You Can't Tell Me What to Do Anymore (Jack Lex)

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

A laugh comes from Faith hearing Jack carry on the joke about Trish, someone actually knew and understood the relationship between her and her step mother. "Be careful you don't find a long fake nail." Faith continues it on a little further, it was a first to verbally ridicule her step-mother. She was almost beginning to think she was crazy and Trish wasn't actually that bad. "I swear she's from the capitol." Faith rolls her eyes to land on Jack sitting next to her enjoying the food.

It was really sweet to see Jack grow angry talking about Thomas, Faith unable to keep a smile from spreading across her face. This was what protection felt like, she felt that with her father but not recently. It was so nice though Faith felt guilty for the feeling. "I don't know." Faith says as her only response at first, she was baffled by what to say. "I was really drunk so Father sent me to bed right away."

The next comment almost brings tears to Faith's eyes because her Father didn't see the true Thomas. "I told him what happened..." Faith almost couldn't get the second part out. "He thinks I led him on." She says in practically a whisper because too be thought of as a slut by her Father when she was the completely opposite badly hurt.

Then Jack brings Faith to becoming speechless over asking if they were okay, meaning the two of them and no one else. It was expected that he was going to explain they went to far, they were waisted and that's when the biggest regrets are created, it just sucked that it was a regret. "I really like you to." Faith agrees though Jack won't look at her. "Let's just take it as it comes. I'll keep all my feelings to myself if it means..." She promises but doesn't finish why. "I can't loose my best friend." Immediately Faith could feel her face turning bright red and joins Jack's gaze to the floor hoping he wouldn't look at her.

[Jack Lexington]

I smile at the friend comment. It's nice to know that I have a good friend now who appreciates this friendship. "Is that who I am? Your best friend?" I grin with my mouth full because I already know the answer. "That's good to know." Something else she said keeps my mind think much harder though. I swallow the bite and busy myself with the tin fork.

I know I shouldn't go there but now that we're onto the topic and she's opening up I can't help but follow my urge to ask what she means by that. "What do you mean...you'll keep your feelings to yourself...what exactly are you referring to?" Am I playing dumb now. Should I know what she's talking about? Were those kisses more heartfelt than I am giving them credit for? I mean I can tell she likes me but Faith is so quiet and proper in her ways that it's hard to tell how deep her feelings are running.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

"Yeah I guess so." Faith can't help but laugh once again at the fact she just called Jack her best friend. Was it silly? Her whole life she had some form of a best friend, but never one she couldn't stop herself from spilling everything to, or felt the need to kiss for that matter. It felt that the word best friend was silly and immature, but it was so reassuring to Faith to see Jack happy about her words. Less embarrassing.

Then it gets to more then just friends, and Faith's face doesn't cool down. She had no alcohol in her yet she blurted out that stupid sentence. It didn't take long for regret to kick in, sure they sort of admitted things before but they were drunk. "You know Friday night." Faith shrugs as her eyes become A.D.D and look around the barn everywhere except Jack.

[Jack Lexington]

So Faith is worried about her actions last Friday when I'm talking about feelings. I think we're not on the same page so I explain.
"You can kiss and fool around without any feelings whatsoever. Just look at Thomas. Do you think he has feelings for you ...other than maybe ownership and dominance?" I snort but return to the point.
"Do you still have those feelings now?"
I can tell she's embarassed and truth be told I don't know why I'm pressing because this can only get uncomfortable. If she admits her feelings I have to crush them even though I have some as well, and if she doesn't I look like a fool.
I quickly shake my head and state. "You don't have to answer this. let's just leave it as it is before..."
Now it's my turn to blush. "If only things were easier." I say my thoughts out loud.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It was weird to hear what was coming from Jack for Faith, who for once didn't understand. Then of course she felt crazy, it didn't seem possible to her to kiss someone without having feelings for them. Exactly why she didn't want to kiss Thomas. Maybe she was just too new to everything. It completely confused her why Jack wanted to know this in the first place, there wasn't a chance for that anyways. As much as she wanted to she couldn't be upset Jack though.

"I'm not like thomas." Was the only thing Faith stated about the whole thing, hoping Jack might understand what she was trying to get across.

The next comment brings a weak smile to Faith's face. Things never seemed to be easy. The one person she actually had feelings for didn't want her. "Yeah." She agrees with a sigh.

[Jack Lexington]

Faith tells me that she's not like Thomas with so much insult and disappointment in her voice that it makes me break. All she does in regards to my comment was sigh. She doesn't understand me either and we're just tiptoeing around her.
So I stop and stare at her with balled fists because this situation makes me upset. Opening my hands I huff. "You don't understand this, Faith, do you? I like you much more than I should but I can't allow myself to feel that way. I don't know how this is possible because I love Noreen. She will always have this spot in my heart that nobody else can take but...then there are you. Whenever I'm near you I come to live. I want nothing more than to be here on this farm just to get the odd glimpse at you...it's crazy. I feel so relieved and good in your company."
With a sigh I take her hand because suddenly I seem to understand. "You heal me..." Maybe that's what it was. Maybe she was a healer for broken people like me, maybe I wasn't falling for her.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It was so difficult for Faith to listen to Jack's words, because it was exactly what she wanted to hear. But still she couldn't have him, and it wasn't fair for Jack to be saying such things when they both knew that. Jack was saying what was on both of their minds, the fact it wasn't right for them to feel this way for so many reason. Jack was widowed and Faith's Father would never approve.

Faith couldn't pull a single word out of her mouth hearing Jack saying the last bit, that she was so powerful to make someone so happy. She never thought so highly about herself ever. Then of course Jack grabs her hand which doesn't help. "I am a healer." She jokes with a giggles though it's all in a soft whisper.

Pulling her hand away, Faith's eyes darted straight to her shoes to not move from the stare at all. "Jack. This is too difficult." She could feel her heart pound against her ribs. Without warning Faith was too her feet and making her way out of the barn.

[Jack Lexington]

Judging by her body language my revelation doesn't do her any good. She becomes scared and enclosed in herself and pulls her hand away telling me that it's too difficult, which I agree to. I was just hoping for some kind of a clearing talk. Instead she walks away and leaves me sitting there.
I contemplate following her but what good would that do? It wouldn't change a damn thing so I simply watch her walk away filled with frustration. The one time I spill my guts they fall on deaf ears. What a lesson to learn.

I'm so frustrated I don't even want to finish the meal anymore. So I place the lid on it and get up to pace back and forth for a bit. I need some sort of vent for my frustration. What better thing to do than go for a ride.

If only I could. I quickly go through the things in my mind that I still need to do and if I recall it right the cows need to go to a pasture further down in a valley with a creek so they still have some grass and running water.
I wasn't supposed to take the horse but why not?
Qucikly I poke my head out of the barn and can still make out Faith in the distance so I holler.
"I'm going to drive the cattle down to the pasture in the valley with you horse. Tell your dad!"
Hopefully she heard me because it will take me a while to get back.

Then I saddle up her horse, grab my canteen, my jacket, gloves hat and a rope in case some cows don't cooperate.
I'm done in no time and in the saddle and finally get my mind off my conversation with Faith. At first I start slow and ride to the pasture where the cows are now, open the gate and let them walk out into the open always following closely on Faiths horse, who is not really trained yet but has good instincts.
Shaking my head I clap her on the neck. "Girls. I'll never get them. Good thing horses don't work that way!"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It was just so annoying that Faith couldn't wrap her head around what was going on. It was almost as if she understood when at the same time she was completely baffled. There was such a strong connection between the two of them, the confusing part was what type of connection it was. Faith couldn't get the kiss off of her mind as much as she knew it was a mistake to Jack, she wasn't suppose to like it. But she did.

Continuing to walk back to the house with anger at Jack over him being so sweet, she's stopped by him calling after her which she couldn't help but smile huge over. Except that it was only to tell her Father of his trip, which made the smile quickly fade. "Okay." She shouted back with a wave to gesture she got the message.

At least Faith had chores to distract herself, which she quickly got to though it didn't work. The whole time she still couldn't help thinking of the cute cowboy, and how rude it must of been for her to walk away. It was especially hard seeing the twins who were both spitting images of their Father, a little less for the baby girl. Little Briar must look so much like her Mother. Faith would make sure to keep an eye for when Jack came back.

((OOC: Yeah I literally just deleted the last paragraph lol, hope this is fine))

[Jack Lexington]

The ride to down into the valley takes a while but as upset as I was when I got in the saddle I soon calm down and start enjoying the one thing I'm good at. The mare is less easily spooked today since she's getting used to working with the cows and rounds them up nicely. I don't have to do much, just stay back and show them where to go but it seems like they've been down the narrow path that leads into the valley a few times before.

Today I have to be careful because the ground is frozen and slippery. The odd cows slips every now and then but since they have three more legs it's no big deal. For a while I let my thoughts drift back to Faith who seems to not appreciate me opening up. I feel like a fool right now because she simply turned and walked away when I was hoping for some sort of solution. I thought she'd talk to me, but she didn't. Maybe I don't know her as well as I thought. Seems like she's one of those girls, who give up when things get difficult.

With a frown on my face I feel the horse move underneath me when she suddenly does one of her famous side jumps and almost sends me flying.
I try to regain my balance and look around what caused the move but all I can see is the creek down below and a few tumbling rocks.
"Calm down, girl. Easy."
her nostril are working hard and she's trying to tear up her head but my hand on her neck and thighs on her flanks let her know she can't play me like that.

Suddenly I spot a cow that has laid down on the side of the hill. She's really round so I assume she's pregnant.
I try to get her to stand up from atop the horse but she doesn't move one inch, just mooes and spooks my horse again.
"Damn."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It seemed as if the dishes never ended, and though Faith swore she did all of them during the lunch round their was a few pots and pans waiting to be scrubbed, along with some snack dishes from the girls who didn't know how to clean up after themselves. This was the worst chore, aside from laundry of course, it was only that dishes never ended. At least Hope was on break during the winter and could occupy the twins so Faith didn't get interrupted every few minutes.

Looking out of the window above the sink was an amazing view that over looked the barn and fields. Jack was still not back yet and the cows were no where to be seen. That was when Faith remembered she forgot to tell Jack that the pregnant one was almost due and needed to stay and be given water instead. She was so upset she let such an important thing slip out of her mind. Faith rushed to find one of the older girls to watch the twins before she went to make sure everything was alright.

"Jack!" Faith greets loudly and out of breathe as she dashes around a tree and almost slips because the ground is practically ice. Jack was riding her startled horse, and the pregnant cow was lying on the floor just as Faith predicted; with the calf coming any day she was in no condition to be walking far. "I'm so sorry I forgot to tell you." Faith apologizes to Jack though she scurries over to the cow.

Pulling her red locks over one shoulder Faith crouches down to brush the top of the pregnant cow's head, her soft white coat. She was breathing a little heavy, but it was clear nothing happened to traumatize her or the calf. "And i'm sorry for walking out of the barn on you. I shouldn't of done that." Faith apologizes again looking up at Jack before pulling her full attention onto the pregnant cow.

"She's breathe a little heavy, but it's too soon to tell if it's a sign of labor." Faith explains, glad that it wasn't immediate signs because the freezing cold was no where for a birth, she'd be lucky to have an hour. "Do you think there's a way to get her back to the barn?" She asks Jack with high hopes.

[Jack Lexington]

When I notice that the cow won't get up by herself anymore I slide off my horse to see what's going on. Carefully I walk around to run my hand over her neck. It looks like she's panting, which is not a good sign. She could give birth anywhere but the steep side of a rocky hill is not the best place for a newborn calf, who can barely stand.

Just then Faith shows up and tells me that she forgot to mention the cow is about to calf. "Wonderful." I mutter with a frown. "That's something thst should be important enough to tell me. More important than some dumb ass, who wants to date you." My anger is coming back just as fast as it faded and I'm probably being unfair. But it's me who put the cow in the bad position and now has to deal with that.
the apology goes unnoticed as I tie my rope around the cows neck.
"She's got to get up or down...away from the slope and rocks if she's going to have her calf."

Once the rope is in place I get up and tug hard on it, smack my tongue and yell at the fat animal to move but the biest doesn't cooperate but only huffs and kicks his leg in the air.
"C'mon, damn cow. You wanna have your calf right here? I don't think so."
I pull as hard as I can and she gives in a bit getting onto her knees which makes me stumble back and slip down the hill. At least I have the rope to hold on top.

Searching for something to make her move I hand Faith the rope and run to grab a large stick.
With that I stand ready to smack her big ass. "Pull hard, Faith!"
One good hit makes the cow try to struggle up but as soon as Faith eases up on her the animal sits back down.

So i change my plan and hand Faith the stick. "You give her a whack and I pull."
Quickly i mount her horse and reach for the rope in Faiths hand. Hopefully the mare will have enough power to pull the cow up.
"Now!" I shout as I give the horse a jab with both heels and make her jump forward.
As unpredictable as she is she takes off down the hill so fast that I'll either fly off or have to let go off the rope. I decide for the latter but since it's wrapped around my hand it doesn't immediately come loose and pulls me back while Faiths horse runs down the hill.
It's a matter off seconds until I'm so off balance that I kiss the dirt hard and her horse starts stumbling as well....but at least the cows on her feet.

[Jack Lexington]

here's what happens:
Note the boot




Note the innocent expression

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It was a little insulting to hear Jack scold Faith that Thomas was more important then the animals she needed to care for, especially because she was certain she stormed out over Jack's kind heart that was broken. Still Faith had a soon-to-be mom on her hands that was in no birthing room. Giggling at Jack's first attempt, Faith felt a small need to reenforce her apparent lack of caring by not helping.

After that didn't work, Faith is handed the rope for it to become a two man push and pull type obstacle. It seemed clever except that it didn't seem that Jack knew Faith's strength ability, which was no surprise because she didn't have one. Faith attempts to give it all she has, until coming upon the fact it was around the cow's neck that Faith was unable to pull as hard.

The plans change and Faith is put into the back to push her up with the stick as Jack pulls. A new idea is added and her horse is going to help as well, which immediately sounds like a bad idea to Faith. It actually brings the pregnant cow to her feet, except it gives Jack and the horse a stumble to the floor. Despite her animals being around, the first person Faith had to go to was Jack.

"Are you okay?" Faith asks crouching down to Jack to help him up. "Your nose." She points out pulling out a handkerchief, she always had on hand, to clean up the bits of a small bloody nose.

[Jack Lexington]

Falling off a horse is never any fun especially not on frozen ground, not even if you manage to get a pregnant cow moving. If you're lucky you get away with a bruise, if you're unlucky you'll break you neck.
As I collect my bones and try to figure out how bad it is this time I already can tell my neck is still intact the rest however is a sore, winded heap. It takes me a moment of breathing quietly, in which I only glance up to make sure the cow's still at her feet, to figure out that I'm fine except for a sore nose and right shoulder that must have hit the ground first. Grimacing I sit up and feel my nose. with my fingers It's ginger but not broken but I can feel warm blood running down onto my busted lip.
Faith asks whether I'm okay but I refuse to answer or take her towel but instead tell her to "keep the damn cow on her feet." The fall didn't help my mood nor did Faiths mocking giggles a few minutes ago. I guess she can see my bad side now since she seems to think I'm such a sweet guy.
Of course I'm not mad at her, more at my own inabilty to figure out what I want.

After a moment of wiping and pinching my nostrils close, in which I only manage to make myself look like after a masacre, I force myself to my feet, angrily grab the rope and tug the cow down the hill.
"C'mon, Faith."