It's official...I'm addicted to BONANZA. Also to any who read the first chapter of 'Emily'..you will notice this is the same story only, I apologize...I posted it too soon. I had to yank it and fixed a few things that my friend pointed out to me and the title has changed.

DISCLAIMER: BONANZA and the original Cartwright characters are not mine...only the "guest stars" and storyline are.

Teach Me To Fly

CHAPTER ONE

Opening Scene:

"Little Joe!" Ben did not try to hide the annoyance he felt as he stormed into the house. He was covered in mud from head to toe.

Little Joe looked up from the breakfast table wondering what he was supposed to have done now. The sight that met his eyes shocked him. "What is it, Pa? What happened?"

"That dog! That dog you insisted on keeping just spooked my horse! I could have been killed when Buck threw me!" Ben put his hands on his hips, "He has been running around and causing trouble a lot of other places too! I know because Roy happened by after I was thrown and told me so! Do somethin' about that thing or I will!"

Little Joe hated the idea of getting rid of the dog but he knew better than to argue with his father too."Yes, pa." He put his fork down and got up from the table. One thing he knew-when his father was that upset (and for good cause) breakfast could wait.

He couldn't believe it took him almost an hour to find the mutt only he was horrified to watch it dart out from behind some trees and startle yet another horse-only this time the rider was a young woman and once she was thrown she didn't get up! He put his horse to a dead run hoping the young lady was still breathing.

SCENE ONE

"Did you put him down?" Ben asked sternly as Little Joe walked in the door. He'd been afraid of something this the moment he landed in that huge mudhole.

"Yes, pa. How is she?" he looked up towards the stairs. She had to be okay; she just to.

"From what Hoss said a few minutes ago Dr. Martin is still with her." Ben was concerned; Little Joe could see that, "Her family must be wonderin' where she is though."

"Gonna have to keep wonderin' until we can talk to her and get her name." Little Joe said as he sat down on the couch. He wished he'd recognized her...at least then she could be with her own family instead of the house of a stranger.

"Ben," Dr. Martin appeared at the top of the stairs, "May I talk with you?"

The grave look on the doctor's face worried Ben, the news could not be good, "Sure you may, come on down and have a seat."

As soon as he was seated, Dr Martin began talking, "She is awake but," then he paused before speaking again, "both her legs are broke; I had Hoss fetch some of the extra supplies I carry in my buggy for emergencies and set them. Also, near as I can tell, there is considerable nerve damage. Her legs did not respond in the least when I first checked them. Also, all she does is stare straight ahead and acts like she does not hear me. It may be she is still in shock; if that is the case she should be fine in a day or so. I figure yer going to have a visitor for awhile."

Little Joe gazed into the fire as the doctor spoke. Why had he not listened to Hoss? His brother had told him the animal was nothing but trouble. If Hoss said that about an animal he should have listened...the man knew animals like the back of his hand.

Paralyzed and not talking; Ben shook his head, "May I see her?"

"Go ahead, I." Doctor Martin stood up, "I will come by and check on her tomorrow."

Little Joe turned away from the fireplace and headed up the stairs behind his father. He hoped the young woman recover without a problem.

Once inside Ben stood at the side of the bed looking at the young woman; Little Joe stood at the foot of it. She didn't look a day over eighteen. "My name is Ben Cartwright," he put his hands in his pocket, "this is my son, Little Joe. The doctor says you need lots of rest and care. I hope you do not mind an old widower and his sons taking care of you for awhile."

He started to walk away but stopped as he realized their guest was following him with her eyes. His heart skipped a beat; she knew he was in the room! He took a chance, "What is your name?" She turned her eyes back the wall in front of her.

He waited for a few minutes then, sighing, headed for the door. There was work to do but first he'd have to ride into town and talk to his good friend, Sheriff Coffee. Maybe get his help in finding out who the young woman was.

When Little Joe did not move Ben said, "Come on, Little Joe. Let the young lady rest."