Right (43) By Littlewing1957
Mr. Twist knew full well that the boys were just returning, but refused to make an issue of it. He couldn’t image them going off somewhere to get physical – no, Old Man Twist’s mind wouldn’t picture it. He liked to think that Ennis and Jack drove into town to catch up and talk about their summer on the mountain; even their lives after the job ended. Mr. Twist had to believe that they got caught up in talk and lost track of time. “Uh no, pa,” Jack began, looking to Ennis for confirmation. “No, sir,” Ennis stammered, looking at Jack. “We just came down to see if you needed any help around the ranch.” A likely story! Mr. Twist thought as he studied the young men standing before him. He didn’t know Ennis from Adam, but he could tell when someone was lying to him. “Well, just sit tight and your ma will be down to get your breakfast. Then we’ll talk about you two helping out around here.”
Ennis watched Mr. Twist leave through the front door, and turned to Jack. Ennis noticed that Jack was trembling, and placed a calming hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Jack!” Ennis began. “Bud, I’m not doin’ anything but causing trouble for you. Maybe I shouldn’t have come!” Jack shook his head and rubbed Ennis’ cheek. “Don’t talk like that Friend!” He whispered. “You know I’m glad you’re here. My pa wasn’t angry, and in his own way, invited you to stay with us a bit. C’mon, let’s go get cleaned up and my ma will fix us a bite to eat. What ya say?” Ennis smiled at his friend and nodded. “I guess so! But I want to make breakfast for you and your parents. Will you let me do that?” Jack chuckled softly. “Ennis Del Mar wants to stand in my ma’s kitchen and fix breakfast?” Ennis grinned self consciously. “Well, we’d be delighted, sir!” Jack smiled as he bowed low before his friend. They ran upstairs to Jack’s room to get cleaned up.
Mrs. Twist watched, fascinated, as Ennis moved around her kitchen like a pro. He donned one of her best aprons and poured her a cup of coffee. He made a morning meal of pancakes, scrambled eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice and bacon. Mrs. Twist sighed with pleasure as she tasted Ennis' perfectly brewed java. Jack attacked his breakfast with gusto, while his ma sat beside him and ate the expertly prepared meal. Jack made a mental note to ask Ennis where he learned to cook like that! When Old Man Twist entered the kitchen, he observed the spread and sat down at the table. “Ma, you outdid yourself this morning,” Mr. Twist stated as he placed a few pancakes on his plate. “Uh, pa,” Jack mumbled, his mouth full of eggs, “Ennis cooked this morning.” Mr. Twist grimaced as he helped himself to a few slices of bacon. Ennis watched in silence as Jack’s pa tasted his food. “Well, I’ve tasted better, and by my own hand!” The old man exclaimed. “But this is good, young man!” Ennis and Jack exhaled almost in unison. “Sit yourself down and eat, Ennis.” Mrs. Twist offered as she continued to devour her breakfast. “And thanks so much for cooking for us. A woman sure can get used to this.” Jack smiled at his mother and stole a glance at his friend. He noticed that Ennis was absolutely beaming with pride, and something that looked like relief. Ennis' growing comfort was a beautiful thing to see, Jack thought. Mr. Twist finished his meal in silence, and after everyone was full, he sat very still and watched as Ennis and Jack cleared away the dishes. “Young fella,” Mr. Twist addressed Ennis. “You’re pretty handy with a spatula. How are you at handling a hammer? I need help with the barn.”
Topic: Introducing the "Jack with Ennis" Fan Fic Game - the BetterMost Edition (Read 2667685 times)