FanStory.com - Joined at the Hip by Commando

Greetings, Friends!
Cathy Waldron (aka Tootie) and Bill Bishop (aka Commando) co-author this book. Our wish is to make you laugh and cry, then leave you in a state of uncertainty as to what will happen next. We invite you to follow along with us and shall appreciate your feedback and recommendations for improvement. As always, thank you for reading our work and best wishes wherever you are.

~About the Authors~
*Cathy Waldron*

Cathy Waldron (aka Tootie) is a native of New Hampshire and grew up in a small central town near Lake Winnipesaukee. She is the youngest of three children; and, her dad left the family when she was five. As a teenager, she became aware that she had two younger half-sisters. Once graduating from high school in 1978, Cathy continued her education. She is presently enrolled at the Southern NH University in pursuit of a BA in Creative Writing/English. She is a fiction author, former newspaper reporter, columnist, photographer, and real estate/business broker. Her debut novel, "In Polyester Pajamas'," was published in June of 2012, and won the NH Writers' Project 2013/2014 Readers' Choice Award for outstanding work in fiction. Her second novel, "In Woolen Bikinis," was published in 2013, and her third, "In Leather Chaps" was released in 2015. Cathy is as well, the author of the "Christmas Novella Music Memories Love," published in 2016. In addition to all the rest, she is the owner of a NH publishing company, "Give a Salute!" She is proud to say, "I am co-authoring this book, and (1) An Angel in the Meadow, (2) Love Long Distance, (3) My Jigsaw Puzzle, The Missing Piece, and (4) Footprints of Yesterday" with Bill Bishop.

*Bill Bishop*

Bill Bishop (aka Commando) spent the earlier years of his life with his mother, grandma and grandpa in a little log cabin in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee at Pigeon Forge. His father, a Green Beret was killed in Korea in 1955, the year Bill was born . . . he never knew him. After high school in 1975, then Law School in 1980, Bill entered the U.S. Air Force to become the first leader of a "Joint Services Special Forces Team," which was inspired by his cousin, an Army Green Beret who fought and died in Vietnam. Serving in "Operation Desert Storm (Iraq) in 1990-1991, and with 30 years of active military duty, both stateside and overseas, Bill relocated to the Panhandle of Florida in 2010 and began working with (1) Joint Services Commando Advisory Operation in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Turkey, (2) American Legion, Disabled American Veterans Organizations, both local and national, and (3) St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Bill is presently co-authoring this book, and (1) An Angel in the Meadow, (2) Love Long Distance, (3) My Jigsaw Puzzle, The Missing Piece, and (4) Footprints of Yesterday with Cathy Waldron.

~Characters~

Bill Bishop (Plays himself)...................Co-Author

Cathy Waldron (Plays herself)..............Co-Autho

Shirley Bishop....................................Bill's Mother

Luther Burkeens..............................Bill's Grandpa

Maggie Burkeens...........................Bill's Grandma

Bob Waldron...................................Cathy's Father

Cecile Waldron.............................Cathy's Mother

Emma Lessaid...........................Cathy's Grandma

Mrs. Cooper................................................Teacher

Country Doctor....................................Doc. Smith
Taylor............................................County Sherriff

~Special note~

Some words are written in a way that are appropriate for Smoky Mountain folks; yet, are not always grammatically correct. Characters will reflect earlier scenes in their lives and talk with the readers at times. Wider spaces between words are due to the use of fully justified formatting.

~Chapter 1~

There were times when food was scarce on our table. Some days we ate leftovers from supper for breakfast. My mother and grandma managed food wisely--all things considered. I remember well Grandma saying, "Now, Billy, what you don't eat, I'll put back on ice."

*******

I did my chores at the crack of dawn, grabbed my lunchbox and was off to school. Walking along the old dirt road, I stopped in front of Mr. Waldron's home, and saw him sitting on the front porch near the road. He saw me too, waved, then remarked, "Billy, would you escort Cathy to school this morning?" I looked at her and smiled; she looked at me then winked. She was the most beautiful fourteen-year-old girl in my world. Cathy was well read and knowledgeable beyond her years. Mr. Waldron had been aware of our walking to "Youth Night" at church on Wednesday's for a couple of months now. She had told him a heap about me, and I slowly became her hero.

"Billy, did you know that Cathy is smitten with you?"

"Aww! As Grandpa would say, 'It's all in a day's work', Sir! Now, to answer your question. . . I'd be honored to escort Cathy to school, Mr. Waldron.''

I glanced at Cathy; she blushed as we headed down the road.

"Beautiful smile and starting to bud out as well," I thought as we walked hand-in-hand together. It was just last year that Grandpa had predicted a pretty girl would come into my life when I was eleven years old. "Thank you, Grandpa, for being right," I whispered. The word "escort" kept running through my mind. So, why not impress Cathy with big words? After my theatrics, I felt as though I really was a hero. At times when I was alone with girls my age, I was shy and retiring. Just then, a red wasp flew into Cathy's blond hair.

"Hurry, Bill--get it out!"

I gently brushed the wasp from her hair, reached down touched her face, kissed her lips, then whispered, "Our first kiss, Beautiful!"

Cathy quickly slapped my face, backed away, then asked, "What are you trying to do, Handsome?"

After fumbling for an explanation. . . and making a fool of myself, I finally answered, "I'm sorry, Cathy!"

"Oh, my goodness! Don't be sorry, Bill, 'cause I kinda liked it."

Once having a good laugh, we joined hands and headed on to school.

We arrived just after the last bell rang, the door was closed, and class had already started. Mrs. Cooper had a policy that discouraged repeat offenders from being late for class. Her procedures were to knock three times on the door, enter the classroom, identify yourself, explain why you were late, then apologize to your classmates for interrupting their study. Regardless of the formality, it was quite embarrassing for me, especially with Cathy on my arm. Although we shared the blame for being late, I was the one who knocked and apologized--ouch!

"Bill, tell your momma about being late this morning. . . and why, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am Mrs. Cooper!"

"You may tell her, as well, that you have satisfied my policy on making amends."

"Oh, I promise to tell her that right off. . . and thank you, Ma'am."

I walked with Cathy home that day. Along the way, I tried hard to maintain my composure. I asked her, "Please, don't tell your father that I kissed you, okay? It's just that I couldn't help myself, 'cause you are so beautiful. Then of course, as Grandpa would say, 'The devil made me do it!' May I continue to walk with you to school, Beautiful?"

"Of course, Handsome, 'cause I want bunches more of your kisses. Now, don't tell anyone I said that, or they'll think I'm a bit promiscuous."

"Shame on you for your thoughts; yet, do you really think that I'm handsome? Guess I better tell you now, I'm flirty, flamboyant and histrionic--just like Grandpa."

"Oh, you don't say! There's a doctor in town who looks inside the head of people with a flirty disorder. I think you should make an appointment and talk with him."

"Oh, I've already talked to him! The only thing he said was, 'Why me, God? Now, get 'em outta my office, Nurse!'"

Mr. Waldron jumped from his chair on the front porch, ran down the steps, then gave Cathy a big hug as we walked up. The day had gone well; and, our first kiss was history. Although, I was a bit crestfallen because of our being late for class. Hopefully, tomorrow would be a better day, and I could flaunt my macho image once again.

*******

I finished my chores, then ate more than my share of Grandma's fried chicken for supper. Afterwards, I went to my bedroom, lit the lamp, did my homework, and said goodnight to all. I quickly pulled down the cover on the bed, jumped in, felt something rough and cold against my leg, then felt the rattlesnake sink its fangs into my foot. "Oh, my God! Please help me, 'cause I'm too young to die!" I screamed!

Geez! Will Bill die? Chapter 2 is just around the bend.
Please join us and find out. Thanks for reading
our work and for your continued support. Best wishes and
God Bless.
Respectfully,
Bill (Commando) & Cathy (Tootie)

Author Notes A "Salute," Friends! Thanks for taking time to read our work! Cathy and I ask for your continued support and suggestions for improvement. Your thoughts matter to us. Hug's to Cathy for choosing me as her co-author and designing the astonishing book cover. Best wishes wherever you are and God Bless. Respectfully with Admiration, Cathy and Bill.

Chapter 2
The Ol' Wood Bridge

By Commando

Greetings, Friends!

Cathy Waldron (aka Tootie) and Bill Bishop (aka Commando) are co-authors of this book. Both invite you to join them in each chapter and hope to make you laugh and cry, yet leave you in a state of uncertainty of what will happen next. As always, your suggestions for improvement will be appreciated. Thanks for reading our work and God Bless.

~Previously~

"Oh, my God! Please help me, 'cause I finished my chores, then ate more than my share of Grandma's fried chicken for supper. Afterward, I went to my bedroom, lit the lamp, did my homework, and said goodnight to all. I quickly pulled down the cover on the bed, jumped in, felt something rough and cold against my leg, then the rattlesnake sunk its fangs into my foot. I'm too young to die!" I screamed.

*Special Note*

Some words are written in a way that is appropriate for Smoky Mountain folks; yet, they are not always grammatically correct. Characters, at times will reflect earlier scenes in their lives. They shall, as well, actually talk with the reader. Wider spaces between words are due to the use of "fully justified formatting."

~Chapter 2~

I woke up in Doc Smith's office sometime later. Had I been dreaming, or was I dying from the venom of the rattlesnake bite?

"Nurse! Get the anti-venom and administer 2 milliliters immediately. The poison is creeping slowly toward Billy's heart."

Grandpa walked over to the doctor and asked, "What can I do to help, Doc?"

"You can send a prayer up to Jesus asking for a miracle."

"I watched Grandpa walk out into the hallway, kneel down, then heard him pray."

"Oh, Lord! As you know, I don't beg much; yet, I'm begging now. Please send down a miracle to save my little man. Are you listening, Jesus?"

I tried to talk to Grandpa, but my voice was still asleep. So, I whispered, "I love you--for loving me! You have always been there to chase the hurt away and say, 'C'mon, Billy, let's go fishing!' Of course, I remember crystal clear that you always caught the biggest fish."

I glanced around the room and saw Cathy with her dad. They smiled and waved. As I drifted off to sleep, I whispered once again, "God bless you both, 'cause you're here for me, too!"

It seemed as though I just blinked my eyes and in a heartbeat my stay at Doc Smith's was history. "Ya, Ya, Ya--I'm home today! Thank You, Jesus, for the miracle."

The ol' wall clock was striking 10 a.m., as we walked in. My mother handed me the homework that Mrs. Cooper gave her so I could keep up with my class at school. I went to my room, studied. . . and soon, the sun said goodbye and left the sky. Although still weak, I jumped to my feet, ran to the barnyard and did my chores.

Afterward, we ate leftovers from the day before, then said goodnight. I hurried off to bed, pulled the covers down, and no rattlesnake could be found. As I closed my eyes, I heard the sound of a hoot owl somewhere in the night. Then I remembered, hoot owls eat snakes. "Goody, goody, my friend! I'll always keep my window open enough so you can fly in!" I called.

*******

The next morning, I heard the rooster crow and said, "Oh, hush up, rooster. What's a 'matter? Did you wake up early this morning?"

Quickly jumping from bed, I started getting dressed, then heard my momma call.

"Wake up, sleepyhead, c'mon and get fed; do your chores and hurry off to school, 'cause Mrs. Cooper will be waiting for you. Did you hear me, Billy?"

"Yes' ma'am! I'm putting on my pants now. I'll not need a shirt, 'cause it's a beautiful day in the Smokies."

Having finished all of my assignments, I grabbed my lunchbox, said goodbye, then headed off to school--lickety-split! I wasn't weak any longer, my legs were stronger, and I could smell the sweet fragrance of Cathy's body--yummy, yummy!

*******

"Good morning, Handsome," I said to Billy as he walked up to me. "Is that two fuzzy hairs I see on your chest? Makes me kinda wonder. . . where's the rest?"

"Aww, ain't you a whippersnapper this morning; yet, you're a gorgeous one. Where's your dad?"

"He's inside listening to an ol' western on the radio, and said tell you hello. So c'mon now, take my hand, then off to school we go. No stopping along the way to play, 'cause we don't wanna be late for class. For your information, there's a little get-together after school. Can you stay?"

"Can a bumblebee sting your sexy tail, then fly away?"

"Hmm! I don't think so, 'cause your hand would be in the way."

"Yoo-hoo! I agree with you."

*******

Billy and I flirted from across the room during class. It was hard for me to keep my mind on what Mrs. Cooper was trying hard to teach me. The day passed, and our class was dismissed. Our little get-together lasted until dusky dark and then we headed out home.

"C'mon, Beautiful! Let's boogie on down 'cause it will be pitch dark soon. Of course, our sleeping together will have to wait until you promise me you'll not pull the cover."

"Shucks! I'll promise you now; yet, my fingers will be crossed behind my back!"

"The ol' dirt road will be dark tonight 'cause there's no moon. So, what'll we do for light, Billy?"

"There's a lantern filled with oil, along with a box of matches in the storage room here at school, and I've used 'em before. So, don't you worry your pretty head, Cathy. Grandpa told me once, 'The night has a thousand eyes!' I looked almost everywhere; yet, I couldn't see 'em! The ol' wood bridge is just around the bend. Stay close to me and the lantern light, okay?"

"If I get any closer, our hearts will beat as one, and we can save money on clothes. Sweet, Jesus! What is that horrifying creature on the bridge, Billy?"

"It's a wild boar, Cathy! There are heaps of 'em in the Smoky Mountains; yet, this one appears to be rabid. Don't move, and it may not attack. So, stand behind me, I'll move forward, then sling the lantern back and forth. Grandpa told me that rabid animals are deathly afraid of fire and water. I guess we're gonna find out tonight if Grandpa was right.

Yikes!
Quite a life-threatning dilemma Billy faces.
It's a situation that requires a choice between options
that are or seems equally unfavorable and
unsatisfactory. What choice would you make, our friends?
Cathy and I hope to see all of you back in Chapter 3.
Respectfully with Admiration,
Cathy and Bill

Author Notes Greetings, Friends! It is an honor having you read our work. Cathy and I appreciate your continued support. Your thoughts matter to us, and we ask that you offer suggestions for improvement. Hope you enjoy and shall follow along. A "Salute" to Cathy for designing the awesome cover and choosing me as her co-author. Best wishes and God Bless. Respectfully with Admiration, Cathy (aka Tootie) and Bill Bishop (aka Commando).

Chapter 3
Tornado!

By Commando

Greetings, Friends!

Cathy Waldron (aka Tootie) and Bill Bishop (aka Commando) are co-authors of this book. It shall be an honor having you join us, chapter after chapter. We hope to make you laugh and cry; yet, leave you in a state of uncertainty of what will happen next. As always, your suggestions for improvement will be appreciated. Thanks for reading and God Bless.

~Previously~

"It's a wild boar, Cathy! There's heaps of 'em here; yet, this one appears to be rabid. Don't move, and it may not attack. So, stand behind me, I'll move forward, then sling the lantern back and forth. Grandpa told me once, that rabid animals are deathly afraid of fire and water. I guess we're gonna find out tonight if he was right."

*Special Note*

Some words are written in a way that is appropriate for Smoky Mountain folks; yet, they are not always grammatically correct. Characters, at times, will reflect earlier scenes in their lives. They shall, as well, talk with the reader. Wider spaces between words are due to the use of fully justified formatting.

Rabies Brief!

To help you better understand parts of our story: Rabies is a viral infection that mainly spreads through a bite from an infected animal. Without early treatment, it is usually fatal. The virus can affect the body in one of two ways. It enters the peripheral nervous system directly and migrates to the brain. It replicates within muscle tissue where it is safe from the host's immune system. From here, it enters the nervous system through the neuromuscular junctions. Once inside the nervous system, the virus produces acute inflammation of the brain. Coma and death soon follow. Rabies is passed on through saliva. It develops if a person receives a bite from an infected animal or if saliva gets into an open wound. The treatment is to seek immediate medical attention if bitten assuming the animal is rabid. If the doctor finds infection, then as a rule he/she will administer a fast-acting dose of immune globulin, then follow up with an injection over the next few weeks. A small number of people have survived rabies; yet, most cases are fatal once the infection spreads. There is no effective treatment at this stage.

~Chapter 3~

"Yikes! Quite a life-threatening dilemma we face, Billy. It's a situation that requires a choice between options, that are equally unfavorable and unsatisfactory. Sweet, Jesus! What are we gonna do?"

"Geez! Normally, my first action would be to find an English professor who would explain to me what you just said; yet, no time for that one. So, continue standing behind me, and if it attacks, then run like a rabbit and ask your dad to call Sheriff Taylor, okay? The moon is climbing above the trees and will light the ol' dirt road for you. Throughout my sixteen years, I've milked cows, fed chickens, and slopped hogs; yet, I've never cut a rabid boar's throat." However, my hunting knife is razor sharp, and if need be, I'll make this my first."

"Oh, my God! It's attacking, Billy."

"Awe, c'mon, Porky Pig, 'cause there's a blank page in the history book for you. Quick, run on home, Beautiful, because God's here with me."

The boar ran from the road onto the bridge, then stopped short when it saw the lantern light. As I watched it slowly back away, scenes of yesterday became crystal clear.

*******

"C'mon, Billy! Let's go kill us a wild boar 'cause we need meat for the table. I'll get the 12-gauge shotgun and shells."

"I don't think I've ever seen a wild boar, Grandpa. Would you tell me about 'em as we walk along?"

"Of course, I will! They look kinda like our ol' hogs; yet, are aggressive and vicious animals by nature. Some attack people, and when they do, the results are injuries ranging from significant to serious to the lower body. This is because the average boar is of shorter stature. Should you be knocked down during the assault, the boar can easily slice your head, neck, and torso with potentially life-threatening results."

*******

The boar backed away as I slung the lantern in front of me. Its mouth was open, tongue swollen, and saliva was drooling to the ground. Its tusks were long, looked razor-sharp, and could quickly slice my throat. I began to swing the lantern in a circle, lost my grip on the handle, and it fell into the water below the bridge. The moon was full, bright, and that's the only light I had.

The boar hit me like Grandma does with her broom at times. It knocked me to the ground, then quickly sank its tusks deep into my shoulder. Blood ran down and all around on my body. It continued to slice me here and there. The pain was excruciating; yet, I thrust my knife into the boar's heart. I tried standing; but was too weak, and sank back to the ground. The moon hid its face behind a cloud as darkness walked into my eyes.

*******

Two days later, I woke up at the hospital in Gatlingurg, Tennessee. Cathy, Grandpa and Grandma, were by my side.

"Hurrah," Cathy exclaimed! "You finally woke up. We've been so worried about you, Honey."

"Aww, I'm alright, Beautiful. It's the rabid boar who walks around no more."

"Oh, that's for sure, Billy; but, he left his mark. You've got multiple gashes and wounds; yet, luckily, you're gonna be okay," remarked Grandpa. "Once the bandages are off, you'll see just how many stitches you needed. Now, for the good news, the doctor say's you'll be able to go home within a couple of days. That is as long as you do what you're told and behave. Of course, we all know that will be difficult for you," Grandpa added.

"Difficult for me? You, betcha! However, it was difficult for Sampson to break the lion's jaw; yet, he did it--goody, goody! Oh, I'll behave, Grandpa, 'cause Cathy and me gotta date once I get outta here. Don't we, Beautiful?"

"Aww, how sweet of you to remember, my hero!"

Having said that, Cathy bent over, kissed me, then bit my lip. Grandpa walked over to Grandma, gave her a peck on the cheek, then said, "For the good times, Ol' Woman!"

*******

One week later, Cathy met me as I walked through the door. "C'mon out and let's get a goin' down to the river and have a picnic, Baby. Grandma's made us some yummy food; and I want some more of those sweet kisses and lip bitings. It's gonna be a glorious day. So, what do ya say? C'mon, Angel! Give me a chance to love you before you fly away. Let me show you 'round the creations of God. Let's smell the sweetness of wild flowers on the summer wind, then eat our fill of Grandma's fried chicken and biscuits."

"Oh, Billy! There ain't nothin' that's gonna get in our way. Let's go straight to the willow tree, put down our blanket; then after we eat, I promise to kiss ya at least five times if that's what you want."

"Of course, I do; yet, I don't know how to count, Beautiful. So, just keep on a kissin' me; and Jesus will count 'em."

Hand-in-hand, we walked quickly to the willow tree, spread out the blanket on the soft grass, then ate all of Grandma's cooking. Everything was still warm and finger-lickin' good! A gentle breeze blew through the trees as we kissed the grease from one another's lips.

"Look, Honey! Those dark clouds are rollin' in. Are we gonna take a nap before it starts to rain?"

"Hmm! Only if we cuddle close. I promise not to misbehave; yet, I wanna."

We snuggled, watching the leaves swirl and twirl above us as the cold wind began to whistle. Cathy fell asleep first. I was a bit surprised to hear her snore; but, soon I was asleep, too. It wasn't long before I woke to the sound of thunder and saw the clouds had thickened with a noticeable darkness beneath them.

"Cathy, wake up! There's a funnel cloud moving across the meadow toward us. C'mon, we gotta get outta here and find shelter fast."

"Sweet Jesus! It's a tornado, Bill; yet, it appears to be standing still with debris flying all around it. How close do you figure it is to us, Handsome?"

"Too doggone close, Beautiful! 'Cause it's raising hair on the back of my neck. So, let's go, Whippersnapper . . . shake it, shake it, shake it!"

Geez! What a suspenseful and nail- bitin' ending; yet, Grandpa
made us do it. C'mon, Ya'll, join us in Chapter 4.
Respectfully with Admiration,
Cathy and Bill

Author Notes A "Salute," Friends! Thanks for taking time to read our work. Cathy and I welcome your continued support and suggestions for improvement. Your thoughts matter to us. Hugs to Cathy for choosing me as her co-author and designing the astonishing book cover. Best wishes wherever you are and God Bless. Respectfully with Admiration, Cathy and Bill.

Chapter 4
The Pitchfork!

By Commando

**************************************************************************

Author Notes ************************************************

Chapter 4
The Pitchfork!

By Commando

Author Note:

Co-authored by Cathy Waldron, Aka "Tootie," and Bill Bishop, Aka "Commando."

Greetings, Friends!

Cathy Waldron (aka Tootie) and Bill Bishop (aka Commando) are co-authors of this book. Both invite you to join them in each chapter and hope to make you laugh and cry; yet, leave you in a state of uncertainty of what will happen next. As always, your suggestions for improvement will be appreciated. Thanks for reading and God Bless.

~Previously~

"Wake up, Cathy! There's a funnel cloud moving across the meadow toward us. C'mon, we gotta get outta here and to a shelter fast."

"Sweet Jesus! It's a tornado, Bill; yet, it appears to be standing still. How close do you figure it is to us, Handsome?"

"Too doggone close, Beautiful! 'Cause it's raising hair on the back of my neck. So, let's go, Whippersnapper . . . shake it, shake it, shake it!"

*Special Note*

Some words are written in a way that is appropriate for Smoky Mountain folks; yet, they are not always grammatically correct. Characters at times will reflect earlier scenes in their lives. They shall, as well, talk with the reader. Wider spaces between words are due to the use of fully justified formatting.

~Chapter 4~

"We ran as fast as we could leaving our picnic basket and blanket behind, but the funnel cloud was heading right toward us again. There was no way we were gonna get back to the house to warn everyone. Bill grabbed my hand and pointed in a different direction. "C'mon," he said, "the only way we're gonna dodge this monster is to get under the bridge and say our prayers. As for our folks back home, we'll just have to hope they see it comin', too, and they're already hunkered down in our root cellar."

I did my best to keep up with Bill as he pulled me along. The tornado kept a 'comin, and debris was flyin' through the air. The pretty dress I was wearin' was flappin' all about. I shouted, "Watch out! There's a pitchfork flyin' through the air, and look at that tractor tire over there!" There were all sorts of things twirlin' everywhere, and it was gettin' so dark I couldn't see.

"Don't worry; keep holding my hand,'' Bill yelled loud enough so I could hear above the tremendous roar. "The ol' bridge is just over there. I know this all is givin' you quite a scare, but the tornado doesn't care! Soon it'll be outta our way; we'll live another day, then hurry back under the willow tree . . . and kiss, kiss, kiss away."

"That is, if it ain't been blown up roots and all!" I replied.

We made it to the bridge; Bill held me tight and whispered, "Everything's gonna be alright." Together, we prayed, "Please Lord! Take the tornado away, 'cause we got miles to go before reaching You!" Most tornadoes last for only a few minutes; yet, it seemed this one was taking hours.

*******

"Hurry, Ol' Woman! There's a tornado headin' our way and it's as big as Texas!" Grandpa hollered as he ran back in from the barn.

Grandma quickly peeked out the window, then replied, "There's someone still out there in the fields. My word! I thought, at first, it was Cathy; yet, it's her mom, Cecile. She always carries lunch to Bob when he is plowin' the fields."

"So, what's she doin' just standin' there . . . and where is Cathy's dad, Bob?"

"Someone please help me;" Cecile cried. "Bob's tractor has turned over and pinned his leg underneath."

"I gotta go get Cecile," Grandpa said. "I'll bring her here and the both of you go to the root cellar, pronto! Then, me and the ol' blue mule will go help Bob. Now, don't you worry about me, 'cause once we get there, I'll anchor myself to a tree in case the tornado comes our way before I can get him free. Hopefully, that will keep me safe. Lord, help us today!"

*******

By the time Grandpa arrived at Cathy's home, it was gettin' dark. At first he couldn't find the tractor and her daddy, but then heard cries comin' from behind the barn.

"Okay, Blue Mule, I'm countin' on you!" Grandpa remarked. "You ain't never let me down before. Although you're now a senior citizen, like myself, we gotta be strong and save Bob in a hurry. Otherwise, we all might not live to see another sunrise."

Luckily, the tractor was only pinnin' Bob's right foot down, although it was clear to see why her mom couldn't set him free. With some pushin' and pullin' from both Grandpa and the Ol' Blue Mule, it wasn't long before the tractor was lifted just enough for Bob to wiggle free.

"Can you walk?" Grandpa asked him.

Bob replied, "It's a hurtin' some, but I think so."

Grandpa reached into the front pocket of his bib overalls, pulled out a pint bottle of moonshine whisky, and said, "Here, drink a couple snorts of this, then forget the walkin' 'cause we gotta run. The tornado is comin' our way fast."

"We ain't gonna make it back to your house in time even with us runnin'," Bob remarked. "So take that mule of yours and let's find shelter while we ride out the storm."

Bob took a swig of moonshine before adding, "I got us some more moonshine hid in the barn; let's head on in there. We can secure your blue mule in one of the stalls, and there's a large hog feeder that we can lie down in. It's the best we can do under the circumstances."

Less than ten minutes later, the tornado slammed into the barn taking half of it, including 30 bales of hay.

*******

When Bill and Cathy arrived at the log cabin, there were dark clouds over it.

"What a scary sight!" Cathy exclaimed.

They were both thrilled, though, 'cause the log cabin hadn't sustained any damage.They entered the home to find both Grandma and Cathy's mom in a frenzy.

"Grandpa isn't home yet. I don't know what's keepin' him, unless..." Grandma fretted.

"Why isn't he here?" Bill asked. "What's happened?"

Cecile told them about Bob getting stuck under the tractor and Grandpa going to help.

"Cathy, stay here and I'll go fetch 'em!"

*******

As I approached Cathy's property, I couldn't believe my eyes. The barn was demolished, and Cathy's home was nowhere to be seen. At that moment, I screamed, "Grandpa! Can you hear me?" Getting no answer, I walked around the rubble. Just then, I faintly heard someone down the hill.

*******

"Stand still, you ol' blue mule! Can't you see I'm trying to get on your back?"

After looking twice at the man, I saw that it was Bob. Of course, I also could tell he was drunker than Cooter Brown.

"Where is Grandpa, Bob?"

"I can't rightly say; yet, the last time I saw him, he was in the hog feeder with me. The tornado musta picked me up, then carried me down here."

Quickly running to the hog feeder, which was hidden under a few barn boards, I found Grandpa lying inside it. There was a pitchfork sticking into his chest and his bib overalls were covered in blood. "Oh no! Not Grandpa!" I screamed. "Why, God? You know he's my hero!"

*******
Sorry, Folks, for the cliffhanger; yet, we told you at the beginning we'd leave you in a state of uncertainty of what would happen next. We hope to see you in Chapter 5. Thanks for reading and God Bless. Respectfully with Admiration,
Cathy and Bill

Author Notes A "SALUTE," Cathy for the "Prestigious Artwork and Book Cover Design!" It is an honor to write at your side. Thanks for reading along, Folks, as we write this "Special Love Story." We encourage your thoughts, comments, and suggestions for improvement. Hope to see you in Chapter 5. Best wishes and God Bless. Respectfully with Admiration, Cathy and Bill.

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