Farm Boy Down

[Richard Buckles]

Richard had been rushed to the hospital from the school after his run in with nature taking the form of a mountain lion. He very weak by the time he got there as he had lost a lot of blood from the slashes on his back. He was being given blood on the way and pressure applied to the wound to slow the bleeding but he was still very weak and feint in the ambulance. He was a bit delirious in the whole situation as he looked around everything seeming choppy and strange.

His power was trying to function and make sense of how everything was all spinny and strange. He then had his face his the gurney and he was out. They took him in and to surgery right away to try and repair the muscles and tendons that were hacked into by the beast. The face was a much more minor wound and was treated with just bandaging as they operated. He would wake up the next day from the strain on his body and the drugs circling through his body. He groggily opened his eyes and saw his mother sitting there in a chair reading a book quietly.

He opened his mouth to talk but more gurgled with a dryness to his mouth and lips he hadn't known before in his life. The noise made his mother slowly raise her gaze and then jump up "Richard." she said moving over and coming to his side touching his hand and stroking his forehead with her palm on her other hand. "Shhh shhh don't worry about talking let me get you some water first." she replied as she reached from his forehead to a plastic pitcher and pour some water in a glass and brought it to his lips. She tilted it forwards and Richard slowly drank it then his mother took the cup away after a few moments. "Mmmmm hi mommy." he said sort of still high off the sedatives.

She did a front hug without putting her arms around him as she was so relieved to hear him speak. She couldn't believe what she heard when she got a phone call about the attack. She rushed over as fast as she could to be with him knowing his father and brothers couldn't make it in as quickly. She was sure to communicate with the school during his time unconsciousness about how he was injured, though they knew that just not to the severity. Of course they sent around a card for people in his classes to sign for his expedient return. Of course she also with the help of one of the nurses sent out a mass text on his phone to let all his friends know what happened.

Richard felt some itchy discomfort on his back but the pain was severely dulled by drugs they gave him to keep from experiencing the pain he was in. His face though was itchy as well which he could reach. Though he was scratching over gauze rather than the actual wounds.


Callie Montgomery

[Callie Montgomery]

Callie had been wandering the town, taking in the sights, the people. Over the past few years it had really grown quite a bit and during this time of the year the town seemed even more busy than usual. The town center was always decorated nicely and the ice rink always added a nice touch. Her hair was in her usual messy side braid, and she had opted to only wear one of her favorite brown sweaters, which she had realized was a bad idea. It was colder than she expected it to be, and well…she disliked being cold.

Instead of letting it put a damper on her mood she had come up with a novel idea in order to solve her problem. If you could even call it that. Every so often she’d step into what ever store or business she saw when she felt herself getting too cold. She’d browse for a bit and then when she felt warm enough she’d step back outside. Her pocket cam was with her as it usually was and every so often it was make an appearance from her bag when she felt like she needed it. It was quite a beautiful day despite the temperature.

As she walked down the side walk, she heard her phone buzz from inside her bag. Curious, she took it out. A gleaming smile made an appearance when she saw it was a text from Richard. Assuming it was just him asking to meet up later or something she opened it and as her blue eyes read over the words as they appeared on her screen her smile faded and she felt her heart sink into her stomach. She stood there for a moment. Frozen on the sidewalk as people starred at her as they walked around her. Trying to hold back the tears she felt beginning to form she stuffed her phone back in her bag and looked around trying to figure out the quickest way to the hospital.

Glad that she was only a few minutes away from the hospital she stopped her run when she entered the sliding doors. No longer running, she still kept a brisk pace until she reached the desk. “Excuse me. I’m lookin’ for Richard. Richard Buckles. I was told he was ‘ere.” Her accent heavy through her breathy words. She was trying to catch her breath as well as calm herself. But there was no point. 

As soon as the woman gave her the room number, she made a beeline for the elevators, debating if the stairs would be faster. She stepped in and pushed the button for the floor he was on. As the door closed, she was trying to keep her thoughts as positive as she could, but it was hard. When the doors open she ran out, pushing past the people that were in her way. Her blue eyes locked on the room number they said was his. She had made quite an entrance, bursting through the door, her blue eyes instantly falling onto Richard. She hadn't even noticed his mother was there. He was all she could see in that moment. Her eyes were wide with shock and fear. Her hands went to her mouth immediately. “Oh Richard!" She gasped, frozen in her spot. 

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Tag: Richard Buckles

[Richard Buckles]

Richard's mother of course was still just being reassuring and comforting as her son just regressed a little in her eyes to a being a boy cause of the loopiness from the drugs he was on. He looking around the "Mom when did you and dad redo my bedroom. Looks like a hospital room." he laughed slightly. Partly cause he thought that was really what happened then realized how silly that was. "I am so hungry. Mom I want some food feels like I havnt eaten in day.

His mother nodded "They said nothing but hospital food sweety but let me go get you something scrounged up." she said exiting the room slowly giving him a kiss on the forehead before she did. He sort of settled into his bed a little and smacked his lips as he looked up at the ceiling till his eyes closed. Then they shot open hearing his name.

He looked over at Callie and saw the light bursting around her from the hall. Made her glow and with her blonde hair creating a halo effect with his powers on drugs was distorting how he saw things in a brilliant way. Sort of like everything was in slow motion and all the light refracted. He looked at her with wide and dilated eyes "Oh wow.... I must have been hurt worse than I thought." he slurred. "I seeing an angle, an angle..... No that's not right what's that thing from heaven with the wings."

[Callie Montgomery]

Callie's mind was spinning. Her eyes were locked on him. Taking the entire scene in. It was the first time she had no urged to touch her cam. In this moment, her eyes were her camera and she was positive this moment would never be forgotten. Her blue eyes scanned over him as he laid there, unmoving, eyes closed. It was a surreal feeling. She was utterly helpless.

Hands still covering her mouth, she'd jolted slightly when she saw his eyes open. Conflicted, she hesitated to take a step closer. She was happy he was awake, but felt partially responsible for being the one who woke him up. A small smile appeared when she heard his voice. Lowering her hands slightly from her mouth she furrowed her brows and titled her head as she was trying to make sense of his words. An angle?

She slowly made her way closer to his side. The closer she got the more she noticed his face. It didn't look too bad, just a few bandages. She couldn't help but think there had to be more too it. Callie carefully sat on the edge of his bed. Her eyes never left his, she gently took hold of his hand. "Richard? Are you okay? Do you mean angel? You see an angel?" She asked, concern growing with each second that passed. 

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Tag: Richard Buckles

[Richard Buckles]

Richard was staring at her hard and solidly with a big smile on his face as he watches her posture and then move closer to his bed. When she sat on his bed edge he felt her hand on his and his skin where she touched felt warm and fuzzy. "Yeah that's what it is I see. An angle." he laughed softly as her touch tickled him.

"You are a beautiful angle you know that? Why do you look like callee?" he asked her as he leaned over a little with a wiggle and leaned his head on her arm. "Feels so warm and nicey nice." He said as he slowly went under with his face leaning into her forearm. A soft snoring could be heard from him right now.

That is when his mother came back in looking over at the pair as her son was half way snuggles up sleeping on a girl. He knew that it wasn't his girlfriend Elsa but she did remember the girl from her last visit vaguely. The name didn't come to her though but it was a short visit about 2 years ago.

She was holding a small tray with some food on it as she stepped up. Setting the tray on the little table that hovered near his bed. She looked over at Callie with a smile "Well it make me happy to see my son has such good friends." she said softly as not to disrupt Richard's return to sleep.

[Callie Montgomery]

The blonde had long caught her breathe back, her heart had yet to return. Her blue eyes watched him in awe. She was unsure of where his mind was at the moment. And the fact that he was saying angle instead of angel was cute, but still concerning. The real question was, was he really seeing what he said he was. The thought of pain medication had yet to occur to her.

Although she was frightened, she refused to let it show and the fact that he was smiling only produced just as big a smile on her end. She couldn't help it, it was subconscious response. To see him smile was a good sign, to laugh, even better. Was he saying angle on purpose? To mess with her? She let out a soft giggle, partially relieved with how nonchalantly he was handling the whole situation. The other part couldn't help but remain worried.

As he spoke again, Callie couldn't help but look away, feeling a bit sheepish as she felt her cheeks turn a light shade of red. He thought he was talking to an angel, an angel that looked like her. At the moment she realized they must have had him on something to help with the pain. It was the only explanation for his behavior. Although she didn't want to admit it, the attention was enjoyable. 

Callie let out another soft giggle as he spoke sounding like a child. She felt as he nuzzled his face into her arm. She remained still not wanting to disturb him as she heard him beginning to snore. Her heart was slowly returning to its rightful place. She watched silently in admiration for the boy. She wanted answers, but she knew they would come in time.

She turned her head slightly when she heard someone else come in the room. It was his mother. She recognized her from when the had briefly met a few years back. She gave a warm smile to the woman, "How could he not? You have a lovely son." She said, her blue eyes quickly glancing back to the boy resting on her arm. She turned to the woman again, "It's nice ta see you again Mrs. Buckles."

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Tag: Richard Buckles

[Richard Buckles]

"Callie is so pretty when she smiles." He said softly before he slept on her arm. He of course was thinking about Callie kissing him them months ago right now. He kept wondering if that was real or in his head. He couldn't ask her about it either since they were friends and he had a girlfriend.

His mind wondered to that fateful night as he was less than sober then and he was also snuggled up in bed with her. He comfort pulled him to sleep but the smell of her also was very pleasant. He wasn't sniffing her but merely took her scent in as he breathed. He made a soft murmuring as he exhaled with the snores.

Sharon smiled "Well you sure are sweet on him hmmm dear?" she replied seeing the already familiar and cozy manner. "I am sweetheart I know I recognize you but I can't remember your name." she spoke softly.

"You be sure and not let him move around much. They said that the claws penetrated deep into his back. So he needs to not move his left shoulder and arm as much as possible." she informed Callie. "I was surprised to see you come so quickly I just sent that message out on his phone less than an hour ago."

She was surprised that Callie was the first to visit a little. Sharon remembered Callie from those years ago despite the brief encounter for a reason. She could see what her son could not that Callie was more than a little smitten with Richard. And that was still present now the way she blushed as he slept on her part way.

It would t be that difficult to lay his head back into the bed. Clearly Callie didn't want to remove herself from close proximity to Richard. She did not take issue with Callie's interest in Richard but it was a problem seeing the girl pine for someone who was oblivious to it. Or so as she thought was the case.

[Callie Montgomery]

The more he spoke the more her face turned red. She was never one to deny a compliment, but it didn’t mean it didn’t make her a bit bashful. She remained silent, letting him say what he wanted, knowing that there was no point in talking to him just yet. As he slept on her arm, she took her free hand and gently ran her fingers through his hair, soothing him as he rested.

In that moment she couldn’t help but think about what had happened a few months ago. It was an eerily similar situation to this. The major different being what caused his incoherent state. Then was alcohol, now the medication. The fact that she hadn’t brought up that night was due to the simple fact that she felt terrible about the whole situation. She wasn’t sure if she should be grateful or ashamed by the fact that he clearly didn’t even remember the night. It was stupid on her part. It was the first time she had ever done something so foolishly impulsive. But he was there, upset and hurt, and all she wanted to do was comfort him.

She shook the thought, now was not the time, and now his mother was here. Great. Keeping her voice low she spoke, “Ya, he’s a good friend.” She said here southern drawl behind each word she spoke, hoping his mom didn’t get the wrong idea. Her trademark smile was present as it usually was. “Name’s Callie.” She said kindly, not at all bothered by the fact she didn’t remember. It wasn’t a big deal, not to mention they had only met briefly and it was a few years ago. Luckily for Callie, she had no need knowing her first name. She was always taught to address someone more formal unless otherwise told. Callie was always one for keeping her good manners.

Her blue eyes bounced between the snoring Richard and his mother. They’d linger a bit longer on her when she heard her speak. Callie removed her hand from his head and gently placed on her mouth when his mother mentioned claws. She couldn't help but wonder what his back must look like. What was he thinking? Looking back at Richard her eyes filled with worry, “Oh Richard.” Her voice filled with concern. Blue eyes still locked on the boy she answered his mother, “Ya. I was nearby. I got ‘ere fast as I could.” She said, briefly recalling the moment her eyes fell on the text. “I’m just glad he’s okay.”

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Tag: Richard Buckles

[Richard Buckles]

He lay peacefully till she stroked through his hair. That made him sigh softly as he was she was doing just that being soothing with her touch. He shifted his right arm a little as it was pressed against the side of her leg already it snaked its way under the leg a little. He softly hugged her leg as he slept give a small murmur of sound as he did.

"Right Callie. Well thank you for coming to see him. I know he would appreciate knowing you came." she replied "My sweet little baby boy just pains me to see him like this." Sharon moved up and stroked his forehead herself now on the opposite side of the bed from Callie. "Nearest I can tell from what the school told me he was out near the mountain line when he saw somebody being attacked by a big cat of some sort...." she gave a small sniffle. "Richard charged in with a knife to help them."

"He is such a sweet boy and I am proud of him but it makes me so upset seeing him like this." she said pulling a tissue and drying her eyes as tears welled up. "This is the sort of thing I worried about when he went into the Marines. I told him I was proud of him but when they sent him here instead I felt such relief he wouldn't be in harms way at all." she confessed.

She had been holding it together but sitting there talking about it made the feelings just come up out of her "I just don't know what I would have done if he had died." he hand strokes get Richard's head smoothly with her one hand. "Knowing Richard even if it worries me sick he will be back out on the mountain and forest as soon as he can."

[Callie Montgomery]

Callie watched in silence as he shifted slightly about, making little noises as he did. She hadn’t realized where his arm had ended up, and she didn’t really care much about it either. She recalled what his mother had mentioned about him not moving much, but to her he hadn’t really moved that much. He just shifted a bit, and he seemed comfortable enough to her. She was positive he would move again if he found it to be intolerable.

It took her a moment to look away from Richard. Her eyes didn’t want to, but seeing as though he was sleeping and his mother was talking to her she thought it wouldn’t be polite to not acknowledge his mother. Her blue eye’s followed his mother as she approached the opposite side of the bed. She could still see him out of the corner of her eyes. “Of course. I know he’d do the same fo’ me.” She said as she watched her stroke his forehead. That was okay right? She wanted to say it pained her too, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so. She listened as Mrs. Buckles continued speaking.

Her lips slightly parted when his mother explained what had happened. As much as she found it surprising, there was a part of her that knew it wasn’t. The attack of course is a shock, but Richard risking his own life to save another…that was nothing new. She couldn’t help but think of who had been attacked, and if they were okay as well. It was just another question added to her list for later. Callie was at a loss of words, she had so much she wanted to say, yet nothing came out of her mouth. Her mind was picturing the scenario. A larger than life cougar pouncing on a helpless student. Enters Richard, throwing a knife perfectly to injury the animal. It was like a movie in her head, she had spent more than enough time and footage of him to understand and recreate his movements down to a tee. She shook the thought from her head. Now was not the time, she needed to image out of her head before his poor mother was there witnessing her son’s heroic but painful actions.

She hadn’t realized how long she had been silent for. She was lost in her own head while his poor mother was pouring her sorrow out to the girl. She gave a small smile, “That sounds like him. Always doin’ what he can to help folks.” She said, voice calm and fond. Her eyes wandered back to him full of admiration. “Nowhere is really safe.” She added, realizing after the fact that it may not have been the best thing to say. “All I mean is that whatever’s gonna happen will happen. Richard is a smart and strong person. He’s more than capable of handlin’ himself. He’s got a good heart and putting’ others before himself ain’t a bad thing.” Her accent was heavy now, as it always was when she spoke too fast. What was she saying? She was usually better than this. She bit her lower lip, feeling as though she wasn’t helping the situation, if anything, she made it worse.

Callie looked back at his mother, eyes wide in shock when she mentioned death. No. She felt her heart sink again. Just the mention of it had her eyes beginning to water. Her smile had faded. She hadn’t thought about that. He would go back to the forest. Of course he would…it’s what he loved.

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Tag: Richard Buckles

[Richard Buckles]

"Raising children you always worry about who your children because it makes me so proud to see him become such a fine young man." she commented. She leaned over kissing his forehead "My little baby boy so big and brave. He always used to fight to be included whe his brothers would do anything."

"The fact that they told me him living wouldn't be an issue is the only reason I am keeping myself together. Just hurts my heart see him like this. In such pain no matter the reason." she said choking up some. "I know the world isn't safe no matter where or what you do. But doesn't mean I don't want to do everything I keep my boys safe."

"He used to get all blustered when I call him my baby boy starting in middle school. Buts that's what he is my little baby boy and no matter how big he gets." she said sniffling as she continued to dry her eyes. "And a mother wants her child to be well. So I need to be sure he is taken care of when I am gone. Do you think you could help me with that Callie?" she questioned hopefully.

Of course Sharon meant leave town since she couldn't stay all the while Richard was recovering as they still had to manage the farm even with the chilly air rolling in. Sharon looked over how upset Callie was so she leaned over Richard. She put her arms around her and hugged her.

"It's okay dear you don't have worry everything will be alright with a good amount of rest and therapy. But when he wakes up we have to smile and stay strong because he is going to have a rough time for a while and needs the support of those who care for him."

[Callie Montgomery]

Callie remained still, listening as his mother spoke. She couldn’t help but smile when she referred to him as her baby boy. It was cute, yet odd to think of Richard as a little boy. Although she wasn’t a mother, Callie easily understood what his mother had meant. The bond between a child and a mother was sacred. Her own mama’s face flashed briefly in her head at that moment.

“Of course.” It was the only thing she had managed to say. Callie shared his mother’s pain. She was glad that she had someone else here with her. She didn’t know what she would have done if she was alone with him. She wondered how long his mother had been here for, probably hadn’t slept since she found out about it. Callie couldn’t help but think if anyone else would be showing up as she did. There was at least one person she could think of that should.

The blonde’s eyes had been focused on his mother for most of the time. She had her full attention, and she was glad to give it. It had seemed as though she needed someone to talk and Callie never opposed lending an ear. When she had asked if she could take care of him when she had left. Her response was immediate, “Absolutely. You have my word.” Her voice calm, and honest. She nodded her head slightly before looking back at Richard for a moment. She wondered how long it would take before he’d be back to his full self.

As his mother embraced her, she hugged her back tightly. Feeling her embrace and hearing her kind words help put Callie at some ease. She let the hug linger, it was comforting, and she appreciated it. She took a deep breath before pulling back, and as she did her trademark smile made an appearance on her face. “Not ta worry. I’ve got plenty of smiles to give.” She said, letting out a giggle a little louder than she expected it to be.

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Tag: Richard Buckles

[Richard Buckles]

Richard shift slightly in his bed again that made his face jump down from her arm. His face was now smoothed against her hip as his hand rested on her inner thigh slightly. His soft snoring was disrupted for a few moments before it picked back up after the disruption. Sharon had stopped speaking when the snoring had stopped afraid he might be woken by the talking.

Sharon decided to go back to sitting in the chair she was before and picking up her book. She started reading a bit again. Peering up at the girl her son was currently coiled around and sleeping on with occasion. He was so lively for a moment but the moment he got his hands on Callie he was back out so fast. It was good knowing Richard was flourishing in his new life path.

She yawned hard a few times while she was reading, she decided after a half hour or so maybe it was time to do something about that. She stepped back over besides the bed quite surprised how long Callie sat there patiently with Richard snuggled up on her. Sharon sat silently for a few more moments till she spoke again. "I hate to leave him but I have not gotten much sleep since I found out about the incident. Would you be willing to stay with him a while till I get back? I don't want him waking up alone." Callie was a good girl so she was a good choice to leave Richard with.

[Callie Montgomery]

Callie remained still as he moved about slightly. She moved her arm as he repositioned himself to rest on her hip, he hand resting on her leg. She smiled softly at his snoring. She was surprised that he had remained asleep so long, she didn’t mind it. He needed the rest and it gave her a chance to speak with his mother. Someone she knew he was fond of.

The blonde stayed at the edge of the bed partially for not wanting to disturb him but also because she couldn’t help but want to be next to him. She watched as his mother silently went to the chair and began reading her book. Callie’s attention was back on Richard. Her list of question patiently waiting to be asked. There was a part of her that wanted to scold him, but she knew better than to do so. There was no point in telling someone to stop being who they are. That was her reasoning behind it, although she was unaware of the true reason: pure selfishness.

Her mind began to wander back to the thought she had brushed aside earlier. She couldn’t help to be reminded of it as he laid there sleeping. Why had she kissed him? It was so…unlike her. Allowing her own emotions to take precedent over someone else’s need. She was interrupted when she heard his mother speak. She blinked a few times, once again trying to push her conflicting thoughts to the side. She turned her head, hoping that if she would focus her attention on his mother it would help silence the thoughts. She was wrong. “Of course. I ain’t going anywhere.” She said with a soft smile as her hand gently brushed his head.

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Tag: Richard Buckles

[Richard Buckles]

"Thank you very much dear. I will be back as soon as I wake up. Shouldn't be to long of a nap." she said with a soft smile. That is when the weary mother retired from the room now leaving Callie and Richard alone.

Richard spent another ten minutes asleep before he started groaning. He stroked his hand down over her legs slowly as he slowly moved to sitting back on the bed straighter "Hmmm?" He said as he his eyes opened looking around the room disoriented still. He blinked a couple times in rapid succession to focus himself.

His eyes settles on Callie "Hey there." he said a bit groggily. He winced a little as he tried sitting up and gave up after barely a try "Owww that hurts a bit." he announced. "How long....long was I out for?" he questioned. His stomach rumbling pretty heavily as he was still very hungry. His mouth and lips while dry were not bone dry as before.

"So what brings you around these part?" he asked her as he looked down at where he realized he was touching her and pulled his hand back slowly. He wondered how long he had been feeling her up now a little. He looked over at the little table that had water and some food on it.

"Think you could bring that closer?" he asked her as he knew he couldn't reach it and he didn't feel like moving at all.