Return to Holliday Creek (14)

A Promise is a Promise

By Robert Faulkender ©

Ted believed in his head that he had put Leitha out of his mind in the same way he did Holliday Creek. In those days had no trade, no job, no prospects. First things first. Just south of Little Rock, Arkansas, he took seasonal work as a weigh station operator during the cotton harvest. The pay was good which would build up his stake. 

     Unfortunately, a few weeks into the job a teamster decided that Skillman had cheated him on a weigh-out. The man couldn’t read or write or recognize proof of an honest deal. But he was big and a bully and used to getting his own way. The first punch knocked Skillman down, but when Ted rose up and stood his ground the man pulled a knife. He was slow and not accustomed to challenge. He relied too much on his size. In two swift movements the full eight inches of blade wound up in the man’s side just below the rib cage. Not a good start.

     Skillman ran back to the warehouse; reported a man bleeding to death out at the weigh station, and immediately went into town. It was time to go; he was very familiar with small town justice: home town boy against an out-of-towner doesn’t play well. By nightfall he was camped along the Arkansas River on the way to Fort Smith.

     In the morning, a troop of cavalry passed by his camp. He decided to ride along with them to Fort Smith. By the time they arrived at the Fort, Skillman had enlisted in the army and continued on to Fort Riley for training and assignment. It wasn’t the life he dreamed of, but it drew on his experience, promised adventure, and offered great camaraderie. Dreams of a trade in the industrial east were sealed away with the memory of a girl named Leitha.

     Her note had blown open the vault. Now, by the glow from the  fireplace, the two worked out that Ted would come for Leitha in St. Louis, and stay until she sold out the hat business. They would marry, and, together, head east to catch up with Bill Hicks and his family business.

     The happiest days of both their lives flew by... and time ran out. Ted must leave in the morning.

    They sat in the little parlor. Ted was gentle but persistent. He had worked through the first six of the umpteen-button blouse when she suddenly wiggled out of his grip, stood, and pulled him up by the hand. His heart leapt. Still holding his hand, she led him to the door of Dad’s room. His heart sank. “You promised to stay in Dad’s room.” She kissed him warmly good night, and disappeared down the hall.

 

     He shut the door behind him. She is, of course, right; a promise is a promise. He pulled off his clothes and slid into bed. He needed to change his mind.