Chapter 3, The Omen
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SPRING 8TH – SUNDAY
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Mark's POV
I felt more cheerful than usual, and there was a bit more to my skip today. I already knew why I felt so happy!
Yesterday, I finally had the courage to ask Chelsea if she wanted to come to the Goddess Festival with me, which is today! But, to go with me as friends of course. I couldn't ask her to come with me as anything more. It's already awkward that I am technically her boss and she is my partner. I mean, who would want to go anywhere with their boss? Especially to some festival?
Well, at least that's what I think might be going through her mind…. None the less, she agreed to come with me! So, I'm not complaining! She and I agreed that we would go straight to the meadow together after our farm work was done. Since she would always finish her work before me, I gave her permission to stay inside of my house to wait for me and to make herself comfortable… unless she didn't want too. Then again, her being the thoughtful person that she is, decided to wait for me inside of my house.
She was already inside of my home, waiting for me to finish my farm work. Like last time, I had many turnips to pull up, along with potatoes this time around. The turnips do grow fast, every four days if the weather is good.
I pulled up another turnip, happily grinning to myself… and I just can't stop smiling! I have to admit, that if it wasn't for that letter, although depressing, I wouldn't have met Chelsea. In my own mind, it was fate that brought us together.
Chelsea's POV
When Mark asked me yesterday if I wanted to go to the Goddess Festival, I wanted to refuse his offer, because he is my boss and it just felt- weird... However, I must have shown my feelings on my face, because he quickly added 'as friends'. So, I agreed to go with him. After I agreed, he smiled, and it looked happier than his usual smiles. When I arrived on the ranch this morning, he said his usual greeting, but in a sing song like voice. And, I could have sworn I saw him skipping to his field with a happy like grin upon his face.
What's wrong with him? I understand that he is pretty much always cheerful, but it was ridiculous! Well, I guess I always look cheerful too, so I can't really judge him on that….
I was sitting on a chair at the table, just waiting for him to return. He told me to make myself at home. So, I went through his fridge, ate something, and then I sat down again.
"This festival must be really special… because Lanna had to teach me the dancing steps yesterday. In addition, when I told her that I agreed to go with Mark to the festival, she had this smile on her face and she giggled to herself. Am I missing something here? Because obviously I am. It seems that every time I mention something that has to do with Mark, she smiles and then giggles…. I wonder why?" I thought.
I took my rucksack off of my back.
"Lanna also told me that I should wear something more appropriate to the festival."
I opened my rucksack and inside was a dress. It was just a sleeveless, light yellow sundress with some floral designs at the bottom, nothing special. I, also, had yellow sandals to match. I then looked at myself and took a wiff of my arm.
"I smell like sweat and grime," I muttered under my breath.
I looked towards Mark bathroom, and then I shrugged my shoulders.
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind me using his shower…."
I then headed to the doors, opened them, and stepped in to take my shower.
Vaughn's POV
"Why me!"
I was on the boat, heading for 'Sunny Island' again. And the reason why was because I forgot my toolbox… or lost it.
I remember having it with me when I left my aunt's shop before I went to the beach, but I must have dropped it along the way. Since I forgot my toolbox on the island, I could only do a half-ass job on my work. I couldn't take care of the animals much since my brushes and everything else was in that toolbox… not only that, I was arriving on the day of a festival.
"Damn my luck!" I muttered under my breath.
I looked over the rail, and I could see the island in the distance. Since I was coming on the island later than usual, I would be there around 12 o'clock.
"I hope nobody is on the beach to bug me to go to the festival."
I didn't call my aunt to let her know that I was coming. I wanted to be there without anyone knowing, friend or otherwise.
"Hopefully Denny isn't on the beach…."
I turned away from the island and leaned again the rail with my arms crossed over my chest.
"Somehow, I have a feeling he would be there."
I just wasn't feeling lucky today.
Mark's POV
"I'm finished!" I yelled happily.
I looked at my wristwatch and realized that it just turned 12 o'clock. I thought I might finish at around two since I had so many to harvest… but maybe I finished earlier because of the mood I am in? I nodded to myself. Yeah, that had to be it!
I decided to stop wasting time and hurried up to get Chelsea from my home. I skipped to my front door and opened it, expecting Chelsea to be sitting somewhere, bored out of her mind. However, when I walked into my house, she wasn't there. At first, I thought maybe she did leave without me, but then I saw her rucksack on the table, making me dispose that idea. In turn, it made me look around, confused. Then I realized that she was in the bathroom, hearing the water run.
"Oh… she's probably taking a shower."
At that thought alone, my face turned red, making me glad that she wasn't there to see it. So, I decided to do what was best— wait.
I walked over to my fridge, took a snack out, and sat on my bed while munching on my snack.
Chelsea's POV
I got out of the shower and wrapped myself with a clean extra blue towel that happened to be in Mark's bathroom already. I then looked at myself in the mirror, not looking any different excluding the damp hair. With a blow-dryer that I found, I dried it.
"Why does he have a blow-dryer?"
It only took me a second to remember that Mark probably had a lot of hair under that baseball cap that he is always wearing. Come to think of it, I've never seen him with his hat off before….
I shrugged my shoulders, maybe he was balding at an early age (25, he told me himself) and didn't want people to see it. I looked around the bathroom, trying to find my rucksack. It took me a moment to realize that I left my rucksack on the table. I shrugged my shoulders again.
"Guess I have to go out there and get it."
I tightened the towel around me and walked out of the bathroom. I took one step out, and started to approach the table. But before I could reach the table, I heard Mark's voice.
"Hey Chelsea! You ready to—"
I turned to look at him; he must have been sitting on his bed because he was standing in front of it. It took me a moment to realize that he was staring at me— emphasis on staring. At first, his eyes were normal, but then they widened to the fullest. And then, a small shot of red blood came out of his nose before he fainted, luckily on his bed.
I looked at his unconscious form for a moment, confused. Then I realized that I wasn't really decent. My face turned red, making me quickly grab my rucksack to retreat to the bathroom to get dressed.
Vaughn's POV
Of course Denny was on the beach when I got off the boat. And he wasn't alone either, that pop-star was with him. And, as I expected, they dragged me to the festival with them.
Once we reached the meadow, well, I had to admit that the decorations weren't bad… neither was the buffet table. I decided to go to the buffet table and help myself. If I was going to be stuck at a festival anyway, might as well eat the free food there. Most of the stuff to eat was vegetables or dishes with vegetables in them, and I hate vegetables(1). So, I went to the dessert aisle and grabbed me a small plate of cheesecake. While I was eating the cheesecake, I looked around, seeing if that cheery rancher was anywhere. To my slight surprise (and disappointment?) she wasn't around.
"Yet, but you'll see her soon enough," my conscience whispered to me.
I ignored what it was trying to imply. I didn't exactly hate the rancher, but I didn't really like her either. I still found her annoying and too cheerful— no different than the other damn rancher.
I looked around again. "That's odd… that rancher isn't here either…." I thought to myself.
I found it odd that both of them weren't here.
I was about to approach Denny and ask him, as vaguely as possible, why neither was here. But then I had an odd feeling that someone was staring at me. I looked around and found who the culprit was. It was that weird looking book-worm person named uh… Sabrina…. Right, I remember meeting her only once or twice during my trips here on the island, before I was basically sent away due to Mark.
She was odd then and still is. I remember when I would go to the beach to relax, she would be there too. And, although she tried her best to hide it, she would stare at me. And every time I turned to look directly at her, she would pretend to be looking elsewhere. During those times, I would ignore her, and I probably would have ignored her now. However, I really wasn't in the mood for this right now. So I confronted her by snapping at her.
"What the hell are you looking at!"
She immediately turned away and walked off, her face red from embarrassment.
"Damn weird girl," I muttered as I approached Denny, without interruptions this time.
Sabrina's POV
I shouldn't have stared at Vaughn like that… but I couldn't help it! I was surprised that he was here on the island! I didn't know that he came back. He must have come back recently… was it because of Chelsea?
I answered my own question, "Yeah, she had to be the reason. Now that there is an animal caretaker, then an animal dealer would be needed as well to transport the animals and all…."
I then smiled as another thought came to me, "Maybe this is fate telling me that I have a second chance to try to get with him. I mean, he is even here at the festival— on a Sunday! This has to be a pray of some sort!"
"That will not happen because he probably thinks you're a stalker," my conscience responded.
I sighed to myself. Again, it was right….
I'm going to have to apologize to him for that and for all of those other times in the past.
In the end, I decided to push the problem away, for now.
Mark's POV
I groaned a little, reacting to the brief pain I felt behind my head. My eyes were closed and I was confused about— everything.
"Where am I? What happened? And, what is this soft thing I feel under my head?"
I opened my eyes a little and I was looking up at Chelsea's face. My face instantly turned red as everything that happened came rushing back to me, like a giant wave.
"Ch-Chelsea! I'm so sorry for—"
She cut me off by shaking her head and laughing. "It's not really your fault. I was the one using your shower and I shouldn't have forgotten my rucksack on the table."
I nodded my head, but my face was still red. She then patted a tissue on my nose.
"I need you to hold still because your nose is still running a little blood. If you could hold your head back a bit, it should stop flowing faster."
I did as she asked, and then I realized that my head was on her lap… and then it took me another moment to realize that she wasn't wearing her work clothes. She was wearing something yellow…. I couldn't see the rest of it, since I could only see the top half of her.
"She most likely looks beautiful in whatever she is wearing… she always does…"
After a few minutes went by, Chelsea told me that I should be okay now. I lifted my head off of her lap and stood up from the bed. Then I turned to look at her, and I was right.
She wore a light yellow sundress with different flora designs at the bottom of it, and the dress was sleeveless, exposing most of her silky looking skin on her arms. On her feet, she wore yellow sandals, showing her pretty toes. I then looked at her face, and realized that some of her hair wasn't hidden underneath her red bandana; it was out and neatly down, just reaching her shoulders. My face turned redder than it already was.
"Yo-You look very pretty Chelsea," I stuttered a little.
She stood up from the bed and looked at me in surprise, and then she smiled.
"Thank you, Mark. Now, let's head to the meadow for the festival."
"Shouldn't I clean up too? I mean…." I let the sentence drift off.
I would look very repulsive next her. I mean, she looks beautiful and all, while I look like a mess.
She shook her head, "I don't think there really is no need to. Only the girls will be dancing and the guys will just watch. So, don't worry about it. Now, let's hurry! It's already getting close to 1 o' clock."
She took my hand (which felt very soft) and dragged me out of the house. I smiled to myself.
"She really is the best…"
"And now you're labeled as a pervert for life," my conscience said.
My mind instantly thought about when Chelsea got out of the shower, wrapped around in a towel. My face turned took on the reddish color again, and I had a feeling it would stay that way for a while.
Vaughn's POV
When I asked Denny, indirectly, where the ranchers were, he just shrugged his shoulders and told me he didn't know either.
"Something's not right… even if Mark doesn't show up, Chelsea should have.… Her job is easier and takes less time… unless, she is with the rancher… waiting for him…"
I was slightly confused. Why would she wait for him? But, it didn't take my mind long to come up with an answer.
"Because she is going with him to the festival… they are going together."
I growled at the thought. I must have growled a little loud, because Denny looked at me.
"Are you okay man? You look more pissed off than usual…."
I just glared at him, making him put up his hands in front of him defensively.
"Just asking, no need to get mad at me," he said.
I looked away from him and looked towards the bridge. Just as I was beginning to wonder what took them so long, I saw two figures appear on the bridge. I recognized the damn blond rancher instantly, but, the person next to him, I didn't recognize her.
After remembering that Chelsea would be with Mark, I realized it was Chelsea that was next to him.
"But… she looks…"
I didn't get to finish the sentence. I was in a sort of small trance at the sight of her looking different. I was use to her being in her work clothes… but in a dress? I wasn't use to the sight.
I pulled down the brim of my hat to hide the different shade that I knew was forming on my face. From under my hat I looked at her again, but I quickly looked away and brought my attention to Mark instead.
"The damn idiot. He's still wearing his work clothes."
And then, that is when I noticed that his face was red.
"Why the hell is his face red?"
It took me a moment to realize that I said that statement out loud. As I should have expected, Denny heard me. Damn my luck!
"Hmm, I don't know…. Maybe he's sick? Could be the reason why they are a little late…. I'll go ask him," Denny offered as he approached Mark.
I sighed to myself in relief. Denny didn't think that maybe Mark's face was red because of what Chelsea was wearing, and Denny didn't seem to notice that Chelsea was in a dress… or comment how she looked in it either.
"Good… I don't need any more competition…"
Wait… what? I made a mental note to myself to take a vacation in the mere future— and not on 'Sunny Island' either.
Denny's POV
When I approached Mark, that is when I noticed Chelsea next to him— and in a dress. I shrugged to myself mentally. She looked okay in it, but not pretty enough to gain my attention.
Before I could say hello to her first, she was dragged away by an angry Julia. Julia was probably getting on her for being late, leaving me with Mark.
When I turned to face him, I saw that his eyes were focused on something… no, more like someone. I looked in the same direction he was looking, and I wasn't surprised that he was staring where Chelsea was being dragged to. I smiled to myself.
"So, what took you guys so long?" I asked, waking him up from his thoughts.
Mark looked at me and then he blinked his eyes, as if he was confused of his whereabouts. But then he regained his normal posture.
"Well… we uh… We finished the farm work and Chelsea was inside waiting for me in my house… and uh…"
I could see that he was hesitating to continue his story. But, I wasn't going to let him keep any secrets from me. So, I urged him to continue his story.
"And I uh…. She was taking a shower and she forgot her rucksack on my table. So, when she came out of the shower—and I saw her," he finished, his face turning redder than it already was.
I looked at him in surprise.
"You mean she came out of the shower naked!" I asked, shocked.
I didn't realize that I said it a little loud, but luckily there was enough noise in the background to drown out what I said. Mark looked at me, shaking his head quicking.
"N-No! I-I didn't mean it that way! I mean, she was wrapped in a towel and everything! B-But still…"
I laughed a little, understanding what he was trying to say. If he had told me that he got a little sick while doing work, it would have explained his red face as well. But, after what he told me, I can see that the redness was a blush, not from exhaustion. He must still be thinking about the incident.
"Best to leave him alone, I don't want to further embarrass him."
I walked away from him to walk back to where Vaughn stood. It looked like he was waiting for me to return back to him, too.
"What did the stupid guy say?" he asked me.
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Why would he care? Seriously…."
"No big deal. Mark accidently saw Chelsea come out of the shower," I said as I shrugged my shoulders as well.
I looked at Vaughn's face, and he looked shocked at first. But, it quickly turned into anger.
"I'll kick the pervert's ass!" he yelled, loud enough for only me to hear luckily.
I quickly put my hands in his way.
"Whoa! Hold on Vaughn! You misunderstood what I said."
"I understood you perfectly well! He saw her— naked! And he has the gut to show his face here after that! I'll make something else red appear on his face!"
"Wait, Vaughn! What I meant to say was that Mark saw her come out of the shower with a towel around her. And he was embarrassed to see her like that is all!" I quickly explained before he caused a scene.
It took him a moment for him to settle down. He wasn't going to hit Mark, but he still looked angry.
"Hmph! He's still a pervert…. What was he doing at her house anyway?"
"Her house? Oh, I didn't tell him it was at Mark's house the incident occurred… Wait… Why does he care whose house it took place at?"
I couldn't help but grin, because it was clear to me that Vaughn didn't just hate Mark. It seemed to me that he was jealous of the possibility that Chelsea invited Mark to her house as well.
Vaughn's POV
When I asked that question, that is when I saw Denny grin at me.
"What are you grinning about!" I demanded.
"Well… I just find it odd that you would care so much about Chelsea, that Mark possibly saw her in the nude. And, also asking why Mark is at Chelsea's house. Seems to me that you don't like Chelsea hanging around with Mark so much to me.(2)"
"I don't care about that! I just find it stupid of her to invite him into her house when she knew that she was going to take a shower! For all I know, he could have planned the whole thing out… the damn pervert…"
"Oh? So, you don't mind me telling you that he's going over to her house tonight? That's what he told me. He told me that Chelsea invited him over tonight for unknown reasons to him…." Denny said.
"Hmph! No, I don't care."
Denny shrugged his shoulders.
"If you say so.… Though, I do wonder why she would invite him over to her house tonight. Maybe… nah, that can't be it," he said, though he said the last part a little lower.
The bastard! He's just trying to piss me off, isn't he! If I didn't consider him as a friend… wait, when did I consider Denny as my friend? Whatever.
Though, I will admit, that I did wonder why Chelsea would invite that stupid rancher to her house tonight or on any day for that matter… maybe… she really does—like that rancher….
And for some reason, that idea made my heart feel heavy and my mouth dry.
Chelsea's POV
The rest of the girls and I were ready to start the festival, or our dance to be more specific.
I saw Nathan get everyone's attention to be quiet. The people quieted down while we all got into position. The music started in the background, and then we started our dance routine(3).
I let my legs take control, but my mind wandered.
I looked closely at the crowd, seeing familiar faces. The first person I saw was Mark. His face was no longer red (thank goodness) and he was just smiling at me. I saw him wave, just a little, at me. I felt like rolling my eyes, but I smiled at him anyway. My eyes continued to scan the crowd, and then I noticed a black cowboy hat.
"No way…."
Not to my surprise, the one wearing the cowboy hat was Vaughn. What was he doing on the island on a Sunday and at the festival? I had no idea.
I looked at his face closely, and he looked— sad? His usual frown was absent on his face, but his eyebrows were arched in such a way that it made me think that he could either be sad or worried about something. I picked the latter.
I smiled at him lightly. Instead of the expected reaction of him possibly smiling back, his eyes widened in horror. I saw him start to open his mouth, as if to shout something. At the same time, something told me to look behind me… I did… and the Goddess statue was falling— towards me.
Natalie's POV
Something urged me to look to my left, and just as Chelsea was turning around, I saw the Goddess statue falling towards her.
That's when everything slowed down.
I was screaming in my head, 'MOVE STUPID CHELSEA! MOVE!', or maybe I yelled it out loud, I don't know. I just knew that she wasn't going to move…. She was scared stiff, frozen to the spot.
Without even thinking about it, my legs moved towards her. I can still see the statue falling, and I had a feeling that I wasn't going to be able to do anything in time. So, I did what some baseball players do— I jumped forward with my arms outstretched in front of me.
I managed to push her out of the way, but I didn't have enough time to get out of the way myself….
As soon as she was pushed out of the way, I felt something hit my back— hard… and I screamed in pain, so loud that it was hurting my own ears. All that my mind could think about was the constant agonizing pain my back was feeling.
Pierre's POV
I saw the whole thing… but, I was too slow to do anything.
I didn't notice the statue falling; all I noticed was Natalie dancing with one of her once-in-a-lifetime-smiles on her face, having a good time. First she was dancing, and then the next thing I knew, she was running. I was confused about the change of the routine, but then I noticed her face expression. An expression she only makes when she is about to do something rash. It took me a moment to realize that she was trying to push Chelsea out of the way, to prevent her from getting hit by the falling statue.
I moved towards Natalie, praying to myself that she wasn't going to do what I thought she would do… but, she did.
I just kept running towards her, before I heard her terrible screams of pain.
Chelsea's POV
I didn't know what happened, until I heard screaming….
I forced myself to come out of my own fear and looked around frantically. I was on the ground, but I quickly stood up and ran towards the sound of the screaming… and I saw Natalie, screaming.
There were tears coming out of her eyes, nonstop, and her eyes were open wide. Pierre was on his knees, trying to calm her down. I got closer to the statue that was on her back and I bent my knees to try to pull it up. Not too long after, others joined in to try to move the heavy thing.
We were able to get it off of her back, but she continued to scream in pain, though it sounded lower than before. And that is when Vaughn took control of the situation.
He pointed to Denny, "You! Go to the Café and call that doctor in Mineral Town!(4)"
Denny was off in a flash. He then pointed to Mark and Elliot.
"You two! Help me carry her to the hotel!"
"But that's too far! We need somewhere closer!" Elliot exclaimed.
"Then bring her to my house since it is closer," I suggested.
The three guys nodded their heads in unison. They bent down and each took one area of her body to lift her up. Elliot was helping with her upper section, Mark took the middle, and Vaughn held her feet. Natalie wasn't screaming anymore, but she was still whimpering and crying in pain. I could tell that they were trying to lessen her pain by moving slowly. Pierre and I followed, and so did the rest of the crowd apparently.
Once we reached my house, I opened my door and held it open for them to enter. They took Natalie to my double-sized bed and laid her down, with her on her belly. It didn't seem like a good idea to make her lay on her back.
Natalie was still crying and muttering nonsense under her breath. And that is when Denny entered.
"Dr. Trent said that he would be here as soon as he can. But it'll take him around 4 hours to get here. He just asked us to get her on a bed, make sure that she is on her belly, and try to calm her down."
Pierre sighed as he held on to Natalie's hand— even though she was practically crushing his hand, he still held on. I ran to my kitchen, found a cup, and put some water in it. I then walked to the side of the bed and stood there, just waiting for her to ask for the water.
"I'll go get a towel," Mark said.
I heard his footsteps and the door open to my bathroom. He came back with a cool moist towel and stood next to me, not sure what to do with it.
"Natalie, do you want some water?" Pierre asked her in a gentle voice, despite the pain in his hand.
Natalie just nodded her head. Pierre lifted her head gently and laid it on his lap, making her head be high enough for her to swallow her water. I handed the cup to him and he brought the cup to her lips, doing it so delicately as if she were glass. He poured it into her mouth at a slow pace so that she won't choke on the water. She looked like she was in an awkward position, since she was trying to drink the water while still on her belly.
"I'll take the towel Mark," Elliot said to him.
Mark handed the towel to him. I sighed to myself.
"How could this happen— and on the Goddess birthday!" I thought.
It made no sense. I didn't understand how something bad could happen on the birthday of a supernatural being who is supposed to bring happiness.
Before I could ponder this, someone put a hand on my shoulder. I turned to look at the person's face, Nathan. And he looked distressed about something.
"Can you please come outside? I need to talk to you for a moment."
I nodded my head and followed him out of the house, and I saw Mark following from the corner of my eye. Once we were outside, almost every person had left, except for the few; Denny, Vaughn, Mirabelle, Alisa, Sabrina, and Lanna. Others were inside of my house, Natalie (of course), Pierre, Elliot, Julia, Felicia, and Taro. Regis must have left earlier.
We stopped in front of the small group and Nathan turned to face me.
"The Goddess statue falling… it's not a good sign…"
"What do you mean 'it's not a good sign'?" I asked, not liking where the conversation might be going.
"The Goddess statue standing upright means good deeds will come and that life will be prosperous… but, by the Goddess statue falling, and on her birthday, means the exact opposite…. It means that there will be trouble in the future," Nathan explained.
"In other words, this is an omen," Alisa said.
Nathan nodded his head in agreement.
"I understand the meaning about the statue… but, what does this have to do with me?"
I could see that he started to sweat. Alisa decided to take it from there.
"This has never happened before... before you came to the island Chelsea. By the Goddess statue falling when you are here, and towards you… it probably means that bad things will happen to you. If not only you, anybody who hangs with you could have bad things happen to them too. I think it would be best if you leave the island…."
"What!" I exclaimed, in utter disbelief.
"Now, hold on here! Chelsea practically just got here! If she leaves, then—" Mark stopped and seemed hesitant to continue.
I was going to ask Mark what was he hiding, but Denny decided to state his opinion.
"Come on guys, this sounds like some sort of curse you would read in fictional books. I mean, have we all forgotten what this island is called? It's called 'Sunny Island' last I checked. And the reason this island has been named that is because of all of the good things that has happened and will continue to happen in the future, I'm sure. Maybe the statue fell because it wasn't balanced right or the wind knocked it down… the wind was blowing kind of hard earlier…"
I nodded my head in agreement.
"Denny does have a point. It sounds rather illogical that because of a statue falling by accident that it means bad things will happen…. I-I just think it fell on its own.…" Sabrina said in her usual low voice.
Vaughn said nothing, and his face expression was blank, giving me no idea what he might be thinking. I saw the others nod their head in agreement. I heard Nathan sigh.
"We are not forcing you to leave the island. We just want you to be cautious, and to warn you… it's your choice on what you want to do," Nathan said.
Then Nathan walked away, sighing once again. Alisa bowed her head slightly to me and then she left in a hurry. I frowned at their retreating forms and couldn't believe what they suggested for me to do.
"But, what if they are right?" I thought.
The idea made me depressed.
I then felt someone lightly hit my back in comfort.
"Come by my house real quick Chelsea, and I'll give you advice on what you could do.…" Mark said.
I heard someone growl, Vaughn most likely.
"And why can't you share this so called 'advice' with the rest of us?" he asked with his usual gruff voice.
Mark slightly frowned at him, but didn't respond.
"I'll see you there in a moment Mark.…" I responded.
Vaughn mumbled something under his breath and left in a hurry, Mirabelle followed him, obviously to see what was wrong with him. I shook my head slightly and sighed with sadness.
"If you need someone to talk to, don't be afraid to see me," Lanna said with as much cheerfulness as she could muster.
"Same here," Denny said with a half-smile on his face.
I nodded my head and forced myself to smile at them. They went their separate ways, leaving me with only Sabrina. She looked down at her shoes and fiddled with the end of her hair.
"I-If you want to read any books or anything like that… fe-feel free to stop by," she said in her usual shy manner.
She then ran off to her house. I stood there alone, for a while, and then I decided to head towards Mark house, but at a very slow pace.
Elliot's POV
My sister… my poor, poor sister….
She has been a jerk to me many times in the past and still is at times… and I wished that she would get what's coming to her one day but, I didn't wish for this. I didn't wish for harm to come to her, not in this way….
I don't understand what she has done to deserve this…. Surely not her teasing towards me made her deserve this?
"It's my fault," I said, but mostly to myself in a low voice.
Truthfully, I wanted to cry. But, I didn't want to appear weak in front of Natalie, even in her current state.
"Wh-what you say big head?" my sister said, a little pain behind her voice.
She sounded so weak, and it didn't have the usual harsh enthusiasm when she called me names. I really was on the verge of crying. It may sound strange, but I missed her teasing….
"I said that it's my fault… maybe if I wasn't such a cry baby about you teasing me, maybe this wouldn't have happened to you."
She said nothing, and it felt like forever before she spoke again.
"If I wasn't in pain, I would choke you and then slap you for good measure. You know very well this isn't your fault… unless you are saying you pushed the statue down yourself and predicted that I would push Chelsea out of the way for her not get hurt."
I shook my head.
"Then stop whining like a bitch and be tough for once. You always act like a wimp," she said, her voice a little stronger.
Our mother scolded her for her language. Instead of me feeling hurt by her words, I laughed, I literally laughed. And the distressing tears I wanted to cry before came down my face, but they were tears of joy. Joy, because I knew that my sister would be okay. And I vowed to myself, that in the future, whenever she teased me playfully, I would tease her back in the same manner… and then we would laugh about it. For now on, I will be a better and 'tougher' brother, just for her.
Mark's POV
I was waiting inside of my house, waiting for Chelsea to arrive. I don't know what to think of about the event that happened today… but I knew who she could see about what she should do.
Just then, I heard a knock on my door. I stood up from my chair and walked to the door. Just as I expected, Chelsea was there. I let her in and I took a seat at my table, but she remained standing. I decided that it was best for me to get straight to the point.
"Before you decide anything—"
"If you are talking about me leaving, I'm not going to," she decided, surprising me a little.
I nodded my head before I continued, "I think it would be best for you to see the Goddess herself. Ask for her advice and then, it's your decision on what to do… even if her advice sounds wrong, I want you to at least think about it."
"So… you want me to leave?"
"N-No! I want you to just— think about it. I rather for you to be safe then hurt Chelsea… I would… never be able to forgive myself if something happens to you," I admitted to her.
She looked at me in surprise. I stood up and walked to my fridge, hiding my slight reddish cheeks away from her. I took out a strawberry from the fridge and turned to face her again. I went up to her and gave her the strawberry.
"That's the Goddess favorite food. She almost accepts anything as an offering, but sometimes she doesn't come out. If you give her this, her favorite treat, she'll most likely appear and thank you. So, when you see her, try to get her attention and ask what to do," I said to her.
She nodded her head and turned to go. She left my house and closed the door behind her. I really wanted to go with her, but, I decided not to. She needed to be alone, and I didn't want to intrude with the discussion going on between them— or on her decision afterwards.
"What if she wants to leave the island?" the tiny voice in my head asked.
If she does, I will not interfere… though, I have a feeling that I would beg her not to go. I will most likely drop on my knees and crawl to try to make her stay. But, I knew it would be selfish for me to do that. I told her that I cared more about her safety, and I really mean that… but if she does leave, I will have no choice but to leave with her. Because I realized, that I can't live without her… even though that was more selfish then the actions I might do; I wanted to live my own life, to stop doing things for people for once. The island will have to find another rancher.
"What if she rejects you?" that tiny voice spoke again.
For that, I had no answer.
Harvest Goddess POV
"Why can't I see it?" I thought again, for the tenth time or more that day.
I didn't understand. I have been able to see it for many years without evening trying. But, now… I couldn't see it. I felt like a part of me was missing. Like an arm or a whole leg. Things that people take for granted and don't know how important it is— until it is gone.
That is what I felt like right now…
I took this power for granted, and now… I knew that it was gone— or at least I couldn't feel it anymore. No matter how hard I dug deep within myself, to find that core of power, to draw it out to help me see it. I just couldn't… the magic wasn't there… I felt incomplete.
Just then, the surface of the pond I am in rippled a bit, and I saw a strawberry slowly drift down in front of me. I grabbed the strawberry, but didn't eat it right away. I made a small air bubble and trapped the strawberry within it to save it for later.
"I suppose I should thank the person for their offering. Despite the problem I may have."
I floated upward in the pond, doing the usual sparkle show (doesn't really require magic), and then I was on the surface of the pond, floating just a little.
"Thank you for the offering," I said.
I knew I was being rude, but, I didn't have time to chat. I had a serious problem on my hands. Before I could sink to the bottom of the pond, I heard a woman's voice shout, "Wait! I need to ask for your advice!"
I sighed to myself, but I focused my attention to her. Just by a glance at her, I already knew who she was.
"Ah, Chelsea. How may I help you?"
She looked surprised momentarily that I knew her name, but she regained her composure.
"I'm here to ask what I should do. Or, do you know what it means? The statue, of you, fell down during the festival to celebrate your birthday. It almost crushed me, but I was saved from the event. Unfortunately, another is suffering from it now…. I was told by Nathan that by it falling, it means bad things are going to happen to me and possibly others… is this true? And, can you please advise me what I should do?"
I looked at her, troubled.
"The statue of me fell down? That explains it…." I muttered to myself, but loud enough for Chelsea to hear.
"What explains it! What is this 'it' you are referring too!"
I sighed before I answered the question.
"The 'it' I am referring to is my ability to see— the future. Before you arrived, I had trouble all day trying to see into the future. Usually I can without difficulty… but since this morning, I can't even glimpse the future— not one day ahead, not an hour ahead… nothing. I can't even tell what the weather will be like tomorrow…"
"What do you seeing the future have anything to with now?"
I could see that she was frustrated and couldn't see the problem of the situation.
"The problem is that if I can't see the future, then anything can happen. I can't help change the future… if something horrific is going to happen, then I can't change it even a little to make it into something good or less painful. If I had been able to see the future of the statue falling down during the festival, I would have probably caused a strong wind to blow it in some other direction or caused a little earthquake to make it stop its destination…. You see the problem now?"
I saw her nod her head slowly, with her eyes open wide. I'm sure she can now see the graveness of the problem.
"What should I do?" she asked me.
I looked at her with troubled eyes. Truthfully, I don't know what she should do. Since I can't see the future, then I can't even tell her where she should go for her own safety. Someone could easily take advantage of this situation. Chaos could be caused by the Witch Princess herself and I wouldn't be able to do a thing about it. What happens if these dreadful things occur when she goes home, or while she is on the boat on the way home?
"I don't know what you should do… maybe you should go home before it is too late."
"I'm not going home. I waited a long time to find a job that I would enjoy."
"I think you should think about it— long and hard. If there is danger here for you, then it would be best for you to leave. Although, I suggest you to ask Taro about the weather, it might be best to leave the island when the weather is clear while a storm is not brewing… there is nothing more I can do."
I saw her face contort into a frown. I sighed again.
"Maybe the Witch Princess can help you. She and I may not get along but… maybe she'll help you. She can see the future as well," I commented, giving her a little hope.
The frown faded from her face. She turned and left, not even saying a polite goodbye to me. I sighed through my nose as I sunk back into the pond.
"What will I do now?" I thought, trying to think of a solution to my serious problem.
Witch Princess's POV
I threw some more of the magic powder onto the big teddy bear, frustrated with it. But again, nothing happened.
"Damn it! Speak! Who is the fairest one of all!"(5)
The big teddy bear didn't say anything, or show any images in its black beaded eyes. I kicked the overstuffed bear, and it didn't affect it— nor did what I demanded.
"What's wrong with you! Why are you not responding to any of my commands!"
I picked up one of the many books on the floor and flipped through the pages, trying to seek a reasonable explanation to this problem. I heard a creaking noise and knew that someone entered my house— without knocking.
"It's very impolite to enter one's home without knocking!" I yelled without facing the intruder.
I heard the person sigh.
"I usually knock and all… but, this is an emergency. I have a problem."
I turned around to face Chelsea and scowled at her.
"As if you're the only one with a problem! Can't you see that I am busy!"
Chelsea didn't move to leave, and I stood there with the book open still in my hands. If my mind wasn't so muddled, I would literally turn her into a pigeon!
"So, it's not just the Goddess having a problem… you are too it seems," she said.
"Problem? What problem does she have!" I demanded.
"She told me that she can't see the future… not even a glimpse of it in any timeframe it seems."
I somewhat calmed down.
"So, it's not just me having the problem. She has it too…. Well, that makes me feel a little better…"
"So… you can't see the future either?"
"No, I can still do other magic spells. But, I can't do any spells that has something to do with time."
I could see, on her face, that she was confused.
"How are you able to see into the future? You don't have a crystal ball or even a caldron with strange liquids in it to see the future on the surface."
"Silly Chelsea, I can see the future through this—"
I pointed to the big overstuffed bear behind me with a thumb.
"—stuffed bear's eyes. But, he hasn't shown anything in his eyes… and he hasn't spoken either."
"Th-That thing can talk!"
"Yeah, but only when I command it to. But this thing is disobeying orders!" I yelled in frustration as I kicked the bear again.
"So, I guess you can't help me either," I heard her say sadly.
"If it has anything to do with the future and changing it, then no I can't. Anything else, I might be able to do."
I heard her sigh again, and then I heard the creaking of my door— she obviously left.
I sighed to myself, and went back to looking through my book, trying to find a solution to my grim problem.
Chelsea's POV
I couldn't think straight. My mind was still going through the information the Goddess and Witch Princess told me… and I kept asking myself, "Why me?"
I remembered when I was younger; I read many more fiction books then now. Through those books that I read, I always wanted to be in one; Where magic was real and mythical creatures can be seen practically everywhere. On occasion, I still wished for it as I became older. Now though… meeting the Witch Princess and seeing the Harvest Goddess was exciting, but I didn't like the situation that became attached with it. It seems that what I wished for— is going to be more then what I can handle.
I reached my house without even knowing it. I walked into my house, and I wasn't surprised to find Natalie on my bed still, with Pierre sitting on the bed beside her. Elliot and Julia weren't here, I noticed, though Taro and Felicia were still around. I just stood there by my doorway, unable to speak at the moment. What could be said at this point?
Just then, I heard two voices outside of my door.
"Is the patient resting here?" I heard an unfamiliar voice ask.
"Yeah, she's inside, on the bed. You should be able to just walk in," I heard the other voice say, Denny's.
The door opened and the person stepped inside. It was obvious that he was a doctor, wearing a head-mirror(6) on his head which was holding some of his black hair down, carrying a small black bag in his hand, and wearing a white lab-coat. He looked around with his black colored eyes, and I pointed towards the bed— knowing what he was most likely looking for. He nodded his head at me once, in thanks, and approached Natalie on the bed. He kept his face expression in a professional manner.
"Hello, my name is Dr. Trent. I was asked to come by to take a look at a girl named Natalie. I'm assuming this is her."
He bent down a little towards the bed, and looked at her, up and down with his eyes only. After a few, he stood up straight again.
"I can't tell the extent of the physical damages without doing an X-ray on her… is this your home?" he asked, looking at Felicia.
Felicia shook her head.
"It's my house actually," I said.
Dr. Trent nodded his head in understanding.
"Well, I don't want to do the following procedure inside of another's home. So, we will take her to the hotel I saw not too far from here."
Dr. Trent looked at me.
"Can you please ask that fellow to bring in the stretcher?" he asked me.
I think he was referring to Denny. I opened my door and told Denny to bring it in. This doctor obviously came prepared.
Denny pushed the white long stretcher into the house and pushed it as close as he could to the bed. The doctor asked us to help him lay her down on it, as gently as possible. Following his instruction, we succeeded and he pushed her out of my house with Denny holding the door. Since the patient and doctor were leaving, Pierre, Felicia and Taro followed him out. Denny closed the door after they left.
He turned to look at me. Under different circumstances, I would have offered him a drink and some food, like a gracious host should do. But I just wasn't feeling very gracious at all— neither did I feel like talking.
Denny scratched the back of his head, feeling awkward. He then forced out a cough.
"Uh, So… what are you planning to do?"
I shrugged my shoulders in response. I really wasn't in the mood to talk. I just wanted to be alone with my thoughts for a few hours. Denny seemed to understand that I wanted to be alone.
"I understand… I'll see ya around, okay? Don't hesitant to come on by," he said.
He opened the door, waved to me once, and left. After I counted to ten, and that I was positive that he was gone, I fell onto my bed and let my feelings take over me.
"What have I done to deserve this?"
Felicia's POV
I was waiting for the doctor to come back from the room. He hasn't left the room in a little over an hour. He had asked me, Pierre, and my father to leave the room while he checked her, making us wait in the lobby.
I had to force my legs to sit down, to try to occupy my mind on something else… but it was impossible to do. How could I think about anything else when my only daughter was in a room, looking miserable? I was about to get up and pace around in the lobby again, but that is when Dr. Trent came out of the room. I ran up to him as if my shoes were on fire.
"How is she! Will she be okay! Is there anything that I can do to ease her pain!" I frantically asked him the various questions that were buzzing around in my head for a while.
He sighed and handed me a manila folder.
"Inside of that folder are the x-ray images and a full report of how serious the damages are to her back."
"Please tell me, I don't want to read it."
I know I seemed rude, but, I wanted to hear from the doctor himself that she was going to be okay, not read some report that I might not understand.
"Well… she will have a hard time sitting up and possibly digesting food. Anything that has to do with her abominable muscles will be affected. She can't bend down and do anything that will strain her. If she works, she needs to stop working and just rest. She possibly might have a hard time going to the bathroom on her own. And since she can't be sitting up or squatting, I will have no choice but to attach a urinary bag to her. In addition, I will have to make sure she doesn't eat any foods that could constipate her stomach."
I said nothing as I absorbed the information in my head.
"You still haven't said if she'll be okay."
"The damages to her back are a little crucial, but she isn't paralyzed. So, she'll be fine overall."
I sighed in relief.
"How long will it take the young'in to get better?" my father asked.
Dr. Trent said nothing for at least a minute, and I didn't like his silence.
"It'll take her seasons to heal… possibly…."
"What do you mean by 'possibly'! I thought you said her injuries are only a little crucial!" I was losing myself.
He stuttered for a moment, obviously not use to be yelled at.
"Well, her back isn't that bad… but it is difficult for me to say how long it will take her to heal. I will say seasons, maybe even a year and a half before she will fully recovers… It's impossible to say."
And that is when I cried. I couldn't take the pain… my poor daughter… was suffering, and there wasn't anything that I could do to erase her pain.
Denny's POV
I was inside of my shack, even though I usually would be at the diner around this time to eat dinner; I just wasn't in the mood to be around anyone. Everyone was depressed about something, not that I'm not either but… can't anybody lighten up just a bit and try to be happy? I mean, it's not like it's the end of the world….
I sighed to myself as I looked out of my window. It was getting dark and the boat to go to the city was there. Truthfully, I was by my window to see if Chelsea really was going to leave. I didn't want her to because she just got here, not to mention that I think the whole 'bad luck' thing is bogus— at least a little. Still, she shouldn't leave because of some statue. I mean, when my parents died due to their boat sinking because of a storm, I didn't stop fishing altogether. I just became a little more cautious about fishing out in the sea when the sky is cloudy….
I looked out of the window, and I saw a figure approaching the boat. At first, I feared that it was Chelsea and that she was trying to leave in secret. But once I saw the cowboy shaped hat, I knew who it was. I left my shack and approached the figure before he reached the boat.
"Yo Vaughn."
He looked at me and blinked his eyes.
"Why is it that you always seem to catch me out here when I'm about to leave?"
I shrugged my shoulders.
"I don't know, I just do…. Say, have you seen Chelsea?"
He scoffed at my question.
"No I haven't. I don't have time for her. Why? Not that I care."
I sighed out loud, showing my distress.
"Well, the last time I saw her was a few hours ago. She returned from— wherever she came from and looked occupied about something. I asked her what was she planning to do and she just shrugged her shoulders at me. She looked like she was going to cry…."
"And why do you care if she does or not?"
"Because she is my friend… not to mention, it looked like she was going to consider leaving the island. I kind of saw it in her eyes…"
"What! She wouldn't leave the island because of some stupid statue and rumors about possible bad things happening in the future!"
"Well, maybe something changed her mind… or convinced her to think about her decision… I don't know… Maybe Mark will get her to change her mind."
I saw Vaughn glare at me darkly.
"And what makes you think he can? He probably said something to her to convince her to leave."
"I don't think he wants Chelsea to leave. If you haven't noticed, he's been a little happier than usual since she came to the island to work for him."
I heard him scoff.
"Whatever…. It's not my problem."
"You're probably right… maybe it's not your problem," I said, deciding to retreat back to my shack.
Once I was inside, I looked out my window to watch Vaughn go on the boat… but he didn't. He turned away from the boat and headed towards the exit of the beach. I couldn't help but smile lightly to myself.
"Looks like it won't be Mark changing her mind after all…."
I stretched and decided that it was time for me to hit the hay.
"Maybe tomorrow will be a better day."
Vaughn's POV
I was convincing myself that the reason why I was going by her house was because I wanted to make sure she didn't quit her job due to some damn rumor… not because that stupid rancher will be at her house tonight for —unknown reasons to me. Also, it won't be because I actually cared if she was okay or not. Next thing I knew, I was in front of her door. And for the first time, I noticed the craftsmanship of her house, the outside walls and then the door itself.
"I didn't know the doorknob was in the shape of a cow's head."
I was about to knock on her door, but I stopped my hand midway and hesitated. I felt myself get a little hot under the collar, which is strange because I am usually never hot, considering that I could be wearing the same clothes in summer and be just fine.
"Why am I like this? Am I nervous?"
I put my hand back against my side. I took one deep breath and tried again, this time I didn't hesitate. I waited for at least half a minute. But there was no answer.
"Maybe she went to bed early?"
I knocked on her door once again. After waiting for a few seconds, I finally heard her voice from the other side of the door.
"Whoever it is, go away…."
I gritted my teeth. There was no way in hell I was walking off after I walked all the way up here— not to mention missing my boat to go back to the city! I knocked on her door harder.
"Open the door! Or I'll gladly break it down!" I yelled to the other side.
I stood there, trying to calm down. I heard her muttering on the other side of the door. I thought she was not going to open the door, so I got ready to knock the door down (I was serious). The door was opened before I could do anything. I looked at her face, and my anger fled me. I could tell that she must have cried recently, her eyes were a little puffy and red. I swallowed and my mouth felt dry, I didn't know what to say to her.
"Do you want to come in?"
I just nodded in response, not trusting my voice at the moment. She moved out of the way for me to come in. I walked in, and I again was amazed with the craftsmanship. I didn't get the chance to look at her house thoroughly before due to the crisis… I had to admit to myself that her house looked nice and comfy too.
She took a seat at her table and waved her hand at me to join her. I hesitated again. I wasn't planning to come inside of her house, not to mention, join her at her table to talk it over. I expected to just come and go. Of course, nothing goes according to my plan…. I took a seat, opposite of her.
"So, you want anything to drink or something?"
I shook my head. I didn't want to make myself too comfortable. She would be expecting Mark soon and I didn't want to be here when he did arrive.
"I won't be here long. I just came by to— see what you are planning to do."
She looked away from me and stared at a wall, and she looked more troubled then before.
"Maybe I said the wrong thing…."
This is why I hate socializing with people. Emotions are unpredictable and hard to interpret. At least with animals it's easier to figure out what's wrong with them, and they state what they are thinking with actions. Why must people be so— hard to figure out!
"Say something to comfort her or something," my conscience said.
I didn't know what to say, so I asked an obvious question instead.
"Are you, uh… okay?"
Duh! Of course she wasn't okay! She was crying before I got here! See? I can't socialize with people.
She looked back at me, "I'm fine."
Well, it's a start at least. Now if she would hurry and tell me her plans….
"And I'll be fine when I return home tomorrow morning."
And that is when I lost my temper. I stood up from my seat and growled at her.
"You're actually going to leave! Because of some damn stupid statue!"
She looked at me with a frown on her face.
"I have my reasons for wanting to leave; it's none of your business what I do."
"If you leave this island, I'll drag you back here myself! If you leave, Mark will just sell all of the animals back because he can't take care of the animals well enough!" I snapped.
Not to mention, if she does leave, when Mark sells the animals there goes my Wednesdays and Thursdays of work— which means less pay.… But there was no need for her to know that. She then stood from her own seat, trying to look tough or something in front of me. I didn't see the point of it, she was shorter than me.
"Who are you to decide my decisions or what I do with my life!"
I scoffed at her words.
"Sounds selfish to me! But, if you want to run away like the damn coward you really are, then be my guest!"
I turned around to leave; I didn't want to be here anymore. I shouldn't have come— despite what Denny said. I should have just went on the boat and be on my way. I would right now be on my bed sleeping and worry about other things that are more important— not this! I put my hand on the handle, ready to yank the door open, but then her voice froze me.
"Wait!"
And I did… I don't know why I stopped, but I did…. I didn't turn to face her though.
"I-I'm sorry. You came over to see if I was okay and I practically yelled at you…. I just— have a lot on my mind is all," she apologized with sincere.
I wanted to tell her 'apology accepted' or something along those lines. But, I didn't….
"Whatever."
I opened her door and left. Instead of my feet taking me to the beach where I could wait for the next boat, I instead walked towards the hotel to rent a room for the night. I didn't want to go by my aunt's shop, making her see my annoyed face expression then ask questions— or assume I annoyed someone first and I became annoyed myself. I sighed to myself.
"Why didn't I just accept her apology?"
But, it's not like she needs my comfort, her boyfriend will be over at her house pretty soon anyway. Again, I felt the pit of stomach tighten, my heart felt heavy, and my mouth went dry. The same feelings I had earlier when I thought that she might like that stupid rancher. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I didn't like it.… Not to mention, I don't like that Chelsea girl either.
"Then why are you spending the night at the hotel?" my annoying conscience asked me.
I decided to just ignore the question; I was too damn tired to think about anything.
Shea's POV
Something not right… I had been out all day to hunt, but there wasn't a single thing to hunt… not even the fish come out. The weather should have made them swim around towards the top of the water… I now sitting in a tree, still trying to hunt before too late— plus to not go to bed starving. But, luck not with me… I found nothing… I returned home empty-handed. I looked at Wada with a depressed expression.
"…..Hunt… Good?" Wada asked.
I shook my head. I saw him sigh.
"….. Me…. Either….."
I find strange that Wada find nothing. I sometime find nothing to hunt, but Wada always come home with food. Something definitely not right…
"Something not right Wada…. I can feel it… I think animals feel it too… Do you think bad happened today in town?"
He just nodded his head. So, he feels it too…
"What to do?"
He said nothing for a while, but I waited patiently to hear his wise short words.
"….. See… Friend… Tomorrow…."
I nodded.
"I see Mark tomorrow…."
We went to bed. I slept on the bear rug and ignored the small growls of hunger coming from stomach.
"Day better tomorrow…."
I went to sleep quickly, dreaming of nothing but fish…
TO BE CONTINUED…
BONUS
Title: Left in the Dark
By: kitty868theonly
Rating: T; For an angst-like theme here.
Type of Story: Harvest Moon: Island Of Happiness; Vaughn; Oneshot (Vaughn's POV); Angst/Sorrow
Quick Summary: After Vaughn had a chat with Denny about both of them not having parents, Vaughn decides to see the Witch Princess to see if she can tell him what they were like; Since his aunt refuses to tell him about them herself. What will he find out?
Character's Presented (in Order of Appearance): Vaughn & Witch Princess.
Started On & Completed Date: September 20, 2009
Total Pages: 6
WARNING: This oneshot has NOTHING to do with the story above. This is just an oneshot that I made is all… However, you can consider this a glimpse of what Vaughn parents might have been like. You get a deeper look at his past pretty much.
Vaughn's POV
I decided that it was time for me to find out… About my parents… My aunt wouldn't tell me anything, no matter how many times I asked her. And Julia didn't know either, since her mother never told her… So, I am left with only one option… To go see that Witch Princess I heard about.
When I first heard about her, I didn't believe it. But, when I was pacing around in the forest a few days back, I saw some young woman I've never seen before. She introduced herself and told me that she is the Witch Princess. I still don't believe it, but what choice do I have? She can prove herself when I ask her about my parents.
I took a path that I rarely take and kept going, turning a few corners. And there I saw a small house. It looked kind of creepy, but not enough to make me turn around and walk away. I walked up the house and knocked on the door. Not even a second later, the door was opened, and there stood the woman who introduced herself as the Witch Princess. She looked surprised to see me- especially at night…
"Well, I didn't expect to see you again. You come here for a reason?"
I decided to get straight to the point.
"I came to see if you can tell me about my parents… I— don't know what they look like or anything…"
She tapped her fingers against her chin.
"Well… I guess I can do that, I'm not busy at the moment… Come inside."
She opened the door wider. I hesitated… I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to be entering a witch's house at night- especially at night… For all I know, she could be the same type of witch from Hansel and Gretel(7). It sounded gross, who would want to eat a guy like me? I shuttered but I entered her house, with caution. She shut the door behind me, though it felt like she slammed it. I expected her to shout, "Got ya!" to me, but the words didn't come.
"So… You want to know about your parents…"
I nodded my head.
"Okay… Go stand in front of that big teddy bear while I get the items I need prepared."
I saw her walk to her shelf with different bottles of liquids lining the shelves.
I saw the big teddy bear, basically in the middle of her whole house. I walked over to it and stood in front of it, with my back to its face. There was no way that I would let the witch out of my sight, if she wanted to catch me by surprise, I wouldn't give her that chance.
She finally approached me with a few different bottles in her hand. She held all of the bottles in one arm, while her hand went into the brown pouch that was wrapped around her waist. In one quick movement, she threw something at me! I was about to yell at her, but then I realized that nothing happened to me. And I also realized that what she threw was some magical sparkly powder, but not directed at me… I felt something shift behind me, and I turned to face the teddy bear. The bear wasn't moving, but it was shaking as if some small earthquake was under it. But, just as suddenly as it started, it stopped. I heard the witch curse under her breath.
"Well… It either doesn't want to share the information or it's literally broken!"
I heard her sigh.
"Face me; I'll do it myself…"
I followed her instructions. She asked me to raise my left hand, as if I was making a vow. I again did as she said. She rested the palm of her own hand in my own. She closed her eyes and started some sort of chant in a foreign language that I didn't understand. And then she opened her eyes. Instead of the regular hazel and reddish color eyes, her eyes were completely white, and slightly glowing. I looked at her in shock, and for the first time since I came into her house I felt- afraid… I instead closed my own eyes; I didn't want to look at her own… They looked soulless, like nothing was there.
After what felt like forever, I felt her hand leave my own and I opened one eye to look at her. Her eyes were back to normal and she looked confused about something. I focused on her face and waited for her to say something. But of course, she wasn't going to take the initiative to tell me.
"Well!"
I have to admit that I was very anxious to know the information. She looked at me sadly, and I knew that I wasn't going to like what she would tell me.
"I-I see nothing but darkness… I couldn't see anything... It's as if a big brick wall is there… Blocking my way…"
"What?"
I didn't understand.
"Well… There is one more procedure I can try… But, I'm not sure if it's a good idea…"
I grabbed her arms and shook her, but not hard enough for her to drop the bottles in her arm.
"I don't care! I have to know something! I am not leaving empty handed!"
She closed her eyes and sighed.
"Okay… But, you will not be able to see the past. You will only feel the past, of what your parent's were like."
I let go of her, I didn't understand what she meant. She obviously saw my confusion.
"It's better for you to find out then to explain it."
She opened all of the bottles she had in her arm and poured a little from each bottle into only one. I swallowed a lump that formed in my throat. I didn't like the color of the liquid… It was turning black… I couldn't imagine what it tasted like, though I knew I would be tasting the concoction soon… Once she was done, she handed the bottle to me, with the black liquid in it…
"You seriously want me to drink this?"
She nodded her head. I sighed and I prepared to drink it. I wanted to drink it with my eyes open to show that I feared nothing, but I chickened out at the last second. I drunk the liquid with my eyes closed, taking large swallows at a time. The liquid tasted very bitter, it was like trying to drink lemon juice, with no sweetness to it. My mind was screaming to stop drinking the foul potion, and leave while I still had the chance. Maybe it was better to not know then to go through this. But I ignored my conscience and drunk the whole thing. After I finished, I dropped the bottle onto the floor, it didn't shatter though, like I expected it to.
At first, nothing happened, I felt fine, despite the slight numb feeling on my tongue. But, all of a sudden- my body was hit with a strange coldness. I felt cold all over, despite the warm clothes I wore. I started to rub my hands along my arms, but then, the feeling in them left me! I couldn't feel my arms, or control my hands- they felt numb… No… They felt dead… I started to panic, I was about to ask the witch what was going on, but when I opened my mouth, I felt pain… Nothing but pain…
I instead fell onto the floor and stayed there, trying to ignore the pain I felt throughout my whole body. I wanted the pain to end- so badly… I felt like my whole body was getting hit by a truck- constantly. And the pain didn't lighten either. I looked up at the witch with my eyes, but that was when my eyesight shut down. I saw nothing but the darkness. I was blind!
I started rolling, I think, on the ground, trying to ignore the growing pain of my whole body. I could feel myself dying, at a slow pace… It felt so slow… I wanted to hurry up and die; I couldn't take this pain… My heart was pumping so loud that I could hear it through my ears… But… Then I felt my heart beating slower and slower… And I knew that I was going to die…
Suddenly, everything that I felt stopped… My eyesight came back, the pain disappeared, and I didn't feel cold anymore… It was as if nothing happened. I was still on the ground… I looked up at the witch's face, and she looked worried and scared.
"Are you okay!"
I just nodded my head and I slowly stood up, appreciating the feeling of my arms and hands again. I wiped my forehead, and realized that I must have been sweating during the— painful experience… Though why couldn't I feel it before, I didn't know… I also rubbed my eyes, and they felt wet… I must have been crying without realizing it… I felt embarrassed then… This person saw me in the weakest state possible… I hoped that she wouldn't open her mouth about this and tell anybody…
"Are you sure you're okay?" she asked again.
I nodded my head again, not trusting my voice. I heard her sigh in relief.
"Thank goodness! You were turning blue and you're eyes faded to black. I thought I lost you there for a second."
I just nodded my head again.
"I would be dead if you didn't snap me out of it…"
"So… What did you feel?"
I froze, I didn't want to tell her what I felt, nor relive the experience in my mind, but I did anyway…
"I felt a strange coldness first… Then I felt my arms and hands go— dead… Then the pain came… Such strong pain… Then my eyesight shut off on me… Finally, my heart was slowly not pumping…"
I looked at my hands and I realized that I was shaking. I again felt afraid- very afraid. I felt like a little boy, lost in the middle of the woods, with nothing to comfort me expect the howling of the wolves; knowing that they would find me sooner or later, and tear me apart limb from limb.
It took me a second to regain my normal posture. I saw the witch look at me with a worried look.
"All of those things you felt mean the same thing…"
"Mean what?"
"They all mean… Sorrow…"
"What?"
My mind was muddled, I couldn't think clearly… Or my mind was denying her words… I refused to believe that my parents experienced nothing but sorrow…
"Sorrow, grief, sadness, regret- any of those meanings will do. Your parents knew nothing expect those things. In other words, they had a very sad life…"
I said nothing.
"So… I must have been part of their distress… They obviously didn't want me around either… Hmph, not different from now…" I said.
I could see the witch reach out her hand towards me, probably to comfort me. But, I didn't want any more of her help- she already did enough… So, I made my leave without thanking her. I exited out of her home and walked off.
While I was walking, I wondered if my life would be filled with nothing but sorrow or regrets… I easily knew the answer. Of course it would be… I had a feeling that it would…
AUTHOR'S COMMENTS/NOTES
"Before I get into the details of what I want to say, I have Dr. Trent here to explain the full and real details of Natalie's injuries… Uh, if you don't want to hear (or read rather) about this stuff, then feel free to uh- skip this part or leave…"
"That's not nice to tell them to leave when I have something important to say…"
"Eh, not everyone wants to hear a doctor chatter you know… Especially on things that sounds too educational… Some people come here to read for fun- not to bore them to death…"
"I do NOT bore people with my- chatter as you say…"
"Just… Start your explanation… Time is short here…"
"Okay okay…! Anyway, the extent to Natalie's injuries should have been more severe then what you have read above. Let me explain…
The statue weighted at least 2,000 pounds. Since the statue hit her back directly, the spinal cord to more specific, it should have killed here- or at least made her paralyzed for life. Even though there are muscles there protecting the spinal cord, they could only do but so much.
For those of you confused about why Natalie's abdominal muscles (stomach) is almost inoperable, it is because on the spinal cord itself, the thoracic areas is damaged, which is located in the middle of the whole spinal cord. Since the nervous system is basically connected to the spinal cord (and other areas of course), which is how the brain sends signals throughout the body (one of the ways anyway). If that area is damaged, then stomach muscles would be hard to control, brain signals would go every which way- or never get to where it needs to go.
But, as I mentioned before, she should be paralyzed for life. And the reason would be because the whole spinal cord should have been damaged- except for the cervical (neck) area. Though she might have gotten whiplash… She would have lost the function of her legs, hip area, and both areas to go to the bathroom. Same reason as before, the nervous system is everything. Think of it this way, you know how some people draw a stickman and the middle part of the body is drawn first? Notice that the middle part connects to everything; the head, arms, and the legs. If the middle part is damaged, erased in the stickman's case, then the head, arms, and legs don't connect to anything or work. Most people that have 'complete' spinal cord injuries, concerning locomotion of the legs and such, don't recover… This is again due to the nervous system being damaged. Now let me explain the nervous-"
"O-kay! Time's up doctor! For those of you seriously interested on the nervous system- and anything else he just talked about- just look it up on the internet or go to your local library and do some solo research. I'm sure they would have some information about things like this. Oh, and if Dr. Trent is wrong about anything he just said- feel free to correct him."
Dr. Trent walked off to deal with more- important matters.
"And now, for my usual notes and comments…."
(1) … I hate vegetables: Vaughn does hate vegetables- and flowers… and gems and jewels… Though he does like tofu steak and mushrooms… Weird… He loves sweets for those that don't know… If he keeps it up, he'll get a little big around the tummy area XD
(2) … I just find it odd that you would care so much about Chelsea…: This whole statement that Denny said… Just sounds— wrong… The way I'm reading it, it sounds like Vaughn is gay…. I don't mean it that way at all, but… I was basically trying to say that Vaughn is jealous with Mark hanging around with Chelsea… I did it again… Uh, just don't interpret this sentence in the wrong way… I did change it at least 3 times before I was somewhat satisfied with his words… but it still sounds wrong…
(3) … our dance routine: I didn't describe the dance, sorry. For those of you that really haven't seen the Goddess festival dance, try to find a video of it on YouTube, I know there is one, I've seen it myself.
(4) … doctor in Mineral Town: If any of you are wondering why nobody contacted Chelsea's dad to come to the island instead, since he is only 2 hours away, it is because Chelsea hasn't really mentioned her family to anybody, not even to Mark. Also, because I don't think it is time for him to come back into the story yet. Will he be around in the future? Who knows?
(5) Who is the fairest one of all!: This line should be recognized, being used in 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'- the Disney version anyway. I was just being funny, or at least trying.
(6) … wearing a head-mirror: A head-mirror really is what it sounds like- it's a mirror. It reflects light and it supposed to help the doctor see- whatever the problem is closer. But, usually people rather use a pen that lights up or something else.
(7) … from Hansel and Gretel: I think most people know who Hansel and Gretel are and should know the story. You know, the two kids that eat a candy house and the witch wants to eat them and all that stuff. If you don't know the story, feel free to look it up.
If anybody was surprised that Natalie was hurt, you really shouldn't be. I did mention that the statue missed Chelsea, not to mention that this story is listed as Romance/Horror (Romance, Humor, Angst/Sorrow/Horror, Mystery, and Drama on the Before You Read page). But I never said that the statue wouldn't hurt someone else instead. If this chapter caused you to be disappointed, sad or any other emotion that has nothing to do with happiness (ignoring the humorous points in the story), and you didn't like feeling these emotions, then I really suggest you to stop reading. Because, from here on out (with possibly a few good things happening), things will only get worse and people will get hurt, though I'm not going to say who or how much the damages will be to them. Do I know who gets hurt and how much? Yes, I do. I practically have a full idea of how this story will end and so on.
If anyone is wondering if what Dr. Trent said above is true- as far I know, it is. Again, if anything he said is wrong, feel free to correct him (er, me).
And… let's see… I'm not going to say what the next chapter will be like. I'll just keep it as a surprise instead. Oh yeah… the day the festival occurred, a Sunday- was really coincidence. I didn't really add up the days or whatever to make it a Sunday- like the days of some people going to church… Weird…
THANK YOU ALL FOR REVIEWING (And to those that read anonymously)!
ORIGINAL UPLOAD DATE: September 20, 2009 (9/20/09)
RE-UPLOADED: July 31, 2011 (7/8/11 – 3rd time)
BETA READ BY: WolfCrystal, 2011