3Pete

3Pete

By Jack Long

Copyrite by Annette Avoledo - Literary Wise 2018

PART 1

CHAPTER 1

At the Goss farm, over top of the entrance on a big arch, read Goss Family Farm and Orchard. A full aerial view of the farm could be seen from the top of the hill inside the farmland from the small cabin that had been the home of the original family owners of the property. If we looked up there at the proper time, we could see Peter Goss, also known as 3Pete standing at the top of the hill looking down on the farm and orchard from the backyard of the cabin. Peter would be surveying the landscape considering what he wanted to do with the property. He had become a successful phenomenon in the world of Championship Tennis and he realized his grandfather and father worked too hard. He wanted to make the farm into a tennis complex for people with disabilities and regular people to come and play tennis or learn to play tennis. There was a lot of history here and he wanted to take in the view as it appeared now. He took his camera out of his pocket and began taking shots of everything on the farm. At the side of the hill there were some indications that a gold mine had once operated there and there were a few pieces of old rusty machinery that remained in a neat orderly fashion beside the mine entrance. By surveying from the edge of the cabin’s backyard that stopped at the edge of the top of the hill, one could easily pick out the rows and rows of fruit trees, the adobe house where his grandmother and grandfather lived, the new modern house where his dad his step mother and two sisters lived, the outbuildings of the farm where they had their chicken coops, hog barn and cattle barn and a sizeable machine shop and a substantial garage for vehicles used both on and off the farm. There was a root cellar near the vegetable garden that was considerably larger than a city garden. In the garden were all sorts of vegetables and flowers too numerous to name. Further away, the boundaries of the farm were difficult to discern since it contained four sections of land or two thousand five hundred sixty acres.

In order to understand the family and especially 3Pete we have to go back in time.

Frank and Paul Goss walked between small fruit trees that were just beginning to come into bud. They surveyed the vast expanse of orchards, both new and mature and finally got into the truck. The truck traveled through the orchard down one of the wider rows between the fruit trees. Frank Goss, his tanned arm riding on the bottom of the window opening of the farm truck, stopped the truck at a beautiful rambling ranch house and let his son, Paul, get out of the truck. He waved goodbye with his rugged working man hand and continued on to the big older adobe house visible a short distance away. Six feet tall and lean, with chiseled, weathered features framed by dirty blond hair with striking blue eyes, he arrived at the adobe house and was greeted by his wife, Gloria and the dog.

I am so happy to see you, honey. I’ve got good news. The beautiful, middle aged, woman took her husband’s arms and pressed them to her heart. Paul and Ruth are going to have a baby. She watched as Frank smiled widely and his handsomeness was evident through his tanned facial features. It is a wonderful day for the family, but how are you, Frank? she asked with a genuine concern.

Frank whisked his wife up into the air and put her down gently. "I am so happy that we are going to have an addition to the family. A boy would be very nice but you Goss women are so wonderful, I really don’t care what it is. And I am fine, just fine. I worked hard all day and hardly broke a sweat. You have gotten me excited. I wonder how Paul will take the news.

Gloria told him, I am certain he will be happy. Ruth sure is. I made you a really great salad and I have a steak ready for the barbecue. Gloria was protective of Frank because she loved him so much. They met at school and they became instant friends doing just about anything and everything together. They had similar likes and dislikes and they both grew up in families with good ethics and while Frank’s grandparents had initially mined the land during the gold rush, Frank’s father had eventually turned their land into a farm with lush orchards. His parents lived a good life but it was cut short when illness took them both a few months apart. Frank thought about them and how hard they had worked to make a good living for their children. Gloria’s parents eventually moved to Oregon and lived a long way away, so they were pleased that Paul, their son and his wonderful wife, Ruth, were close to them.

Frank and Gloria had only had one son, Paul. They both doted on him and taught him to do many things. They hoped he would decide to do something other than farming so made sure he went to University but were secretly pleased when he decided to stay on and farm with them. When Paul married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth, Frank and he built a newer, bigger home for Paul and Ruth and the family that soon came along. Gloria and Frank loved their adobe home and took good care of it. The extra bedrooms could accommodate any of their family members who came to visit or they could easily keep Paul and Ruth’s children overnight. By the same token, there were extra rooms at Paul and Ruth’s so they could stay there and look after the children when Paul and Ruth got a chance to get away. But, Gloria didn’t want Frank to work too hard and was pleased that their son, Paul was as strong and tireless as Frank had been at the same age.

Paul, with similar build to his father but a couple of inches taller and about thirty pounds heavier with chiseled features and the same dirty blond hair and bright blue eyes, waved to his wife, Ruth, who was standing on the deck of the more modern house. Ruth had long, brown hair and was about five feet, nine inches tall and weighed about one hundred forty pounds with blue eyes, and fine features. Her bright smile was a wonder and everyone commented on it. Little Beth, who was three years old was playing with toys in her playpen while Gloria, who was five years old was in the yard playing with her doll. The girls looked a lot like their mother. Gloria’s hair was blonder than Beth’s but they both had the same blue eyes their parents both had. When she saw her husband get out of the truck, Ruth was smiling and looking very excited. She waved to her father-in-law while he gave her a thumbs-up as he drove away.

Paul held out his arms to his wife. You look so beaming, what’s up precious?

Ruth threw him a kiss. Come out on the deck, darling, I have good news. A few moments later, Paul arrived on the deck and Ruth embraced him and gave him a big kiss. Guess, what, she giggled. I’m pregnant.

Paul embraced her. Could we be lucky the third time and have a boy?

We’ll know in a month or two, Ruth told him. They both looked expectantly at each other. The two little ones looked up a little now and then and then went back to playing. They didn’t say anything, but both appeared to be aware something was happening in their lives.

Spring passed and then suddenly it was summer. The trees in the orchard were not only green but in full bloom. Paul left his dad working in the field and headed up to the big house. Ruth was dressed in a nice summer dress and the baby she was carrying was just barely evident. She got into their big comfy truck cab and waved goodbye to the girls and Gloria standing at the door.

Soon they arrived at the doctor’s office and were greeted by Joan, the nurse. Hello, you two. Are we going to find out whether or not the baby will be a boy or a girl, today? Come with me, Ruth. Paul there are some new catalogues on my desk. Have at them.

Joan guided Ruth into one of the rooms down the hall and handed Ruth a gown. Better tie it in the front, she told the beaming woman. Dr. Farley will be with you in a moment or two. He will perform the ultra sound.

Paul, in the waiting room looked to be waiting in anticipation while he simply glanced at the catalogues. Sensing that the catalogues were not enough to distract him the nurse asked Paul, Do you want to go in with her?

Paul answered in the affirmative and Joan led him into the room just as Drew Farley arrived there.

Dr. Farley shook his head in wonderment as he maneuvered the ultrasonic device smoothly over the somewhat swollen abdomen of Ruth Goss. It’s a boy, he said.

At those longed for words, Ruth beamed and her eyes were bright and she looked very happy. Paul looked very happy as he looked at the sonogram he was handed by the doctor with interest. Finally--third time lucky! It’s a boy! He grabbed his wife gently and kissed and hugged her.

Soon they were waving goodbye to the doctor and nurse and walking along the sidewalk down the main street of the small but friendly town They walked determinedly to the restaurant. Paul very excitedly shook everyone’s hand. How are you? I’ve got a son on the way!

Paul and Ruth and the entire family for that matter felt comfortable in town. Everyone knew everyone and sooner or later they would all know anyway. So, Paul was speaking on the cell phone quite loudly. Mom, we want you and dad to know first. Ruth is expecting a boy! The entire restaurant overheard the conversation and all appeared excited as Paul’s parents could be heard through the cell exclaiming their approval and excitement. Nothing stayed a secret very long in the small town of Tuckerville, anyway. It was a nice town and the people were very friendly and acted sort of like a big family in many ways.

Paul and Ruth stopped at the older adobe house where Frank and Gloria lived to pick up the children. Frank prepared a celebratory drink for himself and his son while Ruth and Gloria went to the kitchen to talk and have a cup of tea.

Gloria at about five feet, nine inches tall and one hundred fifty pounds, with her healthy, rosy cheeks, and European features looked young for her age despite her white hair. She loved her daughter-in-law and she was happy for her and her coming son. Gloria didn’t worry about the orchard or her home. She worried about Frank and wondered if her son, Paul, would experience things her own husband, Paul’s father experienced. It would be a good thing to have a grandson to take over the family business someday.

About a month later, when Paul Goss and his family sat down to breakfast, Gloria entered, giving Ruth a kiss. Good luck with your doctor’s appointment, Gloria said. It’s nice to have the girls for the morning.

Paul replied, Thanks, Mom. Good luck Ruth. Paul hurried out the door getting into his truck. He wanted to be at the orchard early to take some of the strain off of Frank. While Frank was not frail by any means, Paul had noticed his father seemed a little winded at times.

Gloria started to clear the table and fussed with the girls. Gloria said, I have two big girls to help me with the chores. I think we will get a good start on the chores after you leave. Little Gloria likes to do chores and even Beth is learning what we do just by watching. Sometimes she helps Gloria gather the eggs.

Ruth smiled at her mother-in-law as she headed for the door. Bye, Mom, see you later. I have a few things to pick up at the store. Do you need anything?

No thanks, Frank’s taking me in tomorrow, she said.

Ruth got into the car and headed for the doctor’s office in town. She enjoyed the short drive into town. She could think and make plans for her family when she was completely alone. She was thinking about Gloria and how good she was with the girls and what a wonderful life she seemed to have with Frank. She felt that she and Paul were duplicating the family values and ethics that Gloria and Frank had learned from their parents and grandparents. She realized how lucky she was to have such a good family. She loved them all and soon a new member would join the family. Soon she was talking to the doctor’s receptionist.

The nurse came and took Ruth to the case room where an ultra sound was performed. Finally, the doctor said, The baby’s pulse rate seems just fine. You are having no complications. It’s just too early to see things clearly. I’d like you to come back in three weeks and we may know more. Make an appointment on your way out.

After making the appointment, Ruth went to the grocery store to pick up some groceries they did not have readily available on the farm. At the hardware store she gave the list Paul had given her to the owner, who put the requested items on a cart and put them in her vehicle, giving her the receipt to sign. Finally she was able to go to the small department store to look at baby clothes. While there probably weren’t many babies in Tuckerville, the selection before her seemed immense. She selected a few cute things and only then did she slide into the car and drive slowly home. She had time to reflect and while Dr. Farley seemed to have been reassuring, it seemed to Ruth that a lot could go wrong. She knew Paul wanted a son and Frank and Gloria were happy about it, too. She realized that she would not worry them and she decided to tell them very little and really, she did not know much herself.

When she arrived home, Ruth sat down on the deck chair by a small table. Gloria had tea ready on the deck. She poured a cup for Ruth and it steamed in the cup. Beth was snoozing in the playpen and young Gloria was playing in the small playground area in the sand and on the slide.

Gloria told her daughter-in-law, Let me help you. They both stepped off the deck and Ruth began to unload the car. Gloria reached for some bags in the trunk. How did it go at the doctor’s?

Ruth seemed quite sober. Pretty good, she told her mother-in-law. We’ll know more as the pregnancy progresses. I have to go back in three weeks. Finding the bag with the baby things, she held them up. Look at the cute shoes and outfit I got for the baby.

They are so cute. Frank and I can’t wait to have a grandson, Gloria told Ruth, excitedly.

Later in the afternoon, Ruth had the table set and the dinner was ready for Paul. The two girls had been fed and were in the family room watching TV. Paul entered and headed for the washroom to wash his hands while blowing her a kiss as she dished out the dinner. Paul sat down and the expression on his face showed he approved of the dinner.

How did things go at the doctor? Paul asked routinely.

Dr. Farley thinks the baby has a good heart beat and seems to be fine. I have an appointment in three weeks. Please come with me when I go again, Ruth told him excitedly.

Of course I will, Ruth. Did you pick up the things I asked you to get at the hardware store?

Yes, she told him. I put the receipt in your work tray and your mother and I left everything you had on the list in the back porch, dear.

Things on the orchard continued on pretty much as usual. The fruit trees lost their flowers and now sprouted small sized, perfectly shaped fruit. There were lots of oranges, lemons and apples but also grapes, peaches and plums. There also were a few cherry trees in an area by themselves.

In three weeks Paul was beside his wife as they waited for Dr. Farley to make a pronouncement. The heart is still strong and the baby is very active so this is still a viable pregnancy. Let’s make a tentative appointment for you for a week from today. Please continue on and don’t worry.

Paul wanted to know what could possibly be wrong. Dr. Farley explained, I have never known another baby to be this active in all my years in practice.

Paul and Ruth left the office after the procedure. This time they headed directly home. They spoke softly about what had just happened. When they got home Ruth met Gloria with their two girls in the vegetable garden while Paul headed for the orchard. She smiled but said very little about the baby she was carrying. She hoped Gloria just thought she was tired.

Not much was said about the baby until the next appointment. Paul and Ruth made their way to the doctor’s office where Ruth had another ultrasound and they were discussing it.

Dr. Farley told them, Hopefully, it is not a danger to the baby’s or Ruth’s health. We should follow through to term. I’ll see you in three weeks if nothing else occurs.

Ruth and Paul started to head home with serious looks on their faces. They really didn’t know what to say so they talked about the orchard and Paul’s parents. When they got home, Paul looked at Ruth and said, I don’t know that I would mention this to the girls or to my parents. Agreed?

Ruth said with relief, Agreed.

Work at the farm continued on as usual. The crop of fruit had been picked by a labor group that traveled from orchard to orchard. Ruth and Gloria had been busy feeding the workers and making refreshments ready for them. There was no time to do anything else other than tend to the basic needs of the workers and look after Little Gloria and Beth. Frank and Paul had set up the tents, only used once each year for the workers’ needs, and they made sure that whatever the workers needed they complied with their requests. There were a few tents for showering and a tent for miscellaneous things. They cleaned them meticulously every day and they also hauled away the trash that collected each day.

At the end of it all, it was a good crop. Everyone believed they would do well with the market price. While it was not a bumper crop, it was a very substantial one and they were all happy about it. The two men worked long and hard in the orchard and they also did other farm chores. Where they could, other chores were done by the women. They made a good living but they worked hard for it.

About three months passed and while Ruth had routine checkups, there had been no new ultrasounds and they had just been waiting for the day of the baby’s delivery to learn more. During the entire pregnancy everything had otherwise been normal and Ruth’s vital signs had been above normal. Finally, while they were all at the table eating dinner together on a Sunday, Ruth grimaced a little and said, I think this is it.

Paul asked her, Are you packed to go? Do you need me to get anything for you?

Ruth explained to him that she just had to grab some things and that she would be ready to go in a few minutes. To Paul it seemed much longer than that. He watched as Ruth scurried around putting a few things into a bag. It wasn’t as though she would need much at the hospital.

Paul told her he was calling his Mom, Dad and the doctor. Just the minute Paul finished talking on the phone, Frank arrived with Gloria. Frank told them he would drive them and that Gloria would stay with the kids. Everyone agreed and the three of them got in the car and soon they arrived at the hospital.

the doctor was waiting for them and greeted them. A nurse took Ruth into the delivery room while Frank and Paul were left uncomfortably in the waiting room. Soon Dr. Farley’s head peered into the waiting room. Paul, you can come into the delivery room if you choose after I consult with Dr. McKenzie, the obstetrician, and make Ruth comfortable.

Frank told Paul he was going to get some coffee and then return to the waiting room. I’ll wait there until you come out, he told his anxious son.

In the delivery room Dr. McKenzie told Dr. Farley he believed a C-Section needed to be done because there was no sign of the baby coming and the mother seemed to be distressed. He told the nurse to get the anesthesiologist and informed Paul about the C–section. It’s routine in many cases, he told Paul.

Soon the baby was in the arms of a nurse. Ruth’s breathing suddenly became unexpectedly labored and she went into cardiac arrest. They told Paul to