Torqued Tales
"Jack and the Big Ole Pinto Bean"

"Jesus H. Christ!"

The words woke Jack up, which was usually the job of their old rooster, who would crow just before dawn.

Jack sat up, blinking, dappled sunlight shining on his toes. Lord, he usually woke up well before now. What was keeping it so dark out there that the sun barely came through?

"Is it coming up a storm, lover?" he asked, trying to unkink his neck.

"No! Jack, you got to come look!"

Well, at least Dane didn't sound mad no more. So Jack went out, stumbling over some sort of root as he walked into the chicken yard.

"Lord Almighty!" he exclaimed, looking up at the giant beanpole that had appeared overnight. "What in tarnation is that?"

"Well, it¹s a great big ole pinto bean, Jack. Did you plant them beans?"

"I threw them right outside...." Well, Hell. They was magic.

"They grew right up to the sky!"

Indeed, the glossy green leaves and giant pea pods went on as far as the eye could see. "And without no water, even."

Dane scratched a foot in the dirt. "I'm sorry, honey. I surely am. I shoulda believed you. Though what we'll do with beans that big...."

"Did you at least like the candy?" he asked, moving close, his hand on Dane¹s cheek.

"I did." He got a smile, a kiss on the palm. " I had one piece and saved the rest. You want some coffee?" They had a bit left, and Dane had been hoarding it. He must feel bad, iff'n he was willing to boil some up.

"I do," Jack said, just happy to be back in Dane's good graces. The beanstalk could wait.

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