The Runaway and the Farmer's Daughter

  Copyright 2016 by Sarah Blaylock-All rights reserved.

  In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or imprinted format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

  The Runaway and the Farmer’s Daughter

  By:Sarah Blaylock

  Chapter One

  The back of the truck was dirty and wet from the rain, but Andrew didn't have anywhere else to hide while he was on his way to Mexico. It had been three days since his partner had been murdered, and he didn't know what to do except cross the border. Everyone thought that he was the one that murdered Chris.

  Andrew and Chris had worked together as magicians for the last ten years. They’d performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, and they’d been best friends since high school. Chris was always a bit nerdy, but he was the first person to talk to Andrew when he moved to Oregon from Idaho. It was a different environment, and Andrew was lonely. He felt lucky to have Chris there to eat lunch with him and let him copy his homework.

  Chris was the one who introduced Andrew to magic. It started with a couple of card tricks, and Andrew was immediately hooked. Plus, it gave him a way to break the ice with the ladies. School became less of a priority than gigs. Andrew's parents weren't exactly thrilled, but they could see how much he was enjoying himself. Rather than nag him too much about it, they encouraged him by helping to fund new tricks and costumes. Chris was Andrew's main support, though.

  Those days were so long ago. Now, Chris was gone, and Andrew was stuck in the back of this truck, wishing that he had never been cursed with a sense of smell. When the police saw the bloody mess in their hotel suite on that fateful night, Andrew was immediately named the primary suspect. Unfortunately, they had some reason to think that. Andrew knew that he didn't stand a chance in court, so he decided to flee. It wasn't easy, with the paparazzi surrounding the hotel, trying to get a shot of him. Vultures. However, he did manage to convince a friend to help him escape. Being a magician does have its benefits, after all.

  It would take about three days for Andrew to be taken to safety. Luckily, border patrol was more lenient about who they let out of the country compared to who admitted. Still, he would have to assume a new identity and change his appearance. His whereabouts were now a mystery for the tabloids to speculate about. They would write damning books about him, and they would slander his name. It didn't matter. He wasn't Andrew Kloopa anymore. He didn't know who he was.

  The bumps in the road were especially annoying. Andrew would try to take a nap and find himself woken up by his head being banged against the hard floor of the truck. He would take a deep breath and just tried to go back to sleep.

  “Welcome to your new home, hombre!” Andrew heard. The voice was loud, deep, and playful. A light poured into the back of the truck as the door was opened. Brian was standing in front of him with a big smile. Brian was the friend that Andrew hired to get him across the border. He wasn't smiling because he was happy for Andrew; he was smiling because now that the job was done, he was going to get the other half of his payment.

  “Thank you,” Andrew said, finally getting out of the truck. His legs could barely remember how to walk, and Andrew was finally able to get sunshine and fresh air.

  “I don't know why you chose this place. It looks beat down to me. I don't even see a Taco Bell. Isn't this Mexico, homes? Where are the beaches? And the margaritas?”

  “Thank you,” Andrew said again, handing Brian his wad of cash.

  “What are you going to do now?”

  “I guess I'm going to have to find a real job. Find a place to live. I probably need a name.”

  “Well, good luck, brother. I hate to leave you stranded, but I have things that I have to do,” Brian said.

  “I get it. I should probably start looking for a job anyway. Thanks again,” Andrew said.

  Mexico is a beautiful country, but Andrew was starting to realize that he wasn't in one of the beautiful areas. It was dustier than the truck, and it was hot. Furthermore, Andrew could hardly speak Spanish. As he walked down the first dirt road he saw, he came across two young girls speaking lively. They were using their hands, and they were laughing. Andrew couldn't understand a word of it, though. One of the girls was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She was short, petite, and she wore a simple dress. She had black hair that flew across her face in the breeze, and she had an infectious laugh that warmed Andrew's heart.

  “Hola,” Andrew said as he walked past the beautiful girl and her friend. They giggled to each other and continued down the road.

  The town that Andrew picked was small. He chose it in large part for that reason. Nobody would recognize him, and no one would look for him there. He figured that after the media frenzy died down a bit, he would be able to find a more enjoyable location on a beach with drinks and women in bikinis.

  Andrew looked around and saw plenty of small stands with fruits and other foods. He also saw small stands with clothing and jewelry. Tiny houses lined the road, and the people were happy. Andrew found a small saloon and decided that he would start there to look for a job and a place to live. Andrew smiled at the man behind the bar, but he instantly gave him a mean look.

  “Hey. I was hoping that I could get myself a beer,” Andrew said.

  The bartender looked at Andrew with a strange look.

  “Cerveza?” Andrew asked. Andrew realized that he probably should have spent his time in the back of the truck brushing up on his Spanish.

  “Here you go,” the bartender said in perfect English, handing Andrew his beer. “We don't get too many Americans here. What, are you running from the law or something?”

  Andrew tried not to sound too nervous when he chuckled. The last thing he needed was for people to learn about what he had done.

  “Nope. Just a traveler looking to see some of the places that aren't advertised in the brochures,” Andrew said convincingly (he hoped).

  “Well, there are a lot of sights to see around here if you look hard enough. You have to be careful, though. Many people don't trust Americans around here,” the bartender said. “Many people think that you guys are rude.”

  “Hopefully I can help change that perception,” Andrew smiled. He then left a generous tip on the bar.

  “You're off to a good start, amigo!”

  “I'm thinking of settling down for a little bit to really get accustomed to the area and the culture. Do you know how I could find some work to support myself?” Andrew asked. “I don't need a fancy job or anything. Just something to keep a roof over my head and some food and drink in my stomach.”

  “I do know that there's a farm down the road that is hiring basic laborers. I'm not sure how excited they will be to hire you on, though. You'll have to find out,” the bartender told him.

  “I'll head over tomorrow and find out if they can keep me on. Thanks,” Andrew said. “Now, do you know anywhere for me to sleep?”

  “And what are you going to do if I don't know a place for you to sleep?”

  “I'd get well acquainted with the rattlesnakes, I guess,” Andrew laughed.

  “Lucky for you there's an inn a few buildings down. Nothing fancy, but you won't have to worry about the snakes while there. Well, you won't have to worry about them as much.”

  Andrew had another beer and thanked the bartender before heading over to the inn. The bartender was right when he said that it wasn't anything special. It was a small room with the most basic of basic amenities, but Andrew felt lucky to have it. He spen
t the night in bed staring up at the ceiling, trying to forget the horrible, bloody mess that Chris had become and the fact that everyone thought that he was guilty. The thoughts wouldn't leave his mind, though. He just hoped that one day he would be able to forget about the horrible night and only remember Chris fondly.

  Chapter Two

  The first thing Andrew did the next day was head over to the farm that the bartender told him about. It was easy enough to find, only about a mile down the only road in town. He knew that farmers started work early in the morning, so Andrew got there by six o'clock. He didn't see anyone in the fields yet, so he knocked on the door of the small farmhouse.

  To his surprise, the girl from the day before answered the door.

  “Hola,” the young girl said.

  “Hi!” Andrew said warmly. “Do you speak English?”

  “Yes. A little. They taught us in the school,” she said.

  “My name is Andrew. What's your name?”

  “My name is Josefina. What can I help you?”

  Andrew thought that her English was charmingly broken, yet still very good.

  “Is your father home? I am looking for work,” Andrew said.

  “Si! Yes. Papá!” Josefina screamed, running back inside.

  Soon, a tall man with a thick mustache, dark skin, and strong arms showed up at the door.

  “Hello. Josefina told me that an American boy was at the door looking for work,” the man said.

  “Yes. I'm looking to settle down for a little bit, and I was hoping to get some work.”

  “My name is José. It's not easy work, and it's not the greatest pay. However, I have plenty of work for the season, if you're interested.”

  “Definitely!” Andrew said enthusiastically. “I just need something to support myself. I don't need a lot of luxuries.”

  “Well, good. I'm not looking for a prissy boy. You won't do good here if you are. It's hard work, and it's hot,” José said.

  “That's fine by me.”

  “We don't get too many Americans around here. What brings you to our small town?” José asked.

  “I'm just an adventurous spirit who wants to experience how other people in the world live,” Andrew announced.

  “You might not want to say that around too many people here. They would happily kill an American for a chance to have just a little bit of the comfort that you are automatically given in your country,” José said. “I, on the other hand, appreciate someone who wants to see the world. It's not something my children have been able to do.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Andrew said.

  “No more chit chatting. It's about time to get to work. I hope you had some breakfast because everything inside was just put away,” José said.

  Andrew never realized exactly how spoiled that he had been in America. His days consisted of going from magic gig to magic gig. He enjoyed comfortable hotels and travel. He also never worked a long day in the heat in his entire life. The sweat fell down his face at an alarming rate. He could smell himself, and he smelled like a hunk of meat left out in the sun for far too long. He refused to admit that he was tired, though. He continued working, and he worked hard. He knew that if he didn't impress José that he would be without any money very soon. He continued to work and work hard. At one point, Josefina came out into the fields with more water for the men. There were other workers, too. José kept close to Andrew, though. It was to train him and keep an eye on him. Josefina looked happy to bring everyone water. She smiled up at Andrew while he was working, and then she skipped her way to the other workers.

  Twelve hours later, the day was finally done. They were only finished because the sun was starting to decline. Andrew nearly fell to the ground in relief when he was finally told that he would be able to go back home for the day.

  “You did well,” José said.

  “Thank you, sir. I hope you want me to come back tomorrow,” Andrew said.

  “Absolutely. You clearly haven't worked on a farm before, but you are a hard worker. I'd be happy to have you back,” José smiled.

  “Great!”

  “As a new worker, you're welcome to stay for dinner tonight and meet the family.”

  Andrew eagerly accepted the offer. He hoped to talk to Josefina more. He just had to be sure to be respectful to her in front of her family.

  The house was small, but very warm. People talked happily, and the house smelled like chicken and spices. Colorful decorations adorned the house, and there was music playing.

  “Hey, everybody! I want everyone to meet Andrew,” José said.

  The family consisted of an older, plump woman named Lupe, Josefina, a young boy about the age of five named Mario, and a little girl around the age of two named Maria. Josefina and Lupe were the loudest in the family, talking wildly while they cooked and served dinner. Andrew was extraordinarily welcomed. He made a point to sit next to Josefina at the table.

  “So how did you like working on the farm today?” Josefina asked Andrew.

  “It was hard,” Andrew admitted.

  José laughed.

  “The young man definitely learned how to work today,” he belted out. “He did a good job. He must be tired as all hell now, though. Eat up, Andrew! You're going to need your energy for tomorrow. If you thought that today was bad, you're really going to feel it tomorrow when you work all day while sore.”

  “Well, I'm excited,” Andrew smiled. “Josefina, Lupe, the food is absolutely amazing!”

  “Thank you,” Lupe said. “It's just a simple meal tonight.”

  “This is much better than the Mexican food that they serve in America,” Andrew told them.

  “Ah, that's not Mexican food!” José said. “They wouldn't know what a hot pepper is if they bit right into it. And they don't have the right spices. They don't even make the meat right.”

  “Do they have Taco Bell here?” Andrew asked.

  “Not here,” Josefina laughed. “But in the big cities they do. It's junk here, and it's just in America. Our food from home is much better.”

  “I believe it!” Andrew told her. “So, how old are you, Josefina?”

  “I'm eighteen,” she answered. “You?”

  “I'm twenty-two,” Andrew replied.

  “And you have no wife?” Lupe asked. “Most men around here have a wife by your age.”

  “Nope. I've never had a wife. I'm enjoying the single life until I find a woman that makes me want to settle down.”

  “Don't wait too long now,” Lupe said. “Time passes by very quickly.”

  “I won't pass up the chance when I see it. I promise you that,” Andrew reassured her.

  “Good to hear,” Lupe approved.

  “So how long are you going to be around? Are you going to be here for the entire season?” José asked.

  “I definitely plan to stay at least through harvest,” Andrew told him. “I don't want to leave you hanging.”

  “Good. I don't have as many workers as I usually do this season. You are needed,” José said.

  They took their time talking, laughing, and finishing dinner. Andrew didn't want to leave when he saw that everyone was picking up their plates and taking them to the kitchen.

  “Can I help you clean up?” Andrew asked.

  “Leave that to the women!” José said.

  “No! I am not above any chores,” Andrew insisted, and he picked up his plates and brought them into the kitchen. Lupe and Josefina both looked surprised at his willingness to help. He helped them clean and took his time telling everyone goodbye.

  On his walk home, he started to grow accustomed to his new surroundings. The dusty smell was becoming more and more fragrant. The heat wasn't bothering him anymore, either. The cool air when the sun fell really helped. He went home and he took a cold shower in the inn's showers and went to bed.

  The next morning, Andrew could feel the pain in his legs and his arms. He didn't want to get up, let alone work for another twelve hours. He knew that he didn't hav
e an option, though. He toughed it out, and he made his way to the farm again. He got there at the same time as he did the day before, and with a smile on his face. He knocked on the door, and Josefina answered again.

  “Hi! Is your father ready for work?” Andrew asked.

  “Yes. He will be out soon. Father said that you could go out to the farm with the other workers, and he will see you in a little bit,” Josefina said. “Have a good day.”

  Andrew made his way to the fields and he started working without being told what to do. He repeated the same steps as the day before and hoped that he was doing things correctly. He heard a voice bellowing above him shortly after he started.

  “Very good, gringo. You were paying attention yesterday!” José said happily.

  “I was hoping I remembered everything,” Andrew told him.

  “You're doing a good job. Keep going. I'll check on you in a little bit,” José said.

  Andrew worked proudly, knowing that he was doing a good job, and he was already allowed to work on his own on the second day. José checked on his work frequently, but he was consistently impressed with Andrew's it. The pain hurt Andrew, but he worked through it. Once again, when his workday was up, he was especially relieved to get off work.

  Andrew wasn't invited to have dinner with the family this time. José treated him like every other worker in the field. They left the field, got their pay for the day, and they all went home. Andrew didn't talk to the workers in the field too often, but they smiled politely at each other. Some of them took the same road home. Many walked further down the road than Andrew had to.

  Andrew went to the same bar that he went to the day that he arrived. The bartender smiled at him and laughed.

  “Looks like you've been working, boy!” he blurted out. “Come here and have a beer. I can get you some food from the kitchen, too.”

  “Thank you so much,” Andrew said. “I need it after the last couple of days!”

  “I take it you haven't worked like that before, huh?”

  “Never. I'm in more pain than I'd like to admit.”