Indebted To My Greenwood Cowboy

ONE

Looking out the window with my arms wrapped around my back pack. I've been going from bus to bus trying to decide when is far enough. Distance is the best chance I have to make it. I would try for out of the country but wasn't able to snag my passport from my father's office in time. "Entering Texas. There is four stops before we hit Houston Texas" the bus intercom announces. I began to drift off into sleep. I have been fighting it since I escaped. A few hours pass and then I feel the bus come to a stop. I glance around. There isn't much here but enough to make a pleasant small town. "This is the Greenwood, Texas stop" the intercom blasts through out the bus.

I stand up and toss the back pack over one shoulder. I walk off the bus, "This could be my new start" I mumble under my breath. I walk into the gas station and grab a bottle of water from the cooler to the back of shop. I walk to the counter and set the drink down. "$1.20" the elder lady says. I hand her the exact amount after digging around my change pocket for the exact change. 

"Are you another person traveling on the bus?" The elder lady asks curiously. The lady looks to be at least in her early sixties. She has grey hair that is cut into a bob framing her face. "Actually this is my stop" I smile. She instantly looks excited, "My name is Mary, dear. Do you have family here or is it just you youngin' " she questions. "My name is Gracie. It's just me" I pause in though, "Do you know of anyone hiring or a recommendation of a place to stay?" 

Mary grabs a pen and starts jotting down something at a note pad. "I would recommend the inn down the road. Not to far. Brent and Beth run it. For a job wise I've listed a few places that may be looking for help. You could also ask Brent and Beth too. It's a small town" Mary says then rips the piece off paper off the pad and hands it to me. "I hope I get to see you again Gracie" she says. I fold the piece of paper and place it in my back pocket of my jeans. "Thank you Mary. I appreciate it" I wave and walk out and head in the direction of the town.

I walk into town and head straight to the inn. I only pass by a few people which makes me wonder how people live in this town. As soon as I enter a woman who looks like she is in her early thirties. "Welcome to the Greenwood inn. I'm Beth. How may help you dear?" She asks with a genuine smile. "Hi Beth. My name is Gracie. I was looking for a place to temporarily rent. Mary that works at the gas station on the edge of town recommend I come here" I answer. I run my hands through my hair trying to contain my nerves. "Oh Mary, bless her heart" she grabs my hand gently, "follow me and I will take you to your room. How long are you planning to stay?" 

We walk up stairs and takes me to the second room on the left. After opening the room, "if I find a job I hope to sick around for awhile" I tell her as I walk in to look at my accommodations. "Lovely, we always enjoy having new people in town. Is there anything in particular you were looking for work?" She asks. I shake my head no. "My brother in law Chaz has been looking for help with his work. I could ask him if he is still looking for someone" she smiles. "That would be great!" "Okay Gracie, I'll let you settle in. Let me know if you need anything" and with that Beth leaves closing the door behind her.

After setting the bag on the ground at the end of the bed I lay down. I wonder how pissed my father is. Just kidding. I know he is on a rampage right now trying to track me down. I pray to God he doesn't though.

Flashback
"Yes father you wanted to see me" I sit in the seat in front of his desk. Without looking up he continues typing away on his laptop. "In two months time there will be a wedding. You are expected to take care off your dress nothing more. Your fiance's family will take care off the rest. I don't want hear any of your bickering or how this is unfair. It's happening so get over it and put a smile on your face Grace" he says in a stern voice.

Being shocked is an under statement! This is ridiculous! I stand up and go to walk out but not before I say, "it's Gracie." I storm to my room and its filled with maids putting my things in suitcases and boxes. "What the hell!"

 A older maid that has been working here since I was 5 walked to me. "I'm sorry Gracie, I wish we could do something to help you" she says softly. I take a deep breath. "Where I'm I going" Pointing to the suitcases. "Your father is having you move in the house of the man you are going to marry" she mumbles. What?! I sit on the bed. 

Opal turns to the two other maids that are still packing my things. "Lacey and Kay please excuse us for a minute" they nod and leave without any hesitation. Opal sits next to me and pats my knee, "honey, your twenty two. If this isn't what you want, leave" she sighs, "I have seen grow up and you don't deserve this. You are bright and intelligent. Your father has lost his way with what is right and wrong since your poor mother died." Thinking about my mom and her reaction to this was enough for me to make my decision, "I'm running away" I whisper.