This was a chapter from MysteriousDryad when she first arrived in Busted Gulch. It was an introduction of sorts to her character, Bella and some background on her reason for coming west. I think before submitting she chose to approach her story differently.

I woke up this morning after finally getting some sleep without Alec plaguing my dreams, wiping the memories and dreams of him in the process. It feels nice to finally let him go. Brody's words and his kindness on that night, helping me out and caring for me, played back in my head to which I sent a silent thank you once again.

I open the curtains of my hotel room, taking in the sunlight and just knowing that today's going to be a good day, a perfect day to walk around the town, get to know some of the citizens and to learn more about this town. I begin to believe my long journey here was the right choice and after walking lengths of Main St. I find a nice quiet corner behind the stables in a large open field to meditate.

It wasn't that I didn't see it but more of I sensed it and I carefully and cautiously moved to get a better look at what it was. The strike was quick but I was quicker, and with a fast swipe to the neck with the knife concealed in my boot, the varmint snake was dead.

I headed back to town, thankful my father gave me lessons in the use of various weapons before the fire killed him and my mother. Suddenly, it seemed the temperature was rising drastically and I began to feel dizzy. As I reached the doors of the jail, I noticed the blood dripping down my leg and stumbling forward, I collapsed on the ground unconscious before a word could leave my mouth.