Who would have thought that the thirty mile or so wagon ride form Kansville (my home) to Richenburge (the village where the invention competition will be held) would be so long and boring. I have run out of things to read and all I have for company is Father and his silly invention.

Really Father isn't all that bad usually. But today it's 'My invention' this, and 'My wonderful invention' that, and 'My invention will win first prize' this. It was getting old and annoying.

"Father," I finally cut into his ramblings about his invention, "do you think I'll be considered odd in Richenburge too?" That was really the only reason why I couldn't find love in Kansville. I was odd because I loved to read and learn new things. I was considered very beautiful, yet somehow odd. That's the only reason why love was impossible back home. Jack was right when he had said, 'Then who will you marry? No other man in this village will ever have you as a bride. I am the only person who will ever ask for your hand.'

Father had made me promise that if I did not fall in love the two weeks we were in Richenburge, than I would have to marry Jack. Basically it was either love at first sight or Jack. I personally wish for the first. I'd rather marry someone I met and fell in love with in less than two weeks, than marry Jack.

"You, odd? Where did you come up with such a notion?" Father asked, playing it safe. "You are a very bright and beautiful woman. What man would think you odd?"

"Stop trying to flatter me, Father. You know that all the young men back home, with the exception of Jack, think I'm odd. Jack may be right. What man would have me as a bride beside him? But that's back home; maybe in Richenburge somebody will love me for me, not because I'm beautiful like Jack.

"Father, he doesn't love me. He lusts me! Can't you see that? Jack only likes my beauty, not me. I will not stand for a husband that does not truly love me. I am not a prize to be had! I'd rather die an old maid than marry Jack!" It was considered one of the highest dishonors to die an old maid when a man once asked for your hand, as Jack has mine. I would be a disgrace, but at least I'd be happy. Wouldn't I?

Father looked at me out of the corner of his eye. "Bella, daughter, even if that's true, you promised that you'd marry Jack if you came home, having found no love. A promise is a promise. Jack knows that you are his if you come home with no other man besides me with you." Then he was done with that subject and began talking once more about his first prize invention. I cared not, for I had just spotted the outskirts of Richenburge.

When we entered Richenburge an hour later, I was tired of invention talk again. I looked out over the streets. It truly was a magnificent town. When we reached the town center where the competition will be held the next day, I was able to get out of the wagon.

As we had been traveling to the square, a crowed of the local villagers had gathered. A group of the young people had gathered in a small knot just to the side of our wagon. I was happy that someone was willing to meet me, but is was strange. Someone was actually willing to meet me!

A young man was pushed foreword. He was tall and handsome with dark eyes and blond hair. It seemed to me as if he had been designated as spokesman for the group.

"Hello," he said. "I'm Thomas, and these are some of my friends. Becky," a young lady – probably the same age as me – with pale brown hair that feel down her back and sea blue eyes, stepped foreword. "John, Amy, Josh, Jacob, and Liz." There were nervous smiles from the rest of the group, but no one other than Becky stepped foreword.

I smiled. "I'm Bella." It was amazing! I may make some friends here!

Becky walked over to me. She looked me up and down before saying, "You are going to need a new dress, Bella. That one isn't going to do. Something that brings out your green eyes. They need to sparkle and show off. That is probably your most prominent feature. No offence to you, mind you!"

"A new dress? What's wrong with this one?" I lifted the light blue skirt. "This is my favorite dress. Why do I need a new one?"

Becky rolled her large eyes. "If you plan on being friends with us, you are going to have to fit in. This is the way you can do it. If you weren't the daughter of an inventor, maybe a new dress wouldn't be necessary. But you are and it is…. Come on." And she began to walk away.

"Hold on a second, Beck," Thomas said, reaching out and grabbing her arm. "Let's get to know Bella first. Maybe a new dress won't be necessary after all."

"What are you suggesting, Tom? That she can fit in on her own or that there is no way that she will ever fit in with us?"

He just shook his head; then turned to me. "Come on, Bella, you're going to have so much fun getting to know us and learning you're way around town…." He smiled broadly at me. "And so will we," he muttered to Becky.