Hell and Determination Read Free

a knowing gesture.

                                                           C HAPTER TWO
      Jo tossed and turned her mind in a turmoil her Pa repeating the words over and over, “I gave my word,”  which meant more to him than his own daughter, she had known for a long time there would be no love lost between them though to what length he’d go she couldn't imagine till this very day.
                   Brandon was her main concern how irrational she had been, allowing him to manipulate her so easily.
The pulse in her head seemed to beat against her brain has she fought desperately with sleep, there seemed no way out her Pa had offered to buy her wedding outfit, Brandon was arranging the date with the reverend, if only she could disappear, Disappear!  The answer stirred her in the face all this time, she jolted from the bed the cold floor boards penetrating her feet, and she strolled towards the window wiping away the condensation, before peering out at the flowing river.
               Could this be the night playing games with her boggled brain, or could she find the courage to start a new life on her own?
               
               The following morning Jo watched as her Pa and Giles made their way down the mountain pass in the clapped out pickup.
She felt jaded with the restless night and the morning chores made her weary, with the last of the fire logs resting in the nook of her arm she made her way indoors placing them as she did every day, carefully on the stone hearth.
               Still fresh in her mind the thought of her own independence no more subordination, the more she toyed with the idea the more stretched her nerves became.
Maybe it would be easier to marry, though the thought of spending the rest of her life with Brandon brought no consolation.
            Lidia was aware of her sisters torment even though Jo proved stronger in mind, never once had she felt any envy there had been times she wondered how much more Jo could take, but she always came smiling through in defence. She was no longer sure what was going on in her mind, though she had a feeling that life would never be the same.
         The eggs she had collected had been placed on the table and she peered around the doorframe looking for her sister.’“Jo,” Lidia called.
         “Up here” she replied, “wait I’m coming down.”
Lydia stood wide eyed and speechless watching as Jo descended the wooden ladder that served has a stairway, transformed into the male species in denim jeans and Giles’s felt cowboy hat, her hair tied on top of her head with only one fine strand to render her true identity.
“Well what ya think,” Jo asked displaying her transformation.
“What am I supposed to think?” Lydia replied not sure how to respond and wanting to tread carefully in case her sister was heading for a nervous breakdown.
“Would anyone in town recognize me like this? I doubt it,” still unsure what purpose it was meant to serve, “come on Jo what’s this all about.” I’m leaving .I have had no life since Ma died  and that was too long ago to recall, I have no intentions of being a slave for anyone else.’
Lidia understood her eyes heavy with concern as she gripped her sister's hand in comfort, “Be careful Jo -where will you go?
“I've checked  the timetable for the bus route to Seattle, and I’ve saved enough to last a few weeks once the fare had been paid, which believe me will take a large chunk, I have all my documents and hope to find work, but please not a word to anyone, will you walk most of the way with me? I could do with some support.”
                        With the large canvas bag over her shoulder Jo headed down the mountain pass glad of Lidia’s company ,discussing various