The Hard Call

Logline: Despite her family's wishes, Ambrosiabelle, the rebellious, hardheaded tomboy finally decides to venture into the unknown and join the Joyland Army, breaking away from her hometown's aging traditions.

The Hard Call

I rushed into my room, teeth grinding against each other as I dug into my closet.

"Alright, slow your roll, what happened?" Savannah asked.

"I can't stay," I walked past her and packed my knapsack.

"Wait, you're leaving?" Lilac tilted her head.

"If that witch thinks I'm gonna live like a princess, then she can kiss Logan's dust."

"'Brosia, you know Ma is only looking out for us," Savannah said. "This is just her way of making sure we can live happier lives."

"Well, clearly she doesn't know what'll make me happy," I slung my bag on my shoulder. "That or she just doesn't care."

"You can't make it out here hunting game," Savannah said.

"I know," I said, grinning. "That's why I'm doing the next best thing."

Picking up a paper on my desk, I handed it to Savannah, hearing her gasp.

She shook her head. "There's no way Ma's gonna let you join the army."

"I know, that's why I'm running away," I chuckled.

Savannah grabbed my arm, eyes locking with mine. "Then I won't let you. You're not gonna risk your life just because you don't want to settle down with someone."

"Look," I puffed my chest at her. "I know you want to protect me and be the good older sister Ma wants you to be, but this is my life and nothing you can do is gonna stop me from enjoying every second of it."

"I can't believe you'd do this, 'Brosia," Savannah growled. "Ma set up an entire life for you and you're just tossing it away because you want to feel tough."

"Well, it's better than being miserable for the rest of my life," I said. "What's life worth if you have someone arrange your destiny rather than fight for it yourself?"

Savannah froze and let go of me, eyes softening as she placed a hand over her mouth.

My heart sank as I watched her hold back tears.

"Hey, I've been thinking about doing this for a while and I promise I'll be careful," I said. "And when you're out of here, I'll come back and we can live life by our own rules."

"You swear?" Savannah asked.

I drew an 'x' on my heart and saluted her.

She wiped a tear from her eye and sighed. "Well then, what are you waiting for? Ma's gonna be here in a minute."

A smile crossed my face.

"Thanks, Savvy," I hugged her and relaxed my shoulders, letting out a breath as Lilac wrapped her arms around us.

"So, when'll you be back?" Lilac asked.

"In time," I replied, embracing her. "In time."

A loud bang echoed from the door.

"Ambrosiabelle, you better come open this door!" Ma yelled.

"That's my queue," I whispered.

"You know which roads to take, right?" Savannah asked.

"Yep," I shoved the window open. "And I'll send Logan back when I get there."

"Hey," Savannah placed a hand on my shoulder.

I turned to face her.

"Send me a letter once you get there, okay?" she smiled.

Smirking, I nodded and jumped out the window, running towards the barn.

The stars glistened as a cold breeze zipped by me, sending a chill down my spine as I zipped up my jacket.

My shoulders tensed as I opened the back door, hair bustling in the wind while Ma stomped behind me.

"Ambrosiabelle!" Ma called.

I shook my head and gritted my teeth, the thought of living under Smith's control setting my mind ablaze.

"Ambrosiabelle!" she yelled again.

Slamming the door shut, I locked it and kept walking, hearing her fist bang on the door.

"Ambrosiabelle Hazel Kendrickson, you unlock this door right now!" Ma shouted.

I grunted and grabbed Logan's reins. No way I'm giving my freedom away so easily. If Dad wouldn't have allowed it, why should I?

Turning around, I paused, watching a band of chickens and cows tilt their heads at me.

What?

My eyes wandered towards Logan, watching her gaze back at me.

I walked towards her, picking up her saddle and tossing it onto her back. "Get ready to run, girl. We're getting out of here."

Logan left her stall and walked towards the door.

A racket of loud shouts and commands rang from the other side of the barn.

"Ambrosia, I mean it!" Ma called.

I shook my head and scowled. You ain't the boss of me.

A piece of paper on Dad's old work desk caught my eye.

Slanting an eyebrow, I ambled towards it, picking it up and feeling its rough texture slide against my palm. On the front it read, "To: Ambrosia, From: Dad".

I flipped it over, spotting Dad's signature on the bottom of it.

My chest tightened as I read it in my head,

"Hey Ambrosia,

I know this isn't the best way to say goodbye, but it's the best I can do under these circumstances. Your mother might disagree, but the best thing I could've done was set you up for a life of freedom. And so, that's exactly what I've done. I wrote this letter in case you ever decided you've had enough of your Ma and this place. I wrote two more for your sisters in case they ever felt the same. For each of you, there are tools that can help you escape and stay safe. If you look in my workstation drawer, you'll find my old revolver. I know she's not the best shot in town, but she'll keep you safe."

I stopped reading and opened the drawer, spotting a short silver gun next to a small round sack. Picking it up, I shed a tear, feeling the engraved patterns on the gun's barrel. Its name "Lucky Lady" was written along the sides, warning people of the powerful punch this weapon packed.

My hands trembled as memories of Dad shooting the gun flashed in my mind, remembering how he used to have me shoot targets at trees in between hunting and horseback riding lessons.

I gazed back at the letter and kept reading,

"It's loaded with ten silver bullets that you can reuse whenever you want. Just make sure you don't lose them, because if you do, you won't be able to buy new ones. Next to it, is five hundred dollars in gold coins. I know it's not as convenient as paper money, but it'll keep you alive if something bad happens in the bank."

I picked up the small bag, hearing the coins clink against each other as I stuffed it into my knapsack.

Cracking my neck, I read the next line.

"Finally, I wanted to give you something your mother would've never let you wear."

I spotted a golden bullet shell with a chain wrapped around its end.

Spiral carvings decked the edges of the shell while the letter K and lineart of a crescent moon laced its center.

Looking back at the letter, I finished it off,

"It's your grandmother's bullet shell necklace, a brass bullet shell carved to look more beautiful than any pearl. But don't open it until you turn seventeen. I left something in there that you'll be ready for when you're older. They say the best way to say something is by bullet. I may not know when you're getting this, but I do know I'll always be watching over you. If you need a reminder, just look up at the stars. I'll always be there for you. Now, I know your mother will force you to marry that scumbag Smith's son, but you know what? You don't have to, not if you don't want to. You're a special girl, Ambrosia, one with enough strength, power and attitude to set off an entire city. Don't let that go to waste because your mother said so. I love you and I'll always be here for you.

Over and out,

Dad"

I held the bullet shell in my hand, glancing back towards the door while flashbacks of me and my sisters growing up together flooded through my head.

A single tear streamed down my face as I pressed the necklace against my chest, taking a deep breath as I slid the barn door open.

The empty field of tall grass swayed in the wind, leaning to the side as I looked up at the night sky.

My jaw dropped while I watched a shooting star glide across the sky. Shifting my gaze towards Logan, I gripped the necklace in my hand.

I felt my hands shake as I mounted her, palms sweating while I kicked her stomach and steered her out of the barn.

Spotting Savannah and Lilac in the window, I waved at them, dashing down the road while Ma stopped in her tracks.

Dad's right. I can't let all that power go to waste.