By Sara and Ally
This is part two of a fan fiction story that was too long to post in its entirety. Click the part one link to start at the beginning.
He better not hurt Andi. Chad
thought, he was about to run forward when Andi cried out but he felt Mitch
touch his arm, “Chad, sometimes you just have to, besides, it’s in God’s
hands,” he whispered.
“No
talking and whispering between any of you,” Jesse James whipped out his gun and
pointed it at them. And tightening his grip on Andi more. Andi cried out, tears slipping down her face.
Mitch
quickly backed off from Chad and stood silent as Jesse J looked over them.
Andi
shot open her eyes, she didn’t know what to think. She heard Chad gasp, “Andi?”
he asked, taking a step forward without meaning to.
“Don’t
answer Andrea.” Jesse James' voice blared out like a shot, and Andi kept
silent. “and stay back,” he told Chad and the others.
“No,
don’t hurt her!” Chad nearly shouted, he could barely hold himself back, he had
to help his sister!
Jesse James ignored him and kept talking to Andi in a low voice so the others couldn't hear, “No! Surely you don’t mean that!”
“What?” Chad’s voice held fear.
Jesse
James stood and pulled Andi with him. He didn’t even look at them but marched
off with Andi in tow, Chad couldn't risk shooting in fear of hitting Andi. He
watched in despair as they walked off. He knew they couldn't go after them
because Jesse J would hurt Andi.
Chad
saw Andi looking behind her, she caught his gaze and gave him a look that said “Chad, whatever you do watch out and I’m
sorry.”
“Jesse
James!”, Justin called out.
Chad,
Mitch, and the ranch hands turned around.
They saw Justin galloping toward them along with another horse that he
was leading.
“Chad,
is that the man we left at the house with Justin?”, Mitch asked.
“Yes,
it is.”, Chad replied.
“Jesse! It’s me, your brother Frank!”, the man called
out, “They want me for the girl. If ya
don’t make the trade they're gonna turn me into the sheriff, Jesse!”.
“I
don’t know who you are!”, snarled Jesse James.
“Jesse,
please!”, Franck shouted.
Jesse
overlooked his brother’s pleading. “Now
all of ya, get outta here before the girl gets hurt.” Jesse pointed the gun
toward Andi.
“Alright,
alright.”, Chad said sadly and he and the others galloped away. He wished he didn’t have to let Andi go with
that man, but sometimes you just have to. He sighed and followed his brothers
back to the ranch. They would try again
later and find Andi. Very soon, Chad promised himself.
-------------
“Please,
sirs. Don’t take me to the sheriff!”,
Franck pleaded.
“Frank,
we tried to get your brother to make a trade, but he wouldn’t trade.”, Justin
said. “There’s nothing else we can do.”
“But
there is!” Frank was earnest, he knew if the sheriff got a hold of him there would be terrible punishment.
“What
then?”, Chad asked, very skeptical.
“If I
help you get yer sister back, would you let me go free?”
“Yes,
I think we could do that. But if you and your brother ever cause us trouble again there will
be no mercy!”, Justin told him.
“Thank
you, sir.”, Frank said.
Andi
watched in despair as Jesse James led her away, would she ever see her brothers
and family again? She voiced the question to Jesse J who answered, “Maybe,
maybe not.”
Andi
sighed, what could she do? She spotted her chance when they went around the
turn about an hour later, she saw a rock that was sharp and small. She leaned
over, pretended to catch her breath, and grabbed it, she stuffed it in her
pocket and kept following Jesse James. “Come on, girl.” he glared at him
“Why
did you deny Frank was your brother? I would never abandon my family like you
did!” Andi couldn’t keep her anger and frustration any longer.
Jesse
James halted, “Sometimes you just have to.” he answered
Andi
didn’t quite agree, “I don’t think so, why
did you deny Frank was your brother?” she asked again
Jesse
James sighed and looked off into the distance, “Andrea, I can’t explain.
Sometimes you just have to.” he repeated
Andi
sensed something was wrong here but she didn’t say anything but kept going, one
foot in front of the other. “I’m not taking one more step,” she announced a
while later, she was getting tired.
Jesse
J just urged her on “Oh, you will.” he said and pointed his gun at her, “March
on.” his voice was low but Andi caught the meaning, she huffed and kept going.
They
had been walking for hours now on the winding hill, she knew it was hopeless,
her brothers would never find them now. “I can’t go any longer!” she exclaimed
about an hour later they were going uphill and walking was tricky.
Jesse
James stopped, “I guess you can’t keep up, I’ve walked for so long and so often
I guess I’m used to it. Alrightly, we will stop here for a bit, no longer than
an hour. Max. Got it?” he asked
“Fine.”
Andi lay down, she closed her eyes, and was asleep.
Justin
looked over at Jesse James’ brother, Frank, would he really have answers to
finding Andi? “Frank?” Justin waited till he looked up “Where would Jesse J
take Andrea? It’s already been three hours. Surely we can go after them now.”
Frank
nodded, “We could, I might know where my so-called brother took Andrea, there
is this long long twisting path going up the mountain where we were before I
bet he took her up there.”
“No!”
Justin jumped up,
Frank’s
eyes widened, “What?”
“The
mountain? Would Jesse J really take her there?” Justin didn’t wait for an
answer and went on, “Let’s go after her right now, Chad, Mitch!” he shouted
“Yeah?”
Mitch asked where he came into the room
Justin
told him what he knew and Mitch and Chad agreed, to go after Jesse James and
Andi now. They mounted their horses and were on their way.
I’ve deicd to leve ya an get
way from heree. Ca’t take ya o I wood. Brothers hould find ya son. I lef afer
ya fel sleeep. Tak 2 ya son.
Jesse James
The last few words is what frightened Andi, "talk to you soon." Was Jesse J going to come back? Would I leave? Where would I go? Get away from here in case he does return. Andi was thinking.
Andi was walking along when she heard sticks cracking somewhere behind her, she turned and shouted “Chad! -” she was about to yell Mitch’s and Justin’s names when she froze, she had gotten a glimpse of who it was, Jesse James. Andi knew he had heard her. She turned and fled. Andi heard someone behind her and dashed off to the side to lose Jesse J, she had to get away now!
She kept running,
leaping over logs, rocks and whatever else could be in her way, she looked
behind her and saw no one. She ran on for a while and finally stopped and took
in her surroundings. Andi had no idea where she was. She looked around and made
sure there was no sign of Jesse James, as she watched a sudden thought popped
in her head. Where are my brothers? Andi
shook her head to try and clear the thoughts, her brothers should have been here by now, why haven't they come?
------------------
“Mitch,
Justin, come!” Chad was riding hard and fast in the direction they thought Andi
and Jesse J had gone.
“We’re
coming!” Mitch’s answering shout came from behind them, Chad knew the mountain
Jesse James was heading up was almost impossible to find them once they reached
the unleavened rocks. There were many hiding places! Chad reached the spot they
were before and saw no one, they weren't surprised though, they knew Jesse
James and Andi were heading up to the mountain. Mitch and Justin pulled up
behind him, “Chad?” Justin asked
“Let’s
head up, we might catch sight of them.” he turned and started trotting up the
mountain. Mitch and Justin followed, they went for a little while when they
heard a stick crack. Chad’s head shot up, “Who’s that?” Jesse James must have
heard them for they him dash out of some rocks and hid behind others, “Go!”
Chad’s voice blared out like a shot. They rode up on the rocks above where they
saw Jesse James go and saw he had jumped, it was very dangerous but Jesse James
didn’t hesitate but jumped.
“Jesse James!” Chad yelled
He
looked up and ran off. Out of reach and out of sight. “I think we are done with him,” Chad said as
he returned to Justin and Mitch.
“Where’s
Andi?” Mitch voiced
“She
was not with Jesse James so she must be-” Chad waved a hand at their
surroundings.
“We
are going to find her,” Justin stated.
“We
will and we can,” Mitch added.
“Let’s
go!” the thought of his little sister spending even one night out here was
upsetting to Chad.
She heard a boom of thunder and knew a storm was coming, in the mountains this happened often, sudden storms. Andi knew she must get shelter and hunted for a rock that was sheltered and would keep her dry. Andi found one that was dry and hidden well, just in case Jesse J was hunting for her.
“I
don’t know, Chad, I don’t.” Justin’s tone was miserable.
A
boom of thunder started their horses and they tried rearing. “We can’t stay out
here in a storm. It's not safe.” Mitch said.
“What
about Andi?!” Chad exploded. His heart was torn, he wanted to go after Andi but
Mitch’s words were logical.
“I
know Chad,” Justin understood, “We don’t want to either but we will come back
as soon as the storm lets up. Okay?”
Chad
nodded miserably and so did Mitch.
Run! Andi urged herself, in this kind of storm there was no sticking around, just get out of there! Andi ran.
“Justin,
I can't stop thinking about Andi. I need to be there, to help her. What can I
do!” Chad’s voice broke
“Chad,
read Psalm 23,” Justin handed the Bible to Chad. Chad looked surprised but did
as his brother asked and read the psalm aloud,
“Yahweh
is my shepherd,
I
shall not want.
He
makes me lay down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
He
refreshes my soul,
Even
though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you, Yahweh,
are with me.
Your
rod and your staff, they will comfort me.
You
prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil, my cup
overflows.
Surely your goodness and surely your love
will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of Yahweh
forever!”
“See, Chad? It's true, when I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you,
Yahweh, are with me.” Justin said, “Yahweh will be with Andi,
He will comfort her.”
Chad
sighed, “I know. Yahweh, forgive me for doubting you, protect Andi, and keep
her safe. Amen.” Chad prayed.
“Amen.”
Justin agreed.
“Yahweh
is my shepherd,
I
shall not want.
He
makes me lay down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
He
refreshes my soul,
Even
though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you, Yahweh,
are with me.
Your
rod and your staff, they will comfort me.
You
prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil, my cup
overflows.
Surely your goodness and surely your love
will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of Yahweh
forever!” Andi smiled,
“Yes, Yahweh will be with me.” Andi
comforted herself. She sat there and watched the rain pour around her.
“Andi!” Cory Blake’s yell startled her
“Cory! Will you ever learn not to scare
people so?”
“Oops, sorry. So, Andi, how have you
been? Where are your brothers?” he asked
Andi sighed and told the whole story,
about Jesse James, her brothers not looking for her, and all that had happened
that day.
Cory’s face turned worried, “I’m sure
they were out there looking for you.” he said “But, for now, come home with me
and get dried off. It looks like it might start raining again.” Cory glanced
up, as did Andi. It was cloudy and Andi knew it might rain again. “Thanks,
Cory.” She followed him to his house.
“Let’s go!” Mitch exclaimed and the three
dashed outside.
“Shall we get others to help find her?”
Justin asked
“Yes, we should, let’s hurry to town and
round up a search party and get back out here.” answered Mitch, Chad agreed so
they rode to town.
Andi had dried off and changed clothes, Mrs Blake let her borrow some of Cory’s clothes and she was nice and dry. Only her thoughts were troublesome. She stared out the window and saw blue sky. The rain stopped! Andi’s heart lept with joy “Mrs. Blake, the rain stopped so I must be going but thank you so much. Same to Cory.” Andi smiled at the Blake’s.
“You’re welcome, Andi, anytime.” Mrs
Blake smiled back.
“Bye, Andi!’ Cory called as she left.
“Bye!” she called back.
Andi walked down Main Street and went to
the livery and rented a horse. She mounted him and turned to Mr Blake, “Thank
you, Mr. Blake, I will return him soon!”
“No problem, Andi. See you soon!” he
called
Andi smiled and turned for home. As she
rode she thought of her brothers and why they were not looking for her. Did they not notice she was gone? They knew
I was kidnapped by Jesse James and didn’t they come after me? Andi was so
in her thoughts she did not see her three brothers riding toward her, she heard
the hoofbeats and looked up. It was her brothers!
“Andi!” they shouted together
Andi glared at them, they should have been looking for me more than this! Why, they are just
coming to town, not hunting in the hills! Andi thought and she halted her
horse, “What?” she asked in a flat town ignoring their shocked looks.
“Andi-” Chad started but Andi cut him
off, “I am going to the ranch. I’m done with you three right now. After all the
time I was gone, you didn’t even notice! You were just coming to town just to
hang out!” Andi was upset and kicked her horse into a gallop and flew right
past them.
“Andi!” Chad’s cry of anguish startled
Justin and he watched Andi go silently.
“It's our own fault. She thinks we forgot
about her and left her out in the storm.” Justin said, miserably.
“Let’s go after her.” Chad said and they
turned their horses and followed Andi.
Jesse James kicked the ground with his
toe, “Andrea, I didn’t mean for this to happen. I, well, I, there is no excuse,
but I wanted to say sorry. I never would hurt you, it was an excuse to get your
brother to give up. But, I really am sorry for everything. And about last
night, I’m the one who kept your brothers from finding you. They were chasing
me. I led them away from you. I didn’t mean to, but it just happened. I like
your spunk and yourself so I decided to come and say sorry. Bye, Andrea.” Jesse
James slipped out leaving Andi stunned, shocked, and scared.
Jesse James! How, why? My brothers were looking for me. How could I not know that? I should have known they could come! I’m sorry! Andi fell to her knees not even knowing what she was doing. Andi didn’t hear her brothers enter and continued to sit there and think.
She suddenly looked up and saw Justin, Chad, and Mitch. She
froze, were they mad at her? She looked closer and saw their faces showed
worry. Chad’s eyes widened and she locked eyes with him. She held his gaze and
stood.
“Don’t leave, Andi, please,” Mitch said,
Andi broke glazes with Chad and looked over at Mitch. She didn’t say anything,
she was still trying to comprehend everything happening.
“Andi? Say something.” Chad’s worried
voice broke into her thoughts.
“Andi?” Justin said.
Andi looked over at her brothers and sighed. She turned to go outside the fort and went over to her horse. Her brothers followed behind. When she reached the horse she turned to them. Andi knew the right decision she should make. “I forgive you.” she said, feeling pounds lighter but before they could say anything Andi went on, “It’s hard, I thought you left me and didn’t care for me. You forgot me in the mountains. You didn’t come after me.” Andi's voice lowered “I thought this was true till I talked with Jesse James, I was so confused till he told me what really happened. Forgive me?”
Chad, Mitch, and Justin stood staring at
Andi, “Forgiven.” Chad said and he came closer to Andi, who held her arms wide
and hugged all three of her brothers at once. “Forgiven,” she said and smiled
wide.
I love this girls!! great job!
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