The Turning Point

CHAPTER THIRTEEN- THE RIVER

Heloyse

Two months had passed, and I still couldn't quite believe my new reality. I felt good.

The Ferrel property was vast, though not as large as the O'Connor or White ranches. It was surrounded by a long fence, and there was always something for Thom to fix. The work there absorbed me, like free therapy.

Whenever I went to town with Cielo, Johnson would flirt with me, but getting involved with anyone wasn't in my plans.

I ran into Patsy a few times in town. And if I had suspected any animosity from her before, now I was sure. Her looks were a mix of judgment and disdain, followed by fake smiles. On the other hand, Selena, Patsy’s younger sister, was charming.

Red-haired like her sister, but much more affable and kind.

I finished changing some plant seedlings in the pots and looked out over the farm. The scorching heat made me seek refuge inside the house. I took off my hat and wiped the sweat from my forehead. I needed to cool off. Grabbing the pitcher of juice from the refrigerator, I poured myself a glass. I remembered the river Cielo had mentioned, and that the best part was on O'Connor’s property.

Nothing better than sitting by a river with a book. Cielo had lent me Crooked House by Agatha Christie. I loved that author’s books.

I took the truck and followed the road. A few minutes later, I parked the truck under a tree and walked toward the river. There was a fence separating the part I was in from the more inviting section of Mr. O'Connor’s land.

His vegetation was well-maintained, and in the water, there were stones where I could sit and enjoy the place. Some trees provided dense shade, offering relief from the intense heat.

The river ran through the entire property. From there, the farmhouse couldn’t be seen. I could jump the fence, and no one would notice.

That’s exactly what I did.

“Damn!” I muttered as I slipped under the fence.

My hair, which always lived in a bun, got a strand caught in the barbed wire. I pulled it loose, picked up the book from the ground, and headed for a tree near the edge.

"That William sure lucked out," I thought.

He had a "gold mine" in his hands. I’d love to have a house with a river. I had never seen a place like this. The water was so clear I could see the small stones at the bottom.

"I found paradise."

I stayed there for a long time. I lay under the tree and took a nap. Around two in the afternoon, I gave in to the desire to get in the water.

Cielo had assured me that it was rare for anyone to go to that part of the river, especially on weekdays, since most people had pools on their properties. Thom was even getting one ready.

I took off my tank top, staying only in my bra and jean shorts.

When I plunged in, the sensation was so good that I floated with my eyes closed, while the sound of the leaves swaying in the trees and the sound of the water filled my ears. If I could, I would’ve spent the entire day there, filling my lungs with the air of the region and listening to the murmur of the current.

I let my long hair down and gave a light moan of pleasure as the water caressed my skin.

"I ought to let the dogs run loose. That'd keep folks off the property."

The voice sounded in my ears, and soon a shiver ran through my body. The shock made my veins pulse, and I quickly opened my eyes, turning toward the voice.

"Good heavens! Oh, good heavens!"