THE COWBOY....Well Sort Of

[NoMansLand]

here is a back ground on the story:


its about a girl who doesnt want to be a girl and all that comes with being a girl.
she wants to be a cowboy and she would do anything to be one.

[NoMansLand]

PROLOGUE:

Nicole Jordan or otherwise known as Cole Jordan is no common female, she doesn’t want to be female or anything that comes with being one. She hates dresses, fripperies, lace-up shoes, suitors, and anything to do with being a female. Nicole could sew, cook, wash clothes and other womanly chores, but she didn’t like them.

On top of that, there is this guy, Jason Berkly, that follows her around and wont leave her alone. He also has asked for her hand in marriage 3 times. Her parents dont like him and her father has threatened him on more than one occasion. He cant just take a hint.

Her mother is always telling her that she is 16 and should like doing "woman" things and that her place is at home with a family and children. Nicole does not agree. Her dream is to become a cowboy , but in her world that is unacceptable. She couldn't just go join on to a ranch as a hired hand because" that isn’t a woman's place." If she has heard that once she has heard it a thousand times and she was getting sick of it. The only way she will be able to fulfill her life long dream is to runaway, disguise herself as a man and join the cattle drive that goes from San Angelo, Texas to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Chapter 1

San Angelo, Texas 1865 / the Jordan Farm

“Nicole!” yelled Mrs. Alice Jordan, “Get your hide in this house and come change your clothes before anyone sees you, it will cause a scandal you gallivanting in your Pa’s pants, shirt, and those hideous boots you insist upon wearing! Hurry up so you can help with supper.”

“Yes Mama” replied Nicole. She was getting tired of her mother telling her about the “scandal of it all”. She hated dresses; they always got in the away. They are so long you trip over them all the time. She had argued with her mother on the subject of pants for years. She would rather wear pants; they are more practical when working the farm and riding, but her mother would have none of it. The only time she wore dresses were for church and that was it unless her mother made her. Her father didn’t care what she wore and for that Nicole was grateful.



Her father, James Jordan, was a farmer. He needed her help and she gave it willingly. She love working with the animals, mending fences, and anything else that needed to be done. She could shoot a the eye out of a needle with either a Colt .45 or a Henry rifle. He always said she would be a great boy if she was one. She always took pride in that comment.

Nicole had plans to join the cattle drive, so she could escape Jason and fulfill her dream. The Lazy D was having a cattle drive in three weeks and she planned to go with them. She was looking forward to the cattle drive because it was her dream to become a cowboy and do the things they do and to escape Jason.

Nicole loved being in the saddle. She had a buckskin gelding that did anything she wanted. Thunder was his name and he lived up to it. When Thunder ran full speed, his hooves made the ground shake and rumble, you thought it might be real thunder. Thunder could cut cows, pull mired cows out of the mud, and ride for miles with out tiring.

Back at the house, Nicole was sitting down to supper. Her mother and she had prepared cornbread, fried ham, and corn for supper. Nicole was a great cook.

[NoMansLand]

Chapter 2

For two weeks now, Nicole has been preparing for the cattle drive. She has collected boy’s clothes, a hat, guns, ammunition, ropes, a saddle, a rain slicker, jerky, and a canteen, as well as other things she would need. She decided to call her self Cole Jordan so she doesn’t have to lie about her name. She felt bad enough about lying about her gender; she didn’t what to lie about anything else. If they ask her if she is related to James Jordan or "I didn't know James Jordan had a son"; she wil say she hasn't heard of him and that she is from Colorado. She lived there for the first 3 years of her life, then her family had moved to Texas. She has figured out all the particulars and is ready to go.

The one thing she doesn’t know how to explain is where she is going. If she told her mother she wouldn’t let her go. Her father on the other hand might just let her go. If he said “no” then she would runaway. Runaway, now that was a good idea. The more Nicole thought the better it sounded, but what about her parents? She knew what she would do. Of course her family would worry, so she would leave a letter telling her parents she would go for a long ride and would not be back. That way they would know Indians hadn’t captured her or anything else hadn’t happened, and that is was her choice to leave. One more week and she would be free from her mother and her nagging words. Not that Nicole disliked her mother, but that she is always nagging her to quit wearing boy’s clothes and start wearing dresses and do other “women” activities instead of “man” activities.

It has been a good week so far, only one encounter with Jason, which was short lived because Nicole best friend Marie interveened. Thank Goodness!!!! Nicole is getting tired of Jason following her and showing up so unexpected and that he cant take a hint that she doesnt like him, let alone love him. He is really getting on her nerves. He claims that she is leading him on, but that is far from the truth.

Nicoles best friend Marie is a great person. She and Nicole have been best friends since the dawn of time. They both got in alot scrapes when they were little, and they still do. Their favorite "activity" together is to pull pranks on the "High Society Ladies". Once, she and Nicole put a frog in the Ladies' punch during one of their meetings. As punishment, Nicole and Marie had kitchen duty for two weeks at Kathy's Kitchen. The Ladies didnt even have to guess who did it, for Nicole and Marie were notorious for doing those sorta things to the Ladies.

Marie is going to miss her friend, while she is gone. Nicole has trusted her with this secret . She told Marie that she is not to tell anyone where Nicole has gone, unless it is a dire emergency. Nicole decides to write to Marie and Marie back to her as Cole's sister. That way Nicole can keep up with the news at her home town and Marie will know all is safe and if she needs to send help.

[NoMansLand]

Chapter 3

The Jordan Farm / Midnight / The Day

Nicole is ready to start this cattle drive. She slips out of bed,dresses in her "man's clothes",cut her hair short(her hair was long and brown in color),donned on her hat, and grabbed her gear. She leaves her parents a note on the kitchen table:

"Dear ma and pa,

I am going for a ride and not coming back for a long while. Thunder is going with me, along as the Henry and Colt .45, a saddle and supplies. Sorry for leaving like this.

Your Daughter, Nicole "

Nicole slips out of the house and makes her way to the barn.

" Hey there Thunder,we are going for along ride. We are going to the Lazy D for there annual cattle drive. Now I am undercover as a man, so don't give me away. We are in for hard work and long days, so don't chicken out on me and be on your best behavior. No playing tricks on the cowboys. You hear? "

The horse snorts in disgust at her last comment about being chicken.
Thunder also rolls his eyes at the comment of playing tricks. He wouldn't play too many tricks on the cowboys, at least none that would hurt them. That's what he loved most, pLaying tricks on other people. He never played tricks on Nicole. The one thing he always did was take revenge if somebody made a comment about him,Nicole, or another horse. He always seemed to understand the human language.

Nicole chuckles " I know you wouldn't chicken out on me. And for the record be nice."

Nicole saddles Thunder and says "Ready, boy?"

The horse nods his head.

She laughs again. Thunder understands her more than any one.

Nicole is so happy she can't contain herself,but she waits till she is far from the farm. Then she lets out a yell.

"Yee Haw!"

"Giddy up!"

Thunder takes off and heads toward the Lazy D.

Nicole camps out near the Lazy D Ranch and waits till morning until she rides in to sign up for the drive and prove her skills.

There is a test each cowboy has to take before the drive. It is a "job-placement test". It shows the boss what you can do and where you are most beneficial to the drive.

Nicole is a little nervous. She knows she will probably be placed in the back to drive the cattle from behind and do other jobs as well. She thinks this because they will see her as a young boy about 15 or 16, not a person of experience, but she will prove them wrong.
She is an excellent roper, cutter, hazer and has much skill in driving cattle, fixing things, shooting, and cooking, though they probably shouldn't know about the cooking,less they become suspicious.


Nicole thinks all is going well, but little does she know that Jason is hot on her trail and not far behind. Jason is more creepier than any thing any would suspect. He keeps a close eye on Nicole and the farmhouse. Jason has the power to do this becuase he is filthy rich and owns the 2nd biggest ranch on this side of the river, the Triple X.
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* cutter: cuts (a) cow(s) from the heard.

* hazer: can make animal go where they want it to go.

[NoMansLand]

Chapter 4

6:00am / the Lazy D Ranch / the Test

Nicole rides into the the Lazy D. About fifteen cowboys are already there. Nicole ties Thunder to the hitching post. There is a desk where the cowboys are to sign in and give information. Mr. Callahan Denton, the ranch owner, is a tall man with dark hair and mustache. Most people would say he is intimidating,because of his size, but he is really a nice man.

Nicole walks up to the desk.

Mr.Denton "Who are you and what can you do?"

Nicole "Name's Cole Jordan and I can do just 'bout anything you want"

"Ok, Cole Jordan. Jordan...Jordan...are you any how related to the James Jordan that has a farm near here?"

Nicole smiles to herself. She knew the answer.

"No, Sir. I'm from Colorado. Never heard of a James Jordan being part of the family."

"Ok, then lets get down to business. Grab you gear and let's see what you can do. "

"Yes, Sir."

Nicole gets her gear and heads toward the corral. As she nears she can feel the gaze of all the cowboys on her back. She is the "new kid in town" when it comes to this trail drive. All these cowboys have been on the annual drive for as long as she can remember. She used to sneak out of the house early and watch the cowboys earn their right to be on this cattle drive.

Nicole sees a couple of new faces in the group. Good, Nicole thinks, I won't be the only new guy.

She enters the corral.

There is a horse tied to the post and it looks mad. One of the first tests was to try to stick with a green mustang for as long as you can.

Nicole is a little nervous. She has only done this once or twice with her father. She remembers that you need to lean forward if the horse is rearing and lean back if the horses head is down. One of the tricks her father taught her was to hold tight with your legs and give a kick every now and then to keep the animal going and to show the animal its not giving you its best.

Nicole approaches the horse and one of the cowboys holds the horse. Nicole takes in a deep breath and letting it out she steps into the stirrups, grabs the reigns with one hand and nods her head to let them know she is ready. The horse shot up straight as if were going to the moon. It's hooves hit the dirt with a resounding thud and Nicole felt a little jolt. The horse kept up with different Moves trying to throw her, but Nicole held on tight. Finally,after what seemed an eternity to Nicole, the horse finally threw her. Some of the newer cowboys let out a couple a whistles and the others just nodded in approval.

Nicole would have smiled, but cowboys don't smile much and she better remember to act like a man. She wouldn't want to display and of her feminine characteristics, less she be found out.

The other tests Nicole "passed" with flying colors.

Mr.Denton " Welcome aboard the Lazy D cattle drive, son."

Nicole wold have jumped and yelled for joy, but she remembered that she was a "man" and that they didn't do that sorta thing, less they were drunk. She just gave Mr. Denton a curt nod and murmured a "thanks."

"Go put your gear in the bunkhouse and come for the evening meal at the main house with the others after you have cleaned up. Be at the house around six o'clock. "

"Yes,Sir."

She headed toward the bunkhouse and entered.

One of the younger, newer cowboys was already there. He was a tall man about 5'7. He had dark hair and no facial hair. He introduced himself as Jackson Russel from southern Texas.

Cole told him his name and so on. Cole and Jackson become fast friends.

Cole "Well, I have to get down to the creek to wash up. I will meet you at the main house later. "

"Ok, see ya then"

Cole heads to the creek,but little does she know that Jason is right on her trail and has secured a position on the drive.

Jason has plans for Cole and none of them are good. He plans to spread rumors and raise suspicion about her strange behavior and expose her to the men at the most opportune moment.

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* a green mustang - a mustang that has just been pulled from the "wild" with out any riding or breaking done with the animal.

[NoMansLand]

Chapter 5

The Main House / Supper

Cole returns to the bunkhouse. Jackson and all the others have already gone to the main house for supper. She hurries and puts her gear away and has secured a cot. She leaves the bunkhouse and heads to the house for dinner.

Cole finds a spot next to one of the other guys. They exchange introductions and his name is Daniel Finn. Daniel is a little taller than Cole,which is about 5'7,and he has a black beard and black hair. He has been on this cattle drive for five years.

Cole meets all the other guys. There is David Welsh, who is around Cole's age and height. He has brown hair and no facial hair.

This is good, Cole thinks, that will mean I am not the only one who doesn't have to shave. She had already made up her story if she was asked about it, she would say she is a late bloomer like the rest of her family.

There is Bob Haris, Jimmy Donovan, and James Walker. These are the first and second year cowboys for this drive. There are some of the other men at the other end of the table,but they don't talk to anyone. She is warned about James. He is a prankster. They tell stories on him and laugh. The most infamous he is known for is tying your bedroll high in the trees.

Supper arrives. There is roast beef, carrots and beans. To drink is either water or coffee.

During supper, Mr.Denton tells them about the drive and all the details.

" This trail drive will be hard and long. You will be sore and tired. I can guarantee you will fall asleep in your supper at least once on this venture. You won't be able to wash everyday so you will stink. The only wash you will get is with a cloth and a bucket of water. You might get to go to the river or creek, bu but that is highly doubted."

The men chuckle.

"You will take these ornery cows to Cheyenne, Wyoming, no matter what it takes."

They finished supper and headed for the bunkhouse. Cole is a little nervous about sleeping with all these men in the same room, but it was only for a night and they thought she was a boy. After tonight she would be sleeping under the stars and would have to worry about it. She turns to her bunk and sleeps.

[NoMansLand]

Chapter 6

First Day / 4:30 am



Cole wakes up to the sound of a cow bell. She stretches and groans. She got little sleep last night from all the excitement. She is already dressed because she was so tired from yesterday, she didn't bother to change into a fresh pair of clothes. Cole tugs on her boots and heads out toward the chuck wagon for her breakfast.

Samuel Jones, the cook, doesn't have a friendly face, but the rumor is he can make the best biscuits. Cole gets her breakfast of eggs and biscuits. She sits quietly by herself so not to attract attention. She decided after last night not to get to close to the cowboys. She had been quiet last night at dinner. She kinda hopes the boys from last night don't come join her. She needs to keep a low profile so she doesn't give anything away.

Just her luck, here come Jimmy, James, David, and Jackson and they all sit next to her. Great, Cole thinks sarcastically. Not that she didn't like them or anything, but they are going to make thing more complicated then they are.

" Hey, how come you're sittin' over here by yourself ?" asked James.

" I didn't know where to sit so i just picked a spot. I don't like crowds." answers Cole.

" Then why are you here? It's pretty crowded with all these cows." James teased.

" You know what I mean. I am an only child and never have liked being around lot of people. I grew up out on a farm 12 miles from town so I got used to being alone. It's just been a habit to sit by myself." replies Cole.

They eat their breakfast and head to the barn to get ready. Cole goes and gets Thunder. She gives him a rub down and puts the blanket and saddle on him. So far so good, thinks Cole. Thunder hasn't played any tricks , yet. She leads him to the hitching post near the bunkhouse and ties him. She goes and gets her gear. She ties down her bedroll and rain slicker behind the saddle. She sticks the rest of her gear in the saddle bags.

Mr.Denton gathers all the cowboys around and gives them their jobs. One of the cowboys ,who Cole didn't know, was the trail boss. His name was Rusty Johnson.

Cole, David and James are Placed as Wranglers that took care of the extra horses on the drive .Cole was a little disappointed,but she could do it.

Along with taking 1,000 or so cows, they also took horses that helped heard the cows north.

The different jobs were flank, drag, wrangler and men some were positioned in front of the heard.

There were about twenty cowboys on this drive. More had joined this morning. Among those faces was one of deception. Jason had slipped in this drive and has been hired. Cole looks among the faces and to her horror she recognizes one face. Jason! She cant let him notice her. She needs to steer clear of him so he doesn't give her away.

"What's the matter Cole? you are as pale as if you had seen a ghost." asked James

"What?... Oh! It's nothing. It's... uh.... just a shock to see so many other cowboys." She replied lamely.

"Ok....."- James

The trail boss calls for them to mount up and get into positions.

All three friends head toward the horses and are ready to start this cattle drive. The chuck wagon heads out first, then the cows, and last of all the horses.

[NoMansLand]

THIS STORY IS DISCONTINUED, DUE TO LACK OF PLOT LINE AND CHARACTERS.

~AUTHOR

[brioofhawknelson]

I think its pretty good.I only read the first 2 chapters though.I dont think u should use the text that is like all light and stuff that u cant see unless u select it