Tuesday Tales and a Twist on Fate

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! I celebrate the first Tuesday Tales in June with a brand new WIP!  This week I take you to an installment in a brand new sweet romantic YA read, Twister Fate.  This week the word prompt is "train":

Prologue
September, 1993

The smell of roasted corn, barbeque, and kettle corn filled the air.  A clear blue sky provided the perfect backdrop for the small county fair in rural Oklahoma. 
The bustle of school children out for the day created a lively atmosphere.  Each class grade manned a booth at the fair to raise money for their senior class trip. A dunk tank sat in a corner area, where the elementary principal awaited on the precarious perch for someone with impeccable aim. Ring toss, darts, and even a kissing booth boasted lines of kids and adults alike.

Scarlett Johnson and Ricky Roberts walked hand in hand checking out the winning exhibits of farm animals.
He was quiet, definitely unusual for such a normally happy junior high kid. Days rarely got better than that one, as the school administration excused classes for students to attend the fair.  She attempted to bring a smile. “Knock knock…”
He hesitated, his hand growing sweaty.  “Uh…who’s there?”
“Banana,” she replied.
“Banana who?”
“Knock knock…”
“Who’s there?” Irritation filling his voice.
“Banana.”
“Banana who?”
“Knock knock…” She started giggling.
“Aww, shucks, I know that dumb joke.” He dropped her hand and wiped his sweaty palm on his jeans.
“But, it’s the last time, please?” She batted her eyelashes, trying valiantly to conjure a smile.
“Who’s there?” He asked sullenly.
“Orange.”
“Orange who?”
“Orange you glad I didn’t say banana again?” She broke into laughter.
“Dang it, Scarlett, that jokes’ as old as we are.”
“What’s in your craw, Ricky Roberts? I swear it’s getting old trying to make you smile. I can go hand out with my friends if you’re gonna be difficult.” Scarlett tossed her head such that her pigtail braids flipped.
“Look, I’m sorry, okay? I just, I need to tell you something and I don’t know how to say it.”
‘We’ve been best friends since Kindergarten, I figured you’d know how to talk to me by now. Ain’t I your girl?”
“Yea, Scarlett, and that’s what makes it harder.” Ricky looked up with tears bubbling in his eyes.
“Oh, shoot, Ricky, what’s the matter? Did your dog die? You know I love that dog like my own.” Impulsive concern flooded her girlish face. “He’s been sick, but, I thought you said he was getting better.”
“He did, I mean, he is getting better, no he didn’t die. Honestly, it’s worse than that and up until last night, I didn’t think anything could be worse than that.”
“Please tell me, you know you’ve got me so worried now.”
“I’m moving away, Scarlett.” Tears flowed freely now down his boyish adolescent cheeks.
“What? No!” Impulsive tears sprang from her own eyes. “Your farm is here, you’ve been here forever, what do you mean you’re moving away?”
“My momma and daddy, they’re getting a divorce. Momma is taking the train somewhere north, and me and my brother and sisters gotta go with her.”
“Did you tell them you love me, that you can’t leave me?”
“They won’t listen to me, they think what we have is silly puppy love anyhow. They don’t care I’m serious about marrying you.”
“You better come back for me, Ricky Roberts, you better make me that promise right now.” Scarlett slumped into a heap onto some scattered straw outside a horse pen.
“I promise, Scarlett, I cross my heart and hope to die promise. I’ll love you forever.”




"Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their take on the word, "train". 

Comments

V.L. Locey said…
Great start to a new tale!
Jillian said…
Cute start! And I like Ricky's name. I knew a guy by that name in high school myself.
Lindsay said…
What a cute start for this book. I hope he comes back for her
Iris B said…
I know it's not what you wanted me to focus on, and apologies, but the knock knock jokes made me giggle. Especially as we've only recently been to see David Strassman and nobody kills a joke better than Ted E Bare ;-)
Hoping, that Ricky will come back for her. His emotions so well written!
triciaandersen said…
They are so sweet together. I really hope Ricky comes back for her! Can't wait to read more!

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