Acceptance

by Peg

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

“You do what you want, I'm going to bed!”

I ran up the stairs and slammed my bedroom door hard enough to rattle the windows. Who the hell does he think he is though? Coming here and claiming to be Father’s bastard son!? The only thing he got right is him being a bastard! As for being my father’s son...that 's bull! That bastard is not my father’s son! My father would never do that! Not to Mother or to us.

What is wrong with everyone saying he can stay here? Have they all gone crazy? Can't they see what I see? That boy is lying!

Ok, let’s say for the sake of argument that what he’s saying is the truth. Why would they want him here? Don't they realize that the people in this town will talk? How can Mother want him here? Won't he be a constant reminder of Father’s indiscretion? Won't she always be reminded of the other woman?

"No way!"

That boy is no more a Barkley than I am his mother’s son.

Why are they accepting him? Can't they see that he is lying? He doesn't look anything like a Barkley! Ok, ok, he has blond hair and so did Father. He has the same shade of blue eyes as Father. If you look around there are lots of blond-haired, blue-eyed people around, that doesn't make them a Barkley. And that stupid grin of his...well it wasn't stupid on Father, but lots of people smile like that...don’t they?

All right then, if what he’s saying is the truth, then what is the worst that could happen? The townspeople will talk...hmm...Who cares? I can shut them up, if not with words then with my fist! (That could be fun at that, there are a few people I would like to introduce my fist to.)

What else?...hmm? Come on Nick, you can think of something else Maybe, just maybe, I might actually start to like him...but would that be bad? He's tough, he's brave and he works hard.

Well, I guess I can see how this turns out, see if we can make it work. There is one thing he’d better know, this is a working ranch and everybody pulls their weight around here. There will be no free rides! Good! Well now that I’ve got all that settled, I’d better get some sleep.

Boy Howdy, was Nick spitting mad! The others seem willing to give me a chance though. They believe with a small doubt that I am Tom Barkley’s bastard, but I reckon Nick believes one hundred percent that I am not. I know he believes that I am a bastard, but not his father’s son. Well, I just have to prove to him that I am who I am. Not Nick Barkley or any of the Barkleys can change that fact. I hope Nick can get over his anger, I don't want to fight. I want a family and I want to have a home. I would love to have the Barkley's family be my family. I would love for Nick to accept me as one of his younger brothers. I know we can have something special. I can feel it here in my heart. If Nick could just accept me. Get over it Nick! I am here to stay, with, or without your acceptance. I hope it is with.

Boy was I mad when Jarrod cut the steak in half. I wanted to punch him out, but I made a mistake and looked at the blond. We stared at each other and I started getting this feeling inside of me, a real good feeling, and then a smile lit up his face. I couldn't help but smile back. You know I just might keep this kid around. I know my life as I know it will change and I know it will be for the better, because I Nick Barkley said so.

THE END