Chapter 11

Two Years Later

Two years elapsed in a haze. Bobby's Dad deceased. Bobby wobbled and shuffled his feet. His attention flitted in a dozen directions. However, his dad prepared for the family. Mr. Davis' instructions in the will clarified all they required.

Mr. Davis left 400 acres and a cattle auction barn to Bobby's sister, Lois. His brother, Paul, received 400 acres and a farmers' supply store. Bobby received 400 acres and Daddy's part of the horse ranch.

Proceeds from insurance, certificates of deposits and annuities guaranteed Momma would receive adequate care. A stipulation stated the house became part of the ranch, and Momma could live in the house with Bobby until she died.

Dad planned proper provisions. The family members approved the allocations. The Davidsons, Betzy's father, uncles and brothers, would continue to farm the eight hundred acres Lois and Paul received in the will. They would also work three hundred acres of Bobby's property. A percentage of the income from crops would go to the three siblings.

Paul asked Bobby to help finance the store to make it a farm, home and implement enterprise adding furniture, appliances, electronics, tractors, farm machinery, accessories and a supermarket. He had new floorplans with an upgrade for the present facility and expansion of the parking lot. A restaurant and gas station were also in the plans.

Bobby's investment would make him an equal partner with Paul in the venture. His Mom, sister and Carl were investing smaller amounts which gave them five percent of the business.

Bobby's neck and back congealed. He cringed with tightness in his chest. He crept into flashes of his two days in Vietnam, plus his hospital and recovery time. He pined for Betzy. The daydream ended with the final confrontation Tears excreted from his eyes. He stifled audible cries. He trusted Paul, but why trigger the altercation?

Bobby's eyes widened and his legs weakened as he watched Paul. His brother acquired expanded experience as an executive for an enormous international chain with similar complexes. Bobby believed in him. He could not explain the sensation. A vague notion permitted Bobby to encounter doubt, yet his brother's skill exceeded in excellence.

People in their area drove fifty miles to Lexington to shop in a supermarket, plaza or mall.

A steel mill and a plastic container factory developed in Boyd county. The four-lane toll highway projected to have on and off ramps permitting easier access to the city of Beverly. Bobby gazed into oblivion. Promises immersed. What went overlooked?

The Renter

Betzy's cousin, Agnes, boarded her horse in one of Bobby's barns for two years. Her father and mother retired, sold their farm, and moved to a subdivision catering to retirees. Their southeast Lexington community rested near a large shopping plaza. Agnes managed the establishment and a mega discount complex within. It ensued similar to a Sears and Roebuck store combined with a supermarket.

She rented one of Bobby's former tenant houses. He upgraded his farm implements resulting in needing less housing for personnel. He and his work crews renovated and updated the dwellings to comply with new codes.

Bobby asked Agnes, "Have you talked to your cousin Betzy 'Boy' lately? I had a crush on her when she was one of the nurses in the hospital at Clark Air Force Base."

"Betzy told me you were a monster, and she loathed you."

"She is right. I was a beast. The war turned me bitter. I snarled at everyone. I was deformed and presented grotesque excuses of humanity. I lost my hearing and my voice. Even when the ability to hear and speak returned, I functioned as an idiot as my anger escalated."

"She married a heart doctor in Memphis and her son is five years old. Betzy shines when sharing pictures of the daddy or son. "

His heart plunged and he said, "I was hoping she would forgive me for being a dunce. I missed my chance to tell her I cherished her. Her anger escalated. and she left. I failed to face her since. She visited her family a few times but avoided me. I created the problem."

"Let me divulge a secret. Betzy desired you. In fact, my sisters and I attended every football game you played. We all loved you and we made Daddy take us to each event. Betzy confided her intention to marry you. She pouted and glared at us. We agreed not to cross her. The three of us shivered at the notion of approaching you."

"I blew my chance. It serves me right! She told me I was a horrible bully."

"Betzy was in the Air Force Reserves. The Air Force had given her a full scholarship. Her medical unit was activated and sent to the Philippines for six months. Betzy worked for the doctor who had proposed before her squadron was called to full time service."

"It occurred at the wrong time."

"Sorry, but you are a handsome man. People believe you are a football star and war hero."

"They give me more credit than I deserve."

"Maybe, maybe not."

"I exist as a different person. That self-indulgent individual no longer exists. I occupied a fool's reality."

Bobby and Agnes sparkled with one another. Both exhibited wide grins. They hunted, fished and rode horses together. Where one went the other followed. Her heart spread warmness throughout. His eyes followed her every movement. A tingle came with each touch. He started daydreaming about Agnes often. His nostrils flared as he savored her scent.

What transpired? She signified more than a crush. Mrs. Mendez and Momma said, "Bobby, your eyes shine bright, broad and bubbly when Agnes approaches. You speak softly and sweetly when you two come close to each other. Your stroll dips and dances with distinction when you gather together."

Bobby's mind maintained massive meditations of Agnes. Each day concluded with supper prepared by her. They washed dishes together. They sauntered to the, ranch's racetrack and watched trainers and jockeys give the horses a workout.

Carl and Dianna doubled dated with Agnes and Bobby and revealed to her they were robots. She said, "You two behave like regular people. It is nice being around you." She smiled and hugged Dianna as a sister.

Bobby said, "Carl has been my brother since tenth grade. You make him a better person." The four grinned.

Dianna drizzled tears of joy and said, "Thank you."