by: Essy Jane

Bo was right, she wasn’t as bad as she seemed. We spent almost the whole day talking about everything. I knew her now better than she knew herself. Essy was quite the dreamer. She wanted to do so much but put plenty of her dreams away. She couldn’t wait to get married.

I talked to her about so many things. Essy didn’t mind at all I even told her about the little experiment Bo pulled on me. When she heard about that, Essy smiled. “What?” I questioned her.

“He likes you,” Essy replied.

“Why Essy-Jane Tizdale, you take that back, he doesn’t like me at all. If he did, he would say something.”

“No I mean it, Bo loves you.”

“Essy, now why would Bo even think about going out with me? I am his best friend’s daughter.” Essy laughed. She elbowed me softly. I wondered what was going through that head of hers.

“Why not go out with someone you’re more familiar with?”

“Now just what do you mean by that?”

“If you truly have your father’s personality, he would like you naturally.”

“I don’t have any of my father’s qualities, sometimes it is hard to talk to him.”

“Would you stop trying to change the topic? He is in love with you.”

“He honestly didn’t say anything to me.”

“No, men don’t often say something.”

“Judd did.”

“Look Nancy-Lou, I was lucky. Judd just up and said he loved me. That was all there was to it. When he made me say yes to marry him, I wondered if I did the right thing by saying yes.”

“And…”

“And, although I see a more mature Bo, he’s exactly the same.”

“He is not.”

“Ah and you notice that?”

“How he talks, it just blows me away. Before I thought he was nothing more than a child playing tricks on me.”

“And now?”

“Now, I wonder who he is. Bo confuses me. I never know what’s going to come out of his mouth. One minute he’s reading my thoughts and the next he is looking out into the distance trying to find some sort of peace yet for some reason he doesn’t get it.”

“Yet he is still the same Bo. The same car jumping Bo and Nancy, he will always be that way.” I shook my head. I didn’t know why she couldn’t see through his adventure. Bo was more than just a cowboy. Bo was—I don’t know, Bo was someone really special who just deserved a chance. “What, you don’t approve?”

“I think Bo has a lot to offer the world.”

“Yes he does.”

“But you don’t see yourself marrying him?” Essy shook her head no. “It’s a pity. How he looks at you…he makes you laugh.”

“Just because he makes me laugh doesn’t mean he’s the one.” Essy turned away and looked at the ground. I could see her push away the tears. “Why are you making this so difficult?”

“I want to know if you’re sure.”

“I have never been surer of anything in my life. When Judd knocked into me, all I wanted to do was slug him.” Essy turned around. You could see the frustration in her eyes as she tried to get the words out. “He wouldn’t let me get away with it.”

“Get away with what?”

“Pushing him away, Judd just wouldn’t let me push him away. All I wanted to do was run and hide.”

“We all want to do that sometimes, Essy.”

“Well for me it is a little more constant.”

“Oh?”

“All I wanted was to be left alone. Maybe get back to a normal life. With Judd, things were anything but normal.”

“You think so?”

“Even our first kiss was out of the ordinary.”

“Oh?”

“We sped through everything.”

“No you didn’t, love isn’t a race at all you see, love is a feeling.”

“Well that feeling has grown everyday since then. I can’t be without him another minute.” Now it was my turn to cry. “Nancy what’s wrong?”

“When will I find him?”

“Who?”

“My knight who will shield me from the world, sweep me off my feet and look into my eyes. Who will make me laugh every day without trying…I want to find him Essy. I didn’t think I needed anyone. I was always like my father. Stubborn and strong willed…I never dreamed of settling down. Now it’s all I dream about.” Essy laughed as she wiped the tears away.

“You know, I think you’ll find him here.” I smiled and rushed over to Essy for a hug. She smiled and returned the favor. “Don’t give up on finding him and don’t think of Bo like a friend I think you two would be great together.”

Nancy-Lou Duke…now imagine that. I don’t think it would work between us two. Never ever! Bo and I are just too different. Sure, I love the country and so does he but do you really think that he could ever be the one? I had to think on this. Bo and I were just really good friends. I think Essy was just fooling with me. How could she be serious about such a thing?

Maybe Essy was saying this to get Bo off her back. You never know with people like her. She’s so free spirited. No, I’m over reacting, Miss Essy-Jane Tizdale seems like she’s someone who would do anything for people. I think she would lock two people in a room together just to get them to fall in love.

If there was one thing I did notice about Essy was her devotion to mankind. When we were buying the dresses, Essy noticed a man who was just passing through Hazzard. She looked at his tattered clothes. Essy saw the gunny sack he was carrying on his back. She gave him some money and her lunch she had packed.

She didn’t like to hurt people. That’s one thing I did start to notice as the day went by. Essy-Jane didn’t like the bride’s maid dress that Daisy had picked out but she didn’t tell her. Instead, Essy said, “Hold onto it…maybe that’s the one.” I could tell she didn’t like it when Daisy walked further into the store. She turned away as the dress was flashed in front of her. Essy smiled at me and winked.

Daisy did have good taste however, Essy had a style all her own and wouldn’t yield to anyone. I thought Daisy’s clothing choices were great. Essy found beautiful dresses after all. She wanted a red sleek dress with bell sleeves. I thought it was tacky but Essy adored the dresses so much. Daisy didn’t mind one bit. The dress looked better on her…I think it was the dark hair.

After Daisy left, we walked down Hazzard square. I was embracing the country side once again, staring into the Texas like scene Hazzard reminded me of. I couldn’t believe how wonderful it truly was just to stare into the alluring arms of this country.

Soon, Essy and I got back to talking. Why this particular person came up in conversation, yet again, was a total mystery to me. Just the same, I had to open my big mouth.

“So what are you going to tell Bo?” I questioned her, completely off guard. Essy looked at me, bewildered beyond all capacity. “Well you have got to tell him something.”

“I would assume he knows who I love considering I am wearing a ring,” Essy replied.

“And you said you know men.”

“I do know men.”

“Look Ess, Bo is so in love with you. Every red hair, every freckle he seems to memorize. He lives for your personality.” Essy giggled. I couldn’t help but smile. “He wants to hold your hand, he wants to be there for you.”

“HE is just going to have to get over himself.”

“Judd already had THE talk with me.”

“Yeah, I heard about THE talk when I was on the phone with him. Judd was upset, he didn’t want to hurt you either, Nancy.” I sat down on the park bench and took off my sandals. I rolled my feet through the grass and smiled.

“You know what’s funny?”

“What?”

“Bo and I both needed THE talk. You would have thought at least one of us would have been smarter.” Suddenly, that orange car rolled through Hazzard County. Bo and Luke got out of the car and walked over towards us. Bo had a hand behind his back. He walked casually over towards us with his cousin. Luke and Bo were teasing each other on the way over. It was so nice to watch.

I kept thinking, if only my twin sister had lived. It would have been nice not to be the only child. I wish I could have someone to talk to like I’m talking to Essy—well maybe without the drama. Bo and Luke seem to keep it simple. They were like brothers in so many ways. They even fought like brothers. It was funny to watch them, always was.

I really couldn’t help but wonder, would be the same with my twin sister or is every relationship different? Would my sister have been happy to be near me or would we have fought over clothes and boys. Hard to be sure of what the future would have held, especially when staring at these two fine young men.

They looked at us and smiled. Luke shoved his fists into his jean pockets. He looked up at both of us with that casual Luke Duke stare. Bo grinned uncomfortably. “Hey y’all, what’s going on?” Luke questioned.

“Ah nothing much,” Essy commented. She swallowed hard. “Actually, Bo, I need to talk to you…alone.”

“No need, Luke already did,” Bo cut in.

“Bo and I talk about everything together,” Luke added.

“Yeah, Essy now I know that it has been hard for me to let go but I want give this to you.” Bo pulled out a painting of Essy. It had her and Judd, standing beside her good old trusty car, Uncle Sam. They of course were hugging. When the young woman saw this, she couldn’t help but show her emotion…no matter how tough she truly was.

Essy’s eyes welded up. She gave Bo a big hug. Bo winked at her after he let her go. Essy couldn’t believe the workmanship of this painting. She touched Judd’s face. “Where did you get this?” Essy asked.

“I painted it,” Bo answered.

“You paint?”

“Among his many talents, yes,” Luke announced.

“Well that is when I can sit down long enough and think of something to paint. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have seen this.” Luke smiled. He knew his cousin didn’t love a lot of praise and often put himself down because of it. Luke never liked when Bo did such things.

“Bo’s one lucky individual, I can’t draw stick people very well.”

“You’re full of beans Luke, I have seen you draw designs for engines.”

“Yeah, as long as I have a ruler in my hand.” Bo rolled his eyes. Luke couldn’t take praise any better than Bo could. I wonder why they’re so modest. Both of them are smart and talented—neither one of them want to admit their good points.

“The General is great because of you.”

“And you.”

“You’re very smart Luke.”

“Yeah but you’re the genius.”

“You’re the one that thinks of all the great plans.”

“You boys are both great,” I butted in.

“Thanks Nancy-Lou, I’ll store that in my compliment bank under ‘miracle compliments’ sub folder ‘unlikely constituents’. Yeah, that has a nice ring to it.” There he goes again! I am in the sidelines once again. How does Bo do that to me?

“Bo, you’re impossible.”

“I am not, I am very full of possibilities, you said it yourself.” Luke began to laugh, right along with Essy. I just stood there and marveled in his comments. “You know, one of these days I think they will study my brain capacity.”

“Bo, don’t be so full of yourself, they couldn’t study your brain.”

“And why not?”

“You wouldn’t be able to sit still long enough for them to do it.” Finally, I got one on him. Took me long enough. Bo sneered at me. “Oh come on, I was only joking. I found Essy and Luke whispering to each other. I didn’t know what they were saying then but I later learned.

“Now wouldn’t they make a good couple?” Essy asked Luke, softly whispering in his ear. Luke shrugged.

“Essy, you ain’t goanna try and set my cousin up are you?” Luke whispered back.

“Luke, now you know they look cute together.”

“They sure fight a lot.” Luke stared over at Bo and me as we were still at it. Essy laughed and shook her head.

“So did Judd and I. Now look where we are.”

“Yeah, about to get married.”

“I have got to see what I can do with this.”

“Well do it after your wedding, you have enough to worry about.” Essy nodded as she gave Luke a hug.

“What in the world are you two whispering about?” Bo questioned. Essy and Luke both shrugged. “Oh don’t you do that to me, I can see through you two like I can see through a glass. You two were talking about something that you didn’t want me to hear. Now spill it.”

“Uh…” Luke began. Essy snapped her fingers. Luke stared at her. Now if it were up to Luke, he would tell Bo everything. However, Essy-Jane seemed to be in charge here. “Well you see—we were talking about…”

“The weather,” Essy replied. Bo crocked an eyebrow. He knew that something was going on. Call it Duke Radar if you will. Now if you know anything about a Duke, you would know they could smell a cover up from a mile away.

“Why would you whisper about weather?” Bo asked.

“You two were busy talking. We didn’t want to interrupt you.”

“Oh Essy-Jane, when I find out what you were talking about with Luke…”

“You won’t.”

“Why not?”

“I won’t tell you, that’s why,” Luke replied.

“Oh come on Luke, you know…”

“That you love hearing secrets.”

“Yeah, you’re right I really do.”

“And…”

“And…?”

“And I am not going to tell you.”

“Oh come on Luke.”

“Alright, I will tell you. Essy…” Essy shook her head no. “Essy and I were talking about…” She shook her head again. “We were talking about weather.”

“You two are full of it.”

“Yeah, full of ideas,” Essy commented. Luke snickered. “You see, even Luke thinks I am funny.”

“Well I don’t.” Bo stretched out and put his arms around both Essy and Luke. He looked both of them in the eye. Essy turned away almost immediately. Luke smiled and winked. Now Bo knew that something was up. “Personally I would like to know what is going on.”

“You’ll find out tomorrow’s weather another day.”

“You two are…”

“Intolerable?”

“Yes, very Intolerable. I could find a lot of other words for it but that one seems to work just fine.”

“Good, now, what do you think about the weather?” Bo shook his head and I laughed. Though when I saw Luke stare at me and then at Bo, I began to want to know this secret myself.

by: Essy Jane

Later that night, I was standing on the porch at the Duke farm looking out into the horizon. Judd walked out and stood beside me. He watched me as I pulled away. “Nice night isn’t it?” He asked me. All I could do was snarl at him.

“Yeah, I am sure you would call it that,” I grumbled. He shook his head.

“Is this about Essy?” I rolled my eyes. “I knew it, you’re jealous of her.”

“I am not!”

“Nancy, it was over before it started with us.” I couldn’t believe he would say that. How could Judd be so cruel? We dated for two years when I worked down there.

“That’s why you kept leading me on when I was down there? Judd, you said forever…you said you couldn’t afford a ring.”

“Yeah and then you said you were moving to England.” I sighed and walked away from him. I didn’t want to look into Judd’s eyes. “I asked you if you wanted me to wait and you said no.”

“A girl never says what she means. I wanted you to come with me.”

“You knew that wasn’t possible.”

“England…”

“Was a chance of a lifetime for you, I know. When they called you to work there, I was delighted for you. I wished you would have said no but I knew that wasn’t an option.”

“You didn’t even ask me to stay! You didn’t come to the airport to say goodbye.”

“I did—but by the time I got there you were gone.”

“Yeah and now you’re engaged.”

“What happened between Essy and I—well it wasn’t planned. I still hoped everyday you would come back to me before I met her.”

“Yeah, before you met her! Now you’re getting married. You know what’s worse than you getting married?”

“What?”

“You didn’t even have the decency to tell me yourself. I had to hear it from someone else.” That’s about the time Bo walked outside. I straightened up and pulled myself together. I knew the emotions were all over my face. I had to get out of here but now I lived here. I was in between these two men, wondering what I was even doing here.

“What are we talking about?” Bo questioned.

“Nothing, this conversation’s over,” Judd grumbled. He walked into the house. You could hear him say, “Uncle Jesse, I’m staying at the boarding house, it’s too crowded here.”

After he said that, I walked towards the barn so I wouldn’t have to see him leave with Essy. Bo followed me. I took of my sandals once again, feeling the dirt roll between my toes. The wind rolled through my blonde hair. Bo laughed. He sat down on the ground and took his boots and socks off, following my trend.

“You know Essy-Jane isn’t that bad of a person,” Bo finally said. He looked up at the moon for a minute. “I dated her once upon a time and I’ll tell you, she’s one heck of a person. There isn’t any reason Judd shouldn’t marry her. I guess that’s why I’ll have to put a zipper to my mouth when I attend the wedding.” I laughed.

“You really loved her didn’t you?” I asked.

“And you loved him.”

“Yes, I really truly did. I guess we both need a zipper.” Bo’s head lowered, he looked at the soft ground.

“This is goanna be hard ain’t it?”

“You said it Bo, I don’t want to even think of the first time we met.”

“Well just for kicks, how did you two meet?”

“I answered a question right on the radio and won two tickets to see him fight. Oh I wasn’t a big boxing fan.”

“Until you met him, he kind of blew you away.”

“How do you do that Bo?”

“Do what?”

“Read my thoughts.”

“Don’t ask me.”

“Okay anyway, I went backstage to see him and…”

“He fell in love with you the second you fell in love with him.”

“I don’t know why, I mean I was so happy with him and all. We went for walks by the ocean. We talked until the sun came up. Two years of pure bliss.”

“When you got that call to England, everything changed.”

“I could say that again.”

“You know, love is a hard thing.” Bo finally walked into the barn and sat down. He looked into my eyes. “I think we both know how wonderful it is to find someone who is their match.”

“I don’t really know, I just find it so grueling that he had to give it up with me. I wanted him to give me a reason to stay.”

“You give him way too much credit.” I laughed. Bo looked at me as my eyes filled with tears. He put a hand on my shoulder and tried to comfort me. “Hey, it’s okay to be upset.” No it wasn’t. I’m a Davenport.

“When I saw him standing there with her, I wanted to know what was going on. Just for one minute I would like to feel like he loved me again. Once, he held me in his arms but now I know he’s getting married.”

“Nancy-Lou, it’s going to be okay, I know it is.” Essy stood at the door of the barn. She smiled.

“Hey Bo, can I have a minute with Nancy?” Essy asked. Bo nodded. He elbowed her on the way out. Essy-Jane shook her head. “Hey, I’m sorry I stole your ex-boyfriend but you’re treating me like I did something wrong. You don’t even know me!”

“I’m not blaming you, I’m blaming him.”

“Then why have you been giving me the silent treatment all night?”

“I don’t know you, what was I going to say to you?”

“Ah, you want to know me, okay, we’re going shopping tomorrow for the bride’s maids dresses. It would be an honor if you were one of them.”

“Are you sure you want me?”

“Hey, any friend of the Dukes or Cooter is certainly a friend of mine.” I had to smile. Essy was being so nice to me. “Besides, you can give me all the dirt on Judd.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

by: Essy Jane

This plane ride was time-consuming. I wonder if Daddy got my message. After all, he was busy that day and someone else answered the phone. I extended my hand as one of the passengers assisted me while I walked down the steep stairs of the airplane. Of course I thanked the tender stranger. As we got outside of the undersized air hanger, I looked around for my father. He was a tall jagged man. Daddy had a breathtaking personality which had me in stitches last time I came to this modest county.

I hadn’t visited Daddy in a while. It had been excessively long. I would have come here sooner but, I had my fair share of work to do over at the college. I marked paper after paper and finally I was done. At last, I was able to go and see my wonderful father who had waited so long just to see my face. I was happy for the time we spent together, just talking.

I wondered realistically if he had become angered. After all, I was his only child. Perhaps Daddy was so upset that he didn’t want to pick me up. I had to collect myself by some means. I took a deep breath and continued to look for the tow truck. I seemed to be spinning in circles, failing at each attempt to find my father. He wasn’t very hard to recognize. My dad, Cooter Davenport, was not exactly a person you could loose in a crowd. His murky yellow and white hat always climbed on his head each morning. Dad wore a tan tattered shirt with a pair of blue jeans.

All I could see was Bo Duke. No, Luke wasn’t with him. It was just Bo leaning on the General Lee, impatiently waiting for me. I looked at him, as rugged as he was, in an open position, gazing out into the horizon. Bo’s eyes seemed to speak to the temperate winds heaving briskly from the sky. He marveled at the birds flying overhead, listening blissfully to their song.

Bo hadn’t shaved in a day or so. His trousers were tattered at the knees. Bo Duke’s shirt was golden and he had it rolled to his elbows. You could see the stubble on his face. His curls resembled flaxseeds. The color was in fact so powerfully blonde that it nearly blinded me. Then again, mine wasn’t about to become a natural dark blonde either. He gazed at me wholeheartedly investigating my attire. I hadn’t been here for a while…I guess that was what he was gawking at.

“Well hello there Nancy,” Bo commented. I shook my head ever so delicately as he stood up straight immediately. He seemed to feel uneasy when he was around me, if truth were told I really did not know why. His eyes were like sunbeams dancing on the waves of the billowing clouds.

“Your childish manipulations will not win me over, Bo Duke. You know as well as I do I am a lady of high standards. You assume that I, Nancy-Lou, will take to your degrading hand and allow you to accompany me until the end of the world,” I answered. Now Bo was bewildered beyond comprehension.

“All I said to you Miss Nancy was hello. I wasn’t asking for your hand in marriage.” He crossed his arms and turned from me immediately following his sentence. I put a hand on his broad shoulder.

“Bo, I apologize, I sincerely didn’t mean to offend you.” Bo turned around, smiling confidently at me. I couldn’t help but sneer at him. He had deceived me.

“Nancy, I may be an immature young man but I am not one to have the wool pulled over my eyes.” Now I was the one who was puzzled, I didn’t know what Bo meant. I wasn’t attempting to deceive him nor could I possibly have a desire to do so.

“Now what do you mean by that, Bo Duke?”

“I understand you don’t want to date me but that doesn’t mean you have to be improper.” This country boy was dazzling me with his words. Bo appeared to be outmaneuvering me with every sentence. I had to strike back.

“You, young man, assume too much.”

“Maybe…but then again Nancy-Lou, judging by your face, maybe not.” Now Bo’s smile flourished like a blossom thrives with miracle grow. I didn’t want to look at him at first. Bo’s face made me question his thoughts. Knowing him, I would be standing on the sidelines in a matter of minutes, not even knowing I was put there in the first place. Bo wouldn’t let me get away with turning from him. He kept pulling my head back up.”

“Now what is brewing in that head of yours, Bo Duke?”

“So, Nancy-Lou, you do want to date me?”

“That is outrageous, I would never date you. Not even if you were the last standing soul on this planet.”

“For a woman with such sky-scraping principles, you have lost your head and forgotten your manners.” I chuckled in pure amusement as my face became warm from embarrassment. I could not believe how awful this man’s ego was. “May I help you into my car?” I nodded my head. I wasn’t going to allow him to continue making a fool out of me in public. Bo grabbed me, cradling me in his arms. I was stunned by how muscular he was. He pushed me into the car slowly so he wouldn’t hurt me. Bo would never even think of it. His uncle wouldn’t be impressed. Bo really cared what his uncle thought about him.

We drove down the long stretch of filthy dirt road. The grimy dust engulfed their car which they called so affectionately, “The General Lee”. Ridiculous I thought to spend so much time admiring an inanimate object. Bo and Luke tenderly call this machine, a part of their family, the Duke family. How can you possibly have this much approbation about a car? Something that man made was so significant to them.

Bo began to slow down, which was of course easier said than done, for him that is. I watched as the dust appeared to fade away. The terrain which was once indistinguishable seemed to come together. The trees and the rich soils were so stunning…it was hard to illustrate the very essence of their beauty. I could gaze into this storybook scene all day, which was exactly how Hazzard County looked to me.

How could anything be richer than the very land in which we had the privilege of being upon? I knew not any greater joy than this. I thrived knowing I would come here. This place was warmer than the midday sun. It was a joyful place, and the only constituency I could think of, in which people could raise an influential and longstanding family.

I was pleased to see the life in this land, the love that was put into it. Farmers had labored away in their fields to make such rich foods. They worked carefully through flood and famine. They strived while the world threw them into the great depression. These farmers worked away through it all and gained so much from it. So how then could anyone deny them of triumphantly rejoicing over their land?

I could not refuse to come here. I personally could not leave this territory without casting my eyes upon its wonderment. I knew I was back in my father’s eyes once again, about to listen to the many stories of Hazzard County. I would become astonished, marveling more with every single word that came out of his mouth.

This place was full of mystification, something that I could never have fulfilled anywhere else. I loved Hazzard and Hazzard loved me. This country has seemed to bond to be wonderful with all of its inhabitants and even the people who were just passing through. Hazzard’s wonderment has an everlasting relationship that excels out through the trees and has permanently left its mark upon us. Like it or not, that power drags us back to it time after time.

We were not heading in the customary direction. Generally, when the Duke family picks me up, we head over to Dad’s garage. As a replacement for dreary garage, I saw a brilliant scene set before me, The Duke Farm. We pulled into the dusty place. Luke was in the front, fixing his Uncle’s truck. He wasn’t wearing his shirt. As Bo walked over to him, Luke scolded his cousin concerning jeans he had been wearing. I agreed with Luke. Why would he wear such horrible looking things?

Bo disagreed with his cousin. He was determined to outwit Luke. Bo’s cousin had quite the intellect to back him up. Luke confronted Bo all the time. The younger cousin was not incredibly quick to jump on Luke even though I knew Bo could beat him in an argument any day of the week. In the end, the older of the two won, only because that young gun let him do so. I wondered about Bo. Why was he so eager to let Luke win?

As Luke went back to help his Uncle, I asked Bo about it. All he could tell me was how much admiration he had for his cousin. Luke was overconfident sometimes. I liked Luke but you know he has this undying personality. A quality that rather testifies about why we’re friends. Luke is smart and witty but he’s quiet and hard to pick apart. He wants to be heard but sometimes just doesn’t have the words. Luke is also very good with cars and plays guitar like every other Duke. He’s too patient for me. I don’t get into fights or debates with Luke half as much as Bo. Maybe I would like someone in between. Not so Bo with a little Luke.

Bo had good qualities too though. I can’t say I didn’t notice them. If I did, I would be disgracing my mother by lying and I could never do that do her. One of Bo’s many wonderful attributes included how he was willing to help anyone. I guess Luke had that one too. Bo seemed to show more joy when he helped people. For instance, Bo appeared to allow his cousin to take the reigns at any given moment. I believe this young character finds adventure in letting Luke control situations. Then again, I don’t know the two as well as I let on to.

I walked to the back of the house slowly, listening for the blustering sounds of my father. Instead, all I could manage to do was entertain myself with the buoyant fragrance in the air. All the many foods which were accustomed to this area were sitting on a picnic table that had been spread out before me.

I marveled at the sign saying: “Welcome Nancy-Lou Davenport” I smiled. Jesse Duke threw his arms around me, the greatest feeling besides having my own father’s arms around me. There stood Enos, Cletus and the Duke family. They all were always friendly and fantastic when I came to see them. In fact, everyone in this town was.

“Your Daddy had to go off and get something for Essy and Judd’s wedding,” Uncle Jesse explained. I was confused, who was this Essy? I am more than sure I haven’t heard Daddy talk about her. Then again, I haven’t been here for a while and talking to him was hard considering I was in England. “Uncle Jesse now Nancy-Lou ain’t been in Hazzard County for a long time. She has never met Miss Essy-Jane,” Luke commented.

“Essy is Miss Tizdale’s niece,” Bo explained.

“She’s going to marry Judd?” I asked. Bo nodded. I shook my head again. Bo looked at me. “I went up to visit him like—a year ago. I didn’t even know he was going to get married.”

“Yeah well things change Nancy-Lou.” Bo sat down at the picnic table and sighed.

“Why didn’t my father mention her?”

“Essy has to be experienced not told.” Luke started laughing. Bo growled at his cousin, almost as if he could read his cousin’s thoughts. Luke didn’t notice that look in Bo’s eyes. “What?”

“That was really a mouthful, cousin,” Luke teased.

“Awe Luke quick bein’ so mean. You know she ain’t seen Essy yet.”

“You’re still in love with her ain’t ya?” Bo shook his head no. Inside, I could see him squirm. I wondered what was wrong. He seemed so cool on the outside yet inside, he was screaming.

“Nope, we are good friends is all, Luke.”

“Yeah right, I know you better…you will never get over loosing that girl, least of all to your own cousin.”

“Take that back, Luke.”

“Why should I?”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Bo pulled away and walked towards the house. I ran after him. I turned him around with one hand, looking into his face. “I’m sorry you had to see that, Nancy-Lou.”

“Shh,” I mumbled softly. I don’t know why but I was able to read him like a book. It wasn’t like most men where I had to dig deep with a sledge hammer just to get through the brick wall their hearts were hiding. All I had to do was pull Bo up from the ground where he was perched like a bird softly clinging to a wire. “You know, Luke doesn’t mean what he said.” Bo trembles with anger. I try to comfort him but he won’t let me come near.

“You know, Luke is my hero but when he cuts me down…”

“Bo, the war can do terrible things to people. Sometimes Luke just says what’s on his mind. He looks out into the horizon and sees different things than you do.”

“Yeah I guess.”

“What do you see in him?”

“I see a young man who longs to find his mate but is frustrated when he can’t find her. Luke wants to clinch onto the joys of life but he’s so far down in chains because of his probation. Once it’s gone though…”

“He’s gone.”

“Exactly so most of the time…”

“You let him have the fun and you relish in seeing him so happy.”

“Exactly, Nancy-Lou, you know exactly what I mean. Sometimes, I just want to do the things he’s done, see the things he’s seen but I never will.” Bo sat down on the dirt. He put a hand down for me. I sat beside him. Bo took his boots off and his socks. Ordinary country boy, the young man did what came natural. He rolled his feet through the dirt. I took off my sandals and did the same.

“Isn’t it funny how many grains are in the dirt and sand?”

“It doesn’t seem funny to me.” I slapped his shoulder lightly in fun. I stood up and pushed the dirt off me.

“Millions upon millions rolling through our toes it’s amazing.” Now it was Bo’s turn to laugh. The young man stood up. “They are all working together to…” He rubbed his two fingers over my lips.

“You know what the trouble with you is, Miss Nancy-Lou?”

“What?”

“You think too much, why don’t you let your other senses be your eyes?” I was puzzled by his response. “You don’t know what I mean this time? I have you in stitches do I?” Bo pulled out a red hanky and placed it gently on his lap. He took the corner and folded it tightly, over and over. I smiled as I watched the concentration in his eyes. “Don’t worry, it hasn’t been used.”

“I’m not worried.” He placed it over my eyes. My world had been filled with total darkness. Bo slid his hand on the bottom of my arm until he reached my hand. His other hand went onto my waist.

“Now walk forward, trust me.”

“What makes you think I don’t?”

“Nancy, listen to the sounds all around you, don’t talk.” I closed my mouth and opened my ears. I could hear the gentle breeze run through the sky. We walked for a long period of time. I could feel the dirt squish between my toes.

I could feel Bo’s strong working hand rub against mine as he redirected me. I could hear critters rustling on the ground. Bo’s hand that was once on my waist now was gone. I wanted to say something but I didn’t want to spoil his fun. Suddenly a new sound filled the air, it sounded like a bird’s wings fluttering.

Now, Bo let go of my other hand, he put them together. I wondered what he was going to do. When this young man put something into my hand, I used the other to feel it. It cooed in my hands. I could feel cool feathers. I knew what it was. Bo took the hanky off my eyes. The sun rippled into my face. I looked at the sky, the clouds had changed. We were standing at the fence and I had a beautiful dove in my hand.

“Let it go Nancy, he’ll come back sooner or later,” Bo commented. I smiled as I threw my hands in the air. “Now Nancy-Lou, tell me if you can dance even if you have lost your hearing.” I nodded gracefully because I knew I was up to the challenge. “Well then, put out your hand.”

Bo pulled me into his strong arms and began to dance with me. I could almost hear the music as I was pulled deeper into this trance. It was like the scene had changed as he closed my eyes. I was frightened at first but then remembered what he just did. “You are so…” I began.

“We’re like two young birds, flapping through the clouds. Neither one of us has a care in the world. You see all of the pretty stars coming closer to you. One is brighter than all the rest. I try to grab it for you but it is out of reach because it is too wild.”

I was really there. We were dancing on a cloud. The stars shinning all around us…I didn’t want to let go of Bo. All I could think of was the mystical dance we were doing. The joy I felt in his arms as we continued to dance. We seemed to be one in spirit. I was enjoying myself when suddenly, the dinner bell rang. My eyes opened. We were back on the farm. The light brown fence stood beside us. Bo and I were barefoot.

Bo bent down and picked up my shoes. He handed them to me just as my father arrived. You could see the dust from his tow truck. Daddy stopped the car immediately. I just got my second sandal on when he came out and gave me a hug. Bo had already made his way to the dinner table. “Hey my little Pumpkin! How was your flight?” Daddy asked. Just as I was about to say something, a black charger rolled in. Judd and the person I assumed to be Essy. “Hey Judd, Ess, good of ya to have made it.”

“Well traffic was awful, I’m surprised we made it at all. Old Roscoe tried to give me a ticket again,” Essy laughed.

“Oh, excuse my manners, this is my daughter Nancy-Lou,” Daddy announced. Essy put out a hand. I examined her. Long red hair, striking blue eyes. I wondered what was under that exterior.

“Hi Nancy.”

“Hello Essy, I hear you’re going to marry Judd Kane,” I finally said.

“No Nancy-Lou, I changed my name to Duke,” Judd added.

“You didn’t tell me you were planning that.” Essy smiled as she elbowed Judd. She leaned in for a kiss. You could see just how in love they truly were. “Judd Duke…sounds good but you can’t be the killer anymore.”

“We’re moving to Hazzard and I am becoming a lawyer here. No more fighting in the ring…except on special occasions. Essy’s gonna help her Auntie with the mail and of course she’ll help run the community center.”

“Sounds like a plan. I wish I would have heard about all of this earlier.”

“Sorry Nancy, I didn’t know your new address.”

“Ah it’s in the past.” We all sat down to a great meal and as dessert arrived on the table, Jesse looked around.

“Well, we have lots of news for everyone. Number one, Bo, Luke has a surprise for you,” Jesse commented.

“Our probation has been lifted,” Luke announced. The table was filled with cheers, and mumbles that soon ceased. “After Essy and Judd’s wedding, I am going to go and try to be a singer.”

“Well, if you can try, I guess I will to. That is now that I can do it,” Bo mumbled. He sighed. “Someone’s got to stay with Uncle Jesse. Who’s gonna help with the farm?”

“I ain’t some old fuddy duddy! I still got lots of beans left in me. You boys need to fulfill your dreams, not sit around the farm and dream up new ones. Okay, who is next?” Jesse finished.

“You know how I have wanted to work on cars for the big times?” Daddy began.

“Yeah?”

“Well, I have been offered a job for a year for the NASCAR racers. While I’m gone for two years, LB is gonna be taking over shop.”

“YAHOO!” Bo exclaimed. Daisy laughed.

“That’s Bo talk for, good for you,” She said. “Alright, I have been accepted to an LA dance school. Can you imagine? I thought I would never get it!” Everyone again was mumbling and cheering.

“I’m coming back to Hazzard to stay. Mama doesn’t agree but I don’t care, as soon as I am done the year I’m moving into the boarding house,” I cut in. Everyone’s eyes widened.

“Nonsense, you’re staying with me Nancy-Lou,” Daddy said.

“I can’t always be taken care of by you Daddy,” I retorted.

“Nancy, you’re my daughter.”

“Yeah I know, but you have a life and so do I. I am gonna teach at the local school and live in Hazzard. You know, every time I come here all I can see is its beauty. I know this is where I belong.”

“Then you will stay with me. If you think it is wrong, think again. You can even pay me rent if it will make your conscience feel at ease,” Uncle Jesse interrupted.

“Are you sure?”

“I am positive.”

“Jesse, that’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me.” I got up and gave him a hug. All I could see was the gentle smile on his face. Essy-Jane held Judd’s hand close and kidded it. I was ready to growl.

by: Essy Jane

It had been two weeks and nothing. The doctors said if he didn’t wake up soon, he was a goner. They tried to locate his family but Judd didn’t even have an emergency contact listed. I claimed to be his fiancée and they accepted it. I was with him at all times, never leaving his side.

The nurses brought me food and drink. Hospital food, it was hard to look at it. I didn’t want to think of myself in a hospital with the man I truly admired and loved. Most times those poor nurses had to force me to eat. I didn’t feel like it. I had no will of my own. I didn’t want to live at all. Not if my Judd, my dear sweet boyfriend wasn’t going to wake up.

I sat there in silence most of the time. I didn’t want to say anything to anyone. I finally dealt with my feelings for him and now this had to happen. Why was I being punished? This wasn’t fair, I wanted him! I wanted to know him just as much as he wanted to know me. Before he walked onto that road, he was about to tell me what his mother said to him on her death bed. He said it was something that was going to knock my world upside down.

Now I wondered if it was all that important. I wondered if the last thing I was going to hear out of those sweet lips was going to be how it would help me make a decision. I couldn’t take this. He was here and I was holding his hand yet he was so lifeless. So much was riding on him just waking up, just holding me one more time.

All I wanted was one more kiss. I wanted him to hold me in his arms. Was that too much to ask? Was I over reacting? Judd is still here. He is still alive. I was thinking about the worst but that was all the doctors had for me. He won’t hold on much longer. Oh but Judd had to.

“Judd, this is tiring honey, open your eyes. Just open your eyes. You want to know the truth? Well, I followed you too. I went to one of your games,” I began. I started to sob. “All those things you said every time we met. I hurt you and still you opened your heart to me. I hit you in more ways than one. I hit your hand when you offered it. When all you wanted to do was give me peace, I threw your hand away.”

It wasn’t working. Why wasn’t he opening his eyes? All I wanted was for him to open his eyes. Judd had to be okay, he just had to. There was no way he could be like this. Judd was the best thing in my life and loosing him would be like loosing everything I had worked so hard for.

Quitting the one thing that made most sense in my life. Going back to school when I thought it was pointless. Working hard day in and day out. Keeping touch with my family and my friends by letters…never being able to see them. I did all of that so I could find out who I was, where I was supposed to be.

I knew now. I was supposed to be in Judd’s arms. Being held so close that I couldn’t run anymore. Judd knew that as well as I did. Why didn’t he just get up and tell me so? I want to have one of our famous debates.

I couldn’t stand it anymore! I shook Judd softly. I shook my head when there was no response. I couldn’t stand watching him like this, Judd laying there. “Please Judd, if you open your eyes right now…I’ll marry you,” I cried. I felt something, his hand move across my full head of hair, softly rubbing it.

My eyes filled with even more tears as he mumbled, “You do realize I’m going to hold you to that promise.” I couldn’t believe it! He was awake. My love, my very life was awake.

“Oh baby, are you okay?”

“I’m fine Essy, I’m just fine. I felt the same way when you hit me.” I shook my head and laughed. He laughed too and began to cough. He cleared his throat and looked into my eyes, touching my chin softly. “I knew I could make you smile.”

“Oh Judd, I’m happier than I have ever been in my life.”

“Now before you say another word I have to tell you something.”

“Okay.”

“I am changing my name.”

“Judd, I love your name. I love everything about you. You don’t have to change your name.”

“Will you let me finish?”

“ I want to change it badly. To what it was originally.”

“What was that?”

“Duke.”

“You’re a…”

“Uh huh.”

“You’re a…”

“That’s right.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I tried to, before I went to get the car but then look what happened.”

“So that means…”

“My Mama took me from the hospital. My real Mama died in a avalanche when Luke was—four.”

“Luke is your brother?”

“Yeah.”

“Which will make Bo my cousin?”

“Uh huh.”

“This is gonna be weird.” Judd pulled me in and kissed me. As he let my lips go, I smiled. “Then again, it’s gonna be great.”

“That’s what I thought you would say.” I couldn’t believe it. Suddenly I remembered Luke.

“You know he’s gonna be worried about you. I gotta call that brother of yours and tell them the good news and the bad news and the even better news.”

“Don’t be too long.”

“I won’t.” I walked out of the room with a sense of relief. I grabbed the phone after asking the nurses of course about making the call. My future Uncle answered the phone.

“Hello?” Jesse said.

“Okay, Jesse, it’s me. First off, it wasn’t my fault, no one told me,” I began.

“No one told you what?”

“That Judd was Luke’s brother. You never mentioned him before.”

“It slipped my mind.” I cleared my throat. “Okay, Judd told us not to.”

“I knew it.”

“What’s up?”

“Judd was in a car accident.”

“Oh my…is he okay?”

“He is now.”

“That’s good.”

“He has to stay in the hospital a couple weeks.”

“That’s bad.”

“He’s decided to change his name back to Duke.”

“That’s good.”

“And I’m getting married.”

“YEEEE HAAW Wow! Now this is news. I am gonna tell everyone tonight. Oh Luke is gonna be ecstatic!”

“Do you think Daisy will be my maid of Honor?”

“Will she? Essy she’ll be tickled pink. Did you tell your Aunt yet?”

“No, I want you to tell her. It’ll give her a thrill in two ways. One that I am getting married and two that you’re telling her.” Jesse laughed.

“Congratulations. Now, you make sure Judd gets better.”

“Yes sir I will.”

“Have you set a date?”

“No sir.”

“Daisy’s gonna make you do it.”

“Don’t I know it.”

“Well, I got to go, my timer’s gonna ring in about ten seconds but I love you both and please stay safe.”

“Talk to you later.”

“Bye.” Well there you have it. I’m gonna get married to a wonderful man. A man who fell in love with me when I was truly lost. I still can’t believe this all started with me punching him in the face.

THE END

by: Essy Jane

When I got home, I had to talk to someone about this. I didn’t want to bother the Dukes, they already had enough on their mind. I dialed zero. “Hello operator, how can I help you?” A female voice came on the phone.

“Look, I don’t want to place a call, I want to talk to someone,” I explained. I must have sounded like a total moron but she didn’t complain. “Look, I met this guy a while ago and it seems like I have known him forever and it has only been our second encounter.”

“Well honey, by the way you’re talking it does sound like you’re in love.”

“That’s the funny thing though. After two meetings, how do you know? This is moving way too fast. We’re having our first real date in two hours and I don’t know what to do. I feel like I am doing everything wrong and I don’t have anyone to talk to about this but you.”

“Hey sweetie, it’s okay. Trust me, it has happened before. Look, I will give you some advice my mother once gave me. Follow your heart. Don’t put rules on a relationship. It goes as fast as it needs to.”

“Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome honey, now get ready for your date.” I hung up the phone and looked at my closet. I wanted to show him I was prettier than I had looked in the past. I wanted to be stunning, elegant and smooth. I wanted to be someone else. I didn’t think I could do it. You know what? I could. I could go out with Judd. The operator was right. I didn’t have to put rules on our relationship.

I got ready. I put on my black dress with bell sleeves. It was a dress I wore on casual dates. I knew Judd would want me to be myself. I pulled up my pantyhose and put on my black shoes. I did my makeup ever so carefully. I curled my hair and looked at myself in the mirror.

The reflection looked like some sort of model. My lips were rounded and soft. My eyes were dazzling and enthusiastic. I didn’t know what was going to happen but I knew that I was going to have to do this. If not for him but for me. I had to be the person I was born to be and no one could stop that.

I walked out of my building with a coat on my arm and a black strapless purse in my hand. I gradually made my way down the stairs, trying to get the hang of the high heeled shoes I hadn’t worn since I gave up acting. I strolled down the street indifferently but inside, my heart was clashing firmly against my chest. I continued to walk slowly, taking deep breath after deep breath, wondering what I was doing.

I finally approached the small café. There he was, sitting by the window. I flinched this time. I pulled onto the brick wall and tried to collect myself. I didn’t know what to do or even what to say. I had to walk in there, even if it was one step at a time. I couldn’t believe this, I was scared. I had never been scared around him before, why was I fretting now.

I had to do this. I walked into the café, the little bell on top of the door rang. Judd looked up and saw me. He stood up and walked towards me. His black suit really looked classy on him. He took my hands and directed me to the table, staring into my eyes. I couldn’t stop looking into his. We didn’t let go of one another’s hands for a single second. We continued to search into each other’s eyes.

This feeling of warmth rolled across my whole body. I didn’t see him as the clumsy guy who knocked me over or the man who challenged me at every turn. I saw him as a friend, well more than a friend. It felt right. I had become lost again, this time in his eyes. I truly loved him and wanted him. I had to have him. How can you describe that feeling? True passion and love for one man.

Going back to Hazzard would have been the easy way out. Dating Bo would have been safe but I know now I would have regretted it. As much as I love the Duke family, I could never be a part of it if I wasn’t happy. I guess I fell in love with their family and so wanted to be a part of it.

But at this very moment, Judd made me feel carefree. A joy I hadn’t felt since I had left Oklahoma. I was over the moon in love with Judd and he had been right under my nose. The young man sighed and got comfortable in his chair. Judd always looked at me with these kind and gentle eyes. Only now I could see his true intentions. Judd made them very clear.

He cleared his throat. “Tell me everything about you, your first broken arm…everything,” He mumbled softly.

“Well, I was born and raised in the state of Oklahoma. We were a farming family. My Mama and Papa died in a horrible car crash,” I began.

“I’m sorry for your lost.”

“Be sorry for the drunk driver not for me. The poor fella literally cries himself to sleep in the prison.”

“What happened to you afterwards?”

“My sister and I were given to my dear Mama’s sister, Carrie Paterson. My sister, Megan hated being in Chicago. She got mixed up with some bad people and almost dragged me down with her.”

“I can’t see you as the original bad girl.”

“Imagine me with black hair and one bad attitude. Megan got herself arrested for second degree murder. I blamed my Auntie for it because she told on her. I was on the same road, about to make the same mistakes. When I was sixteen, Auntie Carrie told me I was going down to Hazzard. I thought, oh great, Auntie Emma has never had kids. Now I am going with her.”

“You liked Hazzard.”

“Correction, I loved Hazzard and I still do. I changed my name to Susan while I was down there.”

“Essy suits you better.”

“Auntie thought it was a horrible name also. At sixteen, I was home schooled. Bo and Luke were sure I was in my late 20’s. I wore more makeup then I should have. I pretended I was way out of their league. I even concealed my southern accent. Oh but Auntie Emma talked some sense into me that’s for sure.” Judd laughed softly.

“I stayed in Hazzard for a year.”

“Only?”

“Yeah, I went back to live with Auntie Carrie until I was 18 years old. Doing all the boxing I could of course.” Judd smiled. “Come on, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“What did you do when you after that.”

“I moved back to Oklahoma and became the new postmistress. I had an assistant who was older than me but I was smarter. Auntie Emma got sick and well, I had to go and help her. My hair was red again and Bo was tripping over his tongue.”

“That’s when you went back to Hazzard. Luke told me about it. You saved Cooter’s life.”

“Yeah, after that, I came here. Tried acting for five years. I got parts in movies. They weren’t very big parts. I also acted on stage here in California. I didn’t mind it. Well that is until one guy tried to make me loose my dignity to become a star. I not only gave acting up but I also gave the head honcho a black eye.” Judd smiled.

“I went back to school. They said if I didn’t use my scholarship soon I would loose it. So I went and boxed. Not to mention studied. I haven’t been back to Hazzard since but I was planning a trip real soon.”

“Don’t you miss the boys?”

“They’re two of my best friends. You know what though?”

“What?”

“Bo and Luke ain’t nothing compared to you.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Judd, not even Luke has the guts to challenge me like you do. You never seem to give up.”

“That’s my warrior heart.”

“Ah, I get it now.”

“My mama always said that’s what made a warrior. He didn’t have to be the tallest fellow or even the brightest. If he had a heart that pressed forward no matter what, that was a warrior.”

“You know, your mama was right, you are a warrior, the conqueror of my heart.” Judd smiled.

“You really mean that don’t you.” I nodded softly. He seemed bewildered by something on my face or was it my face?

“You know, you’re not just a stranger. You really do know me.”

“You bet your booties I do.”

“I really did think it was creepy that you followed me but then I realized…” He put his finger over my lips again.

“Shh, you don’t have to explain.”

“I guess—I don’t.” I leaned in and gave him his first kiss from me. It lasted a couple of minutes. As he kissed back, I felt a jolt of energy. I shivered all over. It was beautiful. We stopped kissing. He pulled off a ring that was sitting on his pinky finger. He put it onto my left ring finger.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…”

“No, I want to go steady with you.” He smiled and looked me right in the eye. We kissed for the second time. The second one was even better than the first.

“I love you.”

“I know.” I cleared my throat. “I mean, I love you too.” Judd laughed.

“There’s that innocence I love about you.” We kissed again. As I said, with each kiss, my love grew stronger. “Hey, you want to see a late night show? My treat.”

“Of course I do.”

“Oh, one more thing, I have got to tell you something, something my mother said to me before she died. I didn’t want to tell you before because I wanted you to fall in love with me first.”

“You’re not an alien are you?” Judd laughed. He pulled his curly hair back.

“No, nothing like that.” He looked at his watch and then stared at the rain as it was coming down.. Judd wasn’t about to let his girl friend go out in the rain. I liked the sound of that. Girlfriend, I was Judd Kane’s girlfriend and he was my boyfriend. It was as if it was meant to be. “I’ll tell you on the way to the theatre otherwise we’ll miss the show.”

“Alright.”

“I love you.”

“Not half as much as I love you.”

“Isn’t this more fun than the question game?”

“Oh you better believe it! Now, get going, we’re going to be late.”

“Now remember, I got to tell you about it, it will just sway your decisions in my direction.”

“Will you get out of here already,” I laughed. He saluted me like I was a soldier in his army. I had to laugh. Judd could be such a goof at times. I really liked that about him.

As he crossed the street to get the car, one swerved around the corner. It didn’t stop, it just kept going. What was going on? Why wasn’t the car stopping? No, the man was waving Judd to get out of the way and honking his horn. Judd looked up just as he got hit.

I screamed out in agony and ran outside to where the car had hit him. How could this happen? Why was this happening? His head was bleeding. I didn’t know what was wrong. He looked sore all over. I couldn’t help him. I kept screaming for someone to call 9-1-1 but would they? I needed them to. “He’s bleeding” and “He needs help” were two of the phrases I couldn’t stop saying.

No, it wasn’t fair…it wasn’t fair at all. How could this happen to him? We were going to see a movie. Just the two of us. And now we were both in the street, the two of us surrounded by a large crowd of people. This wasn’t supposed to happen to him. Now what was I going to do without him?