. So, his usually grumpy expression was just pain and frustration. He had been polite to Jackson.

“Good food. Thanks. Wife … ex-wife … is … chef. Miss her cooking … miss her.” Stryker’s voice kept failing and it was obviously strenuous for him to talk at all.

“Welcome to the club of broken hearts and rejects.”

“Girl … trouble?”

“Connor said you have kids?” Jackson avoided answering.

“Five.”

“Oh shit! Didn’t have a TV, huh?” Jackson grinned.

Stryker smiled.

“Wife … wanted … big family. Good mom. Very … sweet.”

“So, are those kids all gonna show up here at some point? Just wondering, cos for kids that weren’t born here, there is an awful lot to fall into and off of.”

Chuckling, Stryker shook his head.

“They … hate me.” croaked Stryker, then swallowed hard.

“Take it from a guy who lost his dad very young, well, the guy I thought was my dad anyway, and then my mom too when I was still little, so I had to bounce around foster homes: to a kid, any parent is better than none. Luckily it turned out I do actually have a dad, good guy. He moved away a while back, but he’s still present. We talk often.”

“I am … trash. Bad.” Stryker pointed at himself.

“Look, way I see it, if your ex is as sweet as you say, and not dumber than boots on a goldfish, I say that woman made five kids with you, assuming none are multiples that was a big decision five times, she saw something in ya. A part of us is always in our kids, if she wanted five mini-yous, you can’t be that bad. I am a lot like my dad, mimic, gestures, the way we talk, things we like, I look a lot like him, even though I didn’t grow up with him around. Even the way he became my dad originally wasn’t such a sweet tune. My mom was married to his brother, who worked on an oil rig, so he was away more than he was home. While he was gone, my mom and my bio-dad had an affair, she got knocked up, and my bio-dad bailed, left and never was seen or heard from again. Eventually the man I knew as my dad, found out and couldn’t handle that truth. They fought all the time, until one day he killed himself. My mom was never the same after that, started drinking and eventually drank herself into an early grave. I was too young to know all the details, all I know that one day I was taken out of class at school, told my mom had died and off to foster homes I went. When Connor helped my dad find me, I wasn’t too keen on him initially, knowing all that, but I am glad I gave it a whirl. He saw the light and is a really good guy now. People can change, Stryker.”

“Not … me. Trash. Kids … hate me … and Soph doesn’t … want me no more. I hurt her so much … too many times … I love her so much. I’d do … anything … for one last … chance. I didn’t wanna … go … out like this … with her … hatin’ me … I knew … I … was done for … tried .. to go back .. one .. last … time to … tell her .. I love .. her so … much …”

“So, ya can talk. Should have told her all that, not me. Might change her mind.”

“Tried … didn’t work … voice … kept … going away. Felt … so … guilty … kept crying … and then voice gone. Tried to die … look … with .. my … last … money … I … took … out .. life insurance … benefitting her … loser … couldn’t even … do that. Literally worth more … dead .. than .. alive. Not … like … you can … call .. what I … am now … alive.”

“Well, if ya tried and you’re still here, means wasn’t your time to go. You still have a purpose and sounds to me like you figured out what that is. Get better, then get your wife and kids back. Noticed you’re still wearing her ring, so you definitely haven’t given up.”

“I am … alive … cos … Briar Rose … got help. Without her … I’d be dead.” Stryker pressed out, making cutthroat gestures.

Upon hearing the name, Jackson coughed on his last bite, swallowed, then stared.

“You know Briar Rose? Briar Rose Cameron, Chase and Hailey’s daughter?”

“I … married … a Cameron …”

“Oh, I didn’t know. So, she’s related to Bri? I mean Connor and all of them.”

“Nah, not really … around too many corners … I know them … I worked with Chase, and Blaine, … known Connor, Bri and Iris since when they were little … wife … ex-wife … Sophie … caters for … Hailey. You?”

“Through Connor. My dad is his best friend, so I have been at his house a lot over the years ever since my dad got custody. Met Iris, Bri and Jasper when I was about 15 and they were 13 and we hung out when we all were at Connor’s for parties. He throws a lot of parties; I am sure you know that. We kids became friends, until things got complicated.”

“Complicated?”

“Don’t ask. You don’t wanna know.”

Stryker chuckled.

“You … know … my … story … only fair … I know … yours.”

“Okay, fine, and just because you finally are trying your part to make this arrangement here feel less like an arranged marriage. So, my tune goes a lil like this: my dad met a girl who clearly was way out of his league, both from completely different backgrounds, different like the sun and the moon, yet he couldn’t stop chasin’ her, even when he and she were both with other people. Looks like another thing he and I have in common and that is all you’re gonna get from me. At least my dad finally managed to let go, met someone new, is happier than happy and is about to marry her. He broke the spell, so there may be hope for me too.”

“Why … not … try? Can’t be … less … likely … than … me getting … my Sophie … my family … back. You … told … me … to … try.”

“Yeah, I am a hypocrite like that and that is all I am gonna say on that topic. Want your water, that medical shake stuff or some milk now?”

“I … want … your … coffee. Been months …”

“Yeah, you ain’t gettin’ that buddy. Connor said you can’t have coffee, not even decaf, something about it being acidic and your stomach lining. Coffee I make is so strong, it would peel your stomach lining right off like turpentine does paint.”

“Come on … a little. Please. I’ll do anything you … want … one sip. Just wanna feel like a real person again for one minute.”

“A full sentence. Wow. Coffee must really be inspiring to ya. Tell ya what, you get one sip. After I add more milk. A LOT more. There we go, here. Milk coffee for the man.”

Jackson handed Stryker his mug, and Stryker took one hearty sip, then gave the mug right back to Jackson, while swallowing the beverage slowly, moaning with his eyes closed.

When he opened them again, he said

“Thanks …. better … than … sex.” he grinned; Jackson chuckled.

“How long were you cut off, dude? I take pride in my cup o’Joe but it ain’t THAT good!” Jackson laughed; Stryker smiled.

” … too long … when you do all the crap … I did … ED is only the beginning … I can’t get it up now … ha .. I am broken … all over …. Your … girl. The …. one … out of … reach. Do … you ever dream … of … her?”

“That’s it, no more coffee for you. Makes you talk about your wiener and then go all sappy on me. I am not gonna sit here and discuss my dreams with another grown man! Or his limp noodle. Jokin’ aside, you got such a long way ahead with your recovery, probably a good thing your equipment won’t launch, would just get in the way. It’ll all come back to ya, once your body’s ready for all that.” said Jackson.

Stryker did something that sounded somewhere between a terrible cough and laughter, worrying Jackson briefly, but since he looked highly amused, it had to be laughter.

“Ha … you’re a good kid…. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much … your dad … must … be … very proud. I don’t know what they promised you to take me in, but … I am glad … you did. You know what … I did … but aside from my Sophie … are … the first … to treat me like a … a man … with … respect … whether I deserve it or … not. Spoiler alert: … I don’t.” Stryker looked downright sad, so Jackson shrugged, leaning back in the chair with his coffee.

“I really wish everyone would quit sayin’ that. I am not good and not a kid. I took ya in because Connor asked me to. That’s all I needed. I’ll always treat you with the same respect you show me, so far you have been nothin’ but polite to me, clearly you aren’t doing too good, but you never slipped up with me, you do what I need ya too. You don’t fuss, so why would I? And a man is still a man, no matter what they are guilty of. Look, all ya’ll need to know is, I have a girlfriend, her name’s Taylor, she’s beautiful, and you’ll get to meet her soon. She makes a mean vegetable stew, it’s not too spicy, and you will LOVE her once you taste it, especially after all the bland crap I make. That’s all you need to know. And to answer your earlier question, yeah I do, all the time. Can’t help it, seems like she’s everywhere, like air.”