Chapter 7: Elli....


When I woke up, I remembered what had happened the other day. I thought of Elli, man was she pretty. I decided I'd visit her, maybe get to know her. I didn't know if I liked her a lot, but as a friend she'd be cool, plus I heard she was with the doctor. I walked to her house and knocked on the door.
"Hey, is Elli there?" I asked.
"Noo, she's at the Clinic. Why don't you go visit her, she talked about you all night." Said Elli's grandma, Ellen.
"Ok, thanks!" I said walking off to the clinic.

As I approached the Clinic, I heard sounds. I walked inside and saw the doctor talking to elli. Elli.
"Ahem, Hi...Elli." I said.
"Oh, hey Jack!" she said, sneezing.
"So, I just wanted to see how you were doing after yesterday." I said.
"Oh I'm great. I had a little cold, but some bodigizer fixed me up just fine. Although...." she paused to sneeze, "I think I'm still a little sick."
"That's good to hear. Well, I better be going." I said.
"bye Jack!" she called after me.

I started walking back to my farm, but decided instead to visit Ann at the Inn. I walked up and opened the door.
"Hey Ann." I said walking in.
"Uh......Hey Jack," Ann said. She was sitting at a table with a fancy dinner, obviously on a date with Cliff.
"Oh, I'm sorry, didn't mean to interrupt!" I said.
"Oh it's ok!" said Cliff. Ann hit him.
"Actually, we kinda wanted to be alone, sorry Jack!" said Ann.
"It's ok! Just wanted to stop by and say hi anyways!" I said, walking out.
"Bye," they both called out after me.

I left the Inn and walked to the beach. I took off my shirt and waded into the water. I started swimming around a bit, then got out to dry. Kai had towels available all the time, at his shack, so I grabbed one and dried off. Then I lay down on the towel to try to get a tan.
"Hi," said Elli, walking up.
"Oh, hey Elli!" I said sitting up.
"Funny we'd run into each other again here!" she said smiling.
"Yeah," I said laughing. "So what brings you to the beach?"
"Well, I wanted to come look at the waves." she said sighing.
"Oh, that's cool." I responded.
"Oh, Jack? I know there are some rumors going around that, well, the Doctor and I are, shall we say involved. I just wanted to tell you they aren't true." said Elli.
"Really? Well then, how would you like to have dinner with me tonight? Or we could stay here and watch the waves?" I said.
"Oh, I'd like to watch waves, if it's alright with you?" she said blushing.
"Of course, come sit down!" I said, patting the sand on the ground next to me.

Elli sat down and we started talking. We talked about where we were from, our family, what we wanted to do with our lives, stuff like that. She was a very nice person, and had a great sense of humor. She seemed perfect. Before we left the beach, we hugged each other, and she kissed me on the cheek. I walked her to her house, where she got up the courage to kiss me after 5 minutes of just standing there looking at each other. I walked home with a big grin on my face.

The next morning, I woke up and heard my dog barking. I ran outside and saw wild dogs. I ran at them, and they scattered. My poor chickens were all over the farm, but luckily Koro had protected them from being eaten. I rounded them up and brought them inside. I did all my usual chores then thought about what I'd do that day. I decided to go fishing in the lake on the mountain, so I grabbed my fishing pole and headed up. As I walked up, I saw a girl sitting on a rock. I walked up and realized it was Elli! I greeted her.
"Hey Elli, what are you doing here?" I asked.
"I felt like a walk and got tired, so I sat down." she responded.
"Ya know, we need to stop meeting like this!" I said laughing, "I came to fish."
"Really? I love fish!" she said smiling.
"Great, I'll catch something for you!" I said, sitting down and casting the line.

An hour passed, and I caught 1 large fish and 2 small fish. Elli was a big softy, so I let the smaller fish go, but I let her keep the large fish. She thanked me and said she and her grandmother and brother would enjoy it for dinner. She also said if I wanted I could come over and eat with her family. I thought this was a big step in our relationship, but agreed to it. I didn't know where our relationship stood, but I was hoping we were soon going to be boyfriend and girlfriend.

We got up when we decided to leave, and headed towards her house. We walked inside and were greeted by Ellen, but she said Stu was with May. Elli proceeded to cook the fish, she grilled it, which was my favorite way it was cooked. We sat down to dinner and Elli served the food, then sat down. We sat and ate, and talked about things like the Clinic, the church, the mayor, and my farm. Things got a little awkward when Ellen said I needed a wife to help me take care of the farm. I agreed then got up to wash dishes.
"Sorry about my grandmother, she's a bit........forward." said Elli, bringing in more dishes.
"Yep, that's a good way to describe her. Say, has she said anything about me?" I asked.
"Yeah, she says your... "her kind of man" and that your....perfect for me.." she said, trailing off in the end.
"Really? You think?" I said grinning.
"And what do you mean by that Mr. Jack?" asked Elli, playfully hitting me on the arm.
"Nothing, just that I like ya." I said.
"You...like me?" asked Elli, dropping a plate on the ground which crashed as it broke. "Well, um, thanks for the fish Jack, I think you need to go home."
"What, was it something I said?" I asked.
"Yes." replied Elli as she shoved me out the door.

I walked outside and heard the door slam behind me, and the shutters close. "Hmm, that was weird I thought she liked me" I thought. I shrugged it off and walked home to my farm. I figured maybe she was involved with the doctor, but didn't know how to tell me. I decided to avoid contact with her for a few days, see how she acted.

A few days went by, and Elli didn't try to talk to me. She ignored eye contact, and I never saw her at the beach or in the mountains like I usually did. I thought this was weird, so I decided to confront her.
"Hi Elli." I said, catching her as she was walking home from the Clinic.
"....." was all I got from Elli.
"Elli, wait! What's going on here between us?" I asked, grabbing her arm.
"Jack, sorry to burst your bubble, there is no...."us"." replied Elli.
"Um, I thought you liked me?" I said.
"What, I was just being friendly! Can't a girl act nice and not be interested in a romantic relationship?" said Elli.
"Uh.....No?" I said, confused.
"Ugh, Jack go home!" said Elli shoving me out of the way.
"Wait, Elli, what'd I say now?" I yelled.
"Ugh......men!" Elli said to herself as she stormed off.

I was very confused. I didn't know why she had been acting so flirty before, then totally blowing me off. I knew it had something to do with the doctor!
"Excuse me, Doctor, we need to talk." I said, storming into the Clinic.
"Yes Jack, what is it?" said the doctor.
"What is up between you and Elli." I asked.
"What? What on earth are you talking about. We are friends, I am her boss, she is my employee, whatever rumors you heard are wrong!" said the doctor.
"Well then, do you have anything to do with why Elli suddenly hates me?" I asked.
"Um.....no." said the doctor.
"Yes you are!" I said, pinning him up against a wall.
"Well, maybe. I told her about you and Popuri, and you and Ann. She thought you were a sleaze-ball and didn't want to be involved with you!" answered the doctor.
"Thanks doc, for ruining this!" I said, punching him then running away. He was bigger than me, after all.

I ran away, and ended up on the beach. I sat down under an umbrella and thought long and hard. There were still 2 girls left in the village, who cared about Elli. I thought and thought, and missed Elli. I was about to stand up when someone sat down next to me. I looked over to see Elli.
"Elli?" I asked.
"Heard you broke the doctor's nose." said Elli, ignoring me.
"Yeah." I replied.
"Well congratulations Jack, you get what you wanted?" she asked, staring out to sea.
"No......not if I didn't get you." I said, thinking about how corny that was.
"Ugh Jack you don't get it. None of your last relationships worked out, what would make ours different. Plus Ann told me you're impossible to live with." she added.
"What, Ann? My friend Ann?" I said, getting angry.
"Yep, the one and only." she answered.
"I have to go." I said jumping up.

I ran to the Inn and knocked on the door. Ann and Cliff were kissing, but I didn't care.
"ANN! WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ELLI?" I screamed.
"I DON'T KNOW MAYBE IF YOU STOPPED YELLING I COULD ANSWER!" she yelled back sarcastically.
"Sorry, but tell me!" I said.
"I told her your impossible to live with and always pick fights! Jack I'm sorry! Elli's my friend!" she said.
"I thought we were friends too! Guess we aren't, goodbye ANN." I said knocking a table over and storming out.

I ran back to my farm and went in my house. I did something I rarely did, I cried. I cried into my pillow and cursed the world off. Why did it have to always mess my life up. All my friends were turning on me, and I had absolutely NO luck with girls! I was so angry! Then there was a knock on the door.
"GO AWAY," I screamed. I didn't care if it was someone trying to give me a million dollars, I wasn't about to let anyone see me crying! The knocking continued.
"I SAID........GO AWAY!" I yelled again. I heard scribbling and something being taped to the door, then the person left.

When it was safe to get up, I quickly got up and took the note off the door. I read it...

Dear Jack,
I'm sorry that I listened to Ann. It was only her point of view that you aren't someone anyone can live with. Please let me make it up to you. I know you are upset, but please meet me at the waterfall in 10 minutes!Thanks!
Love,
Elli

I leaped for joy! She wanted to meet me! I got a jacket on and walked to the waterfall. Elli wasn't there, so I sat down and took off my shoes and socks. I dangled my feet in the cool water. Several minutes later, Elli walked up.
"Hi Jack." she said softly.
"Hey." I replied.
"Jack....listen." started Elli.
"No, listen to me. I really like you, but then, I really liked Popuri and Ann. I want to make things work with us, or at least give it a shot. Please don't listen to what other people tell you, follow your heart." I said.
"Jack, thanks. That's really deep. What I wanted to say is... I'm sorry I listened to them. The only person who could make those judgements about you are me, and I havn't yet!" she said.
"Thanks." I replied.
"No, thank you." said Elli, and she kissed me.

I walked Elli home that night, and led her inside. I kissed her again then walked home to my farm and fell asleep, feeling much better.

The next morning I woke up. I felt this light-headed feeling, I was really happy! I was so happy I was humming and singing as I worked, which was something I NEVER would be caught dead doing. But that morning, I had an unexpected visitor.
"Hi-ho!" said a cheerful voice.
"Um....hi, who are you?" I asked.

It was a girl. She had brown hair with two blonde streaks in the front. She wore a purple vest over a white shirt, and jean shorts. She was pretty good-looking, but I slapped myself to remember Elli! I had never met this girl, and I wondered why. Mineral Village wasn't a big place or anything. She must just have not gotten around a lot!
"Oh, forgive me! My name is Karen! You are...Jack.....right?" said Karen.
"Oh hi Karen, yeah I'm Jack. Nice to meet you! Can't believe I havn't already I've been living here a few years!" I said, attempting to make an interesting conversation.
"Yeah I guess! I've seen you around, just couldn't gather the courage to talk to you! You are...handsome and all." she said, kicking the dirt at her feet.
"Handsome? Wow, you are sure straight-forward!" I said.
"Yep. I like to get to the point sometimes! Say, since we havn't ever hung out, want to go to the summit?" she asked.
"Sure, sounds fun!" I said. Then I remembered I had a date with Elli that day. We were going to have lunch at the Inn, then go explore in the forest. "Wait, Karen, I just remembered I can't. I'm really sorry, I already have plans."
"Oh, what are your plans?" she asked.
"Well, I'm having lunch with Elli and then we're going exploring in the woods!" I explained.
"Oh, sounds fun! Well, see ya around Jack!" she said skipping off.

I could tell she was disappointed, but I had plans with Elli that I couldn't break. I finished up work then took a bath. I walked to the Clinic to pick Elli up. I saw a terrible sight.
"Ugh, Doctor, PLEASE get off me!" I heard Elli say.
"Oh Elli, you know you want me." said the Doctor.
I ran in to see the Doctor trying to kiss Elli and hug her.
"Doctor, what on earth are you doing to my girlfriend?" I said, putting on my angry face.
"Uh....checking her eyes." he said, pretending to be examining them.
"Yeah right you creep! Stay away from her!" I yelled.
"Impossible, she works for me!" he said.
"Not anymore! I quit!" said Elli, throwing off her badge and apron. "Oh Jack, I'm so glad you came when you did!"
"Me too, I mean I'm glad I came to save you. Doctor, I advise you to stay away from Elli, don't make me call Harris!" I warned.
"Call Harris? You don't need to bring the police into this matter! How about we forget this happened, I am a little drunk." He said. I could smell his breath, he was definately not drunk.
"Not a chance." I said, walking out with Elli in my arms.

We walked away from the Clinic and sat down on a bench.
"Now Elli, what happened?" I asked.
"Well...he...he said he was going to check my eyes, he thought I had an infection. Then when he leaned over. He kissed me and tried to hug me!" she said crying.
"Well, let's tell Harris, he'll punish him." I said. "Now how about that lunch?"
"Yeah. I'd like that." she said wiping her eyes.

We walked to the Inn and sat down at a table. We ordered our food and were eating, when the door opened.
"Hey Jack! Didn't expect to see you here!" said a familiar voice.
"Oh..I see you've met Karen." mumbled Elli.
"Yes, but very briefly." I said under my breath back.
"Well Jack, it's mighty convenient I ran into you! Mind if I join you?" she said.
"Um.....sure." I said, looking at Elli to make sure it was all right. She shook her head no.
"Actually, you know what, we were just leaving. Sorry Karen!" I said, standing up. "Ann, we're finished, can we have our bill?"
"Sure, but I just gave you guys your food! Don't tell me you aren't going to eat it!" said Ann.
"Um....we aren't hungry anymore. Here's the money." I said, handing it to her.
"Wait, Jack, wait up! Can I come with you guys?" she asked.
Again, I looked at Elli, who was still shaking her head no. "Look, Karen. I'm sorry. Elli and I are kind of on a date...and we wanted to be alone."
"Ok, I understand. I'm sorry. Guess I'll just go home and sleep or think by myself." she said, sulking away.
"Wait, Karen." said Elli all of a sudden, "Ya know what? We changed our minds. We would like some company!"
"Really? Great!" said Karen, turning happy all of a sudden.

We walked through the forest and explored, but had a terrible time. Karen flirted with me every chance she got, and when I went to pick Elli a flower, Karen saw what I was doing and "accidentally" stepped on it. She also "by accident" tripped Elli who landed in a pile of mud which ruined her dress. When Elli and I went to kiss, Karen "bumped" into us as she tripped over a rock. Karen was just trying to sabotage our date, and I wasn't going to stand for it.

The next day, I walked to Karen's house at the supermarket.
"Hi, Karen we need to talk." I said.
"Sure Jack!" she said.
"Listen, I know you like me, but I just want to be your friend. Elli is my girlfriend, we are a couple. Please don't try and ruin it. I'm really sorry, but yesterday was a disaster!" I said.
"I know, you're right. I did sabotage it on purpose. It's just I've had this HUGE crush on you, and everytime you break up with someone, you find another girl, and not me! I really like you!" she said.
I felt bad, I hadn't even noticed her. "Well, maybe one day, if Elli doesn't work out, we could go out, but I'm not making any promises!" I said.
"Really? I look forward to it! Well, gotta run, bye!" she said, closing the door and I heard her shout in joy.

I felt terrible, I had just promised her I'd go out with her "after Elli." But that was only if we broke up, so I didn't have to worry yet!

The next morning, I woke up and heard Karen walking to my house singing. I thought this was strange since ever since I had talked to her about "us" she had bee gloomy! I got up and opened the door.
"Hey Karen, what are you so happy about?" I asked.
"Ooooh nothing!" she replied.
"Seriously, tell me." I demanded.
"All right, all right. I heard a rumor that, your girlfriend Elli is moving out of town!" she replied.
"WHAT?!?!"I screamed.
"Well. Her parents left her with her grandmother to learn about life outside a city, but now they want to take her back to the city!" she said grinning.
"Damn the city. It's already taken one of the most important people in my life away, I will NOT let it take another!" I said marching to Elli's house.

I walked up to see Elli packing. I ran up.
"Elli where are you goin?" I asked.
"Oh, just going for a few days to my see my parents at the city!" she said happily.
"Just a few days?" I asked.
"Yeah......Gosh Jack, you look like you thought I'd leave for good!" she giggled.
"Yeah....well that's what Karen said." I responded.
"Karen said that? Don't listen to her! You know she's obsessed with you." she laughed.
"Oh! Thank god!" I said giving her a hug.
She hugged me back, saying, "Oh Jack, I'm happy I'm not leaving for good either!"
"Well.. I have to go meet with Cliff I said I would today. Have fun and be safe!" I said, walking away.
"Wait, Jack! you didn't really say goodbye!" she said.

We kissed and then I walked to the Inn. I saw Cliff talking to Ann, so I walked up and tapped him on the shoulder.