A picture of a young woman in a polka dot dress was shown to an old man horse seller.
“You are looking for a person? Yes. There was a girl who came to buy a horse. She was holding a bouquet.” said the old man.
“A bouquet?” said Douglas
“A wedding bouquet. She came to this town for her friend’s wedding.” said the old man looking at the picture.
“Eh? Is she your girl friend ? “ said the old man to Douglas.
“Ah? No. She.........is like my sister.” said DouglasThe old man told Douglas that a girl came to say she wanted to buy that horse when he had already refused to buy it from a loner cowboy.
(“You wanted to buy THIS horse?”) said the old man. (“Look! His (the horse) temper isn’t good.”)
(“But he is so cheap! And he comes with a saddle. What I have should be enough to buy him.”) said the girl. (“I wanted to go back before the bouquet withers.”)“Thanks!” said Douglas after hearing this.
(“But Miriam didn’t come back to the farm. After the wedding...the horse seller had said that she brought a bad temper horse, an old and bad sighted horse. Wonder what kind of horse would that be like?” thought Douglas.)(“You can buy that horse, but how can you ride it I wonder? Why would you want to buy it?” the horse seller had said to the girl. “The girl gave the horse a name, Jessi. And rode off. I was so surprised to see her able to ride it” said the horse seller.)
“That’s it. That is exactly like Miriam’s behavior” said Douglas getting onto his horse.
Douglas thinking back (“9 years ago we first met her. At that time she was only 8 years old. She and Grace were protecting the farm. They have let us, a bunch of delinquent kids to stay with them -- me, Joel and Card. She even took part in capturing the bad guys.”)
Images of Miriam growing from a child to a woman....
(“9 years passed.....she couldn’t always stay as a child next to us. She started to grow taller. From a little girl to a young lady. Her body changing to more womanly. From a young lady to a woman.”)
(“Douglas! Hey, Douglas. There would be a party in town.” said Miriam holding onto Douglas arm)** FLASH BACK ***
A party is being held...people are dancing and having a good time.....
(“Hey Douglas. When a young lady is going to a party like this, You should at least say [“Tonite you look exceptionally beautiful.”]” said Miriam.)
(“Don’t be silly! Let go!” said Douglas)
(“I always thought you are very unromantic. No wonder you don’t have any woman in your life.” said Miriam)
(“Hey...you guys came.” said Card.)
(“LOOK! Card and Joel already have girl friends!” pointed Miriam)
(“But you don’t have ANYONE. Already 26 ! So OLD.” said Miriam while handing her purse to the counter to be kept in safe keeping)
(“You!” a frazzled Douglas said giving his hat to the counter.)
(“Before you talk about others, you should consider yourself trying to find a lover first. A proud wild unstable mare like yourself no wonder all the men are afraid of you.” said Douglas)
(“I am feeling sorry for you, so I no choice but to take you to these events.” said Douglas holding his hand up for a dance with Miriam)
(“I am telling you....I got a lot of guys asking for my hand in marriage!” said Miriam putting her hand to his for the dance.)
(“I only invited you because you looked so pitiful.” said Miriam)
(“I have a lot of admirers” said Douglas)
(“But you aren’t romantic, the girls won’t notice you.” said Miriam)
(“Blah! There are girls who have secret crushes on me!” said Douglas)
(“Isn’t that sad? Only got secret admirers”, said Miriam)
(“Hump!” said Douglas)
(“Thanks for worrying about me! But I got a lot of woman”, said Douglas, “Even though I am not romantic, a lot of woman do not mind. I do not dislike woman so I don’t refuse them.”)
(“PERVERT! PLAY BOY! RAPIST!” said Miriam stubbornly)
(“..................” said Douglas *sweatdrop*)(“Hey, Card, those two are fighting and dancing at the same time.” said Card’s girl friend)
(“Forget about them, they are always like this.” said Card.)(“Fine, so I am a pervert! a playboy! a rapist! But don’t you worry, I don’t do little girls!” said Douglas)
(“I am NOT a child! I am already 17 years old.” said Miriam)
(“You are still a child.” said Douglas)
(“What? When you were 17 you thought you were already an adult.” said Miriam)
(“It is already 9 years. I am no longer 17. I am 26.” said Douglas)
(“.....................Douglas, bend down a bit....lower...” said Miriam)
(“?” said Douglas bending down so that his face is closer to her level.)
(“1, 2.....” Miriam messed Douglas hair up.)
(“UGH! What are you doing? Don’t mess up my hair.” said Douglas)
(“At 17, your hair was messed up like this.” said Miriam)(“Card, look, they are fighting again.” said Joel., “Heuy, sheriff, Hey, Sheriff! You aren’t going to stop them?”)
(“Why? Did they disturb others? I don’t need to be present.” said Heuy)
(“Boy, they are funny!” said Joel)(“I think you are the same as when you were 17, except that you just maybe grew a bit taller. However, your face and personality is still the same. The only difference is your hair. If you put your bangs down, you looked the same as before. So now it is 17 against 17!” said Miriam seriously.)
(“Dummy! Sorry, you aren’t a kid anymore. 17 is already an adult.” said Douglas fixing his hair)
(“.....................” said Miriam with an I DON’T BELIEVE YOU look)
(“Hey....” said Douglas putting his hand out for a dance again.)
(Miriam looked at his hand and use the back of her hand to slap it for the dance)(“Looking at them talking is so much fun. Are they friends or foe?” said Joel’s girl friend)
(“Well...this is kind of strange.” said Card)
(“Even though no one had mentioned it. Miriam is in love with Douglas.”)(“Oh, Husband (Heuy) But Douglas, when he was holding our child he would think of Miriam” said Grace.“He would tell me [Do you understand, Grace? In my heart she is only 8 years old. A strong child who endure hardship to live on. The first time she cried was in my arms. I still can feel her little body crying. At that moment I had a rush of fatherly feeling for her. Later on, I still feel the same about her. A very lovable child --- Miriam. ] For Douglas, time stood still. Even though he understand that she is grown up now and no longer a child ...and in love with him. He doesn’t know what to do.”)
(“Eh? That guy is from another town. I haven’t seen him before.” said Miriam)
(“And he is dancing with your good friend, Joyce” said Douglas)(“Grace! Grace! Get my gown out! I want to go attend Joyce’s wedding.” said an excited Miriam)
(“It is being held at a far away town!” said a concern Grace, “Douglas went out and won’t be back. Maybe one of the hired hands can go with you?”)
(“No, I am NOT a child.” said Miriam, “When I was 8, I was a female conqueror who captured the gang of thieves -----Miriam!”)
[”What female conqueror ------ Miriam.”]*END OF FLASHBACK*
”By the time we finished our work and went home, Grace told us that it is already passed the time when Miriam should had been back. That is why I went out to get her. But what could had happened? She already left that town. Why didn’t she come back? What happened? An accident occurred?” thought Douglas
“Could it be....” thought Douglas when a bunch of fellows came out of a salon having a bawl.
“You little prick! You dare to laugh at my fast gun! Let me show you here what I can do! Come here! ” said one of the guys
“No, I only meant.....” said the other guy
“Stop! Don’t let a little dispute make you use a gun.” said Douglas
“What did you said? You think you are brave, you come and be in that guy’s place then!” said the guy who is holding the gun
*Bam! A shot went out and knock that guy’s gun out of his hand
“I TOLD YOU TO STOP, YOU JERK, HOW DARE YOU INTERRUPT ME WHEN I AM THINKING!” said an angry Douglas firing more shots. *Scare the day light out of that guy who was holding the gun*
Douglas got his frustration out and left......leaving behind a bunch of shock guys!
“I just got to follow her track and see if I can get any news.” thought Douglas
“Joyce had said that she promise that she will give the bridal bouquet to her. And that Miriam wanted to show it to someone.” remembering Douglas
“REALLY! She could had just put the bouquet in water and wait for the coach to come! THAT WILD MARE!” said an agitated Douglas.
A group of campers are getting ready to cook dinner..............the side of the wagon said “LUKE CARSON COMPANY”
“Dinner is ready!” a bunch of people were gathering around the fire
“Thanks!”
“Tomorrow we will be in town, we can sleep in a bed!”
“Where did that red hair girl went?”
“She went with Matt to get the horse”
“She is really good with the horse. Must came from a farm”
“That bad eye sight horse?”
“Though it looks bad, it seems pretty intelligent. It stood in front of our wagon, blocking us, wanted us to come down and get her mistress. Such a tragedy! She hit her head! LOST HER MEMORY.”)
“Didn’t have any other major injury”
“We could only bring her with us since she couldn’t remember who she was.”
“Hey, I am hungry!” said a guy coming toward them
“Mike, didn’t she come with you?”
“Oh, her? She is giving a name to the horse.”
“ALL RIGHT! This is enough! I forgot who I am, and the reason why I fell down, I am already so pitiful. So that is why I can’t remember your name! Calling you either Lawson or Edward should be ok!” *puff puff said an exhausted Miriam.
“OK. Let see...Baley...No? Balwin? William? “ Miriam getting really angry now shouted, “Jessi!” And the horse looked at her.“Fighting with a horse on a name...she is so funny. Isn’t that so? Anthony.”
“Yes. She should be very upset. But she is so natural.” said Anthony.
“She about to come back....I want to know what is the result.” said another guy.“What an annoyance! All the men talk about is that red head girl.” said one of the 3 actresses
“Even that cold Anthony is the same”
“Right”
“She is a little cute. But we are actresses, we are more beautiful!”
“I wish we can just chase her away”
“That would be fun, how do we go about doing so?”Miriam heard all this behind a tree.
(“Where is this place? Who am I? It isn’t as if I didn’t care that I lost my memory. But Luke Carson Acting company let me come with them so that I got a place to stay.” thought Miriam)
“Listen. A real nasty person is --------- won’t let anyone know what is happening and won’t let any evidence be shown. In order to do that to that girl we have to be able to do it smoothly.” said the black hair actresses,Helen.
“You are so great! Helen. Not like any other bullies” said the blond actress.
“Isn’t able to do this is a novice.” said Helen.
[Can’t believe a person could be so happy about this kind of silly behavior! ]The actresses saw Miriam walked by.......
“I know that horse name is called Jessi now” said Miriam
“Hurry and eat” said one of the older woman
“But I don’t know my own name.” said Miriam
“Let us first think of a fake name then.”
“How about Scarlett? You have very pretty red hair” said Helen.
“Right! Scarlett is a very appropriate name, Helen.”
“OK. Then Scarlett it is. Won’t you like to join us for dinner?” said Helen.
“That’s right...girls could talk to girls better. You girls are so good to her.” said one of the men.
“Thanks thanks” said Helen happily
“Of course, she is so pitiful, of course we got to take care of her.” said the blond actress.
“Please sit here!” said the Brown hair actress.
“OK.” said Miriam“Let’s become friends even though you lost your memory.” said Helen
“Thanks. You guys are all nice people. I am so happy.” said Miriam following them to their seats.
“If you have any problems just tell us. Do you have any problems?” said Helen trying to get Miriam’s attention.
“Huh?” said Miriam looking at Helen.
At this time. The blond actress is sticking out her foot to try to trip Miriam. Anthony noticed their action....
“Oh. If you need any help just let me know” said a cheerful Miriam.... dodging the Blond’s foot without tripping.
“I love to help” said Miriam happily when she sat down next to the other brown hair actress and then smiling at her. The brown hair actress was a little overwhelm because she dodge the tripping and could only said, “yes....yes!”*Whispering ...”Shameful, you couldn’t even do this tripping -- the oldest trick in the book?” said Helen to the Blond.
“Strange. I was sure I did it nicely. Did she noticed?” said the Blond.
“How could that be? She was facing me.” said Helen.
(“No need to say it, I can tell by the way her hand was moving. I know by instinct. I am so brave. I could just sit down after that. I am sure a normal person can’t do that.” thought Miriam while eating her dinner)
“Scarlett. You forgot your coffee?” said the old woman.
“I’ll bring it to her” said Helen.
“Thanks. You are so nice.” said the old woman
“Here let me pour you some coffee........your cup........” said Helen
Helen let go of the pot of coffee, Miriam noticed it and Miriam kicked the pot of coffee high up. She then threw her spoon to her plate on the other hand. Using the free hand to catch the pot of coffee.
------SILENCE----------as all the actresses saw what she did
Meanwhile, Anthony was saw the whole scene.“Helen? What was all that?” said the Blond.
“Eh? My hand slip and the coffee pot fell off” said Helen.
“Right. Thank goodness I caught it. So Lucky.” said Miriam
“Right...” said a kind of frighten brown hair actress sitting next to her who thinks this is simply NOT LUCK.
At the same time, Miriam doesn’t think she is a regular person.
At a saloon somewhere, Douglas went to rest a bit. A prostitute went up to him striking up a conversation. Douglas said he is tired and doesn’t care if she wanted to talk to him or not. The prostitute said is he tired because he is looking for a person? and what is she to him?
“Tell me, maybe I can give you a clue” said the prostitute.
“She is like my sister. We are like a family working at the farm for 9 years.” said Douglas
“Sister?”
“She really won’t have any problems? I am worry that a girl alone is very dangerous out there..she could had encounter rapists, accidents, robberies.” said the prostitute.
“It hurts” said Douglas after hearing all those bad things.
“What is wrong?” said the prostitute
“My ulcer” said Douglas
“Are you ok? It happens when you get too much stress. You must be very tired out.” said the prostitute.
(“True! I looked everywhere and still couldn’t find her. I haven’t rest and been sitting on that damn horse for so long that my butt hurts. ” thought Douglas)
“Hey, why don’t you rest in my room on the 2nd floor?” said the prostitute
“No. Thanks. I don’t have time. “ said Douglas
“You looked here and there and still haven’t found anything. You should rest and recompose yourself and think of new plans” said the prostitute.
“Or is it because you feel that you mistreated her?” said the prostitute
(“Huh?” thought Douglas)“So, did the red hair girl get rape?” A guys voice was being heard in another table.
“No, she isn’t that type of girl. The acting group took her in. But they don’t know who she is so it is kind of hard.”
Douglas saw two guys talking......and wanted to get up to ask what they meant by that.
“Hey, where are you going? Don’t you like me?” said the prostitute pushing Douglas down back onto the chair.
“It isn’t that. I got questions to ask those two.” said Douglas
“Ask them later. So what is your answer to the question?” said she
“I don’t want to. Please, let go of me. You are quiet strong.” said DouglasThe two guys talking........
“The acting group is going to play in the vicinity”
“Which town?”
“I forgot but I got the flyer...but I can’t read”
“That’s ok, I can”
Just then the flyer was snatched away by another guy (The bully)
“Useless. This show won’t go on” said the bully
“Who are you?”
“Hey, give me back my flyer”
The bully then give the flyer man a punch.
“Didn’t you hear me? The show isn’t showing. If you don’t want to be beaten up you forget you ever mentioned it, Understand?”
“Understand” slammer the flyer guy.
“Let's go!” the bully who did the punching told his gang.Douglas went up to the flyer guy and ask him about the red hair girl that he had mentioned before. He found the girl that that guy describe fit Miriam’s description. So he said he will go and found out. When he was leaving the prostitute said......
“You look like you are going after your beloved. That’s why I can’t snare you.” she said.
Douglas just looked at her.Douglas went to that gang and fought them until they gave him the answers. That guy told Douglas that they are going to play in Winston Hall Loew’s opera house. His boss is a power mean man in this town and he wants the Loew’s opera house. But the owner refused to sell it to him.That is why they are stopping the show there.
“That right. Before when the comedy and musical shows came..they were kicked out by those gang. You guys already felt the pressure when you came into town, right?” said the owner of the hall.
“Yes. That’s true....” said Carson. “But we won’t leave!”
“Why? If you guys still stay here you will be in danger. I am planning to sell this place. I will refund the money to you.” said the owner.
“But you didn’t want to sell! Selling to that type of bully! I am indebted to you. So I will do the show no matter what.” said Carson.The bright sunlight shines through out the great outdoors waking Douglas whom had camped outside. He was sore and tired from sleeping on the ground and looking for Miriam. He is worrying that the bunch of bad guys are going to go after the theater company. And why didn’t Miriam send Heuy any notices that she was ok? Is it because she still haven’t recovered from her fall. He wonders why she even have fell since Miriam is such a good athlete.
At the opera house where the theater group are at. The men are discussing what to do about the flyers they wanted to post since there are bunch of guys in town making trouble for them. Miriam had stop by to see what was going on...and she noticed that the guy Anthony is very calm and seem to be in his own world thinking something besides the show. She then found out from the actresses that Anthony was not part of their group. He had saved one of their actor who was drowning. But when the show group came into town and was being bullied...the actress thought Anthony would help fight for them...but then realized that he only looked on but didn’t do anything.
The three actresses are standing on the stage. The girls asked Helen what happened to the plan of making “Scarlett” an outcast. Helen said all we needed to do is not talk to her. But the girls complained that she STILL had talked to her. Helen said it was because she asked about Anthony...and how come you guys “the other 2 girls” talk to her too? They all said it is because Scarlett has this kind of strong personality that one just had to do what she asked. Then the girls thought they need a more direct approach to bully her. They think making her do hard labor.
So the girls went up to Miriam and asked, “Scarlett, you are so good, you have nothing to do.”
Scarlett replied, “No. I am going out to help post the flyers”
The girls stammered. “~~really?~~”In the center of town, the men are going about trying to announce and post their flyers. But they noticed the men who were bullying them before were there so they got a bit scared. They were just happy that Miriam was at a more quieter spot to do the posting.
A men with a mustache walked by......”That horse.”, he said, “I saw that horse yesterday.”
The bad sighted horse noticed him, remembered him, so he spirited out of the barn and headed into the center of town. At that moment, Douglas also arrive in town.“Huh?” Said Miriam, when she was a guy with a mustache pointing a gun at her.
“You have a very surprise expression. I never thought I would had seen you again here either.” Said the mustache guy.
(“Again?”) Thought Miriam
“Come over there ...it isn’t convenient to talk here.” Said the guy
“If you just wanted to talk to me, going with you is no problem. But can you just point that thing away from people. It is very dangerous!” Said Miriam
“....if you cooperate then it won’t be dangerous. Move!” Said the guy
“It is better if you put the gun back into the holster.” Said Miriam
The guy is still pointing the gun at her.
(“...........”), Thought Miriam then said,”Nobody would want a guy who doesn’t listen to reason.”
“Stop talking and move it.” Said the guy
(“I thought at first he was one of those people who were bullying the show people. But he had said we meet again. So it must had been before I lost my memory. I don’t know what this is about...but right now I am in a dangerous situation.”) Thought MiriamIn town, some men were bullying the theater people. Douglas came and asked if the flyer guys were the theater group and if a girl matching Miriam description is with them. The theater guy said yes and that she is helping them post flyers at the moment. While Douglas was talking to the theater guy....he was at the same time fighting off the bullies. *^^ what a guy, eh?
Then they noticed the bad sighted horse came running into the center of town. Douglas found out that that was the horse the horse seller was talking about...which mean this is Miriam’s horse. The horse that is bad tempered and old and has bad eye sight. The horse then bite Douglas because he said all that. Because the horse was in a panic Douglas realized that Miriam must be in trouble...so he went to look for her.
(“The horse and Miriam weren’t together. Why would he think Miriam is in trouble?) Thought Douglas, (“The horse must have seen the enemy that only he knows. Would that be the reason that Miriam had fell down the hill?”)“Do you know what is amnesia? It is when something happened suddenly and you can forget the past totally or in parts. I was found at the bottom of a hill. I don’t remember anything at all about my past. Therefore, right now I don’t remember you or what you said or what I saw. So I can’t tell anyone anything. Since I don’t know anything I will be able to keep your secret. You should feel better knowing this and go now. And put away that gun.” Said Miriam
“True. You haven’t said anything since I already check. But you won’t keep it to yourself forever. I don’t trust your false words. You must had told someone.” Said the mustache guy.
“I am telling you. Be careful of being so negative all the time in not believing another person’s words.” Said Miriam.
“Stop talking nonsense” said the guy.
“Tell me. Who had you told? The theater group? If you value your life then tell me. Whoever knows the secret can’t be let go.” Said the guy
“You are such a pain.” Said Miriam
“If you don’t say it then I am going to kill you.” Said the guy
“I lost my memory, Mr. Old Numskull”, said Miriam
“What ?”.The bad sighted horse got tired carrying Douglas. *He is OLD. So Douglas had to go by foot. He noticed that the flyers had stopped being posted and there were footprints leading to a deserted house.
“OK. I get it. You need to be tortured.” Said the mustache guy.
“....I don’t remember anything! What do you want me to say?” Said Miriam
“What a pain.” Said the guy coming toward Miriam with the gun
“Despicable! Using a gun against a poor defenseless girl. If you dare to come empty handed then we can see who can fight better!” Yelled Miriam
“What kind of a weak girl are you? I am going to kill you anyway. I might as well do it now.” He said
The door slam opened and Douglas pointing a gun at the guy yelling, “DON’T MOVE!”
“Slowly throw the gun away....” Said Douglas
The guy threw the gun down.
“DUCK! RIGHT SIDE!” Yelled Miriam
Douglas fired at another assassin. The mustache guy noticed that Douglas was distracted and was about to get the gun back, but Miriam kicked it away. So he jump out the window. Miriam told Douglas not to following them since they are still firing at them through the broken window and he might get hit.Douglas and Miriam looked at one another.
“Thanks. You saved me. There are so few people around here I won’t have thought someone would pass by.” Said Miriam
“Dummy!” Said Douglas
(“Dummy?”) Thought Miriam surprised
“You dummy, why are you being so polite? I came here to look for you not passing by. I heard that the theater group have you so I follow them. I talked to the theater people so I rode your horse here. That we can talk later. Why didn’t you contacted us, Miriam? We were so worried.” Said Douglas loudly
“I am called Miriam?” Said Miriam looking wide-eye at Douglas
“Huh?” Said Douglas surprised.
“........you know me? “ said Miriam holding onto Douglas’ arm
“Hey...” Said Douglas
“Who are you?” Said Miriam
“What are you to me?” Said Miriam to a shocked DouglasBack at the opera house. Douglas told the group that they were staying with them. Carlson asked why since he thought Miriam wanted to see her family and now that someone had came to claim her. Douglas and Miriam looked at one another and Miriam told them that she feel that Douglas is now the stranger since she lost her memory and that the theater group are closer to her now. Douglas thinks that Miriam wanted to stay because of other reasons. They had talked yesterday after she introduced him to the theater gang. She didn’t wanted to leave because of what happened with “Mr. Old Numskull”. Douglas told her that he would stay too and help her. Miriam asked why he is doing this because they would be in dangerous situation.
“Are we really only just worked at the farm together?” Said Miriam
“We are like a family. You don’t need to be so polite” Said an embarrassed Douglas thinking that this is a very strange feeling as if they just met. He then went about to tell her some of what happened in the past.
“Really? At 8 yrs old I captured bad guys? I didn’t think I was a “normal” person” said Miriam.
“Ah.” Said Douglas meanwhile thinking this is the same personality as the old Miriam.“So what should we do now”
“Today we still need to announce and do flyers. Tomorrow is our opening night.”
“We probably will still get bullied today”
“I’ll go with you. To thank you all for helping Miriam. I will be your guard.” Said Douglas
(“Yesterday when I was so worried and desperately looking for her....and when I saw her ....she didn’t even recognized me.”) Thought Douglas
(“Douglas....Douglas” remembering Douglas of when Miriam always call his name while following him.)
(“.............I am a bit angry” thought Douglas)One of the theater guy said to Miriam due to her confrontation with a “bad” guy yesterday she shouldn’t go out alone. Miriam told him that she will be staying here and do some work..but close by should be safe and she wanted to go out for a little while.
“YOU MAY NOT !” Yelled Douglas
“If you go out then you will create problems. It is all because you were too confident before, if something bad happens it would be too late to regret. Today you can’t go out!” Shouted Douglas while pointed at Miriam.
Miriam looked at him speechless. All the actresses looked at them with admiration.
“Hey! All right! You don’t need to yell and shout like that” cried Miriam
The blond hair actress looked at Douglas and said, “You are mean.”
Another actress asked Miriam if he was always so mean.
Miriam said,”I don’t know. We just met yesterday.”
“DUMMY! Not yesterday, 9 years ago!” Said Douglas
“Sorry...but it doesn’t seem real!” Said Miriam holding her head , “I can’t help it! I lost my memory!”
“Really, why is he always so mad?” Said Miriam *still holding her head. (“I just wanted to see Jessi” thought Miriam)Anthony laughed quietly to himself seeing the interaction between Miriam and Douglas. Miriam looked at him and he left.
The actresses looked at each other and said, “Understand? We know her weakness now!”
“Hey, Miriam!” Said Douglas
“What is it?” Said Miriam
“I forgot to tell you. I will go with you to see Jessi. Wait for me to get back.” Said Douglas
Miriam looked at Douglas leave. (“...........”), She thought scratching her head.
Anthony in another part of the building opened his watch and looked at the picture of a pretty girl and closed it again.Out in town, Douglas is thinking to himself,
(“Losing her memory isn’t her fault. Then why get angry. She is treating me like a complete stranger. It seems like we are so apart. I am angry because of this feeling. She is Miriam but not Miriam. I feel so desolated and don’t know what to do. She had been following me for 9 years.”)
The bullies were trying to start a fight with the theater group when Douglas announced,”This is great! I am in a lousy mood right now. I want to see how you want to start.”
In a coach somewhere heading to town an old man destination is to the opera house. He was telling another passenger that he heard that an old friend of his whom had disappeared for 1/2 year now is there.
At the opera house, they are all busy working to set up the show. Anthony was helping out when he stumble back stage to hear the female actresses talking among themselves.
“We need to get Miriam’s weak point - Douglas”
“Lets get Douglas angry”
“He is so handsome, it would be good to have him on our side”
“But we don’t need to get rid of her now, but it is our principle to stick to our plans”
“You gals should just give up your plans” said Anthony, “Miriam and Douglas aren’t your typical people to bully. Haven’t you heard?”
“Huh” they said
“Sorry!” Said Miriam popping her head through the drapes
“Hey, come on Miriam lunch is here! Come and get it” Carlson burst through the drapes to tell her and everyone. He ushered the actresses out to eat.
“Anthony, you know about our past?” Said Miriam
“I used to be a reporter” said Anthony
“9 years ago, I won’t forget the big headline about capturing of the most feared criminals in the West. The lawman Heuy Castea and three teenagers Douglas, Card, Joel and an 8 year old girl named Miriam.
“We were in the papers?” Said Miriam
“There weren’t any photos. But no one could forget it. Though we wasn’t able to correlate those as being you guys. When I saw you kicked the coffee pot then I remembered it.” Said Anthony
“You SAW it? No one said anything...” Said an embarrassed Miriam
“Besides me, no one saw it. And I won’t have told anyone.” Said Anthony
“Hey, Anthony. Did you see my undergarments?” Said Miriam holding onto Andrew’s shirt.
“Huh?” Said Anthony *sweatdropped*
“From that angle you should had been able to see it.” Said Miriam
“No. I didn’t see it.” Said a red faced Anthony
“Really?”
“Yes, really. It was too dark.” Said Anthony
“Then I feel better.” Said MiriamAnthony and Miriam sitting down to eat lunch.
“Looking at you I would think about an another girl that I know.” Said Anthony
“She looks like me?” Said Miriam
“No. I should had said is looking at you two, it makes me reminiscent about her.” Said Anthony
“You mean Douglas?” Said Miriam
“This morning when you guys were having that spat was very funny....can just imagine what you guys were like 9 years ago.” Said Anthony
“He is very rude. Bad mouth. Easily get angry. Loud. Uncivilized. But...very warm.” Said Miriam
“He is a very attractive young man” said Anthony
“What do you mean by that?” Said a RED face Miriam
“You guys are just like what I thought this morning, similar to what I remembered.” Said Anthony
“Please don’t drag us as an item” said Miriam
“The girl I mention is in my memory..though she die....but.....” Said a pondering Anthony.
“WHAT? You didn’t get rid of those theater group? Instead you got beaten by them?”
“Sorry. They hired a very strong guard.” Said one of the beaten bullies
“We talk about this later....there is an unexpected guest.”
It was the old man traveling in the coach.
“Danel” said the old man
“You......to see you come here to this town.” Said Danel ,”Rod Simpson, didn’t you know I would be here? You are a reporter, you didn’t do your homework well enough.”
The bullies told Danel that they found Rod looking for Ralph Turner at the opera house. But Rod said that Ralph wasn’t there. However, Danel told Rod that didn’t he know that they are looking for Ralph too and he won’t be so stupid to use his real name?
“This is great! We are all here...and the girl too. Right? “ said Danel to the mustache guy coming in.
“Right.” Said the mustache guy
“Jeffry Dan.” Exclaimed Rod
“You all....what bad things are you trying to do here!” Said an alarmed Rod.
In Miriam’s home town, Heuy told Joel and Card that Douglas sent a telegram telling them that he found Miriam and that she lost her memory and they are going to stay there for awhile. The other telegram was that a convict named Larry Widmark who does fake money escaped.
Could this be a coincident? The place that the convict escaped is the same place that Miriam disappeared.At the farm, William asked Willy to move out of the way so he can get down the stairs. Grace did the tarot cards and said that a “lover” card shown up. Maybe because she lost her memory, Douglas will see her in a different light. Because now there is no memory of what had happened 9 years ago, in front of him will only be the first time he meeting a 17 yr old Miriam.
“Where is Miriam?” Said Douglas who came back from town.
“She is in yesterday’s study room. She is looking for pen and paper.”
“Pen, Paper?” Said Douglas
He went to the room and opened it...he got the feeling of meeting her for the first time.
“I sent a telegram back home. I didn’t mention Mr. Old Numskull because I didn’t want to worry them. This morning you said you wanted to go out. Was it because you wanted to see Jessi? Where is the barn? I’ll go with you.” Said Douglas
Miriam just stare at Douglas without speaking.
(“He is an attractive young man” she remember Anthony said. “Before I lost my memory what did I thought of him?” Thought Miriam)
“MIRIAM!” Shouted Douglas
“Oh...that...we can go to Jessi later. Why don’t you sit down for a while since you been out all day. You must be tired.” Said Miriam
** SILENCE **
(“This is such a STRANGE feeling....” Thought Douglas)
(“It is all because of Anthony’s words that I feel so sensitive.” Thought Miriam)“What are you drawing?” Said Douglas noticing her paper
“A sketch of Mr. Old Numskull, it probably will be of use later on.” said Miriam
Douglas looked at the picture and chuckle.
“What are you laughing about?” Said Miriam
“I did so many drawing before I perfected this and you are laughing at me” said Miriam agitated
“No...it just that you drew him looking too sissy.” Said Douglas
“Here...let me try” said Douglas taking the pen away
“Because....his nose should be bigger....and his shape should be more stiff.” Said Douglas drawing
Miriam edge closer to Douglas to try to see better. But Douglas hid his drawing away from Miriam’s view.
“Why do you hide the drawing?” Said Miriam
“Let me SEE! You did even a worse job than me!” Said Miriam behind Douglas trying to reach over him to get to the drawing.
“Hey..what? It isn’t bad....it is just different!” Said Douglas
Then Douglas realized that Miriam face was very close to his and that she is resting her body against his back.
“Here! Look!” Said Douglas giving his drawing to Miriam feeling very embarrassed.
Miriam looked at his drawing and compared it to hers and couldn’t decide which was better.
“Really” said Douglas holding his right shoulder where Miriam had lean against. Feeling embarrassed because he could feel her chest against him.In the barn, where Jessi was.
“Hey Jessi. Douglas won’t let me show the drawings to the theater gang.” Said Miriam
“Of course!” Said Douglas *sweatdropped*
“I want to see which drawing is better.” Said Miriam
“What? You even brought it with you?” Said Douglas
“Jessi. Which drawing is better?” Said Miriam holding up the two papers to Jessi.
“How would he know?” Said Douglas
Jessi point his head to Miriam’s drawing
“He said mine is better.” Said Miriam
“You...is it because you dislike me that is why you did your choice?” Said Douglas to Jessi
“Why is it all the animals that follow you don’t act like animals, like Willy.” Said Douglas
“Who is Willy?” Said Miriam
“DUMMY!” Said Douglas
“He isn’t a person. He is a pig. You had him since you were little. I had told you last night.” Said Douglas
“Oh right.....I think you did said it already.” Said Miriam
“.............” Said Douglas looking at her
“Are you going to call me dummy again? I think....I lost my memory, can’t even tell right from left. You mention the past but I can’t remember clearly. And...don’t you realize how pitiful this is to a female. Every little thing you kept calling me Dummy. Regular people would treat a girl like me nicely.” Said Miriam
“No..Well....Miriam “ Douglas trying to explain
“I was probably brought up in this kind of hardship environment. Grace and Heuy whom had taken me in probably kicked me out because they were worried that I bother them. So I was then taken in by you guys, who harassed me, hit me, kicked me, punch me!” Said Miriam
“Hey! HEY! Ok! Sorry! I apologized! Don’t make up stories!” Said a given up Douglas *teardrop!!
“No one kicked you out. Let me tell you, when they were about to get married it was your suggestion to throw a pie at Heuy’s face.” Said Douglas
“Why?” Said Miriam*FLASHBACK*
Douglas, Joel and Card were sitting at a table thinking that they like Grace too. Even though the groom happens to be Heuy. It was then Miriam giggle evilly. Telling them that she thought of a great idea to get back at Heuy. So all three boys went to Heuy and congratulated him on his up coming nuptials and then all three threw pies at him face.
*END OF FLASHBACK*
“Heuy still remembers this to this day. When Joel and Card have lovers, he told me to tell them that when they get marry he will also throw pies at them. “ said Douglas to Miriam
Then Douglas thought to himself what happened then
[(“Of course when you get married I will do the same” winked Heuy to Douglas.
“That will be far into the future. Since I don’t even have a partner yet. And I don’t know how to handle a girl. I am too afraid of the girls so you don’t need to count me in.” Said Douglas to Heuy.
“But there will always be a girl for you...like Miriam. She is a great girl.” Said Heuy to Douglas.
“She....” Said an embarrassed Douglas to Heuy.)]“Miriam.” Said Douglas
(“Miriam is just like a sister to me since we grew up together” said Douglas to Heuy)
“Since last night I had been telling you about the past. Could you remember anything?” Said Douglas
“Nope.” Said Miriam
“Don’t say it that fast...you should at least pretend you were pondering about it.” Demanded Douglas
“I did it naturally. It isn’t good to give me pressure.” Said Miriam
(“I understand what you are saying Douglas, but...” Said Heuy to Douglas)
“Your life is at sake. You forgot about Mr. Old Numskull? You should take all your effort to try to remember.” Said Douglas
(“You have to realized that Miriam loves you.” Remembering Douglas on what Heuy said to him)
“Try to remember! At least REMEMBER ME!” Said a frustrated Douglas
Miriam looked at Douglas stun...The words “At least REMEMBER ME” hanging in the air. Douglas just realized what he just said to her. *noise was heard behind some crates*. Douglas and Miriam heard a noise. He turn his body in front of Miriam to shield her and took out his gun. He use his other hand to hold Miriam from the back.
“WHO's there?” Douglas yelled.
“You guys conversation are very entertaining. I was trying hard not to laugh. Put the gun down Douglas. Its me.” Said Anthony standing up behind the crate.
“Anthony. What are you doing here?” Said Miriam from behind Douglas
“I was planning to run away from here” said AnthonyMeanwhile the bad guys were out looking for one of the theater helpers.
“I wanted to leave here quietly. But you guys found me out.” Said Anthony
Miriam then asked Anthony his opinion on which was the better drawing. But low and behold...he actually recognizes the person in the drawing as Jeffry Dan. Miriam seem to remember a little of the two men. Douglas remember what Heuy had sent about the fake money maker. And that the other guy is named Danel. Anthony said Jeffry Dan and Danel were trouble makers. That Jeffry used to be in his old town as a hired assasin.
“They are here to make trouble.” Exclaimed Anthony.
But then Anthony decided not to pursued the issue. Douglas think those two men and Anthony must had some past together. Miriam said that Anthony doesn’t seem to want to remember the past. Douglas told her that she on the other hand doesn’t need to escape her past since it is all a bunch of funny happening.
(“This guy always said a bunch of jokes. But when danger comes...he uses himself as a shield to protect me. What a big difference. I really want to remember what he is to me. What makes him tick. All his expressions. I want them all to come back to me.” Thought Miriam)A commotion was heard. A guy from the theater was drunk. He kept yelling a toast to Rod Simpson. He told Douglas and Miriam that a friend of Rod treated him to liquor. That Rod is looking for Ralph Turner and that Anthony fit the description of Ralph. Anthony thought why would Rod be looking for him...he was the one who asked him to leave.
“9 out of 10 chances are that Ralph is among the theater group. The girl got amnesia is real. This is what I had found out.” Said Danel.
“Still, she got to die. Don’t know when she would recover her memory.” Said Jeffry Dan.
“So what to do? Do we just go and kill her?” Said Jeffry Dan
“You just know how to use brute force.” Said Danel.,”Today is opening night.”
“Huh?” Said Jeffry Dan
“We are going to the opera house to see their show.” Said Danel.