Goin' Fishin', Nathan, Jane & Wyatt

[Sephiramy]

Jane LaHaye & Nathan LaHaye

Spring 22nd, eight years ago
Around 2 p.m.

Buffalo Creek Bay's teacher stood at the front of the classroom, with her eye glasses perched on her rather pointy noise, as she went on to read chapter twelve of Charles Dickens's 'A Tale of Two Cities'. It was a newly published book and some unknown donor had supplied the school with enough books so each children could borrow one for themselves. Most of the students had been excited except for those who would rather do anything else other then read, but the teacher made sure that all the students had their turn in standing in front of the class as they read at least one chapter every day.

"Jane would you please come and read the rest of the chapter to the class?" she asked although Jane knew she wasn't really being given a choice. So the eleven year old girl just nodded her head, stood up and then walked to the front of the class with book in hand. Once up in front of everyone Jane cleared her throat before beginning.

"Miss Pross was a pleasant sight, albeit wild, and red, and grim, taking off her darling's bonnet when she came up-stairs, and touching it up with the ends of her handkerchief, and blowing the dust off it, and folding her mantle ready for laying by, and smoothing her rich hair with as much pride as she could possibly have taken in her own hair if she had been the vainest and handsomest of women. Her darling was a pleasant sight too, embracing her and thanking her, and protesting against her taking so much trouble for her--which last she only dared to do playfully, or Miss Pross, sorely hurt, would have retired to her own chamber and cried. The Doctor was a pleasant sight too, looking on at them, and telling Miss Pross how she---." Jane was suddenly interrupted as most of the students began gathering their lunch pails and books. She frowned at first wondering if she had bored them, but as her eyes looked to the clock sitting on their teacher's desk she realized that it was time to be let out of school. Looking over to her teacher Jane saw her nod her head giving her permissions to end the book there for the day. So with a hop and a step Jane was soon following the crowd of young people as they all ran out the door ready for the two day weekend.
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As his younger sister stood at the front of the class, lost in the words she spoke out loud, sixteen year old year Nathan sat in his chair with his eyes fixed on the clock. The book the class was reading normally held his interest but today he was rather impatient for the school day to end. It was Friday and Wyatt and himself had planned on going fishing down at the creek five miles south of their homestead. Of course he had to run home and quickly finish his chores so not to upset his pa who was too busy keeping the peace in town as their sheriff, but once they were down there Nate planned on being there near all night.

The second the minute hand landed on the twelve Nathan began clearing off his desk and soon all the other students followed his lead. Then before the teacher could even address the classroom about their homework nearly half of the class was already outside, including Nate himself. He had stopped at the bottom of the steps where he planned on waiting for Wyatt. As he waited he watched as most of the younger children ran towards the other side of town knowing that most of them were heading straight for the mercantile to purchase some penny candy. He could only shake his head and smile knowing that once he had done the same thing as a young boy.

[Wyatt Tanner]

Wyatt Tanner

Spring 22nd, Eight Years Ago
Around 2 PM.



Tap... tap... tap...

Staring out the window with a silent sigh, Wyatt's attention was long gone from the book sitting open in front of him on the desk, the book currently being read aloud by the young lady at the front of the room. Instead, he was absently tapping his writing utensil, a penny-pencil, against the side of the desk, slouched back in his chair and looking out the window as he wondered when class would be over with. He was presently past any pretext of actually paying attention; he didn't understand why they had to read books like this.

It didn't teach him anything about farming or ranching, about running a town or even a shop! To him, it was pointless dribble about mindless women, he just did not get why they had to read this in class. It had nothing to do with real life. Other subjects, okay, but this... Feeling eyes upon him, Wyatt returned his attention to the front of the class and noticed the teacher looking upon him, her head tilted down and looking through her glasses, with a frown. Wyatt squirmed a little and glanced down at the book, but in the next moment his gaze bounced back to the window. From the position of the sun, as his father had taught him to tell time by it, he guessed it wasn't long at all now until they would be released.

Hearing movement going on in the small room, he again returned his attention towards the front of the room and the students there. They were gathering up their things, it was time to go! Wyatt grinned and went about gathering up his things as fast as possible. He had only been here in Buffalo Creek for about a year or two, but it was already feeling like home to him. Or, as home as a place could feel without his Pa. He really liked it here, and he liked the people. He knew his sister was having more of a hard time here, he knew she was more of the city type and all that... she was already old enough to be out of school, so she stayed home with their Ma all day. He would love to stay home and work around the ranch all day! But, his sister seemed to not enjoy that at all. And, seeing as he was now the man of the house, so to speak, he needed to see to taking care of them all.

One of his best friends in town was Nathan LaHaye, son of the local Sheriff. They were supposed to go out fishing later today, and Wyatt was really looking forward to it. But, just like Nate, Wyatt also had things to take care of back on the homestead first. Having his things in hand now, Wyatt turned and hurried on outside. Towards the tail end of the exodus from the schoolhouse, Wyatt stepped down the stairs and turned aside to grin at Nate.

“Hey,” Wyatt greeted upon reaching him, “Where you wanna meet after chores?”

[Nathan LaHaye]

Nathan LaHaye & Jane LaHaye

Spring 22nd, eight years ago

While Nathan waited for Wyatt to show up one of the girls around his age walked up to him with a smile. "Hello Nathan," she greeted him while looking directly into his eyes, "I was just wonderin' if ya were thinkin' 'bout attendin' the End of Spring festival." Nathan stood there eyes wide open too scared to say much of anything. He was sure he knew where this was going next but all he could do in reply was nod his head. "Great! I'll see you there then." The girl reached out and rested a hand on the side of his arm only for a second as she continued to hold his gaze. She then giggled and ran off to join the rest of her friends who were huddled up and whispering about the two of them.

Nathan stood there looking down at his arm where the girl had touched him. Truth be told he had thought about asking the same girl to the festival, but she had beaten him to it. It was rather embarrassing, but if she were to have waited for Nathan well she'd be waiting for forever. Nathan was just too shy when it came to girls who he had an interest in.

Thankfully Wyatt exited the building soon after and asked where they should meet up. "Oh, uh..," Nathan shook his head to clear it and turned to face his friend, "How 'bout we just meet up at the creek."
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Little did Nathan know Jane had exited the building right behind Wyatt, however she stopped once she hit the first step going down as she watched the two of them quickly converse. Jane remembered Nathan near begging their Pa if he could go fishing today after school and of course he said yes but made sure Nathan knew he had to finish his chores before he went off. This brought up an idea.

Once Wyatt left Jane walked down the remainder of the steps and stopped once she stood next to her older brother. "Ready?" she asked but then took off walking towards town before waiting for an answer. Nathan was in charge of making sure Jane made it to school and home safely. So whenever she was ready he pretty much had to go no matter the circumstance.

After saddling up Hazel, the family horse, Nathan jumped up into the saddle and waited for Jane to take her place behind him. Jane however did not follow suit. Instead she stood there looking up at him with her eyebrows furrowed. "What is it now?" Nathan asked with a roll of his eyes. He knew that look from his sister meant that she was not happy with something.

"Why do you always get to sit up front?" she asked angrily, "he's not just yer horse ya know!" Nathan rolled his eyes a second time while letting out a heavy sigh. He couldn't believe his sister had picked now to bring this up. "I'm the man. It's just a given. Now c'mon and get up here." Jane just stood there with her arms crossed in front of her. "Ya let me lead the horse Nathan William LaHaye or else I won't ride at all."

Nathan couldn't believe that his sister was acting so immature at the moment. Not that she ever acted mature, but this was just plain out stupid. "I'm not lettin' ya and that's final." Jane's stare turned into an evil little glare right before she quickly turned around and began walking down the dirt road that led them right out of town. Nathan called for her to stop but stop she did not.

"What is it goin' t'take t'get ya t'ride the horse?" he asked knowing that he's regret it later, but he was in somewhat of a rush to get home. Hearing this though Jane stopped and waited for Nathan and Hazel to catch up with her. "I wanna go fishin' with ya," she said outright not needing any longer then half a second to think over what she wanted. Nathan use to take her fishing when she had been younger but a few years back he had stopped. "No way!" There was absolutely no way that Nathan was going to take her along. "Fine then," she replied calmly before walking down the road once again.

Nathan sat there on top the horse watching his younger sister walk farther and farther away from him. After thinking it over he finally agreed to her little deal and rode out to her to let her in on the good news, for her anyways. "Okay okay. Ya can go fishin' with me." Nathan really had no other choice since he knew he'd get in a lot of trouble if he arrived home without her. Jane then smiled wide and soon hoped up onto the back of the horse. The two of them then rode off towards home.

[Wyatt Tanner]

Wyatt Tanner

Spring 22nd, Eight Years Ago
Around 2 PM.



“See ya there,” Wyatt said with a nod. The creek, of course – this sounded most reasonable. With that, the teen turned and headed over to his waiting steed, but only got a few steps before a voice called him back. “Mr. Tanner, a word.” He looked back to find the teacher standing there at the top of the stairs, the expression on her face far from pleased. Clearly, he was in for a reprimanding of some kind. A few of the kids nearby snickered, causing Wyatt to go on the defensive and send each one of them a glare.

Except for the slight, blond-haired creature standing just behind the teacher's shoulders. His eyes completely lost the glare upon meeting hers, but she had already dropped her gaze and, head down, stepped back inside the schoolhouse to allow the teacher to head back in. She was always one of the last to leave the schoolhouse and so it was that she was still present when the teacher had called to him. Wyatt frowned, more at seeing her apparent disappointment in him than anything else, then wondered just why he should care what she thought of him, anyhow. Head up, he headed on back inside to face the tongue-lashing he knew would be coming.

Yet he still paused as he passed that blond-haired girl, who flashed sad green eyes at him, then disappeared out the door. She had just moved in a few seasons ago and rarely said much, but when she did Wyatt was almost always paying attention. Something about her intrigued him, and he was considering asking her to that Spring Festival thing coming up soon, but...he just wasn't sure yet. She was so pretty, and was bound to have been asked by one of the more popular guys already. He didn't know what she thought of him and really didn't want to end up being laughed at.

The sound of the teacher clearing her throat quickly brought him back into the present.

“Wyatt, I'm sure you know why you're here...” The teacher began, but Wyatt found her a little hard to take seriously just this moment. She was no more than ten years older than him; what right had she to tell him how to live his life? Still, she was the current teacher, so he had to show her the respect that came with that position. He nodded.

“I know this is your last year here, but I do wish you would just pay even a little more attention. It would do your mother good to know you're really getting the most out of your education, you know.” She said, crossing her arms over her stomach. She was standing about a foot in front of her desk, whereas Wyatt was leaning against one of the desks towards the back of the room.

“All I need t' know's about ranchin', an' farmin'. An' my ma knows that.” Wyatt replied, frowning. Then he went on, “What's that got to do with some whiny girl an' her ma from England?” Wyatt asked, waving a hand in the air. The teacher blinked and had to bite down on her lip to keep her mirth from showing at Wyatt's declared opinion of Charles Dickens' A Tail of Two Cities. Well, at least that showed he was paying somewhat of attention to the readings going on.

“Very well, but please keep this in mind. It still does a body good to learn to read well, Mr. Tanner, and it will certainly not hurt you any. And if you don't start showing a little more interest in our school activities, I may have to have a talk with your mother.” She said, and let that hang in the air a moment as the teenager scoffed. “That will be all, thank you.” Not needing to be told twice, Wyatt got out of there quick as could be.

Once his feet hit the ground again, Wyatt looked around but frowned upon discovering that he was the only kid still here. With a little sigh, he headed over to his horse, a young bay named Equinox, and quickly mounted up. He would have to ride fast in order to get home with enough time to do all the chores and still get to the creek in plenty of time for all the fishin' he wanted to do. The ride to the homestead seemed as long as ever, but finally the structure came into sight. It was more of a lean-to, really, and was not all that far from the Cass' property, just a little bit closer to town. His sister was sitting outside in the shade as he approached.

“Been waitin' for ya,” She said, waiting for him to dismount then getting up and meeting him with a platter of simple foods and a cup of water. “She says to be sure and eat this before you get started on the chores.” Glancing up to meet Isabella's eyes, he grumbled something under his breath then grabbed the platter and went to eating as fast as he could. It had been his original thought to go through the chores first, then grab something and eat it on the way to the creek. But his mother had other ideas.

“Equinox looks exhausted,” Isabella observed loudly, leaning to one side and placing a hand on her hip. “Mum will not be happy.” She added in a sing-song voice as she turned to go into the house. Wyatt scowled once more; why did sisters have to be so annoying?! … He was not supposed to ride hard on the way home, though, unless there was an emergency. Mother was always afraid of one of the horse's hooves getting caught in a gofer hole or some nonsense, and Wyatt was supposed to respect this.

“I was careful!” Was the teen's reply as he followed his sister into the house, platter still in hand, in efforts to make his defense in front of their mother. 'Cause he knew Isabella wouldn't be leaving this be, she was bored here so had to make trouble where she could, always involving him, naturally. ...Why couldn't I have had a brother? Wyatt thought gloomily, certain he would be getting an extra chore or two added on for the day for his careless behavior, plus the fact of being held a few minutes after school.



((OoC: ... Duur, long post is long. xD >-< ))

[Jane LaHaye]

Jane LaHaye & Nathan LaHaye & Martin LaHaye

Spring 22nd, eight years ago
Around 4:00 p.m.

Since Nathan had been the one in charge of leading the horse, as always, he made sure to make the horse gallop home at a much faster speed then normal. Jane who was sitting behind him didn't protest at all. She loved riding on the back of a running horse with the wind whipping against her face and teasing her braided hair. Whenever riding alone she wasn't allowed to go any faster then a brisk run, a rule given to her by her Ma and Pa.

After arriving home Nathan took the horse to the barn while Jane ran to the house. If she was to go fishing with her brother then she too needed to get her chores done as quickly as possible. The first thing she did was run up to her bedroom and change out of her school dress and into her work dress. She owned a total of four all together. Her Sunday dress, two school dresses and then her work dress. Jane didn't much care for her work dress since it was a dull red. The material was uncomfortable and rather hot. She didn't dare complain however less she get a lecture on how she's lucky to even own as many dresses as she has.

Once dressed Jane ran outside heading straight for the clothes line. On the way she passed by her Ma who was in the garden picking weeds out of the ground. No words were exchanged between the two, not at the moment, as Jane went right to work pulling off all the clothes on the line and folding them up before placing them in the wicker basket. The clothes weren't folded near as neat as normal, but Jane figured it was good enough so picking up the basket she walked as quickly as she could back towards the house where she distributed the clothes in the rooms where they belonged.

She still had much to do and so little time in which to finish it all. There was still the sweeping and moping and milking of the family cow Ginger, braided rugs to be beaten, a few pails of water needed to be brought in and the windows needed to be washed. Jane hated Mondays and Fridays because they were the biggest cleaning day of the week for her, but despite how much she had to do Jane somehow pulled through and finished it all in time.

When Jane met Nathan out at the barn she noticed that he had only one fishing rod hanging over the back of his shoulder. "Ya didn't grab mine?" she asked him with a tilt of her head. Nathan scoffed before answering her. "Why would I grab yer rod?"

Had he already forgotten about the deal they had made only but a few hours ago? Surely not. "Well wait up. I'll go grab it myself then." As she turned to go Nathan stopped her. "Whoa! Where do ya think yer goin'? Ya ain't comin' with me." Jane stood there with her jaw wide open in surprise. "But ya said I could come with ya." "No I didn't," Nathan shook his head, "I said I'd take ya fishin'. I just didn't say when."

Jane couldn't believe what hear ears were hearing as she looked her brother over. The look on his face told her that he was being serious and Jane only grew more angry as her fists balled up at her sides. "You better take me fishin' or else!" she threatened him as she had done many times in the past. "Or else what? Ya goin' t'go cry?" Nathan laughed as he thumped Jane in the forehead and began walking away. Just then their pa rode onto their property after a hard day's work in town.

Their poor Pa had a very soft spot for his only daughter. So most of the time Jane got her way within reason of course. Knowing this Jane ran straight towards him and the moment he set foot on the ground Jane hugged her arms around him tightly. "It's not fair Pa. Nate lied to me," Jane cried as she looked up at him with a pleading look in her eyes.

Martin LaHaye squatted down until he was at eye level with his daughter. "What do ya mean he lied?" His two children fought a lot and most of the time it was over silly little ordeals, but when it came to lying, well he wouldn't tolerate such a thing even if one was lying about the smallest thing. "Well Pa, Nathan said I could go fishin' with him but now he's not lettin' me." Martin looked over his shoulder and spotted Nathan walking off towards the brush. "NATE! C'mon back here."

When Nate heard his father's voice call out his name he came to a halt and then shook his head fully knowing that Jane must have gone to him. He didn't dare continue on acting as if he never heard the man so with an exasperated sigh Nathan turned back around and walked towards the two of them.

"Yes Pa?" he asked although shot a dirty look at Jane who was standing there with a stupid smile plastered on her face. "Did ya tell Jane she could go fishin' with ya?" Martin asked as he crossed his arms in front of him. "I didn't mean t'day. I meant some other time." No matter what he said Nathan knew that he wouldn't be able to get out of it. There was just no use. Jane was going to end up coming fishing with him after all.

"If ya told yer sister she can go fishin' with ya then ya better keep to it." Nathan frowned in dismay before mumbling, "Yes sir."

Jane squealed and turned to hug her pa tightly. "I'll go get my pole!"

[Wyatt Tanner]

Wyatt Tanner

Spring 22nd, Eight Years Ago



A forced breath of air escaped through Wyatt's teeth as he tossed some loose hay into one of the stalls for the horses inside the barn. He wasn't supposed to have to muck out the stalls until a little later, but Ida Mae felt the need to move it up to right now. She knew he was going to go fishing today, but wouldn't allow him to go until after he had done this, along with the other daily chores. Finishing up his rounds to the best of his ability, he stood under a shade tree for a moment and dabbed at the sweat gathering on the back of his neck with the outer jacket he'd taken off. It was late Spring now, and the weather was getting hotter by the day.

Wyatt's back was towards the house and his head was down, so he did not notice the form of his sister coming towards him, suspiciously cautious and quiet, and holding a bucket. Her plain but flowing light blue dress did not make a sound as she stealthily closed in the space between herself and her younger brother. Once she was close enough, she grinned like a cat just after having eaten the family's prized bird, and called out, “Oh brother dear.”

Wyatt turned, abandoning his jacket as he tossed in underneath the tree, and saw his sister standing there, holding up a bucket. That happened to be full of water. Wyatt just about tripped over his own feet as he took a hasty step back. “I was watchin' through the window and thought you could use some water to cool down with.” Isabella proclaimed with an innocent smile, offering him the ladle that Wyatt had only now noticed had also been residing in the bucket. Wyatt took it rather cautiously, still overly suspicious of his sister's seemingly kind action. She clasped her hands behind her back, smiling widely the whole time, and rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet. When Wyatt only held the bucket but did not make a move to drink from it, Issy finally spoke up.

“What, you didn't think I would really empty the bucket out over your head, now, or shove it in your face while you're drinking, did you brother dear? Please, I am eighteen now. I am past those kinds of pranks.” Issy asked, then spoke in a tone of voice that seemed much too innocent. And the smirk on her face was quite unsettling. Still, glancing down into the water, he could see nothing moving about in it... Keeping the bucket low so that she could not perform the prank she had declared herself 'past,' Wyatt took the ladle and lifted it to his lips and took a sip.

... It tasted distinctly soapy. ...

Spitting it out to the sound of his sister's laughter upon seeing his face, Wyatt ground his teeth and let out a snarl. His sister had danced backwards a few steps, trying to stay out of range of the soapy water in the bucket, and held her hands up. “Now Wyatt, mother would like you to bring back any good fish you may catch in that bucket; I had just...neglected to clean it out, before I gave it to you.” She told him, smiling innocently and still walking backwards.

“Then allow me,” Wyatt said with a growl, and, stalking forwards, threw the used dish water at his sister. Issy shrieked and ducked but still got wet. Her scream brought Ida Mae, their mother, from the house. Issy knew she had been asking for it anyway, and it was a warm day, but still! She wasn't entirely happy.

“What in land's sakes are you two young'ins up to?” She inquired from the doorway of the house, hands on her hips.

“Nothin', Ma.” Wyatt was quick to reply, grasping the bucket by its handle and handing the ladle over to Isabella. “Issy's just handin' over the bucket, an' I'm on m'way to go fishin'!” He finished, and turned to head for the barn. If Ida Mae suspected anything, she let it go.

“Don't be too late back now, y'hear?” Ida Mae called out before Wyatt could get very far.

“Yes'm!” Wyatt gave them a wave, then, fishing pole and bucket in hand, he took off for the creek.

[Nathan LaHaye]

Nathan LaHaye & Jane LaHaye

Spring 22nd, eight years ago
Around 4:30 p.m.

Nathan couldn't believe that Jane had to come along with him. There was nothing he could do about it though unless he never wanted to fish again. Whatever his father said he had to follow. So on the two of them walked through the woods although Nathan made sure he walked at a fast pace so Jane would have a hard time keeping up. He figured if he made this a horrible experience for her then maybe she wouldn't ever want to come again.

Even though Jane was having a hard time keeping up with Nathan she didn't dare complain. She wanted to however after watching Nathan pass up the path that lead to the creek where they were suppose to be heading. There was brush and thistles and high grass making it hard for Jane to walk through since she was wearing a dress and the fishing pole she was carrying didn't make it any easier. The trees hung down low along this new unseen path so the end of her pole kept getting caught in the leaves and branches. It slowed her down just a bit, but whenever there was a short clearing Jane made sure to close the gap between them.

Nathan made it to the spot by the creek first and as he looked around he realized he had beaten Wyatt as well. That didn't stop him from baiting his hook, with the worms he had dug out the night before, which were being held captive in a small cup. He then took his fishing pole and threw it out into the water as far as he could.

Having fallen behind just a bit Jane finally appeared at the creek after Nathan had already cast his pole into the water. "Any bites yet?" she asked although was more teasing then anything else. She didn't continute to bother him, but instead she went and found her own fishing spot roughly ten feet to Nathan's right.

Since Jane had not known last night that she was going to be going fishing with her brother she had not gone digging for worms. There was no way Nathan was going to let her use any of his own so before leaving the house Jane had grabbed up a bit of dough her mother must have been waiting on to rise. Then reaching inside her pocket Jane pulled out the dough, ripped off a small amount and rolled it into a tiny ball. Next she tossed the hook into the water and waited patiently for a fish to take the bait.

[Wyatt Tanner]

Wyatt Tanner

Spring 22nd, Eight Years Ago



Wyatt figured he was going to be a little on the late side, and so, hoping Nathan wouldn't catch any 'big ones' in his absence, hurried on as fast as he could go and still keep a good hold on the bucket and fishing rod. When he finally broke through the brush and came upon their agreed meeting place, he was a little disappointed to find he wasn't the first one here, but then he had figured that. Hopefully he hadn't missed anything good. Walking a few paces forward, he paused to see, about ten feet down the way from Nathan, Nathan's little sister (Jasmine, Jezebel; no that wasn't it.. Jay-something...he was having trouble remembering her name) standing there, also fishing.

“Hope ya ain't been waitin' long.” Wyatt said as he continued moving forwards, taking a place a few feet away, to Nathan's left. “Catch anythin' yet?” He asked as he put down the bucket, got out a small package from his shirt pocket, which happened to be a few worms wrapped in paper, got one out and then readied his hook. Wyatt looked at Nate, then gave a pointed glance to the girl several feet down from them and raised an eyebrow, as if to silently ask, Why'd ya have to bring her along? but did not go to the extent of asking the question out loud.

Returning his attention to the task at hand, Wyatt put the worms in the bucket then cast the line and watched the end of it disappear underneath the water's surface. Keeping his gaze on the end of the line that he could see, he settled himself in for some waiting. … Waiting wasn't one of his best or greatest activities, but for this, and especially since his ma had asked for some fish, he would wait.

[Nathan LaHaye]

Nathan LaHaye & Jane LaHaye

Spring 22nd, eight years ago

As Nathan stood there near the edge, glad that Jane wasn't too close by, he kept his eyes peeled on the water looking for any shadows or bubbles which were sheer signs of a present fish. Some jumped out of the water up stream past Jane but that didn't worry Nathan none. He had seen what she was using for bait and doubted that she'd even catch a fish. If that happened then surely she be discouraged and wouldn't want to come fishing again.

Before he was able to catch a fish himself Wyatt showed up with his own pole and bucket. Nathan then shook his head no when asked if he had caught any fish yet. "Haven't been here for that long yet." When Wyatt gestured towards his little sister Nathan couldn't help but grow somewhat embarrassed. It's not like he could have helped it any unless he wanted to go against his parents. "Sorry," he apologized with a shrug in a whispered tone, "my pa made me bring her."

Jane decided to sit down near the banks edge while waiting for a fish to bite onto her hook. She was very good at being patient, especially in the situation she was in. Sure Nate was her older brother, but Jane wanted to catch more fish then him to prove to him that she could do things just as well if not better then himself. Maybe then he'd invite her along more often whenever he went out hunting or fishing or whatever else he did. He was her only sibling and Jane wanted more then anything for him to like her.

Once his friend finally appeared Jane watched him as he baited his own hook with curiosity. She didn't know much about this older boy other then his name and the fact that he didn't much pay too much attention in school. Jane knew this because she always found herself peeking around the room and her eyes couldn't help but fall onto him since he stood out from the rest. He had never acknowledged her before so Jane wondered if he even knew who she was. Surely so since Wyatt and Nathan seemed to be good friends, but he still acted as if she didn't exist.

As she continued to wait for a nibble Jane glanced back over at the older boys. That's when she noticed Wyatt nod his head in her direction. This brought out a smile as Jane believed he was nodding to her in greeting. So not to be rude, and just because she wanted to, Jane waved her hand in the air and spoke loud enough so they could hear her. "Howdy! Nice day for fish--" Before she could finish her own greeting Jane felt a tug on the end of her pole. "I got one!" she shrieked before jumping up to her feet. There was absolutely no way she was going to let this fish get away from her so Jane pulled on the pole with all her might hoping and praying to God that he would allow this fish to become her's.

Jane struggled a bit, but somehow she worked a miracle and soon had a three pound fish squirming between her hands. She couldn't contain her excitement as she bounded over towards the boys and shoved it in Nathan's face. "Look! I caught one!" she cried with a prideful smile before moving herself between them. "What kind of fish do ya think it is?" Jane didn't ask the question to any particular person but when she did ask she had looked up at Wyatt hoping that he would tell her instead of her stinky older brother.

[Wyatt Tanner]

Wyatt Tanner

Spring 22nd, Eight Years Ago



Well, Wyatt was glad he hadn't missed anything yet, but was not so glad that they had to share company with a 'little girl.' Wyatt frowned but nodded to Nathan, thinking if it must be then it must be. … But, if she happened to catch a fish before they did.. – his thinking process was interrupted when he caught movement from the corner of his eye, and turned to see Nathan's sister waving at him. He just blinked and stared at her, that was, until she got a nice tug on the line.

In the excitement of catching a fish, he almost wanted to run over and help her with it, to make sure it didn't get away. His feet, however, remained rooted to the place he was already standing, and soon enough any thoughts of excitement turned to a bit of jealousy as she pulled up a good three-pound Yellow Perch, by the looks of it. It was hard to tell at first with it slipping around in her hands, but when she came closer, then he was able to tell for certain. Then she looked up to him and asked what kind of fish it was. ...girl don't even know what kinda fish it is... Wyatt thought with some sorrow and regret that she had to be the first one to catch something. Still, she'd asked so he'd answer.

“...See the dark stripes on 's side, an' the yellow color, 'specially 'round the lower fins? 'S a Yellow Perch.” Wyatt spoke up, taking one hand off his fishing rod to point out the areas of the fish he was referring to as he spoke. Then he, without a smile, gave a nod to Jane for her accomplishment, after which he went on to completely ignore her as he focused on the end of his line once more. Not a moment or two later, he felt a tug on his own line. Gritting his teeth in concentration, he did his best to quickly land it while still trying to keep it on the line. When the hook came up, however, it was empty. Growling to himself, he caught the hook with his right hand, reached down into the bucket and pulled out another worm, then baited it and cast off once more.

[Nathan LaHaye]

Nathan LaHaye & Jane LaHaye

Spring 22nd, eight years ago

When Nathan heard his sister shriek out in excitement he thought at first she was just kidding. There was no way, absolutely no way, that she already had a fish on her hook now fighting for it's life. But as he turned to tell her to hush Nathan's eyes first went to Jane then traveled to her pole which was twitching in her small hands. He went wide-eyed while watching his sister struggle for a minute or so before she finally pulled the fish from the water. It looked of decent size but there was no way Nathan was going to show any excitement himself.

When Jane shoved the fish into his face Nathan took a step back not wanting the slimy fish to touch his face. Not that he cared about getting dirty none of course, but yesterday had been their bath day and he wouldn't be able to have another for at least another few days. "Yeah, yeah. I see your fish. Now get it outta my face"

Jane's eyes kept going back and forth between Wyatt and the fish that she held in her hand. She was hoping that he'd know what kind of fish it was so she wouldn't have to ask Nathan, but of course at Wyatt's age Jane guessed that he had probably caught near every kind of fish there was in all of Colorado. Her thinking of him had proven she was right as he told her the name of the fish and even explained how he could tell.

"He's beautiful," she said softly as she looked down in amazement at her prize, "I bet he'll taste delicious!" Jane was grinning now from ear to ear as she looked over at Nathan. "Looks like I won't be goin' to bed hungry tonight."

Before Nathan could get a word in or even look at her in annoyance Wyatt seemed to struggle slightly as his fishing pole also began to move about. Jane moved in closer to Wyatt as she jumped up and down a few times cheering him on, "Get 'im! Get 'im!" When his hook came out of the water with absolutely nothing on it Jane frowned and looked up at Wyatt. "Don't worry none. Ya will get one before dark." She then patted his arm before moving her fish into just one hand. "Why don't you try this," Jane suggested as she dug her empty hand into her pocket and pulled off a small amount of her dough. Then leaning in even a bit more and stepping up onto her tiptoes she whispered to him, "the fish love it." With that said Jane gently patted Wyatt on the arm before returning to her fishing spot hoping to catch another fish.

[Wyatt Tanner]

Wyatt Tanner

Spring 22nd, Eight Years Ago



At hearing her declare that she wouldn't be going to bed hungry, Wyatt was reminded of his mission of the day: catch some fish to have for his own family's meal. This reminder put him into a sour mood and a bitter sort of state of mind, so he'd gone on to ignore the rest of the girls words. When she lay a hand on his arm, though, he couldn't ignore that and so drew back a bit. Her words of, 'you'll catch one before dark,' just served to send his blood to a simmering state, not quite to a boil yet though. But then she went on to lean in even closer as she pulled out the dough, and that was just too much.

Wyatt brushed her off and insisted he did not need the dough, indeed, he wouldn't take it. “I got m'worms, an' they're doin' jus' fine. Thanks but no thanks.” He said, and went back to paying attention to his own fishing rod. He'd be darned if he was going to let a little girl upstage him. Even though, he had heard of that working, catching fish with the dough. But still, he was too prideful. He wouldn't accept help from her, even if it might cost him a fish dinner tonight.

Wyatt stuck to his own fishing rod and continued to watch it, but even as the moments ticked by, all remained quiet and still on this front. It indeed seemed that tonight, for whatever reason, the fish did not want to feast upon the worms. Glancing over at Nate, Wyatt wondered if he was doing any better.

[Jane LaHaye]

Jane LaHaye & Nathan LaHaye

Spring 22nd, eight years ago

Having been too excited to get back to her spot and catch another fish before either of the boys did, Jane didn't hear Wyatt's refusal about using her dough. If she had Jane might have frowned at first but it wouldn't have bothered her none because if they didn't want to try things her way then let them suffer the consequences. Jane didn't mind coming out on the winning side every now and then.

As she got back to her spot Jane baited her hook once more before throwing it back out into the water. She didn't dare sit down in case she catch another fish because even though she had already caught one, and neither of the boys had yet, she didn't want to lose one. So Jane just stood there her eyes fixed upon the water as she had seen Nathan doing.

Nathan smirked as Wyatt turned down Jane's suggestions of using dough. She was such a silly little thing and annoying too. Why couldn't God have sent him a younger brother instead? He wouldn't have minded bringing along a brother, but a sister? Why? Nathan had Jane had gotten along a few years back but now that he was growing older and near being a man well, he had much different interests then her. He doubted they'd ever get along again in life.

They both now stood there in silence for a few minutes hoping that the quiet would draw in some fish. It worked well too because Jane was soon smiling and giggling softly as she felt her pole wiggle and watched the string being tugged on. She did her best to be quiet about it as she tugged back on the pole and soon enough she had another kind of fish between her hands. This fish however wasn't as big as the other, but it was still a good enough size to eat.

"I'm goin' t'call ya Fred," she spoke out loud to the fish as she walked towards the boys, "and I'm goin' t'take ya home and feed ya to my pa." Jane kept on talking to the fish, but once she was within ear shot of the two boys Jane turned her attention to Nathan. "Look big brother! I caught me another fish." She was now gloating trying to make him feel even more embarrassed then he probably was already. "What kind of fish is this one?" Jane turned back to Wyatt and asked with a grin as she looked up at him with her blue eyes which seemed to take on a sparkle.

[Wyatt Tanner]

Wyatt Tanner

Spring 22nd, Eight Years Ago



The seconds ticked by, slowly turning themselves into minutes, and still there were no bites on the other end of his fishing line. Wyatt was beginning to grow impatient. If he didn't catch something soon, he was liable to get out the little pop shooter (which was the only thing his ma would allow him to carry out here, but at least it was something) he had on him and start shooting into the water. He may not be any more likely to get any fish that way, but at least it would make him feel better. … Actually that would be a very stupid idea and only waste bullets, so no matter how much the thought made him grin, he would not actually be carrying it out.

Seeing movement from the corner of his eye, Wyatt turned his head and noticed Nate's sister approaching, with...another. Fish. “No way,” Wyatt said aloud, his jaw dropping in a mix of astonishment and disgust. Then she had to go and rub it in by asking what kind of fish it was, again. Doesn't she know anything?! he thought, gritting his teeth but succeeding in holding back a growl as he looked down at the offensive fish that the girl was holding up so proudly.

“...Looks like some sorta cutthroat trout,” he said, looking at it a moment then glancing away, back to his finishing line. He didn't want to look at this one overly long, least another fish get away from him. But, he did go on to add, “Y'c'n tell a cutthroat 'cause the color up by the head, look like 'ey been cut alre'dy.” Wyatt said, frowning as he focused on the end of his line, wishing and hoping that it would have a sudden pull. But there was nothing.