All You Wanted

A Jessie and Woody story

Chapter 4/6

"Alright class, have a nice evening," said Mrs. Barlow as she waved the children goodbye.

The sun descended, with a last kiss to the western land, over the distant hills and the school bell chanted its last ring before settling down. Woody's class departed rapidly into separate directions of the prairie, all were running home after another hard days' work. Their racing legs darted over the ground with as much excitement as a herd of roaming buffalo.

When their tiny figures skipped and disappeared behind the boundaries of a sky-reaching hill and their voices echoed into the midst of the dozy wind, Woody was walking slowly forward towards the path that led him home. His bag was slung lazily over his right shoulder, swinging gently to the sides with every step. He was hypnotised by the collection of dirt showing different shades of brown, many made him wonder if that's what his eyes looked like up close. That thought was quite down heartening; thinking how that might have caused everyone to treat him like the dirt. Maybe he was just born that way. Out of his thoughts, Woody wasn't aware of how tense he was with the tightly contracting hand around his bags' strap. He didn't even notice how nothing was absorbed into his mind during the last lesson. Mrs. Barlow had noticed this and knew this change was out of the ordinary for Woody. His concentration was let slip and whatever caused that must have been something big. She was going to question Woody about it but he seemed to have set his body on muscle memory when he mindlessly put his things away before he left.

Mrs. Barlow stood at the door once again as she watched him go. The lonely boy kept his gaze to the ground, and she took note of the leaves that followed him like sheep. Bo went next to her and sighed when she spotted him.

When the teacher noticed her young daughter she asked, "Did you find out who the bully was?"

"I think so, but –" Bo started. Her voice was quivering and full of fret. "- I-I don't know…"

Mrs. Barlow was troubled by all of this, "What do you mean, dear?"

Bo just couldn't describe what happened. She couldn't explain it to herself let alone her mother. But she tried, "Something happened during break."

"Oh? Please tell me, dear."

"I think it was Jessie, mother."

Vexed by hearing Jessie's name, she turned to her desk. "Really? Well I think I better write a letter to Miss. Jane's parents." Mrs. Barlow couldn't believe it was Jessie. Not in all of the years of schooling was there even a hint of it. Sure Woody acted strangely anxious around Jessie but he was like that around all of the children. Mrs. Barlow was remorseful over how she let Woody suffer for so long, she could have at least picked up on how he acted that way more when Jessie was around and was going to put this straight now. But Bo clutched her dress and stopped her in mid step.

"Wait."

The teacher turned her head back with that determined look never leaving her face. However Bo's insistence made her very confused. She's finally found the culprit who has been putting Woody through so much and was so determined to end it. But Bo's eyes resembling the mysterious depths of the ocean were in deep and dark sorrow. This looked like this was deeper than she first imagined. Mrs. Barlow was an understanding woman and a very good listener so she decided to give it a chance. She knelt down beside Bo and placed a hand on her shoulder for comfort.

"Alright, honey. Tell me everything," she said softly.

Bo cleared her throat and tried her best to describe what happened. "Jessie went out to find Woody and I during break. From the way Woody was acting, I'd say it wasn't the first time it's happened."

This didn't surprise Mrs. Barlow, especially when yesterday was not the only time something dramatic happened.

"When she did, she was only focused on me. Her eyes scared me. She came up to my face and demanded that I'm not to go near Woody." Bo looked up to her mother. "She really scared me because she sounded like she would actually hurt me if I did." Bo was almost in tears as she spoke. Mrs. Barlow was really worried now and pulled Bo into an embrace to comfort her.

Bo, in the embrace, already felt safe with her mother there. It was warm and soothing. There were small whimpers that escaped her lips but as Mrs. Barlow cooed her to calm down, she started breathing heavily. It was funny, because her tears of fright were similar to Jessie's burning emerald eyes when she last saw her. Maybe her parents could make her feel better too, she thought.

- But why was she so uptight when Woody was mentioned? -

Bo then realised she needed to continue, because there was the point that had not yet been said and Bo felt this was most important. Not sure why but she followed what her guide was telling her to do. She eased herself away from Mrs. Barlow and continued.

"I said something to Jessie after that."

"What?"

"I said… Woody will never like you." Mrs. Barlow narrowed her eyes when Bo said that. She shifted her eyes to the left to wonder why that was interesting. "Jessie then stopped what she was doing and left us alone. Except when I tried to take Woody away he wouldn't." Mrs. Barlow looked at Bo again, listening intently. "He kept looking at Jessie. He told me to head back and he'll follow. But then the next time I saw him was in class and Jessie never came back."

To say she was bewildered by Bo's tale was truth. If what Bo said about Jessie was correct and she was the bully, then every sticky end she found Woody in was because of her. But he didn't run away with Bo at the end. Woody stayed with Jessie. Mrs. Barlow didn't know what to make of that.

"Thank you Bo for doing that for me," she said quietly. "Get your things dear and we'll head home."

...

It was still light in the sky, but Woody knew it wouldn't be for much longer. A darkening veil was stretching its hand from the distance and sending the traces of the day away. There was a lone sparkling star ahead of where he was sitting. It twinkled merrily at him. Woody always thought that was how stars talked. By shining dimly or brightly. He was in no mood to talk now but the star was being enthusiastic. Woody was resting his head in his hands while sitting by a lake. He chose to ignore the star but even its reflection in the clear and cool water was winking at him.

Guilt was thriving in his gut and he didn't know how to handle it. Woody wasn't sure who to question it about. He felt Sheriff Dillin was the best guide in this situation but whenever he took a few steps towards home it didn't feel right, and turning back towards the wood where Woody guessed Jessie still was made him question further whether it was right or not. It was too much for him and it ached his head, so he just sat down in a dip of a hill where the lake lay peacefully. He stared into the lake and daydreamed to the point when he felt the chills of the evening encircle him.

Woody knew he had to find out what was wrong with Jessie, because he discovered that was what was bothering him so much. But if he did he had to do it quick before Dillin finds he isn't home yet. Once again the old man will be working late so he had time. Making the decision, Woody got to his feet and started back towards the school where the woods were. He wasn't sure what he'd do, but every step felt right.

...

Jessie, alone in the forest, lost all hope of finding happiness. She knew if she went home it would be the same result as every other time. Instead she just sat on the soil drawing pictures with her finger. It was warmer here than it was in the open spaces. The trees trapped more warmth from the day and resting beside them allowed her to listen to the soothing music of leaves and the air. Jessie missed her mother dearly. She thought about how soft her voice was and how she would hold her in her arms whenever she felt like this. Then there was a day when she said,

"If there's ever a time when you're in the dark and I'm not there, express what you feel by your hand."

Jessie didn't really know what that meant. The only thing she could think of involving her own hands was when she would draw pictures. So Jessie decided to give it a go. With her index finger, she manipulated paths in the soil and created a Grey Wolf coming across an Injured Doe. It wasn't much to look at she thought, but it made her feel a little bit better. Keeping it the way it was, she fingered the wolf and daydreamed.

Jessie was too stuck in her own world to not notice Woody approaching through the shrubbery behind her. Seeing her still here made his face drop in worry and he slowed down. He had started to run here in case he missed her but the silence of the trees made him feel like he should quiet down. As he took one cautious step after the other towards her, he subconsciously tried to remember what it was that Bo said before Jessie froze. But the memory was clouded.

Woody tried not to be sidetracked by how her free-flowing hair danced in the wind. It was so uniquely coloured and in perfect contrast with the green surroundings, just like Jessie's eyes. The thought made Woody more careful, it was like the essence of her emerald eyes touched the woods and made him feel like he was being watched from all around.

So soundless. The only thing that could be heard was the gust of winds hitting the branches from above. Woody looked up to the treetops and spotted the clear night sky before he reached her. From here, Woody could only trust his gut on this. He wasn't sure how to catch her attention gently, he thought he could clear his throat or tap her shoulder. It would have been easier if she heard him coming. Not a snap of a twig or step into the dry ground even earned a twitch from her. But she instead continued to finger the wolf, lost in her unknown world.

That was when the drawing caught his eye. Woody carefully leaned over her to see the picture in the soil. It was partly covered by fallen leaves but his concentration increased as he observed the outline forming the two magnificent beasts of the wild. He thought it was beautiful and left him in awe. Woody could draw himself; he loved drawing birds and horses, especially Bullseye. But he never tried wolves before, or deer or even draw in the soil. He thought that was very inspiring and desperately wanted to sit down next to her to collaborate.

Woody didn't think before this, he didn't take any possible consequences into mind when he spoke but he just had to say it, "I like your drawing."

Jessie jumped by the sudden voice and jolted her head to look behind her. His voice wasn't frightening but the silence's interruption was shocking. She looked up to see Woody there who jumped back a bit when she gasped by the surprise. Their breathing was obvious in the slumbering wood and all they could do was stare at each other for a moment. Jessie couldn't believe it, having to blink a few times to realise the world around her was far from a dream. He came back. Not even the light of the next day came by and she's seeing him again. This moment made her feel overjoyed to see him, banishing the disconsolate feelings from before into the vanishing past. Jessie wasn't sure how to react. Woody was petrified when she didn't say anything. The moonlight was shining on both of their eyes and they could see each other so clearly. Jessie loved how his eyes were exactly like the tree bark. Much like a newcomer who was welcomed into the wood. A new and younger tree. The same beauty she looked for in the evenings to grant her day with something to smile about herself. But the friendly and warming aura they usually held were absent from them now, he looked uncertain of himself. Looking at this made Jessie upset because normally at this time she would hide somewhere and spy on his smile. She would have felt treated to admire a trace of his heart. They were unique, like her own eyes, and it was as sweet as the nectar for honey. Taking this into consideration, she realised she has gotten his full attention again and habit caused her to banish all of the silly things from her head.

"Woodrow," she smirked. Her tone frightened him again and he tried to remember why he was here in the first place.

"Y-yes Jessica?"

"What are you doing here?" she asked like a serpent as she got to her feet.

"I-I was, err…" Woody couldn't find the words.

"You shouldn't have come back." Jessie was now taking steps towards him, and Woody now thought that coming back wasn't a good idea. He walked right into the lion's den when he could have just gone home. He could have been safe and sound in Dillin's cabin with Bullseye, instead he's in a dark wood with his bully preparing to pounce. He wondered how he could have been so stupid.

"Okay," he murmured, stepping away from her. "I'm sorry Jessica. I'll leave you alone if you want me to."

"Don't think you can get away that easily."

Woody realised he shouldn't have got any further involvement in this, he had completely forgotten about how he couldn't possibly get through to Jessie. But Woody didn't come here to start a fight. He just wanted to know if Jessie was okay. But the fear had clogged his progressive thoughts and everything was just telling him to run.

"Jessica, please don't do this…" Jessie ignored him and continued to smirk and approach with stern confidence.

She refused to be shown as weak. It was a promise she made herself and she was sticking by it, no matter what anyone says. There was one thing that she knew for certain: not to let Woody's attempts for mercy get to her. It was weak. Then a thought erupted from the depths of her head, and she panicked thinking about what Woody might have seen from before. "You've come back to make fun of me, haven't you?" Jessie hissed.

"No!" Woody said quickly. He began to panic himself, holding his hands out in protest. "No! I swear I'm not!"

"I don't believe you, you little rat. I'm going to make you wish you never came here."

"No Jessica. That's not why I'm here at all. I just want to – "

Jessie wasn't listening. She charged towards Woody and he only just turned to run away before she forced him to the ground. She comfortably fixed her weight perfectly onto his back before grabbing hold of his right hand and moving it into a hurtful lock behind him. For extra measure, she held onto his hair tightly to keep him in place. Woody was now utterly horrified. He wasn't expecting an attack now and this grip was especially rough. She wasn't letting him go anywhere, and the trap he got caught into was too terrifying. He felt the cold soil on his cheek and struggled to get out of the pin before Jessie increased the pressure on the hand lock. Woody cried out a bit before his struggling ceased. Jessie kept a firm grip on him but released the pressure when he calmed down and breathed heavily.

"That's a good boy," she said with a smirk. She moved closer to her ear and said, "Now to pick up where I left off this morning."

"Jessica!" Woody struggled again but Jessie once more increased the pressure causing him to stop. He was cut off from seeing her and he was frustrated. He could just see her in the corner of his eye but if he was being honest, he didn't have to see her to know she was grinning madly. "Please don't do this."

"More pleading? Why don't you do me a favour for once Woodrow and stop it," Jessie replied. She stayed close to his ear and kept her grip tight. "You're such a little wimp, y'know? A wimp and a coward."

More and more she felt aggravated because it wasn't fair. Jessie had nothing, Woody had everything and all Jessie wanted was for him to like her. The sadness caused by a mistake that wasn't her own. A relationship that could have been was destroyed a long time ago, and this burned her insides in rage. She was going to let him know just how she feels. She was going to break him down.

Woody shut his eyes tight and sighed, allowing specks of soil and tiny twigs to glide on his breath briefly. This situation turned out like all the others. He thought that this one could be different. He thought his mind was fixing on the memory of Jessie alone in the woods for a reason and he just couldn't ignore it no matter how hard he tried. Now his attempt was like the last flowers at the dawn of autumn. Trying to shed the colours of summer and spring onto the cold season, being rejected by the sleepy snow and covered by its thick sheet until the flowers were no more.

At this point Woody gave up and surrendered to Jessie's taunts, as that was the only thing he knew he does well.

"I know," he said simply.

Stupefied was Jessie to Woody's response, that was not what she was expecting at all. Surely he's not accepting what she said about him. But because he did, it abruptly didn't feel like the truth at all. Jessie has no memories of times when he would say anything about himself like that. He may be very sensitive but that was something she always liked about him. Deep down she considered it as a character benefit rather than flaw since Woody always picked himself up after anything was dumped on him. Jessie always dreamed of sitting down with him somewhere to talk about her problems, because she knew he would listen and do anything he could to help her through it. She wouldn't ask for anything else in the world if she could have a friend like that.

Woody felt her grip loosen slightly but didn't regard it. He shut any thinking down and just lay there defeated. Jessie was shocked further when she felt him relax and deflate. Flustered for words, she stuttered uselessly, "W-what?"

"I know I am," Woody repeated. His eyes were calmly closed and Jessie didn't question it when she found out he was not planning to fight back. "I've always been afraid of the next day when I go to sleep at night. I'm afraid of facing being on my own in the class and especially when I'm outside. I'm afraid of talking to anyone in case they won't like me. Most of all I'm afraid of my own thoughts turning against me when I know no one will understand me. So you're right Jessica, I am a wimp and a coward."

Jessie shook her head in denial. She couldn't believe she was hearing this, surely he wasn't actually saying this. Listening to every word he said gently, Jessie realised she was relating to all of it. The young boy who she had been tormenting has been suffering too. Like her, all he wanted was someone to be there for him. Her train of thought ended when he spoke again.

"I probably deserve every thing you do to me," he said finally.

"Woody, you don't mean that," Jessie couldn't help herself. All thoughts of acting strong or showing no weakness were gobbled by repentance. If there was an opportunity opening up to her now, then she wanted and needed to take it.

To her question he didn't respond properly, he just shook his head and threatened to whimper. "Why did you come back Woody?" Jessie needed to know. Audaciously she wanted to know, but her voice unconsciously softened when she asked him one more time, "Why did you?"

Woody sniveled slightly trying to find his voice. Speaking his heart out to her of all people made him feel more helpless and stupid than ever. Not even to Dillin did he say this much. But eventually his voice answered, "I needed to know if you were alright." When he uttered the last word, it broke him down and burned his eyes. Woody didn't want it to happen, he tried his best to fight them off but the tears were set free from his sienna eyes and innocently became one with the earth below him.

Speechless was young Jessie. There was not even a hint of a lie in Woody's voice. He came back, just to see if she was okay. He was worried about her. Jessie immediately let go of him and her gaze followed the bark of a tree from Woody into the oblivion above her. Every way she acted towards Woody was being questioned and changed by the ever-growing penitence within her spirit. It was leaking into the air, being happily taken away by the shamanistic winds. Jessie got to her feet and then her gaze willingly trailed back down to where Woody was. All she ever wanted - was lying right there.

The sorrowful young boy shakily tried to push himself up, the dreadful and quiet cries she heard from him sent her senses ablaze. Penitent Jessie felt sickly in head and stomach. The faults, fixing their blame on her, was as powerful as a seed starting out so small at first before revealing the true consequences of one's actions.

-What have I done? -

Woody was weak and stunned by the attack, he managed to get into a crouching position before feeling the exhaustion prevail over his body. He was foreseeing another opening Jessie was going to take advantage of again. A firm but thoughtful touch to his arm made him think it was true as he tensed again. Wincing with eyes shut tight, he expected the worst, but when his senses acknowledged the light grip he dared to open them again. Looking to his right, Jessie had reached out to gently take hold of his arm. The coppery haired child observed his face, sights of the tear paths and dirt struck her heart with so much guilt. His eyes had that same similar look he gave her whenever he got scared. Jessie wanted to never see that look again. She knew it would haunt her dreams, secretly wishing deeply that she could have felt this way from the beginning. When she gestured for them to keep going, Woody confusingly wondered what she was up to. All the times when she would put forward false sympathy ran wildly through his head and he was never sure whether her face was true or not; this time was no different. Jessie noticed this and understood, trying her best to earn a droplet of trust.

"It's okay," she said softly to him.

Woody's look was extremely worried. He wasn't sure if taking another risk, like coming here, was worth it after the last result. He wondered if Jessie did have, if it was even possible, a change of heart. Oh how he'd like to believe that.

In doubt, he leaned back scarcely and subtly shook his head at her. Even if that gesture dampened Jessie's spirits a little, she refused to give up.

"I won't hurt you," she said. "I promise."

Locking his eyes on hers, Woody wondered again if he should trust his judgment like he did last time. He sighed delicately to himself. If the expression Jessie was presenting him was genuine then it could mean something. His intelligence settled into his core and he reminded himself that he must give her a chance. If he truly believed that she couldn't change then he wouldn't have turned back from home in the first place.

It was a shot in the dark but one he settled to take, Woody gently held her arm with his other and Jessie balanced his weight as they lifted themselves up. It was enchanting when Jessie felt him on her arm. She discovered she was being severely tested; his exhausted and weak self was depending on her support now. It was never going to be taken lightly again as her stubbornness was relocating to loyalties. Gently but smoothly she lifted Woody up to his feet and carefully let his arm go. He shivered with a bleeding heart but wiped away the tears that continuously spilled.

"Woody?" Jessie said.

He looked at her - as simply as that. She called his name and the dark hazel gaze locked with the forest green one. It felt – wonderful, when it did. Woody himself didn't know what to do now. Taking that chance and putting his trust on Jessie proved to be the right thing to do, and this had never happened before. Further questions revolved around how could this have not been sooner and why did everything have to be so complicated all the time.

She wanted to say so much to him. She wanted to let him know that she understands how hard it is to cry in front of someone. Seeing his tears now sent her mind floundering down the river of memories when she caused his sad crying before. All that fear; all that hurt, all those tears forming the stream of water in her aching heart. Jessie knew now there was only one thing she could say.

"I'm – I'm sorry," she uttered in a fragile whisper. Emotions were running away with her as she shook her head downwards. Jessie thought she didn't deserve to even look at him.

"What?" Woody asked; congested by what was happening here.

"I'm sorry," Jessie repeated in a whisper again. "I'm so sorry Woody." She turned away from him and sat beside her drawing. It was only Woody here with her now, her biggest admiration and only person she needed. Jessie didn't want it to be like this though, the past was too much to bear and all of her emotions shone in sparkles like the stars through her eyes.

Woody looked to her when she sat down. There was a deep sensation in his body that told him she meant it. Breathing deeply he thanked himself and the voice in his head that encouraged him to walk this path. Maybe things really can change now. All for the better too.

'There you are!" A voice violently thrashed the air of the trees.

Woody and Jessie shot their attentions ahead of them and there was Jessie's father with his gang of thugs. Wesley Pickett looked infuriated and his two men began snickering hideously when caught sight of the children. Jessie sprang to her feet so fast and backed away to stand beside Woody. He of course had no idea who they were. They're hairy and monstrous gawks of repulsion set his instinct off to run for the hills.

"This is the last time you disobey my orders, Jessica. You come here to me," he snarled with his finger sharply pointing to the ground. His voice sent horrible shivers down Woody's spine. He had a very cantankerous look; a look he always envisioned when the presence of an outlaw loomed in his mind.

He was thinking of grabbing Jessie's hand to flee from these evil looking men. A person didn't need full education to know they couldn't possibly fight them off if they threatened to attack. Sheriff Dillin always advised Woody to choose his fights wisely and knowing his job pick, Woody figured Dillin knew what he was talking about.

Woody tugged at Jessie's sleeve secretly. "Jessica," he whispered to her. "We need to get away from them."

"You keep your mouth shut, boy!" Pickett growled causing Woody to jump.

Jessie whispered back to him with the most foreboding and frightened voice he's ever heard her use, "Go Woody."

"What?"

"I said go!"

"No!" he stated with a firm voice. Jessie was taken aback by Woody's burst of anger all of sudden and looked at him with large eyes. He went closer to her and told her, "That man is threatening you and I'm not leaving you here alone." Before Jessie could fathom out the sense of bliss and delight that filled her heart after seeing that determination in his eyes, Pickett interrupted causing their focus to go back to him.

"I knew you were messing with boys," he said coldly. "How dare you ignore me again Jessica!"

"No daddy! I didn't!"

Woody looked at Jessie in recognition. This man was her father. But his expression changed dearly to worry and sorrow when he saw the look on Jessie's face.

-If this man is her dad, why is she so scared? -

A light breeze caressed Woody's cheek, trying to tell him something important. The thick scent of foul smoke and drink struck his nose like a hit for the team and he had to stop it from wrinkling. Woody and Jessie retreated a bit when Pickett approached them with hard and heavy steps. He was a hunky man making Woody feel so small he would break if his pinky touched him.

Woody stayed still when Jessie stopped retreating. She was less alert than he was, drowned in repulsive apprehension and he knew he couldn't just leave her there. Pickett stopped in front of them, haughty and gigantic. Woody didn't know what to do. At this point he would have fled but Jessie was as stiff as a statue and didn't move a muscle. He had to think quickly and looked left and right only to find that a tree had cornered them from behind. It didn't mean to. Woody had half a mind to just pick Jessie up and run but logic spoke and said the man's arms were like tree trunks themselves and would stop any attempts of escaping like a cat with a caught mouse. The two men appeared over each of Pickett's shoulders and observed the auburn-haired child.

"Hey boss," one man said to Pickett. "That boy looks familiar."

"He does, doesn't he?" Jessie's father rubbed his hairy chin in thought. Jessie had forced her eyes to him and she really did not like the way they were looking at Woody.

"Yeah – I think that's the boy the town's Sheriff took in," the man said again.

Pickett looked at him again then turned his head back to Woody again slowly, "Is he really?"

That look was bitter and Woody's eyes were like plates. Jessie moved slightly closer to him unaware that he had done the same, both their visions being infused by the beginnings of the adrenaline rush. A sense of danger was too powerful and distracting to ignore.

He knelt down locking a hard stare on the two children. It was like he was observing them through and through deridingly. Jessie was too frightened to realise a plan was conducting in his head. Her father was glaring at her in a warning manner. "We're going home Jessica," he venomously ordered. The two men destroyed any other means of escape by taking steps to the sides completely surrounding the kids. "Do as I say Jessica, or your little friend will get hurt."

Jessie gasped inwardly in inexpressible horror. She knew she had to appeal to the integrity they held because there was no chance she could get Woody out of this mess. She spotted Woody in the corner of her eye breathing heavily and shakily. The outlaws had closed them in and they were trapped.

Begging to anyone who could hear her to keep Woody safe silently in her head, she shut her eyes tight and nodded.

Pickett chuckled, "Ain't that nice? You're having a little sleepover for the first time."