• Nelms Ranch, there is a little bit of everything here, dazzling fields, blistering sun, and the bliss of watching the gentle river go by. But the Horses that frolic alongside these golden steps truly fascinate me more than anything else... I gaze at them and question to myself...Do they have the same love? Most individuals believe so as to a horse being a sport, and are just as significant as a run of the mill baseball. But I believe that a horse is a loving sibling, a lost fragment of our brittle hearts, perhaps...

    The rough, jarring highway seemed to stretch ceaselessly, even though in three hours we were to be arriving at my dad’s friend’s ranch, but the California central valley occasionally did that. We were on course to a farmhouse that’s liked to be acknowledged as ‘Nelms Ranch’ presently owned by Rick Nelms, a hard-hitting, Never-give-up trooper, In his mid fifties, he takes the appearance of a twenty year old drill sergeant.
    Rick’s lad, Jerry Nelms, has been my father’s best pal for over twenty years, since fourth grade I believe, and has known me since day one of my existence. He’s lean... the thinnest man I’ve ever met He’s somewhat tall as well, six-two I believe he was. He occupants as a writer for films, best of his kind I say...
    I looked at my dad, who was eyeing the path uninterruptedly, His name is Chad Walker, and I’m his son, Forrest Walker. Chad’s a solider for the National Guard, he takes his occupation without complaint, He’s the normal go-lucky-kid, and from time to time...is unacquainted of his individual responsibilities
    I’m Forrest Walker, normal fourteen year old boy, I have always lived in the Central Valley of California, not to take pleasure in it, but it has a few pleasant farms, as well as nice fifties themed diners, I’m one of the thinner, yet more stronger kids on the street, Im a city boy, but I take well benefit within the serene country, I have short, messy mahogany hair that shapes into a helmet, dark russet eyes to go along, I’m not handsome, but I seem to get along with others effortlessly

    I looked out the window, glancing at the mountains, the steep, rocky slopes beaming with a rosy mist of cherry, as if mimicking the graceful dances of the serene sunset sky, the deafening holler of the truck, soon muted, as I listened to the elegant, tranquil whispers of the St. Johns River below. Yawning I shut my eyes, and imagined soaring over the warm meadows of shimmering sapphires and rubies as they followed my gaze in the mellow breeze, gliding up to, and resting on the feathery clouds at the top of the world.
    I opened my tired eyes and gazed to the black sky to see that the somnolent sun had settled down in the wake of the mountains for a still nights respite...
    The nighttime revealed a much more enchanting spectacle.
    The full moon shone down onto to the valley, guiding light wherever there were shadows. The stars looked down onto the earth, surveying the peaceful nature with gleaming eyes.
    To grasp the love of the earth and the love the earth gives us is something to be swollen with pride of...
    I looked over to my dad
    “I assume we are almost there?” I asked with an irritated sigh, my elbow resting on the open window.
    My dad gave a sardonic gawk, giving a firm half smile.
    “Were there” He gave a relaxed snicker as he pressed his foot on the brakes.
    “Heh haven’t even noticed it...” I murmured to myself, pulling the lock up.
    I exited the vehicle; I stretched, almost forgetting how to hold steady on my feet. The first thing I spotted was a massive cottage.

    Nelms ranch I gasped in my head. The building looked like a road lodge; the terrace was exceptionally spacious, covering at least seventy feet all around... maybe? The walls held a bright navy color; on the top of the wooden walls was a moose head mounted on the midpoint of the huge building, remarkable definitely...
    “Here we are turbographics” My dad smiled, patting me on the back.
    I glanced up at my dad, who removed his aviator sunglasses, and glanced at Jerry, who was waiting impatiently on the porch
    Dad glanced back at me, silently gesturing me to approach Jerry.
    With a timid gulp I stepped on the grating wooden stairs to the porch.
    Jerry looked at me with no more then a witty grin
    “Thissaint’ a drama boy,” He laughed, eyes twinkling at me “How’ bout giving ol’ Jerry an appropriate greeting eh?”
    I gave an energized cackle as I reached up to hug the man I haven’t seen in so long, there was nothing better then seeing Jerry once more, he was laid-back, pleasant to be with, and Im not in no doubt, nobody else is more thoughtful
    Jerry laughed along with me, patting my back gently, but swiftly. He released me with an ear-to-ear smile
    “Good to see ya’ again Turbo!” Jerry exclaimed arms open wide, as if he was going to hug me again...
    “It’s even better to see you Jerrs...” I said softly, looking up at Jerry with teary eyes. I bit my lower lip to resist weeping
    I glimpsed over to my dad, who was watching me, arms folded, giving a solid sneer. He turned his head and went to talk to Rick, who I supposed was behind the building.
    Jerry looked at my dad in the same manner, then at me.
    “Hello, and let me be your guide for you of the infamous ‘Nelms Ranch’” Jerry said in a vacant voice hands on his hips, acting to be a tour guide.
    I nodded, wiping away a tear, and soon smiling
    “Well, then lets not waste any time eh! Follow me!” He raised his head as he marched past me. I followed him, stomping like he was.
    Jerry pushed open the door. To reveal a cozy, snug, room. Two silent chairs stood in front of an unlit hearth, it was made from wood, cushioned by deer pelts, and much more pelts surrounded the walls as I carefully surveyed the comfy room. The pelts of fox, deer, rabbits, moose, and even bears were hung on the walls, all around the room and the floors. Evidence that whoever was in this family was a hardcore animal hunter
    “This here now, is the Livin’ room. This place is the most luxurious area in the house, its where Rick Nelms hangs up his ‘loot’ on display, in this room.” Jerry explained proudly
    “Fascinating” I nodded.
    I followed Jerry up stairs, he stopped in the middle of the set of stairs, and turned on the light for the stairway, he looked forward. I stopped one step before him, and flew my head around. My jaw dropped open as I turned around my body, at least one hundred of paintings hung on the wall in front of me.
    “This is my favorite part of the house; all of these charcoal drawings were done by me.” Jerry declared arrogantly
    “Jerry!” I gasped
    “I didn’t know you were an artist!” I turned around to face jerry, my jaw still open in admiration
    “Heh, I’m not the unsurpassed, but I know that I’m first-class...” Jerry rhymed, breathing out a humph of pride.
    Jerry continued up the green staircase, I still stood in my place, gasping at the drawings at every glance. I realized that Jerry was ahead of me; I turned around, noticing there wasn’t anybody behind me, and dashed up the stairs. Stopping behind Jerry, he was standing silently at the doorway to a small room.
    “And this, little buddy is where you will be sleeping.” Jerry twisted around to face me. Which I believe you should be now, it’s late.” He smiled
    “But-“
    “No buts Forrest,” Jerry hushed me with his palm “we can talk more tomorrow”
    I didn’t reply, but gave an irritated sigh
    “Okay...” I moaned, as I flew myself onto the bed, it was uncomfortable, but not as bad as the one as home...
    Giving a look around the room, it was rather plain, but above the dresser, was another was of Jerry’s drawings, a boat on sea, nothing special. A mirror and a drawer were also objects that were located in the bedroom.
    I was glad to be here again, and to see Jerry once more, all and all, Nelms ranch is paradise

    The rising sun arose through the mountains, and beckoned me into the waking world.
    I pushed myself up into a sitting stance, yawning, and stretching my arms out, followed by scratching my waist...
    I twisted myself right, and stood off the bed
    Such a long night! I sighed in my head
    I wiped my eyes, and walked out the door, and smelt a creamy, sweet scent that nearly hypnotized me...
    I hopped down the stairs, and walked into the kitchen, there, I was greeted with the entire Nelms family, accept Rick, the smell of a diner at ten in the morning, and of course, that renowned grin from Jerry Nelms.
    “Ey’dere little duder!” Jerry laughed, walking up to me and gave me a quick noogie
    “Gah!” I laughed in pain...
    A little to the left, around the corner of the wall of the kitchen. The door opened, and my dad walked out, he gave me a warm morning smile, but said rather flatly “After breakfast, Rick wants him to meet you outside, he wants to talk to you...” Before he stepped into the kitchen he gave a short laugh “Good morning...” He walked past me, and to the big, wooden table with a bowl of wax fruit in the middle, and florescence surrounding a big white cloth...
    My dad quaintly sat down, and ate in diminutive bites. I’m astonished; my dad never takes small bites...
    I shook the thought out of my head, and patted Jerry’s back, as a gesture to head to the table.
    I sat between father, and Jerry, I looked down at my plate to see a large fluffy waffle spread over with creamy, hot caramel, scattered with chewy pecans, and sweet slices of divine bananas.
    Banana’s Foster, the most delectable breakfast in the history of the world... it so sweet...sometimes you don’t recall you’re eating it, and not in heaven...
    I got my fork and dug in...
    I adore it when a home smells like a diner...

    After Breakfast, I had remembered what my dad had said to me before I sat down to eat. From the way he has acted this morning, I can tell it’s a reason that some only a handful of people should know of...
    I untied the knot in my stomach with a deep breath, releasing tension out of my head.
    I arose from my seat, placed my dishes in the sink, slipped my sandals on, and exited out the door...
    To my astonishment, the sun had been replaced with ebony clouds shrouding the earth with darkness, in just a matter of thirty minutes.
    As strange as it is, it’s never cloudy in the California Valley anyway...but why so quickly?
    I shook my head at the thought and walked plainly around the building. As soon as I reached the basement door, I undid the latch (which for years was locked) and the door spontaneously swung open.
    “Come down...” I heard a deep voice call out
    “Rick?” I answer
    “Come down...” He said again, in a rather snappy tone, to show his point.
    I sighed “Fine...”
    What welcoming words for a guest...
    I had climbed down the wooden ladder to the basement.
    The minute I turned my head I saw nothing but dimness, and dust, and the basement door shut from the powerful gusts.
    “What?” I snapped with my hands on my hips.
    Rick did not reply, but a short moment after I said so, the lights flickered on, revealing the brightest sight I had ever seen...
    There were numerous photos of husky men riding on horses. Some that were so aged that they were sepia, and some you could barley see.
    Dazzling, gold trophies stood proud in glass cases, shining in golden pride that shone down like diamonds in the evening moonlight, with engraved names on a bronze plaque on each trophy

    Woody Nelms
    1892 Central Valley Roping contest
    First Place

    Angelina Nelms
    1902 Central Valley Roping Contest
    First place

    Edward Nelms
    1914 Central Valley Roping contest
    First Place

    Several trophies, organized chronologically in order, all ending to,

    Rick ‘Holder’ Nelms
    1976 Central Valley Roping Contest
    Fifth place

    I stared at the last one in bewilderment; it was diminutive, plain, and tedious, Rick Nelms himself, losing, Impossible! Questions poured like rain on the wooden basement door above me for a period what seemed like hours, but were only few seconds.
    Rick’s sunglasses flashed firmly at my face, frowning menacingly.
    What was Rick trying to tell me?
    “What, what is this?” I had managed to gasp out
    “The Nelms Bloodline,” Rick Replied with a contemptuous huff, he continued “The Nelms come from a long line of Cowboys, jousters, and Cavilers, but as soon as the ‘wild west’ as its’ called, ended, Woody Nelms started roping, a renowned sport around the California Central Valley area.”
    “Roping?” I asked.
    Rick smiled, mocking my curiosity, you might think.
    “Roping, is a rodeo event that features a steer, commonly a small cow, or Corrientes, two mounted riders are placed in front, and in the rear of the steer, the roper in front is the ‘header’. The one in back is the heeler. The header tosses a rope onto the horns, and the same, or almost the same time as the heeler, the heeler, as noted, tosses a rope on the heel, catching the steer, immobile”
    I felt a brain rush, it was rather confusing, when you try to add up all of the numbers, steps, and everything in between, it was a difficult and jumbled process.
    Rick sighed, “I never told Jerry of this becomes he’s my son, he talks much of me, and thinks I’m the greatest, I don’t want him to break his faith in me”
    I glared at Rick with a growl “What, because of a little mistake? Rick Holder Nelms you know better than to just lie to your son because he thinks you’re the greatest!” I felt dreadful snapping at Rick this way, though I believe he deserves it...
    Rick looked away.
    “Edwin cheated...” He murmured
    “Edwin Strauss” He murmured again, though with his last name
    “Who’s he?” I asked, keeping my body in the same position, but moving my head back and slightly to the left
    “A cheater that’s for darn sure... I can remember back in nineteen-seventy-six... I was heading up, ready to rope the legs... but Edwin managed to break my horses leg before the match, it took me four years to realize what he had done, and I was ashamed that a cheater won...” Rick told his story in almost tears... in a whine, I should say.
    “How do you know it was him?” I asked
    Rick flashed a fierce glance at me that could rip the paint off a wall “How do I know?!” he snarled
    “He is the most arrogant, worthless piece of human trash, I hope his leg breaks, and good riddance!” He said, taking a deep breath.
    “Don’t tell anybody, what has happened here today” He took off his sunglasses, and glowered at me.
    He stomped to the basement door and opened it, he entered and left it open, thunder roared as he galloped away.
    I looked up
    Rick has never been like this...

    I exited the basement, and shielded myself from the pounding rain. I ran relentlessly to the Ranch where I knocked on the door
    “Hello?” The door was locked
    I dashed around the large building in utter anguish, why would Rick do this? I opened the back door, which luckily was still open, as I entered, I felt worried that Rick would jump out and give me a heart attack, but I calmed myself.
    What is wrong with Rick?