Jules and Bulls

by Chandler Ardnas

  “I’ll take your word for it, big guy,” I teased.

  “We need to make it obvious, so why don’t I lead you over to get a drink and then we’ll stand on the edge of the dance floor and talk.”

  I nodded, and he took my hand and walked me to the bar. I ordered a sloe-gin fizz, and he got a beer, and we moved out into the open.

  “You’re not old enough to drink that,” I teased him, and he wiggled his eyebrows at me.

  “When you ride a bull, you can drink anything you want,” he said and winked.

  He was such a naturally happy guy, and I couldn't tell if he was acting normal or if he was playing a part. My eyes began looking for Tennyson, and Russell cleared his throat to get my attention. "Keep it here," he said with a smile, and I nodded.

  “I’m glad I passed on the television show, I now know I can’t act,” I said with a sigh.

  “You never know unless you try, I think you should reconsider,” he said with a slight frown.

  “I want a life with Tennyson, so it isn’t a possibility.”

  “I’m pretty sure many actresses have relationships,” he said.

  I smiled widely and said, “Not with cowboy’s they don’t.”

  He smiled back and put his hand over his heart, “You just destroyed my biggest dream.”

  The music stopped, and everyone began clearing the floor. We waited until we were in full view of everyone and Russell ran his hand through my hair and started talking about his home. I was very intrigued by his description of life on the reservation and forgot the whole thing was a set-up.

  “You are very popular there, Jules, you should consider doing a concert for the kids. Of course, they can’t pay.”

  “That’s a great idea. I would love to work something out, who would I get in touch with?”

  Tennyson came walking up and grabbed Russell’s arm, “Get your hands off her,” he yelled loudly.

  It scared me and I jumped. I reached out and tried to calm him down when Russell pulled me into his arms and said, "We're only having a conversation."

  Tennyson looked at me with wide eyes and said through clenched teeth, “Go back to our trailer, I want to have a conversation with Russell.”

  “No,” I yelled loudly. “I’m talking to him about something important. You go to our trailer and wait for me.”

  He grabbed the drink from my hand and threw it to the floor, “Stop acting like a whore.”

  I could feel real anger rising in me, and I decided to use it for the performance. I pushed Tennyson hard in the chest as my breathing became loud. "Don't you ever speak to me that way. You don't own me, and I can talk to whoever I want."

  “You’re right, I don’t own you, so get your shit out of my trailer and move it into his,” he screamed, as he pushed Russell’s shoulder.

  Russell threw his beer bottle and raised his fist, but I stayed in between the two men so they couldn't fight. "It's not worth it," I said to Russell, and began pulling him away.

  “Don’t think you can come crawling back after he gets tired of your ass,” Tennyson screamed after me. “You can’t even ride a proper horse.”

  I turned slowly to glare at Tennyson for his low blow. “At least I didn’t call a gay man pretty,” I retaliated, and watched his jaw clench.

  "No, you lie to me about your plans," he said, staring right into my eyes.

  “And you lie to me about how you wrap,’ I said, knowing we had moved from a fake fight into our real issues.

  “Maybe Russell is a better choice after all,” he said softly in the silent room as everyone stared.

  “And maybe your cousin should return to her knees,” I said, and grabbed Russell’s arm and pulled him away.

  I began to cry the moment we got out of the crowded room and Russell wrapped his long arm around my shoulder. He had no idea Tennyson and I said things to hurt each other, and was happy with how authentic the confrontation played out.

  I grabbed a bag from Tennyson's trailer and walked arm-in-arm to Russell's. I sat on his couch and pulled my knees up to hide my face. Russell grabbed some beers and walked over to hand one to me. "I think you'll be safe; it seemed real enough."

  I took a sip and looked up at the smiling kid. “Tell me something honestly, do you ever suicide wrap?”

  He chuckled and gave me a knowing stare, “Come on, Jules, we ride bulls. Our bodies get beat to hell and our joints hurt so badly that by the age of thirty we walk like old men. Sometimes you have to strap down and ride on faith.”

  “So, is that a yes?” I pushed.

  “The very first time I rode my father tied me to the bull. He told me I had to stay on or die trying.” I gasped and covered my mouth, but Russell only smiled. "I stayed on," he pointed out.

  “But Diablo…”

  “Diablo is another issue altogether. Tennyson would never use the suicide wrap on him, it would actually be committing suicide,” he laughed, and my eyes filled with tears.

  “But it wouldn’t matter if he lasted the eight seconds,” I said sadly.

  Russell sat and thought for a few moments and finally shook his head, “They killed his horse. I know how that would make me feel.” He glanced at me and added, “Then they threatened you, I guess I would be tempted to make the ride no matter what.”

  “Do you think Royal can save him?”

  "Ah shit, I didn't think about that. Wow, he's gotta be feeling the pressure," he said and kicked the small stool in front of him. "He's right behind me and dealing with all of this, really makes me feel like a chump."

  "I think it has gotten him focused," I said, to make Russell feel better.

  He sat deep in thought and finally looked at me and said, “You can take my bed, I’ll sleep out here.”

  “No way, you have the final go-round tomorrow. I’ll sleep out here,” I offered.

  He shook his head and took a deep breath. “I’m not leaving you out here alone. I’m not letting something happen on my watch.”

  "Okay, I'll sleep on the floor in your room." I didn't want to tell him he just terrified me and hoped I could sleep on the floor without feeling it was too far from him.

  "I'll get you a blanket, and we can share the bed," he finally relented, and I agreed with him a little too quickly.

  I lay in the darkness, listening to Russell snoring and imagining all kinds of noises. Every sound from a horse sent a chill down my spine. I scooted over to be closer to Russell and relaxed a bit when his arm moved over me.

  I fell asleep in his arms, pretending they were Tennyson’s.

  Chapter 25

  I woke up with my legs wrapped around Russell's and my face against his chest. I quickly pushed away, and he turned over with a groan. I got up quietly and got my bag, so I could shower and get ready for the big day. My stomach was full of butterflies, and I knew the day would end in celebration or despair.

  When I came from the bathroom, Russell was waiting by the door, “Thank God, man you take a long time.”

  “Nice way to greet someone you just slept with,” I laughed, and he rushed into the bathroom.

  When he came back out, I asked him, "Am I free to leave?"

  “I’ll take you to the breakfast area, pass you off there,” he said, as he grabbed a shirt.

  "Pass me off?" I said as I rolled my eyes at him.

  “He said I could sleep with you, not keep you,” Russell teased, and I was suddenly so anxious to see Tennyson and try to judge how he was feeling.

  Russell pulled on his boots and walked with me to the breakfast room behind the arena. I saw Amylia first and ran up to ask her if she had seen Tennyson. She said he was in Royal’s trailer and Bethany was sick. I turned and ran, without looking for Russell to escort me.

  I knocked on their door, and Miriam opened it. "Is Bethany okay?" I asked in a panic.

  She pulled me inside, and I flew into Tennyson's arms. He spoke into my ear, "Jules, I didn't mean to say what I said last night."

  "I think we are too high-strung
right now. I'm worried about breaking your focus; everything will be fine when this is over."

  “How was your night,” he asked, and I could detect a slight bit of jealousy in his voice.

  I cupped my mouth with my hand and whispered, “He could only do it twice in an hour.” Tennyson began taking off his large buckle as if he was going to beat up Russell. I grabbed his hand and laughed. “Are you ready for today?”

  "I've never been this ready," he smiled, and I wished I could believe him.

  “What’s up with Bethany?”

  “We’re not sure; my mom is going to take her to the hospital.”

  I watched as Royal helped her walk into the room and something came to mind. “Tenn, you don’t think they would try to get to Royal by doing something to Bethany, do you?”

  Royal and Tennyson glanced at each other with a worried expression. “I didn’t get the last two minutes of the training video, so they know I’ll stay close. Maybe they want to make sure I’m not there to do…what? What would it help to have me there?” Royal asked.

  “You come in close, something about having a bullfighter close would give me the advantage,” Tennyson said.

  “It is only speculation,” Royal said, “but, I plan on staying close.”

  Bethany rushed over to the sink and began to vomit. Miriam pulled her hair out of the way, and Royal watched with painful eyes. Bethany suddenly grabbed her stomach and cried out, "My water just broke."

  We all stood utterly stunned until Bethany looked at Royal with tears. He ran to her and helped her to his truck. "I'll be back in time, Tennyson," he yelled before taking off.

  I saw a hint of panic in Tennyson’s eyes and I wrapped my arms around him. “Tenn, you don’t have to do this if it doesn’t feel right.”

  “No, I’m good. In fact, it’s better not having Royal to worry about.”

  We went to find Merritt and told him what happened. He assured Tennyson he would notify the Rodeo officials and talk to the bullfighters about staying close. I was growing nervous and felt a new tension. I could only imagine how Tennyson felt. It hurt to know I spent what could be his last night in the arms of another man.

  He got ready for his bronc ride, and I stayed within a few feet of him the entire time, watching his every move. He didn't talk much, but I wasn't sure if that was normal or not.

  I headed to the family box to watch with Merritt and Cherry. I felt better when I saw how calm Merritt was. Of course, Tennyson often said riding a bronc was easy. I cheered for Russell when he jumped down not too far from where I was sitting. He waved at me with a big grin, and I blew him a kiss.

  Tennyson was next, and I crossed my fingers and sat on them. He took his time with his rigging, and I looked to see who the pick-up man was. I felt sick when I saw the man talking to someone in the audience, not concentrating on Tennyson at all.

  The chute opened, and I held my breath as the bronc ran kicking and bucking to the middle of the ring. Tennyson held on with his free hand high for the whole time. When he unfettered his other hand, and got ready to jump, the bronc kicked, sending Tennyson's feet out from under him and his hand swiped hard along the rowels of his spurs. He rolled when he hit the ground, and I saw his glove land after him, telling me it had been knocked off in the dismount. He grabbed his hand in pain and Morgan came running into the ring and applied pressure on the bleeding cut.

  Merritt let his head fall, and my heart was beating wildly as I ran down the steps to see how bad it was. Paramedics were looking at the wound, and I stayed back until everyone finished. Tennyson walked out of the ambulance with a devastated expression.

  “Are you okay?” I asked and noticed the look between him and Morgan.

  “I just needed a few stitches,” he said. “Can you get my dad, Jules?”

  “Sure,” I answered, and ran toward the seats.

  I saw Russell walking from behind the curtains, and I looked to see who was with him. I saw two bullfighters and hoped Royal would get here soon. I found Merritt and told him Tennyson wanted him, and then remained to watch Amylia ride. I hated that the men in the family were so preoccupied that they didn't watch her, but I understood Tenn was doing something perilous and he had their full attention.

  “Is Tennyson good?” Cherry asked. I gave a quick nod and concentrated on the action in the arena. “Jules, I’m sorry, can we get past this?” she said, sounding very sincere.

  “Too little, too late,” I said softly.

  "Tennyson needs us all together on this. I don't want to fight with you anymore when he is in danger," she said, to honestly give me pause.

  I would never be her friend, but if we could call a truce to focus on Tenn, I was okay with that. “Fine, I forgive you,” I said, and she smiled at me.

  I moved over to sit next to her, and we both cheered loudly for Amylia. She would keep her title, and she leaned over to kiss Sarsaparilla's neck. In less than four hours, bull riding would begin. I was feeling sick to my stomach from worry.

  I left the arena to congratulate Amylia and saw Russell head behind the curtain again. I wondered if he was up to something and planning to betray Tennyson. Tenn trusted Russell, but I wasn’t sure he deserved that trust. I decided to tell Tennyson. I found him in his parent's trailer trying to determine what strategy to use. Royal was on the phone going crazy over his injured hand.

  “You have to use your real hand, Tennyson. There isn’t any other choice.”

  “I can get a shot to numb it,” Tennyson offered, but Merritt quickly interjected, “It will make you lose control of your wrist.”

  I sat down and listened as they ignored me. I tried to picture the whole scene in my head. Morgan was handling the flank strap, so he would be behind Tennyson and wouldn't see his hands. Royal wouldn't be there to stay close to confuse the bull. Tennyson would be forced to suicide wrap if he uses his uninjured hand or his hurt hand.

  "Tennyson," I said softly to get his attention. He looked at me, and I smiled. "I've seen Russell with the bullfighters twice, do you still trust him?"

  He looked at his father and Morgan before staring back at me. "At this point, it doesn't matter. I either do this or I don't."

  “And?”

  He looked at the picture on the wall of Man-o-war, and his eyes grew determined. "I do this."

  “Okay,” I said, trying to keep my emotions in check. “If a bull is trained to throw a rider, not just by instinct but by training, what happens if he can’t throw him?” I asked.

  “What are you talking about, Jules?”

  "I mean if the one thing you can't do on Diablo is suicide wrap maybe that is just what you should do."

  “I’m not following, Sweetheart.”

  "When the buzzer sounds, what if you don't try to get off, what if you stay on."

  The three men looked at each other with a stunned expression. Royal was still on the phone and made me repeat myself several times as he worked something out in his mind.

  “We could be in the alley,” Morgan said to Merritt.

  "Instead of climbing down, you could cut me loose after the flank strap gets removed," Tenn said with a glint in his eye. He looked at me hesitantly and said, "Jules, are you telling me to wrap?"

  "You were going to anyway, and you know it," I said emphatically.

  “I never do that,” he laughed, and pulled me to my feet and kissed me with a renewed passion. “I can do this, Jules, I know I can,” he said with absolute confidence.

  "You make this ride, and we'll marry right here in Vegas, right now."

  I had no idea where the words came from and instantly blamed it on my fear of losing him. I would move up the wedding a month and marry him right now if he could only make it through this ordeal.

  He spun me in a circle as he laughed hysterically. “This is going to work, I can feel it,” he yelled into the air.

  "I'm going to let you get ready," I said and held his face in my hands. "I love you, Tennyson Weller, and you go show Tattorsal Ranch how it's do
ne."

  "You better find what you want to wear to your wedding because I'm holding you to it," he laughed, probably sensing my terror.

  I left the trailer and leaned against the metal as I finally let my tears fall. He was going to do it anyway. I wanted to show him my faith and not leave room for an inch of doubt, but inside I was terrified and wasn’t sure I would be able to watch the outcome this evening.

  My phone rang, and it was the gate security asking me to come to the front of the lot. I couldn't imagine why they would want to see me and headed up front to find out. I was searching the area with suspicion as I stalled to make sure it wasn't a trick. I saw Eric and Vince smiling at me. I screamed and ran to them as we all hugged and jumped up and down. Eric had on old jeans and Vince was wearing Wranglers. I grabbed their hands and pulled them into the back lot to a whole different world.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked with joy.

  “We couldn’t let you be here alone,” Eric said.

  “Tennyson called,” Vince admitted to my stunned face.

  I knew right then he wasn't as sure of a successful ride as he pretended. He wanted emotional support here for me in case it turned out badly. “Did you win the award?” I asked and felt awful when he shook his head. I wished I had been there to support him.

  We all got a beer, and I showed them around the back lot and the arena. So much was familiar to Eric due to all our concerts, but the animals seemed to captivate him. I saw a crowd, five people deep surrounding a fenced area so we headed over to see what was so exciting. My heart dropped when I saw a banner with the Tattorsal brand on it. I pushed my way to the front and gasped at the sight of the most prominent bull I had ever seen in my life.

  He was solid black with a huge hump on his shoulders. His long horns looked so white against his black hide and gave a ghostly illusion. His large eyes smoldered as he let out a rushed breath, and the dirt under him blew wide. He walked to the far end of the pen and his legs rippled with muscle. His back was longer, and he stood taller than other bulls.

  “Oh my God,” I whispered.

  A handler stepped into the pen to fill the water, and Diablo turned, using lightning speed, and lowered his head to advance. The cowboy immediately backed out and decided to leave the water in the bucket. The large bull turned to face the crowd, and we were all told to back-up slowly without any sudden movements.