Showing results by narrator "Emily Clarke" in All Categories

Tilley galloped into Judge Joe Blackwell's yard, trying not to think of what she had just witnessed. Jasper had rushed home after he had asked her to marry him yesterday, to a woman who had to be five months pregnant, his Ann. Why didn't he just tell her? But then she told him she didn't care; it was not as if she didn't have enough shit going on in her life at the moment.

Justene Bell always wanted to travel, to escape the valley she had existed in for many years. Her spiritual mother, Odesa Freewoman Bell expects the same sacrifices from this girl, the one she had stolen as her own daughter. Together they claim the Bell House, for in the backyard lies a horrible family secret.

Mag stiffened her backbone before glancing up at the slight movement on the third-floor window: A woman, really only a shadow, stood behind the sheer flowing drapes. Mag felt the intense hatred of the glaring face. Shyly lowering her gaze, Mag realized the maid Dansie already hated her too. It had to be Dansie, for Joe said they were the only females there. Thoughts ran through her mind, "Just run, girl," as she hesitated to step up onto the porch. After that step she was obligated to go inside; but east to west, there are woods all around calling to her.

This is our story, and you will tell it someday. It is a sad tale of perseverance, overcoming many hardships, but not once in that journal let it be said that Tilley Hall gave up. She fought for her life and her sister's; whether it was a man or a nasty old bear, Tilley always won. You, dear sister, will always win.