Brothers, Part 2

The Gunroom Scene from My Son, My Son

by Bet

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

Because the gunroom scene is so often omitted from reruns of the series many people have never seen one of the most touching scenes from the whole series. This is that missing scene, hopefully true to the original. Only Nick’s thoughts are mine.

Nick paced restlessly through the gunroom, drink in hand, his tension growing as the minutes crept by. When he passed behind Audra he patted her gently on the shoulder as she sat silently waiting, never far from tears. As his mind reviewed the events of this day, his anger built into a steadily burning flame. No one had a right to hurt his little brother for any reason, and as soon as he was sure Heath was going to be all right, he- Heath Barkley’s big brother Nick- was going to even things up for him! They’d be sorry they ever started this! He’d make sure of that! He and Audra both turned as the door opened and their mother stepped out.

“How is he?” Audra asked breathlessly.

“He’s fine!” she reassured with a smile.

That’s for Audra, Nick thought, as he heard their mother’s words.

“Doctor Merar says he has to rest for a few days,” she added matter-of-factly.

As his mother and sister discussed getting medicine for Heath, Nick poured himself another drink, his mind flashing back over his mother’s words. He knew Heath was not ‘fine’- not yet, anyway. He knew what a near thing it had been; how it could have all ended very differently. No, his brother wasn’t fine- but God willing, he would be! They were very lucky, maybe more than‘lucky’, Nick thought, lucky today, and lucky the day this boy came to them- this brother. How he wished his father could have known.... His father, who loved to give gifts, had given them the best gift of all- he knew now- and never known he had it- him- to give! Nick blinked as hot tears stung his eyes.

When he looked up, his mother had turned to him again. “What about his arm?” Nick asked through clenched teeth.

“I’m afraid his arm will be out of action for awhile.” His mother’s voice was gentle, tender.

“Well, I’ve still got the use of both of mine!” Nick snapped, and spinning on his heel, body rigid with pain and outrage, he stalked silently over to the gun cabinet.

His mother moved quickly to intercept him, but Nick had already reached the gun cabinet and quickly removed a rifle from the rack. “Nick, for the love of Heaven, how do you think this is going to help Heath?” she asked, desperation evident in her voice.

Nick turned, rifle in hand, “If he’d moved a couple of inches we’d be buryin’ him!” he gritted out, face set and anger radiating from his whole being.

“I know how it could have been, and the next time...” she spoke urgently.

His mother’s words were drowned out by Nick’s, “THE NEXT TIME LET IT HAPPEN TO THEM!”

“Them? Meaning Wally or Jenny or Evan? NO! No, violence never solved anything! If your father had understood that he’d be alive today!” His mother stood toe to toe with him, her face raised to his, eyes flashing fire.

“MY FATHER UNDERSTOOD WHAT HE HAD TO DO! MOTHER, THERE ARE TIMES THAT YOU HAVE TO FIGHT, NO MATTER WHAT IT LEADS TO!” Nick waved his arm, face and voice reflecting his pain and rage.

“Nick, listen to me...” his mother tried to interrupt.

“MY FATHER BELIEVED THAT AND I’M HIS SON!” he said heatedly, jabbing his thumb into his chest.

His mother stood squarely in front of him, her body raised up on tiptoes, face inches from his own. “You were his son but he’s dead! Now you’re mine, and I’m asking you to honor my wishes. There will be no more bloodshed, Nick! No more!” Her voice broke as she came to a halt.

Nick stood rigidly, then the tension slowly eased from his body, and he turned silently and replaced the rifle in the cabinet. Turning back to his mother, he shrugged his shoulders and shook his head ruefully. Quickly, he brushed a hand across his eyes, which were suddenly burning with tears, and returned his gaze to his mother, giving her a small abashed smile. She smiled lovingly at him in return, then reached up and cupped his face tenderly with her hand.

As he quietly blinked back his tears, Nick felt peace creeping into his heart. Once again he felt his mother’s love and pride in him, and he knew how truly lucky he was; how lucky they all were. After all of the fear and uncertainty of this afternoon, he knew the most important thing that had happened this day had nothing to do with the Miles’ and everything to do with his family, especially his brother. His real brother-- who was just fine.