Chapter 2: New Arrival

Outside of the hotel, Jessie walked alone to her home. Her thoughts were scattered. She was scared. She didn't know quite what she felt, and it worried her. She was a girl who always knew who she was and what she was feeling and thinking. Now, she couldn't comprehend what was going on. It scared her to think she might actually be falling for this toy. She tried to sleep that night, but found it an unsuccessful attempt.

The next day, Jessie woke and heard a knock at the door. She opened the door and saw Buzz standing there waiting for her.

"Jessie...I...I..." Buzz trailed off, not quite sure how to finish his sentence. Jessie looked at him.

"Buzz. I like you." She looked at the ground. "Well, I like you a lot, but...what happened last night, or almost happened...I can't do it Buzz. I can't." Jessie sat on the ground and started to cry. Buzz knelt down and wrapped his arm around her.

"I understand. I'm sorry. I never should have followed Zurg here...I knew it was a bad idea." Buzz said.

"It's...it's not your...your...fault." Jessie stuttered. "I...It's me...Buzz. The problem...is me." Jessie began to bawl. Buzz couldn't understand how such a beautiful creature like Jessie could be so miserable. Buzz hugged her and tried to soothe her. Nothing was working. Jessie put her hands to Buzz's chest and pushed him away. Shocked, Buzz backed away from her. Jessie stood up and left. Buzz sat there, confused and upset.

Jessie went about her daily routine and watched over the town on Bullseye like usual. After she was done, she ran into Stinky Pete.

"Howdy there Jessie!" Stinky Pete said.

"Hello Pete." Jessie replied casually.

"How's Buzz doing? Are you two getting along?" Stinky Pete chuckled. Jessie looked down at her feet without saying a word.

"Jessie? What's wrong? Oh, I didn't mean any harm by that comment. It just seemed like you two really got along. I didn't mean to hurt you." Jessie continued to stare at the ground. She could feel the tears begin to well up in her plastic eyes. She tried to quickly wipe them away, but it was too late. Stinky Pete had already seen them.

"Jessie? Did this toy hurt you? Tell me please. Maybe I can be of some assistance." Jessie looked into Stinky Pete's eyes and could see that he wanted to help.

"Well...it's complicated...Stinky Pete. I...I...I've never felt this way about a toy before."

"By golly! You're in love Jessie!" exclaimed Stinky Pete.

"That's the...problem...Stinky Pete. I can't...fall in...lo...lo...love with him."

"Why ever not? He's a wonderful toy! He's smart, brave, loving, funny, and quite handsome. What's the matter? Does he not love you?" Stinky Pete asked.

"That's not...the...problem either. He...he loves me. I know...he does."

"What in the wild west is wrong with you then?"

"I...fell...in love...with the...wrong...toy." Jessie cried.

"Whatever do you mean?" Stinky Pete questioned, visibly confused.

"I'm...supposed to fall...in love...with a cowboy...not a...space...ranger."

"Jessie, sometimes unexpected things happen in our lives. I never thought I'd live as a hobo for five years and then be persecuted for ten, but look at me now! I'm happy, and though my life took unexpected turns, it was for the better! I know it!" Stinky Pete smiled at Jessie. Jessie smiled back and hugged him.

"Jessie, it might be best if you left for a few days, you know, to clear your mind and release stress. Then you can come back fresh and ready. I'll watch over the town while you're gone."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Now go!" Stinky Pete said. Jessie went back to her room and packed up her things. She got on Bullseye and they rode off into the sunset. Buzz watched sadly as Jessie left.

Jessie decided to spend a couple of days atop Goat Mountain. It was a quiet place where she'd have time to clear her head. She got off of Bullseye and set up her tent. She decided to go for a walk by herself and set off, leaving Bullseye behind. As she walked, she could hear something. At first, she couldn't recognize the sound, but as she got closer, she realized it was the sound of someone's pick axe. She wasn't alone. She crept up to the nearest boulder and peered over it. She saw someone standing there holding a pick axe in one hand. He was a tall figure with a good build Jessie thought. She took a deep breath and went to confront the man.

"Hello? Um...howdy there stranger." Jessie said uncertainly.

"Hey howdy hey!" the stranger replied. "I'm Woody!"

"Woody? Well...howdy!" Jessie exclaimed, regaining her composure. "I'm Jessie!" Woody was a cowboy with a brown hat and brown boots. He wore blue jeans and a brown and yellow stripped shirt. He smiled at her and said, "Do you know where I can find the sheriff of this here town lil' missy?"

"You're looking at her. I'm the sheriff of Secret Town, California. What do you need?"

"Well, I need some help. I came here because of all of the mining, and though I am not a miner, I've always found it an enjoyable hobby. That's beside the point though. I was attacked by some bandits and they robbed me of everything I had. I've been up here for two days without anything. I was going to go to town to ask for some supplies, but then I found this wonderful spot for mining. I was wondering if you could bring me some supplies from your town."

"Certainly! I'm actually going to be here for a couple of days. We can share the supplies I brought until I return to town."

"Thanks so much Jessie! You're a lifesaver!" Woody exclaimed.

"Don't mention it," Jessie smiled. "How long have you been up here?"

"For a few days," Woody replied. "It's so beautiful up here. I just didn't want to ruin the experience by leaving so soon."

"I understand," Jessie replied. "Where do you live?" Their conversation continued for many hours. It became late, and Jessie started to yawn.

"It's best you go to bed now missy," Woody said.

"I'm not tired," Jessie yawned.

"Right...here, I'll help you." Woody picked up Jessie from the floor and carried her to her tent. He placed her inside and said goodnight. Jessie closed her eyes and dreamed. She dreamed of Woody coming to rescue her from bandits that had kidnapped her. Woody won the duel against the leader of the bandits and claimed Jessie as his prize. They rode off into the sunset on Bullseye, but before Jessie could feel happiness, Buzz stood in front of them. He was alone and looked up into Jessie's eyes. Woody got off of Bullseye and tried to move Buzz out of the way. Buzz wouldn't move and he continued to look at Jessie. She began to feel uncomfortable, and she ran away. She looked back as she ran, and both Woody and Buzz stood there staring after her. She woke up screaming. She realized she had just been dreaming, and she quickly fell back asleep.

The next morning, Woody showed Jessie how to mine. They spent the whole day together mining. Both thoroughly enjoyed the time together, and when night fell upon them, they were intent on continuing to spend time together. They started a fire and sat around telling stories. Woody was a good storyteller. He told her of his adventures and she listened to him intently. Soon, Woody and Jessie sat together staring into the fire. Jessie began to drift off to sleep, and her head rested on Woody's shoulder. Woody looked at Jessie and smiled. She was soon fast asleep, and Woody again took her to her tent. He said goodnight and left her alone for the night.

They spent only a few more days together when Jessie decided to head back to town. She convinced Woody to join her, and they both headed back to town together on Bullseye. She introduced Woody to the townspeople. Everyone could see that Jessie and Woody were an item, but they couldn't help feeling that Buzz was better suited for Jessie. They loved and respected Jessie, so they decided to support her in whoever she chose. Buzz kept mainly to himself for the next couple of days. He stayed in the hotel and wouldn't come out. Jessie, thinking Buzz had left, didn't search for him. She cried nightly over him. She couldn't believe he would leave without saying goodbye. She was hurt, but she didn't show her true emotions to anyone, not even Stinky Pete.

Woody and Jessie were walking to Jessie's home one evening after a town square dancing competition. Woody and Jessie had won, and they carried their trophies back to Jessie's house.

"You were amazing Jessie!" Woody exclaimed. "I've never had such a good square dancing partner in all of my life!"

Jessie blushed and said, "The same goes for you Woody. You are probably the best square dancer I've ever met!"

"You flatter me too much cowgirl." Woody replied. As they reached Jessie's home, Woody set down the trophy he carried and Jessie did the same. Woody hugged Jessie and as they pulled away from each other, Woody quickly went in for the kiss. Before Jessie even knew what was going on, she was kissing Woody. Woody was a good kisser, but something was wrong about it. Jessie quickly pulled away, but Woody was determined. He pulled her back in and continued to kiss her until she smacked him across the face. Woody apologized for his behavior and Jessie asked him to leave quickly. Woody hung his head and left. Jessie went inside her home and fell to the floor. She had just ruined the perfect moment. She had dreamed of this for years. Why did it feel wrong then? She really liked Woody. He was even a cowboy, and he was a dream come true for any cowgirl. Why did she push him away? Then the truth hit her like a bulldog running into a brick wall. She was still in love with Buzz, and she always would be.