Chapter 2

Although it was her day off, Maria the Librarian spent the morning getting some books from the library. Memorizing the shelves quite well, she was able to find exactly what she needed. She then locked up, with some books on herbs and medicine on hand.

Maria would be best described as a humble beauty. Her prim, gray dress with matching loafers don't quite stand out. She also wore some black stockings and a white hair band atop her long blue hair. Her casual smile was quite cute, but again, it didn't quite shake off an impression of blandness.

Still, her calm, dutiful demeanor perfectly complemented her extraordinary sense of responsibility. She always tried her best to be in an orderly fashion with whatever she does, and all of this has made her a very dependable figure in Flower Bud Village. She also had some artistic thought, as she would occasionally recite scenic imagery to those who would listen. It may very well be that artistic sense that would make her stand out among the rest.

The dutiful Librarian then headed towards the clinic, by request of the respected Doctor Alex due to his busy schedule which keeps him from being able to check out the best books possible for his profession.

"Ah yes, our dear Doctor Alex, the constant caretaker of the village. I remember how he strongly insisted upon this important delivery with his time constraints. It's such a shame how busy he is, but it is an expected aspect of his job, I suppose," she noted to herself.

Suddenly, a deep feeling of regret flooded through her. "Yes, it really is a shame that couldn't stay much longer," she uttered aloud in a wistful voice. "All those times were very much enjoyable, I admit. I would express my thoughts about life, nature, and the business that would go on in our quiet village, and he would actually respond, even rebut sometimes with his own views on things. Sure, it would be infuriating at times when we disagreed, but he didn't seem to care when there was the occasional difference. To be honest, I didn't really care either way how it would turn out. We were actually talking together."

The last few words floated about in her head for a while. She found it rare that anyone to would take time to actually listen to her, let alone converse with her while actually being able to follow along.

"He is indeed a respectable intellectual; someone I can talk with; and someone I can always be with."

Suddenly, her heart suddenly raced. Despite how often she's felt this sensation, it somehow always surprised her.

"... yes... and my heart would be like this as well... at times he was near me, but now... it's happening at the mere thought of him. Why...is that?"

The young librarian looked up at the sky with curious longing as she continued to ponder.

From another side of the village, the earnest and compassionate Ellen was on her usual route to bring her delicious homemade treats to some of the busy workers of Flower Bud Village. She had short burnet hair, and wore an apron casually draped over body. Even with her young age, she gave off a picturesque impression of a happy housewife. By coincidence, she too, was heading to the doctor's place.

"All right! The next stop is at the Doctor's! I've got a honey cake to deliver, and some carefully stored vegetable juice, in case he doesn't feel up to having sweets. I know how much he cares about health, so I can't have him malnourished because of diet habbits! Then again, he is a doctor, so he should be understanding, anyway!".

Wherever she went, her presence was always a welcome sight, as she was sure to refresh anyone's spirits with her honest, open personality and her delicious cooking. Some have even gossiped that her warm soul ensured the good quality products because of how she always tended the Blue Sky Ranch's animals.

At Cafe Callaway, Ellen would try to improve her own cooking by learning whatever she could from the professional style by trying out some new desserts and talking with the local head cook, Carl. Whenever she went to Heary Lyla's, she would purchase sweet Jams for some of her more interesting recipes, and also check out some novel merchandise. Finally, there was the doctor's place, where she would make sure to treat any resting patients, as well as the hardworking Doctor himself.

"That poor guy always works himself to death! Even when he's out, he's still working by gathering some herbs for medicine and study! I don't even think he's even really resting on his day off? Does he ever find time to rest? I sure hope he's okay."

Ellen gave a long, deep sigh. No matter where she saw him, he was always working. Although she admired the Doctor's work ethic, it worried her a lot. With her motherly disposition, her concern grew into attachment overtime.

"I rarely ever see him rest. Even when it's night outside, when his place is locked up for the night, I swear that the lights are still on. I've asked Duke if he's ever been to the bar at night, but he never does. I suppose... that could be a good thing, actually... but it could still mean that he isn't relaxing"

Although part of her seems to know that this wasn't true. She's seen him around the village, taking his time to enjoy his surroundings. He seemed more serene, unguarded, during these times. Ellen was actually in awe of this side of him, yet she wasn't sure to believe in this. It could very well be that she's deluding herself into believing that he needs her, that he won't be content without her, and yet she would see these rare ocassions where he would witness nature all by himself, looking perfectly happy.

"… I guess that he's just the independent type, though. I contribute to his work only once every day, and he's managed to do fine without the kind of assistance that can allow him to rest. Yes, he just happens to be that independent kind of person. Those times I've seen him outside … he always looks content, looking at the bounties of nature… by… himself"

And yet, that too, was a lie. Whenever she went into the clinic, she would usually see Gina there, with her humble, yet encouraging attitude, which complemented the Doctor's cool disposition. They seemed content together. Even if they don't express the kind of compassion that a loving couple would openly display, they somehow seemed happy in their quiet, mutual trust. This secretly upset poor Ellen.

"... oh, right... there's Gina... too... well, that's nice. The Doctor has Gina's assistance now as well. The two of them have been doing a fine job together, so, maybe I...".

Maybe I'm no longer useful to him, she was about to say to herself, but she was simply too afraid of that thought. She had contributed so much to everybody in her village that such a thought would be too difficult to even think about, especially if it concerned the doctor.

One simple tear dripped from Ellen's tender face, but she quickly cheered up. "h...honey cake for Doctor Alex! That's it! I can't loose focus on my task! I almost completely forgot what why I was going there in the first place! Silly me!"

She gave a cheerful laugh as she finally made it to the clinic's doorstop, only to cross paths with Maria.

"Ellen!"

"Maria!"

Both young women observed each other, feeling a similar radiance.

"My dear Ellen! W-what brings you here!", Maria said, completely startled.

"I'm here to deliver Doctor Alex some cake to eat!", Ellen cried out, "What about you?".

Maria laughed nervously to herself. "My goodness! I'm... sorry this all turned into a scene! Ah... I was just here to drop off some books the Doctor was considering checking out, but didn't have the time to examine. I hope that the Library's resources could become a great help for his research!".

"Phew! Well, that's nice of you! It's good to know you're willing to leave the Library once in awhile to provide Flower Bud Village with a valuable service," Ellen smiled.

Maria looked at Ellen funny. "You... look a little relieved from something. Were you feeling down not too long ago?".

"N-n-no! Don't be ridiculous! I wasn't going depressed or anything like that!", Ellen cried frantically.

"Oh, okay. That's good", Maria responded coolly.

Before the two women could continue their conversation, the door swung open, and Katie stomped her way out of the clinic.

"Excuse me", Katie growled as she was about to make her exit.

"Katie!", Maria and Ellen exclaimed in unison.

Katie then looked up at the other two ladies, completely caught off-guard.

"W-what are YOU doing here? Are you feeling okay?", Ellen asked in a panic.

"I'm... fine!", Katie huffed in frustration.

"Well, that's good to know!" Maria said in as much of a cheerful expression as she could make out. "Are you just leaving now?"

Katie was about to openly express her outrage towards the "insensitive" Doctor who just upped and abandoned her, but something in her gut commanded her to stop. She then managed a smile, and responded, "N-no! Of course not! I'm just trying to get a fresh breath of air now! The Doctor's been so busy at the sanitarium today, so I had to wait here all by myself until he's finished with his business!".

"Okay. Well, is he busy with Gina, or his he checking up on Dia's condition again?", Maria asked curiously.

"It's Dia," Katie groaned. "Gina was here just a minute ago to get some tools, then she left while telling me that she had to do some errands."

"Oh. Well the, thank you for being so informative, then," Maria responded.

Remembering that Doctor Alex had two women he dealt with on a normal basis at his usual quarters disheartened Maria. This information also served to confirm Ellen's worries as well.

"Well then, I should just leave these books on a desk along with a note, so it won't get mixed up with his other encyclopedia's, I guess!', Maria chirped as she approached a nearby desk.

Both Ellen and Katie carefully eyed Maria in an eerie silence. Ellen then looked back at her own delivery for Doctor Alex.

Katie nodded in satisfaction to herself "That's a good idea," Katie said aloud, "I doubt that the good doctor would want any further distractions added to his busy schedule!"

Just then, a burning sensation surged into Maria. She was about to drown out Katie in a fit of angry shouts when Ellen stepped forward.

"I think... I should stay and wait for Doctor Alex," Ellen cried.

Maria and Katie gave Ellen a funny look at that moment.

She then put on her most cheerful smile as she continued, "I think it would be impolite if I were to leave baked goods if he can't accept them. It would be a big waste to let perfectly good food to just rot overtime out of negligence, wouldn't it?"

Katie felt her temper get the best of her, again, and was about to go into her assertive attitude when Maria turned around with books still in hand.

"On second thought," Maria cried out, "I think I should just wait for the Doctor, too!"

Ellen managed to retain her smile, while Katie started fuming.

"I should at least check with the Doctor to make sure that these are the right books he put on hold! It would take up precious amounts of time if he had to return some books to library because I made a mistake! I know I've managed efficient work in all my experience as the Flower Bud Village Librarian, but it is necessary that I check for personal error as well", Maria insisted.

In some desperate attempt to calm herself, Katie went to the nearest seat to rest.

Friendly Ellen approached Katie with caution. "So, will it be okay if we stayed with you for the time being?" she asked.

Katie was about to let Ellen really have it when she felt that it would be a much better idea just to go along with it. "...ah... o... okay! Yes! I understand that you two have very important business as well!"

Katie is usually the straightforward type that lets everyone know exactly how she feels about things; however, when it comes to something as complicated as matters of the heart, she'll become as reserved as she feels is necessary.

"Thank you for understanding!", Ellen cried. She then took a seat for herself as she waited with her precious desserts.

"I'm glad to see you are willing to cooperate with important business", Maria nodded as she took a seat as well. She placed her library books on a nearby table.

Katie looked on with frustration of the situation she just put herself in. "I can't believe this! OOHHHH!" she shouted in her head.

Hours passed, and the Doctor still didn't return. Ellen and Maria continued to wait with the same anxious expression on their faces, while Katie looked like she was about to explode.

In her pent up frustration, Katie started thinking to herself, "I know what they're up to! It's so obvious! Those harpies! They must know that the other girls haven't confessed their feelings to Alex, and they simply chose this day to tell him! I don't know how they found out how I messed up my confession... but I won't let them take Alex away from me! I worked too hard for this day! Too hard! Those nasty witches are far too conceited and selfish to know everything I've ever been through! How Carl never appreciates my cooking! How Jack always heads for the hills at the mere sight of me! How that creepy Joe always stalks me like the loony creep that he is! Alex is the ONLY one who ever listens to me! He's the ONLY one who ever makes me feel comfortable and appreciated!"

Katie took this opportunity to let out one long exhale to relieve some built up stress.

"I'M the only one who TRULY deserves him! ME! HE'S MINE!" she shouted in her head.

While Katie's assertive attitude serves as a sign of strength in this young lady, it also proves to be her major downfall as it is also the basis of her stubbornness. Despite this fault, there are those that would still enjoy her company.

Indeed, Katie does have a few other potential romances that she could always fulfill. Carl has been way more patient with her than what she assumed. He can even symphonize with the fact that she looks much younger than her claimed age. If anything, Carl has probably been one of the nicest villagers to her out of anyone. Then there is Joe, the so-called "stalker". By coincidence, the two have made several encounters in various parts of Flower Bud Village, with Joe being overly gregarious each time. There is also the daily meeting in Cafe Callaway, where Joe appreciated a complementary view of Katie while on his break, and when Jack would come in for his daily cake, Joe always expressed his interest in Katie's assertiveness. Beyond that, Joe never did anything bad enough to warrant sexual harassment, or a stalking charge.

Since Katie failed to notice these potential of these possible bachelors, Katie has focused her efforts on hooking up with Doctor Alex. Considering how high the odds are stacked against her, Katie must be a betting woman to go ahead with her practically hopeless pursuit.

The short tempered girl resumed glaring at the other two women with violent intent in her eyes. The eerie silence bugged her so much, that she felt she had to break it. "Are... you.. two... still... okay... WAITING," she uttered while desperately trying to contain her rage.

Somewhat sedated by anxiousness, the other two women simply nodded silently.

Katie breathed a sigh of relief, but the long wait still tried her patience.

"What's wrong with that man? A simple check up couldn't have taken that long, could it? I've been waiting here with these two since morning, and now it looks like sunrise is approaching! What's going on here!" she shouted in her mind.

She then saw the two women silently sitting at the corner. It bugged her how their sitting posture, expression, and excuse to come over was all too similar. It was especially bothersome that the two accepted their excuses to stay without the kind of resentment she felt about it.

"It's as if those two are conspiring together..." Katie thought to herself. Suddenly, wild thoughts rushed into her consciousness. It overwhelmed her so much that she couldn't take it. She immediately stood up and pointed her finger at the two of them.

"AHA! SO THAT'S WHAT YOUR GAME HAS BEEN THIS ENTIRE TIME!", Katie shouted.

Both women looked at her in confusion.

"DON'T PLAY DUMB WITH ME!" Katie continue. "THE TWO OF YOU PLAN ON HAVING THE DOCTOR TO YOURSELVES, DON'T YOU! YOU FIGURED THAT NEITHER OF YOU STOOD A CHANCE OF HAVING THE DOCTOR WITH COMPETITION LIKE DIA CONSTANTLY AT HIS SIDE, SO YOU BOTH PLOTTED ON SEDUCING HIM WITH SOME TWISTED PROPOSITION OF POLYGAMMY, HUH! WELLLLLL... I FIGURED IT OUT NOW, AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT'LL BE UP TO ME TO SAVE HIM FROM YOUR DISGUSTING IDEAS!"

Ellen and Maria looked at each other in discomfort. Their faces turned bright red, and they both gulped down hard.

"She... wants him, too!", both young women thought at the exact same time.

"Ashamed that I discovered your little plan, huh?" Katie gloated. "Well, I won't stand let you! I'm going to beat you to the bunch before either you, or Dia can lay a hand on him!".

With that, Katie was about ready storm into the the sanitorium to try once again and confess her love. In a panic, Ellen and Maria made a desperate rush towards the door as well, but they were too late.

The door swung open, with Doctor Alex and Dia outside.

"I... I'm sorry I gave you such a hard time today", Dia bashfully uttered.

"That is fine," Doctor Alex assured "It was the first time that your friend wasn't around to give you support, so you were simply nervous, that's all. You should be happy to know that you'll be just fine for another few months."

The good doctor looked inside to find both Maria and Ellen blushing, along with a very angry Katie.

"Hmm... Ladies, welcome. What brings you here?" Alex calmly asked.

"I... brought the books you asked for," Maria uttered quietly.

Ellen then raised a hand in the air, then Doctor Alex looked at her.

"A-and... and I came here to deliver your daily goods", Ellen stuttered bashfully.

"... H-HOW COULD YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE LIKE THAT!", Katie shouted.

Doctor Alex started feeling uncomfortable with the anxiety that filled the air. He then witnessed the three young ladies' red faces, being concerned and complexed at the same time.

"... this... looks... serious... an epidemic, maybe," The Doctor thought to himself, unsure of his immediate diagnosis Nonetheless, he knew something for sure was wrong.

Silence again took hold of the hapless villagers. Nearly everyone was too stunned to say anything, except for Katie, who was scheming something in her mind.

"Ellen and Maria are THAT close to the Doctor, but they're too nervous to use their charms against him! This is the great! I can confess my love to Alex in front of all of them, including that spoiled princess Dia, and it'll be the perfect blow to their egos! They'll be too late to do anything, and Alex will be all mine! YES!"

Katie was about to move in on her prey, until suddenly...

"Hello everyone! It's nice to see so many people take their health seriously, helping out Doctor Alex like this!" a cheerful voice called out. It was Gina, standing perfectly happy behind the doctor and his patient.

"G...GAH! NO! NOT... HER!" Katie shouted in her head. With all of her planning, she had conveniently neglected the biggest threat to her romance, who was the dedicated nurse that constantly worked at his side. She remembered the two of them had a casual working relationship in the clinic, but this relationship could eventually bloom into something more... something way very undesirable in Katie's situation.

"Maybe... Gina already proposed her love for the Doctor already, and if I simply blurt it out here right now, the rejection will just be that much worse! I'll see the two of them embracing, as Gina mocks me with her laughter... "What makes you think he was ever yours to begin with?" she would say, then the two of them will walk out galliantly into the sunset JUST TO SPITE ME! But no... even with that possibility... there's still a chance... a chance that Alex isn't taken yet... and I must take it! He'll see it my way... I know he will! He's the only one who listens to me, so it's worth it!" Katie desperatley calculated.

In a panic, Dia looked around and felt the pulsing of the other women's hearts matching her own. "No... they love him too... but... but the Doctor wants to be with Gina! I can't let them stand in the way! I won't let them stay in the way! The Doctor wants to be happy, with Gina, but their interference will only bring him despair! Ah... what to do... what to do!" she frantically thought.

Suddenly, a voice from her heart whispered a desperate plan to her.

"...Confess my feelings? But... but why?" Dia was startled by this drastic suggestion Slowly, she understood what this meant.

"It'll be painful... it'll be so painful when he rejects me... it'll hurt so much... but I am his patient after all... it won't be so bad for him when he has to let me down.. and then... he may finally gather some courage... and my intervention will allow him the perfect oportunity do it! He'll be able to tell Gina, and she'll finally understand! Then... then the two of them will finally be happy! Then everything will be okay! Because they'll be happy!" she desperatley thought with a sense of hope.

Dia still felt disoriented by accumulating anxiety she tried to fight off, but she understood what had to be done.

Not to be outdone, Katie frantically rushed towards her beloved Doctor, wanting to be in the best posible position to offer a tender confession.

Dia saw Katie coming closer and panic. Step by step, Katie was fast aproaching, yet Dia hesitated. Everybody else but Katie was in a standstill, and she still urged her herself forward. Dia was afraid how Katie could ruin everything, but she still feared the inevidable pain. Dia was shaking. She was frozen from the worse kind of dread imaginable. She could do nothing.

In the midst of this subtle chaos, a warm voice reached out to Dia.

"Is everybody okay?", Gina asked curiously.

Dia briefly turned to Gina again, then nodded to herself with a resolute look in her face. "For her!", a brave voice cried in her mind.

Out of sheer instinct, Dia tugged at Alex's white coat, and for one shining moment, their eyes met.

"Doctor Alex, I love you!", Dia cried with all her heart.

Everybody looked upon the Princess of Flower Bud Vilage. Most gave confused, curious glares at this sudden scene.

Shocked by her defeat, Katie's mouth was wide open. Her inner fury grew to unimaginable lengths, but the sting of her sudden loss was too much for her to act upon it.

Dia herself went through plenty of mixed emotions. All she could make out was a blank stare at the one she had loved for a long time.

Gina herself had a warm smile on her face, accompanied by a single tear. A sudden feeling of pride swelled within her, touched by her friend's brave act.

Most noticeable of all, looking upon Dia with grief and remorse, was Doctor Alex himself.