As the Dust Settles
Mary-Beth Gaskill
The fountain pen scratched and scribbled across the parchment, words flowing from her mind to paper in fear she might forget. Mary-Beth sat at her desk as she worked, the morning sun seeping in through the window beside her. She immersed herself in her writing, her own reality fading away to the world she'd conjured up inside her mind.
Minutes turned into hours, many pages written as she poured her imagination out onto paper. Upon gazing at the time, she realized just how long she'd been seated in the same position, her stiff joints and hungry belly evident. Mary-Beth stood from her writing desk and stretched, rather pleased with how much work she'd achieved. She poured herself another cup of coffee and grabbed a biscuit from the tin then headed outside to sit on the front porch.
Mary-Beth often missed the people she'd once called family, frequently reminiscing the days that were long gone. She hadn't seen or heard from any of the old gang members besides John, who she'd happened to stumble upon at the Valentine Station and she particularly missed the other women in the gang. Tilly, Karen, Abigail, even Mrs. Grimshaw at times. However, she didn't miss the screaming if she was caught by the strict older woman, having not busied herself with a chore.
Despite the sadness she felt at leaving them all behind her life had never seemed to full. Not long after settling in this very town, Mary-Beth met a kindly gentleman named Frank Coleman who worked at the local newspaper office. The two often took strolls through the gardens or went for rides along trails, Mary-Beth's arms wrapped securely around Frank's torso before arriving at their destination to indulge in a picnic. It was like she was living in one of her romance novels and she wouldn't have it any other way.
Mary-Beth decided to go for a walk after finishing her coffee and slipped on her boots and hat. The sun had a little bite, and once she was fully dressed she stepped outside into the warm morning sun.
Small chatter and laughter become louder the closer she came towards the town's main thoroughfare, the call of the newspaper boy's voice sounding above all. Women giggled as they walked in groups with friends, their skirts immaculate and their hair tucked neatly under hats. It was far from the life she'd once led, and for that she was grateful, this new life suiting her just fine.
Mary-Beth wandered towards the markets, a basket hooked over her arm as she studied the vibrant fresh produce. The voices were background noise, until one name in particular drew her attention.
"Did you hear that famous outlaw John Marston was killed outside his own home?" One lady gossiped, the words making the writer freeze where she stood, and her blood run cold, an apple still clasped in hand.
"Oh yes! Good riddance, the gang he used to run with was awful! What dreadful men outlaws are." Another detested, her tone appalled as they continued to chat. But Mary-Beth was no longer listening.
A single tear slid down her freckle splattered cheek and she mournfully wiped it away. The last she'd spoken to John he'd finally managed to settle down with Abigail and Jack and lead a good life away from the dangerous one they'd both lived. That was four years ago now and she wondered of the circumstances surrounding his death. She hoped it was of natural causes but knowing their shared past she knew it could have been far more sinister than that.
Mary-Beth returned to her home, no longer feeling the hustle and bustle of the busy streets and bright sunny day outside. She shrugged off her boots and shawl before returning to writing her book, more determined than ever to complete it.
…
Mary-Beth finished adding the final touches to her latest romance novel, all the hours and proofreading had come to an end. She turned the pages until she was at the beginning, one last thing to add to the very first page.
'In dedication and memory of JM.
Gone, but seldom forgotten.'
AN: I quite liked Mary-Beth in the game and found myself able to get into her head space. She was kind but also an impeccable pickpocket and thief. But to her friends she was the loveliest and most loyal person to have on side.
~xoUselessLesbianxo~