Chapter 2 Caught out.
Linda made sure Jack had gone and she ran down towards the river. Tom was waiting for her. As soon as he saw her , he smiled and hugged her.
" Jack threatened to harm you , cried Linda. I didn't mean for this to happen."
Tom smiled. " I can handle Jack, Linnie it's you I worry about all the time."
" I worry said Tom , that you might anger your family. You need them. You are too young to be alone. I am seventeen and my Father is a tyrant. He has no influence on me whatsoever. Your family really care for you."
" I am not alone cried Linda , I have you , and I swear I would give everything up for you Tom. My Parents can survive without me."
Tom smiled and pulled Linda towards him. Slowly he lowered his head until their lips met. He placed his arm around her waist and they kissed , each one becoming more and more intense. He loved Linda with all of his heart. But their selfish Families could not see the logic in two young people falling in love and desperatly wanting to be with each other.
" Get off my Daughter" , yelled Linda's Father(Mr O' Connor). He pulled Tom of her , and threw him on the ground. Jack stepped in and started kicking him.
" No screamed Linda , leave him alone. Stop it Jack".
Linda tugged at Jacks arm and tried to pull him away. But Jack was far to strong and he shoved her onto the ground. Meanwhile Tom's Parents had arrived. His Father grabbed Tom and heaved him up from the ground. Soon the two families were glaring at each other.
" How could you shrieked Linda's Father even go near him".
" Toms Father joined in " You have some explaining to do Son , why were you with this girl."
" We love each other yelled Tom".
" Nonsence spat Linda's Father. Linda will tell you that. Go on Linnie , say it isn't so".
Linda's heart thumped wildly " I love him Father".
Jack looked angrilly between his sister and Tom. " All the boys you could have and you chose him. You must be crazy or very foolish."
" This is no story cried Toms Father. This isn't Romeo and Juliet , you cant do this to us. We have rights."
Tom clenched his fists and took hold of Linda's hand. " This is the way it is going to be."
Both of their Fathers shook their heads. Jack intervened , he grabbed Linda , and pulled her away. Toms Father took hold of his sons arm and dragged him away.
" And you stay away , they both yelled. Linda's Father yelled out to everyone. " If they are seen together again. I will make sure that boy of yours in hanged. I have contacts Andrews , you better remember that.
Linda kicked and screamed all the way home. Her Mother led her into the drawing room the following morning.
" We have some news Linda. You are to wed next week to Antony Hughes. Do you rememeber him. This wedding has been planned since the day you were born".
" No yelled Linda , I wont. I want Tom. I will not marry anyone but Tom".
Her Mother shook her head. "You are coming with us to America aboard a Ship. We are leaving tomorrow. However you wont be leaving until the day after. Jack will care for you till then , and we will meet the two of you on the ship. You have no choice Linda. You heard your Father , the boy will be hanged if you go near him." Her Mother smirked. If you love him as much as you say you do , is it not right to sacrifice your love , in order to save his life."
Linda screamed , picked the glass vase of the table and threw it at her Mother , she missed. " You are a cruel , evil woman. I hate you Mother , I hate you for destroying my life , taking the one thing I have ever cared about from me."
" You better pack Linda , you haven't much time."
Linda's Parents left the next day. She screamed in agony over the choices she had to make. This could not be , she would find a solution to this problem , somehow.