Julianna
I had been riding for ten days after getting off the train in
Talscallosca, when we finally got to Four Corners. There was this damned man who kept pretending to drop things, thinking I would lean over and pick them up. The coachmen got down and opened the door, and the bright light flooded the stagecoach. I
squinted, stood up, and started to get off the steps when I lost my balance, tripping over my stupid dress. I braced myself for the fall and publicly humiliating myself the second I touched the ground. Then, as I started to go down, I felt a strong arm steady me. I looked down and saw the most handsome man ever. He
had dirty blond, curly hair and was wearing buckskins.
“Ma’am, are you alright?” he drawled softly. I couldn’t speak; my tongue had completely left me, but I nodded my head. He smiled, and said, “Would you like some help with your bags?” I smiled, and he picked up my bags, which had been thrown down by the driver. He offered me his arm and I took it, heading for the small, quaint hotel.
Vin
She had to be the prettiest girl I’d ever seen. Well, not a girl, but a lady. She had straight, brown hair, a peachy complexion, full lips, and beautiful blue eyes. I had been walking towards the saloon as the stage pulled up, and saw her coming out. She tripped on the hem of her dress, and started to fall. I ran up beside her and held onto her arm. She smiled, I asked her if I could help her with her bags, and we were
headed for the hotel. She checked in and I helped her to her room. She thanked me, and I was off again to the saloon.
Julianna
Once I got to my room, I immediately took off that uncomfortable dress and put on a plain skirt and shirt. I sat on my bed thinking. I was from Kansas, and here looking for my father. I had read about him in a dimestore novel, not believing half the stuff they said about him. They said he was part of the
Magnificent Seven, and lived right here in Four Corners.
I wanted to find him so bad. I’d never even gotten to meet him. The rumors I heard was that my real mother was a “working girl” and had me about nine mounths after his visit. She couldn’t take care of me so she sold me to my adopted mother. I don’t know much about my real mother, but I really hated the fact she sold me like an animal. I started to cry again, and took out my guitar. I started singing one of my songs, and felt the pain ease.
Buck
As usual, I was losing money to Ezra and beer. One more boring day in this dreary little town, and I was going to lose my mind. Maybe I pay a visit to Stella this afternoon and spend a little time. I grinned, and took another drink of my mug. Ezra smiled again and I knew I was beat. Then, I heard the sound of a
guitar, and then a beautiful voice. It was coming from the hotel across the street. It reminded me of my mother’s sweet voice, God rest her soul. I threw down my cards and started up the stairs to Stella’s room.
Julianna
I finished the song and felt much better. I decided to go to see what I could find out about my brother. I put away my guitar, grabbed my hat, and locked the door on my way out. On the dusty street, I looked up and down, finding a newspaper office and the sheriff’s office. I decided to try the sheriff’s first.
I walked up to the open door and knocked. A young man with a bowler stood up from the chair and walked towards me. “May I help you, ma’am?” he asked.
“Are you the local law enforcement here?” I asked with a smile.
“Why, yes I am. JD Dunne, at your service.”
“Hello, I’m Julianna Morrow. I’ve come here looking for my father. I was wondering if you might know of where I might find him,” I explained quietly into the brown eyes.
“Well, what’s your father’s name?” he asked. “I’m not real sure, but I believe it’s Wilmington,” I say quickly, fearing this man would laugh at me. But he didn’t, he just stood there looking shocked.
“Y-y-you mean Buck?” I nodded and the young man shook his head and chuckled. “I think I know where’s he’s at, if you want to follow me.”
“Oh no!” I almost cried. “I mean, I don’t want him to know just quite yet. I want to find out what kind of person he is first. What does he look like?”
JD looked at me carefully and said, “He looks kind of like you.” I smiled and said thank you.
As I started out the door, I turned and asked, “Please don’t say anything to anyone about this.” He nodded and sat back down. So, I thought to myself, my father, Buck, looks like me.
I headed back to my hotel when I noticed an older woman in a store trying to move a large box. I walked up and stuck my head in the door, saying, “Would you like a hand with that?”
She smiled and said, “Why, thank you, young lady. I need that box moved over there.” She pointed to the corner and I shoved it over there. She thanked me and asked, “Would you like a part time job here in the store?” I said sure, and she handed me a broom, telling me that her porch really needed to be swept.
“I’m Mrs. Potter, and thank you so very much.”
“I’m Julianna Morrow, and thank you,” I said. I went out on the porch and started to sweep. As I worked, it was getting darker. And colder. I shivered and quickly finished. I went inside and Mrs. Potter handed me a shawl. I told her thanks, and she said that was all for today and to come back tomorrow afternoon. I nodded and walked back outside. It was completely dark now, and the townspeople had started to light the street lanterns. I pulled the shawl tighter around me, and started for the hotel. As I walked, I caught the most delicious smell wafting through the air and realized I was starving. It was coming from the church. Never too early to meet the local priest. I turned and walked toward to little church.
“Hello, Miss Morrow. How are you?” I heard a voice ask. I turned and it was Mr. Dunne.
“I’m just fine, Mr. Dunne. It’s Julianna though.”
“ Sorry, Julianna. And please call me JD. Say, would you like to join me and my friends for dinner at Josiah’s?”
“I most certainty would,” I said and we walked toward the church.
“Buck’s gonna be here,” he whispered to me.
“Really? You won’t tell him anything will you?” JD shook his head. “Thanks,” I said, stopping him. I gave him a big hug and said, “Your my first friend here Four Corners.” He blushed deeply, and we were off to the church again.
Buck
It was starting to get dark as I left Stella’s room. I hurried up and walked out. Tonight was chili night at Josiah’s. No one misses his chili. I turned left on the street and saw JD walking with a lady. I almost yelled out hello to him, but they suddenly stopped and the lady hugged him. JD must have a sweetheart, I
thought to myself. They walked on and so did I, keeping a good distance away from them. They got to the church and walked in. I sat on the steps for a few minutes and Chris walked up.
“Hey, how’s it goin’?” I asked him.
“Just great, Buck. We got another telegram from Wallden.” He said and looked at the church.
“Uh oh, more injuns?” I asked. He nodded. Damn, that’s all we needed now. Some hostiles coming and burning the town down. “How far away are they now?”
“About 3 days ride,” Vin answered, coming out of the shadows. I nodded, and we walked into the building.