A.N. I'm not dead!! Here you go! Hope you like it.

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

In Hopes That

Joe

You don't know me but I'm a friend of your brother Jake. We meant when he moved into this village in July. Since then we have become good friends. Jake does not know that I am writing this letter but I feel I must do so even if I risk him getting upset at me. A few days ago Jake confided in me about how he left his home before moving in and I grew concerned for I care about him. I could tell that he was upset and wanted to make things better but is unsure how to do so. I do not wish to push anyone who is not ready, each of us has problems to deal with and I am no exception so I know how hard this must be. Now the reason I have written this letter, I wish to invite you down here to B-Town in hopes that you in Jake could talk. I'll understand if you do not wish to do so. If you do I have included the address of our town on the envelope.

Sincerely Rose Umi

Leaning back I reread the letter giving a satisfied nod. Carefully I folded the letter in thirds and went to slide it into an envelope but there was none on the desk. I checked through the drawers but didn't find any. Sighing I stood and grabbed my jacket from the coat hook by the door pocketing the freshly written letter. My eyes strayed to the calendar and I smiled it was two days until Halloween and I needed a costume anyways, so the store wasn't too far of track for me. Stepping into the blistery day I swept the hair out of my face tired of seeing flicks of pink. A cold shiver ran down my neck so I pulled my collar higher and started trudging toward Nook's store, he had upgraded into to a large department store with an odd name I never could remember.

"Nookn'tons?" I wondered aloud twisting my mouth around in attempt to figure it out. Soon the store rose up on the horizon and I ran for it, the door sliding open before me.

CRASH!!!

I fell back with a cry, landing solidly on my backside. Someone landed in front of me but some of my hair blocked my vision.

"Sorry!" I cried pushing the strands to their respective sides.

"It's okay," a cocky voice replied and I smiled.

"Good morning Adam."

"Good morning Rose," he offered a hand and helped me stand. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Both of us walked inside.

The first floor was filled with tools, gardening and building supplies and other practical things including stationary and envelopes.

"Just doing a little shopping," I answered walking over to the display stand I needed. Absently I started going through them looking for the right size and type. Adam watched happily over my shoulder until I choose a box and followed me as I headed for the stairs. Upstairs held the furniture, clothes and accessories which at this time during the year included costumes. Tom and his two young nephews were helping Muffy a fluffy white cat find a costume but upon spotting the two of us enter Nook shooed the other two raccoons toward us.

"Welcome!" they chimed ushering us in. "How may we help you?"

"I'm looking for a costume," I told them and one (I can never tell them apart.) led me to the first rack.

"What do you want to be?" he asked so I bent down and whispered something in his ear. A wide grin spread over his face and he nodded happily.

"We have that! Would you like to try it on in the private change room?" I nodded before placing a finger on my lips.

"But shh! It's going to be a surprise!" I informed him.

After paying for my envelopes and costume which was safely tucked away in cream colored box I moved out into the wind once more. Turning toward the post office I repositioned the large brown bag I carried, cradling it in my left arm. Quickly I walked to the office and went inside making sure this time I didn't run into anyone. Pausing by the door I opened the box of envelopes and took one out. Removing the letter into the envelope and sealing it I walked up to Pelly.

"Do you have a pen I could use?" I requested and she handed me one cheerfully. I wrote Joe's address and the return address on the front of the letter before handing back the pen and then the letter.

"I'd like to mail this please!" I exclaimed with a large smile. Pelly took it and moved deeper into the building to sort it into the correct mailing box. When she came back she told me. "It'll go out at 6 tonight." With a thank you I left and headed home.

A.N. Read This! Tell me what you want Rose, Jake, Adam, and Carly to wear for Halloween costumes please!! Nothing rude though please!

R&R No flames please!

TheLastRose