Justin's Miracle

 by Christa Frazer (ages 14-17)

13-year-old Andi carter sat on her bed with her brother Justin. He was just about to tuck her in when she abruptly asked “Justin, tell me a story from when you were young”

“Okay honey, just one. It’s when I was 14,” Justin thought back to the past fifteen years ago.

 

Summer 1866

Justin looked from his two younger brothers Chad and Mitch to his little sister Kate. They were walking home from school, and Justin who thought he was really mature for fourteen felt that he should be the leader.

“Justin,” Kate said lifting her face so Justin could see her puppy dog eyes.

“Yes Kate?” he replied. Whatever she says I have to resist even if she tries her puppy eyes again, Justin thought to himself.

“Can we take the buggy home please?”

“No Kate, Mother wanted us to walk home today.

“Kate’s right Justin, I really don’t want to walk,” Mitch said in a whiny voice.

“Don’t you guys want to obey mother?” Justin started to get frustrated when Chad interrupted in his “big brother voice”,

“Guys do whatever Justin tells you to do, if Mother says we have to walk home, then we have to do it! Anyway, we’re almost there.”

Justin was a little less frustrated when Chad finished, and even less when Kate and Mitch said, “Okay Justin, we won’t complain again.

I wonder if this is payback from when I dunked Chad in the water trough yesterday, he doesn’t usually act so mature, and obedient, what is he up to, Justin thought.

Kate broke the silence and said “Let’s take this shortcut.”

Justin looked around and didn’t see what Kate meant until Mitch pointed it out and said, “Great idea Katie, it will take us half the time,” Justin was just about to say no when Kate ran over and threw her arms around him, and then Chad and said,

 “Oh please Justin, please Chad. I’ll do your chores tomorrow.”

Justin could tell that Chad had definitely fallen for it. Justin knew he had to say something. He said, “It looks really dark, I don’t think it’ll be safe.” The look on Kate and Mitch’s face lured him in. “I guess we can try it!” But right after the words left his mouth he was thinking, oh no, what have I gotten myself into?

As Justin walked through the dark alley he looked back at his siblings and thought, how can they not be scared? I mean it’s so dark in here and…

Justin’s thoughts got interrupted by the sound of glass breaking and Kate whispering “Justin, Chad, look the glass that broke is over there.”

Justin looked at Chad. And when Justin saw Chad he looked super scared. Wow, Chad hasn’t been this scared since the time father threatened to tan him. Justin thought in dismay.

“Chad and I will go check it out. I’m sure its fine.” Justin tried to look brave for Kate, and Mitch but he was truly scared.

“Um…Justin, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Chad said sounding like a chicken.

“Fine, I’ll go myself.” As Justin made his way out of the alley he saw the exact thing he was hoping he wouldn’t see. The glass at Goodwin’s Mercantile was broken and a man was coming out with a lot of bags in his arms. Oh no, Justin thought, I’m in the middle of a robbery. God, please don’t let that man see me.

As Justin finished praying  the robber turned around and looked right at him. Justin realized that the robber had seen him and his mental voice screamed RUN, RUN and for once today he willingly obeyed, running faster than he’d ever run before. Once he reached his siblings he said “I saw someone…run, NOW!” Justin grabbed Kate’s hand and saw Chad and Mitch running. He could see fear in Chad and Mitch’s eyes as they ran as fast as their legs would let them.

“We’re almost home guys,” Justin said as they started to slow down. But they kept running until they thought they had gotten away. Justin said, “Okay, I think we’re safe . Is everyone okay?” He looked around at his siblings worriedly.

“Yes, Justin I think were all okay--out of breath, but okay,” Chad replied panting,

“Good, because were only a few minutes from home. Once we’re there I’ll tell Father so he can get the sheriff.” Justin could see their ranch house so he said “Come on guys, I’ll race you home!” Off they raced.

“I won,” Chad said pridefully,

“No you didn’t Chad, I did.”

“No way Katie I did,“ Mitch said proudly.

And so, the bickering began until Justin finally broke in and said, “Guys, guys, how about we say we all tied.”

Chad did not look happy but he shrugged and said, “Sure, whatever.”

Justin knew everyone was still mentally thinking they won so he decided to drop it entirely and head inside. And to Justin’s surprise Chad, Kate, and Mitch followed him like they were playing follow the leader. Once they got inside, Justin ran up to Father and told him everything that happened. When he was done, he asked, “You’ll let the sheriff know, right Father?”

“Of course, I will son, I’ll go right now.” And at that moment Father stood up, put on his shoes and left.

“I really hope that robber gets caught,” said Kate with hopefulness in her voice.

“Me t…” Justin was about to say me too when little Melinda started crying from upstairs .

“Oh, my there she goes again. Justin could you go up and check on her,” Mother said so desperately that when Justin looked over at her he just couldn’t say no.

 “Of course, Mother, I would love to help.” So, Justin turned to the stairs and looked back to see Mother’s face smiling at him. Justin opened the door to the bedroom and found three-year-old  Melinda on the floor toddling around crying .But when she saw Justin she immediately stopped and shouted “Ustin” and ran to him as fast as she could with her hands up and said “Up, up, Ustin pick me up.”

As much as Justin wanted to just put little Melinda back in her bed he just couldn’t resist her little face. “Okay, okay, Lindy”. Up you go.” So, he lifted Melinda up into his arms, and walked around the room.

But after a minute Melinda looked at him and said,“Ustin I’m sleepy now, can you tuck me in?”

“Sure, I can’t stay long after that. Justin has some things he has to do,” he said as he laid Melinda on her bed, and pulled the cover over her.

“Ustin?”

“Yeah Lindy?”

“Can you tell me a story?”

Oh no not a story, Justin hated telling fairytale stories.

“Pwwease?” Melinda pleaded,

“Oh, okay Lindy.” Justin was not happy with his decision, but he had already said yes, so he’d do it. After his short story about a princess and all that mushy stuff, he looked back at Melinda and said “Now you have to go to sleep.”

“Okay Ustin…I wuv you.” Melinda wrapped her chubby arms around Justin, then laid down.

“I love you too. Night little sis.” Once Justin had tiptoed down the last step of the staircase, Chad came running up to him saying,

“ Ugh, Justin, what took you so long?”

Justin wasn’t sure if Chad was exaggerating about him taking a long time, but he chose not to focus on it. He said, “Sorry Chad.”

Chad just shrugged and said “It’s fine, now come on.” He grabbed Justin and pulled him outside and into the barn. When they were inside Justin saw Kate and Mitch. “Okay, everyone huddle-up,” Chad said in his mischievous voice.

Justin almost didn’t come over because he was worried it wouldn’t end well. But, he decided he was interested this time. After they had all huddled up, heads touching, and arms around each other Chad said, “Okay, I have a plan.”

 Justin was so confused right then, “Huh, Chad, a plan for what?”

“Uh, the robbery Justin, keep up!”

 Justin was annoyed Chad had said that like it was obvious but instead he said, “Okay, Chad. But, shouldn’t we let our parents handle it?” 

“Justin, we saw it. We’re going to solve it,” Chad emphasized. 

“Okay, fine Chad, what’s the plan?” Justin asked.

“Yeah, Chad, what’s the plan, enough babbling,” Kate said annoyed.

“Kate, we weren’t babbling,” Chad replied.

 “Well, I think you were,” and with that Kate stuck her tongue out at him.

Chad tried to lunge at her, but Justin grabbed him and said, “Enough you two, Chad get to the plan. And Kate, just listen.”

“Okay, Justin, sorry.” Chad started explaining his master plan for solving the robbery. “So, this is the plan. First, we need to lure him here.” 

Justin interrupted, “Wait a minute Chad, lure him HERE?!” Justin was so surprised and horrified at first, but then figured I’ll just go along with it, maybe Chad’s right. 

“Yes, Justin, I’m sure…now back to the plan. It won’t be hard to lure him, I mean, we have a ton of expensive things.”

“Yeah Chad, we do have a lot,” Kate said.

“But after we put out the bait we’ll call the Sheriff, and tell him to be near where we put the bait. So, when he comes in the sheriff can just grab him, and put him in jail. Then we’ll be heroes! Sound good guys?” Chad asked finishing his plan.

“Yes, it does sound good. But what if the sheriff doesn’t believe us?” inquired Mitch.

“Exactly and what are we using for bait? Plus, we’ll have to tell all this to Mother and Father,” Justin said. He knew Chad’s plan was good overall, but it had a few flaws and he had to voice them.

Chad replied, “Yes, guys I know, let’s just try and call the sheriff. I’m sure he’ll believe us, mainly because Goodwin’s just got robbed. For bait I think we should use one of Mother’s necklaces. And Justin, did you really think I wouldn’t tell Father and Mother? Chad said assuring everyone’s nerves.

But Justin decided to say “Umm…Don’t act so surprised, you don’t tell Father and Mother a lot of stuff. But I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.”

Chad looked at Justin and replied, “It’s fine, Justin. Just trust me this time. Now, come on, let’s all go inside. Justin and I will talk to Father and Mother.”

“Aww…Chad can’t we talk to them too?”

“Not this time Kate, just go up to your room and then after we’re done we’ll update you on everything. Same for you Mitch.”

“Fine Chad,” Kate said while sticking her tongue out Justin.

“Kate, Mitch, Chad let’s just go inside. Come on,” Justin said, hoping he had stopped the fight before it started. Ugh, sometimes its so hard being the oldest, Justin thought in dismay.

But to Justin’s happiness all of his siblings followed him into their house. Once they were inside the two Carter brothers ran to their father. “Father” they both said in unison.

“What is it Chad? Justin?” their father replied.

“Umm… Father,” Justin started out cautiously. Justin knew he should be the one telling his father because he could do it calmly, and respectfully. “Chad, Kate, Mitch and I have a plan to capture the robber!” Right after Justin said that he started to get nervous and thought Father will surely say no.

But to Justin and Chad’s delight their father said “Well, what’s the plan? Come on, let’s hear it.” 

“Oh, uh of course Father,” Justin said surprised, but delighted. “So first we’re going to need some of mother’s jewelry and then call the sheriff.”

“Woah, hold your horses. Your mother’s jewelry?” Father asked looking at Justin and Chad.

“Yes, Father to lure him,” Chad said in a tone that made it seem that it was the most obvious thing ever.

“Well alright. But, Elizabeth, is that fine by you?”

 Chad and Justin immediately turned their heads to their mother with pleading eyes.

“Well, I guess if you think this will work.”

Once those words were out of Mother’s mouth Chad and Justin ran and engulfed her in a heartfelt hug. “Thank you, Mother, you’re doing the right thing,” said Chad. He turned to Justin and said to him, “We’re catching this robber for sure.”

“But, boys, you have to tell me the rest of your plan.”

“Oh, right. Sorry Father. So, we’ll put the jewelry in the barn, then we’ll make sure the sheriff is hiding somewhere near. Once the robber is in the barn we will go in there, shut the door and distract him. Mitch will then signal, telling us the sheriff’s on his way. Then the sheriff will come and catch him.” Justin finished looking at his Father for final approval.

“We’ll boys, It’s a decent plan for a thirteen and fourteen-year-old. But it seems dangerous for you to go and distract him.”

“I think it’ll be fine Father,” Chad said sounding very sure of himself.

“Fine Chad, you can give it a try. But Justin you’re in charge.”

With that said, both Justin and Chad whooped in unison. But Father interrupted their cheering by saying,

“But boys, remember I’m in on this too and I definitely get a say!”

“Yes, of course Father. That’s perfectly fine,” Justin said very relieved Father was helping them.

“Justin, let’s go tell Kate, and Mitch,” Chad said taking Justin’s arm, dragging him upstairs. Once upstairs they ran into Mitch’s room finding both Mitch and Kate there. But before Justin and Chad could say anything they were bombarded by questions and shaking…the shaking done mostly by Kate.

“Chad, what’s the plan now? Did Father say yes? Fine don’t answer. Justin…?”

“Kate, let me answer!” Chad barely got in before being cut off again.

“Well sorry Chad, but excuse me for trying to find out the plan,” Kate said annoyed.

“Guys, it’s no use to fight,” Justin said deciding he’d better change the subject soon. “Okay Kate, here’s the plan- we’re going to put some of Mother’s jewelry in the barn. Father will call the sheriff, which I think he’s doing right now. The sheriff will then hide somewhere near, but not too near. Otherwise it’s suspicious. After the sheriff’s ready, Chad, Kate and I will  go into the barn, close the door, and distract him!”

“Why me? He could hurt us you know,” Kate said timidly.

“Yes, but that’s why we need you Kate. He would never hurt a girl.” Chad said looking like he’d made the most valid point ever.

“Well, Chad we don’t know for sure he won’t hurt us,” Justin said with a tone he hoped silently said don’t get ahead of yourself.

“Fine, but it still gives us a higher chance of living.”

“Okay Chad, I see your point, now back to the plan. Once we’re distracting him, Mitch will give a signal to the sheriff, who will come running in prepared and he will arrest this horrible criminal.”

“Okay, sounds like a good plan to me,” Mitch said. Just as Mitch said they heard loud talking downstairs.

All of a sudden Chad blurted out, “The Sheriff’s here, I guess it’s time.”

So, the four of them walked down the steps slowly, yet as quickly as they could without making Mother upset. Once they entered the parlor, they found  Mother, Father, and the Sheriff.

“Hey Justin, Chad, Mitch. And hello there Kate.”

“Hey Sherriff Hawkhouser” they all said at the exact same time.

But Kate was the one who spoke next. “Father, did you already put the bait out?”

“Yes, Katie I did, he should be here any minute,” Father replied.

So, the Carter family and the sherriff waited. And after what felt like an eternity they heard the barn door open. “Okay, is everyone ready?” asked Sheriff Hawkhouser.

“Yes,” Chad replied. Both Justin and Chad stood up but Kate didn’t move an inch. “Come on Kate we have to go now,” said Chad hurriedly.

“Okay Chad I’m coming.”

 They all sprinted to the barn, but once they got there Kate said, “Guys, who’s opening the door?”

“I will you baby!” Chad whispered tauntingly.

I can’t believe Chad just said that, he’s going to make everything worse, Justin thought.

But to Justin’s surprise Kate ignored it. Justin then bent down to Kate’s level and whispered “Thanks, Kate. Great job.” That made Kate smile. But what happened next did not. Right as Chad opened the door, and the three of them walked in, the robber turned around to face them and said “Well, well. What do we have here? What are you three doing out here at night?”

Justin could see Chad, and Kate trembling, so he said “We forgot to feed Sky, my brother’s horse, and we need to do it tonight, so we won’t get tanned tomorrow.”

What the robber said next made Justin happy, but uneasy and scared all at the same time. “Well, that’s just irresponsible and would have cost you your life but, I don’t feel like getting messy here. However, if you become a problem, you can be assured I will get messy. Now where’s that horse?”

Now Justin realized he had made a huge mistake by mentioning Sky, but he was still processing that the guy didn’t kill them. Apparently, Chad wasn’t glad that they weren’t dead. He decided to talk back about Sky. “No. You can’t have her!”

“I can do whatever I want, boy.” And the robber started creeping closer and closer to Chad. But before the robber could get to Chad he saw a bright light, which was Mitch’s signal. “What was that?”

 “Umm… it probably was a ranch hand who heard the ruckus. I’m sure he won’t come in here though.” Justin said confidently. But inside he was so nervous and scared. The robber’s next words scared Justin even more ,

“You better hope they don’t come here, or the three of you are goners.”

 Just as the robber started toward them, they saw the sheriff creeping up behind him. The next few minutes were a blur to Justin. The sheriff grabbed the robber forcibly from behind, knocking him out cold, just as he was pulling the trigger of his gun. The bullet then whizzed past Justin just grazing his arm and it immediately started bleeding. The last thing Justin heard before he passed out was someone screaming “JUSTIN!” and the sound of whinnying horses.

Ten minutes later Justin found himself fully conscious, with a bandage around his arm. And the robber nowhere in sight. “What happened? Did they get him?” Justin asked, quickly regretting it because as soon as those words left his mouth Kate came rushing over.

“Oh Justin, you’re awake,” she said and wrapped him in a huge hug and squeezed hard, which really hurt his arm.

Father came over to where Justin sat and said “Yes, Justin, the robber’s in jail. He’s been going town to town stealing from stores, ranches, you name it!” Justin was very so relieved that the robber was in jail that he jumped up and hugged Kate back.

“Oh, Justin honey, your arm!”

“I know Mother, but I’m so happy we actually did it. Our plan worked!”

“Me too!” Chad replied from across the barn.  Something about Chad seemed off though…he looked as though he’d seen a ghost.

“What’s wrong Chad?” Justin was starting to worry now. “Did something happen?”

“Not the way you’re thinking son,” Father interjected. Justin was confused. But what Father said next made him grateful, and shocked. “Justin, the sheriff told me that when the robber pulled the trigger it was pointed right at your head but somehow it dropped and grazed your arm.”

Justin honestly didn’t know what to say except, “God did a miracle!”

“Yes son, I believe He did.”

And all of the Carter family said in unison, “Thank you God!!!” And from that day forward the Carters remembered that day as Justin’s miracle.

 

“Wow. That really happened? I’m so glad God did that miracle. I can’t imagine not having you as my brother,” Andi said to Justin the moment after he finished his story.

“Yes, that really did happen and I thank God every day for saving me. Thank you honey, I can’t imagine not being able to meet you!” Justin said kissing Andi's head and then ruffling her hair. “I think it’s time you go to bed though.”

“Okay,” Andi said pouting. While Justin was getting up to leave, Andi grabbed his arm and said “Are there any other stories from when you were young, that you haven’t told me?” 

“How about I tell you another tomorrow.”

 “Oh yes please. Thanks Justin. Love you, goodnight.”

“Okay, goodnight. Love you too Andi”

And with that, Justin walked out of Andi's room laughing at the memory.