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Chapter Three
Friday, Winter 6th

Molly had no idea what was going on in her closest. All of her clothes seemed boring after seeing how Julius dressed, and nothing looked right once it was on. She knew she shouldn't be so worried about a casual dinner date, but even saying that made her flinch. That word. That date word. It put her on edge and completely baffled her at the same time.

Exactly what was it anyways? What did the implications of tonight mean? How casual was it? None of the clothes in her wardrobe were helping her out in this problem. Either she was dressed down and looked like the ruddy farmer she was, or she was over dressed and it would probably scare the hell out of him (and her) in one fell swoop. She needed to be very careful. What she wore, she decided, determined her intentions.

But what were those exactly? What did she think this dinner meant?

Well… it's to get to know Julius better. He said so himself. But having just met him, she had already heard at least two sexual innuendos that she could remember. So obviously he was either very immature or not on the fence like she was. Was he… interested in her? That was a daunting thought to say the least.

"Go out with you? Look at you!"

Wincing at the memory, she made up her mind. Molly took out her Blue China Clothes outfit she had bought at Luna's insistence (from her own store, mind). Removing the undershirt, Molly pulled the navy tunic over her head and pulled up the black pants. It was winter though, so the T-shirt wouldn't be enough. After checking the weather channel again, she determined it was going to snow. So she took up some brown snow boots and a heavy half coat. Looking herself over in the mirror, she decided her outfit looked less planned than she thought. Like she was interested in looking nice, but didn't care enough to get too dolled up. 'Doll.' She had a feeling that term was going to haunt her this evening.

The clock on the wall told her it was seven thirty, so she snatched her keys and her wallet and headed out the door. It was a good half hour walk to Harmonica Town from her farm when it was nice out. If it started to snow, she would be late.

Switching her light off and locking the door behind her, Molly turned to look up at a flawless night sky. The stars twinkled in the blackness, only a few wisps of clouds passing over head to block their glow. There was no moon that she could see though, so her trip would be rather dark. Molly momentarily cursed herself for forgetting to turn her spotlight outside her door on before locking up, but dug in her coat pocket. Her hand found the cool metal of her flashlight and she switched it onto the snowy path ahead of her.

The first snow of the year happened like clockwork. The first day of the season, Molly woke up to tend to her animals and snow was layered over everything. Castanet tended to work that way. The seasons were very punctual. It was handy as a farmer, but Molly sometimes missed the Indian summers and the early springs like back home.

The light powder brushed away from Molly's shoes. Some of it crunched if it gathered under her boots, but it wasn't the best packing snow. Nothing to make snowballs with. She was sure the children were disappointed.

Well, hopefully, the snow tonight is wetter. Molly loved to see the crudely made snowmen and the lop-sided snow angels along the road. It made winter more bearable for her, a through and through summer girl.

The bright light of her flashlight beamed against the cliff as she rounded the bend, getting hit with a blast of cold, salty air off the ocean. It was bitterly cold, tugging at the warm skin on her face and hands. Molly reprimanded herself for not wearing gloves or even a hat.

A sudden buzz in her pocket made her jump. Stopping, Molly quickly pulled out the ancient flip phone that only had one number on it. The blue screen was lit up, displaying the familiar area code she knew all too well.

"Hello?" Molly said breathlessly as she brought the phone to her face.

"Molly?" Her mother's voice asked.

"Of course," she rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Mama, who else?"

"Just making sure…" a bit of static drowned out most of the sentence.

Molly peered at the signal bars and made a wry face. "Sorry, Mama, there's static. What's going on?"

"Oh, just wondering what you're up to. Your father and I were thinking of you. Only just got back from visiting Mrs. Clarence."

"Oh, how is she?" Molly smiled fondly, still stuck on the same spot on the path.

"She's fine, dear," Molly's mother said. "She said she misses having you as a student."

"Did you tell her I miss her, too?"

There was a pause. "I'm sorry?"

"Never mind, Mama," she shook her head. "Could you say hello for me next time you go?"

"Sure thing, dear. But what are you up to? You sound cold – are you outside? Did you wear a scarf?"

Molly laughed. How on Earth could she hear that she was cold? Mothers. She lied: "Yes, of course. It's still pretty chilly though."

"Where are you headed? What time is it there? Isn't it pretty late?"

"Just about eight, Mama," Molly sighed. There was a sudden nagging in her head. For some reason, she didn't want to tell her mother that she was going to be meeting someone. Especially Julius. Molly had always been the girl to spill out her problems to her mother. Mind, some things she held back to keep her from worrying, but Molly wasn't very reluctant to share most of it. But again… she couldn't explain why, but she didn't want to mention whatever it was that was starting tonight. Like she was in trouble, and she didn't want to get caught. Like it was wrong somehow. "I'm, um, heading to the restaurant for a quick bite. I didn't feel like cooking. I'll go straight home; don't worry."

"Okay…" her mother mumbled doubtfully. Molly's parents were obviously over-protective. "Well, have fun, okay, honey? I don't want to keep you out in the cold."

"You're not," Molly lied again, bouncing up and down a little.

"Nonsense. Now you hurry up and wear a scarf next time, okay, Molly?"

Her mother was practically psychic, she just knew it. Molly smiled and started to walk again. "Okay, Mama. Bye."

"I love you."

"Love you, too. Tell Dad!"

"Buh-bye, baby!"

"Bye!" Molly finally hung up. She snapped the phone closed and put it in her coat pocket. She shuddered against the wind and quickened her pace.

Finally, her boots met the cobblestones of the bridge. The only part of the island that had streets like this was Harmonica Town, so she had made it in one, frozen piece. Jogging, Molly switched off her flashlight and ran down the lane. The light of street lanterns illuminated her path as she slipped up the icy ramp and passed the Choral Clinic, whose lights were long extinguished but for the light of Dr. Jin's office. For all his concerns for the health of others, he always stayed up too late.

Molly mused the irony of the doctor as she approached the door to the Ocarina Inn. Warmth radiated from the yellow windows, but the sign outside swung wildly in the wind that was continuously picking up intensity. She stopped at the door, always having a problem opening them without thinking too much, and rested her hand on the cold knob.

True to her cautions, the door betrayed her and swung open. Thrown off balance, Molly stumbled through the doorway with a squeal of protest.

"Molly? What are you doing here this late?" Luna asked, looking her friend up and down.

Molly recovered, quickly fixing her hair from the roaring wind. "Oh! Luna! Good evening."

The girl with pink hair was wearing a beautiful purple dress that hugged her tight, and she had a big white coat to protect her against the cold. But what was most surprising to Molly was not that Luna had straightened her hair, or that she had left out the flowers, no – it was that she was flanked by the mayor's snooty son Gill. He was currently putting on his own winter coat, close behind his date.

"What—?" Molly stopped herself from asking the obvious question. Luna was staring at her incredulously, like she had been caught behind a shed with a cigarette by her grand-mother.

She visibly twitched at her secret coming out and quickly turned to Gill. "Go on ahead, Gill. I'll catch up."

Gill gave Molly an appraising look, like he might bid how much she's worth to the town, and stepped past her without a word. Molly shivered. He was handsome, but he always unnerved her with that icy stare of his.

"Molly, what are you doing here?" Luna repeated in a harsh whisper once he was gone.

"I had no idea, Luna," Molly quickly interjected. It was ridiculous that Molly could be blamed for coming to a perfectly public place, but she made excuses anyways. "I don't care that you haven't told me; I'm just surprised. So don't trust the look that I know is on my face – I swear I'm not horrified."

Luna suddenly laughed. "Well, good! I thought you were going to faint for a minute there."

"Luna, I would never—"

"Don't kid yourself," she rolled her eyes. "It's next on your to-do list. Now you didn't see anything, okay?"

Molly frowned. "Wh… why?"

Luna leaned in close. "Look, I don't know if it's going to work out yet, and I really don't want anyone getting any funny ideas. Especially his father. Capiche?"

When Molly was slightly disappointed Luna hadn't told her about dating Gill, she now understood. Molly wasn't close with the Mayor Hamilton, but she dealt with him quite a bit. If she didn't know it was a secret, she would easily have brought it up one day, ruining everything. Now that she knew, she'd have to be extra careful to keep her mouth shut. Before, she was innocent because she was in the dark. But she was determined not to blab. Molly nodded firmly. "Your secret's safe with me, Luna."

Visibly relieved, Luna relaxed her shoulders. "Okay, I'm going to—" She looked Molly up and down, making the girl blush in shame. Her outfit was too much, wasn't it? "Why are you here, Molly?"

Noticing the blush on her cheeks, Luna stared suspiciously at her as the brunette uneasily said: "Uh… Um, I'm… I'm kind of – er—meeting someone?"

Never a good poker face, Luna caught Molly's eyes looking behind her. There was Julius, reclining in his chair and watching the walls with his arms crossed. Luna turned back to Molly, poison in her voice: "You're not…! Oh, no! Molly, I told you—"

"I know, I know!" Molly interrupted her, a rare occurrence. Luna shut her mouth. "But I just want to get to know him a little better, okay? I mean… I only just met him – there's no harm in a casual dinner, right?"

Luna crossed her arms, leaning on the door, still holding it open. "Oh, please – look at what you're wearing!"

"What about it?" Molly crossed her own arms, annoyed and embarrassed at the same time.

"You're obviously interested! You never wear that thing… Julius was the one to ask you, wasn't he?"

"Yes…?" She was still wrapping her mind around that first accusation.

Luna nodded brusquely. "Of course! Look, Julius just doesn't do that. No matter what you're thinking, this is not a casual thing."

"Luna?" Gill appeared behind Molly who jumped with surprise.

Luna turned red when he said her name, making Molly smile. "Quit it!" She threatened, pushing past her. "And I mean all of it – he's not as charming as you think."

The door closed behind them. Molly almost considered taking Luna's advice, but then she looked over at Julius, who was waiting at the table by himself. She didn't think he saw her yet, but she guessed it was almost impossible not to – what with Luna holding the door open and berating her for half a century. And besides, that wasn't like Molly to stand someone up. When she said she'd do something, she did it. So that meant dinner with Julius. And then probably avoid him for the rest of her life. Sounds good.

Gulping and pulling down her tunic, Molly stepped across the restaurant, eyes focused on his table. Julius looked up at her approach and smirked. After the walk outside, Molly thought her face cold, but it instantly heated. And being clumsy, she ran into someone's chair. Julius chuckled as Molly apologized to Hanna and Cain and finally stood before him.

Keeping her eyes closed to help her be brave, Molly crossed her arms and said: "I don't know what game you think you're playing, but I refuse to have any part of it. This is casual, okay? Completely platonic. U-Understand?"

Except for her falter at the end, Julius was rather impressed. He pressed his fingertips together and put his elbows on the table, watching her. Julius indicated the seat across from him. "Perfectly clear. Would you like to sit down?"

Molly almost deflated from the effort of standing up to him. In fact, she rather fell into her chair. Forgetting her coat, she wrenched her arms free in a most ungraceful fit and threw it across the wood backing behind her. With a huff, she settled in.

"Well," Julius commented. "Someone seems to be having a bad day."

"I-I'm not having a bad day!" Molly denied, her face still the color of a tomato. She folded her arms over her chest. "I've just… been enlightened."

"I'd be happy to hear about it, but perhaps after we order?" Julius tilted his head to the side.

Molly nearly jumped out of her skin as the waitress Maya was standing there, staring down at her with a pen and pad of paper in her hand. The look on her face told her she'd been there awhile without Molly noticing her. "Um… What would you like to drink, Molly?"

"Just… water," Molly sunk in on herself, gripping the sides of her seat. Her face absolutely burned. No one ever told her how blushing could be so stinking painful.

"Do you have any strawberry milk?" Julius mused.

"Er—no. Sorry, Julius," Maya shook her head.

"Then black coffee will be just fine, thank you," he decided, reclining into his chair against the wall.

"Okay, so a water and coffee – simple stuff. I'll come back for your meal orders with your drinks, mmkay? And…" Molly caught Maya's hesitation and looked up. The girl's cheeks were dusted pink. "I've been here since 'platonic.' Just… thought you'd like to know…"

"Yeah, thanks," Molly sighed as Maya hurried away.

"So… 'enlighten' me," Julius grinned, crossing his arms.

Molly bit her tongue. Suddenly, she glared at him. "I'm sick of this!"

"Already? I thought the fun was just beginning," he answered carelessly.

Molly looked at the empty table next to them to make it easier. "I'm sick of feeling like such an idiot! Look, I haven't done anything wrong. Why do you constantly… just… ugh!"

"You're very descriptive."

"See?! That! That's what I'm talking about!" Molly accused and Julius rolled his eyes. "Why do you keep doing that?!"

Julius leaned against the table, getting frightfully close to her face. She hadn't realized she had been leaning in to start. His strange, amused eyes stared into hers, making her blanch. "I don't know what planet you're from, doll face, but here on Earth, we call it 'flirting.' I suggest getting used to it."

He didn't budge, and Molly found she couldn't. She searched his face. "What are you saying?"

Julius leaned back, keeping his smirk. He looked at the wall and shrugged. "It means I like you, Miss Platonic."

Molly was still rooted to the table – leaning into nothing. She blinked, unable to process this.

"I suggest you put your jaw back into socket, doll face. Our waitress is on the way," he suggested with humor in his voice.

She fell backwards into her seat, snapping her open mouth closed. Molly stared at the floor by the empty table as Maya set the drinks on the table from her tray.

"Okay! So any ideas, guys?" Maya's peppy voice questioned. "Need to hear the specials?"

"Molly?" Julius asked.

"No, I don't need to hear the specials…" she forced out.

"Well, okay!" Maya's voice was considerably more nervous. "Um…?"

"Ladies first," Julius gave the floor to Molly again.

Molly wanted to say lots of things. For some reason, she was very angry, but she couldn't pinpoint quite why at the moment. And she wanted to run away. And she wanted to tell Julius and Maya to stuff it and leave her alone. But she sucked in some air and let out a heavy, audible sigh. "I'll just have the usual, Maya."

"Which is…?"

Molly sighed again, even more humiliated. "Cheese risotto…"

"Oh!" Maya laughed, tapping her head with her pencil. "Duh! Okay, one cheese risotto… and you?"

Julius pursed his lips, thinking a moment. "You know, I think I'll get the same."

"With coffee?" Maya nearly stuck out her tongue.

"If you could be so kind as to bring me a glass of water as well, then yes," he said.

Maya scribbled the order down and shrugged, taking her leave and calling out to her grand-mother over the chatter of the restaurant. "TWO CHEESE RISOTTOS, GRANNY!"

"GOT IT!" Her grand-mother Yolanda shouted back at an ungodly decibel.

Molly was sunk so low in her chair she could have slipped under the table with a few more inches. Her hand was on the bridge of her nose and the other was held tight across her torso. Her eyes were closed.

Julius leaned forward onto the table, propping up his elbows. "Having trouble?"

Her eyes blinked open. "Honestly? Yes."

"Why's that, doll face?"

She let out another sigh, sitting up straighter. She mimicked Julius and put her elbows on the table. "Why do you like me?"

He leaned his head on one hand. "I like to wear my heart on my sleeve, but this is hardly any fun."

"No, I mean…" Molly struggled with words for a minute. "Look, this probably won't surprise you, but I'm new to this stuff."

"No!" he tried to look surprised, failed miserably, and laughed.

Molly rolled her eyes. "I'm… not like you. I don't do this sort of thing."

Julius was merciful this time and waited patiently for her to continue, lacing his fingers and resting his chin there.

The action looked funny to Molly, but she attempted to ignore it. She gripped the edge of her chair again. "I'm… shy for a reason. I've never been asked on a 'date' or anything…"

"No boyfriend?" Julius asked.

"No."

"Kiss?"

"No."

Julius raised his eye brows.

Molly knew that look. It was the look everyone gave her when she told them that particular fact. The urge to run away grew stronger. "So as you can see… I-I'm not good at this… stuff."

"Why?" he suddenly asked.

She turned her head away from the floor and looked at him. "Why what?"

"Why haven't you been asked out before?"

"How should I know?" she immediately got defensive, recoiling and hugging herself.

"Ew, gross! It's Molly!"

"Golly Miss Molly, did you ask your parents why they made you so ugly?"

"I bet she was raised by squirrels – her teeth are huge!"

"Hey, you know what? Molly plus ugly equals Mugly!"

"Mugly! Mugly~!"

"You're beautiful."

Molly blinked, staring straight at him. "What…?"

Julius shrugged and repeated himself casually. "I'm an admirer of beautiful things. You're beautiful. Therefore, I like you."

She was struck dumb, so she didn't feel the tear sliding down her face until it hit her pant leg. Molly looked down at the dark circle it created on the black fabric. She was hugging herself so tight her fingers were stinging behind her back.

"Okay, here's your—Molly! Are you okay?" Maya's concerned voice called to her, but Molly couldn't react immediately. "What did you do to her?! You big bully!"

"N-no, Maya…" Molly spoke up. She straightened herself, wiping her face quickly and shaking her head. "He didn't do anything wrong… I'm just…"

Julius and Maya both looked at her, but their eyes said different things.

"Having a weird day," Molly concluded.

"Okay…" Maya accepted the answer with obvious hesitation, unloading her tray of their food. She placed a glass of water next to Julius. Her bright mood as their server instantly returned. "Eat up and enjoy~!"

"Thank you," Julius said as Maya skipped to Hanna and Cain's table to give them the bill. He looked over at Molly. "You ready to eat, doll face?"

Molly laughed at the nickname this time and nodded. "Yeah… And…"

He raised an eyebrow.

"Thanks."

Molly was shocked how well dinner went. Julius and she stayed until the Inn closed at ten, avoiding certain personal subjects, but talking about everything else. When they were forced to leave, they walked slowly even though it was cold.

She learned that Julius' parents were travelling artists. When they stopped there on Castanet, Julius decided to stay, and they kept going without him. What surprised her more (though it shouldn't have by the hair color), was that Mira was his aunt. That made his old metal-smithing tutor his uncle as well, bringing the connection between them closer – and sadder – when he passed.

In turn, Molly told Julius how her parents were both still alive and well in the city. They would visit at least once a year, or if they couldn't, she would go to them. She missed the city sometimes, but she wouldn't trade Castanet for the bright lights any day.

"Now what exactly was it that made a lovely girl like you decide to be something as dirty as a farmer?" Julius asked beside her. He wore a thicker, duller coat over his stylish clothes. Molly supposed it pained him that he couldn't be fashionable all the time, but being warm topped the desire on freezing nights like these.

Molly had one hand jammed in her pocket and the other out in the cold. She constantly alternated which hand would hold the flashlight for the path and which would stay warm. Molly smiled at the question, her breath coming in clouds. "It's always appealed to me, being from the city… A simple life in the country, you know? No one to boss you around. Be your own manager of your own affairs. It still appeals to me – even though the work is often dirty, I admit…"

Julius shook his head, wrinkling his nose at the thought. "But what do your farm clothes look like?"

Confused, she shrugged. "I don't know… jeans? Sweaters? T-shirts? Trainers?"

"Oh, là là – quelle horreur!" Julius exclaimed in a surprisingly good French accent. "I'll have to think up some new designs! Can't have you running about in frumpy clothes, hm?"

Molly blushed a bit, not being insulted like she felt she normally would be. She had to admit he was right – the clothes were frumpy. "But they'll just get dirty. I'd hate to ruin stylish clothes…"

"Think nothing of it," Julius shook his head. "Better to ruin them than not have them at all! My, your house is rather dark."

Molly looked up, surprised they were already at her door. She was even more surprised that he had walked her home without her knowing it. She bit her lip, remembering. "Yeah, I forgot to turn on the spotlight. But I have this," she waved the light of her torch around. "Will you get back alright?"

Julius nodded. "The snow is bright enough, and I know my way. Why? Are you worrying?"

Molly hid her face in the dark.

"That's very considerate," he said anyways. "Which somehow reminds me – what was it you were 'enlightened' about?"

She could have told him what Luna said about him – her blatant warning. She could have said what everyone was saying about him, too, and she wouldn't do that. Molly didn't really care anymore. She knew they were wrong now (well, partially – he really was a good conversationalist). "You know… I can't remember."

"Perhaps some other time then," he accepted her answer with ease.

Molly smiled sheepishly down at the light in her hands. "Um… I had a really good time. Thank you… Julius."

Julius' eyes widened in surprise. He smirked down at her.

"Wh-what?" Molly stuttered, uncomfortable under his gaze.

"That was the first time you said my name," he mused.

Was it really? Molly felt that was a rude mistake. She hadn't meant to avoid it…

"Would you say it again?"

"Huh?"

"Humor me, doll face!" He insisted, throwing a dramatic hand to his forehead.

"Julius!" Molly laughed at his antics.

"Much better," he smiled.

Molly blushed, taking the keys out of her pocket. She knew this scene all too well. It was in every sappy movie, book, and show. Or at least a good deal of them. This was the front door scene. Where she was expected to give him a kiss goodnight…

Her stomach tumbled into knots, not knowing whether or not she actually wanted to try it or not. Well, the cheek is safe, right? Hugs are forbidden – that's immediate friend zone. But… why don't I want to friend zone him? Do I like—?

"Good night, doll face!" Julius called from down the path, waving up at her from the crossroads.

How did he do that?! Flustered, Molly nearly dropped her keys again. She waved back, the knots in her stomach getting much tighter for some reason. Did he just leave her wanting more?! "Bye! Er – good night!"

Julius turned and Molly tried not to watch him go until he disappeared around the corner. She shoved the key in the lock, turning it and hearing the release. Why was she so disappointed? Well, there was only one answer for that… Molly's face was on fire again. Spinning around, she hoped to see him there – creeping up again – but Julius was indeed gone.

She stood there for a minute, debating if she should go chasing after him, but decided that would be strange for the first date. It was a date… right?

Maybe it wasn't.

Maybe it was all in her head.

Or maybe he didn't like how the date went, and he didn't want to kiss her.

He just narrowly escaped.

She had been friend zoned.

There was no other answer.

She shoved her door open, looking around in the dark before her hand hit the light switch, illuminating the room. Molly squinted through the light, taking her coat off and angrily kicking her boots off at the mat. Tired, she brushed her teeth, shut the light off, and slipped out of her pants, ready to go to bed in her tunic.

"I like you, Miss Platonic," his voice came ringing back in her ears as she brought the covers up to her chin. She chuckled – she had to admit he could make her laugh…

"You're beautiful."

And he said that. That wasn't in her head. That was real. No matter what her paranoia was telling her, that was reality. And she would hold onto that.