(A/n) I'm very sorry for the lack of updates, here is the next chapter. Thank you all for being so patient and for reviewing!
Sorry if this chapter is a little weird but I figured it was a little boring for the Goddess to just be hanging around a spring all day and night, waiting for people. I mean, she must have other places to go to… right? XD
Love Knows No Bounds…
The moment the door to his office closed, the silence fell heavy and tense between us. Trent pulled me toward the chair that sat in front of his desk and motioned for me to sit. I sat down without a word, my eyes glued to his handsome face as he sat down on the edge of his desk. His dark eyes watched me, his dark hair falling down across one eye as he folded his arms across his chest. The look on his face was hard to determine but I could sense the worry that gripped him, he was very tense.
"All right Annie, we're alone," he said, the corners of his mouth were pulled down, a definite sign of tension. "You can talk to me now, what has been bothering you?"
"I…" My heart was beating terribly against my breast as I stared at the man I loved so much. The words were there but they had become lodged in my throat, forming into a large lump that kept me from even breathing properly. I looked away as I took off my rucksack and set it on the floor beside my feet. I opened it and began to feel for the smooth, hard casing that belonged to my DS.
I felt Trent's eyes on me all the while as I pulled the little, white machine from my rucksack. I flipped it open and switched on the power, wishing that I couldn't do this but knowing that I had to. He deserved to know the truth of where I was from; it was up to him to decide what to do. I had made my choice the moment we had spent that first night together. I moved through the intros for the Harvest Moon: More Friends of Mineral Town game and selected one of the save files that I never had the heart to delete.
The cheerful sound of the Mineral Town theme song greeted me as well as the familiar sight of the clinic, now nothing more than 2D graphics. It felt so weird to be controlling the small sprite that was my close friend in this reality, so strange to move the little sprite up to the little counter where a little Elli stood so religiously. It was the save file for when I had first proposed to Dr. Trent. I had gained all of the requirements and had bought the Blue Feather. I kept the file of that moment, it was always one of my favorite memories, I could never say why. If I had known that I would be sitting in this very same office with a very real Trent in front of me… I took in a deep breath and glanced up at Trent, he had been so quiet, waiting for me to begin. I gave a weak smile in reply and handed the DS over to him.
"What is this?" he asked, reaching out to take the DS from me, his dark eyes glancing down at the double screen.
"Try it out and tell me what you think," I said in reply, reaching up to rub my arms against the sudden chill that ran through me. "It's a videogame, one of my favorites. I used to play it all the time. I think you might find some of it familiar…"
I studied his face, watching as the confusion flickered past and a dark brow arched. He didn't ask how to work the little machine, it was fairly simple and he was an intelligent man. A few moments of silence passed before the confusion melted away to recognition and then to disbelief. He glanced at me as he held up the DS, the screens facing toward me. I could see that he had moved the little Claire sprite into the office and she was talking with the Doctor, a cartoon version of his own face staring back at me.
"Annie, wh-what is this?" The calm that usually held his voice was now laced with slight panic and confusion. I didn't blame him for the look that he gave me at this moment but I still couldn't help but feel the hope that I had been keeping slow ebb away. "Is this… what I think it is?"
I gave a nod in reply, my eyes focusing on the little screen of Trent's cartoon face smiling happily with a big, pulsing red heart beside him. "It's called Harvest Moon; it's a farming simulation game. You play a character that is supposed to help restore an old farm. You can make friends with the townspeople and even marry and have a family…" It all started to come out in a rush now, the panic I've been keeping at bay beginning to rise in my chest. "The town the game is based on is known as… Mineral Town…"
Silence greeted this and I focused my gaze on his, trying to read what could possibly be going through his head right at this moment. He studied me, his dark eyes flicking between mine before he looked at the game, a light frown twitching on his face. "I think you need to start from the beginning Annie…"
--
So, I had told him…
I told him everything…
I told him my entire life's story …
I told about where I had been born, where I had grown up, about my mother, my father, my older sister and, of course, my brother…
I told him all of the intimate details of my life, of my past and the unbelievable journey that I had endured to find my way to this world... and to him…
--
A couple of hours had passed and I had finally finished talking. His office was silent save for the ticking of the clock on the wall. I was staring at my hands, staring at the hard plastic of my DS as I clenched it tightly between my fingers. He hadn't said a word since I had finished, I didn't even know if he was breathing. I risked a glance up at him and found that he was staring at the floor, his face was somewhat pale.
"Trent," I leaned forward in my seat and managed to catch his gaze, his dark eyes appeared somewhat dazed. I kept the pain away, tried to keep it from piercing my heart. I tried to smile but I knew that it didn't look very convincing. "I know it's a bit much to swallow all at once but believe me when I say this, it is the truth. I'm still the same person you've always known…" I reached out place my hand over his but he flinched. It was just a tiny movement but I had felt it all the same.
The rejection, the disbelief, it was as I had feared. He wasn't looking at me as the woman he loved; he was looking at me as if I were a stranger. Apparently, my past and where I came from did matter, considering the tale I had just told him. I felt my chin beginning to tremble, a bad sign that the tears were sure to come. The pain began to stab at my heart and it was worse then I had ever thought possible. Was it supposed to hurt this much?
The sudden urge to get away from here, to get away from myself, overwhelmed me. "Well, I know it's now what you expected," I said, my voice beginning to tremble from the emotion that grew tight in my throat. "It is the truth though, just speak with your mother. She knows…"
"Annie…" Trent had noticed the trembling that gripped my hands and he held his out in a calming gesture, the look of a physician touching his handsome face. He didn't believe me. I should have seen this, I prepared myself for this moment but pain was so bad. I never thought I would be truly feeling this pain…
I stood up abruptly, knocking my chair back down to the floor in the process. He got up from the edge of the desk, his hands still held up in that calming gesture. "Annie, calm down…" That tone in his voice was the one that he used to speak with his patients. He was hiding behind that mask of a physician and didn't want to speak with me. There was my answer; he wouldn't be with me now if he thought that I was insane.
"I'm sorry Trent…" I clenched my fists at my sides, the hot tears spilling down my flushed cheeks. "I never should have… but you had to know the truth, even if you didn't believe me…" I took a step back and then another, my boots thudding against the linoleum tiles. "I'll leave you alone…" I whispered, not realizing even what I was saying as I turned on my heel and ran to the door. I threw it open and ran out of his office and through the lobby, ignoring the sudden shouts of surprise from Elli.
"Annie! Wait!" I heard a voice call from behind me but the blood that roared in my ears was too loud, I couldn't make out who it was. I left the clinic and ran blindly down the main street of Mineral Town. I ran and ran, the pain and the sadness of the memory of that dead look on Trent's face playing over and over in my mind. I ignored the shouts of surprise from a few townspeople as I ran through Rose Square and to the path that led passed the other farms. I ran up the path that lead to the forest and on to the waterfall where the Goddess Spring was.
I climbed the path toward the spring and ripped a flower from its bed. I stood at the banks of the spring, my chest heaving and my lungs burning from the tears and the constant running. I threw the flower into the spring and stared at it as it slowly sunk beneath the surface. A moment passed and then a bright, white flash filled my vision. I took in a breath and then another as the Goddess floated there above the surface of the water, the frown on her beautiful was deep as she studied me.
"Annie…" said the Goddess, her voice was soft and filled with understanding. There was no doubt that she had seen what had transpired and it made me feel even worse. The tears that had been spilling from my eyes grew worse and I pulled my glasses off. I shook my head and slipped down to my knees, the pain that gripped my heart was so keen and so sharp that I could barely breathe. I stared down at my glasses, now wet from my tears, and then up at the Goddess.
"He didn't believe me… I guess I should have seen that coming but it hurts so much more than I ever thought it would."
The Goddess floated closer to me and reached a slender hand down to me. "What will you decide then?" She asked, her green eyes were sympathetic. "Do you want to go back?"
I stared up at her, my eyes wide with fear at the thought of it. I couldn't go back, even if I was no longer with Trent, I still couldn't go back. I was home, here was my home, even if wanted to be somewhere else. I said nothing in reply but she seemed to understand what I was thinking and what it was that I was asking for. She smiled sweetly and held her hand out further. "Take my hand Annie… You'll be just fine."
I stared up at the Goddess, unsure what it was that she planning but at that moment, I knew I didn't care. I just wanted to get away from it all, from the pain, I needed time alone…
Without saying a word, I reached out toward the Goddess and took her hand. Her fingers grasped mine and soothing warmth filled me unlike anything I had ever felt before. The pain in my heart dulled just as she pulled my hand and a bright, white flash surrounded us…
--
Where is she?
It's been three days since she ran off…
Where could she have possibly gone to? I've called Mary but she says neither she nor Jack have seen her. Everyone down in the Valley is looking for her but they can't find any sign of her. It's like she was spirited away or something.
I could hear voices somewhere further away but they sounded muffled, as if they were coming through a thin, piece of glass. I had no idea where I was but it was so calming here, so soothing, it felt as if I were sleeping… if I was I didn't want to wake up.
I could recall the pain of my heart shattering in two and yet here, in this blissful state of calm, it refused to resurface. I got up from where I lay on the soft green grass, surrounding me were beautiful flowers of every color imaginable.
I brushed the blades of grass from the bottom of my jeans and walked over to the small spring that rested in the middle of the clearing. Surrounding the meadow of flowers was a thick forest that led off to who knew where. A tiny cottage was situated on the edge of the field, covered in ivy and looking as if it were taken right out of a story book. When the Goddess had brought me here to allow me the chance to cry to my heart's content, I had no idea where this place was. It was indescribably beautiful and peaceful and the Goddess simply laughed, saying it was a place that she went to often when she needed time to herself, away from the stress of being an ethereal being.
I had no idea where she was now, she had gone off somewhere past the trees, saying that she had a few errands to take care of. I didn't ask what it was that she did, I was simply grateful that she allowed me to stay here in her private place. Yes, it had been three days since the Goddess had brought me here to this clearing in this enchanted forest and I grieved every one of those days. Mostly over the love I felt as if I had lost…
The voices were clearer now that I stood on the bank of the small spring and I kneeled down, gazing down as the rippling surface of the water began to smooth until it looked as if it were a window in the very ground. I could see two women standing by the bank of the Goddess Spring in Mineral Town, from my vantage point, they looked as if they were standing upside down. I recognized the red headed daughter of the innkeeper and the pink haired beauty of the chicken farm, standing as they had been for the past three mornings. They talked of many things but I was mostly their topic of conversation.
I should have known better than to listen to them but my selfish little heart still ached to know that the man I loved was all right. So I remained there by the banks of the enchanted spring, listening…
How's the doctor doing?
Not so good… From what Elli has told me, he is completely out of it. I mean, on the surface he seems all right, he is still taking care of his patients and all. But when my mother saw him the other day, she said that he looked terribly sad…
But, Popuri, what could have made Annie so upset that she would disappear like that?
I don't know Ann…The ones who know what happened aren't saying a word about it. I will tell you this though, I spoke with Jay yesterday and he was really mad at the doctor. He said that Dr. Trent should have been more understanding with Annie. She always seems so strong, so sure of herself, but Jay swears that it's only a front. She keeps to herself and is afraid of opening up to people. The fact that Dr. Trent loved her was more than enough to bring a change in her that Jay had never seen before…
I wonder what he said to her…
Who knows for sure? Maybe he didn't love her as much as we thought he did. He was probably going to break it off with her or something. I wouldn't blame her for running off like that, if Kai ever did that to me, I'm sure I'd feel the same way…
Yeah, I would too if Cliff ever did that to me…
The pain was coming back, the memories of rejection. I winced at the tightness of my throat and the burning of my tears. I turned away from the voices, turned my back to them, and buried myself deeper into the calm that surrounded me…
--
Dammit Claire, it's been five days! Where could she be?!
Trent calm down, I'm sure she's just fine. Knowing Annie, she probably went to some other town and is staying there to calm down and give you some space.
How do you know? Has she contacted you?
No… she hasn't…
Then how could you possibly know if she's all right? She might have gotten hurt or worse… I knew I should have believed her. I had no reason not to, she's been nothing but honest since the day we met. That story she told though…
I know, it is a bit much to take in but you have to be aware that there are things out there that no one could possibly understand. The thought of an alternate reality is actually really exciting if you take the time to really let it sink in. I mean, your own mother…
I know, I know… I spoke to her and my father and they didn't deny a word of what Annie said. The fact that my own mother came from Annie's reality… They wouldn't be pulling my leg, not regarding something like this…
So you truly did believe her?
Of course I did, I just didn't want to accept the fact something as bizarre and unreal as that could even be true. Yet, she had shown me that videogame and I saw the proof right there in that little screen… I still couldn't accept it.
And now?
I don't know what to think and I don't care… I just know that the love of my life is lost out there somewhere, hurting, and I can't get to her. I just… I just want her to come back home… I don't care about her past, I don't… I love her Claire. I love her so much and I want her to come back…
… Doctor, I had no idea that you felt that way about her…
Well, I was never the best person when it came to emotions. The moment Annie came into my life, it was like she awoke something in me that I had no idea even existed. She has this way about her; it's so easy to let my guard down around her. I know I can be myself and she would still love me regardless.
Did you ever tell her that?
No, just because I could be myself around her, it didn't mean that I was any good at expressing myself in words. I was learning though, slowly but surely I was learning how to, thanks to her…
When she comes back, will you tell her?
Yes, if…if she comes back home, I will tell her… If she contacts you, will you let me know first thing?
Of course…
--
I heard a gentle little splash off in the distance by the spring. Confusion settling within me, I opened my eyes and looked at the banks of the spring to see something was lying there. I got up from my bed among the flowers and walked over to the spring. I glanced down and found that there were flowers, beautiful summer blossoms that grew along the bank of the Goddess Spring at Mineral Town. I studied the flowers for a moment before I glanced at the spring, finding myself staring at the rippling surface of water. That was weird…
I couldn't recall exactly how many days had passed since I came here. I had seen the Goddess floating somewhere around the trees, taking care of a few plants, so I was sure that she was somewhere nearby. I bent down to pick up the flowers and held them close, surprise coursing through me as I noticed the distorted form of a man standing beneath the surface of the water. After a moment, the rippling slowly faded and smoothed until a pair of dark eyes met my own and the pain that had been blessedly kept at bay returned full force. Trent was there, standing at the banks of the Goddess Spring… He was so close and yet, why was he there?
"Goddess…" he said, his deep voice trembling slightly as he slipped his hands into the pockets of his beige slacks, a gesture that was so familiar to me. "I know that I hardly ever come to see you but I feel you're the only one who can help me." He paused at this and glanced up, his dark hair falling over his brow. "I lost the woman I loved, she had trusted me and I broke that trust…" He shook his head with a heavy sigh, the sound of it was filled such regret. "She left Mineral Town… She left me… I know I'm being selfish but I have to ask. Please, find her. Let her know that we miss her and we want her to come home… I want her to come home… Please tell her that I'm sorry for hurting her and tell her that I love her… so much…"
The yearning to reach out to him took me by surprise, I loved him no matter what my past meant and I always would. Though I was hurting, it was a pain that would fade given time and the Goddess had given me that time to let the emotions fade down to a dull ache.
"Love knows no bounds…" The Goddess' voice spoke by ear and I felt her warm touch against my cheek. As I turned to look at her, she smiled sweetly at me before fading from sight. I looked around, all that surrounded me were nothing more than trees and beautiful flowers as well as the many offerings that lay around banks of this spring. This was a sacred place, given the fact that I was here and not once had the sun ever stopped shining or the surreal glow that seemed to come from everything here. I blinked in surprise as I heard the Goddess' voice now coming from the other side of the spring, where Trent stood.
"Well, well… if it isn't Dr. Trent? I've been wondering when I would finally be meeting you." I glanced down at the surface of the spring to find that she was floating above the surface, staring at Trent. I could not see her face from this angle but I knew that she had that secret and knowing smile on her beautiful face.
Trent had stumbled back away from the bank and was now out of sight, though his deep voice was filled shocked surprise. "Wh-who are you?!"
"Oh come now," The Goddess' laugh rose up at this, a tinkle of sound that was pleasant to the ears. "You're a smart man Doctor, surely Annie must have told you all about me."
A heartbeat of silence passed before Trent reappeared at the bank, the look on his face filled with confused awe. "You… You're the Harvest Goddess?"
"The very same," Her tinkle of laughter rose up once more and it was infectious enough to relax even Trent. He unclenched his fists and stared at the Goddess, his dark eyes still wide with surprise.
"I can't believe…" He ran a hand through his hair, the look of awe giving way to thoughtfulness. He paused and glanced up at the Goddess, a light frown twitching on his face. "Of course, you're floating right in front of my very eyes so I have to believe it. I suppose that it justifies Annie's story… she really is from an alternate world." He dropped his hand as his frown deepened. "She's been gone for almost a week. No one has seen her or has heard anything from her… Did something happen to her? Did she… did she go back?"
The Goddess was silent for a moment as she floated there, the skirt of her ethereal gown flowing about her as if it had a life of its own. "No, she hasn't gone back to her own world…" She began, the tone of her voice now serious and thoughtful. "She is safe where she is, she just needs time to shed her tears. It's amazing how much that young woman can cry."
"She's all right?" Trent took a step closer to the spring, the look on his face was one of relief. "Where is she? Can you tell me?"
The Goddess was silent for a moment before she folded her arms beneath her breasts and shook her head. "That is not up to me to decide. She is hurting right now so it would probably be best if you leave her be for the time being. She will come back when she is good and ready to."
Trent's face fell at these words and he glanced down into the spring, his eyes staring straight at me. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, there was so much pain and regret there. Was he hurting as much as I was? He couldn't see me, I knew that for certain, and I had a fleeting moment of weakness to abandon this calm and sacred place to go back to him.
"It's my fault… I should have been more open-minded. I should have shown her that I cared, no matter how crazy her story sounded to me…" He closed his eyes and clenched his fists tightly, his anger getting the best of him.
"Now, now don't be so hard on yourself," the Goddess said as she floated closer to the bank, a slender hand held out in a calming gesture. "That is just who you are. You have always been one to look at the logical side of things no matter what it was. It was only natural for you to try to look for the logical side of what was indeed a very unbelievable story." She paused at this and dropped her hand to her side. "Do not forget, Annie is to blame as well. She is always quick to judge and always quick to assume the worst of people, even if they are ones that she cares about. She has been hurt terribly in the past and it is hard for her to fully trust. She had been expecting that reaction out of you and she did what she could to protect herself from anymore heartache."
"But…" Trent shook his head and glanced down at the spring once more, his dark eyes searching the water for signs of… something. "I shouldn't have doubted her…"
"Just as she shouldn't have doubted you…" The Goddess shook her head, the smile was back in her voice again. "You are both only human. You can't expect to know everything about each other. Love is a never ending and constantly growing experience, the basis of which is founded in learning and trusting one another. You are both young and just beginning to grasp this kind of love." She floated closer and raised her hand to place it over his heart. "You love her very much, that is enough to help you see past her origins. She is a wonderful woman at heart; you just have to be patient with her and continue to love her no matter what the situation brings."
Trent was silent for a moment as he studied the Goddess, the look on his face was hard to read. He took in a breath and gave a nod, his dark hair falling down over his eyes. "I understand. If… when she comes back, will you tell her that I'll be home, waiting for her?"
The Goddess dropped her hand to her side as she floated away, her gown swirling around her. "I will be sure to… Hang in there Doctor, she'll be home soon. Just take good care of the people of Mineral Town and don't worry too much about her. She is perfectly safe and healthy, she just needs some time to heal her emotional wounds."
"I will… Thank you…" Trent was smiling now, looking a little better even if he was somewhat sad.
"You're welcome and thank you for the offering, I adore flowers." She giggled and raised her hand in farewell. "Be sure to visit again soon Dr. Trent! Bye-bye!" She turned on the spot then and faded from sight, a bright, white flash blocking any view that I had of the man I loved. The flash faded and the surface of the spring was rippling as it had been before. Trent was still standing there at the bank, watching the water before he turned and walked away.
I felt myself reaching out to him, wishing that I could go to him but I was still afraid, afraid of the pain that gripped me.
"When you are ready to go back home, let me know."
I turned to look at the Goddess floating beside me, a kind and gentle smile on her face. "Don't beat yourself up over what had happened. It is done and in the past now. Concentrate on getting yourself over this hurdle and moving on. You love him and he loves you, that is enough for everything."
I took in a breath and a real smile touched my face for the first time in days. I gave a little laugh in reply and nodded, knowing that I had been terribly ridiculous about the situation and knowing that the Goddess spoke the truth. I sighed softly and glanced down at the surface of the spring, the pain in my heart had been brought down to a dull ache. I think that was enough, I had spent enough time moping, it was time to go back home.
The Goddess continued to study me with interest and worry in her dark green eyes. I caught her gaze and I felt my smile grow little by little. "How is this that you can go through these springs and not be completely wet and gasping for air?"
She blinked in surprise, the long braid of her green hair floating up to brush against her cheek. A heartbeat passed and then she began to laugh, a beautiful sound that soon had me laughing as well. It would be all right, life was constantly filled with hurdles but you had to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep on going. Each hurdle was a growing experience, a lesson in life, and I certainly was learning more about myself than I ever had before.
--
By the time I had decided it was time to go home, a summer storm had erupted. It was growing dark with the coming evening and the rain soaked me to the bone, though it did little to dampen my growing hope. I met no one as I walked the muddy road passed the chicken farm and Barley's ranch.
I walked through Rose Square, now filled with puddles that soaked the leather of my boots. I walked passed the church and the graveyard, the sight of the clinic almost giving me the needed adrenaline to rush the last yards to the front door. I walked up the small, brick pathway and to the front door, my heart hammering against my soaked chest. I raised my hand to knock but it met with nothing.
The door had opened at that moment and Trent stood there, his dark eyes taking in the sight of my soaked form. My hand was still raised and a moment passed before I finally managed to give him a tiny smile. "…hi…"
Trent said nothing as he studied me, the look on his face was hard to read but I knew that was just his way of trying to work through the disbelief. I dropped my hand and shook out my soaked curls, the water flying out around me. "I'm sorry I'm late… I had some issues to work through… I don't like for people to see my cry…"
He blinked in reply before he grumbled something under his breath and moved toward me. I squeaked in surprise as he scooped me up in his arms and twirled me around, his lips managing to find my own in a sweet and passionate kiss. The rain continued to pour on and around us but he didn't seem to care as he pulled away and stared at me.
"Never… Don't ever leave me again." He pressed his lips against my forehead as he set me down on my feet, holding me close against him. "I don't care where you're from, I love you and that's enough… That is all that I need to know…"
He held me tightly, his shirt becoming soaked from the downpour. I whispered a prayer of thanks as I buried myself against the warmth of the man that I loved. "You're going to catch a cold if you stay out here," I said with in a gentle murmur, a soft giggle escaping as he held me even tighter.
"I should be saying the same thing, you're completely soaked." He pulled away from me but kept a firm arm around my waist as we walked into the clinic. He closed the door behind us and locked it, it was quiet, which meant we were alone.
I was starting to tremble now that I was out of the rain, my shirt and jeans clinging in a very uncomfortable way. He noticed that I was trembling and immediately pulled me into his warm arms. He kissed the top of my head as I rested my cheek against his chest. I could hear his heartbeat, so strong and so sure.
"I missed you…" I said as the tears began to fill. "I'm sorry for running away like that…"
"It's done and over with…" He said in a whisper and tilted my head up so he could stare into my eyes. "I love you Annie, no matter what, do you understand?"
The blush that filled my cheeks was deep and I gave a nod in reply, too stunned to do anything else but take in the intensity of his gaze. He kissed me firmly then, taking my breath away for an instant before he pulled away and ran this thumb across my lower lip.
I trembled in response.
"You're shivering. Let's get you out of those wet clothes and into a warm shower." He pulled away and took my by the hand. I was already blushing deeply at the sudden, womanly thoughts that ran through my head. The memories of his shower were always fresh within my mind and I hoped that his thoughts were being clean this time around. Not even ten minutes with him and I was already feeling like some sex starved idiot…
We climbed the stairs and walked down the hall, his bathroom was the last door on the right. I noticed quickly that he had skipped his room altogether and as he opened the door to the bathroom, he glanced down at me and smiled. "Go on in, I'll have some of your extra clothes for you when you're done."
I gave a nod in reply and he kissed me before turning and walking back down the hall. I watched him and then went into the bathroom, shutting the door closed behind me. I pulled off my soaked rucksack and let it drop to the floor. I heaved a gentle sigh as I leaned against the door, my head falling back against the wood. I did it… I had told him everything and he still wanted to be with me, he still loved me…
A bubble of happiness grew in my heart and a bright smile lit my face. He still loved me! I let out a sudden whoop of joy and hid my face behind my hands, the sudden urge to giggle completely overwhelming me. I just couldn't believe it… I never would have thought that in a million years I would meet a man who would love just because I was me…
I heard a knock on the door behind me and Trent's worried voice reached me. "Annie, is everything all right?"
"Yes," I said in reply, my smile was incredible, I was sure of it. "Yes, I'm just fine…"