Texas Stars ✓

Chapter 23 - Filled With Thorns

        Debbie

        Today marks one week from the barn raising, I counted the days on my fingers. I had drawn lines in the ground, counting the days as they went by.

        Thinking about that day left a bad taste in my mouth, If I ever see Caroline Edwards again, she is as good as... 

        I stopped my thoughts before I started planning on murdering her. 

        Today is also the day we meet up at the well, My heart started beating faster just at the thought, Just remember what Isaac told you and you'll be fine. Let's hope. 

        "Girl!" I cringed. Why did Murdock always have to sound so harsh? 

        "Yes?" I closed my eyes and I could feel a headache coming on.

        "You're comin' with me," He yanked my wrist and I stumbled after him. 

        Unfortunately for me, the rope (the one tied to my waist) was still tied to the tree.

        "Oww oww oww!" I cried, first it was my hand being torn off, now it was my whole body being torn in half. Well, maybe not quite that bad.

        "Keep it down girl," Murdock glared but started untying the rope from the tree.

        I almost snorted, He shouts all the time. I don't see what my yelping is going to do. I scrunched my nose.

        "Joe!" Murdock dragged Joe over to where I was and started tying the rope around his waist.

        "So I'm stuck to him?" I raised my eyebrow.

        Murdock was still for a moment.

        Uh-oh. Whenever he's still, he's about to blow up, I mentally prepared myself for his wrath.

        "Don't question me girl," Murdock turned around till his face was so close to mine I could feel his icy breath. It stank, "Next time you do, I'll take care of you. Real good," His eyes held something undefinable. Worse than evil. A totally different level of bad and it scared me.

        "Understand?" He was so close his nose was almost touching me. 

        I nodded.

        "Good. Now go!" He pointed east and Joe started heading in that direction.

        "Don't question Murdock Deb!" Joe whispered fiercely once Murdock was far ahead.

        I pouted, "He needs to be put in his place."

        "But you're too small to do that Debbie!" Joe huffed.

        "Look Joe," I clenched my teeth, "I'm glad that you're concerned, but just because I'm short and thin, doesn't mean I can't look after myself. And I'm not even that short."

        "But Deb-" Joe started.

        "Joe, listen, I can always kick Murdock where it hurts, if need be. Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I can't defend myself," I took a deep breath in attempt to calm myself down.

        Joe muttered something but didn't push it.

        I didn't get why guys thought girls were unable to defend themselves. So yes, we are weaker, and we weren't as good at it. But we weren't bad. It frustrated me.