NOTICE: The song lyrics that were in this chapter have been removed. It was against the rules on FF net. I removed them to prevent my story from being deleted without warning. The lyrics that appeared in this chapter were a little important, but not completely necessary for the story. If you want to read it with the lyrics, go here to download it (PDF file; remove the underscores (_)):

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Chapter 20, A Melody of Life

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SUMMER 26TH – SATURDAY

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Chelsea's POV

"I'm done!" I shouted into the opened roof of the animal barn, feeling satisfied with my work for the day.

I couldn't help but feel a little excited about all of the things I was going to do today.

I was determined to try to have a good time, to not think about any of the unfortunate events that happened on the island… for now…

"I'll put it off for another night…"

I left the barn, breaking into a run, going past Mark's crop filled field. All taken care of by him before he left.

"I hope he'll have a safe trip, and have fun …"

I kept running until I exit the property of the farm and appeared on the stony path. I went into a jog, stayed on the path, until I reached the front door of the Animal Shop. Just as I came up to it, the front door opened.

"Ready?" I asked, as soon as I realized who it was.

She turned to face me and smiled lightly. Her smile slowly faded, and I saw her light blue eyes go up and down. A small frown appeared along her still bruised face.

"Chelsea... You're going to the festival with your work clothes on still?"

I looked down at myself. Besides the random splotches on my short jeans and shirt, I thought I was tolerable in appearance.

"Yeah... why? Am I too messy you think?"

She shook her head and let out a 'tsk tsk'. Now that she commented on my own appearance, I took a second look at her own. She was wearing a white yukata with light blue flowers arranged on it. They seemed to make a twirl effect around her whole outfit, from the chest area to the legs.

"Well, I'm not going to bother you too much about it. Although, maybe you should take a shower at least and change your clothes."

I didn't have to look at myself again to agree with her suggestion, "Yeah, I think I'll go do that."

"In the meantime, I'll get the sheet and games ready. Do you think we might be a tad bit early?"

"Hey, we can go later when it's most likely crowded."

"That is, if it'll be crowded this year as the years before..."

I felt my eye twitch, as if I was in pain. Though, what Julia said was enough to tighten my heart, a ache in my chest.

"I hope not... I would like people to think more of the good then the bad..." I muttered in answer.

I saw her give me a look of concern, but she put on a light smile and shoved me lightly.

"Well get going! We want to get good seats! Even if it is on the grass!"

I nodded and turned away from Julia to run home to get ready for the firework's festival.

I just finished putting on a clean set of clothing. I did have my own yukata, but I didn't feel like wearing it. I wanted to wear something comfortable today, to relax, not a dress that could suffocate me- even if the designs on it are nice... and the bow...

I looked towards my rucksack, sitting on the table, unopened.

"Should I bring it or not?" I asked myself.

I decided to bring it, to carry any books I haven't read yet. I have a whole shelf of books, and I barely touched them. Quickly picking up my rucksack, I went to the bookshelf and threw in a random range of books I haven't read. I didn't bother looking at the titles, it'll be more of a surprise when I read one of them later.

Once that was done, I slung the rucksack on my back and turned to head out. I locked my door and checked my mailbox as I began to walk towards the Meadow, where the festival would take place.

As soon as I crossed the bridge, I could see how much room was left. There weren't many people around, just a few villagers here and there. A few were just settling in, while others were chatting away with their friends or their sweetheart. I was scanning the crowd looking for my blonde hair friend. She managed to find me first.

"I'm over here Chelsea!" she yelled.

Lucky there weren't many people at the Meadow, otherwise I wouldn't have heard her nor find her. I began to walk towards her, dodging others areas on the grass with great skill (although, I almost tripped once), until I reached her. Julia managed to pick a good spot. She picked a spot that would only be a few feet, if not less, away from where the fireworks would shoot off. I could see Gannon setting up the gear now. While Charlie and Eliza played some game, going around him in circles, distracting his work; but he didn't seem to mind, as he laughed with them. Chen also happened to be there, helping Gannon set up.

"Are you going to stand there all day Chelsea?" Julia asked me.

I let out a nervous laugh and sat down, embarrassed to be caught daydreaming a little. Not only did Julia have the sheet ready, a traditional red and white picnic cover, she had different board and non-board games out with a picnic basket beside the stack.

"Wow, you came prepared for this," I softly said, amazed by the sight.

"Well, actually Mom did. She thought it all out."

"Is she planning to come too?"

Julia began to remove the board games from on top of another, spreading them out to show me what they were.

"No, she said she wanted to catch up on work... though I'm not sure what that would be, I mean, we don't get many customers."

"Aren't the stores usually closed for things like this?"

Julia nodded her head in agreement as she laid the last game on the sheet.

"Well, I don't want to think about it! So, which game should we play first?"

I looked down at the different games available for us to play. There were games from Monopoly© to UNO©. These games should keep us busy for awhile...

"Mind if I join in on the fun?" someone asked as they rudely took a sit on our sheet.

Me and Julia was about to yell at the guy, but our anger quickly turned into smiles.

"Denny!" we said at the same time as he gave us a grin in return.

"Yo, what's up you two? Everything okay this morning?" he asked us as he changed sitting positions, trying to find a more comfortable pose.

"You're here awfully early. Lanna dragged you along?" Julia asked him.

"Nah! Came here out of my own free will! Besides, the fish weren't biting much. So, I'm here early! You guys still didn't answer my question."

"Of course you can join us Denny... Though, where is Lanna?" I asked him.

He let out a sigh and said, "She's not going to be here for another few hours. She takes a long time finding the perfect outfit and all. You know Lanna, the outfit has to 'speak' her nature."

Julia and I giggled at the gag expression he made. If Lanna ever found out, that expression on his face might become permanent.

His expression changed into one of concern, his eyes focusing on Julia- more on her face I realized.

"Are you really okay Julia? I mean... with what happened and all..."

Without a second thought, I saw Julia nod her head in assurance, full of confidence in her answer.

"I'm fine Denny. Thank you for asking," she replied with a smile.

Denny eyes lingered on her horribly bruised face, not being able to look away. I, too, shifted my eyes to look at her face.

Her face didn't have any makeup on to cover the bruises. They were still a fairly blue-purplish color. Denny or I are not the first to have stared at her face, nor would be the last, I'm sure. I have seen others glance at her face longer than necessary, or downright stare, not being subtle about it. Julia ignores the glances and stares, I know she is aware of the looks she gets... and yet, she doesn't react in anger, embarrassment, or even shields her face by turning away from the viewer... She instead smiles and goes on with her day, as if everything is normal, going on her merry way happily...

"She's so... brave... I wish I had as much confidence as she does..."

I could hear my conscience silently telling me, trying to encourage me, that I am brave too; using the secret investigation that I do as a point.

"No, I am not brave... I do it to get rid of the cold chill I feel down my spine every night. To get rid of the eyes that watch me, waiting for me to slip up. To get rid of the guilt I feel for causing the chain reaction in the first place... No, I am driven by fear... not bravery."

"Yo Chelsea! Are you there! Did something, like, steal your brain!" Denny nearly shouted in my ear.

I snapped my head at him in surprise, since he caught me off guard. I could feel my cheeks heating up, feeling completely ashamed for ignoring them and going off to la-la land... or rather depressing land.

"I-I'm sorry. I was just... daydreaming," I lied, though it pained me to lie to them.

Denny rolled his eyes, "I already gathered that Chelsea."

Julia, on the other hand, looked worried, "You seem to be daydreaming too often... more than usual. Is something on your mind?"

"Yes," I thought.

Of course, I held my tongue and said, "Nothings on my mind. I've just been... thinking about this new book lately. I mean, don't you hate it when you read a book and then you get to the good part, but have to stop because you have things to do?"

Even though what I said wasn't what I wanted to say, it was true at least. So, I am technically not lying to them.

"O—kay! Let's play a board game to help Daydreamer here out! What about..."

Denny picked up one of the board games and slammed it into the middle of our small group, "This one!"

Julia and I looked down at it, and we should have known it was the type of game Denny would like. We both looked up at him, giving him our own doubtful looks.

"You're kidding right?" Julia asked.

"Uh, no," Denny said, an edge of confusion on his voice.

"Denny, this is a fish board game! Is that all you can think about, even when you're not really fishing?"

"Hey, I love fishing. When I get up every morning, it's all I can think about. Nothing wrong with loving my work."

"There's a difference between loving and obsession," Julia countered.

"Let's just play the game. Once it's over, we'll pick another game we can agree on," I interrupted.

They agreed with a nod of their heads. Julia opened the board game and started to set up the pieces.

"Oh yeah! Julia, you happen to know if my..." he tapped his finger against the bottom of his chin, trying to make a decision, "guess I'll call him my buddy... Anyway, do you happen to know if he's coming today, for the festival and all?"

"Who?" she asked, most of her attention on setting up the game.

"Vaughn of course."

Julia gave him a shrug, "I really don't know. I did ask him but... he didn't answer me. He just shrugged at me."

"Wow, he didn't give you a hard time?" Denny asked.

"No... Now that I think about it, he hasn't been as grumpy with me since... well, earlier this week... Why are you asking anyway?"

Denny let out a nervous laugh, "I guess you can say I gave him a wake-up call today."

"You called him before he was awake himself! Are you insane! Even I don't disturb him when he's asleep," Julia admitted, just now finishing setting up the game.

"Yeah, I recommend that you keep doing that. He definitely wasn't happy about it. The things he said were really not nice."

"Well you learned your lesson at least... Now, who wants to go first?" Julia asked.

Hours went by, as we continued to play various board games. I felt like everything was normal, and I realized how much I missed something as natural as this. The laughter, the jokes... just the atmosphere around me felt enjoyable overall. Something like this I wouldn't mind doing everyday. If not everyday, then at least during the weekend. This was the reason why I came to the island in the first place. To have something like this everyday, to have more freedom, to be myself without having to hide a few 'weird' traits about myself. I appreciated my friends...

Denny looked behind him, looking over the now mostly crowded Meadow.

"Well, I think it is time for me to go. I see Lanna... after many hours of waiting I might add."

"You didn't have fun playing games with us? I'm hurt Denny!" Julia said, putting an hand over her heart, pretending to have her feelings hurt.

"Heh heh, you know I did. Thanks for keeping me busy, I needed it."

He turned his head to look for Lanna again, but instead of leaving, he looked at Julia with a small smile.

"Hey Julia, I'm not sure if I should mention this... but I think some guy wants to really talk to you."

"That's nice Denny, but you already know that I have Elliot. And he is all I need."

"Well, I'm not going to tell them that, you can yourself," he said as he stood up.

He gave me a wink while he was standing up, but I don't think Julia noticed it. I just didn't understand the point of it.

Julia let out a long breath as she stood up herself, "Okay, where is he? I'll gently turn him away myself."

Denny used his thumb and pointed behind him.

"You can't miss him. He looks kind of nerdy. You know, glasses and a little on the nervous side?"

Julia ignored what he was trying to imply and instead looked the way he pointed. She let out a gasp of surprise, catching my curiosity of her actions, forcing me to stand up. I looked too, and I was shocked as well, though more subtle about it. Right by the bridge, in front of it, were Elliot and Natalie. Well, Natalie was hard to see, but Elliot could be seen clearly. Not many people had dark pink hair like them.

"I... I don't believe it! Elliot is here!" Julia almost squealed in delight.

"I thought you were going to turn him down?" Denny jokingly asked.

Julia lightly hit his arm, earning an chuckle from him.

Elliot nodded his head in greeting to us and then he and Natalie began to find an area to set up at.

"Denny! How long are you going to take to join me!" a familiar voice whined.

Turns out Lanna picked a spot not too far from us. I don't know how she managed to find an area so late in the day of the event, but she somehow did. Denny gave us a goodbye wave and left our circle of three, now leaving just the two of us. I had a feeling that it'll turn into one very soon.

I expected Julia to leave next, but she instead sat back down on the sheet. I blinked at Julia in surprise as I lowered myself to the picnic sheet.

"You're not going to join him?" I asked her.

She shook her head at me, "I'll join him when he comes gets me himself."

"If you're worried about me Julia, I'll be okay. Besides, I have all of these board games to play with. They'll keep me busy until the fireworks starts," I told her, being truthful.

"You're not going to chase me away so easily. Besides, this is a good spot. When the fireworks shoot up, we'll be able to literally see them do that and explode!"

"Okay, if you really feel that way..."

She dismissed my concerns with a wave of her hand.

"Let's pick another game to play real quick. Which one do you want to play?" she asked me as she spread out the games in front of me.

Vaughn's POV

"I can't believe that I am showing up for this event! I hate fireworks!(1)" I thought.

I stepped off the lowered plank from the boat, and headed towards the exit to go to the Meadow. I didn't have to find an answer of why I was participating. Since Julia asked me to go, without threatening me surprisingly, I couldn't say no. Well, I could have, but I didn't... want to give her too much of a hard time. So, without telling her, I silently agreed to go. Now, I could face the consequences and not show up at all. But, I didn't want to meet her annoying whining because I didn't go or, possibly, her disappointment.

I let out an annoyed groan, "Let's get this over with."

As I walked on the stone path to head towards the Meadow, an thought came to me.

"What if the Meadow has no room for me anywhere?"

If that's the case, I could use that as an excuse to go back home, and avoid this event completely.

"I just have to make sure Julia doesn't see me... or Denny for that matter."

That idiot fisherman called me at four in the damn morning today! He obviously had nothing to do, or a brain not to mention. I mean really, what person would call someone else at four in the morning! Thinking of that event made me more irritated then I already was.

I finally reached the bridge, all I have to do is cross it to reach the Meadow. I began to cross it, taking short strides, avoiding both of being noticed and to look around. As usual, like past festivals, it was set up pretty nicely. Gannon had the gear ready for the fireworks to shot off and was busy watching over Charlie and Eliza playing. Chen had a small stand to sell small convenient items (that's new) for both visitors and residents. I could see fans and cameras hanging low from the small sign he had set up. I also saw a white-linen covered table, with food on it- another new addition to the festival.

"I guess to attract more tourists. Makes sense, this place needs it with all of the hell that has happened for the past season," I thought, my frown deepening.

I glanced around the Meadow, looking for other familiar faces. I began to notice that the Meadow was really crowded.

"Looks like I'll be able to use the excuse after all," I thought as I turned to leave.

My happiness, despite how small, was short-lived when someone clapped their hand on my shoulder. I didn't have to look to know who it was.

"Damn it..."

"Hey Vaughn! You actually showed up! I thought you wouldn't the way you reacted on the phone and all," Denny said as his face appeared within my vision.

"I'm still pissed that you called me that early in the morning. What was your problem?"

"Nothin'! I just wanted to see if you were coming or not."

"And you didn't bother to look at the time?"

"Sorry, sometimes I lose track when I'm out fishing and all."

"That's stupid of you to bring something electrical with you out in the water."

"You're probably right... Do you have anywhere to sit?"

"I was actually about to leave. Don't you see it's packed?"

"You can stand over there," Denny said, as he pointed somewhere, removing his hand from my shoulder.

I began to take a step forward, out of the Meadow, but Denny caught what I was about to do.

"You can't ditch out of here now! Besides, you're here already! So, why waste the trip? Just go over there and have fun!"

"I hate fireworks."

"I love them too," Denny replied, ignoring my negative response.

I gave in, and went to the area where Denny pointed at. It was an empty area, enough for a single person to stand anyway.

"I wish it wasn't towards the front," I complained under my breath.

I began to make my way towards the area, trying my best to not kick anyone that were sitting down or bump into the ones that were standing up.

"I wish they would make up their minds! Stand or sit! How difficult is that!"

I finally reached the small area, almost towards the other side of the Meadow, near the water that surrounded it. I turned away from the water while taking an step back from the edge. I didn't need someone bumping into me and knocking me into the water.

"Maybe I'll be able to leave when the fireworks are about to go off. Everyone will be too distracted to notice me walking out, including Denny," I thought, as I folded my arms and glanced around the Meadow with boredom and irritation.

Chelsea's POV

"I WIN!" I exclaimed in excitement.

The Meadow wasn't loud enough apparently, as a few people looked our way. My cheeks flushed as I looked away from the staring crowd.

"Jesh! They act like they've never seen someone play games before!" I thought.

Julia began to put the game we were playing away, along with the others.

"I'm kind of tired of playing games, so, I'm putting them away."

"I'm not disagreeing. I'm kind of hungry right now anyway," I admitted to her.

Julia nodded, just putting away the last board game. She opened the picnic basket and began to take out snacks; snack bars, cans of something to drink, and other things. I grabbed a snack bar and opened it as quickly as I could. It was just a regular chocolate bar, but I was starving and willing to eat anything. It didn't have any types of nuts in it though, meaning less filling for me.

"It'll have to do until I can get a real meal," I said as I took my first bite out of the bar.

A regular bar or not, it tasted delicious. Although, chocolate is always good to eat. As I chewed, my mind began to doze off, just withdrawing from my surroundings.

"Maybe I should begin reading one of the books in my bag," I thought.

I didn't know what the books were or even their titles, but I can guess at least- that'll be fun….

"I wonder if it is a sci-fi book, something about aliens are usually the type I read... or maybe it's a action and adventure one! Those are sometimes nice to read with the mystical creatures... If not any of those, it could be about something else, or rather, someone else being mystical themselves. One involving magic maybe?"

My thoughts halted at the word 'magic'. There is a witch living the forest, a real one, and I felt stupid for thinking of something as that.

I use to think wizards or witches were cool, based on the books I have read. But, now that I met the real thing, it's not so amazing anymore...

"You're wondering why I don't do anything to my face?" Julia asked, waking me up from my inner thoughts.

I realized that while I was daydreaming, it seemed I was staring at her face. I felt ashamed, even if I didn't mean to do it.

"I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay, it doesn't bother me," she replied, not a single word came out as a stutter.

A question tugged at the back of my head, concerning her actions. I wanted to ignore it, to not ask the question, but curiosity got the best of me.

"I... I don't mean to ask Julia, really I don't... But, why don't you... use anything to cover the— bruises on your face?"

I expected her to be angry with me for asking such an offensive question. Instead, she surprised me by lightly smiling. I saw her twist her head in a certain direction.

"Because... I don't need to try so hard anymore... I can be this way without worry now. I don't need a mask anymore," she told me.

I looked in the same direction she was looking, and I could see Elliot in the distance. He was sitting down, glancing around the Meadow. I don't think he noticed Julia's staring at first, until his glancing eyes landed her way. He stared back at her for a few seconds, before he slowly turned his head away. I wasn't sure, but I thought I saw his face turn a light crimson. It could be the cold though, as a wind was beginning to blow through everything.

"I hope it doesn't get too chilly out here," I thought, being a little glad that I decided to wear my usual work outfit; since I always brought my jacket with me when I wore it.

I pulled the edges of my jacket closer to my chest, trying to keep the warmth close to my body. I also pulled my knees up to my chest.

"You can join him if you want Julia. I'll be fine by myself," I told her, being sincere with my response.

Julia whipped her head towards me, her eyes slightly wide in shock.

"Oh, no Chelsea. I don't want to leave so suddenly. I really don't-"

"I know you want to go over there Julia. Besides, you can't stay here. We played enough board games to last me a lifetime and there really isn't anything to talk about. Not only that... I really know you want to go over there, and I think you should. This might be the only time you'll see Elliot, in a long time... and I don't want you to miss that,"

She bit her bottom lip, and glanced at me, "Are you sure?"

I pointed to where Elliot was at in answer. She didn't argue again as she began to stand up. She patted her yukata to take out the wrinkles. She gave me one last look in thanks before she ran off in the direction of where Elliot sat. I watched her, to make sure she didn't trip over anybody. Elliot wouldn't be able to save her fall, with his arms bounded in the casts and all...

Once I was sure she would be okay, I looked away and looked around the Meadow again. The Meadow was crowded now, so I wanted to look for any new or familiar faces. I found Denny's and Lanna's spot, they were chatting away at the moment. I noticed that their spot wasn't that far from where I sat. I skipped over Elliot's and Julia's spot, as I already knew where it was. I looked for his sister instead, and I found her. As I expected, she was sitting in her wheelchair, and Pierre was sitting in a chair behind her. Their lips were moving, obviously discussing about something... I looked away from them to glance elsewhere. After doing so for a few minutes, I realized I didn't see Dr. Trent anywhere.

"Huh, I wonder where he is at... Could he have gone home for the festival?" I thought.

The idea made sense to me, I would be a little homesick too. Mentioning the word 'homesick' made the feeling appear in me. I pulled my knees tighter against my chest, trying to suppress the feeling.

"I wonder what they are doing for the festival?"

Back at home we would go to the fireworks festival every year. Every year, Mom would make special festive dumplings and she would wear her own yukata, as would I. Dad wouldn't wear one, as he found the idea of wearing it too fancy for the occasion. But, he did like the event itself and the idea behind it- of how our family would be together... I felt my eyes tingle, unformed tears...

"I miss them... I miss home," I thought with a sudden sadness.

Reluctantly, I turned my thoughts away from home and focused on my surroundings again.

"I wished for this... didn't I?"

I shouldn't have wished so hard to find an job, to live my own life; maybe I should have wished to work somewhere closer to home...

This time, I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts. I turned all of my focus to searching for any other familiar faces. I realized there were others not here at the festival either; Shea, Sabrina, Will, and Vaughn...

Well, there was a very high possibility that he wouldn't come.

"I wonder if he doesn't like fireworks or something. I mean, there has to be a reason why he doesn't want to come... Maybe he's working? That sounds reasonable. He does work most of the time, hardly spending time outside of his job, unless he is forced to that is..."

I decided to look around the Meadow again, thinking that I missed the faces of some of my friends. Even though I looked hard for them, I still couldn't find Shea anywhere in the crowd, the same went for Sabrina, Will, and Vaughn.

I drew my attention to the stall where Chen was selling stuff. He was talking to a customer, getting ready to sell something to them it looked like. My eyes moved on, stopping again on the sight of Charlie and Eliza talking to Gannon. It looked like they asked him about something he didn't like, as he looked uncomfortable suddenly. I lightly laughed at what they could possibly be asking him.

"Probably about the existence of Santa Clause," I thought.

My eyes moved again, briefly going over different items and faces.

"Two random people chatting... a mother trying to calm her baby... two people playing chess... food on someone's plate... a black cowboy hat... someone juggling red ba-... Wait... a cowboy hat?"

My eyes backtracked to where I thought I saw the cowboy hat. I think it was close to the edge of the Meadow, where the water would be...

I looked hard in the crowd, focusing all of my attention to finding that black cowboy hat. My eyes were beginning to hurt from squinting; I was focused too much.

"Weird... maybe I imagined it?"

I hoped that wasn't the case, otherwise I might have to make an appointment with Dr. Trent.

When I couldn't find the signature hat, or even an shape that looked like the familiar hat, I was about to give up. That is when I saw it, and the occupant that had the hat on their head. Happy to be wrong about me hallucinating the hat, I was also glad that Vaughn came too.

He didn't notice me, he was too busy looking elsewhere. The smile I held began to fade as a realization hit me.

"Why is he standing?"

Once I looked around the small area where he stood, another thought occurred to me. I realized that he didn't have anywhere to sit either.

"The festival is kind of long. Is he really going to stand there the whole time? Won't he get tired of standing?"

I thought that he might have someone to sit with, maybe with...

"Well, it can't be Julia since she's with Elliot. Denny is out because he is with Lanna. Although I don't think Denny would mind, Lanna wouldn't be too happy about it. To her, three is an crowd, and Vaughn might not appreciate it either..."

I felt bad for him, that he had nowhere to rest.

"He can sit with you. Don't you have room?" my conscience asked me.

I fit like hitting the palm of my hand against my forehead.

"Duh! Why didn't I think of that!"

The smile was back on my face. I let go of my knees and stretched them out on the sheet to get ready to stand up. I pushed myself up from the ground and I was ready to head in his direction.

"Look! You forgot the camera at home! Are you too cheap to buy one from that man over there!" I heard someone whisper angrily, although it was loud enough for me to hear them.

I turned my head as far back behind me as I could, where I thought I heard the voice come from. Turns out I was able to hear her because she, along with her partner, had their own sheet next to where I sat.

"I'm not buying another camera just for a few photos. Instead, we can cherish this moment," the guy replied to her.

I turned away from their argument, "I hope they won't be doing that the whole time. Otherwise I won't enjoy the fireworks as much..."

I focused at my task, I had to search for Vaughn again since I was distracted. This time when I found his spot with my eyes, he was looking at me. He had his arms folded over his chest, another signature of his, and he blinked at me- in surprise? I smiled back at him and I began to make my way towards his area.

Vaughn's POV

I thought I felt eyes on me, but I didn't think they would belong to Chelsea.

"What does she want?" I thought, slightly curious.

I could see her making her way towards me, with that friendly smile on her face.

"I swear she smiles too much... I hope she doesn't ask me why I am here, even I don't know the answer to that."

She continued to make a path towards me; she's getting close...

"Maybe she wants you to watch the fireworks with her?" my conscience suggested.

The idea stunned me at first, and then confusion hit me.

"But, why?"

I didn't get it. Didn't she have her other friends to sit with?

I then thought of my observations of the Meadow.

"That's right... I saw Julia with Elliot, so she's out of the question. That annoying pop-star is with Denny, as expected. Natalie is with that midget, a questionable sight, but she is none-the-less..."

Now that I thought about it, I noticed I didn't see Mark anywhere. Wouldn't that stupid rancher be around too? Possibly sitting somewhere?

"If that was the case, she wouldn't be bothering me- right?"

I knew I was missing others, but I couldn't think of them... She was getting closer; she's almost where I am at...

"I guess I'm the only left for her to bother... If that is the case... I guess I wouldn't mind, especially if I am offered somewhere to sit. I would welcome that right now, I am tired of standing."

She was getting real close now. If she took a few more steps, I could practically reach out an hand to touch her forehead.

I could see words beginning to form from her mouth, getting ready to say something to me. However, her path was suddenly blocked by a flash of white light.

"That's not light," I thought, as I came over from the shock.

The white I saw was from a familiar jacket. A jacket that only one person, that I know of, wears.

Chelsea was just as surprised as me by his sudden appearance. If her startled cry that I heard indicated anything.

"I knew I was missing someone!" I thought, surprisingly annoyed that Will interrupted her actions.

I strained my ears to hear their conversation, since they were close enough for me to hear them. I'm sure he interrupted her because he wanted to talk about something.

"I apologize for startling you, as I had no intention to do that," Will said to her in apology.

"It's okay Will, I'm fine... Is there something wrong? You seem a little nervous..." she said.

I could see the genuine concern on her facial features as she looked at him. I couldn't see his face. All I could see was the back of his head, and his postures were giving me little to figure out what he might be thinking.

"Chelsea, you are very observant, I can see that I cannot hide anything from you..."

Chelsea blinked her eyes at him, clearly confused. I noticed he dodged her question.

As if he had read my thoughts, he answered her question with one of his own... one that made me stand stiff...

"Chelsea... I was doing a little pondering for the past few hours today, and now I have to obliterate these thoughts... Chelsea, with your graceful permission, can I sit with you during this festival?"

I visibly saw her eyes grow double in size; I think my face contorted into the same expression as hers.

Her wide eyes shifted away from Will, looking behind him, at me. Chelsea's eyes slowly began to shrink, forming into uncertainty. I just stared back at her, although slightly confused of what she wanted from me.

"Is she asking... for my opinion?"

I didn't understand, I didn't get what she wanted me to do. The idea made me irritated and I felt my eyebrows tighten. Unfortunately, she took my internal frustration as anger towards her. I saw her eye wince and she quickly looked back at Will.

"I... guess so Will... Sure, you can sit with me! We can watch them together!"

Again, my observation skills had to be too good. I noticed her voice was a little strained, hesitant, in the beginning of her sentence, but it grew stronger by the end.

"Why? Why was there hesitation?"

I wished I didn't ask myself that, as it just made me more confused then I already was. Also, I was beginning to feel anger creep up into my veins. I don't know why, I don't understand the meaning behind it. So what if there was a possibility of her asking me to sit with her! So what that she changed her mind and decided to let Will sit with her!

"I shouldn't give a damn… right?"

I didn't like that I formed my own statement into a question. Not even an easy question, a question I cannot answer….

"I guess I'll never find out what she wanted to ask me," I thought as I saw them begin to walk where Chelsea's spot was.

As they walked back, Chelsea made a backwards glance. Her eyes fell onto me, and her expression held pity for me.

"Pity? Why?"

Maybe I read her expression wrong….

I felt a tug on my shirt, being pulled a little downwards. I looked down, annoyed that someone interrupted my thoughts and I was about to let them see how pissed I was… if they didn't surprise me first.

"Sabrina?" I asked, uncertain if it was really her.

She wasn't wearing her usual attire, the pink sweater was gone… along with her other usual clothing.

She was wearing a light pink yukata. On her yukata were purple flowers of some sort. They stuck out like a sore thumb from the background. Her hair was pinned up into a loose bun with a pink flower design hair pin, matching her yukata perfectly. I wouldn't have recognized her if she wasn't wearing her large-rimmed glasses.

I noticed her face was slightly red, and her eyes glanced down.

"I didn't expect you to show up," she said in her usual meek voice.

"I… was kind of tricked to come here."

She nodded her head once and she began to pull at her yukata nervously. I could safely assume that she wanted something since she was still standing here.

"Is there something you want?" I asked her.

She continued pulling at her outfit and avoiding eye contact with me. I internally sighed. Another one of those days that'll she'll take forever to speak.

"I uh… I was just wondering… Do you have anywhere to sit?"

I raised an eyebrow at her question, "No, I don't. If I did, would I be standing here?"

She gave me a nervous smile and said, "I should have known. I'm sorry for asking the obvious."

"It's alright…. Is that all you wanted?"

She didn't seem to be in any hurry anywhere.

"Well I… I was really wondering if it was possible that you would… watch the fireworks with me?"

Not many things can stun me. It doesn't matter what I hear, see, or what is said to me, I hardly get stunned enough that I can feel a little dizzy in the head.

"What?" I asked, unsure if I heard correctly.

It's possibly that I imagined this. Although, I don't ever imagine about anything….

"I… I asked if it was possible that we could watch the fireworks together…." she asked me again.

"So, I wasn't imagining it…."

Luckily my thoughts were interrupted, as I didn't have an answer for her question. Two people were being extremely loud, yelling at the top of their lungs. It wasn't just me that heard them, as others in the Meadow turned to look their way.

"Ugh! You are unbelievable! I'm leaving!" the woman yelled in a guy's face.

She then turned away and stomped off, leaving the Meadow. The guy began to run after her while yelling, "You're being rash! We can talk this out!"

My eyes went back to the spot where they were at just a moment ago. That's when I realized where they were sitting at. Right next to the area they were at, were Will and Chelsea….

"They left their sheet… a free area…."

I could feel a couple of ideas tumbling around in my brain. They were unrefined, incomplete, just completely jumbled up. And just like that, the words came together and formed an idea in my head.

"Sabrina, if I… agree to watch them with you…. Do you have anywhere to sit at?"

From the corner of my eyes, the lower portion of them, I saw Sabrina twist her fingers around and around while looking down at the ground. She was obviously embarrassed.

"I… No…. I'm really sorry…."

"No need for that, we were saved one."

She looked up at me, her eyes wide and she squeaked in a small voice, "We?"

"Yeah…. I'm agreeing if you didn't catch that."

A smile appeared along the line of mouth and she said, "I'm… really grateful."

"Okay then, just follow me. And don't fall behind, or we might lose our seat," I said as I started to move towards the area.

I could hear her footsteps behind me. I moved along the crowd in a trance, getting closer to the empty sheet on the ground. I swore that if anyone took it before me, I'll be forceful enough to push them off it or to tell them to scram somewhere.

Luckily I didn't have to do that. We got there without any incidents. Chelsea and Will were too busy talking. Neither noticed that I walked past them, not even when I sat down on the sheet. It took them a few seconds for them to notice me, or rather, for Will to see me. He was facing my direction, while Chelsea's back was to me. Now that I realized this, I noticed that I am sitting right next to Chelsea. I'm just sitting on another sheet.

"Hello Vaughn. You're here to see the fireworks as well?" Will asked me.

I saw Chelsea turn her whole body around. Her eyebrows reached high up in her forehead, obvious shock in her eyes.

"Vaughn…." she said.

"Chelsea," I greeted with a tip of my hat.

She gave me a small smile in return and said, "Looks like you do have a seat after all. Although you borrowed that seat without permission."

"Not my fault they left it here. You know how it is. Finders keepers."

She rolled her eyes, but lightly laughed anyway.

"Glad you could join us," she said.

She then looked beside me, just noticing the company I agreed to sit with.

"Sabrina! You did show up after all! When did you get here?" Chelsea asked her.

"Not too long ago," she replied back in that usual small voice of hers.

Chelsea then looked from her to me and back to her.

"Oh, so you're sitting with Vaughn?" Chelsea asked

Sabrina just nodded her head in reply. I didn't like the way Chelsea asked or phrased it…. To my ears it seemed… wrong somehow….

My thoughts were interrupted when Will said, "I think it's about to start."

I looked straight ahead, and he was right. Gannon was setting the fireworks up, making sure they were positioned right. We were close, but not close enough that the light could damage the eyes… at least I think so.

The Meadow became quieter as more people began to notice that the fireworks were about to start.

"I don't see what the big deal is. It's nothing but a bunch of lights going off in the sky," I thought, still finding fireworks not so grand in the first place.

Gannon began to light them up, and within seconds they were hurling into the sky. I had to shift my head upward in order to see the sky better. The fireworks exploded in a blast of different colors, the loud booming sound coming after it. I heard someone awe at the sight, making me look beside me, where the sound came from.

Chelsea had a wide bright smile on her face and I could see the colors of the fireworks reflecting in her eyes, literally. I blinked my own eyes once at the sight.

"Has her eyes always been that bright?"

I found it odd that I never noticed that before. As many times as I saw her during the week when I worked on the island, I never noticed how bright they looked…. I'm losing my senses and my observations skills are severely lacking if I didn't notice that before….

"Th-Thank you for agreeing to sit with me Vaughn," a voice said from the other side of me.

I looked away from Chelsea to look at Sabrina.

"You're welcome… I guess," I told her.

I didn't see what the big deal was about it. I didn't even understand why she asked me. Didn't she have somebody else that could have sat with her?

Sabrina then moved herself a little closer to me. I didn't like the proximity of her. I was about to tell her to move away and give her a sarcastic comment about her ever hearing about 'personal space'. But, I actually held my tongue and just moved away from her myself.

Another blast of colors flashed through the sky, emitting more awes from Chelsea and others. I brought my attention to Chelsea, going back to my previous thoughts before Sabrina interrupted me. Again, she had the same smile on her face and her eyes lit up brighter than usual. Even though I saw this not too long ago, the sight still looked foreign to me.

Chelsea must have felt me staring at her too long, because she then turned her head to face me. Her smile faltered a little, as she stared at me in some sort of trance like state.

However, the connection broke as more fireworks sounded off into the sky. Even though I already know I am at the Meadow with fireworks going off, the sound caught me by surprise. I didn't make it obvious that I was caught unexpectedly. Chelsea must have been caught by surprise as well, because I heard her let out a gasp.

"Are you okay Chelsea?" Will asked her, concerned.

"I'm fine. The fireworks just… scared me for a second," she said, though I heard a tiny bit of confusion in her voice.

She's not the only one confused, I was too a second ago….

Will then eased her into a small quiet conversation, or at least he tried to. She wasn't replying to his quiet words with her own. She just nodded her head in reply. Deciding that the conversation wasn't interesting for me to watch, I was about to look elsewhere, but the movement of Will's hand stopped me. He did it very carefully and subtle that Chelsea didn't notice. But she was too busy focusing on his face to notice. I saw his mouth no longer moving, and he gave her an intense look, completely focused on her face. His fingers brushed over her hand, enough for her to at least notice them.

I didn't like the look on his face or his actions. I became irritated and for some reason, panic began to crawl into me. I could feel my heart pounding hard against my chest and I felt it tighten. My breathing began to come out in quicker and shorter breaths.

I asked myself, "What am I getting so worked up about? I shouldn't be like this over nothing."

I couldn't see Chelsea's face, since it was turned away from me. I didn't want to imagine what her face looked like either….

Although I couldn't see her face, I could tell that she stiffen. Her back became straighter and very still. Based on her body language, I could guess that she was giving him a shocked look.

Will continued to focus all of his attention on her. The smile on his face was small, just a curl around his mouth. I began to think that maybe I was hallucinating. That the lights from the fireworks were playing tricks on my eyes and that I should leave now to get away from the event; as I planned to do earlier anyway.

My logical and only answer was quickly shattered when I saw that he began to move the top portion of his body towards Chelsea slowly, mostly his head. I never thought it was possible to have any organ part caught in the throat. Once again, I'm proven wrong. I felt like my heart actually went to my throat, and was stuck. My mind was reeling and ideas were thrown around in my head. The thoughts were bouncing around too fast in my head, making it impossible to hear or focus on a single idea or thought. I couldn't understand what my mind was trying to tell me, what it wanted me to do.

Just as Will's head was too close to Chelsea's, without her moving in protest I briefly noticed, my mind screamed loud enough that it rung in my ears, "DO SOMETHING!"

I wanted to question the thought, why should I? I don't have anything to do with what she does with her life. But, I only had one second to make a choice. I can do something or nothing.

I picked the former, something. My consequences on that choice became evident to me, because I did something I hate to do. I spoke without thinking, "Chelsea…."

To me, what I said shouldn't have stopped Will's actions or gained Chelsea's attention. I was surprised that it did get her attention, because she turned her head to face me. Will's intentions were forced to a stop since she held her attention at me, for now. I expected Will to give me an irritated look, but his expression held curiosity towards me instead of anger.

Chelsea blinked her eyes once, as if she was just waking up from a daze.

She asked me, "Did you say something Vaughn?"

Since I spoke without thinking, I didn't know what to say. Telling her that my brain forced me into immediate action would just make me look very… stupid. I don't even understand the reasons behind it; not the panic I felt before, why my heart felt like it was stuck in my throat, why my breathing became labored, or the other strange feelings my body had.

I can't remember the last time I felt unsure of my own actions, of my thoughts, or even when I am doing work. I am, most of time, very sure of anything I do. Even when I face something that is strange, I always come up with a logical reason for it. But right now, I feel very… confused….

"Vaughn?" Chelsea said, waking me up from my internal battle.

I decided to delay my actions for pondering later. I have to come up with something to say now. Come up with a reason of why I gained her attention. But what? I didn't think this through!

I could feel that annoying tug in the back of brain. Annoying or not, my conscience has come to 'save me' from this mess. That was what I thought at first until it whispered, "Ask her about her humming. What are the words for it?"

"What the hell? Are you telling me to ask her to… sing to me! Because that is what it sounds like!"

I found the idea both horrifying and stupid! Why, on any level, would I ask such a question? Even if I was dying on the floor now, I wouldn't mention such a thing; not as suggestion or as a question. It's true I have heard her hum some tune while she was working a few times. However, I never had the impulse to ask her about the tune or what the words were. It didn't matter how many times I heard, it just never bothered me.

"You can keep telling yourself that as much as you want. But remember, I am your conscience; I am still part of you. I am what you hide and I remind you of what's right. I am your under thoughts, thoughts that you rather store elsewhere in your brain, to never think about again. You can deny me all you want, but I'll be here. And I'll keep reminding you about me, and remind you of your under thoughts. It's your choice if you listen to me or not."

Again, I had to wonder when did my damn conscience started getting so loud and talk so much.

I wanted to retort to my conscience's words, but I didn't have time for this. Chelsea was still waiting for a reply from me. Thankfully, only seconds went by and not minutes like I felt.

The sky lit up again as another pair of fireworks exploded, giving me a extra few seconds to think of how I was going to ask her the 'advice' my conscience gave me.

"Damn…. I might just have to wing it," I thought.

"Chelsea…. I wanted to ask you something about your… job," I told her, avoiding getting straight to the point.

"Really? Now?" she looked confused for a moment.

She shifted in her sitting position to face me completely. Will still looked calm about the whole situation, not even slightly angry. Funny, even though I interrupted him, he's peaceful (his conscience too), while mine just pisses me off.

"Well, what is it that you want to know?"

"Damn, I can't dodge the bullet now… I better just throw it out there…."

"I was wondering about that tune you hum when you work. And… I want you to tell me what the words are for that tune you are always humming," I said, in a tone that I hoped was casual.

I saw her eyes widen and her cheeks going crimson.

"You— heard me?" she asked in a low voice.

I wasn't sure if her question was a warning or if she was really curious for an answer.

"I am usually very careful about that because I like to… you know, hum to myself," she admitted.

That's when Will joined in on the conversation.

"I have never heard you hum before Chelsea, not when I have assisted you at the farm a few times. I wouldn't mind if you fulfilled Vaughn's request, as I would like to hear your singing," Will said.

I let out a low scoff in his direction, but he ignored it.

Even though I have a strong dislike towards him, he has convinced Chelsea to do as I have requested (or rather my conscience forced me to ask).

"Okay…. I'll sing…."

Denny's POV

Lanna clapped her hands again as more fireworks exploded in the sky, and the colors began to rain down.

"Fireworks are so beautiful! I'm so glad that this event happens every year!" she said happily, a wide smile on her face.

I nodded my head at her statement in agreement. I felt her nuzzle her head a little against my shoulder.

"I'm glad that we're watching them together Denny…. It really means a lot to me."

"I know…. Hey, do you think there is any sashimi on the table there?"

I felt her lightly hit my arm. I thought she would laugh next, but instead she puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.

"How did your mind go to food on the table!" she asked me.

"Well I was just looking around and when I saw the table, I thought about food," I told her with a small smile.

"Oh! You know what I mean! Oh, never mind!"

She then turned away from me, fuming. I let out an sigh and wondered what I did wrong this time. Is it wrong for me to think of food when I haven't really eaten anything all day? Even when I was playing games all day with Chelsea and Julia, I didn't eat anything.

"Speaking of which…. I wonder where they are now," I thought, as I began to look around for them.

When I looked behind me, I saw Elliot and Julia a few rows down.

"So, Julia moved to meet Elliot…. I wonder how he got here without his mother knowing."

I know all about the dilemma between Julia and Elliot. Or rather, I figured it out…. I just saw him less often around town, the same for Natalie.

"She's probably out here too if he's here…. And, if Julia is over there… who is with Chelsea?"

I looked ahead of me. Chelsea's sheet was only two rows ahead of us. If I bent forward and strained my ears really hard, I could probably hear everything that was going on.

Chelsea was sitting on her seat, with her head down. I briefly wondered why, but that's when I noticed the company surrounding her. I could see the familiar short blonde hair, with small curls at the end- Will. He was sitting on Chelsea's left. On her right, on another sheet I figured, sat my buddy Vaughn! To my surprise, sitting next to him on his right, was Sabrina.

I wondered how they managed to find an area to sit at; that was not only close but next to someone they were familiar with.

I decided to wonder about it later. Instead, I should figure out how to make Lanna 'un-mad' at me.

Just as I turned to talk to her, a sound went through the air.

I thought that it was the fireworks, but I noticed that colors didn't fall from the sky.

I listened again, waiting for a repeat…. The sound was words forming into a melody, a song.

As I listened to the sound, I felt my stomach tighten and my ears rung at the sound. The singing made me feel… sick….

The singing, whoever was doing it, sounded horrible! To protect my ears from the unbearable sound, I put my hands over them.

"What is that horrible noise!(2) Who is singing!" I thought, as I clenched my teeth hard.

Yes, the singing was that bad. The singer was trying too hard. Instead of the words coming out together, in a form of harmony, they came out forced, strained, and off-key. Also, despite my efforts to block out the words, they still went through the skin of my hands.

I was beginning to realize that I wasn't the only one hearing the atrocious singing. Others in the Meadow began to hear it, and they were reacting like me. I could hear a few angry or annoyed mutters. There were others that decided to leave the Meadow altogether, making more room for people to move. Like what I want to do.

I should be asking myself that question right now. I felt my teeth gritting each other uncomfortably.

"Lanna and me need to find another seat, somewhere in the back. I can't take this!"

Chelsea's POV

My reasons for never singing aloud, especially to an audience, were valid. I already knew about my… lack of a singing voice. I could hear some people in the background complaining about my singing. I could see some people leaving the Meadow altogether to get away from my singing. Even though I knew what was going on around me, I ignored it and focused on my voice, to finish what I started.

I saw the next lines to the short song appear in my mind, the last line.(3)

As I finished singing the last line; that was when time slowed down around me. If time didn't really slow time, then it felt like it to me.

I expected to see a look of horror on Vaughn's face or maybe even irritation for wasting his time with my singing. I was both surprised and awed that he was neither, he was surprised. I looked over his face carefully, thinking I misread it. Maybe I missed his eye twitch or blood leaking from his ears. Again, I was taken aback by his surprised expression, and I saw it slowly change into a small smile. Is he about to laugh? At my singing? That is when I focused on his eyes, just his eyes- and I was dragged into them.

At least it felt like I was dragged into them, it's … hard to describe in words.

I first saw myself standing in front of a wall, a brick wall that was well constructed. Not a hole or crack could be found, making it look indestructible. I felt that if I can get behind that wall, I'll be able to find something. I just didn't know what that something was or could be…. It made me want to find out what was behind the wall even more, even if it could be dangerous to know.

I put a hand on the wall, getting ready to try to climb over it. Right before my eyes, the wall crumbled down. The parts fell down at my feet, now being nothing but a stack of crumbled red clay; evidence that a wall was there. I looked beyond, where the wall used to stand, protecting whatever was beyond. All I saw was an endless darkness as far as my eyes could see. Not a single light, a spark, a glow, not even an outline that a light could have been there. I felt the cold hit my spine, making me shiver. I felt afraid…. I didn't even know where I was or if I was really anywhere else. Have I finally gone crazy? Am I lost within my own mind?

The only way I could find out was to move on… afraid or not.

I took one step forward, and another, and another. My steps were uncertain, but I slowly began to feel a little confident. No trouble… so far….

I have always believed that when there is a beginning, there is an end. But this galaxy without stars, kept going, and going, and going… it never seemed to end, no matter how far I walked….

I could stop and rest. I could just lie down and wait for something significant to happen. But as quick as the idea came to me, it vanished into dust. I had the impression that if I went through with the idea, I would lose this opportunity. So, I continued on my walk without resting….

The walk finally paid off, as I thought I saw something in the distance, just being a little further. I changed the pace of my walking into a jog. I wanted to quickly reach the source before it disappeared or my eyes could trick me. Luckily, the source didn't disappear before my eyes.

However, when I reached the source, I felt like I have gone over the meaning of crazy. The source wasn't a what, it was a who. I hoped it was an illusion, because it is impossible for there to be two of anyone… right?

What I saw, sitting on the pitch-black ground, was… Vaughn…. He was wearing his usual outfit, except his hat was in his hand… and his wrists were bounded by metal chains. When I followed the length of the chain, they led deeper into the endless darkness. My eyes went back to Vaughn. He had his eyes casted down, a shadow covering his eyes, preventing me from reading them…. Wait, isn't that what I am doing here? Isn't that how I arrived here?

Just then, my eyes focused on the area he was sitting at. It took my mind a little time to realize that what I saw wasn't the dark ground… What I saw was dark red, a pool of liquid— blood.

I was about to run forward, the first thing I should have done once I saw the chains, but I was stopped when he looked up.

The look in his eyes…. There was so much to absorb, nothing I have ever seen in a single person before. Usually there is evidence of a person's life, bits and pieces of different emotions they have felt; joy, grief, doubt, embarrassment…. But, what I was seeing didn't even reflect at ounce of happiness. I saw too much of the same feeling of depression. In those eyes, I saw glimpses of memories filled with fatigue, sorrow, and anger. The quick glances I had of those memories, none of them held happiness, hope, laughter, or any other emotion that represents the good in life. Everything I saw were the downs in life…. It was too much for me to take….

My vision began to blur and my eyes felt moister than usual. My cheeks began to feel wet, the tears were falling down.

"Chelsea…."

I was about to step forward again to help Vaughn, and find out why I saw only those downfalls in life. But I felt myself being pulled away from the scene, and it wasn't me moving away….

"Chelsea?"

I was trying to pull against the pulling, defy the movement. I wanted to know what I saw, to understand it, to help, and to… obliterate my curiosity….

"Chelsea!"

I was pulled back, and I could see everything in the Meadow…. I was back at the Meadow, at the fireworks festival….

"What… was that?"

Vaughn's POV

After the song ended, I expected her to go back to talking to Will or watch the fireworks… well, they were getting ready to end. The time gaps between them exploding in the sky were becoming less frequent.

I was wrong.

She instead looked at me, making me look at her in surprise. I saw her expression change into bafflement. I lightly smiled at the sight. I could take a few guesses of why she was confused. And at that same moment, I felt the smile fade from my mouth and she… stared at me. She was too focused, too intense on my face. I then felt her eyes bore into mine … and I felt my head spin momentarily….

And she stayed that way, staring, way too long for just a quick glance. My head began to feel hot and I could feel myself begin to sweat, which I rarely do, even in hot weather. It became harder for me to breath, and I began to feel a little woozy in the stomach. I felt her— presence in my head… and I wanted her out.

I tried to think of how to do just that, but my head felt foggy and I began to feel an ache creeping inside my head. I think I held my breath and my eyes blinked- water got into my eye... or my sweat rather. I felt myself getting really pissed off. I wanted her out of my head, but I didn't know how to do it...

I want her out… now! I felt like I was being suffocated, that I was being weak, that I was being defiled!

"Stop…! Get out of my head!"

Instead of that thought making me feel stronger, being able to push her out, I just felt more exhausted. I began to feel delirious, making me do something I didn't want to do. My eyes focused on her blue ones… and I saw what was behind them. I didn't want to, but I was forcefully drawn into them… not enough that I feel like I was brought elsewhere, just enough to see the surface.

What I saw was foreign to me… most of it. I'm use to seeing and experiencing horrific events, based on my life.

Most of what I saw, glimpses of memories in her life I guess, were mostly full of… joy. I saw not just joy; there was laughter, hope, kindness, care, love and many other factors that had something to do with the positive side of life. I rarely saw, if at all, unhappiness, despair, unkindness, hate or any other emotions pertaining to the messed up parts in life…. I felt like I didn't deserve to see any of that...

"Vaughn…."

Just by me seeing those memories made me realize the large difference between our lives.

"Vaughn?"

I had to wonder why I saw all of that? How did I see those things? And… what did she see while I was occupied?

"Vaughn!"

I was snapped back into reality. I felt myself scowl and a scoff going through my teeth, actually angry that I was taken away from something that was… something, just something. I can't say it was nice, but neither can I say it was horrible…. It was just… strange….

That was when I realized where my face was, how close it was to Chelsea's face. I was so close that I could feel her breath from her nose hitting my face, and I could see her eyes glazed over, in a daze….

"Chelsea!" I heard Will yell in alarm.

I briefly had a thought that it was the first time I have heard Will yell, about anything. I saw her eyes blink once and her eyes shifted around; searching her surroundings, before they focused back on me.

I saw her face turn bright red, and I thought I saw a faded line under her eyes. Tears maybe? Did she cry?

"I… I'm sorry," she said as she pulled back.

I did as well. I don't even know how we got into that position.

"Chelsea, are you okay? You seemed stunned. You were… are you crying?" Will asked her in concern.

I saw Chelsea quickly wipe her eyes with her arms and she said, "I wasn't crying, and I'm sorry that I zoned out. I can sometimes when I… daydream."

"Vaughn, are you okay?" Sabrina asked me from beside me.

I turned my head to look at her.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why would you ask?"

"I… you were… you were sweating…. Do you have a fever?"

I brought an hand to my forehead and wiped it across. Sweat stuck to my hand, and I wiped it on my pant leg.

"I'm not sick. I was just… hot for a second. The fireworks can make it hotter at night," I told her, hoping she won't ask any more questions.

I saw her frown in confusion, probably not buying my explanation. I turned away from her before she could throw another question at me.

"Chelsea, are you sure you are not ill?" Will asked her.

"It's okay, really, I'm fine," she told him, giving him a smile so that he could believe her.

He gave her a quick glance, obviously not believing her, but he accepted her answer anyway. Will stood up from the sheet and reached a hand out to her, offering to help her up.

"What are you…?"

"The fireworks festival is over Chelsea," Will stated, as if it was the most obvious thing.

Well, it should have been the most obvious thing in the world. The Meadow was mostly empty, with a few people here and there. Chen's temporarily stand was gone and Gannon was busy putting the stuff away. I surprised myself that I didn't notice the festival was over….

Chelsea took his offer to help her up. She reached out her hand and Will helped her up. I decided to stand up myself. Since the festival is over and all, I didn't find the point sticking around. Chelsea bent down and picked up the food basket that was there. I saw her search the Meadow, looking for someone. She stopped her search when she couldn't find the person she was looking for. Her attention went to me. I noticed that her eyes faltered a little, but she regained a look of indifference, excluding the small smile she held on her face.

"The basket belongs to Julia. Do you think you can give it back to her Vaughn?" she asked me.

I nodded my head in answer. She held out the basket to me and I took it from her. The basket didn't feel heavy; most of the food was gone obviously. I saw her look back down at the sheet, I did too. There were stacks of board and non-board games on the sheet, holding it down.

"Uh.… Those belong to Julia too. Can you-"

"Yeah, I'll bring these back too," I told her before she could finish.

She bent down to pick them up, trying to keep them from falling. She finally balanced them in her arms and held them out to me once she was standing again. I took them and carefully put them under my arm, glad that there weren't so many.

"Thank you Vaughn," she said.

I just nodded my head again. Once I was sure the games wouldn't fall, I looked back at her. There she was again, doing the same thing like before… staring at me. But, this time, I felt like she was giving me a look of sympathy and… something else…. I felt like she wanted something from me….

She then shook her head and looked elsewhere. That is when I finally noticed that it was a little dark out, and a few stars were littered across the sky. And I did the unthinkable— really, I didn't think it through when I asked her, "Do you need me to… take you home?"

I shouldn't have asked, not when her home is right around the corner from the Meadow. Not to mention, Will would have offered to take her home too. It's in his nature to do it.

Chelsea shook her at my question and said, "Thank you Vaughn but… I think you are already doing that…."

Puzzlement sunk in. I didn't have a clue what she was talking about. I looked at her eyes and I saw them moving behind me and back at me. She did the action again. What was she trying to imply?

So, I looked behind me and all I saw was Sabrina…. Her silent words finally sunk in.

"Oh yeah…. I forgot she was there," I thought.

I guess I'll be accompanying her home instead….

"Well, at least it's on the way to the Animal Shop."

Will offered his elbow to Chelsea and said, "If you don't mind Chelsea, I'll escort you home."

She gave him a nervous smile, but she took his offer anyway, wrapping her hand around his elbow.

I looked away from the scene and turned to face Sabrina instead.

"Well, are you ready to go?"

Sabrina's POV

I almost fainted when Vaughn asked me, although not directly, to escort me home. I nodded my head frantically before he could change his mind. I saw one of his eyebrow's go up, but he didn't question my enthusiasm. He turned his head, watching Chelsea and Will, walking towards the bridge. He walked ahead, following them, leaving me behind. He stopped and turned his head, looking my way.

"I thought you were ready," he said.

I smiled at him, happy I wasn't forgotten this time. I also felt my face get a little warm. I quickly walked to catch up to his spot. He didn't continue his walk until he was sure I was at least nearby.

We walked across the bridge, and we stopped in front of Chelsea's house first. After all, her house was the closest to the Meadow.

Chelsea let go of Will's elbow, walked up to her door a little and turned to face us.

"Thanks for watching the fireworks with me Will. I… had fun," she said to him.

Will gave her a courtesy bow in return and said, "I enjoyed your company as well, Chelsea. I hope we can do something like this more often in the future."

She just gave him a small nod and then I saw her look towards Vaughn. I noticed how her eyes grew distant. I looked away from her to look at Vaughn. His eyes looked… glazed over too, as if he was in deep thought or seeing something only he could see.

I looked from one to the other, not understanding what I was seeing.

"What's… going on?"

It troubled me that I couldn't see what she was seeing. I tried to focus on his face, his eyes. But, I couldn't see beyond the color of them. I felt blocked out….

When I looked back at Chelsea, I realized she was the one to break their eyeful connection… she blinked. She shook her head, emphasizing that she was in a daze a moment ago.

"I-I'm sorry. I kind of…. Anyway, I want to thank you too, Vaughn."

"For what?"

I guess he snapped out of his own daze.

Chelsea didn't seem bothered by his rude question or by his tone.

"I…. Well, just for coming…."

I saw her bite her bottom lip. I could tell she wanted to say something else to him, but for some reason, she held back.

"Goodnight everyone," she said.

"Goodnight," Will and I said to her at the same time.

Chelsea gave Vaughn an look, waiting if he would say anything.

I finally heard him say, "Night…."

She opened her door and walked inside. Before she shut the door, she gave Vaughn one last glance… or maybe it was to all of us, I'm unsure.

She closed her door quietly and the clicking sound told us that she locked the door. I turned to face Vaughn, smiling up at him. He looked down at me, and he let out a sigh.

"Come on, you're house is nearby," he said as he continued to walk.

I followed beside him. I wanted this moment to last for as long as possible. Since my house wasn't that far either, I had to try to create conversation.

"Did you enjoy the fireworks?" I asked him.

"I don't like fireworks much, truthfully."

I wanted to sigh at his answer. I wouldn't be able to add on to the conversation with such a short answer he gave me. I could see my home up ahead, only a few more paces. I began to panic, and said the next thing that appeared in my mind, "What did you think of Chelsea's singing?"

I wanted to hit my head for asking that question. I have nothing against Chelsea it's just that….

I decided to answer my own question. I didn't think he would answer anyway.

"I think it was… fair. She could use a little practice though, to improve it I mean."

Vaughn remained quiet, and I thought he wasn't going to comment. However, I noticed his walking pace slowed down and he took a breath in that I could hear it.

"I thought it was… very nice….(4)" he muttered under his breath.

I felt my eyes widen in shock. I don't like talking or even thinking negative about people… but he really thought her off-key singing was… nice?

I saw Vaughn's eye widen too, as if he realized what he said shouldn't have been said. He quickens his walking pace, taking long strides. We reached my house in less time.

I walked up to the door and turned to face him.

"Thank you for watching the fireworks with me."

He shrugged his shoulders and said, "You're the one that asked me."

"I am grateful to you anyway," I told him.

He shrugged his shoulders again.

"Goodnight, Vaughn," I said to him with a small smile.

In answer he tipped his hat at me. I turned to open the door, unable to think of anything else to say to him. I opened it and entered. When I turned to look through the slightly opened door, he was already walking away….

I closed the door fully and turned around, ready to head to my room upstairs. I felt my heart reach my throat, my father scared me appearing in the hallway suddenly. I confirmed it when I squeaked and jumped back, my back hitting the front door.

"I apologize Sabrina. I didn't mean to frighten you," my father said.

I put a hand over my thumping heart to calm it.

"I'm fine."

"That's good. Now Sabrina, how was the event?" he asked me.

I knew he would ask that question.

"It was fun."

"Was you in the company of anyone? If so, did that company happen to be the opposite gender?"

"Father, if you don't mine, I would like to go to bed. It has been a long day," I said, completely avoiding the question.

"Of course, you do need your sleep. We will continue on this important conversation tomorrow."

I walked past him before he could change his mind. Even though I should be a little worried about tomorrow, I still felt happy about today's events. That Vaughn even agreed to watch the fireworks with me, for escorting me home, and for talking to me.

"I can sleep happily tonight…."

Chelsea's POV

I lay on my bed, looking up at the ceiling in the dark while hugging one of my Beanie Babies against me. I couldn't get what I saw out of my head. What I saw in those… alluring eyes….

I saw so much pain in them, the darkness, the anger, the chains… the blood….

"What was all that I saw?"

I was also wondering what made me go there, to that imaginative place. It wasn't a physical place, but it was somewhere within his head… right? A place on the spiritual plane maybe?

I hugged my Beanie Baby harder against me. Even though what I saw was frightening, it made me… curious too….

"I want to know what I saw, what it means…. Why Vaughn only experienced depression in his life? Why is he so… angry?"

I tried to think of an answer to my own question… but nothing came to me….

"Maybe I should have known that there was something bothering him. As long as I have known Vaughn, which is not very long, he's was always frowning about something. He always keeps to himself and… has the strangest eyes I have ever seen…. His hair is strange, too. It's white or silver, colors I haven't seen as an hair color before, not naturally anyway… is his hair naturally white, silver or did he dye it sometime in the past? There could be a logical explanation for his hair color, but how do I explain his eye color? Unless he is wearing contacts, I don't have any thoughts on that….Not that I mind the color of them… I actually am beginning to like the look of them…."

I loosened my grip on the Beanie Baby a little, being able to breathe easier. My body relaxed and a image of Vaughn's eyes and hair appeared in my thoughts. Even in my own mind, I felt… drawn to them, almost lured into some sort of trance….

My mind then did a rapid turn to his hair, as white as snow. Or maybe, as silver as the moon, that's kind of silver….

"I wonder if his hair is as soft as snow…. No, probably not. Snow is very fluffy, cold, and snowmen can be created from them!"

I giggled at the thought of being able to make Vaughn's hair into a snowman.

"Long way before Winter though…."

My mind slowly went back to the original topic. I felt my smile falter, turning into one of sadness and pity. My vision began to blur and my eyes felt more moist then they should. The top row of my teeth bit into my bottom lip, hard enough to make them swell later.

"That endless darkness I saw, the chains, and the blood…. Why was there blood? Why was Vaughn chained? Why was there another Vaughn inside of him?"

The more questions I asked myself, the more I confused myself. No answers came to me, not even ones that are illogical or unreasonable. I couldn't even come up with an answer that would be funny, enough to make me laugh and forget these pondering questions.

I felt the tears leave my eyes, falling down my cheeks.

"Everything I saw in that place, made my heart ache; I felt a cold finger slide down my back, making me feel nothing but grief; it made me cry… for him…. I have never seen so much pain in one place, inside one person. I could see so much being carried on just his shoulders, carrying all of that alone. Doesn't it get heavy, sooner or later? Doesn't it become too much?"

I switched the Beanie Baby into my left hand and used my right to wipe away the tears. To force them to stop. I took a sniff through my moist nose. I gently pet the top of the head of my Beanie Baby, as if comforting it. I did the action more so to assure myself. A small fire blared in my eyes, a fire of determination.

"I want to know more about what I saw. I want to understand the meaning of them. I want to… change that view into something happier…."

I turned my body, now laying on my other side. I squeezed the Beanie Baby against my chest, holding it closer to my heart.

"Even though… I'm not exactly happy right now, not in these times…."

I realized that I was serious on helping him. I don't know how, but the first step would be to talk to him more often.

"Is that all you want to do? Help him? Are you sure you don't want— more?" I heard my conscience ask me above a whisper.

My heart momentarily stopped beating, making me choke from the lack of air. My heart went back to the normal rhythmic beating.

"Wh-what do you mean? There's nothing wrong with wanting to help, right? What more could I want?"

"I didn't ask that. I asked was that all you want? There isn't more?"

I didn't understand what my conscience was trying to imply. I will admit that there is a burning curiosity in my stomach. My curiosity feels so great that I feel like I will explode if I don't quench it quickly….

I… will also admit that I feel like I am drawn to his… mystery side…. I feel like I am reading a storybook. That I am at the part, in the book, where I stop reading. Not because I want to stop reading, but because I have to. I have to wait until the next book, for the remaining information to be shared to me. Sometimes, even when I read the next one, I still don't know enough or I can't get enough. Just when I think I understood everything about the characters, sometimes only one, another curve is thrown at me. Most of the time, that curve sends my mind reeling. It makes me think about the past events I read and I begin to wonder if I understood the characters at all, if I really learned anything about them….

That is how I feel about Vaughn….

Maybe I don't have him figured out as well as I thought. Maybe I haven't figured him out at all…. I just thought… he was grumpy, hard working, and rather keeps to himself…. But, maybe there is more… much more that I don't know about…. Though, I have to wonder…

"Will he share what I saw with me?"

Only my surroundings answered me— with silence….

Vaughn's POV

I leaned my head against the wooden wall of the ferry and closed my eyes. My mind was still thinking about what I saw at the Meadow. About that… place…. It wasn't even a real place, it was a imaginative place, maybe it was inside my own head. If that's true, why would I imagine something so… out of the ordinary? I don't think about anyone or anything like that. And, I didn't see any of those things until I focused on her eyes…. I was forced into them though! I didn't look because I wanted to!

"Are you sure about that? Weren't you absorbed into them, at least a little? Didn't you feel, at least a little, that you wanted to look? That you wanted to know what was there? To see if you could understand the other side better?"

I completely ignored my conscience. I wasn't in the mood for its philosophy ideas or something stupid like that.

I have to really wonder if the conscience is really mine. I don't usually think so much about anything. When I do, it's rare. I like things simple and straightforward. Things that are straightforward and simple makes it easier for me to understand, logical, with reasoning not far behind it. Usually once the logic sinks in, changes are hardly ever made, if at all. It should be like Math. Math is the same no matter where you are. A one will always be a one. Same definition everywhere you go, two and two will always make four. No matter how it's done, it can't be a different answer. It's a universal language, the same fact is true everywhere. Math, hardly, is about opinions.

That's how I see the world, and that's how I understand the world.

But… what I saw… wasn't straightforward nor simple, logical, and it has no reasons behind it- as far as I know.

"What are the reasons? Why did I see those… things? They weren't formed memories, but they were glimpses of memories… her memories."

To add on to my confusing problems… why did I let my guard down? Why did I allow her to stare at me? Why did I allow her to… study me? She didn't study me with indifference, like some nut scientist would for a rat; only getting excited when a change occurs that will benefit them. No…. She was studying me as if… she was reading what was already there. She wasn't trying to be forceful. She didn't poke and probe or push to see…. No…. I think I….

"I let her…." I thought, as the answer came to me.

My eyebrows came down together. The familiar creases forming along my forehead, the fire I felt in my eyes, and the veins I felt pop along my neck.

I'm pissed.

I didn't like what I did. I didn't understand why I did it in the first place!

"Why?" I thought, the question directed to me.

I felt one of my hands tighten into a fist and my face felt hotter than it should.

"Why!" I asked myself again, screaming inside my head.

Nobody answered me, not even my conscience. I wanted to let out a laugh at the stupid idea, and not one for comedy either. Hilarious isn't it? My conscience now doesn't want to make any fucking comments. It's quiet now, silent like the dead.

"So, it really doesn't know everything? When I actually want an answer, it wants to be quiet. Just great. Just. Peachy!"

I banged my clenched hand against the wall. Not hard enough to break any bones in my hand, just enough to let this out.

I redirected myself to the single worded question, that just kindled the fire I felt inside of me, instead of making me think clearly.

I closed my eyes and began to breathe only through my nose. Trying my best to calm my mind down.

As the seconds went by, I felt my face begin to cool back to its normal temperature… and clearer thoughts came to me, other ideas.

"Maybe I should be asking myself, why did she let me see those things?"

Now that I am rethinking it over…. I don't remember feeling a push. A push to not look. Not even a wall was there to guard the secrets there. I remember only seeing the surface though….

"What would I have seen if I had of looked deeper into her eyes? Would I have found the painful experiences there? Or would there have been more happy memories hiding there?"

I put a hand over the other and I began tugging at my fingerless gloves. A stupid and small habit of mine when I am thinking, possibly nervous even.

"I don't like this…. I don't like what happened…. And I don't like what the future could hold after this…. What would the future be like after this?"

Only the constant rocking of the ferry greeted me in answer. The waves hitting against the side of the ferry, the light of the moon with the stars blinking back, and the groaning sound the ferry made when it moved.

No formed words came to me, to answer my own question. A whispered answer wasn't presented. I didn't feel the familiar tug in my brain, telling me that my conscience would answer.

Nobody answered me, not me, my own head, or anyone outside of it… I'm on my own…. And I knew what was going to happen tonight….

"I won't be getting any damn sleep tonight, will I?" I thought, as I began to feel a headache making its way to my brain.

Even that question wasn't answered.

TO BE CONTINUED…

AUTHOR'S COMMENTS/NOTES

(0) A Melody of Life: The title of this chapter is taken from one of the Final Fantasy games, 9 to be specific. The name of the song is, 'Melodies of Life'. You can find this song on many sites, if you want to hear it. The song that Chelsea sung, please refer to (3).

(1) I hate fireworks!: I, truthfully, have no idea why Vaughn dislikes fireworks in the game. I can take a wild guess though. The best explanation I can give is that he likes dark colors, and since fireworks are bright- he hates them. Yeah, I know, not very creative. But really, no matter how many times I think about this, it makes less and less sense to me. I'm completely baffled.

(2) What is that horrible noise!: For those of you that didn't catch the reference (aka, a joke), this line is used in the Harvest Moon game (Island of Happiness). Except, this line was said by Vaughn. I know! Funny right! Anyway, Vaughn says this line when you see the first heart event between Denny and Lanna at the diner (or was it the café?). If Vaughn happens to be on the island and inside the diner; he will say this line when you talk to him after the heart event between Denny and Lanna. If you don't have the patience to do this in the game, look for a video of it on YouTube. Last time I looked, I remember seeing it. Although, I can't remember if Vaughn uses the word 'horrible' in that sentence.

(3) The song Chelsea sung [with lyrics removed]: The song that Chelsea sung, although horribly in her voice, is from a game and sounds pretty nice. I mentioned the song came from a game in a past chapter (Chapter 5, (4)), but never which one and I did say that the song would be a little significant in the story. Well, this chapter is it.

The song is from the game Final Fantasy XIII. In the game, without telling you any significant spoilers, the song was for both the main theme of the game ('The Promise') and the theme for a character (Serah). And, here's the twist; in the English version of the game, this song plays in the background during a firework's festival! Now come on! What were the chances of that! First, this wasn't the song I originally had in mind. I was planning to use another song from the Final Fantasy series. However, after I discovered this song during the summer (long story); I realized that this song would not only be perfect based on the circumstances in this story, but the background of the song was perfect as well! Sometimes I really have to believe that I was supposed to write this story, too many things are happening that seem too— coincidental….. Anyway, so there you have it! A short history of the song and such. If you're a Final Fantasy fan, try the game out! The graphics are amazing!

Just to let you know, the game came out in America March 9, 2010. In Japan, it came out December 17, 2009. Chapter 5 of my story was released October 14, 2009. In other words, I really didn't know about the song at that time…. Unless I was predicting the future…. Wow, I have superpowers! No, really, I don't in case you were beginning to wonder.

(4) … very nice: I think there is evidence of Vaughn liking singing voices that are terrible in the game. If you refer back to (2), notice that Vaughn said that comment on a heart event between Denny and Lanna. This, to me, tells me that he possibly hates singing voices that sound nice. At least, we imagine Lanna's voice is nice, since she's a pop-star and all. Anyway, if there is a small possibility that he dislikes singing voices that sound nice, there is a possibility that he would like horribly singing voices instead. There's nothing wrong with that. Just look at the movie, 'My Best Friend's Wedding' as an example… I think it was that movie….

[POLL IS STILL UP!] You're probably wondering if this is the same story, since nothing horrific happened. Don't worry, this is the same story; I just decided to give the characters a break— a short one anyway….

This chapter, I cannot say that it was easy to write neither can I say that this was what I had in mind or planned out. Truthfully, it looked better in my head…. Believe me, I looked over this chapter tons of times and rewrote sections like crazy… and that was tough to do during November (NaNoWriMo remember?). Also, I know it looks bad between Chelsea and Vaughn, but don't worry, it'll get better— in my own twisted way of course. These are just bumps in the road. Anyway, I don't, surprisingly, have much to write right now. So, I will end my comments now and you can expect the next chapter (Chapter 21) next Friday, December 10 around 3PM (Eastern Time). And yes, that chapter has already been typed; I wrote it in November, for NaNoWriMo. And yes, I made it to writing 50,000 words; it was fun while it lasted.

THANK YOU ALL FOR REVIEWING (And to those that read anonymously)!