The Oregon trail

Living nightmare

Alex's P.O.V

"Good morning Mr Goodwill," I greeted as I walked into the bank, the bell ringing loudly above me. "Ah, Miss Alex, a pleasure as always," he smiled, "What can I do for you?" He asked as he leant on the till.

"I was wondering if you had seen Devon around, we had plans this morning and he seems to be running late," I replied, "Oh? That's unlike my son,". He stated furrowing his brows in confusion.

Mr Goodwill looked around the otherwise empty bank, it was still too early for most people to be up, let alone be conducting a business transaction.

"Sweet heart, I'm just taking Alex to go find Devon," he called out to his wife, who walked in at that very moment, from the back room. The blonde woman smiling brightly up at me as soon as she saw me. "Oh good morning Alex I never heard you come in," she smiled, "Alright, I'm certain he was over at the livery stable," she told her husband as she kissed him on the cheek.

Mr Goodwill ducked under the countertop as he lifted the lid. "Have a good day Sheila," I told her as her husband ushered me out the door, holding it open for me.

The sun shone brightly as we walked down the bank steps, the birds singing loudly as they ducked and dove through the air. Twirling effortlessly as they danced above us.

Devon was my childhood sweetheart. The two of us growing up together, our families close friends. He had finished his schooling the year prior, being a year older than me. His parents running the town bank, he had gone out and worked for the black smith once he had left.

"I was glad to hear that you excepted Devons proposal," Mr Goodwill commented as we crossed the street, "You've matured into a lovely young woman," he praised. I couldn't help but blush at his words. The familiar giddy feeling I felt only a week prior when I turned to find Devon on one knee, returned full force.

It was a dream come true. I didn't think twice before I said yes. I had known Devon since I was a child, there was no one else I could imagine spending all my life with.

With light blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a mischievous grin that never failed to make my heart flutter. He was tall with broad shoulders, a comedic humour matching his personality. He was a hard worker, even if he was a bankers son. A fact I liked to tease him about frequently.

"I was glad to receive it," I admitted. Devon having promised me a spring wedding, the moment I graduated. The two of us already making plans for the future. Our hearts were set on a house with a few acres of land, not more than a five minute ride from town. Close enough for him to still go to work. Devon had been saving up for it all year.

"He would be a fool not to," he reassured me, patting my hand, as we walked arm and arm down the street. "Speaking of fools, where is your Pa?" He winked playfully, "He went to the connivence store, we needed some more flour and salt at home," I replied, as he opened the sliding door to the livery. "I must catch up with him,".

Devon and I were going down to the stream to enjoy a picnic and some fishing. He had organised a shaded buggy for the both of us to ride out in. Insisting only the best for me when I had suggested just riding out on our own horses. It wasn't like I did not know how to ride, I was practically born in the saddle, a very rare occurrence for a woman.