Every Rose has its Thorn

Part 1

May 16, 1961
Flora, Mississippi

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I woke up that morning right at five AM, just like I'd done for as long as I can remember. I glanced out the window to see the sun beginning to rise. As much as I'd rather go back to sleep, I dragged myself out of my small bed and started my routine.

I quickly put on some old jeans and a random flannel with the sleeves rolled up. I slipped on my boots and messed with my hair, deciding to just wear my cowboy hat.

I left my room quietly, careful not to wake my little sister, and made it downstairs without doing so.

I went outside to our large land and went to find my father. He was usually already out working this early. Eventually, I found him at the horse stable feeding the horses.

"Mornin, pops."

"Hey there son. You know your chores for the day?"

"Course."

"Okay then. If you have extra time, why don't you take Missy for a little ride. She hasn't been out in a while." He said.

"Sure thing." I smiled.

Missy was my favorite horse of ours. She's a little older than most of the others but I got along with her good.

I left the horse stable and got on to start my chores for today. First thing I had to do was feed the pigs and then the cows.

I began to head over there when I saw my mother further out in the land washing clothes in a tub of water then hanging them up on the clothes line. Our german shepherd named Scout was sitting next to her. She caught me and called me over.

"Hey there, Weston." She greeted.

"Hey, Ma."

Scout barked to greet me and walked over to my feet. I pet him on the head and behind his ear where his sweet spot was.

We had Scout on the farm since I was little. And we were best buds for sure.

"Is your sister still sleeping?" Ma asked.

"Yeah, she was when I left."

"Okay then. She needs to get up soon so we can do her school for the day."

Instead of my sister and I going to school, my mother has always taught us here on the farm. It was easier for us. This way, we still have time for work but learned what we needed. I stopped going to school in the first grade. But I'm done with school now since I'm nineteen, so I haven't worried about it.

I walked over to one of the sheds, Scout following me now, where we keep the animals food and stacks of the pigs feed on top the food for the cows. I made the trips and got the animals fed, then heard someone calling my name.

I could recognize that sweet voice anywhere.

I turned and saw Rita Jane, calling for me from the other side of the fence that separated our family's farms.

I smiled when my eyes met hers.

Rita was Beautiful. She has golden red hair that was always messy in a way from her constant work on the farm, and wispy bangs that sat perfectly in front of her face. She has tawny green eyes that glistened and a golden smile that was shaded by her cowgirl hat.

"Hello, Rita." I beamed, meeting her at the tall fence.

"Hello, Weston." She cheered.

Rita and I grew up together. Our families have always been real close. I guess I've kinda had a thing for her since we were kids, but I don't think she's ever felt the same way. We were just so used to each other. Neither of us had ever been away from the farm.

"What are you up to?" I asked her.

"I was just cleaning up around the yard. What are you doing?" She asked.

"Just feeding the animals."

Scout jumped up to lean against the fence in front of Rita and licked her face. Rita laughed and gave him head scratches.

I admired her beauty and expression of happiness. Rita was the kind of girl who was always smiling. I loved that about her.

"I'm taking Missy for a ride later. Would you wanna come along?" I asked her.

"Yeah, that'd be nice. How about at dusk?"

"Sure thing."

"Rita, come help me in the stable!" Her father called in the distance.

"Well, I gotta go. I have a lot of work to do today."

"See you later, Rita."

"You too, Weston." She smiled, then turned and walked away.

Shortly after, I felt a small tug at the bottom of my flannel. I looked down and saw my four year old sister, looking up at me after getting my attention.

"Hey there, Josie." I smiled, picking her up in my arms. "You're finally awake."

"We need to feed the chickens." She said.

Josie loved the chickens. Maybe because they were more her size than the other animals were. We'd bring new chickens in pretty often and always let her name them. She found much joy in that.

"Well let's go feed them then." I said.

I set her down and watched as she ran to the feed shed, Scout running right beside her. I finally caught up with them, got the bag of chicken food, then walked with them to the chicken coop.

We entered the small fence surrounding the coop, but I made sure Scout stayed outside the fence and not to scare the chickens. I gave Josie some of the food and let her feed them while I went around and collected the eggs into the small basket we leave outside the coop.

Josie had the time of her life doing that, then we left the chicken coop.

"Ma wants you to do school." I informed her.

She scoffed and attempted to roll her eyes and I laughed at her. She probably picked that up from my father.

"I think she's in the kitchen baking pies by now. C'mon, we'll go find her." I said, taking her little hand gently.

I walked her there and left her with my mother. Now, I was able to get back to my own chores. I went around and fed the rest of the animals, did dirt work over the yard, and helped my father with some things.