Chapter 2— FIRST KISS

"Father please do not do this to me, I can't marry Mr Frank!"

"The only way for me to stop mining, for us to be rich, is for you my dear, to marry my friend! He is a good man, he has enough money for both of us".

"Please Father there must be another way!"

"Enough of this Susan! There is nothing more to talk about, the deed is done".

There was nothing really I could do. I prayed, I hoped, I spent my remaining single days on the fields, I could always run to them and on them, but they couldn't see, hear or speak to me, I was truly sad.

Then there was David, he took care of his Father's cows, every morning and evening, he would bring them all out to feed on the green, fresh grasses. The cows seemed to love them. David was really good at his work, he was happy! His Father Mr Andrew Thompson, was kind and very old now. He had been a miner for many years, now he retired. He coughed sometimes because of the smoke he inhaled back in his Mining days. He found relief through his monthly medicines and healthy meals. His wife Charlotte was always there for him and he loved her greatly.

His regular check-ups helped Mr Andrew, his Doctor informed him, that his cough had cleared up well and that he would no longer need his medicines. Mr Andrew bought his first two cows with his saved up mine work salaries, his farm expanded over the years. Now, he handed it over to his son, David. Mr Andrew and family, were happy with their little farm!

I usually spent time with David and his family, they were always welcoming. Stella, David's sister, was 16, by the time I left my hometown, she was so beautiful with short, brown hair. These country fields were everything to the three of us.

David was usually quiet, I grew to love him even more, he was very easy to talk with. We would stay up late at night outside on the green grasses, after dinner.

"Susan, what do you think would happen to a cow if it lost its tail?" 

David liked silly questions, we laid together on the grasses under a dark, navy blue sky, lit up with twinkling stars. It was truly peaceful, for a moment there, I had forgotten about Mr Frank and the marriage contract.

"Well, I believe that cow would suffer a lot in the hands of flies".

"You're right Susan, isn't that sickening?"

For a moment we kept silent then we burst into laughter. David's laugh was a beautiful sound to my ears anytime. Him, I would miss the most.

At this time, David was 23 years old, he had completed his school, he did tell me a few times that he had applied for a job in the city, he was so excited, in a few weeks, he would be called to the city for an interview. I too wanted the city, but it was out of reach with Mr Frank in sight. I had to do it, I didn't want my Father to die, but he never planned his life well did he?

"Susan, are you really getting married to old Mr Frank?"

David sat up to ask me that question with all seriousness. I could see it in his eyes that night, he had hoped more from me.

"How did you know that? I thought no one else knew that", I whispered.

"Then it's true! Susan please run away with me to the city". he softly said with his hands holding mine.

"What? How would we survive? You haven't got the job, have you?"

"No, not really, but I will".

I couldn't bring myself to tell David about Mr Frank, because I wanted to always lay on the field, this field, with him. That night, David held my hand, we were both seated now.

"I have always loved you Susan. I know you can't run away from your Father and Mr Frank, but I promise, everything will be alright someday". He sounded so sure. I wanted to believe him.

"I don't believe that anymore David".

I miserably whispered with my jaw on my folded knees.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Mr Frank, it was because, I-- I love you".

David kissed me gently on my lips with such emphasis and warmth, I too agreed to the feeling, my lips pressed against his own with all sincerity, my heart was beating so fast inside me. I was so surprised but happy that he did it.