Chapter 8— FEBRUARY

It was a busy time for everyone in Callington town, as we all made plans for Spring. David Thompson too was very much busy, I had gone over to his house earlier before, he was usually out.

He would go to the nearest town to get things for the ranch or he'd be with some other folks training for the interview and the job. Though I did see him a few times run into his house at night, then he'd call our phone to 'hear my voice'. Of course we'd talk about a few, about the things we've said and not said, those conversations were just splendid!

"So, when do you plan on leaving Callington to Sydney?" I inquired as I sat on a chair that rested on the wall close enough to the phone which hung on the wall.

"In a week's time, as I have been informed".

"That's great! I hope you get the job Dave".

"Yeah me too, thanks love, you know, they do pay a lot".

"Hmm, money huh?" I teased him.

"Yeah, do I sound greedy?" We both laughed.

"Just a teensy bit, Sydney boy".

"Any news on Mr Frank?"

I felt broken the moment he asked that question.

"I just wish I was dreaming so I would wake up from this Mr Frank nightmare".

"How about this, after I get the job you'd come with me". He sounded so serious. I loved the idea to run away, but to leave my Father felt sad. It took me a while to reply David.

"That'd be nice, yes! Let's do it love". We were happy at the plan we made, a promise and a hope!

************

David had gone for his interview in the big city, we kissed and hugged that day before he left. It felt like we wouldn't see ever again after the goodbye.

Later hours of that day, the unecpected happened! Mr Frank, a lawyer and two other persons arrived at the house. I had to stay in my room listening and waiting for the next unpleasant surprise and there it was, I would be wedded that very evening February 12, 2000.

They were all sophisticatedly dressed, others served as witnesses. The papers were lying on the table in our living room. I burst into tears in my silent room till my heart ached no more, I rested, washed my face, applied a few touches here and there and wore a black long gown with a white, pair of sneakers on my feet, my hair was held up with a blue ribbon.

Somehow, I found courage; enough to sign the papers and take a photo beside my new old husband. It was all too sudden and final. I was to leave for Frank's house the next day. I really wanted to see David before I left, he would return the following day.

"Father, how could you do this to me? I thought you loved me no matter what". With tears streaming down my cheeks, I raised my voice at my Father.

"I love you Susan, I'm doing this for both of us, can't you see, he'll treat you like a Queen!"

"I'm no Queen Father! The truth, I can see clearly now, you have sold me out for money, you only love money. This is what you wanted from the start! Father please don't leave me". I still begged him. For some reason I wanted to be here with my Father.

"The deed is done Susan you are Frank's wife now!".

"You gave me no time for anything at all, do you even know that I love David? He's the one who'll treat me like a Queen, not old Frank. Father you have destroyed me!". I fell on my knees in front of my Father. "I have to see David before I go!". These words came out softly almost out of ears shot.

"You have no say in this Susan, if your husband agrees, so be it!". He replied without a care in his voice. He only walked by me leaving me on the floor, turning his back against me, again!

"I'll never forgive you Father! Never!". I screamed at him with so much pain, anger and fear.

Just then, Mr Andrew and his wife came at the door.

"Susan, Philip! Are you guys ok? Why such angry voices?!". They were concerned.