Inevitability

Chapter 22

Ride to your dreams

Ruth finds her escape plan; Carol doesn’t want her to be a runaway. 1977

Don't cross him

don't boss him

he's wild in his sorrow

he's ridin' and hidin' his pain -

Carl Stutz / Edith L Calisch Red Headed Stranger Willie Nelson – Red Headed Stranger

Inevitability

“I’m going to walk around for a while.”

“OK Baby Ruthie – should be ready to load up in about an hour.”

-

“Hi, I’m Ruth, I’ve been watching you when you come over here to New Harmony. I think you are doing a great job marketing looks like you’ve had a good day.”

“The weather was good. New Harmony is usually good for us.”

“You sold all the strawberries; I didn’t think you would ever sell all I saw your boyfriend unload.”

“JB, he’s not my boyfriend.”

“Husband?”

“JB is my neighbor. He fixes things at the farm. It was especially nice he came today. We have become friends, but we disagree a lot. This is the second year he has helped get me over here for this festival.”

“I like these little handouts you have. All the information needed to get back in touch. You sell Christmas gifts?”

“Yes, I rent the freezer part of a locker and freeze excess fruit. I then make jams and jellies. I package them after the canning for Christmas baskets. It keeps income coming in after the growing season is over.”

“If that man isn’t your husband or boyfriend, then do you run your farm by yourself?”

“I do have some kids to help part time, like Cindy is today. JB has filled many mechanical and construction needs at the farm, but I am the main labor force.”

“You do all the canning, too?”

“I am afraid it’s just me. It helps me turn a profit.”

“Do you have a nice house?”

“It is, certainly nice enough for me.”

“I’m a good worker and I really need to leave now that I’m out of school. I think my folks will marry me off if I don’t get out on my own.”

“I’m not sure I could afford a full-time employee.”

“I would work for you just for a place to stay and meals. I need to get out and try to find out what I might do. I know I could help you with all the work you’re doing. I’m not getting paid now.”

“I’ve seen you at the market. I can tell you’re a good worker, but I can only offer a share in profits that may not happen. I think your parents may want to see you get a paying job.”

“They don’t think women should work outside, they should be wives and mothers. I need to get away. I don’t want to just run off, but I may have to.”

That hit Carol, she knew this hard-working young woman was serious- “OK you can come stay at my place, but won’t your parents say no.”

“If you will just come over and tell them you need help for the summer and have offered me a job. They will agree. You won’t regret it.”

“Cindy I’ll be back. OK let’s go”

“Hi, I’m Carol Parker of Parker Produce and Fruit.”

“Yes, we’ve seen you before. Looks like you’re spreading out, more strawberries than I thought a small truck could hold.”

“We brought a trailer with my neighbor’s truck. I need a good worker the rest of the summer and I want to hire your daughter Ruth.”

“Oh, Baby Ruthie works hard alright, but I don’t know.”

“Wouldn’t be different than me being home except I’d make some money.”

“You’d pay her and keep her for the summer?”

“We’ve agreed on terms, I treat my employees fairly.”

“You live in the old Parker place, I’ve been by, reckon you’d have the room for her. Ruthie will be good help. We’ll come by Sunday afternoon and talk about it.”

“Pa, Ruthie needs to get out and this would keep her close, Mrs. Parker we’ll bring her things on Sunday. She can start helping on Monday. Glad your business is getting along.”

“See you all tomorrow afternoon.” Carol walked away pondering, I have a helper. I guess the details will work out.





photo gui