Poor Chase. I swear, if Molly isn't more careful, she's bound to lose him! Which brings us to this chapter. That wasn't daunting at all! Hahahaha. Ahem.
Thanks so much CAPJHMPAgirl, MikariStar, and XxBlue and CrimsonxX for your reviews! I'll try to make updates more frequent than once a week, so we can get this story on a roll!
Chapter Eight
Chase scowled at the door before him. The old porch dangerously creaked underneath him, so he took a tentative step backwards, staring down at his sandaled feet in apprehension. He looked back up and saw her grimy porch light covered in gnats and spider webs.
He took a deep breath and ruffled his hair. Just a quick visit. Go over what's going on tonight. Get things straight… for once.
For a split second, Chase felt stupid wearing his apron. Why hadn't he taken it off? Show her he could be casual and flippant or whatever. He was going to take it off and attempt to stuff it in his pocket, but then that would look even dumber. Chase held his head. Why was this so stressful?!
"You're gonna tell her straight. Fix this. Just say it. I don't… wanna be friends – er – just friends," Chase coached himself under his breath, his hand hovering over the door. He nodded and relaxed his shoulders. "Yeah, just like that… that easy…"
He knocked and received silence. Glaring again, Chase pounded his fist against the door. "Hey! Molly!"
Chase stood back and checked his watch. It was noon. Shouldn't her chores be done by now? Well, where was she?!
He jumped off her porch and scanned her fields. Her crops were few and far between; messy compared to her usual work. Molly's little grove of orange trees were out of season, but a few fruits in the shade were still budding despite the rather chilly fall. Chase smiled, remembering climbing those trees with her before her mother came out and started yelling about how they'd break their necks… He rubbed the spot of his elbow where he had fallen just as she promised they would, thinking about how Molly had sat there with him in the clinic while he got his cast.
Chase marched to the barn, suddenly having a feeling he knew where she was. And true to his hunch, he pushed the door aside with a heave and found his friend inside. Sunlight trailed behind him, casting a long shadow of his silhouette across the dirt floor.
"Oh! How's it going, Chase?" Molly greeted him, giving her cow a cheery pat and letting the book in her hand swing back and forth at her side as she walked up to him.
"Hey," he said, determined to get directly to the point. He rubbed the back of his neck uneasily. "Uh, what are you doing?"
"Practicing!" Molly held up the book for him to see.
Chase squinted and read the title: "'Voice Lessons for the Vocally Impaired…' Molly, you're not impaired."
"Well, it was as good a place to start as any. This was the only book Barbara had in stock," she shrugged, turning away and giving her cow a scratch under the chin. "And the acoustics are great in my barn! Besides, if I practice in here with Lil, I can gauge how well I hit the note by her expression. So far, she doesn't like my B flat, but I'm working on it."
Chase rolled his eyes. He should have known she'd be doing something this strange.
"So," Molly closed her book and held it close. She bit her lip. "You excited for tonight?"
Surprised she had brought up the subject, he awkwardly grinned and shuffled his feet. Now or never. "Yeah, about that… um…"
Molly's face fell. "What…? Don't tell me you can't make it!"
"No! Not that!" Chase waved his hands a bit too frantically to keep up with his attempt at looking natural. He grumbled at his mistakes and quickly went on. "No, I just need to… talk to you."
"Oh," she blinked owlishly at him, tilting her head. "About what?"
"About… uh… what…" he struggled for words, glad that the strange lighting most likely hid how dark his face was getting. His head felt wobbly. No position felt comfortable so he constantly scuffled about, pulling at his collar and kicking his sandal. He put a hand over his eyes, but it didn't help. "About…! What food… what food you'd… like me to bring…?"
Molly was a little lost, watching Chase sigh in disappointment and seemed to argue silently with himself. She knit her brow. "Is that all?"
"Yeah!" He barked, angry at himself for failing again. "So?"
"Hm…" the bright look in her eyes returned. She took his arm and escorted him out of the stuffy barn. "Sandwiches are always a good choice for a picnic, yeah? Ooo, and if you want to bring some of those cookies you make with the little frosting swirls on 'em, then I can bring some herb tea and a couple snacks! Sound fair?"
"Uh, yeah, sure," Chase agreed. He'd just have to tell her that night. Hopefully, it would be easier somehow, but he highly doubted anything with Molly was going to be remotely easy.
"Oh, and I'd love it if you'd bring an instrument! Your guitar or flute – whatever you want. I'd love your help polishing up that song," she continued, swaying in excitement.
"Yeah, fine," he replied, stopping by her house and looking away.
"Are you okay?" Molly was staring at his face, examining his obvious flush. She held her palm up to his forehead. "Are you sure you can go? You look a little sick…"
"No, I can go – I want to go! Jeez!" Chase swatted her hand away. He shoved his hands in his pockets and stalked down the path away from her farm. "Just… whatever! I'll see you at seven! And you better not be late!"
"I will not!" She huffed. Molly frowned, watching his retreating back. "What's his problem…?"
Molly breathed in the fresh autumn air with a sigh, twirling and spreading her arms out to the sky. She opened her eyes, staring up at the peeking stars that were still washed out by the blues, purples, oranges, and reds of a gorgeous sunset over the ocean.
She couldn't help but giggle to herself in anticipation. This festival wasn't going to suck like she thought it would. She wasn't going to be all alone this year. The canvas bag in her hands swung in rhythm in front of her as she trekked down the path, and a soft smile grew on her lips. She could always count on Chase to make things better…
Molly stared back up in wonderment at the sky. She could already see the beginnings of the full moon just over the treetops of Fugue Forest. Suddenly, her reveries were interrupted by an attacker hitting her full force from behind.
"Ah!" Molly screamed in surprise, dropping her bag. She grabbed the legs that were kicking at her hips and hiked up the person now getting a free piggyback ride. "What the hell?!"
"How did you not hear me running at you?" Kathy admonished, hugging Molly's shoulders to latch on. She laughed and furiously rubbed her friend's hair. "You space cadet!"
"Ah!" Molly wailed again, this time laughing and struggling. She spun around, but there was no way to make Kathy stop. "I'll drop you!"
Kathy let go, and Molly staggered. The blonde tossed her ponytail over her shoulder and picked up Molly's bag, replacing the thermos that had rolled out of it. She sniffed the lid. "Hm… herb tea?"
"Mm-hm!" She nodded, taking her things from Kathy like nothing out of the ordinary had happened. "Chase is bringing cookies!"
"Sounds like some picnic," Kathy's smile betrayed her teasing tone as she crossed her arms.
"Good gracious, Molly – are you okay?" Luna had finally caught up with them. She was holding her heart in worry. "I told Kathy not to do something so reckless, but you know how she is."
Kathy rolled her eyes, but Molly laughed and hugged Luna in greeting. "I'm fine, Luna! Are you excited for the festival?"
"Sure, I suppose," the girl stuck her nose in the air, primping her lacey skirt. The rest of her travelling companions slowly rounded the corner after her. "Trying to convince Candace she'd have a good time all week has taken its toll on my own enthusiasm."
"Aw!" Kathy and Molly cooed in unison. They dashed past her grumpy sister and hug tackled a very well-dressed, blushing Candace.
"Hey, guys!" Candace greeted as she was squished between them like a sandwich.
"You look great, Candace!" Kathy broke away first. "Bo, you lucky bastard."
The sandy-haired boy (who looked like he hadn't even changed out of his work clothes for the day) recoiled from the waitress, turning a color to match Candace's complexion.
Luke slapped his shoulder. "Yeah, we sure got a good deal, eh, Bo? Hottest girls on the peninsula came to us."
"Er…" Bo mumbled, too shy to protest to any of the commotion.
"I love what you've done with your hair," Molly complimented, lightly touching the curly bun atop the girl's head.
"Th-thanks…" Candace smiled, wringing her hands underneath her sweater sleeves.
"Don't get so cocky," Luna scolded Luke first, sending him a reprimanding glare. She swatted at Molly and Kathy to free her sister, linking arms with the girl. "And I'll have you know that I fought Candace tooth and nail to get her hair this nice!"
"I don't think Candace could fight anything 'tooth and nail,'" Molly chuckled as the group began the walk across the bridge to Flute Fields together.
"Yeah," Kathy agreed. "I bet it was more like you tackling her to the floor and threatening her with a hot curling iron."
Luna stuck out her tongue.
Molly nudged Kathy with her elbow. "You look nice, too, Kathy."
"Thanks, Molly," she bit her lip, rubbing her bare shoulder. The yellow dress with an orange collar was very summery, but Kathy was what Molly liked to refer to as hot-blooded. She was almost never cold, and the dress suited her well. Kathy fanned the skirt and scuffed her cowgirl boot on the stone below them. "It was my mama's."
She smiled at that, feeling more somber. Molly bit her tongue before whispering to her. "But… I thought Owen was supposed to walk with you? Where is he?"
"Oh," Kathy shrugged, her expression never hinting she was bothered by the change of plans. "He had to walk with Chloe. It was a family tradition, and I don't mind. We're meeting up at the festival grounds."
"Okay," Molly smiled, still slightly worried. She couldn't put her finger on why, but she wasn't sure about Kathy and Owen dating. Kathy had always had a thing for him, and Owen seemed to finally realize it and started asking her out. It seemed like such a good turn for her friend, but it made Molly nervous. I'm probably just scared of losing her. She'll start a family and won't see me as much… Molly ruefully smirked at the sad truth and watched her bag swing.
"Hello~!" Kathy hollered with her yodeling voice, waving her arm above her head. They had reached Flute Fields, and families were gathering in small groups around the base of Moon Hill.
Molly looked to where Kathy was waving and spotted Owen with his grand-father and little cousin at the crossroads. He turned and waved back to them. Molly looked away.
Kathy smiled down at her friend, not noticing her apprehension. "Looks like this is it! Have fun tonight, okay?"
"Yeah, sure… You, too!" Molly beamed.
"Oh my God, just go, Kathy! She'll be fine," Luna giggled, pushing Kathy forward and making her stumble.
Embarrassed, Kathy gave them a short wave before jogging to meet up with her date. Molly watched her nervously twirl her hair as she greeted Owen. He was quite the gentleman, admiring her dress and offering her his arm as he brought up a picnic basket and left with her to find a spot. Kathy turned back once, looking for Molly, and locked eyes with her. She crossed her fingers for her.
Molly did the same back at her friend until she disappeared in the crowd. She sighed. "Maybe it'll work out…"
"Of course it'll work out," Luna scolded Molly this time. "Sheesh, you two worry about each other like mother hens. Don't you have somewhere to be?"
"Right!" Molly agreed. "I'll see you girls later, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," Luna held out her arm horizontally in a silly stance until Luke got the picture. Though she had wanted him to link arms, he grabbed her hand and held it. Molly was surprised to see her blush. "J-just get out of here! Go find Chase!"
Molly laughed and ran off, giving Candace a supportive nod which was returned. Though it was sure to be an awkward night with Bo, Molly felt like it would be refreshing for them both to be with someone more like themselves. They could watch Luna argue and Luke bounce off the walls all evening, which was sure to entertain and break any silences.
Molly chuckled at the image, almost wishing she could third-wheel with them at the last minute. She slowly wound her way through the different villagers, receiving and returning quick waves of recognition as she passed them by. A stone had seemed to lodge itself in the pit of her stomach, and her heart was rising like a balloon up her throat until she was sure she couldn't talk if she tried.
Finally, she found the face she was looking for. A surly expression, arms crossed, and peachy hair none the less tamer tonight. Molly smiled and felt the nervousness get left behind in the crowd like a forgotten memory.
"Hi," she tried to get his attention, but she was sure she was too quiet.
Chase turned anyways, looking surprised. He waited until she stood beside him to show her his watch. "See that? 7:02. You're two minutes late."
"Just keeping you on your toes," she teased.
He smirked and picked up the basket at his feet. They argued a minute about which spot was better, as Chase wanted to find a spot on the hill, and Molly wanted to sit on his roof since it was 'right there.' They finally came to a compromise and hopped the fence behind his house, sprawling out Chase's scratchy afghan in the grassy meadow.
"Wow, you can see everybody from over here," Molly pointed up the hill where the villagers were positioned in clusters to see the moon growing in size over Horn Ranch.
"Yeah, where we should be…" Chase complained, but he was secretly glad Molly had insisted on a spot less travelled. The whole village wouldn't be staring them down this way.
Molly kicked off her shoes and dug in her pocket for a flashlight, flicking the switch and shining it into the basket Chase brought. The sun had all but disappeared, and the festival would soon start. She handed out parcels and Tupperware to Chase one by one to set out. "Ooo, the cookies look great!"
"Have one," he shrugged, popping open the lid of the sandwiches.
"Mm~" Molly hummed, already with a cookie hanging out of her mouth as she crossed her legs and opened the tea thermos. Thermos in one hand, she took the sugar cookie out of her mouth with the other. "Wah, these are amazing! You're such a crazy good cook, Chase. It blows me away every time."
Chase smiled as he too kicked off his shoes and plopped down on the blanket a safe distance away from her. He chose a sandwich and bit into it.
They watched the moon for a while in silence. Molly had noticed he had packed his flute in the basket, but she didn't want to bother with the song anymore. She cocked her head as she stared up at the stars. "I wonder if Kathy's having fun with Owen."
"Oh?" Chase asked, pretending to be uninterested in whatever the horse girl was doing. However much they teased each other and argued, Kathy was somehow a close friend of his none the less.
"Yeah, he asked her. I guess they've been kind of on and off dating. Casual, you know?" Molly found a sandwich for herself and munched on it, hugging her knees from the wind. "It's kind of weird, but I hope it works out in the end."
"You cold?" Chase eyed her shivering.
"Sorta," Molly admitted. She shouldn't have left her jacket back at home, but it was warm in the sunshine. She pulled the cuffs of her long sleeve shirt down over her hands.
It was the perfect opportunity no matter how cheesy it was, and begrudgingly despite himself, Chase scooted closer to her on the blanket. Once their shoulders touched, Molly leaned into him, and his hope rose.
"Thanks for coming out and humoring me," she said, startling him. "I know I'm kind of all over the place and annoying, but it means a lot that you're here. You're a great friend."
Yeah, about that. But Chase still couldn't bring up the cringe-worthy subject. He just knew he was going to get shot down. He yawned.
"Tired?" Molly guessed. He nodded. She remembered that the cookies were fresh, and he probably spent half the day making them. They had the frosting swirls as promised, but that took some extra effort to get done. She sat up and moved back, stretching out her legs. "Go on – lay down."
Chase found he was too drowsy to worry about being awkward, and that was an exhausting existence to begin with. He sprawled out on the blanket, resting his head in her lap. He was almost comfortable until his barrettes went missing one by one and his hair fell over his eyes. "Molly, what are you doing?"
"Just fiddling," she answered, plucking the bobby pins and listening for the quiet sound it made. She put them up in her own hair, making one side of her bangs disappear back into her brown waves.
Chase rolled up to face the sky and pulled back the hair from his eyes. "Molly…"
She looked down, thinking something was wrong. "Huh?"
At his angle, her hairdo looked even worse. Bobby pins were not her style. "Is this it? Is this… I don't know – all we are?"
Molly, once again, didn't understand the depth of his question. "I guess so… for now."
"For now?" There was no hiding his slightly offended puzzlement.
"Well, until we hit the big time!" Molly pulled up some grass, letting it rain back down. She clapped her hands free of any dirt she picked up with it. "When you've got your cooking show, and it's on all of those cable channels on the TV. And I'll play the theme song for ya. Ba-ba-boop!"
Though disappointed, Chase chuckled and threw his arm over his face. "Yeah, sounds about right."
Molly wasn't quite done humming out the intro for his imaginary cooking show. "On a plate or in a cup, you can watch Chef Chase serve it up~!"
"Will you shut up?" He laughed.
"It's a cooking show!" She continued, giggling and dodging his hands trying to cover her mouth to make her stop. "Where he cooks things…! Cooks all the things…!"
"Molly!"
"Never burns 'em~!"
"Will you—!"
"He hates broccoli~"
"I do not! I hate how you play with it."
"Hates fun—"
"That's a bit harsh."
"—and art!"
"Pfft."
The festival was coming to a close. Bedtimes were to be followed by the younger residents, and tired farmers and early risers packed up their things to face another morning. Most of the couples remained a bit longer to keep watching the sky with one another, but Molly was one of those unfortunate people who had to get up as promptly as possible.
Molly and Chase wandered up the path where people were parting ways and saying goodnight. The moonlight provided enough light to walk by, glowing off of the grass like a celestial lamp. Chase followed after her even though his house was back down the road where they had come from. Molly didn't notice how illogical his company was as she had spotted Kathy standing alone at the crossroads.
"Kathy!" Molly waved, running up to her. Chase trailed behind at a normal pace.
"Hey!" Kathy smiled. She was looking over her friend like she'd see a visible change. "You two have fun?"
"Yeah, I guess so," Molly shrugged as spritely as ever.
Kathy frowned, looking back at Chase who was wearing a subdued expression. Molly's hand waved in front of her face.
"So? Did Owen have to go back early with Chloe or something?" She asked.
"Yeah…" Kathy said. She rocked on her heels, blushing. "But it was a lot of fun while he was here!"
"Aw," Molly mocked, poking her friend's nose. "You two are adorable."
"Well? What about you two?" Kathy grabbed Molly's wrists to keep her from any further prodding.
"Huh?" Molly cocked her head to the side. She turned to find Chase had caught up with her at last. "Like I said, it was fun. Why?"
"Oh, gee, no particular reason," Kathy said, not bothering to hide her questioning look at Chase. He shrugged in response.
"What's going on between you guys? What do you know that I don't?" Molly broke free of Kathy's grip and stared between them like she was watching a ping pong match.
Kathy was glaring at Chase, and he was glowering back at her. "Just drop it, Kathy. There's no point."
"Drop what?" Molly parroted.
"Chase~!"
All three heads turned to see a silhouette quickly approaching in the dark. Her short bob and poofy dress gave her away before the light of the moon did. Panting hard from her run, she stopped short and waved to the two girls. "Hiya, Molly! Hi, Kathy!"
"Hey, Maya!" Molly grinned at seeing the contagiously happy girl, but she was reluctant to let her suspicions about Kathy and Chase drop so easily. "Great Moon Viewing Festival, huh?"
"Yeah, I guess," Maya half-heartedly agreed, digging her shoe into the path. "Got stuck with the family. I hope I get a date next year!"
"I'm sure you will," Molly tried to subtly poke Chase, but he hit her hand away. She gave him an annoyed look.
"Molly, it's late," Kathy intervened, hoping things wouldn't start getting messy. She took her friend by the shoulders and pulled her towards the bridge. "Come on, I'll walk you home."
"Well, I just wanted to say hi," Maya started on her farewells. She held out her arms, and Molly obliged with a quick hug. "Good luck on your farm! I hope winter's not too hard on ya."
"Thanks, Maya," Molly said, breaking apart from her as Maya went to give a friendly side hug to Kathy. "Keep up the good work at the Inn! I'll be in soon for some sweets. Gotta stock up for the cold weather."
"Right!" Maya giggled. She ran to Chase, giving him a hug as well, but he didn't return it as he was feeling especially sour at this point. Maya pouted at his listlessness and gave him a peck on the cheek, pulling at the spot. "Daw, you're so grumpy but so cute! Okay, good night, everybody!"
"Night, Maya!" Molly waved as the girl ran off to meet back up with her parents. Kathy was hiding her horrified face, and Chase was furiously wiping his cheek like a child. Molly lightly punched his shoulder. "She's so obviously into you! Jeez, Chase, you better get a move on that before she loses hope in you."
And that did it. Chase turned away and held up a hand in farewell, not bothering to pursue the subject or the abuse he was getting any further that night.
His abrupt leave startled Molly and made her scared she said something wrong. She turned to Kathy and found her friend glaring at her. It was something she rarely ever saw. Kathy crossed her arms and shook her head. "That was really mean."
Molly faltered. "Wh-what did I say…?"
"What did you say?!" Kathy gaped. She still hadn't gotten it. "God, Molly, do I have to spell it out for you? Chase just tried to take you on a date tonight, because he's liked you for eons, and you just told him to hit the road! How can you be that thick?"
Kathy hadn't realized how harsh her words were until she saw her friend indeed was that thick. Molly's lip quivered and her hands went to her face as panic clearly took her over. Kathy reached out to her, but her comforts went unnoticed. "Molly, I'm sorry… I honestly thought you knew, and it was your way of rejecting him, but… Molly, I'm so sorry! Are you okay, darlin?'"
"I… I…" Molly felt numb and flabbergasted all at once, looking back to where Chase disappeared but only finding blurry darkness as her tears spilled over. "He what…?"
