"Kana!" Ayame chastised, swatting the young man away with her clipboard. "I told you to wait in the sitting room!"
He didn't even have the decency to flinch with every blow that she'd hit him with, instead, he grinned at Lillian, who had paled considerably. "Hey there, Lilly! How're you feeling?"
Lillian's eyebrows knitted together. "…Fine, I think. What happened?"
"You don't remember?" Kana prompted, now that Ayame had stopped assaulting him with office supplies, and sat on the edge of the clinic's bed. "Your face got all purple and you passed out on the farm," a smug smirk graced his lips. "And I carried you all the way here."
Ayame sighed exasperatedly. "Kana, will you please go wait in the sitting room while I speak with Lillian?"
"But – "
"No buts, young man," Ayame retorted snappishly, holding up her clipboard threateningly.
Kana held his hands up in surrender. "Okay…Okay…I'll go." He glanced at Lillian and smiled. "Hope you feel better Lilly!" With that final sentiment, he disappeared behind a blue curtain that surrounded the cot.
"Now Lillian," Ayame's tone was now softer and she apparently no longer felt the need to bash someone's head in with the clipboard, so she set it down on the nightstand by the cot. "You haven't been working yourself too hard, have you?"
Lillian almost snorted in disbelief. "I only have a few patches of turnips growing…I wouldn't think so."
Ayame nodded, her cropped jet black hair bouncing with the motion. "Alright… What about stress? Have you been under a lot of stress lately?"
"No," Lillian lied. Of course, the thought that her brother hated her was enough to stress the young woman out, but she wasn't about to admit that.
The doctor looked skeptical as Lillian was a very bad liar but didn't push it. "Okay, then. What about allergies?"
"I've lived on a farm for pretty much my whole life and I've never had any problems."
Ayame pressed the tip of a pencil's eraser to her chin in thought before granting Lillian a meaningful look. "Allergies aren't necessarily something you are born with, Lillian. They can be acquired with age."
"I don't have allergies," Lillian muttered softly.
"Then, tell me," Ayame's dark eyes stayed focused on Lillian's round face. "What could have made you pass out for a good three days?"
"Three days!" Lillian yelped incredulously, shooting straight up. "My farm – "
Ayame dismissed this with a careless wave of her hand. "Not to worry. Nori's taking care of it and I believe that Ying and Rahi offered to help as well."
Lillian wanted to bury her face into the pillow. It's not that she didn't appreciate the help of the villagers, it's just that she'd pretty much deemed herself useless. She couldn't even get through one week without putting out the rest of the people in the town. She couldn't even take care of her own farm. Maybe Phillip was right…She was too young to be on her own.
"Lillian," Ayame interrupted the girl's miserable musings. "What's the matter?"
Startled, Lillian drew a hand to her cheek, which was surprisingly damp. She hadn't even realized that she'd been crying. She wiped away at the tears furiously. "Nothing."
"Lillian," Ayame began gently but she was interrupted by a loud, crashing sound coming from somewhere beyond the blue curtain. The doctor, panicked, glanced over shoulder before turning her attention back to Lillian. "I'll be right back. Don't move."
She watched apprehensively as the doctor went to discover the source of the ruckus and sighed to herself.
Her feet were cold against the floor as she treaded, warily. It had been nearly an hour since Doctor Ayame went to check on the crash and she hadn't returned. So, Lillian had ignored her strict order to stay in bed, and ventured into the open area of the clinic.
"Doctor Ayame…?" Lillian called out, quietly, feeling silly. She couldn't see anyone around. Just an extensive shelf of books, some unoccupied cots, and a cabinet full of medical supplies.
She walked towards the bookshelf and examined the titles. 'Treating Chicken Pox for Dummies', 'The Obvious Signs of a Broken Leg', and her personal favorite, 'Ayame's Guide to Romance'.
Lillian, with a slight grin, pulled the book off the shelf and opened it. Her gray eyes scanned the page with great amusement until she read a certain name.
So you found my notebook. You're in luck!
This book will tell you how to get closer to a certain gentleman. So? You want to know about Kana?
No, Lillian thought, not really. And, anyway, what was Ayame doing with a book on how to woo someone half her age? The girl flipped through the pages of the notebook until she came across an unfamiliar name.
So? You want to know about Hiro, my apprentice?
"Excuse me…?" A tentative voice sounded from behind her and Lillian slammed the book shut promptly before turning on the heels of her feet. A man with a baby face and kind eyes observed her carefully. His polite smile faded when he caught sight of the book in her grasp.
Lillian noticed that he wore a lab coat and a stethoscope, making him look suspiciously like a doctor's apprentice. Oh. "Erm. Hello," Lillian said.
His eyes shot up from the book to meet Lillian's. "Oh," he replied softly. "Hello." After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, he asked, "…Are you ill?"
"No!" Lillian responded quickly. "Why? Do I look it?"
The man's dark eyes widened. "Oh…no! I was just...," his cheeks reddened. "You're wearing patient scrubs. I just assumed…"
"Oh." This time, it was Lillian's face that colored. "Well, I guess…Ayame told me to stay in my cot but she's been gone for a while."
"You should have stayed put," he said, almost sternly. "If Ayame said…"
"Lillian!"
The girl cringed as Ayame's steady glare bored holes into her forehead. "…Doctor Ayame," Lillian greeted sheepishly.
The doctor had reached the bottom of the stairs and glanced between her apprentice and Lillian questioningly, then at the book in Lillian's hands. Possible lecture aside, the woman's smile was giddy as she examined both Lillian and Hiro's red faces.
Upon seeing the eager look on his mentor's face, Hiro sighed. "I'm going to go to sleep now. It was a long ride back to Konohana. Goodnight," he bowed slightly towards Lillian and Ayame.
Lillian waved at his retreating figure and tried her best to ignore Ayame's expectant gaze. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. "What?"
Ayame just grinned.
"…Stop looking at me like that."
Ayame's grin widened. "So, which one peaked your interest?"
"What are you talking about?" Lillian grimaced, now hiding the book behind her back, but it was no use. She knew the doctor had already seen it.
"I think you know."
Lillian pursed her lips, unhappily, her grip tightening on the book behind her back. "No, I really don't."
"Come on. I swear it won't leave this room."
"Yeah right."
"Is it Kana?"
Lillian snorted.
"Lillian!" Nori greeted with a sunny smile as Lillian trotted up the path to her farm. She nearly fell backwards when Nori drew her into a tight hug. "I'm so glad that you're alright!"
Lillian smiled a little as she pulled away. "Thank you so m – "
"Don't even mention it," Nori putting a hand up to interrupt her. "Do you know how long it's been since I've even so much as touched land other than my grandfather's farm?" She asked, dryly. "I was happy for the distraction. Though, it's terrible that you were stuck in the clinic," Nori added as though she were afraid that Lillian would be offended.
"But still…" Lillian shifted on her feet guiltily. "I just…"
"If you want to make it up to me," Nori rolled her eyes. "You'll enter the cooking festival okay?"
What is it with these people and festivals? Lillian simply nodded. "Alright, I guess. I'll probably have to learn how to cook first, though."
Nori laughed. "It's the salad round. You can't mess up a salad."
"Don't underestimate me."
"Whatever you make it can't be worse than that one year Kana gave Pierre food poisoning…"
Lillian's lips twitched downwards. "So now I'm in the same league as him. Great."
Nori didn't seem to catch that. "I guess I'll leave you to work," she looked a little unsure. "I've planted some cucumber seeds; so, all you have left to do is water…"
"Thanks, Nori."
"I thought I said not to mention it," Nori sighed. "Oh well. I'll see you later, Lillian."
The young farmer grabbed her watering can and filled it with the water spurting from the fountain feeling immensely happy to be working again.
"Ow!" Lillian winced as the pot she'd been holding fell to her feet, successfully crushing her toes in the process. She didn't dare look up to see the reproaching stare she'd surely get from Yun. Instead, she picked up the pot, cursing whatever deity was out there that she had to learn to cook for a stupid festival.
Her experience so far was, to say the least, painful.
Yun sighed tiredly over a heap of chopped vegetables. "Lillian…We're making salads, you don't need a pot, dear."
"…" It took all of Lillian's willpower not to fix the sweet old lady with a fierce glare reserved for only those who dared question her work ethics. Except, maybe she had a point, and Lillian was being silly. Okay, she most definitely did have a point. "I thought we were going to boil the vegetables…" muttered Lillian.
"Salads taste better crisp and fresh," Yun pointed a wooden spoon at her. "Pierre will most certainly be looking for that crunch."
Lillian's stormy eyes rolled up to the ceiling. She was beginning to think that people took this dumb contest too seriously. "Isn't that what the croutons are for?"
"Croutons!" Yun repeated exasperatedly. "Croutons do not make the dish! Fresh ingredients and the expertise of the chef do!"
Expertise, Lillian folded her arms across her chest. "Then I'm screwed."
"Language," the old woman scolded halfheartedly. Something told Lillian that she'd be a bit stricter if Ying were home, but alas, the little girl was out playing with Rahi. Good thing, too, as Lillian had let a few unladylike words slip more than a couple of times.
She honestly couldn't believe that she was being roped into this. For a farm. Yes, at first, it seemed like an incredible deal but cooking turned out to be rather hazardous. Lillian had burn marks on the tips of her fingers and Yun hadn't even allowed her to touch the stove. 'We're making salads!' The woman had all but yelled, 'Lettuce cannot burn you!'
Lillian already knew very well that she was hopeless at cooking. It was the dumb village that seemed hell bent on her entering the contest.
The bell on the front counter of Yun's tea shop chimed loudly. Lillian glowered up at the smirk plastered on Kana's face. "Having fun, ladies?"
"How is it that you're always wherever I am?" Lillian asked, almost incredulously, and with a little annoyance lacing her tone.
"Don't get a big head," Kana crossed his arms. "I've lived here far longer than you have and Yun's tea shop is my favorite place in Konohana." He paused. "Besides my stables, of course."
Lillian gripped the handle of a lingering kitchen knife and brought it down to slice through the heart of the celery. "Nice, you've mastered the art of cutting veggies," Kana's voice taunted.
She lifted the knife, granting him a steady glare. "Even you should know better than to annoy an armed woman."
"Lillian!" Yun chided, grabbing the farmer's choice of weapon and placing it on the counter beside her. "That's for vegetables not for beheading the customers."
"He started it," mumbled a sheepish Lillian.
Yun's lips were drawn into a thin line. "And I'm ending it." She turned to Kana with a sweet old lady smile, causing Lillian to roll her eyes. "So sorry about that, dear. What can I get you?"
"The usual," Kana replied casually.
"Coming up," Yun chirped while heading over to the fridge and rummaging through it. She pulled out a few bottles and some red peppers. Then, she began mixing it all into a large bowl.
Terribly bored with cooking already, Lillian fixed her eyes on Kana, who was still watching her. "What?"
"You weren't really going to stab me, were you?"
"Hm," was all Lillian offered.
Kana's eyes flickered to Yun who was boiling something on the stove and then back to Lillian. "Seriously, though. I don't get why you hate me."
Lillian popped a piece of celery into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully. After she'd swallowed, she replied, "Hate is a strong word. I'd put it as mild dislike."
"But why?" He was genuinely confused. His eyebrows were knitted together with a mixture of befuddlement and disbelief. Almost as if he thought the idea of someone disliking him was impossible.
The young farmer bit her lip, concentrating. Why did she dislike him? Sure he could be arrogant…and annoying…and…. She leaned forward on the counter and placed her head on her palm, and like the perfectly mature adult she was, she asked, "Why do you care?"
"Because I like you," he answered bluntly.
Lillian's face was abnormally red by the time Yun returned to the counter. The old woman looked between the two, a question in her eyes, but it never was spoken. She just handed Kana his order. "Here you are."
"Thanks," Kana smiled, handing some money to the old woman, shooting Lillian one last meaningful look.
Yun turned to Lillian. "You didn't threaten him again, did you?"
"No," Lillian said quietly.
The young farmer shifted uncomfortably under her brother's steely glare. Now she recalled why the cooking festival put her off so much. He was there. He, unsurprisingly, still looked as though he wanted to murder her on the spot. She felt Nori's questioning glances from her left side, and Kana's stare from her right.
"Who is that?" Nori asked in a hushed whisper.
Lillian bit her lip, unsure if she should tell her. Sure, she'd become fast friends with Nori, but she was so mature for her age. She was afraid that Nori would consider her 'running away', if you could call it that, immature. Lillian was afraid of being judged and it wasn't because of her stupid salad.
Kana nudged her with his elbow. "Is he bothering you?" He returned Phillip's glare with a fierce one of his own. It was strange to see such a usually happy and annoying person so angry.
"No." Lillian lied.
While Lillian wouldn't admit it, she'd come to somewhat of an understanding with Kana. He hadn't specified what 'like' for him meant and she didn't ask. They were acquaintances, so long as he refrained from calling her 'Lilly' in public, and she didn't threaten him with sharp objects.
It was all fine and dandy…Well, enough so that Lillian could at least handle her brother's direct hatefulness towards her, until Ash came stumbling in front of the trio. "Lillian!" He grinned, adjusting his hat, completely ignoring the two other Konohana villagers. "It's so good to see you! It seems like it's been such a long time!"
Lillian, despite circumstances, smiled. "Yeah. How are Cheryl and Jessica?"
"Great! They're here actually," Ash pointed to where his mother and little sister stood next to Cam, Laney, and unfortunately, Phillip. "Cheryl's entered the contest this year. She's finally old enough."
"That's awesome," Lillian remarked but Ash could tell there was something else she wanted to say.
"What is it?"
Lillian ignored Nori and Kana's inquisitive looks. "Did Phillip enter…?"
Ash nodded, confused, until his blue eyes lit up with realization. "Oh I see!" He laughed happily. "A little sibling rivalry! Aw, don't worry about it, Lillian. He's a pretty hopeless cook!"
Like me, Lillian thought.
"Well," Ash glanced to where the Mayors were already setting up and back to Lillian. "I better go back or else they'll assume I'm rooting for Konohana! See you!"
"Bye," Lillian called at his retreating figure. He took his spot next to Phillip. She watched with displeasure as Phillip immediately began hounding him. She looked up to see Kana frowning slightly.
"Sibling rivalry? That's your brother?"
Lillian bit her lip. "Yes."
"Then why does he look so angry?" Nori questioned this time looking equally as perplexed.
"He hates me," Lillian replied briskly.
The Mayor's boisterous voices ended the conversation for the moment.
"It's time again for the cooking festival!" Mayor Rutger announced, beaming at his village.
Mayor Ina elbowed him, causing him to stumble slightly to the side, and smiled widely. "This round centers around salad!" She winked in her village's direction.
"Yes, yes," Rutger continued, flustered, "And we've brought in a special guest judge for today – "
Kana snorted beside Lillian. "He's here for every contest."
"Please give a warm welcome to our friend the renowned Gourmet Pierre!"
Lillian couldn't suppress a girlish giggle as the judge strolled to the top of the mountain where the Mayors were. He wore a ridiculously tall purple top hat, a suit that matched color wise, and an incredibly wide grin.
Kana grinned at her reaction. "Stud, isn't he?"
"What a hunk," she agreed with a laugh.
"Be quiet," Nori chided, though she too was biting back a laugh.
Pierre spoke up, "Why, hello folks! You don't know how glad I am to be here! Now, I'm sure that you've all made something absolutely delectable for me today – so let's get started!"
Lillian heard Reina sigh from behind her. She turned and quirked an eyebrow. Reina merely shrugged. "These festivals always take so long…"
"Ah." Lillian had never really spent much time with Reina as she knew the girl much preferred plant life to the company of other people. She didn't seem too bad, though, so Lillian smiled politely every time they happened to cross paths.
Turning her attention back to Pierre who was nibbling on one of Bluebell's dishes, Lillian wondered if it was Phillip's, until she caught sight of a messy pile of lettuce piled atop a plate and knew that was likely his. "Mmm…Not bad," Pierre commented idly.
He took a bite of the next one. "Good…But not great."
When he delved into Phillip's, or what she assumed was his, Lillian held her breath. Pierre chewed on a suspiciously purple root and his eyes watered. "Um, yes. Horseradish. I see. Ah. That sure was…something."
"Alright!" Pierre clapped his hands together excitedly. "I've finished judging Bluebell's dishes, now on to Konohana!"
He lingered on Yun's dish, deeming it, "Absolutely delicious!"
The old woman had smiled bashfully but Lillian knew better. She could tell that Yun had expected the praise; she didn't own a tea shop for her skills as a lounge singer. Lillian had given her an enthusiastic thumbs up to which Yun had rolled her eyes.
Next, he stuck a fork into little Ying's dish. He paused before taking another fork full. "This is great!"
As expected, Ying was as embarrassed as her grandmother, although she was genuine. The little girl accepted an energetic high five from Rahi, who was beaming at his mother's side.
Lillian felt nauseous as Pierre began to chew on her humble salad. It was very simple. No dressing. Just lettuce, tomatoes, a bit of celery, and a smidgen of chamomile. She started to regret the croutons that she'd added when Yun wasn't looking as Pierre chewed with large crunches.
Finally he said, "Pretty good!"
"Hm, seems that chopping up veggies is pretty useful," Kana chuckled.
"Shut up," Lillian flushed.
She was too pleased to notice the way that her brother glowered at her, not unlike before, from the other side of hill.
A/N: Well now at least I've introduced Hiro, even though he isn't in this chapter much at all. I hope I didn't botch his character up too badly. I tried my very best...*Puppydogeyes*
Haha. Thanks for reading, anyhow! (:
