Hey, sorry for the long wait. Its been hectic for me. My Dad was sent to the hospital and JUST got out like a few hours ago and my Great Grandmama on my Dad's side died Thursday. I'm sorry for the long wait.

Thanks to my first reviewers:

VioteInklings: I'm so sorry for the long wait. I hope you haven't stopped reading. Isn't it amazing what baggy clothes do for a girl? xD. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

BiddyAuthor: You bet your ass stuff got real. Lol. I decided to take this Molly in a different direction, glad you like her so far. Let me know if you find something's wrong though (it'll be appreciated). thanks for reviewing Biddy!

AmbulansContradictionem: Sorry for the long wait! I wouldn't have pushed myself so hard to get this chapter out if it wasn't for your review! Thanks for the extra push, I hope this chapter is enjoyable as well. I also hope you haven't abandoned it .

For you guys who didn't review, I'm so sorry that I made you wait for so long! Hope you can forgive me! I'll do better next time (Ch.3 is all ready in the works)!


After I had gotten settled into Chloe's room, I took a shower and got dressed, deciding it would be a waste of time to go back to sleep. Might as well start work early than to start it late, right? The room looked rather playful. Maybe Chloe was a kid at heart? It was dimly lit by the pink of the rising sun so I wasn't able to get a good look at everything.

"All right, time to suit up." I said a little more than excited. I was finally going to start my new job...and it was something a little more than adventurous! It was Spring, so I had to dress accordingly, and also to take in account the type of work I'd be doing.

First things first,my chest wrap. I don't tie it so tight where it looks like I don't have a chest, just tight enough so I don't jiggle around everywhere. What a nuisance...the only thing I liked about the wrap is that it was black. I don't know, the color black just makes me feel like a bad ass.

Next came the top. It was Spring so it would be warm and breezy out. But I had to take into account how the inside of the mines would be. Garmon Mines was a dormant volcano, meaning there would be magma flowing through the bottom of it. A tank top would probably be my best choice. With that decided, I pulled out a dark blue tank top and pulled it on.

Even though it would be very warm, I wouldn't want to get injuries on my legs from scraping up against rocks sooo...loose pants would do fine. I pulled out some jeans that fit loosely around my legs and pulled them up to my mid stomach and tucking the tank top in before tightening my belt through the pants loops.

I grabbed my scrunchie and tied my hair into a down-ponytail. the curled in ends of my bangs refused to stay tucked in.

Tch...

I'll go get some hair clips later.

Last but not least were the shoes which I bought recently for the job. They were steel-toed lace-ups and a dark brown in color. I pulled them up and then folded the lip down. I have to admit, for someone who wasn't trying I looked pretty frickin' awesome.

"I'd look a lot cooler if I was a guy with short hair." I thought. But then again, I don't think I would like it too much if I were a guy. I'm not into chicks so I might be a gay guy.

I laughed at the thought.

"What are you laughing at?"

I looked up from where I was tying up my shoes and saw a little girl staring at me curiously. She had her hair up in ponytail that fell down making it look like twin tails. Her hair was a bright orange and her eyes were a bright blue. Mittens were on her hands and she had the rosiest cheeks I've ever seen. Her face brightened up with a smile.

"Oh, are you Molly? Grampa said that Molly would be staying in my room so you must be Molly!" She squealed with delight. I continued to stare at her as she hopped on the bed that was prepared for me and crawled near me, looking at me with her bright hues of blue.

"My name's Chloe Moore! I'm seven! Ramsey is my Grampa and the big brother out there is my cousin, Owen Moore!" She gushed in excitement.

I continued to stare at her.

"Are you okay?" Chloe asked, a frown coming to her lips.

I patted her head, a content smile reaching my features.

"You're effin' cute!" I gushed and Chloe started to giggle happily.

"So are you Molly?" She asked.

I nodded.

"You got it! I'm Molly Cameron. 20 years old."

Chloe gave a wide smile.

"Awesome! We can go on adventures together...well besides Paolo and Taylor." She said.

"Those your boys?" I asked and she gave a smile.

"Yup! Paolo's great at mining and Taylor and me always find trouble to get into."

Chloe hopped up suddenly.

"I almost forgot!" She exclaimed before going over to the far corner of the room and reaching behind her door.

"I asked Grampa if I could keep this in my room so I could give it to the new apprentice myself."

Chloe then revealed a beautiful, dark brown, belt that had many pockets and pouches.

"It's a tool belt! You can use it to store a lot of the stuff that you find! The pockets are really big and deep and can hold a whole bunch of things!"

"Ah man, look at this!" I exclaimed with a smile to which Chloe beamed before I took the belt from her and put it on in place of my old one.

The sound of someone clearing their throat behind me caused me to turn around.

"Oh, sup?" I said to the spikey haired giant.

"Boss wants me to show you the ropes before we get started today. So hurry up and come on." He said, begrudgingly might I add, before turning and leaving.

"What's his deal? He seemed fine when we first met." I muttered sourly.

"I don't know. Owen's usually really nice to everyone." Chloe mumbled in a troubled manner.

I got a bit of an idea of what was bugging Owen...but I'm not going to jump to conclusions just yet.

I proceeded out the door and down the stairs of the residence to find Owen getting some things ready in a row. I looked around and to my dismay, the happy guy Luke and the silent guy Wizard were gone.

"Where'd everyone go?"

"Home." Owen replied before holding out some material in his hand. I took it from him and realized it was rope.

A questionable look surely crossed over my features.

"Every time we go in the mines, rope has to be on you at all times. Keep it in your tool belt, we never know when an emergency might happen."

I nodded, it made enough sense.

Owen then began to buckle up his belt.

"Owen...are you forgetting something?" The gruff voice of Ramsey called from the main area of the shop.

Owen and I looked toward the door way to see Ramsey standing there with a brand-spankin' new hammer in his hands.

My eyes followed the shine of the metal with much interest as Ramsey step toward us with it...and then placed it in front of me. With eyes full of wonder, I looked at him in surprise and pointed dumbly to myself.

"Wait...that's for me?" I inquired. Ramsey nodded with a stern expression.

I picked it up and admired it in the light shining through the windows. It was pretty hefty, but with some use I'm sure I won't feel the weight of it after long.

"Holy Goddess...this is...really magnificent." I whispered in awe.

"Gra-Boss! I don't think that's a good idea. That hammer is way too big for her!" Owen protested against his Grandfather.

Ramsey sent a glare to his Grandson.

"Do not determine the strength of others when you yourself are still developing. I've taught you this time and time before." Ramsey gave a stern glare.

Owen gritted his teeth, restraining words as Ramsey left the room once more.

"Let's go." He muttered as he grabbed a hammer that was a sterling silver color and headed for the door.

Let's go? Wait...what?

"I thought that you were showing me 'the ropes'."

Owen glanced over his shoulder.

"The rope is in your hand...right?" He then continued out the door.

I glanced at the rope and slit my eyes.

"Okay wise-ass..." I growled lowly before trudging out the door as well.

The smell that hit me this morning was filled with a bigger burst of saw dust. It was like the forest just exploded...hopefully that didn't really happen.

Trailing away from where Owen had walked off too, I walked down the steps and took a look to my left. A lot of things that I hadn't noticed were now staring me in the face.

For one, there was a shop right next to the Blacksmith's. It said something about accessories...so I can only assume what the shop offers. Down the ways a little, there was a little homestead place that seemed to operate as a shop as well. The sign above it had the illustration of a pot on it...was it a restaurant or something?

Then I spotted that happy guy from earlier, Luke. He was swinging his axe in the air as some spikey haired blonde kid kept his distance.

I imagined the kid ducking at the last minute in front of Luke...instant buzz cut.

My laugh was unfeminine and loud as I tried to shoo the thought away. I ended up dropping the hammer to the ground.

But...think about it. It would really be too hilarious, the kid would probably wet his pants right after his accidental haircut.

"Oh, that'd be too funny..." I sighed.

"Hey, new chick!"

I turned at Luke's voice and gave a little huff.

"It's Molly..." I relayed to him.

Luke smiled before his eyes traveled down to my chest again.

"Your chest is...smaller." He stated, his eyebrows wrinkling with concern.

"Chest wrap...it works better than a sports bra, ya dig?" I said as I stuck my nose to the air with some pride.

Luke snorted.

"You're kinda weird."

"Says the dude with the blue hair." I commented and looked behind me as I felt a strange feeling on the back of my neck.

There stood the almighty Owen with a glare in his eyes as he stalked over to me and Luke.

"Ummm...gotta go. I'll catch ya later!" Luke hollered at me before turning tail and running back to what I assume was the Carpenter's.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Owen demanded as he got closer.

"Starting a conversation." I said, quirking an eyebrow.

"I turn my back for five seconds and you run off to go mingle. Are you or are you not here to work?"

"I-" I opened my mouth to speak but Owen swiftly cut me off.

"Or maybe, you're really not cut out for this work." He muttered.

I could feel a sort of pressure building up inside of me...like a steam engine kind of pressure.

I picked up the hammer that I had dropped and pointed it in his face, menacingly.

"I'm not some weak little girly, Owen. Really don't know what your deal is but I'll tell you this one thing that holds true for me all the time..."

I set the hammer on my shoulder as I stared up at the massive man...probably holding 18 inches over me.

"You think you can talk down to me? Well then, I'll show you how well I can do this job." I proclaimed, and with that, I set off for the mines. Not caring whether Owen was angry with my statement or not.

As soon as I entered the cave, the smell of heat hit my face. I know, that probably doesn't make much sense...but I smelt the warmth of the mine entrance.

There were two pathways that I could travel down, leaving me very confused.

I shrugged my shoulders and decided to go to the path on the left.

"I'll show him..." I muttered as I found myself going down a ladder.

When I reached the ground, I was met with a huge surprise.

Crystal rocks were everywhere, it was so sparkly and bright. Among them lied many stones as well. I looked at the hammer that I had swung over my back to carry down the ladder, then I looked back to the many stones and crystals before me with a smirk.

"It's clobberin' time!" I said with some renewed gusto as I began to lay into the masses of rock in front of me.

As I worked, I could feel the sweat gathering at my hair line, wetting my bangs and just barely beginning to slide down my forehead. Ever so often I would find something buried underneath the rubble of destruction that was my work zone. I only assumed what they were when I found them, packed them away in my crazily deep belt pouches, and then continued slamming away at the rocks.

I had traveled through 4 floors of rock and crystal; even though I had been selective with which things I wanted to smash lethargy had still managed to find me.

"C'mon...you have to...go further..." I panted out tiredly. I was bound and determined to prove that I wasn't just some weakling of a girl.

As I reached the bottom of the rickety stairs made of wood, I found myself in an open area of the cave that had no rocks or crystals to smash. It was completely void of the masses I was so intent in finding.

"Damn..." I huffed, guessing that this was some sort of a "dud" area.

I sighed and decided that here would be a good place to take a breather.

I slumped against the rock wall until I slid to the ground, my hammer landing beside me with a satisfying thud. I swept the area over again and noticed a bell in the middle of the area. It was pretty huge, and really red.

"Must be some sort of ancient artifact..." I muttered and leaned my head against the wall tiredly.

Not even four minutes passed by when I suddenly got a strange feeling in my body. I snapped my eyes open and noticed a pair of green eyes staring straight at me with curiosity.

It startled me to hell! I jumped up and prepared myself for what came next...a girl about my age stepping into the mine's lighting.

She continued to stare at me in a curious way, as if she were analyzing me.

"Um...hello...?" I called out and her eyes brightened with glee, as if she were happy that noticed her presence.

"Hello there, you're new here!" She exclaimed, pushing her red glasses up her nose a little more. I noticed that her hair matched her green eyes perfectly. Odd hair colors must be a trend here.

I nodded.

She examined me a bit more.

"...Do you wrap your chest?" She inquired. I was shocked a little by her question...how could she tell?

I looked down and saw that a part of my chest wrap was showing, my shirt must've have been rustled quite a bit while I was working.

I smirked a little as I picked at the top of my tank top as to cover the exposed material.

"Yeah, it works a hell of a lot better than a sports bra." I said and she gave a curious smile herself.

"Really? I never knew." she then hit her hand with her fist.

"Oh wait, you must be the new apprentice for the Blacksmith's! That would explain the hammer and the clothing. How interesting, I never thought that they would accept a woman for the job, most men around here are pretty sexist..." She said that with a grimace as if she was recalling something.

I laughed.

"Well, luckily for me, Ramsey is the one who accepted me and not Owen." I replied.

She gave another curious look.

"You don't say? Is there something wrong with Owen?"

"Is there ever...that mini-hulk was fine with me when we first met because he thought I was a guy...then he finds out I'm a girl and all of a sudden he's acting like he's got something up his ass." I complained.

The girl smirked and let out a huff of air that I'm sure was her humor escaping her.

"That's odd, Owen usually gets along with everyone."

"He's just intimidated by the fact a girl can do the same job as him." I proclaimed sourly.

The girl laughed again and held out her hand this time.

"By the by, I'm Phoebe Brooks. My mother runs the General Store, just down the way from the Blacksmith's, and my father runs the Photo Shop in town."

I took her hand in mine and shook it firmly.

"Nice to meet ya'. I'm Molly Cameron. You already know what I'm here for." I said with a chuckle.

Phoebe pulled her hand back, looking at it with shock before she gave a smile.

"So, how do you like it here?" She asked.

I rolled my eyes at the question.

"Sorry, I couldn't really give you an answer. I kind of just got here this morning."

The greenette in front of me look shocked.

"How shocking to already have you working. Through my observations I've noticed that the job of a Miner is quite dangerous, especially for beginners!"

I smiled loosely.

"Yeah, well I don't know everything...but I know enough by myself right now. I didn't come at this job blind, I know some stuff here and there."

"Ah, so you've done research? Or maybe you studied it back home?" She asked.

"Heh...you could say that." I answered.

Phoebe held her chin in her hand in a curious way. But, to be honest, it feels like she always gives a curious look at everything.

"Perplexing indeed...anyway, you've not met anyone yet then? Besides the people at the Blacksmith's I mean."

I gave a little smile.

"Well, I met the sailors down at the docks, but I don't think they count."

Phoebe shook her head.

"No, they're not really who I mean."

"Well, I've met that happy guy Luke and that quiet guy Wizard." I said.

Phoebe laughed.

"Do you give everyone you meet a title?"

I shrugged.

"A lot of people share the same name, ya know? It gets pretty frickin' confusing so it's best to sum up something about them. Like, the Mini-Hulk Owen, the Bubbly Girl Chloe, Boss-Man Ramsey...I guess you'd be the Curious Girl Phoebe."

"Interesting..." Phoebe decided and then looked toward a wrist-watch on her hand before looking back to me.

"It's 5 o'clock now...do you know when you're on break?" She asked.

I shook my head.

"Nope, didn't know I got a break." I sighed.

A wrinkle of a frown formed on Phoebe's forehead before she lit up once again.

"Well, I usually see Owen go out of the mines around this time, so maybe it's about time that you stop...besides, your pouches look like they're getting a little full." She observed.

I then noticed that I was being weighed down quite a bit by my load.

"Well, I guess I can take these up then." It wasn't like I'd be committing a crime, technically I'm doing my job by going back up with what I've collected. I couldn't possibly carry any thing else anyway.

"Good, I was thinking that I should show you around. You never know when you'll need to go somewhere in particular."

I nodded, Phoebe seemed like an all right kinda girl.

As we exited Garmon Mines, a strong Spring breeze whipped past our faces and blew some dirt up in our faces. Phoebe's glasses obviously protected her but I wasn't as lucky.

"AHH dammit!" I raged and closed my eyes against the sting. It didn't help...in fact it made it worse.

"What's wrong?" Phoebe asked as I put my hands to my eyes. Water was forming in my eyes from the irritation and I started rubbing at them.

"The wind kicked sand up into my eyes and it hurts like a bi-"

"Owen, where is Molly!" The husky sound of Ramsey's voice cut me off. It sounded as if it were coming from the front of the Blacksmith's.

"Ramsey sure sounds upset." Phoebe muttered and took me by the shoulder to lead me to the front of the shop, on account of the fact that I couldn't see at the moment.

"She just ran off me, I couldn't stop her..." I heard Owen's argue back miserably.

"That is no excuse-"

"Umm..." Phoebe spoke up, which was possibly the cause of the two men to stop fighting. Then again, I wouldn't know...since, ya know...I'm kinda blinded right now.

"Phoebe, what is wrong? Is she hurt? Owen, this is what happens when you do not take your responsibilities seriously!" Ramsey scolded him.

Owen was silent.

"Ra-Boss, I'm all right. There's just something in my eyes."

I heard someone shuffle on the porch step.

"I see..." Ramsey sighed.

"Molly, do you understand how dangerous the mines are?"

My heart dropped as Ramsey made mention of this.

"Of course I do..." I answered.

"Then why did you wonder off alone!" Owen's angry voice spoke up.

I gritted my teeth.

"You don't think that's not partly your fault?" I shouted at him.

"How could it be my fault if-!"

"ENOUGH!" Ramsey shouted.

"I will not tolerate my apprentices acting so childishly! Both of you were erroneous in your ways!"

We were silent.

"Do you understand!"

"Yes'sir." Owen and I answered.

I heard the Blacksmith door open and shut close before Phoebe pulled me along.

"That was very eventful...but you should really get the sand out of your eyes before we get going." Phoebe said.

"Where do you think you're going?" Owen asked.

"She's gonna show me around, why do you care?" I spat.

"We're not off the clock left. We still have to take our findings over to Mira and then sort through what is necessary to keep." He informed me.

Phoebe sighed.

"I see...well, I'll help you wash your eyes out at least. Then I'll be waiting at the General Store when you're finished." Phoebe decided.

With this, Phoebe helped me into the Blacksmith's and I told her where the washroom was. As she helped me rinse out my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder as to why she was being so hospitable to someone she just met.

"It doesn't make much sense..." I muttered.

"What was that?" She asked.

"Hm...nothing..." I lied and she left after that.

I sat in the front room, waiting for Owen and his instructions on what to do next. I sat there and waited for about 10 minutes when he finally opened the front door and motioned for me to come outside. I reluctantly did as he asked and lumbered onto the porch area. There sat three big burlap sacks full of minerals and colorful stones alike.

"First off, add what you found to this pile." He said.

I proceeded to empty out my pouch...for just a pouch it fit in quite a few things.

Owen gave me a curious look before looking at what I had gathered.

"This isn't too bad for a beginner...you have a few Junk Ore here and there...but not bad." He mumbled.

I smirked at my accomplishment.

"But don't get cocky!" He reprimanded me. I scowled as he gathered everything up and we went next door to the Accessory Shop.

Could he be anymore of a prick?

Upon stepping into the store, we were greeted by two people with different shades of purple hair. Again, they all must love to dye their hair...if it was dye.

"Hello there Owen, ready for me to refine today's finds?" The woman asked in a soft spoken voice.

"Sure am Mira." Owen said with a warm smile.

Oh, so he can be nice...

"Oh, why hello Owen. How many Wonderfuls are you giving to us today?" The purple-haired man called to Owen from the couch. He was shining a blue jewel with much care.

"You know the deal Julius, half our Wonderfuls in exchange for refining." Owen replied heartily.

"Yes, it seems you've brought more than usual today." The purple-haired man (Julius) replied before he noticed me.

"Oh, who is this?" He asked in curiosity.

I could see Owen grimace before he stepped a little to the side for Julius to see me.

I gave him a glare before facing the two people who were now sending me curious looks.

"Nice to meet ya...I'm the new apprentice at the Blacksmith's, Molly Cameron." I said.

Julius looked me over before his eyes settled on my face.

"Such a shame...a raw diamond having become a lesbian. She's wrapped her chest and even has the manly job to prove it, oh my." Julius sighed.

Lesbian?...Is he talking about me!

"Gah..." I sputtered.

I heard a stifled sound come from beside me and looked up to see Owen holding a fist over his mouth while he tried to conceal his laughter.

I swiftly turned back to Julius.

"Um...no...I'm not a lesbian. I wrap my chest because it works better than a sports bra. You see, I'm overly endowed and-"

"Then why such an occupation?" Julius questioned.

I scratched my cheek in my absence of mind.

"That's a...pretty long story." I relayed causing the room to go silent.

Julius' eyes brightened.

"Oh! A secret, well now I'm going to have to delve deeper into this!" Julius gushed. Oh great, he was probably a gossip.

"Dude...I'd really rather you didn't..." I muttered hesitantly.

After we handed the bags over to Mira, she began to work at refining the ores and colorful rocks that were called "Wonderfuls".

[XXX]

"All done!" Mira exclaimed happily as she handed us our bags full of refined items, minus their share of our Wonderfuls.

"Thanks, Mira. What would we do without you?" Owen said and gave her a wink.

"It's my pleasure, Owen." Mira said with her hushed voice and a soft smile that seemed almost sad.

It didn't quite reach her eyes...I wonder why?

As we started back to the Blacksmith's, I heard someone coming up behind us. Upon turning, I saw Wizard arriving at the steps and he gave me a small nod.

"Hi." I greeted him and Owen turned, giving his friend a smile.

"Sup, man. ready to go?" Owen said with a laugh.

Wizard only sighed.

"I don't understand...why do you take me there...?" Wizard asked with a shrug of his shoulders.

I didn't bother to stay for the rest of their conversation. As far as I was concerned, the only type of relation Owen and I had was similarities in our jobs.

I took a shower before dressing in some dark denim jeans and a white t-shirt with a light blue cami on top (A/N: Think of the Work Outfit in the game only with jeans instead of the skirt.)

I wasn't sure if I was supposed to alert everyone that I was going out or not.

"Been awhile since I had to think about something like that." I laughed as I shook my hair out on account of the fact I forgot to take my hair out of its pony-tail when I showered.

"Molly! Are you goin' somewhere?" Chloe's cute little voice rang through my thoughts. I looked down to see Chloe's blue eyes twinkling with interest.

"Yeah, this girl I met is gonna show me around the place. Her name's Phoebe."

Chloe cocked her head to the side.

"Phoebe's goin' to show you around?" She asked.

I nodded to confirm her thoughts.

"Oh, well have fun then! Don't come back late!" She said and ran into her room.

"Hmm...I'll try...but then again, what's considered late in this house?" I muttered before heading down the stairs and out the door.

I was tempted to yell good-bye...but what's the point?

I sighed at the thought as I walked by the Accessory Shop...where was the General Store again?

"Molly!" I heard the familiar voice of Phoebe call out to me.

I turned to see her coming toward me with something in her hand.

"Yo. What's up?" I asked and she gave me a curious look before chuckling.

"What's so funny?"

She waved a hand in dismissal.

"Don't worry about it." She laughed before holding out her hand which held some sort of object.

"Here, it's a map. While we walk around you see where we are on the map so you'll be able to memorize everything better." She explained.

"I'm not very good at reading maps..."

"You'll learn." She assured me while stuffing it in one of my pouch pockets without permission. Oh well, looks like I'm going to be using a map from now on.

Let's start with the Flute Fields District!" She suggested. I really had no other choice but to follow along with her, I was pretty much oblivious to how this island was laid out so I was lost without her.

Phoebe lead me past the Carpenter's and over a rickety bridge leading to the trail going down the slanted slope of the mountain pass; upon reaching the base, a whole new area was revealed to me. My eyes went wide at the large meadow in front of me completed with a little pound and an old watermill. Phoebe must've noticed my state of awe because she was quick to explain where we were.

"These are the Farmlands. Besides Marimba Farm, that's over in Flute Fields, this place has some of the most fertile soil there is. It's been abandoned for so many years now though. The previous farmers buildings are starting to fall apart due to lack of use." As she said this, I caught sight of a house and two other buildings in the area next to a wooden water tower and a decrepit looking windmill.

"It must've been great in its older days." I spoke.

"I heard it was magnificent...with the way things are going we might need to get another farmer soon." I turned to Phoebe who had a concerned look on her face; she quickly wiped it away and we continued down a dirt path, obviously made by the constant walk of the trail. We passed by a beachy area before we came across another part of the island that was attached by a bridge. If you ask me, that's a little unsafe. Can't these two land masses drift apart one day?

I let that horrible thought pass my mind only for a second before giving my attention back to Phoebe as she pointed out various things in Flute Fields, such as houses, buildings, and who owned and lived in them. I wasn't introduced to the people per say...but Phoebe gave me detailed descriptions of them.

I found out that the Seemingly Gossip Guy, Julius lived in the purple house. Some guy Chase lived in the orange roofed house by Marimba Farm. An older couple, Ruth and Craig, with two children Anissa, and Taylor lived and ran the farm. Over the hill, we spotted a girl tending to some chickens and Phoebe let me know that the girl's name was Renee, her parent Cain and Hannah ran Horn Ranch.

She would've let me tour Fugue Forest if it wasn't getting dark out.

On our way to town (Harmonica Town was the name). Phoebe talked about the residents of the Carpenter's, Luke, Bo, and Dale (Luke's father).

I stopped listening after we arrived in town. Yet another bridge was connecting the gap between the land masses, but a solid arch carved out of the rock assured me that it was a little more together than the connection to Flute Fields. Phoebe pointed out the first shop we saw which was right at the end of the bridge.

"That's Dad's shop. We should swing by and say hello." Phoebe suggested.

I shrugged as she pulled me along, not like I really had a choice.

Upon entering the establishment, Phoebe was bum rushed by a man with pale green hair, unlike Phoebe's emerald green locks.

"Phoebe, your mother called asking about you! Did you just walk out without saying anything? You could've been hurt, you know how rambunctious you can get or-"

Phoebe cleared her throat and gestured to me with an embarrassed look on her face.

"Oh! You've brought a friend? Well then, there's nothing wrong. Stay out, have fun. Don't worry about a thing...except please be careful..." Simon said and smiled at me.

"Almost forgot. I'm Simon Brooks, Phoebe's father."

I stuck out a hand to shake his.

"I'm Molly Cameron." I replied.

He gave a hearty smile before returning to behind his counter.

"Come by whenever you like Molly. You're always welcome." Simon chirped before Phoebe hurriedly pushed me out the door.

"That didn't go like I thought it would..." Phoebe sighed.

"Is your whole family always so...hospitable?" I asked.

"Huh?"

"Nothing..." I muttered.

Phoebe cocked her head curiously before she looked across the ways, the glow of street lights flickered in her eyes as the remaining of the sunlight died down. I turned to where she was staring and spotted a few people walking into a place called the Brass Bar.

"Hey, a bar! My kinda place! Let's go!" I said and started walking.

"Uh..." Phoebe stuttered. I turned back to her and she seemed reluctant.

"What's wrong with ya?"

"Oh, well, nothing! Have fun!" She said, giving a smiled that didn't seem quite as cheery before turning to walk away.

What?

"Oh no you don't!" I shouted and grabbed her arm.

She turned around with a startled face.

"You're not done showing me around, right?" I asked while pulling her towards the bar.

"Wha- wait!" She shouted.

I started to laugh at her reaction until I noticed a certain Mini-Hulk walk into the bar. I stopped dead in my tracks, causing Phoebe to bump into me.

"What are you doing?" Phoebe asked a little flustered.

I sighed tiredly.

"Nevermind...I need to lay of the drinks anyway..." I grumbled.

Phoebe looked towards the bar then back at me before giving a slight smile and readjusting her glasses.

"You're hungry...right?"

As if on cue my stomach growled and Phoebe steered me away from the railing that led down to the bar and instead pushed me up a set of stairs.

"Where we goin'?" I asked.

"You'll see!" She chirped as we walked past a building called Choral Clinic. Phoebe didn't hesitate in pushing me through the doors of the building next beside it.

"Welcome to the Ocarina Inn!" Came a preppy sounding voice.

"Good evening, Maya." Phoebe said, a little hesitantly.

The orange-haired girl in front of us (Maya) gave one look to Phoebe and her face grew confused and shocked.

"Phoebe? Since when do you come down to socialize?" She asked innocently.

I looked behind me at Phoebe who gave an embarrassed face.

"Since now. Can we have a seat, please?" Phoebe pressed.

Maya's face lit up.

"Okie dokie. One table for Phoebe and..."

Maya stopped and looked up at me.

"Are you new?"

Wow, nothing gets past this chick.

"Yeah...My name's Molly."

Maya smiled widely.

"I'm Maya Vergoe! Nice to meet you!" She said in glee as she took my hand and lead me to a table.

"Then you guys can sit here! Be back in a minute to take your orders!" She said with a giggle then flitted off somewhere else.

The bespectacled girl in front of me let out a long sigh.

"If you don't like it here then why'd you bring me?" I asked.

Phoebe shrugged.

"You looked like you wanted to go somewhere...and if not the bar, the Inn is the next best place." She answered and looked at the menu.

Honestly, I didn't think that was it...and by the way Maya put it, it seems that Phoebe doesn't come to town much.

"So you're willing to go to the Inn...but not the Bar? As in the place where everyone our age probably is right now." I questioned.

"...I'd rather not talk about it." Phoebe sighed before Maya came back with a notepad.

"What would you like?" She giggled.

[XXX]

"Well, I'm stuffed." I relayed, patting my stomach.

"How was it?" The old woman, Yolanda asked. She was the chef along with her daughter-in-law Colleen.

I was able to meet the whole Vergoe family during mine and Phoebe's meal...Maya isn't that bad. She was completely shocked when she found out I worked at the Blacksmith's though. Stating "Isn't that a guys job?" in the most oblivious voice I've ever heard.

"It was the bomb, Yolanda! Give me the recipe to that Paella! It was slammin'!" I shouted. Yolanda and Phoebe laughed at my use of words.

"You've got an interesting vocabulary, Molly." Phoebe pointed out. Maya gave me a curious look.

"You kinda talk like a boy." She said.

I shrugged.

"I'm from the city, and I was the only sister in a family of four boys." I explained.

"FOUR!" Maya exclaimed.

"Sounds like your family is predominately male..." Phoebe said in wonder.

"Well, you should bring them over if they ever visit." Yolanda chuckled.

I took a long sip of my Cranberry Juice.

"Yeah...that would be nice." I muttered.

"Sorry to disturb, but it's about time to close up." Colleen called from the kitchen of the Inn.

I waved my hand in the air in dismissal.

"It's no bother. I need to get back to the Blacksmith's anyway. I stayed out a little later than expected since I wasn't given an exact time to be back. I think I might've broke my promise to Chloe." I responded.

I looked at my empty plate of food and thought of something.

"Hey, can I get some Paella for the road?" I asked.

Yolanda smiled.

"Of course, be back in a jiffy." She responded and hopped out of her chair.

As I waited for my food, Maya began to stare between Phoebe and I.

"So, are you two, like, friends?" She asked.

I looked across the table and Phoebe looked a little apprehensive. She didn't seem very comfortable with that question at all.

"Well I-"

"Sure, we're friends." I responded.

Phoebe's head snapped up in surprise and I gave her a toothy smile.

"Phoebe's a pretty cool girl, I think being her friend would be kickass!" I exclaimed.

Maya's eyes widened.

"Really? Then can I be friends with you and Phoebe too? If it's kickass it must be, like, super cool!" Maya said happily.

Phoebe snapped her head to Maya as well.

"Um, well..."

"Or, maybe you don't want to be mine and Maya's friend?" I questioned.

Phoebe's face reddened.

"O-of course I do!"

"Then it's settled! From now on this'll be our hang-out after work." I declared.

"Yay!" Maya squealed.

"U-um sure..." Phoebe muttered, sounding a bit out of it.

"Oh wow, I'll have to tell Luna." Maya exclaimed.

"Luna?"

"She's this awesome girl who works at Sonata Tailoring with her sister Candace and Grandma Shelly. She's a bit stuck up, but you can get used to her." Maya explained.

Yolanda came back with my order at that moment and Maya saw Phoebe and I off as we headed out the door.

"Well, that was an eventful meal." Phoebe mumbled and I gave her a smile.

"Everything's eventful when ya make it that way." I said, giving her a thumbs up.

She started to bust out laughing.

"Molly, that sounded very unlike you." She chuckled.

"Huh, whaddya mean?"

Phoebe adjusted her glasses.

"What's the word I'm looking for? You usually have this certain attitude to you but just now that was...um..."lame" I think it is."

I showed her the fist that wasn't holding the food.

"Oh yeah, I'll show you lame!" I threatened and Phoebe backed away with a smirk on her face.

Just then, I heard a commotion come from below us.

Phoebe and I both looked down to see a whole mess of people staggering out of the bar in drunk or slightly drunken masses.

"WHOOO! OWEN WINS AGAIN!" A girl's voice shouted.

"Well duh! No one can beat me at holding their alcohol!" Owen gloated.

"Heh, says who? I was beating him just fine last night." I scoffed with a laugh in my voice.

Obviously, Owen was able to hear me because he looked up and caught sight of me leaning over the rail.

He gave me a glare that said "bitch" and I just about hopped over the railing.

"YOU WANNA PIECE OF ME YOU BIG ASS-"

"Molly, let it go! Let's go home!" Phoebe pleaded as she pulled on my arm.

Right before every other person could look up, Phoebe succeeded in pulling me off the rail and up the hill.

"Who was that?" Someone asked.

"Tch...no one important." Owen's voice rang. I gritted my teeth and Phoebe held onto my arm tighter as we walked across the bridge from Harmonica Town.

"Geez Phoebe, you shoulda let me at him!" I complained.

"I don't know what you and Owen have against each other, but arguing in a place like that is not a good idea." Phoebe scolded me.

I sighed, realizing that Phoebe was probably right.

We were silent the whole way back. When I said good-bye to Phoebe as she went inside the General Store, I noticed a familiar head of cream orange hair, peeking up from the porch of the Blacksmith's.

As I approached, Chloe came up to me in a happy sort of way.

"Hiya, Molly!" She exclaimed.

"Hey there. I brought something for you, it's an apology for being late." I gave a huge yawn and Chloe giggled.

"Thanks, Molly!" She said and ran into the house.

I was tired as I stumbled in behind her, I hadn't realized how fatigued I was before now.

"I'll eat it now then." Chloe said to me as I walked passed her.

"All right, I'm going to take a quick shower before I go to bed." I told her.

Chloe frowned a little but her face lit back up quickly.

"Okay...good night then!" She said.

Was she not going to sleep yet? It was like 10 something. I guess if Ramsey hasn't put her to sleep yet then it must be okay.

"Night'." I responded before going upstairs and stripping of my clothes before taking a shower.

The warm water felt good as it drenched my skin. It was comforting, taking me away from the stress of today. I'd rather not think about Owen and how much of a jackass he was. It's not my fault he thought I was a boy...and it's not my fault that I'm not. I mean, he didn't say that he was upset about it, but somewhere inside I knew he was upset by the fact of my gender. What else could be the reason?

I sighed at my thoughts after I finished washing up and then proceeded to dry off and get dressed for bed in the dark room since I was too lazy to turn the light on.

The room was quiet, I guess Chloe was still downstairs doing whatever with her Grandfather. I didn't linger on the thought too much as I hopped into my bed. The covers were big and soft against my skin, it was so nice to get some sleep in a cozy bed in contrast to the back of Owen's stupid car.

...He's stupid, sexy, awesome, car.

"Jerkoff's shouldn't have cool cars..." I yawned before I fell asleep.


I'm sorry, as mentioned above...this just hasn't been my week. However, introduction chapters are never fun. And she still has more people to meet. She'll meet them all...eventually.