Running back to her house, Lillian nearly crashed into her door before stumbling inside. While she trembled, trying to control her feelings, she heard a voice from behind her. "Lillian?" It was Eileen who stood uncertainly in the doorway, unsure as to what to do. Lillian smiled bravely at her and said, "Do you want help clearing more from the tunnel? I'm sorry but I can't do anything today, I'm a bit busy now." Eileen hesitated, then shook her head and walked over to Lillian. Placing a hand on her shoulder, she looked at the farmer uncertainly and said, "You looked upset when you rode past me on the mountain…I've never seen you ride back that fast, ever. I figured something was wrong and…well I wanted you to know you could talk to me about it." Lillian sniffled and looked away. "Nothing's really wrong but…Eileen, have you ever wondered if the decisions you make are always the best ones? Even if it means other people end up getting hurt?" Eileen looked out the window distantly, seeming to ponder the question. "Well, you can't always make the best decisions. But I think it's best if you think about what's going to make everything better in the long run. It's almost like ripping off a band-aid. You know it's going to hurt either way; but the sooner you get rid of it, the better. That way it's not as painful because if wasn't there for as long." Lillian smiled at the thought and sat up, brushing her hair back. "Thanks, Eileen. That actually…it actually kinda helps." Eileen smiled and nodded at her, walking out the door. "I'll see you around Lillian, I'm glad I could help." Lillian watched as she walked away, then mumbled to herself, "Not as painful, huh?"
The next day, Lillian was all but dragged from her house to Laney's room. When the door shut, Laney grinned at her friend with a smile that immediately had the farm girl suspicious. "What is it, Laney?" she asked, wary that another makeover was about to ensue. She wasn't wrong; Laney squealed and danced around her room, throwing clothes and make up onto the floor as she did so. "Georgia, our little Georgia, is finally going on a date with Kana!" Laney giggled while Lillian sat up, totally surprised by the news. "Really? But Kana's so dense about it sometimes! How did that happen, I thought all they talked about was horses?" Laney shrugged and continued to throw out clothes. "Well, Georgia wouldn't say exactly but I think she got Ash to help her out. I wouldn't be surprised; Kana's a nice boy and all, but he's way too obsessed with horses to even consider girls, let alone going on dates. I bet you more than anything, Georgia did Ash a favor of some sort, and Ash told her that in return he'd convince Kana to take her on a date." Lillian smiled as she picked up a pair of clothes from Laney's floor. "Ash is so nice," she said, and Laney laughed, nodding in agreement. "Sometimes, I think he's too nice you know?" Lillian looked up at her friend, puzzled. "What do you mean?" Done throwing things out on the floor, Laney flopped onto her bed and tapped the side of her face thoughtfully. "Well, no one can truly be THAT nice. I mean, even Nori has a slightly spiteful side to her. She totally took Philip right under my nose, not that I can hold a grudge against her for it since he IS very handsome. I've yet to see Ash be mean…so what if he blows up from holding it all in one day?" Frowning, Lillian looked out the window and across town, staring at Ash's house. With any luck, Ash won't be too mad if we go on a date and I find that I like Cam the most, like Hiro said, Lillian thought.
Lillian woke up to a light knock on her door. As she stepped out of bed, she shivered, remembering that winter had finally come. When she opened the door, she found Mikhail staring thoughtfully at the snowflakes that were falling all around. Seeing her, he smiled and leaned down to lightly kiss her forehead. "Good morning, Lillian. I take it you slept well?" She blushed as he reached out and pulled at her hair, which was incredibly messy. Smacking his hand away, she stepped to the side and said, "Come in, before you catch a cold." While Mikhail sat down at her table, she walked to her bathroom to change out of her pajamas and into her usual clothes. He stopped her however, with a clearing of his throat. "I brought you a gift," he said, tossing something light at her. She caught it, then held the dress up to examine it. "It's…it's beautiful, Mikhail." The shimmery white dress was every bit as elegant as Mikhail himself was; Lillian knew by the feel of the fabric that what she held in her hands was quite expensive. Turning on her heel, she quickly went into the bathroom to change.
"Perfect," Mikhail proclaimed, watching as she spun around slowly for him in the new outfit. As she finished off the turn, he got up and walked over to her, taking her hand and bowing low to kiss it. When he stood up, he did not release her hand but instead looked at her earnestly. "Walk with me, Lillian." Uncertain at his manner, she nodded and the two of them took off towards the mountain.